Modular Table and Assembly

Abstract

A furniture item comprises first and second edge modules, each edge module having a substantially horizontal component with a receiving section and a substantially vertical component with a receiving section. The first and second edge modules are spaced and arranged with respect to each other so that the respective receiving section of the horizontal components face each other. A top surface is provided and has first and second ends. The first end is supported by the receiving section of the horizontal component of one first edge module and the second end is supported by the receiving section of the horizontal component of the second edge module. Further, there is a first leg having an upper section accommodated by the receiving section of the vertical component of the first edge module and a second leg having an upper section accommodated by the receiving section of the vertical component of the second edge module.

Claims

1. A furniture item comprising: first and second edge modules, each edge module comprising a substantially horizontal component having a receiving section and a substantially vertical component having a receiving section, the first and second edge modules spaced and arranged with respect to each other so that the respective receiving section of the horizontal components face each other; a top surface having first and second ends, the first end being supported by the receiving section of the horizontal component of the first edge module and the second end being supported by the receiving section of the horizontal component of the second edge module; and a first leg having an upper section accommodated by the receiving section of the vertical component of the first edge module, and a second leg having an upper section accommodated by the receiving section of the vertical component of the second edge module.

2. A furniture item as claimed in claim 1 wherein each edge module comprises an intermediate portion having a side portion and a base portion, the horizontal component extending from the side portion thereof and the vertical component extending from the base portion thereof.

3. A furniture item as claimed in claim 2 wherein the receiving section of the horizontal component comprises a rest surface for receiving the first or second end of the top surface, and the receiving section of the vertical component comprises an elongate slot for receiving the first or second leg.

4. A furniture item as claimed in claim 2 wherein the intermediate portion has a rounded outside surface.

5. A furniture item as claimed in claim 3 wherein the rest surface of the horizontal component includes a suction cup having an anchor connected to the rest surface and a suction area for releasably connecting to a first or second end of the top surface.

7. A furniture item as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a frame extending between the first and second edge modules, the frame constructed so as to provide additional strength and stability to the furniture item.

8. A furniture item as claimed in claim 7 wherein the frame comprises opposing end pieces each attached to a respective edge module, and crossbeams extending between the opposing end pieces.

9. A furniture item as claimed in claim 8, wherein the crossbeams between the opposing end pieces are formed in an X shaped configuration.

10. A furniture item as claimed in claim 1 wherein the top surface, first leg and second leg, when disassembled, fit within the first and second edge modules in a protected position for compacted storage and transportation.

11. A furniture item as claimed in claim 1 wherein the top surface comprises tempered glass.

12. A furniture item as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first leg and second leg are comprised of glass.

13. A furniture item as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first leg and the second leg are connected to the first edge module and second edge module respectively by at least one bolt, the bolt extending through predrilled and registering apertures in the first and second legs and the first and second modules respectively.

14. A furniture item as claimed in claim 7 wherein the first edge module and second edge module are each connected to the frame to form a module frame assembly in the factory manufacturing process.

15. A furniture item as claimed in claim 14 comprising the module frame assembly, the top surface comprised of glass contained within the module frame assembly, and the first leg and second leg contained within the module frame assembly to form a compacted disassembled unit.

16. A furniture item as claimed in claim 7 wherein each of the first and second edge modules further comprises an L-shaped bracket, the L-shaped bracket comprising a support flange portion for at least partially supporting the frame.

16. A furniture item as claimed in claim 7 further comprising a support bar associated with each of the first and second edge modules on the horizontal component thereof, the support bar attaching to the frame.

17. A furniture item as claimed in claim 1 wherein formed as a coffee table.

18. A furniture item as claimed in claim 1 when formed as an end table.

19. A method of making a furniture item comprising: providing first and second edge modules, each edge module comprising a substantially horizontal component having a receiving section and a substantially vertical component having a receiving section, spacing the first and second edge modules with respect to each other so that the respective receiving section of the horizontal components face each other; locating a top surface having first and second ends relative to the first and second edge modules, the first end being supported by the receiving section of the horizontal component of one first edge module and the second end being supported by the receiving section of the horizontal component of the second edge module; and inserting a first leg having an upper into the receiving section of the vertical component of the first edge module and inserting a second leg having an upper section into the receiving section of the vertical component of the second edge module to form a table.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19 further comprising the step of inserting a stabilizing frame between the first and second edge modules to form a frame module assembly.

21. A method as claimed in claim 20 wherein the frame module assembly receives within a space defined thereby be disassembled top surface and the disassembled first leg and second leg so as to conform a compact and transportable furniture item which can be simply assembled by the end-user.

22. A method as claimed in claim 20 wherein the first and second edge modules are connected to the top surface and first leg or second leg respectively by bolts through predrilled registering apertures are formed therein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] In the drawings:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a table having parts and components and constructed in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a front view of a coffee table or desk in accordance with the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a view of the coffee table or desk shown in FIG. 2, disassembled and compacted for transportation and storage;

[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an end table in accordance with the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a front view of the end table shown in FIG. 4, disassembled and ready for package for transportation and storage;

[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a coffee table in accordance with the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 7 is a front view of the coffee table shown in FIG. 6, disassembled and ready for package for transportation and storage; and

[0036] FIG. 8 is a detailed view showing suction cups which may be used in accordance with the invention in order to engage the glass or other surface to reduce slippage thereof in normal usage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Reference is made to the accompanying figures of the drawings which shows, in various schematic views, an item of furniture in accordance with one aspect of the invention. In these figures, there is shown, for example, a coffee table 10, comprising a pair of corner or edge modules 12, the corner or edge modules 12 supporting in a vertical orientation a pair of leg panels 14. Each of the two corner or edge modules 12, respectively, receives and supports either the left leg panel 14 or the right leg panel 14, as shown. In one embodiment, these leg panels 14 are comprised of tempered glass, and may have a thickness of approximately 12 mm. The left leg 14 and right leg panels 14 may, moreover, be comprised of a material other than glass, including wood, laminate, metal, plastics, to name some examples only.

[0038] Each corner module 12 also has a ledge 16, such as a rabbet cut ledge, for receiving a horizontal tempered glass top 18, as illustrated. In a preferred embodiment, the glass top 18 may have a thickness of approximately 8 mm. The ledge 16 may include one or more suction cups 20 which engage and hold the glass top 18 in position so that it does not shift or slide during its normal functions and uses.

[0039] It will be seen that each corner or edge module 12, which may essentially comprise the same structure, has a horizontal section 22 and a vertical section 24. The horizontal section 22 has an upper edge which comprises the ledge 16. The horizontal section 22 defines a step, and the glass top 18 is preferably flush with the upper surface 28 of the corner or edge module 12 when the table 10 is in the assembled position.

[0040] The vertical section 24 of the corner or edge modules 12 includes a slot 30, open at the lower end, and configured so as to receive a portion of the leg panels 14. The leg panels 14 are inserted into the corner or edge module 12 through the slot 30. The leg panels 14 may be fixed in the slot by one or more bolts extending through predrilled holes in the vertical section 24, which match with predrilled holes in the leg panel 14 so that the to register and can receive one or more bolts 32 so as to secure these components together.

[0041] In order to further stabilize and secure the item of furniture so that it is firm and does not wobble or move once installed and assembled, a securing frame 40 may be provided. In the figures, the securing frame 40 comprises a pair of end supports 44 and 46, and a pair of crossbeams 48 and 50 extending therebetween, providing the additional stability. This arrangement comprises an X-frame type structure, which forms a main or principal rung to keep the table from collapsing or wobbling from side to side. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, this X frame may be pre-welded or otherwise connected to the to support bars or corner modules. In another embodiment of the invention, the X-frame itself is pre-welded, but not pre-welded to the support bars or other components of the item of furniture. It may be bolted or otherwise fastened. In one example, the connector may be preset with embedded insert nuts. The pre-welded X-frame may then be attached to the connector by means of bolts. While the connector can be made of steel, stainless steel or aluminum, this may be fairly expensive, and it may, in a preferred embodiment thus be comprised of MDF. It is not necessary that the securing frame have this X-shape structure, and any shape which helps to achieve the purpose of providing stability to the table would fall within the scope of this invention.

[0042] The top row illustrated in the figures, comprising the upper portion of the corner modules and the securing frame, are connected to each other by, preferably, the three bolts. Preferably, these are factory installed so that each of the corner modules is respectively attached to the securing frame during the manufacturing process, and thus preassembled for shipping and transportation. These components, namely, the securing frame and the corner modules which are attached, preferably form the main pillar of support for the entire table. They extend completely through each of the corner modules so as to engage the securing frame.

[0043] The tempered glass top is located above the securing frame, resting on the ledge. Note that the securing frame, having its “X”-shaped configuration, as shown in FIG. 1 from above, does not detract significantly from the glass view transparency, thereby allowing light and viewing capability to extend therethrough.

[0044] A bottom row of bolts is provided, preferably in the form of three bolts, to lock the flat shaped first and second leg panels 14 into the groove or slots 30 of the corner module 12. The bolts will extend through the corner module 12 as well as a pre-drilled hole in the tempered glass leg panel 14. Preferably, the bolts used have a rounded finish and will be substantially flush at the surface of the corner module, and may even serve as a decorative or ornamental feature. Further, studs which act as decorative features may be Incorporated into the item of furniture.

[0045] FIGS. 2 to 7 of the drawings show illustrations of the furniture item of the invention configured as different types of furniture which may be constructed in accordance with the invention. Some conventional coffee tables comprise a glass top and sides, all manufactured in one piece. The structure of the of such a table does not facilitate the ability to be disassembled or broken down for transportation. In FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings, there is shown a schematic representation of a coffee table 70 in accordance with the invention, generally as described above. The edge pieces 72 form as connectors for the glass vertical legs 74, as well as the glass top 76. The securing frame 78 is also bolted in place. In FIG. 3 of the drawings, it will be seen that the coffee table 70 in accordance with the invention may be disassembled or knockdown so that there is the single top component comprising the edge pieces 72, with only the securing frame 78 therebetween. The glass top 76, and glass side legs 74, are removed, by on fostering and storing the bolts, if necessary, and packed within a space created by the above structure, and conveniently broken down for storage and transportation. The coffee table 70 can thus be disassembled, cutting back on load and packaging costs, and thereby create the ability for more competitive pricing.

[0046] Assembly of the broken down product can be fairly easily accomplished by the end-user, by simply installing the table top 76 and side legs 74 in the appropriate grooves and on the ledges. However, in its compacted form, the various components forming the table can be packed in a manner which is safe and secure to avoid breakage or damage of any of the components, especially the glass components (where these are used) which are more susceptible to breakage due to their brittleness.

[0047] In FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawings, there is shown an end table 90, pre-constructed. With the invention, in one style as shown in FIG. 4, a comparable partly glass structure is created with a curved joint and a wood component extending between the legs to provide stability. In another style, shown in FIG. 5, another embodiment is shown, but without curved joints and with a glass panel to hold the table and provide stability against wobbling. FIG. 5 also shows how the components of the invention can be broken down and stored, in a protective, safe and compact manner, in order to reduce load and transport costs. The storage configuration for all of the different styles and types of tables may essentially be very similar or the same.

[0048] In FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings, there is shown a further embodiment of a coffee table 100. In one of the styles, a coffee table with glass leg panels and a table top comprised of tempered glass is shown. A lower shelf is provided, which may be of a selected material, including a laminate. The column showing the packaging of this product is shown under the packaging column, once more compacted, making it easier and less expensive to transport.

[0049] FIG. 8 of the drawings shows another embodiment of the invention wherein there is illustrated the use of the suction cup 20 to keep the glass table top in a relatively fixed and stable position. The suction cup may have, in one embodiment, a body portion which may be embedded or otherwise affixed in the securing frame, while the suction portion extends upwardly and can appropriately engage the glass top, in conventional fashion. The suction cup 20 may be fixed to the securing frame or other component in a releasable manner so that it can be removed and stored, or even replaced once it is become used and loses some of its effectiveness.

[0050] In accordance with the invention, there is therefore provided a furniture table, such as a coffee table or end table, having a pair of end pieces, each end piece having a support ledge and a slot or groove, a tabletop component releasably received and accommodated on the support ledge of each of the end pieces, and a pair of legs components each of which is received in the slot or groove of the end piece. Preferably, the tabletop and legs components are comprised of glass, preferably tempered glass, although this is not essential for the invention.

[0051] The invention may further comprise a securing member extending between the end pieces for providing additional stability to the furniture table.

[0052] Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus and procedures disclosed or claimed. Although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other embodiments.

[0053] As used herein, “plurality” means two or more. As used herein, a “set” of items may include one or more of such items. As used herein, whether in the written description or the claims, the terms “comprising”, “including”, “carrying”, “having”, “containing”, “involving”, and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”, respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases with respect to claims. Use of ordinal terms such as “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. As used herein, “and/or” means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.