TABLE FRAMEWORK

Abstract

A framework for a tabletop includes inner and outer frames with each frame formed from a plurality of segments joined together sequentially at joints. Each joint includes a tab on one segment disposed in a corresponding notch or indentation on an adjacent segment. Additionally, each joint includes a tab on one frame disposed in a corresponding notch of the other frame such that the inner and outer frames can be coupled together at the joints.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to tables, and more particularly to frameworks for supporting table tops.

2. Related Art

Tables generally have a flat planar top surface that is supported by a frame or framework. The framework can be formed by joining several smaller struts or segments. The joints of such framework are often formed by attaching adjacent segments together using adhesives, such as glue, and/or fasteners, such as screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, weldments, and the like. Unfortunately, many of these types of fasteners have protruding pieces that can interfere with the tabletop, or snag on things moving by the joint, such as clothing. Additionally, such joints often loosen over time causing the table to wobble, bend, and even collapse under uneven loading. Moreover, such joints are usually weaker than the parent material of the table framework and can fail in response to loading placed on the table top.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventors of the present invention have recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a joint system for a table top framework that uses tabs and slots to create a fastenerless joint. The inventors of the present invention have also recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a table top framework with joints that remain solidly coupled together over time and under cyclical loading and unloading of the table top surface.

The invention provides for a framework for a tabletop that can include inner and outer frames with each frame formed from a plurality of segments joined together sequentially at joints. Each joint can include a tab on one segment disposed in a corresponding notch or indentation on an adjacent segment. Additionally, each joint can also include a tab on one frame disposed in a corresponding notch of the other frame such that the inner and outer frames can be coupled together at the joints.

The present invention also includes a method for forming a table top framework including forming an inner frame with a plurality of straight segments coupled together end to end by disposing a tab on an end of a straight segment within a corresponding indentation of an end of a different mating straight segment. An outer frame can also be formed with a plurality of arcuate segments coupled together end to end by disposing a tab on an end of a arcuate segment within a corresponding indentation of an end of a different mating arcuate segment. The inner frame can be joined to the outer frame by disposing a tab on at least one of the straight or arcuate segments into a notch on at least one of the other of the straight or arcuate segments to form the framework.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a table including a framework for supporting a tabletop in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the table of FIG. 1, showing the framework for supporting the tabletop;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the framework for supporting the tabletop of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the framework of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a straight segment of the framework of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a top view of an arcuate segment of the framework of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary top view of a joint of the framework of FIG. 3, shown coupling both straight segments of FIG. 3 and arcuate segments of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the framework of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a sheet of material marked for cutting into arcuate segments of the tabletop framework of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a table including a framework for supporting a tabletop in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the table of FIG. 10, showing the framework for supporting the tabletop;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the framework for supporting the tabletop of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the framework of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a top view of a straight segment of the framework of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a top view of an arcuate segment of the framework of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary top view of a joint of the framework of FIG. 12, shown coupling both straight segments of FIG. 14 and arcuate segments of FIG. 15; and

FIG. 17 is a side view of the framework of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

The embodiments of the present invention described herein provide generally for a framework for supporting a table top. The framework can include an inner and an outer frame. The inner frame can be formed by a plurality of straight segments joined together end to end. The outer frame can be formed by a plurality of arcuate segments joined together end to end. The segments of the inner frame can be joined together by a segment joint formed by a tab on an end of one straight segment disposed within a corresponding indentation of an end of a mating straight segment The segments of the outer frame can be joined together by a segment joint formed by a tab on an end of one arcuate segment disposed within a corresponding indentation of an end of a mating arcuate segment The outer frame can be sized to substantially circumscribe the inner frame. The inner frame can be joined to the outer frame at a plurality of frame joints. The frame joints can be include a tab formed by at least one protrusion on at least one of the straight or arcuate segments, and an indentation formed by at least one notch on at least one of the straight or arcuate segments.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, a table, indicated generally at 4, is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The table includes a table top 6, a framework for supporting the tabletop, indicated generally at 10, and a plurality of legs 8 that can support the framework 10 and table top 6.

The tabletop 6 can be a sheet of material that can be carried and supported by the framework 10. The table top 6 can also be a molded polymeric article that can be molded around the framework 10.

The legs 8 can be attached to the framework 10 and can raise the tabletop 6 to a suitable or desired height. In one aspect the legs 8 can be immovably fixed to the framework 10. In another aspect the legs 8 can be pivotally attached to the framework 10 in order to fold up into the framework to facilitate storage of the table 4.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3-8, the framework for a tabletop 10 is shown in greater detail in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention for use in supporting the tabletop 6. The framework 10 can include an inner frame, indicated generally at 20, an outer frame, indicated generally at 50, with the outer frame substantially circumscribing the inner frame, and a cross frame, indicated generally at 90.

The inner frame 20 can have a plurality of segment joints, indicated generally at 22. The segment joints 22 can be formed by a plurality of straight segments 24 coupled together end to end. As shown in FIG. 5, each straight segment can have an end 28 with a tab 26 and an opposite end 32 with a notch or indentation 30. As best seen in FIG. 7, the tab 26 and indentation 30 can be joined together to form a segment joint 22. In this way, each segment joint 22 can include a tab 26 on an end 28 of one straight segment 24 disposed within a corresponding indentation 30 of an end 32 of a mating straight segment 24.

Returning to FIG. 5, the tabs 26 can have a larger head 26a and a narrower neck 26b. Similarly the indentations 30 can have a larger aperture 30a and a smaller opening 30b. In this way, the tabs 26 and indentations 30 can be lobed shaped or knob shaped, and when joined together the tab 26 inserted into the indentation 30 can resemble a puzzle piece joint.

Referring again to FIGS. 3-4 and 6-7, the outer frame 50 can also have a plurality of segment joints, indicated generally at 52. The segment joints 52 can be formed by a plurality of arcuate or curved segments 54 coupled together end to end. As shown in FIG. 6, each arcuate segment 54 can have an end 58 with a tab 56 and an opposite end 62 with a notch or indentation 60. As seen in FIG. 7, the tab 56 and indentation 60 can be joined together to form a segment joint 52. In this way, each segment joint 52 can include a tab 56 on an end 58 of one arcuate segment 54 disposed within a corresponding indentation 60 of an end 62 of a mating arcuate segment 54.

Returning to FIG. 6, the tabs 56 in the arcuate segments 54 can have a larger head 56a and a narrower neck 56b. Similarly the indentations 60 can have a larger aperture 60a and a smaller opening 60b. In this way, the tabs 56 and indentations 60 can be lobed shaped or knob shaped, and when joined together the tab 56 inserted into the indentation 60 can resemble a puzzle piece joint.

The arcuate segments 54 can also have an inner diameter edge 64 with a substantially equal radius of curvature to an outer diameter edge 66. In this way, the arcuate segments 54 can be wider in a middle portion 68 than at the ends 58 and 62.

The curved shape of the arcuate segments 54 provides several advantages to the manufacturing process and completed framework 10 of the present invention. For example, the wider middle portion 68 of the arcuate segments 54 advantageously increases rigidity and stability of the table top framework 10. Additionally, because the inner diameter edge 64 has the same profile as the outer diameter edge 66, all of the arcuate segments 54 can be cut from a single sheet of material 14, as shown in FIG. 9, without adjusting the set up and cutting equipment, such as jigs, patterns, or the like, for each cut. This single sheet manufacturing method reduces set up time and minimizes waste material.

Referring again to FIGS. 3-4 and 7, the inner segments 24 and outer segments 54 can be coupled together at a plurality of frame joints, indicated generally at 70. The frame joints 70 can correspond to segment joints 22 and 52 on the inner and outer frames 24 and 54 respectively. Each frame joint 70 can include at least one tab 72 and at least one indentation 76. The tab 72 can be disposed in the indentation 76 to join a straight segment 24 to an arcuate segment 54 together, thereby joining the inner frame 20 and the outer frame 50 and forming the frame joint 70.

Referring to FIGS. 3-4 and 7-8, the framework 10 can also include a cross frame 90. The cross frame 90 can extend between opposite frame joints 70. Additionally, the cross frame 90 can be coupled to each of the frame joints 70 by at least one tab 92 extending into a corresponding indentation 94. Similar to the tabs and indentations described above, the tab 92 can extend from one of the cross frame 90 or inner frame segments 24 and into the corresponding indentation 94 in the other of the cross frame or inner frame segment. In one aspect, the cross frame 90 can include a pair of tabs 92 that can extend from each end of the cross frame and into a corresponding indentation 94 in the ends of each of the straight segments 24, thereby forming a cross member joint, indicated generally at 106.

The cross frame 90 can include a spar 96 that can extend the full distance between two opposite frame joints 70. Additionally, the cross frame can include a pair of cross members 98 that can be coupled to an approximate midpoint 100 of the spar 96 and extend from the spar to opposite frame joints 70. The cross members can be coupled to the spar by a tab 102 that can extend into a corresponding indentation 104. Similar to the tabs and indentations described above, the tab 102 can extend from one of the spar 96 or cross member 98 and into the corresponding indentation 104 disposed in the other of the spar 96 or cross member 98. The spar 96 and cross members 98 can be positioned substantially coplanar to the inner and outer frames 20 and 50, respectively, and the cross frame can be sized and shaped to support a middle portion of the table top.

In one aspect, the segment joints 22 and 52 and the frame joints 70 and cross member joints 106 can be positioned at the same location to form a composite joint, indicated generally at 88. Each composite joint 88 can include two outer arcuate frame segments 54, two inner straight segments 24 and an end of the cross member 90. The framework 10 can have a plurality of composite joints 88 with each composite joint coupling five segments with tabs from some segments disposed in mating indentations in other segments such that the composite joint resembles a connection of jigsaw puzzle pieces. Advantageously, interlocking all five segments of the composite joint 88 in a jigsaw puzzle pattern with tabs disposed in mating indentations strengthens each joint and adds rigidity of the table top framework 10. Additionally, interlocking all five segments of the composite joint 88 allows joints of the inner frame 20 to be commonly located with the joints of the outer frame 50.

Each of the segment joints 24 and 54, frame joints 70, and cross member joints forming the composite joint 88 can be secured together by fasteners, such as set screws, wood screws, and the like. Additionally, the joints can be secured by adhesives, such as glue and the like. It will be appreciated that adhesives are commonly designed to provide greater strength between adhered members than in the parent material of the member such that a catastrophic failure of the member will not occur in the joint. Thus, a composite joint 88 adhered together by a suitable adhesive can actually strengthen the framework 10 as a whole while minimizing snag points that can be created by protruding fasteners.

Additionally, the geometry of the tabs 26, 56, 72, and 92 and the indentations 30, 60, 76, and 94 of the joints can also add to the strength and rigidity of the joint and the stability of the framework 10. For example, the tabs and indentations can be lobed shaped to reduce the likelihood of a tab from sliding out of an indentation. Specifically, the tab can be lobed shaped with an intermediate portion relatively larger than a proximal end. Similarly, the notch can be lobed shaped with an entrance relatively smaller than an intermediate portion.

In summary, the framework 10 for a tabletop described herein and shown in FIGS. 3-8 can include inner and outer frames with each frame formed from a plurality of segments joined together sequentially at joints, and a cross member frame joined together with the inner and outer frames at a composite joint. Each joint can include a tab on one segment disposed in a corresponding notch or indentation on an adjacent segment. Additionally, each joint can also include a tab on one frame disposed in a corresponding notch of the other frame such that the inner and outer frames can be coupled together at the joints.

All of the various segments, frames, and spars forming the framework 10 of the present invention can be formed of a variety of material and by a variety of manufacturing processes. For example, the framework components can be formed of a material such as metal, aluminum, wood, plywood, polymers, plastics, fiber and resin based composites, or various combinations of these materials. Other materials known in the art could also be used by one of skill in the art so long as the material provides sufficient strength to support a tabletop.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10-11, a table, indicated generally at 400, is shown in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The table includes a table top 406, a framework, indicated generally at 500, for supporting the tabletop, and a plurality of legs 408 that can support the framework 500 and table top 406. The framework 500 can be similar in many respects to the framework 10 described above and shown in FIGS. 1-8.

The tabletop 406 can be a sheet of material that can be carried and supported by the framework 500. The table top 406 can also be a molded polymeric article that can be molded around the framework 500.

The legs 408 can be attached to the framework 500 and can raise the tabletop 406 to a suitable or desired height. In one aspect the legs 408 can be immovably fixed to the framework 500. In another aspect the legs 408 can be pivotally attached to the framework 500 in order to fold up into the framework to facilitate storage of the table 400.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12-17, the framework for a tabletop 500 is shown in greater detail in accordance an embodiment of the present invention for use in supporting the tabletop 406. The framework 500 can include an inner frame, indicated generally at 520, and an outer frame, indicated generally at 550, with the outer frame substantially circumscribing the inner frame.

The inner frame 520 can have a plurality of segment joints 522. The segment joints 522 can be formed by a plurality of straight segments 524 coupled together end to end. As shown in FIG. 14, each straight segment can have an end 528 with a tab 526 and an opposite end 532 with an indentation 530. Thus, as best seen in FIG. 16, each segment joint 522 can include a tab 526 on an end 528 of one straight segment 524 disposed within a corresponding indentation 530 of an end 532 of a mating straight segment 524. The tabs 526 can have a larger head 526a and a narrower neck 526b. Similarly the indentations 530 can have a larger aperture 530a and a smaller opening 530b. In this way, the tabs 526 and indentations 530 can be lobed shaped or knob shaped, and when joined together the tab 526 inserted into the indentation 530 can resemble a puzzle piece joint.

Referring to FIGS. 12-13 and 15-16, the outer frame 550 can also have a plurality of segment joints 552. The segment joints 552 can be formed by a plurality of arcuate or curved segments 554 coupled together end to end. As shown in FIG. 15, each arcuate segment 554 can have an end 558 with a tab 556 and an opposite end 562 with an indentation 560. Thus, as seen in FIG. 16, each segment joint 552 can include a tab 556 on an end 558 of one arcuate segment 554 disposed within a corresponding indentation 560 of an end 562 of a mating arcuate segment 554.

Similar to the straight segments 524, the tabs 556 in the arcuate segments 554 can have a larger head 556a and a narrower neck 556b. Similarly the indentations 560 can have a larger aperture 560a and a smaller opening 560b. In this way, the tabs 556 and indentations 560 can be lobed shaped or knob shaped, and when joined together the tab 556 inserted into the indentation 560 can resemble a puzzle piece joint.

The arcuate segments 554 can also have an inner diameter edge 564 with a substantially equal radius of curvature to an outer diameter edge 566. In this way, the arcuate segments 554 can be wider in a middle portion 568 than at the ends 558 and 562.

The curved shape of the arcuate segments 554 provides several advantages to the manufacturing process and completed framework 500 of the present invention. For example, the wider middle portion 568 of the arcuate segments 554 advantageously increases rigidity and stability of the table top framework 500. Additionally, because the inner diameter edge 564 has the same profile as the outer diameter edge 566, all of the arcuate segments 554 can be cut from a single sheet of material 514, as described above, without adjusting the set up and cutting equipment, such as jigs, patterns, or the like, for each cut. Advantageously, this single sheet manufacturing method reduces set up time and minimizes waste material.

Referring to FIG. 16, the inner segments 524 and outer segments 554 can be coupled together at a plurality of frame joints, indicated generally at 570. The frame joints 570 can correspond to segment joints 522 and 552 on the inner and outer frames 524 and 554 respectively. Each frame joint 570 can include a tab, indicated generally at 572, formed by at least one protrusion on at least one of the straight or arcuate segments 524 or 554 respectively, and an indentation, indicated generally at 576, formed by at least one notch on at least one of the straight or arcuate segments 524 or 554 respectively. The tab 572 can be disposed in the indentation 576 to joint the straight and arcuate segments 524 or 554 together, thereby joining the inner frame 520 and the outer frame 550 to form the framework 500.

In one aspect, the tab 572 of the frame joint 570 can be formed by two adjacent protrusions 572a and 572b with each protrusion on one of two adjoined straight segments 524. Similarly, the indentation 576 of frame joint 570 can be formed by two adjacent notches 576a and 576b with each notch on one of two adjoined arcuate segments 554. It will be appreciated that while FIG. 16 illustrates the tab 570 formed by the joining of two straight segments 524, the tab 570 can also be formed by the arcuate segments 554. Similarly, FIG. 16 shows the indentation 576 formed by joining two arcuate segments 554, but the indentation 576 can also be formed by the straight segments 524. Thus, the tab 572 and the mating indentation 576 can be formed when two adjacent segments 524 or 554 are joined together in a segment joint 552.

In one aspect, the segment joints 522 and 552 and the frame joints 570 can be positioned at the same location to form a composite joint, indicated generally at 588, of two outer arcuate frame segments 554 and two inner straight segments 524. In this way, the framework 500 can have a plurality of composite joints 588 with each composite joint coupling four segments with tabs from some segments disposed in mating indentations in other segments such that the composite joint resembles a connection of jigsaw puzzle pieces. Advantageously, interlocking all four segments of the composite joint 588 in a jigsaw puzzle pattern with tabs disposed in mating indentations strengthens each joint and adds rigidity of the table top framework 500. Additionally, interlocking all four segments of the composite joint 588 allows joints of the inner frame 520 to be commonly located with the joints of the outer frame 550.

Each of the segment joints 524 and 554 and frame joints 570 forming the composite joint 588 can be secured together by fasteners, such as set screws, wood screws, and the like. Additionally, the joints can be secured by adhesives. It will be appreciated that adhesives are commonly designed to provide greater strength between adhered members than in the parent material of the member such that a catastrophic failure of the member will not occur in the joint. Thus, a composite joint 588 adhered together by a suitable adhesive can actually strengthen the framework 10 as a whole while minimizing snag points that can be created by protruding fasteners.

Additionally, the geometry of the tabs 526, 556, and 572, and the indentations 530, 560, and 576 of the segment joints 552 and the frame joints 570 can also add to the strength and rigidity of the joint and the stability of the framework 500. For example, the tabs and indentations can be lobed shaped to reduce the likelihood of a tab from sliding out of an indentation. Specifically, the tab can be lobed shaped with an intermediate portion relatively larger than a proximal end. Similarly, the notch can be lobed shaped with an entrance relatively smaller than an intermediate portion.

As shown in FIGS. 10-13 and 17, the framework 500 can also include a lower frame 590. The lower frame 590 can be disposed below the inner frame 520 and the outer frame 550. The lower frame 590 can be coupled to the outer frame 550 at locations between the frame joints 570. The lower frame 590 can extend away from the outer frame 550 and can form a skirt below the table top 406 that can enclose legs 408 that support the table top. Advantageously, with the lower frame 590 coupled to the outer frame 550 between the frame joints 570, the lower frame can strengthen the outer frame, reduce deformation of the outer frame between the frame joints, and reduce bending loads at the frame joints 570.

In one aspect, the lower frame 590 can be square or have a square shape, as shown in FIGS. 12-13. In this case, the lower frame 590 can have corners 592 disposed between the composite joints 588 in order to resist positioning joints at corners and concentrating force at the joints. Additionally, in another aspect, the lower frame 590 can be polygonally shaped with a number of sides corresponding to a number of sides of the inner frame. In this case, the corners of the polygon can be disposed between the composite joints of the inner and outer frames to resist concentration of force on the joints.

The framework 500 can also include a middle spar 600 spanning an inner space 512 between the segments 524 and 554 of the inner and outer frames 520 and 550 respectively. The middle spar 600 can support a middle portion of a table top. In one aspect, the middle spar 600 can be coupled to and carried by the lower frame 590. The middle spar 600 can have an upper surface 602 that is coplanar with respect to an upper surface 604 of the inner frame 520 and an upper surface 606 of the outer frame 550.

The present invention also includes a method for forming a table top framework including forming an inner frame with a plurality of straight segments coupled together end to end by disposing a tab on an end of a straight segment within a corresponding indentation of an end of a different mating straight segment. An outer frame can also be formed with a plurality of arcuate segments coupled together end to end by disposing a tab on an end of a arcuate segment within a corresponding indentation of an end of a different mating arcuate segment. The inner frame can be joined to the outer frame by disposing a tab on at least one of the straight or arcuate segments into a notch on at least one of the other of the straight or arcuate segments to form the framework.

It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are only illustrative of the application for the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. While the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth herein.

Claims

1. A framework for a table top, comprising:

a) an inner frame having a plurality of segment joints formed by a plurality of straight segments coupled together end to end, each segment joint including a tab on an end of one straight segment disposed within a corresponding indentation of an end of a mating straight segment;

b) an outer frame substantially circumscribing the inner frame and having a plurality of segment joints formed by a plurality of arcuate segments coupled together end to end, each segment joint including a tab on an end of one arcuate segment disposed within a corresponding indentation of an end of a mating arcuate segment; and

c) each of the plurality of segment joints of the inner frame coupled to a different segment joint of the outer frame to form a frame joint coupling the inner frame to the outer frame, each frame joint further comprising: i) a tab formed by at least one protrusion on at least one of the straight or arcuate segments; and ii) an indentation formed by at least one notch on at least one of the straight or arcuate segments.

2. A framework in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a cross frame extending between opposite frame joints and coupled to each of the frame joints by at least one tab extending into at least one indentation, the at least one tab extending from one of the cross frame or straight segments into the at least one indentation in the other of the cross frame or straight segment.

3. A framework in accordance with claim 2, wherein the cross frame further includes:

a) a spar coupled to opposite frame joints and extending the distance therebetween; and

b) a pair of cross members, each cross member coupled to an approximate midpoint of the spar and extending from the spar to opposite frame joints.

4. A framework in accordance with claim 3, wherein the spar and cross members are positioned substantially coplanar to the inner and outer frames, and configured to support a middle portion of the table top.

5. A framework in accordance with claim 1, wherein the arcuate segments have an inner diameter substantially equal to an outer diameter.

6. A framework in accordance with claim 1, wherein the arcuate segments are wider in a middle portion than at end portions.

7. A framework in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tab of the frame joint is formed by two adjacent protrusions with each protrusion on a different one of two adjoined segments, and the indentation of the frame joint is formed by two adjacent notches with each notch on a different one of two adjoined segments.

8. A framework in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:

a) a tabletop, supported by the framework;

b) legs coupled to the framework to support the framework and the tabletop; and

c) the tabletop, legs, and framework together forming a table.

9. A framework in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a lower frame disposed below the inner frame and the outer frame and coupled to the outer frame at locations between the frame joints.

10. A framework for a table top, comprising:

a) inner and outer frames, each frame formed of a plurality of segments joined together sequentially at joints, each joint including a tab on one segment disposed in a corresponding notch on an adjacent segment; and

b) each joint further including a tab on one frame disposed in a corresponding notch of the other frame such that the inner and outer frames are coupled together at the joints.

11. A framework in accordance with claim 10, the inner frame further comprising:

a plurality of straight segments coupled together end to end.

12. A framework in accordance with claim 10, wherein the outer frame substantially circumscribes the inner frame and further includes a plurality of arcuate segments coupled together end to end.

13. A framework in accordance with claim 10, wherein each of the joints of the inner frame is coupled to a different joint of the outer frame to form a frame joint coupling the inner frame to the outer frame.

14. A framework in accordance with claim 13, further comprising a lower frame disposed below the inner frame and the outer frame and coupled to the outer frame at locations between the frame joints to strengthen the outer frame, reduce deformation of the outer frame between the frame joints, and reduce bending loads at the frame joints.

15. A framework in accordance with claim 13, wherein the tab of the frame joint is formed by two adjacent protrusions with each protrusion on a different one of two adjoined segments, and the indentation of the frame joint is formed by two adjacent notches with each notch on a different one of two adjoined segments.

16. A framework in accordance with claim 10, further comprising a cross frame extending between opposite joints of the inner and outer frames and coupled to each of the joints by at least one tab extending into at least one indentation, the at least one tab extending from one of the cross frame or inner frame segments into the at least one indentation in the other of the cross frame or inner frame segment.

17. A framework in accordance with claim 16, wherein the cross frame has an upper surface substantially co-planar with an upper surface of the inner and outer frames.

18. A framework in accordance with claim 10, further comprising:

a) a tabletop, supported by the framework;

b) legs coupled to the framework to support the framework and the tabletop; and

c) the tabletop, legs, and framework together forming a table.

19. A framework for a table top, comprising:

a) an inner frame having a plurality of segment joints formed by a plurality of straight segments coupled together end to end, each segment joint including a tab on an end of one straight segment disposed within a corresponding indentation of an end of a mating straight segment;

b) an outer frame substantially circumscribing the inner frame and having a plurality of segment joints formed by a plurality of arcuate segments coupled together end to end, each segment joint including a tab on an end of one arcuate segment disposed within a corresponding indentation of an end of a mating arcuate segment;

c) each of the plurality of joints of the inner frame coupled to a different joint of the outer frame to form a frame joint coupling the inner frame to the outer frame, each frame joint further comprising: i) a tab formed by at least one protrusion on at least one of the straight or arcuate segments; and ii) an indentation formed by at least one notch on at least one of the straight or arcuate segments; and

d) a cross frame extending across the framework between opposite frame joints and coupled to each of the frame joints by at least one tab extending into a corresponding indentation, the at least one tab extending from one of the cross frame or straight segments into the corresponding indentation in the other of the cross frame or straight segment.

20. A framework in accordance with claim 19, wherein the cross frame further includes:

a) a spar coupled to opposite frame joints and extending the distance therebetween; and

b) a pair of cross members, each cross member coupled to an approximate midpoint of the spar and extending from the spar to opposite frame joints.