U.S. patent application number 11/601439 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-22 for folding table and seating system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sico Incorporated. Invention is credited to Christopher C. Dickey.
Application Number | 20080116724 11/601439 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39295653 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080116724 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dickey; Christopher C. |
May 22, 2008 |
Folding table and seating system
Abstract
A folding table and seating apparatus has a generally oval shape
and seating structures spaced around the periphery of the table.
The folding table includes a pair of semicircular shaped tabletop
sections folding along the straight edge of each section. A lock
maintains the table in the unfolded position and is released by an
end handle that extends downward from the center axis near the
edges of the tabletop sections. The framework extends downward and
out to eight stools, four stools spaced apart around the curving
periphery of each tabletop section in a first seating
configuration. In a second seating configuration, the framework
supports four benches, two benches spaced apart around the curving
periphery of each tabletop section. A support portion of the
framework extends below each stool to provide spaced apart supports
around the entire table or two legs extend downward from each
bench. The benches and stools are interchangeable. The spacing of
the pivot points of the benches provides for folding of the
tabletop on a folding linkage without requiring the benches to
slide relative to the framework.
Inventors: |
Dickey; Christopher C.;
(West St. Paul, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Assignee: |
Sico Incorporated
Edina
MN
|
Family ID: |
39295653 |
Appl. No.: |
11/601439 |
Filed: |
November 17, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/158.4 ;
297/159.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 3/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/158.4 ;
297/159.1 |
International
Class: |
A47B 83/02 20060101
A47B083/02; A47B 3/14 20060101 A47B003/14 |
Claims
1. 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, the frame
including a first frame portion extending substantially laterally
along the straight edge and a second frame portion extending
substantially perpendicular to the straight edge; 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 the table top members substantially face
one another; and a bench extending between the first frame portion
and the second frame portion.
2. A folding table and seating apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the bench is the only connection between the first frame
portion and the second frame portion beyond the table top.
3. A folding table and seating apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the bench pivotally mounts on the first frame portion and
the second frame portion.
4. A folding table and seating apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the bench pivotally mounts on the first frame portion at a
first bench pivot and pivotally mounts on the second frame portion
at a second bench pivot.
5. A folding table and seating apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the table top pivots about the frame at a first table pivot
and pivots about the other table top at a second table pivot,
wherein the distance from the first table pivot to the second table
pivot is equal to the distance from the first bench pivot to the
second bench pivot.
6. A folding table and seating apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein pivot axes of the first table pivot, the second table
pivot, the first bench pivot and the second bench pivot are
parallel.
7. A folding table and seating apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the benches are interchangeable with stools.
8. A folding table and seating apparatus according to claim 7,
wherein each bench is interchangeable with two stools.
9. A folding table and seating apparatus according to claim 8,
wherein the frame comprises vertical seating supports and wherein
the stools and benches mount directly to the vertical seating
supports.
10. A folding table and seating apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the area below a center portion underneath the bench is
frame free.
11. A method of folding a table and seating assembly, the table and
seating assembly having a table top folding linkage and a seating
folding linkage, the method comprising: folding the table top
folding linkage along a first axis extending through a first pivot
and a second axis extending through a second pivot, the first and
second pivots connected by a first member; simultaneously folding
the seating folding linkage along a third axis extending through a
third pivot and a fourth axis extending through a fourth pivot, the
third and fourth pivots connected by a second member; wherein the
distance between the first pivot and the second pivot equals the
distance between the third pivot and the fourth pivot.
12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the second member
comprises a bench.
13. A method according to claim 11, wherein the first member
comprises a table top frame member.
14. A method according to claim 11, wherein the table and seating
assembly comprises a first table top member and a second table top
member, and wherein each table top member includes an associated
table top folding linkage and seating folding linkage.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein each table top member
includes two benches.
16. A method according to claim 11, wherein the first axis, second
axis, third axis and fourth axis are parallel.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a folding table with
associated seat structures and more particularly to a
non-rectangular table, folding between a use position and a storage
position with benches spaced around the table.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] 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 utilized. This
furniture includes tables, chairs, benches and/or stools and
combination table and seating units. Such furniture provides added
utility if it is folding, so as to minimize the storage space
needed. Folding tables and associated stools or bench units are
well known and provide seating and table space that requires a
relatively small area for storage as compared to the space needed
during use. Such folding tables are generally rectangular, folding
along a center line, and have benches or stools placed along both
sides of the table, but no seats at the ends. Although such tables
are successful in providing folding furniture with seating along
either side, still further improvements are possible.
[0005] 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 in a linear arrangement. Such an
arrangement provides for balanced distribution of the occupants and
may facilitate easier access to the center of the table among the
occupants. Such an arrangement may have dimensions that also fit
better into some areas and may provide for added seating in a given
space. To meet this need, folding oval table and seating units have
been developed. Examples of such table and seating units are shown
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,065,802; 6,254,178; and 6,386,628, all to Bue
and assigned to Sico, Inc., the Assignee of the present
invention.
[0006] The oval folding table and seating units have proven to be
very successful in providing a seating and table space that has
occupants seated around an oval table and substantially evenly
spaced around the table. In addition, the table and seating units
fold and have a relatively low ratio of the storage space needed
per seat. However, there are applications where additional seating
may be required.
[0007] To provide additional seating, combination table and seating
structures may utilize benches. Although the use of benches may
increase the seating capacity, problems with actuation, support and
access are encountered when benches are utilized in a folding table
and seating system. As elements fold and are spaced further apart,
it is difficult to support both ends of a bench which spans
supports with the distance between the supports changing during
folding and unfolding. To overcome this, some systems have been
developed to shorten the bench while this decreases the seating
capacity. Other systems utilize sliding supports that increase the
complexity of building and may potentially jam during the folding
process. Still others span areas wherein the access to the bench is
substantially blocked by supporting framework and might cause a
tripping hazard. The frames of such table and seating assemblies
must be configured differently when supporting stools as compared
to being configured for supporting benches, increasing
complexity.
[0008] It can be seen that a new and improved table and seating
structure is needed. Such a table and seating structure should
provide non-rectangular table with seating spaced around the table.
In addition, the table should allow for the use of benches for
increased seating capacity. Such a table and seating system
provides added utility if benches and stools may be interchangeably
used with the same support frame. The table and seating system
should provide for easy folding and improved access to the benches
and should fold to a storage position requiring less storage space.
The present invention addresses these, as well as other problems
associated with folding table and seating systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is directed to a folding table and
seating apparatus and in particular to a non-rectangular folding
table and seating structure. The tabletop includes a pair of, for
example, semicircular shaped tabletop sections folding along a
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
tabletop sections. The framework extends downward and out to
interchangeable seating configurations. In a first configuration,
the framework extends downward and out to eight stools, four stools
spaced apart around the periphery of each tabletop section. A wheel
or a leg extends downward below each stool to provide spaced apart
supports around the entire table. The framework extends from under
each stool inward toward the tabletop to provide easy access for a
person to be seated at the stools without impeding their access or
seated comfort.
[0010] In a second configuration, the stools are replaced with
curving benches. Two curving benches are associated with tabletop
section. The benches fold from a horizontal use position to a
substantially vertical storage position. The benches curve around
the periphery of the tabletop sections with space for walking
between the benches at each end. The benches increase seating
capacity from eight to up to twelve people, particularly when used
for seating children. The benches are pivotally mounted at the top
of the seat framework supports to allow for folding between the use
position and storage position. The distance between the pivot
points for the benches and the tabletops and the two corresponding
pivot points of each tabletop section are the same so that the
table and seating assembly folds with each half of the assembly
functioning as a four bar linkage in a parallelogram type
configuration. The benches pivot, but the configuration and spacing
of the pivot points eliminates the need for sliding relative to the
framework.
[0011] The folding framework folds the tabletops from a horizontal
position to a vertical position wherein the bottoms of the
tabletops substantially oppose one another. In a first
configuration, the stools fold inward with the seats remaining
substantially horizontal in a configuration that reduces the floor
space occupied by the assembly in the unfolded use position. In the
second seating configuration, the benches also wrap around the
edges of the table so that the table requires less floor space than
in the unfolded use position. In the folded position, the table and
seating structures are supported on four wheels so that the
assembly may be rolled to any desired location. A lock holds the
table in the folded position for easy and safe movement.
[0012] These features of novelty and various other advantages that
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 that 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
[0013] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference letters
and numerals indicate corresponding structure throughout the
several views:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a folding table and seating
structure with a first seating configuration in an unfolded
position according to the principles of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the folding table and
seating structure shown in FIG. 1 in a folded storage position;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the folding table and seating
structure shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the folding table and
seating structure shown in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a right side elevational view of the folding table
and seating structure shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 6 is an end elevational view of the round folding table
and seating structure shown in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 7 is an end perspective view of the round folding table
and seating structure shown in FIG. 1 in a partially folded
position; and,
[0021] FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of the round folding table
and seating structure shown in FIG. 1 in a folded position with a
linkage lock engaged;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a folding table and seating
structure with a second seating configuration in a folded position
with portions removed for clarity according to the principles of
the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the folding table and seating
structure shown in FIG. 9 in an unfolded position;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the folding table and seating
structure shown in FIG. 9 in a folded position with portions
removed for clarity;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a right side elevational view of the folding
table and seating structure shown in FIG. 9 in a folded position;
and
[0026] FIG. 13 is an end elevational view of the folding table and
seating structure shown in FIG. 9 in a folded storage position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1,
there is shown a table and seating assembly with a first seating
configuration, generally designated 10. The table and seating
structure 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, four stools 16 about each table top section
14, and provide for seating proximate the edge of the tabletops.
The stools 16 are substantially evenly spaced apart so that eight
users may sit at the table without infringing upon one another's
space.
[0028] The table and seating structure 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 seat tops of 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 and seating structure 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 and
seating structure 10 is supported on the four swiveling wheels 20,
so that the table and seating structure 10 may be rolled to any
desired location. The folding mechanism 18 includes a latch to lock
the table and seating structure 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, to fold the table
and seating structure 10.
[0029] 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, shown 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 and support for the stools 16.
[0030] 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 outermost
stools.
[0031] 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 assist in keeping 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.
[0032] 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 and safer. 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.
[0033] 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 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 table top member 14 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 there between
for unimpeded easy entry and exit for seating. 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.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a table and seating
assembly in a second seating configuration, the assembly is
generally designated 110 with this seating configuration. The table
includes a pair of opposed tabletop sections 114 with a folding
supporting frame 112. Four benches 116 are spaced around the
periphery of the tabletop sections 114, two benches 116 oppositely
positioned proximate an arcing portion of each tabletop section
114, and provide for seating proximate the edge of the table. The
benches 116 are substantially evenly spaced apart so that up to
twelve users may comfortably sit at the table without infringing
upon one another's space. Although the table and seating assemblies
10 and 110 have different seating, the folding mechanism and frame
are substantially identical. For the second seating configuration,
corresponding structure is designated with a "1" added to the
reference number used in the first seating configuration for the
table and seating assembly 10.
[0035] The table and seating assembly 110 includes a folding
mechanism 118 that folds the table and seating assembly 110 between
the folded storage position shown in FIG. 9, and the unfolded use
position shown in FIG. 10. In the storage position, the benches 116
rotate to a substantially vertical orientation and the tabletops
114 fold to a vertically extending position with the bottom
surfaces substantially facing one another. In the unfolded use
position, the table 110 is supported on support legs 122 and on
casters or wheels 120 below the benches 116. In the folded storage
position, the table 10 is supported on the four swiveling wheels
120, so that the table 110 may be rolled to any desired location.
The folding mechanism 118 includes a latch to lock the table 110 in
the unfolded use position. The latch has a lock member 150 that
extends along the center line of the folding mechanism 118 and
under the tabletops 114 to near the edges so that it is hidden from
above, yet is easily releasable by lifting a handle from engaging a
stop member, so that the table 110 may be folded.
[0036] As shown most clearly in FIGS. 9, 12 and 13, the frame 112
includes risers 132 extending out from pivots 148 underneath the
semi-circular tabletop members 114. The tabletops 114 have arcing
outer edges, 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 benches 116
substantially evenly spaced about the periphery of the table 110.
The risers 132 extend to horizontal sections 134 leading out to
bench supports 122, while the first ends of the benches 116 closest
to the center folding line include a frame with risers 133 leading
to double frame members 138A and 138B. In addition, lateral frame
members 136 provide added support to the horizontal sections 134
for second ends of the benches 116. The double frame construction
provides increased strength to support the benches 116.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 9, 11 and 13, the folding mechanism 118
includes outer pivot members 126 along the folding center axis,
connecting the straight edges of the two tabletop members 114. The
folding mechanism 118 also includes first linkage members 142 and
second linkage members 144 that attach to a pivot 146 on the frame
as well as a pivot 148 to the tabletop members 114 and pivot
members 140 mounted to cross members 130 connecting the table
risers 132 for the first ends of the benches.
[0038] The lock 150 extends along the center axis of the tabletop
members 114 and is lifted up to release complementary cam-type
pivot members 126 of the folding mechanism 118. The lock handles
extend downward under the tabletops 114 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
150 is offset from the center edges of the tabletops 114 to deter
grabbing the lock between the table tops when unfolded. With the
center portion of the lock 150 moved to a position where it cannot
be gripped, the changes of an operator's hands being pinched
between the tabletops 114 are reduced. When engaged in the unfolded
position, the lock 150 prevents the table from folding. The lock
150 also stops the folding mechanism 118 just short of fully
unfolding to provide added safety for preventing the edges of the
table from pinching together until the lock 150 is actuated.
Manually holding the lock 150 open and disengaged from pivot
members 126 allows the table 110 to fully unfold. The folding
mechanism 118 has torsion springs mounted to one or more of the
cross members 130 to aid and control folding between the folded and
unfolded positions. The torsion springs also aid to keep the table
110 from folding or unfolding unexpectedly and provides sufficient
resistance to folding and unfolding to allow for actuating the lock
150. The folding linkage 118 provides for folding of the table
between the folded and unfolded positions in a controlled manner.
The folding mechanism 118 also moves the benches 16 between a
substantially horizontal unfolded position and a substantially
vertical storage position. It can be appreciated that in either
position, the frame 112 provides a wide base of support so that the
table 110 cannot easily tip in either the folded or unfolded
position.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 13, a stop 170 is utilized to aid in
holding the table 110 in a wider folded travel position that
provides greater stability during transport of the table 110. As
the table 110 is folded, it may be easier to push in a folded
position wherein the table is supported solely on the wheels 120,
but is not fully folded. This maintains a slightly lower center of
gravity making movements easier. The stop 170 is pivotally mounted
to the frame 112 at the underside of one of the tabletops 114. The
stop 170 includes a cross bar engaging the risers 132 of the frame
112, similar to cross bar 72 shown in FIGS. 4 and 7. The stop 170
hangs by gravity and it may be manually lifted up to clear the
frame 112, as shown in phantom in FIG. 13, and allow for fully
folding the table 110, as may be appropriate for storage in limited
spaces, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11-13. The stop 170 automatically
drops down again when the table 110 is unfolded.
[0040] The frame 112 provides for supporting each of the benches
116 with the support members 122 attaching under the tabletops,
thereby causing minimal obstruction to the users, even while
seated. The frame 112 also provides easy access to the benches 16
for seating without undue restriction. With the design of the
present invention, the horizontal portions of the frame extend
inward from the ends of the benches 116 nearest the apex of the
table top section as well as the opposite ends of the benches 116
nearest the center folding axis. The outer most ends of the benches
116 at each side of the tabletop members 114 have supports that
provide an opening therebetween for easy entry and exit between the
benches 116. The space between the benches 116 is wide enough so
that there is sufficient room for passage between the benches 116.
The present invention provides for substantially evenly spacing the
benches 116 about the periphery of the tabletop members 114 so that
there is advantageous use of space on the tabletop 114 and even
distribution of the seated positions. Moreover, seating capacity is
increased to up to twelve occupants.
[0041] The benches 116 are supported on the tops of the bench
supports 122. It can be appreciated that the benches 116 pivot from
the horizontal use position to a substantially vertical position
when stored. Therefore, it is necessary that the benches 116 pivot
about the top of the supports 122. The benches 116 include a
pivoting assembly 160 including a center pivoting pin 162 and a
hinge leaf 164. The hinging assemblies allow the benches 116 to
move between the substantially vertical storage position and the
horizontal use position. It can be appreciated that the benches are
configured so that no binding occurs with the folding linkage 118
for the table and seating assembly 110. The axis of the folding
pins 162A and 162B are spaced apart the same distance as the
distance between the pivots 146 and 148. Moreover, the pivot axes
of the benches are parallel to the axis of rotation of the pivots
146 and 148. In this manner, folding occurs without further sliding
or the pins 162 and/or the leaf retainer members 164. The table and
seating assembly 110 folds as a pair of parallel linkages. The
advantageous spacing of the seating supports and the pivot points
of the folding mechanism 118 allows for only pivoting of the
benches 116, eliminating the complexity of prior designs with
benches that required the end benches be slidably mounted in order
to fold the table and seating assembly. The folding mechanism 118
and the pivot assembly 160 provide safe, easy to operate and
reliable folding of the table and seating assembly 110.
[0042] It can be appreciated that the present invention provides
for fast and simple conversion between a configuration with stools
16, shown in FIG. 1 and a configuration with benches 116, shown in
FIG. 9. Both types of seating directly mount to the frame without
needing to reconfigure the frame 12 or 112 or to reconfigure the
folding assembly 18 or 118.
[0043] 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.
* * * * *