Patent Publication Number: US-9839298-B2

Title: Do it yourself bench

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a bench. More specifically and without limitation, this invention relates to a do it yourself bench system, method of use, and method of manufacture. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Benches are well known and are common fixtures in public parks, shopping malls, backyards and gardens. Countless styles and designs of benches have been developed for different applications. They serve both utilitarian purposes, such as providing a convenient and comfortable place to sit, as well as aesthetic purposes, such as decorating a park or garden. Some benches serve as memorials or commemorations to certain people or events. While many of these prior art benches are functional or aesthetically pleasing, many of these benches suffer from various problems or are undesirable for various other reasons. 
     As one example, many benches are unnecessarily complex, difficult and intimidating to assemble. They require the assembly of a great number of parts, require special tools, require precision cutting of parts, or other special or sophisticated processes or steps. What&#39;s worse is that if any of these parts are assembled improperly, or steps performed inadequately, the result may be a bench that cannot perform its intended task. That is, the bench may be unable to support the weight of one or more persons, thereby creating a dangerous condition. 
     As another example, many benches, while designed to be attractive, they suffer from design flaws such that when the bench is assembled and exposed to the elements the bench is particularly susceptible to deterioration. This deterioration detracts from the utility of the bench as the deterioration causes an unsafe condition as the elements break down the materials of the bench. In addition, this deterioration detracts from the aesthetic appearance of the bench as rust, fading, fungus growth or other discoloration or aging gives the bench an undesirable appearance. In addition, many potential users of the bench are likely to refrain from sitting on a bench that suffers from rust, fungus growth or other forms of deterioration. These design flaws may be in the choice of materials that the benches are formed of, such as using materials that quickly rust, fade, weaken or decay when exposed to the elements. Or, the design flaws may be the structural design of the bench that diminish the strength of the bench or materials that form the bench. An example of such a design flaw may be passing a fastener through the planks of the bench at or near their ends which directly expose the fastener to the elements causing premature deterioration, and may cause premature tear-out of the fastener because of its positioning at or near the end of the planks. 
     Another flaw in many bench designs is that they require passing a fastener perpendicularly through the exposed surface of the planks that form the seat portion and/or through the back portion of the bench. By passing a fastener through the exposed surface of the planks in this manner forms a passageway through the surface of the planks that are most exposed to the elements. This passageway encourages water to drain into the passageway where it is absorbed by the material of the planks. This moisture then promotes rotting and which substantially reduces the effective lifespan of the bench. Another drawback to this arrangement is that by passing a fastener through the exposed surfaces of the planks causes the heads of fasteners to protrude through the seat portion or back portion of the bench which limits the usefulness of the bench as it is uncomfortable to sit or lean upon the protruding heads of the fasteners. Furthermore, it is unattractive to have fasteners protrude through the visible surfaces of the seat portion and the back portion. 
     In addition, prior art benches have limited utility because they suffer from an inability to carry a message, to be personalized or to themed after a sports team or other cause or event. 
     Therefore, in view of the deficiencies in the prior art, there is a need in the art to provide an improved bench that addresses these issues. 
     Thus, it is a primary object of the invention to provide a bench that improves upon the state of the art. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a bench that is easy to assemble. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a bench that is safe to use. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a bench that is durable over time. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a bench that resists decay and deterioration from the elements over time. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a bench that resists fading. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a bench that is fun to assemble. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a bench that is simple and not intimidating to assemble. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a bench that uses standard parts and pieces. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a bench that is appealing for do-it-yourselfers. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a bench that can be themed after a sports team or other thing, cause or event. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a bench that is inexpensive to manufacture. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a bench that has an intuitive design. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a bench that can be personalized. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a bench that has a long useful life. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a bench that is a fun project to assemble. 
     These and other objects, features, or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and claims. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An improved bench system formed of a pair of side frames having a main body portion, a front leg portion, a rear leg portion and a back portion. The side frames having a plurality of openings therein the have a flange that extend into the openings, the openings sized and shaped to receive planks from a first side and end caps from a second side. The end caps include a step that is sized and shaped to receive the flanges in the openings thereby preventing the planks from being pulled through the openings. The benches can be themed by making the side frames one color and the end caps another color and by adding an emblem to a recessed panel in the side frames. As such an improved bench that is easy to assemble, that can be customized and that has a long useful life is presented. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an improved bench system, the view showing a pair of side frames in opposing parallel spaced relation, with a plurality of planks that connect to the side frames and are inserted into openings in the side frames, end caps are connected to the ends of the planks, thereby holding the planks within the openings, the view also showing an emblem positioned within the center recessed panel of the side frame; 
         FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the improved bench system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the improved bench system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of a plurality of side frames of the improved bench system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the inside surfaces of an end cap of the improved bench system of  FIG. 1 , the view showing the inside surface of the exterior wall, the collar, the recessed step and the cavity that receives the end of the plank; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation cut-away close-up view of a plank inserted within an opening of a side frame, the view showing the end of the plank positioned within the cavity of the end cap, the view showing the end cap engaged with a step or flange of the side frame thereby preventing the end cap from pulling through the opening, the view also showing a stop connected to the plank adjacent the inside surface of the side frame, opposite the end cap, thereby preventing the side frame from sliding inward along the plank; 
         FIG. 7  is another perspective view of the inside surfaces of an end cap of the improved bench system of  FIG. 1 , the view showing the inside surface of the exterior wall, the collar, the recessed step and the cavity that receives the end of the plank; 
         FIG. 8  is a side elevation cut-away close-up view of a plank inserted within an opening of a side frame, the cut-away is made vertically through a slot positioned in the end cap that allows room for a flange or other stop feature within the opening, the view showing the plank engaged with the flange or stop feature on one side and the slot in the end cap engaged with the other side of the flange or stop feature, thereby locking the side frame between the end cap and the end of the plank. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that mechanical, procedural, and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention(s). The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention(s) is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
     As used herein, the terminology such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, front, back, end, sides and the like are referenced according to the views, pieces and figures presented. It should be understood, however, that the terms are used only for purposes of description, and are not intended to be used as limitations. Accordingly, orientation of an object or a combination of objects may change without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     With reference to the figures, a bench system  10  is presented. The bench  10  is formed of a pair of side frames  12  that hold a plurality of planks  14 . An end cap  16  is connected to the outward ends of planks  14  thereby holding the planks  14  within side frames  12 . 
     Side frames  12  are formed of any suitable size, shape or design. In one arrangement, as is shown, side frames  12  are formed of a single unitary piece or a monolithic piece of material that is either solid, partially or wholly hollow or includes solid portions and hollow portions. In one arrangement, side frames  12  are hollow and have a single open hollow interior  17  or cavity that extends throughout the interior of the side frames  12 . This arrangement, having a hollow interior cavity, provides the side frames  12  with the greatest strength while utilizing the least amount of material. This arrangement also provides maximum strength at minimum weight. In addition, in one arrangement, the hollow interior cavity is sealed, thereby preventing water, dirt, bugs or other contaminants from entering the hollow interior cavity of side frames  12 . 
     In the arrangement shown, when viewed from the top, bottom, front or back, side frames  12  are generally planar in shape, or have a planar exterior edge, meaning they have a generally constant width or thickness. However, as is further described herein, side frames also include a plurality of recesses therein that are visible when viewing the side frames  12  in a side or perspective view. 
     Side frames  12  include a main body portion  18 , a back portion  20 , a front leg portion  22  and a rear leg portion  24 . Back portion  20  is formed of any suitable size, shape or design, and serves to provide support for a user&#39;s back. In the arrangement shown, back portion  20  is connected to the main body portion  18  at or near the rearward side of main body portion  18  and extends upward and slightly rearward therefrom at an angle. 
     Front leg portion  22  is formed of any suitable size, shape or design, and serves to provide support for the forward end of the bench system  10 . In the arrangement shown, front leg portion  22  is connected to the main body  18  at or near the forward side of the main body portion  18  and extends downward and slightly forward therefrom at an angle. 
     Rear leg portion  24  is formed of any suitable size, shape or design, and serves to provide support for the rearward end of the bench system  10 . In the arrangement shown, rear leg portion  24  is connected to the main body  18  at or near the rearward side of the main body portion  18  and extends downward and slightly rearward therefrom at an angle. 
     In one arrangement, as is shown, main body portion  18  includes a forward recess panel  26 , a rearward recess panel  28  and a center recess panel  30 . Similarly, front leg portion  22  includes a front leg recess panel  32  and rear leg portion  24  includes a rear leg recess panel  34 . In the arrangement shown, forward recess panel  26 , rearward recess panel  28 , center recess panel  30 , front leg recess panel  32  and rear leg recess panel  34  are generally flat and planar in shape are recessed a distance inward from the generally flat and planar outward most exterior sides of side frames  12 . However, the opposite is hereby contemplated and panels  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  may protrude outward from the other portions of side frames  12  as well and serve the same purposes. In the arrangement shown, both sides of side frames  12  include these panels  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 . That is, each side frame  12  includes these panels  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  on both an inside surface (the surface facing the opposing side frame  12 ) and an outside surface (the side facing away from the opposing side frame  12 ). 
     Forward recess panel  26 , rearward recess panel  28 , center recess panel  30 , front leg recess panel  32  and rear leg recess panel  34  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design. Panels  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  both serve to provide an aesthetically pleasing look as well as provide additional structural rigidity to side frames  12 . That is, by having forward recess panel  26 , rearward recess panel  28 , center recess panel  30 , front leg recess panel  32  and rear leg recess panel  34  recess in from the exterior most planar surface of side frames  12  a distance this provides extra rigidity to side frames  12  in much the same way that corrugation provides additional strength to a flat sheet of material, such as in a hollow door, grain bin wall or a piece of cardboard. 
     In the arrangement shown, center recess panel  30  is generally round, circular or oval in shape and is generally centered vertically and horizontally within the side of main body portion  18 . Forward recess panel  26  and rearward recess panel  28  are positioned on the forward side and rearward side of center recess panel  30 , respectively, and have an arcuate inner edge that generally centers or frames the center recess panel  30  therein; whereas the outward edges and top and bottom edges of the forward recess panel  26  and rearward recess panel  28  generally mirror the exterior shape of main body portion  18 . 
     Similarly, front leg recess panel  32  and rear leg recess panel  34  have a shape that generally mirror the exterior shape of front leg portion  22  and rear leg portion  24 . That is they are generally rectangular in shape and extend from near the bottom of the leg portions  22 ,  24  and terminate near the bottom of main body portion  18  with a generally straight forward, rearward, bottom and top edges. The generally rectangular front leg recess panel  32  and rear leg recess panel  34  have an additional inwardly pointing curved edge that forms a generally triangular extension to the generally rectangular panels  32 ,  34  at the upper and inner edges thereof. This inwardly pointing curved edge portion positioned at the upper ends of the front leg recess panel  32  and rear leg recess panel  34  helps to fill some of the additional space formed by connection of the front leg portion  22  and rear leg portion  24  to the main body portion  18 . 
     While forward recess panel  26 , rearward recess panel  28 , center recess panel  30 , front leg recess panel  32 , rear leg recess panel  34 , are shown and described herein, any number of other recess panels are hereby contemplated for use, as is any shape to these or other recess panels. 
     The recessed nature of forward recess panel  26 , rearward recess panel  28 , center recess panel  30 , front leg recess panel  32  and rear leg recess panel  34  are well suited to receive emblems, stickers, coloring or other ornamentation therein. In one arrangement, as is shown, an emblem  36  is formed of approximately the same size and shape of center recess panel  30  and is adhesively placed therein, printed there, painted therein or otherwise formed or placed therein. In this arrangement, the exterior edge of emblem  36  fits within the exterior edges of center recess panel  30  with close and tight tolerances. This arrangement ensures maximum life as the recess of center recess panel  30  partially protects emblem  36  and helps to prevent delamination over time. 
     In the arrangement shown, an emblem  36  is only placed in the center recess panel  30 , however in an alternative arrangement, an emblem is placed in any or all of the other recess panels  26 ,  28 ,  32 ,  34 . Emblems  36  may be themed with any design or color scheme, trademark, logo, image, picture, wording or any other decorative or informational features. In one arrangement, emblem  36  is themed with a logo, name and/or design of a sports team. In another arrangement, emblem  36  is themed with an outdoors scene, a farming scene, a landscape scene or similar scene or theme. In yet another arrangement, emblem  36  is themed with a commemorative event, such as the passing of a person, or a quote. In another arrangement, emblem  36  is themed with the name of a school or a family. In another arrangement, emblem  36  is themed with a patriotic scene such as a bald eagle and/or a flag. It is hereby contemplated that emblem  36  carries any other message or design or scene. 
     In one arrangement, side frames  12  are generally symmetric with respect to a plane that extends down their middle separating the right-side from the left-side of the side frames  12 . In an alternative arrangement, side frames  12  are symmetric except for features (such as flanges  44 ) within openings  38  in side frames  12 , as is further described herein. 
     A plurality of openings  38  extend through side frames  12  from the left side to the right side. Openings  38  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are positioned in any portion of side frames  12 . In the arrangement shown, openings  38  are generally sized and shaped to receive a standard plank  14  of wood, such as a standard 2×4. This is desirable because 2×4s are widely available standard materials that can be purchased at any hardware store. Alternatively, openings  38  are sized and shaped to receive any other sized piece of material. To be clear, any number of openings  38  is hereby contemplated for use, and any size of opening  38  is hereby contemplated for use with any standard sized plank  14  or non-standard sized plank  14  or other piece of material. 
     In the arrangement shown, three openings  38  are positioned in spaced relation to one another extending from the front of side frame  12  to the back of side frame  12 . These openings hold planks  14  that form the bottom or seat portion of bench system  10 . These openings  38  are arranged such that the wider dimension of the planks  14  (the 4 inch portion) are generally horizontally aligned and the narrower dimension of the planks  14  (the 2 inch portion) are generally vertically aligned. These three horizontally aligned openings  38  are positioned at or near the bottom of main body portion  18  or at or near where the bottom of main body portion  18  joins with the top of front leg portion  22  and rear leg portion  24 . In one arrangement, the three openings  38  are aligned in generally straight arrangement to one another thereby providing a generally flat sitting surface that is either horizontal in nature or aligned at a slight angle, either extending slightly upward or slightly downward as it extends forward or rearward. In another arrangement, to provide improved comfort, the three openings  38  that form the seat portion of bench  10  are aligned in slightly curved fashion to one another. In one arrangement, the three openings  38  form a seat portion of bench  10  that has a slightly concave upwardly facing arcuate curved seat, or alternatively the three openings  38  form a seat portion of bench  10  that has a slightly convex upwardly facing arcuate curved seat. 
     In the arrangement shown, three openings  38  are also positioned in the back portion  20 . In one arrangement, as is shown, these three openings  38  in back portion  20  are positioned in spaced relation to one another extending from the bottom of back portion  20  to the top of back portion  20 . These openings hold planks  14  that form the back of bench system  10 . These openings  38  are arranged such that the wider dimension of the planks  14  (the 4 inch portion) are generally vertically aligned (or aligned mostly vertically but at a slight rearward angle as they extend upward) and the narrower dimension of the planks  14  (the 2 inch portion) are generally horizontally aligned (but again, aligned mostly horizontally but at a slight angle). These three horizontally aligned openings  38  are positioned at or near the middle of back portion  20 . In one arrangement, these three openings  38  are aligned in straight arrangement to one another thereby providing a generally flat back portion that is either vertical in nature or angled slightly rearward as it extends upward. In another arrangement, to provide improved comfort, the three openings  38  that form the back portion of bench  10  are aligned to form a slightly convex forward facing surface. 
     Openings  38  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design to receive and hold the ends of planks  14  therein. In the arrangement shown, openings  38  are generally rectangular in shape and are sized and shaped to receive planks  14  therein with close and tight tolerances. That is, in the arrangement shown, openings have a pair of opposing wider sides  40  that are positioned in approximate parallel spaced alignment to one another, and a pair of narrower sides  42  that are positioned in approximate parallel spaced alignment to one another, wherein the wider sides  40  being placed in approximate perpendicular alignment to the narrower sides  42 , thereby forming an approximate rectangular opening. In the arrangement shown, wherein a standard 2×4 is used as plank  14 , the wider sides  40  correspond to the 4 inch side of the 2×4 and the narrower side  42  corresponds to the 2 inch side of the 2×4. In one arrangement, at least one flange  44  extends inward from one or more of the sides  40 ,  42  of opening  38 . In the arrangement shown, a flange  44  extends the length of one or both narrower sides  40  and extends inwardly therefrom a distance. Flanges  44  serve as a stop or stop surface within openings  38  to prevent planks  14  from sliding through openings  38  when end caps  16  are installed thereon. 
     Side frames  12  also include a plurality of supports  46  that extend between and separate adjacent openings  38 . Supports  46  define the exterior edge between adjacent openings  38 . Like panels  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 , supports  46  are slightly recessed to the exterior surface of side frames  12 . 
     The upper surface of main body portion  18  terminates in a generally flat but arcuate surface that serves as an arm rest portion that extends from the back portion  20  before terminating at the forward side of bench system  10  above front leg portion  22 . Side frames  12  also include a cup holder recess  47 . Cup holder recess  47  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In the arrangement shown, cup holder recess  47  is positioned in the upper forward end of main body portion  18  of side frames  12  at the end of the arm-rest portion thereof. In the arrangement shown, cup holder recess  47  is a generally circular recess or depression in the side frame  12  that provides a generally flat and horizontally aligned bottom surface that provides a convenient place to position a drink thereon. 
     Side frames  12  also include indicia  48  thereon. Indicia  48  is any writing, words, numbers, marks or other insignias. In the arrangement shown, indicia  48  are positioned along the sides of side frames  12  at or near the bottom of main body portion  18 , and above openings  38  and include the name of the manufacturer, the trademark for the product and the phone number for the manufacturer, as an example. 
     End caps  16  are connected to each plank  14  on the opposite side of side frames  12 . End caps  16  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In their simplest form, end caps  16  include a feature or surface that is dimensionally larger than openings  38  such that when end caps  16  are connected to the end of planks  14  the planks  14  cannot be pulled through the openings. 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, end caps  16  have a generally flat and planar exterior wall  50  that is generally rectangular in shape. Exterior wall  50  is generally slightly oversized to the cross-sectional size and shape of planks  14 . That is, when conventional 2×4s are use, exterior wall  50  mirrors the size of the 2×4 but is slightly larger to provide clearance for dimensional variability of planks  14 . A collar  52  extends inward from the interior side of exterior wall  50  a distance. 
     In the arrangement shown, like exterior wall  50 , collar  52  has a generally rectangular shape. However, the exterior periphery of collar  52  is slightly smaller than the exterior periphery of exterior wall  50 . As such, a portion or lip  54  of exterior wall  50  extends past the exterior surface of collar  52 . The interior surface of collar  52  defines a cavity  55  that is sized and shaped to receive the end of plank  14  therein. That is, in the example of plank  14  being a 2×4, the interior surface of collar  52  is sized and shaped to receive the end of the 2×4 with close and tight tolerances. When plank  14  is inserted within cavity  55 , the end of plank  14  is in flat and flush engagement with the inside surface of exterior wall  50 . Similarly, when plank  14  is inserted within cavity  55 , the outside surface of plank  14  adjacent the end of plank  14  is in flat and flush engagement with the inside surface of collar  52  which extends around the end of plank  14 . 
     Collar  52  also includes a step  56  therein. That is, the step portion  56  is a cut-out portion of collar  52  that is sized and shaped to provide clearance for or to receive the flanges  44  of openings  38  of side frames  12  when bench  10  is assembled. In the arrangement shown, steps  56  are positioned in the narrower sides  42  of end caps  16  to correspond with the flanges  44  being positioned in the narrower sides  42  of openings  38 , however the opposite arrangement is hereby contemplated where flanges  44  and steps  56  are placed in the wider sides  40 . Where steps  56  are not present, collar  52  extends inward from exterior wall  50  a greater distance. 
     One or more through holes  58  are positioned in the exterior wall  50  of end cap  16 . Through holes  58  are sized and shaped to receive conventional fasteners  60  such as screws or bolts. In the arrangement shown, a pair of through holes  58  are shown, one positioned at or near each outward end of end cap  16 . This positioning helps to prevent rotation of plank  14  when end caps  16  are fastened with conventional fasteners  60  to planks  14 . In one arrangement, through holes  58  are counter-sunk so that the exterior surface of fasteners  60  are in flat and flush alignment with the exterior surface of exterior wall  50  when installed thereby providing an improved flat and smooth appearance. 
     Assembly: 
     Bench system  10  is assembled by any means known in the art. As one example, a pair of side frames  12  are positioned in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another. Next, planks  14  of equal length are inserted, one into each of the interior sides of the openings  38 . Next, end caps  16  are installed onto the ends of planks  14  by inserting end caps  16  into the exterior sides of openings  38 . Care is taken to align the end caps  16  properly and fully insert them into the openings  38 . 
     In the arrangement where no flange  44  is present within opening  38 , end cap  16  is fully inserted and installed when the lip  54  of end cap  16  engages the exterior surface of opening  38 , or a step  55  of opening  38  that is sized and shaped to receive lip  54  therein. As is shown, as one example in  FIG. 6 , when the lip  54  of end cap  16  engages the step  55  of opening  38 , the exterior surface of exterior wall  50  is in generally flat and flush alignment with the exterior surface of side frame  12 . 
     In the arrangement where one or more flanges  44  are present within openings  38 , end cap  16  is fully inserted and installed when the interior edge of step  56  engages the exterior surface of flange  44  of the opening  38 . 
     In the arrangement where one or more flanges  44  are present within openings  38  and openings include a step  55 , end cap  16  is fully inserted and installed when the interior edge of step  56  engages the exterior surface of flange  44  of the opening  38  and the lip  54  of end cap  16  engages the exterior surface of opening  38 , or step  55  of opening  38  that is sized and shaped to receive lip  54  therein. 
     In the arrangement shown in  FIG. 6 , when fully inserted within opening  38 , the exterior surface of exterior wall  50  is in generally flat and flush alignment with the exterior surface of side frame  12 . 
     The end plank  14  is fully received within the cavity  55  formed by the interior surface of exterior wall  50  and the interior surface of collar  52 . In this position, the end of plank  14  is flush with the interior surface of exterior wall  50  and flush with the interior surface of collar  52 . Once in this position, fasteners  60  are inserted into through holes  58  and into planks  14  and the end cap  16  is tightened against the end of plank  14  thereby pulling the end of plank  14  into the cavity  55  of end cap  16 . 
     In this position, the planks  14  are tightly and firmly held in place by the combination of the fasteners  60  extending through the end caps  16 , and the lip  54  and step  56  of end cap  16  engaging the side frames  12  in such a way that they cannot pull through the opening  38  or move with respect to the side frames  12 . As such, a strong, rigid and easily assembled, a do-it-yourself bench  10  is made without the use of any special tools, without having to make any precision cuts. 
     Method of Manufacture: 
     The side frames  12  and end caps  16  of bench system  10  are formed in any suitable manner. In one arrangement, these parts are injection molded, blow molded, rotationally molded (or “roto molded”), or molded by any other manner, out of a plastic, nylon, or any other composite material. Alternatively, any other manner or method or manufacture is hereby contemplated for manufacture of these parts. 
     Design: 
     It is hereby contemplated that side frames  12 , end caps  16  and emblems  36  are formed of any colors. That is, to provide a unique and aesthetically pleasing appearance, side frames  12  are formed of one color, and end caps  16  are formed of a second color. As one example, when making an University of Iowa Hawkeyes themed bench, whose school colors are black and yellow, the side frames  12  are formed of a black material and the end caps  16  are formed of a yellow material and the emblem  26  is printed in black and yellow with the symbol of the Iowa Hawkeyes and installed within center recess panel  30  of side frames  12 . Any other color scheme or design is hereby contemplated for use. 
     To ensure a long life and to prevent fading from the sun, a UV stabilizer is mixed in with the mixture forming the components of the bench  10 . 
     Stops: 
     In one arrangement, to provide additional assurances that side frames  12  are not moveable inward toward one another along the length of planks  14 , one or more stops  70  are utilized. Stops  70  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and serve to stop or prevent any inward movement of side frames  12  along planks  14 . 
     In one arrangement, as is shown, one or more stops  70  are positioned at the interface between side frames  12  and planks  14  on a side opposite end caps  16 . That is, one or more stops  70  are positioned on the inward side of side frames  12 , to prevent the inward movement of side frames  12  relative to planks  14 , whereas end caps  16  are positioned on the outward side of side frames  12  to prevent outward movement of side frames  12 . 
     In one arrangement, as is shown in  FIG. 6 , stop  70  includes an angled or wedge surface  72  that is connected to a trailing elongated tab portion  74 . In this arrangement, stop  70  is placed in engagement with both the side frame  12  and plank  14  by placing or wedging wedge surface  72  into the gap between plank  14  and side frame  12  thereby taking up any dimensional variability between opening  38  and the end of plank  14 . 
     Once installed in this manner, stop  70  is affixed to side frame  12  and/or plank  14  by any manner, method or means. As one example, a fastener  76 , such as a pin, screw, bolt, nail, staple or the like, is passed through the tab portion  74  of stop  70  and into plank  14 . In another arrangement, stop  70  is adhered to side frame  12  and/or plank  14  by glue, two-sided tape, or any other adhesive. In another arrangement, stop  70  includes teeth or other gripping members that hold stop  70  in place once inserted. 
     In one arrangement, one or more stops  70  are installed on each end of each plank  14 . In one arrangement, stops  70  are placed at the narrow sides  42  of planks  14  so as to prevent interference with upper surface or forward surface of the seat portion or back portion. In another arrangement, stops  70  are placed on the bottom side of the seat portion and/or the back side of the back portion so as to prevent interference upper surface or forward surface of the seat portion or back portion. In yet another arrangement, stops  70  are placed on the top side of the seat portion and/or the front side of the back portion. 
     Slot &amp; Stop Member: 
     In another arrangement, with reference to  FIG. 8 , end caps  16  and openings  38  are designed to sandwich a portion of side frame  12  there between. In the arrangement shown, as one example, end cap  16  includes a slot  80  that provides room for support member  80  of side frame  12  to extend therein. That is, slot  80  and support member  82  are sized and shaped such that when end cap  16  is inserted into the exterior side of opening  38  slot matingly receives support member  82  therein and the end of plank  14  is inserted into the interior side of opening  38  until it engages support member  82  as well as the cavity  55  of end cap  16 . 
     Once end cap  16  is fully inserted into opening  38  on one side and the end of plank  14  is inserted in the other side, support member  82  is sandwiched between the end cap  16  and plank  14 . Once in this position, fasteners  60  are passed through end cap  16  and into plank  14  thereby pulling the two components into tight locking arrangement around support member  82 . This arrangement ensures that the side frame  12  is locked around the support member  82 . While support members  82  are shown as a post that extends into the slot  80  of end cap  16 , any other form of a device is hereby contemplated for use as support member  82  which is locked between end cap  16  and plank  14 . 
     From the above discussion it will be appreciated that the bench system  10  and manufacturing method and method of assembly shown and described herein improves upon the state of the art. 
     Specifically, the bench presented herein improves upon the state of the art; is easy to assemble; is safe to use; is durable over time; resists decay and deterioration from the elements over time; resists fading; is fun to assemble; is simple and not intimidating to assemble; uses standard parts and pieces; is appealing for do-it-yourselfers; can be themed after a sports team or other thing or event; is inexpensive to manufacture; has an intuitive design; can be personalized; has a long useful life, among countless other features or advantages. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to the device without parting from the spirit and scope of this invention. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby.