Abstract:
A style of lawn glider that consists of a table and chairs which travel forward and backward as one gliding frame over a second lower frame which rests on a reasonable flat surface. The use of four hard wheels, which roll in between four lower concave tracks that are part of the lower frame and four convex tracks that are part of the upper frame, provide the gliding action. The lower frame provides a retractable transport wheel system that allows easy relocating of the entire mechanism. A cloth guard system provides a way of preventing unintentional contact with moving parts. The current glider is made of wood and common fasteners, but it could be made of other materials such as plastic, metal or composite materials. Seat cushions and overhead sun shade are considered part of this product. The glider is designed to be packaged and sold in a kit form.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
       [0002]    Not applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention relates to a new and improved quick assembly Gliding Table and Chairs with transporting wheels. This design will be used in commercial establishments such as restaurants and lounges as well as by home owners. The Gliding Table and Chairs will provide a relaxing environment as Patrons glide forward and backward as they socialize. 
         [0005]    2. General Background of the Invention 
         [0006]    People in general very often employ the use of commercially available picnic tables, lawn tables and dinner tables as well as the bench seats or chairs to go along with the tables. Some of the most popular sources for this style of product would be Lowes www.lowes.com, Home Depot www.homedepot.com and Costco www.costco.com. 
         [0000]    Designing and fabricating a Gliding Table and Chairs is far more challenging, costly and time consuming than most consumers can afford. Therefore the following invention is introduced. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention provides a mobile gliding table and bench seats comprised mostly of wood but not limited to wood or plastic. The Gliding Table and Bench seats allow the user to feel as if they were gliding on air as they move forward and backward while seated on the bench style chairs. 
         [0008]    The present invention is provided in a kit form. The kit consists of only large preassembled components. The large preassembled components are then bolted together to form the complete apparatus. The apparatus is generally rectangular in shape and consists of an upper and a lower assemble. The upper assembly consists of a centered table and bench seats. When assembled, the upper components form the rectangle frame. The seats are positioned near the ends of the long portion of the rectangle frame. 
         [0009]    The lower assembly consists of a generally rectangle assemble. Symmetrical in size to the upper assembly. The lower assembly consists of two floor board assembles and outer segments which form an exterior rectangle frame, which, when in use, is positioned on a flat generally level surface. 
         [0010]    In use, the upper assembly rides over the lower assembly on four wheels located near each opposing corner of the apparatus. The upper assembly has four convex tracks, one each located along the inner edge near the end of the long portion of the rectangle frame. 
         [0011]    The lower frame has four concave tracks symmetrically located along the inner edge near the end of the long portion of the rectangle frame. Thereby when the wheels are placed in each corner they have an upper and lower track to travel in, found on the upper and lower assembles. Along the outer edge of each track is a side board which keeps the wheels contained within the upper and lower assembles. Along the inside edge of each said lower track there is a timing chain affixed to the frame following the same concave shape as the track. 
         [0012]    Axle assemblies consisting of an axle, two timing sprockets and two hard wheels are placed in the concave track and timing chain of the lower frame. The axle&#39;s position is then parallel to the rear short portions of the rectangle frame. 
         [0013]    The sprockets track within the timing chain urging the axle and wheels to stay in a parallel position to the rear rectangle frame. The upper frame assembly is then positioned symmetrically over the lower frame on the hard wheels. 
         [0014]    The axle and wheel assemblies track within the upper convex and the lower concave tracks. 
         [0000]    The operator gently applies pressure to the lower floor deck assembly with their feet. This produces a forward and backward motion as the axle and wheel assembles move within the tracks. By virtue of the concave and convex tracks, the use of gravity, kinetic energy is employed. The kinetic energy stored in each influenced stroke is enough to keep the glider in motion for approximately six following strokes. 
         [0015]    The complete gliding table assembly employs cloth guards along the outer edge of the longest portions of the rectangle frame. The said guard is affixed to the upper assembly and covers an area between the upper assembly and the lower assembly. This area is a space approximately one inch in width and is the length of the mechanism. The gliding wheels travel along this area as the glider moves forward and backward protected from unwanted contact of persons by the cloth guard. 
         [0016]    Cloth guards are also employed under each seat assembly. The cloth guards cover the axle assemblies containing the sprockets and hard gliding wheels preventing contact with moving parts by persons. 
         [0017]    The entire Gliding Table mechanism can be relocated on four retractable wheel assembles. These said wheels are located under the floor board assembles. 
         [0000]    Two said wheels are affixed to each of two axle assemblies. The said axle assemblies are affixed to the floor board frames on each end of the floor board assembly. The sole propose of the axle is to rotate and hold the wheel assembles into the transport position or to rotate retract them to the stored position. 
         [0018]    The said axles are rotated into position by connecting rods. Positioned generally centered of these said rods and centered in the floor boards is a cantilever twisting mechanism. This twisting mechanism is rotated by a separate crank handle. When this mechanism is twisted, it urges the connecting rods inward and into an over center locking position. As the connecting rods are urged inward, the axle and wheels are twisted lifting the Gliding Table assembly onto the transport wheels. Affixed to one of the connecting rods is a spring which helps urge the table into the lifted position. The wheels in this position would be considered in the locked position. 
         [0019]    Rotating the crank mechanism in the opposite direction then pushes the connecting rods outward causing the wheels to retract and lower the table to the usable position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, generally positioned for operation. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a partial exploded prospective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a prospective of the lower frame of the apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a prospective side view without guards of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a prospective elevated view with operator on the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the upper assembly of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a lower, end ward, side view of the upper assembly of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the lower assembly of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a separated prospective side view of the lower frame and the floor board assemblies of the apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a prospective upper/end/side view of the lower frame and foot board assembly of the apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is a prospective under side view of the foot board assembly with transport wheels lowered of the apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a prospective under side view of the foot board assembly with transport wheels locked in transport position of the apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is a prospective view of a lower assembly track with axle sprocket and wheel located on a track and timing chain with timing marks together of the apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is a prospective view of the axle, sprocket and wheel traveling rearward in the lower and upper assembly tracks of the apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  is a prospective view of the axle, sprocket and wheel in the fully rearward position against travel stop with lower foot guard removed for viewing of the apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  is a prospective view of a cloth guard installation under the rear of a bench seat of the apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  is a prospective view of the crank handle for use in the transport wheel mechanism of the apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 18  is a prospective view of the twisting transport lift mechanism for the transport wheel mechanism of the apparatus of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0039]      FIGS. 1 ,  4  and  5  show generally the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention comprising of  20  Upper frame assembly,  21  lower frame assembly, and  23  Axle and gliding wheel assembly. 
         [0040]      20  upper frame assembly is best depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7  wherein two individual components are formed from one each of  34  Left seat gliding frame and  35  Right seat gliding frame are positioned with point L touching ends.  38  Key board is located in M Key board pocket. The  31  Table leg is positioned over  34  Left seat gliding frame,  35  Right seat gliding frame and  38  Key board. Six fasteners E affix  34  Left seat gliding frame,  35  Right seat gliding frame,  38  Key boards and  31  table leg together across the face of  31  Table leg. 
         [0041]      36  Rear cross support,  35  Right seat and gliding frame, and  34  left seat gliding frame are affixed with hardware D at location N on face of  35  Right seat and face of  34  Left seat and gliding frame to form the upper rectangle frame. 
         [0042]      30  Table top is affixed to  31  table legs with hardware B at common locations O.  33  Seat bottoms position upon  34  left seat and gliding frame and  35  Right seat and gliding frame.  32  Seat backs position along the inside upper members of  35  Right seat and gliding frame and  34  Left seat and gliding frame.  33  Seat bottoms and  32  seat backs are affixed to  34  Left seat and gliding frame and  35  Right seat and gliding frame by fasteners B in common locations P and fasteners A in common locations Q.  37  Rear guard is affixed to  36  Rear cross support by common fasteners C in common positions R, thus forming  20  Upper frame assembly. 
         [0043]      21  Lower frame assembly best depicted in  FIGS. 8 ,  9  and  10 . Describe the combination of components that form the generally rectangular lower frame long sides.  40  Right gliding frame with timing chain and  41  Left gliding frame with timing chain are positioned as viewed at location R on  FIG. 8. 44  Key boards are placed into  1  Key board pockets.  43  Frame locking side board is located over the  44  key board pocket and in between an area provided by  40  Right gliding frame with timing chain and  41  Left gliding frame with timing chain.  39  Foot board riser board is positioned on the opposite side of  43  Frame locking side board, against  40  Right gliding frame with timing chain and  41  Left gliding frame with timing chain. 
         [0044]    Fasteners H affix the components at positions T,  FIG. 10 , to form two opposing Lower main frame sides.  42  Rear cross supports and foot guard are affixed at each end in pockets provided with hardware D at positions U on  40  Right gliding frame with timing chain and  41  Left gliding frame with timing chain. 
         [0045]      28  Foot board and lifting mechanism with transport wheels and  29  Foot board with transport wheels are positioned between  39  Foot board riser boards so that the transport wheels are positioned outwardly; this is best depicted in  FIGS. 9 and 10 .  28  and  29  Foot boards are affixed at common locations V,  FIG. 10 , by hardware G. 
         [0046]    To better describe foot boards:  FIGS. 11 and 12  Show the under side of the apparatus  28  and  29  Foot boards.  28  Foot board and lifting mechanism employ  45  Twisting transport lift mechanism shown in  FIG. 18  which is affixed to frame  61  Wooden frame assembly.  50  Lifting connecting rod with spring bracket is pivotally mounted to  45  Twisting mechanism and  46  Transport wheel axle assembly. A  48  extension spring is hooked to a portion of  50  Lifting connecting rod at one end and extended to and hooked onto  63  Eye bolt on the opposite end, which is affixed to frame  61 . 
         [0047]    The  46  transport wheel axle assembly is pivotally mounted to  61  wooden frame assembly at common locations W, as viewed on  FIG. 11 , with the transport wheels in the relaxed position. From the top side of the foot board assembly,  27  crank is inserted into the twist mechanism  45  at position X on  FIG. 10 . As it is rotated clockwise, it urges  50  lifting connecting rod with attached assist spring and  48  and  49  lifting connecting rod inward and past a center point of the rotation into a binding locking position. At the same time counter rotating.  46  Transport wheel axle assembly and  47  opposite Transport wheel axle assembly, so that the affixed  51  Transport wheels are urged in contact with the opposing surface, producing a lifting action of the  21  Lower frame assembly. 
         [0048]    Once the  45  Twisting mechanism is in the locked position as depicted in  FIG. 12 , the entire Gliding Table and Chairs can be rolled to a desired location. Once the Gliding Table and Chairs are relocated, the  27  Crank can be reinserted into mechanism  45  at position X and rotated in the opposite direction, now urging the retraction of  51  transport wheels and the lowering of the entire Gliding. Table and Chairs. 
         [0049]    To further describe the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention attention should be given to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4  and  13 .  FIG. 3  prospectively depicts  21  Lower frame assembly with  23  Axle and gliding wheel assemblies in there prospective positions. 
         [0050]      23  Axle and gliding wheel assemblies consist of  64  Axle, two each  53  sprockets and spacer, two each  55  wheels depicted on  FIG. 13  and two each  65  Push retainers depicted on  FIG. 3 . The axles  23  are configured as to affix by welding or other means to the axle the sprockets parallel and symmetrically timed opposing each other at a desired distance as to locate centered within the receiving  54  timing chain. Sprockets  53  employ a  59  sprocket timing mark.  40  and  41  Gliding frames also employ  60  Timing marks. One each  23  Axle and gliding wheel assembly are placed on opposing ends of  21  Lower frame assembly, as depicted in  FIG. 3 , within  56  Lower frame tracks and  54  timing chains which are affixed to  40  Right gliding frame with timing chain, and  41  Left gliding frame with timing chain as depicted in  FIG. 13 . The  23  axle assemblies are placed parallel to  42  rear cross support and foot guard, with  59  and  60  Timing marks positioned in line with each other to assure proper alignment of  23  axle assembly within  21  Lower main frame. The  53  sprocket and  54  timing chain prevent unwanted side to side action of the  23  Axle assemblies during use. 
         [0051]    To further describe the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, attention should be given to prospective  FIGS. 2 and 4 .  FIG. 2  depicts a separation view of  21  Lower frame assembly below  23  Axle and gliding wheel assemblies, which is below  20  upper main frame assembly.  FIG. 4  depicts  21  Lower frame,  23  Axle and gliding wheel assemblies and  20  Upper main frame in their prospective locations.  20  Upper main frame with  57  tracks, as depicted in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , are located symmetrically over  21  Lower frame assembly and  23  axle assemblies timed in there prospective locations. 
         [0052]    To further describe the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, attention should be given to the fabric guarding systems prospectively depicted in  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  16  and the intricate wooden guards prospectively depicted in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0000]      FIG. 5 ,  25  Fabric side guards, are affixed along the lower edge of  20  Upper frame assembly.  25  Fabric guard employs six,  66  fabric snaps to affix the guard along a line parallel to the bottom edge of  20  upper frame assembly. When in use,  20  upper frame passes over  21  lower frame. The  25  fabric guard travels affixed to  20  upper frame assembly, preventing personal contact with  23  Axle and gliding wheel assembly there by preventing injury from moving parts along the sides. 
         [0053]    Fabric guards  24  are positioned under each seat to prevent unwanted contact of moving parts such as the  23  Axle and gliding wheel assembly. The said  24  Fabric guards are configured in a drape style design with two per common rods such as fiberglass or other flexible material suspending the  24  Fabric guards between  34  Left gliding seat and frame assembly and  35  Right gliding seat and frame assembly. The said rods are located in and flexed by,  52  assembler to a point that allows them to enter and retain themselves in opposing pockets Y as depicted on  FIG. 16 . A flap extending to the rear of  24  Fabric guard is affixed to  36  Rear cross supports by employment of four  66  Fabric snaps. Said snaps are located in an evenly spaced parallel line along the shorter rearward segments of the rectangle of  21  lower frame assembly on  36  Rear cross supports. A second  67  front flap extends downward from said  24  Fabric guard. Said front flap is freely suspended and is in place to drape an area between the upper side of  24  fabric guard and  28  and  29  floor boards. Said  24  Fabric guard is designed to absorb unwanted contact via fiberglass or alike rods with the  26  operator&#39;s legs or other body members by providing a flexible safety guard over  23  Axle assembly and  20  and  21  Track and timing chain areas.  24  Fabric guard is also affixed by means of two each  66  snaps located at common positions Z as depicted on  FIG. 5 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 2 ,  42  Rear cross support, when in place on assembly  21  has a portion extending generally horizontal from the upper edge of assembly  21  inward enough and wide enough to prevent unwanted entanglement of body parts such as feet or ankles between  20  Upper frame assembly and  21  Lower frame assembly as  20  passes over  21  during use. 
         [0055]      FIG. 2 ,  36  rear cross support, provides a portion thereof expending horizontally in the general direction of under the seat extending outwardly between  34  and  35  Left and Right seat and gliding frames. This surface extends a ridge surface that provides the structure to mount the said  24  fabric guard snaps. It also provides a solid barrier between the  24  fabric guard and  37  rear guard to prevent accidental entrance to moving parts. 
         [0056]      37  Rear guard depicted on  FIGS. 2 and 7  generally A shaped is affixed to  36  rear cross support. Guard  37  is designed to prevent undesired entry to the area generally under the  33  seat bottoms.  37  Rear guard also serves to bump objects out of the path of the glider in motion. 
         [0057]    To further describe the operation and motion of the preferred embodiment of the present invention must be given to  FIGS. 5 ,  14  and  15 .  FIG. 5  depicts the  26  operator pushing with the feet against  28  Floor board to begin the gliding motion of  20  Upper frame assembly over  21  lower frame assembly. A positional change of  20  over  21  can be noted on the lower left portion of  FIG. 5 . As  26  operator relaxes the pressure on their feet, the concave and convex tracks of  35  Right seat and gliding frame and  40  Right gliding frame with timing chain of  FIG. 14  urge the upper gliding frame in the opposite direction. This process of lightly pushing and relaxing and the kinetic energy stored can continue until a maximum travel is reached and the  58  travel stop is then employed preventing over travel of the system. The travel stops, as depicted in  FIG. 15 , are in four common locations on  35  Right seat and gliding frames and  34  Left seat and gliding frames. The system will continue with nearly effortless involvement of the  26  operator. When operator  26  desires to stop the movement they simply relax their pressure allowing the system to glide several strokes into a motionless position. 
         [0058]    To further describe the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Consideration has been given to size and shape of the packaging of Gliding. Table and Chairs. The current invention will be transported in two packages no larger than 50 inches or 1270 mm long×29 inches or 736.6 mm wide×21 inches or 533.4 mm tall or 150 inches length and girth. This will allow the transport of the packages by common carriers such as FedEx and UPS. 
       PARTS LIST 
       [0059]    The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention: 
       Parts Number 
     Description 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
               20  Upper Frame Assembly 
               21  Lower Frame Assembly 
               22  N/A 
               23  Axle and Gliding Wheel Assembly 
               24  Fabric Axle Guard 
               25  Fabric Side Guard 
               26  Operator 
               27  Crank 
               28  Foot Board with Lifting Mechanism 
               29  Foot Board with Transport Wheels 
               30  a 
               31  Table Leg 
               32  Seat Back 
               33  Seat Bottom 
               34  Left Seat and Gliding Frame 
               35  Right Seat and Gliding Frame 
               36  Rear Cross Support 
               37  Rear Guard 
               38  Key Board 
               39  Foot Boards 
               40  Right Gliding. Frame w/timing chain 
               41  Left Gliding Frame w/timing chain 
               42  Rear Cross Support and Foot Guard 
               43  Frame Locking Side Board 
               44  Key Board 
               45  Twisting Transport Lift Mechanism 
               46  Transport Wheel and Axle Assembly 
               47  Opposite Transport Wheel Axle Assembly 
               48  Lifting Spring 
               49  Lifting Connecting Rod 
               50  Lifting Connecting Rod w/spring bracket 
               51  Transport Wheels 
               52  Assembler 
               53  Sprocket and Spacer 
               54  Timing Chain 
               55  Wheels 
               56  Lower Frame Track 
               57  Upper Frame Track 
               58  Travel Stop 
               59  Sprocket Timing Mark 
               60  N/A 
               61  Wooden Frame 
               62  Wooden Frame 
               63  Eye Screw 
               64  Axle 
               65  Push on Retainer 
               66  Snaps 
               67  Cloth Front Flap 
               68  Tee Nut 
           
         
       
     
       Hardwear 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             A ¼-20×4½ Slotted Pan Head bolts with ¼ washer 
             B ¼-20×3 inches Slotted Pan Head with ¼ Washer 
             C 5/16-18×3 inch Slotted Pan Head with Washer 
             D 5/16-18×2½ inches Slotted Pan Head With washers 
             E 5/16-18×2¼ inches Slotted Pan Head With washer 
             F 5/16-18×4 inches Slotted Pan Head with Washer 
             G 5/16-18×3 inches Carriage Bolt with 5/16 Washer, Loc Washer &amp; Nut 
             H 5/16-18×4½ inches Carriage Bolt with 5/16 Washer, Loc Washer &amp; Nut 
             I Cotter Pen