US2702585A - Table and bench structure - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 22, 1955 K. H. WILSON 2,762,585

TABLE AND BENCH STRUCTURE Filed Nov. 24, 1953 s Shets-Sheet 1 IN VEN TOR.

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ATTOF/Vfyj Feb. 22, 1955 K. H. WILSON 85 TABLE AND BENCH STRUCTURE Filed Nov. 24, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 3 Z /f z a ,2 ,/z J I 22 7/6 2 Z Z J 301 A; 28 I 3 25 3/ 34 /4 33 IN V EN TOR.

Feb. 22, 1955 H. WILSON 2,702,535

TABLE AND BENCH STRUCTURE Filed Nov. 24, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

BY T 4 I/Q/Z 4 r Anna/5y F a-tented Feb. 22, 1955 TABLE AND BENCH STRUCTURE.

Kermit H. Wilson, Minneapolis, Minn.

Application'November 24, 1953, Serial No. 394,051

15 Claims. (Cl. 155-124) My invention relates generally to table structure and more particularly to bench-equipped tables WhlCh may be folded for storage and the like.

An important object of my invention is the PIOVlSlOIl of a bench-equipped table which may be quickly and ea s1ly set up for use in banquet halls, ballrooms and the like, and which may be as readily folded to an lnoperative storagewposition and moved aside or to a place of storage.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a bench-equipped table as set forth, which, when folded for storage, willoccupy a minimum of space.

A still further object of my invention is the provlsion ofa novel arrangement wherein the distribution of weight of the various component elements is such that when sa d elements are moved to their operative or inoperative posi- 'tions, such positions will be gravity held againstaccldental displacement.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a tableas set forth having auxiliary legs which are automaticallymoved into operative position when the table andbenches thereof are in their folded state, and which when the table and benches are in their operative positions will be automatically moved to a point beneath the table so as to be out-of-the-way of persons seated at the table.

Still another object of my invention is the provisionof a bench-equipped table as set forth which is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture and which is rugged in construction and durable in use.

The above and still further highly important objects and advantages of my invention will become aparentfr'om the following detailedspecification, appended claims and attached drawings.

Referring to the drawings, which illustrate'the-inv'em tion and in which like characters indicate like parts throughout the several views.

Fig. 1 is a view in-side elevation of my novel benchequipped table; 7

Fig. 2 is a view in end elevation of the structure of ig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken sub- -stantially on'the line 33 of Fig. 2; V

Fig. 4' is a view corresponding to Fig. 2'but showing mynovel table in a partially foldedconditi'on;

Fig. 5 isa" view corresponding to Fig. 4' but showing the structure moved to its storage position;

Fig. 6 is a view corresponding to Fig. 5 but'showing 'mynovel table in a completely folded conditionfor storage;

Fig. 7 is a view in side elevation as seen f'romthe right to the left with respect to Fig. 6; and

Fig. 8 is a view in side elevation as seen fromtheleft to the right with respect to Fig. 6.

lntthe-preferred embodiment of the invention illustrateda table structure is shown ascomprising-a generally rectangular table top 1 anchored to a generally rectangular frame 2. The table top 1 may be made from .any suitable material but is preferably-made from wood orthe like. The frame 2 is made from metal tubing and comprises spaced parallel side frame members 3. and-4 extendinglongitudinally of the table top 1, and longitudinally spaced parallel end frame'members 5 and 6 which are secured to the opposite ends of the side frame members 3 and 4 preferably by welding or the like. As shown, the tabletop 1 is anchored to the frame 2 by serewsor the like 7 extending through .thevarious. frame members 3 6. inclusive; -At their oppositeends; the

end'frame membersS and dare downturned to provide depending portions 8, the purpose of which will hereinafter become apparent.

For supporting the table top 1' in a horizontal operative position I provide a pair of'prim'ary legs 9 and 1'0 and a second pair of primary legs 11 and 12. Each of said 'legs'is' formed to provide laterally offset verticallyextended upper and'lower leg sections 13 and 14 respectively connected by normally horizontally disposed bench supporting portions 15 integrally formed with said upper and lower sections. The upper sections 13 of the primary legs 9 and10 are connected by a cross member 16,,and the upper sections 13 of the other pair of primary legs 11 and 12 are connected by a similar cross member or brace 17. The legs and cross members are preferably made from metal tubing, the cross members 16 and'17 joined to their respective legs by Welding or the like. Each of the upper leg sections 13 adjacent their upper ends is angula-rly inturned as indicated at 18 and is pivotally secured to opposite end portions of the side frame members 3 and 4 as follows:

The upper inturned ends 18 of the legs 9 and 14) are mounted for pivotal movements about a normally horizontal axis extending transversely of the table top 1 to the end portions of the side frame members 3 and 4 adjacent the end frame member 5 as indicated at 19. The 'inturned end portions'18 of the primary legs 11 and 12 are mounted for pivotalswinging movements about a normally horizontal axis extending transversely ofthe tabletop 1, to the opposite end portions of the side frame members 3 and 4 adjacent the endfrarne member fi and as indicated at 20. With this arrangement, the primary legs 9-and'10 may beswung between aninope'rativestorage position in generally parallelrelationship to the table top 1' and a depending operative position substantially normal to the table top 1-, the primary legs 11" and 12 bein'gzrnovab'le in the like manner. With reference particularly to Fig. 3 it will be seen that the angularly disposed portions 18 of the several primary legs engage their. respective end frame members 5 and 6 when-said primary legs arein their operative positionasaid end frame. members providing stop means'positively limiting movement of. the legs-beyond their operative positions. Thelength ofeachof the several bench supporting portions 15} is such that thelowerleg sections 14am disposed laterally-outwardly ofzthe vertical planes ofthe opposite longitudinal. sidev edges of the table top l. The longitudinal spacingv between the opposite pairs of primary legs .andthe lateral-. spacing 0f the lower leg sections-=14 o f each pair thereof provides. for an extremely large base of support for the table so thataccidental tippingthereof W-hen-inan operative condition is extremely unlikely.

In accordance with the presentinvention laprovide a pair -of-. elongated. benches 21 and 22 together withnovel mountingmeans. therefor now to be described. The bench 21 is mounted-on-apair of mounting brackets. 23 each comprising relatively short arms. 24 a relatively long arm-25 and .-a connecting portion 26-integrallyv formed therewith. As shown, thebench 21 is bolted'or' otherwise sec-uredto the outer end portions of the arms 25 whereas-theouter'ends ofthe relatively short arms-24am pivotally connected tothe ends of the downturneddc;- pendingportions '8 of the frame 2 as indicated at 27 for pivotal swingingmovements about T an axis-extending longitudinally of .the table top 1. The several dimensions of the depending portions sand the brackets 23 are such that the bench 21 ismovable between anoperative'position, wherein.itrests-upon the bench supporting portions 15 of the primary legs 9 and 11, andan inoperative storage position wherein the bench 21 is in overlying substa'n tia-llyfaC'e-tO-fac'erelationship with the top surface of the tabletop 1. It is important to note that the "brackets -23'-are' disposed in'the same plane as the end frame members 5 and'6', and that the angularly disposed portions 18 of the adjacent-primary legs 9 and 1.1 are'o'f such a length, that, when the 'bench 21 and its associated brackets-23 aremoved'to their bench operativev positions, the brackets 23*engage the-upper leg sectionsv i'firand bench supporting portions 15' of the legs. 9 and 11 to positively lock. the same against swinging-movements-of said primary legs toward their inoperative positions pargravity against accidental displacement in both its operative position below the horizontal plane of the table top and resting on the bench supporting portions 15, and in its ln'operative position in overlying relationship to the table top as indicated in Fig. 4.

The bench 22 is identical to the bench 21 and is movable between an operative position adjacent the vertical plane of the adjacent longitudinal edge of the table top 1 and below the horizontal plane thereof, wherein the bench 22 rests upon the bench supporting portions 15 of the primary legs 10 and 12, and an inoperative storage position in substantially face-to-face relationship with the top surface of the table top 1. The bench 22 is mounted to such movements by means of a pair of brackets 28 which operate in the same manner as do the brackets 23 associated with the bench 21. The brackets 28 each comprise relatively long and short parallel arms 29 and 30 respectively and a connecting arm 31. The bench 22 is bolted or otherwise rigidly secured to the free end portions of the arms 29 whereas the free ends of the arms 30 are pivotally secured to the lower ends of the adjacent depending portions 8 of the frame 1 and as indicated at 32. The arms 29 and 30 of the brackets 28 engage the bench supporting portions 15 and upper leg sections 30 of the primary legs 10 and 12, whereby to assist the brackets 23 in locking the opposite pairs of primary legs against swinging movement toward their inoperative positions when the bench 22 is moved to its operative position as shown in Fig. 2 and by dotted lines in Fig. 4. The arms 29 and 30 of the brackets 28 are extended beyond the connecting arm 31 to provide auxiliary legs 33 and 34 respectively to the ends of which are secured caster wheels or the like 35. The brackets 28 are preferably made from metal tubing and, like the brackets 23 are of much lighter weight than their associated bench 22. Thus when the bench 22 is moved to its operative position of Figs. 1 and 2 and as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 4, or to its inoperative storage position as shown in Fig. 4, said bench 22 is held by gravity against accidental displacement. It will be further noted with reference to Figs. 2 and 4 that the brackets 28 are of such dimensions that the caster wheels 35 readily clear the underlying ground or floor, indicated at X, when the bracket 28 and bench 22 are moved between their operative and inoperative positions. When the brackets 28 and bench 22 are moved to their operative position of Fig. 2, it will be seen that the caster wheels 35 are located directly beneath the longitudinal center of the table top 1 where they are out-of-the-way of persons seated on the benches 21 and 22. Also with reference to Fig. 4 it will be seen that when the brackets 28 and bench 22 are moved to their inoperative positions, the caster wheels 35 are disposed laterally outwardly of the vertical plane of the adjacent primary legs 10 and 12 for a purpose now to be described. In use, my novel table and bench structure is disposed on the floor X as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. When it is desired to store the same the benches 21 and 22 and their associated parts are moved from their operative positions shown by dotted lines in Fig. 4 to their inoperative positions as shown by full lines in Flg. 4. Thereafter, the operator grasps one of the primary legs 9 or 11 and rotates the entire structure in a counterclockwise direction to its position of Fig. with the entire structure resting on the caster wheel-equipped auxiliary legs 33 and 34. The opposed pairs of primary legs are then swung to their inoperative storage positions generally parallel to and adjacent the table top 1 as shown in Figs. 6 to 8 inclusive. The caster wheels 35 permit the table to be readily moved to a designated place of storage. It will be noted, with reference to Figs. 5 and 6, that when the structure is in its inoperative storage position, that the table top is laterally ofiset from its pivotal connection to the brackets 28, the weight of the table being borne partly by the pivotal connection 32 and partly by engagement of its top surface with the top surface of the bench 22. The laterally offset disposition of the table top to its pivotal connections 32 with the brackets 28 renders the table top and structure carried thereby gravity biased against accidental rotation in a clockwise direction with respect to Figs. 5 and 6. With this arrangement, the necessity for locking devices to hold the several component elements of the structure in their folded inoperative positions, is obviated. Setting up the structure for use is accomplished in the reverse manner as described in connection with the folding thereof. The primary legs are first swung to their operative positions normal to the table top as indicated in Fig. 5. The operator then grasps the uppermost primary legs and rotates the entire structure in a clockwise direction with respect to Fig. 5, the caster wheels on the auxiliary legs 34 and the lower ends of the primary legs 10 and 12 acting as fulcrums on the floor X during this rotation. After the table has been placed in an upright position on the floor X, the benches 21 and 22 are then swung into their operative positions of Fig. 2 and the entire structure is locked against accidental collapse as hereinbefore described.

My invention has been thoroughly tested and found to be completely satisfactory for the accomplishment of the objectives set forth; and while I have shown and described a commercial embodiment of my novel bench equipped table structure, it will be understood that the same is capable of modification without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

What I claim is:

l. A table and bench structure comprising a normally horizontally disposed table top and normally depending primary legs, a bench extending longitudinally of one edge of the table top and pivotally connected to the table top for swinging movements between a normal operative position adjacent the vertical plane of one longitudinal edge of the table top and below the horizontal plane thereof and an inoperative position in overlying face-toface relationship with the table top, and auxiliary legs mounted for common swinging movements with said bench, said auxiliary legs extending in a direction parallel to the plane of said bench and generally normal to the longitudinal dimension of the bench, said auxiliary legs being disposed below said table top and inwardly of the adjacent edge thereof when said bench is in its operative position and projecting laterally outwardly beyond said table and primary legs when said bench is moved to its inoperative position, said auxiliary legs being of a length to permit free swinging movements thereof below the table top between operative and inoperative positions of said bench, whereby when said bench and auxiliary legs are moved to their bench inoperative positions the entire structure may be rotated as a unit to a storage position wherein said table top and bench are disposed in vertical planes and supported by said auxiliary legs.

2. A table and bench structure comprising a normally horizontally disposed table top and normally depending primary legs, a bench extending longitudinally of one edge of the table top, means pivotally connecting the bench to the table top for swinging movements between a normal operative position adjacent the vertical plane of one longitudinal edge of the table top and below the horizontal plane thereof and an inoperative position in overlying face-to-face relationship with the table top, and auxiliary legs mounted for common swinging movements with said bench, said auxiliary legs extending in a direction parallel to the plane of said bench and generally normal to the longitudinal dimension of the bench, said auxiliary legs being disposed below said table top and inwardly of the adjacent edge thereof when said bench is in its operative position and projecting laterally outwardly beyond said table and primary legs when said bench is moved to its inoperative position, said auxiliary legs being of a length to permit free swinging movements thereof below the table top between operative and inoperative positions of said bench, whereby when said bench and auxiliary legs are moved to their bench inoperative positions the entire structure may be rotated as a unit to a storage position wherein said table top and bench are disposed in vertical planes and supported by said auxiliary legs.

3. A table and bench structure comprising a normally horizontally disposed table top and normally depending primary legs, a bench extending longitudinally of one longitudinal edge of the table top, means pivotally connecting the bench to the table top for swinging movements between a normal operative position adjacent the vertical plane of one longitudinal edge of the table top and below the horizontal plane thereof and an inoperative position in overlying face-to-face relationship with the table top, said means including auxiliary legs extending in 'a direction parallel to the plane of said bench andgenerally normal to the longitudinal dimension of the bench, said auxiliary legs being disposed below said tabletop and inwardly of the adjacent longitudinal edge thereof when said bench is in its operative position and projecting laterally outwardly beyond said table and primary legs When said bench is moved to its inoperative position, said auxiliary legs being of a length to permit free swinging movements thereof below the table top between operative and inoperative positions of said bench, whereby when said bench and auxiliary legs are moved to their bench inoperative positions" the entire. structure may be r0- tated as a unit to a storage position wherein said table top and bench are disposed in vertical planes and supported by said auxiliary legs.

4. A table, and bench structure comprising a normally horizontally disposed table top and normally dependingrprimary legs, the primary legs having bench supporting portions, a bench extending longitudinally of one longitudinal edge of the table top, and means pivotally connecting the bench to the table top for swinging movements between a normal operative position wherein said bench rests upon the said bench supporting portions and is disposed adjacent the vertical plane of one longitudinal edge of the table top and below the horizontal plane thereof and an inoperative position in overlying face-to-face relationship with the table top, said means including auxiliary legs extending in a direction generally'parallel to the plane of said bench and generally normal to the longitudinal dimension of the bench, said auxiliary legsbeing disposed below the table top and'inwardly of'the adjacent longitudinal edge thereof when said benchis in its operative position and projecting laterally outwardly beyond said table and primary legs and the bench supporting portions thereof when said bench is moved to its inoperative position, said auxiliary legs being of a length to permit free swinging. movements thereof below the table top between operative and inoperative positions of said bench, whereby when said bench and auxiliary legs are moved to their benchinoperative. positions the entire structure may be rotated as a unit to a storage position wherein said tabletop and bench are disposed in vertical planes and supported by said auxiliary legs;

5; A' table and bench structure comprising a normally horizontally disposedtable top and normally depending primary legs spaced longitudinally of the table top, said legs each defining a generally horizontally disposed bench supporting portion, a bench extending longitudinally of one longitudinal edge of the table top, means pivotally connecting the benchto the table top for swinging movements between a normal operative positionwherein said bench rests upon said bench supporting portions and is located adjacent the vertical plane of one longitudinal edge of .the tabletop and below the horizontal plane thereof and an inoperative position in overlying face-to-face relationship with the table top, said means-including auxiliary legs extending in a direction generally parallel to the plane of the bench and generally normalto the longitudinal dimension of the bench, said auxiliary legs being disposed below said table top and inwardly, of the adjacent longitudinal edge thereof when said benchis in its operative position and projecting laterally outwardly beyondlsaidtableand primary legs and said supporting portions when said bench is in its inoperative position, said auxiliary legs being of a length to permit free swinging movements thereof below the table top between operative and inoperative positions of said bench, whereby when said bench and auxiliary legs are .moved to their bench inoperative positions the entire-structuremay be rotated as a unit to a storage position wherein said tabletop and bench are disposed in vertical planes and supported by said auxiliary legs.

6. A table and bench structure comprising a normally horizontal table top and primary legs hingedly mounted to said table top in spaced relationship longitudinally of the table top for limited swinging movements between operative positions generally normal to the table top and inoperative positions generally parallel to the table top, a bench extending longitudinally of one longitudinal edge of the table top and pivotally connected to the table top for swinging movements between a normal operative position adjacent the verdeal plane of one longitudinalv edge of; thetabletop and below the horizontal plane thereof and ansinoperative position in overlying. face-to-facerelationship with the table top, and auxiliaryv legsmounted'for common swinging, movements with said bench, said auxilr iary legs extending in a direction generally parallel: to the plane of said bench and generally normal, tofthe longitudinal dimensionof the bench, said auxiliary: legs being disposed belowsaid table top and inwardly of the adjacent longitudinaledge thereof when 'said' bench is in its operative position and projecting laterally outwardly beyond said table top and primary legs when said bench is moved to its inoperative position, said auxiliary legs being of .alength-to spermittfree swinging movements thereof below the table top between opera tive and inoperative positions of said bench,, whereby when said bench and auxiliary legs are movedito their bench inoperative positions the entire structure: may'b'e rotated as a unit to a storage position wherein said table top and bench are disposed in vertical planes and supported by said auxiliary legs, said primary legs, when moved to their storage position in substantially parallel relationship to said table top being disposed between said auxiliary legs.

7. A table and bench structure comprising a frame; a normally horizontally disposed table top anchored to said frame, primary supporting legs normally depending from spaced portions of said frame, a bench extending longitudinally of one edge of the table top and pivotally connected to said frame for swinging movements between a normal operative position adjacent the vertical plane of one longitudinal edge of the table top and below the horizontal plane thereof and an inoperative position in overlying face-to-face relationship with the table top,,and auxiliary legs operatively associated with said bench and mounted for common swinging movements therewith, said auxiliary legs extending in a direction generally parallelto the plane. of said bench and generally normalto the longitudinal dimension of the bench, said auxiliary'legs being disposed below said table top and frame and inwardly of the adjacent edge thereof when said bench is in its operative position and projecting laterally outwardly beyond said table and primary legs when said bench is moved to its inop-' erative position, said, auxiliary legs being of alength to permit free swinging movementsrthereof below said table top and frame between operative and inoperative positions of said bench, whereby'when saidbench and auxiliary legsaremoved'to their bench inoperative positions the entire structure maybe: rotated as a unit to a storage position wherein'saidtable topv and bench are disposed in vertical planes and supported with said frame by said auxiliary legs.

8. A table and bench structure comprising a generally rectangular frame, a normally horizontal table top rigidly anchored to said. frame, primary legs hingedly mounted to said frame inv spaced relationship longitudinally of the table top for limited swinging movements about axes parallel to the table top and extending transverselyof the length thereof andbetween. operative positions generally normal to the table top.andinoperativepositions generally'parallel to the table top, a bench extending longitudinally of one longitudinal edge of the table top and pivotally connected tothe frame for swinging movements about an axis extending longitudinally of the table top and between a'normal operative'position adjacent the vertical plane of one longitudinal edge of the table top and below the horizontal plane thereof and an inoperative position in overlying face-to-face relationship with the table top, and auxiliary legs operatively associated with said bench and mounted for common swinging movements therewith, saidv auxiliary legs extending in a directionparallel to the planeof said-bench and generally normal to the longitudinal dimension of the bench, said auxiliary legs being disposed below said table top and frame and inwardly of the adjacent longitudinal edge thereof when said bench is in its operative position and projecting laterally outwardly beyond said table and primary legs when said bench is moved to its inoperative position, said auxiliary legs being of a length to permit free swinging movements thereof below the table top and frame between operative and inoperative positions of said bench, whereby when said bench and auxiliary legs are moved to their bench inoperative positions the entire structure may be rotated as a unit to a storage position wherein said table top and bench are disposed in vertical planes and supported with said frame by said auxiliary legs, said primary legs when moved to their storage positions being in substantially parallel re lationship to said table top and disposed between said auxiliary legs.

9. The structure defined in claim 8 in which said primary legs define spaced bench supporting portions which are operatively associated with and support said bench when the bench and primary legs are in their operative position.

10. A table and bench structure comprising a generally rectangular frame including a plurality of normally depending frame members spaced longitudinally of the frame, a normally horizontal generally rectangular table top anchored to said frame, primary legs pivotally mounted to said frame in spaced relationship longitudinally of the table top and for swinging movements about parallel axes extending transversely of the table top and between operative positions generally normal to the table top and inoperative positions generally parallel to the table top, a bench extending longitudinally of one longitudinal edge of the table top, means pivotally mounting said bench to said depending frame members for swinging movements about an axis extending longitudinally of the table top and between a normal operative position adjacent the vertical plane of one longitudinal edge of the table top and below the horizontal plane thereof and an inoperative position in overlying face-to-face relationship with the table top, and auxiliary legs on said mounting means, said auxiliary legs extending in a direction parallel to the plane of said bench and generally normal to the longitudinal dimension of the bench, said auxiliary legs being disposed below said table top and frame and inwardly of the adjacent longitudinal edge thereof when said bench is in its operative position and projecting laterally outwardly beyond said table and primary legs when said bench is moved to its inoperative posi tion, said auxiliary legs being of a length to permit free swinging movement thereof below the table top and frame between operative and inoperative positions of said bench, whereby when said bench and auxiliary legs are moved to their bench inoperative positions the entire structure may be rotated as a unit to a storage position wherein said table top and bench are disposed in vertical planes and supported with said frame by said auxiliary legs, said primary legs when moved to their storage positions in substantially parallel relationship to said table top being disposed between said auxiliary legs.

11. The structure defined in claim 10 in which said primary legs define normally horizontally disposed bench supporting portions which support said bench in its operative position, said bench supporting portions extending laterally outwardly of said vertical plane of the table top.

12. A table and bench structure comprising a normally horizontal table top and primary legs hingedly mounted to said table top in spaced relation longitudinally of the table top for limited swinging movements between operative positions generally normal to said table top and inoperative positions generally parallel to the table top, stop means positively limiting movement of each of said primary legs in one direction, a bench extending longitudinally of one edge of the table top, means pivotally connecting said bench to the table top for swinging movements between a normal operative position adjacent the vertical plane of said one edge of the table top and below the horizontal plane thereof and an inoperative position in overlying face-to-face relationship with the table top, said last-mentioned means including a pair of spaced members each engaging a different one of said primary legs to limit swinging movements thereof in the opposite direction, and auxiliary legs operatively associated with said bench and movable therewith, said auxiliary legs extending in a direction parallel to the plane of said bench and generally normal to the longitudinal dimension of the bench, said auxiliary legs being disposed below said table top and inwardly of the adjacent edge thereof when said bench is in its operative position and projecting laterally outwardly beyond the table and primary legs when the bench is moved to its inoperative position, said auxiliary legs being of a length to permit free swinging movements thereof below the table top between operative and inoperative positions of the bench, whereby when said bench and auxiliary legs are moved to their bench inoperative positions the entire structure may be rotated as a unit to a storage position wherein said table top and bench are disposed in vertical planes and supported by said auxiliary legs.

13. A table and bench structure comprising a generally rectangular frame, a normally horizontal table top rigidly anchored to said frame, primary legs hingedly mounted to said frame in spaced relation longitudinally of the table top for limited swinging movements about axes parallel to the table top and between operative positions generally normal to the table top and inoperative positions generally parallel to the tabletop, said frame defining stop elements limiting swinging movements of said primary legs in a direction beyond their operative positions, a bench extending longitudinally of one edge of the table top, and means pivotally connecting said bench to said frame for swinging movements about an axis normal to the axes of swinging movement of said primary legs and between a normal operative position adjacent the vertical plane of said one edge of the table top and below the horizontal plane thereof and an inoperative position in overlying face-to-face relationship with the table top, said primary legs having bench supporting portions for supporting said bench in its operative position, saidmeans comprising laterally extended members each engaging an adjacent one of said bench supporting portions when the bench is in its normal operative position and limiting swinging movements of said primary legs toward their inoperative positions parallel to said table top.

14. A table and bench structure comprising a normally horizontal table top, spaced supporting legs for said table top, means pivotally mounting said supporting legs to the underside of the table top for limited swinging movements between inoperative positions generally parallel to said table top and operative table top supporting positions generally normal thereto, a bench, and means for pivotally mounting said bench to said table top for movements between an operative position adjacent the vertical plane of one edge of said table top and below the horizontal plane thereof and an inoperative position in substantially face-to-face overlying relationship with the table top, said bench mounting means comprising a pair of spaced members each engaging an adjacent one of said supporting legs when said legs are in their operative table top supporting positions to lock said legs against movement toward their inoperative positions.

15. The structure defined in claim 14 in which said supporting legs include generally horizontally disposed bench supporting portions for supporting said bench in its operative position, and in which said spaced members engage said platform elements to lock the supporting legs against movement toward their inoperative positions.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,512,473 Alch June 20, 1950 2,568,622 Hagan Sept. 18, 1951 2,670,031 Melges Feb. 23, 1954

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