Abstract: A process for making a table top includes the steps of (a) mounting a ring-shaped outer mold on a flat surface, (b) mounting decorative members arranged in a layer on the flat surface and within the outer mold, the decorative members being spaced apart from each other to form gaps thereamong, (c) filling the gaps with a curable binder, and providing a layer of the binder on the decorative members, (d) mounting at least one fastening member on the binder, the fastening member including a head portion embedded in the binder, and a fastening portion extending out of the binder from the head portion, and (e) adhering a rigid support plate to the binder, the rigid support plate including at least one hole corresponding to the fastening portion of the fastening member for passage of the fastening portion of the fastening member therethrough.

Abstract: A process for making a table top includes the steps of mounting a ring-shaped outer mold on a flat surface, mounting a plurality of decorative members which are arranged in a layer on the flat surface and within the outer mold, the decorative members being spaced apart from each other to form gaps thereamong, covering the decorative members with a mesh layer, filling the gaps with a binder and providing a layer of the binder on the mesh layer, and adhering a rigid support plate to the binder.

Abstract: A single-piece flexure and flexure apparatus according to an embodiment allows movement along two perpendicular axes. The flexure is made from a single continuous material having a first and second flexure sections, with the second flexure section allowing translational movement in a direction perpendicular to that allowed by the first flexure section. Two-dimensional flexure assemblies may then be manufactured using these flexures. The flexure apparatus is made from a single contiguous material fashioned to provide a base section and a plurality of legs extending perpendicularly from the base section, with each leg having a first and second flexure sections, with the second flexure section allowing translational movement in a direction perpendicular to that allowed by the first flexure section.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for producing one-piece, three-dimensional shaped bodies, shaped bodies produced according to the method, and a device for carrying out the method. The aim is to simplify the production of one-piece, three-dimensional shaped bodies which can be easily produced. To these ends, the disclosure provides that a plate which is resistant to bending at room temperature is heated only in heating regions along deformation lines, especially bending lines, and is subsequently deformed freely in space, i.e. without the use of a stop edge, indentation, template or die, whereby the attained three-dimensional shape is permanently preserved after cooling during which the material blank is kept.

Abstract: An optical workstation comprising an optical breadboard supported by a frame, the frame comprising a plurality of upstanding legs interconnected by laterally extending cross-beams, the cross-beams defining a space into which the optical breadboard is received and laterally enclosed. By laterally enclosing the optical breadboard with the cross-beam frame elements, side protection for the optical breadboard is provided, thus protecting it from lateral impacts against which conventional damping mounts are not effective. In addition, since the cross-beams are part of the frame structure, they provide a stable and rigid platform for mounting optical and other components at the very edge of the workstation outside the optical breadboard area. Anchor points in the cross-beams are provided for this purpose.

Abstract: A plastic table structure includes a tabletop comprising a thin polymer shell layer surrounding an expanded foam core. The multiple layers of the finished tabletop are molded concurrently in a one pass biaxial or centrifugal rotational molding process, and cured in an oven. The rotational molding process advantageously allows the shell and foam core polymer materials to be distributed into all portions of the mold. In one embodiment, a structural frame is disposed in the mold, and the foam core encases and surrounds the frame. The structural frame may be made of steel, wood, composite materials, or other materials.

Abstract: A table includes a leg anchor. The leg anchor is coupled to a leg of the table and is embedded in a core of a table top to couple the leg thereto. The core is positioned in an interior region of a shell of the table top. A lower shell member of the shell provides an underside of the table top and includes a rim and a stiffening rib arrangement that cooperate to provide a channel for receiving the leg.

Abstract: A self-adjusting, dynamic floating fixture for ultrasonic welding having a base, a nest assembly for supporting a part to be welded, and a plurality of bearing assemblies operably disposed between the base and the nest assembly to permit the nest assembly to move relative to the base to minimize marking and flash damage to the part to be welded.

Abstract: A foldable banquet table includes a tabletop and a pair of table supporting frames mounted thereunder. The tabletop includes a top panel, a bottom panel overlappedly mounted to the top panel and defined a receiving cavity between the top and bottom panels, and a reinforcing frame which is received in the receiving cavity including a pair of reinforcing arms longitudinally positioned at two side edge portions of the receiving cavity respectively and at least two transverse supports spacedly connected between the two reinforcing arms. The table supporting frames are foldably mounted to the reinforcing frame at the bottom panel and adapted to fold in a folded position that the table supporting frames are pivotally and inwardly folded toward the bottom panel of the tabletop, and in the unfolded position, the table supporting frames are pivotally and outwardly folded to perpendicular to the tabletop.

Abstract: An article of furniture bearing a plurality of tiles on a top surface. A frame is disposed on the top surface for removably securing said tiles thereon. The frame comprises an external frame member surrounding and forming a border along the top surface, and an internal frame comprising a centrally disposed spine with a plurality of ribs extending outward from the spine at regularly spaced intervals. The internal frame is seated within the external frame and subdivides the area therein into a plurality of recesses. The tiles are removably seated within the recesses anywhere within the table top grid, and they can be rearranged on the surface within the recesses according to the whim of the user. Each tile bears a distinctive color or finish, and the user may arrange the tiles on the surface of the table according to his or her whim, for purposes of artistic expression, or purely for entertainment.

Abstract: A table that includes a damper attached to a first faceplate and a second faceplate. The damper can dampen flexural loads introduced to the table by either shock or vibration. The damper may include a damping layer that is attached to a first plate and a second plate. The first plate may be cantilevered from the first faceplate. The second plate may be cantilevered from the second faceplate.

Abstract: A table includes a leg anchor. The leg anchor is coupled to a leg of the table and is embedded in a core of a table top to couple the leg thereto. The core is positioned in an interior region of a shell of the table top. A lower shell member of the shell provides an underside of the table top and includes a rim and a stiffening rib arrangement that cooperate to provide a channel for receiving the leg.

Abstract: A stand for a vertical pole support for a tether ball type game includes a base which can contain ballast and a lid, through which the pole passes and a formation on its floor for receiving the end of the pole. The lid and base are attached by a two stage attachment arrangement. The first stage includes inter-engageable tongue and groove formations which are capable of attachment and detachment by application of finger pressure, and the second stage includes locking devices at points around the periphery of the base container for a positive lock of the lid to the base, so that the first stage cannot be broken other than by the use of excessive force having regard to the conventional use of the stand.

Abstract: An inflatable snack table formed of heat sealable plastic sheet and shaped as a spherical outer housing, with a base at the bottom and an opening in the top to hold a food container. Within the outer housing is a generally cylindrical inner housing extending between and secured to the top and bottom of the spherical outer housing.

Abstract: A screw boss for blow-molded structures, such as portable tables and chairs, allows various components to be securely attached to the blow-molded structure. For example, the screw boss may allow support legs to be securely fastened to a blow-molded table top. The screw boss is integrally formed in an outer surface of the blow-molded structure and it includes a receiving portion that is sized and configured to receive a fastener such as a screw. Preferably, the fastener has threads that threadably engage the inner surface of the receiving portion to provide for secure attachment of the fastener to the blow-molded structure.

Abstract: Surfaces of objects and the shapes thereof, which are two-dimensional, closed, curvilinear and three-dimensional, closed, curviplanar in nature, and which have outer boundaries that are defined according to a mathematical expression, such that the shapes have no discontinuities, irregularities, inflection or transition points about their periphery that result in potentially unsafe or dangerous angular, sharp corners or edges in the contours of the shapes, and are otherwise also generally ergonomically beneficial and aesthetically pleasing, are disclosed. The shapes are useful in providing surfaces for objects such as items of furniture, windows, doors, and floor coverings. The shapes are particularly useful for providing surfaces for tabletops that also maximize the number of individuals, who may be seated around the perimeter of a table, for a table of given dimensions, with each individual to be seated thereat being allocated a predetermined amount of linear space around the periphery of the table.

Abstract: A stand for a vertical pole support for a tether ball type game includes a base which can contain ballast and a lid, through which the pole passes and a formation on its floor for receiving the end of the pole. The lid and base are attached by a two stage attachment arrangement. The first stage includes inter-engageable tongue and groove formations which are capable of attachment and detachment by application of finger pressure, and the second stage includes locking devices at points around the periphery of the base container for a positive lock of the lid to the base, so that the first stage cannot be broken other than by the use of excessive force having regard to the conventional use of the stand.

Abstract: A flexible plate device has a plastic plate and two connection bars. Two sets of spaced linear grooves are formed on two ends of the plastic plate. Each of the connection bars is disposed on the respective end of the plastic plate and enclosed by the respective set of the spaced linear grooves. Each of the connection bars has a threaded hole.

Abstract: The invention of the application relates to a table which has a table top with at least five sides and one of the sides is shorter than the remaining sides. The remaining sides can in one embodiment all be of the same length. The provision of the table top in this form allows the same to be used on its own to accommodate four people, each sitting at the table and none required to straddle a table leg as is conventionally the case. The table can also be used with other tables as part of a table system with the tables abutting and each table providing at least two seating positions. There is also provided as a further aspect of the invention engagement means which allow the tables to be held in the required position.

Abstract: A tray for use on the lap of a person for supporting a small bet or use in activities such as card games, writing, etc. The lap tray is formed from an elongated, flexible plastic panel formed from a plastic such as high density polyethylene. The lap tray has a flat central portion with two intermediate portions extending from ends of the central portion at approximately 90.degree. to the central portions and two end portions extending from ends of the intermediate portions toward each other, approximately parallel to the central portion. The end portions can be manually spread apart and the tray placed over the thighs with the central portion across the thighs and the other portions around the legs. For storage, the end portions may be folded against the intermediate portions and the resulting assemblies folded against the central portion to form a relatively thin, flat package. If desired, suitable restraints, such as elastic bands, may be used to hold the package in the stored position.

Abstract: A lightweight, high-strength support platform for use in furniture construction, which has superior structural integrity and can be used, by way of example, in portable folding tables, in work tables and in modular furniture of the character typically used in modern office complexes. The support platform embodies a novel structural reinforcement core, and exhibits superior strength characteristics. In one form of the invention, the support platform is used in the construction of a lightweight, readily portable folding table which includes two pair of legs that are pivotally connected to the platform for pivotal movement between an extended operational position and a retracted storage and transport position.

Abstract: A vibration isolation platform comprises a shelf member (15) supported by two beam members (25). An acoustic isolation member (20) is located between the shelf member and each beam member. Support members (11) engage and support each beam member (25) at two points (28) in such a manner as to allow flexing of the beam member.

Abstract: A molded desk top construction comprising a desk top upper member having a smooth planar surface, a lower base member supporting the upper member, the members having interlocking peripheral portions which are secured together to provide an integrated, lightweight, impact-resistant, robust desk top. The upper member is comprised of a compression-molded, melamine-covered, polyester thermoset resin. The lower portion is comprised of an injection molded acrylic-butadiene-styrene or high density polypropylene resin.

Abstract: A lightweight, high-strength support platform for use in furniture construction, which has superior structural integrity and can be used, by way of example, in portable folding tables, in work tables and in modular furniture of the character typically used in modern office complexes. The support platform which may be rectangular or non-rectangular embodies a novel structural reinforcement core of a unique configuration which is both lightweight and exhibits superior strength and durability characteristics. In one form of the invention, the support platform also includes a reinforcement beam which circumscribes the central portion of the reinforcement core and which is generally "I" shaped in cross section.

Abstract: In order to provide an anti-earthquake holding rod or anti-earthquake furniture such as a table and desk having the anti-earthquake holding rod fixed thereto capable of preventing a person escaped under a table or desk during an earthquake from being thrown out of its location and further capable of increasing the strength of the table or desk, the anti-earthquake holding rod is constructed by a support, a plurality of fixing members constructed to be fixed to a lower part of a top plate of a table or desk arranged at the upper part of the support in the radial direction, and an adjusting supporting member fixed movably in the axial direction to the lower part of the support. It is satisfactory to fix the fixing members to the lower surface of the top plate of the desk or the table through a fixing disk or threadedly engage the adjusting supporting member with the lower part of the support as to move axially.

Abstract: A removable mounting unit for electrostatic mounting of a shelf or hook to a nonporous surface includes a sheet of electrostatic material having an opening to engage the shelf or hook and hold it to the non-porous surface. The removable mounting unit may also include only the electrostatic sheet used to mount a picture or flat object by sandwiching the object between the sheet and a non-porous surface, or by using slits cut into the sheet to hold the corners of the object. The shelf or hook may be directly fused or glued to the electrostatic sheet.

Abstract: In a worktable (1) for an in particular medical or dental laboratory, having a work station (7) on the forward region of its tabletop (2), at which a working device (5) is arranged, which is moveable on a guide framework (12, 13, 14) between an in-use position located above the tabletop (2) and a not-in-use position arranged under the table surface (2a), the guide framework has a carrier arm (12) arranged under the tabletop (2) extending approximately horizontally, which arm is mounted in its rear region pivotably on the worktable (1), around pivot axis (17a) extending horizontally and transversely.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a modular, portable, pre-cast concrete picnic table which can be easily assembled and disassembled into eleven sections without the use of tools. The pre-cast sections are vertically and horizontally assembled and they are secured by use of unattached connecting dowels inserted into opposing vertical or horizontal sockets which are cast within the concrete sections.

Abstract: A table includes a table top that is supported by a set of legs. Each of these legs includes a translucent column adapted to contain a liquid and a bubble source mounted in the column to introduce bubbles in the liquid. A pump is coupled to the bubble sources to supply a pressurized fluid such as air to the bubble sources. The fluid forms bubbles which rise through the liquid and are visible from outside the columns. Preferably, all of the legs of the table include a respective column and bubble source, and the bubbles in the columns are illuminated by light from one or more light sources contained in the base adjacent the lower portion of the legs. Colored filters may be interposed between the light and source and the columns.

Abstract: A lightweight, high-strength support platform for use in furniture construction, which has superior structural integrity and can be used, by way of example, in portable folding tables, in work tables and in modular furniture of the character typically used in modern office complexes. The support platform embodies a novel structural reinforcement core of a unique configuration which is both lightweight and exhibits superior strength and durability characteristics. In one form of the invention, the support platform is used in the construction of a lightweight, readily portable folding table which includes two pair of legs that are pivotally connected to the platform for pivotal movement between an extended operational position and a retracted storage and transport position.

Abstract: A lightweight, high-strength support platform for use in furniture construction, which has superior structural integrity and can be used, by way of example, in portable folding tables, in work tables and in modular furniture of the character typically used in modern office complexes. The support platform embodies a novel structural reinforcement core of a unique configuration which is both lightweight and exhibits superior strength and durability characteristics. In one form of the invention, the support platform is used in the construction of a lightweight, readily portable folding table which includes two pair of legs that are pivotally connected to the platform for pivotal movement between an extended operational position and a retracted storage and transport position.

Abstract: A cover for an umbrella table assembly receives an umbrella pole therethrough. A portion of the cover associated with the pole is releasably secured to the pole and maintained in elevated position by the pole to provide a tent-like structure which includes an annular peripheral skirt which depends below the table top. Releasable fasteners which secure a cover to an article are attached to the cover after the cover has been positioned on the article.

Abstract: A plastic table structure includes a top having a planar upper surface portion, a lower plastic portion and a central wooden frame including a composite beam interposed between and enclosed by the top and lower portions. A pair of folding leg assemblies for supporting the table are rotatably carried by the lower plastic portion and pivotable between an open, top-supporting position and a retracted, enclosed position in leg-receiving channels formed in the underside of the lower plastic portions. Each leg assembly includes a pair of upper transverse supports that engage the leg-receiving channels of the lower plastic portion and extend across its entire width to provide a plurality of transverse load-bearing interfaces to enhance the rigidity and load-bearing capability of the plastic table.

Abstract: A one-piece table base of molded plastic includes at least three hollow upright legs extending outwardly from each other from a central portion. Each leg has at least one side wall. Each side wall has first and second wall portions which are offset from each other and joined together by a first upwardly arching ridge. An upper flange extends from upper portions of the legs for attachment to a table top.

Abstract: A plastic table structure includes a top having a planar upper surface portion, a lower plastic portion and a central wooden frame interposed between and enclosed by the top and lower portions. A pair of folding leg assemblies for supporting the table are rotatably carried by the lower plastic portion and pivotable between an open, top-supporting position and a retracted, enclosed position in leg-receiving channels formed in the underside of the lower plastic portions. Each leg assembly includes a pair of upper transverse supports that engage the leg-receiving channels of the lower plastic portion and extend across its entire width to provide a plurality of transverse load-bearing interfaces to enhance the rigidity and load-bearing capability of the plastic table.

Abstract: A lightweight and strong tabletop suitable for use with portable and/or collapsible tables comprises a support layer of thin laminated wood and a cover layer of ABS plastic continuously bonded to the support layer by pressing the cover layer and the support layer together with an adhesive comprising methylethylketone disposed between them. Suitable support beams are provided under the support layer, and a bottom protective layer is provided underneath the tabletop for appearance and durability. A plurality of legs support the tabletop.

Abstract: A pad (10) is adapted for attachment to an edge (18) of a countertop or desk (12). The pad (10) is constructed of a frame (28) extending over two surfaces of the desk (12) and is covered with cushioning (30) and a cover (36). The pad (10) attaches with adhesive strips (38) mounted directly on the frame (28) for attaching to the top (14) of the desk (12).

Abstract: Furniture having genuine stone surfaces is formed of panels of flat slabs of stone bonded by adhesive to underlying supports coextensive with the slabs of stone. The slabs of stone are cut concurrently from a block of stone by means of a gang-saw. Each slab of stone is no greater than about one centimeter in thickness. Articles of furniture constructed of panels with the stone surfaces are comparable in weight and cost to articles of furniture constructed of solid wood, and have surfaces of genuine stone.

Abstract: In a twisted, free-standing structure having four sides, each with a diagonal crease, and a central region wherein the creases cross, the improvement wherein the central region is reinforced by means chosen from the group consisting of a thermosetting polymeric material and one or more pieces of stiff reinforcing material bent to conform to a crease.

Abstract: A table having a table top frame that has a central opening which is in part defined by an inner peripheral rib for supporting a horizontal tempered protective glass pane with its top surface coplanar with the table top, and an inner peripheral lip for supporting a tempered protective glass pane which in turn supports a decorative glass unit. The minimum dimension of the spacing of the horizontally opposite, adjacent edges of the rib is substantially less than the corresponding spacing of the horizontally opposite, adjacent edges of the lip, the rib extending between the top glass pane and the decorative glass unit. The minimum dimension of horizontally opposite, adjacent parts of the outer peripheral frame of the decorative glass unit is substantially greater than the above mentioned minimum dimension of the rib whereby the unit outer peripheral frame is at least substantially concealed when viewed from above the top protective glass pane.

Abstract: An article of furniture and a method of making the same wherein a glass enamel is fused to the supporting surface of an extended surface glass member. A supporting member is then adhesively secured to the fused glass enamel to provide the desired support for the glass member.

Abstract: A jigsaw puzzle assembly and storage apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a ferromagnetic base portion preferably contructed including a thin layer of tin or steel. The base portion includes at least one beveled edge which permits a partial assembly or an entire puzzle to be shifted intact up the beveled edge and onto the base portion for storage. A flexible magnetic cover sheet is hingeably coupled to the base portion along one edge and the magnetic attraction between the entire surface of the ferromagnetic base portion and the magnetic cover sheet serves to hold a plurality of jigsaw puzzle pieces fixedly mounted in a desired relationship during horizontal or vertical storage. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a set of folding legs disposed on the lower surface of the base portion which permit the base portion to be utilized as a freestanding work station.

Abstract: A tablecloth having a central portion on which serving pieces may be placed, with a series of individual dining portions of the tablecloth projecting outwardly from the central portion at spaced locations and having individual place settings on these different portions, and with the tablecloth having cutaway areas between the individual dining portions and at which the table top is directly visible to give the overall assembly a unique and pleasing appearance.

Abstract: A three dimensional woven composite is constructed of strands of graphite composite forming a basic geometric structure comprising a combination of regular octahedron and tetrahedron prisms alternately and regularly spaced. The framework of the geometric structure has one central intersection made up of twelve arms of strands and adjacent incomplete intersections of four or seven arms or strands.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laminated wood corner construction for furniture and a method for preparing such a construction. The corner construction comprises two laminated wood legs bent at 90.degree. angles, bisected on a 45.degree. diagonal throughout their length and glued together and a laminated wood connecting piece bent at a 90.degree. angle, bisected on a 45.degree. diagonal throughout its length and glued between the upper bent portions of the legs. The angle between the upper bent portions of the two laminated wood legs is a right angle. A method for preparing a corner construction comprising the following steps: (a) taking thin wood laminae, applying glue and assembling the laminae with a right angle bend; (b) clamping the laminae in a mold while the glue hardens; (c) cutting the molded sheets into strips; (d) bisecting each strip on a 45.degree.

Abstract: What is disclosed herein is a constructive set of methods that are ecologically tuned to use and provide, inexpensively, more extensive utilization of cabinets already installed in most living modes and accommodations. By utilizing a bracket supportive procedure and constructed from channel structured material in right angles or the like and using a plurality of translucent elongated and vertically spaced shelves in combination with a typically or such constructed stove hood, exhaust pipe, and previously installed cabinets far greater use of the kitchen area will be realized. Upon utilization of my invention and at a mere fraction of the cost of new cabinets, the kitchen decor will be substantially enhanced. The utility in the kitchen will be more practical and approximately nine square feet of counter space will be realized plus; approximately fifteen cubic feet of cabinet space at the working level.

Abstract: The molding process comprises pouring a plastic compound around a natural tree trunk to make a mold which has the tree trunk surface impressed therein. The plastic mold is supported in a frame made from wood which has a galvanized metal support therein. The metal brackets and structural rods are positioned on the base of the frame and a plastic core member may be used and removed to create the hollow interior of the tree trunk base.

Abstract: An article of manufacture, such shelves, tables, stools and chairs. The article has a cold molded edge formed by combining a panel with support frame fitted thereagainst into a mold and then adding plastic to cast the panel and frame together to a desired shape with a cold molded edge.

Abstract: This invention relates to a combination dining table and coffee table, adjustable to each of two levels which possesses perfect stability by the provision of rod supported pivotally actuating legs wherein each of said legs are composed of a short leg portion and a long leg portion integrally connected together at an obtuse angle and provided with a circular opening in the corner area of said angle area for insertion therethrough of said supporting rod and wherein each of said legs are individually and independently suspended on rods that are supported by means at each end.