Nested, independently deployable bench and table apparatus and method

A portable, storable table and bench system may be collapsed and nested. Benches may nest within the envelope of the table. Benches may be deployed independently from the table. The table may be deployed independently from the benches. The table may be deployed, with the benches maintained in nested storage within the table envelope, without requirement to deploy the benches. Tables may be formed by several suitable methods including fabrication from wood, framing with metal and wood, blow molding, tumble molding, vacuum forming, and the like. Cavities in the table for nesting the bench may fit within the envelope or cross-section of the table, or may be formed as recesses in outside surfaces underneath the table top.

BACKGROUND 
1. The Field of the Invention 
This invention relates to recreational furniture, and more particularly to 
tables and benches for collapsed storage or for portable recreational use. 
2. The Background Art 
Seating and tables have been the subject of numerous designs in furniture 
over millennia. Furniture within homes, offices, and other places of 
meeting may be large, heavy, unwieldy, and may even be assembled in-place. 
However, another class of seating and tables exists. 
Portable, or storable, tables and seating have been used for decades if not 
centuries. Stools, foldable assemblies, drop-down work spaces (tables, 
workbenches), and so forth have been the subject of many designs. Banquet 
tables are often manufactured to be readily collapsible in order to 
facilitate rapid setup and takedown, storage, moving, and the like. 
Similarly, recreational tables have been developed over many years. 
Recreational tables may be fixed in place. For example, concrete, wood, 
metal, and the like have been used as the frames, top surfaces, and so 
forth in tables. Durability has been a major factor in the construction of 
recreational tables for outdoor use. To a lesser extent, portability has 
become a factor in the design and construction of recreational tables. 
Tables are frequently used in conjunction with chairs. Typically, benches 
are more efficient than chairs in the ability to seat numerous persons at 
a table. However, benches need stability. Moreover, benches tend to be 
quite heavy. An individual chair may be made in a size and weight to be 
readily transportable, foldable (collapsible), storable, and the like. By 
contrast, a bench becomes an article of a size similar to that of a table. 
Moreover, stability often dictates a size or weight that is not readily 
adaptable to be portable or storable. 
Tables have become more portable, collapsible, storable, and the like in 
more recent years. However, most systems for picnic-type tables are not 
collapsible, readily storable, lightweight, or the like. Certain small 
systems have become prevalent in recent years. However, the size and 
utility of such collapsible systems has been marginal. 
Storage is a matter of space, weight, and the availability of people to 
store and deploy equipment. Tables that are too large become difficult to 
store without the use of several people. Moreover, storage of tables, 
benches, chairs, etc., may demand substantial space. 
What is needed is a readily storable, collapsible table system having 
seating integrated therein. For example, it would be advantageous to have 
a table with a bench integrated within the table. Preferably, the bench 
could remain within the envelope (projected area or space requirement) of 
the table when stored. Likewise, it would be advantageous to have a bench 
that may remain nested within a table during storage. 
In certain situations, tables are used for serving, display, and the like. 
In such situations, seating is not required. Nevertheless, a table that is 
integrated with a bench or other seating typically deploys to space the 
seating somewhat away from the table itself. Accordingly, such a table 
tends to be heavy, bulky, and keeps viewers or passersby a distance away 
from the table. Accordingly, a table used for display or serving is not 
easily viewed with attached benches deployed at knee or shin level for a 
passerby, keeping such passersby away from the table top. 
What is needed is a table that is collapsible but capable of containing its 
own seating. Moreover, it would be advantageous if the seating could be 
selectively deployed or stored within the envelope of the table without 
effecting the ability of the table to be used without deployment of the 
benches. 
Also, it would be advantageous to have the benches separable from the 
table. For example, although benches and tables are often used in 
conjunction with one another, it may be advantageous to use benches 
independently from the table. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to be 
able to remove benches from the table for placement in another desirable 
location. 
For example, around a campfire, or other recreational center of activity, a 
bench may be necessary or desirable. If benches must remain attached to a 
table in order for either one or both to be functional, then freedom to 
move the benches to a more desirable location is substantially limited. It 
would be advantageous in the art to have a table that may be deployed 
independently from its benches. Nested storage whether during 
transportation, or storage during the actual independent deployment of the 
table alone with the benches unneeded, would be a substantial advantage. 
Such a system in a size to be functionally equivalent to a banquet table, 
and of a weight suitable for portability would be very desirable. 
BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present invention 
to provide a readily collapsible table and bench system that is completely 
nested within the envelope of the table. In one embodiment, a table may 
contain legs secured to pivot from an end of a table. For example, a 
pedestal may be formed having one or more legs extending from a frame of a 
table to a foot for placement on a surface. The pedestal or legs may 
extend from an end of a table toward the ground or surface for supporting 
the table. 
Alternatively, the pedestal or legs may extend from the table, or an 
underside thereof, at a point spaced away from the end of the table. For 
example, banquet tables may advantageously have additional access for 
persons to sit at the end thereof if a table leg or pedestal is spaced 
away from the end of the table. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a table 
and bench system may be constructed to have a leg or pedestal extending 
away from the table toward a supporting surface, but secured at a distance 
spaced from an end of a table and designed to permit seating of a user at 
the end of the table. 
Consistent with the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the invention 
as embodied and broadly described herein, an apparatus and method are 
disclosed, in suitable detail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art 
to make and use the invention. In certain embodiments an apparatus and 
method in accordance with the present invention may include an upper 
surface formed of wood, plastic, or other material selected for weight, 
strength, and the like. 
Moreover, the table may have reinforcement by way of a stringer or rail in 
order to improve the section modulus, stiffness and strength of the table. 
Benches may also have stringers or rails extending therealong. In an 
alternative embodiment, the section modulus of the table, or bench, or 
both may be improved by changing the thickness or width of the principal 
body thereof in order to obtain structural materials spaced as far as 
possible from the neutral axis (extend the outermost fiber). As a 
practical matter, the legs or pedestals of the table and bench, as well as 
the feet associated with those pedestals, may be formed of metal, and may 
be designed to have a tubular cross-section for improving strength while 
minimizing weight. 
A system of latches, detents, and the like may be formed along an underside 
of the table in order to latch the benches into place, secure the legs of 
the benches and the legs of the table to remain secured against the 
underside of the table, and so forth. 
The table and benches may be formed of wood, metal, such as extrusions or 
expanded metal, whether steel or aluminum, and the like. Moreover, the 
tables, benches, or both may be fabricated of certain plastics, for 
example, the table top and the bench tops may be formed of blow-molded or 
vacuum formed polymeric resins. Alternatively, large expanses of 
sophisticated cross-section may be formed in a tumble-molding operation. 
The section modulus of the table may be improved by blow molding or tumble 
molding. 
Also, in certain embodiments, the tables, bench, or both may be filled with 
expanded polymeric materials, such as expanded polystyrene or expanded 
urethane in order to protect against bucking failure of hollow sections. 
In other embodiments, the wall thickness of a plastic table or plastic 
bench may be substantially increased to provide sufficient stiffness and 
strength without interior stiffeners such as expanded plastics or polymers 
or with fewer stiffeners.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, 
as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be 
arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, 
the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system 
and method of the present invention, as represented in FIGS. 1 through 
14A-E is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of 
the invention is as broad as claimed herein. The illustrations are merely 
representative of certain, presently preferred embodiments of the 
invention. Those presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be 
best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are 
designated by like numerals throughout. 
Those of ordinary skill in the art will, of course, appreciate that various 
modifications to the details of the Figures may easily be made without 
departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Thus, the 
following description of the Figures is intended only by way of example, 
and simply illustrates certain presently preferred embodiments consistent 
with the invention as claimed. 
Referring to FIG. 1, and generally to FIGS. 1-14, an apparatus 10 may be 
formed to include a table 12 and a bench 14. Multiple benches 14 may be 
included in one presently preferred embodiment. The table 12 may be 
constructed to have a frame 16, and the bench 14 may have a frame 18. 
In one embodiment, the principal frame 16, 18 of the table 12, bench 14, 
respectively may be formed of metal, such as an extrusion. However, the 
entire surface 20 of the table, surface 21 of the bench, and the like, may 
be formed as a single piece to include the respective frames 16,18 in a 
metal stamping. In one presently preferred embodiment, the top surface 20, 
21 of the table 12, bench 14, respectively may be formed of expanded 
metal. In another alternative embodiment, a reinforced, crimped, solid 
sheet may be used, stiffened with proper changes in section modulus by 
corrugation, and the like. 
In certain embodiments, the top surface 20, 21, of the table 12, bench 14, 
respectively may be formed of wood, with a metal rail as the frame 16,18, 
respectively. In one presently preferred embodiment, the entire frame 16 
of the table 12, along with the surface 20 may be formed of a resin, by 
blow-molding, vacuum-forming, tumble-molding, or the like. Similarly, the 
bench 14, and more particularly the frame 18 and top surface 21, may be 
formed by any of the same methods. The table 12 and bench 14 need not be 
manufactured by the same process. 
However, as a practical matter, lightweight plastic structures may be 
formed to render the table 12 and benches 14 readily transportable. 
Inasmuch as an easy deployment is desirable, and a simple collapse and 
storage is desirable, for any table 12 and bench 14, plastic resins are to 
be preferred in certain embodiments. Moreover, minimizing the number of 
persons required and the strength required of a person in order to deploy 
and collapse a table 12, bench 14, or both, is very desirable. Therefore, 
hollow structures may be preferred, and may be more readily available by 
such forming methods as stamping of metals, vacuum forming of resin 
sheets, blow-molding of hollow structures, and tumble-molding of complex, 
hollow structures. 
In one presently preferred embodiment, a pedestal 22 may support a table 
12. A pedestal 22 at each end, or close by may be formed of legs 24 or a 
single leg 24. To maximize strength, maximize stability, while minimizing 
weight, legs 24 may be spaced apart and two or more may be used. The leg 
24 may be pivoted at an axle 26 securing the legs 24 (e.g. pedestal 22) to 
the table 12. A foot 28 may be provided to support the pedestal 22 and 
table 12 on a supporting surface, such as a lawn, patio, ground, floor, or 
the like. 
As a practical matter, a brace 30 or strut 30 may be provided to 
selectively collapse and deploy for strengthening and stiffening the 
structural assembly comprising a table 12 and pedestal 22. The brace 30 
may extend from the foot 28 to the table 12, or from some other location 
along a leg 24 and a table 12. In one embodiment, the brace 30 may be 
formed in multiple pieces 32,34 associated with the table 12, and leg 24 
or foot 28, respectively. The brace 30 may be designed to slide along a 
rail 36 or stringer 36 extending along a central portion of the table 12 
and extending from end to end. However, in an alternative embodiment, the 
brace 30 may simply break (pivot) at some intermediate point between the 
table 12 and pedestal 22 upon release of a lock, or upon pushing a 
break-over-center-type pivot from a stable, deployed position, to an 
unstable, collapsing position. 
The frame 16,18 need not be formed to completely flat or smooth. For 
example, a rim 38 may be formed to extend around the entire perimeter of 
the table 12. The rim 38 may tend to stiffen and strengthen the overall 
table 12 by providing increased section modulus. Moreover, the rim 38 may 
also provide definition of an envelope to completely cover the nested 
benches 14 when collapsed and stored. In addition, the rim 38 may provide 
definition of the bottom of a table 12 in order to prevent persons from 
bumping into a bench 14 stored within the envelope of a table 12. 
Benches 14 may include pedestals 42 having one or more legs 44. The 
pedestals 42 may extend downwardly from each end of the bench, or may be 
placed at a location spaced from the end of the bench 14. The legs 44 may 
be secured to respective axles 46 extending therethrough and secured to 
the frame 18 of the bench. Nevertheless, various types of fastening 
arrangements may be provided, commensurate with the sizes of benches 14, 
legs 44, pedestals 42, and the relationships thereof with the dimensions 
of the table 12. 
In one embodiment, the legs 44 may be secured to axles 46 forming pivots 46 
near the ends of the benches 14. The legs 44 may extend downward to be 
secured (e.g. welded, bolted, fastened, etc.) to a foot 48. The foot 48 
may extend along a supporting surface to provide stability. Moreover, 
"floatation" may be provided in that a foot 48 may distribute stress on a 
supporting surface, preventing sinking of a leg 44 into the ground, for 
example. Also, a foot 48, particularly if formed of a right, circular, 
cylindrical tubing, may facilitate moving a bench 14 on a supporting 
surface. Similarly, a foot 28 of a pedestal 22 corresponding to a table 14 
may be similarly relied upon to provide easy sliding of the foot 28 on a 
surface supporting the table 12. Rectangular tubing may be used to similar 
advantage in forming any or all portions of the pedestals 22,42. 
A brace 50 may extend from a bench 14 to a pedestal 42. The brace 50 may 
provide stiffening, and support, similar to that provided by the brace 30 
to the table 12. The brace 50 may be formed in multiple pieces 32,34 to be 
collapsible. Alternatively, the brace 50 may be formed to latch and 
release selectively along a rail 56 or stringer 56 extending along the 
length of the bench 14. That is, in certain embodiments, lightweight may 
dictate minimizing dimensions of materials in the bench surface 21 and 
table surface 20. Accordingly, one or more stringers 36,56 may be deployed 
to extend along the lengths of the table 12 and benches 14, respectively. 
In one embodiment, such a rail 36,56 may be formed of a worked metal 
piece. Alternatively, a reinforced polymeric composite may be used. In one 
embodiment, a deep section of the principal material from which the table 
12 or bench 14 is formed may be extended to make a rail 36,56 or stringer 
36,56. Thus, the brace 30,50 may be fabricated to collapse to a stored, 
folded condition, and to extend and lock in a deployed triangulating 
position stabilizing the respective pedestal 22,42. Nevertheless, a 
sliding arrangement may also be used, to include a key, notch, latch, or 
other binding mechanism to fix an end of the brace 30,50 against the rail 
36,56, or against the respective table 12, bench 14, as appropriate. 
The rim 38 may extend about the perimeter of the table 12 in order add 
section modulus, to extend the outer most fiber, in engineering terms, to 
a maximum distance away from a neutral axis (e.g. center with respect to 
the load). Similarly, the section modulus of the upper surface 20,21 of 
the table 12, bench 14, respectively, may be increased by adding a rim 60 
extending near a top of the surface 20,21. As a practical matter, a modest 
boss 60 or rim 60 may be provided without discomfiting a user seated at a 
table. 
A length 62 of an outer envelope of a table 12 may be selected to 
accommodate users. Certain ergonomic factors may be used to design the 
length 62 in order to accommodate a specific number of users. For 
examples, a table may be designed to provide a specific distance or space 
for each user, and a specific number of users. Such factors may dictate 18 
inches, or 22 inches, depending on some preselected comfort factor, as a 
width suitable for each average person. Accordingly, the length 62 may be 
a multiple of a width of a theoretical single individual. The length 63 
inside the table 62 may be selected to fit a bench 14 therein. A width 64 
outside of a table may be selected to meet ergonomic criteria, similar to 
those selected for the length. For example, it is often desired that a 
user may be seated at one end of the table 12. Accordingly, the width 64 
may be selected to accommodate a user at an end of a table 12, with out 
discomfiting users on each side of the table and positioned near the end. 
A width 65 inside the table 12 may be selected to accommodate any hardware 
structures that may be required. For example, a stringer 36, whether a 
separate metal structure, composite, polymeric structure, wood, or the 
like, or an increase in the section of the table 12 itself, may be 
accommodated within the width 65. Similarly, the size of the benches 14 
may be accommodated within the width 65 for complete nesting of the 
benches 14 within the envelope of the table 12. 
The thickness 66 on the outside of the envelope of the table 12 may be 
selected to support the table by providing section modulus or stiffness. 
Also, the thickness 66 may be designed to accommodate the size of a user 
seated on a bench 14, along with the proper altitude for positioning the 
top surface 20 of the table 12. 
A thickness 68, interior to the table 12 may be selected to contain a bench 
14, the pedestal 42, thereof, and the pedestal 42 of the table 12, itself. 
As a practical matter, suitable legs 24,44 may be fabricated from steel 
tubing having an outer diameter of approximately 1 inch. In certain 
embodiments, the legs 24,44 may be formed along with the feet 28,48, 
respectively, to have a diameter of approximately 2 inches. However, for 
storage, compactness, and the like, additional wall thickness may be 
provided for each of the pedestals 22,42 in order to sustain smaller outer 
diameters. Thus, the height 68 of the interior cavity 69 may be selected 
to secure any of the hardware of the table 12 and bench 14 desired during 
storage, deployment, or both. 
In certain embodiments, relief 70 may be formed in order to accommodate the 
foot 48 of a bench 14, or even the foot 28 of the table 12. Relief 70 is 
not required in every embodiment. Nevertheless, stability of the benches 
14 and the table 12 may militate in favor of providing a maximum length 49 
of a foot 48, or length 29 of a foot 28 of a table 12. A user seated on a 
bench 14 may push with feet, or may position oneself in a location 
rendering the bench 14 unstable. Thus, in one presently preferred 
embodiment, the length 29 of a foot 28 may be substantially greater than 
the width 74 of a bench 14. Thus, no weight applied to a top surface 21 of 
a bench 14 could provide a moment, couple, torque outside the foot 28. 
Thus, additional stability may be provided by having a length 49 greater 
than the width 74. 
The thickness 76 of each bench 14 may be selected to provide the proper 
strength and stiffness for comfortably supporting the number of users 
designed into the lengths 72 of the bench 14. As a practical matter, the 
thickness 76 may be influenced substantially by the dimension and material 
selected for a stringer 56, if present. Thus, a rail 56 or stringer 56 may 
stiffen the bench 14, minimizing the thickness 76 required of the bench 
14. The length 72 and height 73 of the bench 14 may be selected to 
comfortably seat users. The length 72 should also be selected to fit 
within the length 63 inside the envelope of the table 12. 
Attachment of the pedestals 42,22 to the bench 14 and table 12, 
respectively, may be made by a variety of methods. In one embodiment, a 
bracket 80 may be formed into or secured to the table 12. An axle 82 may 
be formed to secure a leg 24 to the bracket 80. The bracket 80 may be 
formed as part of the frame 16 of the table 12, or may be an isolated 
part, such as a metal bracket 80 secured by a fastener to the table 12. In 
one embodiment, an axle 82 may secure a leg 24 into a bracket 80 with a 
nut 84 securing the axle 82 into the bracket 80. A pivot 86 may be 
provided on a rail 36 or stringer 36. Similarly, one or more pivots 88 may 
be provided on a leg 24 or pedestal 22, including the foot 28. The brace 
30 may be shorter if connected only between a leg 24 and the table 12. The 
brace 30 may be substantially longer, but provide increased leverage if 
connected from the foot 28 to the table 12. As discussed, the pivot 86 
positioned at the table 12 or on the rail 36 may be made to slide along 
the rail 36, or may be fixed at a single location. In one embodiment, a 
pivot 88 may be secured at one or more points to a leg 24 or legs 24. 
Meanwhile, the brace 30 may break at a pivot 90 in order to collapse and 
fold against a table 12 or over a rail 36. 
In one embodiment, ears 92 may be formed to secure the brace 30 to the 
pedestal 22, the rail 36, or the table 12. A clevis-type arrangement may 
be desirable in order to provide suitable clearances. Alternatively, close 
clearances and tolerances may provide riveted pivots 90,86,88, dispensing 
with any separate ears 92,94. For example, method bending techniques may 
provide a brace 30 formed entirely by stamping steel sheets into an 
appropriate cross-section for stiffness, strength, and the like. Ears, 
attachment points, apertures, and the like, may be provided in similar 
stamping operations by punch presses, bending brakes, and the like. 
Referring to FIGS. 2-5, and generally to FIGS. 1-14, a table 12 may be 
formed to nest benches 14 within the envelope thereof. For example, in 
FIG. 2, the underside of a table 12 and corresponding benches is 
illustrated. 
The benches 14 are designed to nest within one or more cavities 69 within 
the envelope of the table 12. In FIG. 2, the view of the underside of the 
table 12 and the benches 14 illustrates the collapsible pedestals 22,42. 
In FIG. 3, benches 14 are positioned within the cavities 69 of the table 
12. One bench 14 has already been collapsed, while one still has pedestals 
42 extending away therefrom. 
Referring to FIG. 4, the pedestals 42 of both benches 14 are collapsed 
beneath (depending upon one's perspective) the collapsed pedestals 22 of 
the table 12. The entire pedestals 22,42 and benches 14 may be fit within 
the envelope of the table 12. In one alternative embodiment, the benches 
14 may fit within the envelope of the table 12, but the pedestals 22 of 
the table 12 need not. That is, having benches 14 nesting within a table 
12 during use of the table 12 without the benches deployed, may require 
that the benches 14 not extend as obstructions beneath the table 12. 
However, since the table pedestals 22 are deployed anytime the table 12 is 
in use, not every embodiment of the table 12 need require the pedestals 22 
to fit within the envelope of the table. As a practical matter, one may 
think of the envelope of a structure as the shape that would be taken by 
an elastic band completely encircling the object in question. Thus, a 
table top 20, may define a straight line portion of an envelope. The size 
and shape of the frame 16 may define another portion of the envelope of a 
table 12. If the pedestals 22, 42 nest completely within a table, then a 
straight line extending across the frame 16 of the table 12 may define 
another edge of the envelope of the table 12. 
Referring to FIG. 5, a table 12 and bench 14 are illustrated in a side 
elevation view. The collapsible struts 30,50 or braces 30,50 are 
illustrated with corresponding pivots 90. The brace 30,50 may be made to 
pin or slide and latch along the respective rails 36,56, or may be made to 
brake and lock selectively in order to triangulate the respective 
pedestals 22,42. 
The length 72 of the bench 14 is designed to fit within the cavity 69 on 
the underside of the table 12. The height 68 of the table 12 may be on the 
order of 30 to 34 inches high in one presently preferred embodiment. The 
height 73 of the bench 14 may be approximately 20 inches. The overall 
length 62 of the table 12 may be 6 feet or 8 feet, in various, alternative 
embodiments. In one embodiment, the table length 62 may be 4 feet. The 
width 74 of each bench 14 may be 12 inches or more. If the overall width 
64 of the table 12 is approximately 30 inches, then the overall width or 
length 29 of each of the feet 28 of the benches 14 may be selected to be 
approximately half the width 64, or actually half the interior width 65 of 
the table 12 if relief 70 is provided within the frame 16 of the table 12 
in order to receive the feet 48 of the benches 14, then the overall length 
49 of the feet 48 of the benches 14, may be, nominally, half the full 
outside width 64 of the table 12, approximately 15 inches. Thus, in one 
embodiment, a foot 48 may have a length 49 of 15 inches, with a width 74 
of the seat 14 or bench 14 of 12 inches, providing additional stability. 
Extensions may be provided for the feet 48, for extending outwardly in 
order to preclude tipping of the benches 14. Alternatively, the feet 48 
may be offset somewhat, rather than centered, in order to provide more of 
a foot 48 extending behind a user. 
Referring to FIG. 6, and generally to FIGS. 6-9, while continuing to refer 
in general to FIGS. 1-14, an alternative embodiment of a table 12 and 
benches 14 may position the pedestals 22,42 away from the end or ends 13 
of the table 12. In one embodiment, brackets 80 may secure axles 82 
throughout legs 24. Thus, the braces 30 may more easily be extended to 
contact one another near the center of the table 12. Nevertheless, with a 
rail 36 stiffening a table 12, the braces 30 may connect directly in a 
pivotable fashion to the rail 36 as discussed above. The table of FIG. 6 
may be collapsed with each of the benches 14 nested within the cavities 69 
of the table 12 as illustrated in FIG. 7. 
Referring to FIG. 7, a bottom plan view of the table 12 and benches 14 of 
FIG. 6 is illustrated in a collapsed and stored position. In one 
particular embodiment, each of the pedestals 22,42 may pivot about axles 
82 in a bracket 80 (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 12) to pivot downward to the table 
12. The pedestals 42 of the benches 14 may collapse first. Relief 70 may 
be provided for receiving the feet 48 into the frame 16 of the table 12. 
In one embodiment, the pedestals 22 of the table 12 may be designed to 
overlap the feet 48 of the pedestals 42 of the benches 14. Thus, 
securement of the feet 28 and pedestals 22 of the table 12 may 
automatically secure the feet 48 and pedestals 42 of the benches 14. 
However, in certain alternative embodiments, latches, clips, keys, detents, 
and the like may be provided for securing the benches 14 and pedestals 42 
thereof independently from the pedestals 22 of the table 12. Thus, the 
benches 14 may remain secured and nested within the table 12, even while 
the table 12 is deployed for use. 
Referring to FIGS. 8-9, while still referring generally to FIGS. 6-7, and 
more generally to FIGS. 1-14, various end, elevation, cross-sectional 
views are illustrated along with side, elevation, cross-sectional views of 
various embodiments of an apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention. 
Referring to FIG. 8a, a bench 14 may be nested within a cavity 69 of a 
table 12. The benches 14 may fill the entire cavity 69, or may fill less 
than the cavity 69. A rail 36 may be an independent structure or may be a 
mirror extension of the table 12. 
Referring to FIG. 8B, the brackets 80 may be secured to the table surface 
20, referred to generally here as the entire table top 20, rather than 
simply the actual top surface. The table top 20 may be stiffened by the 
rail 36, and the brackets 80 may extend a distance away from the table top 
20 and bench top 21 sufficient to permit the respective pedestals 22,42 or 
legs 24, 44 to pivot appropriately. 
Referring to FIG. 8D, the feet 28 of the table 12 may extend a distance 
suitable for supporting the table top 20 stably. The overall length 29 of 
the foot 28 of the pedestal 22 may extend the entire inner width 65 or 
outer width 64 of the table top 20 of the table 12. Relief 70 may be 
provided for receiving the feet 48 of the benches 14, the feet 28 of the 
table 12, or both. The relief 70 may extend to the outermost width 64 of 
the table top 20. Nevertheless, as illustrated in FIGS. 8-D, and 8-E, the 
relief may leave the frame 16 intact for appearances, additional 
structural strength or other functional purposes. 
Referring to FIG. 8C, one alternative embodiment of an arrangement of the 
benches 14 nested completely within the envelope of the table 12, along 
with the entire pedestals 48 of the benches 14 and the pedestals 28 of the 
table 12 are illustrated. Referring to FIG. 8E, the shape of the table top 
20 may be formed by injection molding, vacuum forming, tumble molding, or 
reaction injection molding, or the like in order to provide a more complex 
cross-section. Accordingly, the bench tops 21 of the benches 14 may be 
snugly fitted to the interior cavity 69 of the table top 20. 
Alternatively, the overall width 74 of each bench top 21 may consume 
approximately half of the overall interior width 65 of the cavity 69 of 
the table top 20. 
Referring to FIGS. 9A-9D, while continuing to refer to FIGS. 7-8, as well 
as referring generally to FIGS. 1-14, a side, elevation, cross-sectional 
view of certain alternative embodiments of an apparatus 10 in accordance 
with the invention are illustrated. The table top 20 and the frame 16 may 
be formed to completely receive the pedestals 28,48 of the table 12 and 
benches 14. The entire bench tops 21 along with their respective pedestals 
48 may fit within the cavity 69 of the table 12 or table top 20. Relief 70 
may be provided for the feet 28 of the pedestals 22, or for the feet 48 of 
the pedestals 42 of the benches 14. 
Referring to FIG. 9C, the braces 30 may be seen in one embodiment to be 
formed to wrap around the rail 36 or stringer 36 extending along the 
length 62 of the table 12. The brackets 80 may be formed in any suitable 
fashion to fit the geometry of the respective pedestals 24, 44, and the 
shape of the table top 20 and bench tops 20 desired. 
Referring to FIG. 9D, an alternative embodiment of the rail 36 may simply 
be an extended depth of the cross-section of the table top 20. Thus, the 
rail 36 merely becomes a particularly thick section of the table top 20. 
The size of the brackets 80 may be reduced since extension away from the 
table top 20 need not be so extensive. 
Referring to FIGS. 10A-10C, certain alternative embodiments for an 
apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention are illustrated. In the 
illustration of FIG. 10A, an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 10 is 
illustrated in an end, elevation, cross-sectional view. In this 
embodiment, a table top 20 may be formed to be hollow. Such a formation 
may be completed successfully using blow-molding, vacuum forming, tumble 
molding, and the like. As a practical matter, the table top 20 may be 
formed to provide a hollow for receiving the benches 14. The hollow cavity 
69 or cavities 69 may be formed in the table top 20 for receiving the 
benches 14. In one embodiment, a weld 96 may secure a top surface 97 to a 
riser 98 for stiffening the table top 20. A cavity 99 may result which may 
then support and receive, for example the brace 30. Moreover, the riser 98 
may act as the rail 36 adding stiffness by increasing the section modulus 
of the table top 20. The dimensions of the cavity 99 may be selected for 
structural and spatial considerations in strengthening the table top 20 
and in receiving the benches 14. 
In the embodiment of FIG. 10A, the benches 14 may slide directly into an 
end 13 of a table top 20. End caps may optionally be provided for hiding 
the benches 14 and stiffening the tabletop 20. A rim 58 may extend 
downwardly, while a rim 60 may provide a boss 60 or rise 60 for stiffening 
the overall top surface 12. The top surface 12 and the pedestal 98 may 
actually be formed in separate operations, such as by vacuum forming to be 
sealed, welded, bonded, or otherwise fastened together. Alternatively, the 
entire structure of the table top 20 may be formed by blow molding or 
tumble-molding to form a strong, stiff, consistent structure having 
cavities adapted to receiving the benches 14. 
Referring to FIGS. 10B-10C, side, a elevation, sectioned view is 
illustrated with an end, elevation, cross-sectional view of a table top 20 
and benches 14. In one embodiment, the pedestals 24 corresponding to the 
table 12 may be secured outside the envelope of the table top 20. 
Meanwhile, the benches 14 may be stored in slots formed in the sides of 
the table top 20. As a practical matter, the apparatus 10 of FIGS. 10B-10C 
may be provided with caps for sealing the cavities 69 for aesthetic 
purposes. An advantage of the apparatus 10 of FIGS. 10B-10C is the 
improved section modulus and result of stiffness in flexure viewed from 
end to end 13 of the table. 
Referring to FIG. 11, a brace 30 may be formed to nest about the rail 36. 
The brace 30 may also be used as a brace 50, and may accommodate a rail 56 
for the bench 14. As a practical matter, pivots 86,88,90 may be provided 
for breaking the brace 30 into a lower piece 34 associated with the 
pedestal 24,44, and an upper piece 32 associated with the table top 20 or 
rail 36. Correspondingly, the upper piece 32 in a brace 50 may correspond 
to a rail 56 or stringer 56 of a bench 14, or simply a bracket 80 attached 
to a bench top 21. Meanwhile, the lower piece 34 may be one or more 
pieces, and may be a rail 34, a yolk 34 into two pieces 34, or the like as 
described and illustrated above, for securing the upper piece 32 to legs 
24,44 or foot 28,48 of the respective table 12 or bench 14. The pivots 
90,88,86 may be formed in any one of several suitable manners. In one 
embodiment, a rivet may be secured to a surface, and left to pivot within 
an aperture in another surface. Thus, the pivots 86,88,90 may be made 
virtually flush with the surfaces of the pieces 32,34. 
A lock, or stabilizer 91 may support the pieces 32,34 with respect to one 
another and stabilize them with respect to one another. Various mechanisms 
known in the art are available for locking the pivot 90 to form a rigid 
brace 30,50 made of the upper piece 32 and lower piece 34. 
Referring to FIG. 12, a bracket 80 may include a mount 81 or mounting 
surface 81 for securing to a table 12 or bench 14, such as a table top 20 
or bench top 21. Ears 92 or a clevis 92 may be formed to receive an axle 
82. The axle 82 may be secured by a rivet head or nut 84 or other 
securement structure 84. A leg 24 may extend into the bracket 80 between 
the ears 92 or levis 92. Accordingly, a leg 24,44 may pivot about an axle 
82 as desired. A brace 30,50 may secure a leg 24,44 of a table 12 or a 
bench 14. In the illustration of FIG. 11, the ears 92 or clevis 92 may be 
secured with a pivot 88 to a foot 28 of a pedestal 22. Nevertheless, the 
brace 30,50 may be secured as one or two pieces directly to the leg 24 or 
legs 24,44 of the table 12 or bench 14, respectively. 
Referring to FIGS. 13A-13D, while continuing to refer generally to FIGS. 
1-14, numerous mechanisms may be embodied for securing the bench top 21 or 
bench 14 within the envelope of the table top 20 or table 12. In one 
embodiment, a detent 100 may be formed to capture each side of a bench top 
21 or bench 14. The detents 100 may be formed in the table top 20 as 
ledges or the like to be deformable to deflect sufficiently to receive the 
bench top 21 or entire bench 14, closing in therebehind to secure the 
bench top 21 or bench 14 with in the cavity 69. Each of the views of FIGS. 
13a-13d represents a partial, cutaway, end, elevation, cross-sectional 
view of a table top 20 of a table 12 and a bench top 21 of a bench 14. The 
interference 104 of the detent 100 with the bench top 21 provides the 
latching mechanism. Nevertheless, application with suitable force, greater 
than the weight of the bench 14 may dislodge the bench top 21 or bench 14 
by deforming the detents 100 sufficient to neutralize the interference 
104. 
Referring to FIG. 13B, detents 102 may be formed in the frame 16 of the 
table top 20 for receiving the foot 48 of a bench 14. Detents 102 may be 
formed near the outside or inside portions of a table top 20. For example, 
in the embodiments of FIGS. 13a-13d, the rail 36 is not a distinct metal 
rail necessarily, but may merely be an increased section of the table top 
20. The detents 102 may act in approximately the same manner as the 
detents 100 may operate in an orthogonal direction. 
Referring to FIGS. 13C, a detent 100 may be formed to have a substantial 
interference 104 that cannot be deformed. Instead, placement of a bench 
top 21 may involve placing one side 105a of the bench top 21 into the 
cavity 69 above the detent 100. Meanwhile, the bench top may be rotated 
into position at an opposite side 105b to be received into the cavity 69. 
Meanwhile, some form of latch 106 or latching mechanism 106 may be adapted 
to secure the foot 48 or the bench top 21 in the cavity 69. Thus, the 
detent 100 of FIG. 13C may form a shelf such that a single latch 106 may 
secure a foot 48. 
Referring to FIG. 13D, in one embodiment, a slide 108 may be used, 
operating similarly to a deadbolt. For example, a handle 109 may be formed 
to be fixed with respect to a slide 108 running in a longitudinal 
direction along a frame 16 of a table top 20. The slide 108 may move away 
from a foot 48 to release the foot, and leave the bench 14 free to 
removed. Meanwhile, a slide 108 may be moved to interfere partially or 
completely with movement of the foot 48. Thus, a bench 14 may be 
positively secured within a cavity 69 of a table top 20. 
Referring to FIGS. 14A-14E, various types of latching mechanisms 106, 108 
are illustrated. For example, a latch 106 may rotate about a pivot 107 to 
engage a foot 28,48. Alternatively, referring to FIG. 14B particularly, 
FIGS. 14A-14D generally, and continuing to refer to FIGS. 1-14, a latch 
108 may be captured within a guide 109 or weigh 109 to move in a direction 
111 transverse to a foot 28,48 or a leg 24,44 or even a pedestal 22,42, 
generally. Thus, a latch 108 may slide in a direction 111 across a foot 
28,48 securing the pedestal 22,42 and bench 14 within the cavity 69 of a 
table top 20. 
Referring to FIG. 14C, a clip 110 may be formed of a plastic, or a metal to 
spring away and back in response to forces applied by a user. For example, 
a user may apply a force in a direction 113 transverse to a longitudinal 
direction of a foot 28,48 in order to urge the spring clip 110 to move in 
a transverse direction 111. The shape of a clip 110 may be designed to be 
secured by fasteners 115 to a table top 20 in a desired location. 
Accordingly, a foot 28,48 or a leg 24,44 may be received within the clip 
110 securely. Application of a suitable force by a user may open the clip 
110 releasing the foot 28,48 or leg 24,44. 
Referring to FIG. 14D, an alternative embodiment of a detent 102 is 
illustrated in which, the actual detent 102 is formed to operate as a clip 
110 of FIG. 14C. Accordingly, the detents 102 may operate to move in a 
direction 111 in response to a force applied by a user in a direction 113 
urging a foot 28,48 or leg 24,44 in the direction 113. Thus, the detent 
102 may deflect in a direction 111 when acted upon by a user. Meanwhile, 
the detents 102 secure a foot 28,48 or leg 24,44 within the envelope of 
the table top 20. 
Referring to FIG. 14E, a yolk 114 may be designed to fit on a fastener 116. 
A fastener 116 may be spring loaded, or may be threaded or latched in some 
other way. The yolk 114 may be selectively turned to release and capture 
one or more feet 28,48 similarly, a latch 114 or yolk 114 may be designed 
to fit between a pair of legs 24,44 of a table 12 or bench 14. Rotation of 
the yolk 114 about a fastener 116 may effect extension of the fastener 
116, if spring-loaded or may be ineffectual, if the fastener 116 is rigid. 
A rigid fastener 116 may require a wing nut or the like to release the 
yolk 114 a distance sufficient to rotate about the fastener 116 to 
selectively release or engage the foot 28,48 or leg 24,44. 
In general, it may be seen that an apparatus 10 in accordance with 
invention may be fabricated to secure benches nested within the envelope 
of a table top. Meanwhile, the benches may be formed of wood, metal, 
plastic, and the like. A table top may be formed by any of several 
mechanisms from a resin (polymers) metal, or wood. In one, presently 
preferred, lightweight embodiment, the tables and benches may be formed of 
plastic in a hollow structure. The hollow structure may be filled with 
foam where desired, and left evacuated where desired. Double walls, single 
walls, and the like may be used to form the table top 20 and the bench top 
21. Cavities and recesses may be formed at will within the bottom surface 
of the table top 20, and the bottom surface of the bench top 21. 
Accordingly, the legs may be accommodated with brackets 80 formed into the 
table top 20 and bench top 21, or may have metal or other material 
selected for forming brackets to be attached to a table top 20 or bench or 
bench top 21, respectively. In one presently preferred embodiment, an 
apparatus and method in accordance with the invention may be formed to be 
carried by a single individual. Two individuals may easily carry a nested 
pair of benches 14 within a table 12. The single individual may deploy the 
benches 14 and the table 12 once positioned in an area for use. 
From the above discussion, it will be appreciated that the present 
invention provides a table and bench system 10, in which each bench 14 is 
separately deployable from the other bench 14, and from the table 12. The 
benches 14 are separable from one another and from the table 12. The 
benches 14 may be nested alone or together within the table 12. A recess 
formed in the table top 20 may provide for storage of the benches 14 
within the overall envelope of the table top 20. The table 12 may be used 
with full functionality with the benches stored within the table envelope, 
or with the benches deployed, removed, or positioned elsewhere for other 
uses. The benches 14, may be separately useable without the tables, by 
removal from their nested locations in a cavity 69 of a table 12. The 
entire bench 14 is collapsible for storage. The entire table is 
collapsible for storage. The benches are collapsible within the table 
structure for storage. Nevertheless, the benches 14 and the table 12 do 
not require each other for any structural mechanism for support during 
deployment and use. 
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without 
departing from its structures, methods, or other essential characteristics 
as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter. The described 
embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and 
not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by 
the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes 
which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are 
to be embraced within their scope.