US2758898A - Dropleaf extension table - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 14, 1956 K. KOBSCH 2,753,898

DROPLEAF EXTENSION TABLE Filed March 9, 1953 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 lA/VENTOR KARL KOBSGH u MW Arrys.

Aug. 14, 1956 K. KOBSCH 2,758,898

DROPLEJAF EXTENSION TABLE Filed March 9, 1953 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 lNl ENTOR KARL KOBS'CH Arrrs.

Aug. 14, 1956 K. KOBSCH DROPLEAF EXTENSION TABLE 8 Sheets-Sheet Filed March 9, 1953 INVENTOP KARL KOBSCH yMz Mau Mu Arrrs.

Aug. 14, 1956 Filed March 9, 1953 DROPLEAF EXTENSION TABLE K. KOBSCH 2,758,898

8 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR KARL KOBSCH Aug. 14, 1956 K. KOBSCH DROFLEAF EXTENSION TABLE 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed March 9, 1953 Aug. 14, 1956 Filed March 9, 1953 K. KOBSCH DROPLEAF EXTENSION TABLE 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 United States Patent QfifiC 2,758,898 Patented Aug. 14, 1956 2,758,898 DROPLEAF EXTENSION TABLE Karl Kobsch, Medford, Mass. Application March 9, 1953, Serial No. 341,205 4 Claims. (Cl. 311-61) The present invention particularly it relates to relates to extension tables. More a drop leaf extension table which,

table and which will be neat appearing and useful as a smaller type table when unextended.

In present types of extension tables and drop leaf extension position. Also, in many of the present types of extension tables, the table divides in the center and the halves are pulled apart to extend it. In this case the table top must be divided down the center which spoils the appearance of the unextended table.

In addition in drop leaf extension tables the drop leaves, which are normally drawn out and become the end portions of the extended table, are usually supported up in a horizontal position by folding brackets attached to the frame of the table. Thus, the drop leaves hang out in space and the extended table comprises an elongated top supported on a short base which makes the extended table wobbly.

The present invention provides a drop leaf extension table which has a neat appearance when in closed or in open unextended position. It is simple to extend and provides a sturdy well supported table in all positions. The table top is a single undivided piece, there are no hidden latches to be located and operated manually and when the table is in extended position the extended portions of the table are supported by a foldable leg resting securely on the floor. Furthermore, the foldable legs are not unfolded and folded by hand as is the case in many present types of drop leaf extension tables, but unfold and fold automatically as the table is extended or returned to unextended position.

Further objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the drop leaf extension table of this invention in closed position.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation similar to Fig. 1 showing the drop leaves lifted to a horizontal position.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view showing the center table top and drop leaves rotated with respect to the base and with the drop leaves drawn partly away from the center table top as the table is extended.

Fig. 4 is a top plan view showing the table with the top and drop leaves removed.

Fig. 5 is a section along the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view crosswise through the table which is in closed position.

Fig. 7 is a top plan view associated parts.

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 but showing the pivot lock in locking position.

Fig. 9 is a section along the lines 99 of Fig. 7.

of one of the pivot locks and position with supplementary the table top.

Fig. 11 is a top plan View of a hinge connection between the table top and one of the drop leaves and showing the means to slide the hinge pin in and out of the hinge.

Fig. 12 is a section along the line 1212 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is similar to Fig. 11 but showing the hinge pin out of the hinge.

Fig. 14 is a bottom plan view of the table top and one of the drop leaves showing the locking studs and the arrangement of the hinged connection.

Fig. 15 is a bottom plan view of the hinged connection shown in Fig. 11.

Fig. 16 is a section along the lines 1616 of Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a top plan view of approximately one-half of the table, showing one of the drop leaves drawn away from the table top, when the table is extended and before the insertion of a supplementary leaf.

Fig. 18 is a section along the lines l8-18 of Fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is a side elevation partly in section longitudinally through approximately one-half of the table in extended position and indicating the movement of one of the foldable legs as the table is extended and closed.

Fig. 20 is a view similar to Fig. 19 but showing the foldable legs in folded position.

Fig. 21 is a section along the lines 2121 of Fig. 20.

Fig. 22 is a section along the lines 2222 of Fig. 20.

Fig. 23 is a top view of one of the leg locks which lock the foldable legs in unfolded position.

Fig. 24 is a front elevation of one of the leg hinges, showing the upper half of the hinge which cooperates with the leg lock to lock the foldable legs in downward position.

Fig. 25 is a top view of a foldable leg in downward position and showing the leg lock engaged with the leg hinge to lock the leg in position.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, the drop leaf extension table 10 of this invention presents the appearance of an ordinary drop leaf table when in closed position. In this position the parts of the table 10 which may be seen are a table top 11, drop leaves 12 hinged to the table top, end aprons 13, a bridge member 14, a pedestal 15 and legs 16 attached to the pedestal 15 to support the table. As indicated in the drawings, the side edges of the top are milled to interfit the adjacent edges of the drop leaves.

Referring to Figs. 4, 5 and 6, the means by which the table 10 is extended are located under the table top 11 between the end aprons 13 and are supported on a frame 25. They include two pairs of extension rails 20 and 21 and a pair of stationary rails 22. The frame 25 is formed of two base members 26 set flat, a top member 27 and two members 28 set on edge between the members 26 and the top member 27.

The table top 11 is pivotally attached at its center to the top member 27 of the frame 25 at a pivot point 30. When the table is in closed position (Fig. 1) the table top 11 lies longitudinally with the rails 20, 21 and 22 so that the drop leaves 12 may be lowered clear of the rails 20-22. To open the drop leaves 12, they are raised and rotated with the table top 11 90 in a clockwise direction so v that when the top 11 lies longitudinally across the rails 20, 21 and 22 the drop leaves are supported on the end portions of the rails. From this position the table may be extended and supplemental leaves 17 added to transform it into a family size dining table illustrated in Fig. 10.. Two foldable legs 23, one to support each end of the extended table, are folded under the table top 11 when the table is in unextended position.

The extension rails 20 are attached at one end to one of the end aprons 13 and the extension rails 21 are similarly attached to the other end apron 13. All the extension rails are slidable on the flat set members 26 of the frame 25. The stationary rails 22 are attached to the members 26. The extension rails 20 and 21 are sli'dably connected to the stationary rails 22 by dovetailed tongues and grooves 29. The top surfaces of all the. rails 20, 21 and 22 are flush with the top of the member 27 of the frame 25.

As seen in Figs. and 6, the bridge member 14 is narrow and extends across the underside of the frame 25, being seccured to the undersides of the members 26. A short ramp member 32 is secured on top of the bridge member 14 and has curved sides seen in Figs. 19 and 20 over which the bottom ends of the foldable legs 23 ride as they move to folded position as will subsequently be explained. The pedestal extends up into and is secured in the bridge member 14 and the ramp member 32. Referring to Figs. 6 and 11 through 16, when the table 10 is in closed position the drop leaves 12 are each connected to the table top 11 by two back flap hinges 34. When the table top 11 and drop leaves 12 are rotated to open position the drop leaves 12 are disconnected from the table top 11 by withdrawal of hinge pins'35 from the hinges 34, and became attached to the respective pairs of extension rails and 21.

The two leaves of each of the hinges 34 are connected and disconnected by long slidable hinge pins 35, one of which extends between the two hinges at each side of the table top 11. These hinge pins 35 are carried in grooves 36 under the table top and their middle portions are held in the grooves by plates '40. A stud 37 .on each hinge pin extends down below the underside of the table top 11 as part of the means to slide the hinge pins which will subsequently be described in detail. Locking studs 38 (Fig. 14) also extend below the underside of the table top 11 and are closely adjacent the studs 37 and are the same radial distance from the pivot point as the studs 37 when the table is in closed position. In the closed position of the table, the locking studs 38 and studs 37 on the hinge pins are received in clearance grooves 43 in the respective outside rails 20 and 21.

Referring to Figs. 4, 11 and 13, plates 41 are attached in mortises in the upper surfaces of the stationary rails .22. A slot '42 in each-of the plates 41 curves in froma side of the plate and thenextends longitudinally of the plate to provide a cam surface. The curved portions of the slots '42 are radial to the pivot point 30. When the hinge .pins are in position connecting the leaves of the hinges 34, the studs 37 of the hinge pins are the same radial distance from the pivot point 30 as the eu- -trances of the slots 42. .As the table top 11 and drop leaves 12 are rotated clockwise from closed position to open position, the studs 37 pass over the outermost rails through radial clearance grooves 43 and 44 and enter the slots 42 of the'cam plates'41.

Fig. 11 shows the relation of the parts when the table 'top 11 and 'drop leaf '12havebcen1rotated'to:a position about 30 short of the open position. At thisjpointthe :studs 37 have passed through the curved portions-of the .sl'ots42 to the longitudinal :portions of the :slots. Then eas table top and dr'op leaves are rotated the rest of :the

Way to the open position, the studs 37 ride along the longitudinal portions of the slots 42 and the hinge pins 35 are withdrawn from the. hinges 34. The leaves of the hinges 34 are then free to separate and the drop leaves 12 are disconnected from the top 11. See Fig. 13.

When the table is in open position the studs 37 are in the longitudinal cam portions of the slots as described above and the locking studs 38 are in the curved portions to secure the table top 11 to the stationary rails 22.

Looking at Figs. 4, 6, l4 and 17, two locking studs 39 extend below the underside of each of the drop leaves 12 and a plate 46, having a slot 47 curved radially to the pivot point 30, is mortised into the top of each of the extension rails 20 and 21 to connect the locking studs 39 to the extension rails when the table top 11 and drop leaves 12 are rotated to open position. For this purpose the radial distance from each of the locking studs 39 to the pivot point 30 with the drop leaves. 12 raised is the same as the radial distance from the respective lock slots 47 of the plates 46 to the pivot point 39. The positions of the lock slots 47 on the pair of extension rails 20 and on the pair 21 are staggered so that the radial distances are difierent. The respective locking studs 39 are correspondingly staggered and a clearance groove 48 is provided over the group of rails at each side of the frame 25 so that one of the locking studs 39 on each drop leaf 12 passes over one group of rails past the plate 46 in that group and engages the lock slot 47 of the plate 46 on one of the extension rails inthe other group of rails atthe opposite side of the frame 25.

Thus when the table top and drop leaves have been rotated from closed position to open position the drop leaves 12 are disconnected from the .top 11 and are respectively secured to the extension rails20 and 21, and the table top is secured across the stationary rails 22. The table may then be extended by drawing one or both of the drop leaves 12 and the extension rails to. which they are attached out from the table top 11. See Fig. 3.

Referring to Figs. 4, 7, 8 and 9, a pivot lock 49 and a lug v50 to actuate it are associated with one of the lock slots 47 on each-pair of extension rails 20 and 21. These pivot locks lock one of the studs 39 on each of the drop leaves 12 in the lock slot 47 of the plate 4.6 on one of the extension rails of each pair 20 and 21 as the table is extended. The structure and operation of the pivot locks 49 are best shown and described with reference to Figs. .8 and 9 which show the pivot lock which is attached on one of the extension rails 20. While only this one pivot lock is referred to in the following description, it will be understood- :that the other pivot lock which is. on one of the slidable rails 21 is exactly similar.

The pivot lock 49 is pivoted under the plate 46. It has :one end hooked to pass around behind the stud 39 in the lock slot 47 when moved to locking position. At the other :end the pivot lock-49 has two projecting . tips 51 and 52 \of which tip 51 is longer. Both tipsextend into an "undercut portion 53 of the adjacent stationary rail 22. The lug-50 is an upward projection of a plate, 54 which is mortised in the side .of the stationary rail 22, and :it extends into the undercut portion 53 in .position to engage the projecting tips 51 :and 52 of the pivot lock 49.

Beforerthe pairs of extension rails 20 and 21 .are drawn out to extend the table, the lugs 50 are between the tips 51 and 52 as shown in Fig. 7'. As the extension rails are drawn-out in the directionof the arrow 38, Fig. 8, the short tip 51 is displaced by the lug- 50, which pivots the pivot locks 49 into locking position. As the table is closed again, the extension rails move in the direction of the arrow 7, Fig. 7. The longer tip 52 strikes the'iug .50.and pivots the pivot lock 49 to unlocked position again.

Referring now to Fig. 5 and Figs. :17 through 25, the :foldahle legs 23 which-support the extended portions of the table are hinged by hinges :57 to the tops ;of two :hridge members :56 which .areattached aorossszthe .undersides of the respective pairs of extension rails 20 and 21 adjacent the respective end aprons 13. Thus one of the bridge members is attached to the pair of extension rails 20 and the other is attached to the pair of extension rails 21 so that a foldable leg 23 is attached to each of the pairs of extension rails 20 and 21.

When the table is in either closed or open position the foldable legs 23 are folded up underneath the top of the table where they are nested between the groups of extension rails. In this position the free ends of the foldable legs 23 extend across the top of the ramp 32, as indicated in Fig. 5.

When the table is extended the foldable legs 23 are drawn out with the respective pairs of extension rails 20 and 21 and'when their free ends are clear of the ramp 32 they swing down about the hinges 57 until the sides of the legs at the top butt against the sides of the bridge members 56. The foldable legs 23 are then in substantially vertical position and support the extended portions of the table.

The structure and operation of the foldable legs 23 at opposite ends of the table are similar, therefore the following description refers to one foldable leg 23 only, it being understood that the same description applies to both.

As shown in Fig. 24, the leaf of the hinge 57, which is attached to the foldable leg 23, has two ears 58 which extend slightly above the top of the leg and form part of a lock to secure the foldable leg in vertical position. A leg lock 60, which is a plate hinged to a block 61 attached to the bridge member 56, has a downwardly bent finger 62 and a tongue 63 extending beyond its edges 64 at its free end. When the foldable leg 23 is in vertical position, the edges 64 of the leg lock 60 drop behind the cars 58 of the hinge 57 and prevent the foldable leg from swinging toward its folded position. The tongue 63 which drops between the ears 58 steadies the leg lock 60 in position.

To release the leg lock 60 so that the foldable leg 23 is free to swing up, the leg lock is raised by a link 66 which lifts the finger 62 of the leg lock until the edges 64 of the leg lock are lifted up from behind the ears 58. The link 66 is operated to release the leg lock and also to fold the foldable leg by pushing the ends of the table in from extended position.

At one end the link 66 is connected to the upper end of the foldable leg 23 by a stud 67 which extends loosely through a slanted slot 68 in the link. The other end of link 66 is supported up under the table top 11 by being cradled through the U-shaped portion of a U-shaped support 69 which is attached under the top piece 27 of the frame 25. Fastened across the link 66 is a wing member 71 which extends perpendicularly out to the side of the link 66 and into the path of the foldable leg 23 as the leg swings upward to folded position so that the leg strikes the wing member 71 and lifts the link 66 as indicated in Figsv 19 and 20. A notch 72 in the bottom edge of the link 66 catches on the bottom of the U-shaped support 69 when the extended end of the table is pushed in but slides past the U-shaped support 69 as the table is extended.

It will be appreciated that the amount by which the table may be extended is determined by the length and number of extension rails which may be varied as desired without departing from the spirit of this invention. Therefore, the links 66 are made long enough to remain supported through the U-shaped members 69 when the ends of the table are completely extended.

As an end of the table is extended, the link 66 being attached to the foldable leg 23 is carried out with it and the notch 72 is pulled out beyond the U-shaped support 69. Then when the extended end of the table is pushed in the link moves in until the notch 72 catches on the U-shaped supports 69. Further inward movement causes the link 66 to push in the direction of the arrow 73. This forces the slot 68 to ride up the stud 67 and raise the outward end of the link 66 in the direction of the arrow 74 so that the link lifts the finger 62 of the leg locking hinge 60 which raises the edges 64 of the leg lock from behind the ears 58 thereby releasing the leg lock. Cont'mued pressure on the end of the table causes the bottom of the slot 68 to press against the stud 67 and force the leg 23 to swing about the hinge 57 up toward folded position. As the leg reaches the top of its upward swing it strikes the wing 71 of the link 66 and lifts the link so that the notch 72 is disengaged from the U-shaped support 69. The link 66 and the leg 23 are then free to move in under the center of the table and the bottom of the leg 23 rides up over the ramp 32 as the end of the table is pushed in the rest of the way.

To enlarge the table 10 of this invention from its closed position shown in Fig. l the drop leaves 12 are raised to a horizontal position and the drop leaves and top 11 are rotated clockwise The table, of course, may be used in this position, the drop leaves 12 being supported up in raised position on the pairs of rails 20, 21 and 22. To enlarge the table further the drop leaves and the pairs of extension rails 20 and 21 to which the drop leaves are then locked are drawn out from the table top 11 in the direction of the arrows 3 in Fig. 3, as described above. Either or both ends of the table may be thus extended, depending upon the size desired. When the end or ends of the table are extended, supplementary leaves 17 are inserted between the top and the drop leaves across the exposed rails. As indicated in Fig. 10 the adjacent edges of the table top 11, the drop leaves 12, and supplementary leaves 17 may be milled to inten'it.

T 0 return the table to unextended position the supplementary leaves 17 are removed and each end of the table is pushed in. Pushing the ends in also folds the foldable legs 23 as described above. Then the table top and drop leaves are rotated counterclockwise 90 to return the table to closed position. When the top and leaves are thus rotated, the studs 37 of the hinge pins 35 are moved out of the slots 42 of the cam plates 4-1 which slides the hinge pins 35 to connect the leaves of the hinges 34 together again so as to connect the drop leaves 12 to the table top 11. At the completion of the rotation the drop leaves fold down and hang beside the table.

It will be understood that the above description is of the preferred embodiment of the drop leaf extension table of my invention and that various changes and modifications of its structure may be made without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. A drop leaf extension table comprising in combination a frame, a table top rotatably mounted on the frame, a drop leaf, a hinge connection between the drop leaf and the table top, said hinge connection having elements respectively attached to the drop leaf and the table top, and means actuated by rotation of the top relative to the frame operating to connect the elements of said hinge and thereby the drop leaf to the table top when the table top is rotated to a first position relative to said frame, said means operating to disconnect the elements of said hinge and to separate the leaf from the table top when the table top is rotated to a second position relative to said frame.

2. A drop leaf extension table comprising in combination a frame, a table top rotatably mounted on the frame, a drop leaf, a hinge connecting the drop leaf to the table top when the table top and drop leaf are in a first position relative to the frame, said hinge having two leaves one of which is attached to the drop leaf and the other attached to the table top, a slidable hinge pin to connect and disconnect the leaves of said hinge and thereby connect and disconnect the drop leaf to the table top, and means for sliding said hinge pin to disconnect the leaves of said hinge when the table top is rotated to a second position relative to the frame and to connect the leaves of said hinge when the table top is rotated to said first position.

3. A drop leaf extension table as set forth in claim 2 which includes extension rails supported on the frame and slidable outwardly and then inwardly relative thereto, and means for connecting the drop leaf to the extension rails when the table top is rotated to said second position, said means including means for disconnecting the drop leaf from the extension rails when the table top is rotated to said first position.

4. A drop leaf extension tahle comprising in combination a frame, a table top pivotally mounted on a frame, a drop leaf, a hinge connecting the drop leaf to the table top when the table top and drop leaf are in one position relative to the frame, said hinge having two leaves one of which is attached to the drop leaf and the other attached to the table top, a slidable hinge pin to connect and disconnect the leaves of said hinge, said hinge pin having a stud thereon and connecting the leaves of the hinge when the table top and drop leaf are in said position, stationary rails attached to said frame, extension rails slidable relative to said frame, a am plate on at least one of said stationary rails engaging the stud on said hinge pin when the table top and drop leaf are rotated to a second predetermined position and sliding said hinge pin to disconnect the leaves of said hinge, locking stnds on said drop leaf, and lock slots in said extension rails engaging said rocking studs when the table top and dro leaf are rotated to said second position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

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