Table construction

• US 5,934,203 A
• Filed: 09/19/1997
• Issued: 08/10/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 09/19/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Virco Manufacturing Corporation
• Original Assignee: Virco Manufacturing Corporation
• Inventors: Glass, Peter
• Primary Examiner(s): Cuomo, Peter M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Anderson, Gerald A.
• Application Number:
  US08/932,567
• Time in Patent Office: 690 Days
• Field of Search: 108/50.02, 108/158, 108/156, 248/188.2, 248/188.8, 248/188
• US Class Current: 108/156
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 13/003 Connecting table tops to underframes connecting furniture tubing to non-tubular parts F16B12/42
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/06 characterised by means for holding, fastening or concealing cables
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/0082 Cable inlet in worktop or desk, e.g. grommet
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2200/08 Linkage means with struts between foot and table top
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 87/002 Combination of tables; Linking or assembling means therefor

Abstract

A table construction which can be quickly and easily dissembled for highly compact storage and one which is extremely versatile in use and highly attractive in appearance. A key aspect of the table construction is a novel, attractively sculptured leg assembly that can be used to support one or more table tops of varying configuration. The leg assembly is specially designed and configured so that it can be quickly attached to and removed from the table tops for easy storage and transport of both the legs and the tabletops. Because of the novel design of the leg assemblies, which include a broad, generally fan-shaped upper surface, a single leg assembly can be used to effectively support two adjacent table tops of either a conventional rectangular configuration or of non-rectangular design as, for example, tabletops having angularly extending sides. Each leg assembly is uniquely designed to provide rigid stable support of the tabletops and carries with it a compact connecting tool for use in conveniently connecting the leg assembly to the tabletop.

Claims

1. A leg assembly for use with at least one table having a table top, including an upper surface, a lower surface, and a marginal portion circumscribing said lower surface, said leg assembly comprising:

(a) a leg having an upper portion, a lower portion and an intermediate portion, said upper portion having a socket formed therein;

(b) a connector for connecting said leg to at least one table, said connector comprising;

(i) a first table engaging segment provided with a plurality of bolt receiving apertures and having a table engaging surface disposed within a first plane, said first table engaging segment having a first end having a first width, a second end having a second width less than said first width and angularly, inwardly extending side walls interconnecting said first and second ends, said first table engaging segment further including a tool receiving cavity extending from said first end to a location proximate said second end;

(ii) A second, generally fan shaped extension segment connected to said second end of said table engaging segment and extending angularly downward from said first table engaging segment, said second extension segment having a surface disposed in a second plane, said second plane extending at an acute angle with respect to said first plane; and

(iii) A leg assembly engaging segment connected to and extending from said second extension segment, said leg assembly extending segment having a generally cylindrical portion and a connecting portion received within said socket of said upper portion of said leg.

2. A leg assembly as defined in claim 1 in which said first table engaging segment is provided with a plurality of bolt receiving apertures.

3. A leg assembly as defined in claim 2 in which said leg assembly further includes a bolt tightening tool at least partially disposed within said tool receiving cavity.