US3672719A - Combination table and serving bar - Google Patents

Abstract

A PICNIC STYLE OF TABLE IS DISCLOSED, HAVING A TOP WHICH MAY BE ARTICULATED TO AN ALTERNATE VERTICAL POSITION, AND A BENCH WHICH IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE MAIN PICNIC TABLE STRUCTURE AND WHICH IS ADAPTED FOR ALTERNATE DISPOSITION OVER THE VERTICALLY ARTICULATED TABLE TOP SO THAT IN THEIR ALTERNATIVE POSITIONS THE TABLE TOP AND BENCH FROM THE COUNTER AND VERTICAL FRONT, RESPECTIVELY OF A FREE STANDING SERVING COUNTER-BAR.

D R A W I N G

Description

June 27, 1972- B. L. HAUKEDAHL COMBINATION TABLE AND SERVING BAR 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 1, 1971 FIG. 2

\NVENTOR BLANE L. HAUKEDAHL June 27, 1972 a. L. HAUKEDAHL COMBINATION TABLE AND SERVING BAR 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 1, 1971 INVENTOR BLANE L. HAUKEIDAHL June 27, 1972 Filed March 1, 1971 COMBINATION TABLE AND SERVING BAR 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 B. L. HAUKEDAHL BLANE L..

INVENTOR HAUK EDAHL June 27, 1972 B. L. HAUKEDAHL COMBINATION TABLE AND SERVING BAR 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March 1, 1971 BLANE L. HAUKEDAHL June 27, 1972 a. L. HAUKEDAHL 3,672,719

COMBINATION TABLE AND SERVING BAR Filed March 1, 1971 5 Shae'cs-Sheet 5 W 42 zr l. T

27 EF'IG. 10

INNENTOR BLANE L. HAUKEDAHL United States Patent Office 3,672,719 Patented June 27, 1972 3,672,719 COMBINATION TABLE AND SERVING BAR Blane L. Haukedalll, 4139 Mar Moor Drive, Lansing, Mich. 48917 Filed Mar. 1, 1971, Ser. No. 119,527 Int. Cl. A47b 83/02 US. Cl. 297-118 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A picnic style of table is disclosed, having a top which may be articulated to an alternate vertical position, and a bench which is disconnected from the main picnic table structure and which is adapted for alternate disposition over the vertically articulated table top so that in their alternative positions the table top and bench form the counter and vertical front, respectively of a free standing serving counter-bar.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the field of furniture construction and more particularly to a single construction in which is combined a picnic table and a service bar,

Picnic tables are well known, at least in the United States, having practically become an institution throughout this country. Originally introduced by great numbers into the public park systems, they became increasingly popular, and today can be found in the yards of substantial numbers of homes all over the land. This utilization has grown even more in recent years, for a variety of reasons, not the least of which has been the increased popularity of outdoor cooking, the growth of which pastime has been evidenced by an enormous upsurge, in the last decade or so, in the sales of outdoor barbecue equipment, and related items. A corresponding growth has occurred in the picnic table market, which now offers a great variety of such constructions. These range from the traditional, wooden style of construction with large circular legs, heavy cross members, and integral bench seats; to lightweight, collapsible metal constructions hav ing no seats at all. However, all picnic tables are commonly constructed rather simply and in such fashion and of such materials as not to be seriously affected by adverse elements in the out-of-doors. They also usually embody easily cleanable and very durable table and bench surfaces. A primary characteristic of a picnic table therefore, is its particular suitability to use for informal eating out-of-doors, where it may be left exposed to the elements for an entire season or more. And, of course, it is known that appetites and spirits are stimulated by the out-of-doors, so that picnic tables are especially suited for serving without the usual need for neatness and etiquette.

An equally established feature of Americana is that of the bar, which term normally refers to a simple, counter structure over which may be served various items, often food, and more often, beverages; and, in some connotations the term is limited to signify the service of alcoholic beverages, over a large and elaborate, permanent structure found in commercial establishments. In recent times however it has become common to find smaller scale, portable versions of such bars in homes and clubs, and at public gatherings. It is this latter style of bar that is intended hereinafter by references to the same.

Still another mechanical concept, which is generally known, is that of combining structures, which concept implies that two separate implements are combined into one, for convenience. The convenience typically results from having two related implements handily conjoined, or from the compactness effected by a single part forming an element common to each implement. To the extent that single, common elements or substructures are employed for each of the combined, separate implements, a great efiiciency of construction is achieved, because the total number of parts and/ or materials required is accordingly reduced, as is the resultant cost of manufacture; if every such element is doubly utilized, i.e. if it forms an element in each of the combined implements, then a total two for one effect is accomplished, in terms of savings in costs of materials and manufacture. Such an effect I characterize, for the purposes hereof, as construction efiiciency.

With the American population moving out-of-doors, so to speak, and with its increased mobility, there has developed any number of improvements in out-of-door recreational equipment (as for example in equipment for camping, beaching, boating, and the like). These improvements often involve increased portability, and/or compactness, both of which result naturally from the construction efiiciency of combination structures.

In keeping with the spirit of such advances, I have invented such an apparatus, which combines a recreational picnic table and serving bar, so as to afford a great overall advantage in comparison with the characteristics of such units when fabricated separately. Thus, my comb-inatiori is, overall, much more compact, much more lightweight and portable, and much less expensive to manufacture, than would be the case for both elements of the combination as separate units. Also, a greatly increased convenience is introduced by my combination, having a picnic table and bar handily associated in a single structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION ,In my invention I have in particular, developed a bartable combination that approaches a 100% construction efficiency, i.e., efficiency of structural utilization; each structural element of the bar also functions as a structural element in the picnic table, and conversely. The unit convert s between the alternate modes entirely by alteration of the configuration of its parts; there is neither duplication nor superfluity of parts as between the modes. In a preferred embodiment I provide a wooden picnic table having bench seats, at least one of which is non-integral with, or at least detachable from, the main table structure. The top of the table is so joined to its support structure as to be reoriented from horizontal to vertical, to form the vertical bar facade. The detachable bench is adapted for redisposition to an elevated position over the aforementioned vertical bar facade, and secured thereto, with its seat surface forming the bar top or counter. In this mode the bench legs act to support an accessory bar shelf. A similar functional duality inheres in each of the remaining structural elements. For example two of the picnic table legs become bar counter support braces. The unit of my preferred embodiment is particularly suited for use either indoors or outdoors, both by virtue of its structural simplicity and integrity, and by virtue of its appealing appearance.

Accordingly, the objects of my invention are to provide the following:

An article of indoor-outdoor furniture dually utilizable both as a bar and as a picnic table;

A picnic table and a free-standing beverage bar, combined into a single, compact, relatively lightweight and portable implement.

An indoor-outdoor article of furniture which may be quickly, easily and simply converted from a beverage bar to a picnic table, and vice versa.

A simple, inexpensive table construction which may be converted from a picnic style table mode to a beverage bar mode, and which embodies a substantially total efficiency of construction, such that each structural element of each mode is afilrmatively functional in the other.

A convenient, handy, and compact combination table construction, the essential elements of which may be selectively configured as either a picnic table or a beverage bar.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention showing it as arranged into a table configuration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention showing it as arranged into a serving bar configuration; certain leg structures under the top of the bar have been omitted for clarity of presentation.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the apparatus of the present invention, showing it as arranged into a serving bar configuration.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the apparatus of the present invention (arranged into the serving bar configuration), showing a picnic table leg in alternate position as a brace, lending outboard support to the counter-top of the bar.

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the apparatus of the present invention (arranged into the serving bar configuration), showing the bench seat elevated to alternate position as a counter-top, with a horizontal thwart in alternate position as in interior shelf for the serving bar.

FIG. 6 is a full sectional view of the apparatus of the present invention (arranged into the serving bar configuration), taken at section line 66 of FIG. 5, and shows an insulated storage compartment in the stationary bench, and the seat portion thereof hinged thereon for alternate function as a lid for the compartment.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus of the present invention taken at section line 7-7 of FIG. 6, showing a pin-connection upon which the table top is articulated to a support pedestal, and a second pivotal connection upon which the table leg braces are articulated to the table top; the leg braces are shown in the countertop supporting position.

FIG. 8 is a partially broken-away top plan view of the apparatus of the present invention (arranged into the picnic table configuration) showing the seat area of the attached stationary bench, and the larger seat area of the detached bench.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the apparatus of the present invention (arranged into the picnic table configuration), showing an articulated leg brace in vertical orientation supporting the table top.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the apparatus of the present invention (arranged into serving bar configuration), taken at section line 10-10 of FIG. 9, and showing the main frame of the picnic table without the detached bench.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the apparatus of the present invention (arranged into serving bar configuration), taken at section line 1111 of FIG. 9, and shows the detached bench unit of the picnic table.

FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus of the present invention taken at section line 1212 of FIG. 11, and shows from its underside the detached bench construction, including the seat boards, bench legs, and a lengthwise thwart member.

Throughout the drawings like parts are represented by like reference numerals, except that certain parts have dual functions in alternate positions, and these alternate configurations are distinguished by the alternate letters A or B, adjoined to the reference numerals.

I '4 DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Commencing with reference to FIG. 1, the unit of my invention is first seen as a picnic table, which configuration is denoted generally by the reference numeral 11A.

FIG. 2 shows the same unit transformed into a free standing serving counter or beverage bar, which configuration is denoted generally by the reference numeral 11B. The picnic table 11A and the bar 11B are each comprised of the same structural parts, which are merely rearranged as between the configuations 11A and 11B. Furthermore each and every component of the structure is a functional element in each of the configurations 11A and 11B, as will be seen; and thus there is no surplusage, or redundancy, of any structural elements as between the two configurations or modes of use, 11A and 11B.

An initial appreciation of the convertible system of the instant invention may be had by reference to FIG. 1, showing the system as aforementioned, in picnic table mode. The table top 13A is seen supported by swing legs 15A and pedestals 17. The table top 13A is structurally unified by a pair of cross joists 19.

An integral stationary component of the system is the picnic table bench 21, the components of which are the bench seat 23 and bench columns or legs 25, attached to the pedestals 17 by horizontal connector arms 27. A second, detached bench 29A is shown, the components of which are the bench seat 31A, legs 33, seat joists 35, and bench thwart 37A. The bench seat 31A, and thwart 37A are dual purpose elements which perform other functions and are denoted in 31B and 37B in the alternate, serving-bar mode, as will be more fully appreciated hereinafter. The seat 31A becomes the bar counter 31B shown in FIG. 2, and the bench thwart 37A becomes the bar shelf 37B, as shown in FIG. 5. The seat 23 of the stationary bench serves dually as a lid for the insulated storage compartment 24 (see FIG. 6), which lid 23 is shown in alternate, open position in broken line at FIG. 9 (neither the lid nor the compartment is assigned alternate A and B reference numerals because these alternate positions are not associated with the A and B alternate modes; rather, the compartment 24 and lid 23 may be availed of in each of the modes, i.e., in either the configuration of the picnic table (A mode), or serving bar (B mode)).

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, conversion or transformation of the combination unit from picnic table mode 11A to serving bar mode 11B will now be described. The conversion is commenced by rotating the picnic table top 13A upon its pedestal connection pins 39 (in the direction of the broken line arrow of FIG. 1) to a vertical position as a bar front 13B, as seen for example in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6. Prior to rotation of the top 13A, the table legs 15A may be swung somewhat upwardly to give clearance for the rotation. The rotation then causes the hole 41 (through the table top joist 19) to register with hole 42 (through table pedestal 17). The table top 13A, now a bar front 138, is retained in the latter vertical disposition by a retainer or fastener pin (not shown) inserted through the holes 41 and 42. Similarly, the table top 13A may be horizontally retained by fastener pins (not shown) through the holes 45 and 46 in the table pedestal 17 and table joist 19, respectively, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 6. FIG. 4 also shows both of said holes 45 and 46 and also shows how counter-rotation of the table top from the bar position, in the direction of the arrow, causes registry of the holes, for insertion therethrough of a locking implement such as a fastening pin (not shown), for securing the table top in picnic table position. It should be appreciated however that the pin, and the holes 45 and 46, give an increased rigidity as between the table top 13A and pedestal 19, but that the pin and the holes 45 and 46 may be omitted, and are not essential to the stability of the picnic table 11A. Such stability is independently provided by the combination of the pedestal 17 with the legs 15A.

Also shown in FIG. 4 are the table swing legs 15A in their alternate position as a counter brace 15B. This re orientation is accomplished by rotation of the brace 15B about the pivotal connector 47 upon which the brace is interiorly connected to the table top joist 19 as seen in FIG. 6. The other end of the brace 15B is propped under the counter structure 2913 (to be described), and secured thereat by any conventional means, as for example by insertion of the brace 15B into a retaining notch 49 provided in counter joist 35.

The counter top 29B of FIG. 2 is seen to be, in actuality, the detached picnic table bench 29A of FIG. 1. In the transformation from picnic table 11A to bar 1113, the bench 29A is elevated to the counter structure posture 29 B as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4; and secured thereat by pin connectors 51, engaged into registering bores 53 and 54 through the bar top 31, and into the table joist 19, respectively. The legs 33 of the counter top structure 2913 are seen to depend an appropriate distance from the counter top surface 31B, so that bench thwart 37A, now bar shelf 37B, is positioned at a convenient level behind the bar, for holding serving utensils, glassware, beverage bottles, and the like. This particular positioning of the shelf 37B conceals its contents from view, behind the bar. The convenient disposition of the shelf 3713 may be especially appreciated byreference to FIGS. 4 and 6; the legs 33 and shelf 37B have been omitted from FIG. 1, for clarity of presentation.

An additional feature which adds to the overall usability of my proposed device is the storage compartment 24 (see, for example, FIG. 6) which is formed as an integral portion of the connected bench 21. The compartment may be utilized while the general unit is configured in either of its modes, as table or bar. It may be desirable to maintain temperatures of its contents, as for example cold beverages or hot dishes, whether in connection with the bar mode or picnic table mode. To this end I have shown the compartment 24 as lined with an insulating material 55.

In studying specific needs for use of the unit as a bar, I have realized that in certain settings speed of service is essential, and to that end I have shown a form of speed rack 57, in FIG. 9, which is hinged at 56 to the underside of lid 23, and lifts up if needed for use in holding glasses or bottles 59 handy for quick and eflicient mixing and pouring of drinks. The bottles 59 are secured through holes 60 in the rack 23, under which are collapsible socks 58 into which the bottles are cradled. The socks may be of soft cloth or other fabric, so that they and the rack 57, when pivoted downwardly on hinge 56, lie flat against the lid 23. Thus maximum interior space of the compartment 24 is preserved when the lid 23 is down with the speed rack collapsed.

Of course it should also be appreciated that the particular methods disclosed here for articulation of the bench 29A-29B and table top 13A-13B are not critical to the invention; but rather that the invention resides more generally in the idea of any articulation of a table top with a reorientable table bench. Within this notion are many adaptations, modifications, substitutions, and variations obvious to those skilled in the art; and such adaptations, modifications, substitutions and variations are intended to be comprehended within the spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is limited only by the hereinafter appended claims.

I claim:

1. A combination structure comprising:

a pedestal;

a table supported on said pedestal for articulation thereon between a horizontal and vertical orientation;

benches for said table, at least one of which is detached from said pedestal and adapted to be elevated over the upper edge of said table in the vertical orientation; and

means for securing said detached bench so elevated, to

said table top;

whereby said combination structure is reversibly convertible from a table to a serving bar.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 where said articulation of said table is comprised of pivotal means.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the said pivotal point of said table is laterally offset from the center thereof; and wherein also is included the additional element comprising:

at least one support leg for said table pivotally suspended therefrom and oifset from the center thereof oppositely from the ofiset direction of said pivotal point;

whereby support and stability is provided for said table.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said means for securing said detachable bench in said counter-top orientation are more specifically formed of the combination comprising:

means for fastening one edge of said counter-top to the upper edge of said vertically disposed table; and

said table support leg, pivoted to have its free end braced under the other edge of said counter-top.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 with the additional element comprising:

a storage compartment in said attached bench seat;

and wherein said detached seat bench is also a cover for said compartment.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said bench seat storage compartment is insulated.

7. The apparatus of claim 4 with the additional elementh comprising a shelf under the seat of said detached benc 8. The apparatus of claim 5 with the additional element comprising:

a speed rack collapsibly attached to the underside of said cover for said compartment.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,604,373 7/ 1952 Beriou 312241 2,743,145 4/1956 Edwards 108-11 3,101,061 8/1963 Amend 10811 3,233,942 2/ 1966 Creutz 297-118 2,812,227 11/1957 Hill 297-193 X 1,659,840 2/1928 Smith 297-159 X 3,334,942 8/1967 Breslow 2971 18 X 3,230,006 1/1966 Sokolis I- 297193 FRANCIS K. ZUGEL, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R..

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