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.

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 se...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[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.

Problems solved by technology

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.

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