U.S. patent application number 12/372336 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-16 for folding table and chair.
This patent application is currently assigned to Meco Corporation. Invention is credited to Douglas G. WRIGHT.
Application Number | 20090179464 12/372336 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40850006 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090179464 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WRIGHT; Douglas G. |
July 16, 2009 |
FOLDING TABLE AND CHAIR
Abstract
A folding table and chair each have an unobtrusive folding
mechanism that cannot be easily seen when unfolded for use. Because
the folding mechanism is not readily seen, folding tables and
chairs of a number of well-known and popular styles can be provided
that are suitable for use as everyday home furniture. Folding
furniture may be particularly desirable for apartment and
condominium dwellers who have limited living space and need to
occasionally store bulky furniture to fully use such space. The
folding furniture of the invention is also easier to move than
traditional furniture, including the hinge of the table, which can
also serve as a carrying handle.
Inventors: |
WRIGHT; Douglas G.;
(Morristown, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCGUIREWOODS, LLP
1750 TYSONS BLVD, SUITE 1800
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Assignee: |
Meco Corporation
Greeneville
TN
|
Family ID: |
40850006 |
Appl. No.: |
12/372336 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11878310 |
Jul 23, 2007 |
|
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12372336 |
|
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60832136 |
Jul 21, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/59 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 3/083 20130101;
A47C 7/56 20130101; A47C 4/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/59 |
International
Class: |
A47C 4/00 20060101
A47C004/00 |
Claims
1. A folding chair, comprising: a back including a plurality of
rear legs; a seat frame assembly pivotably connectable to said
back; a plurality of front legs pivotably connectable to said seat
frame assembly; and a clip configured to lock said front legs in a
position generally parallel to said back, when said chair is in a
folded position.
2. The folding chair according to claim 1, wherein at least one of
the plurality of legs are pivotally coupled to said seat frame
assembly.
3. The folding chair according to claim 1, further comprising: a
lower support configured to be pivotally connectable to at least
one of the plurality of legs.
4. The folding chair according to claim 1, wherein the seat frame
assembly comprises: an elongated member configured to be pivotally
connectable to said back.
5. The folding chair according to claim 4, wherein the seat frame
assembly further comprises: a seat support member configured to be
affixed to said elongated member.
6. The folding chair according to claim 5, wherein said seat
support member is welded to said elongated member.
7. The folding chair according to claim 4, wherein said seat frame
assembly further comprises: a side member configured to pivotally
connect to said elongated member.
8. The folding chair according to claim 1, wherein said seat frame
assembly comprises: a connecting extension configured to be affixed
to at least one of said plurality of front legs.
9. The folding chair according to claim 4, wherein said elongated
member comprises an ear portion.
10. The folding chair according to claim 9, wherein said ear
portion is configured to pivotally connect to said back.
11. The folding chair according to claim 4, wherein said seat frame
assembly further comprises: a rear cross-member configured to
connect to said elongated member.
12. The folding chair according to claim 11, wherein said clip is
connected to said rear cross-member.
13. The folding chair according to claim 1, further comprising: a
lower support configured to be connected to at least one of said
plurality of front legs and at least one of said plurality of rear
legs.
14. The folding chair according to claim 13, wherein said lower
support assembly comprises: a first cross-bar configured to be
pivotally connected between two of said plurality of front legs; a
second cross-bar configured to be pivotally connected between two
of said plurality of rear legs; a cross-brace configured to be
connected between said first cross-bar and said second cross-bar;
and a knuckle configured to connect said cross-brace to one of said
first cross-bar or said second cross-bar.
15. A folding chair that includes a back, comprising: a seat frame
assembly pivotably connectable to said back; a plurality of front
legs pivotably connectable to said seat frame assembly; and a clip
configured to lock said front legs in a position generally parallel
to said back when said chair is in a folded position.
16. The folding chair according to claim 15, wherein said seat
frame assembly comprises: a rear portion configured to connect to
said back; and a front portion configured -to connect to at least
one of said plurality of front legs, wherein said front portion is
further configured to pivot with respect to said rear portion.
17. The folding chair according to claim 16, wherein said front
portion comprises: a side member configured to be pivotally
connected to said rear portion; and a connecting extension
configured to connect to at least one of said front legs.
18. The folding chair according to claim 16, wherein said rear
portion comprises: a cross-member configured to be connected to
said clip.
19. A folding chair that comprises a plurality of front legs and a
back which includes a plurality of rear legs, the chair comprising:
a seat frame assembly pivotably connectable to said back; a lower
support configured to be pivotally connectable to at least one of
the plurality of legs; and a clip configured to lock said front
legs in a position generally parallel to said back; wherein said
frame assembly comprises: an elongated member configured to be
pivotally connectable to said back; a rear cross-member configured
to connect to said clip; a seat support member configured to be
affixed to said elongated member; a side member configured to
pivotally connect to said elongated member; a connecting extension
configured to be affixed to at least one of said plurality of front
legs; and wherein said lower support comprises: a first cross-bar
configured to be pivotally connected between two of said plurality
of front legs; a second cross-bar configured to be pivotally
connected between two of said plurality of rear legs; a cross-brace
configured to be connected between said first cross-bar and said
second cross-bar; and a knuckle configured to connect said
cross-brace to one of said first cross-bar or said second
cross-bar.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/878,310, entitled FOLDING TABLE AND
CHAIR, filed Jul. 23, 2007, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 60/832,136,
filed on Jul. 21, 2006, the disclosures of which are expressly
incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention is directed to a folding table and chair. In
particular, the table can be easily folded to make it more compact
and transported for storage or relocation; and the chair can be
folded flat to facilitate storage.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Many folding tables that include a handle, or other carrying
means, for transportation include a separate structure that is
visible when the table is unfolded.
[0006] An example of such a table is a typical "suitcase" style
folding table. The suitcase table includes a handle mounted to an
outer edge of a table leaf. A hinge, or other folding mechanism, is
disposed at the center of the table and connects the opposing
leafs. The suitcase table's legs have a sliding leg-lock
arrangement that is widely used in folding tables. The legs can be
folded within the thickness of the skirt surrounding the edge of
each leaf. The table can be folded in half such that the skirt of
each leaf contacts one another to form an outer planar surface that
forms the "suitcase" with the legs folded inside. The skirt may
include a latching mechanism so that the leafs can be secured
together. The secured, folded table can be transported by means of
the separate handle that is not located on the same side of the
outer planar surface of the suitcase as the hinge.
[0007] Many of the mechanisms that permit the suitcase table to
fold and be transported are visible when the table is in use.
Accordingly, these visible mechanisms, are unsightly and make the
typical folding table undesirable for everyday home use.
[0008] In smaller domiciles, furniture that is easily moved and
storable is desired so that occupants can take full advantage of
limited living space, which is especially important in urban
environments.
[0009] Accordingly, there is a need for a foldable table and chair
that hides the folding and carrying mechanisms so that the table is
sufficiently stylish and decorative for everyday use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The invention meets the foregoing need by providing a
folding mechanism and carrying mechanism, respectively, that is not
readily visible when unfolded, which results in a table and chair
having appearances more similar to non-folding tables and chairs
that are decorative and suitable for everyday use, as well as other
advantages apparent from the discussion herein.
[0011] Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention a folding table
is provided that includes a table top comprising two opposing leafs
connected by a folding mechanism, pivotable legs coupled to one of
the opposing legs, a latching mechanism disposed within the table
top securing at least one leg in an extended position generally
perpendicular to the table top. In the table's folded position, the
folding mechanism is configured to serve as a handle for
transporting the folding table.
[0012] According to a further aspect of the invention, a folding
chair is provided that comprises: a back including a plurality of
rear legs; a seat frame assembly pivotably connectable to the back;
a plurality of front legs pivotably connectable to the seat frame
assembly; and a clip configured to lock the front legs in a
position generally parallel to the back, when the chair is in a
folded position. The at least one of the plurality of legs may be
pivotally coupled to the seat frame assembly. The folding chair may
further comprise a lower support configured to be pivotally
connectable to at least one of the plurality of legs. The seat
frame assembly may further comprise an elongated member configured
to be pivotally connectable to the back; or a seat support member
configured to be affixed to the elongated member. The seat support
member may be welded to the elongated member. The seat frame
assembly may further comprise a side member configured to pivotally
connect to the elongated member; or a connecting extension
configured to be affixed to at least one of the plurality of front
legs. The elongated member may comprise an ear portion, wherein the
ear portion may be configured to pivotally connect to the back. The
seat frame assembly may further comprise a rear cross-member
configured to connect to the elongated member. The clip may be
connected to the rear cross-member. The folding chair may further
comprise: a lower support configured to be connected to at least
one of the plurality of front legs and at least one of the
plurality of rear legs. The lower support assembly may comprise: a
first cross-bar configured to be pivotally connected between two of
the plurality of front legs; a second cross-bar configured to be
pivotally connected between two of the plurality of rear legs; a
cross-brace configured to be connected between the first cross-bar
and the second cross-bar; and a knuckle configured to connect the
cross-brace to one of the first cross-bar or the second
cross-bar.
[0013] According to a still further aspect of the invention, a
folding chair is provided that includes a back, the chair
comprises: a seat frame assembly pivotably connectable to the back;
a plurality of front legs pivotably connectable to the seat frame
assembly; and a clip configured to lock the front legs in a
position generally parallel to the back when the chair is in a
folded position. The seat frame assembly may comprise: a rear
portion configured to connect to the back; and a front portion
configured to connect to at least one of the plurality of front
legs, wherein the front portion is further configured to pivot with
respect to the rear portion. The front portion may comprise: a side
member configured to be pivotally connected to the rear portion;
and a connecting extension configured to connect to at least one of
the front legs. The rear portion may comprise: a cross-member
configured to be connected to the clip.
[0014] According to a still further aspect of the invention, a
folding chair is provided that comprises a plurality of front legs
and a back which includes a plurality of rear legs, the chair
comprising: a seat frame assembly pivotably connectable to the
back; a lower support configured to be pivotally connectable to at
least one of the plurality of legs; and a clip configured to lock
the front legs in a position generally parallel to the back;
wherein the frame assembly comprises: an elongated member
configured to be pivotally connectable to the back; a rear
cross-member configured to connect to the clip; a seat support
member configured to be affixed to the elongated member; a side
member configured to pivotally connect to the elongated member; a
connecting extension configured to be affixed to at least one of
the plurality of front legs; and wherein the lower support
comprises: a first cross-bar configured to be pivotally connected
between two of the plurality of front legs; a second cross-bar
configured to be pivotally connected between two of the plurality
of rear legs; a cross-brace configured to be connected between the
first cross-bar and the second cross-bar; and a knuckle configured
to connect the cross-brace to one of the first cross-bar or the
second cross-bar.
[0015] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the
invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the
following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it
is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the
invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and
intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope
of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention, are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the detailed description serve to
explain the principles of the invention. No attempt is made to show
structural details of the invention in more detail than may be
necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention and the
various ways in which it may be practiced. In the drawings:
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary folding
table constructed according to the principles of the invention in
an unfolded position;
[0018] FIG. 1A shows a side elevational view of a folding table
constructed according to the principles of the invention in an
unfolded position;
[0019] FIG. 1B shows an enlarged perspective view of a push button
release used in a folding table constructed according to the
principles of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of the table of FIG. 1 in a
folded position;
[0021] FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of the table of FIG. 1
in a folded position;
[0022] FIG. 2A shows an enlarged view of the folding mechanism of
the table of FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a locking mechanism
constructed according to the principles of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary folding
chair constructed according to the principles of the invention in
an unfolded position;
[0025] FIG. 4A shows an enlarged view of a locking mechanism for
the chair of FIG. 4;
[0026] FIG. 4B shows a side elevational view of the chair of FIG. 4
in a folded position;
[0027] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another exemplary folding
table constructed according to the principles of the invention in
an unfolded position;
[0028] FIG. 6 shows a dining set incorporating the table of FIG. 5
with chairs constructed in accordance with the principles of the
chair illustrated in FIG. 4;
[0029] FIG. 7 shows yet another exemplary folding table constructed
according to the principles of the invention having a slat-style
design;
[0030] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary
folding table constructed according to the principles of the
invention having a transitional style;
[0031] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another exemplary folding
chair constructed according to the principles of the invention in
an unfolded position;
[0032] FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C show the chair of FIG. 9 in various stages
of folding;
[0033] FIG. 10 shows a dining set incorporating the table of FIG. 8
with chairs constructed in accordance with the principles of the
chair illustrated in FIG. 9;
[0034] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary
folding table constructed according to the principles of the
invention having a traditional style;
[0035] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary
folding chair constructed according to the principles of the
invention in an unfolded position;
[0036] FIG. 12A shows an enlarged perspective view of a push button
release implemented in the chair of FIG. 12 that is similar to the
push button release illustrated by FIG. 1B;
[0037] FIG. 13 shows a dining set incorporating the table of FIG.
11 with chairs constructed in accordance with the principles of the
chair illustrated in FIG. 12;
[0038] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary
folding table constructed according to the principles of the
invention having a mission style;
[0039] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary
folding chair constructed according to the principles of the
invention in an unfolded position; FIG. 16 shows a dining set
incorporating the table of FIG. 14 with chairs constructed in
accordance with the principles of the chair illustrated in FIG.
15;
[0040] FIG. 17 shows a front view of yet another exemplary folding
chair constructed according to the principles of the invention in
an unfolded position;
[0041] FIG. 17A shows a side view of the exemplary folding chair of
Figure 17;
[0042] FIG. 17B shows a side view of the chair in FIG. 17 in a
partially folded configuration;
[0043] FIG. 17C shows an exploded view of the chair in FIG. 17;
[0044] FIG. 17D shows a more detailed illustration of the exemplary
seat frame assembly of FIG. 17C;
[0045] FIG. 17E shows the plurality of legs connected to the seat
sides of the chair in FIG. 17;
[0046] FIG. 17F shows a more detailed illustration of the exemplary
lower support assembly of the chair in FIG. 17;
[0047] FIG. 17G shows a perspective view of an example of a clip
that may be used with the folding chair in FIG. 17; and
[0048] FIG. 17H shows a side view of the exemplary clip of FIG.
17G.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0049] The embodiments of the invention and the various features
and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with
reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are
described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and
detailed in the following description. It should be noted that the
features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to
scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other
embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not
explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and
processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily
obscure the embodiments of the invention. The examples used herein
are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which
the invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill
in the art to practice the embodiments of the invention.
Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be
construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined
solely by the appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, it is
noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts
throughout the several views of the drawings.
[0050] FIG. 1 shows a folding table 100 constructed in accordance
with the principles of the invention. The table may include two
leafs 122, 123 that make up a table top 120. Each table leg 110 may
be pivotably connected to one of the leafs 122,123 that can be
unlocked to fold via a push button release 105. FIG. 1A is a side
view of the unfolded table 100 that shows two leafs 122, 123 joined
together by a hinge 124.
[0051] FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of the push button release 105.
The button 105 may be disposed in a recess 125 of the table top
120. Here, the button 105 is pushed down to unlock the leg 110 so
that it may fold, but the button may be any suitable mechanism for
disengaging a lock or latch that holds the leg 110 in place when
the table 100 is unfolded for use.
[0052] FIG. 1C illustrates table 100 in a folded position. In a
folded position, the leafs 122, 123 are spaced apart, primarily by
the thickness of the legs 110. This space may expose the hinge 124
so that it can be used as a handle for carrying the table 100 in
the folded position for transportation or storage.
[0053] FIG. 2 is a side view of table 100 that illustrates that it
may rest flat on the ground or other surface in a folded position,
supported by an edge of the leafs 122, 123 opposite the hinge 124.
FIG. 2A is a close-up view of the hinge 124. The hinge 124 may
include a handle 201 that is held in place by collars 203, which
are coupled to the leafs 122, 123 by flanges 205. The handle can be
fixedly coupled to the collars of one leaf while being pivotably
connected to the collars of the other leaf. Alternatively, the
handle can be pivotably connected to all of the collars and held in
place by end caps 207 disposed on the outer collars to prevent
longitudinal movement of the handle. Preferably, most of the handle
201 is disposed above the edges of the leafs 122, 123 in the folded
position to facilitate carrying of the table 100.
[0054] FIG. 3 shows a latching mechanism 300 that may engage push
button 105 to releasingly lock leg 110 in relation to table top
120. The latching mechanism 300 may be coupled to table top 120
using support plate 303. The leg may be coupled to the latching
mechanism 300 using hinge plate 305 that is rotatably connected the
support plate 303 at pin 315. A latch 301, which may be biased
towards the push button release 105 by a mechanism such as a spring
(not shown), can be provided to fix the hinge plate 305 in relation
to both the support plate 303 and table top 120. The latch 301 may
include a lever 309 that is adapted to engage push button release
105 within recess 125 of FIG. 1B. The latch may also include a
clasp 311 that holds an upper planar surface of the hinge plate 305
to a lower planar surface of the support plate to "lock" the leg
110 in an unfolded position that is generally perpendicular to the
table top 120.
[0055] Pressing the lever 309 downwardly releases the hinge plate
305 so that it may be rotated about pin 315 to allow the leg 110 to
rotate into a folded position that is generally parallel to the
table top 120. To unfold the leg 110, it can be rotated so that an
edge of hinge plate 303 will push the clasp 311 against biasing
force provided by the latch 301 so that leg 110 can fully rotate.
When the upper planar surface of hinge plate 305 abuts the lower
planar surface of the support plate 303, the clasp 311 will spring
back due to the biasing force of latch 301 to lock the leg 110 in
place. The clasp 311 may have a tapered surface 313 adapted to
engage a leading edge of hinge plate 305 to facilitate unfolding of
the leg 110. This kind of arrangement is advantageous for the easy
concealment of the mechanism used to lock/unlock the legs of a
folding table.
[0056] FIG. 4 shows a folding chair 400 constructed in accordance
with the principles of the invention. The chair 400 includes a back
403 and a seat 405 having a cushion 406. The back may be supported
by rear legs 407 that extend from the surface the chair 400 is
resting on to the top of back 403. The seat 405 can be pivotably
coupled to rear legs 407. The front of seat 405 may be supported by
front legs 409 that are substantially shorter in length than rear
legs 407. Extra lateral support may be provided by support 415 that
is connected to front legs 409 on a front end and pivotably
connected to a cross-support 416 at a back end. The support 415
primarily provides lateral support in a front-to-back direction,
and the cross-support 416 primarily provides lateral support in a
side-to-side direction. Here, seat 405, legs 407, 409, support 415,
and cross-support 416 include a frame 411 preferably made of
lightweight cast aluminum. But other materials that are known to be
suitable for constructing folding chairs can be used in accordance
with the principles of the invention.
[0057] Each of the front legs 409 may include a slot and keyhole
arrangement for locking the chair 400 in an unfolded position. FIG.
4A shows the front leg 409 having a slot 422 and a keyhole 423
within the leg that both engage a tab 417 of support 415. When the
tab 417 is seated in the slot 422, the support 415 is locked
relative to the cross-support 416 and the front leg 409, thereby
preventing the seat 405 from pivoting and "locks" the chair 400 in
the unfolded position. Moving the tab 417 to the keyhole 423
"unlocks" the chair 400 and allows the tab to move in a manner that
permits the support 415 to rotate relative to the front leg 409,
which, in turn, permits a pivotal motion of the seat 405 to allow
folding of the chair 400. FIG. 4B illustrates chair 400 in a folded
position.
[0058] FIG. 5 shows a modem style dining table 500 constructed in
accordance with the principles of the invention. Each leaf 522, 523
may comprises two wooden slabs 526, 528, 530, 532 that conceal the
seam where the table 500 is folded. The table 500 also may include
the previously described push button release 105 for
locking/unlocking legs 510. Here, the push button release 105 is
shown as an aluminum button to accent the wooden slabs 526, 528,
530, 532. A skilled artisan would recognize that a variety of
materials can be used with the table of the invention, including
the material for the push button release, depending on the
aesthetic look desired. FIG. 6 shows a dining set including table
500 with chairs 400.
[0059] FIG. 7 shows a slat style dining table 600 constructed in
accordance with the principles of the invention. The table leafs
622, 623 can be made up of slats 630. The push button release 105
can be made of a wood or other material, contrasting to the slats
630 for adding a stylish appeal.
[0060] FIG. 8 shows a transitional table 650 constructed in
accordance with the principles of the invention. The table 650 may
include tapered legs 660 and a beaded skirt 665 for an elegant
look. The push button release can be covered by a veneer 656 to
match the table-top 670 made up of leafs 672, 673.
[0061] FIG. 9 illustrates a transitional folding chair 700 using an
alternative folding mechanism. The chair 700 includes a back 703, a
seat 705 having a cushion 706, rear legs 707, front legs 709,
support 715, and cross-support 716. Here, the chair 700 also
includes a front cross-support 717 that provides side to side
lateral support in a similar manner to the cross-support 716. The
support 715 may be joined to the front cross-support 717 at the
front end, and pivotably connected to the cross-support 716 at the
rear end. The front cross-support 717 is pivotably connected to the
front legs 709.
[0062] FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrates the various steps of
folding the chair 700. FIG. 9 and 9A show the chair 700 in an
unfolded position suitable for use. FIG. 9B shows that the seat 705
may be rotated off of pegs 720, which permits the support 715 and
front legs 709 to pivot upwardly to fold the chair 700. The chair
in a folded position, is illustrated by FIG. 9C. FIG. 10 shows the
dining set including table 650 with chairs 700.
[0063] FIG. 11 shows a traditional style table 750 constructed in
accordance with the principles of the invention. The table 750 may
include engraved details 776. in the leafs 772, 773. The legs 760
can have the appearance of classic lathe turned legs that end in
boxed shoulders 775 integrated into the skirt 765. The push button
release, which may covered by a veneer 756 to match the table,
operates to lock/unlock the legs 760.
[0064] FIG. 12 illustrates a folding chair 800 using yet another
folding mechanism. As can be seen in FIG. 12A, the front legs 809
may be folded by pressing a push button release 815 disposed within
a recess 825 of the seat 805 that functions similar to the
previously described release for a folding table. Pressing the push
button release 805 unlatches the front legs 809 so that the seat
805 may be rotated and the chair 800 will lay substantially flat
for storage. FIG. 13 shows a dining set including table 750 with
chairs 800.
[0065] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary
folding table constructed according to the principles of the
invention having a mission style. In particular, FIG. 14 shows a
mission style table 850 constructed in accordance with the
principles of the invention. The leafs 872, 873 may include ceramic
or stone tiles 876 for creating the mission look. The legs 860 may
be straight and sturdy to provide a hand made look consistent with
the mission style. The push button release 105 may be made to match
either the tiles or wood of table.
[0066] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary
folding chair constructed according to the principles of the
invention in an unfolded position. In particular, FIG. 15 shows a
mission chair 900 that may preferably include the alternative
folding mechanism shown in FIG. 9, but other folding mechanisms
that are consistent with the principles of the invention may also
be used.
[0067] FIG. 16 shows a dining set incorporating the table of FIG.
14 with chairs constructed in accordance with the principles of the
chair illustrated in FIG. 15. In particular, FIG. 16 shows a dining
set including table 850 with chairs 900.
[0068] FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of an example of a folding
chair 1000 according to yet another aspect of the invention. FIG.
17A illustrates a side view of the folding chair 1000 of FIG. 17.
As seen in FIGS. 17 and 17A, the chair 1000 may include a plurality
of front legs 1110, a seat back 1040, a lower support assembly
1300, a seat 1340, and a clip 1400. The seat back 1040 may include,
for example, but is not limited to, a plurality of panels 1050. The
lower support assembly 1300 may be connected between the plurality
of front legs 1110 and the seat back 1040 to provide enhanced
rigidity to the chair 1000 in a plane substantially parallel to,
e.g., a surface (not shown) on which the chair 1000 may be
placed.
[0069] FIG. 17B illustrates a side view of the chair 1000 in a
partially folded configuration. As seen in FIG. 17B, the chair 1000
may be folded by applying, for example, an upward force F to the
seat front 1120, causing the seat 1340 to pivotally move in a
direction A toward the seat back 1040. The chair 1000 may be
unfolded by applying, for example, a downward force (not shown) to
the seat front 1120, causing the seat 1340 to pivotally move in a
direction opposite to the direction A, away from the seat back
1040. The clip 1400 may be configured to engage a portion of the
lower support assembly 1300 when the chair 1000 is configured in a
substantially fully folded configuration (not shown), thereby
locking the chair 1000 in the substantially fully folded
configuration.
[0070] FIG. 17C illustrates an exploded view of the chair 1000. As
seen in the illustration, the chair 1000 may further include a seat
frame assembly 1180 and a pair of seat sides 1150. The seat 1340
and seat sides 1150 may be affixed to the frame assembly 1180
using, for example, a plurality of fasteners 1350. The fasteners
1350 may include, for example, but are not limited to, any one or
more of a screw, a bolt, a pin, a lock-pin, a nail, a rivet, an
adhesive, a weld, a clip, or the like. The frame assembly 1180 may
be affixed to the front legs 1110 by way of fasteners 1170. The
fasteners 1170 may include, for example, but are not limited to,
any one or more of a screw, a bolt, a pin, a lock-pin, a nail, a
rivet, an adhesive, a weld, or the like. The frame assembly 1180
may also be affixed to the seat back 1040 by way of, for example, a
pair of lock-pins 1060 that are provided in a pair of recesses 1065
in the seat back 1040. Each lock-pin 1060 may engage an ear portion
1510 of the frame assembly 1180, so as to allow rotational motion
of the ear portion 1510 about an axis that is substantially
perpendicular to the direction A (shown in FIG. 17B), i.e.,
rotational motion in the direction A.
[0071] It is noted that the lock-pins 1060 need not be provided in
the pair of recesses 1065, but, instead, may protrude from the seat
back 1040. It is further noted that the frame assembly 1180 may be
affixed to the seat back 1040 using any other mechanism that allows
for rotational motion of the ear portion 1510.
[0072] The lower support assembly 1300 may be affixed to the front
legs 1110 and the rear legs of the seat back 1040 by means of a
plurality of fasteners 1070. The fasteners 1070 may include, for
example, but are not limited to, pins, screws, lock-pins, rods, or
the like, which allow rotational motion of the portion of the lower
support assembly 1300 to which the fasteners 1070 are coupled, so
as to allow for pivotal motion of the seat 1340 in the direction A
(shown in FIG. 17B).
[0073] FIG. 17D shows a more detailed illustration of the exemplary
seat frame assembly 1180 of FIG. 17C. The seat frame assembly 1180
may include a front assembly portion 1182 and a rear assembly
portion 1184. The front assembly portion 1182 may be affixed to the
front legs 1110 by means of fasteners 1170. The rear assembly
portion 1184 may be affixed to the seat back 1040 by means of the
lock-pins 1060. The front assembly portion 1182 and rear assembly
portion 1184 may be configured to rotatably connect at a pair of
pivot points 1125, so that the front assembly portion 1182 and rear
assembly portion 1184 may rotate about an axis B with respect to
each other.
[0074] The rear assembly portion 1184 of the seat frame assembly
1180 may include a pair of elongated members 1514, which may be
interconnected by a rear cross-member 1520 and a front-cross member
1530 as seen in FIG. 17D. The rear cross-member 1520 may include a
lower portion 1525 to which the clip 1400 may be affixed. Each of
the elongated members 1514 may be affixed with a seat support
member 1512 by means of, for example, a weld, an adhesive, a screw,
a nut, a bolt, a rivet, or the like. The seat support members 1512
and the elongated members 1514 may be configured to have, for
example, an L-shape. It is noted, however, that the seat support
members 1512 or elongated members 1514 may have other shapes, such
as, for example, cylindrical, tubular, solid rod, or the like,
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
[0075] The seat support members 1512 may include a plurality of
holes (or recesses) 1518 for receiving the fasteners 1350, so as to
affix the seat 1340 to the seat frame assembly 1180. The elongated
members 1514 may each include a plurality of holes (or recesses)
1516 for receiving fasteners (not show) (such as, e.g., screws,
nails, pins, bolts, clips, or the like) to affix the seat sides
1150 to the elongated members 1514.
[0076] The elongated members 1514, the seat support members 1512,
and the cross-members 1520, 1530, may be made from a material, such
as, for example, steel, aluminum, carbon-graphite, plastic,
fiberglass, or the like, or any combination thereof.
[0077] The front assembly portion 1182 may include a pair of side
members 1552, a front member 1540 and a pair of connecting
extensions 1550. The front member 1540 may have an L-shape with a
lower section 1542 to provide enhanced rigidity. The connecting
extensions 1550 may be positioned in the front two corners of the
seat frame assembly 1180. Each connecting extension 1550 may
include, for example, a cylindrical configuration having a
through-hole for receiving and passing the fastener 1170
there-through, so that the front assembly portion 1182 may be
affixed to the front legs 1110 of the chair 1000. The front member
1540 may include a plurality of holes (or recesses) 1544 for
receiving fasteners (not shown) (such as, e.g., screws, pins,
rivets, nails, clips, or the like) to affix to the front-leg
cross-member 1115.
[0078] The rear assembly portion 1184 may be coupled to the front
assembly portion 1182 by a pair of pivoting members 1125 (such as,
e.g., a pin, a lock-pin, a rod, a bolt, or the like). In lieu of
(or in addition to) the pair of pivoting members 1125, a single
rod, or the like, may be provided between the opposing side members
1552. A stop (not shown) may be provided on the elongated members
1514 and/or the side members 1552 to prevent the front and rear
assembly portions 1182, 1184 from rotating beyond a predetermined
angle (such as, e.g., 0.degree.--i.e., where the elongated members
1514 are in-line with the side portions 1552, as shown in FIG. 17D,
or another angle between 0.degree. and 90.degree.).
[0079] FIG. 17E illustrates the plurality of legs 1110 connected to
the seat sides 1150 of the chair 1000 of FIG. 17 in a substantially
fully unfolded configuration of the chair 1000. The front-leg
cross-member 1115 may be positioned between the legs 1110. Further,
the front-leg cross-member 1115 may be affixed to the legs 1110.
Each of the front legs 1110 may include a recess (not shown) in its
upper portion for receiving the connecting extensions 1550 and/or
the fasteners 1170.
[0080] FIG. 17F shows a more detailed illustration of the exemplary
lower support assembly 1300 of the chair 1000 of FIG. 17. The lower
support assembly 1300 may include a pair of cross-bars 1340, a
cross-brace 1370, and a pair of knuckles 1380. Each of the
cross-bars 1340 may include a recess 1342 at each end to receive,
for example, a fastener 1070. Further, each cross-bar 1340 may be
configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The cross-brace
1370 may be coupled to the cross-bars 1340 by means of the knuckle
1380. The knuckles 1380 may each be configured to rotate about the
longitudinal axes of the cross-bars 1340, so that the cross-brace
1370 may rotate with respect to the cross-bar 1340 (such as, e.g.,
in the direction A shown in FIG. 17B).
[0081] Alternatively, the knuckles 1380 may be configured to
fixedly engage each of the cross-bars 1340, preventing the
cross-bars 1340 from rotational movement with respect to the
knuckles 1380 or the cross-brace 1370, so that the entire lower
support assembly 1300 would rotate as a single unit in the
direction A shown in FIG. 17B.
[0082] The cross-bars 1340, the cross-brace 1370 and the knuckles
1380 may be made from a material, such as, for example, steel,
aluminum, carbon-graphite, plastic, fiberglass, or the like, or any
combination thereof.
[0083] FIG. 17G illustrates a perspective view of an example of the
clip 1400 that may be used with the folding chair 1000 of FIG. 17.
FIG. 17H shows a side view of the exemplary clip 1400. The clip
1400 may include a top-most sloped (first) portion 1410, a second
portion 1420, a third portion 1430 and a fourth portion 1440. The
fourth portion 1440 may be coupled to, for example, the lower
portion 1525 of the seat frame assembly 1180. The clip 1400 may be
configured such that the first portion 1410, second portion 1420
and third portion 1430 flex in a direction C when a force is
applied to the top-most portion 1410 by the cross-brace 1370,
thereby allowing a part of the cross-brace 1370 (shown in FIG. 17F)
to slide past the first portion and under the second portion 1420.
Thus, that part of the cross-brace 1370 may become lockably engaged
by the second portion 1420 between the second portion 1420 and
fourth portion 1440, and adjacent the third portion 1430.
[0084] The invention provides unobtrusive folding mechanisms for
both a table and chair that provides a folding table and chair,
both of which may be constructed in a number of styles, that are
sufficiently decorative for regular, everyday home use.
[0085] While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary
embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
invention can be practiced with modifications in the spirit and
scope of the appended claims. These examples given above are merely
illustrative and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all
possible designs, embodiments, applications or modifications of the
invention.
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