CA2678991A1 - Fold down table and bench - Google Patents

Abstract

A fold down table and bench is moveable between a storage position and a deployed position for providing a table and benches that can be deployed when required by a user, and then collapsed, and stored between uses. The fold down table and bench may be built into a surrounding wall to provide an integrated, or built-in configuration, or it may be arranged in a free-standing configuration.

Description

Title: Fold down table and bench Field [0001] The described embodiments relate to furniture. More specifically, the described embodiments relate to tables and benches.
Background [0002] In various residential, commercial or institutional settings, there is a need to have portable or removable furniture. A classic example is the folding card table and chairs. The card table has legs that fold against the table and the chairs fold flat. In that way, the table and chairs may be made flat for removal and storage.

[0003] In commercial or institutional settings, banquet tables with folding legs are common. Again, by folding the legs to the table, the table can be made smaller for storage. In other examples, tables have been made with attached benches. The bench or table surfaces pivot or fold along lines parallel to the length of the table to produce more compact shapes for storage. In general, ease of folding and unfolding and compactness of the folded item are areas that require continual progress. And there remains the question of where to put the card table when the game is over and the players have gone home.

Summary [0004] This summary is intended to introduce the reader to the more detailed description that follows and not to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or sub-combination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures.

[0005] A fold down table and bench will be described that is configurable by a user between a storage position and a deployed position.
In the storage position, the table top is received generally upright within an inner cavity defined by an outer frame, and a bench top is collapsed in a generally vertical position near or in the frame. In the storage position, part of the bench is used as a door to enclose the inner cavity. In the deployed position, the table is substantially horizontal and the bench top is folded-down to define a substantially horizontal seat. The seat is supported on a vertical support connected to the frame and at its other end on a fold-out support.
The outer frame may be built against or in to, or be part of, a surrounding wall to provide a room with fold-out, storable, furniture.

[0006] In another device, one or two fold down table and bench assemblies, similar to the one described above, are installed within a freestanding outer frame. The outer frame is not built-in to a surrounding wall, and therefore the fold down table and bench may be moved to a variety of user-designated locations.

Brief Description of the Figures [0007] Examples of fold down table and bench assemblies will be described below with references to the following figures:

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a built-in fold down table and bench assembly;

[0009] Figure 2 is a perspective view of another built-in fold down table and bench assembly;

[0010] Figure 3 is a front view of a free-standing fold down table and bench assembly;

[0011] Figure 4a is a side view of the free-standing fold down table and bench assembly of Figure 3 showing a table in the deployed position;

[0012] Figure 4b is a side view of the free-standing fold down table and bench assembly of Figure 3 showing a table in the storage position;

[0013] Figure 5 is a side view of the free-standing fold down table and bench assembly of Figure 3 showing a bench in the deployed position.

[0014] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

Detailed Description [0015] The following description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of any claimed invention, but rather as providing an example within each claimed invention. However, each example may not be an embodiment of each claimed invention, for instance a particular claim might relate to only one exemplary device. The claims should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the features of any example, or all of the examples or requiring features common to all of the examples.

[0016] Various embodiments of a fold down table and bench assemblies are shown in Figs. 1-5. Figs. 1 and 2 show a fold down table and bench 100 that can be installed within a surrounding surface, such as a wall.
In this built-in configuration, the fold down table and bench may be built-in to a room in a desired location, and when stored may appear flush with, or slightly proud of or recessed from, the surrounding surface. In this configuration the appearance of the fold down table and bench may be disguised or emphasized using a variety of known surface treatment techniques, including painting, staining and wallpapering.

[0017] When used in the built-in configuration, the fold down table and bench is movable between a storage, or collapsed, or vertical, or concealed position and a deployed, or use, or expanded, or fold-out, or horizontal position. In the storage position, the table is in a substantially upright position and is received within an inner cavity. Also, the benches are collapsed into a substantially flat or planar configuration to form a pair of doors that can be positioned to enclose the inner cavity that houses the table. In this configuration, only the exposed surfaces of the benches may be visible the user.

[0018] To convert the fold down table and bench to the deployed position, the benches are moved from in front of the inner cavity, and folded into their deployed position that is suitable to seat a user. Also in the deployed position, the table is moved from a substantially upright position to a substantially horizontal position that is suitable to serve as a dining or working surface.

[0019] Figures 3-5 show two fold down table and bench assemblies 100 that are mounted to each other in a free-standing arrangement. In the free-standing arrangement, the fold down table and bench assemblies are movable between storage and deployed positions as described above in relation to the built-in assembly. That is, each table may be moved between an upright storage position and a horizontal deployed position, and each bench may be configured to form a cover or door in the storage position and may be converted to form a seating surface in the deployed position. Each fold down table and bench assembly may be independently movable, or they may be coupled such that they move in together, for example movement of the first table may result in a corresponding movement of the second table.

[0020] The free-standing assembly may be fixedly attached to a specific location, for example fastened to the floor of a dining room or meeting room, or it may be freely movable. For example, the free-standing assembly may include wheels, tracks, skis, or rails so that the entire free-standing fold down table and bench assembly may be moved between rooms during use, or moved into a storage closet when not in use.

[0021] Various features of built-in and free-standing versions of the fold down table and bench will now be described in greater detail with reference to Figs. 1-2 and 3-5 respectively. For consistency, the same reference numerals are used to refer to like elements in multiple figures.

Outer Frame [0022] Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a built-in fold down table and bench 100.
The fold down table and bench 100 includes an outer frame 110, a table member 130 and bench members 150. For the purposes of this description, the front of the fold down table and bench 100 is arbitrarily defined as the direction in which the table member 130 deploys.

[0023] The outer frame 110 of the fold down table and bench 100 is formed by the combination of a top member 112, bottom member 114 and side members 116. Together, these elements define the inner cavity 111 for receiving the table member 130 when the fold down table and bench 100 is in the storage position.

[0024] The outer frame 110 also includes internal cross member 118.
The internal cross member 118 may provide additional structural support to the outer frame 110, and also serves as a support for the distal end 139 of the table member 130 when in the storage position. For example, when the table member 130 is in the storage position, it may rest against, and be partially supported by the internal cross member 118. The position of the internal cross member 118 within to the surrounding outer frame 110 may be determined based on the dimensions of the table member 130 and its desired storage configuration as described in greater detail below.

[0025] In the built-in assembly, the outer frame 110 may be received within a surrounding structure or surface. For example, the fold down table and bench 100 may be received within a kitchen wall to provide a fold down dining area. When the fold down table and bench 100 is installed within a surrounding structure, the outer frame 110 may form a self-contained perimeter that is received within the structure, for example between the studs of a wall. That is, top member 112, bottom member 114 and side members 116 may be assembled to form the complete outer frame 110 as shown, before the fold down table and bench 100 is mounted within the wall or surrounding structure.

[0026] Alternatively, at least a portion of the outer frame may comprise a portion of the surrounding structure. For example, in some fold down table and bench assemblies, at least one of the top member, bottom member and side members, may be the existing studs of the surrounding wall, or other existing structural elements. In this configuration, the top member, bottom member and internal cross member may be directly attached to the existing wall studs to form the outer frame and define the inner cavity.

[0027] The outer frame members 112, 114 and 116, and therefore the inner cavity 111, are sized to receive table member 130 in the storage position. It is understood that the height, width and depth of any particular outer frame 110 may be modified to accommodate various sizes of table members 130.

[0028] The outer frame 110 may be formed from wood, metal, plastic, composite or any other material having the desired combination of mechanical and aesthetic properties. In addition, while the outer frame has been described as being formed from a plurality of discrete members 112, 114 and 116, it is understood that the outer frame 110 may comprise a greater or fewer number of members. In some embodiments, the outer frame 110 may be a single, unitary member, such as an integrally molded plastic member.

[0029] The outer frame 110 may also comprise a number of fastening or closure means. For example, the outer frame 110 may include a metal fastening bracket 122 that cooperates with magnets 162 on the benches 150 to secure the benches 150 in the closed position (i.e. covering the inner cavity 150) when in storage position. The bracket 122 and magnets 162 tend to prevent accidental or involuntary opening of the fold down table and bench 100. Instead of a metal bracket 122 and magnets 162, the outer frame 110 and benches 150 may be fitted with any known type of closure or fastener that is suitable to hold the benches 150 in the closed position when not in use, and release the benches 150 to be deployed when desired. Such fasteners could include hooks, latches, hook and loop surfaces, clips, and snaps. While shown mounted to top member 112, it is understood that the bracket 122 could be mounted on bottom member 114 or any other suitable location, including the surrounding structure or surface.

[0030] In addition to, or instead of, a connection between the benches 150 and the outer frame 110, the fold down table and bench 100 may include fastening means to secure the benches 150 to each other when in the storage position. Securing the benches 150 together will prevent either bench 150 from unintentionally moving from the storage position. The fastener used between benches 150 may be any suitable type of fastener described above, including magnets, latches, hook and loop, hooks, clips and snaps.

[0031] Restraining the benches 150 in the storage position may improve the aesthetics of the fold down table and bench 100 when stowed, and may reduce the chance of injury caused by unplanned or unanticipated deployment of the benches 150. In addition, securing the benches 150 in the storage position will also secure the table 130 within the inner cavity 111, reducing the likelihood of the table 130 falling open unintentionally.

[0032] Other members of the outer frame 110 may also comprise fasteners to hold moveable components of the fold down table and bench 100 in their storage positions. For example, internal cross member 118 may include a table fastening means for engaging and securing the distal end 139 of table top 132 when the table 130 is in the storage position.

[0033] The outer frame 110 members may be fastened together using any known fastening means that is suitable for the material and loading of the fold down table and bench, including nails, screws, rivets, bolts, glue, chemical adhesives, and interference fit.

Table [0034] The fold down table and bench 100 includes a table 130, defining a table-top 132, having proximate 138 and distal ends 139, that is at least partially supported by table strut 134. While the table 130 is shown as having a rectangular plan shape, and being a single, continuous member, it is understood that the table may be of any suitable plan shape and may comprise a plurality of discrete members that cooperate to form a single laminate or composite surface. Also, the table 130 may be formed from wood, plastic, metal, composites or any other suitable material known in the art.

[0035] The table-top 132 (or top surface, or planar surface, or face, or work surface, or dining surface) is a substantially flat surface, forming the top surface of table 130, that is suitable for dining, working and other common uses of traditional tables.

[0036] In the deployed position, at least part of the weight of the table 130 is supported by table strut 134. Table strut 134 is pivotally connected to both the underside of table 130 and to bottom member 114 to allow for the movement of the table 130 relative to outer frame 110. These pivotal connections may be hinges 136, or any other suitable pivoting connector known in the art.

[0037] The table strut 134 (or leg, or brace, or support) is sized so that it can support the weight of table 130 as well as the weight of objects placed upon the table-top 132. Like the table 130, table strut 134 may be formed from any suitable material known in the art.

[0038] The table strut 134 tends to be inflexible and remains a fixed length as the table 130 moves between storage and deployed positions. The table strut 134 is shown as being a rectangular cross-section, but it is understood that a table strut may have any suitable cross section, including circular, triangular, H-shaped, I-shaped or square. The table strut may be solid, or it may be hollow.

[0039] In the storage position, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4b, the table 130 is received within inner cavity 111 in a substantially vertical position.
In the examples shown, the table 130 is oriented such that it is slightly off-vertical, at an angle aT (where the distal end 139 is behind the proximate end 138)(best shown in Fig. 4b). In this configuration, even in the absence of closure means or other external biasing forces, the table 130 may tend to stay in the storage position, even when the benches 150 are opened because its centre of gravity is rearward its connection to side member 116. This tendency for the table 130 to remain in the storage position may lessen the probability of the table 130 unexpectedly tipping or falling down toward a user.

[0040] However, in other examples, the table 130 may be stored vertically or leaning toward the front of the outer frame 110 (i.e. where the distal end 139 is forward the proximate end 138).

[0041] When desired by a user, the table 130 can be moved to the deployed position, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4a.

[0042] To allow movement of the table 130, between the storage and deployed position, sliders 137 on opposing sides of the proximate end 138 of table-top 132 are received within slots 120. The sliders 137 serve to slidingly and pivotally couple the proximate end 138 of table-top 132 to the side members 116. That is, the connection between the table 130 and the outer frame 110 allows the table 130 to both pivot and translate relative to the outer frame 110.

[0043] For example, when the table-top 132 is in the storage position, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4b, the table 130 is substantially upright and the proximate end 138 of the table-top 132 is below the connection of the table strut 134 and table 130. In the free standing version, shown in Fig. 4b, two tables 130 may be stowed within a single outer frame 110. When the table 130 is moved into the deployed position (as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 4a and 5), sliders move upward within slots 120, moving the distal end 138 of the table-top 132 above the connection of the table strut 134 and table 130, while the table 130 pivots about the sliders from a substantially vertical orientation to a substantially horizontal orientation.

[0044] While the table 130 has been described as having sliders 137 that are received within slots 120, it is understood that the table 130 could be connected to the slots 120 using any type of projecting, or protruding feature known in the art, including wheels, rollers, dowels, studs, and pins. The connection means may be any suitable connector that enables both rotational and translation movement of the table relative to the outer frame. In an alternative version, the table may only be pivotally connected to the outer frame.

[0045] While not shown, it is understood that the movement of the table between the storage and deployed positions may be assisted or resisted by any type of actuator known in the art, including hydraulic cylinders and pneumatic cylinders.

[0046] While the fold down table and bench 100 is shown having slots 120 formed within side members 116, it is understood that the slot (or groove, or track, or channel, or rail, or path) could be provided using a separate track member attached to the outer frame 110. That is, the slot, or track or rail, which receives the table 130 may be integrally formed within the side members 116, or it may be formed on a separate member (not shown) affixed to the side member 116.

[0047] Also, while the table is shown having a single table strut 134, it is understood that the table may include any number of struts and deployable legs, supports or other structural members as desired to support the table and for aesthetic purposes. It is further understood that table struts shorter or longer than table strut 134 may be used to support table 130, and that the length of the table strut will determine the angle of the table strut relative to table 130. An example of a shorter table strut, at a steeper angle relative to table 130, is shown in phantom, in Fig. 2.

[0048] As previously mentioned, the table may include a number of fastening and securing means (not shown) operable to secure the table in either the storage position, the deployed position or both. For example, the proximate end 138 of the table 130 may include retractable pin fasteners that are aligned with a first set of holes in side members 116 when the table 130 is in the storage position, and a second set of holes in the side members 116 when the table is in the deployed position. With the pins extended and received within the holes, mechanism could secure the table in the desired position until the pins are retracted by the user. Such a securing means may tend to prevent inadvertent or unintended changes in the orientation of the table. Mating retractable pins and holes are only one example of securing or fastening means that could be used to hold the table 130 in a desired position. It is understood by those skilled in the art that other fastening means could also be used, including latches and clips.

Benches [0049] As shown in Figures. 1-5, the fold down table and bench 100 may include fold down seating surfaces that can accommodate users who wish to sit around table 130. One possible type of fold down seating surface is bench 150. The fold down table and bench 100 may include a single bench, and, as shown in the examples described, can include two benches 150. For clarity, it is assumed that both benches 150 are constructed from similar elements and function in a similar manner. However, it is understood that the fold down table and bench 100 may include a variety of seating surfaces, and that the seating surfaces provided in by the fold down table and bench 100 need not be identical. Fold down table and benches 100 may include a variety of different seating surfaces.

[0050] In the examples shown, each bench 150 includes a seat (or bench, or seating surface, or user support surface, or) 152, a vertical support (or first leg, or support member, or post, or strut, or bracket) 154 and a fold-out support (or second leg, or support member, or post, or strut, or bracket) 156. The fold-out support 156 is pivotally connected to the seat 152 using hinges 159, and is movably connected to vertical support 154 by bench strut 158. The seat 152 is also pivotally connected to the vertical support 154. In Figs. 1-5, the seat 152 is shown as being connected to the vertical support 154 and the fold-out support 156 using hinges 159. It is understood that the seat 152 may be connected to the vertical support 154 and the fold-out support 156 using any suitable, pivotable connecting means.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 1, each bench 150 is configurable in a collapsed, vertical configuration (as shown on the left side of Fig. 1) and in a deployed configuration (as shown on the right side of Fig. 1).

[0052] In the collapsed configuration, the seat 152 is moved into a substantially vertical position and is substantially co-planar with the vertical support 154. In this configuration, the seat 152 and the vertical support 154 combine to form a door that can be used to cover a portion of the inner cavity 111. As shown, when arranged in the vertical position, the combined height of the seat 152 and vertical support 154 is generally equal to the height of the side members 116. Also, each bench 150 (that is seat 152 and vertical support 154) has a width that is substantially equal to half the length of top member 112. That is, the combined width of the two benches 150 is generally equal to the width of the outer frame 110 so that when the benches 150 are in the closed position they enclose the entire inner cavity 111. Fold-out support 156 may be generally the same width as seat 152 and vertical support 154, or it may have a different, thinner width, as shown.

[0053] In other examples, the benches 150 may have a combined width or height that is substantially different than then width and height of outer frame 110.

[0054] Also, as best shown in Figs. 1-3, when the bench 150 is in the collapsed (or vertical, or storage, or stowed, or contracted) position, the fold-out support 156 and the bench strut 158 are collapsed and lie flat against the seat 152 and vertical support 154. This configuration is enabled by the fact that the seat 152 is pivotally connected to the vertical support 154 and is also pivotally connected to fold-out support 156, and that the bench strut 158 is pivotally connected to both the fold-out support 156 and the vertical support 154.

[0055] When the fold down table and bench 100 is in the storage position, both benches 150 are in the collapsed, vertical configuration and positioned in front of the inner cavity 111, in a closed position. In this position the benches 150 enclose the inner cavity 111 and cover the stowed table 130.

When the fold down table and bench 100 is converted to the deployed position, the benches 150 are first rotated into an open position (best shown in Fig. 3 and on the left side of Figs. 1 and 2) and then folded down into the deployed position (best shown in Figs. 5 and on the right side of Figs. I and 2).

[0056] To enable the rotation of the benches 150 from the closed position to the open position, the vertical support 154 is pivotally connected to side member 116. While the vertical support 154 is shown being connected to the side member 116 using two hinges 159, it is understood that any number of hinges 159 may be used. In addition, while the connectors shown in Fig. 3, the pivotal connector may be hinges 159, or any other suitable connecting means.

[0057] To allow smooth movement of the benches 150, and to avoid damage to the underlying floor, the vertical support 154 is supported by the side member 116, and does not contact the floor or any other supporting surface. Therefore, the hinges 159 are selected to allow the bench 150 to pivot relative to the side member 116, and to carry both the shear and moment loads placed on the hinges 159 when a user, or users, sits on the deployed seat 152. As a result of this loading condition, the hinges 159 used to connect the vertical support 154 to the side member 116 may be substantially more robust than the hinges used to connect the fold-out support 156 and bench strut 158. To help support the vertical support 154, the fold down table and bench 100 may include a supporting bracket (not shown) that could be mounted on the surrounding wall or surface to engage the vertical support 154, when it is in the deployed position, and carry at least a portion of the user load. Like the table, the movement of the benches may be assisted or resisted by any known type of actuator.

[0058] From the open position, the benches 150 can be folded down into the deployed position by pivoting the seat 152 from a vertical position to a substantially horizontal position. When the seat 152 is folded down, the bench strut 158 exerts a biasing force on fold-out support 156 that moves the fold-out support 156 into a vertical, deployed position. In its deployed orientation, the fold-out support 156 can support a portion of the load of users sitting on the seat 152. When deployed, the fold-out support 156 may be substantially vertical, such that is perpendicular to seat 152, or it may be positioned at an angle relative to seat 152, shown in Fig. 5 as aF.
Positioning fold-out support 156 at an angle relative to seat 152 may increase the stability of bench 150, and may prevent accidental collapse of the fold-out member 156. Each bench 150 is shown having a single fold-out support 156, but it is understood that each bench 150 may include a plurality of fold-out support members.

[0059] Over extension, or over rotation, of the fold-out support 156 may be resisted by bench strut 158 and stopper 157. It is understood that the position of stopper 157 on the underside of seat 152 is based on the desired deployed orientation of fold-out support 156. It is also understood that bench 150 need not include stopper 157 and that the position of fold-out support 156 may be controlled solely by bench strut 158, or by any other suitable means.

[0060] As best shown in Figures 3 and 5, the benches 150 may also include brace members 155 (or stoppers, or supports, or brackets) that can support at least a portion of the load from the seat 152. As shown in Figure 3, the benches 150 can include two braces 155, each of which can support a portion of the seat 152 load when the benches 150 are in the deployed position. As seen on the left side of Figure 3, the braces 155 may be positioned outside the hinges 159 connecting the vertical support member 154 to the seat 152. The braces 155 are located toward an upper edge of the vertical support member 154 so that an upper surface of the braces 155 will be in contact with the lower surface of the seat 152 when the seat 152 is in the deployed position.

[0061] As shown on the right side of Figure 3, the braces 155 may also be located between the hinges 159 connecting the vertical support member 154 to the seat 152. While both examples of braces 155 shown in Figure 3 show two braces 155 spaced across the upper edge of the vertical support member 154, the benches 150 may include more or fewer braces 155 as shown in the Figures.

[0062] To engage the bottom surface of the seat 152, the top surface of the braces 155 is shaped to cooperate with the lower surface of the seat 152.
In Figures 3 and 5, the lower surface of the seat 152 is shown as being generally planar and the upper surface of the braces 155 is shown as also being generally flat, or planar. If the lower surface of the seat 152 had a different shape, for example curved or angled, the upper surface of the braces 155 could have a corresponding or mating shape.

[0063] While shown as generally rectangular members, the braces 155 may be of any suitable shape having the required properties, including for example, structural strength, appropriate upper surface to cooperate with the seat 152 and desired aesthetic appearance. The braces 155 may have a constant cross section along both their width and height (as shown in Figures 3 and 5), however the braces 155 may have a varying cross-sectional length along their length, or width or both. Also, if a bench 150 is outfitted with a plurality of braces 155, each brace 155 may be of identical shape, or the plurality of braces 155 may have different shapes. For example, the brace that is most visible to a user may have a desired aesthetic design, while the less visible braces may be of a different design.

[0064] The braces 155 are shown as separate elements attached to the vertical support members 154 using any appropriate fastening method known in the art, including nails, screws, rivets, bolts glue, chemical adhesive and interference, that is suitable for supporting the load exerted on the braces 155 when in use. While shown attached to the vertical support member 154, it is understood that the braces 155 may be attached to the seat 152 instead.
Also, instead of being separate elements attached to the vertical support 154 or seat 152, the braces 155 may be integrally formed with the vertical support member 154 or the seat 152.

[0065] The braces 155 may be made of the same material as the bench 150 and/or the vertical support 154, or the braces 155 may be made of a different material having the desired mechanical properties.

[0066] The braces 155 may be used in both the free-standing and built-in examples of the fold-down table and bench 100.

[0067] In the examples shown, vertical support 154 and fold-out support 156 are substantially the same height so that when the bench 150 is in the deployed position, the seat 152 is substantially perpendicular to the vertical support 154 and may be substantially parallel to the floor of the room in which the fold down table and bench 100 is used, in order to provide a stable and level seating surface. In this configuration, the bench strut 158 may be parallel to seat 152, or it may be at an angle relative to seat 152.

[0068] Like outer frame 110 and table 130, benches 150 may be formed from any suitable material having suitable mechanical and aesthetic properties, including wood, metal, plastic and composite materials.

[0069] In a free standing example, the fold down table and bench 100 may include two opposing tables 130 and four benches 150, arranged in two opposing pairs. Fig. 5 shows an example of the free standing embodiment having a deployed bench 150 with a second, opposing bench shown in phantom. While the seats 152 of the opposing benches of Fig. 5 are shown as being the same height, or distance above the floor, it is understood that opposing benches in the free standing embodiment may be of different heights.

[0070] In either example of the fold-down table and bench 100, benches 150 may be made different heights (relative to the floor) by varying the length of the vertical support 154 relative to the seat 152. Therefore, a bench 150 that is designed to have a seat 152 that is higher above the floor may tend to have a shorter seat 152. If it is desired for the collapsed benches 150 to completely cover the inner cavity 111 when collapsed, the relative sizes of the seat 152 and the vertical support 154 can be chosen from any combination of lengths such that the combined length of the seats 152 and the vertical supports 154 is at least equal to the height of side members 116.
It is also understood that the size of the fold-out support 156 and bench strut 158 may also be modified to ensure that the seat 152 is substantially horizontal when deployed.

[0071] While the benches 150 have been described as being freely movable, it is understood that various elements of the benches 150 may include biasing means to bias the benches 150 into the storage or deployed position. For example, the pivotal connection between the seat 152 and the vertical support may include a biasing means, such as a torsion spring, that biases the seat 152 into the vertical or collapsed position. The use of such a biasing means may tend to reduce the probability of the seat 152 falling from the vertical position to the deployed position inadvertently. Similar biasing means could be used at any of the pivotal joints of the benches, including the connection between the seat and the fold-out support; the fold-out support and the bench strut; and the bench strut and the vertical support. It is also understood that a biasing means may be used to connect the vertical support to side member 116 to bias the vertically configured benches toward the closed (or open) position.

[0072] In the examples described above, the fold down table and bench has been described as having a table 130 and benches 150, however it is understood that the table 130 may be any type of substantially planar surface, including a counter and a work bench. In addition, the benches 150 may be any type of seating surface that is capable of supporting at least one user, including a chair, a stool, a [0073] What has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non-limiting. Other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.

Claims

Claims I claim:

1. A fold down table and bench comprising:

an outer frame, the outer frame having top and side members and defining an inner cavity;

a table;

at least one bench;

wherein the table and bench are moveable between a storage position and a deployed position, in the storage position, the table is received within the inner cavity and the inner cavity is at least partially enclosed by the at least one bench; and in the deployed position, the table is substantially horizontal and the at least one bench provides a substantially horizontal seat to support a user.