US20070075573A1

US20070075573A1 - Bistro table

Info

Publication number: US20070075573A1
Application number: US11/245,417
Authority: US
Inventors: Vernon Gray
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-10-05
Filing date: 2005-10-05
Publication date: 2007-04-05

Abstract

A bistro table having a table top, two seating members situated on either side of the table top, and a main support structure suitably adapted to support both the table top and the seating members in substantially horizontal orientations, with the main support structure asymmetrically situated at one end of the table top, leaving the other end of the table open for easy access to the seating members. The bistro table preferably has a limited overall length limited to provide a table surface and seating for two persons, such that the overall dimensions of the table may be kept to a minimum, facilitating the bistro table's use in restricted spaces such as on sidewalks, decks, porches, or inside small bistro-style restaurants.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field
The invention relates generally to the field of tables. More specifically, the invention is directed to an improved picnic table suitable for use in limited spaces, such as in sidewalk cafes and bistros.
2. Description of Prior Art
Picnic tables are well-known in the art. Patents issued for picnic tables tend to focus on improvements on the basic traditional design, which encompasses a full size table with two symmetrically disposed support structures holding up a flat table top, with horizontal benches attached to the support structures on either side of the table top.
For example, Trubee, U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,723 (Oct. 7, 2003), TIP-PROOF PICNIC TABLE WITH ATTACHED BENCHES, discloses a picnic table in which the support structures are made of tubular metal and are compoundly curved to redistribute the weight of persons sitting on the benches, thereby preventing tipping. All other aspects of the table are conventional. Similarly, Winter, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,662 (Nov. 16, 2004), PICNIC TABLE, discloses a traditionally configured full sized picnic table having improved bench supports, each of which comprises a rectangular loop portion that supports the benches.
Other patents disclose variations of the traditional picnic table, such as Gregory, U.S. Pat. No. 6,883,864 (Apr. 26, 2005), PORTABLE PICNIC TABLE, which discloses a folding picnic table; Zhurong, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,166 (Jun. 14, 2005), PICNIC TABLE, which also discloses a folding picnic table; Thomas, et al., U.S. Pat. No. D493,291 (Jul. 27, 2004) and U.S. Pat. No. D497,262 (Oct. 19, 2004), both for HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE PICNIC TABLE, which disclose two similar designs for a picnic table having supports disposed towards the center underside of the table top, thereby permitting wheelchairs to be rolled against the sides of the table; and Thom, U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,436 (Apr. 17, 1990), PICNIC TABLE WITH WHEELCHAIR AND CHAIR ACCESS, which discloses an eight-sided picnic table with integrated benches on seven sides, with the eighth side left open to accommodate a wheel chair or other moveable seating.
Still other patents disclose non-traditional table configurations, such as Krien, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,895,709 (May 24, 2005), PORTABLE SEAT AND PLATFORM SUPPORT, which discloses a portable seat and platform support having a shaft with a base and a removable platform attached to the shaft; Petersen, U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,185 (Jan. 4, 2000), PICNIC TABLE, which discloses a picnic table comprising a table top having a square tube removably secured to the underside with a pair of detachable legs are secured to opposite sides of the square tube and a pair of nondetachable legs secured to the other sides of the square tube, with seats attached to the leg; and Larson, U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,891 (Nov. 13, 2001), PORTABLE PICNIC TABLE FOR TAILGATE PARTIES, which discloses an asymmetric “half-table” configuration with attached seating. Larson is designed to attach to the hitch of a vehicle, is not free-standing, is foldable, and includes metal components.
The traditional tables disclosed in the prior art suffer from the use of support structures which present barriers to access to the seating surfaces. Persons desiring to sit on the benches of the disclosed picnic tables must step over the benches and/or the support structures, which presents an inconvenience at best and a safety hazard at worst. The non-traditional tables disclosed in the prior art do not have this problem, but lack the simplicity of design of the present invention and thus are impractical for the desired uses. None of the disclosed prior art achieves the unique utility of the present invention, which uses an asymmetric support structure to create a table with easy access to the seating members, having a convenient small size for use in limited spaces, and constructed entirely of wood, other than for fasteners.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a useful, improved bistro table having a small size for use in limited spaces not accessible to traditionally configured picnic tables.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a useful, improved bistro table with a suitably positioned support structure to provide for easy access to the seating members.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a useful, improved bistro table made of wood.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a useful, improved bistro table designed with bracing for strength and rigidity.
Other objects of the present invention will be readily apparent from the description that follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a bistro table having the primary elements of a table top, two seating members situated on either side of the table top, and a main support structure suitably adapted to support both the table top and the seating members in substantially horizontal orientations. The main support structure is asymmetrically situated at one end of the table, leaving the other end of the table open for easy access to the seating members. This configuration facilitates use of the table by persons with physical impairments or limited mobility. The open end of the table allows for the positioning of wheel chairs proximate to the table top. Support leg structures depending from the seating members at the opposite ends of the seating members from the main support structure provide support to the table at its open end. Various braces and struts may be integrated into the main support structure, seating members, and table top to increase the strength and rigidity of the table. The overall length of the table top and seating members is limited to provide a table surface and seating for two persons, one on either side of the table, such that the overall dimensions of the table may be kept to a minimum, facilitating the table's use in restricted spaces, such as on sidewalks, decks, porches, small balconies, in small dormitory rooms, efficiency apartments, or inside small bistro-style restaurants. In the preferred embodiment the bistro table is constructed entirely of wood, with metal fasteners. However, man-made materials or other materials may also be used provided they are sufficiently strong and rigid. In an alternative embodiment, a double bistro table is disclosed with the table top and seating members extending symmetrically from either side of the main support structure, thereby providing a table surface and seating for four persons while still providing easy access to the seating members and taking up a relatively small amount of space.
Other features and advantages of the invention are described below

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the bistro table.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the second side of the bistro table.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the open side of the bistro table.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the rear of the bistro table.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the open side of the bistro table.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rear side of the bistro table.
FIG. 7 is a top view of the double bistro table.
FIG. 8 is a plan view of the second side of the double bistro table.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of the left side of the bistro table.
FIG. 10 is a plan view of the right side of the bistro table.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the double bistro table.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the underside of the double bistro table.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an improved bistro table 1, shown in FIGS. 1 through 6.
The bistro table 1 comprises a table top 100, a first seating member 200, a second seating member 300, and a main support structure 400. The main support structure 400 is suitably adapted to support the table top 100 in a substantially horizontal orientation, and to support the first and second seating members 200,300, such that the first and second seating members 200,300 are connected to the table top 100 through the main support structure 400. These structures are shown on FIG. 1.
The table top 100 is substantially planar and has a first end 102 and a second end 104. The table top 100 may be constructed of a monolithic element or may comprise multiple sub-elements attached to each other. For example, the table top 100 may be a single sheet of plywood, or may be comprised of multiple wooden planks aligned parallel to each other. Other configurations of the table top 100 known in the art may be used as well without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
The main support structure 400 is fixedly attached to the table top 100 at the first end 102 of the table top 100. The main support structure 400 is oriented substantially vertically.
The first seating member 200 is substantially planar and has a seating surface 210, a first end 212, a second end 214, and a support leg structure 220. The seating surface 210 of the first seating member 200 may be constructed of a monolithic element or may comprise multiple sub-elements attached to each other. For example, the seating surface 210 of the first seating member 200 may be a single sheet of plywood, or may be comprised of multiple wooden planks aligned parallel to each other. Other configurations of the seating surface 210 of the first seating member 200 known in the art may be used as well without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The support leg structure 220 of the first seating member 200 may be constructed of a monolithic element or may comprise multiple sub-elements attached to each other. For example, the support leg structure 220 of the first seating member 200 may be a single sheet of plywood, or may be comprised of two wooden members crossed at their respective mid-sections into an X-configuration. Other configurations of the support leg structure 220 of the first seating member 200 may be used as well without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
The seating surface 210 of the first seating member 200 is fixedly attached to the main support structure 400 at the first end 212 of the first seating member 200. The support leg structure 220 of the first seating member 200 is fixedly attached to the seating surface 210 of the first seating member 200 in a substantially vertical orientation at the second end 214 of the first seating member 200. See FIGS. 1 and 5. So configured, the main support structure 400 supports the first end 212 of the first seating member 200 and the support leg structure 220 of the first seating member 200 supports the second end 214 of the first seating member 200. This configuration allows the seating surface 210 of the first seating member 200 to be oriented substantially horizontally. It also creates a substantially open space between the second end 104 of the table top 100 and the second end 214 of the first seating member 200, thereby permitting easy access to the first seating member 200.
Similarly, the second seating member 300 is substantially planar and has a seating surface 310, a first end 312, a second end 314, and a support leg structure 320. The seating surface 310 of the second seating member 300 is configured substantially the same as the seating surface 210 of the first seating member 200, as described above. The support leg structure 320 of the second seating member 300 is configured substantially the same as the support leg structure 220 of the first seating member 200, as described above. The second seating member 300 is oriented substantially parallel to the first seating member 200 on the opposite side of the table top 100 from the first seating member 200.
The seating surface 310 of the second seating member 300 is fixedly attached to the main support structure 400 at the first end 312 of the second seating member 300. The support leg structure 320 of the second seating member 300 is fixedly attached to the seating surface 310 of the second seating member 300 in a substantially vertical orientation at the second end 314 of the second seating member 300. See FIG. 2. So configured, the main support structure 400 supports the first end 312 of the second seating member 300 and the support leg structure 320 of the second seating member 300 supports the second end 314 of the second seating member 300. This configuration allows the seating surface 320 of the second seating member 300 to be oriented substantially horizontally. It also creates a substantially open space between the second end 104 of the table top 100 and the second end 314 of the second seating member 300, thereby permitting easy access to the second seating member 300.
In the preferred embodiment, the table top 100, the first seating member 200, the second seating member 300, and the main support structure 400 are constructed of wood and metal fasteners are employed to fixedly attach all components and subcomponents together as described herein. In other embodiments fasteners other than metal may be used, such as wooden pegs or dowels, or the various components may be attached to each other using dove-tail joints or other methods of joinery known in the art. In yet other embodiments man-made or other materials may be used, provided such materials are sufficiently rigid and strong to allow the ordinary use of the bistro table 1, i.e., to support objects upon the table top 100 and to support persons seated upon the seating members 200,300.
The length of the table top 100 should be substantially equivalent to the length of the seating surface 210 of the first seating member 200, and the length of the seating surface 210 of the first seating member 200 should be substantially equivalent to the length of the seating surface 310 of the second seating member 300. In one embodiment, this length is suitable to accommodate a single person on each seating surface 210,310. In the preferred embodiment this length is between 18 and 36 inches.
To provide the bistro table 1 with additional rigidity, a support brace 500 may be incorporated between the main support structure 400 and the table top 100. See FIG. 2. The support brace 500 is fixedly attached to the main support structure 400 at its first end 502 and is fixedly attached to the second end 104 of the table top 100 at its second end 504. See FIG. 3. Providing further rigidity as well as a more finished look is a lip 106 to the table top 100. See FIG. 2. The lip 106 depends from the underside of the second end 104 of the table top 100 in a downward direction, and is fixedly attached to the table top 100 and fixedly attached to the second end 504 of the support brace 500. In the preferred embodiment both the support brace 500 and the lip 106 are employed. However, in alternate embodiments, either the support brace 500 or the lip 106 may be eliminated.
The first seating member 200 may be further comprised of a seat brace 230 to provide additional strength and rigidity. See FIG. 5. The first end 232 of the seat brace 230 of the first seating member 200 is fixedly attached to the main support structure 400 and the second end 234 of the seat brace 230 of the first seating member 200 is fixedly attached to the support leg structure 220 of the first seating member 200. The seat brace 230 of the first seating member 200 is located directly below and adjacent to the seating surface 210 of the first seating member 200. Similarly, the second seating member 300 may be further comprised of a seat brace 330 to provide additional rigidity. See FIGS. 2 and 6. The first end 332 of the seat brace 330 of the second seating member 300 is fixedly attached to the main support structure 400 and the second end 334 of the seat brace 330 of the second seating member 300 is fixedly attached to the support leg structure 320 of the second seating member 300. The seat brace 330 of the second seating member 300 is located directly below and adjacent to the seating surface 310 of the second seating member 300.
To provide yet further strength and rigidity, the first seating member 200 may be still further comprised of a brace member 240. See FIG. 6. The first end 242 of the brace member 240 of the first seating member 200 is fixedly attached to the main support structure 400 and the second end 244 of the brace member 240 of the first seating member 200 is fixedly attached to the support leg structure 220 of the first seating member 200. Similarly, the second seating member 300 may be still further comprised of a brace member 340. See FIG. 6. The first end 342 of the brace member 340 of the second seating member 300 is fixedly attached to the main support structure 400 and the second end 344 of the brace member 340 of the second seating member 300 is fixedly attached to the support leg structure 320 of the second seating member 300. In the preferred embodiment both the seat braces 230,330 and the brace members 240,340 are employed. However, in alternate embodiments, either the seat braces 230,330 or the brace members 240,340 may be eliminated.
In the preferred embodiment, the main support structure 400 comprises a first upright support member 410, a second upright support member 420, a cross support member 430, and a top cross member 450. See FIGS. 3 and 4. The first upright support member 410 has a top end 412, a bottom end 414, and a middle portion 416, with the middle portion 416 being located between the top and bottom ends 412,414 of the first upright support member 410. The second upright support member 420 has a top end 422, a bottom end 424, and a middle portion 426, with the middle portion 426 being located between the top and bottom ends 422,424 of the second upright support member 420 at a point on the second upright support member 420 substantially corresponding to the location of the middle portion 416 of the first upright support member 410. The cross support member 430 has a first end 432, a second end 434, and a central portion 436, with the central portion 436 being located between and substantially equidistant from the first and second ends 432,434 of the cross support member 430. See FIGS. 3 and 4.
The cross support member 430 is fixedly attached to the middle portion 416 of the first upright support member 410 at a first attachment point 438, said first attachment point 438 being located between the first end 432 of the cross support member 430 and the central portion 436 of the cross support member 430. The cross support member 430 is fixedly attached to the middle portion 426 of the second upright support member 420 at a second attachment point 440, said second attachment point 440 being located between the second end 434 of the cross support member 430 and the central portion 436 of the cross support member 430. The second attachment point 440 is substantially equidistant from the central portion 436 of the cross support member 430 as is the first attachment point 438. The top end 412 of the first upright support member 410 is fixedly attached to the top cross member 450, and the top end 422 of the second upright support member 420 is fixedly attached to the top cross member 450. See FIG. 3. Configured as such, the main support structure 400 has an A-frame configuration, with the top ends 412,422 of the first and second upright support members 410,420 positioned closer together than the bottom ends 414,424 of the first and second upright support members 410,420.
In this embodiment, the top cross member 450 depends from the underside of the first end 102 of the table top 100 in a downward direction, in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the first and second seating members 200,300, and is fixedly attached to the table top 100 at the first end 102 of the table top 100, thus securing the main support structure 400 to the table top 100. See FIGS. 5 and 6. The first seating member 200 is attached to the main support structure 400 by the first end 212 of the seating surface 210 of the first seating member 200 being fixedly attached to the first end 432 of the cross support member 430, and the second seating member 300 is attached to the main support structure 400 by the first end 312 of the seating surface 310 of the second seating member 300 being fixedly attached to the second end 434 of the cross support member 430. See FIGS. 3 and 4.
In the preferred embodiment utilizing the A-frame main support structure 400, as described above, the first end 502 of the support brace 500 is fixedly attached to the central portion 436 of the cross support member 430 and the second end 504 of the support brace 500 is fixedly attached to the lip 106 of the table top 100. In the most preferred embodiment both the support brace 500 and the lip 106 are employed. However, in alternate embodiments, either the support brace 500 or the lip 106 may be eliminated. See FIGS. 3 and 4.
In another preferred embodiment utilizing the A-frame main support structure 400, as described above, the first end 232 of the seat brace 230 of the first seating member 200 is fixedly attached to the first end 432 of the cross support member 430, and the first end 332 of the seat brace 330 of the second seating member 300 is fixedly attached to the second end 434 of the cross support member 430. Also, the first end 242 of the brace member 240 of the first seating member 200 is fixedly attached to the first upright support member 410 at a point on the first upright support member 410 between its middle portion 416 and its bottom end 414, and the first end 342 of the brace member 340 of the second seating member 300 is fixedly attached to the second upright support member 420 at a point on the second upright support member 420 between its middle portion 426 and its bottom end 424. In the most preferred embodiment both the seat braces 230,330 and the brace members 240,340 are employed. However, in alternate embodiments, either the seat braces 230,330 or the brace members 240,340 may be eliminated.
In an alternative embodiment the main support structure 400 may be configured as an H-frame, whereby the first upright support member 410 and the second upright support member 420 are oriented substantially vertically and substantially parallel to each other. The main support structure 400 attaches to the first end 102 of the table top 100 at the top end 412 of the first upright support member 410 and at the top end 422 of the second upright support member 420. The top ends 412,422 of the first and second upright support members 410,420 are also fixedly attached to the top cross member 450. In this configuration the cross support member 430 attaches to the first upright support member 410 and the second upright support member 420 at the middle portion 416 of the first upright support member 410 and at the middle portion 426 of the second upright support member 420, respectively, with the bottom end 414 of the first upright support member 410 and at the bottom end 424 of the second upright support member 420 reaching the ground. Alternatively, the cross support member 430 attaches to the first upright support member 410 and the second upright support member 420 at the bottom end 414 of the first upright support member 410 and at the bottom end 424 of the second upright support member 420, respectively, and additional support leg structures are fixedly attached to each seating member 200,300 at the first ends 212,312 of the seating members 200,300. The first seating member 200 attaches to the first end 432 of the cross support member 430 and the second seating member 300 attaches to the second end 434 of the cross support member 430. Other configurations of the main support structure 400 are also contemplated by the present invention.
In an alternative embodiment, the table 1 of the present invention is double-ended to provide a table surface and seating for four persons. This is shown in FIGS. 7 through 12. The table 1 comprises a table top 600, a first seating member 700, a second seating member 800, and a main support structure 900. The main support structure 900 is suitably adapted to support the table top 600 in a substantially horizontal orientation, and to support the first and second seating members 700,800, such that the first and second seating members 700,800 are connected to the table top 600 through the main support structure 900. See FIG. 7.
In this embodiment, the main support structure 900 is oriented substantially vertically. The main support structure 900 has a first upright support member 910, having a top end 912, a bottom end 914, and a middle portion 916, with the middle portion 916 located between the top and bottom ends 912,914 of the first upright support member 910; a second upright support member 920, having a top end 922, a bottom end 924, and a middle portion 926, with the middle portion 926 located between the top and bottom ends 922,924 of the second upright support member 920 at a point on the second upright support member 920 substantially corresponding to the location of the middle portion 916 of the first upright support member 910; a cross support member 930, having a first end 932, a second end 934, and a central portion 936, with the central portion 936 located between and substantially equidistant from the first and second ends 932,934 of the cross support member 930; and a top cross member 950, with the top cross member 950 depending from the underside of the central portion 606 of the table top 600 in a downward direction in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the table top 600. See FIGS. 9, 10, and 12.
The cross support member 930 is fixedly attached to the middle portion 916 of the first upright support member 910 at a first attachment point 938 located between the first end 932 and the central portion 936 of the cross support member 930. The cross support member 930 is fixedly attached to the middle portion 926 of the second upright support member 920 at a second attachment point 940 located between the second end 934 and the central portion 936 of the cross support member 930. The second attachment point 940 is substantially equidistant from the central portion 936 of the cross support member 930 as is the first attachment point 938. The top end 912 of the first upright support member 910 is fixedly attached to the top cross member 950, and the top end 922 of the second upright support member 920 is fixedly attached to the top cross member 950. See FIGS. 9 and 10. Configured as such, the main support structure 900 has an A-frame configuration, with the top ends 912,922 of the first and second upright support members 910,920 positioned closer together than the bottom ends 914,924 of the first and second upright support members 910,920. Alternatively, the main support structure 900 may have an H-frame configuration, as described above.
The table top 600 is substantially planar and has a first end 602, a second end 604, and a central portion 606. The top cross member 950 of the main support structure 900 depends from the underside of the central portion 606 of the table top 600 in a downward direction, in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the first and second seating members 700,800, and is fixedly attached to the table top 600 at the central portion 606 of the table top 600, thus securing the main support structure 900 to the table top 600. The table 1 may also include a first support brace 960, having a first end 962 and a second end 964 and a second support brace 970, having a first end 972 and a second end 974. If present, the first support brace 960 is fixedly attached to the central portion 936 of the cross support member 930 at its first end 962 and is fixedly attached to the first end 602 of the table top 600 at its second end 964. As such, the first support brace 960 is oriented at an angle to the table top 600 and at an angle to the main support structure 900. Similarly, the second support brace 970 is fixedly attached to the central portion 936 of the cross support member 930 at its first end 972, opposite the first support brace 960, and is fixedly attached to the second end 604 of the table top 600 at its second end 974. As such, the second support brace 970 is oriented at an angle to the table top 600 and at an angle to the main support structure 900. The table 1 may comprise a first lip 608, which depends from the first end 602 of the table top 600 in a downward direction and is fixedly attached to the table top 600 and fixedly attached to the second end 964 of the first support brace 960; and a second lip 610, which depends from the second end 604 of the table top 600 in a downward direction and is fixedly attached to the table top 600 and fixedly attached to the second end 974 of the second support brace 970. See FIG. 8.
The first seating member 700 is substantially planar and has a seating surface 710, a first end 712, a second end 714, a central portion 716, a first support leg structure 720, and a second support leg structure 722. The seating surface 710 of the first seating member 700 is fixedly attached to the main support structure 900 in a substantially horizontal orientation at the central portion 716 of the first seating member 700. The first support leg structure 720 of the first seating member 700 is fixedly attached to the seating surface 710 of the first seating member 700 in a substantially vertical orientation at the first end 712 of the first seating member 700 and the second support leg structure 722 of the first seating member 700 is fixedly attached to the seating surface 710 of the first seating member 700 in a substantially vertical orientation at the second end 714 of the first seating member 700. The first seating member 700 may also have a seat brace 730, having a first end 732, a second end 734, and a middle portion 736, and a brace member 740, having a first end 742, a second end 744, and a middle portion 746. If present, the first end 732 of the seat brace 730 of the first seating member 700 is fixedly attached to the first support leg structure 720 of the first seating member 700, the second end 734 of the seat brace 730 is fixedly attached to the second support leg structure 722, and the middle portion 736 of the seat brace 730 is fixedly attached to the cross support member 930 at the first end 932 of the cross support member 930, with the seat brace 730 located directly below and adjacent to the seating surface 710 of the first seating member 700. The first end 742 of the brace member 740 of the first seating member 700 is fixedly attached to the first support leg structure 720 of the first seating member 700, the second end 744 of the brace member 740 is fixedly attached to the second support leg structure 722, and the middle portion 746 of the brace member 740 is fixedly attached to the first upright support member 910 at a point on the first upright support member 910 between the middle portion 916 and the bottom end 914 of the first upright support member 910. See FIGS. 11 and 12. So configured, the main support structure 900 supports the middle portion 716 of the first seating member 700, the first support leg structure 720 of the first seating member 700 supports the first end 712 of the first seating member 700, and the second support leg structure 722 of the first seating member 700 supports the second end 714 of the first seating member 700. This configuration creates a substantially open space between the first end 602 of the table top 600 and the first end 712 of the first seating member 700, and a substantially open space between the second end 604 of the table top 600 and the second end 714 of the first seating member 700, thereby permitting easy access to the first seating member 700.
Similarly, the second seating member 800 is substantially planar and has a seating surface 810, a first end 812, a second end 814, a central portion 816, a first support leg structure 820, and a second support leg structure 822. The seating surface 810 of the second seating member 800 is fixedly attached to the main support structure 900 in a substantially horizontal orientation at the central portion 816 of the second seating member 800. The first support leg structure 820 of the second seating member 800 is fixedly attached to the seating surface 810 of the second seating member 800 in a substantially vertical orientation at the first end 812 of the second seating member 800 and the second support leg structure 822 of the second seating member 800 is fixedly attached to the seating surface 810 of the second seating member 800 in a substantially vertical orientation at the second end 814 of the second seating member 800. The second seating member 800 may also have a seat brace 830, having a first end 832, a second end 834, and a middle portion 836, and a brace member 840, having a first end 842, a second end 844, and a middle portion 846. If present, the first end 832 of the seat brace 830 of the second seating member 800 is fixedly attached to the first support leg structure 820 of the second seating member 800, the second end 834 of the seat brace 830 is fixedly attached to the second support leg structure 822, and the middle portion 836 of the seat brace 830 is fixedly attached to the cross support member 930 at the second end 934 of the cross support member 930, with the seat brace 830 located directly below and adjacent to the seating surface 810 of the first seating member 800. The first end 842 of the brace member 840 of the second seating member 800 is fixedly attached to the first support leg structure 820 of the second seating member 800, the second end 844 of the brace member 840 is fixedly attached to the second support leg structure 822, and the middle portion 846 of the brace member 840 is fixedly attached to the second upright support member 920 at a point on the second upright support member 920 between the middle portion 926 and the bottom end 924 of the second upright support member 920. See FIGS. 11 and 12. So configured, the main support structure 900 supports the middle portion 816 of the second seating member 800, the first support leg structure 820 of the second seating member 800 supports the first end 812 of the second seating member 800, and the second support leg structure 822 of the second seating member 800 supports the second end 814 of the second seating member 800. This configuration creates a substantially open space between the first end 602 of the table top 600 and the first end 812 of the second seating member 800, and a substantially open space between the second end 604 of the table top 600 and the second end 814 of the second seating member 800, thereby permitting easy access to the second seating member 800.
In this embodiment, the table top 600, the first seating member 700, the second seating member 800, the main support structure 900, the first support brace 960, and the second support brace 970 are preferably constructed of wood, though other materials having a suitable strength and rigidity may also be used. Metal fasteners are preferably employed to fixedly attach all components and subcomponents together as described herein. Alternatively, non-metal fasteners, such as wooden pegs or dowels, may be used, or other joinery known in the art. The table top 600 has a length substantially equivalent to the length of the seating surface 710 of the first seating member 700, and the length of the seating surface 710 of the first seating member 700 is substantially equivalent to the length of the seating surface 810 of the second seating member 800. This length is suitable to accommodate two persons on each seating surface 710,810, being between 36 and 72 inches.
In this embodiment, the first and second support braces 960,970, the first and second lips 608,610, the seat braces 730,830, and the brace members 740,840 preferably are employed. However, in alternate embodiments, the first and second support braces 960,970, the first and second lips 608,610, the seat braces 730,830, and/or the brace members 740,840 may be eliminated.
As can be seen from the foregoing description, as well as in the following claims, the objectives of the present invention are met by its disclosed structure and design. Both versions of the table have a small size for use in limited spaces not accessible to traditionally configured picnic tables, both have support structures situated to provide easy access to the seating surfaces, both are made of wood, and both have bracing for strength and rigidity.
Modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed embodiments of the invention without departing from the subject or spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A table comprising

a table top, said table top being substantially planar and having a first end and a second end;

a first seating member, said first seating member being substantially planar and having a seating surface, a first end, a second end, and a support leg structure;

a second seating member, said second seating member being substantially planar and having a seating surface, a first end, a second end, and a support leg structure; and

a main support structure;

with the table top fixedly attached to the main support structure at the first end of the table top,

the seating surface of the first seating member fixedly attached to the main support structure at the first end of the first seating member,

the seating surface of the second seating member fixedly attached to the main support structure at the first end of the second seating member, with the second seating member oriented substantially parallel to the first seating member opposite the table top from the first seating member,

the support leg structure of the first seating member fixedly attached to the seating surface of the first seating member at the second end of the first seating member, and

the support leg structure of the second seating member fixedly attached to the seating surface of the second seating member at the second end of the second seating member;

wherein the table top is oriented substantially horizontally, the main support structure is oriented substantially vertically, the seating surface of the first seating member is oriented substantially horizontally, the seating surface of the second seating member is oriented substantially horizontally, the support leg structure of the first seating member is oriented substantially vertically, and the support leg structure of the second seating member is oriented substantially vertically.

2. The table of claim 1 wherein the table top, the first seating member, the second seating member, and the main support structure, are constructed of wood.

3. The table of claim 1 wherein the table top has a length, the seating surface of the first seating member has a length, and the seating surface of the second seating member has a length, with the length of the table top being substantially equivalent to the length of the seating surface of the first seating member, and the length of the seating surface of the first seating member being substantially equivalent to the length of the seating surface of the second seating member.

4. The table of claim 1 further comprising

a support brace, having a first end and a second end;

with the support brace fixedly attached to the main support structure at the first end of the support brace and the support brace fixedly attached to the second end of the table top at the second end of the support brace.

5. The table of claim 4 wherein the table top further comprises

a lip, said lip depending from the second end of the table top in a downward direction, being fixedly attached to the table top and fixedly attached to the second end of the support brace.

6. The table of claim 1 wherein

the first seating member further comprises a seat brace, said seat brace having a first end and a second end; and

the second seating member further comprises a seat brace, said seat brace having a first end and a second end;

with the first end of the seat brace of the first seating member being fixedly attached to the main support structure and the second end of the seat brace of the first seating member being fixedly attached to the support leg structure of the first seating member, with the seat brace of the first seating member being located directly below and adjacent to the seating surface of the first seating member, and

the first end of the brace member of the second seating member being fixedly attached to the main support structure and the second end of the brace member of the second seating member being fixedly attached to the support leg structure of the second seating member, with the seat brace of the second seating member being located directly below and adjacent to the seating surface of the second seating member.

7. The table of claim 1 wherein

the first seating member further comprises a brace member, said brace member having a first end and a second end; and

the second seating member further comprises a brace member, said brace member having a first end and a second end;

with the first end of the brace member of the first seating member being fixedly attached to the main support structure and the second end of the brace member of the first seating member being fixedly attached to the support leg structure of the first seating member, and

the first end of the brace member of the second seating member being fixedly attached to the main support structure and the second end of the brace member of the second seating member being fixedly attached to the support leg structure of the second seating member.

8. The table of claim 7 wherein

9. The table of claim 1 wherein the table top further comprises

a lip, said lip depending from the second end of the table top in a downward direction, being fixedly attached to the table top.

10. The table of claim 1 wherein the main support structure comprises

a first upright support member, having a top end, a bottom end, and a middle portion, said middle portion being located between the top and bottom ends of the first upright support member;

a second upright support member, having a top end, a bottom end, and a middle portion, said middle portion being located between the top and bottom ends of the second upright support member at a point on the second upright support member substantially corresponding to the location of the middle portion of the first upright support member on the first upright support member;

a cross support member, having a first end, a second end, and a central portion, with said central portion being located between and substantially equidistant from the first and second ends of the cross support member; and

a top cross member, said top cross member depending from the first end of the table top in a downward direction, being fixedly attached to the table top at the first end of the table top;

with the first upright support member, the second upright support member, and the cross support member fixedly attached to each other in an A-frame configuration such that the top ends of the first and second upright support members are positioned closer together than the bottom ends of the first and second upright support members,

the cross support member is fixedly attached to the middle portion of the first upright support member at a first attachment point of the cross support member, said first attachment point being located between the first end of the cross support member and the central portion of the cross support member, and

the cross support member is fixedly attached to the middle portion of the second upright support member at a second attachment point of the cross support member, said second attachment point being located between the second end of the cross support member and the central portion of the cross support member, said second attachment point being substantially equidistant from the central portion of the cross support member as the first attachment point;

wherein the top end of the first upright support member is fixedly attached to the top cross member, the top end of the second upright support structure is fixedly attached to the top cross member, the first end of the cross support member is fixedly attached to the seating surface of the first seating member at the first end of the first seating member, and the second end of the cross support member is fixedly attached to the seating surface of the second seating member at the first end of the second seating member.

11. The table of claim 10 further comprising

a support brace, having a first end and a second end;

with the support brace fixedly attached to the central portion of the cross support member at the first end of the support brace and the support brace fixedly attached to the second end of the table top at the second end of the support brace.

12. The table of claim 11 wherein the table top further comprises

13. The table of claim 10 wherein

with the first end of the seat brace of the first seating member being fixedly attached to the cross support member at the first end of the cross support member and the second end of the seat brace of the first seating member being fixedly attached to the support leg structure of the first seating member, with the seat brace of the first seating member being located directly below and adjacent to the seating surface of the first seating member, and

the first end of the brace member of the second seating member being fixedly attached to the cross support member at the second end of the cross support member and the second end of the brace member of the second seating member being fixedly attached to the support leg structure of the second seating member, with the seat brace of the second seating member being located directly below and adjacent to the seating surface of the second seating member.

14. The table of claim 10 wherein the table top further comprises

15. The table of claim 10 wherein

with the first end of the brace member of the first seating member being fixedly attached to the first upright support member at a point on the first upright support member between the middle portion and the bottom end of the first upright support member and the second end of the brace member of the first seating member being fixedly attached to the support leg structure of the first seating member, and

the first end of the brace member of the second seating member being fixedly attached to the second upright support member at a point on the second upright support member between the middle portion and the bottom end of the second upright support member and the second end of the brace member of the second seating member being fixedly attached to the support leg structure of the second seating member.

16. The table of claim 15 wherein

the first end of the seat brace of the second seating member being fixedly attached to the cross support member at the second end of the cross support member and the second end of the seat brace of the second seating member being fixedly attached to the support leg structure of the second seating member, with the seat brace of the second seating member being located directly below and adjacent to the seating surface of the second seating member.

17. The table of claim 16 further comprising

a support brace, having a first end and a second end;

18. The table of claim 17 wherein the table top further comprises

19. A table comprising

a table top, said table top being substantially planar and having

a first end,

a second end, and

a lip, said lip depending from the second end of the table top in a downward direction;

a first seating member, said first seating member being substantially planar and having

a seating surface,

a first end,

a second end,

a support leg structure,

a brace member, said brace member having a first end and a second end, and

a seat brace, said seat brace having a first end and a second end;

a second seating member, said second seating member being substantially planar and having

a seating surface,

a first end,

a second end,

a support leg structure,

a brace member, said brace member having a first end and a second end, and

a seat brace, said seat brace having a first end and a second end;

a main support structure, said main support structure having

a first upright support member, said first upright support member having a top end, a bottom end, and a middle portion, said middle portion being located between the top and bottom ends of the first upright support member,

a second upright support member, said second upright support member having a top end, a bottom end, and a middle portion, said middle portion being located between the top and bottom ends of the second upright support member at a point on the second upright support member substantially corresponding to the location of the middle portion of the first upright support member on the first upright support member,

a cross support member, having a first end, a second end, and a central portion, with said central portion being located between and substantially equidistant from the first and second ends of the cross support member,

a top cross member, said top cross member depending from the first end of the table top in a downward direction, being fixedly attached to the table top at the first end of the table top; and

a support brace, said support brace having a first end and a second end;

wherein the table top, the first seating member, the second seating member, the main support structure, and the support brace are constructed of wood,

the table top has a length, the seating surface of the first seating member has a length, and the seating surface of the second seating member has a length, with the length of the table top being substantially equivalent to the length of the seating surface of the first seating member, and the length of the seating surface of the first seating member being substantially equivalent to the length of the seating surface of the second seating member,

the first upright support member, the second upright support member, and the cross support member are fixedly attached to each other in an A-frame configuration such that the top ends of the first and second upright support members are positioned closer together than the bottom ends of the first and second upright support members,

the cross support member is fixedly attached to the middle portion of the first upright support member at a first attachment point of the cross support member, said first attachment point being located between the first end of the cross support member and the central portion of the cross support member,

the cross support member is fixedly attached to the middle portion of the second upright support member at a second attachment point of the cross support member, said second attachment point being located between the second end of the cross support member and the central portion of the cross support member, said second attachment point being substantially equidistant from the central portion of the cross support member as the first attachment point,

the top end of the first upright support member is fixedly attached to the top cross member,

the top end of the second upright support structure is fixedly attached to the top cross member,

the support brace is fixedly attached to the central portion of the cross support member at the first end of the support brace and the support brace is fixedly attached to the second end of the table top at the second end of the support brace,

the first end of the cross support member is fixedly attached to the seating surface of the first seating member at the first end of the first seating member,

the second end of the cross support member is fixedly attached to the seating surface of the second seating member at the first end of the second seating member,

the support leg structure of the first seating member is fixedly attached to the seating surface of the first seating member at the second end of the first seating member,

the support leg structure of the second seating member is fixedly attached to the seating surface of the second seating member at the second end of the second seating member,

the first end of the brace member of the first seating member is fixedly attached to the first upright support member at a point on the first upright support member between the middle portion and the bottom end of the first upright support member and the second end of the brace member of the first seating member is fixedly attached to the support leg structure of the first seating member,

the first end of the brace member of the second seating member is fixedly attached to the second upright support member at a point on the second upright support member between the middle portion and the bottom end of the second upright support member and the second end of the brace member of the second seating member is fixedly attached to the support leg structure of the second seating member,

the first end of the seat brace of the first seating member is fixedly attached to the cross support member at the first end of the cross support member and the second end of the seat brace of the first seating member is fixedly attached to the support leg structure of the first seating member, with the seat brace of the first seating member being located directly below and adjacent to the seating surface of the first seating member,

the first end of the seat brace of the second seating member is fixedly attached to the cross support member at the second end of the cross support member and the second end of the seat brace of the second seating member is fixedly attached to the support leg structure of the second seating member, with the seat brace of the second seating member being located directly below and adjacent to the seating surface of the second seating member,

the lip is fixedly attached to the table top and fixedly attached to the second end of the support brace, and

the table top is oriented substantially horizontally, the main support structure is oriented substantially vertically, the support brace is oriented at an angle to the table top and at an angle to the main support structure, the seating surface of the first seating member is oriented substantially horizontally, the seating surface of the second seating member is oriented substantially horizontally, the support leg structure of the first seating member is oriented substantially vertically, and the support leg structure of the second seating member is oriented substantially vertically.

20. A table comprising

a table top, said table top being substantially planar and having

a first end,

a second end,

a central portion,

a first lip, said first lip depending from the first end of the table top in a downward direction, and

a second lip, said second lip depending from the second end of the table top in a downward direction;

a seating surface,

a first end,

a second end,

a central portion,

a first support leg structure,

a second support leg structure,

a brace member, said brace member having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion, and

a seat brace, said seat brace having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion;

a seating surface,

a first end,

a second end,

a central portion,

a first support leg structure,

a second support leg structure,

a main support structure, said main support structure having

a cross support member, having a first end, a second end, and a central portion, with said central portion being located between and substantially equidistant from the first and second ends of the cross support member, and

a top cross member, said top cross member depending from the central portion of the table top in a downward direction, being fixedly attached to the table top at the central portion of the table top; and

a first support brace, said first support brace having a first end and a second end; and

a second support brace, said second support brace having a first end and a second end;

wherein the table top, the first seating member, the second seating member, the main support structure, the first support brace, and the second support brace are constructed of wood,

the first support brace is fixedly attached to the central portion of the cross support member at the first end of the first support brace and the first support brace is fixedly attached to the first end of the table top at the second end of the first support brace,

the second support brace is fixedly attached to the central portion of the cross support member at the first end of the second support brace, opposite the first support brace, and the second support brace is fixedly attached to the second end of the table top at the second end of the second support brace,

the first end of the cross support member is fixedly attached to the seating surface of the first seating member at the central portion of the first seating member,

the second end of the cross support member is fixedly attached to the seating surface of the second seating member at the central portion of the second seating member,

the first support leg structure of the first seating member is fixedly attached to the seating surface of the first seating member at the first end of the first seating member,

the second support leg structure of the first seating member is fixedly attached to the seating surface of the first seating member at the second end of the first seating member,

the first support leg structure of the second seating member is fixedly attached to the seating surface of the second seating member at the first end of the second seating member,

the second support leg structure of the second seating member is fixedly attached to the seating surface of the second seating member at the second end of the second seating member,

the first end of the brace member of the first seating member is fixedly attached to the first support leg structure of the first seating member, the second end of the brace member of the first seating member is fixedly attached to the second support leg structure of the first seating member, and the middle portion of the brace member of the first seating member is fixedly attached to the first upright support member at a point on the first upright support member between the middle portion of the first upright support member and the bottom end of the first upright support member,

the first end of the brace member of the second seating member is fixedly attached to the first support leg structure of the second seating member, the second end of the brace member of the second seating member is fixedly attached to the second support leg structure of the second seating member, and the middle portion of the brace member of the second seating member is fixedly attached to the second upright support member at a point on the second upright support member between the middle portion of the second upright support member and the bottom end of the second upright support member,

the first end of the seat brace of the first seating member is fixedly attached to the first support leg structure of the first seating member, the second end of the seat brace of the first seating member is fixedly attached to the second support leg structure of the first seating member, and the middle portion of the seat brace of the first seating member is fixedly attached to the cross support member at the first end of the cross support member, with the seat brace of the first seating member being located directly below and adjacent to the seating surface of the first seating member,

the first end of the seat brace of the second seating member is fixedly attached to the first support leg structure of the second seating member, the second end of the seat brace of the second seating member is fixedly attached to the second support leg structure of the second seating member, and the middle portion of the seat brace of the second seating member is fixedly attached to the cross support member at the second end of the cross support member, with the seat brace of the second seating member being located directly below and adjacent to the seating surface of the second seating member,

the first lip is fixedly attached to the table top and fixedly attached to the second end of the first support brace,

the second lip is fixedly attached to the table top and fixedly attached to the second end of the second support brace, and

the table top is oriented substantially horizontally; the main support structure is oriented substantially vertically; the first support brace is oriented at an angle to the table top and at an angle to the main support structure; the second support brace is oriented at an angle to the table top and at an angle to the main support structure; the seating surface of the first seating member and the seating surface of the second seating member are oriented substantially horizontally; and the first support leg structure of the first seating member, the second support leg structure of the first seating member, the first support leg structure of the second seating member, and the second support leg structure of the second seating member are oriented substantially vertically.