Folding table

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding table (2) comprising a table top (4) having a substantially horizontal planar extent in an operational state, and a plurality of table legs (6, 8) attached to the table top (4). The table top (4) can be swiveled relative to the table legs (6, 8) about a first axis of rotation (10) into an inoperative state, in which the table top (4) has a planar extent that deviates from the horizontal planar extent. At least one of the table legs (6) can be swiveled from an unfolded position about a second axis of rotation (12), which deviates from the first axis of rotation (10), into a folded position. Proposition is made for the table (2) to have an actuating linkage (36), which couples the table top (4) to the at least one swivel table leg (6) in such a way that a transition of the table top (4) from the operational state to the inoperative state also automatically swivels the at least one swivel table leg (6) from the unfolded position to the folded position.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A folding table, comprising:
 a table top having a substantially horizontal planar extent in an operational state;   a plurality of table legs attached to the table top such that the table top can be swiveled relative to the plurality of table legs about a first axis of rotation from the operational state into an inoperative state in which the table top has a planar extent deviating from the horizontal planar extent, wherein the plurality of table legs includes at least one swivel table leg that can be swiveled about a second axis of rotation from an unfolded position into a folded position, the second axis of rotation deviating from the first axis of rotation; and   an actuating linkage coupling the table top to the at least one swivel table leg such that a transition of the table top from the operational state to the inoperative state also automatically swivels the at least one swivel table leg from the unfolded position to the folded position.   
     
     
         19 . The folding table of  claim 18 , wherein:
 the actuating linkage includes an actuating rod having a first end articulated on the table top at a distance from the first axis of rotation and a second end articulated on the swivel table leg at a distance from the second axis of rotation.   
     
     
         20 . The folding table of  claim 19 , wherein:
 the at least one swivel table leg is adjustable in length.   
     
     
         21 . The folding table of  claim 19 , wherein:
 the first end of the actuating rod is articulated on an underside of the table top by a fork joint, a ball joint or a universal joint.   
     
     
         22 . The folding table of  claim 21 , wherein:
 the fork joint, the ball joint or the universal joint is rotatably mounted to the table top in a plane extending parallel to the planar extent of the table top.   
     
     
         23 . The folding table of  claim 19 , wherein:
 the second end of the actuating rod is articulated on the swivel table leg by a fork joint, a ball joint or a universal joint.   
     
     
         24 . The folding table of  claim 18 , wherein:
 the deviating planar extent of the table top in the inoperative state is an essentially vertical planar extent.   
     
     
         25 . The folding table of  claim 18 , wherein:
 the first axis of rotation extends horizontally parallel to the planar extent of the table top.   
     
     
         26 . The folding table of  claim 18 , wherein:
 during movement of the at least one swivel table leg from the unfolded position to the folded position, the at least one swivel table leg swivels about the second axis of rotation in a direction towards the table top in the inoperative state.   
     
     
         27 . The folding table of  claim 18 , wherein:
 the second axis of rotation extends substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation.   
     
     
         28 . The folding table of  claim 18 , wherein:
 the at least one swivel table leg includes a support surface configured to support an underside of the table top in the operational state.   
     
     
         29 . The folding table of  claim 28 , wherein:
 the at least one swivel table leg and/or the tabletop includes a screw or bolt, a latching or snap-in lock, or a bayonet lock configured to secure the table top in its operational state at the support surface.   
     
     
         30 . The folding table of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 a stop operably associated with the at least one swivel table leg to limit a swivel motion of the swivel table leg from the unfolded position into the folded position.   
     
     
         31 . The folding table of  claim 18 , wherein:
 the at least one swivel table leg includes two swivel table legs; and   the plurality of table legs further includes two non-swivel table legs.   
     
     
         32 . The folding table of  claim 31 , wherein:
 the swivel table legs can be swiveled from their unfolded position into their folded position about the same second axis of rotation.   
     
     
         33 . The folding table of  claim 31 , wherein:
 contact points of the swivel table legs with a floor on which the table stands are disposed on a same side of the table top in its inoperative state as viewed from above in the folded position of the swivel table legs.   
     
     
         34 . The folding table of  claim 31 , wherein:
 the table top in its inoperative state as viewed from above is disposed between contact points of the non-swivel table legs with a floor on which the table stands, and contact points of the swivel table legs with the floor, the contact points of the non-swivel table legs being on an opposite side of the table top from the contact points of the swivel table legs.