Folding table and chair

Abstract

A folding table and chair each have an unobtrusive folding mechanism that cannot be easily seen when unfolded for use. Because the folding mechanism is not readily seen, folding tables and chairs of a number of well-known and popular styles can be provided that are suitable for use as everyday home furniture. Folding furniture may be particularly desirable for apartment and condominium dwellers who have limited living space and need to occasionally store bulky furniture to fully use such space. The folding furniture of the invention is also easier to move than traditional furniture, including the hinge of the table, which can also serve as a carrying handle.

1 . A folding chair, comprising:
 a back including a plurality of rear legs;   a seat frame assembly pivotably connectable to said back;   a plurality of front legs pivotably connectable to said seat frame assembly; and   a clip configured to lock said front legs in a position generally parallel to said back, when said chair is in a folded position.   
   
   
       2 . The folding chair according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of legs are pivotally coupled to said seat frame assembly. 
   
   
       3 . The folding chair according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a lower support configured to be pivotally connectable to at least one of the plurality of legs.   
   
   
       4 . The folding chair according to  claim 1 , wherein the seat frame assembly comprises:
 an elongated member configured to be pivotally connectable to said back.   
   
   
       5 . The folding chair according to  claim 4 , wherein the seat frame assembly further comprises:
 a seat support member configured to be affixed to said elongated member.   
   
   
       6 . The folding chair according to  claim 5 , wherein said seat support member is welded to said elongated member. 
   
   
       7 . The folding chair according to  claim 4 , wherein said seat frame assembly further comprises:
 a side member configured to pivotally connect to said elongated member.   
   
   
       8 . The folding chair according to  claim 1 , wherein said seat frame assembly comprises:
 a connecting extension configured to be affixed to at least one of said plurality of front legs.   
   
   
       9 . The folding chair according to  claim 4 , wherein said elongated member comprises an ear portion. 
   
   
       10 . The folding chair according to  claim 9 , wherein said ear portion is configured to pivotally connect to said back. 
   
   
       11 . The folding chair according to  claim 4 , wherein said seat frame assembly further comprises:
 a rear cross-member configured to connect to said elongated member.   
   
   
       12 . The folding chair according to  claim 11 , wherein said clip is connected to said rear cross-member. 
   
   
       13 . The folding chair according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a lower support configured to be connected to at least one of said plurality of front legs and at least one of said plurality of rear legs.   
   
   
       14 . The folding chair according to  claim 13 , wherein said lower support assembly comprises:
 a first cross-bar configured to be pivotally connected between two of said plurality of front legs;   a second cross-bar configured to be pivotally connected between two of said plurality of rear legs;   a cross-brace configured to be connected between said first cross-bar and said second cross-bar; and   a knuckle configured to connect said cross-brace to one of said first cross-bar or said second cross-bar.   
   
   
       15 . A folding chair that includes a back, comprising:
 a seat frame assembly pivotably connectable to said back;   a plurality of front legs pivotably connectable to said seat frame assembly; and   a clip configured to lock said front legs in a position generally parallel to said back when said chair is in a folded position.   
   
   
       16 . The folding chair according to  claim 15 , wherein said seat frame assembly comprises:
 a rear portion configured to connect to said back; and   a front portion configured -to connect to at least one of said plurality of front legs,   wherein said front portion is further configured to pivot with respect to said rear portion.   
   
   
       17 . The folding chair according to  claim 16 , wherein said front portion comprises:
 a side member configured to be pivotally connected to said rear portion; and   a connecting extension configured to connect to at least one of said front legs.   
   
   
       18 . The folding chair according to  claim 16 , wherein said rear portion comprises:
 a cross-member configured to be connected to said clip.   
   
   
       19 . A folding chair that comprises a plurality of front legs and a back which includes a plurality of rear legs, the chair comprising:
 a seat frame assembly pivotably connectable to said back;   a lower support configured to be pivotally connectable to at least one of the plurality of legs; and   a clip configured to lock said front legs in a position generally parallel to said back;   wherein said frame assembly comprises:
 an elongated member configured to be pivotally connectable to said back; 
 a rear cross-member configured to connect to said clip; 
 a seat support member configured to be affixed to said elongated member; 
 a side member configured to pivotally connect to said elongated member; 
 a connecting extension configured to be affixed to at least one of said plurality of front legs; and 
   wherein said lower support comprises:
 a first cross-bar configured to be pivotally connected between two of said plurality of front legs; 
 a second cross-bar configured to be pivotally connected between two of said plurality of rear legs; 
 a cross-brace configured to be connected between said first cross-bar and said second cross-bar; and 
 a knuckle configured to connect said cross-brace to one of said first cross-bar or said second cross-bar.