Abstract:
A bistro table having a table top, two seating members situated on either side of the table top, and a main support structure suitably adapted to support both the table top and the seating members in substantially horizontal orientations, with the main support structure asymmetrically situated at one end of the table top, leaving the other end of the table open for easy access to the seating members. The bistro table preferably has a limited overall length limited to provide a table surface and seating for two persons, such that the overall dimensions of the table may be kept to a minimum, facilitating the bistro table&#39;s use in restricted spaces such as on sidewalks, decks, porches, or inside small bistro-style restaurants.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Technical Field  
         [0002]     The invention relates generally to the field of tables. More specifically, the invention is directed to an improved picnic table suitable for use in limited spaces, such as in sidewalk cafes and bistros.  
         [0003]     2. Description of Prior Art  
         [0004]     Picnic tables are well-known in the art. Patents issued for picnic tables tend to focus on improvements on the basic traditional design, which encompasses a full size table with two symmetrically disposed support structures holding up a flat table top, with horizontal benches attached to the support structures on either side of the table top.  
         [0005]     For example, Trubee, U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,723 (Oct. 7, 2003), TIP-PROOF PICNIC TABLE WITH ATTACHED BENCHES, discloses a picnic table in which the support structures are made of tubular metal and are compoundly curved to redistribute the weight of persons sitting on the benches, thereby preventing tipping. All other aspects of the table are conventional. Similarly, Winter, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,662 (Nov. 16, 2004), PICNIC TABLE, discloses a traditionally configured full sized picnic table having improved bench supports, each of which comprises a rectangular loop portion that supports the benches.  
         [0006]     Other patents disclose variations of the traditional picnic table, such as Gregory, U.S. Pat. No. 6,883,864 (Apr. 26, 2005), PORTABLE PICNIC TABLE, which discloses a folding picnic table; Zhurong, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,166 (Jun. 14, 2005), PICNIC TABLE, which also discloses a folding picnic table; Thomas, et al., U.S. Pat. No. D493,291 (Jul. 27, 2004) and U.S. Pat. No. D497,262 (Oct. 19, 2004), both for HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE PICNIC TABLE, which disclose two similar designs for a picnic table having supports disposed towards the center underside of the table top, thereby permitting wheelchairs to be rolled against the sides of the table; and Thom, U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,436 (Apr. 17, 1990), PICNIC TABLE WITH WHEELCHAIR AND CHAIR ACCESS, which discloses an eight-sided picnic table with integrated benches on seven sides, with the eighth side left open to accommodate a wheel chair or other moveable seating.  
         [0007]     Still other patents disclose non-traditional table configurations, such as Krien, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,895,709 (May 24, 2005), PORTABLE SEAT AND PLATFORM SUPPORT, which discloses a portable seat and platform support having a shaft with a base and a removable platform attached to the shaft; Petersen, U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,185 (Jan. 4, 2000), PICNIC TABLE, which discloses a picnic table comprising a table top having a square tube removably secured to the underside with a pair of detachable legs are secured to opposite sides of the square tube and a pair of nondetachable legs secured to the other sides of the square tube, with seats attached to the leg; and Larson, U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,891 (Nov. 13, 2001), PORTABLE PICNIC TABLE FOR TAILGATE PARTIES, which discloses an asymmetric “half-table” configuration with attached seating. Larson is designed to attach to the hitch of a vehicle, is not free-standing, is foldable, and includes metal components.  
         [0008]     The traditional tables disclosed in the prior art suffer from the use of support structures which present barriers to access to the seating surfaces. Persons desiring to sit on the benches of the disclosed picnic tables must step over the benches and/or the support structures, which presents an inconvenience at best and a safety hazard at worst. The non-traditional tables disclosed in the prior art do not have this problem, but lack the simplicity of design of the present invention and thus are impractical for the desired uses. None of the disclosed prior art achieves the unique utility of the present invention, which uses an asymmetric support structure to create a table with easy access to the seating members, having a convenient small size for use in limited spaces, and constructed entirely of wood, other than for fasteners.  
         [0009]     It is an objective of the present invention to provide a useful, improved bistro table having a small size for use in limited spaces not accessible to traditionally configured picnic tables.  
         [0010]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a useful, improved bistro table with a suitably positioned support structure to provide for easy access to the seating members.  
         [0011]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a useful, improved bistro table made of wood.  
         [0012]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a useful, improved bistro table designed with bracing for strength and rigidity.  
         [0013]     Other objects of the present invention will be readily apparent from the description that follows.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     The present invention is a bistro table having the primary elements of a table top, two seating members situated on either side of the table top, and a main support structure suitably adapted to support both the table top and the seating members in substantially horizontal orientations. The main support structure is asymmetrically situated at one end of the table, leaving the other end of the table open for easy access to the seating members. This configuration facilitates use of the table by persons with physical impairments or limited mobility. The open end of the table allows for the positioning of wheel chairs proximate to the table top. Support leg structures depending from the seating members at the opposite ends of the seating members from the main support structure provide support to the table at its open end. Various braces and struts may be integrated into the main support structure, seating members, and table top to increase the strength and rigidity of the table. The overall length of the table top and seating members is limited to provide a table surface and seating for two persons, one on either side of the table, such that the overall dimensions of the table may be kept to a minimum, facilitating the table&#39;s use in restricted spaces, such as on sidewalks, decks, porches, small balconies, in small dormitory rooms, efficiency apartments, or inside small bistro-style restaurants. In the preferred embodiment the bistro table is constructed entirely of wood, with metal fasteners. However, man-made materials or other materials may also be used provided they are sufficiently strong and rigid. In an alternative embodiment, a double bistro table is disclosed with the table top and seating members extending symmetrically from either side of the main support structure, thereby providing a table surface and seating for four persons while still providing easy access to the seating members and taking up a relatively small amount of space.  
         [0015]     Other features and advantages of the invention are described below  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]      FIG. 1  is a top view of the bistro table.  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of the second side of the bistro table.  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the open side of the bistro table.  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of the rear of the bistro table.  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the open side of the bistro table.  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the rear side of the bistro table.  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the double bistro table.  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of the second side of the double bistro table.  
         [0024]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of the left side of the bistro table.  
         [0025]      FIG. 10  is a plan view of the right side of the bistro table.  
         [0026]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the double bistro table.  
         [0027]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the underside of the double bistro table.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0028]     The present invention is directed to an improved bistro table  1 , shown in  FIGS. 1 through 6 .  
         [0029]     The bistro table  1  comprises a table top  100 , a first seating member  200 , a second seating member  300 , and a main support structure  400 . The main support structure  400  is suitably adapted to support the table top  100  in a substantially horizontal orientation, and to support the first and second seating members  200 , 300 , such that the first and second seating members  200 , 300  are connected to the table top  100  through the main support structure  400 . These structures are shown on  FIG. 1 .  
         [0030]     The table top  100  is substantially planar and has a first end  102  and a second end  104 . The table top  100  may be constructed of a monolithic element or may comprise multiple sub-elements attached to each other. For example, the table top  100  may be a single sheet of plywood, or may be comprised of multiple wooden planks aligned parallel to each other. Other configurations of the table top  100  known in the art may be used as well without departing from the spirit of the present invention.  
         [0031]     The main support structure  400  is fixedly attached to the table top  100  at the first end  102  of the table top  100 . The main support structure  400  is oriented substantially vertically.  
         [0032]     The first seating member  200  is substantially planar and has a seating surface  210 , a first end  212 , a second end  214 , and a support leg structure  220 . The seating surface  210  of the first seating member  200  may be constructed of a monolithic element or may comprise multiple sub-elements attached to each other. For example, the seating surface  210  of the first seating member  200  may be a single sheet of plywood, or may be comprised of multiple wooden planks aligned parallel to each other. Other configurations of the seating surface  210  of the first seating member  200  known in the art may be used as well without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The support leg structure  220  of the first seating member  200  may be constructed of a monolithic element or may comprise multiple sub-elements attached to each other. For example, the support leg structure  220  of the first seating member  200  may be a single sheet of plywood, or may be comprised of two wooden members crossed at their respective mid-sections into an X-configuration. Other configurations of the support leg structure  220  of the first seating member  200  may be used as well without departing from the spirit of the present invention.  
         [0033]     The seating surface  210  of the first seating member  200  is fixedly attached to the main support structure  400  at the first end  212  of the first seating member  200 . The support leg structure  220  of the first seating member  200  is fixedly attached to the seating surface  210  of the first seating member  200  in a substantially vertical orientation at the second end  214  of the first seating member  200 . See  FIGS. 1 and 5 . So configured, the main support structure  400  supports the first end  212  of the first seating member  200  and the support leg structure  220  of the first seating member  200  supports the second end  214  of the first seating member  200 . This configuration allows the seating surface  210  of the first seating member  200  to be oriented substantially horizontally. It also creates a substantially open space between the second end  104  of the table top  100  and the second end  214  of the first seating member  200 , thereby permitting easy access to the first seating member  200 .  
         [0034]     Similarly, the second seating member  300  is substantially planar and has a seating surface  310 , a first end  312 , a second end  314 , and a support leg structure  320 . The seating surface  310  of the second seating member  300  is configured substantially the same as the seating surface  210  of the first seating member  200 , as described above. The support leg structure  320  of the second seating member  300  is configured substantially the same as the support leg structure  220  of the first seating member  200 , as described above. The second seating member  300  is oriented substantially parallel to the first seating member  200  on the opposite side of the table top  100  from the first seating member  200 .  
         [0035]     The seating surface  310  of the second seating member  300  is fixedly attached to the main support structure  400  at the first end  312  of the second seating member  300 . The support leg structure  320  of the second seating member  300  is fixedly attached to the seating surface  310  of the second seating member  300  in a substantially vertical orientation at the second end  314  of the second seating member  300 . See  FIG. 2 . So configured, the main support structure  400  supports the first end  312  of the second seating member  300  and the support leg structure  320  of the second seating member  300  supports the second end  314  of the second seating member  300 . This configuration allows the seating surface  320  of the second seating member  300  to be oriented substantially horizontally. It also creates a substantially open space between the second end  104  of the table top  100  and the second end  314  of the second seating member  300 , thereby permitting easy access to the second seating member  300 .  
         [0036]     In the preferred embodiment, the table top  100 , the first seating member  200 , the second seating member  300 , and the main support structure  400  are constructed of wood and metal fasteners are employed to fixedly attach all components and subcomponents together as described herein. In other embodiments fasteners other than metal may be used, such as wooden pegs or dowels, or the various components may be attached to each other using dove-tail joints or other methods of joinery known in the art. In yet other embodiments man-made or other materials may be used, provided such materials are sufficiently rigid and strong to allow the ordinary use of the bistro table  1 , i.e., to support objects upon the table top  100  and to support persons seated upon the seating members  200 , 300 .  
         [0037]     The length of the table top  100  should be substantially equivalent to the length of the seating surface  210  of the first seating member  200 , and the length of the seating surface  210  of the first seating member  200  should be substantially equivalent to the length of the seating surface  310  of the second seating member  300 . In one embodiment, this length is suitable to accommodate a single person on each seating surface  210 , 310 . In the preferred embodiment this length is between 18 and 36 inches.  
         [0038]     To provide the bistro table  1  with additional rigidity, a support brace  500  may be incorporated between the main support structure  400  and the table top  100 . See  FIG. 2 . The support brace  500  is fixedly attached to the main support structure  400  at its first end  502  and is fixedly attached to the second end  104  of the table top  100  at its second end  504 . See  FIG. 3 . Providing further rigidity as well as a more finished look is a lip  106  to the table top  100 . See  FIG. 2 . The lip  106  depends from the underside of the second end  104  of the table top  100  in a downward direction, and is fixedly attached to the table top  100  and fixedly attached to the second end  504  of the support brace  500 . In the preferred embodiment both the support brace  500  and the lip  106  are employed. However, in alternate embodiments, either the support brace  500  or the lip  106  may be eliminated.  
         [0039]     The first seating member  200  may be further comprised of a seat brace  230  to provide additional strength and rigidity. See  FIG. 5 . The first end  232  of the seat brace  230  of the first seating member  200  is fixedly attached to the main support structure  400  and the second end  234  of the seat brace  230  of the first seating member  200  is fixedly attached to the support leg structure  220  of the first seating member  200 . The seat brace  230  of the first seating member  200  is located directly below and adjacent to the seating surface  210  of the first seating member  200 . Similarly, the second seating member  300  may be further comprised of a seat brace  330  to provide additional rigidity. See  FIGS. 2 and 6 . The first end  332  of the seat brace  330  of the second seating member  300  is fixedly attached to the main support structure  400  and the second end  334  of the seat brace  330  of the second seating member  300  is fixedly attached to the support leg structure  320  of the second seating member  300 . The seat brace  330  of the second seating member  300  is located directly below and adjacent to the seating surface  310  of the second seating member  300 .  
         [0040]     To provide yet further strength and rigidity, the first seating member  200  may be still further comprised of a brace member  240 . See  FIG. 6 . The first end  242  of the brace member  240  of the first seating member  200  is fixedly attached to the main support structure  400  and the second end  244  of the brace member  240  of the first seating member  200  is fixedly attached to the support leg structure  220  of the first seating member  200 . Similarly, the second seating member  300  may be still further comprised of a brace member  340 . See  FIG. 6 . The first end  342  of the brace member  340  of the second seating member  300  is fixedly attached to the main support structure  400  and the second end  344  of the brace member  340  of the second seating member  300  is fixedly attached to the support leg structure  320  of the second seating member  300 . In the preferred embodiment both the seat braces  230 , 330  and the brace members  240 , 340  are employed. However, in alternate embodiments, either the seat braces  230 , 330  or the brace members  240 , 340  may be eliminated.  
         [0041]     In the preferred embodiment, the main support structure  400  comprises a first upright support member  410 , a second upright support member  420 , a cross support member  430 , and a top cross member  450 . See  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The first upright support member  410  has a top end  412 , a bottom end  414 , and a middle portion  416 , with the middle portion  416  being located between the top and bottom ends  412 , 414  of the first upright support member  410 . The second upright support member  420  has a top end  422 , a bottom end  424 , and a middle portion  426 , with the middle portion  426  being located between the top and bottom ends  422 , 424  of the second upright support member  420  at a point on the second upright support member  420  substantially corresponding to the location of the middle portion  416  of the first upright support member  410 . The cross support member  430  has a first end  432 , a second end  434 , and a central portion  436 , with the central portion  436  being located between and substantially equidistant from the first and second ends  432 , 434  of the cross support member  430 . See  FIGS. 3 and 4 .  
         [0042]     The cross support member  430  is fixedly attached to the middle portion  416  of the first upright support member  410  at a first attachment point  438 , said first attachment point  438  being located between the first end  432  of the cross support member  430  and the central portion  436  of the cross support member  430 . The cross support member  430  is fixedly attached to the middle portion  426  of the second upright support member  420  at a second attachment point  440 , said second attachment point  440  being located between the second end  434  of the cross support member  430  and the central portion  436  of the cross support member  430 . The second attachment point  440  is substantially equidistant from the central portion  436  of the cross support member  430  as is the first attachment point  438 . The top end  412  of the first upright support member  410  is fixedly attached to the top cross member  450 , and the top end  422  of the second upright support member  420  is fixedly attached to the top cross member  450 . See  FIG. 3 . Configured as such, the main support structure  400  has an A-frame configuration, with the top ends  412 , 422  of the first and second upright support members  410 , 420  positioned closer together than the bottom ends  414 , 424  of the first and second upright support members  410 , 420 .  
         [0043]     In this embodiment, the top cross member  450  depends from the underside of the first end  102  of the table top  100  in a downward direction, in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the first and second seating members  200 , 300 , and is fixedly attached to the table top  100  at the first end  102  of the table top  100 , thus securing the main support structure  400  to the table top  100 . See  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The first seating member  200  is attached to the main support structure  400  by the first end  212  of the seating surface  210  of the first seating member  200  being fixedly attached to the first end  432  of the cross support member  430 , and the second seating member  300  is attached to the main support structure  400  by the first end  312  of the seating surface  310  of the second seating member  300  being fixedly attached to the second end  434  of the cross support member  430 . See  FIGS. 3 and 4 .  
         [0044]     In the preferred embodiment utilizing the A-frame main support structure  400 , as described above, the first end  502  of the support brace  500  is fixedly attached to the central portion  436  of the cross support member  430  and the second end  504  of the support brace  500  is fixedly attached to the lip  106  of the table top  100 . In the most preferred embodiment both the support brace  500  and the lip  106  are employed. However, in alternate embodiments, either the support brace  500  or the lip  106  may be eliminated. See  FIGS. 3 and 4 .  
         [0045]     In another preferred embodiment utilizing the A-frame main support structure  400 , as described above, the first end  232  of the seat brace  230  of the first seating member  200  is fixedly attached to the first end  432  of the cross support member  430 , and the first end  332  of the seat brace  330  of the second seating member  300  is fixedly attached to the second end  434  of the cross support member  430 . Also, the first end  242  of the brace member  240  of the first seating member  200  is fixedly attached to the first upright support member  410  at a point on the first upright support member  410  between its middle portion  416  and its bottom end  414 , and the first end  342  of the brace member  340  of the second seating member  300  is fixedly attached to the second upright support member  420  at a point on the second upright support member  420  between its middle portion  426  and its bottom end  424 . In the most preferred embodiment both the seat braces  230 , 330  and the brace members  240 , 340  are employed. However, in alternate embodiments, either the seat braces  230 , 330  or the brace members  240 , 340  may be eliminated.  
         [0046]     In an alternative embodiment the main support structure  400  may be configured as an H-frame, whereby the first upright support member  410  and the second upright support member  420  are oriented substantially vertically and substantially parallel to each other. The main support structure  400  attaches to the first end  102  of the table top  100  at the top end  412  of the first upright support member  410  and at the top end  422  of the second upright support member  420 . The top ends  412 , 422  of the first and second upright support members  410 , 420  are also fixedly attached to the top cross member  450 . In this configuration the cross support member  430  attaches to the first upright support member  410  and the second upright support member  420  at the middle portion  416  of the first upright support member  410  and at the middle portion  426  of the second upright support member  420 , respectively, with the bottom end  414  of the first upright support member  410  and at the bottom end  424  of the second upright support member  420  reaching the ground. Alternatively, the cross support member  430  attaches to the first upright support member  410  and the second upright support member  420  at the bottom end  414  of the first upright support member  410  and at the bottom end  424  of the second upright support member  420 , respectively, and additional support leg structures are fixedly attached to each seating member  200 , 300  at the first ends  212 , 312  of the seating members  200 , 300 . The first seating member  200  attaches to the first end  432  of the cross support member  430  and the second seating member  300  attaches to the second end  434  of the cross support member  430 . Other configurations of the main support structure  400  are also contemplated by the present invention.  
         [0047]     In an alternative embodiment, the table  1  of the present invention is double-ended to provide a table surface and seating for four persons. This is shown in  FIGS. 7 through 12 . The table  1  comprises a table top  600 , a first seating member  700 , a second seating member  800 , and a main support structure  900 . The main support structure  900  is suitably adapted to support the table top  600  in a substantially horizontal orientation, and to support the first and second seating members  700 , 800 , such that the first and second seating members  700 , 800  are connected to the table top  600  through the main support structure  900 . See  FIG. 7 .  
         [0048]     In this embodiment, the main support structure  900  is oriented substantially vertically. The main support structure  900  has a first upright support member  910 , having a top end  912 , a bottom end  914 , and a middle portion  916 , with the middle portion  916  located between the top and bottom ends  912 , 914  of the first upright support member  910 ; a second upright support member  920 , having a top end  922 , a bottom end  924 , and a middle portion  926 , with the middle portion  926  located between the top and bottom ends  922 , 924  of the second upright support member  920  at a point on the second upright support member  920  substantially corresponding to the location of the middle portion  916  of the first upright support member  910 ; a cross support member  930 , having a first end  932 , a second end  934 , and a central portion  936 , with the central portion  936  located between and substantially equidistant from the first and second ends  932 , 934  of the cross support member  930 ; and a top cross member  950 , with the top cross member  950  depending from the underside of the central portion  606  of the table top  600  in a downward direction in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the table top  600 . See  FIGS. 9, 10 , and  12 .  
         [0049]     The cross support member  930  is fixedly attached to the middle portion  916  of the first upright support member  910  at a first attachment point  938  located between the first end  932  and the central portion  936  of the cross support member  930 . The cross support member  930  is fixedly attached to the middle portion  926  of the second upright support member  920  at a second attachment point  940  located between the second end  934  and the central portion  936  of the cross support member  930 . The second attachment point  940  is substantially equidistant from the central portion  936  of the cross support member  930  as is the first attachment point  938 . The top end  912  of the first upright support member  910  is fixedly attached to the top cross member  950 , and the top end  922  of the second upright support member  920  is fixedly attached to the top cross member  950 . See  FIGS. 9 and 10 . Configured as such, the main support structure  900  has an A-frame configuration, with the top ends  912 , 922  of the first and second upright support members  910 , 920  positioned closer together than the bottom ends  914 , 924  of the first and second upright support members  910 , 920 . Alternatively, the main support structure  900  may have an H-frame configuration, as described above.  
         [0050]     The table top  600  is substantially planar and has a first end  602 , a second end  604 , and a central portion  606 . The top cross member  950  of the main support structure  900  depends from the underside of the central portion  606  of the table top  600  in a downward direction, in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the first and second seating members  700 , 800 , and is fixedly attached to the table top  600  at the central portion  606  of the table top  600 , thus securing the main support structure  900  to the table top  600 . The table  1  may also include a first support brace  960 , having a first end  962  and a second end  964  and a second support brace  970 , having a first end  972  and a second end  974 . If present, the first support brace  960  is fixedly attached to the central portion  936  of the cross support member  930  at its first end  962  and is fixedly attached to the first end  602  of the table top  600  at its second end  964 . As such, the first support brace  960  is oriented at an angle to the table top  600  and at an angle to the main support structure  900 . Similarly, the second support brace  970  is fixedly attached to the central portion  936  of the cross support member  930  at its first end  972 , opposite the first support brace  960 , and is fixedly attached to the second end  604  of the table top  600  at its second end  974 . As such, the second support brace  970  is oriented at an angle to the table top  600  and at an angle to the main support structure  900 . The table  1  may comprise a first lip  608 , which depends from the first end  602  of the table top  600  in a downward direction and is fixedly attached to the table top  600  and fixedly attached to the second end  964  of the first support brace  960 ; and a second lip  610 , which depends from the second end  604  of the table top  600  in a downward direction and is fixedly attached to the table top  600  and fixedly attached to the second end  974  of the second support brace  970 . See  FIG. 8 .  
         [0051]     The first seating member  700  is substantially planar and has a seating surface  710 , a first end  712 , a second end  714 , a central portion  716 , a first support leg structure  720 , and a second support leg structure  722 . The seating surface  710  of the first seating member  700  is fixedly attached to the main support structure  900  in a substantially horizontal orientation at the central portion  716  of the first seating member  700 . The first support leg structure  720  of the first seating member  700  is fixedly attached to the seating surface  710  of the first seating member  700  in a substantially vertical orientation at the first end  712  of the first seating member  700  and the second support leg structure  722  of the first seating member  700  is fixedly attached to the seating surface  710  of the first seating member  700  in a substantially vertical orientation at the second end  714  of the first seating member  700 . The first seating member  700  may also have a seat brace  730 , having a first end  732 , a second end  734 , and a middle portion  736 , and a brace member  740 , having a first end  742 , a second end  744 , and a middle portion  746 . If present, the first end  732  of the seat brace  730  of the first seating member  700  is fixedly attached to the first support leg structure  720  of the first seating member  700 , the second end  734  of the seat brace  730  is fixedly attached to the second support leg structure  722 , and the middle portion  736  of the seat brace  730  is fixedly attached to the cross support member  930  at the first end  932  of the cross support member  930 , with the seat brace  730  located directly below and adjacent to the seating surface  710  of the first seating member  700 . The first end  742  of the brace member  740  of the first seating member  700  is fixedly attached to the first support leg structure  720  of the first seating member  700 , the second end  744  of the brace member  740  is fixedly attached to the second support leg structure  722 , and the middle portion  746  of the brace member  740  is fixedly attached to the first upright support member  910  at a point on the first upright support member  910  between the middle portion  916  and the bottom end  914  of the first upright support member  910 . See  FIGS. 11 and 12 . So configured, the main support structure  900  supports the middle portion  716  of the first seating member  700 , the first support leg structure  720  of the first seating member  700  supports the first end  712  of the first seating member  700 , and the second support leg structure  722  of the first seating member  700  supports the second end  714  of the first seating member  700 . This configuration creates a substantially open space between the first end  602  of the table top  600  and the first end  712  of the first seating member  700 , and a substantially open space between the second end  604  of the table top  600  and the second end  714  of the first seating member  700 , thereby permitting easy access to the first seating member  700 .  
         [0052]     Similarly, the second seating member  800  is substantially planar and has a seating surface  810 , a first end  812 , a second end  814 , a central portion  816 , a first support leg structure  820 , and a second support leg structure  822 . The seating surface  810  of the second seating member  800  is fixedly attached to the main support structure  900  in a substantially horizontal orientation at the central portion  816  of the second seating member  800 . The first support leg structure  820  of the second seating member  800  is fixedly attached to the seating surface  810  of the second seating member  800  in a substantially vertical orientation at the first end  812  of the second seating member  800  and the second support leg structure  822  of the second seating member  800  is fixedly attached to the seating surface  810  of the second seating member  800  in a substantially vertical orientation at the second end  814  of the second seating member  800 . The second seating member  800  may also have a seat brace  830 , having a first end  832 , a second end  834 , and a middle portion  836 , and a brace member  840 , having a first end  842 , a second end  844 , and a middle portion  846 . If present, the first end  832  of the seat brace  830  of the second seating member  800  is fixedly attached to the first support leg structure  820  of the second seating member  800 , the second end  834  of the seat brace  830  is fixedly attached to the second support leg structure  822 , and the middle portion  836  of the seat brace  830  is fixedly attached to the cross support member  930  at the second end  934  of the cross support member  930 , with the seat brace  830  located directly below and adjacent to the seating surface  810  of the first seating member  800 . The first end  842  of the brace member  840  of the second seating member  800  is fixedly attached to the first support leg structure  820  of the second seating member  800 , the second end  844  of the brace member  840  is fixedly attached to the second support leg structure  822 , and the middle portion  846  of the brace member  840  is fixedly attached to the second upright support member  920  at a point on the second upright support member  920  between the middle portion  926  and the bottom end  924  of the second upright support member  920 . See  FIGS. 11 and 12 . So configured, the main support structure  900  supports the middle portion  816  of the second seating member  800 , the first support leg structure  820  of the second seating member  800  supports the first end  812  of the second seating member  800 , and the second support leg structure  822  of the second seating member  800  supports the second end  814  of the second seating member  800 . This configuration creates a substantially open space between the first end  602  of the table top  600  and the first end  812  of the second seating member  800 , and a substantially open space between the second end  604  of the table top  600  and the second end  814  of the second seating member  800 , thereby permitting easy access to the second seating member  800 .  
         [0053]     In this embodiment, the table top  600 , the first seating member  700 , the second seating member  800 , the main support structure  900 , the first support brace  960 , and the second support brace  970  are preferably constructed of wood, though other materials having a suitable strength and rigidity may also be used. Metal fasteners are preferably employed to fixedly attach all components and subcomponents together as described herein. Alternatively, non-metal fasteners, such as wooden pegs or dowels, may be used, or other joinery known in the art. The table top  600  has a length substantially equivalent to the length of the seating surface  710  of the first seating member  700 , and the length of the seating surface  710  of the first seating member  700  is substantially equivalent to the length of the seating surface  810  of the second seating member  800 . This length is suitable to accommodate two persons on each seating surface  710 , 810 , being between 36 and 72 inches.  
         [0054]     In this embodiment, the first and second support braces  960 , 970 , the first and second lips  608 , 610 , the seat braces  730 , 830 , and the brace members  740 , 840  preferably are employed. However, in alternate embodiments, the first and second support braces  960 , 970 , the first and second lips  608 , 610 , the seat braces  730 , 830 , and/or the brace members  740 , 840  may be eliminated.  
         [0055]     As can be seen from the foregoing description, as well as in the following claims, the objectives of the present invention are met by its disclosed structure and design. Both versions of the table have a small size for use in limited spaces not accessible to traditionally configured picnic tables, both have support structures situated to provide easy access to the seating surfaces, both are made of wood, and both have bracing for strength and rigidity.  
         [0056]     Modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed embodiments of the invention without departing from the subject or spirit of the invention.