Picnic table

• US 7,055,899 B2
• Filed: 02/23/2005
• Issued: 06/06/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/24/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lifetime Products (Lifetime)
• Original Assignee: Lifetime Products (Lifetime)
• Inventors: Patel, Arvin, Shenghao, Jin, Zhurong, Chen
• Primary Examiner(s): Brown, Peter R.
• Application Number:
  US11/063,358
• Publication Number:
  US 20050140188A1
• Time in Patent Office: 468 Days
• Field of Search: 297/17, 297/158.4, 297/159.1, 297/158.5, 108/35, 108/36, 108/38, 108/132
• US Class Current: 297/158.4
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 11/20 Lunch or picnic boxes or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 3/0912 the strut being of two parts foldable relative to one another

Abstract

A folding picnic table includes a foldable table top and two or more seats. The foldable table top is preferably supported by a table top supporting assembly that is movable between an extended position and a collapsible position. Advantageously, the table top supporting assembly can be stored in the foldable table top when the picnic table is in the collapsed position. Desirably, each seat is supported by a seat supporting assembly that is movable between an extended position and a collapsible position. Preferably the seat supporting assembly is stored in a seat when the picnic table is in the collapsed position. The table top supporting assembly can further be folded into a fully folded position when the table top is folded to further reduce the size and dimensions of the picnic table when the picnic table is in the collapsed position.

Claims

1. A picnic table that is capable of being moved between a use position and a collapsed position, the picnic table comprising:

a table top including a first table top portion and a second table top portion that are selectively movable between a generally aligned position and a folded position, the first table top portion including a storage area at least partially defined by an underneath portion of the table top and the second table top portion including a storage area at least partially defined by an underneath portion of the table top;

a first table top support assembly being selectively movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top, the first table top support assembly including a first cross bar with a first section and a second section that are connected by a hinge assembly that is sized and configured to allow the first cross bar to be moved between an extended position and a collapsed position; and

a second table top support assembly being selectively movable between an extend position and a collapsed position relative to the table top, the second table top support assembly including a first cross bar with a first section and a second section that are connected by a hinge assembly that is sized and configured to allow the first cross bar to be moved between an extended position and a collapsed position;

wherein when the first table top portion and the second table top portion are in the generally aligned position, the first table top support assembly and the first cross bar of the first table top support assembly are in the extended positions, and the second table top support assembly and the first cross bar of the second table top support assembly are in the extended positions when picnic table is in the use position;

wherein when the first table top portion and the second table top portion are in the folded position, the first table top support assembly and the first cross bar of the first table top support assembly are in the collapsed positions and the first table top support assembly is at least substantially disposed between the first table top portion and the second table top portion, and the second table top support assembly and the first cross bar of the second table top support assembly are in the collapsed positions when the picnic table is in the collapsed position and the second table top support assembly is at least substantially disposed between the first table top portion and the second table top portion;

wherein the first table top support assembly includes a second cross bar with a first section and a second section that are connected by a hinge assembly that is sized and configured to allow the second cross bar to be moved between an extended position and a collapsed position; and

wherein the second table top support assembly includes a second cross bar with a first section and a second section that are connected by a hinge assembly that is sized and configured to allow the second cross bar to be moved between an extended position and a collapsed position.

2. The picnic table as in claim 1, wherein the first section of the cross bar of the first table top support assembly is connected to the first table top portion and the second section of the cross bar of the first table top support assembly is connected to the second table top portion;

and

wherein the first section of the cross bar of the second table top support assembly is connected to the first table top portion and the second section of the cross bar of the second table top support assembly is connected to the second table top portion.

3. The picnic table as in claim 2, further comprising a frame including a first elongated member connected to the first table top portion and a second elongated member connected to the second table top portion, the first elongated member connecting the first section of the cross bar of the first table top support assembly to the first table top portion and the second elongated member connecting the second section of the cross bar of the first table top support assembly to the second table top portion.

4. The picnic table as in claim 1, further comprising a first seat that is sized and configured to be at least partially positioned within the storage area of the first table top portion when the picnic table is in the collapsed position, the first seat comprising:

a storage area formed in a lower portion of the first seat;

a first seat supporting assembly connected to the first seat; and

a second seat support assembly connected to the first seat; and

a second seat that is sized and configured to be at least partially positioned within the storage area of the second table top portion when the picnic table is in the collapsed position, the second seat comprising;

a storage area formed in a lower portion of the second seat;

a first seat supporting assembly connected to the second seat; and

a second seat support assembly connected to the second seat.

5. A picnic table that is capable of being moved between a use position and a collapsed position, the picnic table comprising:

a table top including a first table top portion and a second table top portion that are selectively movable between a generally aligned position and a folded position, the first table top portion including a storage area at least partially defined by an underneath portion of the table top and the second table top portion including a storage area at least partially defined by an underneath portion of the table top;

a first table top support assembly being selectively movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top, the first table top support assembly including a first cross bar with a first section and a second section that are connected by a hinge assembly that is sized and configured to allow the first cross bar to be moved between an extended position and a collapsed position;

a second table top support assembly being selectively movable between an extend position and a collapsed position relative to the table top, the second table top support assembly including a first cross bar with a first section and a second section that are connected by a hinge assembly that is sized and configured to allow the first cross bar to be moved between an extended position and a collapsed position; and

a frame including a first elongated member connected to the first table top portion and a second elongated member connected to the second table top portion, the first elongated member connecting the first section of the cross bar of the first table top support assembly to the first table top portion and the second elongated member connecting the second section of the cross bar of the first table top support assembly to the second table top portion;

wherein when the first table top portion and the second table top portion are in the generally aligned position, the first table top support assembly and the first cross bar of the first table top support assembly are in the extended positions, and the second table top support assembly and the first cross bar of the second table top support assembly are in the extended positions when picnic table is in the use position;

wherein when the first table top portion and the second table top portion are in the folded position, the first table top support assembly and the first cross bar of the first table top support assembly are in the collapsed positions and the first table top support assembly is at least substantially disposed between the first table top portion and the second table top portion, and the second table top support assembly and the first cross bar of the second table top support assembly are in the collapsed positions when the picnic table is in the collapsed position and the second table top support assembly is at least substantially disposed between the first table top portion and the second table top portion

wherein the first section of the cross bar of the first table top support assembly is connected to the first table top portion and the second section of the cross bar of the first table top support assembly is connected to the second table top portion;

wherein the first section of the cross bar of the second table top support assembly is connected to the first table top portion and the second section of the cross bar of the second table top support assembly is connected to the second table top portion; and

wherein the first elongated member connects the first section of the cross bar of the second table top support assembly to the first table top portion and the second elongated member connects the second section of the cross bar of the second table top support assembly to the second table top portion.

6. A picnic table that is capable of being moved between a use position and a collapsed position, the picnic table comprising:

a table top including a first table top portion and a second table top portion that are selectively movable between a generally aligned position and a folded position, the first table top portion including a storage area at least partially defined by an underneath portion of the table top and the second table top portion including a storage area at least partially defined by an underneath portion of the table top;

a first table top support assembly being selectively movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top, the first table top support assembly including a first cross bar with a first section and a second section that are connected by a hinge assembly that is sized and configured to allow the first cross bar to be moved between an extended position and a collapsed position;

a second table top support assembly being selectively movable between an extend position and a collapsed position relative to the table top, the second table top support assembly including a first cross bar with a first section and a second section that are connected by a hinge assembly that is sized and configured to allow the first cross bar to be moved between an extended position and a collapsed position;

a frame including a first rail connected to the first table top portion, the first rail connecting the first portion of the cross bar of the first table top support assembly to the first table top portion and the first rail connecting the first portion of the cross bar of the second table top support assembly to the first table top portion;

wherein when the first table top portion and the second table top portion are in the generally aligned position, the first table top support assembly and the first cross bar of the first table top support assembly are in the extended positions, and the second table top support assembly and the first cross bar of the second table top support assembly are in the extended positions when picnic table is in the use position; and

wherein when the first table top portion and the second table top portion are in the folded position, the first table top support assembly and the first cross bar of the first table top support assembly are in the collapsed positions and the first table top support assembly is at least substantially disposed between the first table top portion and the second table top portion, and the second table top support assembly and the first cross bar of the second table top support assembly are in the collapsed positions when the picnic table is in the collapsed position and the second table top support assembly is at least substantially disposed between the first table top portion and the second table top portion.

7. The picnic table as in claim 6, further comprising a second rail of the frame that is pivotally connected to the first rail of the frame, the second rail connected to the second table top portion, the second rail connecting the second portion of the cross bar of the first table top support assembly to the second table top portion and the second rail connecting the second portion of the cross bar of the second table top support assembly to the second table top portion.

8. A folding picnic table that is capable of being moved between a use position and a collapsed position, the picnic table comprising:

a table top including a first table top portion and a second table top portion that are selectively movable between a generally aligned position and a folded position;

a first storage area at least partially defined by an underneath portion of the first table top portion and a lip outwardly extending from the first table top section;

a second storage area at least partially defined by an underneath portion of the second table top portion and a lip outwardly extending from the second table top section;

a first table top support assembly being selectively movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top, the first table top support assembly including a first cross bar with a first section and a second section that are connected by a hinge assembly that is sized and configured to allow the first cross bar to be moved between an extended position and a collapsed position; and

a second table top support assembly being selectively movable between an extend position and a collapsed position relative to the table top, the second table top support assembly including a first cross bar with a first section and a second section that are connected by a hinge assembly that is sized and configured to allow the first cross bar to be moved between an extended position and a collapsed position;

a first seat that is sized and configured to be at least partially positioned within the first storage area of the first table top portion when the picnic table is in the collapsed position, the first seat comprising;

a storage area formed in a lower portion of the first seat;

a first seat supporting assembly connected to the first seat; and

a second seat support assembly connected to the first seat; and

a second seat that is sized and configured to be at least partially positioned within the second storage area of the second table top portion when the picnic table is in the collapsed position, the second seat comprising;

a storage area formed in a lower portion of the second seat;

a first seat supporting assembly connected to the second seat; and

a second seat support assembly connected to the second seat.

9. The folding picnic table as in claim 8, wherein the first table top portion and the second table top portion are in the generally aligned position, the first table top support assembly and the first cross bar of the first table top support assembly are in the extended positions, and the second table top support assembly and the first cross bar of the second table top support assembly are in the extended positions when the picnic table is in the use position;

and

wherein the first table top portion and the second table top portion are in the folded position, the first table top support assembly and the first cross bar of the first table top support assembly are in the collapsed positions, and the second table top support assembly and the first cross bar of the second table top support assembly are in the collapsed positions when the picnic table is in the collapsed position.

10. The folding picnic table as in claim 8, wherein the hinge assembly of the first cross bar of the first table top support assembly and the first cross bar of the second table top support assembly comprises:

a first hinge connector including a first end connected to the first table top portion and a second end including a pin hole, the first hinge connector including a cam portion on the second end;

a second hinge connector having a first end connected to the second table top portion and a second end including a pin hole, the second hinge connector including a locking slot;

a hinge pin disposed in the pin hole of the first and second hinge connectors, the longitudinal axis of the hinge pin forming a hinge axis and the table top is configured to fold about the hinge axis; and

a locking pin adapted to be disposed in the locking slot of the second hinge connector, the locking pin being selectively moveable within the locking slot between a locked position wherein the locking pin is positioned so that the cam portion of the first hinge connector abuts the locking pin so as to substantially prevent the first hinge connector from rotatable movement about the hinge axis, and an unlocked position wherein the first hinge connector is able to freely rotate about the hinge axis.

11. The folding picnic table as in claim 10, further comprising a lock actuating mechanism pivotally disposed about the hinge pin, the lock actuating mechanism comprising:

a handle portion; and

a displacement slot disposed at an offset angle with respect to the locking slot and configured to receive the locking pin so that when the handle is moved between a first position to a second position, the offset angle of the displacement slot acts to slide the locking pin in the locking slot between the locked and the unlocked position.

12. The folding picnic table as in claim 11, wherein the lock actuating mechanism further comprises:

a locking bar disposed in the second hinge connector; and

an anchoring portion sized and configured to maintain the handle in the first and second positions, the anchoring portion including an elongated member with a first groove and a second groove, the first groove being sized and configured to engage a portion of the locking bar when the handle is in the first position, the second groove being sized and configured to engage a portion of the locking bar when the handle is in the second position.

13. The folding picnic table as in claim 8, further comprising a hinge assembly connecting the first table top portion and the second table top portion.

14. The folding picnic table as in claim 8, wherein the first table top support assembly includes a second cross bar with a first section and a second section connected by a hinge assembly that is sized and configured to allow the second cross bar to be moved between an extended position and a collapsed position;

and

wherein the second table support assembly includes a second cross bar with a first section and a second section connected by a hinge assembly that is sized and configured to allow the second cross bar to be moved between an extended position anda collapsed position.

15. The folding picnic table as in claim 8, further comprising a handle connected to the first table top portion and a handle connected to the second table top portion, the handle of the first table top portion and the handle of the second table top portion being generally aligned with the picnic table is in the collapsed configuration.

16. A folding picnic table comprising:

a table top including a first table top portion and a second table top portion, the table top configured to be selectively foldable, wherein the first table top portion and the second table top portion including a storage area;

a table top support assembly comprising;

a first cross bar including a first section and a second section, the first section being connected to the first table top portion and the second section being connected to the second table top portion, the first cross bar including a pivot connection connecting the first and second sections and allowing the first cross bar to fold;

a first leg member having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the first section of the first cross bar, the first leg member being movable between an extended position in which the second end of the first leg member is positioned away from the table top and a collapsed position in which the second end of the first leg member is positioned proximate the table top;

a second leg member having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the second section of the first cross bar, the second leg member being movable between an extended position in which the second end of the second leg member is positioned away from the table top and a collapsed position in which the second end of the second leg member is positioned proximate the table top;

a seat including a storage area; and

a seat support assembly including a first leg assembly pivotably connected to the seat and a second leg assembly pivotably connected to the seat.

17. A folding picnic table that is selectively movable between a use position and a collapsed position, the folding picnic table comprising:

a foldable table top including a first table top portion and a second table top portion, the first table top portion and the second table top portion being pivotally connected to move between an extended position and a folded position;

a first storage area at least partially defined by an underneath portion the first table top portion and a lip outwardly extending from the first table top section;

a second storage area at least partially defined by an underneath portion of the second table top portion and a lip outwardly extending from the second table top section;

a first leg member pivotally connected to the table top, the first leg member being movable between a collapsed position and an extended position, the first leg member being at least partially disposed within the first storage area and the second storage area when the first leg member is in the collapsed position;

a second leg member pivotally connected to the table top, the second leg member being movable between a collapsed position and an extended position, the second leg member being at least partially disposed within the first storage area and the second storage area when the first leg member is in the collapsed position; and

a cross bar including a first portion connected to a second portion by a pivot connection, the first portion of the cross bar connected to the first leg member and the second portion of the cross bar connected to the second leg member, the firs portion of the cross bar connected to the first table top portion and the second portion of the cross bar connected to the second table top portion.

18. The folding picnic table as recited in claim 17, further comprising a seat member that is sized and configured to be at least partially disposed within the first storage area of the first table top portion when the picnic table is in the collapsed position, the seat member including an elongated seat top and a storage area, the seat member including a seat supporting assembly including a first leg assembly pivotably connected to the seat top and a second leg assembly pivotably connected to the seat top.

19. A folding picnic table that is selectively movable between a use position and a collapsed position, the folding picnic table comprising:

a foldable table top including a first table top portion and a second table top portion, the first table top portion and the second table top portion being pivotally connected to move between an extended position and a folded position;

a first storage area at least partially defined by an underneath portion of the first table top portion and a lip outwardly extending from the first table top section;

a second storage area at least partially defined by an underneath portion of the second table top portion and a lip outwardly extending from the second table top section;

a first leg member pivotally connected to the table top, the first leg member being movable between a collapsed position and an extended position, the first leg member being at least substantially disposed between the first table top portion and the second table top portion when the first leg member is in the collapsed position;

a second leg member pivotally connected to the table top, the second leg member being movable between a collapsed position and an extended position, the second leg member being at least substantially disposed between the first table top portion and the second table top portion when the first leg member is in the collapsed position;

a first cross member including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the first cross member connected to the first table top portion and the second portion of the first cross member connected to the second table top portion, the first leg member connected to the first portion and the second portion of the first cross bar; and

a second cross member including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the second cross member connected to the first table top portion and the second portion of the second cross member connected to the second table top portion, the second leg member connected to the first portion and the second portion of the second cross bar.