Folding Table Assembly

Abstract

A folding table assembly having an open configuration and a closed configuration. Spring loaded hinges provide the folding table assembly with an automated approach to unfolding the table assembly. Casters provide the table assembly with structure making the assembly portable.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
   
   
       21 . A folding table assembly, comprising:
 a base assembly;   a vertical support assembly pivotally attached to the base assembly; and   a table platform assembly pivotally attached to the vertical support assembly by a hinge assembly, and the hinge assembly automatically or semi-automatically converts the table platform assembly from a position perpendicular to the vertical support assembly to a position parallel to the vertical support assembly, and the hinge assembly automatically or semi-automatically converts the table platform assembly from the position parallel to the vertical support assembly to the position perpendicular to the vertical support assembly.   
   
   
       22 . The folding table assembly of  claim 21 , further comprising a spring-loaded hinge assembly connected to the vertical support assembly and the base assembly. 
   
   
       23 . The folding table assembly of  claim 22 , wherein the spring-loaded hinge assembly includes a spring which facilitates converting the vertical support assembly from a vertical position to a horizontal position relative to the base assembly. 
   
   
       24 . The folding table assembly of  claim 23 , wherein the spring-loaded hinge assembly includes a lever operatively attached to the spring. 
   
   
       25 . The folding table assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the vertical support assembly includes a first support, a second support and a locking mechanism, the first and second support being arranged telescopically, and the locking mechanism operates to lock the second support with respect to the first support. 
   
   
       26 . The folding table assembly of  claim 25 , wherein the locking mechanism is a set screw. 
   
   
       27 . The folding table assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the hinge assembly includes a first stable position and a second stable position and a plurality of transient positions between the first and second stable positions. 
   
   
       28 . The folding table assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the hinge assembly includes a first spring which facilitates converting the table platform assembly from the position perpendicular to the vertical support assembly to the position parallel to the vertical support assembly. 
   
   
       29 . The folding table assembly of  claim 28 , wherein the hinge assembly includes a second spring that facilitates converting the table platform assembly from the position parallel to the vertical support assembly to the position perpendicular to the vertical support assembly. 
   
   
       30 . The folding table assembly of  claim 29 , wherein the hinge assembly includes a threshold member and a force of the threshold member must be overcome to allow the first and second springs to facilitate converting the table platform assembly into multiple positions including the position perpendicular to the vertical support assembly and the position parallel to the vertical support. 
   
   
       31 . The folding table assembly of  claim 30 , wherein the threshold member is a threshold spring. 
   
   
       32 . The folding table assembly of  claim 29 , wherein the first and second springs cooperate to convert the table platform assembly between the perpendicular and parallel positions to the vertical support assembly. 
   
   
       33 . The folding table assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the base assembly includes a first bar configured between and perpendicularly to a pair of spaced second bars, each spaced second bar including a pair of terminal ends. 
   
   
       34 . The folding table assembly of  claim 33 , wherein the first bar and the pair of spaced second bars each include a rectangular cross-section. 
   
   
       35 . The folding table assembly of  claim 33 , wherein the first bar and the pair of spaced second bars each include round stock. 
   
   
       36 . The folding table assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the table platform assembly has a table surface including individual compartments for storage.