Planar Horizontal Seating (e.g., Picnic Table) Patents (Class 297/158.3)
  • Patent number: 11918105
    Abstract: A picnic table includes first and second structures detachably connected to each other by linking assemblies. One of the first and second structures is a table and the other of the first and second structures is a bench. A linking assembly includes a linking member, which has a first end portion connected to the first structure and a second end portion detachably connected to the second structure. When the second end portion is disconnected from the second structure, the linking member is retractable or rotatable toward the first structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Inno-Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwan Jun Choi
  • Patent number: 11918106
    Abstract: A picnic table includes first and second structures detachably connected to each other by linking assemblies. One of the first and second structures is a table and the other of the first and second structures is a bench. A linking assembly includes a linking member, which has a first end portion connected to the first structure and a second end portion detachably connected to the second structure. When the second end portion is disconnected from the second structure, the linking member is retractable or rotatable toward the first structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Inno-Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwan Jun Choi
  • Patent number: 11707137
    Abstract: A collapsible and portable seating apparatus may include a seating assembly and a media mast with at least one image generation device. The seating assembly may be collapsible via at least one linkage assembly or pivot assembly, and portable via at least one wheel assembly. The media mast may be couplable to the seat assembly and removable to be set on a ground surface. The media mast may be portable when coupled to the seating assembly and/or separately portable in a hand-truck configuration when removed from the seating assembly. The media mast and/or the seating assembly may include components to provide increased stability and resistance against external and internal forces, where the components are deployed when the media mast is on the ground surface or the seating assembly is unfolded. A canopy may be couplable to the seating assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Inventors: Robert McCarville, Kristen McCarville
  • Patent number: 11278112
    Abstract: An overbed table top includes a monolithic portion and a laminate portion. The monolithic portion has a top surface, a bottom surface, and an edge surface. The bottom surface includes an open cavity where a peripheral region of the bottom surface circumscribes the open cavity. The monolithic portion is an antimicrobial material. The laminate portion is disposed in the open cavity and is coupled to the monolithic portion. The laminate portion includes an exposed layer of a moisture impervious material coupled to a hidden layer of a wood-based material that can support fasteners used to attach the overbed table top to a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: EOS SURFACES, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Trinder, II
  • Patent number: 8684453
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise a device for transporting picnic tables. A transporting apparatus that connects to a hitch of a vehicle that is specifically designed to hold a foldable picnic table. The picnic table further comprising condiment shelves, wheels and side tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Eric Alexander Furst
  • Patent number: 8506010
    Abstract: A portable, submersible table and bench assembly suitable for use on land as well as in bodies of water having sloped or uneven bottom surfaces. The table and bench assembly includes a pair of benches and a central table mounted on a support frame that includes a plurality of hollow, adjustable support members or legs that are slidably received within the support frame. The hollow, adjustable support members extend downwards for contact with the ground or a sloped bottom swimming pool. The support frame includes a plurality of spaced apart perforations on the surface of downwardly extending risers that allow the entry and drainage of water, as well as adjustment of the height of the adjustable support members or legs. In addition to being light and portable, the hollow structure permits water to enter and drain through perforations and accordingly resist buoyancy when the table is immersed in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Havin' Fun Products, LLC
    Inventor: Tom Kane
  • Patent number: 8313139
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a table and a bench movably coupled to the table. The table and the bench collectively have a first configuration and a second configuration. The table has a first width when the table and the bench are in the first configuration. The table and the bench collectively have a first height when the table and the bench are in the first configuration. The table and the bench collectively have a second width and a second height when the table and the bench are in the second configuration. The second width is less than half of the first width, and the second height is less than half of the first width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Swimways Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Arias, Kevin O'Doherty, Sai Kei Wong, Chak Por Lee
  • Publication number: 20120175919
    Abstract: A portable, submersible table and bench assembly suitable for use on land as well as in bodies of water having sloped or uneven bottom surfaces. The table and bench assembly includes a pair of benches and a central table mounted on a support frame that includes a plurality of hollow, adjustable support members or legs that are slidably received within the support frame. The hollow, adjustable support members extend downwards for contact with the ground or a sloped bottom swimming pool. The support frame includes a plurality of spaced apart perforations on the surface of downwardly extending risers that allow the entry and drainage of water, as well as adjustment of the height of the adjustable support members or legs. In addition to being light and portable, the hollow structure permits water to enter and drain through perforations and accordingly resist buoyancy when the table is immersed in water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: HAVIN' FUN PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Tom Kane
  • Patent number: 8182032
    Abstract: A rolling table and seating system includes a first assembly folding between a first position with the first assembly forming a seat bottom, and a second storage position. A second assembly moves between a first position with the second assembly forming a table and a second position at which the second assembly forms a seat back complementary to the seat bottom. A frame has laterally spaced apart first and second upright frame portions, the first upright frame portion supporting the first assembly and the second upright frame portion supporting the second assembly. A lower frame portion extends laterally outward including a first lateral portion extending toward a first side beyond the first upright frame portion, and a second lateral portion extending toward a second side beyond the second upright frame portion. First linkages fold the first assembly and include a leg supporting the seat bottom at the first position, and lift and pivot the leg at the second storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Sico Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher C. Dickey, Kendall A. Kragenbring
  • Patent number: 8007040
    Abstract: A furniture piece that may include a support member with opposing first and second surfaces. A recess may extend into the first surface. The support member may also include a first aperture within the recess that extends through to the second surface. A brace may be positioned to support the support member. The brace may include a second aperture that aligns with the first aperture. A fastener that includes a head and an outwardly-extending neck may attach the support member and brace together. The head may seat within the recess and the neck may extend through the first and second apertures. One or more spacers may be positioned along the neck to position the head relative to the support member. A thickness of the head may be less than a depth of the recess such that a surface of the head is flush with the first surface of the support member or positioned within the recess below the first surface of the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Bob Barker Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd D. Krueger
  • Patent number: 7980626
    Abstract: A picnic table includes at least two leg units, a crossbar, a table top and two benches. Each leg unit includes two J-shaped legs. Each J-shaped leg includes a table top support portion formed thereon, a bench support portion formed thereon, and a recess defined in the table top support portion. The crossbar is located between the leg units. The table top includes planks and tubes for supporting the planks. The table top is supported on the table top support portions while the tubes are received in the recesses. Screws are used to secure the crossbar to the legs, secure the table top to the table top support portions, and secure the benches to the bench support portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Danny Plastics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yun-Lu Chen
  • Patent number: 7980627
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a table and a bench movably coupled to the table. The table and the bench collectively have a first configuration and a second configuration. The table has a first width when the table and the bench are in the first configuration. The table and the bench collectively have a first height when the table and the bench are in the first configuration. The table and the bench collectively have a second width and a second height when the table and the bench are in the second configuration. The second width is less than half of the first width, and the second height is less than half of the first width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Swimways Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Arias, Kevin O'Doherty, Sai Kei Wong, Chak Por Lee
  • Patent number: 7971930
    Abstract: A picnic table may include a table and one or more seat members disposed about the table. One end of each seat member is preferably pivotally attached to the table by a support structure so that the seat member may pivot or rotate between various positions relative to the table top. One or more feet may be connected to the support structures and the feet may be sized and configured to facilitate movement of the seat members relative to the table top. The picnic table may also include a frame and the frame may include a plurality of elongated support members with a first end and a second end. The elongated support members may be interconnected to form a generally polygon-shaped structure and an end of each support member may extend beyond the perimeter of the generally polygon-shaped structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jered Larsen, S. Curtis Nye, L. Curtis Strong, Robert A. Astle
  • Publication number: 20110156451
    Abstract: A picnic table includes at least two leg units, a crossbar, a table top and two benches. Each leg unit includes two J-shaped legs. Each J-shaped leg includes a table top support portion formed thereon, a bench support portion formed thereon, and a recess defined in the table top support portion. The crossbar is located between the leg units. The table top includes planks and tubes for supporting the planks. The table top is supported on the table top support portions while the tubes are received in the recesses. Screws are used to secure the crossbar to the legs, secure the table top to the table top support portions, and secure the benches to the bench support portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Yun-Lu Chen
  • Patent number: 7789459
    Abstract: A wooden octagonal picnic table and bench system with integral wooden umbrella and accessory platforms is herein disclosed. The table comprises eight (8) equal sides with four (4) separated seat benches with a centrally oriented umbrella-shaped roof assembly. The benches are attached at their base using a plurality of supports for stability. A cup holder platform is located at the tabletop surface and encircles the center vertical post. At an intermediate location up the post is a tray with a containment lip to hold bottles, condiments or other similar containers around the post. A wine glass holder is provided near the top of the post facing in all directions for holding stemware in an inverted position. The table also provides roof-mounted lighting and electricity thereto appliances and accessories via a pair of duplex outlets mounted thereto an upper portion of the center post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventors: Adriana Rodriguez, Victor Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7300104
    Abstract: An inflatable picnic table which includes an integrally formed pedestal, tabletop and bench, all of which are inflatable, so that the picnic table may be stored in a deflated condition, taken to a picnic area, and inflated to provide a temporary and portable picnic table including a tabletop and bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Vance A. Hagedorn
  • Patent number: 7077464
    Abstract: A furniture unit that includes a substantially triangular table and a first and second plurality of seats fixedly attached along two sides of the table. A directional view of the third side of the table is unobstructed as viewed from any of the first and second plurality of seats. A support structure is provided that maintains the table and the first and second plurality of seats at a certain distance and provides for unobstructed leg-area. A third set of seats may be provided along each of the three sides of the substantially triangular table and may be interconnected by a support structure that provides a substantially unobstructed ingress and egress to each seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: QubicaAMF Worldwide, LLC.
    Inventors: Gary J. Ford, William Bredlow, Brian Williamson
  • Patent number: 7011364
    Abstract: A table with folding legs is disclosed. The table is capable of being folded into a storage position. One embodiment of the table includes one or more seats attached to at least one of the folding legs. In one embodiment, the seats are adjustable horizontally and vertically. An embodiment of the table includes a table top provided with a cavity, the cavity capable of receiving a cooler therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: J.F. Meskill Enterprises, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James F. Meskill, Jeffrey Kalman, Gary Robert Stephan, Craig Saunders, David Boll
  • Patent number: 6978723
    Abstract: A picnic table system is provided that is modular in design for ease of storage out of inclement weather when not in use. A bench assembly sits atop two pedestal-type legs and the table top and is supported by the upper portion of the pedestal legs. Both the top and the benches are secured by frictional impingement. When the structure is to be moved, the bench assembly, table top and the two pedestal legs are stored in a manner conserving floor or storage space. The ability to store the structure inside during inclement weather or during off season allows for increased life of the structure, thus saving the user replacement or repair costs as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Dolphus A. Dodd
  • Patent number: 6918630
    Abstract: A stable, handicap accessible picnic table is provided. It generally has a flat horizontal table top having a longitudinal axis, an upper surface, a lower surface, first and second ends, and first and second sides. There are preferably a pair of leg supports for supporting the lower surface of the table top with each leg support having a ground engaging portion generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the table top and a ground engaging portion generally parallel to the table top and extending laterally outwardly terminating in an upright seat supporting surface. The seat structure is about of the same length as the table top and mounted to the seat support surface. The ends of the table are open to allow accessibility to wheelchairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Thomas, Craig R. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6878026
    Abstract: A device to be used for sitting at a table in a water filled area, such as a water pool. The device comprises an upper rigid, flat, floating body made of buoyant material and defining a table top, at least one lower seat member and a connecting member for rigidly attaching a bottom face of each lower seat member to an underface of the floating body at a level relative to the floating body such that a person can sit on the seat member while resting ones forearms or elbows on top of the floating body. The floating body and the seat member have surfaces and thicknesses enabling them to be self-stable in the water filled area while preventing a top surface of the floating body to be submerged when the person remains seated on the seat member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Mathieu Cloutier
  • Patent number: 6848741
    Abstract: A furniture unit that includes a substantially triangular table and a first and second plurality of seats fixedly attached along two sides of the table. A directional view of the third side of the table is unobstructed as viewed from any of the first and second plurality of seats. A support structure is provided that maintains the table and the first and second plurality of seats at a certain distance and provides for unobstructed leg-area. A third set of seats may be provided along each of the three sides of the substantially triangular table and may be interconnected by a support structure that provides a substantially unobstructed ingress and egress to each seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: AMF Bowling Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Ford, William Bredlow, Brian Williamson
  • Patent number: 6830294
    Abstract: A foldable seating structure includes a foldable frame defining a first frame section and a second frame section. The first and second frame sections are coupled together by a section hinge allowing the first and second frame sections to pivot relative to one another between a frame deployed configuration and a frame folded configuration wherein in the frame deployed configuration the first and second frame sections are in a substantially horizontal position and in a substantially co-linear relationship relative to each other and wherein in the frame folded configuration the first and second frame sections are in a substantially vertical position and in a substantially parallel and adjacent relationship relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Gilles Berthiaume
  • Patent number: 6817662
    Abstract: A picnic table includes a pair of benches and a central table is generally disposed between the benches. The picnic table may include first and second legs that are used to support the benches and the central table above a support surface such as a floor or the ground. The first and second legs preferably each include a loop portion that supports the benches and a table support portion that supports the central table. Desirably, the loop portion and the table support portion of each leg are generally aligned in the same plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, inc.
    Inventors: David C. Winter, S. Curtis Nye
  • Publication number: 20040201261
    Abstract: An adjustable height table having bench seats has a frame member having a hollow central area and a predetermined thickness. The frame member will have a channeling formed on an interior section of the thickness. At least one padded member is moveably coupled to the thickness of the frame member for forming a surface to rest a person's feet. The padded member moves away and down from the frame member to form bench seats to sit around the adjustable height table. A finished table surface is positioned on a top portion of the frame member within the channeling. A lifting mechanism is located withing the hollow central area of the frame member for raising and lowering a height of the finished table surface. A “Lazy Susan” may be located substantially at a middle portion of the lifting mechanism and coupled to the finished table surface for rotating the finished table surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Edward H. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6772699
    Abstract: A folding picnic table has a frame including folding legs. The frame supports a tabletop and a bench extending along each side of the tabletop. The picnic table folds between a use position and a storage position with the benches folded onto the tabletop and tipped onto one side on a caster assembly. The table includes a locking device, automatically locking the seating structures to the tabletop at a partially tipped position; and automatically releasing the legs when the table is tipped to a storage position. The frame also includes a retainer plate that keeps the frame from accidentally folding when the benches are folded onto the tabletop for cleaning under the table or during tipping of the table to a storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Sico Incorporated
    Inventor: John M. Elliott
  • Publication number: 20040108756
    Abstract: A picnic table includes a pair of benches and a central table is generally disposed between the benches. The picnic table may include first and second legs that are used to support the benches and the central table above a support surface such as a floor or the ground. The first and second legs preferably each include a loop portion that supports the benches and a table support portion that supports the central table. Desirably, the loop portion and the table support portion of each leg are generally aligned in the same plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: David C. Winter, S. Curtis Nye
  • Publication number: 20030230912
    Abstract: A bench includes a seat formed from diamond plate having a raised pattern and a pair of spaced-apart legs formed from I-beams for supporting said seat. The bench may also include a back formed from diamond plate having a raised pattern. The seat and the back may have an outer metallic surface and the pair of spaced-apart legs may have a coating having a color. The seat may include a frame attached to the diamond plate which defines a top surface and downwardly-depending edges. The back may include a frame attached to the diamond plate which defines a front surface and downwardly-depending edges. Other embodiments of benches are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Keystone Ridge Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Paul Arnold, Arthur C. Slear
  • Patent number: 6629723
    Abstract: The present invention is a picnic table with a table top and two bench seats detachably connected to two welded, tubular metal support units. Compoundly curved bench supports that rise from the ends of the otherwise straight footing member of each support unit transfer the force of weight applied to a bench seat to the ground, or floor directly beneath the bench and make the table tip-proof. The support units and metal braces rigidly support table top and benches against sway both longitudinally and transversely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Terry C. Trubee
  • Publication number: 20030132649
    Abstract: A resourceful yet rigid flat metal picnic table end frame designed to mount wooden, PVC boards or other materials to form the table and seat sections using a simple 2 part fame bent in strategic locations to create stability and mount surfaces. Three gusset supports are used at each end. The end frames are a two part component designed to mount both the seat and table top material and provide a flat surface for multiple design cut outs to be removed without sacrificing the structural integrity of the frame. Design cut-outs are optional, the solid ends can provide a surface for personalized graphic designs or advertisement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: James Edward Washington
  • Patent number: 6523890
    Abstract: A two-piece chair and furniture set for allowing the user to easily and quickly assembly and take apart the chairs and table assembly. The two-piece chair and furniture set includes chairs each having a backrest assembly including a backrest portion and a front legs portion; and also includes a seat assembly including a seat portion and a rear legs portion and being detachably attached to the backrest assembly; and further includes a table assembly including a base assembly and also including a tabletop assembly being mounted upon the base assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Norman C. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6386628
    Abstract: A folding table includes a pair of table top members having a straight edge and an outer edge forming an oval table surface. A folding linkage folds the table tops about centerline between a use position and a folded storage position. Stools are disposed above the periphery of the table with support legs extending down from the stools. In the folded position, the table is supported on legs having casters or rollers. Locks prevent the table from unfolding from its use position and also prevent the table from fully folding for easier transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Sico Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard C. Bue
  • Publication number: 20010026086
    Abstract: A folding table includes a pair of table top members having a straight edge and an outer edge forming an oval table surface. A folding linkage folds the table tops about centerline between a use position and a folded storage position. Stools are disposed above the periphery of the table with support legs extending down from the stools. In the folded position, the table is supported on legs having casters or rollers. Locks prevent the table from unfolding from its use position and also prevent the table from fully folding for easier transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Applicant: Sico Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard C. Bue
  • Patent number: 6186590
    Abstract: A foldable combined bench and table includes two spaced support frames each with a bottom rod for lying on a ground surface, and frontmost and rearmost posts for detachably mounting two bench seat members, and a leg member between the posts. A mounting frame is provided with a flat board member, and includes two spaced side rails, and rightmost and leftmost crossbars which interconnect the side rails to define a first axis and which are coupled with the leg members such that the leg members are pivoted about the first axis. Two linkage assemblies are mounted between the mounting frame and the support frames. Each linkage assembly includes upper and lower linking arms which are hinged to each other about a second axis parallel to the first axis, and which are respectively secured to the mounting frame and the corresponding leg member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Shin Yeh Enterprse Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuen-Jong Tseng