U.S. patent application number 12/058160 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-02 for integrated table with benches.
Invention is credited to Xie Chefeng, Huang Chang Jiu.
Application Number | 20080238158 12/058160 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39130185 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080238158 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jiu; Huang Chang ; et
al. |
October 2, 2008 |
INTEGRATED TABLE WITH BENCHES
Abstract
A collapsible table and bench apparatus includes a collapsible
frame assembly including a first frame and a second frame
operatively coupled to the first frame. The first frame and the
second frame are movable between a collapsed configuration and an
expanded configuration. A table top is coupled to the first frame
and defines a first surface. A bench is coupled the second frame
and defines a second surface. The second surface is parallel to and
nonplanar with the first surface with the first frame and the
second frame in the expanded configuration.
Inventors: |
Jiu; Huang Chang; (Xiamen,
CN) ; Chefeng; Xie; (Xiamen, CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Patrick W. Rasche;Armstrong Teasdale LLP
Suite 2600, One Metropolitan Square
St. Louis
MO
63102
US
|
Family ID: |
39130185 |
Appl. No.: |
12/058160 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/158.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 3/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/158.4 |
International
Class: |
A47B 3/14 20060101
A47B003/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 30, 2007 |
CN |
200720006672.9 |
Claims
1. A collapsible table and bench apparatus comprising: a
collapsible frame assembly comprising a first frame and a second
frame operatively coupled to the first frame, each of the first
frame and the second frame movable between a collapsed
configuration and an expanded configuration; a table top coupled to
the first frame and defining a first surface; and a bench coupled
the second frame and defining a second surface, the second surface
parallel to and nonplanar with the first surface with the first
frame and the second frame in the expanded configuration.
2. A collapsible table and bench apparatus in accordance with claim
1 wherein the collapsible frame includes a third frame coupled to
the first frame, wherein the second frame is coupled to a first
side of the first frame and the third frame is coupled to a second
side of the first frame opposing the first side.
3. A collapsible table and bench apparatus in accordance with claim
1 wherein the first frame further comprises: a plurality of posts,
each post of the plurality of posts having a first end coupled to a
first connector assembly and an opposing second end coupled to a
second connector assembly; and a support member coupled within each
first connector assembly of adjacent first connector
assemblies.
4. A collapsible table and bench apparatus in accordance with claim
3 wherein the support member comprises a first segment pivotally
coupled to a second segment.
5. A collapsible table and bench apparatus in accordance with claim
3 wherein the second frame comprises a plurality of first scissor
assemblies, each first scissor assembly of the plurality of first
scissor assemblies comprising a first frame member pivotally
coupled to a second frame member, wherein a first end of the first
frame member is slidably coupled to a corresponding post of the
plurality of posts and a first end of the second frame member is
pivotally coupled to a corresponding second connector assembly.
6. A collapsible table and bench apparatus in accordance with claim
5 further comprising a sliding member slidably positioned about the
corresponding post and movable along at least a portion of a length
of the corresponding post, and the first frame member first end is
pivotally coupled to the sliding member.
7. A collapsible table and bench apparatus in accordance with claim
5 wherein a second end of the first frame member is pivotally
coupled to a corresponding second connector assembly and a second
end of the second frame member is pivotally coupled to a
corresponding third connector assembly of a plurality of third
connector assemblies.
8. A collapsible table and bench apparatus in accordance with claim
7 further comprising a first support comprising a first segment
pivotally coupled to a second segment, the first segment pivotally
coupled to a corresponding third connector assembly and the second
segment pivotally coupled to the corresponding second connector
assembly.
9. A collapsible table and bench apparatus in accordance with claim
8 wherein the first segment is pivotally coupled to the second
frame member and the second segment is pivotally coupled to the
first frame member.
10. A collapsible table and bench apparatus in accordance with
claim 9 wherein a second support is coupled between the first
segment and the first frame member.
11. A collapsible table and bench apparatus in accordance with
claim 7 wherein the bench is coupled to each third connector
assembly of the plurality of third connector assemblies.
12. A collapsible table and bench apparatus in accordance with
claim 5 wherein the second frame comprises a plurality of second
scissor assemblies, each second scissor assembly of the plurality
of second scissor assemblies coupled between adjacent first scissor
assemblies of the plurality of scissor assemblies.
13. A collapsible frame assembly comprising: a first frame movable
between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration,
the first frame comprising: a plurality of first posts aligned
along a first longitudinal line defined by the first frame; and a
first support member comprising a middle segment fixedly coupled to
a first post of the plurality of first posts, and a first side
segment and a second side segment pivotally coupled to the middle
segment, a corresponding first post of the plurality of first posts
slidably coupled to each of the first side segment and the second
side segment; and a second frame integrated with the first frame,
the second frame movable with the first frame between a folded
configuration and an expanded configuration configured to support a
bench.
14. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 13
further comprising a first connector assembly coupled to a first
end of each first post of the plurality of first posts and a second
connector assembly coupled to an opposing second end of each first
post, wherein the first support member is coupled to the first
connector assembly.
15. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 13
wherein the first support member is configured to at least
partially support a table top with the first frame in the expanded
configuration.
16. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 13
wherein the first frame further comprises: a plurality of second
posts aligned along a second longitudinal line defined by the first
frame and parallel to the first longitudinal line; and a second
support member comprising a middle segment fixedly coupled to a
first post of the plurality of second posts, and a first side
segment and a second side segment pivotally coupled to the middle
segment, a corresponding second post of the plurality of second
posts slidably coupled to each of the first side segment and the
second side segment.
17. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 16
further comprising a third frame integrated with the first frame,
the third frame movable with the first frame between a folded
configuration and an expanded configuration configured to support a
bench.
18. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 13
wherein the second frame further comprises a plurality of first
scissor assemblies, each first scissor assembly of the plurality of
first scissor assemblies coupled to a corresponding first post of
the plurality of first posts, each first scissor assembly
comprising a first frame member pivotally coupled to a second frame
member, a first end of the first frame member slidably coupled to
the corresponding first post and a first end of the second frame
member pivotally coupled to the corresponding first post.
19. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 18
wherein the first end of the second frame member is pivotally
coupled to a corresponding second connector assembly.
20. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 18
wherein a second end of the first member is pivotally coupled to a
corresponding second connector assembly and a second end of the
second member is pivotally coupled to a corresponding third
connector assembly of a plurality of third connector
assemblies.
21. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 18
further comprising a sliding member slidably positioned about the
corresponding first post and movable along at least a portion of a
length of the corresponding first post, and the first member first
end is pivotally coupled to the sliding member.
22. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 18
further comprising a first support including a first segment
pivotally coupled to a second segment, the first segment pivotally
coupled to a corresponding third connector assembly and the second
segment pivotally coupled to a corresponding second assembly.
23. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 22
wherein the first segment is pivotally coupled to the second frame
member and the second segment is pivotally coupled to the first
frame member.
24. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 23
further comprising a second support coupled between the first
segment and the first frame member.
25. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 18
wherein the second frame comprises a plurality of second scissor
assemblies, each second scissor assembly of the plurality of second
scissor assemblies coupled between adjacent first scissor
assemblies of the plurality of scissor assemblies.
26. A collapsible frame assembly comprising: a first frame movable
between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration
configured to support a table top, the first frame comprising a
plurality of first posts aligned along a first longitudinal line
defined by the first frame; and a second frame integrated with the
first frame, the second frame movable with the first frame between
a folded configuration and an expanded configuration, the second
frame comprising a plurality of first scissor assemblies, each
first scissor assembly of the plurality of first scissor assemblies
coupled to a corresponding first post of the plurality of first
posts, each first scissor assembly comprising a first frame member
pivotally coupled to a second frame member, a first end of the
first frame member slidably coupled to the corresponding first post
and a first end of the second frame member pivotally coupled to the
corresponding first post.
27. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 26
wherein the second frame is configured to support a bench with the
second frame in the expanded configuration.
28. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 26
further comprising a first connector assembly coupled to a first
end of each first post of the plurality of first posts and a second
connector assembly coupled to an opposing second end of each first
post, wherein the first end of the second frame member is pivotally
coupled to a corresponding second connector assembly.
29. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 28
wherein a second end of the first frame member is pivotally coupled
to the corresponding second connector assembly and a second end of
the second frame member is pivotally coupled to a corresponding
third connector assembly of a plurality of third connector
assemblies.
30. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 26
further comprising a sliding member slidably positioned about the
corresponding first post and movable along at least a portion of a
length of the corresponding post, and the first frame member first
end is pivotally coupled to the sliding member.
31. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 30
further comprising a first support comprising a first segment
pivotally coupled to a second segment, the first segment pivotally
coupled to a corresponding third connector assembly of the
plurality of third connector assemblies and the second segment
pivotally coupled to a corresponding second connector assembly of
the plurality of second connector assemblies.
32. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 31
wherein the first segment is pivotally coupled to the second frame
member and the second segment is pivotally coupled to the first
frame member.
33. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 32
wherein a second support is coupled between the first segment and
the first frame member.
34. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 31
wherein a bench is coupled to each third connector assembly of the
plurality of third connector assemblies.
35. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 26
wherein the second frame comprises a plurality of second scissor
assemblies, each second scissor assembly of the plurality of second
scissor assemblies coupled between adjacent first scissor
assemblies of the plurality of scissor assemblies.
36. A collapsible frame assembly in accordance with claim 26
further comprising a third frame integrated with the first frame,
the third frame movable with the first frame between a folded
configuration and an expanded configuration, the third frame
comprising a plurality of second scissor assemblies, each second
scissor assembly of the plurality of second scissor assemblies
coupled to a corresponding second post of a plurality of second
posts aligned along a second longitudinal line defined by the first
frame and parallel to the first longitudinal line, each second
scissor assembly comprising a first frame member pivotally coupled
to a second frame member, a first end of the first frame member
slidably coupled to the corresponding second post and a first end
of the second frame member pivotally coupled to the corresponding
second post.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent
Application No. 200720006672.9 entitled "Integrated Table with Two
Benches" filed on Mar. 30, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of the disclosure relates generally to collapsible
or foldable furniture and, more particularly, to a collapsible or
foldable, integrated table with benches.
[0003] At least one conventional furniture combination includes a
table and two separate benches that are positionable with respect
to the table. Each of the table and the two benches includes a
collapsible support frame having two legs. However, because the
benches are not coupled to the table, the user is required to
manipulate each piece separately to set up or take down the
furniture combination. Further, because the two benches are
separate from the table, each bench may undesirably move with
respect to the table when a user is seated on the bench. Moreover,
the conventional furniture combination undesirably requires a large
space for storage and/or transport.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one aspect, a collapsible table and bench apparatus is
provided. The collapsible table and bench apparatus includes a
collapsible frame assembly including a first frame and a second
frame operatively coupled to the first frame. Each of the first
frame and the second frame is movable between a collapsed
configuration and an expanded configuration. A table top is coupled
to the first frame and defines a first surface. A bench is coupled
the second frame and defines a second surface. The second surface
is parallel to and nonplanar with the first surface with the first
frame and the second frame in the expanded configuration.
[0005] In another aspect, a collapsible frame assembly is provided.
The collapsible frame assembly includes a first frame movable
between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.
The first frame includes a plurality of first posts aligned along a
first longitudinal line defined by the first frame. A first support
member includes a middle segment fixedly coupled to a first post of
the plurality of first posts, and a first side segment and a second
side segment pivotally coupled to the middle segment. A
corresponding first post of the plurality of first posts is
slidably coupled to each of the first side segment and the second
side segment. A second frame is integrated with the first frame.
The second frame is movable with the first frame between a folded
configuration and an expanded configuration configured to support a
bench.
[0006] In another aspect, a collapsible frame assembly is provided.
The collapsible frame assembly includes a first frame movable
between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration
configured to support a table top. The first frame includes a
plurality of first posts aligned along a first longitudinal line
defined by the first frame. A second frame is integrated with the
first frame. The second frame is movable with the first frame
between a folded configuration and an expanded configuration. The
second frame includes a plurality of first scissor assemblies. Each
first scissor assembly of the plurality of first scissor assemblies
is coupled to a corresponding first post of the plurality of first
posts. Each first scissor assembly includes a first frame member
pivotally coupled to a second frame member. A first end of the
first frame member is slidably coupled to the corresponding first
post and a first end of the second frame member is pivotally
coupled to the corresponding first post.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
an integrated table with benches;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary frame assembly
in an expanded configuration and suitable for use with the
integrated table with benches shown in FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the frame assembly shown in
FIG. 2 in a partially collapsed configuration with support members
in an expanded configuration;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the frame assembly shown in
FIG. 2 in a partially collapsed configuration with the support
members in a partially collapsed configuration; and
[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the frame assembly shown in
FIG. 2 in a collapsed configuration with the support members in a
collapsed configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present disclosure provides an integrated table and
bench apparatus that is movable between a collapsed configuration
and an expanded configuration. In one embodiment, integrated table
and bench apparatus includes a fully collapsible frame assembly
that includes a middle frame and two side frames coupled
symmetrically to opposing sides of the middle frame. The middle
frame supports a table top that defines a surface having a suitable
surface area for utilization by one or more users. Each side frame
supports a bench having a support surface suitable for supporting
one or more users. Each bench is positioned at a distance with
respect to a ground plane lower than a distance at which the table
top is positioned with respect to the ground plane to facilitate
providing a comfortable sitting area for the users. Further, the
collapsible table and bench apparatus as a whole is easily movable
between the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration.
In the collapsed configuration, the middle frame and two side
frames are fully collapsed to facilitate transporting and/or
storing the integrated table and bench apparatus. More
specifically, as the integrated table and bench apparatus is
collapsed from the expanded configuration to the collapsed
configuration, each side frame moves toward the middle frame and
folds or collapses fully. Further, the integrated table and bench
apparatus requires a minimal number of parts, which decreases
manufacturing cost.
[0013] The present disclosure is described below in reference to
its application in connection with and operation of an integrated
table and bench apparatus. However, it should be apparent to those
skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that
the disclosure is likewise applicable to any collapsible apparatus,
such as other foldable or collapsible furniture.
[0014] In the exemplary embodiment, a fully folding or collapsible,
integrated table and bench apparatus 10 includes a collapsible
frame assembly 11. Collapsible frame assembly 11 includes a first
foldable or collapsible frame 12 that is movable between a
collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. One or more
side frames, such as second frame 14 and/or third frame 16, are
operatively coupled to or integrated with first frame 12 such that
second frame 14 and/or third frame 16 are movable between a
collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration with first
frame 12. In the exemplary embodiment, table and bench apparatus 10
includes first frame 12, second frame 14, and third frame 16. A
table top 20 is removably coupled to first frame 12, a first bench
24 is removably coupled to second frame 14, and a second bench 25
is removably coupled to third frame 16, as described in greater
detail below. In an alternative embodiment, table and bench
apparatus 10 includes first frame 12 and only second frame 12.
Table top 20 is removably coupled to first frame 12 and first bench
24 is removably coupled to second frame 14.
[0015] Referring further to FIGS. 2-5, second frame 14 and third
frame 16 are positioned on opposing lateral sides of first frame 12
to form a symmetric table and bench apparatus 10. A suitable table
top 20 is removably coupled to first frame 12 to define a first or
table top surface 22 having a surface area suitable for supporting
objects, such as food, and/or picnic or dining pieces and utensils,
for example. In one embodiment, table top 20 includes a plurality
of panels 23 arranged side by side. A suitable connector (not
shown), such as one or more rope pieces, couples adjacent panels 23
together. In alternative embodiments, table top 20 may be
fabricated of a suitable rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible material
including, without limitation, a suitable wood, metal, alloy,
composite, plastic, or flexible fabric material having sufficient
strength to support objects. A suitable bench 24 is removably
coupled to second frame 14 and/or a suitable bench 25 is removably
coupled to third frame 16 to define a second or seating surface 26
and a third or seating surface 27, respectively, having a surface
area suitable for supporting one or more users. In one embodiment,
bench 24 and/or bench 25 is fabricated of a suitable flexible
fabric material having sufficient strength to support one or more
users. In an alternative embodiment, bench 24 and/or bench 25
include a plurality of panels (not shown) arranged side by side,
and one or more rope pieces coupling adjacent panels.
Alternatively, bench 24 and/or bench 25 may be fabricated of a
suitable rigid or semi-rigid material including, without
limitation, a wood, metal, alloy, composite or plastic
material.
[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, with each bench 24 and bench 25 in the
expanded configuration, each bench 24 and bench 25 defines seating
surface 26, 27, respectively, that is generally parallel to and
nonplanar with table top surface 22. Each bench 24 and/or bench 25
is positioned at a suitable distance from a support surface, such
as a ground surface or ground plane, and with respect table top 20
to allow the users to comfortably sit on bench 24 and/or bench 25
and utilize table top surface 22 for eating, for example.
[0017] Referring further to FIGS. 2-5, first frame 12 includes a
plurality of posts 30. In the exemplary embodiment, a first
plurality of posts 30 are arranged or aligned along a first
longitudinal line 32 defined by first frame 12 along and parallel
to a first longitudinal edge 34 (shown in FIG. 1) of table top 20,
and a second plurality of posts 30 are arranged or aligned along a
second longitudinal line 36 parallel to first longitudinal line 32
and defined by first frame 12 along and parallel to an opposing
second longitudinal edge 38 (shown in FIG. 1) of table top 20. It
should be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the
teachings herein provided that first frame 12 may include any
suitable number of posts, such as six, eight or ten posts 30
arranged in any suitable number of rows or longitudinal lines, such
as two rows or along two longitudinal lines as shown in FIG. 2.
[0018] Post 30 has a first end 40 coupled to a first connector
assembly 42 and an opposing second end 44 coupled to a second
connector assembly 46. A first support member 50 is operatively
coupled to the first plurality of posts 30 and an opposing second
support member 51 is operatively coupled to the second plurality of
posts 30. As shown in FIG. 2, first support member 50 is coupled
within each aligned first connector assembly 42 coupled to
corresponding posts 30 and second support member 51 is coupled
within each aligned first connector assembly 42 coupled to the
corresponding posts 30. In one embodiment, support member 50 and
support member 51 are configured to at least partially support
table top 20 with first frame 12 in the expanded configuration. In
the exemplary embodiment, each support member 50 and 51 includes a
middle segment 52, a first side segment 54 operatively coupled to,
such as pivotally, rotationally, or hingedly coupled to, a first
end of middle segment 52, and a second side segment 56 operatively
coupled to, such as pivotally, rotationally, or hingedly coupled
to, an opposing second end of middle segment 52. In this
embodiment, middle segment 52 is fixedly coupled to a corresponding
post 30 and first side segment 54 and second side segment 56 are
slidably positioned within a corresponding first connector assembly
42 to facilitate moving first frame 12 between the collapsed
configuration and the expanded configuration.
[0019] Referring further to FIGS. 2-5, first side segment 54 is
pivotally movable with respect to middle segment 52 and slidably
movably with respect to corresponding first connector assembly 42
as first frame 12 is moved between the expanded configuration,
shown in FIG. 2, and the collapsed configuration, as shown in FIG.
5. Similarly, second side segment 56 is pivotally movable with
respect to middle segment 52 and slidably movably with respect to
corresponding first connector assembly 42 as first frame 12 is
moved between the expanded configuration and the collapsed
configuration.
[0020] Second frame 14 and/or third frame 16 include a plurality of
first scissor assemblies 60. First scissor assembly 60 includes a
first frame member 62 pivotally coupled to a second frame member
64. A first end 66 of first frame member 62 is slidably coupled to
a corresponding post 30 and a first end 68 of second frame member
64 is pivotally coupled to a corresponding second connector
assembly 46. Further, a second end 70 of first frame member 62 is
pivotally coupled to a corresponding second connector assembly 46
and a second end 72 of second frame member 64 is pivotally coupled
to a corresponding third connector assembly 74 configured to
facilitate supporting bench 24. In one embodiment, bench 24 is
removably coupled to each third connector assembly 74. As shown in
FIG. 2, first frame member first end 66 is pivotally coupled to a
sliding member 80 slidably positioned about corresponding post 30.
Sliding member 80 is slidably movable along at least a portion of a
length of post 30 to facilitate moving second frame 14 between the
collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration. In one
embodiment, a suitable locking device (not shown) is positioned
with respect to sliding member 80 and/or post 30 such that with the
locking device in a lock position, frame assembly 11 is locked in
the expanded configuration, as shown in FIG. 1. The locking device
is releasable such that a user is able to move frame assembly 11
between the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration,
as shown in FIG. 5, and first frame 12, second frame 14 and third
frame 16 move between respective expanded configurations and
collapsed configurations substantially simultaneously.
[0021] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 for example, in one embodiment, a
first support 82 includes a first segment 84 that is pivotally
coupled to a second segment 86. A first end 88 of first segment 84
is pivotally coupled to a corresponding third connector assembly 74
and a first end 90 of second segment 86 is pivotally coupled to a
corresponding second connector assembly 46. In a particular
embodiment, first segment 84 is pivotally coupled to second frame
member 64 and second segment 86 is pivotally coupled to first frame
member 62. In a further embodiment, a second support 96 is
pivotally coupled between first segment 84 and first frame member
62.
[0022] Referring further for FIGS. 2 and 3, second frame 14 and
third frame 16 includes a plurality of first scissor assemblies 60
each operatively coupled to a corresponding first support 82 and
second support 96. First scissor assembly 60 includes first frame
member 62 pivotally coupled at first end 66 to sliding member 80
using a suitable joint, such as a pin joint, and first end 68 of
second frame member 64 pivotally coupled to a corresponding second
connector assembly 46 using a suitable joint, such as a pin joint.
First segment 84 is pivotally coupled to second frame member 64 and
second segment 86 is pivotally coupled to first frame member 62.
Further, first end 88 of first segment 84 is pivotally coupled to a
corresponding third connector assembly 74 using a suitable joint,
such as a pin joint, and first end 90 of second segment 86 is
pivotally coupled to a corresponding second connector assembly 46
using a suitable joint, such as a pin joint. In this embodiment,
second support 96 is coupled between first segment 84 and first
frame member 62.
[0023] Second frame 14 and third frame 16 also include a plurality
of second scissor assemblies 98. Each second scissor assembly 98 is
coupled between adjacent first scissor assemblies 60. In one
embodiment, second scissor assembly 98 is similar to first scissor
assembly 60 and includes a first frame member 100 pivotally coupled
to a second frame member 102. As shown in FIG. 2, first end 88 of
first segment 84 and a first end 104 of first frame member 100 are
pivotally coupled to corresponding third connector assembly 74
using a suitable joint, such as a pin joint. An opposing second end
106 of first frame member 100 is pivotally coupled to second
connector assembly 46 of adjacent first scissor assembly 60. First
end 90 of second segment 86 and a first end 110 of second frame
member 102 are pivotally coupled to corresponding second connector
assembly 46.
[0024] Table top 20 is removably coupled to support member 50 and
support member 51. In one embodiment, table top 20 is removed from
first frame 12 to facilitate moving frame assembly 11 between the
expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration. In a
particular embodiment, a locking device is released and frame
assembly 11 is fully collapsed. Referring to FIGS. 3-5, side
segments 54, 56 of support member 50 and side segments 54, 56 of
support member 51 are pivoted with respect to middle segment 52
such that side segments 54, 56 move toward the collapsed frame
assembly 11, as shown in FIGS. 3-5.
[0025] The present disclosure is related to a foldable or
collapsible, integrated table and bench apparatus. In one
embodiment, a fully foldable or collapsible frame assembly includes
a first or middle frame and two side frames symmetrically coupled
to opposing sides of the middle frame. Each side frame supports a
seating bench having a support surface that is lower with respect
to a ground plane than the table top coupled to a top portion of
the middle frame. As a result, the collapsible, integrated table
and bench apparatus as a whole is easily movable between the
expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration. In the
collapsed configuration, the middle frame and two side frames are
fully collapsed to facilitate transporting and/or storing the table
and bench apparatus. More specifically, as the table and bench
apparatus is collapsed from the expanded configuration to the
collapsed configuration, each side frame moves toward the middle
frame and folds or collapses fully. The collapsible table and bench
apparatus requires a minimal number of integrated parts, which
decreases manufacturing cost.
[0026] Exemplary embodiments of an integrated table and bench
apparatus are described above in detail. The apparatus is not
limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather,
components of the apparatus may be utilized independently and
separately from other components described herein. Further, the
described apparatus components can also be defined in, or used in
combination with, other apparatus, and are not limited to practice
with only the apparatus as described herein.
[0027] While the invention has been described in terms of various
specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit
and scope of the claims.
* * * * *