April 3, 1962 K. H. WILSON 3,028,197. Filed July 29, Sheets-Sheet 1. a.4%- AT. To RNEYS

Transcription

1 April 3, 1962 K. H. WILSON 3,028,197 NESTABLE COMBINATI ON TABLE AND BENCH STRUCTURE Filed July 29, Sheets-Sheet 1 a.4%- AT. To RNEYS

2 April 3, 1962 K. H. WILSON 3,028,197 NESTABLE COMBINATION TABLE AND BENCH STRUCTURE Filed July 29, Sheets-Sheet 2 2/ E. A. H. H. IEEE 2 a6 INVENTOR. AeAM/7 H. Was ow At TORNEYS

3 7 April 3, 1962 K. H. WILSON 3,028,197 NESTABLE COMBINATION TABLE AND BENCH STRUCTURE Filed July 29, Sheets-Sheet 3 2/ Mo INVENTOR. Akaam/7 HMV/Asom AT ToRNEYS

4 April 3, 1962 K. H. WILSON 3,028,197 NESTABLE COMBINATION TABLE AND BENCH STRUCTURE Filed July 29, Sheets-Sheet 4 v32. /5/G // 4 Y Egil Aa II. Aa 291 3/ fell Arc. 3 A/ 2O & 4 la H. 44 (E a 37- a W J/1 34 East) --- BY INVENTOR. Aaaw/7 A.M/Asom 2-Y A 7. TOPRNEYS

5 United States Patent Office -n 3,028, 197 Patented Apr. 3, ,028,197 NESTABLE COMBINATION TABLE AND BENCESTRUCTURE Kermit H. Wilson, % Sico Manufacturing Co., Eden Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minn. Filed July 29, 1958, Ser. No. 751,791 6 Claims. (C ) My invention relates to a combination table and bench structure; and more particularly, an improved combina tion table and bench structure wherein a plurality of such structures may be easily nested together in a relatively confined area. An object of my invention is to provide a novel and improved combination table and bench structure; the parts of which are readily and easily moved between operative positions either as a bench structure or as a table struc ture, and a stored position; and wherein at the stored position of the structure, a plurality of these combination table and bench structures may be easily nested together in a relatively confined space. It is a further object of my invention to provide a table and bench combination as aforementioned which is stable in all of its positions, which frictionally engages the floor at its bench or table positions but which is readily portable at its storage position. It is a further object of my invention to provide such a combination table and bench structure which does not require locks and latches to maintain the parts thereof in their various positions but which is constructed to be substantially automatic or self-locking to maintain the parts thereof in their desired positions. It is a still further object of my invention to provide a novel and improved combination bench and table struc ture which is easily operated, attractive in design, and not complex in structure or operation but having the advantages and objectives aforementioned. The above and further objectives and advantages of my invention will become apparent in the course of the follow ing specification, claims and attached drawings. Referring to the drawings wherein like characters indi cate like parts throughout the several views: FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of an embodiment of my novel and improved table and bench structure; FIG. 2 is a view in perspective of the structure of FIG. 1 but taken from a different side thereof; FIG. 3 is an end view of the structure of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the parts thereof in different positions; FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view in side elevation, some parts being broken away, taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a view in elevation showing a plurality of the table and bench structures of FIG. 1 in stored posi tion and in nested relationship; FIG. 7 is a view in side elevation taken on the line 7-7 of FIG. 6 and showing the front one of the table and bench structures in its storage position; and FiG. 8 is a top view of the nested table and bench structures as shown in FIG. 6. Referring more particularly to the drawings, an em bodiment of my novel and improved combination table and bench structure is indicated in its entirety by the general reference numeral 10. Table and bench structure 10 has a frame structure, indicated generally by the numeral il, which comprises a pair of laterally spaced generally vertically disposed generally parallel floor-en gageable side frames, indicated generally by the numeral 12. Side frames 12 are preferably formed of tubular stock; and each comprises a generally vertically disposed sup porting portion or frame member 13 and horizontal trans versely extending frame portions 14. Frame portions 14 are preferably longitudinally extended horizontally dis posed tubular members each flattened at each of its ends, indicated by the numeral 15. Each of the ends 15 of frame portions 14 is connected to a substantially conven tional caster element 16 which need not be further de scribed and which provides anti-friction floor engageable elements. Frame members 13 also comprise longitudinal ly extended tubular members which are welded or other wise rigidly secured at their lower ends 17 each to a different one of the frame portions 14 intermediate the ends 15 thereof. Preferably, as shown in the drawings, frame members 13 are disposed generally centrally inter mediate the ends 15 of frame portions 14. Frame mem bers 13 are disposed in common vertical planes and frame portions 14 extend transversely, preferably at right angles as shown, to the vertical planes of supporting portions or members 3 on either side thereof to dispose their caster equipped ends or end portions 15 in laterally out wardly spaced relationship with frame members 13 on either side thereof. There are of course a variety of modi fications which might be made to my preferred frame structure 1 as aforementioned. Merely for example, the parts of frame portions 14 which extend transversely on one side of frame members 13 might be vertically spaced with respect to the parts of frame portions 14 extending transversely on the other side of frame mem bers 13. Also, one part of the frame portions 14 of each side frame 12 might be formed integrally with the supporting portions 13 and a part of frame portions 14 extending to one side of frame member 13 might be secured to said integral member. Frame structure ii further comprises a supporting cross member 18 which is a longitudinally extended tubular member in the shape of an inverted U having laterally spaced vertically disposed side rails 19 and an intermediate connecting rail 20. The free ends of U-shaped cross member 8 which are the lower ends of rails 9 are each welded or otherwise rigidly secured to a different one of the frame portions 14 in laterally spaced relationship to frame members 13. Ends 15 of frame portions 14 define the lateral limits of the frame structure 1; and cross member 8 is disposed inwardly spaced from the lateral limits of frame structure 11 or laterally inwardly of the adjacent ends 15. Frame members 13 extend ver tically upwardly beyond the upper limits of cross mem ber 18 or vertically upwardly beyond horizontal con necting rail 20 thereof. A pair of horizontally disposed cross braces 20a are welded or otherwise rigidly secured each at its opposite ends to a different one of the frame members 3 and the adjacent side rail 19 in vertically upwardly spaced relation to frame portions 14 for strength ening frame structure 11. I provide a longitudinally extended combination bench back and table-top member 21 which has connected to the underside thereof a generally rectangular mounting frame 22 formed of metallic U-shaped channel material with the channel thereof opening laterally inwardly. I pro vide a pair of laterally spaced cross pieces 23 formed of the same channel material as mounting frame 22, which extend at right angles to the longitudinal dimension of bench and top member 21 between opposed portions of mounting frame 22 and are rigidly secured to the mount ing frame 22 by welding or the like or may be rigidly anchored to the underside of the bench and top member 21 in any suitable manner. Each of the cross pieces 23 is connected to bench and top member 21 adjacent a different end of bench and top member 21 but inwardly spaced therefrom. Cross pieces 23 are laterally spaced a distance substantially equal to the spacing between side

6 3,028, frames 12 and form mounting braces for connecting bench 32, which may be rubber or the like, adapted to fric and top member 2 to supporting frame members 13. tionally engage the supporting floor at the operative posi Each of the cross pieces 23 has a longitudinally extend tion of seat 28 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. By referring ing slot 24 which is enlarged at one end as indicated by to FIG. 6, it will be noted that at the inoperative position the numeral 25. Each of the frame members i3 is fiat of seat 28, friction feet 32 are vertically upwardly spaced tened at its upper end and apertured to receive a mounting from and out of engagement with the supporting floor so pin. 26. Each of the mounting pins 26 is mounted in a that my combination table and bench structure 10 is different one of the slots 24 for relative movement therein easily portable since the oniy floor-engaging elements are for mounting back and top member 21 to the upper ends the caster elements 6. When the table and bench struc of frame members 3 for movements between a Sup 10 ture 10 is in use, however, friction feet 32 frictionally ported generally horizontal table-top position, shown in engage the floor to fix the table in position. This elimi FIG. 3, and a generally vertically disposed bench-back nates the necessity of any caster locks or the like; and is position, shown in FIG. 4. Each of the pins 26 is pro a very desirable feature of my invention. vided with a head at one end and a nut or the like at the I provide a pair of brace rods 33 for controlling the other to anchor it in position. For guiding the movements 15 movements of leg structure 30 during movements of seat of back and top member 21 between the positions afore 28. Each of the brace rods 33 is pivotally connected at mentioned, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, I provide a pair one end to a different one of the laterally spaced leg of control links 27 each pivotally connected at one end portions 34 of leg structure 30 by outwardly turning one to a different one of the frame members 13 intermediate end of each of the rods 33 which are journalled in leg the ends thereof and at its opposite end to its associated 20 portions 34 and secured in position by a nut or the like. cross piece 23 adjacent the outwardly disposed longitudi The opposite ends of rods 33, indicated by the numeral nal edge of back and top member 21. Enlarged end 25 35, are inturned each to be journalled in a different one of slot 24 is disposed adjacent the other or inward longi of the side rails 19 of cross member 18 adjacent frame tudinal edge of back and top member 21; and slot 24 portions 4; and further, ends 35 are journalled adjacent extends therefrom toward the pivotal connection of the 25 side rails 19 in the free flattened ends of a U-shaped associated control link 27 to the same cross piece 23. connecting arm 36 to pivotally connect arm 36 to frame Rigid control links 27 pivot about their pivotal connec structure 11. Rods 33 are substantially horizontally dis tion to frame members 13 on a common horizontal axis posed; however, the ends of rods 33 connected to leg between the positions shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to control portions 34 are raised slightly vertically with respect to the movements of back and top member 2 between its 30 ends 35 thereof. This acts to place rods 33 under tension table-top position as shown in FIG. 3 and its bench-back when seat 28 is in a vertical position and which acts as position as shown in FIG. 4. At the table-top position a lock when seat 28 goes over center to its slightly in of back and top member 21, pins 26 are disposed in the clined inoperative position as shown in FIG. 6. Seat 28 at enlarged ends 25 of slots 24 to lock back and top mem its inoperative position, shown in FIG. 6, engages back er 2 at its table-top position. As mentioned, enlarged 35 and top member 21 in face to face relationship when back ends 25 are disposed adjacent the inward longitudinal and top member is at its bench-back position. edge of back and top member 21 so that supporting frame U-shaped arm 36 comprises laterally spaced parallel members 13 underlie back and top member 21 adjacent link portions 37 and a generally horizontal connecting por the inward longitudinal edge thereof and control links tion 38. A longitudinally extended kneeler 39 is pivotally 27 support the outer longitudinal edge thereof to provide 40 connected adjacent its inner longitudinal edge by hinge a stable support for back and top member 21 at its table elements 40 to connecting portion 38 of arm 36. The top position. Further, it should be noted that back and top member 21 at its table-top position overlies frame portions 15 with floor-engaging caster elements 16 under lying generally the outer longitudinal edge of back and top member 2i which further provides a stable structure. A relative upward movement of the inner longitudinal edge of back and top member 2; when it is at its table top position moves pins 26 out of enlarged ends 25 of slots 24 to release back and top member 21 from its table top position and permit relative movement of pins 26 in the slots 24 to the other ends thereof as shown in FIG. 4. Control links 27 are pivotally moved from their inclined positions of FIG. 3 to generally vertical positions of FIG.4, substantially in the same vertical planes as frame members 13 when back and top member 21 is at its bench back position of FIG. 4. It should be noted that when back and top member 2i is at its bench-back position, both it and its mounting means, including links 27, mount ing frame 22 and cross pieces 23, are disposed closely adjacent supporting frame member 13 and in inwardly spaced relationship from the outward limits of frame structure 11 as defined by ends 15 of frame portions 14. I provide a longitudinally extended seat 28 which is pivotally connected adjacent its inner longitudinal edge to connecting rail 20 by hinge elements 29 for swinging movements about the horizontal axis defined by connect ing rail 20 between the supported generally horizontal operative position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the up standing inoperative position shown in FIG. 6. A gen erally vertically disposed inverted U-shaped leg structure 30, formed of tubular stock material, is pivotally con nected by hinge elements 31 to the outer longitudinal edge of seat 28 and depending therefrom. The lower or outer free ends of leg structure 30 comprise friction feet operative position of kneeler 39 is shown in FIG.4, where in kneeler 39 is disposed horizontally and overlies frame portions 14 at the side of frame members 13 away from seat 28, and is supported by frame portions 14. Kneeler 39 may be moved from its operative position as shown in FiG. 4 to its generally vertical inoperative position as shown in FIG. 3 by grasping the inner or trail ing longitudinal edge thereof, which is pivotally connected to arrin 36, and moving the same upwardly; wherein, upward movement of link portions 37 move kneeler 39 toward frame members 13 until the outer or leading longi tudinal edge of kneeler 39 engages the lower ends of frame members 13, as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 6. Link portions 37 are longer than the distance between the piv otal connection of arm 36 to side rails 19 and frame members 13 sufficient to dispose the inner or trailing longitudinal edge of kneeler 39 laterally outwardly spaced from frame members 3 when the leading longitudinal edge thereof engages the lower ends of frame members 13. This acts to self-lock kneeler 39 in its inoperative gener ally vertical position so that the kneeler must belifted vertically and then pulled out along its leading or outward longitudinal edge in order to be moved from its inopera tive position to its operative position. My invention is particularly adapted to be used in schools, churches or the like wherein a plurality of my combination table and bench structure 10 are used to. gether. Generally, back and top member 21 when it is at the table-top position of FIG. 1, is used in con junction with the seat of an adjacent table and bench structure i0. In other words, eating or Writing or the like is done off of the table ahead; and generally, back and top member 21 is not used in its table-top position with the seat 28 of the same structure 10. However,

7 5 it might be so used if desired. When back and top member 21 is at its bench-back position of FIG. 4, it is used with the seat 28 of the same structure 1. Thus, seat 28 at its operative position is in normal co operating seat relationship with the back and top member 2 of the same structure 10 when the latter is at its bench-back position, and seat 28 is at a height coin cident with a seat relationship with said back and top member 21 at its table-top position so that seat 28 is disposed at its height relative to the table-top posi tion of back and top member 21 so that it can be used with an adjacent structure 10. When back and top member 2 is at its bench-back position, shown in FIG. 4, when seat 28 is at its inop erative position, shown in FIG. 6, and when kneeler 29 is also at its inoperative position, my combination table and bench structure 10 is at its storage position. It should be particularly noted that when seat 28 is at its inop erative position of FIG. 6, seat 28 and its associated sup porting and mounting means, including leg structure 30, rods 33, cross member 18, and the connecting hinge elements, are all disposed adjacent to generally vertical planes of said back and top member when it is at its bench-back position; and in fact, seat 28 is in actual en gagement with back and top member 21 at this position. It is also true that kneeler 39 at its inoperative position is disposed adjacent to frame members 13 or adjacent generally vertical planes of the back and top member when it is at its bench-back position. It is a feature of my invention that seat 28 and back and top member 21 are positionable, together with their associated mounting and supporting means in a relatively confined space defined by adjacent laterally spaced gen erally vertical planes which are intermediate the lateral limits of side frames 12 and defined by ends 5 of frame portions 14. The portions of frame structure 11 laterally outwardly of said vertical planes, which includes the ends i5 of frame portions 14 and adjacent portions thereof and caster elements 16, are free of cross connections, that is, the space therebetween is free and unobstructed, and said portions of the side frames 12 are at a height to permit nesting of a plurality of the table and bench struc tures 10 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8. It is clear that by straddling the side frames 2 of adjacent table and bench structures 10 as particularly shown in FIG. 8, the com pact relatively confined seat 28, back and top member 21, and associated supporting structure of one table and bench structure 10 may be moved into closely adjoining relationship with an adjacent structure 10 as shown in FIG. 6. This permits nesting of a plurality of table and bench structures 10 in a relatively confined space. My table and bench structures 10 permit an area of a school, church, or the like, to be used as an auditorium when the structures 10 are in their bench positions or as a lunch room, when the structures. 10 are in their table posi tions, or the area may be cleared for other activities by storing the structures 10 in their nested storage positions. Table and bench structures have been built and tested and commercially produced in accordance with the em bodiment of my invention as specifically shown in the drawings and described. My table and bench structures 10 have proven to be highly desirable commercially and found to be completely satisfactory for the accomplish ment of the objectives of my invention. While I have shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, it would be clear to one skilled in the art that my inven tion as herein specifically shown in the drawings and de scribed is capable of changes and modification without de parting from the scope and spirit of my invention. There fore, I wish it to be understood that I intend to be limited solely to the scope and spirit of my invention as set forth in the following claims. What I claim is: 1. In a combination table and bench structure, a pair of forwardly and rearwardly elongated rigid end frames w 3,028, 197 O S disposed in laterally spaced parallel relationship to one another, each of said end frames being confined within closely adjacent generally vertical parallel planes where by said end frames are relatively thin, rigid connecting structure extending between and rigidly connecting said end frames to fixedly maintain the said relative positions thereof, said connecting structure being disposed inter mediate the forward and rearward ends of said end frames, a longitudinally extended seat disposed to extend between said end frames, means swingably connecting the seat to the end frames for Swinging movements from a generally horizontally disposed operative seating posi tion wherein the rear edge thereof is disposed intermedi ate the vertical planes of the forward and rearward ends of the end frames to a generally upstanding storage posi tion wherein the entire seat is disposed intermediate the vertical planes of the forward and rearward ends of the end frames, said end frames each comprising an upstand ing portion extending above the upper plane of the seat in all positions of the latter and disposed intermediate the vertical planes of the forward and rearward ends of the end frames, a longitudinally extended combina tion bench-back and table-top member extending between and swingably connected to said upstanding end frame portions for movements from a generally horizontal op erative table-top position adjacent the upper limits of said end frame portions to a generally vertical bench back position at the side of said end frame portions adjacent the seat, and means for connecting said table-top member to said end frame portions comprising structure rigid with said table-top member defining a pair of later ally spaced parallel longitudinally extended slots dis posed in planes parallel to said end frames and each dis posed adjacent a different one of said end frame por tions, a pair of pivot pin portions each rigid with a different one of said end frame portions and having a common axis transverse to said end frames, said pivot pin portions each being slidably mounted in the adjacent slot for longitudinal and swinging movements relative to said table-top member, each slot having an upwardly directed notch formed therein adjacent one end which is adjacent the inner longitudinal edge of said table-top member, each slot extending from its notch in a direction toward the outer longitudinal edge of said table-top member, said pivot pin portions being disposed in their said re spective associated notches when said table-top mem ber is at its horizontal table-top position to releasably latch said table-top member at said position, and a pair of rigid links each pivotally connected adjacent one end to a different one of said end frame portions below the planes of said table-top member at its horizontal posi tion and each pivotally connected adajacent its opposite end to said table-top member intermediate the outer longi tudinal edge thereof and the adjacent ends of said slots, said links being pivotally swingable relative to said end frame portions and table-top member about axes gen erally parallel to said pivot pin portions, and said links extending diagonally at the horizontal position of said table-top member for supporting said member adjacent its outer longitudinal edge and said links guiding the swing ing movements of said table-top member, said seat at its storage position and said bench-back and table-top mem ber at its bench-back position being juxtaposed in a gen erally confined space defined by adjacent forwardly and rearwardly spaced generally vertical planes which space is adjacent said connecting structure and intermediate the vertical planes of the forward and rearward ends of the end frames, and the portions of said end frames at one side of said space being free and unobstructed there between and below the horizontal planes of said seat at its storage position and said table-top member at its bench-back position to permit nesting of a plurality of said table and bench structures by disposing the table-top member and seat of one table and bench structure ad

8 e d jacent the table-top member and seat of an adjacent table and bench structure with the end frames thereof in over lapping relationship. 2. The structure defined in claim 1 in further com bination with a longitudinally extended kneeler engaging and supported by horizontal portions of said end frames in over-lying relationship at one side of said end frame portions, and means connecting said kneeler to said end frames for movements between a generally horizontal operative position and an upstanding inoperative position intermediate the vertical planes of the forward and rear ward ends of the end frames and adjacent said confined space The structure defined in claim 2 in which said end frame portions extend vertically upwardly from said hori zontal portions of the end frames and in which said last mentioned means comprises a pair of laterally spaced arms each pivotally connected at one end to the trailing longitudinal edge of said kneeler and at its opposite end to said end frames in spaced relation to said end frame portions in a direction away from said kneeler for pivotal movement of said arms with respect to said end frames about a generally horizontal axis generally coplaner with said horizontal portions of the end frames, said arms be ing longer than the distance between their pivotal con nection to said end frames and said end frame portions so that at the inoperative position of said kneeler the leading edge thereof engages said end frame portions and the trailing edge thereof is laterally spaced therefrom, whereby said kneeler is self-locking in its inoperative position through its connection to said end frames. 4. In a bench structure, a pair of forwardly and rear wardly elongated rigid end frames disposed in laterally spaced parallel relationship to one another, rigid con necting structure extending between and rigidly connect ing said end frames to fixedly maintain the relative posi tions thereof, said end frames each comprising an up standing portion intermediate the vertical planes of the forward and rearward ends of the end frames and a horizontal portion at one side of the upstanding portion thereof, said upstanding portions being in common gen erally vertical planes and said horizontal portions being in common generally horizontal planes, a longitudinally extended kneeler engaging and supported by said hori zontal portions in overlying relationship, means connect ing said kneeler to said end frames for movements be tween a generally horizontal operative position and an upstanding inoperative position adjacent said upstand ing portions, said means comprising a pair of rigid lat erally spaced arms each pivotally connected adjacent one end adjacent the trailing longitudinal edge of the kneeler and adjacent its opposite end each to a different one of said end frames in spaced relation to said upstanding portions in a direction away from said kneeler for pivotal movements about generally horizontal axes, the distance between the pivotal connections of each arm being longer than the distance between its pivotal connection to its associated end frame and the upstanding portion thereof so that at the inoperative position of said kneeler the 3,028, 197 leading edge thereof engages said upstanding portions and the trailing edge thereof is laterally spaced therefrom, whereby said kneeler is self-locking in its inoperative position. 5. A nestable combination table and bench structure comprising frame structure including a pair of laterally spaced forwardly and rearwardly elongated rigid end frame members having upstanding Supporting portions disposed generally centrally of the forward and rearward ends thereof, an elongated normally horizontal seat ex tending between said end frame members, means pivotally connecting said seat adjacent its inner longitudinal edge to said frame structure below the level of the upper ends of said upstanding supporting portions for swinging move ments of said seat between a horizontal position and a O generally upstanding storage position at one side of said supporting portions, an elongated table-top and bench back member extending between said upstanding sup porting portions, means including said upstanding sup porting portions for supporting said table-top member in a generally horizontal position adjacent the upper ends of said upstanding Supporting portions, means pivotally connecting said table-top and bench-back member to said upstanding portions for both swinging movements and transverse movements thereof relative to said upstanding portions between its generally horizontal table-top posi tion and a generally vertical bench-back position at the same side of said supporting portions as said seat and adjacent the inner longitudinal edge of the seat at its horizontal position and to be disposed adjacent said up standing portions and between said upstanding portions and the upfolded seat, whereby said seat and said table-top member will be brought into generally vertical juxta position intermediate the forward and rearward ends of said end frame members, and said end frame members defining therebetween an unobstructed space adapted to receive corresponding end frame-members in overlapping relationship to permit nesting of a plurality of said table and bench structures. 6. A nestable combination table and bench structure comprising frame structure including a pair of laterally spaced forwardly and rearwardly elongated rigid end frame members having upstanding supporting portions disposed generally centrally of the forward and rearward ends thereof, an elongated normally horizontal seat ex tending between said end frame members, means pivotally connecting said seat adjacent its inner longitudinal edge to said frame structure below the level of the upper ends of said upstanding supporting portions for swinging move ments of said seat between a horizontal position and a generally upstanding storage position at one side of said supporting portions, an elongated table-top and bench back member extending between said upstanding Sup porting portions, means for supporting said table-top and bench-back member in a generally horizontal posi tion adjacent the upper ends of said upstanding Supporting portions and for pivotally connecting said table-top and bench-back member to said upstanding portions for both swinging movements and transverse movements thereof relative to said upstanding portions between its generally horizontal table-top position and a generally vertical bench-back position at the same side of said supporting portions as said seat and adjacent the inner longitudinal edge of the seat at its horizontal position and to be dis posed adjacent said upstanding portions and between said upstanding portions and the upfolded seat, said last-men tioned means comprising said upstanding Supporting portions wherein said table-top and bench-back mem ber at its horizontal position overlies the upper ends of said upstanding supporting portions with said upper ends being disposed adjacent the longitudinal edge of said table-top and bench-back member nearest the seat and said last-mentioned means comprising a pair of links each pivotally connected at one end to said upstanding portions and at the other end to said table-top and bench-back member adjacent the other longitudinal edge of said member, said table-top and bench-back mem ber being movable between its said positions over the upper ends of said upstanding supporting portions, whereby said seat and said table-top and bench-back member will be brought into generally vertical juxta position intermediate the forward and rearward ends of said end frame members, and said end frame members defining therebetween an unobstructed space adapted to receive corresponding end frame members in overlap ping relationship to permit nesting of a plurality of said table and bench structures. (References on following page)

9 Re. 3, , , ,102 1,792,737 1,894,502 2,146,932 9 References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Chandler et al May 25, French June 13, Dressler May 31, Jennings Mar. 13, Greenstreet Feb. 17, Taylor Jan. 17, Boman Feb. 14, 8,028, ,509,556 2,548,098 2,717,631 2,745, , , Zimmerman May 30, 1950 Clarin Apr. 10, 1951 Howe Sept. 13, 1955 Thompson May 15, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain Germany Dec. 1, 1926 Great Britain July 31, 1936