TABLE WITH NESTING TABLE TOP

Abstract

A table may be sized and configured to nest with another table to reduce a height of a plurality of stacked tables in a nested configuration. The table may include a nesting portion formed in an upper surface and sidewall of the table top. The table may also include a frame with one or more engaging portions sized and configured to be disposed in the nesting portion of an adjacent table when the tables are nested together. In addition, the table top may include a compression edge sized and configured to be disposed in a nesting portion of an adjacent table when the tables are nested together. The compression edge and engaging portions may be sized and configured to be simultaneously disposed in the nesting portion of the adjacent table when the table is nested with the adjacent table.

Claims

1. A table sized and configured to nest with an adjacent table to reduce a height of a plurality of stacked tables in a nested configuration, each table of the plurality of stacked tables having substantially the same size and configuration, the table comprising: a table top constructed from molded plastic, the table top comprising: a generally planar upper surface; and a nesting portion at least partially disposed in the upper surface of the table top; and a frame connected to the table top, the frame comprising: a generally planar contact surface sized and configured to contact a generally planar upper surface of an adjacent table when the table is nested with an adjacent table; and an engaging portion sized and configured to be disposed in a nesting portion of an adjacent table when the table is nested with an adjacent table.

2. The table as in claim 1, wherein the engaging portion extends downwardly relative to the generally planar contact surface; and wherein the engaging portion is disposed at approximately a right angle relative to the generally planar contact surface.

3. The table as in claim 1, wherein the nesting portion is disposed in an outer perimeter of upper surface of the table top.

4. The table as in claim 3, further comprising: a sidewall of the nesting portion that is disposed generally perpendicular to the upper surface of the table top and generally parallel to an outer surface of the table top; and a lower surface of the nesting portion that is disposed generally parallel to the upper surface of the table top and generally perpendicular to the outer surface of the table top.

5. The table as in claim 1, further comprising a lip disposed at least proximate an outer perimeter of the table top, the lip including a lip engaging portion that is sized and configured to be disposed in a nesting portion of an adjacent table when the table is nested with an adjacent table.

6. The table as in claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the lip engaging portion and at least a portion of the engaging portion of the frame are sized and configured to be simultaneously disposed in a nesting portion of an adjacent table when the table is nested with an adjacent table.

7. The table as in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the engaging portion of the frame is at least generally aligned and coplanar with an outer edge of the table top.

8. The table as in claim 1, wherein the generally planar contact surface of the frame has a wall thickness measured between an inner surface and an outer surface; and wherein the engaging portion of the frame has a thickness generally equal to or great than twice the wall thickness of the generally planar contact surface.

9. The table as in claim 1, wherein the engaging portion of the frame extends outwardly from a body of the frame.

10. The table as in claim 1, wherein the generally planar contact surface of the frame is disposed immediately adjacent to the engaging portion of the frame; and wherein the generally planar contact surface and the engaging portion of the frame form part of a contiguous structure.

11. A table sized and configured to nest with an adjacent table to reduce a height of a plurality of stacked tables in a nested configuration, each table of the plurality of stacked tables having substantially the same size and configuration, the table comprising: a table top constructed from molded plastic, the table top comprising: a generally planar upper surface; a nesting portion at least partially disposed in the generally planar upper surface of the table top; and a lip extending downwardly relative to the generally planar upper surface of the table top; and a frame connected to the table top, the frame comprising: a generally planar contact surface sized and configured to contact a generally planar upper surface of an adjacent table when the table is nested with an adjacent table; and a frame engaging portion sized and configured to be disposed in a nesting portion of an adjacent table when the table is nested with an adjacent table.

12. The table as in claim 11, further comprising a lip engaging portion sized and configured to be disposed in a nesting portion of an adjacent table when the table is nested with an adjacent table, at least a portion of the lip engaging portion and the frame engaging portion sized and configured to be simultaneously disposed in a nesting portion of an adjacent table when the table is nested with an adjacent table.

13. The table as in claim 11, wherein the frame engaging portion extends downwardly relative to the generally planar contact surface.

14. The table as in claim 11, further comprising: a sidewall of the nesting portion that is disposed generally perpendicular to the generally planar upper surface of the table top; and a lower surface of the nesting portion that is disposed generally parallel to the generally planar upper surface of the table top.

15. The table as in claim 11, wherein the table top is constructed from blow-molded plastic and the table top is constructed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure during the blow-molding process.

16. The table as in claim 11, wherein the generally planar contact surface of the frame has a wall thickness measured between an inner surface and an outer surface; and wherein the engaging portion of the frame has a thickness generally equal to twice the wall thickness of the generally planar contact surface of the frame.

17. The table as in claim 11, wherein the generally planar contact surface of the frame is disposed immediately adjacent to the engaging portion of the frame; and wherein the generally planar contact surface and the engaging portion of the frame form part of a contiguous structure.

18. The table as in claim 11, further comprising a lip engaging portion sized and configured to be disposed in a nesting portion of an adjacent table when the table is nested with an adjacent table, the lip engaging portion at least partially formed by a compression edge of a lower portion of the lip.

19. The table as in claim 11, further comprising a lip engaging portion sized and configured to be disposed in a nesting portion of an adjacent table when the table is nested with an adjacent table, the lip engaging portion comprising a compression edge in a corner of the table top and a compression edge along a side of the table top; and wherein the frame engaging portion, the compression edge in the corner of the table top and the compression edge along the side of the table top are simultaneously disposed in a nesting portion of an adjacent table when the table is nested with an adjacent table.

20. The table as in claim 11, wherein the molded plastic table top has a wall thickness measured between an inner surface and an outer surface; and wherein the lip engaging portion includes a compression edge with a thickness generally equal to twice the wall thickness.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] 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:

[0066] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of an exemplary table;

[0067] FIG. 2 is a lower perspective view of the table shown in FIG. 1;

[0068] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 2;

[0069] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a side rail of a frame;

[0070] FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of the side rail of the frame shown in FIG. 4;

[0071] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 1;

[0072] FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view of two exemplary tables disposed in a nested and stacked configuration;

[0073] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view along section line 8-8 of a portion of the tables shown in FIG. 7;

[0074] FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 8, illustrating a side rail of the frame and a portion of a table top disposed in a nesting portion in an adjacent, nested table;

[0075] FIG. 10 is perspective view of another exemplary table;

[0076] FIG. 11 is an enlarged lower perspective view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 10;

[0077] FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 10, illustrating a side rail of a frame;

[0078] FIG. 13 is an upper perspective view of two exemplary tables disposed in a stacked and nested configuration;

[0079] FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view along lines 14-14 of a portion of the tables shown in FIG. 13;

[0080] FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 13, illustrating an exemplary connection of the frame and table top;

[0081] FIG. 16 is another enlarged perspective view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 13, illustrating the exemplary connection of the frame and table top;

[0082] FIG. 17 is yet another enlarged perspective view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 13, illustrating the exemplary connection of the frame and table top;

[0083] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional side view along lines 18-18 of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 17;

[0084] FIG. 19 is a perspective view an yet another exemplary table;

[0085] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 19, illustrating two tables in a stacked and nested configuration;

[0086] FIG. 21 is a perspective view a further exemplary table, illustrating two tables in a stacked and nested configuration;

[0087] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the tables shown in FIG. 21;

[0088] FIG. 23 is perspective view of yet another further exemplary table;

[0089] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a still further exemplary table;

[0090] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional side view along lines 25-25 of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 23;

[0091] FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 23;

[0092] FIG. 27 is an enlarged perspective view of another portion of the table shown in FIG. 23;

[0093] FIG. 28 is an end view of two exemplary stacked tables;

[0094] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a portion of the two stacked tables shown in FIG. 29;

[0095] FIG. 30 is a lower perspective view of an exemplary table, illustrating leg clips that may be used to secure support structures in a fixed position;

[0096] FIG. 31 is a lower perspective view of the table shown in FIG. 30, illustrating leg clips attached to support structures;

[0097] FIG. 32 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 30, illustrating a leg clip attached to a lower portion of the table top;

[0098] FIG. 33 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 31, illustrating a leg clip attached to a support structure;

[0099] FIG. 34 is an enlarged upper perspective view of the leg clip;

[0100] FIG. 35 is an enlarged lower perspective view of the leg clip;

[0101] FIG. 36 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the table shown in FIG. 31, illustrating a support clip;

[0102] FIG. 37 is an enlarged upper perspective view of the support clip;

[0103] FIG. 38 is an enlarged lower perspective view of the support clip;

[0104] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of two exemplary tables in a nested configuration;

[0105] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional side view along lines 40-40 of the table shown in FIG. 39;

[0106] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an exemplary end cap;

[0107] FIG. 42 is a another perspective view of the end cap shown in FIG. 41;

[0108] FIG. 43 is a still another perspective view of the end cap shown in FIG. 41;

[0109] FIG. 44 is a yet another perspective view of the end cap shown in FIG. 41 and a lower portion of a support structure;

[0110] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of an exemplary support structure and end cap;

[0111] FIG. 46 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the support structure and end cap shown in FIG. 45;

[0112] FIG. 47 is a side view of a portion of the support structure and end cap shown in FIG. 45;

[0113] FIG. 48 is an upper perspective view of a portion of an exemplary table, illustrating a handle; and

[0114] FIG. 49 is an upper perspective view of two exemplary tables disposed in a nested configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary table 10 may include a table top 12 and the table top may be constructed from molded plastic. The table top 12 may include an upper portion 14, such as an upper surface; a lower portion 16, such as a lower portion, and a perimeter 18. As shown in the accompanying figures, a sidewall may be disposed about the perimeter 18 of the table top 12. The upper portion 14 may be spaced apart from the lower portion 16 of the table top 12 by a distance, which may be a generally constant distance. The table top 12 may also include a hollow interior portion disposed between the upper and lower portions 14, 16 of the table top. In addition, the table top 12 may include a lip 20, which may extend downwardly from the lower portion 16 of the table top. The table top 12 may further include one or more sides 22, corners 24 and ends 26. The table top 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 table top 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 table top 12 may be constructed using various materials such as wood, metal and the like.

[0118] The table 10 may also include a one or more support structures 28, which may be sized and configured to support the table top 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 table top 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.

[0119] The table 10 may include a frame 36 that is connected to the table top 12. If desired, the support structures 28 may be connected to the frame 36. In addition, the support structures 28 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 then be connected to the frame 36. In particular, the frame 36 may include elongated support members or 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. The side rails 42, 44 may extend along the length and/or width of the table top 12 and the side rails may help support the table top and/or facilitate connection of the support structures 28 and/or cross members 38, 40 to the table top.

[0120] 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 the 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. It will also be appreciated that the table top 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.

[0121] The table 10 may also 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 table top 12. The first and second portions 50A, 50B may be interconnected to form the brace assemblies 46, 48.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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 table top 12. Advantageously, if the side rails 42, 44 are disposed proximate the sides 22 of the table top 12, then the sides of the table top 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.

[0124] As best seen in FIGS. 3-6, the exemplary side rail 42 may have a body 54 with an inner surface 56 and an outer surface 58. The side rail 44 preferably has a similar or complementary configuration, as shown in the accompanying figures. The body 54 may have a generally planar configuration and it may extend almost the entire length of the table top 12. The body 54 may also be disposed generally vertically and perpendicular to the lower portion 16 of the table top 12. The side rail 42 preferably includes multiple angled portions or flanges, which may help increase strength, rigidity and torsion resistance. For example, the side rail 42 may include an upper portion 60 that is disposed generally perpendicular or at a right angle with respect to the body 54. The upper portion 60 may include a downwardly extending flange 62 and the upper portion preferably extends inwardly towards a center portion of the table top 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper portion 60 of the side rail 42 may have a generally U-shaped configuration and it may be disposed within a frame receiving portion 64 in the lower portion 16 of the table top 12. In particular, an upper surface of the upper portion 60 of the side rail 42 may contact or abut a lower surface of the frame receiving portion 64 and an outer surface of the flange 62 may contact an inner sidewall 66 of the frame receiving portion.

[0125] The side rail 42 may also include a lower portion 68 that extends outwardly towards an outer portion of the table top 12. The lower portion 68 may include a connecting portion 70 that is disposed at an angle, such as a right angle, to the body 54 of the side rail 42. The connecting portion 70 may have a generally planar configuration with an upper surface 72 that is disposed towards a lower surface of the lip 20 and a lower surface 74. The lower portion 68 of the side rail 42 may also include an engaging or engagement portion 76, such as a projection or flange, which may extend downwardly and at a right angle relative to the lower surface 74. The engaging portion 76 may have an engagement surface 78, which may be rounded or curved surface. The lower portion 68 of the side rail 42 may also have an upwardly extending portion 80 with an end 82. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, an outer surface of the upwardly extending portion 80 may be exposed and visible when the table 10 is viewed from the side.

[0126] If a portion of the frame 36, such as the side rails 42, 44, is disposed below or proximate the lower portion of the lip 20, then the frame may help prevent the table top 12 from being damaged. This may allow the frame 36 to absorb impacts or forces that otherwise may damage the table top 12. For instance, as shown in FIG. 1, the lower portion of the side rail 42 may extend below the lower portion of the lip 20 along the sides 22 of the table top 12. In addition, the lower portion of the side rail 42 may be aligned with and coplanar with a lower portion of the corners 24 and the ends 26.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 4, the side rail 42 may include apertures 84 and the apertures may be sized and configured to allow the cross members 38, 40 to be connected to the frame 36. The apertures 84 may also allow the cross member 52 to be connected to the frame 36. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the apertures 84 may facilitate the use of fasteners 88 to attach the side rails 42, 44 of the frame 36 to the table top 12. In particular, the apertures 84 may facilitate attachment of the side rails 42, 44 of the frame 36 to the lip 20 of the table top 12.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 6, the side rail 42 may be disposed proximate the lip 20 and the outer surface 58 of the body 54 may contact or abut an inner wall of the lip. Advantageously, this may allow the frame 36 to help support the lip 20. The upper portion 60 of the side rail 42 may be disposed in the frame receiving portion 64, which may be integrally formed in the table top 12 as part of a unitary, one-piece construction. In particular, an upper surface of the upper portion 60 may contact or abut a lower surface of the frame receiving portion 64 and an outer surface of the flange 62 may contact or about the sidewall 66. The positioning of the frame receiving portion 64 adjacent to the lip 20 may help facilitate positioning of the side rail 42 and may help prevent the frame 36 from undesirably moving or bending when a load or force is applied to the table 10.

[0129] The lower portion 68 of the side rail 42 may be at least generally disposed below a lower portion of the lip 20. For example, the connecting portion 70 may be spaced apart from the lower portion of the lip 20 by a distance. In particular, the upper surface 72 of the connecting portion 70 may be spaced apart from the lower surface of the lip 20 and the connecting portion may be disposed generally parallel to the lower portion of the lip. The engaging portion 76 may extend downwardly and the engagement surface 78 may be generally aligned with or disposed in generally the same plane as a lowermost portion of the table top 12, such as a lower surface of the corners 24. The upwardly extending portion 80 of the side rail 42 is preferably disposed in or proximate an opening or recess 90 in the lip 20, which may allow a portion of the side rail to be visible or exposed. The end 82 of the side rail 42 may contact or abut the lower surface of the lip 20. In addition, the end 82 of the side rail 42 may contact or abut an inner surface of an edge 92, such as a compression edge, of the lip 20. As shown in FIG. 6, an alignment member 94 may be disposed in the lower surface of the lip 20 and the end 82 of the side rail 42 may be disposed between the compression edge 92 and the alignment member 94, which may help position the frame 36 and/or prevent the side rail from undesirably moving or bending.

[0130] Advantageously, the compression edge 92 and the alignment member 94 may be integrally formed with the table top 12 as part of a unitary, one-piece construction. In addition, if the table top is constructed from blow-molded plastic, the compression edge may be formed by the outer wall being folded onto itself such that the compression edge has a thickness approximately equal to twice the outer wall thickness. The compression edge may help provide increased strength, stiffness, structural integrity and/or impact resistance.

[0131] The side rail 42 may be quickly and easily formed into the exemplary configuration shown in the accompanying figures. For instance, a sheet of material, such as steel, may be shaped into the desired configuration. In addition, the side rail 42 may be quickly and easily disposed in a desired position because the upper portion 60 may be disposed in the frame receiving portion 64, the outer surface 58 of the body 54 may engage the inner surface of the lip 20, and the end 82 may be disposed between the compression edge 92 and the alignment member 94. Also, because only one or more fasteners may be required to connect the side rail 42 to the table top 12, this may expedite the manufacturing process. Additionally, the engaging portion 76 may have increased strength because it may have double or twice the thickness as other portions of the side rail 42. Thus, the engaging portion 76 may have increased strength, rigidity and/or impact resistance.

[0132] As discussed above, the side rails 42, 44 of the frame 36 may assist in stacking and nesting of the tables 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, two tables 10 may be stacked and nested together. Advantageously, if the tables 10 are nested together, this may reduce the height of the stacked tables. For instance, if twenty-one (21) tables can be stacked on a conventional pallet, then 798 conventional tables may be loaded into a conventional forty foot high-capacity container. The nested tables 10 shown in the accompanying figures, however, may allow twenty-six (26) tables to be loaded on a conventional pallet. Significantly, this may allow 988 tables to be loaded in the same forty foot high-capacity container. Thus, the nesting tables 10 allow 190 more tables to be shipped in each container. Therefore, approximately twenty-five percent (25%) more tables can be shipped in the same size container, which may considerably reduce shipping costs.

[0133] As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the tables 10 may include a nesting portion 100 that is sized and configured to facilitate nesting of the tables. The nesting portion 100 is preferably disposed about the perimeter 18 of the table top 12. In particular, the nesting portion 100 is preferably disposed about the entire perimeter 18 of the table top 12 including the sides 22, the corners 24 and the ends 26. The nesting portion 100 may be at least partially disposed in an upper surface 102 and sidewall 104 of the table top 12. Desirably, the nesting portion 100 may be disposed below a plane aligned with the upper surface 102 of the table top 12. The nesting portion 100 is preferably sized and configured to receive the engaging portion 76 of an adjacent table in the nested configuration. The nesting portion 100 may be integrally formed with the table top 12 as part of a unitary, one-piece construction during the molding process, if the table top is constructed from molded plastic.

[0134] In greater detail, the nesting portion 100 may be disposed at least proximate the intersection of the upper surface 102 and the side wall 104. Additionally, the nesting portion 100 may have a generally L-shaped configuration that is open on two sides, which may help facilitate alignment and nesting of the tables 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the nesting portion 100 may be a groove or channel with a height H and a width W. The height H is preferably between about 0.25 inches and about 0.5 inches, such as about 0.3 inches or 0.4 inches, and the width W may be larger than the height by a factor such as two, three or more. For example, the width W may be approximately two times the height H 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 H and the width W may also be approximately the same. For instance, if the height H is about 0.5 inches, then the width W may also be about 0.5 inches. It will also be appreciated that the width W may be smaller than the height H. Thus, for example, if the height H is about 0.4 inches, then the width W may be about 0.3 inches or less. It will be understood that the height H and/or the width W may vary depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table 10.

[0135] As discussed above, the nesting portion 100 may be sized and configured to receive the engaging portion 76 of the frame 36. In particular, the engagement surface 78 of the engaging portion 76 may contact or abut a lower surface 106 and/or a sidewall 108 of the nesting portion. The nesting portion 100 may also be sized and configured to receive a portion of the table top 12. For example, a lower portion of the corners 24 may be disposed in the nesting portion 100. Additionally, a lower portion of the ends 26 of the table top 12 may be disposed in the nesting portion 100. Thus, the table top 12 may include one or more engaging portions that are sized and configured to be disposed in the nesting portion 100. Therefore, the nesting portion 100 may receive one or more engaging portions 76 of the frame 36 and/or engaging portions of the table top 12.

[0136] The engaging portions of the table top 12 may include an engaging portion 110 of the lip 20. For instance, as seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the engaging portion 110 of the lip 20 may be disposed along the side 22 of the table top 12 and it may be disposed in the nesting portion 100 alongside or proximate the engaging portion 76 of the frame 36. In addition, the corner 24 may include an engaging portion 112 and the end 26 may include an engaging portion 114 which are sized and configured to be disposed in the nesting portion 100. This may allow the engaging portion 76 of the frame 36 to be disposed in the nesting portion 100 along the sides 22 of the table top 12, the engaging portion 112 to be disposed in the nesting portion in the corners 24, and the engaging portion 114 to be disposed in the nesting portion along the ends 26 of the adjacent table top. Therefore, the engaging portions disposed in the nesting portion 100 may include a combination of one or more portions of the frame 36 and/or table top 12.

[0137] As discussed above, the engaging portion 76 of the frame 36 may have a double wall thickness. In addition, the engaging portions 110, 112, 114 of the table top 12 may have a double wall thickness because, for example, these portions of the table top may include a compression edge. The compression edge may have a double wall thickness because the outer wall may be folded back upon itself such that the inner surfaces of the outer wall contact or abut. In addition, as indicated above, the openings or recesses 90 in the lip 20 may include a compression edge 92. Therefore, if desired, the compression edge may extend about all or a majority of the lower portion 16 of the table top 12 such as the lip 20, the sides 22, the corners 24 and/or the ends 26. Further, as shown in the accompanying figures, the compression edges 92, 110, 112, 114 may have different heights. For example, the compression edge 92 in the opening 90 may have a smaller height than the compression edge 110 of the lip 20, the compression edge 112 of the corner 24 and/or the compression edge 114 of the end 26. In addition, the compression edge 112 of the corner 24 may have a greater height than the compression edges 92, 110, or 114. The compression edges 92, 110, 112, 114, however, preferably have a generally constant thickness. Advantageously, the double wall thickness of the engaging portion 76 and the compression edges may provide increased strength, rigidity, structural integrity and/or impact resistance, which may create a table top 12 that is more robust, durable and less likely to be damaged. The double wall thickness of the engaging portion 76 and the compression edges may also create relatively thin structures that allow the size of the nesting portion 100 to be minimized.

[0138] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the side rail 42 of the frame 36 may have multiple contact surfaces or areas that are sized and configured to contact an adjacent, nested table. For example, the lower surface 74 of the connecting portion 70 of the side rail 42 may have a generally planar contact surface 116 that is sized and configured to contact or abut the upper surface 102 of an adjacent, nested table 10. The contact surface 116 may have a width of about 0.25 inches, about 0.5 inches or about 1.0 inches, or more, and may extend substantially the entire length of the table top 12. In addition, the engagement surface 78 of the engaging portion 76 of the frame 36 may form at least a portion of a contact surface 118 that is sized and configured to contact or abut the lower surface 106 and/or the sidewall 108 of the nesting portion 100. Further, the compression edges 92, 110, 112, 114 may be sized and configured to contact or abut the lower surface 106 and/or sidewall 108 of the nesting portion 100. Advantageously, this may allow a load or force to be shared or distributed over multiple areas when the tables 10 are nested. Thus, load bearing surfaces may be formed by the surface 116, the surface 118 and/or the compression edges 92, 110, 112, 114. In particular, the surface 116 may be a first load bearing surface 116 and the surface 118 may be a second load bearing surface. These multiple load bearing surfaces may allow the tables 10 to support more weight and permit additional tables to be stacked and nested, and may help prevent damage to the tables 10.

[0139] Therefore, the frame 36 may provide multiple load bearing surfaces between adjacent, stacked tables 10 and this may allow a greater number of tables to be nested together without damage. The frame 36 may also facilitate alignment and positioning of the tables 10 in the nested configuration. In addition, the frame 36 may help maintain the tables 10 in the nested configuration because a friction or interfere engagement with an adjacent, nested table may be created. Additionally, the frame 36 may protect the table top 12 from damage because it may extend below a least a portion of the lip 20 and, if the engaging portion 76 has a double wall thickness, the frame may be stronger and have increased impact resistance. Further, the frame 36 may facilitate nesting of the tables 10, which may significantly reduce the height of a plurality of nested tables, and this may be particularly advantageous when manufacturing, shipping, storing and displaying of the tables. Finally, the frame 36 may allow the table 10 to have the same general size, configuration and appearance as a conventional table, but much less area may be required when the tables are nested together.

[0140] Another exemplary embodiment of a table 200 is shown in FIGS. 10-18. The table 200 may have generally the same shape, size, configuration and arrangement as the table 10. In addition, the table 200 may have one or more features and/or aspects of the table 10. Therefore, it will be understood the table 200 may include one or more similarities with the table 10 and, for convenience and brevity, the same reference numbers may be used to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0141] The table 200 may include a frame 202 with a generally V-shaped configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the frame 202 may include a side rail 204 that is disposed along a side of the table top 12. The side rail 204 may include an outer portion 206 that is disposed towards an outer surface or perimeter 18 of the table top 12. The outer portion 206 may have a generally planar outer surface and may be disposed in the opening 90 in the lip 20 of the table top 12. The end 208 of the outer portion 206 may be curved or rounded and it may be sized and configured to be disposed in the nesting portion 100 of an adjacent, nested table. The side rail 204 may also include an inner portion 210 that is disposed towards an inner portion of the table top 12. The inner portion 210 may also include an inwardly extending flange 212.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 13, the tables 200 may be disposed in a nested configuration in which an upper portion of the lower table is nested within a lower portion of the upper table. In greater detail, as shown in FIG. 14, the table top 12 may include a frame receiving portion 214 that is generally V-shaped and the frame 202 may be at least partially disposed within the frame receiving portion. Advantageously, this may help position the side rail 204 in the desired location and prevent the side rail from inadvertently moving or bending. The end 208 of the side rail 204 may be disposed in the nesting portion 100 of an adjacent table when the tables are nested together.

[0143] In greater detail, the end 208 of the side rail 204, which may have a double wall thickness because the end is bent back upon itself (such as shown in FIG. 12) or folded at a 180 angle (such as shown in FIG. 14). The end 208 may be disposed in the nesting portion 100 of an adjacent table in the nested configuration. In particular, the end 208 of the side rail 204 may contact the lower surface 106 and/or the sidewall 108 of the nesting portion 100. Additionally, if the outer portion 206 of the side rail 204 is disposed in the opening 90 in the sides of the table top 12, then an exposed surface 216 of the side rail may be readily visible when viewing the side of the table top.

[0144] As shown in FIGS. 15-18, the side rail 204 may be connected to the table top 12 by disposing an engaging portion 220 of the table top 12 within a receiving portion 222 of the side rail 204. For instance, as shown in FIG. 15, the engaging portion 220 may be disposed in an enlarged portion 224 of the receiving portion 222, which may have a generally key-shaped configuration. As shown in FIG. 16, the side rail 204 may be slid or moved so that the engaging portion 220 is now disposed in a smaller portion 226 of the receiving portion 222. As best seen in FIG. 18, the engaging portion 220 may include a receiving portion, such as undercut 228, that is sized and configured to receive an edge 230 of the receiving portion 222. Advantageously, the undercut 228 and edge 230 may help secure the 204 in a fixed position within the frame receiving portion 214. For example, the undercut 228 and the edge 230 may create a friction or interference fit between the engaging portion 220 and the receiving portion 222. This exemplary configuration may allow the frame 202 to be connected to the table top 12 without requiring any additional components, fasteners, or the like. One or more fasteners, such as a fastener 232, however, may be used to maintain the side rail 204 in a fixed position and/or attach the side rail to the table top 12.

[0145] Advantageously, if the side rail 204 of the frame 36 is connected to the table top 12 by the engaging and receiving portions 220, 222, then fasteners may not be used to primarily secure the frame to the table top. Instead, fasteners may be used to simply prevent the frame 36 from moving relative to the table top 12. Thus, fewer fasteners may be used and the table top 12 may be less likely to be damaged because fasteners may not be load bearing or supporting members. It will be understood this exemplary embodiment of attaching the table top 12 and frame 36 may be used in connection with any of the tables disclosed herein. It will also be understood the tables may include any suitable number or combination of features, aspects, characteristics and the like disclosed herein depending, for example, upon the intended use of the tables. Further, it will be understood that while the tables may have similar aspects, features, characteristics and the like, the tables may also have other or different aspects, features, characteristics and the like.

[0146] For example, the frame 202 may facilitate alignment and positioning of the tables 200. The frame 202 may also protect the table top 12 from damage because it may extend below a portion of the lip 20 and the double wall thickness of the end 208 may provide increased strength and impact resistance. Additionally, the frame 202 may facilitate nesting of the tables 200 and that may significantly reduce the height of a plurality of stacked, nested tables. Further, because the table 200 may have the same general size, configuration and appearance as a conventional table and/or a portion of the frame 202 may be exposed, consumers may immediately assume the table 200 has the same strength and structural integrity as a conventional table. It will be understood the table 200, and the other tables disclosed herein, may include any suitable combination of these aspects, features, characteristics and the like.

[0147] Another exemplary embodiment of a table is shown in FIGS. 19-22. In this configuration, the table 300 may include a frame 302 with a generally S-shaped side rail 304. In greater detail, the side rail 304 may include an outer portion 306 with an end 308 and an inner portion 310 with a flange 312. The inner portion 310 of the side rail 304 may be disposed within a frame receiving portion 314 in the lower portion 16 of the table top 12. The end 308 of the outer portion of the side rail 304 may be disposed in a receiving portion 316, such as a groove or channel, which may be disposed in a lower portion of the lip 20.

[0148] As best seen in FIG. 20, when the tables 300 are nested together, the side rails 304 of the frame 302 may be generally aligned, which may allow the tables in the nested configuration to support a considerable amount of weight. In addition, a downwardly extending portion 320 of the lip 20, such as a compression edge, may be disposed along the side 22 of the table top 12. The downwardly extending portion 320 of the lip 20 may be disposed in the nesting portion 100 of the adjacent, nested table. Similar to the tables discussed above, the nested tables 300 may significantly reduce the height of a plurality of stacked tables. Advantageously, the reduced height may save space during the manufacturing process, reduce transportation costs, decrease the amount of required storage space and allow the tables to be more easily displayed and stored.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 22, the tables 300 could have a different configuration in which the side rails 304 are offset or disposed a different distance from the sides 22 of the table top 12. In this configuration, the offset side rails 304 may allow the tables 300 to be stacked with lower portions 16 of the tables contacting and abutting. In greater detail, the outer portion 306 of the side rail 304 may be disposed proximate the lip 20 and within a receiving portion 322 formed in the lower surface of the lip of the adjacent, nested table.

[0150] When the tables 300 are stacked as shown in FIG. 22, a lower portion of one table is nested with a lower portion of the adjacent, nested table. In this configuration, the outer portion 306 of the frame 302 on one side of the lower table 300 is disposed in the receiving portion 322 in the lower portion of the lip 20 of the upper table. The outer portion 306 of the frame 302 on the other side of the upper table 300 is disposed in the receiving portion 322 in the lower portion of the lip 20 of the lower table. Therefore, because the side rails 304 of the frame 302 are offset, the orientation of the tables 300 may alternate when the tables are disposed in the stacked, nested configuration. Advantageously, because the lower portions of the tables 300 are nested together, the upper portions of the tables may be less susceptible to damage. Further, because the upper surfaces of the tables 300 are preferably generally planar and the upper surface of one table may contact the upper surface of another table when multiple tables are stacked together, a load or force on the tables may be distributed over a large area which may help prevent the tables from being damaged.

[0151] Another exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 23-29 in which the table 400 may include a frame 402 that is attached to the perimeter 18 of the table top 12. For example, as seen in FIGS. 23 and 24, the table 400 may have generally the same size, shape, configuration and arrangement as the tables 10, 200 and 300. The frame 402, however, may include side rails 404 that include a receiving portion 406 that is sized and configured to receive an edge of the table top 12. The side rails 404 may also include an outer edge or flange 408 with an upper surface that is generally aligned with the upper portion 14 of the table top 12. Advantageously, the receiving portion 406 and flange 408 may help protect the table top 12 from damage. The side rails 404 may also include one or more inwardly extending flanges 410, 412, which may be sized and configured to allow the support structures 28 to be connected to the table 400. Further, the table 400 may include corners 414, which may help protect the frame 402 and/or table top 12 from damage. If desired, the corners 414 may be connected to the frame 402. On the other hand, the corners 414 may be used to connect the frame 402 to the table 400. In addition, as shown in Figures 28 and 29, the corners 414 may include a downwardly extending projection 416 that may be sized and configured to facilitate stacking and/or alignment of the tables 400.

[0152] As discussed above, the tables may include any suitable number of features, which may be freely combined depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table. Additional features such as leg clips, spacers, inserts, pads, foot caps and handles, are described in more detail below. While the tables may include any number of features, none of the features are required.

[0153] As seen in FIGS. 30-36, the table 10 may include a leg clip 140 that is sized and configured to secure the support structure 28 and/or leg 30 in a fixed position relative to the table top 12 when the support structure 28 is in a collapsed position. For example, as best seen in FIGS. 34 and 35, the leg clip 140 may include a base 142 with a generally square or rectangular configuration with tapered edges 144. The leg clip 140 may also include a receiving portion 146 with two upwardly extending arms 148, 150. The arms 148, 150 may move or elastically deform when a portion of the support structure 28 is inserted into the opening 152 disposed between the ends of the arms. When the support structure 28 is disposed between the arms 148, 150, the arms may resiliently return to their previous configuration to maintain the support structure 28 in a fixed position.

[0154] The base 142 may be at least partially attached to and/or disposed in a depression or receiving portion 154 in the lower portion 16 of the table top 12. For example, the receiving portion 154 may include an opening that is slightly smaller than the base 142 so that once the base is inserted into the opening, the base may be securely disposed within the receiving portion. In addition, the base 142 may include an upper surface 156 that is generally aligned within or disposed below the lower surface 16 of the table top 12. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the leg clip 140 may be at least partially disposed within a groove or channel 160 in the lower surface 16 of the table top 12. For instance, the channel 160 may be formed in the lower surface 16 of the table top 12 to receive a portion of the support structure 28 in the collapsed position. As shown in the accompanying figures, the leg clip 140 may be at least partially disposed within the channel 160. If desired, the base 142 may be disposed at least partially disposed in a depression 162 formed in the lower surface 16 of the table top 12. The base 142 may also be disposed at an angle relative to the depressions 162. Further, one or more of the depressions 162 may be formed in the channel 160 and the leg clip 140 may be at least partially disposed in a depression in the channel.

[0155] As shown in FIGS. 31 and 36-40, the table 10 may include spacers, inserts or pads 170, which may facilitate stacking of the tables. For example, when tables 10 are stacked and/or nested for manufacturing, transportation, storage, display and the like, a significant amount of weight or force may be applied to the tables. The weight or force may be particularly significant for the tables 10 disposed towards the lower portion of the stack. The pads 170 may include a clip 172 that is sized and configured to be attached to a portion of the frame 36, such as cross members 38, 40, 52, support structures 28 and/or other suitable portion of the table 10. The pad 170 may include a generally planar contact surface 174 that is sized and configured to contact an upper surface 14 of a nested table. The pad 170 may help distribute weight or force more equally, evenly and/or over a larger surface area of the adjacent table. Advantageously, because the pad 170 may be attached by the clip 172, that may allow the pad to be easily and quickly attached and/or removed by the manufacturer, retailer and/or consumers. In addition, the number of pads 170 may depend upon the number of tables 10 to be stacked. For instance, a larger number of pads 170 may be used if a greater number of tables 10 are to be stacked or if the tables have to support a larger weight or force.

[0156] Still another aspect is a table 10 that may include one or more foot caps 180 attached to feet 182 of the support structures 28 and/or legs 30. For example, the table 10 may include the support structure 28 wherein the legs are elongated members 30 connected by a connecting member 32. The elongated members 30 may be constructed from tubular pieces of metal with a generally circular, oval, oblong, rectangular or other suitable cross-sectional configuration. The elongated members 30 may be bent or curved such that the upper portions of the elongated members are spaced closer together than the lower portions of the elongated members. The bending the elongated members 30 into the desired shape or configuration may cause the ends of the elongated members to be disposed at an angle X, such as about 8. The foot caps 180 are preferably sized and configured to be attached to the ends of the support members 30 and include a lower surface that is disposed parallel to the floor. In particular, the foot caps 180 desirably compensate for the angled end of the elongated members 30 so that the table 10 rests securely and in a stable position relative to the floor.

[0157] As seen in FIGS. 41-47, the elongated member 30 may be inserted into an upper portion 184 of the foot cap 180. The elongated members 30 and the foot cap 180 may include alignment members to help ensure the foot cap is correctly positioned. For instance, the elongated member 30 may include an alignment member 186, such as a notch, cutout, groove, indentation or the like; and the foot cap 180 may include a corresponding alignment member 188, such as a projection, protrusion, protuberance or the like. The alignment members 186, 188 may help ensure the elongated members 30 and foot caps 180 are correctly orientated. The foot caps 180 may further include a lower portion 190 that may be sized and configured to contact a support surface such as the ground or floor.

[0158] As shown in FIGS. 48 and 49, the table 10 may include a handle 192 that is disposed at one or both ends 26 of the table top 12. The handle 192 is preferably sized and configured to facilitate moving and transporting the table 10. In addition, the handle 192 may assist in separating the tables 10 in the nested configuration. The handle 192 may consist of a recess or opening in the downwardly lip 20 of a table top 12 and the handle may be integrally formed with the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece construction. Thus, the table 10 may include handles 192 disposed in both ends 26 of the table top 12 and openings 90 disposed in the sides 22 of the table top. Therefore, the lip 20 in each side of the table top 12 may include an opening or recess. The openings 90 along the sides 22 of the table top 12, however, may be much longer than the handles 192 in the ends 26 of the table top, by a factor such as five, ten, twenty or more.

[0159] 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.

[0160] For example, the depressions may have other 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, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In addition, the table 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 (U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006-0230989), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0161] It will be understood that the table 10 may include other suitable features, aspects, configurations and the like, such as disclosed in Assignee's U.S. Pat. No. 8,408,146, entitled FRAME FOR A TABLE; U.S. Pat. No. 8,622,007, entitled TABLE WITH MOLDED PLASTIC TABLE TOP; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/455,076, entitled TABLE WITH MOLDED PLASTIC TABLE TOP, filed Apr. 24, 2012 (U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012-0266790); U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/455,081, entitled TABLE TOP, filed Apr. 24, 2012 (U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012-0266791); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,347,795, entitled TABLE. Each of these patents and applications is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0162] 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.