OUTDOOR FURNITURE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/740,267, filed on Dec. 30, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet of the present application is hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0002]The present disclosure generally relates to outdoor furniture.

Description of the Related Art

[0003]Some picnic tables can utilize a design where the benches and table are connected together. The legs of the picnic tables can be formed from extruded piping and curved to connect the table with the bench. The legs extend downward from the bottom of the bench before curving inward toward the table and upward to connect to the table, which generally forms an elongated U-design. The curved shape of the leg can result in a gap between the downward portion of the leg directly beneath the seat and the ground. When a person applies weight on the bench (e.g., sit, stand, etc.), their center of mass can be positioned above this gap created by the curved leg. This can cause the bench and table to be unbalanced, which can cause the table to move, tip, or wobble.

[0004]These issues of instability when weight is applied to the bench may be compounded by uneven ground, as picnic tables are often located outside in settings with uneven ground. This problem of instability and wobbling can lead to discomfort and irritation for users of the table and can pose a safety hazard to people using the table.

[0005]Some picnic table legs attempt to solve this problem by utilizing curved legs that extend outside the footprint of the bench. However, this can create a tripping hazard for individuals walking past the table, as the bent table leg can be in their walking path. A user can trip on the bent bar, or even get their foot caught in the gap created by the bend in the curved leg underneath the bench as they walk past. This design can also complicate manufacturing processes, as the bend in the curved table leg cannot be made too tight without reducing the strength of the leg and increasing the risk of the leg breaking under weight. Furthermore, the shape of the leg can be more prone to flexing when weight is placed on the bench. This increased risk of breakage and flexing may require a manufacturer to use thicker legs, increasing material and manufacturing costs.

[0006]There exists a need for outdoor furniture that provides greater stability than conventional outdoor furniture without introducing tripping hazards, undue risks of the legs breaking, or significantly increased manufacturing costs.

SUMMARY OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0007]The present disclosure provides embodiments of outdoor furniture that has a connected table and bench. The bench can include leg assemblies that provide greater stability. While the present disclosure primarily describes the leg assembly in the context of an outdoor picnic table, the leg assembly may also be used in park benches, park tables, indoor tables, or other seating arrangements.

[0008]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table including: a table member; a seating member; and a leg assembly including: a first leg extending from the seating member in a first direction, the first leg coupled to the seating member at a first end; and a second leg including a first portion, a transition portion, a second portion, and a protrusion, wherein the first portion extends in the first direction and the second portion extends in a second direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first direction, wherein a first end of the transition portion extends in the first direction and transitions to the second direction at a second end of the transition portion, wherein a second end of the first leg is coupled to the second portion, wherein the protrusion extends distally in the second direction from the coupling of the first leg and second leg.

[0009]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein the first leg and the second leg form a T-shape. In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein the second leg is configured to at least partially contact a ground surface at a point in line with an axis defined by the first leg. In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein the protrusion is configured to at least partially contact a ground surface. In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein the protrusion extends away from the table member beyond a center of gravity of the seating member.

[0010]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein a distance between the table member and the seating member can be adjusted by adjusting a length of the second portion of the second leg.

[0011]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein at least a portion of the first leg or the second leg, has a circular cross section. In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein at least a portion of the first leg or the second leg, has a rectangular cross section. In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein at least a portion of the first leg and a portion of the second leg have different shaped cross sections.

[0012]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table including: a table member; a seating member; and a leg assembly including: a first leg extending from the seating member in a first direction, the first leg coupled to the seating member at a first end of the first leg; and a second leg including a first portion, a transition portion, a second portion, and a protrusion; wherein: the first portion extends in the first direction and the second portion extends in a second direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first direction; a first end of the transition portion extends in the first direction and transitions to the second direction at a second end of the transition portion; a second end of the first leg is coupled to the second portion of the second leg; and the protrusion extends distally in the second direction from the coupling of the first leg and second leg beyond a center of gravity of the seating member to increase stability of the table.

[0013]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein the first leg and the second leg form a T-shape.

[0014]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein the second leg is configured to at least partially contact a ground surface at a point in line with an axis defined by the first leg.

[0015]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein the protrusion is configured to at least partially contact a ground surface distal of the point in line with the axis defined by the first leg.

[0016]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein at least a portion of the seating member is positioned distal of the protrusion.

[0017]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein a distance between the table member and the seating member can be adjusted by adjusting a length of the second portion of the second leg.

[0018]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein the seating member further includes a plurality of leg coupling locations arranged along a width of the seating member, wherein the leg assembly can be removably coupled to one or more of the plurality of leg coupling locations along the width of the seating member to adjust a distance between the table member and the seating member.

[0019]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein at least a portion of the first leg or the second leg has a circular cross section.

[0020]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein at least a portion of the first leg and a portion of the second leg have different shaped cross sections.

[0021]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a bench including: a seating member; and a leg assembly configured to support the seating member, the leg assembly including: a first leg extending vertically from the seating member, the first leg coupled to the seating member at a first end of the first leg; a second leg extending horizontally in a forward-rearward direction, wherein a second end of the first leg is coupled to the second leg between a forward end and a midpoint of the second leg; and a back rest positioned rearward of the first leg and the seating member, the back rest connected to the seating member by one or more connection members; wherein the second leg extends in the rearward direction beyond a center of gravity of the back rest and extends in the forward direction beyond a center of gravity of the seating member to increase stability of the bench.

[0022]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a bench, wherein a distance between the seating member and the back rest can be adjusted by adjusting a length of the one or more connection members.

[0023]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a bench, wherein the first leg and the second leg form a T-shape.

[0024]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a bench, wherein the second leg is configured to at least partially contact a ground surface at a point in line with an axis defined by the first leg, and the second leg is configured to at least partially contact the ground surface forward and rearward of the point in line with the axis defined by the first leg.

[0025]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a bench, wherein the second leg extends away from the seating member in the forward direction beyond a periphery of the seating member.

[0026]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a bench, wherein the second leg extends away from the seating member in the rearward direction beyond a periphery of the back rest.

[0027]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a bench, wherein the seating member further includes a plurality of connection member coupling locations arranged along a width of the seating member, wherein the connection members can be removably coupled to one or more of the plurality of connection member coupling locations along the width of the seating member to adjust a distance between the back rest and the seating member.

[0028]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table including: a horizontal table surface; a horizontal seating surface; and a plurality of leg assemblies, each leg assembly including: a first leg extending vertically from the seating surface, the first leg coupled to the seating surface at a top end of the first leg; and a second leg including a vertical portion, a horizontal portion, a curved transition portion connecting the vertical portion and the horizontal portion, and a horizontal protrusion, wherein the vertical portion extends vertically from the table surface and the second portion extends horizontally beneath the seating surface; wherein: a first end of the transition portion extends vertically and transitions to extend horizontally at a second end of the transition portion; a bottom end of the first leg is coupled to the horizontal portion of the second leg; the protrusion extends distally in a horizontal direction away from the coupling of the first leg and second leg beyond a center of gravity of the seating surface to increase stability of the table; and wherein the protrusion is configured to at least partially contact a ground surface distal of a point in line with an axis defined by the first leg.

[0029]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein the first leg and the second leg form a T-shape.

[0030]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein the seating surface further includes a plurality of leg coupling locations arranged along a width of the seating surface, wherein the leg assemblies can be removably coupled to one or more of the plurality of leg coupling locations along the width of the seating surface to adjust a distance between the table surface and the seating surface.

[0031]In some embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a table, wherein the horizontal leg is configured to at least partially contact a ground surface at a point in line with the axis defined by the first leg.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032]Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. The drawings are provided to illustrate embodiments of the subject matter described herein and do not limit the scope thereof.

[0033]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a table.

[0034]FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the embodiment of the table of FIG. 1.

[0035]FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the table of FIG. 1.

[0036]FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the embodiment of the table of FIG. 1.

[0037]FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the embodiment of the table of FIG. 1.

[0038]FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of a table.

[0039]FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of a table.

[0040]FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of a table.

[0041]FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of a table.

[0042]FIG. 9B illustrates a bottom view of the embodiment of the table of FIG. 9A.

[0043]FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of a table.

[0044]FIG. 10B illustrates a bottom view of the embodiment of the table of FIG. 10A.

[0045]FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a bench.

[0046]FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of the embodiment of the bench of FIG. 11.

[0047]FIG. 13 illustrates a first side view of the embodiment of the bench of FIG. 11.

[0048]FIG. 14 illustrates a second side view of the embodiment of the bench of FIG. 11.

[0049]FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a bench.

[0050]FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom, perspective view of the embodiment of a portion of the table of FIG. 1 including a seat positioning mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Table Overview

[0051]FIGS. 1-5 illustrate various views of an embodiment of a table 100 that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the table 100 includes a table member 102, two seating members 104, and a plurality of leg assemblies 120 joining the table member 102 and the seating members 104. According to the present disclosure, the table 100 can include any number of table members 102, seating members 104, and/or leg assemblies 120 (e.g., legs), as desired or required. Various additional example embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 8-10B.

[0052]In the illustrated embodiment, the leg assembly 120 includes a seat leg member 122 (e.g., first leg) that extends downward (e.g., vertically) from the seating member 104 and is coupled to the table leg member 126. The table leg member 126 can include a protrusion 124 that extends distally beyond the seat leg member 122. The protrusion 124 can help to stabilize the table 100 on its resting surface. The table leg member 126 can be coupled to the table member 102 (e.g., at a first, top end of the table leg member 126). In the illustrated embodiment, each seat member 104 is coupled to two leg assemblies 120.

[0053]The table member 102 and the seating member 104 may be generally planar and substantially horizontal to the ground. The table member 102 and the seating member 104 may be configured such that either or both are angled relative to the ground. The table member 102 and the seating member 104 may be angled relative to each other.

[0054]In some embodiments, the table 100 can include one or more seating member(s) 104. In some embodiments, the seating member(s) 104 can be of varying sizes, shapes or distances from the table member 102. The seating members(s) 104 can be varying widths. The seating member(s) 104 can be varying lengths. The seating member(s) 104 can extend beyond a length of the table member 102. The seating member(s) 104 can be shorter than a length of the table member 102. The table 100 can have only one seating member 104 on a side of the table member 102. The table 100 can have multiple seating members 104 on one side of the table member 102. The table 100 can include an asymmetric number of seating members 104 such that there are more seating members 104 on one side of the table member 102 than the other. In some embodiments, the seating member(s) 104 can be curved (see, for example, FIGS. 9A & 9B). The seating member(s) 104 can generally follow the length and/or perimeter of the table member 102. The seating member(s) 104 can be angled relative to the table member 102. The seating members 104 can have varying distances between the seating member 104 and the table member 102. The seating member(s) 104 can be connected to the table member 102 such that the distance between the seating member(s) 104 and the table member 102 is adjustable. For example, the table leg member 126 can have telescoping functionality that can increase or decrease the distance between the seating member(s) 104 and the table member 102.

[0055]In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, both the table member 102 and the seating members 104 have generally rectangular top surfaces with rounded corners. Any other combination of sides or shapes of the table member 102 and/or seating member 104 can also be used, such as circular, square, octagonal, or any other shape. In one example table 100, the table member 102 could be circular, and the seating members 104 can be generally rectangular shapes curved to be roughly concentric with the table member 102 (for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A & 9B).

[0056]In some embodiments, either or both of the table member 102 and/or the seating member(s) 104 may include one or more openings that extend through the table member 102 or the seating member(s) 104, such as illustrated. In some embodiments, the table member 102 and/or any seating members 104 can include a grated surface. In some embodiments, the table member 102 and/or any seating members 104 can be a solid surface. In some embodiments, either or both of the table member 102 and/or the seating member(s) 104 may be treated with a material to make the table member 102 and/or the seating member(s) 104 water resistant, more durable and/or resistant to the elements.

Leg Assembly

[0057]The seating member 104 can be connected to the table member 102 by one or more leg assemblies 120. More than one leg assembly 120 may be connected to each seating member 104. Attaching more than one leg assembly 120 to a seating member 104 on opposite ends of the seating member 104 can advantageously provide support by providing more points of contact with the ground. Each leg assembly 120 includes a table leg member 126 and a seat leg member 122. The seat leg member 122 can be connected to the seating member 104 at one end (e.g., a first, top end) and the table leg member 126 at the other end (e.g., a second, bottom end). The protrusion 124 of the table leg member 126 can extend distally beyond the connection point between the seat leg member 122 and the table leg member 126. The seat leg member 122 can be coupled to the bottom side of seating member 104. The seat leg member 122 can be coupled to the seating member 104 by welding, mechanical coupling (e.g., mechanical fasteners), or any other appropriate means.

[0058]The table leg member 126 can be connected to table member 102. The table leg member 126 can be coupled to the table member 102 on the bottom side of the table member 102. The table leg member 126 can be connected to the table member 102 by welding, mechanical coupling (e.g., mechanical fasteners), or any other appropriate means. The table leg member 126 can include a table portion 127 (e.g., first portion, vertical portion), a transition portion 129 (e.g., curved transition portion), and a seat portion 131 (e.g., second portion, horizontal portion) (see FIG. 1). The table portion 127 can extend down from the table member 102. The table portion 127 may extend downwards in a substantially vertical direction relative to the horizontal table member 102. The transition portion 129 can be rounded such that it has a defined radius of curvature between the table portion 127 and the seat portion 131. The table leg member 126 may be formed by bending a circular pipe. The seat portion 131 can extend distally outward toward the seating member 104 and include a protrusion 124 that extends distally beyond the connection interface between the seat leg member 122 and the table leg member 126. The seat portion 131 can be substantially horizontal relative to the table member 102 and/or the seat member 104. The seat portion 131 can be substantially orthogonal relative to the table portion 127. The table portion 127, the seat portion 131, the transition portion 129, and/or the protrusion 124 can form a unitary member such that the table leg member 126 is continuous along its length.

[0059]The protrusion 124 can extend beyond where the table leg member 126 joins the seat leg member 122 to add further stability to the table 100 during use compared to conventional tables. The protrusion 124 can be within the footprint of the seat member 104. Extending the protrusion 124 beyond seat leg member 122 can advantageously help stabilize the seating member 104 by providing a contact point that extends beyond the vertical axis of the seat leg member 122. For example, the protrusion 124 can at least partially contact a surface supporting the table 100 (e.g., the ground) at a point in line with an axis defined by the seat leg member 122 (e.g., at a point beneath the seat leg member 122) and/or distal of the point in line with the axis defined by the seat leg member 122. The protrusion 124 can extend away from the table surface beyond the center of gravity of the seating member 104 to further increase the stability of the seating member 104 and the table 100. For example, if a user sits on the seating member 104 while leaning outward away from the table member 102, the user's center of gravity shifts away from the table beyond the center of gravity of the seating member 104. However, since the protrusion 124 may extend away from the table beyond the center of gravity of the seating member 104, the protrusion 124 may still contact the ground below the seated user's shifted center of gravity. If a user were to sit on a seating member of a traditional table when leaning away from the table, this can create instability in the table and can lead to injury or further harm. Thus, use of a protrusion 124 on a table 100 as described herein can advantageously provide support for the user's weight and help to reduce, substantially prevent, or prevent downward movement or wobbling of the seating member 104 and the table 100 under a seated user's shifting weight.

[0060]A table leg member 126 can connect the seat leg member 122 and the seating member 104 to the table member 102. The table leg member 126 may be coupled to the seat leg member 122 by welding, mechanical coupling (e.g., mechanical fasteners), or any other appropriate means. As illustrated, the seat leg member 122 can couple with the table leg member 126 to generally form a T-shape.

[0061]In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the seat leg member 122, the protrusion 124, and the table leg member 126 have generally circular cross sections of similar or consistent size. However, any other combination of shapes and sizes of cross sections can be used for the seat leg member 122, the protrusion 124, and the table leg member 126, even in a single embodiment. For example, the seat leg member 122 could have a circular cross section while the protrusion 124 has a rectangular cross section, and the table leg member 126 has a hexagonal cross section. In some embodiments, the protrusion 124 can have a different shape, such as a flattened shape relative to the table leg member 126. For example, the protrusion may be flattened in a fan shape, where the larger side of the fan can be parallel or substantially parallel to the ground surface upon which the table 100 rests.

[0062]In some embodiments, the length of the protrusion 124 can be adjustable. For example, the protrusion 124 can have telescoping functionality to allow a user to increase and/or decrease the length of the protrusion 124. Providing an adjustable length protrusion 124 may advantageously allow a user to adjust the length of the protrusion 124 based on the user's needs and/or environmental conditions. For example, the user can increase the length of the protrusion 124 if the table 100 is resting on an uneven and/or slanted surface to increase the stability of the table 100. Similarly, the user can decrease the length of the protrusion 124 when the table 100 is resting on a consistent or level surface which may reduce the risk of an individual tripping on the protrusion 124.

Support Member and Arm

[0063]The table 100 can include a support member 140, which can add rigidity and stability to the table 100. The support member 140 can be attached to the leg assembly 120 to add stability to the connection between the leg assembly 120 and the table member 102. The support member 140 may be attached to the leg assembly 120 by methods such as welding, mechanical coupling, and/or any other appropriate means. In some embodiments, the support member 140 may connect two or more leg assemblies 120 which may advantageously increase the rigidity and stability of the leg assemblies 120 and the table 100 by reducing, substantially preventing, or preventing movement of the leg assemblies along the width of the table 100.

[0064]The table 100 may include an arm 142 (e.g., folding arm, bracing, etc.) which can add rigidity and stability to the table. The arm 142 can be connected to the support member 140 and/or the table member 102. In some embodiments, the arm 142 may connect the support member 140 to the table member 102 which may advantageously increase the rigidity and stability of the table 100. The stabilizing arm 142 may connect one or more leg assemblies 120 to the table member 102 to reduce, substantially prevent, or prevent movement of the leg assemblies 120 along the length of the table 100, adding stability to the table 100.

Alternative Table Embodiments

[0065]In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the table 200 can include a table member 202, a seating member 204, a leg assembly 220, a seat leg member 222, a protrusion 224, and/or a table leg member 226 which can be substantially similar to the table 100 and its components and/or features as described herein.

[0066]In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the table 300 can include a table member 302, a seating member 304, a leg assembly 320, a seat leg member 322, a protrusion 324, and/or a table leg member 326 which can be substantially similar to the table 100 and its components and/or features as described herein. The table member 302 may have an overhang on one or both ends of the table member 302. The overhang of table member 302 may advantageously accommodate a wheelchair or other accessibility or movable seating device.

[0067]In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the table 400 can include a table member 402, a seating member 404, a leg assembly 420, a seat leg member 422, a protrusion 424, and/or a table leg member 426 which can be substantially similar to the table 100 and its components and/or features as described herein. In some embodiments, the table 400 may only have a seating member 404 on one side of the table 400. This may advantageously allow the table 400 to accommodate a wheelchair or other removable seating device on the side of the table 400 without a seating member 404. In some embodiments, the table 400 may only have a seat leg member 422 on the side of the table 400 with a seating member 404. This may advantageously reduce the risk of individuals tripping when they walk by or use the table 400.

[0068]In some embodiments, the side of the table 400 without a seating member 404 and/or seat leg member 422 may still have one or more protrusion(s) 424 and/or table leg members(s) 426. This may decrease the potential difference in weight between the sides of the table created when the seating member 404 and/or seat leg member 422 are removed from one side of the table 400, thereby reducing or preventing potential movement of the seating member 404 when a user is seated and adding stability to the table 100. The protrusion(s) 424 and table leg member(s) 426 may contact the ground on the side of the table 400 without a seating member 404 and/or a seat leg member 422 which may advantageously increase the stability of the table 400 by adding more points of contact with the ground.

[0069]In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9A & 9B, the table 500 can include a table member 502, a seating member 504, a leg assembly 520, a seat leg member 522, a protrusion 524, and/or a table leg member 526 which can be substantially similar to the table 100 and its components and/or features as described herein. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9A & 9B, the table member 502 of the table 500 can be circular in shape, and the seating members 504 can be generally rectangular in shape and can be generally curved to be roughly concentric with the table member 502.

[0070]As shown in FIG. 9B, the table 500 can include a support member 540 which can include any of the features described for any of the support members described herein including, for example, support member 140. The support member 540 can couple two or more of the leg assemblies 520 which may increase the rigidity and/or stability of the leg assemblies 520 and the table 500, for example, by providing additional points of contact with the ground to support the leg assemblies and the table 500. The support member 540 can couple leg assemblies 520 that are coupled to separate (e.g., adjacent) seating members 504. The coupled leg assemblies 520 can be arranged at approximately 90 degree angles relative to each other. In some embodiments, the coupled leg assemblies 520 can be arranged around the table 500 to equally space the seating members 504. The support member 540 can couple the leg assemblies 520 at a proximal portion (e.g., proximal end) of the leg assemblies 520 (e.g., portions of the leg assemblies 520 proximate a center of the table member 502). The support member 540 can couple to (e.g., extend from) both the coupled leg assemblies 520 at approximately or substantially the same angle. For example, the support member 540 can couple to (e.g., extend from) both leg assemblies at approximately 135 degrees. The table 500 can include a plurality of support members 540, for example, two, three, four, five, six, or more than six support members 540. The number of support members 540 can equal one half the number of leg assemblies 520. In some embodiments, each leg assembly 520 can be coupled to an adjacent leg assembly 520 (e.g., a leg assembly 520 for a first seating member 504 can also be coupled to a second seating member 504) by a support member 540.

[0071]As shown in FIG. 9B, the table 500 can include an arm 542 (e.g., folding arm, bracing, etc.) which can include any of the features described with respect to any of the arms described herein including, for example, arm 142. The arm 542 can couple the support member 540 to the table member 502 which may increase the rigidity and/or stability of the table 500, for example, by providing another point of connection between the table member 502 and the leg assemblies 520. The arm 542 can extend between the support member 540 (e.g. a center of the support member 540) and a central portion of the table member 502. In some embodiments, the arm 542 can be oriented radially with respect to the table member 502. For example, the arm 542 can extend linearly outward from a center portion of the table member. The arm 542 may reduce, substantially prevent, or prevent radially directed movement of the table member 502 relative to the leg assemblies 520 by providing further connection points between the two. The table 500 can include a plurality of arms 542, for example, two, three, four, five, six, or more than six arms 542. The number of arms 542 can equal one half the number of leg assemblies 520. In some embodiments, each support member 540 can be coupled to the table member 502 via an arm 542.

[0072]In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10A & 10B, the table 600 can include a table member 602, a seating member 604, a leg assembly 620, a seat leg member 622, a protrusion 624, and/or a table leg member 626 which can be substantially similar to the table 100 and its components and/or features as described herein. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10A & 10B, the table member 602 can be a square shape, and the seating members 604 can be generally rectangular in shape. As shown in FIG. 10B, the table 600 can include a support member 640 which can include any of the features described with respect to any of the support members described herein including, for example, support members 140 and/or 540. The table 600 can include an arm 642 (e.g., folding arm, bracing, etc.) which can include any of the features described for any of the arms described herein including, for example, arms 142 and/or 642.

Bench Overview

[0073]FIGS. 11-14 depict various views of an embodiment of a bench 700 that is arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 11-14, the bench 700 includes a support surface 706 (e.g., back rest), a seating member 704 (e.g., flat surface, seating top, etc.), a leg assembly 720 (e.g., leg), and a back connection 728. According to the present disclosure, a bench 700 can include any number of support surfaces 706, seating members 704, back connections 728, and/or leg assemblies 720.

[0074]In some embodiments, the leg assembly 720 may include a vertical leg 722 (e.g., first leg) to connect to the seating member 704 and a horizontal leg 724 (e.g., second leg) to stabilize the bench 700 on its resting surface.

[0075]In some embodiments, the support surface 706 and the seating member 704 may be generally planar. In some embodiments, the seating member 704 may be substantially horizontal to the ground. In some embodiments, the support surface 706 and the seating member 704 may be angled to the ground. In some embodiments, the support surface 706 and the seating member 704 may be nonplanar.

[0076]In some embodiments, the bench 700 can include one or more seating member(s) 704. In some embodiments, the seating member(s) 704 can be of varying sizes, shapes or distances from the support surface 706. The seating members(s) 704 can be varying widths (along the axis toward the support surface 706). The seating member(s) 704 can be varying lengths (along the axis parallel to the support surface 706). The seating member(s) 704 can extend beyond a length of the support surface 706. The seating member(s) 704 can be shorter than a length of the support surface 706. The bench 700 can have only one seating member 704 on a side of the support surface 706. The bench 700 can have multiple seating members 704 on one side of the support surface. The seating member(s) 704 can be curved or linear. The seating member(s) 704 can be angled relative to the support surface 706. The seating members 704 can have varying distances between the seating member 704 and the support surface 706. The seating member(s) 704 can be connected to the support surface such that the distance between the seating member(s) 704 and the support surface is adjustable.

[0077]In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11-14, both the support surface 706 and the seating members 704 have generally rectangular top surfaces with rounded corners. Any other combination of sides or shapes of the support surface 706 and/or seating member 704 can also be used.

[0078]In some embodiments, either or both of the support surface 706 and/or the seating member(s) 704 may include one or more openings that extend through the support surface 706 or the seating member(s) 704. In some embodiments, the support surface 706 and/or any seating members 704 can include a grated surface. In some embodiments, the support surface 706 and/or any seating members 704 can be a solid surface. In some embodiments, either or both of the support surface 706 and/or the seating member(s) 704 may be treated with a material to make the support surface 706 and/or the seating member(s) 704 water resistant and/or resistant to the elements.

[0079]In some embodiments, the seating member 704 may be connected to the support surface 706 by one or more back connections 728 (e.g., connection members). The support surface 706 can be positioned at least partially rearward of the seating member 704. Each back connection 728 may be connected to one or more seating members 704 on the bottom side of the seating member 704. The back connection 728 may be connected to the seating member 704 by welding, mechanical fastening such as use of a threaded fastener, or any other appropriate means.

[0080]In some embodiments, the back connection 728 may also be connected to the support surface 706. The back connection 728 may be connected to the support surface 706 on the back side of the support surface 706. The back connection 728 may be connected to the support surface 706 by welding, mechanical coupling, or any other appropriate means.

[0081]In some embodiments, the seating member 704 may be supported by a leg assembly 720. The leg assembly 720 can include the vertical leg 722 which can be connected to the seating member 704 at a first end and to the horizontal leg 724 at a second end. The vertical leg 722 can connect to the horizontal leg 724 at a point between a first end (e.g., forward end) and a second end (e.g., rear end) of the horizontal leg 724. For example, the vertical leg 722 can connect to the horizontal leg between the forward end and a midpoint of the horizontal leg 724. This may advantageously allow a greater portion of the horizontal leg 724 to be positioned rearward of the vertical leg 722 and the seating member 704 to assist in supporting the weight of the support surface 706 which may have a center of gravity that is centered rearward of the seating member 704.

[0082]The horizontal leg 724 of the leg assembly 720 may contact the ground at a point below and surrounding a center of gravity of a seating member 704 which may advantageously stabilize the seating member 704 to prevent or substantially prevent wobbling or toppling of the bench 700. Providing a contact point between the seating member 704 and the ground below the center of gravity of the seating member 704 may reduce the instability or wobbling of the seating member 704 when a user sits on seating member 704. In some embodiments, there may be more than one leg assembly 720 connecting to each seating member 704. In some embodiments there may be more than one leg assembly 720 attached to a seating member 704 on opposite ends of the seating member 704 which may advantageously provide support by providing more points of contact with the ground.

[0083]In some embodiments, a vertical leg 722 can join the seating member 704 to the horizontal leg 724. The vertical leg 722 may be attached to the seating member 704 by welding, mechanical fastening such as use of a threaded fastener, or any other appropriate means. The vertical leg 722 may be attached to a bottom side of the seating member 704. The vertical leg 722 may extend substantially vertically from the bottom side of the seating member 704 in a first direction toward the horizontal leg 724. In some embodiments, the vertical leg 722 can be linear or substantially linear.

[0084]The vertical leg 722 may be attached to the seating member 704 near the center of gravity of the seating member 704. The leg assembly 720 (e.g., the horizontal leg 724) may contact the ground at a point along an axis defined by the vertical leg 722 which may advantageously provide support for the vertical leg 722 and the seating member 704 near its center of gravity. The vertical leg 722 may also be attached to the seating member 704 at a point offset from the center of gravity of the seating member 704. The leg assembly (e.g., the horizontal leg 724) may contact the ground at a point forward and/or rearward of the point along the axis defined by the vertical leg 722. Positioning the horizontal leg 724 to contact the ground surrounding or offset from the axis defined by the vertical leg 722 may advantageously provide support for the bench 700 forward and/or rearward of the center of gravity of the seating member 704, for example, to accommodate the weight of the support surface 706 and/or the shifting weight of a user seated on the bench 700. The horizontal leg 724 can extend away from the seating member 704 and/or the vertical leg 722 in the forward direction beyond a periphery of the seating member 704 which may support the bench 700 as a user shifts their weight forward. The horizontal leg 724 can extend away from the seating member 704 and/or the vertical leg 722 in the rearward direction beyond a periphery of the support surface 706 which may support the bench 700 as the user shifts their weight backward.

[0085]In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11-14, the vertical leg 722, the horizontal leg 724, and the back connection 728 have generally circular cross sections of similar or consistent size. However, any other combination of shapes and sizes of cross sections can be used for the vertical leg 722, the horizontal leg 724, and the back connection 728, even in a single embodiment. For example, the vertical leg 722 could have a circular cross section while the horizontal leg 724 has a rectangular cross section, and the back connection 728 has a hexagonal cross section.

[0086]In some embodiments, the bench 700 may include an arm 742 which can add rigidity and stability to the bench. In some embodiments, the arm 742 can be connected to the leg assembly 720 and/or the seating member 704. The arm 742 may be attached to the leg assembly 720 and/or the seating member 704 by welding, mechanical fastening such as use of a threaded fastener, or any other appropriate means. The arm 742 may connect one or more leg assemblies 720 to the seating member 704 to reduce, substantially prevent, or prevent movement of the leg assemblies 720 along the length of the bench 700, adding stability to the bench 700.

[0087]FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of a bench 800. The bench 800 can include a support member 806, a seating member 804, a back connection 828, a leg assembly 820, a vertical leg 822, and a horizontal leg 824 which can be substantially similar to bench 700 and its components and/or features as described herein.

Adjustable Seating Overview

[0088]FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a portion of the table 100 including the seating member 104 and portions of the leg assembly 120 (e.g., the seat leg member 122, the protrusion 124, and the table leg member 126). As shown in FIG. 16, the table 100 can include a seat position mechanism 950 (e.g., seat adjustment mechanism, adjustable seat distance mechanism) which can allow a user to adjust a distance between the seating member 104 and the table member 102.

[0089]The leg assemblies 120 can couple to the seat position mechanism 950 of the seat member 104. The seat position mechanism 950 can include a plurality of coupling locations 952 (e.g., leg coupling locations, apertures, mounting holes) arranged along a width of the seating member 104. For example, the seat position mechanism 950 can include two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more than 10 coupling locations 952. A user can removably couple a leg assembly 120 (e.g., seat leg member 122) to any of the coupling locations 952 in order to adjust a distance between the seating member 104 and the table member 102. For example, the user can couple the leg assembly 120 (e.g., seat leg member 122) to a proximal coupling location 952 (e.g., a coupling location closer to the table member 102) in order to decrease a distance between the seating member 104 and the table member 102. Alternatively, the user can couple the leg assembly (e.g., seat leg member 122) to a distal coupling location 952 (e.g., a coupling location further from the table member 102) in order to increase a distance between the seating member 104 and the table member 102.

[0090]The seat position mechanism 950 can include one or more fasteners 954 (e.g., mechanical fasteners such as screws, bolts, etc.) to removably couple a leg assembly 120 (e.g., seat leg member 122) to a coupling location 952. In some embodiments, a leg assembly 120 can be coupled to a coupling location 952 using one, two, three, four, or more than four fasteners 954. In some embodiments, the fasteners 954 can be manipulated to couple and/or decouple a leg assembly to a coupling location 952 without the use of tools.

[0091]In some embodiments, a leg assembly 120 (e.g., seat leg members 122) can couple to the seat position mechanism 950 (e.g., coupling locations 952) via a mounting member 956 (e.g., bracket) of the seat position mechanism 950. For example, the mounting member 956 couples the seat leg member 122 to the coupling locations 952. The mounting member 956 can couple to an attachment end 958 (e.g., top end) of the seat leg member 122. The mounting member 956 can be coupled to the attachment end 958 by welding, mechanical coupling (e.g., mechanical fasteners), or any other appropriate means. In some embodiments, the mounting member 956 and the attachment end 958 can be of a unitary construction or form a monolithic design. In some embodiments, the attachment end 958 can be partially or substantially flattened which may allow the attachment end 958 to more easily couple to the mounting member 956.

[0092]The seat position mechanism 950 can be positioned on an underside of the seating member 104. In some embodiments, the seat position mechanism 950 can be positioned at least partially within the seating member 104 (e.g., a cavity of the seating member 104). In some embodiments, a seating member 104 can include one, two, three, four, or more than four seat position mechanisms 950. In some embodiments, the number of seat position mechanism 950 can correspond to the number of leg assemblies 120 to be coupled to an individual seating member 104 (e.g., two). In some embodiments, multiple leg assemblies 120 (e.g., two) can couple to a single seat position mechanism 950. In some embodiments, the seat position mechanisms 950 can be positioned at proximate ends (e.g., lateral ends) of the seating member 104 such that the leg assemblies 120 are positioned proximate the ends of the seating member 104.

[0093]While FIG. 16 illustrates the seat position mechanism 950 in use with the table 100, it will be appreciated that the seat position mechanism can be utilized with any of the tables described herein, for example, the tables 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and/or 600. The seat position mechanism can also be utilized with any of the benches disclosed herein (e.g., the benches 700 and/or 800) to adjust a distance between the seating members (e.g., seating members 704 and/or 804) and the support surfaces (e.g., the support surfaces 706 and/or 806). For example, the connection members 728 can reversibly couple to the seating member 704 via the seat position mechanism 950 (e.g., at a plurality of coupling locations 952) to adjust a distance between the seating member 704 and the support surface 706.

Additional Considerations

[0094]Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include these features, elements and/or states.

[0095]Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0096]While the above detailed description may have shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various embodiments, it may be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and/or changes in the form and details of any particular embodiment may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As may be recognized, certain embodiments may be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from others.

[0097]Additionally, features described in connection with one embodiment can be incorporated into another of the disclosed embodiments, even if not expressly discussed herein, and embodiments having the combination of features still fall within the scope of the disclosure. For example, features described above in connection with one embodiment can be used with a different embodiment described herein and the combination still fall within the scope of the disclosure.

[0098]It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the embodiments of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the disclosure herein should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above. Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, or unless clearly incompatible, each embodiment of this disclosure may comprise, additional to its essential features described herein, one or more features as described herein from each other embodiment disclosed herein.

[0099]Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0100]Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0101]Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added.

[0102]Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0103]For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0104]Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 deg ree, 0.1 degree, or otherwise.

[0105]The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.

[0106]Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.”

[0107]Reference to any prior art in this description is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor in any country in the world.

[0108]The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the description of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

[0109]Where, in the foregoing description, reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. In addition, where the term “substantially” or any of its variants have been used as a word of approximation adjacent to a numerical value or range, it is intended to provide sufficient flexibility in the adjacent numerical value or range that encompasses standard manufacturing tolerances and/or rounding to the next significant figure, whichever is greater.

[0110]It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. For instance, various components may be repositioned as desired. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages are necessarily required to practice the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to be defined only by the claims.