Abstract: A locking mechanism for a support leg hingedly attached to a support surface. The locking mechanism includes a base, attached to the support surface, with a plurality of angularly spaced, radial teeth, and a coupler, attached to the support leg, having a plurality of angularly spaced, radial teeth configured to mate with the teeth of the base. A selectively releasable engagement mechanism is configured to engage and disengage the teeth of the base with the teeth of the coupler, to allow selective rotation of the support leg between an extended position and a folded position, and to lock the leg in the extended or folded position.

Abstract: A folding chair has a rigid support frame with a curved spline profile, and a seat and rear legs which fold into a closed position and substantially collapse within a volume defined by the support frame to maximize stacking density, and to increase stability with the curved spline profiles nesting within one another. The support frame has first and second rigid side support members, each with an upper back support portion and extending forwardly to form front leg portions. The back support portion and the front leg portions are integrally and rigidly connected to advantageously form a curved spline profile. A seat is pivotally coupled to the support frame, or to and between the first and second support members. A majority of the seat advantageously collapses to a folded position within a volume defined between the first and second rigid side support members. Rear legs are pivotally coupled to the support frame, or to the respective first and second support members.

Abstract: A folding chair has a support frame with a back support portion and first and second side supports extending to form front leg members. A seat is pivotally coupled to the support frame, and configured to pivot downwardly with respect to the support frame. First and second rear legs each have an upper member pivotally coupled to a lower member. The lower members are pivotally coupled to the support frame, and the upper members are pivotally coupled to the seat, such that the first and second rear legs include three pivot points and the rear legs fold onto themselves to a shorter length in a closed position. First and second folding systems link the support frame, the fold-down seat, and the rear legs together. The first and second folding systems including four-bar linkage systems with four pivot points and four linkages.

Abstract: A folding chair has a four-bar linkage folding system with four pivot points and four linkages, and a kick-out tab for urging the four-bar linkage system, and thus the chair, to unfold. A support frame forms a first linkage. Rear legs are pivotally coupled to the support frame at pivot points. At least one of the rear legs extends upwards from the pivot point on the support frame to form an upper extension, which defines a second linkage. A linking member is pivotally coupled to and between the upper extension of the rear leg and the seat to form a third linkage. A seat is pivotally coupled to the support frame and forms the fourth linkage. The rear legs and seat pivot with respect to the support frame between an open unfolded position, and a closed folded position. The seat has at least one engagement surface which is engaged by the upper extension of the rear leg when the chair is in the closed folded position. A kick-out tab may be attached to the seat to provide the engagement surface.

Abstract: A folding chair has a support structure with a back support portion and leg supports. A stabilizing seat is pivotally coupled to the support structure. The seat has a seating surface, and at least one upper projecting alignment member configured to substantially engage a second chair to stabilize and prevent relative lateral movement between the two chairs when in a folded and stacked relationship.

Abstract: A table corner apparatus comprises a tabletop having a corner formed from the intersection of two side edges, two peripheral elongate support beams mounted to the underside of the tabletop near and parallel to the two side edges, each beam having an end located near the corner with the ends also located near each other, and a plastic web disposed between the support beam ends. A rigid corner insert mounted in the corner comprises an edge insert disposed adjacent the side edges at the corner, an impact block disposed between the edge insert and the exterior surfaces, relative to the center of the tabletop, of the support beams and web, a retaining block disposed oppositely from the impact block at the interior surfaces of the support beams and web, and a rigid connector between the retaining and impact blocks. A method of minimizing impact damage to the table corner comprises receiving the impact at the corner insert and transferring the force of the impact to the support beams.

Abstract: A lightweight and strong tabletop suitable for use with portable and/or collapsible tables comprises a support layer of thin laminated wood and a cover layer of ABS plastic continuously bonded to the support layer by pressing the cover layer and the support layer together with an adhesive comprising methylethylketone disposed between them. Suitable support beams are provided under the support layer, and a bottom protective layer is provided underneath the tabletop for appearance and durability. A plurality of legs support the tabletop.