Modular picnic table

Abstract

A picnic table system is provided that is modular in design for ease of storage out of inclement weather when not in use. A bench assembly sits atop two pedestal-type legs and the top and is supported by the upper portion of the pedestal legs. Both the top and the benches are secured with the use of pegs to form a sturdy structure. When the invention is to be moved, stored for the season, or otherwise not needed, the pegs are simply removed and the resultant four pieces, namely the top, the bench assembly, and the two pedestal legs are stored in an upright, on-end fashion, thus conserving floor or storage space. The ability to store the invention inside during inclement weather or during off season allows for increased life of the invention, thus saving the user replacement or repair costs as well. The use of a modular picnic table of the present design provides a firm, stable picnic table area that can be easily disassembled and assembled in a manner which is quick, easy and efficient

Description

[0001] The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document Number 480,778 filed on Oct. 6, 2000. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] The present invention relates generally to a table having separable components and, more particularly, to a system having separable, assembled components that form a table and benches.[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art[0005] In the related art, picnic tables can be found in backyards, parks and campgrounds, and rest stops across the country. While most commonly used as an eating table, it is also pressed into service as a food preparation table, a work surface, a meeting table or the like. While the picnic table is certainly useful and versatile, it does suffer from the drawback that it is stored outside at all times, thus it is subjected to the sun's rays, rain wind, and other inclement weather. For those areas with a severe winter sea...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0023] Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a picnic table system is provided that is modular in design for ease of storage out of inclement weather when not in use. Upon initial observation, the invention looks remarkably like a conventional picnic table with integral attached benches capable of seating up to six adults. But after closer inspection, it can be seen the bench assembly sits atop two pedestal-type legs and the top is supported by the upper portion of the pedestal legs. Both the top and the benches are secured with the use of pegs to form a sturdy structure. When the invention is to be moved, stored for the season, or otherwise not needed, the pegs are simply removed and the resultant four pieces, namely the top, the bench assembly, and the two pedestal legs are stored in an upright, on-end fashion, thus conserving floor or storage space. The ability to store the invention inside during inclement weather or during off season allows for increased life of the invention, thus saving the user replacement or repair costs as well.

[0024] The use of a modular picnic table of the present design provides a firm, stable picnic table area that can be easily disassembled and assembled in a manner which is quick, easy and efficient.

[0025] Advantages of the collapsible design of the present invention, having separate individual pieces held together with pegs, allows for easily assembled and disassembled with no tools needed.

Problems solved by technology

While the picnic table is certainly useful and versatile, it does suffer from the drawback that it is stored outside at all times, thus it is subjected to the sun's rays, rain wind, and other inclement weather.

This extreme weather can induce damage leading to increased repair costs or more frequent replacement costs.

However, this takes a great deal of storage area due to the large footprint and volume occupied by an assembled picnic table.

Images