U.S. patent application number 11/376496 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-20 for seating device with a foldable table.
This patent application is currently assigned to Crazy Creek Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert D. Hart.
Application Number | 20070216201 11/376496 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38517044 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070216201 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hart; Robert D. |
September 20, 2007 |
Seating device with a foldable table
Abstract
A seating device with a foldable table is provided. The seating
device comprises a seat assembly mounted on a plurality of legs, a
table and a support structure having first and second telescoping
arm assemblies fixed in an angular relationship and selectively
releasable clamp assemblies associated with the first and second
telescoping arm assemblies allowing said telescoping arm assemblies
to selectively rotate and move longitudinally. The movement of the
table is restricted and released by releasable latches.
Inventors: |
Hart; Robert D.; (Red Lodge,
MT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLACKWELL SANDERS LLP
4801 Main Street
Suite 1000
KANSAS CITY
MO
64112
US
|
Assignee: |
Crazy Creek Products, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
38517044 |
Appl. No.: |
11/376496 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/162 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/705 20180801;
A47C 4/283 20130101; A47C 7/70 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/162 |
International
Class: |
A47B 83/02 20060101
A47B083/02 |
Claims
1. A seating device with a foldable table comprising: a seat
assembly including on a plurality of legs; a table; a support
structure having first and second telescoping arm assemblies in an
angular relationship, said first telescoping arm assembly having a
first arm and a slide telescopically mounted on the first arm for
relative rotation and longitudinal movement and said second
telescoping arm assembly having a second arm and an arm mounting
member secured to the seat assembly, said arm mounting member
cooperatively interengaging with the second arm to provide relative
rotation and longitudinal movement therebetween, said table being
mounted to said slide; a first selectively releasable clamp
assembly associated with the first arm allowing said slide to
selectively rotate and move longitudinally and to lock in place;
and a second selectively releasable clamp assembly associated with
the arm mounting member allowing the second arm to selectively
rotate and move longitudinally and to lock in place.
2. A seating device with a foldable table as set forth in claim 1
including at least one armrest.
3. A seating device with a foldable table as set forth in claim 2,
wherein the arm mounting member is secured to one of the legs.
4. A seating device with a foldable table as set forth in claim 1,
wherein the first selectively releasable clamp assembly having a
latching lever.
5. A seating device with a foldable table as set forth in claim 1,
wherein the second selectively releasable clamp assembly having a
latching lever.
6. A seating device with a foldable table as set forth in claim 1,
wherein the first selectively releasable clamp assembly and the
second selectively releasable clamp assembly each including a
latching lever with a shoulder each interengageable with a
respective shoulder of a clamp body of a respective clamp assembly
for releasably retaining a latching lever in a closed position.
7. A seating device with a foldable table as set forth in claim 6,
wherein the arm mounting member including a socket forming member
secured to one of the legs and adapted to receive at least a
portion of the second arm within a socket defined by the socket
member.
8. A seating device with a foldable table as set forth in claim 1,
wherein the table further includes a support for holding objects on
the table and being hingedly connected adjacent a proximal edge of
said table with a stop hinge to allow said support to be pivoted
between a stored position and an upright in-use position.
9. A collapsible chair with a foldable table comprising: a chair
including a back and a seat assembly mounted on a plurality of
legs, said chair being foldable; a table; a support structure
having first and second telescoping arm assemblies in an angular
relationship, said first telescoping arm assembly having a first
arm and a slide telescopically mounted the first arm for relative
rotation and longitudinal movement and said second telescoping arm
assembly having a second arm and a socket member secured to a
portion of the chair, said socket member cooperatively
interengaging with the second arm to provide relative rotation and
longitudinal movement therebetween, said table being mounted to
said slide; a first selectively releasable clamp assembly
associated with the first arm allowing said slide to selectively
rotate and move longitudinally and to lock in place; and a second
selectively releasable clamp assembly associated with the socket
member allowing the second arm to selectively rotate and move
longitudinally and to lock in place.
10. A collapsible chair with a foldable table as set forth in claim
9 including at least one armrest.
11. A collapsible chair with a foldable table as set forth in claim
10, wherein the socket member is secured to one of the legs.
12. A collapsible chair with a foldable table as set forth in claim
9, wherein the first selectively releasable clamp assembly
including a latching lever.
13. A collapsible chair with a foldable table as set forth in claim
12, wherein the second selectively releasable clamp assembly
including a latching lever.
14. A collapsible chair with a foldable table as set forth in claim
9, wherein the table further includes a support for holding objects
on the table hingedly connected adjacent a proximal edge of said
table with a stop hinge to allow said support to be pivoted between
a stored position on said bottom surface of said table and an
upright in-use position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Chairs with a table, such as college seats and baby high
chairs, are well known. Chairs with a hinged table are also well
known. Chairs with a hinged table typically have an assembly for
mounting a table on a chair, the assembly comprising a shaft
pivotally secured to the seat at a pivot axle and rotatable about
the pivot axle from a horizontal position to a vertical position,
the table pivotally secured to the shaft at a pivot pin and
rotatable relative to the shaft about the pivot pin to a horizontal
working position when the shaft is in the vertical position, and a
stop pin for limiting rotational movement of the shaft relative to
the table.
[0002] While the current table attachments for chairs are effective
for their purposes, they do have certain deficiencies. Table
attachments have been developed which allow a mounted table to be
positioned in numerous orientations. Accordingly, a table
attachment that allows a mounted table to be positioned in numerous
orientations would be advantageous. However, even other types of
table attachments which allow flexibility of use have complex
configurations to manufacture and use. Table attachments with
simple configurations are preferable for portable folding chairs
with a chair-mounted movable table.
[0003] Some table attachments do not fold up neatly with the
folding chair. They are separate attachments that must be mounted
onto the folding chair each time the table attachment is used. It
is often difficult or awkward to attach and remove the table from a
lightweight folding chair. Thus, because the table attachments do
not fold with the folding chair they severely limit the portability
of the chair/table attachment combination.
[0004] Specific examples in the prior art illustrate these
deficiencies.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,451 to Smith discloses a tray mounted on
both arms of a folding chair. The tray may be relatively easily
removed and attached to the arms and can be used as a cafeteria
tray. However, to fold the chair, the tray must be removed, the
chair folded and then the tray reattached onto the arms of the
chair to lock the chair in the folded position. This procedure is
difficult and inconvenient especially in most picnic or beach
settings.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,911 issued to Sorenson discloses an
example of a more flexible mounting system. However, this reference
fails to provide a flexible mounting system of a simple structure.
Although this mounting system allows a table to be rotated around
four different axes, it comprises four major interconnected arms
which are capable of rotating around four different axes. The
configuration of the mounting system would be difficult to
manufacture in a simple procedure and with low cost.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,779 issued to Tolbert et al. discloses
an example of a more flexible mounting system for folding chairs.
However, this reference still fails to provide flexible mounting in
a variety of positions. Although this mounting system allows
flexible movement of a table with a collapsible chair, it still
requires complex assembly procedures for manufacturers.
Furthermore, to store the table for the collapsed chair, the
mounting system is only capable of folding down underneath the
seat. It is incapable of folding down to the side of the seat.
[0008] Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provide an
improved table support structure for a chair. It is a further
object of the present invention to provide a positioning system
with a high degree of flexibility and versatility. It is a further
object of the present invention to provide a table attachment which
may be used with a collapsible chair
[0009] Further objectives and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent from a careful reading of a detailed
description provided hereinbelow, with appropriate reference to
accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0010] The present invention in one embodiment involves the
provision of a seating device with a foldable table comprising a
seat assembly mounted on a plurality of legs, a table and a table
support structure with releasing latches allowing the table to
rotate and to move longitudinally.
[0011] The table mounting structure includes a support structure
having first and second telescoping arm assemblies fixed in an
angular relationship, the first telescoping arm assembly having a
first arm and a slide telescopically mounted on a guide of the
first arm for relative rotation and longitudinal movement and the
second telescoping arm assembly having a second arm and a socket
member secured to one of the legs, the socket member cooperatively
interengaging with the second arm to provide relative rotation and
longitudinal movement therebetween.
[0012] The table mounting structure also includes a first
selectively releasable clamp assembly associated with the first arm
allowing the slide to selectively rotate and move longitudinally
and to releasably lock in place and a second selectively releasable
clamp assembly associated with the socket member allowing the
second arm to selectively rotate and move longitudinally and to
releasably lock in place. The chair with the foldable table of the
present invention may or may not include armrests. In the case of a
chair with armrests, the socket member can be secured to one of the
legs. The first and second arms may be connected respectively to
the slide and the socket member with a respective clamp assembly
having a latching lever. Accordingly, it is an object of the
present invention to provide an improved table support structure
for a chair.
[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
improved table structure which may be used with collapsible chairs.
The chair of the present invention may also include a collapsible
frame for supporting the seat and back portions. Further, the table
may include a support for holding objects on the table, such as
books, hingedly connected at the proximal edge of the table with a
stop hinge to allow the support to be pivoted between a stored
position at the proximal edge of the table and an upright in-use
position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seating device with a
foldable table made in accordance with the present invention, the
chair and table support structure being in an up position, showing
two of several possible positions of the table.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a seating device with a
foldable table made in accordance with the present invention, the
chair and table support structure being in a folded position,
showing two of several possible folded positions of the table.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a front plan view of a seating device with a
foldable table of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 4A is a fragmentary front view of the table support
structure.
[0018] FIG. 4B is a view similar to FIG. 4A but also showing a
table secured to the table support structure.
[0019] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the table support
structure.
[0020] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the clamp assembly
with a portion broken away to show details of a lever retention
structure.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment of the present invention utilizing a collapsible
chair.
[0022] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale and that the embodiments are sometimes
illustrated by graphic symbols, phantom lines, diagrammatic
representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances,
details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present
invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may
have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the
invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments
illustrated herein. Like numbers utilized throughout the various
Figures designate like or similar parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Before describing the present invention, it will be
understood that variations of the present invention may be applied
in combination with various seating devices with a foldable table,
and it is not limited to the specific examples described
herein.
[0024] A seating device with a foldable table structure is
provided. FIG. 1 illustrates a collapsible (or foldable) chair 10
equipped with a table assembly 20 of the present invention which
includes a table 21 and table support structure designated
generally as 30. When the chair 10 is in ready-to-use position as
shown in FIG. 1, the movement of the table 21 is restricted by
releasable clamp assemblies designated generally as 40, 50.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, they illustrate various positions of
the table including in a folded down position, FIG. 2, and a use
position, FIG. 1. The table 21 can be releasably fixed in a variety
of positions depending on the user's desires. The chair 10, as
illustrated includes a seat assembly 12 having a pair of U-shaped
braces 14 and a fabric seat 13, a suitable number of legs, such as
two pairs of legs 16, a pair of opposing armrests 18 and a fabric
backrest 15. Each of the armrests 18 is connected to a respective
pair of the legs 16. The braces 14 have intersecting intermediate
portions that are pivoted to each other as at 16A, lower end
portions that are connected pivotally and respectively to the lower
end portions of the legs 16 as at 16B, and upper end portions that
are connected pivotally and respectively to the upper end portions
of the legs 16 as at 16C or lower end portions of the armrests 18
via links 17. The braces 14 can be configured in a variety of
shapes. Of course, other means for the seat frame 14 will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The seat 13 has
opposite lateral sides secured to the upper end portions of the
U-shaped bars 14, respectively. When the seat assembly 12 is
opened, the seat assembly 12 forms a chair frame and the fabric
seat 13 is also opened up by the seat assembly to form a seat base.
The fabric backrest 15 is disposed on each top end of the elongated
portions of the two rear legs 16. The links 17 are designed to
reinforce the structure of the foldable chair 10 and to facilitate
folding of the latter. The seat assembly 12 can be configured in a
variety of shapes. For example, the chair 10 may have any suitable
number of legs preferably with a minimum of three legs. The seating
device also includes the table support structure 30 connected to,
e.g., the leg 16 of the chair. Alternatively, the table support
structure 30 may be connected to the armrest 18 of the chair
10.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 4A, 4B, and 5, the illustrated table
support structure 30 is shaped as an inverted L having a first and
second telescoping arm assemblies 35, 37 positioned in an angular
relationship to one another and preferably fixed in their relative
angular position. The first and second telescoping arm assemblies
35, 37 include a first and second arm 34, 36 and clamp assembly 40,
50, respectively, having portions disposed generally perpendicular
to one another. The illustrated clamp assemblies 40, 50 are the
same in construction and operation. The table support structure 30
can be configured in a variety of shapes. The first telescoping arm
assembly 35 includes a slide 38 movably mounted on the arm 34 which
functions as a guide for relative rotation and longitudinal
movement. A latch or locking mechanism 48 may be provided to hold
the slide 38 in a preselected position on the arm 34. An example of
a locking mechanism 48 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In this example,
the slide 38 is secured to the first arm 34 with a first clamp 40
having a latching lever 48. Toggle clamps are preferably used here
and may provide friction and provide securement in a locked
condition by an over center locking construction and/or shoulder 41
to shoulder 51 mechanical interlock. The first clamp 40 may be
operated between the lock and unlock positions by operating a
single lever 48 or handle. Referring to FIG. 5, the first clamp 40
includes a first clamp half 42, a second clamp half 44, holes 43,
45, a screw 46, a pin 47, and the latching lever 48 and
interlocking shoulders 41 and 51. Both clamp halves 42, 44 are
configured to define a clamp bore 49. The bore 49 is formed to fit
the outer diameter of the slide 38. The screw 46, in combination
with a lock nut (not shown) may be inserted through the hole 43 to
secure the first clamp half 42 of clamp 40 to the slide 38. Other
means for securing the clamp 40 will be apparent to those skilled
in the art. The clamp 40 connects and releasably secures the first
arm 34 and the slide 38 together. The clamp 40 also includes the
latching lever 48. The latching lever 48 is pivotally mounted on
the tension pin 47 which may be secured to the clamp 40 by a lock
nut (not shown). The tension pin 47 is inserted through the hole
(not shown) through ears 45. When the latching lever 48 is pivoted
to the lock position (FIG. 6), the latching lever 48 is operated
normally to restrict the slide 38 against to movement. On the other
hand, when the lever 48 is pivoted to the unlock position (FIG. 5),
the clamp half 44 reduces clamping force against the slide 38, and
hence reduces friction between the slide 38 and the first arm 34 so
that the slide 38 can rotate 360.degree., if desired, and move
longitudinally relative to the first arm 34. The slide 38 may be
provided with one or more slots 63 to help effect circumferential
expansion and contraction of the slide 38 in response to operation
of the clamp 40.
[0026] The second arm 36 is movably and pivotally mounted in the
receptacle of a socket member 32 which in turn is mounted to a leg
16 as with a mounting bracket 65 and fasteners 66. A stop 67 may be
provided to limit axial movement of the arm 36 within the socket
member 32. The second arm 36 is retained to the socket member 32
with a second clamp 50 having a latching lever 58. The second clamp
50 includes an first clamp half 52, a seconds clamp half 54, holes
53, 55, a screw 56, a pin 57, and the latching lever 58. Both clamp
halves 52, 54 are configured to define a bore 59. The bore 59 is
formed to closely fit the outer diameter of the socket member 32.
The screw 56 may be inserted through the hole 53 to secure the
clamp to the socket member 32. Other means for securing the clamp
50 will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The second clamp
50 connects and secures the second arm 36 to the socket member 32.
The latching lever 58 is pivotally mounted on the tension pin 57.
The tension pin 57 is inserted through the hole (not shown) in ears
55. When the latching lever 58 is pivoted to the lock position, the
latching lever 58 is operated normally to clamp the socket member
32 to the arm 36. The socket member 32 may be provided with one or
more slots 63 to facilitate circumferential expansion and
contraction of the socket member in response to operation of the
clamp mechanism 50. On the other hand, when the lever 58 is pivoted
to the unlock position, the surface defining bore 59 has reduced
friction against the socket member 32 so that the second arm 36 can
rotate 360.degree., if desired, and move longitudinally relative to
the socket member 32. Both clamps 40, 50 can be replaced with other
types of clamps having releasable latches. Other types of clamps
for pivotally and movably connecting the slide 38 to the first arm
34 and the second arm 36 to the socket member 32 will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art. The socket member 32 is
secured to the leg 16 in the illustrated structure. The socket
member 32 functions similar to the slide 38 and is disposed
generally vertically while the slide 38 is disposed generally
horizontally. The arms 34, 36 are movable relative to their
respective slide 38 socket member 32 to effect adjustment of the
position of the table 21. The clamps 40, 50 releasably retain the
table 21 in a position as desired by the user. While the socket
member is shown as being secured to a leg 16, it is to be
understood that the arm 36 could be received over a pin or the like
instead of within the socket 32 to permit both rotational and
longitudinal movement of the arm 36. In that event, the arm 36
could have the slots 63 therein and the clamp 50 mounted to the arm
36 instead of the socket member 32.
[0027] As will become apparent in the following description, the
simple structure and axes of movement of the present invention
allow a level of flexibility and versatility that has never been
achieved in table positioning systems.
[0028] As seen in FIG. 1 and 3, the rotation of the second arm 36
about axis A controls how close the table 21 is to the user as
he/she sits in the chair 10. The user may loosen the lever 58 and
move the table 21 closer or further away from the backrest 15 of
the chair 10. This allows the user to select the most comfortable
horizontal position of the table 21. This also allows the user to
get into and out of the chair 10. Further, this allows the table 21
to rotate to the side of the armrest 18 for the folded down
position of the table 21. The user may also adjust the longitudinal
position of the table 21 along axis B by moving the slide 38 closer
or further away from the axis A. When the user exerts a force to
push the table 21 or the slide 38 in the longitudinal direction,
the slide 38 is also forced in the longitudinal direction into or
out of the first arm 34.
[0029] As seen in FIG. 2 and 3, the slide 38 may be used to permit
rotation of the table 21 around the axis B. The user may loosen the
latch 48 and adjust the angular position of the table 21 such that
it provides the optimum position for the user's application. The
slide 38 can be locked in any position via locking the latch 48.
The supporting bar 22 may be used to hold objects on the table 21.
Further, this allows the user to fold down the table 21. The user
may also raise or lower the table 21 and hence axis B (along axis
A) by moving the second arm 36 up and down. When the user exerts a
force to push the table 21 or the second arm 36 upward or downward,
the second arm 36 is also forced upward or downward within the
socket member 32. This allows the user to select the most
comfortable vertical position of the table 21.
[0030] The table 21 is mounted on the slide 38. Collars 60 enclose
portions of the slide 38 and the table 21 is secured to the slide
38 via the collars 60 with locking bolts 61 and nuts (not shown).
The collars 60 are affixed to the slide 38 with a rivet 62. When
the slide 38 moves longitudinally or rotates, the table 21 affixed
to the slide 38 moves or rotates together.
[0031] An optional feature of the present invention is the use of
the support for holding objects, such as a plate (not shown) on the
table 21. Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4B, the support 22 is
generally positioned adjacent to the proximate or bottom edge of
the table 21 to prevent objects on the table 21 from sliding down.
Two pivoting bars 24 are hingedly connected to opposing ends of the
support 22 and are also hingedly connected at bottom edge of the
table 21 with stop pins 26 to allow the support 22 to be pivoted
between a stored position on the bottom edge of the table 21 and an
upright in-use position.
[0032] FIGS. 7 discloses an alternative embodiment of the present
invention. As explained above, the table support structure 130 can
be used with a non-foldable chair 10. The chair comprises a seat
113, a backrest 115, four legs 116, a table 21, and a table support
structure 30. The table support structure 30 is secured to one of
the legs 116. The seat or seat frame can be configured in a variety
of shapes. Of course, other means for a seat will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art. The seat assembly can be also
configured in a variety of shapes. For example, the chair 110 may
have any suitable number of legs. The table support structure 30
may be described as above.
[0033] Various components of the chair 10, e.g., the braces 14, leg
16, armrests 18 and arms 34, 36 are preferably made of tubular
members that are preferably metallic. The seat 13 and backrest are
preferably made of a fabric that may be woven or knit and can be
made of natural or synthetic fibers, e.g., cotton, nylon, polyester
or polypropylene.
[0034] Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments
of a novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description,
certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the
particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is
therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications,
or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The
terms "having" and "including" and similar terms as used in the
foregoing specification are used in the sense of "optional" or "may
include" and not as "required". Many changes, modifications,
variations and other uses and applications of the present
construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the
art after considering the specification and the accompanying
drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other
uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope
of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is
limited only by the claims which follow.
* * * * *