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.

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 h...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[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.

Problems solved by technology

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.

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.

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