Seating apparatus

#The present invention relates to a seating apparatus, and more particularly to a combined table and chair.

#Conventionally, seating arrangements are provided as a separate table and chair. It is known to combine a chair and table, as shown in WO99/34706, for example. This arrangement, however, possesses many of the disadvantages of a conventional table and chair. For example, it is difficult to transport the arrangement, and the user is restricted to facing in one direction.

#FR-2 781 656 describes an alternative arrangement for a table having a single central table leg or post. Mounted for rotation about the post is an articulated arm having a seat rotatably mounted at the remote end thereof. However, the table can become unbalanced. Additionally as the seat is rotated about the post, it also rotates about the table. Accordingly, a person sat working at the table has to move their work around the table as they move the seat.

#A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 is side view of an embodiment of a combined table and chair in accordance with the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

#With reference to FIG. 1 there is shown a table 25 having a table top 10 supported on a table leg 11. Table 25 is supported on the ground by table base 16. As is shown in FIG. 3, table base 16 comprises an upper plate 13 and a lower plate 14. Lower plate 14 is connected to upper plate 13 and table leg 11 by means of bolt 20.

#In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, table top 10 is fixed to table leg 11. Table top 10, table leg 11 and upper plate 13 can be rotated easily with respect to lower plate 14 by means of a glide disc 15 positioned between lower plate 14 and upper plate 13. Glide disc 15 has a central aperture 18 for receipt of bolt 20 and raised or domed portions 17 located around its circumference in order to aid smooth movement of upper plate 13, as shown in FIG. 4. Glide disk 15 is suitably made from nylon but may be made from any suitable material. Alternative arrangements enabling rotation are equally suitable. For example, assemblies including ball-races will be suitable. Lower plate 14 may be fixed to the ground by means of a bolt (not shown), for example.

#Table 25 is attached to a chair 26. Chair 26 has a seat 21 and a chair frame 31. Chair frame 31 connects seat 21 to table 25 at the base of table leg 11. Chair frame 31 is supported on the ground by two castor legs 22, each having a castor 23. The arrangement of table 25 and chair 26 therefore provides that there are only three points of contact with the ground (two castors 23 and table base 16), as opposed to the 8 legs provided by a traditional separate table and chair.