Picnic Table Assembly

The picnic table assembly addresses the challenge of single-person transport by folding into a compact state through its frame and stabilizing structure, facilitating easy transport.

US20250275626A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-09-04CLARK CORE SERVICES LLC
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Patent Information

Application Number
US18/909139
Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-03-01
Filing Date
2024-10-08
Publication Date
2025-09-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing folding picnic tables are difficult for a single person to transport without causing undue stress and strain due to their design.

Method used

A picnic table assembly with a frame, stabilizing structure, and planks that allow for inward rotation, enabling a compact folded position for easy transport.

Benefits of technology

Enables a single person to easily transport the picnic table by allowing it to fold into a compact state, reducing physical strain.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The table having a top portion and a frame positioned under the top portion. The table further having a pair of planks, each plank coupled to a leg of a pair of legs. A joint transitions each of the planks to rotate inwards towards a central inner surface of the top portion. An inner surface of the plank and the inner surface of the top portion become adjacent permitting the table to be in a closed position.
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Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 560,372 filed on Mar. 1, 2024.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention pertains to a picnic table and, more particularly, to an improved folding picnic table.BACKGROUND

[0003] Presently, designs for folding picnic tables are in the public space, however, the existing units provide a common nuisance. Specifically, the current designs of the folding picnic table make the unit nearly impossible to transport with one person without causing undue stress and strain. Therefore, there is a need for a folding picnic table that allows a single person to easily transport the picnic table without additional assistant.SUMMARY

[0004] A table includes a top portion. The table further includes a frame positioned under the top portion. The table further includes a stabilizing structure coupled to the frame and having a pair of legs, each leg having a joint. The table further includes a pair of planks, each plank coupled to a leg of the pair of legs. The joint transitions each of the planks to rotate inwards towards a central inner surface of the top portion. An inner surface of the plank and the inner surface of the top portion become adjacent permitting the table to be in a closed position.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] In the following, the present invention is described in more detail with references to the drawings in which:

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of the picnic table assembly unfolded;

[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the picnic table assembly unfolded;

[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates another top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment;

[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates another bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates another top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates another bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates a top, front, right side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged perspective view;

[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates a top perspective view of the picnic table assembly in a first folded position; and

[0015] FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the picnic table assembly in a second folded position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

[0016] With reference to the Figures, a picnic table assembly 1 according to the invention is shown.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment shown, a picnic table assembly 1 according to the invention generally includes a structure. The structure generally includes a top portion 2, a frame 4, a stabilizing structure 6, a pair of planks 8 and a side frame 10.

[0018] In the exemplary embodiment and as shown in FIG. 1, the top portion 2 is a rectangular planar member. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment. The top portion 2 further includes an outer surface 20 and an inner surface 22. The top portion 2 further includes a passageway 24 extending through the top portion 2, specifically, through a central area of both the outer surface 20 and the inner surface 22. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment.

[0019] In the exemplary embodiment, the top portion 2 further includes an edging 26. The edging 26 is an elongated member extending downwards from a perimeter of the top portion 2. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment. The edging 26 includes a thickness, the same thickness as a thickness of the top portion 2.

[0020] In the exemplary embodiment, the top portion 2 and the edging 26 form a cradle 28. The cradle 28 is formulated on the inner surface 22 of the top portion 2. The cradle 28 permits the frame 4 to rest and abut against the top portion 2 and the edging 26. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment.

[0021] In the exemplary embodiment and as shown in FIG. 2, the frame 4 is octagon shaped. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment. The frame 4 is positioned within the cradle 28.

[0022] The frame 4 further includes a plurality of braces 30. The at least four braces 30 extend across a width side of the frame 4. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment. Each brace 30 is a cylindrical member with a partial curvature at each end of the brace 30.

[0023] In the exemplary embodiment, the stabilizing structure 6 includes a pair of legs 40. The at least two pairs of legs 40 each extend from at least one brace 30. Each pair of legs 40 include a plurality of horizontal members and vertical members. The stabilizing structure 6 further includes a joint bracket 42. The joint bracket 42 permits locking and unlocking of each leg 40 and providing each leg 40 with rotational movement. The at least four joint brackets 42 are positioned on each horizontal member of the leg 40. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment.

[0024] In the exemplary embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 1-4, each plank 8 is an elongated planar member. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment. Each plank 8 further includes an outer surface 50 and an inner surface 52.

[0025] In the exemplary embodiment, each plank 8 further includes a plank edging 54. The plank edging 54 is an elongated member extending downwards from a perimeter of each of the planks 8. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment. The plank edging 54 includes a thickness, the same thickness as a thickness of the plank 8.

[0026] In the exemplary embodiment, each plank 8 and the plank edging 54 form a side cradle 56. The side cradle 56 is formulated on the inner surface 52 of each of the planks 8. The side cradle 56 permits the side frame 10 to rest and abut against the plank 8 and the plank edging 54. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment.

[0027] In the exemplary embodiment, the side frame 10 is rectangular shaped and positioned within the side cradle 56. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment.

[0028] In another exemplary embodiment, with reference to the FIGS. 5-6, a picnic table assembly 1′ according to the invention is shown.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment shown, a picnic table assembly 1′ according to the invention generally includes a structure. The structure generally includes a top portion 2′, a frame 4′, a stabilizing structure 6′, a pair of planks 8′ and a side frame 10′.

[0030] In the exemplary embodiment and as shown in FIG. 5, the top portion 2′ is a rectangular planar member. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment. The top portion 2′ further includes an outer surface 20′ and an inner surface 22′. The top portion 2′ further includes a passageway 24′ extending through the top portion 2′, specifically, through a central area of both the outer surface 20′ and the inner surface 22′. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment.

[0031] In the exemplary embodiment, the top portion 2′ further includes an edging 26′. The edging 26′ is an elongated member extending downwards from a perimeter of the top portion 2′. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment. The edging 26′ includes a thickness, the same thickness as a thickness of the top portion 2′.

[0032] In the exemplary embodiment, the top portion 2′ and the edging 26′ form a cradle 28′. The cradle 28′ is formulated on the inner surface 22′ of the top portion 2′. The cradle 28′ permits the frame 4′ to rest and abut against the top portion 2′ and the edging 26′. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment.

[0033] In the exemplary embodiment and as shown in FIG. 6, the frame 4′ is a plurality of horizontal and vertical members. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment. The frame 4′ is positioned within the cradle 28′.

[0034] The frame 4′ further includes a plurality of braces 30′. The at least four braces 30′ extend across a width side of the frame 4′. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment. A pair of braces 32′ include a curvature extending away from the top portion 2′. A second pair of braces 34′ includes an additional member extending towards the edging 26′ and away from the passageway 24′.

[0035] In the exemplary embodiment, the stabilizing structure 6′ includes a pair of legs 40′. The at least two pairs of legs 40′ each extend from at least one brace 30′. Each pair of legs 40′ include a plurality of horizontal members and vertical members with a slight curvature. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment.

[0036] In the exemplary embodiment, the stabilizing structure 6′ further includes a joint bracket 42′. The joint bracket 42′ permits locking and unlocking of each leg 40′ and providing each leg 40′ with rotational movement. The at least four joint brackets 42′ are positioned on each horizontal member of the leg 40′. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment.

[0037] In the exemplary embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 5-6, each plank 8′ is an elongated planar member. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment. Each plank 8′ further includes an outer surface 50′ and an inner surface 52′.

[0038] In the exemplary embodiment, each plank 8′ further includes a plank edging 54′. The plank edging 54′ is an elongated member extending downwards from a perimeter of each of the planks 8′. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment. The plank edging 54′ includes a thickness, the same thickness as a thickness of the plank 8′.

[0039] In the exemplary embodiment, each plank 8′ and the plank edging 54′ permits the side frame 10′ to rest and abut against the plank 8′ and the plank edging 54′. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment.

[0040] In the exemplary embodiment, the side frame 10′ is curvature shaped and positioned against each plank 8′. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment.

[0041] In the exemplary embodiment, the picnic table assembly 1′ further includes a plurality a handles 60′. The at least four handles each include a strap 62′ and a grip 64′. The strap 62′ couples to each end of the grip 64′. The strap 62′ is further fixed to the edging 26′. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 1-10, a user utilizing the picnic table assembly 1, 1′ is shown in an open position. Each pair of legs 40, 40′ is rotated along the brace 30, 30′ where a portion of the leg 40, 40′ is positioned within the side cradle 56 of the inner surface 52 of the plank 8 or abutting against the inner surface 52′ of the plank 8′. As shown in FIG. 9, each plank 8, 8′ is positioned parallel to the edging 26, 26′ of the top portion 2, 2′. As shown in FIG. 10, each of the joint brackets 42, 42′ are switched from a locked state to an unlocked state to permit each of the planks 8, 8′ to rotate inwards towards a central inner surface 22, 22′ of the top portion 2, 2′. The inner surface 52, 52′ of the plank 8, 8′ and the inner surface 22, 22′ of the top portion 2, 2′ become adjacently positioned providing the picnic table assembly 1, 1′ in a closed position.

[0043] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. For example, various embodiments of the systems and methods may be provided based on various combinations of the features and functions from the subject matter provided herein.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0016]With reference to the Figures, a picnic table assembly 1 according to the invention is shown.

[0017]In an exemplary embodiment shown, a picnic table assembly 1 according to the invention generally includes a structure. The structure generally includes a top portion 2, a frame 4, a stabilizing structure 6, a pair of planks 8 and a side frame 10.

[0018]In the exemplary embodiment and as shown in FIG. 1, the top portion 2 is a rectangular planar member. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment. The top portion 2 further includes an outer surface 20 and an inner surface 22. The top portion 2 further includes a passageway 24 extending through the top portion 2, specifically, through a central area of both the outer surface 20 and the inner surface 22. One skilled in the art would understand the applicant's design is not the exclusive embodiment.

[0019]In the exemplary embodiment, the top portion 2 further includes an edging 26. The...

Claims

1. A table comprising:a top portion;a frame positioned under the top portion;a stabilizing structure coupled to the frame and having a pair of legs, each leg having a joint; anda pair of planks, each plank coupled to a leg of the pair of legs, the joint transitions each of the planks to rotate inwards towards a central inner surface of the top portion, an inner surface of the plank and the inner surface of the top portion become adjacent permitting the table to be in a closed position.

2. The table of claim 1, wherein the top portion includes a cradle formed on the inner surface of the top portion.

3. The table of claim 2, wherein the frame is positioned within the cradle.

4. The table of claim 3, wherein the frame further includes at least one brace.

5. The table of claim 4, wherein the at least one brace extends across a width of the frame.

6. The table of claim 5, wherein the pair of legs extend from the brace.

7. The table of claim 6, wherein each leg includes a horizontal member and a vertical member.

8. The table of claim 7, wherein each joint is positioned on the horizontal member of the leg.

9. The table of claim 8, wherein each plank includes a cradle formed on the inner surface of the plank.

10. The table of claim 9, wherein each plank includes a frame positioned within the cradle.

11. A table comprising:a planar member having a frame coupled to an inner surface of the planar member;a pair of planks;a pair of legs, each leg coupled at one end to the frame and at a second end to a plank of the pair of planks, each leg having a joint, the joint permitting rotation of the plank from an open position to a closed position, in the open position each plank extends away from the planar member, in the closed position, an inner surface of the plank and the inner surface of the planar member are adjacent.

12. The table of claim 11, wherein in the closed position, a portion of the leg is positioned within a cradle of the planar member and within a cradle of the plank.

13. The table of claim 12, wherein the frame includes a plurality of braces extending across its width.

14. The table of claim 13, wherein the plank further includes a frame positioned within the cradle of the plank.

15. The table of claim 14, wherein the planar member further includes a plurality of handles.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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