Table with molded plastic table top

Abstract

A table may be sized and configured to nest with an adjacent table to reduce a height of a plurality of stacked tables in a nested configuration. The tabletop may include an upper surface, a sidewall and a receiving portion at least partially disposed in the upper surface and the sidewall. The receiving portion may be sized and configured to receive an engaging portion of an adjacent table when the tables are disposed in a nested configuration. The tabletop may also include a plurality of strengthen members disposed in the lower portion of the tabletop that are sized and configured to support the receiving portion. For example, the strengthening members may include an inner surface sized and configured to support an inner surface of the receiving portion.

Claims

1. A tabletop comprising: an upper portion; a lower portion; a sidewall; a receiving portion at least partially formed in the upper portion of the tabletop and the sidewall of the table top, at least a portion of the receiving portion extending downwardly from the upper portion of the table top and inwardly from the sidewall of the table top, the receiving portion comprising: a first wall disposed at an angle relative to the upper portion of the table top; and a second wall disposed at an angle relative to the lower portion of the table top; a hollow interior portion at least partially defined by the upper portion, the lower portion, and the sidewall of the table top; and at least one receiving portion strengthening member contacting the receiving portion to support the first wall and the second wall of the receiving portion, the receiving portion strengthening member contacting an inner surface of the receiving portion to provide additional strength and support for the receiving portion, the receiving portion strengthening member at least partially disposed in the hollow interior portion; wherein the receiving portion extends about an entire outer perimeter of the upper portion of the table top.

2. The tabletop as in claim 1, wherein the upper portion, the lower portion, the sidewall, the receiving portion, and the receiving portion strengthening member are constructed from molded plastic and are integrally formed during a molding process as part of a unitary, one-piece construction.

3. The tabletop as in claim 1, wherein the tabletop sized and configured to nest with an adjacent table in a nested configuration in order to reduce a height of a plurality of tables in a nested configuration, each of the tables in the nested configuration having substantially the same size and shape; and wherein the receiving portion sized and configured to receive an engaging portion of an adjacent table when the tables are disposed in a nested configuration to reduce the height of the tables in a nested configuration.

4. The tabletop as in claim 1, wherein the sidewall forms a portion of a lip that extends downwardly relative to the upper portion of the tabletop; wherein the receiving portion strengthening member is disposed in the inner surface of the lip and extending towards the outer surface of the lip; and wherein the receiving portion strengthening member is spaced apart from the outer surface of the lip by a gap.

5. The tabletop as in claim 1, wherein the receiving portion strengthening member contacts the receiving portion to support the first wall and the second wall of the receiving portion.

6. The tabletop as in claim 1, further comprising an engaging portion extending downwardly from the upper portion of the tabletop.

7. The tabletop as in claim 6, wherein the upper portion, the lower portion, the sidewall, the engaging portion, the receiving portion, and the receiving portion strengthening member are constructed from molded plastic and are integrally formed during a molding process as part of a unitary, one-piece construction.

8. The tabletop as in claim 1, wherein at least one receiving portion strengthening member contacts the receiving portion at least proximate an intersection of the first wall and the second wall of the receiving portion.

9. The tabletop as in claim 1, wherein the receiving portion is disposed between a plane generally aligned with the upper portion of the tabletop and a plane generally aligned with a lower portion of the tabletop; and wherein the receiving portion strengthening member is disposed between the plane generally aligned with the upper portion of the tabletop and the plane generally aligned with the lower portion of the tabletop.

10. The tabletop as in claim 1, wherein the receiving portion strengthening member extends inwardly from the lower portion of the tabletop and contacts an inner surface of the second wall of the receiving portion.

11. The tabletop as in claim 1, wherein an inner portion of the receiving portion strengthening member contacts an inner surface of the second wall of the receiving portion; and wherein the receiving portion strengthening member allows the receiving portion to be a load bearing surface for an engaging portion of an adjacent table when the table top is disposed in a nested configuration with one or more table tops.

12. The tabletop as in claim 1, wherein the strengthening member extends upwardly from the lower portion of the tabletop and contacts an inner surface of the second wall of the receiving portion.

13. A tabletop sized and configured to nest with an adjacent table in a nested configuration in order to reduce a height of a plurality of tables in a nested configuration, the tabletop comprising: an upper portion; a sidewall extending downwardly relative to the upper portion; a receiving portion at least partially disposed in the upper surface and the sidewall, the receiving portion sized and configured to receive an engaging portion of an adjacent table when the tables are disposed in a nested configuration to reduce a height of the tables in a nested configuration, the receiving portion disposed about an entire outer perimeter of the upper portion of the tabletop, the receiving portion comprising: a first wall with an outer surface sized and configured to be disposed at least proximate the engaging portion of an adjacent table when the tables are disposed in the nested configuration; and a second wall with an outer surface sized and configured to be disposed at least proximate the engaging portion of an adjacent table when the tables are disposed in the nested configuration; a lip extending downwardly relative to the upper portion of the tabletop; and a plurality of receiving portion strengthening members contacting and supporting the receiving portion, the receiving portion strengthening members spaced apart from an outer portion of the lip by a distance, the receiving portion strengthening members comprising: a first plurality of strengthening members contacting an inner surface of the first wall of the receiving portion, each strengthening member of the first plurality of strengthening members sized and configured to support the first wall of the receiving portion; and a second plurality of strengthening members contacting an inner surface of the second wall of the receiving portion, each strengthening member of the second plurality of strengthening members sized and configured to support the second wall of the receiving portion.

14. The tabletop as in claim 13, wherein the receiving portion strengthening members are at least partially disposed in the lip.

15. The tabletop as in claim 13, wherein the first plurality of strengthening members extend inwardly relative to a sidewall of a lip of the tabletop; and wherein an inner portion of the first plurality of strengthening members contacts the inner portion of the first wall of the receiving portion.

16. The tabletop as in claim 13, wherein the second plurality of strengthening members extend upwardly relative to the upper portion of the tabletop; and wherein an inner portion of the second plurality of strengthening members contacts the inner portion of the second wall of the receiving portion.

17. The tabletop as in claim 13, wherein the first plurality of strengthening members are disposed generally parallel to a lower portion of the tabletop; and wherein the second plurality of strengthening members are disposed generally perpendicular to the lower portion of the tabletop.

18. The tabletop as in claim 13, wherein the first plurality of strengthening members allow the first wall of the receiving portion to be a load bearing surface that contacts an engaging portion of a nested table when a plurality of tables are in a nested configuration.

19. The tabletop as in claim 13, further comprising a plurality of depressions disposed in a lower portion of the tabletop; and wherein one or more depressions of the plurality of depressions are disposed in a lip of the tabletop and an end of the depressions contacts the inner portion of the receiving portion.

20. The tabletop as in claim 19, wherein the plurality of depressions are disposed along one or more sides, one or more corners and one or more ends of the tabletop; and wherein the depressions are sized and configured to support the receiving portion in the sides, the corners and the ends of the tabletop.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The appended drawings contain figures of exemplary embodiments to further illustrate and clarify the above and other aspects, advantages and features of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limits its scope. Additionally, it will be appreciated that while the drawings may illustrate preferred sizes, scales, relationships and configurations of the invention, the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of an exemplary table;

(3) FIG. 2 is a lower perspective view of the table, illustrating the support structures in an extended or use position;

(4) FIG. 3 is another lower perspective view of the table, illustrating the support structures in a collapsed or storage position;

(5) FIG. 4 is a lower perspective view of a portion of the table, illustrating the tabletop;

(6) FIG. 5 is an enlarged lower perspective view of a portion of the tabletop designated by broken lines labeled 5 in FIG. 4;

(7) FIG. 6 is an enlarged lower perspective view of a portion of the tabletop designated by broken lines labeled 6 in FIG. 4;

(8) FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional side view along lines 7-7 of a portion of the tabletop shown in FIG. 4;

(9) FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional side view along lines 8-8 of a portion of the tabletop shown in FIG. 3;

(10) FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional side view along lines 9-9 of a portion of the tabletop shown in FIG. 3;

(11) FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional side view along lines 10-10 of a portion of the tabletop shown in FIG. 4;

(12) FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional side view along lines 11-11 of a portion of the tabletop shown in FIG. 3;

(13) FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional side view along lines 12-12 of a portion of the tabletop shown in FIG. 4;

(14) FIG. 13 is an upper perspective view of two exemplary tables disposed in a nested and stacked configuration;

(15) FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view along section line 14-14 of a portion of the tables shown in FIG. 13;

(16) FIG. 15 is another lower perspective view of the table, illustrating the support structures in a collapsed or storage position;

(17) FIG. 16 is still another lower perspective view of a portion of the table, illustrating the tabletop;

(18) FIG. 17 is an enlarged lower perspective view a portion of the tabletop designated by broken lines labeled 17 in FIG. 16;

(19) FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view along lines 18-18 of a portion of the tabletop shown in FIG. 16; and

(20) FIG. 19 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional side view along lines 19-19 of a portion of the tabletop shown in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(21) The present invention is generally directed towards tables. The principles of the present invention, however, are not limited to tables. It will be understood that, in light of the present disclosure, the tables disclosed herein can have a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements. In addition, while the tables shown in the accompanying figures are banquet or utility tables, it will be appreciated the tables may have any suitable style or configuration such as round, personal, conference or card tables. Further, the invention disclosed herein may be successfully used in connection with other types of furniture and/or structures.

(22) Additionally, to assist in the description of preferred embodiments of the tables, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, right and left may be used to describe the accompanying figures which may be, but are not necessarily, drawn to scale. It will further be appreciated the tables can be disposed in a variety of desired positions or orientations, and used in numerous locations, environments and arrangements. A detailed description of preferred embodiments the table now follows.

(23) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary table 10 may include a tabletop 12 and the tabletop may be constructed from molded plastic. The tabletop 12 may include an upper portion 14, which may be aligned with an upper surface; a lower portion 16, which may be aligned with a lower surface; and a perimeter 18. As shown in the accompanying figures, a sidewall may be disposed about the perimeter 18 of the tabletop 12. The upper portion 14 may be spaced apart from the lower portion 16 of the tabletop 12 by a distance, which may be a generally constant distance. The tabletop 12 may also include a hollow interior portion disposed between the upper and lower portions 14, 16 of the tabletop. In addition, the tabletop 12 may include a lip 20, which may extend downwardly from the lower portion 16 of the tabletop when the tabletop is oriented with the upper surface facing up as shown in FIG. 1. The tabletop 12 may further include one or more sides 22, corners 24 and ends 26 depending, for example, upon the shape and configuration of the table 10. The tabletop 12, including the upper portion 14, the lower portion 16, the hollow interior portion, the lip 20, the sides 22, the corners 24 and/or the ends 26, may be integrally formed as part of unitary, one-piece structure during the molding process. If the tabletop 12 is constructed from plastic, it may be formed in the desired shape by blow-molding, injection molding, rotary molding, and/or other suitable processes. It will also be appreciated that the tabletop 12 may be constructed using various materials such as wood, metal and the like.

(24) The table 10 may include a one or more support structures 28, which may be sized and configured to support the tabletop 12 above a surface such as the floor or ground. The support structures 28 may include one or more legs or supports 30 and the support structures may be movable between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position relative to the tabletop 12. As shown in the accompanying figures, the support structures 28 may include a pair of legs or supports 30 and a connecting member 32 may interconnect the supports.

(25) The table 10 may also include a frame 36 connected to the tabletop 12. If desired, the support structures 28 may be connected to the frame 36 and the support structures may be movably connected to the frame 36 to allow the legs 30 to move between an outwardly extending or use position and a collapsed or storage position. For example, the support structures 28 may include or be connected to cross members 38, 40 and the legs 30 may be connected to the cross members. The cross members 38, 40 may be connected to the frame 36. In particular, the frame 36 may include elongated members, such as side rails 42, 44, and the cross members 38, 40 may be connected to the side rails. It will be appreciated that the cross members 38, 40 may also be part of the frame 36.

(26) The support structures 28 and/or the legs 30, however, do not have to be connected to the cross members 38, 40 or the frame 36. Instead, the support structures 28 and/or legs 30 may be connected to any suitable portions of the table 10. It will also be appreciated that the table 10 may include any suitable number of support structures 28 and/or legs 30 depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table. In addition, it will be appreciated that the tabletop 12, the support structures 28 and the legs 30 may have various sizes, shapes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table 10. It will further be appreciated that the frame 36, the side rails 42, 44 and/or the cross members 38, 40 are not required, and the table 10 may have other components, features, aspects, characteristics and the like, if desired.

(27) The table 10 may include first and second brace assemblies 46, 48, which may be connected to the support structures 28. In particular, the brace assemblies 46, 48 may be connected to the legs 30 and may be sized and configured to allow the legs to move between the use and storage positions. As shown in FIG. 2, the brace assemblies 46, 48 may include a first portion 50A connected to the legs 30 and a second portion 50B connected to a cross member 52 and/or the tabletop 12. The first and second portions 50A, 50B may be interconnected to form the brace assemblies 46, 48.

(28) The table 10 is preferably sized and configured to be stacked with one or more additional tables. In particular, the stacked tables 10 are preferably nested together to reduce the height of the stacked tables, which may allow the tables to be shipped, stored and transported in a smaller area. This may result in significant cost savings to the manufacturer, for example, because less storage space may be required and a substantial reduction in transportation costs may be achieved. An exemplary embodiment of stacked and nested tables is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, which are discussed below in more detail. Additional features, aspects and exemplary embodiments of stacked and nested tables are shown in Assignee's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/455,041, entitled TABLES WITH NESTING TABLE TOPS, filed Apr. 24, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,397,652; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/455,055, entitled FRAME FOR A TABLE, filed Apr. 24, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,408,146; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/455,066, entitled TABLE, filed Apr. 24, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,347,795. Each of these applications and patents is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

(29) The frame 36 may be sized and configured to facilitate nesting of the tables 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the side rails 42, 44 of the frame 36 may be disposed along the sides 22 of the tabletop 12. Advantageously, if the side rails 42, 44 are disposed proximate the sides 22 of the tabletop 12, then the sides of the tabletop may be supported by the frame 36, which may help create a strong and sturdy table 10. In addition, the side rails 42, 44 may be sized and configured to help transfer forces towards a center portion of the table and away from the perimeter 18, which also help create a strong and sturdy table 10.

(30) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the table 10 may include a handle 54 disposed at one or both ends 26 of the tabletop 12. The handle 54 is preferably sized and configured to facilitate moving and transporting the table 10. In addition, the handle 54 may assist in separating the tables 10 in the nested configuration. The handle 54 may consist of a recess or opening in the lip 20 of the tabletop 12 and the handle may be integrally formed with the tabletop as part of a unitary, one-piece construction.

(31) The table 10 may also include openings 56 disposed in the lip 20 along the sides 22 of the tabletop 12. The openings 56 may be sized and configured to allow a portion of the frame 36, such as an outer surface 58 of the frame, to be visible or exposed along the sides 22 of the tabletop 12. This may allow, for example, a consumer to readily see the exposed surface 58 of the frame 36. Therefore, the tabletop 12 may include openings 56 in the sides 22 to allow a portion of the frame 36 to be exposed and openings in the ends 26 to form the handles 54. Thus, the tabletop 12 may include openings in both the sides 22 and the ends 26, and the openings 56 in the sides may be much larger than the handles 54 by a factor such as five, ten, twenty or more.

(32) As shown in the accompanying figures, the tabletop 12 may include a plurality of depressions 60. The depressions 60 may be sized, shaped, configured and arranged to provide increased strength, stiffness and/or rigidity to the tabletop 12. The depressions 60 may also cover the majority, substantially all or the entire lower portion 16 of the tabletop 12. In addition, the depressions 60 may have a generally uniform shape, size, configuration and arrangement. The depressions 60 may further have an elongated shape that is aligned with an axis and the depressions may be aligned in a series of rows and columns that extend along the length and width of the tabletop 12. Additionally, the depressions 60 in adjacent rows and columns may be offset, and the distance between adjacent depressions in the rows and columns may be generally the same. For example, the distance between adjacent depressions in each row or column may be generally constant or the same. The distance between adjacent rows and columns may also be generally constant or the same.

(33) The depressions 60 may be used to create a tabletop 12 with generally uniform characteristics or qualities. For example, if the depressions 60 are consistently spaced, that may allow an upper surface 62 of the tabletop 12 to be uniformly supported. In addition, if the depressions 60 are separated by a generally constant distance, which may be measured from a center of one depression to a center of an adjacent depression, that may create a tabletop 12 with more uniform characteristics or qualities. The distance between adjacent depressions 60 may be measured longitudinally, laterally or at an angle depending, for example, upon the arrangement of the depressions.

(34) The depressions 60 may also be disposed in a pattern and the depressions may be generally aligned and/or disposed in predetermined locations within the pattern. The pattern may include, for example, a number of rows 64 and/or columns 66 of depressions 60. The rows 64 could be disposed along a length of the tabletop 12 and the columns 66 could extend along a width of the tabletop. The depressions 60 may also be disposed in other suitable forms and patterns, and may have other shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements, depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table 10.

(35) A plurality of depressions 60 may also be disposed proximate the connection of the frame 36 and tabletop 12. These depressions 60 proximate the frame 36 may have the same size, shape, configuration and arrangement as the depressions in the pattern. The depressions 60 proximate the frame 36 may also have other sizes, shapes, configurations and/or arrangements as discussed in more detail below. A plurality of depressions 60 may also be disposed between the side rails 42, 44 of the frame 36 and an upper surface 62 of the tabletop 12. Advantageously, the depressions 60 may help support the portion of the tabletop 12 disposed above the side rails 42, 44 of the frame 36, which may help prevent the tabletop from undesirably sagging or otherwise deforming. The depressions 60 may also help prevent portions of the tabletop 12 disposed above the side rails 42, 44 of the frame 36 from undesirably bending or collapsing if a load or force is applied to that portion of the tabletop.

(36) The depressions 60 may also have different characteristics depending, for example, upon the particular configuration of the depressions. For example, the depressions 60 may have an elongated length and a depression may have increased strength along its length. The depression 60 may also have a non-circular configuration with increased strength in one direction in comparison to another direction. Advantageously, if the depressions 60 have different characteristics, then the depressions can be arranged or configured so the structure has certain characteristics. In particular, the depressions 60 may be arranged into a pattern to maximize certain characteristics and/or create a structure with generally uniform characteristics. For instance, the pattern may include generally uniformly spaced depressions 60 that are separated by a generally constant distance and/or disposed in standardized arrangement. A consistent arrangement of the depressions 60 may help create a structure with uniform characteristics. For example, a generally constant pattern of depressions 60 may create a structure with generally uniform strength and structural integrity.

(37) The table 10, the tabletop 12, the depressions 60 and other components of the table may have a variety of suitable shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements, such as disclosed in Assignee's U.S. Pat. No. 7,069,865, entitled HIGH-STRENGTH, LIGHTWEIGHT BLOW-MOLDED PLASTIC STRUCTURES, issued Jul. 4, 2006, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In addition, the table 10, the tabletop 12 and the depressions 60 may have other suitable features and configurations, such as disclosed in Assignee's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/372,515, entitled HIGH-STRENGTH, LIGHTWEIGHT BLOW-MOLDED PLASTIC STRUCTURES, filed Mar. 9, 2006, currently pending, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

(38) The tabletop 12 may also one or more strengthening members 70, which may be disposed proximate the ends 26 of the tabletop. The strengthening members 70 may also be formed in the lip 20, the sides 22 and/or the corners 24 of the tabletop 12. Advantageously, the strengthening members 70 may increase the strength, rigidity, structural integrity and/or impact resistance of the tabletop 12. Additional exemplary tables, tabletops, depressions and strengthening members (along with other features, aspects and components) are disclosed in Assignee's U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,111,563; 7,475,643; 7,814,844 and 8,033,228; which are each incorporated by reference in its entirety. It will be understood the tables disclosed herein may have different shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements; and may include any suitable number and combination of features, aspects and components; but none of the features, aspects or components may be required.

(39) The tabletop 12 may include strengthening members, such as the depressions 60 and/or the strengthening members 70, disposed at least proximate stress concentrations. For example, strengthening members may be positioned to help strengthen the upper surface 62 and/or a lower surface 68 of the tabletop 12, and minimize stress concentrations, such as may occur at the connection of the frame 36 and tabletop. In particular, strengthening members may be sized and configured to increase the strength, stiffness and/or rigidity of the tabletop 12 disposed above the 36 frame by minimizing unsupported areas of the tabletop. Additionally, strengthening members may increase the strength, stiffness and/or rigidity of portions of the tabletop 12 that extend beyond the frame 36. For instance, strengthening members may be sized and configured to help prevent portions of the tabletop 12 from undesirably bending or twisting, such as the edges that are disposed about the perimeter 18 of the tabletop 12.

(40) As discussed above, strengthening members, such the depressions 60 and/or the strengthening members 70, may have a particular size, shape, configuration and/or arrangement to provide increased strength, rigidity and/or structural integrity. Thus, the strengthening members may have a specific size, shape, configuration and arrangement depending, for example, upon factors such as location, intended use, function and the like.

(41) As best seen in FIG. 5, the tabletop may include strengthening members 72 disposed proximate a frame receiving portion 74 sized and configured to receive at least a portion the frame 36. In particular, the frame receiving portion 74 may be sized and configured to receive the side rails 42, 44 of the frame 36. The side rail 42 may contact or abut an upper surface 76 of the frame receiving portion 74. The side rail 42 may also contact or abut an inner sidewall 78 and an outer sidewall 80 of the frame receiving portion 74. The frame receiving portion 74 may be integrally formed in the lower surface 68 of the tabletop 12 as part of a unitary, one-piece construction.

(42) The strengthening members 72 may be sandwiched or disposed between an upper surface of the side rail 42, 44 and the upper surface 62 of the tabletop 12. For instance, the strengthening members 72 may include one end disposed proximate an upper surface of the side rail 42, 44 and an opposing end contacting the upper surface 62 of the tabletop 12. The strengthening members 72 may further be sized and configured to facilitate air flow during the molding process, which may be particularly helpful if the tabletop is constructed from blow-molded plastic because the frame receiving portion 74 may extend inwardly from the lower surface 68 of the tabletop 12 and there may be limited spaced between the upper portion of the frame receiving portion and the upper surface of the tabletop 12.

(43) As seen in FIGS. 5 and 7, the strengthening members 72 may be disposed in the upper surface 76 of the frame receiving portion 74. The strengthening members 72 may extend from the upper surface 76 of the frame receiving portion 74 to the upper surface 62 of the tabletop 12. As shown in the accompanying figures, each of the strengthening members 72 may be a channel or rib that is formed in the upper surface 76 of the frame receiving portion 74 that contacts or abuts the upper surface 62, but the strengthening members may also be grooves, indentations, depressions or the like. The strengthening member 72 may be entirely disposed between or confined within the inner sidewall 78 and the outer sidewall 80 of the frame receiving portion 74. While the strengthening member 72 may have an elongated length as shown in the accompanying figures, the strengthening members may also have other suitable configurations such as round, circular, oval, oblong and the like.

(44) The strengthening members 72 may be sized, shaped, configured and arranged to provide increased strength, stiffness and/or rigidity to the tabletop 12. The strengthening members 72 may also be used to create a tabletop 12 with more uniform characteristics or qualities. Advantageously, the strengthening members 72 may help support the portion of the tabletop 12 disposed above the side rails 42, 44, which may help prevent the tabletop from undesirably sagging or otherwise deforming. The strengthening members 72 may also help prevent the portion of the tabletop 12 disposed above the side rails 42, 44 from bending or collapsing if a load or force is applied to that portion of the tabletop.

(45) As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 7, the tabletop 12 may include a first group or plurality of strengthening members 72, which may be substantially or entirely disposed in the upper surface 76 of the frame receiving portion 74. The strengthening members 72 may have an elongated length that is disposed in a first direction, such as generally perpendicular to the length of the tabletop 12 and located between the inner and outer sidewalls 78, 80 of the frame receiving portion 74. The strengthening members 72 may have a generally constant or consistent spacing, size, shape, configuration and/or arrangement. In addition, the strengthening members 72 may be disposed along an axis and/or in a parallel configuration, and adjacent strengthening members in the frame receiving portion 74 may be separated from one another by a generally constant distance.

(46) The tabletop 12 may also include a second group or plurality of strengthening members 82. The second plurality of strengthening members 82 may have generally the same size, shape, configuration and arrangement. The second plurality of strengthening members 82 may also be separated by a generally consistent distance. As shown in the accompanying figures, the first and second pluralities of strengthening members 72, 82 may have different shapes, sizes configurations and/or arrangements. For example, the strengthening members 72, 82 may be disposed at different angles, such as at right angles with respect to one another, or in different directions. For instance, in this embodiment, if the first plurality of strengthening members 72 is generally aligned with the length of the tabletop 12, then the second plurality of strengthening members 82 may be generally aligned with the width of the tabletop. If desired, the strengthening members 72, 82 may alternate between a strengthening member from the first plurality of strengthening members and a strengthening member from the second plurality of strengthening members.

(47) As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the strengthening members 72, 82 may have different configurations. For example, the strengthening member 82 may be a rib or channel that extends across the width of the frame receiving portion 74 and may be at least partially disposed in one or more of the sidewalls 78, 80 of the frame receiving portion. If the frame receiving portion 74 is aligned with the lip 20, the strengthening member 82 may also be formed in the lip, such as in an inner sidewall 84 of the lip. The strengthening member 82 may be disposed perpendicular to the lip 20 or an edge of the tabletop 12, such as the sides 22, and the strengthening members may be disposed in a parallel configuration. The strengthening members 82 may be sized and configured to help prevent bending or twisting of the outer portions of the tabletop 12 that are not supported by the frame 36.

(48) In greater detail, the strengthening member 82 may be formed in the inner sidewall 78 of the frame receiving portion 74 and the strengthening member may extend along all or only a portion of the inner sidewall. The strengthening member 82 may also spans the entire width of the upper surface 76 of the frame receiving portion 74. Additionally, the strengthening member 82 may be formed in the outer sidewall 80 of the frame receiving portion 74 and/or the sidewall 84 of the lip 20.

(49) As best seen in FIG. 5, the strengthening member 82 may have different sizes and configurations. For example, some of the strengthening members 82 may be larger or smaller. Advantageously, because the strengthening members 82 may be disposed in both the frame receiving portion 74 and the lip 20, the strengthening members may help connect the frame receiving portion and the lip. The strengthening members 82 may also provide increased strength, stiffness and/or rigidity to these portions of the tabletop 12. For instance, the strengthening members 82 may increase the strength, stiffness and/or rigidity of the portions of the tabletop 12 that extend or are disposed beyond the frame 36, such as the lip 20. In addition, the strengthening members 82 may be sized and configured to prevent the lip 20 from undesirably bending or twisting.

(50) Therefore, in one exemplary embodiment, a first plurality of depressions or strengthening members 72 and a second plurality of depressions or strengthening members 82 may be disposed between the side rails 42, 44 and the upper portion 14 or upper surface 62 of the tabletop 12. As shown in FIG. 9, the side rails 42, 44 may include an upper portion or surface 86 that contacts the lower surface 68 of the tabletop 12. In addition, the plurality of strengthening members 72 may be disposed between a first side 88A and a second side 88B of the upper portion or surface 86 of the side rails 42, 44.

(51) As discussed above, the depressions 60, the strengthening members 72 and the strengthening members 82 may provide increased strength, rigidity and/or structural integrity. These structures may also support portions of the tabletop 12 such as the portions disposed above the side rails 42, 44 of the frame and portions that extend beyond the frame 36. Advantageously, this may allow the tabletop 12 to have more uniform characteristics.

(52) As shown in FIGS. 9, 11 and 12, the tabletop 12 may include a receiving portion 90 that is sized and configured to facilitate nesting of the tables. The receiving portion 90 may be at least partially disposed in the upper portion 14 or upper surface 62 of the tabletop 12, and may be sized and configured to receive an engaging portion 92 of an adjacent table when the tables are disposed in a nested configuration. The receiving portion 90 is preferably disposed about the perimeter 18 of the tabletop 12. In particular, the receiving portion 90 is preferably disposed about the entire perimeter 18 of the tabletop 12 including the sides 22, the corners 24 and the ends 26. Desirably, the receiving portion 90 may be disposed below a plane aligned with the upper surface 62 of the tabletop 12. The receiving portion 90 may be integrally formed with the tabletop 12 as part of a unitary, one-piece construction during the molding process, if the tabletop is constructed from molded plastic. In greater detail, the receiving portion 90 may be disposed at least proximate the intersection of the upper surface 62 and an outer edge of the tabletop 12. Additionally, the receiving portion 90 may have a generally L-shaped configuration that is open on two sides, which may help facilitate alignment and nesting of the tables 10.

(53) The engaging portion 92 may be a portion of the frame 36, such as a portion of the side rails 42, 44, and/or a portion of the tabletop 12, such as a portion of the lip 20, the sides 22, the corners 24 and/or the ends 26. If desired, the portions of the lip 20, the sides 22, the corners 24 and/or the ends 26 disposed in the receiving portion 90 may include compression edges. Therefore, the engaging portion 92 disposed in the receiving portion 90 may include a combination of one or more portions of the frame 36 and/or tabletop 12. The receiving portion 90 and engaging portion 92 may have various shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements, such as shown in Assignee's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/455,041, entitled TABLES WITH NESTING TABLE TOPS, filed Apr. 24, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,397,652; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/455,055, entitled FRAME FOR A TABLE, filed Apr. 24, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,408,146; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/455,066, entitled TABLE, filed Apr. 24, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,347,795. Each of these applications is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

(54) As shown in the accompanying figures, the receiving portion 90 is preferably disposed about the perimeter 18 of the tabletop 12 including the sides 22, the corners 24 and the ends 26. In addition, the receiving portion 90 may be at least partially disposed in the upper surface 62 and edge of the tabletop 12, and the receiving portion may be disposed below a plane generally aligned with the upper surface of the tabletop. The receiving portion 90 may be integrally formed with the tabletop 12 as part of a unitary, one-piece construction during the molding process, if the tabletop is constructed from molded plastic.

(55) As shown in FIG. 14, the receiving portion 90 may have a generally L-shaped configuration that is open on two sides, which may facilitate alignment and nesting of the tables 10. The receiving portion 90 may be a groove or channel with a height and a width. For example, a sidewall 106 of the receiving portion 90 may have a height of between about 0.25 inches and about 0.5 inches, such as about 0.3 inches or 0.4 inches, and a lower surface 106 of the receiving portion 90 may have a width that is greater than the height by a factor such as two, three or more. For example, the width may be approximately two times the height such that, in this exemplary embodiment, if the height is about 0.25 inches, then the width may be about 0.5 inches. The height and the width may also be approximately the same. For instance, if the height is about 0.5 inches, then the width may also be about 0.5 inches. It will be appreciated the width may also be smaller than the height. Thus, for example, if the height is about 0.4 inches, then the width may be about 0.3 inches or less. It will be understood the height and/or the width of the receiving portion 90 may vary depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table 10.

(56) The receiving portion 90 may be supported by strengthening members and/or depressions 94 disposed in the lower portion 16 of the tabletop 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the strengthening members 94 may include an inner portion 96 (such as an upper or inner surface), that contacts, abuts or engages an inner portion 98 (such as an inner surface) of the receiving portion 90. In greater detail, the strengthening members 94 may extend inwardly or horizontally relative to the lower portion 16 of the tabletop 12. For instance, the strengthening members 94 may be disposed along the sides 22 and/or ends 26 of the tabletop 12. In particular, the strengthening members 94 may be disposed in the inner sidewall 84 of the lip 20 and have a generally curved or arc-shaped configuration. An inner surface of the strengthening member 94 may be spaced apart from an outer wall of the lip 20 and the inner portion 96 of the strengthening members may contact the inner portion 98 of the receiving portion 90. For a table 10 that is about six (6) feet in length, thirty-two (32) strengthening members 94 may be disposed along each side 22 of the tabletop 10. It will be understood additional or fewer strengthening members 94 may be disposed along the sides 22 and/or ends 26 of the tabletop 12 depending, for example, upon the length or intended use of the table 10.

(57) As shown in FIGS. 4-7 and 10-11, for example, the strengthening members 94 may be disposed in the sidewall 84 of the lip 20. The strengthening members 94 may also be disposed in the corners 24, such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 12. Advantageously, the strengthening members 94 may also consist of and/or be referred to as depressions. Further, as discussed below, one or more depressions may be used to connect the receiving portion 90 and strengthening members 94. In will be understood, in light of the present disclosure, the strengthening members 94 may have different shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table 10.

(58) The strengthening members 94 may also be disposed at other angles and/or connected to the inner portion 98 of the receiving portion 90 in different configuration and arrangements. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the strengthening members 94 may be disposed in the corners 24 of the tabletop 12. The strengthening members 94 in the corners 24 may extend upwardly from the lower surface 68 of the tabletop 12. In greater detail, the inner portion 96 of the strengthening member 94 in the corner 24 may contact, abut or engage the inner portion 98 of the receiving portion 90. In particular, the inner portion 96 of the strengthening members 94 may contact the inner portion 98 of the receiving portion 90, such as inner surface of a lower portion 100 and/or an inner surface the sidewall 102. Each corner 24 of the tabletop 12 may include eight (8) connections between the strengthening members 94 and the receiving portion 90. It will be understood the table 10 may have any appropriate number of connections between the strengthening members 94 and the receiving portion 90, the strengthening members may be disposed in any suitable portions of the tabletop 12 and the strengthening members may have other sizes, shapes, configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table 10.

(59) Advantageously, the strengthening members 94 may provide increased strength, support, rigidity and structural integrity for the receiving portion 90. The strengthening members 94 may also allow the receiving portion 90 to support a considerable amount of weight or force. Significantly, this may allow a number of tables 10 to be disposed in a nested configuration because, for example, the tables disposed in the bottom of the stack may not be damaged by the weight of the tables. For instance, when the tables 10 are nested together as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the engaging portion 92 may contact or abut the lower surface 104 and/or the sidewall 106 of the receiving portion 90 and these may become load bearing surfaces. Because the strengthening members 94 may increase the strength, rigidity and/or structural integrity of the receiving portion 90, this may allow a considerable number of tables 10 to be stacked and nested together without damage to the receiving portion.

(60) One or more depressions may also support the receiving portion 90. For example, one or more depressions may connect the strengthening member 94 and the receiving portion 90. In addition, one or more depressions may be formed in the lip 20 and/or the lower portion 14 of the tabletop 12, and the depressions may contact, engage or abut the inner portion 98 of the receiving portion 90.

(61) The table 10 may also include other structures that may increase the strength, rigidity and/or structural integrity of the tabletop 12. For example, the lower surface 68 of the tabletop 12 may include one or more recesses 110 that are sized and configured to receive a structural support member such as a portion of the support structure 28, the frame 36, the cross member 38, the cross member 40 and/or the cross member 52. For instance, as shown in FIG. 16, a first cross member recess 112 may be sized and configured to receive a portion of the cross member 38 and a second cross member recess 114 may be sized and configured to receive a portion of the cross member 40. A third cross member recess 116 may be sized and configured to receive the cross member 52 disposed proximate the center of the tabletop 12. The lower surface 68 of the tabletop 12 may also include a first support structure recess 118 and a second support structure recess 120 that are sized and configured to receive the support structures 28 in the collapsed or storage position. The recesses 112, 114, 116, 118 and 120 may facilitate nesting of the tables 10 by allowing an upper portion of an adjacent stacked table to be disposed in a lower portion of the table. The recesses 112, 114, 116, 118 and 120 may also help position the various components in the desired positions.

(62) The lower surface 68 of the tabletop 12 may also include one or more channels 122, which may be aligned in a parallel configuration. The channels 122 may have a width generally equal to the width of the depressions 60 in the lower surface 68 and the channels are preferably aligned with the depressions. Advantageously, because the channels 122 may be aligned with and have generally the same width as the depressions 60, the channels may not disrupt or interfere with a pattern or arrangement of generally uniformly disposed depressions. The channels 122, however, may have a width that is larger or smaller than the width of the depressions 60, if desired.

(63) As shown in FIGS. 15-19, a plurality of depressions 124 may be disposed in a lower portion 126 of the channels 122 and the depressions may contact, abut or engage the upper surface 62 of the tabletop 12. The depressions 124 may have the same general pattern, spacing, size, shape, configuration and arrangement. In addition, the depressions 124 in the lower portion 126 of the channel 122 may be disposed in generally the same pattern as the depressions 60 in the lower surface 68. Significantly, if the depressions 60, 124 are disposed in generally the same pattern, this may create a tabletop 12 with generally uniform characteristics such as strength, rigidity and structural integrity.

(64) The channels 122 may have a variety of different lengths. For example, some of the channels 122 may have a length that only allows a limited number of depressions 124, such as three (3), to be disposed in the lower portion 126. Other channels 122 may have a longer length that allows a great number of depressions 124 to be disposed in the lower portion 126, such as ten (10) or twelve (12). Further, other channels 122 may extend from one end to the other end of the tabletop 12. It will be appreciated that the channels 122 may have any suitable length.

(65) The channels 122 may be sized, shaped, configured and/or arranged to increase the strength, rigidity, structural integrity and/or torsion resistance of the tabletop 12. For example, the channels 122 may have opposing walls 128, 130 and the opposing walls may increase the strength, rigidity, structural integrity and/or torsion resistance of the tabletop 12. The lower portion 126 of the channel may also be spaced proximate the upper surface 62 and that may increase the strength, rigidity, structural integrity and/or torsion resistance of the tabletop 10.

(66) The channels 122 are preferably disposed on both sides of a structural support member such as the cross members 38, 40. In particular, the channels 122 preferably extend through a cross member recess, such as the first and second cross member recesses 112, 114, and past both sides of the cross member recess. In addition, a depression may be disposed at an intersection of one or more of the channels 122 and the recess for the cross member. Additionally, the ends of the channels 122 are preferably disposed proximate a portion of the tabletop 12 that is not directly supported by the frame 36. For example, the ends of the channels 122 may be disposed proximate the ends 26 of the tabletop 12, which may extend beyond the ends of the side rails 42, 44 and the cross members 38, 40. In particular, a first end of each channel 122 of the plurality of channels may be disposed proximate a first end of the tabletop, and the ends of the channels may be generally spaced an equal distance from the first end of the tabletop. The channels 122 may also have different lengths.

(67) Advantageously, the channels 122 and the depressions 124 may increase the strength, stiffness, rigidity and/or structural integrity proximate the structural support members and accompanying recesses, and the ends 26 of the tabletop 12. Significantly, this may prevent the ends 26 of the tabletop 12 from rotating or moving downwardly relative to the cross member 38, 40 and/or ends of the frame 36, which may increase the torsion resistance of the tabletop 12.

(68) As seen in FIGS. 18 and 19, the lower surface 68 may be spaced a generally constant distance apart from the upper surface 62 so that the tabletop 12 has a generally constant height or thickness. The various structures disposed in the lower surface 68 in the tabletop 12 may have different heights. For example, the cross member recesses 112, 114, 116 may have a height that is slightly less than the thickness of the tabletop 12. The frame receiving portion 74 may have a height that is smaller than the thickness of the tabletop 12 and the height of the cross member recess 112. The lower portion 126 of the channel 122 may also have a height that is smaller than the thickness of the tabletop 12 and the height of the cross member recess 112. As shown in the accompanying figures, the height of the frame receiving portion 74 and the channel 122 may be approximately the same. Thus, the height of the cross member recesses 112, 114, 116 may be between the height of the frame receiving portion 74 and the channel 122. Because the height of the frame receiving portion 74 and the channel 122 may be about the same, and because the frame receiving portion may include the strengthening members 72, 82 and the channel may include the depressions 124, the upper surface 62 of the tabletop 12 may have generally similar characteristics such as strength, rigidity and structural integrity.

(69) In this exemplary configuration, the upper surface 62 of the tabletop 12 may be generally uniformly supported, which may allow the tabletop to have generally consistent characteristics and qualities such as strength, rigidity, structural integrity and smoothness of the upper surface. It will be appreciated that the table 10 and table top 12 may also have other suitable features, aspects, configurations and the like, such as disclosed in Assignee's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/455,073, entitled TABLE WITH MOLDED PLASTIC TABLE TOP, filed Apr. 24, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,622,007; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/455,081, entitled TABLE TOP, filed Apr. 24, 2012, now abandoned. Each of these patents and applications is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

(70) One of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate after reviewing this disclosure that the tables disclosed herein may have a number of different aspects, features, characteristics and configurations. Further, a table may have any suitable number of aspects, features, characteristics and configurations depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table.

(71) Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined only by the claims which follow.