U.S. patent application number 09/793347 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-04 for folding table and seating apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sico Incorporated. Invention is credited to Bue, Richard C..
Application Number | 20010026086 09/793347 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22009633 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010026086 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bue, Richard C. |
October 4, 2001 |
Folding table and seating apparatus
Abstract
A folding table includes a pair of table top members having a
straight edge and an outer edge forming an oval table surface. A
folding linkage folds the table tops about centerline between a use
position and a folded storage position. Stools are disposed above
the periphery of the table with support legs extending down from
the stools. In the folded position, the table is supported on legs
having casters or rollers. Locks prevent the table from unfolding
from its use position and also prevent the table from fully folding
for easier transport.
Inventors: |
Bue, Richard C.; (Eden
Prairie, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GRAY, PLANT, MOOTY, MOOTY & BENNETT, P.A.
P.O. BOX 2906
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0906
US
|
Assignee: |
Sico Incorporated
Minneapolis
MN
|
Family ID: |
22009633 |
Appl. No.: |
09/793347 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09793347 |
Feb 26, 2001 |
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09548493 |
Apr 13, 2000 |
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6254178 |
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09548493 |
Apr 13, 2000 |
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09057281 |
Apr 8, 1998 |
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6065802 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/158.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 3/14 20130101; A47B
2003/145 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/158.3 |
International
Class: |
A47B 083/02; A47B
039/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A folding table, comprising: a pair of table tops, each table
top having a straight edge and an arcing edge, wherein the table
tops form an oval table surface; a folding linkage folding the
table tops about a centerline; a plurality of stools disposed about
a periphery of the table; a plurality of legs, wherein each stool
includes a support leg.
2. A folding table according to claim 1, wherein the stools are
evenly spaced about the periphery of the table.
3. A folding round table according to claim 1, wherein the stools
are supported in opposed pairs with openings free of support
members formed between two pairs of stools at each of the table top
members.
4. A folding table according to claim 1, wherein the stools have a
substantially horizontal upper seating surface in the use position
and storage position.
5. A folding table according to claim 1, wherein each of the stools
includes a support extending from the under the table obliquely to
the table top member arcing edge.
6. A folding table according to claim 1, wherein each table top
member includes four stools spaced along the arcing edge, and
wherein each of the stools has a stool support extending from under
the table obliquely to the arcing edge such that a first adjacent
pair of the four stools defines an unimpeded walking space
therebetween and a second adjacent pair of the four stools defines
an unimpeded walking space therebetween.
7. A folding table according to claim 1, wherein each table-top
comprises a semicircle.
8. A folding table and seating apparatus, comprising: two opposed
table top members, each of the table top members having a straight
edge and an arcing edge, wherein the straight edges oppose one
another; a frame supporting each table top member; a folding
linkage folding the table top members between a use position
wherein the table top members form a horizontally extending table
top and a storage position wherein undersides of the table top
members substantially face one another; and, four stools mounted to
the frame of each table top member, wherein two first stools are
spaced apart about an apex of the arcing edge of the associated
table top member and two second stools are spaced apart about the
apex of the arcing edge of the associated table top member
laterally outward from the first stools.
9. A folding table and seating apparatus according to claim 8,
wherein each of the stools includes a support extending from the
under the table obliquely to the table top member arcing edge.
10. A folding table and seating apparatus according to claim 8,
wherein the stools have a substantially horizontal upper seating
surface in the use position and storage position.
11. A folding table and seating apparatus according to claim 8,
wherein each table top member includes four stools spaced along the
arcing edge, and wherein each of the stools has a stool support
extending from under the table obliquely to the arcing edge such
that a first adjacent pair of the four stools defines an unimpeded
walking space therebetween and a second adjacent pair of the four
stools defines an unimpeded walking space therebetween.
12. A folding table and seating apparatus according to claim 8,
further comprising a first lock for maintaining the table in an
unfolded position.
13. A folding table according to claim 12, further comprising a
selectively engageable second lock for preventing the table from
fully folding.
14. A folding table and seating apparatus, comprising: two opposed
table top members; a frame; a folding linkage folding the table top
members between a use position wherein the table top members form a
horizontally extending table top and a storage position wherein
undersides of the table top members face one another; and, a
plurality of stools mounted to the frame; a first lock maintaining
the table in an unfolded position when engaged; and, a second lock
preventing the table from fully folding when engaged.
15. A folding table, comprising: a pair of non-rectangular table
tops having a straight edge and an outer edge; a folding linkage
folding the table tops about a centerline along the straight edges;
a plurality of stools disposed about a periphery of the outer edge
of the table tops; a plurality of legs, wherein each stool includes
a support leg.
16. A folding table according to claim 15, wherein the stools are
evenly spaced about the periphery of the table.
17. A folding round table according to claim 15, wherein the stools
are supported in opposed pairs with openings free of support
members formed between two pairs of stools at each of the table top
members.
18. A folding table according to claim 15, wherein the stools have
a substantially horizontal upper seating surface in the use
position and storage position.
19. A folding table according to claim 15, wherein each of the
stools includes a support extending from under the table obliquely
to the table top member arcing edge.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to a folding table and
accompanying seat structures and more particularly to a
non-rectangular table, folding between a use position and a storage
position.
[0003] In large, multi-purpose rooms that are utilized at various
times as dining rooms, meeting halls, dance areas and the like, it
is often desirable that multi-purpose furniture be used. This
furniture normally includes tables, chairs, benches and/or stools
and the like, or table and seat combinations. Such furniture
provides added utility if it is of the folding type, so as to
require minimum storage space. Folding tables and accompanying
stools or benches are well known and provide seating and table
space that requires a relatively small amount of storage space.
Such folding tables generally are rectangular, folding along a
center line, and have benches or stools placed along both sides of
the table, but no seats at the ends. Examples of folding tables are
shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,771,937 to Wilson, U.S. Pat. No.
3,075,809, to Wilson, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,099,480 to Wilson, all
assigned to Sico, Inc., the assignee of the present invention.
Although such tables are successful in providing folding furniture
with seating along either side, still further improvements are
possible.
[0004] For certain teaching, dining and other applications,
especially with young children, it can be appreciated that it is
preferable to have seating provided in a somewhat circular
arrangement rather than a linear arrangement. Such an arrangement
provides for balanced disbursement of the seated occupants and may
be more conducive to providing access to the center of the table.
Such an arrangement may have dimensions that also fit better into
some areas and may provide for added seating in a given space.
Although oval tables and folding tables are known, heretofore,
combination table and stool units have not provided seating around
a non-rectangular folding table that folds from a use position to a
storage position.
[0005] For folding tables, safety is a concern during folding, to
protect workers' hands and fingers from being pinched. In addition,
there may be a nearly folded position that is more suitable for
moving the structures.
[0006] It can be seen then that a new and improved folding table
with seating is needed. An oval folding table and seating apparatus
that also provides seating evenly distributed around the table
would provide advantages which are unknown in the prior art.
Moreover, an oval folding table that folds safely from a use
position to a storage position requiring minimal floor space
provides even further advantages. The present invention addresses
these as well as other problems associated with folding table and
seating structures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is directed to a folding table with
seating, and in particular, to an oval folding table and seating
structure. The folding table includes a pair of, for example,
semi-circular shaped table top sections folding along the straight
edge of each section. A lock maintains the table in the unfolded
position and is easily released by accessing an end handle that
extends downward from the center axis near the edges of the table
top sections. A framework extends downward and out to eight stools,
four stools spaced apart around the curving periphery of each table
top section. A wheel or a leg extends below each stool to provide
spaced apart supports around the entire table. The framework
extends from under each stool inward toward the table top to
provide easy access for the persons to be seated at the stools
without impeding their access or seated comfort.
[0008] The folding framework folds the table tops from a planar
horizontal position to a vertical position wherein the bottoms of
the table tops substantially oppose one another. The stools fold
around the ends of the table top in the folded position so that the
table requires much less floor space than in the unfolded, use
position. In the folded position, the table and seating structure
is supported on four wheels so that it can be rolled to any desired
location. A lock holds the table in a nearly fully folded position
for an improved rolling position.
[0009] These features of novelty and various other advantages which
characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in
the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a
better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the
objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the
drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying
descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
letters and numerals indicate corresponding structure throughout
the several views:
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a folding table and
seating structure in an unfolded position according to the
principles of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the folding table shown
in FIG. 1 in a folded storage position;
[0013] FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of the folding table shown in
FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 shows a bottom plan view of the folding table shown
in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 shows a right side elevational view of the folding
table shown in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 6 shows an end elevational view of the round folding
table shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 7 shows an end perspective view of the round folding
table shown in FIG. 1 in a partially folded position; and,
[0018] FIG. 8 shows an end elevational view of the round folding
table shown in FIG. 1 in a folded position with a linkage lock
engaged.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0019] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1,
there is shown a table, generally designated 10. The table includes
a pair of opposed table top sections 14 with a folding supporting
frame 12. Eight stools 16 are spaced around the periphery of the
table 10, four stools 16 about each table top section 14, and
provide for seating proximate the edge of the table 10. The stools
16 are substantially evenly spaced apart so that eight users may
sit at the table 10 without infringing upon one another's
space.
[0020] The table 10 includes a folding mechanism 18 that folds the
table between the use position shown in FIG. 1, and the folded
storage position, shown in FIG. 2. In the storage position, the
stools 16 remain substantially horizontal while the table tops 14
fold to a vertically extending position with the bottom surfaces
substantially facing one another. In the unfolded use position, the
table 10 is supported on support legs 22 below four of the stools
16 and on casters or wheels 20 below the other four stools 16. In
the folded storage position, the table 10 is supported on the four
swiveling wheels 20, so that the table 10 may be rolled to any
desired location. The folding mechanism 18 includes a latch to lock
the table 10 in the unfolded use position. The latch has a lock
member 50 that extends along the center line of the folding
mechanism 18 and under the table tops 14 to near the edges so that
it is hidden from above, yet is easily releasable by lifting a
handle 52 from engaging a stop member, so that the table 10 may be
folded.
[0021] As shown most clearly in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the frame 12
includes risers 32 extending out from pivots 48 underneath the
semi-circular table top members 14. The table tops 14 have arcing
outer edges that form an oval, that is shown here as a circle. It
is also envisioned that other non-rectangular shapes, such as
octagons or other polygons could be used, preferably a
configuration with adjacent stools 16 centered on the nearest
straight section or arcing edge, and substantially evenly spaced
about the periphery of the table 10. The risers 32 extend to
horizontal sections 34 leading out to stool supports 22, while the
stools 16 closest to the center folding line include a frame with
risers 33 leading to double frame members 38A and 38B. In addition,
lateral frame members 36 provide added support to the horizontal
sections 34 for the end most stools 16. The double frame
construction provides increased strength to the stools 16.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the folding mechanism 18
includes outer pivot members 26 along the folding center axis,
connecting the straight edges of the two table top members 14. The
folding mechanism 18 also includes first linkage members 42 and
second linkage members 44 that attach to a pivot 46 on the frame as
well as to the table top members 14 and pivot members 40 mounted to
cross members 30 connecting the table risers 32 for the outer most
stools.
[0023] The lock 50 extends along the center axis of the table top
members 14 and is lifted up to release complementary cam-type pivot
members 26 of the folding mechanism 18. The lock handles 52 extend
downward under the table tops 14 and near the edges for easy access
with a reduced risk of pinching fingers or hands, while being
hidden from view from above. The center portion of the lock 50 is
offset from the center edges of the table tops 14 to prevent the
lock from being easily grabbed there by an operator. With the
center portion of the lock 50 moved to a position wherein it cannot
be gripped, the chances of an operator's hands being pinched
between table tops 14 are reduced. When engaged in the unfolded
position, the lock 50 prevents the table from folding. The lock 50
also stops the folding mechanism 18 just short of fully unfolding
to provide added safety for preventing the edges of the table from
pinching together until the lock 50 is actuated. Manually holding
the lock 50 open and disengaged from pivot members 26 allows the
table 10 to fully unfold. The folding mechanism 18 has torsion
springs mounted to one or more of the cross members 30 to aid and
control folding between the folded and unfolded positions. The
torsion springs also aid to keep the table 10 from folding or
unfolding unexpectedly and allows for actuating the lock 50. The
folding linkage 18 provides for folding of the table between the
folded and unfolded positions in a controlled manner. The folding
mechanism 18 also maintains the stools 16 in a substantially
horizontal position in both the folded and unfolded positions. It
can be appreciated that in either position, the frame 12 provides a
base of support so that the table 10 cannot easily tip in either
the folded or unfolded position.
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a stop 70 is utilized to aid in
holding the table 10 in a wider folded travel position that
provides greater stability during transport of the table 10. As,
the table 10 is folded, it may be easier to push in a folded
position wherein the table is supported solely on the wheels 20,
but is not fully folded, as shown in FIG. 8. This maintains a
slightly lower center of gravity, making movement easier. The stop
70 is pivotally mounted to the frame 12 at the underside of one of
the table tops 14. The stop 70 includes a cross bar 72 engaging the
risers 32 of the frame 12, as shown in FIG. 8. The stop 70 hangs by
gravity, and it may be manually lifted up to clear the frame 12, as
shown in phantom in FIG. 8, and allow for fully folding the table
10, as may be appropriate for storage in limited spaces, as shown
in FIG. 2. The stop 70 automatically drops down again when the
table 10 is unfolded.
[0025] The frame 12 provides for supporting each of the stools 16
while keeping the support members 22 attaching under the table tops
out of the way of the users, even while seated. The frame 12 also
provides easy access to the stools 16 for seating without undue
restriction. With the design of the present invention, the
horizontal portions of the frame extend inward from the stools 16
nearest the apex of the section as well as those stools 16 along
the center folding axis. The outer most stools 16 at each side of
the table top members 14 have supports that provide an opening
therebetween for unimpeded easy entry and exit between the seated
and unseated position. The space between the stools 16 is wide
enough so that there is sufficient room for passage between the
stools with no obstruction from the frame members. The present
invention provides for substantially evenly spacing the stools 16
about the periphery of the table top members 14 so that there is
sufficient use of space on the table top 14 at each seated
position.
[0026] It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous
characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been
set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of
the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is
illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in
matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the
principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the
broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are
expressed.
* * * * *