Utility bench

Abstract

A utility bench that may be collapsed and easily transported, having a seating pad, upper frame, lower frame, and multiple support struts. The frames and struts comprise a plurality of strong lightweight tubular components connected by joint components. The bench is easy to assemble and folds compactly for storage. In a first preferred embodiment, the lower frame contains storage connectors for receiving and retaining the support struts when the bench is in a collapsed condition. In a second preferred embodiment, the frame structure is opened along one end of a set of struts, laid flat, and folded in a map-like closed position. The hollow rectangular design of the utility bench provides storage for additional items inside the bench frame such as a wheeled canopy case or other container, thus providing a rolling base for the frame to easily transport the utility bench, canopy, and/or gear to the desired location.

1 . A bench that may be collapsed and easily transported, the bench comprising: 
 a support surface;    an upper frame, positioned in association with the support surface;    a lower frame; and    a plurality of support struts, the support struts connecting the upper frame to the lower frame to form a generally rectangular frame structure.    
   
   
       2 . The bench of  claim 1 , wherein the lower frame, the upper frame, and the support struts comprise a plurality of tubular components connected together by a plurality of joint components.  
   
   
       3 . The bench of  claim 2 , wherein the tubular components are comprised of PVC pipe.  
   
   
       4 . The bench of  claim 1 , wherein the support surface comprises a fabric material covering a rigid rectangular frame.  
   
   
       5 . The bench of  claim 4 , wherein the support surface further comprises a cushion.  
   
   
       6 . The bench of  claim 4 , wherein the fabric material is weatherproof.  
   
   
       7 . The bench of  claim 4 , wherein the support surface is removably attached to the upper frame.  
   
   
       8 . The bench of  claim 7 , wherein the support surface is removably attached to the upper frame by hook and loop fastener surfaces positioned on the support surface and the upper frame.  
   
   
       9 . The bench of  claim 1 , wherein the lower frame further comprises a plurality of storage connectors for receiving and retaining the plurality of support struts when the bench is in a collapsed condition.  
   
   
       10 . The bench of  claim 9 , wherein the storage connectors position the support struts within the generally planar structure of the lower frame.  
   
   
       11 . The bench of  claim 1 , wherein each member of a first set of the plurality of support struts has a first end releasably attached and a second end pivotally attached between the upper frame and the lower frame, so as to allow the generally rectangular frame structure to open and lay flat, and further wherein each member of a second set of the plurality of support struts has a first end and a second end pivotally attached between the upper frame and the lower frame.  
   
   
       12 . The bench of  claim 11 , wherein the generally rectangular frame structure, having been opened and laid flat, is folded in a map-like closed position for storage.  
   
   
       13 . The bench of  claim 1 , wherein the generally rectangular frame structure is sized to encompass a collapsible canopy and wheeled canopy carrying case, so as to provide a wheeled base for the frame structure.  
   
   
       14 . The bench of  claim 1 , wherein the generally rectangular frame structure is sized to encompass a hollow container so as to provide a means for facilitating the transport of objects within the frame structure.