Table and bench set

Abstract

A collapsible picnic set comprising a table member and at least one bench member, said table member being constituted by a table top having an undersurface with a transverse support member pivotally articulated thereto, two legs associated with each lateral edge of the transverse support member, and a pair of longitudinal support members articulated to the undersurface of the table. The bench member being of similar construction to the table member, having shorter legs and an undersurface smaller than the undersurface of the table top. The longitudinal support members of both the table member and the bench member are displaceable between erect and collapsed positions, and the transverse support member is prevented from collapsing as long as at least one of the longitudinal support members is erect. The least one bench member and the table member are adapted to be attached to each other, when each is in a collapsed position, undersurface mated to undersurface, so as to form one portable picnic unit.

Description

[0001] This application is a Continuation in Part, and claims the benefit of, U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 729,366, filed on Dec. 08, 2003.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to a collapsible / foldable table and bench set having a table top and at least one associated bench which are both collapsible for convenience of carrying and storage. [0003] In connection with the present invention the terms collapsible and foldable are used interchangeably. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART [0004] A dining table intended for use only on special occasions, such as for banquets or picnics, must be stored when not in use. Since a dining table occupies a relatively large space, the need to store the table presents a problem, particularly when there are many tables to be stored and the storage facilities are limited. A preferred form of banquet table is therefore one that is collapsible to form a compact structure that occupies relatively little storage space (and...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] To improve stability and load-bearing resistance, there may further be provided a central support member pivotally articulated, along the center-line, at undersurfaces of the top half-sections. Said central support member may comprise one or more table legs.

Problems solved by technology

Since a dining table occupies a relatively large space, the need to store the table presents a problem, particularly when there are many tables to be stored and the storage facilities are limited.

However, blow molding is a relatively difficult and costly procedure, and the need to include rigidified reinforcing sheets adds to the cost of producing the half-sections of the table.

Consequently the expenses incurred in manufacturing such a collapsible table are substantial and may militate against their sale and use.

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