U.S. patent application number 11/419297 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-04 for multipurpose portable table.
This patent application is currently assigned to ZHEJIANG YONGQIANG GROUP CO. LTD. Invention is credited to GUANGQIANG XIANG.
Application Number | 20070001488 11/419297 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37588568 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070001488 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
XIANG; GUANGQIANG |
January 4, 2007 |
MULTIPURPOSE PORTABLE TABLE
Abstract
A multipurpose portable table, and table and chair set. The
multipurpose portable table provides storage for folding chairs or
the like within its frame and includes foldable side portions. In
various embodiments, the table includes a positionable handle and
roller legs ends that allow the multipurpose portable table or
table and chair set to be easily transported by a single person.
The table, and table and chair set may also include a retaining bar
that is structured to retain stored chairs or the like in the frame
while the multipurpose portable table or table and chair set is
being transported. Additionally, in some embodiments, folding
chairs of a multipurpose portable table and chair set may include
fabric seat and back rest surfaces, and the table top may include a
glass surface. As a result, the present invention also provides an
aesthetically appealing, comfortable, and cost effective
multipurpose table, and table and chair set.
Inventors: |
XIANG; GUANGQIANG; (Linhai
City, CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Assignee: |
ZHEJIANG YONGQIANG GROUP CO.
LTD
|
Family ID: |
37588568 |
Appl. No.: |
11/419297 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/140 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 5/06 20130101; A47B
2200/11 20130101; A47B 2001/005 20130101; A47B 1/04 20130101; A47B
83/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/140 |
International
Class: |
A47B 83/02 20060101
A47B083/02 |
Claims
1. A multipurpose portable table for use with folding chairs and
the like, comprising: a table top, said table top comprising: a
substantially planar center portion in a generally horizontal
orientation having first and second ends, and opposite lateral
sides; and at least one substantially planar folding side portion
pivotally joined to one of the lateral sides so as to be pivotable
between an unfolded position in which said folding side portion is
in a generally horizontal orientation substantially aligned with
said center portion, and a folded position in which said folding
side portion is in a generally vertical position extending
substantially perpendicular from the lateral side; and a frame that
supports said table top, said frame comprising: a center frame
attached to said center portion and having a first pair of legs
extending substantially perpendicular from and adjacent the first
end of said center portion, and a second pair of legs extending
substantially perpendicular from and adjacent the second end of
said center portion; a bottom support in a generally horizontal
orientation attached to said first and second pairs of legs and
located below said center portion; and at least one folding side
frame pivotally joined to said center portion and said bottom
support and having at least one supplemental support leg, said
folding side frame having a unfolded position in which said
supplemental support leg is positioned away from said center frame
so as to support said folding side portion in said unfolded
position, and a folded position in which said supplemental support
leg is adjacent said center frame and said folding side portion
assumes said folded position, wherein said center portion, said
center frame, and said bottom support define a storage volume which
is accessible through one of said pairs of legs and which is
suitable for storing folding chairs or the like.
2. The multipurpose portable table of claim 1, further comprising a
retaining bar attached between said second pair of legs, said
retaining bar being structured to retain folding chairs or the like
within said storage volume when said multipurpose portable table is
transported using said roller leg ends.
3. The multipurpose portable table of claim 1, further comprising a
positionable handle attached between said first pair of legs, said
positionable handle structured to aid in transporting said
multipurpose portable table using said roller leg ends.
4. The multipurpose portable table of claim 1, said table further
comprising a table top surface constructed of a glass material.
5. The multipurpose portable table of claim 1, wherein said second
pair of legs has roller leg ends.
6. The multipurpose portable table of claim 1, wherein said at
least one folding side portion comprises first and second folding
side portions, each folding side portion adjacent one of the
lateral sides of said center portion, and wherein said at least one
folding side frame comprises first and second folding side frames
pivotally joined on opposite sides of said center frame, and
wherein said first folding side frame has an unfolded position in
which said supplemental support leg of said first folding side
frame is positioned away from said center frame so as to support
said first folding side portion in said unfolded position, and said
second folding side frame has an unfolded position in which said
supplemental support leg of said second folding side frame is
positioned away from said center frame so as to support said second
folding side portion in said unfolded position, and said first and
second folding side frames have a folded position in which said
supplemental support legs are adjacent said center frame and said
folding side portions assume said folded positions.
7. The multipurpose portable table of claim 6, wherein when said
first and second folding side portions and said first and second
folding side frames are in said unfolded positions, said table top
has a generally circular shape.
8. The multipurpose portable table of claim 6, wherein when said
first and second folding side portions and said first and second
folding side frames are in said unfolded positions, said table top
has a generally rectangular shape.
9. A multipurpose portable table and chair set comprising: at least
one folding chair having seat and backrest portions attached to a
frame, said folding chair having an unfolded position in which the
frame supports the seat portion in a generally horizontal
orientation and the back rest portion in a vertical or slightly
reclined orientation, and a folded position in which the seat
portion, the back rest portion, and the frame are overlapping; and
a multipurpose portable table comprising: a table top, said table
top comprising: a substantially planar center portion in a
generally horizontal orientation having first and second ends, and
opposite lateral sides; and at least one substantially planar
folding side portion pivotally joined to one of the lateral sides
so as to be pivotable between an unfolded position in which said
folding side portion is in a generally horizontal orientation
substantially aligned with said center portion, and a folded
position in which said folding side portion is in a generally
vertical position extending substantially perpendicular from the
lateral side; and a frame that supports said table top, said frame
comprising: a center frame attached to said center portion and
having a first pair of legs extending substantially perpendicular
from and adjacent the first end of said center portion, and a
second pair of legs extending substantially perpendicular from and
adjacent the second end of said center portion, said second pair of
legs having roller leg ends; a bottom support in a generally
horizontal orientation attached to said first and second pairs of
legs and located below said center portion; and at least one
folding side frame pivotally joined to said center portion and said
bottom support and having at least one supplemental support leg,
said folding side frame having a unfolded position in which said
supplemental support leg is positioned away from said center frame
so as to support said folding side portion in said unfolded
position, and a folded position in which said supplemental support
leg is adjacent said center frame, and said folding side portion
assumes said folded position, wherein when said at least one
folding chair is in said folded position, said folding chair may be
turned on its side and stored within said center frame, supported
by said bottom support and underneath said center portion, and
wherein when said folding chair is stored within said center frame,
and said folding side portion and said folding side frame are in
said folded positions, said multipurpose portable table and chair
set may be transported using said roller leg ends.
10. The multipurpose portable table and chair set of claim 9,
further comprising a chair retaining bar attached between said
second pair of legs of said multipurpose portable table, said chair
retaining bar being structured to retain said at least one folding
chair within said frame of said multipurpose portable table when
said multipurpose portable table and chair set is transported using
said roller leg ends.
11. The multipurpose portable table and chair set of claim 9,
further comprising a positionable handle attached between said
first pair of legs of said multipurpose portable table, said
positionable handle structured to aid in transporting said
multipurpose portable table and chair set using said roller leg
ends.
12. The multipurpose portable table and chair set of claim 9, said
at least one folding chair further comprising seat and back rest
surfaces constructed of a fabric material.
13. The multipurpose portable table and chair set of claim 9, said
multipurpose portable table further comprising a table top surface
constructed of a glass material.
14. The multipurpose portable table and chair set of claim 10,
wherein said at least one folding side portion comprises first and
second folding side portions, each folding side portion adjacent
one of the lateral sides of said center portion, and wherein said
at least one folding side frame comprises first and second folding
side frames pivotally joined on opposite sides of said center
frame, and wherein said first folding side frame has an unfolded
position in which said supplemental support leg of said first
folding side frame is positioned away from said center frame so as
to support said first folding side portion in said unfolded
position, and said second folding side frame has an unfolded
position in which said supplemental support leg of said second
folding side frame is positioned away from said center frame so as
to support said second folding side portion in said unfolded
position, and said first and second folding side frames have a
folded position in which said supplemental support legs are
adjacent said center frame and said folding side portions assume
said folded positions.
15. The multipurpose portable table and chair set of claim 9,
wherein said multipurpose portable table and chair set includes
four folding chairs.
16. The multipurpose portable table and chair set of claim 14,
wherein when said first and second folding side portions and said
first and second folding side frames are in said unfolded
positions, said table top has a generally circular shape.
17. The multipurpose portable table and chair set of claim 14,
wherein when said first and second folding side portions and said
first and second folding side frames are in their unfolded
positions, said table top has a generally rectangular shape.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1) Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to furniture in general, and
more particularly to multipurpose portable tables, and table and
chair sets.
[0003] 2) Description of Related Art
[0004] There are various characteristics that are important in the
design and manufacture of an article of furniture. For example,
many articles of furniture, aside from purely decorative articles,
are designed to bear a certain load, such as the weight of a person
sitting in a chair or the weight of items supported by a bookshelf.
Other important characteristics include comfort, cost, convenience,
and aesthetic appeal. The relative importance of these
characteristics is often determined by the ultimate use of the
article of furniture. For example, the most important
characteristic in the design of an office chair is likely comfort,
because an office chair is typically used for many hours a day. On
the other hand, the most important characteristic in the design of
an occasional table is likely aesthetic appeal.
[0005] However, in the design portable furniture, such as folding
tables and chairs, where such articles are used not used as often
and are stored when not in use, convenience and cost are likely the
most important design characteristics. This is not to say that the
other characteristics are unimportant. For example, aesthetic
appeal and comfort remain relevant design characteristics for
portable furniture. However, the designs of many portable tables
and table and chair sets appear to focus solely on cost, at the
expense of convenience, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. As a result,
although inexpensive, once set up, these tables, and table and
chair sets are not particularly visually appealing. In fact, many
portable tables, and table and chair sets require decorative fabric
covers that cover the table tops and the chairs. Additionally,
theses table and chair sets are not convenient for a single person
to transport and assemble, often requiring a great deal of set up
time.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved multipurpose
portable table, and table and chair set. The table should be
portable, should provide for storage of folding chairs or the like,
and should be relatively easy to transport and assemble.
Additionally, the table and the table and chair set should be
aesthetically appealing, relatively comfortable to use, and cost
effective.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention achieves the above objectives and
others by providing a multipurpose portable table, and table and
chair set. The multipurpose portable table provides for storage of
folding chairs or the like within its frame, and, using roller legs
ends, may be easily transported by a single person. The
multipurpose portable table may be used in a table and chair set
that includes at least one folding chair. In some embodiments, the
folding chairs may include fabric seat and back rest surfaces, and
a table top may include a glass surface. As a result, the present
invention also provides an aesthetically appealing, comfortable,
and cost effective multipurpose portable table, and table and chair
set.
[0008] In one particular embodiment, the present invention provides
a multipurpose portable table that comprises a table top and a
frame that supports the table top. The table top comprises a
substantially planar center portion and at least one substantially
planar folding side portion. The center portion is in a generally
horizontal orientation and has first and second ends, and opposite
lateral sides. The at least one folding side portion is pivotally
joined to one of the lateral sides so as to be pivotable between an
unfolded position in which the folding side portion is in a
generally horizontal orientation substantially aligned with the
center portion, and a folded position in which the folding side
portion is in a generally vertical position extending substantially
perpendicular from the lateral side. The frame comprises a center
frame, a bottom support, and at least one folding side frame. The
center frame is attached to the center portion and has a first pair
of legs extending substantially perpendicular from and adjacent the
first end of the center portion, and a second pair of legs
extending substantially perpendicular from and adjacent the second
end of the center portion. The second pair of legs has roller leg
ends. The bottom support is in a generally horizontal orientation
and is attached to the first and second pairs of legs and located
below the center portion. The at least one folding side frame is
pivotally joined to the center portion and the bottom support and
has at least one supplemental support leg. The folding side frame
has an unfolded position in which the supplemental support leg is
positioned away from the center frame so as to support the folding
side portion in the unfolded position, and a folded position in
which the supplemental support leg is adjacent the center frame and
the folding side portion assumes the folded position. The center
portion, the center frame, and the bottom support define a storage
volume which is accessible through one of the pairs of legs and
which is suitable for storing folding chairs or the like.
[0009] In another embodiment, the multipurpose portable table
further comprises a retaining bar attached between the second pair
of legs, wherein the retaining bar is structured to retain a
folding chair or the like within the storage volume when the
multipurpose portable table is transported using the roller leg
ends. Another embodiment further comprises a positionable handle
attached between the first pair of legs. The positionable handle is
structured to aid in transporting the multipurpose portable table
using the roller leg ends. Another embodiment further comprises a
table top surface constructed of a glass material. In another
embodiment, the at least one folding side portion comprises first
and second folding side portions, each folding side portion
adjacent one of the lateral sides of the center portion, and
wherein the at least one folding side frame comprises first and
second folding side frames pivotally joined on opposite sides of
the center frame, and wherein the first folding side frame has an
unfolded position in which the supplemental support leg of the
first folding side frame is positioned away from the center frame
so as to support the first folding side portion in the unfolded
position, and the second folding side frame has an unfolded
position in which the supplemental support leg of the second
folding side frame is positioned away from the center frame so as
to support the second folding side portion in the unfolded
position, and the first and second side frame portions have a
folded position in which the supplemental support legs are adjacent
the center frame and the folding side portions assume the folded
positions. In another embodiment, when the first and second folding
side portions are in the unfolded positions, the table top has a
generally circular shape. In another embodiment, when the first and
second folding side portions are in the unfolded positions, the
table top has a generally rectangular shape.
[0010] In another particular embodiment, the present invention
provides a multipurpose portable table and chair set comprising at
least one folding chair and a multipurpose portable table. The at
least one folding chair includes seat and backrest portions
attached to a frame. The folding chair has an unfolded position in
which the frame supports the seat portion in a generally horizontal
orientation and the back rest portion in a vertical or slightly
reclined orientation, and a folded position in which the seat
portion, the back rest portion, and the frame are overlapping. The
multipurpose portable table comprises a table top and a frame that
supports the table top. The table top comprises a substantially
planar center portion and at least one substantially planar folding
side portion. The center portion is in a generally horizontal
orientation and has first and second ends, and opposite lateral
sides. The at least one folding side portion is pivotally joined to
one of the laterals sides so as to be pivotable between an unfolded
position in which the folding side portion is in a generally
horizontal orientation substantially aligned with the center
portion, and a folded position in which the folding side portion is
in a generally vertical position extending substantially
perpendicular from the lateral side. The frame comprises a center
frame, a bottom support, and at least one folding side frame. The
center frame is attached to the center portion and has a first pair
of legs extending substantially perpendicular from and adjacent the
first end of the center portion, and a second pair of legs
extending substantially perpendicular from and adjacent the second
end of the center portion. The second pair of legs has roller leg
ends. The bottom support is in a generally horizontal orientation
and is attached to the first and second pairs of legs and below the
center portion. The at least one folding side frame is pivotally
joined to the center portion and the bottom support and has at
least one supplemental support leg. The folding side frame has an
unfolded position in which the supplemental support leg is
positioned away from the center frame so as to support the folding
side portion in the unfolded position, and a folded position in
which the supplemental support leg is adjacent the center frame and
the folding side portion assumes the folded position. When the
folding chair is in the folded position, the folding chair may be
turned on its side and stored within the center frame, supported by
the bottom support and underneath the center portion. When the
folding chair is stored within the center frame, and the folding
side portion and the folding side frame are in the folded
positions, the multipurpose portable table and chair set may be
transported using the roller leg ends.
[0011] In another embodiment, the multipurpose portable table and
chair set further comprises a chair retaining bar attached between
the second pair of legs, wherein the chair retaining bar is
structured to retain the at least one folding chair within the
frame of the multipurpose portable table when the multipurpose
portable table and chair set is transported using the roller leg
ends. Another embodiment further comprises a positionable handle
attached between the first pair of legs, the positionable handle
structured to aid in transporting the multipurpose portable table
and chair set using the roller leg ends. In another embodiment, the
at least one folding chair further comprises seat and back rest
surfaces constructed of a fabric material. Another embodiment
further comprises a table top surface constructed of a glass
material. In another embodiment, the at least one folding side
portion comprises first and second folding side portions, each
folding side portion adjacent one of the lateral sides of the
center portion, and wherein the at least one folding side frame
comprises first and second folding side frames attached on opposite
sides of the center frame, and wherein the first folding side frame
has an unfolded position in which the supplemental support leg of
the first folding side frame is positioned away from the center
frame so as to support the first folding side portion in the
unfolded position, and the second folding side frame has an
unfolded position in which the supplemental support leg of the
second folding side frame is positioned away from the center frame
so as to support the second folding side portion in the unfolded
position, and the first and second folding side frames have a
folded position in which the supplemental support legs are adjacent
the center frame and the folding side portions assume the folded
position. In another embodiment, the multipurpose portable table
and chair set includes four chairs. In another embodiment, when the
first and second folding side portions are in the unfolded
position, the table top has a generally circular shape. In another
embodiment, when the first and second folding side portions are in
the unfolded position, the table top has a generally rectangular
shape.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0012] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multipurpose portable
table in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of a multipurpose portable table in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a rear view a multipurpose portable table in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a partial cross section view showing a folding
side portion and a folding side frame of a multipurpose portable
table in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is perspective view of a multipurpose portable table
and chair set showing a folding chair in an unfolded position, the
multipurpose portable table in an unfolded position, and another
folding chair in the folded position being stored within the center
frame of the multipurpose portable table in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0018] FIG. 6 is a partial view of a multipurpose portable table
and chair set showing stored chairs and the multipurpose portable
table in a storage position in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed,
this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should
not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;
rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0020] The present invention relates to a multipurpose portable
table and chair set 10, and a multipurpose portable table 12. FIGS.
1-3 show an unfolded multipurpose portable table 12 in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. In various
embodiments, the multipurpose portable table 12 is configured to be
used with at least one folding chair or the like (not shown in
these figures, see FIGS. 5 and 6). In the depicted embodiment, the
multipurpose portable table 12 is configured to be used with four
folding chairs. In various embodiments, the multipurpose portable
table 12 has a folded position and an unfolded position. As will be
described in more detail below, the folded position allows the
multipurpose portable table 12, along with an associated set of
folding chairs, to be easily transported and stored in a relatively
small area. As shown in the figure, the multipurpose portable table
12 generally includes a table top 14 and a frame 16 that supports
the table top 14. In the unfolded position, the table top 14 of the
depicted embodiment defines a generally circular shape. However it
should be noted that in other embodiments, in the unfolded
position, the table top 14 may define any other shape, including,
but not limited to rectangular, elliptical, and half-circular
shapes.
[0021] The table top 14 of the depicted embodiment includes a
center portion 18 in a generally horizontal orientation and first
and second folding side portions 20, 22, each adjacent the center
portion 18. The frame 16 of the depicted embodiment generally
includes a center frame 24, a bottom support 26 in a generally
horizontal orientation, and first and second folding side frames
28, 30. It should be noted that although the depicted embodiment
includes a pair of folding side portions 20, 22 and a pair of
folding side frames 28, 30, other embodiments of the present
invention may include a single folding side portion and a single
folding side frame. In the depicted embodiment, the center portion
18 is substantially planar and includes a first end 32, a second
end 34, and opposite lateral sides 36, 38. The first and second
folding side portions 20, 22 of the depicted embodiment have a
partial circular shape that complements the center portion 18 to
create a circular shape when the first and second portions 20, 22
are in their unfolded positions. However, as noted above, in other
embodiments the table top 14 may have various other shapes.
[0022] In the depicted embodiment, the table top 14 comprises a
center portion 18 having a center table top surface 40 constructed
of a glass material, and first and second folding side portions 20,
22 having first and second side table top surfaces 42, 44
constructed of a glass material. The table top 14 of the depicted
embodiment also includes a center rim 46 that supports the center
table top surface 40, and first and second rims 48, 50 that support
the first and second folding side table top surfaces 42, 44.
Although not visible in FIGS. 1-3 (see FIG. 5) in the depicted
embodiment, the folding side portions 20, 22 also include
intermediate support bars 52, 54 that extend underneath the side
table top surfaces 42, 44 substantially parallel to the lateral
sides 36, 38 of the center portion 18, proximate an outer side 56,
58 of the folding side portions 20, 22. The center rim 46 extends
around the perimeter of the center table top surface 40 and, in the
depicted embodiment, is constructed of a metal material. Likewise,
the first and second rims 48, 50 extend around the respective
perimeters of the first and second folding side portions 20, 22
and, in the depicted embodiment, are also constructed of a metal
material. In various other embodiments, however, the table top
surfaces 40, 42, 44 may be constructed of any material or
combination of materials known to be used for table top surfaces,
including wood, metal, plastic, or composite materials.
Additionally, in various other embodiments, any or all of the rims
46, 48, 50 need not be included. In the depicted embodiment,
however, a glass table top surface and a metal rim add to the
aesthetical appeal of the multipurpose portable table 12.
[0023] As noted above, the frame 16 of the depicted embodiment
includes a center frame 24, a bottom support 26, and first and
second folding side frames 28, 30. The center frame 24 is attached
to and supports the center portion 18. In the depicted embodiment,
the center portion 18 includes a first pair of legs 60 and a second
pair of legs 62. The first pair of legs 60 extends substantially
perpendicular from and adjacent the first end 32 of the center
portion 18. Likewise, the second pair of legs 62 extends
substantially perpendicular from and adjacent the second end 34 of
the center portion 18. In the depicted embodiment, the legs 60, 62
are elongate tubular members constructed of a metal material.
However, in various embodiments, the legs 60, 62 may be constructed
of any material and may have any configuration known to be used for
table legs. The first pair of legs 60 includes adjustable leg ends
64 that allow for vertical adjustment in order to account for
surface level disparities of the surface upon which the table is
resting. The second pair of legs includes roller leg ends 66. As
will be described in more detail below, the roller legs ends 66 are
used to facilitate transporting the multipurpose portable table
12.
[0024] The bottom support 26 of the frame 16 is in a generally
horizontal orientation and is attached to the first and second
pairs of legs 60, 62. In the depicted embodiment, the bottom
support 26 is generally planar and includes first and second
opposite ends 68, 70, and a pair of opposite lateral sides 72, 74.
The bottom support 26 is located below the center portion 18,
indicated in the depicted embodiment by a distance D. In various
embodiments, the bottom support 26, the center frame 24, and the
center portion 18, define a storage volume 75 which is accessible
through one of the pairs of legs 60, 62 and which is suitable for
storing folding chairs or the like. It should be noted that in
various other embodiments, the bottom support 26 may have other
configurations that need not be generally planar in order to
support folding chairs or the like. In the depicted embodiment, the
bottom support 26 comprises a support surface 76 that is
constructed of a glass material, and a support rim 78 that is
constructed of a metal material. In the depicted embodiment, these
materials are used to complement the materials of the table top 14
for aesthetic purposes, however, it should be noted that in various
other embodiments any material may be used whether or not
complementary of the materials used for the table top 14, and in
still other embodiments, the rim 78 need not be included. Such
other materials may include, but are not limited to, wood
materials, metal materials, plastic materials, or composite
materials.
[0025] The frame 16 of the depicted embodiment also includes a
chair retaining bar 80 and a positionable handle 82, as illustrated
in FIG. 2. The chair retaining bar 80 is rigidly attached between
the second pair of frame legs 62 and, as will be discussed below,
is structured to retain chairs or the like while stored and while
the multipurpose portable table 12 is being transported. In the
depicted embodiment, the chair retaining bar 80 is a curved tubular
member constructed of a metal material, however in other
embodiments, the chair retaining bar 80 may have any configuration
and may be constructed of any material sufficient to retain the
stored chairs. Opposite the chair retaining bar 80 is a
positionable handle 82. The positionable handle 82 of the depicted
embodiment is attached between the first pair of legs 60, and, as
will be discussed below, is structured to be used to facilitate
transporting the multipurpose portable table 12. The positionable
handle 82 of the depicted embodiment is a tubular element
configured into a u-shape and constructed out of a metal material.
In the depicted embodiment, the positionable handle 82 rotates
within a pair of brackets 83 rigidly attached to the first pair of
legs 60. The positionable handle 82 may be moved to at least an
upward position, toward the center portion 18, and a downward
position, toward the center frame 24. In the upward position, the
positionable handle 82 is usable, in conjunction with the roller
legs ends 66 of the second pair of legs 62, to transport the
multipurpose portable table 12. In the downward position, the
positionable handle 82 is configured to help secure stored folding
chairs or the like.
[0026] As noted above, the multipurpose portable table 12 of the
depicted embodiment includes first and second folding side portions
20, 22 and first and second folding side frames 28, 30. The first
and second folding side portions 20, 22 each include an inner side
84, 86 and an outer side 56, 58. Each of the inner sides 84, 86 of
the folding side portions 20, 22 are adjacent the pair of lateral
sides 36, 38 of the center portion 18. FIG. 4 shows a cross section
view of the first folding side portion 20 and the first folding
side frame 28. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second
folding side portions 20, 22 have similar a configuration,
likewise, the first and second folding side frames 28, 30 have
similar a configuration. Thus, it should be noted that FIG. 4 and
the associated description below, are also representative of the
second folding side portion 22 and the second folding side frame
30. The first folding side portion 20 is pivotally joined to the
center portion 18 with a pair of hinges 88 that connect the inner
side 84 of the first folding side portion 20 to the adjacent
lateral side 36 of the center portion 18. The hinges 88 allow the
first folding side portion 20 to rotate between an unfolded
position in which the first folding side portion 20 has a generally
horizontal orientation substantially aligned with the center
portion 18, and a folded position in which the first folding side
portion 20 is in a generally vertical position, substantially
parallel with the legs 60, 62.
[0027] As also shown in the figure, the first folding side frame 28
includes an elongate pivot bar 90, a pair of extension braces 92,
94, and an elongate supplemental support leg 96 having an
adjustable leg end 97. The pivot bar 90 pivots within upper and
lower pivot pockets 98, 100, which are attached to the center
portion 18 and the bottom support 26, respectively. The upper pivot
pocket 98 is approximately centrally located along the lateral side
36 of the center portion 18. Likewise, the lower pivot pocket 100
is approximately centrally located along the corresponding lateral
side 72 of the bottom support portion 26, opposite the upper pivot
pocket 98. The extension braces 92, 94 extend substantially
perpendicular from the pivot bar 90 and are rigidly attached to the
supplemental support leg 96 such that they are also substantially
perpendicular to the supplemental support leg 96. So configured,
when the first folding side frame 28 is in the folded position, the
extension braces 92, 94 and the supplemental support leg 96 are
positioned adjacent the center frame 24. Specifically, when in the
folded position, the extension braces 92, 94 and the supplemental
support leg 96 are aligned with each other and adjacent the lateral
side 72 of the bottom support 26 and the lateral side 36 of the
center portion 18. When in the unfolded position, the supplemental
support leg 96 swings away from the center frame 24 so as to
support the folding side portion 20 in the unfolded position. A
swing stop feature 102 is located on the intermediate support bar
52 of the first folding side portion 20 and is structured such that
when the first folding side frame 28 is swung away from the center
frame 24, the supplemental support leg 96 stops at a position in
which the extension braces 92, 94 and the supplemental support leg
96 are substantially perpendicular to the lateral side 72 of the
bottom support 26 and the lateral side 36 of the center portion 18.
In the depicted embodiment, the swing stop feature 102 is a curved
block that receives a stop end 104 of the supplement support leg
96. So configured, the supplemental support leg 96 may support an
area of the folding side portion 28 that is distal from the pairs
of frame legs 60, 62.
[0028] The multipurpose portable table 12 of the depicted
embodiment of the present invention has a fully assembled position
and storage position. In the storage position, the folding side
portions 20, 22 and the folding side frames 28, 30 are in their
folded positions such that the portable table 12 takes up less
space. In the fully assembled state, the folding side portions 20,
22 are rotated into their unfolded positions, and the folding side
frames 28 are swung out to their unfolded positions such that the
supplemental support legs 96, 105 support the folding side portions
20, 22 in the unfolded position. In this manner, when the folding
side frame portions 28, 30 are extended to their unfolded positions
and the corresponding folding side portions 20, 22 are rotated into
their unfolded positions, the multipurpose portable table of the
depicted embodiment of the present invention may be used in the
nature of a standard table.
[0029] As noted above, the multipurpose portable table 12 of the
present invention may be used in conjunction with at least one
folding chair to create a multipurpose portable table and chair set
10. FIG. 5 shows two folding chairs 106 and a multipurpose portable
table 12 in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. The folding chairs 106 include seat and backrest
portions 108, 110 and a frame 111. The seat and back rest portions
108, 110 define seat and back rest surfaces 112, 114, respectively.
In the depicted embodiment, the chair frame 111 includes four legs,
a pair of front legs 116A and a pair of rear legs 116B. The frame
111 also includes a pair of cross members 118 that extend between
the legs of each pair 116A, 116B. The cross members 118 are located
proximate a bottom end 120 of the legs, which contacts the surface
upon which the chair is resting. In the depicted embodiment, the
back rest portion 110 is attached to an opposite end 122 of the
front legs 116A of the frame 111. One end 124 of the seat portion
108 is pivotally attached to an intermediate position on the pair
of rear legs 116B, and the other end 126 of the seat portion 108 is
pivotally attached to an upper end 128 of rear legs 116B. Thus, in
the unfolded position, the seat portion 108 is supported by the
legs in a generally horizontal orientation and the backrest portion
110 is supported in a vertical or slightly reclined position. In
the folded position, the seat portion 108 pivots about the front
and rear legs 116A, 116B so that the seat portion 108 rotates
toward the back rest portion 110 until the seat portion 108, the
back rest portion 110, and the frame 111 are overlapping. Once in
the folded position, the folded folding chairs 106 may be stored
within the storage volume 75 of the multipurpose portable table 12.
As shown in the figure, once folded, a folding chair 106 may be
turned on its side and inserted underneath the center portion 18
such that the folding chair 106 is supported by the bottom support
26. As shown in the figure, the chair retaining bar 80 is
structured to retain the folding chairs 106 when stored or, as will
be discussed below, when transported. The distance D (as shown in
FIG. 2) and a chair width W are chosen such that a folding chair
106 may be inserted within the center frame 24 so that the folding
chair 106 may be supported on its side. So configured, this allows
the center frame 24 to accommodate multiple folding chairs 106 in
the folded position, thus maximizing the chair storage space. In
the depicted embodiment, the chair frame 111 comprises tubular
members constructed of a metal material, and the seat and back rest
surfaces 112, 114 are constructed of a fabric material. As a
result, the folding chairs 106 of the depicted embodiment provide a
relatively lightweight chair with comfortable seating and back rest
surfaces. In other embodiments, the folding chairs may be
constructed of any materials used to make folding chairs, including
but not limited to wood, metal, plastic, or composite
materials.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 6, after the folding chairs 106 have been
stored, the multipurpose portable table 12 may be folded into a
storage position, and the table and chair set 10 may be easily
transported in accordance with the present invention. Specifically,
the folding side frames 28, 30 and the folding side portions 20, 22
may be placed in the folded position, and the folding chairs 106
may be folded, turned on their sides, and inserted into the storage
volume 75 so that the entire set 10 takes up less space.
Additionally, by using the positionable handle 82 attached to the
first pair of table legs 60, a multipurpose portable table and
chair set 10 in the storage position may be easily transported by
tilting the multipurpose portable table 12 in the direction
indicated and moving the multipurpose portable table 12 from one
location to another using the roller legs ends 66 of the second
pair of legs 62. As noted above, because the chair retaining bar 80
is attached to second pair of legs 62 and opposite the positionable
handle 82, the chair retaining bar 80 acts to retain the folding
chairs 106 within the frame 16 when the multipurpose portable table
12 is tilted and transported. In the depicted embodiment, if the
stored folding chairs 106 slide on the bottom support 26, the chair
retaining bar 80 will contact the cross members 118 attached to the
chair legs 116, thus retaining the folding chairs 106 within the
storage volume 75 of the multipurpose portable table 12. Note that
if the stored folding chairs 106 are stored in an opposite
orientation, the chair retaining bar 80 will contact the seat
backrest portions 110 in order to retain the folding chairs 106 in
the storage volume 75.
[0031] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is
not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms
are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
* * * * *