Multi-panel folding tables and method

Abstract

A plurality of extremely flexible, functional, convertible and potentially compact tables having various optional features are disclosed. The tables comprise 4 or more folding table top panels, two or more joining pieces, four or more fixed legs and four or more swing out supporting legs and can be used in any of several configurations to serve from one to more than a dozen people. In its most compact configuration it is useful as a hall or wall table taking up very little space making it especially useful for apartments, condos, small homes, schools, churches and offices. Its extremely compact configuration makes it less costly to inventory and ship for the manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer, and to store and/or use by the consumer.

1 . A table comprised of at least 4 TTPs, at least 2 joining pieces, each TTP hinged at one or two adjoining edge(s) with either another TTP or a joining piece, each joining piece having a fixed or semi-fixed table leg located in an end portion of the joining piece, each joining piece having at least two SOLs attached thereto, each SOL attached to the joining piece with a swiveling piece of the SOL permitting the SOLs to swivel to move a supporting leg on each SOL out to support a raised TTP, the ratio of the distance from the center line of the swiveling piece to the outer edge of the supporting leg on at least one of the SOLs to the length of the TTP it supports being at least 0.7. 
     
     
         2 . The table of  claim 1  wherein said ratio is at least 0.75. 
     
     
         3 . The table of  claim 1  wherein said ratio is at least 0.80. 
     
     
         4 . The table of  claim 1  wherein at least two of the TTPs are lightweight having a density of less than about 0.48 grams/cc. 
     
     
         5 . The table of  claim 1  wherein the table, when in its most compact configuration has a volume of less than 7.8% of its fully open volume. 
     
     
         6 . The table of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the SOLs have a supporting leg that can be extended out from its swivel piece to increase the ratio of the distance from the center line of the swiveling piece to the outer edge of the supporting leg. 
     
     
         7 . The table of  claim 1  wherein said ratio is attained by locating the fixed or semi-fixed legs on at least one of the joining pieces to be located at or very near the ends of the at least one joining piece. 
     
     
         8 . The table of  claim 2  wherein the density of at least one of the TTPs is equal to or less than 23 pounds per cubic foot. 
     
     
         9 . A table comprised of at least 4 TTPs, at least 2 joining pieces, each TTP hinged at one or two adjoining edge(s) with either another TTP or a joining piece, each joining piece having a fixed or semi-fixed table leg located in an end portion of the joining piece, each joining piece having at least two SOLs attached thereto, each SOL attached to the joining piece with a swiveling piece of the SOL permitting the SOLs to swivel to move a supporting leg on each SOL out to support a raised TTP, at least one of the SOLs opens to produce two spaced apart supporting legs for a TTP. 
     
     
         10 . The table of  claim 8  wherein at least two of the SOLs open so that each produces two spaced apart supporting legs for a TTP. 
     
     
         11 . The table of  claim 8  wherein at least one of the spaced apart supporting legs for the TTP can reach to at least 0.7 of the length of the TTP. 
     
     
         12 . The table of  claim 9  wherein at least one of the spaced apart supporting legs on each of the SOLs for at least two of the TTPs can reach to at least 0.7 of the length of each of the at least two TTPs. 
     
     
         13 . The table of  claim 12  wherein at least one of the supporting legs for one of the TTPs can reach to at least 0.75 of the length of the UP. 
     
     
         14 . The table of  claim 12  wherein the density of at least one of the TTP's is less than about 0.4 gms/cc. 
     
     
         15 . A table comprised of at least four TTPs, at least 2 joining pieces, each TTP hinged at one or two adjoining edge(s) with either another TTP or a joining piece, each joining piece having a fixed or semi-fixed table leg located in an end portion of the joining piece, each joining piece having at least two SOLs attached thereto, each SOL attached to the joining piece with a swiveling piece of the SOL permitting the SOLs to swivel to move a supporting leg on each SOL out to support a raised TTP, the table in its most compact configuration with all four of the TTPs folded down has a volume of less than 7.8% of its volume when all four of the TTPs are in the folded up into the use position. 
     
     
         16 . The table of  claim 15  wherein at least one of the supporting legs for one of the TTPs can reach to at least 0.7 of the length of the TTP. 
     
     
         17 . The table of  claim 15  wherein the volume in its most compact configuration is less than about 7.5% of its volume in its longest configuration. 
     
     
         18 . The table of  claim 15  wherein the volume in its most compact configuration is less than about 7.5% of its volume in its longest configuration. 
     
     
         19 . The table of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the SOLs is biased to swing out into a position to support a TTP when the TTP is raised sufficiently to allow the SOL to swing out. 
     
     
         20 . The table of  claim 19  wherein the biasing is achieved with a tension spring, elastic cord and/or one or more torsion springs.