Abstract:
A modular structure includes a base assembly; and a roof assembly coupled to the base assembly, wherein the structure is selectively reconfigurable between a table configuration and a playhouse configuration.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention is a continuation-in-part of, was first described in, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/053,409, filed Sep. 22, 2014, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to structures and, more particularly, to a plurality of structural members providing selective adaptation into various forms such as a table, a playhouse, or a tent base. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Building or crafting things is a rewarding way to provide services and recreational items. Building items that have a way of transforming into other configurations using the same pieces and parts is economically feasible and elegant in design. Playhouses are such structures, in that a highly effective, structurally sound, and elegantly designed configuration can become tiresome after some time. If there is a way to utilize the same features to build and craft an entirely new structure, particularly by children who can also learn some labor, engineering, and architecture functions, is a bonus. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a convertible and modular structure that can be converted into other configurations. The development of the present invention, which will be described in greater detail herein, substantially departs from conventional solutions to fulfill this need. 
     In one (1) embodiment, the disclosed modular structure includes: a base assembly; and a roof assembly coupled to the base assembly, wherein the structure is selectively reconfigurable between a table configuration and a playhouse configuration. 
     In another embodiment, the disclosed modular structure includes: a base assembly; and a roof assembly removably connected to the base assembly, wherein the roof assembly is reconfigurable between an inverted “V”-shape to selectively reconfigure the structure in a playhouse configuration and a flat configuration to selectively reconfigure the structure in a table configuration. 
     In yet another embodiment, the disclosed modular structure selectively reconfigurable between a table configuration and a playhouse configuration includes: a base assembly including: a first end panel including a pair of first end panel grooves; a first entry aperture; a first end panel slot; a pair of first sliding doors disposed within the first end panel slot, wherein the first sliding doors are movable to cover the first entry aperture; and a pair of first hanging apertures; a second end panel opposite the first end panel, the second end panel including: a pair of second end panel grooves; a second entry aperture; a second end panel slot; a pair of second sliding doors disposed within the second end panel slot, wherein the second sliding doors are movable to cover the second entry aperture; and a pair of second hanging apertures; a first side panel interconnected between the first end panel and the second end panel; a first seat connected to the first side panel, wherein the first seat is exposed when the structure is in the table configuration; a second side panel interconnected between the first end panel and the second end panel opposite the first side panel, the second side panel comprising a cover slot; and a second seat connected to the second side panel, wherein the second seat is exposed when in the structure is in the table configuration. 
     The structure further includes a first peak panel including: a pair of first peak panel tabs, wherein the first peak panel tabs matingly engage the first end panel grooves to connect the first peak panel to the first end panel when the structure is in the playhouse configuration; a pair of first roof grooves; and a pair of first hanging posts, wherein the first hanging apertures receive the first hanging posts to hang the first peak panel on the first end panel when the structure is in the table configuration; and a second peak panel including: a pair of second peak panel tabs, wherein the second peak panel tabs matingly engage the second end panel grooves to connect the second peak panel to the second end panel when the structure is in the playhouse configuration; a pair of second roof grooves; and a pair of second hanging posts, wherein the second hanging apertures receive the second hanging posts to hang the second peak panel of the second end panel when the structure is in the table configuration. 
     The structure further includes a roof assembly including: a first roof panel; a fourth roof panel hingedly connected to the first roof panel; a third roof panel hingedly connected to the fourth roof panel opposite the first roof panel; a second roof panel hingedly connected to the third roof panel opposite the fourth roof panel; and four roof tabs connected to the third roof panel and the fourth roof panel, wherein the third roof panel and the fourth roof panel are folded at an angle relative to each other, the first roof panel is folded coplanar with the fourth roof panel, and the second roof panel is folded coplanar with the third roof panel to configure the roof assembly into an inverted “V”-shape when the structure is in the playhouse configuration, wherein the roof tabs matingly engage the first roof grooves and the second roof grooves to connect the roof assembly to the first peak panel and the second peak panel when the structure is in the playhouse configuration, wherein the first roof panel is folded onto the first roof panel and the second roof panel is folded onto the third roof panel to configure the roof assembly into a flat shape when the structure is in the table configuration, and wherein the roof tabs matingly engage the first end panel grooves and the second end panel grooves to connect the roof assembly to the first end panel and the second end panel when the structure is in the table configuration. 
     The structure further includes an enclosure coupled to an interior surface of the second side panel and the second seat. The structure further includes a winding assembly disposed within the enclosure and connected to the interior surface of the second side panel, the winding assembly including: a spool bracket connected to the interior surface of the second side panel; a spool rotatably connected to the spool bracket; and a crank connected to the spool. 
     The structure further includes a cover connected to the spool and extendable through the cover slot, the cover comprising a connected to a free end of the cover and located outside the cover slot, wherein the cover extends over the roof assembly when the structure is in the playhouse configuration, and wherein the cover is wound around the spool when the structure is in the table configuration. 
     The structure further includes a pair of hook brackets connected to an exterior surface of the first side panel opposite the cover slot, wherein the pole engages the hook brackets to secure the cover over the roof assembly. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosure may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment. 
     Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  provides views of a combination structure  10  depicting perspective views of a playhouse configuration  12  and a table configuration  14 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a base assembly portion  20  of the combination structure  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the playhouse configuration  12  depicting installation of sliding door portions  34 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is another perspective view of the playhouse configuration  12  of the combination structure  10  depicting installation of peak panel portions  36   a ,  36   b , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is yet another perspective view of the playhouse configuration  12  of the combination structure  10  depicting installation of a roof assembly portion  40 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is yet another perspective view of the playhouse configuration  12  of the combination structure  10  depicting an assembled state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the playhouse configuration  12  depicting installation of a protective cover portion  50 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view of the playhouse configuration  12  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 7 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view of cover  50  and hand crank  62  portions taken along section line B-B (see  FIG. 7 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a table configuration  14  of the combination structure  10  depicting installation of a roof assembly portion  40 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the table configuration  14  depicting an assembled state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 12  is a sectional view of the table configuration  14  taken along section line C-C (see  FIG. 11 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
           10  combination structure 
           12  playhouse configuration 
           14  table configuration 
           20  base assembly 
           22   a  first end panel 
           22   b  first side panel 
           22   c  second end panel 
           22   d  second side panel 
           23   a  first seat 
           23   b  second seat 
           24  floor panel 
           27  entry aperture 
           28   a  first end panel slot 
           28   b  second end panel slot 
           30  end panel groove 
           32   a  hanging aperture 
           32   b  hanging post 
           34  sliding door 
           35  door aperture 
           36   a  first peak panel 
           36   b  second peak panel 
           37  roof groove 
           38  peak panel tab 
           40  roof assembly 
           42   a  first roof panel 
           42   b  second roof panel 
           42   c  third roof panel 
           42   d  fourth roof panel 
           44  roof tab 
           46   a  first hinge 
           46   b  second hinge 
           46   c  third hinge 
           47  pole 
           48  hook bracket 
           50  cover 
           60  winding assembly 
           62  hand crank 
           64  enclosure 
           65  cover slot 
           67   a  spool 
           67   b  spool bracket 
           68  axle 
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of a one or more of the disclosed embodiments, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 12 . However, the disclosure is not limited to a single described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. 
     Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that other styles and configurations can be incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and that the example configurations shown and described herein are for the purpose of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation. 
     As used herein, singular terms such as “a”, “an”, and “the” do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one, as well as a plurality of, the referenced items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     As used herein, terms such as “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. are used as labels to describe various elements, features, and/or components, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the referenced items, unless other indicated. For example, such terms may be used to distinguish one element from another element. 
     As used herein, relative terms such as “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “top”, “bottom”, “below”, “above”, “upper”, “lower”, “horizontal”, or “vertical” are used to describe a relationship of one element, feature and/or region to another element, feature and/or region as illustrated in the figures. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-12 , a combination structure (herein described as the “system”)  10  is disclosed, where like reference numerals represent similar or like parts. Generally, the disclosed system  10  provides a plurality of structural members capable of being selectively configured to form a picnic-like table  14  (also referred to herein as a table configuration  14 ), a playhouse  12  (also referred to herein as a playhouse configuration  12 ), or may also be utilized as a base for a tent. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , views of the system  10  depicting perspective views of the playhouse configuration  12  and the table configuration  14 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The system  10  includes a base assembly  20 , a first peak panel  36   a , a second peak panel  36   b , and a roof assembly  40 . The base assembly  20  provides a unitary open-topped rectangular structure including a first end panel  22   a , a first side panel  22   b , a second end panel  22   c , a second side panel  22   d , and a floor panel  24 . 
     When arranged in the “peaked” playhouse configuration  12 , the roof assembly  40  is unfolded and expanded into an inverted “V”-shape to cover the entire base assembly  20  and may be also be shielded from the elements by deploying a cover  50  over the roof assembly  40  (see  FIG. 7 ). When in the flat or table configuration  14 , the roof assembly  40  is folded upon itself to form a narrowed table-top surface, thus exposing bench-style seating  23   a ,  23   b  along opposing long sides of the base assembly  20 . The seats  23   a ,  23   b  are integrated into the side panels  22   b ,  22   d  and span a distance between the end panels  22   a ,  22   c.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the portions of the system  10  also provide a plurality of integral interlocking grooves  37 ,  30  and tabs  38 ,  44  which enable easy attachment of the roof assembly  40  in either a flat or peaked form. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , the portions of the system  10  are envisioned being made out of plastic, wood, or other durable weather resistant materials, and are further envisioned being provided in various colors and patterns, as well as various overall sizes. It is understood that the system  10  is not limited to the embodiments illustrated here, but may provide other configurations and methods of usage, for example, utilizing the base assembly  20  as a tent base or storage device, and as such should not be interpreted as a limitation of scope. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the base assembly  20  of the system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The base assembly  20  further provides various enhancements including a pair of seats  23   a ,  23   b , a pair of entry apertures  27 , a pair of hook brackets  48 , a first end panel slot  28   a , a second end panel slot  28   b , and two (2) pairs of end panel grooves  30 . 
     Each entry aperture  27  provides a large round or oval-shaped opening centered within each end panel  22   a ,  22   c  to enable users to enter and exit the base assembly  20  when the system  10  is arranged in the playhouse configuration  12 . The hook brackets  48  are mounted to the first side panel  22   b  along an external surface to provide a means for securing a distal end of the cover  50  as it is deployed and extended over the roof assembly  40  (see  FIG. 7 ). The end panel slots  28   a ,  28   b  are located along top surfaces of respective first  22   a  and second  22   c  end panels of the base assembly  20 , and protrude into each end panel  22   a ,  22   c  down to the floor panel  24 , forming hollow wall structures. The end panel slots  28   a ,  28   b  enable vertical insertion of the sliding doors  34  within (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). Finally, the end panel grooves  30  extend across top surfaces of the end panels  22   a ,  22   c , being perpendicular to the end panel slots  28   a ,  28   b . The end panel grooves  30  provide a means to interlock and secure respective first peak panel  36   a  and second peak panel  36   b  to the end panels  22   a ,  22   c  when arranging the system  10  in the playhouse configuration  14  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 through 7 , perspective views depicting assembly and arrangement of the system  10  into the playhouse configuration  12 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The sliding doors  34  are vertically inserted into each end panel slots  28   a ,  28   b  and subsequently motioned horizontally across the entry apertures  27  to selectively open or close the entry apertures  27  as seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The entry apertures  27  are envisioned to provide children a ground-level means to enter the playhouse configuration  12 . In a preferred embodiment, each entry aperture  27  can accommodate a pair of sliding doors  34  installed therein. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 , the first peak panel  36   a  and second  36   b  peak panel are affixed to top portions of respective end panels  22   a ,  22   c , combining to form inverted “V”-shaped profiles onto which the roof assembly  40  is to be placed. The peak panels  36   a ,  36   b  are removably attached to the end panels  22   a ,  22   c  via engagement of respective “T”-shaped peak panel tabs  38  and correspondingly shaped end panel grooves  30 . The peak panel tabs  38  and end panel grooves  30  are envisioned to be molded or otherwise formed integral features. Engagement of the peak panel tabs  38  and the end panel grooves  30  results in a coplanar relationship between inclined surfaces of the end panels  22   a ,  22   c  and the first  36   a  and second  36   b  peak panels. 
     The roof assembly  40  provides a bi-folding assembly of four (4) rectangular panels joined along edge portions using hinges  46   a ,  46   b ,  46   c , and being arranged in a parallel manner as seen in  FIG. 5 . The roof assembly  40  includes a first roof panel  42   a , a second roof panel  42   b , a third roof panel  42   c , and a fourth roof panel  42   d . The first  42   a  and fourth  42   d  roof panels are joined along adjacent edge portions via a first hinge  46   a . The second  42   b  and third  42   c  roof panels are joined along adjacent edge portions via a second hinge  46   b . The third  42   c  and fourth  42   d  roof panels are joined along adjacent edge portions via a third hinge  46   c , opposite the first hinge  46   a  and second hinge  46   b.    
     When in the playhouse configuration  12 , as seen in  FIG. 6 , one (1) half of the roof assembly  40  including the adjacent first  42   a  and fourth  42   d  roof panels are pivoted about the first hinge  46   a  into a coplanar position. Likewise, the other half of the roof assembly  40  including the adjacent second  42   b  and third  42   c  roof panels, are pivoted about the second hinge  46   b  into a coplanar position. The half portions of the roof assembly  40  are then pivoted about the joining third hinge  46   c  to form an inverted “V”-shape enabling placement and attachment of the roof assembly  40  upon the subjacent end panels  22   a ,  22   c  and peak panels  36   a ,  36   b  in a parallel manner. The third  42   c  and fourth  42   d  roof panels each include a pair of integral roof tabs  44  along bottom surfaces which extend perpendicularly downward. The roof tabs  44  are “L”-shaped, sized, and shaped for removable insertion and engagement with correspondingly sized and shaped roof groove portions  37  of the peak panels  36   a ,  36   b , being correspondingly positioned along top inclined surfaces. 
     Once the roof assembly  40  is placed upon the end panels  22   a ,  22   c  and peak panels  36   a ,  36   b , a cover  50  may be deployed from the base assembly  20  to cover the roof assembly  40  to provide protection from weather elements such as rain, if desired (see  FIGS. 7 and 9 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a sectional view of the playhouse configuration  12  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 7 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The base assembly  20  includes an enclosure  64  preferably located beneath the second seat  23   b  which houses equipment to roll up, as well as deploy the cover  50  over the playhouse configuration  12 , when desired. The cover  50  provides protection from the elements and is envisioned to be made of a weather-resistant textile material capable of repelling moisture such as canvas, vinyl, or the like. A proximal edge portion of the cover  50  is affixed and wound around an elongated spool  67   a  located within the enclosure  64 , which extends the length of the second side panel  22   d . The spool  67   a  is anchored at end portions to an inner surface of the second side panel  22   d  via respective spool brackets  67   b . The spool  67   a  includes a central axle  68  having an integral hand crank  62  portion at one (1) end which extends through the first end panel  22   a  to provide external access to a user for manual winding of the cover  50  around the spool  67   a  following use (see  FIG. 9 ). The distal end of the cover  50  is routed from within the enclosure  64  through a cover slot  65  formed across the second side panel  22   d . The pole  47  is affixed to the distal edge portion of the cover  50  using sewing or equivalent means and extends across the distal edge thereof, and protrudes outward from the cover  50  at each end. The pole  47  provides a means to grasp and extend the cover  50  outwardly. When not in use, the cover  50  is rolled up with the distal edge of the cover  50  and the pole  47  resides along an external surface of the second side panel  22   d.    
     To deploy the cover  50  over the playhouse configuration  12  of the system  10 , the pole  47  can be grasped to pull the cover  50  outwardly through the cover slot  65  up over the roof assembly  40 . The cover  50  can then be secured by attaching the protruding end portions of the pole  47  to correspondingly positioned hook brackets  48  mounted to the first side panel  22   b . An embodiment of the hook brackets  48  is illustrated here being inverted “J”-shaped appendages which provide a snug secure fit around the protruding ends of the pole  47 ; however, other means to anchor the pole  47  may be used with equal benefit, and as such should not be interpreted as a limitation of scope. 
     Following use, the cover  50  may be wound up by detaching end portions of the pole  47  from respective hook brackets  48  and rotating the hand crank  62  to retract the cover  50  through the cover aperture  65  and onto the spool  67   a  until the pole  47  is positioned against the second side panel  22   d  (see  FIG. 12 ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10 through 12 , perspective and section views depicting assembly and arrangement of the system  10  into the table configuration  14 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The system  10  may be rearranged to receive and attach a flat configuration of the roof assembly  40  upon the end panels  22   a ,  22   c , thereby providing a picnic-table-like arrangement including a table surface and opposing stationary bench-type seats  23   a ,  23   b.    
     When converting the system  10  from the playhouse configuration  12 , the system  10  may be prepared for adaptation by removing the roof assembly  40  and the peak panels  36   a ,  36   b . The system  10  provides a means to discreetly hang and store the peak panels  26   a ,  26   b  along inwardly-facing surfaces of the end panels  22   a ,  22   c  during times when the system  10  is in the table configuration  14  as seen in  FIG. 12 . Removal of the peak panels  36   a ,  36   b  provides access to horizontal top surfaces of the end panels  22   a ,  22   c  and the roof groove portions  37  as seen in  FIG. 10 . 
     An embodiment of the end panels  22   a ,  22   c  and peak panels  36   a ,  36   b  are illustrated here including integrally-molded, or otherwise formed, engaging male and female features for hanging and storing the peak panels  36   a ,  36   b  including keyhole-shaped hanging apertures  32   a  and cylindrical hanging post portions  32   b ; however, other means of attaching the peak panels  36   a ,  36   b  to the end panels  22   a ,  22   c  may be utilized with equal benefit such as, but not limited to: utilizing an alternate hinged connection to the end panels  22   a ,  22   c  which could be pivoted inwardly, and similar means, without deviating from the teachings of the system  10 , and as such should not be interpreted as a limitation of scope. In a preferred embodiment, the hanging apertures  32   a  are located on respective inner surface of each end panel  22   a ,  22   c . In this embodiment, the post portions  32   b  are also located on inner surfaces of the peak panels  36   a ,  36   b.    
     The opposing first  42   a  and second  42   b  roof panel portions of the roof assembly  40  would be folded over upon respective fourth  42   d  and third  42   c  roof panels to form a flat narrow embodiment of the roof assembly  40  which would provide a table top surface when placed upon the top surfaces of the end panels  22   a ,  22   c . The reconfigured roof assembly  40  is to be coincidentally secured thereto the end panels  22   a ,  22   c  via engagement of the roof tabs  44  of the roof assembly  40  within the roof grooves  37  of respective end panels  22   a ,  22   c  as seen in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that other styles and configurations of the disclosed system  10  can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only particular configurations have been shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The example embodiments of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1-12 . 
     The method of installing, configuring, and utilizing the system  10  in the playhouse configuration  12  may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring a model of the system  10  having a desired overall size and preferred external appearance; inserting the sliding doors  34  into the end panel slots  28   a ,  28   b  of the base assembly  20 ; attaching the first  36   a  and second  36   b  peak panels to top surface portions of respective end panels  22   a ,  22   c  of the base assembly  20  by engaging the peak panel tabs  38  into correspondingly positioned end panel grooves  30 ; preparing the roof assembly  40  by pivoting adjacent first  42   a  and fourth  42   d  roof panel portions about the second hinge  46   b  into a coplanar relationship; pivoting the adjacent second  42   b  and third  42   c  roof panels about the second hinge  46   b  into a coplanar position; pivoting the half portions of the roof assembly  40  about the center third hinge  46   c  to form an inverted “V”-shape; placing and attaching the inverted “V”-shaped roof assembly  40  upon the subjacent end panels  22   a ,  22   c  and peak panels  36   a ,  36   b  while coincidentally engaging the roof tab portions  44  of the roof assembly  40  and roof groove portions  37  of the peak panels  36   a ,  36   b ; protecting the roof assembly  40  from the elements, if desired, by grasping the pole portion  47  of the cover  50  and extending a distal end portion of the cover  50  outwardly from the cover slot  65 ; pulling the cover  50  up over the roof assembly  40 ; inserting and securing end portions of the pole  47  into the hook brackets  48  located along the first side panel  22   b ; and, pulling the cover  50  taut by rotating the hand crank  62  as needed. The system  10  is now ready for use as a playhouse structure  12 . The sliding doors  34  may be motioned horizontally to selectively open or close the entry apertures  27  for entry and exit of users. 
     The method of configuring and utilizing the system  10  in the table configuration  14  may be achieved by performing the following steps: removing the roof assembly  40  and peak panels  36   a ,  36   b , if not previously removed; storing the peak panels  36   a ,  36   b  by hanging them upon the end panels  22   a ,  22   c  via engagement of respective cylindrical hanging post  32   b  and hanging aperture  32   a ; folding opposing first  42   a  and second  42   b  roof panels of the roof assembly  40  over upon adjacent fourth  42   d  and third  42   c  roof panels to form a flat narrow table top surface; and, placing the flat roof assembly  40  upon the top surfaces of the end panels  22   a ,  22   c  while coincidentally engaging the roof tabs  44  of the roof assembly  40  and the roof grooves  37  of the end panels  22   a ,  22   c . Users may now benefit from the table configuration  14  by utilizing the opposing stationary seat portions  23   a ,  23   b  of the base assembly  20 , and the flat roof assembly  40  as a table top surface in a similar manner as a conventional picnic table. 
     It is understood that the modularity of the system  10  may provide other configurations and methods of usage such as, but not limited to: using the base assembly  20  as a base over which a textile tent may be draped and suspended, using the base assembly  20  as a storage device, and the like. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit to the precise forms disclosed and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain principles and practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.