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 optionally could be carried in a car) and that can be easily carried from one place to another, and transferred, e.g. by car.  
         [0005]     One type of banquet tables comprises a non-collapsible, rigid and uniform table top, with only the legs being displaceable between an operative state for supporting the table top, and a storage state where the legs are folded against the table top, typically against its bottom surface. Such a table is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,674.  
         [0006]     A typical collapsible table includes a pair of interhinged half-sections to each of which is hingedly attached a leg assembly. To collapse this table its leg assemblies are first folded in against the half-sections of the tabletop, and the half-sections are then folded together to reduce the table to a compact structure requiring little storage space. To erect the table at its site of use, the half-sections are unfolded to form the tabletop and the leg assemblies are folded out to support this tabletop. A collapsible table in this form is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,872 to Wilmore.  
         [0007]     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.  
         [0008]     A collapsible picnic table with associated benches is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,653,804 disclosing a portable and foldable table to be used in open fields as an improvement of conventional portable tables by providing new devices to foldable auxiliary rods, shaft retainers, hinge and lock. With such provisions, the present invention aims at furnishing a strong, stable, simple and graceful portable table.  
         [0009]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a light weight and inexpensive collapsible table having a reinforced structure rendering the table capable of supporting heavy loads which seek to deform the table and whereby bending forces which seek to bend the table along either the longitudinal or transverse axis are resisted.  
         [0010]     By a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a collapsible table with at least one associated bench, detachably attachable thereto, constituting together a table and bench set.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a collapsing table comprising a table top formed of a pair of pivotable table top half-sections hinged to one another at their at their adjacent edges along a center-line of the table and displaceable between an open position where said half-sections are coplanar and a folded position where said half-sections overlap one another; the table characterized in that each section has at an undersurface thereof a transverse support member pivotally articulated thereto with a leg associated with each lateral edge of the transverse support member, and a pair of longitudinal support members pivotally articulated to the undersurface; said support members are displaceable between erect and collapsed positions whereby the transverse support member is prohibited from collapsing as long as at least one of the longitudinal support member is erect. According to a particular embodiment, each lateral end of the transverse support member receives a leg of the table.  
         [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.  
         [0013]     In order to obtain a firm table structure at its open position, an edge of each longitudinal support member is engageable with a corresponding lateral edge of the transverse support member at the erect position thereof and optionally, adjoining ends of the longitudinal support members and lateral edges of the central support member are engageable at the erect position thereof. According to an embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal support member extends between the central support member and the transverse support member.  
         [0014]     Typically, each section is formed at its adjacent edge with a transverse abutment surface, whereby at an open state of the table said abutment surfaces bear against one another.  
         [0015]     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collapsible table set comprising: 
        a table member having at least two transverse support members articulated thereto at an underside thereof, each transverse support member constituting a leg assembly of the table portion and being collapsible between an open position of the table portion and a closed position of the table portion; and     at least one bench member having at least two transverse support members articulated thereto at an underside thereof, each transverse support member constituting a leg assembly of the bench portion and being collapsible between an open position of the bench portion and a closed position of the bench portion;     the table member and the at least one bench member being detachably attachable to each other, at facing undersides thereof, respectively.        
 
         [0019]     According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided 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 at least two transverse support members pivotally articulated thereto, two legs associated with each transverse support member, and a pair of longitudinal support members articulated to the undersurface of said table member; said bench member being of similar construction to said table member, having shorter legs and an undersurface smaller than the undersurface of said table member; wherein said longitudinal support members of both said table member and said bench member are displaceable between erect and collapsed positions whereby said two transverse support members are prevented from collapsing as long as at least one of said longitudinal support members is deployed; said at least one bench member and said table member are adapted to be detachably attached to each other, when each is in a collapsed position, so as to form one portable picnic unit.  
         [0020]     According to various embodiments and modifications of the present invention, the folding table my have one or more of several features, for example: 
        The central support member is pivotally articulated, along the center-line, at undersurfaces of the top half-sections. Optionally, both top half-sections are pivotable about a hinge common also for the central support member.     At the erect position, the support members have substantial portions extending flush with the undersurface of the respective table member and the bench member, respectively.     The support members snappingly displace between their collapsed and erect positions.     All or part of the support members are snappingly engaged with one another at their erect position.     The support members are pivotally articulated to the respective undersurfaces by snap-type hinges. For example, the support members are articulated to the undersurfaces by first hinge segments integrally formed at the undersurfaces and corresponding second hinge segments integrally formed at the support members.     The table member and the at least one bench member are integrally formed with a peripheral downwardly extending skirt portion.     At least some of the support members are retainable at the erected position by a snap-type support arrangement.     A carrying handle or a carrying portion is fitted to either one or both of the table member or bench member. According to one particular embodiment, the handle is retractable from between a gap formed between the table member and one of the at least one bench member, at the folded position thereof.        
 
         [0029]     Optionally, a locking arrangement is provided for securing the table at its closed/folded position namely, retaining the table member and the at least one bench member adjoined together for conveniently carriage and storage thereof, e.g. by a locking latch, etc.  
         [0030]     According to a particular embodiment, each lateral end of the transverse support member receives a leg of the table.  
         [0031]     Each bench member may have a width which is about twice as small as the width of the table member, so that two bench members may substantially fully cover the undersurface of the table member (i.e. such that the footprint of the table member is substantially similar to the foot print of two adjoining bench members).  
         [0032]     The undersurface of said at least one bench member may be formed with connection pins, and the undersurface of said table may be formed with connection holes adapted to receive said pins, to facilitate connection between said table and said at least one bench member. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0033]     In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, an embodiment will now be described, by way of a non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0034]      FIG. 1  is top perspective view of a table according to the present invention, at its open position;  
         [0035]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the table, at its closed/collapsed position;  
         [0036]      FIG. 3A  is a bottom perspective view of the table, at its open position;  
         [0037]      FIG. 3B  is a section along line II-II in  FIG. 3A ;  
         [0038]      FIG. 3C  is an enlargement of the portion marked III in  FIG. 3A ;  
         [0039]      FIGS. 4A  to  4 E illustrate consecutive steps of collapsing a table according to the present invention, wherein:  
         [0040]      FIG. 4A  is a bottom perspective view of the table, at a first step of collapsing the table, with a longitudinal support member thereof at an intermediate position;  
         [0041]      FIG. 4B  is an enlargement of the portion marked IV in  FIG. 4A ;  
         [0042]      FIG. 4C  illustrates the table with all its longitudinal support members at the folded position;  
         [0043]      FIG. 4D  illustrates the table with its transverse support members and their associated legs collapsed;  
         [0044]      FIG. 4E  illustrates the table at the final collapsing step, with its top surface partially folded;  
         [0045]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a collapsible picnic set according to another aspect of the present invention, at a useful position;  
         [0046]      FIG. 6A  is an exploded bottom isometric view of a table element constituting one part of the picnic set of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0047]      FIG. 6B  is a bottom isometric view of the table of  FIG. 6A , in a collapsed/folded position;  
         [0048]      FIG. 7A  is an exploded bottom isometric view of a bench member constituting another part of the picnic set of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0049]      FIG. 7B  is a bottom isometric view of the bench of  FIG. 7A , at a collapsed/folded position;  
         [0050]      FIG. 8  is an exploded isometric view of the picnic set of  FIG. 5 , wherein the table member and two bench members are in respective collapsed positions; and  
         [0051]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the picnic set of  FIG. 1  in a completely collapsed position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0052]     Reference is first made to  FIG. 1  illustrating a collapsible table in accordance with the present invention generally designated  10  comprising two pivotable table top half sections  14  and  15  hingedly connected to one another and foldable about a pivot axle  18  (see in  FIGS. 3A and 4A ), extending transversally at a center line of the table  20 . At the open position of  FIG. 1  the half sections are coplanar.  
         [0053]     The table is supported by six legs arranged in pairs and designated  22 A and  22 B;  24 A and  24 B;  26 A and  26 B, respectively, as will become apparent hereinafter.  
         [0054]     The table is foldable/collapsible between an open position as illustrated in  FIG. 1  where the table top is supported by the legs, and a closed/folded/collapsed position as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Also seen in  FIG. 2  is a latch  30  to retain the half sections  14  and  15  at the closed, overlapping position.  
         [0055]     In  FIG. 3A  the table  10  is illustrated from its bottom side and as can be seen at each of the half sections  14  and  16 , in the present case made of plastic material, is formed with a peripheral skirt portion  34 , increasing the rigidity and load bearing ability of the table, and further, providing space for accommodating the legs and the support members, at the closed position of the table, as will become apparent hereinafter.  
         [0056]     It is further noticed in  FIG. 3A  that the end legs  22 A and B and  26 A and B are attached to a transversed support member  40  pivotably articulated to an under surface  42  of the half sections  14  and  15  by means of hinge portions  44 .  
         [0057]     The arrangement is such that the under surface  42  of the half section comprises several hinge segments  50  (see  FIG. 3B ) integrally formed therewith and adapted for snap-type engagement with a receptacle hinge cavity  54  integrally formed with the transverse support member  40 . The hinge components are sized and shaped such that the support members are snappingly displaceable in a toggle type manner between an erect position ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ) and a collapsed position ( FIG. 4D ) and further such that the at the erect position a surface  58  of the support member  40  flushingly bears against a corresponding surface  60  at an under surface of the half section.  
         [0058]     Further noticed in  FIG. 3A  there are provided four longitudinal support members  64 , each extending along a corresponding edge of the respective half section. The longitudinal support members  64  are pivotably articulated to the under surfaces  42  of the half sections  14  and  15 , respectively, in the same manner as disclosed hereinabove in connection with the transverse support members  40 , with particular reference to  FIG. 3B .  
         [0059]     A central support member  68  is mounted on the common pivot axle  18  pivotably attaching the half sections  14  and  16  whereby at the open position of the table, when the two half sections are coplanar, said central support member bears against corresponding portions at the undersurface  42  of the half sections, to thereby further increase the load bearing and stability of the table. Legs  24 A and  24 B extend from the central support member  68 . In accordance with other particular embodiments (not illustrated) the central support member may be omitted entirely or may be designed to have one central leg or no legs at all.  
         [0060]     As can best be seen in  FIG. 3A , at the open position of this table, all the support members stand erect and perpendicular to the respective undersurface where the transverse support members  40  and the central support member  68  extend parallel to the central axis  18  and the longitudinal support members  64  extend at right angles thereto.  
         [0061]     It is further noticed in  FIG. 3A  that the open position of the table, whilst all support members are erect, a closed box-like support structure is formed by said support members whereby each support member engages at its respective ends corresponding ends of a mating support member by means of a snap-type engagement as will be seen in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 3C and 4B . The construction of the box/frame like construction gives rise to a table of improved rigidity and load bearing ability both in vertical directions and in transverse directions.  
         [0062]     Retaining the support members at their erect position is obtained, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, both by the toggle-type hinge arrangement of the support members to the under surfaces of the half sections and by the snap-type engagement between adjoining ends of respective support members. An example of such engagement arrangements is seen in  FIG. 4B , which is an enlargement of the portion marked IV in  FIG. 4A , where the longitudinal support member  64  comprises four lateral projections  70 A,  70 B,  70 C and  70 D fitted for snap-engagement within corresponding receptacles designated  72 A,  72 B,  72 C and  72 D, respectively, formed at a leg support portion  76  receiving leg  76 B of the transverse support member  40 .  
         [0063]     Thus, displacement of a longitudinal support member from its erect position to its collapsed position requires some force thereby to prevent unintentional displacement thereof.  FIG. 3C  is an enlargement of the portion marked III in  FIG. 3A  whereby an end portion of the lateral support member  64  is formed with three projections  82 A,  82 B and  82 C fitted for snap-engagement within corresponding receptacles (not seen in this position) formed in leg receptacle  86  supporting leg  24 B of the central support member  68 .  
         [0064]     This arrangement too requires application of some reasonable force to thereby prevent unintentional collapsing of the longitudinal support members.  
         [0065]     With further reference made to  FIGS. 4A  to  4 E, it will now explain how the table is collapsed/folded from its open position as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 A to its closed/folded position as in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0066]     At a first step ( FIG. 4A ) the four longitudinal support members  64  are collapsed by pivotally displacing them inwardly in the direction of arrow  90 .  FIG. 4C  illustrates the table after the four longitudinal support members  64  have been collapsed and lie flush against the under surface  42  of the half sections  14  and  15 , respectively ( FIG. 4C ).  
         [0067]     Only at this position, after the longitudinal support members of each half section have been collapsed, the transverse support member  40  may be collapsed by turning them inwards as illustrated by arrowed lines  94  in  FIG. 4C  such that the transverse support members  40  extend over the already folded longitudinal support members  64 . It is noticed that at the position of  FIG. 4D  the collapsed support members and their respectively legs do not occupy the entire space formed by the peripheral skirt  34 , thereby permits sufficient space to accommodate the central support member  68  and the central legs  24 A and  24 B.  
         [0068]     At a final step the half sections  14  and  15  are pivotally displaced towards one another (arrow  98  in  FIG. 4E ) until obtaining the fully closed position as in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0069]     Retaining the table in its closed position, may be obtained by closing latch  30  ( FIG. 2 ) or by snap type arrangement as illustrated for example in  FIG. 4E  wherein the skirt portion  34  of the half section  14  comprises two projections  102  fitted for snap engagement within corresponding two receptacles  104  fitted on the skirt  34  of half section  16 .  
         [0070]     Finally, carrying the table from one place to another may be facilitated by a handle  110  formed at half sections  14  by means of a depression at the skirt portion  34  enabling one to insert his hand between the half section at the closed position. In accordance with a variation thereof, such an opening may be formed also at the half section  15  and optionally also at the opposed sides thereof. As an alternative, there may be provided a handle  114  ( FIG. 4E ) displaceable between an extracted position as shown, and a retracted position (not shown) merely by folding or sliding it about a suitable hinge or rack.  
         [0071]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the collapsible picnic set according to a further embodiment of the present invention, generally designated  210 , is shown comprising a table member  230  and two bench members  250 . The picnic set  210  is shown in its open, erect position, in which the table member  230  and each of the bench members  250  are supported by their respective legs.  
         [0072]     As seen in  FIGS. 5, 6A , and  6 B, the table member  230  comprises a table top  231  having a top surface  234  and a bottom surface  242  with a raised (downwardly extending) rim  243 , defining an inner volume  240  therewithin. The table member further comprises two transverse support members,  236 A and  236 B, each comprising an upper member  241  and two legs  232  extending perpendicularly therefrom. Two longitudinal support members  238  are pivotally articulated to the bottom surface  242  by clips  249  formed thereof. They longitudinal support members  238  extend between the transverse support members  236 A,  236 B in order to prevent the transverse support members  236 A,  236 B from collapsing inwards when the table member  230  is in its open/erect position.  
         [0073]     Each transverse support member  236 A,  236 B has a pivot pin  244  protruding perpendicularly thereto and adapted to fit into a recess  246  formed in the raised rim  243 . Each transverse support member  236 A,  236 B is equipped with two retainer clips  237 A,  237 B, adapted to fix the transverse support member  232  to the raised rim  243 .  
         [0074]     The table member  230  further comprises a handle  272  comprising a grip  270  articulated to a handle pad  274  via a hinge  276 . The handle pad  274  is affixed to the raised rim  243 , for example via a plurality of openings  245  formed in the raised rim.  
         [0075]     In the open position of the table member  230 , the transverse support members  236 A and  236 B are positioned perpendicularly to the table top  231 , such that a the upper member  241  of each one is within the inner volume  240 , and the pivot pins  244  are retained within the recesses  246 . Hooks  247  formed on the transverse support members  232  are adapted to fit within connector recesses  248  formed within the longitudinal support members  238 , thereby retaining the relative position of the transverse support members and the transverse support members.  
         [0076]     In a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 6B , the longitudinal support members  238  are stored flat against the undersurface  242  of the table top  231  within the inner volume  240 , such that the legs  232 A of one are nested within the legs  232 B of the other. The longitudinal support members  238  are pivoted such that they lie against the undersurface  242  of the table top  231 . The transverse support members  232  are placed on top of the longitudinal support members  238  such that neither the longitudinal support members  238  nor the transverse support members  232  protrude from the inner volume  240 .  
         [0077]     With reference to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , each bench member  250  similarly comprises a bench top  251  having a top surface  252  and an undersurface  262 , two transverse support members  256 A and  256 B having two legs  252  each, and two longitudinal support members  258 . The construction of the bench member is similar to that of the table member  230  described above, with the exception that the legs  232  are shorter, and in the collapsed position, the legs  232  are not nested within one another, but rather fit consecutively within the inner volume  260  of the bench  250 .  
         [0078]     Turning now to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , in the collapsed position, the two bench members  250  are attached to the table member  230  such, that the raised rim  243  of the table member  230  is mated with the raised rim  263  of both bench members  250 . For the purpose of attachment, the raised rim  243  of the table member  230  is formed with connection apertures  235  and the raised rim  263  of each bench member  250  is formed with connection pins  255  adapted to enter the aforementioned apertures  235 . Each bench member  250  further comprises latches  280 , adapted to lock the bench members  250  to the table member  230  against recesses  239 ,  259 . In this position, the entire assembly which includes the table member  230  and two bench members  250 , may be carried as one member using the handle  270 . It is noted that one or more carrying handles or depressions may be fitted on either or both of the table member and bench members.  
         [0079]     It should be noted that the collapsible picnic assembly may comprise more than two bench members, and may instead comprise, for example, four stools. Furthermore, the legs of the table member may be essentially the same length as those of the bench members, serving as a coffee table or the like.  
         [0080]     The shape of the legs is not restricted to a round or tubular shape but may be square, hexagonal etc.  
         [0081]     While there has been shown an embodiment with several modifications of the invention, it will be appreciated by a person of the art that many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention, mutatis mutandis.