US1272560A - Collapsible table. - Google Patents

Description

J. STONE.

COLLAPSIBLE TABLE.

APPLICATION FILED 00T. 7. I9I5A Patented July 16, 1918.

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1. STONE.

COLLAPSIBLE TABLE.

APPLICATION FILED ocT. I, 1915.

1. STONE. COLLAPSIBLE ABLE.

`APPLICATION FILED OCT. 7, 1915.

' Patented J u1 16,1918.

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J. STONE.

COLLAPSIBLE TABLE.

APPLlcATloN FILED ocT. 1, 1915.

1 ,272,560. Patented July 16, 1918.

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l(OILgLAIES,IBLE TABLE.

Specification Vvof Letters Patent.

Application iledOctober 7, 1915. Serial No. 54,481.

To all LU/wm t may concern.'

Be it known that il, JAMnsSToNE, a citirzen Aof the United States, and a resident Vof La. Crosse, in the county of La Crosse and State `of lVisconsim have 'invented certain new and useful 'improvements in Collapsihlle Tarbles; and I -do hereby declare that Athe following is a frrll, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being vhad tothe accompanying drawings, and to lthe -lettersof reference marked thereon, which for-m a part 4of this specification.

rllhis invention relates to a collapsible table, more particularly desgned for -useby automobilist's, campers, picnickers, card players, and the like, and which table, when not in use, may be rolled o-r folded up into a small compass, so that it may be 4placed in a suit-case or other suitable receptacle for transportation, and when set up and in use its ytlevible top will be held smooth, flat, and rigid. f

A Itable embodying the features of my invention is provided with a iieXible top made from a layer or laye-rs o-f fabric or the like,

f so that the .table may 'bev rolled or folded up into 4a small compass or compact article when -not in use. rlhe several legs ofthe table are secured tothe under side thereof, in such a manner that said legs may be folded inward against ythe under side of the table top, and be completely enveloped in the latter, when :the table is rolled or folded up. I also provide foldable bracesadapted to hold the flexible -top thereof rigid, fla-t, and smooth, when the table'is set up and in use.

The invention consist-'s further in the mattershereinafter described and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

n the accompanying drawings-l 'Figure 1 is la perspective Viewv of-.a collapsible table constructed in accordance with my invention, said table being shown set up and ready for luse;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged bottom plan view of the parts shown in Fig. v1;

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Fig, 1;

Fig. 4i is a fragmentary view Ataken on line L1.---4Lof Fig. 3;

Fig. .5 is :a bottom plan View `of the parts shown in Fig. i, with the exception that the tableleg is shown in the position it occupies after being folded inward against the under side of the table;

6 isa fragmentary longitudinal sectional view taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 5, and with parts in elevation;

7 is a fragmentary side view of the table and showing one of `the s ide brace members in its extended position;

Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view o-f the parts shown 'in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is -a fragmentary perspective vview of two of the legs at one end of the table,

and showing the brace bar extending' therebetween;

' Fig, 10 is a fragmentary perspective view ofthe table show-n in Fig. 1 folded or rolled up into a compact form and ready for tra-nsportation or storage; f v

Fig. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a table having a flexible top `made of two layers of fabric secured together `at intervals to form a series of parallel pockets in which are inserted stiliening strips;

Fig. 12 is a side elevational view ofa set np table embodying the features of my invention but differing slightly as to details of construct-ion from the table shown in the preceding figures of the drawings;

F 13 is an end elevational View of the table shown in Fig. 12;

Figs. 1i and -15 are transverse sectional views taken'on lines 11i-1l and'15-15, respectively, of Fig. 12

Figs. 16 and '17 are fragmentary sectional views taken on lines 16-16 and 17-17, respectively, of Fig. 19;

Fig. 18 is a view of a detail of construction taken on line-18-18 of Fig. 12;

Fig. v19 is a Vlongitudinal sectional View with parts in elevation and taken on the indirect line '19-19 of Fig. 12; and

Fig, 20 is a perspective View ofthe plate of the latch device to be herein described.

In the accompanying drawings, I Vhave shown in detail a collapsible table 15 constructed in accordance with my invention, and, as illustrated, said table comprises a IieXible top 16, preferably rectangular in form, and to the under side of which are attached several legs 17, 18, the latter serv-n ratentea July 16, 191s.

, the corners of the table.

shown in Figs. 1 and 2, one leg 17, 18 ofY ing to support the table when unfolded and set up. The table legs are arranged in sets with two legs 17, 18 in each set. One set oflegs is located at each end of the table, and another set of legs is located intermediate the ends of the table, set at each end of the table are located at As more clearly the intermediate set is located at each side of the table and in substantial alinement with each other. Each leg 17 18 is connected with the under side of the top 16 in such a manner that all of the legs may be folded inward against the under side of the table and thereby permit the latter -to be folded or rolled up into a small compass with all of the legs located wholly within the folded article. When` it is desired to use the table, the flexible top 16 is unfolded and the several legs 17, 18 moved or swung outward into an upright position, so as to support the table when the latter is set up.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, there are three sets ofy legs with a pair 0f legs 17 18 in each set, and the flexible top 16 is made rectangular in shape, so that the table may be folded or rolled up endwise and be no longer, when folded into a compact article, than the eX- -treme width of its top. Secured in any suitable manner to the under side of said flexible top 16 are three fiat, relatively narrow base stripsor members 19, 19, 19. As illustrated, there is a base member 19 at each end of the table and a base member intermediate the endsof the table and to which the intermediate legs 17 18 are secured.V Each base member 19 extends fully across the table, and said base members are arranged parallel to the ends of said table. Each base member 19 is no greater in length than the width of the table. One set of legs, 17, 18 isattached to each of said base members 19, 19, there being one leg on each end of said base member. The inner end of each leg 17,v

18 is squared, sorthat the leg will abut endwise against the outer flat face of its associated base member 19, when said leg is in its upright and tablesupporting position. (SeeFig. y3).) Each table leg 17 18 is connected with its associated base member 19 by means of a hinge 20, the two parts 21, 22 of which overlapy and are located between the table leg and its associated base member 19, when said leg is folded inward against the under side of the table. (See Fig. 6.)v The part 22 of said hinge is countersunk in and secured flatwise against the inner face of said table leg by means of screws or like fastening members 23, 23, and the other part 21 of said hinge is secured flatwise in a like recess in the outer face of said base member 19 by screws or the like 24, 2li. The pintle 25 of said hinge is so arranged that the The legs f the v scribed, and each leg is equal in length but is no greater in length than the width of the table. Manifestly, when the table is collapsed and folded up into a compact article, its legs do not extend beyond the ends of the folded table. f

In order to hold each leg 17, 18'in its upright position, when the table is unfolded and set up, so that'said leg maynot be accidentally folded inward against the under side of the table, I provide the following construction: For each table leg I provide a brace rod 26 having pivoted or hinged connection with the leg at one end and sliding connection with the under side ofthe table at the other end. Thesliding end of said brace rod 26 is adapted to enter a suitable locking notch or recess formed in a part of the base member 19, so that, when the leg reaches its upright position and the sliding end of said brace rod 26 engages said locking notch, the brace rod 26 serves to hold the leg upright and prevents said leg from being accidentally moved inward. As illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, said brace rod 26 has its innerend bent laterally to provide a hook-like part 27 adapted to extend member 29, the latter being secured to said base member 19 in alinement with said table leg 17. When said leg17 is moved from its folded position into its upright position, the brace rod 26 is drawn outward, and its hooked end 27 is moved from the inner to the forward end o frsaid slot 28. At the forward end of the latter 'is provided a locking recess or socket 80, ,into which the hooked end of the brace member 26 snaps or moves, when Vthe table leg 17 vreaches its upright position. In said Fig. 1, I have shown the table leg 17 in itsupright position and the hooked end of said brace lrod 26 in saidre-v cess 80. In suchtposition of the parts, the brace rod 26 serves to hold the table leg 17 upright and prevents the same from being accidentally moved inward. Said brace rod 26 is made of spring metal, Aand its normal tendency is to snap into said recess 30.l To move the leg 17 from its upright position inward and again'sttherunder side of the table, the hooked end 27 of said brace rod 26 is manually withdrawn from said recess 30, whereupon the leg may be moved inward against the member 19. T0 prevent the hooked end 27 of said brace rod 26 from being moved laterally out of the slot 28, I

provide a guard strip 31 arranged parallelV V,guard strip 81 are secured to said base member 19 by screwsor other fastening members 82, respectively. The distance between the guide-member 29 and its guard strip 31 is just suflicient'to allow the hooked end of the brace rod 26 to slide freely endwise therebetween. As each table leg 17, 18 is provided with a brace rod 26, there is a guide-member 29 and guard strip 81 for each brace rod.

Inasmuch as each `guide-member,29 and guard strip 81 are secured to the base member 19 in alinement with its associated table leg 17 18, and each table leg is adapted to fold inward on its base member, each table leg is provided with a slot 34 intermediate its ends to receive said guide-member 29. The guard strip 31 is not as thick as its guide-member 29, and the table leg is provided in its inner face with a recess 85 to receive said guard strip. See Fig. 6.) As illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, the outer end 8G of said brace rod 26 is bent laterally from the body of said rod and is inserted through the eye of a screw-eye 37 secured to said leg in said slot rlhe extreme outer end of said brace rod 2G is upset or headed, so that said brace rod will not become disengaged from said screw-eye 87. As shown in the drawings, said screw-eye 37 is secured to said leg at the inner end of its slot 34. and when the table leg is folded inward against the base member 19, the parts occupy the positions shown in Fig. 5.

Then the table 15 is set up for use, as shown in Fig. 1, provide means for bracing the same longitudinally, so that Jthe flexible top 1G will be held rigid, flat, and smooth. Such bracing mea-ns comprises a plurality7 of brace bars 38, 38 arranged to extend lengthwise ofthe table along its side edges and c between each pair of legs 17, 18 along each side of the table. As all of the brace bars employed arepalike in construction, 1 will describe only one ofthe same in detail. Each brace bar 38 is made and arranged as best shown in' Figs. 7 and 8. cAs illustrated, the brace bar 88 is of a length to extend between two legs 17, 17 and abutsendwise against the opposed side faces of said legs. Said brace `bar 88 is preferably made of metal and in two sections 39, 40, said sections being connected at their meeting ends by a hinge 41. Said hinge 41 is so constructed and arranged that the sections of the brace bar may be folded or swung back one upon the other toward one of the legs 17, 17, but yprevented from being moved out of Aalinement when fully extended, as shown in full lines in Figs.v 7 and 8. One end of said brace bar B8 has flexible connection with one 4of the legs 17, between which it ends, and, as shown, such iiexible connection is made'bymeans of a hinge 42. One 'part 43 of said hinge 42 is secured iiatwise against one side face. of a leg 17 by screws or other fastening members 44, 44. The other part 45 is counter-sunk in the section 40 of said brace bar and is secured flatwise thereto by screws or the like 4G, 46. Said hinge 42 permits said brace bar 88 to be swung` into a position extending along side of the leg` 17 to which said brace bar is attached, and when alongside of said leg said brace bar will be carried with said leg, when the latter ismoved inward against the under side of the table. (See Fig. Vhen the leg 17 is swung into its upright position, the brace bar 38 is carried therewith, and said brace bar may then swing into position extending between the two legs 17, 17 as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. To hold said brace vbar 88 in its extended or bracing position and prevent the same from being .accidentally moved into collapsed position alongside of the table leg to which it is hinged, l provide a detachable fastening means, as shown in said Figs. 7 and 8. lAs illustrated, said brace bar 88 is provided adjacent its outer end with a longitudinally extending slot 47 adapted to receive a .clamp member 48 rotatably secured to ysaid base member 19 and in a position to extend through'said slot, when said brace bar 38 is extended. Saidclauiping member 48 is provided with a fiat head. as shown, so that when the latter is turned to be parallel with lthe side edges of the table vtop 16, saidA head wil-l pass through said slot 47. After the head of said clamping member has passed through the slot 47, said clamping member is turned about a vertical axis so as to bring its head across said slot 47. In this position of said clamping member 48, t-he brace bar 88 is held extended and in bracing position. rlhe outer end of said brace bar 88 is adapted to enter a socket member 49 secured against the side face of the leg 17 opposite the leg to which the other end of said brace bar 88 is hinged. As illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8, said socket member 49 has bottom, end, and side walls, the latter holding` the brace bar against lateral movement. The normal Vlength 4of said brace bar 38 is slightly greater than vthe distance between the tab-le legsbetween which said brace bar is adapted to extend.. Consequently, the brace bar 38, when first moved into position to extend between two `table legs, assumes the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 7. In this position the free end of said brace bar 88 extends at an incline into said socket member 49 and contacts with the rear wall thereof. The brace bar 38 is then forced toward the table top and assumes its bracing position, as shown in full lines in said Figs. 7 and 8, and serves to maintain the portion of the table top A16 between the legs taut, dat, and smooth. The

vsocket member 419 is secured to said leg 17 and is carried with the leg, when the latter is moved inward against the under side oil the table. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, there are two brace bars 38,38 on each side of the table, one brace bar extending between each corner leg and the leg located intermediate the ends of the table.

vFor bracing the table 15 at each end thereof, 1 provide the following construction: As shown in Fig. 9, a flat strip 50, preferably made of metal, is pivoted at one end thereof by a pin 51 to the outer side of and adjacent the hinged end of the leg 17 at the corner of said table. Said end kbrace 50 is substantially as long as the width of the table and is adapted to extend between the legs 17 18 at the ends thereof. The free end of said end brace 50 is bent inward to provide a flange 52. The opposite leg 18 is provided at its hinged end with a laterally extending flange 53. kVlhen the end brace 50 extends across the end of said table, as shown in Fig. 9, the flange 52 of said end brace is locatedV behind and bears flatwise against the flange 53. `Said flanges 52, 53 are prevented from moving laterally and endwise apart by a headed lug 54-onsaid flange 53 extending inwardly through a slot 55 in said flange 52. Said end brace 50 when in bracing position bears edgewise against the base me1nber'19 and is held in suchV position by a headed clamp member k56 rotatably secured to the base member 19.

Said clamp member 56 is adapted to extend through a slot 57 formed in an inwardly extending lug 58 made a part of said end brace 50. When the end legs 17, 18 of the table are to be folded inward against the under side of the table, the clamp member 56 is turned aboutits vertical axis, so that its-enlarged head may pass through the slot 58,

and then said end brace 50 may be swung Y alongsideof the leg 17 to which it is pivotally connected. The leg 18 is then moved inward against the base member 19 and the flange 52 carried therewith. The base member 19 is provided with ya recess 59 adapted to receive the headed lug 54 and thereby enable said leg 18 to bear flatwise throughout its length against its associated base member 19. After the said leg 18 has been collapsed, the opposite lieg 17 is .collapsed carrying therewith the end brace 50. When the parts are in this position, the end legs 17, 18 are folded alongside one another with the guide members 29, 29 for each leg in the slots 34, 34: formed in said legs. For the sake of clearness of illustration, the guide- members 29, 29 and guard strips 31, 31 for each end leg 17 18 are not shown in Fig. 9. As shown 'in dotted lines yin Fig. 9, the end brace 50 is longer than the table leg 17 to which said end brace is secured, and when said end'brace is moved -into a position alongside of said leg 17, the'end flange 52 of said end brace extends inward over the outer end of said leg. The slot 34 in the leg 17 is made long enough to receive the head ed clamp member 56 when said leg is collapsed. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, there lis an end brace 50v at each end of the table, and each end brace extends across the table beneath the same. f

Inl order to prevent each side brace bar 38, 38 from moving away from its associated table leg, when the parts are folded,

I provide on each table leg a clamp member 61 adapted to enter the slot 47 in said brace bar. (See Fig. 5.)

The table 15 above described and shown in Figs. 1 to 9 both inclusiveV is set up in the following manner. After the flexible table top 16 has been unfolded, the legs 17 18 are moved into their upright positions and braced by the brace rods 26, 26. The several side brace bars. 38,38 are then moved into distended vpositions and Vlocked to the table by the clamp members 4:8, 48. The end braces 50, 50 are then moved into positions to extend across and beneath the table at the ends thereof and locked in bracing' position by the clamp members 56, 56. Vhen the parts are thus positioned, the table is set up on its legs 17, 18, as shown in Fig. l.. To collapse the table 15, the end and side braces are unlocked and-moved into position alongside of the legs to which such braces are connected; then the brace rods 26, 26 are manually moved laterally so as to disengage their locked ends 27, 27 from the recesses 30, 30 and the legs moved inward against the base members 19, 19. When the parts are thus positioned, the flexibleV table top 16 'is rolled up so as to bring the base members 19, 19 and connected legs 17,Y 18 within the 1. This permits the several base members 19,

19 to be superposed, `when said table is rolled or folded up. Y

In Fig.' 11, 1 have shown the flexible table top 16 made of two layers of material 62,

63, such as fabric, oilcloth, leather, or the like. Said layers 62, 63 are joined to each other at Vintervals by means of transversely extending parallel lines of stitching64, to

lio

form a plurality of transversely extending studs 68,' 168- on said base members19, 19.r

.the basemebers 19. 19. V

parallel pocketsin which are `inserted stif ening strips' 65 `65. vSaid sti tleni'ng strips mayy be made of any suitable material, but, for-lightness in weight preferably consis'tfof wood or fiber-board. The layers 62, 63 are of such length withrespect vto each vvother that the upper layer will be flat andsmooth when the table' is -distendedand .k,inuse. When the tablefis rolled up,` the llower vlayer 68 will of course 4be inward. ALs-shownsaid- Fig. 11, the pockets .areprovided only iny the sections` ofthe flexible top `between Whether theta-ble topl 116 is made 0i' a single layerof material, as shown in Figs.

1 and 2, or of a double and v7pocketed layer,

asshown` in Fig. .11, the tabletop is flexible and may be readily rolled up. As illustrated in Fig. 11, said YVpockets and stiffening strips 65, 65 cxtendacross the table, so -that the latter maybe rolledup endwise.,

As an ,additional means ,of bracing'f-the table top lshown' inY Fig.'2-, when Ithefsame is extended and in use, I pjrovidebrace members 66,Y 66 centrally L,disposed and arranged to Aextend lengthwise of the table. As illustrated, there yaretwo brace members 66,j 66, one extendin'g from each end base member 19,- 19i to the .,intermediatebase member 19.. lEach kbrace member 66 is'pretn erably made of sheet metal and. has-detachable'connection at its ends Awiththeassof ciatedbase members 19, 1 9, so ithatIsafid brace members 66, 66 maybe removedwhen the table is to be collapsed and lfolded. or rolled up.l p The Vform of detachable connection shown in the drawings is :made as follows:y Each brace member 66 is *providedl adjacent each end with` a ,slot 67 opening through the side edge of the brace member.l Said slots 67 '67 open on opposite sidesof the brace memberand are adapted to receive headed When '.,the table top-16-is to beolded or rolled up, said bracemembers 66, .66 are rcmoved and placed on thefolded legs, so that said brace members will be enveloped Within thejfolded article. ,v v.

YInligs. v12 to 20 both inclusiveoi' the accompanyingdrawings, I have shown a col-V lapsible table embodying the featuresrof my'V invention, but diii'ering'somewliat Yasto details of construction from the table lshown in the preceding iigures of thedrawings. ns

illustrated in. Figs-12 vand 13'the'table`70v comprises a rflexible topA '71,.prefera'bly rec-.

iangular in form `and similar to the'vlcxibl'ev top 16 of the table 15y shown finFigs.; 11to To the under sideofsaid flexible'top 7arer secured base members 72,172, 72, the-latter being ythe same inconstruction land ar-fk ranged similarly to the basemembers y19, 19,"

Said table n 70v is 4provided with supporting Ylegs 73,v

19; shown in s aidFi'gs. 1 tof.

7 hingedly secured to the base members 72, 7 2 in the same manner as the legs 1.7, 18 shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. Inorder to hold cach leg 73, 73 in its upright or -table-supporting position, when the table 70y is unfolded and s et `up, 4so that said legs may not be accidentally collapsed or movedqinward against fthe underside of the table, I Vprovide the following construction. Foreach leg 73 I provide a brace vrod 74, the latter having pivotal connection at one end with its associated vbase. member 72 and sliding connection at the other end with its associated table leg 73. Asthe bracing-means foreach leg 7 3v is the same in construction and operation, a description of one, it Iis thought, will suftice for all. As shown in Fig. 13, a swivel block 75 isy secured, by means of fastening' l each table leg 78, 73, and each swivel block is'secured to thebase member 72 adjacent the end to which the table leg is hinged. One end of the brace rod 741.1is bent laterally from lthe body of `:the rod, and the bent end of the'rod is inserted in a suitable aperture provided in the-.swivel block 7 5. The other end of said brace rod 74 is bentlaterally fromy the body of the rod, and such v hookshaped end 7 7 -is adapted to slide endwise in a slot 78 formed in said table leg 7 3. The lattcrbeing hinged tothe base member 72said legi-nay be swung inward against the under side of the. table ,and contact iiatwise throughout yits ,length againstv the base member to'whi'ch `it is hinged.y Said slot 78 is made long enough to receive said swivel blocl; 75.

tending lengthwise thereof :is a guide mem ber 79, the latter ,being provided with an outwardly, opening, longitudinal channelorA t 'of the rodk 7 ersnapawhen the latter reaches 'saidjloclringaperture. vAsshown in Fig. 13

thebent end 7 7 of the bi-acejrod-"t:extendsV 'ino thelupperm'ost lockingaperture 81and' the rod '774. serves to hold the leg 73 in its'upfi hen the Ileg 73 y'is collapsed, 4the bent'end 7 7 of the? right or table-supporting position.

rod extends'intothe other locking aperture swung inward into itscoll apsedv position o r.,

8 1, and thereby holds said leg in its 'collapsedposition. y To disengage the end 77 of the rod 74 from either locking aperture 81, the 'free end of saidrod is sprung laterally so as to Withdraw its bent end 77 from the throughsaid lugs 82 and. into the leg 73.

In 'order to hold the flexible top 71 distended, rigid, flat, ,andl smooth, VWhen the table' 70' is setfup andi in use, as 'shoivn in Figs. 12 and 13,1 provide bracing means of the following construction, and such vbracing means accomplishesthe same purpose as the'brace members 38, 88 hereinbefore Ydescribed and shown inl connection with the table l'illustratedfin Vlrigsfl to 10` of the 'drawings As shown in Figs. 12 and 13,

the'bra'cing means employed v vith the table Q70 comprises brace'bars '84, 85 arranged in i theirlengths extending'YA past the centrallyA Y bar 84 vis pivotally secured atone ofits end l 40 f -73 at the opposite end of the"table.- Eacl 45 Y tend past 'the centrally disposedlegv 73, Whe

' said bracebars are swung into a positionrex tendingfle'ngthwise of the table'.` When 'in Y I such Vpositionythe free ends of said brace against \vhicl'i"-,tlie' Vfreeend of the; other Ybracebai-sis adapted tobearj.'Y "Asf'shown Y'ri'n l.l`it)'s'.112,18,and 19, said'stopi-member 96V is rsecured to the brace; bar84b y` :fastening K l Said stopanember A96 is, y 'provided with an end ivall or web 9,8fagainst pairs'and vvith'aV pair of such brace bars at each `side of the table. VThe pair ofbrace tend substantially the? full length of 4the position. As thepair of bracebars 84, 85 along one sideof the table Vare constructed and used inthe same 'manner as the pair of brace bars on theopposite side of the table, .I .a descriptionlo one set of such 'brace bar'y Yat' onesideoiiy the table-Will suffice for all.

As illustrated in;V Figs. 12 and 19, theV brace by a pivot pin 86 tothe adjacent leg 73 a the corresponding end'v of the tableffThefl .Y other brace `bar l85is pivotally secured at',tl1@'bil1?s 1D 15h01? dStGlClQd 01" .brac-11.718' PS one of'its endsbya pivotfpin 87 tothelegggtionsl;Ingorder to prevent.thebracegbars-8%1,`

*i* 85 l'romr moving'endivise vtoward eachother, when said brace bars V'are' in their 'bracing ositions,*andtherebyhold the flexible 1top" listended, .Whenithe ytable is jset up,- l prof" p 7ide on one brace barV aK-,stop'i'nemb'er 96,V

barsoverlap each other for that portion of disposed table leg7 i eeFjgs. 12 and 19.)'

Y 'Insorder to rhold saidbrace barsin. their I bracing positions, l provide latch devices Yof 5.5

com-prisesA ametalplate r'likerinember 88,'j 'the latter being Vprovided With-a base or.,v .7, bodyr portion' 89""andf anintegral marginal j 5 iff fla11ge90- As'shoivn in 12 and 19,',thereA V60. @72,1721 The plate 881attachedtopthe baseA Q. men'iber 72: atjthe pivoted -endofV thebracef Y bar 84 isapplied against the inner longitudiffV nalmarginfof said b'aselgmembe'r With its f' base Vflange V88 secured to the under side. olf

Vthe following description Each vlatch device .is a plate 88V secured-'toleachbasemember tl i e ba member Vby suitable ifa stening mem# bers, and its marginal iange'90secured byV Y fastening scri-,Ws 91 tothe inner longitudinal margin of saidrbase member the upper edge of the brace bar 84, when the (See Fig. '16,) Y The base flange 89 is provided at its outer end with a lug 92 vadapted to engage over 'table isset up and the 'brace bars are exs .Y

tended. Said latch device includes Va latch member ,93, the latter being' in thc'forn'r'l shown in the 'dravvingsand pivotallysecured l at onel end by a pivot-pinQLto the flange 89'.V The free o r swinging end of said latchY member 93 ismade hook-shaped, and such end 1s adapted to engagebeneathY its associated brace bar 8,4, 85'," when. the table'is' set' up andthe `brace' bars are swung into their bracing positions. As shown in Fig.

12, there is a latch device Yapplied toV each shows one of the latch devices applied tothe centrally Vdisposed base member 72, and it *.v'vill be notedthat the latch member 93 has Y its pivot Vpin 94 spaced-'inwardly from the lug 92'a'suiicient distance to allo'iv'the hookshapedend of said-clatchlmemberto engage beneath both offtheoverlapped portions of the'brace bars.v /As shown insaid Fig.y 17

the lug 92`of each latch Vdevice applied "to the centrallydisposed basemember 72,is daptedto engage vover the upper edge 'of he outermost brace'bar 85. y When the brace hovvn in Figs.v 12 and 19, the several latch devicesdescribed not Vonly prevent the bars from being separated laterally, but alsohold members? 97,

which thc'free end of the brace bar`85 is ars `811, are in their bracing positions, asV

adaptedto abut. f Said'stopfmenlber' 96 is,

Yalso provided i'vith'a'side Waller lweb 99.V sparc/edlaterally from'thebiacebar 81 and Y forming?therewith arecess adapted toire-v cess lisj-closedfat'=itstopjby Va web or 4Wall i 1004,. which'prevents-the brace-bar `85 from V- Y top, out of longitudinal-alinement Withzthe Y' otherlb'ar 821.: w .1

f being swung, infthefdi'rection ofpthc table which each brace'bar Si, yis pivotally con-` nected with its associated table leg` 73, 7 As illustrated, oppositely Ac lisposed metal plates 102,103are applied againstthe sides of each end Vleg 73, and said plates are se-v cured to eachother and to the table by fastening members 104, 104 inserted'through such parts. 4Said plates are located at V,the hinged'end of each table leg,ia nd the pivot pin 86 for the brace bar Sais in the form ,of

a rivet extendingy through a bushing or' sleeve 105 insertedzin van, aperture fin said brace barSel.. 'The enter end lof the rivet 8 6 is headed, vand av washer .106 is interposed between the brace barSe andthe headed end of such riveti. y,Said yrivet 86 also extends through thev plate 102 yand its headed end re ceived in a socket or recess in fa' portionof the leg 73 behind said plate YThe plate 102 for the pvot pin 87 is provided with an characters.

extension 107 through whiehthepivot pin 87 is inserted. To eellapsethetable 7 O, .the latch members 93 are swung inward sov as to release the brace bars 84:, each side vof the table. Said brace bars are swung alongside of the legs 73, 73`1tofwhich they are pivoted, and all of the legs. of the .table swung inward against the` under side thereof. Thereupon' the table top v71. is rolled or folded up endwise with all of thelegs and brace bars within the folded article. Y i

Those" parts ofthetable shown in Figs. 19v and20 similar tothe table parts shown inthe vpreceding Vtigures. of the drawings have lbeen given corresponding reference The rtable ,herein described Iand .shownin particularly useful to automobilists onontings, pienickers, campers, and y,the like, :as the table when folded-'up may be easily carried :ispart Iof the outing equipment and occupy very littlespace therein. iii-ther-1` more, the table maybe Areadily aiidveasily unfolded and` vset up and when set up fet-Y ficiently serves all of. the .uses of a table. The many advantages et; having a table which maybe Vusedon Yan outing vand .yetbe collapsed and folded yup .into a 7small com:l

pass or compact article capable tbe'ing easilf7 and readily carried arefapparent, l

It willv otceursebe understoodthat the accompanying drawings illustrate two. preferred formsot collapsible table embodying my invention, and thatv in carrying v out 1.. Al collapsible table .having a 'toldable ltop substantially reetanguiar` in shape, a

supporting leg adjacent; each vcorner ofsaid table, said. legs being pivotally'secured ,to

said top and adapted to 'be' swung inwardly against lthey same, a pair of brace members for holding said top distendedfand adapted to be ,extended along Said top Vin. the direction in'which the same isfolded up, said brace members whenextended having their outer ends engaged with the table and their inner ends'engagedwith each other, Aand a .clamp "member 'adaptedgio `detachably engage at least. one of said bracemembersv fol' holding the saine in their table supporting position. i Y l 2.l A collapsibletable `having a, foldafble top substantially rectangular inl shape, a supporting leg adjacent veach corner of said table,sa id legs beingpivotally secured to said topand adapted to be swung inwardly against the,sanie a pair of .brace minbers for holding said top distended and adapted to `be extended alongsaidtop in .the ldirection in which the same isffolded u\p,said brace members when extended .haying their outer ends engaged with the table and theirvinner lends overlapping and engagedwith each other. anda clamp member adapted to detachably. engage" the overlapped inner ends of said bracomembers for lholding the same in their tablek ,supporting position..

` 3. A collapsible having a 1foldable top substantially rectangular in shape, a supporting leg adjacent each corner of said tab-le, said legs lbeing Ypivotally secured lto said top and adapted lto befswnng inwardly againstthe same, two pairs of bracemein-V bers l-or ,holdingasajd top distended .and

adapted tobeextended one pairalongeach Iside., of saidtop in the `direction inwhich the siamois folded up, the bracemembers or each pair having their outer-ends pivotally connected with the associated legs at Ythe corners ofthe table and when extended having their inner ends overlapping andengagedv ,withl each. other, andfclainp members adapted to detachably engage the overlapped:

inner.l ends of brace, members, for. ,holds ing :the same in their tableqsupporting po.-

sitions. Y Y

4-.A collapsible ytable liayinga foldable vtop substantially reetangiilar-inv shape, three supporting legs along each side 'of said table,

` one adjacent, eachend t l iereof,,andV the other nter-mediate the ,ends thereof, sadlegs helio ing pivotally secured to the under side of said top and adapted to be swung inwardl;7

against the'same, two pairs fof'braoe members for holding said top distended andV adapted'to` be extended one pair along each side of saiditop inthe direction in which the same is'folded up, the brace members of each pair'when extended having theirinner ends overlapping each other adjacent the legintei-mediate the ends vof said table, and f a vclamping member/adjacent each intermediate leg andl adapted to engage the overlapped ends of the associated-pair of brace members, -for holding the latter in ltheirv table-bracing positions.

5. A' collapsiblev tablehaving a fiexible top substantially rectangular in shape and adapted to' be folded up endwise,three supporting legs on each side ofsaid table, one

adjacent each end thereof and the other intermediate the endsthereof, said legs being pivotally secured to the under sideV of vsaid flexible top and adapted'when swung inwardly against. the. same to extend transversely across the table, so that said table when collapsed maybeffolded up endwise,

a bracing member adapted to extendlengthwise of said table between each leg at the end of the table and the leg intermediate the ends-thereof, each bracing member hav- 'ing vpivotal connection at-one'end with one of the legs betweenJ ywhich it extends, yav t clamping member for vholding each bracing member inits bracing position, and means for h olding each leg in its table-supporting position.

6. lA table having a flexible top substan-Y tially rectangular in form, supporting legs,

apair on leachfsideof said table, said legs beingpivotally secured to the under side of said flexible topl andV adapted, vwhen swung inwardly against the same, to extendV transversely across said table, a `pair of bracing members adapted yto extend between each pair of legs for holding said flexible top -distended whenthe table is set up for use, fthebra'cing members of each pair having pivotal connection with Vthev legsA between whichjthey extend, the vbracinginembers of each'pair having their free end portions extended-lengthwise of the table, and clamping-means for connecting the overlapping end' poitions of said bracing members.

A' tablejhaving. fa flexible top A"substantially rectangular in shape, base v members secured to theunde'r sidepof said flexible topY and extendingtransversely across the table, there beingrabase member 'at leach end of the tabley and one intermediate the ends fof #the same, supporting legs, onev being pivo tally secured at eachv end ofc-ach base mein.-n Y

berv and adapted to be swung inward-against Y the lsa1ne,'a brace 'member adapted to extend lengthwise ofthe table and between the'leg table-supporting position.

Levaeo at the Aendof the table and the leg intermediatethe ends thereof, each brace inember having pivotal vconnection at one/end with one of the legs `atthe end of the table, a clamping member mounted on thebase member intermediatethe ends ofthe table and adapted'to engage the free end of the associated brace rod, and means for holdingv each table Aleg in its table-supporting position.y y I s f 8. A'tablerhaving a flexible top substantially rectangular in shape, base members secured tothe underside of Vsaid flexible top and Yextending transversely"across the table, there beinga base member at each endY fof the table and one intermediate'thel ends thereof, supporting legs, one being pivotalry secured at eachy end of veach base member l and adapted to be swung' inward'against the same, a brace member pivotally secured to intermediatethe ends ofthe table, the free ends ofsaid brace membersoverlappii'ig adjacent .said ,intermediate legs," clamping members pivotally mounted on Ylthei lintermediate base memberV .adjacent the VVendsvr thereof and adapted toV engage "the overlapping ends ofthe associated brace' members, anda brace rod for holding each Vleg in its 9. A table having aflexible top,base mein'- bers secured to the'under side ofn said fiexible top, therebeing a base vmember at'eaoh end of the 2table and one extending 'across a bracemember extending between each 'leg V at the end'Vv of the tableandthe leggi'n'termediate theY ends Atlnfere'of, ea'ieh brace meinvber having pivotal connection' atone' 'end with one of the legs between'zwhichf it` ex-V tends, andfa clamp member adapted ytov .engage theV bracemembe'r and holdthe saineV in its bracing position. l i f 10: A table havingfa tflexibl'e top, supporting legs Vpivotally secured thereto at each end ofthe table and adapted' to be swung inward against saidflexibletop,`brace' barsy pivotedv one at each Yend'jof the` table j Y*and adapted Vwhen extended'V lengthwise of the table to overlapeachotherl at their freefv 1 ends, andlpivotedlatchmembers adapted vto engagey sai'dz brace bars and hold the saine in #their bracing positions.

' 11.' 'A' tabl"V having la flexible' top,V support- Vv i ing legs"pivotally'secui'ed theretoat eaclif end of the ltable andk 'adapted to bev swung Y yiinvard against Vsaid (flexible atop, a .brace bar pivoted toY each vlegandr adapted to ex- -tendlengthwise of the 'tabl'ey-the bracebars 100 the table between the ends' thereof, supd pivoted to the legs on one side of the table presence of two Witnesses, this 29th day of having their meeting ends overlapping When September A. D. 1915. said brace bars are extended, and one of said brace bars having a part against which JAMES STONE.

the other brace bar is adapted to abut. Witnesses:

In testimony, that I claim the foregoing EUGENE C. WANN, as my invention, I aiX my signature in the CLARA L. PEorLEs.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for ve cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C.

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