US20030132649A1

US20030132649A1 - Picnic table main frame

Info

Publication number: US20030132649A1
Application number: US10/047,388
Authority: US
Inventors: James Edward Washington
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-01-16
Filing date: 2002-01-16
Publication date: 2003-07-17

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.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Applications related to picnic tables were researched on the PTO internet web site. Other applications for picnic tables were found but none included, or were similar to, the materials or design of the Picnic Table Main Frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To design a sturdy, durable, affordable, attractive, picnic table frame that could be marketed either fully assembled or in a kit form through a laser cutting process. The metal side panels are manufactured with laser cut designs or as solid panels that provide space for graphic art or advertising.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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 two part frame assembly with gusset supports. The end frame assembly at each end is a single 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.

This invention has many unique advantages over the prior art of making picnic table frames. By utilizing a laser cutting manufacturing process, hundreds of table frame flat plates can be cut out in 24 hours with very little human inner action The final manufacturing processes after the frames have been cut require a simple four point bending process and paint application. As a result of the flat frame design multiple frames can be stacked on one pallet taking up very little space for convenience in transit, warehousing and in the market place.

The flat solid sides of the picnic table frame create an ideal location for the application of graphic art or advertising. The sides of the frames are used to apply such things as company logos, school mascots, graphic art and advertising.

The frames can also be used to create the same effects as applying graphics through the process of laser cutting designs into the face of the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the end frame at the assembly process for attaching the gusset supports, seat and table top materials. [0007]
FIG. 2 is the flat view of the end frame laying out the structural dimensions of the part as well as identifying the bend lines. This drawing displays a solid side without design cut outs providing a smooth flat surface area for applying graphic art or advertisement. [0008]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the assembled picnic table with the end frames displaying a laser cut design. [0009]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the assembled picnic table with the end frames displaying a solid side with a graphic design applied. [0010]
FIG. 5 is a flat view of the end frame laying out the structural dimensions of the part as well as identifying the bend lines. This drawing displays an example of the optional laser cut design which can be removed from the face of the end fame.[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This picnic table is made of two solid metal laser cut end-frames 60 inches in total width. Material thickness may vary. The top and seat levels are bent to 90 degrees to provide a table height (without lumber) of 31.09″ and seat height (without lumber) of 16.34″, these areas will be laser cut with 12 and 4 hole patterns for attaching the table top and seat materials respectively. Holes are also cut for gussets and anchoring. The kit will include 2 table gussets and 4 seat gussets for stability, with carriage bolts, nuts and washers for assembly. [0012]
The laser cut end-frames can be made with precision laser cut-out designs or without. The laser cut-outs make the table aesthetically appealing, but do not compromise the structural integrity of the frame. The frame without the cut-outs offers sufficient space for adding individualized graphic art, business logo, or advertising to meet the needs of the consumer. [0013]
The choice of building materials, easy assembly, and the versatility offered by the end-frame design make this picnic table appropriate in both residential and commercial applications. [0014]
This picnic table differs from the traditional style table because of the solid, flat steel, laser cut and bent frame. The frame offers strength and durability along with the ability to personalize a table with individual choice of artwork or the cut-out designs. The end-frame design also offers easy access to and from the bench seats. [0015]
The drawings provide the overall dimensions of the picnic table main frame, pinpointing locations of the precut holes for tabletop, seat and gusset attachment as well as the location of optional cut-out designs and assembly. [0016]

Claims

1. A metal picnic table end frame typically cut from, but not limited to, a sheet of {fraction (3/16)} flat plate by a laser cutting process.

2. A flat sheet of metal consisting of multiple holes, cut by design, for mounting the table top, seat materials, gusset support, and possible security attachment.

3. A flat metal structure bent 90 degrees down the top section forming the mount base for attachment of the tabletop material and increasing the frames structural integrity.

4. A flat metal structure bent 90 degrees at the two ends forming the mount base for attachment of the seating material.

5. A flat metal structure bent 90 degrees down the bottom section forming the frame base and increasing the frames structural integrity.

6. A flat metal end structure providing sufficient area for removal of material for lightening the load and cutting out aesthetically appealing designs without compromising the structural integrity of the frame.

7. A flat metal end structure with sufficient area for application of graphic arts or advertising.

8. A flat metal structure designed to allow easy access to and from the area of occupancy.