CN101426398A - Table and seating arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

A table and seating arrangement includes a tabletop defining a longitudinal direction and having an edge. A frame mounts to an underside of the tabletop and includes risers and laterally extending portions. Casters or wheels mount to the frame and provide for easy rolling transport of the table and seating arrangement. Seating assemblies having two stools mount to the framework on linkages that provide for moving the seats from a use position with the seats extended beyond the edge of the tabletops and engaging the ground to a storage position wherein the seats are raised and retracted to be inward from the edges of the tabletop.

Description

Table and Seating Units

This application was filed as a PCT International Patent Application on April 16, 2007, wherein the applicants to countries other than the United States are a US domestic company, Donaldson Company, Inc., and the applicants to the United States are US citizens, namely Richard C. Bue, John M. Elliott, and Kendall A. Kragenbring, and this application claims U.S. Utility Application No. 11/417,480, filed April 18, 2006, and U.S. Utility Application No. 1, filed February 21, 2007 Priority of .11/709,343.

technical field

The present invention relates to a table with a folding seat structure, and more particularly to a table with a stool or bench that moves between a use position and a storage position, when in the storage position The stool is located under the table top.

Background technique

Multifunctional furniture is often desired in large multipurpose rooms that can be used at different times as dining rooms, conference halls, dance areas, training rooms, classrooms, and rooms for various other events. Such furniture includes tables, chairs, benches and/or stools, or a combination of tables and seats. Such furniture will provide more utility if it is of the folding type so as to take up less space when stored. Folding tables and accompanying stools or benches are known which provide seats and tables that require less storage space when stored than when in use. This folding table is usually rectangular or oval, with benches or stools placed on either side or spaced around the table. Examples of folding tables are shown in US Pat. Sico Inc., the assignee of this invention. Although these tables successfully provide folding furniture with seats, further improvements can be made. For many teaching, dining or other applications, particularly with children, it will be appreciated that it would be advantageous to provide a table that can be easily and safely manipulated with only one hand and/or by a child.

In addition to being easy, simple and safe to operate, it would also be desirable to provide a table which occupies a small area when constructed for storage, wherein the necessary ratio of storage area to seating is small. Foldable table and seating units typically fold along a centerline while accommodating a stool, bench or other seating. Computer training is a common use of rolling desks that require quick changes back and forth from storage to use, during which time the equipment remains on the desk. Therefore, folding tabletops cannot be used. With wireless technology and non-folding desktops, laptops can be left on the desktop to create mobile wireless multi-user computer systems. With this configuration, it is also advantageous that the table and seat assembly simultaneously has the function of folding the seat so that the device takes up less space when stored. Also, it will be appreciated that storage would be improved if the table could be stored with the edges flush with each other, thereby minimizing storage space.

It can be seen that there is a need for a new and improved table and folding seating arrangement. Such a table and seating arrangement should reduce storage area requirements without folding the table top so that items can be stored on the table top when the table is not in use. Furthermore, such a table and seating arrangement should have a retractable seat which can be easily and safely operated by a child and preferably can be operated with one hand. The present invention addresses these and other problems associated with table and seating structures.

Contents of the invention

The present invention relates to a table and seating arrangement, in particular to a table and seating arrangement having a seat that is movable between an extended use position and a storage position, in which the The seat is located under the table top. The table and seat arrangement includes a table top, and the support frame is mounted on rollers or casters. The frame and table top are rigid non-folding units. A seat assembly is mounted to the frame by a pivot or linkage mechanism and is movable between an in-use position in which the seat extends laterally outward from the sides of the table and a storage position in which the seat position the seat is below the bottom side of the table top.

Each seating assembly generally includes a pair of stools mounted to a support frame with 2 or 3 support legs. It is also conceivable to use benches or other seat types. Each seat assembly also has a pivot or linkage mounted to the frame or a laterally extending portion of the mounting bracket and to the seat. The stool moves from a low position in which the legs of the seat assembly frame engage the ground to a retracted position in which the stool is fully below the table top. With this construction, storage requirements are greatly reduced.

The table top can be rectangular, oval or any other common table shape. In one embodiment, the table includes 4 seating assemblies with 2 stools in each seating assembly. It will be appreciated that a bench may be used to interchangeably replace the 2 stools of the seat assembly. Also, other sizes and/or different numbers of stools may be used. One or more seat components may also be removed, allowing use as an American with Disabilities Act (ADA) seat or other non-attached seat. It will be appreciated that with the stool retracted inwardly from the edge of a table with a rectangular table top, the table can be stored in which the table tops are flush with each other in side-to-side relationship and the table tops can be placed against walls as well as in corners. This reduces the space required to store the table and increases practicality. Also, since the table does not collapse during storage, the device can be left on the table even while being stored.

These features of novelty and various other advantages which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and objects achieved by its use, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying drawings which show and describe preferred embodiments of the invention Descriptive content.

Description of drawings

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals and letters indicate corresponding structures throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a table and seating arrangement in accordance with the principles of the present invention, with the seating assembly in an in-use position;

Fig. 2 is an end face orthographic view of the table and seat device shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side orthographic view of the table and seat arrangement shown in Fig. 1;

Figure 4 is a top view of the table and seat arrangement shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is an end orthographic view of the table and seating assembly shown in Figure 1 with the seating assembly in the stowed position;

Figure 6 is an end orthographic view of the table and seating arrangement shown in Figure 1 with the seat assembly in a first intermediate position;

Figure 7 is an end orthographic view of the table and seating arrangement shown in Figure 1 with the seat assembly in a second intermediate position;

Figure 8 is a top view of a second embodiment of a table and seating arrangement in an in-use position in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is an end face orthographic view of the table and seat arrangement shown in Fig. 8;

Figure 10 is a side orthographic view of the table and seating arrangement shown in Figure 8;

Figure 11 is an end orthographic view of the table and seating assembly shown in Figure 8 with the seating assembly in the stowed position;

Figure 12 is an end orthographic view of a third embodiment of a table and seating arrangement in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

Figure 13 is an end orthographic view of the table and seating assembly shown in Figure 12 with the seating assembly in the stowed position;

Figure 14 is a top view of a fourth embodiment of a table and seating arrangement in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

Figure 15 is an end orthographic view of the table and seating arrangement shown in Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a top view of a fifth embodiment of a table and seating arrangement in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

Figure 17 is a top view of a sixth embodiment of a table and seating arrangement in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and

Figure 18 is a top view of the table and seating arrangement shown in Figure 1 stored side by side.

Detailed ways

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1 , there is shown a first embodiment of a table and seating arrangement generally indicated at 100 . The table and seating arrangement 100 includes a stationary table top 102 supported by a rigid frame 104 . The frame 104 includes several parts to be discussed below and is mounted on 4 casters or wheels 112 so that the table 100 can be rolled from one position to another for use and storage. The frame 104 also supports four seat assemblies 120 mounted on pivots 114 for moving the seat assemblies 120 between the use position and the storage position, as will be described below. Although four seat assemblies 120 are shown, it should be readily understood that other embodiments having other types and/or numbers of seat assemblies 120 are possible. Additionally, one or more of the seat components 120 may be omitted, thereby providing an ADA seat.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-7 , the frame 104 of the table and seating arrangement has two uprights 106 connected by longitudinal members 116 and extending upwardly from laterally extending horizontal cross members 108 . The tabletop support 110 is mounted to the bottom side of the tabletop and is supported by the upper end of the stand 106 . The support 110 provides a frame against the underside of the table top 102 . Casters or wheels 112 are mounted to the ends of the cross members 108 and are preferably capable of swiveling to facilitate handling in any orientation. Each seat assembly 120 is pivotally mounted to the frame member 108 on a bracket 118 formed from a plate extending upwardly from the frame member 108 and forming the pivot 114, each seat assembly 120 also includes a mounting Stool 122 on seat assembly frame 124 . In the first embodiment, each seat assembly 120 includes two stools 122 supported by a frame 124 and mounted so that the user is not required to step over an obstacle such as a portion of the frame. You can sit on each stool 122 through the open passage. The seat assembly frame 124 includes a pair of legs 126 that engage the ground and provide a stable base for each seat assembly 120 in the in-use position. The seat assembly frame 124 also includes a seat support portion 130 extending to the central underside of each stool 122 and a horizontal portion 128 extending laterally along the table and out from the centerline of the table 100 to the legs 126 . The legs 126 preferably engage the ground outside the table and stool 122 to obtain a wide triangular support for each seat assembly 120 . As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 , the legs 126 are moved laterally and longitudinally outward under the seat at an angle of approximately 45 degrees as far as possible without restricting accessibility or stumbling the user of the table. The danger of falling. As shown in FIG. 4 , the legs 126 are disposed on the outer edges of the associated seat 122 spaced laterally and longitudinally outwardly from the seat support 130 to form a broad base for each seat assembly 120 . By virtue of this configuration of legs 126, each seat assembly 120 is supported on a wide and solid base formed by legs 126 and pivots 114, which are spaced apart from each other in a stable triangular configuration. far apart.

Pivot 114 enables seat assembly 120 to rotate from the use position shown in FIGS. 1-4 to the storage position shown in FIG. 5 . It will be appreciated that the seat assemblies 120 pivot to a position beyond the central position such that they remain in the stowed position shown in FIG. 5 without being restrained or locked.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 5, and shown in phantom in FIG. edge of the desktop. It will be appreciated that with this arrangement storage of the table 100 can be achieved in an improved and more compact manner. As shown in Figure 18, the table and seating arrangement 100 may be stored in a side-by-side relationship, with the ends and sides of the table top 102 abutting each other. Also, the table can be pushed up against the wall and into the corner of the house to be flush with the wall for improved storage without wasting space. Especially important as in the presence of children, this arrangement does not allow access to the open areas between the tables and minimizes finger pinching or other problems associated with the storage of such table and seating arrangements possibility.

It will also be appreciated that the seat assemblies 120 can be easily pivoted with little effort so that they can be easily and simply operated by only one hand or by a child. No latch or other mechanism is required to be released or actuated prior to movement between the use position and the storage position.

To move from the use position shown in FIGS. 1-4 to the storage position shown in FIG. 5 , the seat assembly 120 is pivoted inwardly. The seat assembly pivots through the intermediate position shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in which the seat 122 and legs 126 pass through the support 110 and the underside of the table top 102 . It will be appreciated that the present invention provides a standard height table with increased stability. Also, the stool height and leg height are set for the table to be folded and used without compromising user comfort or reducing accessibility. As explained below, it is also understood that the stool can be interchanged with the bench without having to modify the frame 104 .

Referring now to FIG. 8 , there is shown a second embodiment of a table and seating arrangement generally indicated at 200 . The table and seating arrangement 200 is similar to the table and seating arrangement 100 but has a different folding linkage as explained hereinafter. The table and seating arrangement 200 includes a stationary table top 202 supported by a rigid frame 204 . The frame 204 includes several frame sections as discussed below and is mounted on 4 casters or wheels 212 so that the table 200 can be rolled from one position to another for use and storage. The frame 204 also supports four seat assemblies 220 mounted on linkages that move between use and storage positions as described below. Although four seat assemblies 220 are shown, it is understood that other versions having other types and/or numbers of seat assemblies 220 are possible, as explained below. Additionally, one or more seat components 220 may be omitted, thereby providing an ADA seat.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11 , the table and seating unit frame 204 has two uprights 206 connected by a longitudinal member 216 and extending upwardly from a laterally extending horizontal cross member 208 . The table top support portion 210 is mounted to the bottom side of the table top 202 and supported by the upper end of the stand portion 206 . Casters or wheels 212 are mounted on the ends of the cross members 208 and are preferably capable of swivel so that the table 200 can be easily transported in any direction. Each seat assembly 220 is translatably mounted to frame member 208 on linkage 214 and includes a stool 222 or bench mounted to seat assembly frame 224 . Each seat assembly 220 includes two stools 222 supported by a frame 224 mounted so that each stool 222 can be reached through an open passage without requiring the user to step over an obstacle such as the frame superior. Seat assembly frame 224 includes a pair of legs 226 and, in certain embodiments, a third leg 228 that engages the ground and provides a stable base for each seat assembly 220 in the use position. Each linkage 214 includes links 230 , 232 , 233 and 234 and a mount 236 to provide movement between the use position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 and the storage position shown in FIG. 11 . Linkage 214 is configured to prevent seat assembly 220 from folding inwardly too far. The seat assembly 220 moves beyond the central position so that the assembly 200 can remain in the retracted storage position as shown in FIG. 11 without being restrained or locked.

As shown in FIG. 11 , and as shown in phantom in FIG. 8 , when the seat assembly 220 is moved to the storage position, the stool 222 will be completely under the table top 202 and will not extend beyond the edge of the table top. It will be appreciated that this arrangement provides for improved, more compact storage.

It will also be appreciated that the seat assembly 220 is very lightweight and thus can be simply and easily operated with only one hand or even by a child. There is no latch or other mechanism for release or actuation prior to movement between the use position and the storage position. To move from the use position shown in FIG. 9 to the storage position shown in FIG. 11 , the seat assembly 220 is simply lifted up and inward. To move from the storage position shown in FIG. 11 to the use position shown in FIG. 9 , the seat assembly 220 is simply grasped and pulled outward and downward. Since the legs 226 and 228 engage the ground and provide a stable base for the seat assembly 220 in the use position, the stool 222 can be firmly supported.

It will also be appreciated that the continuous tabletops 102 and 202 do not fold and remain horizontal throughout so that computers, keyboards and other similar equipment can remain on the tabletops 102 and 202 when not in use and simply roll with the table and seating arrangement for storage. This eliminates the need for further storage space for the device and speeds up installation and removal. Using table and seating arrangements 100 and 200 without a folding table top eliminates the need for a folding linkage for the table. Also, the torsion bars normally used with such devices are not required, thereby reducing complexity, cost and weight.

Table tops 102 and 202 can be configured in different widths and lengths, but preferably fit through standard 32 inch doors. Also, in the stowed position of a commonly constructed 30 inch by 84 inch table with 8 stools, the stowage area is surprisingly only 2.19 square feet per seat. This compares favorably with devices having a folding table but with the seats extended for storage, which typically require 3 square feet or more per seat for storage.

Referring now to Figures 12 and 13, there is shown a third embodiment of a table and seating arrangement, also generally indicated at 200. The arrangement is substantially the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-11 , except for a slight modification of the seat assembly 220 . As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , since the link mechanism 217 has a sufficient load capacity, it is sufficient to provide two links 218 and 119 . Also, the stable base of each seat assembly 220 is formed by only two legs 226 . Seat assembly 220 is supported on a solid base formed by legs 226 and frame 204 .

Referring now to Figures 14 and 15, it will be appreciated that other seating arrangements may be used in addition to stools. In another embodiment, the table and seating arrangement 250 includes a bench-type seating assembly 252 having a bench 254 . Bench 254 is installed and moved in the same manner as the stool shown in Figures 1-7. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 , the table and seating arrangement 250 has two seating assemblies 252 on each side with some space between the inner ends of the bench 254 . With this configuration, bench seating is obtained, increasing the amount of seating for the same table size. It will be appreciated that the present invention is configured so that the two stools and benches of each seating assembly can be easily interchangeably mounted without modification of the frame. This increases flexibility and practicality. Also, the legs 126 are still located at the outer edges of the bench 254 to provide firm and stable support without compromising user access or creating a tripping hazard.

Referring now to FIG. 16 , there is shown a further embodiment of a table and seating arrangement, indicated generally at 260 , in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The table and seating assembly 260 is similar to the seating and table assembly 200 except for the shape of the table top. It may be preferred for some uses that the table and seating arrangement 260 includes an oval table top 262 . Additionally, the oval shaped table and seating arrangement 260 includes a seating assembly 264 having a frame 266 that positions all stools 268 at an appropriate distance from the edge of the table top. Seat assembly 264 moves and functions in substantially the same manner as described in the other embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 17 , there is shown generally at 270 a further embodiment of a table and seating arrangement according to the present invention. The table and seating arrangement 270 has an oval table top 272 that is shorter than that shown in FIG. 16 . Seat assembly 274 is the same as seat assembly 220, but there is only one seat assembly per side instead of two.

Other embodiments are possible with different table top shapes and with different numbers of seats and various combinations of seats. Also, it will be appreciated that by storing the stool under the table top, the present invention can be transported with the stool attached. Folding tables typically require unfolding the table and then installing the seat, and are not ready for use while in transit. The present invention provides a safe, secure and efficient storage system that is neither known nor obvious from the prior art.

However, it should be understood that although various features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and function of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, the disclosure of the present invention is illustrative only, and especially in this Detailed changes can be made in the shape, size and arrangement of the parts within the full scope indicated by the broad concept expressed in the appended claims within the principle of the invention.

Claims (19)

1. desk and seat unit comprise:

Desktop, it limits vertical and has bottom side and edge;

The desk framework, it supports described desktop;

It is characterized in that also comprising at least one seat-assembly, described seat-assembly have at least one seat and by pivotal mounting to described desk framework, wherein, described seat-assembly can move between use location and deposit position, described seat-assembly ground-engaging and described at least one seat extend to outside the edge of described desktop when described use location, when described deposit position described seat-assembly break away from ground and be positioned at described desktop the bottom side below;

Wherein, described at least one seat-assembly comprises: seat frame, and it has the seat support portion that is positioned at described at least one under-seat; And a plurality of isolated ground engagement portion, its be configured to when described use location ground-engaging and along described vertically and spaced apart with described vertical vertical direction and described seat support portion.

2. desk according to claim 1 and seat unit, wherein, described ground engagement portion is with respect to outwards spaced apart with described seat support portion with described vertically vertical described direction.

3. desk according to claim 1 and seat unit, wherein, two ground engagement portions are longitudinally and along opposite vertically outwards spaced apart with described seat support portion.

4. desk according to claim 1 and seat unit, wherein, described seat is positioned at below the described desktop fully when described deposit position.

5. desk according to claim 1 and seat unit comprise a plurality of seats.

6. desk according to claim 1 and seat unit, wherein, on the pivot that described seat is mounted in pairs in it is associated.

7. desk according to claim 1 and seat unit, wherein, described at least one seat comprises stool.

8. desk according to claim 1 and seat unit, wherein, described at least one seat comprises bench.

9. desk according to claim 7 and seat unit, wherein, described at least one stool is near the bottom side of described desktop when described deposit position.

10. desk according to claim 8 and seat unit, wherein, described bench is near the bottom side of described desktop when described deposit position.

11. desk according to claim 9 and seat unit, wherein, described stool is mounted in pairs on the described pivot.

12. desk according to claim 1 and seat unit, wherein, described desk is a rectangle table.

13. desk according to claim 1 and seat unit, wherein, described desk is an oval table.

14. desk according to claim 1 and seat unit further comprise rolling equipment, described rolling equipment is mounted to described framework and is used for moving described desk when described deposit position.

15. desk according to claim 1 and seat unit, wherein, described at least one seat comprises seat surface, and described seat surface is a level, and described seat surface when described use location, face up and face during at described deposit position horizontal below.

16. desk according to claim 2 and seat unit, wherein, each ground engagement portion extends downwards substantially alignedly with the edge of the seat that is associated.

17. desk according to claim 1 and seat unit, wherein, each described seat-assembly pivots like this: the outward flange that does not contact described desktop framework and described framework at folding inward flange with seat described in the process of launching does not contact the edge of described desktop.

18. desk according to claim 1 and seat unit, wherein, described seat comprises the stool and the bench that can exchange installation.

19. desk according to claim 1 and seat unit, wherein, described seat-assembly can move between first use location, second centre position, the 3rd centre position and the 4th deposit position, supporting leg ground-engaging when described first use location; The inward flange of described seat passes point below the described desktop, concordant with described desktop framework when described second centre position; When described the 3rd centre position the outward flange of described seat pass described desktop framework below; Described seat is regained and is in fully below the described desktop when described the 4th deposit position.

Images