Abstract:
A folding table and chair each have an unobtrusive folding mechanism that cannot be easily seen when unfolded for use. Because the folding mechanism is not readily seen, folding tables and chairs of a number of well-known and popular styles can be provided that are suitable for use as everyday home furniture. Folding furniture may be particularly desirable for apartment and condominium dwellers who have limited living space and need to occasionally store bulky furniture to fully use such space. The folding furniture of the invention is also easier to move than traditional furniture, including the hinge of the table, which can also serve as a carrying handle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/878,310, entitled FOLDING TABLE AND CHAIR, filed Jul. 23, 2007, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 60/832,136, filed on Jul. 21, 2006, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention is directed to a folding table and chair. In particular, the table can be easily folded to make it more compact and transported for storage or relocation; and the chair can be folded flat to facilitate storage. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    Many folding tables that include a handle, or other carrying means, for transportation include a separate structure that is visible when the table is unfolded. 
         [0006]    An example of such a table is a typical “suitcase” style folding table. The suitcase table includes a handle mounted to an outer edge of a table leaf. A hinge, or other folding mechanism, is disposed at the center of the table and connects the opposing leafs. The suitcase table&#39;s legs have a sliding leg-lock arrangement that is widely used in folding tables. The legs can be folded within the thickness of the skirt surrounding the edge of each leaf. The table can be folded in half such that the skirt of each leaf contacts one another to form an outer planar surface that forms the “suitcase” with the legs folded inside. The skirt may include a latching mechanism so that the leafs can be secured together. The secured, folded table can be transported by means of the separate handle that is not located on the same side of the outer planar surface of the suitcase as the hinge. 
         [0007]    Many of the mechanisms that permit the suitcase table to fold and be transported are visible when the table is in use. Accordingly, these visible mechanisms, are unsightly and make the typical folding table undesirable for everyday home use. 
         [0008]    In smaller domiciles, furniture that is easily moved and storable is desired so that occupants can take full advantage of limited living space, which is especially important in urban environments. 
         [0009]    Accordingly, there is a need for a foldable table and chair that hides the folding and carrying mechanisms so that the table is sufficiently stylish and decorative for everyday use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The invention meets the foregoing need by providing a folding mechanism and carrying mechanism, respectively, that is not readily visible when unfolded, which results in a table and chair having appearances more similar to non-folding tables and chairs that are decorative and suitable for everyday use, as well as other advantages apparent from the discussion herein. 
         [0011]    Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention a folding table is provided that includes a table top comprising two opposing leafs connected by a folding mechanism, pivotable legs coupled to one of the opposing legs, a latching mechanism disposed within the table top securing at least one leg in an extended position generally perpendicular to the table top. In the table&#39;s folded position, the folding mechanism is configured to serve as a handle for transporting the folding table. 
         [0012]    According to a further aspect of the invention, a folding chair is provided that comprises: a back including a plurality of rear legs; a seat frame assembly pivotably connectable to the back; a plurality of front legs pivotably connectable to the seat frame assembly; and a clip configured to lock the front legs in a position generally parallel to the back, when the chair is in a folded position. The at least one of the plurality of legs may be pivotally coupled to the seat frame assembly. The folding chair may further comprise a lower support configured to be pivotally connectable to at least one of the plurality of legs. The seat frame assembly may further comprise an elongated member configured to be pivotally connectable to the back; or a seat support member configured to be affixed to the elongated member. The seat support member may be welded to the elongated member. The seat frame assembly may further comprise a side member configured to pivotally connect to the elongated member; or a connecting extension configured to be affixed to at least one of the plurality of front legs. The elongated member may comprise an ear portion, wherein the ear portion may be configured to pivotally connect to the back. The seat frame assembly may further comprise a rear cross-member configured to connect to the elongated member. The clip may be connected to the rear cross-member. The folding chair may further comprise: a lower support configured to be connected to at least one of the plurality of front legs and at least one of the plurality of rear legs. The lower support assembly may comprise: a first cross-bar configured to be pivotally connected between two of the plurality of front legs; a second cross-bar configured to be pivotally connected between two of the plurality of rear legs; a cross-brace configured to be connected between the first cross-bar and the second cross-bar; and a knuckle configured to connect the cross-brace to one of the first cross-bar or the second cross-bar. 
         [0013]    According to a still further aspect of the invention, a folding chair is provided that includes a back, the chair comprises: a seat frame assembly pivotably connectable to the back; a plurality of front legs pivotably connectable to the seat frame assembly; and a clip configured to lock the front legs in a position generally parallel to the back when the chair is in a folded position. The seat frame assembly may comprise: a rear portion configured to connect to the back; and a front portion configured to connect to at least one of the plurality of front legs, wherein the front portion is further configured to pivot with respect to the rear portion. The front portion may comprise: a side member configured to be pivotally connected to the rear portion; and a connecting extension configured to connect to at least one of the front legs. The rear portion may comprise: a cross-member configured to be connected to the clip. 
         [0014]    According to a still further aspect of the invention, a folding chair is provided that comprises a plurality of front legs and a back which includes a plurality of rear legs, the chair comprising: a seat frame assembly pivotably connectable to the back; a lower support configured to be pivotally connectable to at least one of the plurality of legs; and a clip configured to lock the front legs in a position generally parallel to the back; wherein the frame assembly comprises: an elongated member configured to be pivotally connectable to the back; a rear cross-member configured to connect to the clip; a seat support member configured to be affixed to the elongated member; a side member configured to pivotally connect to the elongated member; a connecting extension configured to be affixed to at least one of the plurality of front legs; and wherein the lower support comprises: a first cross-bar configured to be pivotally connected between two of the plurality of front legs; a second cross-bar configured to be pivotally connected between two of the plurality of rear legs; a cross-brace configured to be connected between the first cross-bar and the second cross-bar; and a knuckle configured to connect the cross-brace to one of the first cross-bar or the second cross-bar. 
         [0015]    Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0016]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention and the various ways in which it may be practiced. In the drawings: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an exemplary folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfolded position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 1A  shows a side elevational view of a folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfolded position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 1B  shows an enlarged perspective view of a push button release used in a folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 1C  shows a perspective view of the table of  FIG. 1  in a folded position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  shows a side perspective view of the table of  FIG. 1  in a folded position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2A  shows an enlarged view of the folding mechanism of the table of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a locking mechanism constructed according to the principles of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of an exemplary folding chair constructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfolded position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4A  shows an enlarged view of a locking mechanism for the chair of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4B  shows a side elevational view of the chair of  FIG. 4  in a folded position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of another exemplary folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfolded position; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  shows a dining set incorporating the table of  FIG. 5  with chairs constructed in accordance with the principles of the chair illustrated in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  shows yet another exemplary folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention having a slat-style design; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention having a transitional style; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of another exemplary folding chair constructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfolded position; 
           [0032]      FIGS. 9A ,  9 B,  9 C show the chair of  FIG. 9  in various stages of folding; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  shows a dining set incorporating the table of  FIG. 8  with chairs constructed in accordance with the principles of the chair illustrated in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention having a traditional style; 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding chair constructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfolded position; 
           [0036]      FIG. 12A  shows an enlarged perspective view of a push button release implemented in the chair of  FIG. 12  that is similar to the push button release illustrated by  FIG. 1B ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  shows a dining set incorporating the table of  FIG. 11  with chairs constructed in accordance with the principles of the chair illustrated in  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention having a mission style; 
           [0039]      FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding chair constructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfolded position;  FIG. 16  shows a dining set incorporating the table of  FIG. 14  with chairs constructed in accordance with the principles of the chair illustrated in  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 17  shows a front view of yet another exemplary folding chair constructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfolded position; 
           [0041]      FIG. 17A  shows a side view of the exemplary folding chair of  Figure 17 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 17B  shows a side view of the chair in  FIG. 17  in a partially folded configuration; 
           [0043]      FIG. 17C  shows an exploded view of the chair in  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 17D  shows a more detailed illustration of the exemplary seat frame assembly of  FIG. 17C ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 17E  shows the plurality of legs connected to the seat sides of the chair in  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 17F  shows a more detailed illustration of the exemplary lower support assembly of the chair in  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 17G  shows a perspective view of an example of a clip that may be used with the folding chair in  FIG. 17 ; and 
           [0048]      FIG. 17H  shows a side view of the exemplary clip of  FIG. 17G . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0049]    The embodiments of the invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the invention. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
         [0050]      FIG. 1  shows a folding table  100  constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. The table may include two leafs  122 ,  123  that make up a table top  120 . Each table leg  110  may be pivotably connected to one of the leafs  122 , 123  that can be unlocked to fold via a push button release  105 .  FIG. 1A  is a side view of the unfolded table  100  that shows two leafs  122 ,  123  joined together by a hinge  124 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 1B  is an enlarged view of the push button release  105 . The button  105  may be disposed in a recess  125  of the table top  120 . Here, the button  105  is pushed down to unlock the leg  110  so that it may fold, but the button may be any suitable mechanism for disengaging a lock or latch that holds the leg  110  in place when the table  100  is unfolded for use. 
         [0052]      FIG. 1C  illustrates table  100  in a folded position. In a folded position, the leafs  122 ,  123  are spaced apart, primarily by the thickness of the legs  110 . This space may expose the hinge  124  so that it can be used as a handle for carrying the table  100  in the folded position for transportation or storage. 
         [0053]      FIG. 2  is a side view of table  100  that illustrates that it may rest flat on the ground or other surface in a folded position, supported by an edge of the leafs  122 ,  123  opposite the hinge  124 .  FIG. 2A  is a close-up view of the hinge  124 . The hinge  124  may include a handle  201  that is held in place by collars  203 , which are coupled to the leafs  122 ,  123  by flanges  205 . The handle can be fixedly coupled to the collars of one leaf while being pivotably connected to the collars of the other leaf. Alternatively, the handle can be pivotably connected to all of the collars and held in place by end caps  207  disposed on the outer collars to prevent longitudinal movement of the handle. Preferably, most of the handle  201  is disposed above the edges of the leafs  122 ,  123  in the folded position to facilitate carrying of the table  100 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 3  shows a latching mechanism  300  that may engage push button  105  to releasingly lock leg  110  in relation to table top  120 . The latching mechanism  300  may be coupled to table top  120  using support plate  303 . The leg may be coupled to the latching mechanism  300  using hinge plate  305  that is rotatably connected the support plate  303  at pin  315 . A latch  301 , which may be biased towards the push button release  105  by a mechanism such as a spring (not shown), can be provided to fix the hinge plate  305  in relation to both the support plate  303  and table top  120 . The latch  301  may include a lever  309  that is adapted to engage push button release  105  within recess  125  of  FIG. 1B . The latch may also include a clasp  311  that holds an upper planar surface of the hinge plate  305  to a lower planar surface of the support plate to “lock” the leg  110  in an unfolded position that is generally perpendicular to the table top  120 . 
         [0055]    Pressing the lever  309  downwardly releases the hinge plate  305  so that it may be rotated about pin  315  to allow the leg  110  to rotate into a folded position that is generally parallel to the table top  120 . To unfold the leg  110 , it can be rotated so that an edge of hinge plate  303  will push the clasp  311  against biasing force provided by the latch  301  so that leg  110  can fully rotate. When the upper planar surface of hinge plate  305  abuts the lower planar surface of the support plate  303 , the clasp  311  will spring back due to the biasing force of latch  301  to lock the leg  110  in place. The clasp  311  may have a tapered surface  313  adapted to engage a leading edge of hinge plate  305  to facilitate unfolding of the leg  110 . This kind of arrangement is advantageous for the easy concealment of the mechanism used to lock/unlock the legs of a folding table. 
         [0056]      FIG. 4  shows a folding chair  400  constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. The chair  400  includes a back  403  and a seat  405  having a cushion  406 . The back may be supported by rear legs  407  that extend from the surface the chair  400  is resting on to the top of back  403 . The seat  405  can be pivotably coupled to rear legs  407 . The front of seat  405  may be supported by front legs  409  that are substantially shorter in length than rear legs  407 . Extra lateral support may be provided by support  415  that is connected to front legs  409  on a front end and pivotably connected to a cross-support  416  at a back end. The support  415  primarily provides lateral support in a front-to-back direction, and the cross-support  416  primarily provides lateral support in a side-to-side direction. Here, seat  405 , legs  407 ,  409 , support  415 , and cross-support  416  include a frame  411  preferably made of lightweight cast aluminum. But other materials that are known to be suitable for constructing folding chairs can be used in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
         [0057]    Each of the front legs  409  may include a slot and keyhole arrangement for locking the chair  400  in an unfolded position.  FIG. 4A  shows the front leg  409  having a slot  422  and a keyhole  423  within the leg that both engage a tab  417  of support  415 . When the tab  417  is seated in the slot  422 , the support  415  is locked relative to the cross-support  416  and the front leg  409 , thereby preventing the seat  405  from pivoting and “locks” the chair  400  in the unfolded position. Moving the tab  417  to the keyhole  423  “unlocks” the chair  400  and allows the tab to move in a manner that permits the support  415  to rotate relative to the front leg  409 , which, in turn, permits a pivotal motion of the seat  405  to allow folding of the chair  400 .  FIG. 4B  illustrates chair  400  in a folded position. 
         [0058]      FIG. 5  shows a modem style dining table  500  constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. Each leaf  522 ,  523  may comprises two wooden slabs  526 ,  528 ,  530 ,  532  that conceal the seam where the table  500  is folded. The table  500  also may include the previously described push button release  105  for locking/unlocking legs  510 . Here, the push button release  105  is shown as an aluminum button to accent the wooden slabs  526 ,  528 ,  530 ,  532 . A skilled artisan would recognize that a variety of materials can be used with the table of the invention, including the material for the push button release, depending on the aesthetic look desired.  FIG. 6  shows a dining set including table  500  with chairs  400 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 7  shows a slat style dining table  600  constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. The table leafs  622 ,  623  can be made up of slats  630 . The push button release  105  can be made of a wood or other material, contrasting to the slats  630  for adding a stylish appeal. 
         [0060]      FIG. 8  shows a transitional table  650  constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. The table  650  may include tapered legs  660  and a beaded skirt  665  for an elegant look. The push button release can be covered by a veneer  656  to match the table-top  670  made up of leafs  672 ,  673 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 9  illustrates a transitional folding chair  700  using an alternative folding mechanism. The chair  700  includes a back  703 , a seat  705  having a cushion  706 , rear legs  707 , front legs  709 , support  715 , and cross-support  716 . Here, the chair  700  also includes a front cross-support  717  that provides side to side lateral support in a similar manner to the cross-support  716 . The support  715  may be joined to the front cross-support  717  at the front end, and pivotably connected to the cross-support  716  at the rear end. The front cross-support  717  is pivotably connected to the front legs  709 . 
         [0062]      FIGS. 9A ,  9 B, and  9 C illustrates the various steps of folding the chair  700 .  FIG. 9 and 9A  show the chair  700  in an unfolded position suitable for use.  FIG. 9B  shows that the seat  705  may be rotated off of pegs  720 , which permits the support  715  and front legs  709  to pivot upwardly to fold the chair  700 . The chair in a folded position, is illustrated by  FIG. 9C .  FIG. 10  shows the dining set including table  650  with chairs  700 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 11  shows a traditional style table  750  constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. The table  750  may include engraved details  776 . in the leafs  772 ,  773 . The legs  760  can have the appearance of classic lathe turned legs that end in boxed shoulders  775  integrated into the skirt  765 . The push button release, which may covered by a veneer  756  to match the table, operates to lock/unlock the legs  760 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 12  illustrates a folding chair  800  using yet another folding mechanism. As can be seen in  FIG. 12A , the front legs  809  may be folded by pressing a push button release  815  disposed within a recess  825  of the seat  805  that functions similar to the previously described release for a folding table. Pressing the push button release  805  unlatches the front legs  809  so that the seat  805  may be rotated and the chair  800  will lay substantially flat for storage.  FIG. 13  shows a dining set including table  750  with chairs  800 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding table constructed according to the principles of the invention having a mission style. In particular,  FIG. 14  shows a mission style table  850  constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. The leafs  872 ,  873  may include ceramic or stone tiles  876  for creating the mission look. The legs  860  may be straight and sturdy to provide a hand made look consistent with the mission style. The push button release  105  may be made to match either the tiles or wood of table. 
         [0066]      FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding chair constructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfolded position. In particular,  FIG. 15  shows a mission chair  900  that may preferably include the alternative folding mechanism shown in  FIG. 9 , but other folding mechanisms that are consistent with the principles of the invention may also be used. 
         [0067]      FIG. 16  shows a dining set incorporating the table of  FIG. 14  with chairs constructed in accordance with the principles of the chair illustrated in  FIG. 15 . In particular,  FIG. 16  shows a dining set including table  850  with chairs  900 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 17  illustrates a front view of an example of a folding chair  1000  according to yet another aspect of the invention.  FIG. 17A  illustrates a side view of the folding chair  1000  of  FIG. 17 . As seen in  FIGS. 17 and 17A , the chair  1000  may include a plurality of front legs  1110 , a seat back  1040 , a lower support assembly  1300 , a seat  1340 , and a clip  1400 . The seat back  1040  may include, for example, but is not limited to, a plurality of panels  1050 . The lower support assembly  1300  may be connected between the plurality of front legs  1110  and the seat back  1040  to provide enhanced rigidity to the chair  1000  in a plane substantially parallel to, e.g., a surface (not shown) on which the chair  1000  may be placed. 
         [0069]      FIG. 17B  illustrates a side view of the chair  1000  in a partially folded configuration. As seen in  FIG. 17B , the chair  1000  may be folded by applying, for example, an upward force F to the seat front  1120 , causing the seat  1340  to pivotally move in a direction A toward the seat back  1040 . The chair  1000  may be unfolded by applying, for example, a downward force (not shown) to the seat front  1120 , causing the seat  1340  to pivotally move in a direction opposite to the direction A, away from the seat back  1040 . The clip  1400  may be configured to engage a portion of the lower support assembly  1300  when the chair  1000  is configured in a substantially fully folded configuration (not shown), thereby locking the chair  1000  in the substantially fully folded configuration. 
         [0070]      FIG. 17C  illustrates an exploded view of the chair  1000 . As seen in the illustration, the chair  1000  may further include a seat frame assembly  1180  and a pair of seat sides  1150 . The seat  1340  and seat sides  1150  may be affixed to the frame assembly  1180  using, for example, a plurality of fasteners  1350 . The fasteners  1350  may include, for example, but are not limited to, any one or more of a screw, a bolt, a pin, a lock-pin, a nail, a rivet, an adhesive, a weld, a clip, or the like. The frame assembly  1180  may be affixed to the front legs  1110  by way of fasteners  1170 . The fasteners  1170  may include, for example, but are not limited to, any one or more of a screw, a bolt, a pin, a lock-pin, a nail, a rivet, an adhesive, a weld, or the like. The frame assembly  1180  may also be affixed to the seat back  1040  by way of, for example, a pair of lock-pins  1060  that are provided in a pair of recesses  1065  in the seat back  1040 . Each lock-pin  1060  may engage an ear portion  1510  of the frame assembly  1180 , so as to allow rotational motion of the ear portion  1510  about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the direction A (shown in  FIG. 17B ), i.e., rotational motion in the direction A. 
         [0071]    It is noted that the lock-pins  1060  need not be provided in the pair of recesses  1065 , but, instead, may protrude from the seat back  1040 . It is further noted that the frame assembly  1180  may be affixed to the seat back  1040  using any other mechanism that allows for rotational motion of the ear portion  1510 . 
         [0072]    The lower support assembly  1300  may be affixed to the front legs  1110  and the rear legs of the seat back  1040  by means of a plurality of fasteners  1070 . The fasteners  1070  may include, for example, but are not limited to, pins, screws, lock-pins, rods, or the like, which allow rotational motion of the portion of the lower support assembly  1300  to which the fasteners  1070  are coupled, so as to allow for pivotal motion of the seat  1340  in the direction A (shown in  FIG. 17B ). 
         [0073]      FIG. 17D  shows a more detailed illustration of the exemplary seat frame assembly  1180  of  FIG. 17C . The seat frame assembly  1180  may include a front assembly portion  1182  and a rear assembly portion  1184 . The front assembly portion  1182  may be affixed to the front legs  1110  by means of fasteners  1170 . The rear assembly portion  1184  may be affixed to the seat back  1040  by means of the lock-pins  1060 . The front assembly portion  1182  and rear assembly portion  1184  may be configured to rotatably connect at a pair of pivot points  1125 , so that the front assembly portion  1182  and rear assembly portion  1184  may rotate about an axis B with respect to each other. 
         [0074]    The rear assembly portion  1184  of the seat frame assembly  1180  may include a pair of elongated members  1514 , which may be interconnected by a rear cross-member  1520  and a front-cross member  1530  as seen in  FIG. 17D . The rear cross-member  1520  may include a lower portion  1525  to which the clip  1400  may be affixed. Each of the elongated members  1514  may be affixed with a seat support member  1512  by means of, for example, a weld, an adhesive, a screw, a nut, a bolt, a rivet, or the like. The seat support members  1512  and the elongated members  1514  may be configured to have, for example, an L-shape. It is noted, however, that the seat support members  1512  or elongated members  1514  may have other shapes, such as, for example, cylindrical, tubular, solid rod, or the like, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. 
         [0075]    The seat support members  1512  may include a plurality of holes (or recesses)  1518  for receiving the fasteners  1350 , so as to affix the seat  1340  to the seat frame assembly  1180 . The elongated members  1514  may each include a plurality of holes (or recesses)  1516  for receiving fasteners (not show) (such as, e.g., screws, nails, pins, bolts, clips, or the like) to affix the seat sides  1150  to the elongated members  1514 . 
         [0076]    The elongated members  1514 , the seat support members  1512 , and the cross-members  1520 ,  1530 , may be made from a material, such as, for example, steel, aluminum, carbon-graphite, plastic, fiberglass, or the like, or any combination thereof. 
         [0077]    The front assembly portion  1182  may include a pair of side members  1552 , a front member  1540  and a pair of connecting extensions  1550 . The front member  1540  may have an L-shape with a lower section  1542  to provide enhanced rigidity. The connecting extensions  1550  may be positioned in the front two corners of the seat frame assembly  1180 . Each connecting extension  1550  may include, for example, a cylindrical configuration having a through-hole for receiving and passing the fastener  1170  there-through, so that the front assembly portion  1182  may be affixed to the front legs  1110  of the chair  1000 . The front member  1540  may include a plurality of holes (or recesses)  1544  for receiving fasteners (not shown) (such as, e.g., screws, pins, rivets, nails, clips, or the like) to affix to the front-leg cross-member  1115 . 
         [0078]    The rear assembly portion  1184  may be coupled to the front assembly portion  1182  by a pair of pivoting members  1125  (such as, e.g., a pin, a lock-pin, a rod, a bolt, or the like). In lieu of (or in addition to) the pair of pivoting members  1125 , a single rod, or the like, may be provided between the opposing side members  1552 . A stop (not shown) may be provided on the elongated members  1514  and/or the side members  1552  to prevent the front and rear assembly portions  1182 ,  1184  from rotating beyond a predetermined angle (such as, e.g., 0°—i.e., where the elongated members  1514  are in-line with the side portions  1552 , as shown in  FIG. 17D , or another angle between 0° and 90°). 
         [0079]      FIG. 17E  illustrates the plurality of legs  1110  connected to the seat sides  1150  of the chair  1000  of  FIG. 17  in a substantially fully unfolded configuration of the chair  1000 . The front-leg cross-member  1115  may be positioned between the legs  1110 . Further, the front-leg cross-member  1115  may be affixed to the legs  1110 . Each of the front legs  1110  may include a recess (not shown) in its upper portion for receiving the connecting extensions  1550  and/or the fasteners  1170 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 17F  shows a more detailed illustration of the exemplary lower support assembly  1300  of the chair  1000  of  FIG. 17 . The lower support assembly  1300  may include a pair of cross-bars  1340 , a cross-brace  1370 , and a pair of knuckles  1380 . Each of the cross-bars  1340  may include a recess  1342  at each end to receive, for example, a fastener  1070 . Further, each cross-bar  1340  may be configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The cross-brace  1370  may be coupled to the cross-bars  1340  by means of the knuckle  1380 . The knuckles  1380  may each be configured to rotate about the longitudinal axes of the cross-bars  1340 , so that the cross-brace  1370  may rotate with respect to the cross-bar  1340  (such as, e.g., in the direction A shown in  FIG. 17B ). 
         [0081]    Alternatively, the knuckles  1380  may be configured to fixedly engage each of the cross-bars  1340 , preventing the cross-bars  1340  from rotational movement with respect to the knuckles  1380  or the cross-brace  1370 , so that the entire lower support assembly  1300  would rotate as a single unit in the direction A shown in  FIG. 17B . 
         [0082]    The cross-bars  1340 , the cross-brace  1370  and the knuckles  1380  may be made from a material, such as, for example, steel, aluminum, carbon-graphite, plastic, fiberglass, or the like, or any combination thereof. 
         [0083]      FIG. 17G  illustrates a perspective view of an example of the clip  1400  that may be used with the folding chair  1000  of  FIG. 17 .  FIG. 17H  shows a side view of the exemplary clip  1400 . The clip  1400  may include a top-most sloped (first) portion  1410 , a second portion  1420 , a third portion  1430  and a fourth portion  1440 . The fourth portion  1440  may be coupled to, for example, the lower portion  1525  of the seat frame assembly  1180 . The clip  1400  may be configured such that the first portion  1410 , second portion  1420  and third portion  1430  flex in a direction C when a force is applied to the top-most portion  1410  by the cross-brace  1370 , thereby allowing a part of the cross-brace  1370  (shown in  FIG. 17F ) to slide past the first portion and under the second portion  1420 . Thus, that part of the cross-brace  1370  may become lockably engaged by the second portion  1420  between the second portion  1420  and fourth portion  1440 , and adjacent the third portion  1430 . 
         [0084]    The invention provides unobtrusive folding mechanisms for both a table and chair that provides a folding table and chair, both of which may be constructed in a number of styles, that are sufficiently decorative for regular, everyday home use. 
         [0085]    While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications in the spirit and scope of the appended claims. These examples given above are merely illustrative and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all possible designs, embodiments, applications or modifications of the invention.