GB2194732A - Table - Google Patents

Abstract

A table which includes leg means and seating and which is adapted to transform readily between a collapsed state and an erected state. The table top may be rectangular in form and be provided with support members having slots in which members extending from the leg means are arranged to slide so as to allow the table to move between the collapsed and erected state. Preferably the picnic table of the present invention is of the sort having bench seats arranged on opposite sides thereof, and may be made of any suitable material, such as for example wood, plastics or metal. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION This invention relates to a table and more particularly to a table which includes seating means, such a table being appropriate for picnicking.

Simple collapsible picnic tables are known which do not incorporate seating, e.g in which legs of the table simply fold into a collapsed position beneath a top of the table. On the other hand, picnic tables incorporating seating are known but are essentially permanently assembled, any possibility for disassembly consisting merely in the removal of the assembly bolts or nails used to maintain the picnic table in its erect state.

The present invention provides a table which includes leg means and seating and which is adapted to transform readily between a collapsed state (e.g for storage or transport) and an erected state for use.

The picnic table of the present invention may be made of any suitable material, such as for example wood, plastics or metal.

Peferably the picnic table of the present invention is of the sort having a rectangular table top and bench seats arranged on opposite sides thereof.

Preferably such bench seats are mounted upon a generally planar frame adapted to be movable relative to the table top, between an erected position in which in use the table top lies in a plane above a plane containing the frame, and a collapsed position in which the table top lies essentially in the plane of the frame. Legs to support the picnic table of the present invention may be pivotally mounted on the frame to be movable between an erected position in which they extend transversely of the plane of the frame and a collapsed position in which they lie essentially in the plane of the frame. Preferably the table top is borne upon ends of the legs by means of support members extending transversely from the legs and adapted to slide in respective slots therefor provided in a support frame for the table top.The table can be locked in either its erected or its collapsed position e.g by means of butterfly nuts threaded upon bolts passing through elements of the table.

A embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows in perspective an embodiment of a collapsible picnic table according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a view from the side of the table of Fig. 1 in an erected state; Fig. 3 is a view from the side of the table of Fig. 1 in a collapsed state; Fig. 4 illustrates the underside of the table of Fig. 1 in an erected state; Fig. 5 illustrates an end view of the table of Fig. 1 in a collapsed state.

Referring to the drawings a picnic table 1 comprises a generally planar, rectangular frame formed by two parallel bench seats 2 and a pair of transverse parallel bench supports 3.

Four transverse apertures (not shown) are provided in the bench supports 3 to receive pivot and locking bolts 4 upon which are threaded wing nuts 5. Respective legs 6 are pivotally mounted upon each pivot bolt 4 to be movable between a collapsed state generally paral lel to the bench support 3 and an erected state generally transverse to the bench support 3. A table top 7 is mounted upon the four "upper" ends of the legs 6. The table top 7 includes support members 8 each including a longitudinally extending slot 9.

Transverse members (not shown) extend from the "upper" end of each said leg 6 into respective slots 9 whereby the "upper" ends of the legs may move relative to the table top 7.

In this embodiment the transverse members constitute threaded bolts bearing butterfly nuts whereby the table can be locked in an erected or collapsed state. Alternatively, the transverse members may comprise dowel members adapted to slide in said slots 9, in which case separate locking means may be provided, e.g in the form of one or more recesses (not shown) provided at the ends or along the length of the slots 9 for receiving dowel pins. Further support means may be provided for the table, in the form of diagonal braces 10 (Fig. 3) cooperating with slotted members 11 located beneath the table top 7.

Recesses 12 are provided for 'locking' the braces 11 in position.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, respective pairs of legs 6 at "opposite" ends of the table may be coupled together, instead of being separate. Such an arrangement enables the erection or collapse of the table with the table top remaining in a generally horizontal plane, and will serve to render such transformation of the table to be effected more easily and from one side of the table only. In another embodiment of the present invention the legs of the table may be arranged to be telescopic in nature, 'click' stops or other locking devices being provided to hold the legs in either an erected or collapsed state.

It is further envisaged that by suitable relative positioning of the slots 9, transverse members and pivot bolts 4, each leg may be moved from a collapsed position through a vertical position into a position in which it extends down and towards the other side of the table, the weight of the table top maintaining the structure in a stable position.

To erect the table, the eight wing or butterfly nuts are released then the table top is lifted upwards of the frame structure. The transverse members slide in slots 9 and even tually engage in respective recesses 10 whereupon the wing nuts may be tightened to lock the table in an erected state. To collapse the table the wing nuts are released, the transverse members extricated from the recesses, the table top lowered to the frame structure and the wing nuts retightened.

It will be appreciated that the present invention can provide a sturdy and attractive table, e.g for picnic use which is readily transformed between collapsed and erected states.

The invention may be performed otherwise than- as has been described and the invention includes within its scope all modifications and variations which would be apparent to one skilled in the art.

Claims (12)

1. A table which includes leg means and seating and which is adapted to transform readily between a collapsed state and an erected state.

2. A table according to claim 1 and having a rectangular table top.

3. A table according to claim 2, wherein the seating comprises bench seats arranged on opposite sides of the table top.

4. A table according to any preceding claim wherein the seating is arranged as part of a generally planar frame structure, a table top of the table being movable relative thereto.

5. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein four supporting legs are provided, movable between collapsed and erected states.

6. A table acccording to claim 5, wherein adjacent pairs of legs are coupled together.

7. A table according to any preceding claim, wherein locking means are provided to lock the table in said erected or collapsed state.

8. A table according to claim 7, wherein said locking means comprise bolts and nuts threadedly engaged therewith.

9. A table top according to claim 1 where a table top is provided with support members including slots and in which slots transverse members extending from said leg means are arranged to slide so as to allow the table to move between said collapsed and erected states.

10. A table according to claim 9, wherein a said slot includes a recess for capturing therewithin a said transverse member so as to maintain said table in a collapsed or erected state.

11. A table according to Claim 1, which includes telesopic legs.

12. A table, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.