Table and seating arrangement

A folding table and seating assembly comprising:

• a pair of table tops, each of the table tops having a table top frame;
• seating associated with at least one of the table tops;
• a folding framework comprising:
• a leg assembly for each of the table tops including a pair of legs and supporting the table tops;
• the folding framework folding the table tops between a first use position and a second folded position;
• a rotatably mounted tubular first cross member for each of the table tops rotatably mounted to the table top frame and defining a rotational axis with each of the table tops, wherein an upper end of each of the legs mounts to the first cross member;
• a second cross member fixedly mounted to the table top frame;
• a third cross member fixedly connecting the legs of each pair of legs;
• the third cross member being below the second cross member in the first use position;
• a mechanical strut assembly having a telescoping outer housing, at least one spring within the outer housing;
• the mechanical strut mounting at a first end to the second cross member and at a second end to the third cross member;
• wherein the mechanical strut assembly is adapted to offset at least a portion of forces acting to accelerate and to impede folding and unfolding at different phases of folding and unfolding operations of the folding table and seating assembly.

A method of folding a folding table and seating apparatus between a first position and a second position, the folding table and seating apparatus comprising a folding framework and a plurality of leg assemblies rotatably mounted to the framework, each leg assembly rotating about tubular member extending along an associated axis of rotation;

• the method comprising:
• providing at least one mechanical strut having springs adapted to offset forces resisting or accelerating folding, each of the at least one mechanical struts mounting to the framework connecting one of the leg assemblies to the framework;
• providing a cap snapping into an orifice in the framework aligned with the tubular member and having a substantially cylindrical receiving section receiving an end of the tubular member;
• and
• moving the folding table and seating apparatus from the first position to the second position with folding assistance being provided solely by the at least one mechanical strut.