GB2341312A - Dismountable table and seat combination. - Google Patents

Abstract

A table set comprises a number of base panels, a table surface and a number of seats. The base panels can be interlocked to form a ring, each panel being shaped to provide support for the table surface and to support a seat at each intersection of adjacent base panels. To achieve this, each panel is preferably formed with slots to permit interlocking and with a pedestal section to support the table surface. The seats are preferably located on the intersections by means of ribs. The table set is particularly for use as a portable picnic table especially for children.

Description

1 2341312 PORTABLE TABLE SET This invention relates to a table with

integral seats, which can be dismantled and packed flat for transport or storage.

This invention was the result of a requirement for a child's picnic table that could be easily dismantled and stored in a small space. Folding picnic sets tend to have intricate mechanisms and may be flimsy and unstable. Sturdier picnic sets are available, but these are usually assembled with screwed connections and not easily dismantled.

The present invention consists in a number of base panels of sheet material interlocking into a ring. Each panel is shaped to support seats at the intersections with the adjacent panels, and includes a raised portion forming a pedestal to support a table surface. The seats slot into the assembled base so as to lock the panels together. A table surface fits to the pedestals of the base to form a table and seat unit. The components of the unit are all flat and it can be dismantled and easily stored, carried and transported in a vehicle.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure I shows the shape of the components.

Figure 2 and figure 3 show how the components of the base are fitted together.

Figure 4 shows how the table top is fitted to the base panels.

Figure 5 shows a detail of a means by which the top may be clipped to the base.

Figure 6 shows how the seats interlock into the base to complete the assembly.

The components shown in figure I are all of sheet material such as plywood. The base panels 1, 2, 3 and 4 are identical except for the location of the slots which are indicated as a method of locking the base together. The seats 5, of which there are four in this embodiment, are fitted with blocks 6 which are positioned to interlock into the comers of the base. The table top 7 is square in this example.

Figure 2 shows how base panels 3 and 4 lock into base panel 2. The base is completed by fitting base panel I as shown in figure 3.

The table top 7 is mounted so that its comers rest on the upright parts of the base panels, as shown in figure 4. Figure 5 shows a detail of how the top 7 may be clipped in place using blocks 8 such as are used in DIY furniture.

The seats 5 slot into the base panels, being held in place by the locating blocks 6, as shown in figure 6.

The unit may be dismantled in the reverse sequence.

It is proposed that the dismantled components would be strapped or clipped together for ease of storage and transport.

2

Claims (4)

1. A table unit, consisting of a number of base panels interlocking into a ring, each shaped to provide support for a table surface at a point along its length and with a seat supported at each intersection of ad acent base panels. j

2. A table unit as described in Claim one with the components arranged so that the unit locks together to form a stable unit.

3. A table unit as described in the previous claims which can be easily assembled and dismantled without the use of tools.

4. A unit as described in the previous claims, where the surface is to be used as a working surface other than a table.