Folding table

Abstract

A folding table includes a single tabletop extending over a framework and legs. The folding table includes a first framework with a first pair of legs and a second framework including a second pair of legs. Folding linkages fold the tabletop between a first use position wherein the tabletop is substantially horizontal and second storage position wherein the tabletop is substantially vertical. A damping assembly includes a damper mounted to the tabletop and the frameworks and includes a damping linkage to guide and provide controlled folding and unfolding of the table.

1 . A folding table, comprising:
 a tabletop;   a first framework including a first pair of legs beneath a first portion of the tabletop;   a second framework including a second pair of legs beneath a second portion of the tabletop;   a folding linkage folding the table top between a first position wherein the tabletop is substantially horizontal and supported on the first pair of legs and the second pair of legs, and a second position wherein the tabletop extends substantially vertically;   a damping assembly including a damper mounted to the tabletop and a damping assembly linkage mounted to the tabletop and the damper.   
     
     
         2 . A folding table according to  claim 1 , wherein the damper is vertically oriented when the table top is in the first position. 
     
     
         3 . A folding table according to  claim 2 , wherein when the table top is in the first position, the damper is aligned with a center pivot of the folding linkage so that force from the damper does not act to tend to fold the table. 
     
     
         4 . A folding table according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the legs includes a caster. 
     
     
         5 . A folding table according to  claim 4 , wherein the folding table is supported on the casters at the second position and the casters are lifted from the ground at the first position. 
     
     
         6 . A folding table according to  claim 1 , wherein the folding linkage comprises pivots and the damping assembly linkage comprises pivots configured to facilitate folding and unfolding of the folding linkage. 
     
     
         7 . A folding table according to  claim 1 , wherein the damping assembly linkage comprises a first set of pivot links on a first side of the damper and a second set of pivot links on an opposite side of the damper. 
     
     
         8 . A folding table according to  claim 7 , wherein the first set of pivot links and the second set of pivot links of the damping assembly linkage comprise parallel linkages. 
     
     
         9 . A folding table according to  claim 6 , wherein the folding linkage comprises a first linkage extending between the first framework and the second framework and a second linkage extending between the first framework and the second framework. 
     
     
         10 . A folding table according to  claim 9 , wherein the damping assembly linkage is intermediate the first linkage and the second linkage. 
     
     
         11 . A folding table according to  claim 1 , wherein the first framework and the second framework define a centerline and the first portion of the tabletop is on a first side of the centerline and the second portion of the tabletop is on a second side of the centerline, the first portion being larger than the second portion. 
     
     
         12 . A folding table according to  claim 11 , wherein the first portion of the tabletop is below the second portion of the tabletop when the folding table is at the second position. 
     
     
         13 . A folding table according to  claim 1 , further comprising a handle on an underside of the second portion of the tabletop. 
     
     
         14 . A folding table according to  claim 12 , further comprising a handle on an underside of the second portion of the tabletop. 
     
     
         15 . A folding table according to  claim 1 , wherein the tabletop is oval. 
     
     
         16 . A folding table according to  claim 15 , wherein the oval tabletop has a length greater than a width, and wherein the length extends generally along a folding axis. 
     
     
         17 . A folding table according to  claim 1 , wherein when the table top is at the second position, the damper exerts a force that acts to tend to maintain the table in the second position. 
     
     
         18 . A folding table, comprising:
 a tabletop;   a first framework including a first pair of legs beneath a first portion of the tabletop;   a second framework including a second pair of legs beneath a second portion of the tabletop;   a first folding linkage extending between the first framework and the second framework and a second folding linkage extending between the first framework and the second framework folding the table top between a first position wherein the tabletop is substantially horizontal and supported on the first pair of legs and the second pair of legs, and a second position wherein the tabletop extends substantially vertically, the first framework and the second framework defining a centerline with the first portion of the tabletop on a first side of the centerline and the second portion of the tabletop on a second side of the centerline, the first portion being larger than the second portion and below the second portion when the folding table is at the second position; and   a damping assembly including a damper mounted to the tabletop and a damping assembly linkage mounted to the tabletop and the damper, the damping assembly linkage having pivots configured to facilitate folding and unfolding of the folding linkage.   
     
     
         19 . A folding table according to  claim 18 , wherein the damping assembly linkage comprises a first set of pivot links on a first side of the damper and a second set of pivot links on an opposite side of the damper. 
     
     
         20 . A folding table according to  claim 19 , wherein the first set of pivot links and the second set of pivot links of the damping assembly linkage comprise parallel linkages. 
     
     
         21 . A folding table according to  claim 18 , wherein each of the legs includes a caster and wherein the folding table is supported on the casters at the second position and the casters are lifted from the ground at the first position. 
     
     
         22 . A folding table according to  claim 18 , further comprising a handle on an underside of the second portion of the tabletop. 
     
     
         23 . A folding table according to  claim 18 , wherein the damping assembly linkage is intermediate the first folding linkage and the second folding linkage.