Brace assembly for a table

Abstract

A table may include legs that are movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to a table top. Advantageously, the collapsible legs may allow the table to be easily transported and stored. The table may also include a locking mechanism that may secure the table top in the unfolded position. In addition, the table may include one or more braces that may be attached to the legs. The braces may be sized and configured to secure the legs in desired positions. The braces may include an elongated body, a locking pin and a biasing member.

1 . A table comprising: 
 a table top;    table frame connected to the table top, the table frame including a side rail;    a leg pivotally connected to the table frame and moveable between a collapsed position and an extended position; and    a brace assembly connected to the leg, the brace assembly including: 
 a brace including a slot;  
 a locking pin coupled to the slot of the brace; and  
 a biasing member at least partially positioned between the brace and the table frame.  
   
   
   
       2 . The table as in  claim 1 , wherein the biasing member has a generally cylindrical shape, a first surface, and a second surface, and a first aperture extending between the first and second surfaces.  
   
   
       3 . The table as in  claim 2 , wherein the slot of the brace includes a second aperture adapted to align with the first aperture of the biasing member.  
   
   
       4 . The table as in  claim 3 , further comprising a fastener at least partially disposed within each of the first and second apertures, the fastener connecting the brace, the biasing member, and the table frame.  
   
   
       5 . The table as in  claim 1 , wherein the biasing member is constructed from an elastomeric material.  
   
   
       6 . The table as in  claim 1 , wherein the biasing member is constructed from plastic.  
   
   
       7 . The table as in  claim 1 , wherein the biasing member is constructed from high density polyethylene.  
   
   
       8 . The table as in  claim 1 , wherein the biasing member is constructed from rubber.  
   
   
       9 . The table as in  claim 1 , wherein the biasing member is constructed from a deformable, generally resilient material.  
   
   
       10 . The table as in  claim 1 , wherein the biasing member comprises a spring.  
   
   
       11 . A table comprising: 
 a table top constructed from blow-molded plastic having a generally hollow interior portion;    a leg moveable among a plurality of positions, including a first position and a second position; and    a brace assembly adapted to selectively lock the leg in the second position, the brace assembly including: 
 a brace including a slot;  
 a locking pin; and  
 a biasing member configured to exert a force against the brace to engage at least a portion of the locking pin.  
   
   
   
       12 . The table as in  claim 11 , wherein the biasing member is constructed from an elastomeric material.  
   
   
       13 . The table as in  claim 11 , wherein the biasing member is constructed from plastic.  
   
   
       14 . The table as in  claim 11 , wherein the biasing member is constructed from high density polyethylene.  
   
   
       15 . The table as in  claim 11 , wherein the biasing member is constructed from rubber.  
   
   
       16 . The table as in  claim 11 , wherein the biasing member comprises a spring.  
   
   
       17 . A table comprising: 
 a table top;    a leg; and    a brace assembly adapted to releasably secure the leg in a generally fixed position relative to the table top, the brace assembly including: 
 a locking pin;  
 a brace slidably coupled to the locking pin; and  
 a biasing member exerting a force against the brace, the force configured to bias the brace against the locking pin.  
   
   
   
       18 . The table as in  claim 17 , wherein the biasing member is constructed from an elastomeric material.  
   
   
       19 . The table as in  claim 17 , wherein the biasing member is constructed from a deformable, generally resilient material.  
   
   
       20 . The table as in  claim 17 , wherein the biasing member comprises a spring.