End cap

An end cap for a structure such as a table leg is disclosed. The end cap may include a retention assembly with an elongated body and a head. The elongated body may be disposed inside an opening in the table leg and the head may be disposed outside the opening in the table leg. The end cap may also include an annular member and at least a portion of the table leg may be disposed inside the annular member. The annular member may also include a lip and the lip is preferably disposed between an end of the table leg and the head of the retention assembly to limit axial movement of the annular member relative to the table leg. Advantageously, because the annular portion of the end cap may rotate relative to the table leg, it may allow the table to be easily moved.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/512,614, filed Oct. 20, 2003, entitled END CAP. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Patent Application Ser. No. 29/180,019, filed Apr. 17, 2003, entitled END CAP FOR A TABLE LEG, and this application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Patent Application Ser. No. 29/189,140, filed Aug. 20, 2003, entitled END CAP. The disclosures of each of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to an end cap for a structure such as a table leg and, in particular, to an end cap for a structure such as a table leg that may facilitate movement of the table.

2. Description of Related Art

Many types of conventional structures include one or more legs or leg assemblies. For example, known structures such as tables, chairs, benches, desks and stands typically include at least two legs or leg assemblies to support the structure above a surface such as a floor. In particular, many of these structures include four legs positioned near the corners of the structure and one or more of the legs may be connected by an elongated member such as a support bar. These known legs and leg assemblies may have a wide variety of shapes and designs. For example, the legs and leg assemblies may simply consist of elongated members that extend generally vertically towards the ground. The legs and leg assemblies may also include a foot, such as an elongated bar or rod, that is positioned generally parallel to the ground.

Conventional legs and leg assemblies frequently have an assortment of suitable types of feet attached to the legs or leg assemblies to help protect the structures or the support surface from damage. In particular, the feet may lift the legs or legs assemblies slightly above the support surface, such as the floor or the ground, and the feet may allow the structure to slide along the floor or ground. Disadvantageously, as discussed below, conventional feet often mar or leave marks along the floor or ground as the feet slide along the surface.

In greater detail, feet are typically attached to the ends of a foot that is connected to the bottom of the legs or leg assemblies. The foot is often a generally cylindrical member that may be used to increase the stability of the structure, and the foot may be used to help prevent the structure from being inadvertently tipped or knocked over. The foot may also be a hollow tubular member and the foot often has a length that is approximately equal to the width of the structure. The feet may be used to prevent foreign objects from entering the hollow foot and the feet may be used for aesthetic reasons. Additionally, the feet may provide a surface that contacts the floor or ground, and that surface may allow the structure to slide along the floor or ground.

Conventional feet attached to structures such as tables and chairs, however, often damage surfaces such as the floor if the structure is moved. For example, the feet may scratch, scuff, mar or otherwise damage the floor if the structure is dragged or pushed across the floor. In particular, many known feet are constructed from plastic and the plastic feet may leave permanent marks in the floor if the structure is pulled or otherwise moved across the floor. In addition, these types of known feet often have a tendency to undesirably break or come off when the structure is being moved, which may damage the floor and/or the legs or leg assemblies.

Additionally, many conventional feet are designed to help maintain a structure in a fixed position and to prevent the structure from being inadvertently moved. Thus, for example, the feet may be designed to create additional friction with the floor so that the structure is more difficult to move. This may, for example, prevent a table from being unintentionally moved if the table is accidentally bumped into or if an object is placed on the table. This, however, may make the structure much more difficult to move to another location or position.

Conventional feet often require the structure to be lifted so that the feet do not contact the floor when the structure is being moved. While this may prevent the floor from being damaged or marred, it may be very difficult, if not impossible, for some people to lift the structure above the floor. In particular, it may be very difficult to lift and move heavy structures such as large tables. Thus, in order for some heavy structures to be moved, more than one person may be required. This may be especially troublesome if the structure is only to be moved a short distance or if only a single person is readily available. Further, before moving these types of structures, any objects on top of the structures may have to be moved. This may be very time consuming if there are many objects on the structure to be moved and it may be very difficult if a heavy object is on the structure to be moved.

It is also known to attach wheels, such as castors, to various structures to allow the structure to be more easily moved. Known castors typically include a base, a wheel attached to the base, and a post that extends upwardly from the base. In order to attach the castor to a leg assembly, a corresponding aperture or hole must be bored or drilled into the leg assembly. The post of the castor is then placed in the aperture or hole. Additional structures, such as screws or bolts, are often used to prevent the castor from undesirably falling out or being removed from the hole when the structure is lifted or being moved.

Disadvantageously, casters may be very difficult to attach to many types of known legs and leg assemblies. In particular, it may be very difficult to attach casters to a foot connected to a table leg because, for example, the foot may consist of a relatively thin, elongated metal tube. In addition, casters may not be aesthetically pleasing and casters may detract from the design or appearance of the structure because, among other reasons, the casters are often relatively large objects. Further, the casters may require a locking mechanism or other type of device to prevent the structure from inadvertently moving or rolling on the floor. Undesirably, this may increase the size and cost of the caster.

Conventional castors and other types of wheel assemblies often include a number of components and are often relatively heavy, which may undesirably increase the cost and weight of the structure. Additionally, the casters and wheel assemblies may be relatively expensive and may require a significant amount of time to manufacture and install. In addition, holes or apertures may have to be formed in the legs or leg assemblies and additional parts may be required to attach the castors to the legs or leg assemblies. Accordingly, casters may increase the weight and cost of the structure, and the casters may interfere with the design and appearance of the structure. Further, the casters may be prohibitively heavy to be used in connection with structures that are intended to be lightweight and portable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A need therefore exists for an end cap that eliminates the above-described disadvantages and problems.

One aspect is an end cap that may be connected to a structure such as a leg, leg assembly and/or foot. The end cap is desirably sized and configured to be attached to a leg, leg assembly or foot that has a generally circular configuration. For example, the end cap may be attached to hollow rod or tube. Advantageously, the end cap may be quickly and easily attached to the leg, leg assembly and/or foot. In addition, the end cap can be securely attached to the leg, leg assembly and/or foot, and the end cap may be permanently or selectively attached to the leg, leg assembly and/or foot.

Another aspect is an end cap for a leg, leg assembly and/or foot that may allow the structure to be easily moved or transported. In particular, the end cap may include a portion that rotates to allow the structure to be rolled along a support surface such as a floor or the ground. Thus, the end cap may allow a structure to be quickly and easily moved from one location to another. Advantageously, the end cap may allow a single person to move relatively large and heavy structures without difficulty.

A further aspect is an end cap that can be used in connection with a variety of structures that including legs, leg assemblies and/or foot portions. For example the end cap may be used with structures such as tables, chairs, benches, stands, carts and the like. Advantageously, the end cap may be used in connection with each of the legs, leg assemblies and/or foot portions, or only a portion of the legs, leg assemblies and/or foot portions. Significantly, the end cap may allow structures, such as table, to be moved without requiring objects on the table to be first removed.

Yet another aspect is an end cap that may have a relatively straight-forward design that can be easily manufactured. For example, the end cap is preferably constructed from plastic and the end cap is preferably manufactured by either injection molding or extrusion molding. Advantageously, this may allow the end cap to be quickly and easily manufactured. In addition, the end cap may be relatively low cost and it may be quickly and easily attached to any suitable type of leg, leg assembly or foot. For example, the end cap may be attached to a foot that is attached to a table leg or table leg assembly. The foot is preferably an elongated hollow tube or cylinder and at least a portion of the end cap is securely attached to the hollow tube or cylinder by a friction, interference or snap fit. Additionally, a portion of the end cap may rotate relative to the foot to allow the structure to be easily rolled or moved.

Still another aspect is an end cap that may be quickly and easily attached to a structure by inserting a portion of the end cap into an opening or depression. For example, the end cap may include a retention assembly or inner portion that is inserted into the opening or depression and an annular member that can rotate relative to the retention assembly. The retention assembly preferably prevents the end cap from being inadvertently dislodged or removed, and the retention assembly may maintain the annular member in the desired location. In greater detail, the retention assembly may include a body portion that is at least partially inserted into the opening or depression and a head portion with a cap. The annular member is preferably at least partially disposed about the body portion of the retention assembly and the annular member is preferably rotatable or movable relative to the retention assembly to allow the structure to be moved or transported.

A further aspect is an end cap that may include a retention assembly that is sized and configured to allow the end cap to be attached to a structure such as a foot of a table leg. The retention assembly preferably includes a body portion with one or more retention members that are sized and configured to allow the end cap to be quickly and securely connected to the table leg foot. The retention members, for example, may include one or more rings and the rings may be tapered in size to allow at least a portion of the retention assembly to be inserted into the foot. The retention members may also include one or more bands, bumps, protrusions or other suitable structures that allow the retention assembly to be quickly and easily connected to the foot. Desirably, the retention members connect the end cap to the foot by an interference, friction or snap fit connection, but the end cap may be connected to the structure by any suitable means or method.

A still further aspect is an end cap that may include a retention assembly and an annular member that is rotatable relative to the retention assembly to allow a structure to be easily moved or transported. The annular member, however, may be securely attached to the retention assembly so that the structure tends to remain in a fixed or stationary position.

Still yet another aspect is an end cap that may include a retention assembly and an annular member with a lip that is sized and configured to restrict axial movement of the annular member relative to the retention assembly. Desirably, the lip allows the annular member to freely rotate with respect to the retention assembly, but prevents the annular member from moving axially with respect to the retention assembly.

Another aspect is an end cap that may include one or more grooves, notches, channels, indentations or the like in the outer surface. These grooves, notches, channels, indentations and the like may be sized and configured to provide increased traction or grip to allow the structure to be easily moved or transported. Advantageously, the end cap desirably allows the structure to be moved without marring or otherwise damaging a support surface such as the floor.

Advantageously, the end cap can be used with a variety of structures with one or more legs, leg assemblies or feet. In addition, any suitable number of end caps may be used in connection with a particular structure and end caps may be attached to all or only some of the legs, leg assemblies or feet. Further, different types of end caps may be used with the same structure. For example, one or more end caps that include a rotatable portion that is sized and configured to allow the structure to be moved may be attached to one or more legs, leg assemblies or feet, and end caps that do not include a rotatable portion may be attached to the other legs, leg assemblies or feet. Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, the structure will tend to remain in a fixed position and not inadvertently move because only some of the end caps allow the structure to roll along the floor. That is, the non-rotatable end caps will maintain the structure in a fixed position. On the other hand, if it is desired to move the structure, then a portion of the structure may be lifted so that the non-rotatable end caps no longer touch the floor and the structure can now roll or be moved on the end caps with the rotatable portion. This allows the structure to be easily moved or transported from one location to another. Thus, the end caps may be arranged to allow the structure to remain in a generally fixed position, if desired, and to allow the structure to be moved by simply lifting one end or portion of the structure. Of course, any suitable combination of end caps may be used depending, for example, upon the intended use of the structure. For example, all end caps with rotatable portions may be used if it is desired to allow the structure to be more easily moved. In addition, if the structure is intended to be used on a surface such as a carpeted floor, then all rotatable end caps may be used because the structure will not inadvertently move.

Another aspect is a table that may include a table top, at least one table leg attached to the table top, the table leg including an opening, and an end cap attached to the table leg. The end cap may include a retention assembly with a body and a head, at least a substantial portion of the body is disposed inside the opening in the table leg and at least a substantial portion of the head is disposed outside the opening in the table leg. The end cap may also include an annular member including a first end, a second end, an inner surface and an outer surface, at least a portion of the table leg is disposed inside the annular member, at least a portion of the annular member is disposed between the table leg and the head of the retention assembly, the annular member is rotatable relative to the table leg to facilitate movement of the table. The annular member may also include a lip that is sized and configured to limit axial movement of the annular member with respect to the table leg and the lip may be at least partially disposed between the head of the retention assembly and the table leg.

Still another aspect is an end cap that may be sized and configured to be attached to an opening in support leg for a structure. The end cap may include a retention assembly with a body and a head, at least a portion of the body is disposed inside the opening in the support leg, at least a portion of the head is disposed outside the opening in the support leg, and the head has a larger outer diameter than an outer diameter of the body. The end cap may also include an annular member with a first end, a second end, an inner surface, an outer surface and a lip, at least a portion of the support leg is disposed inside the annular member, at least a portion of the lip is disposed between the support leg and the head of the retention assembly, and the annular member is rotatable relative to the support leg to facilitate movement of the structure. The lip preferably extends inwardly from the first end of the annular member and the lip is sized and configured to limit axial movement of the annular member with respect to the table leg.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The appended drawings contain figures of preferred embodiments to further clarify the above and other aspects, advantages and features of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limits its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a table, illustrating four exemplary end caps attached to the table;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the end cap shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the end cap shown in FIG. 2, illustrating an outer portion of the end cap;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a portion of the end cap shown in FIG. 2, illustrating an inner portion of the end cap;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the inner portion of the end cap shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a portion of an end cap, illustrating an inner portion of the end cap;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the inner portion of the end cap shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a portion of an end cap, illustrating an inner portion of the end cap;

FIG. 9 is a side view of still another exemplary embodiment of a portion of an end cap, illustrating an inner portion of the end cap; and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another exemplary embodiment of an end cap, illustrating the end cap attached to an exemplary portion of a foot for a table leg.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is generally directed towards an end cap for a structure such as a table leg. The principles of the present invention, however, are not limited to end caps for table legs. It will be understood that, in light of the present disclosure, the end caps disclosed herein can be successfully used in connection with other types of furniture and structures.

Additionally, to assist in the description of the end cap, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, right and left are used to describe the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated, however, that the end cap can be located in a variety of desired positions—including various angles, sideways and even upside down. A detailed description of the end cap now follows with reference to the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale.

As shown in FIG. 1, an end cap 10 is connected to a table 12. In particular, four end caps 10 are connected to the table 12 and the table is sized and configured to be used by a single person. It will be appreciated, however, that the end caps 10 may be connected to any suitable size and type of table such as a utility table, card table, conference table, round table and the like. It will also be appreciated that the end caps 10 may be used in conjunction with a wide variety of other structures such as chairs, benches, stands, carts and the like. In fact, the end caps 10 may be used in connection with any structures that include one or more legs, legs assemblies and/or feet. Thus, while the end cap 10 will be discussed and shown in the accompanying figures in connection with a table 12, the end cap could be used with other structures.

Advantageously, as discussed in detail below, the end caps 10 may be used in conjunction with structures that are capable of being moved from one location to another and the end caps may facilitate movement of the structures. Thus, for example, if the end caps 10 are used in connection with the table 12, the end caps may allow the table to be easily transported and moved. The end caps 10, however, do not have to be used in conjunction with structures that are capable of being moved.

The end caps 10, as shown in FIG. 1, are preferably attached to the legs or leg assemblies 14 of the table 12. In greater detail, the leg assemblies 14 may include two elongated support members 16 and a foot 18 that is connected to the ends of the elongated support members. The elongated support members 16 and feet 18 may be constructed from metal tubes, for example, to allow lightweight leg assemblies 14 to be manufactured. It will be understood, however, the table 12 may include any suitable type, style, design and number of legs 14 depending, for example, upon the particular type of table.

The ends caps 10 are preferably connected to the ends of the feet 18. For example, if the feet 18 consist of hollow tubes or cylinders, the end caps 10 may be inserted into the ends of the feet. Of course, the end caps 10 may be connected to any suitable portion of the legs 14 and the feet 18 may have a variety of different sizes and configurations that may be used in connection with the end caps. Accordingly, the end caps 10 may have various shapes, sizes and configurations depending, for example, upon the size and configuration of the table 12, leg 14 and/or foot 18.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the end cap 10 preferably includes an annular member 20 with a first end 22, second end 24, an outer surface 26 and an inner surface 28. The annular member 20 is preferably sized and configured to be disposed about the end of the foot 18 of the table leg 14. In particular, the annular member 20 is preferably generally hollow, but the inner surface 28 may include one or more generally inwardly extending protrusions or structures that may be designed to connect the annular member to the table leg 14 or to allow the annular member to rotate relative to the table leg. For example, the inner surface 28 may include a plurality of slots or grooves 30 that extend generally along the length of the annular member 20 to allow the annular member to be securely connected to the table leg 14, if desired, or the slots and grooves may be sized and configured to allow the annular member to rotate about the table leg 14. It will be understood that the inner surface 28 of the annular member 20 may also include one or more rings, projections, extensions or the like to allow the annular member 20 to be securely or rotatably connected to the table leg 14.

The annular member 20 of the end cap 10 preferably also includes a generally inwardly extending lip 32. The lip 32 preferably extends inwardly from the inner surface 28 of the annular member 20 and the lip is preferably disposed towards or at the first end 22 of the annular member 20. The lip 32 is preferably sized and configured to abut the end of the foot 18 of the table leg 14 and limit the amount that the foot can be inserted into the annular member 20. In particular, the foot 18 of the table leg 14 preferably has an outer diameter and the inner diameter of the annular member 20 is preferably generally equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the foot to allow the annular member to be connected to the foot or rotate about the foot. The inner diameter of the lip 32 is preferably smaller than the outer diameter of the foot 18 to prevent that portion of the annular member 20 from being disposed about the foot.

The outer surface 26 of the annular member 20 is preferably rounded or curved along its length and it includes a contact surface 34 that is desirably configured to contact a support surface such as the floor or ground. The contact surface 34 is preferably disposed towards a center portion 36 of the annular member 20 and the outer surface 26 may include one or more notches, grooves, channels, indentations or the like 38. The notches 38, as shown in the accompanying figures, preferably do not extend the entire length of the annular members 20 and the notches may assist in moving the table 12, as discussed below. It will be understood that the annular member 20 may also have other suitable shapes and sizes depending, for example, upon the intended use of the end cap 10 and/or the configuration of the table 12. For example, the outer surface 26 of the annular member 10 may have a generally constant diameter and/or the notches 38 may extend the entire length of the annular member. It will be appreciated that the annular member 20 does not require the notches 38 and, for example, the outer surface 26 may include a concave or other type of surfaces.

The annular member 20 and other portions of the end cap 10 are preferably constructed from a relatively strong, sturdy and impact resistant material such as plastic. The plastic end caps 10 may be constructed by injection molding, extrusion molding, compression molding or other suitable processes or methods. Advantageously, the plastic end cap 10 can be molded into a wide variety of suitable configurations and the plastic end cap may be quickly and easily manufactured. The end cap 10 may also be constructed from an elastomeric material. Advantageously, the elastomeric material may increase the impact resistance of the end cap 10 and may allow the end cap to slightly deform so that forces can be absorbed without damaging the end cap. In addition, the elastomeric material may allow, for example, the annular member 20 to slightly deform and conform to a surface or the ground so as to provide increased traction or grip. It will be appreciated that the entire end cap 10, or various portions of the end cap, may be constructed from a wide variety of materials with suitable characteristics and properties.

The end cap 10 also includes a retention assembly 40 that may be used to attach the end cap to a structure such as the foot 18 of the table 12. In particular, the retention assembly 40 may be securely attached to the foot 18 of the table leg 14 and the retention assembly may remain in a generally fixed position relative to the foot. The retention assembly 40 may also be used to prevent the annular member 20 from being inadvertently removed from the table leg 14. Additionally, the retention assembly 40 may be used to keep the annular member 20 in the desired position. Further, as discussed in greater detail below, the retention assembly 40 may be used to allow the annular member 20 to rotate relative to the foot 18 of the table leg 14.

As shown in FIG. 4, the retention assembly 40 may include a body 42 that is sized and configured to be inserted into an opening or depression in the foot 18 of the table leg 14. In particular, if the foot 18 is constructed from a hollow metal tube, then the retention assembly 40 can simply be inserted into the end of the foot. It will be appreciated, however, that the retention assembly 40 may be attached to the foot 18 or table leg 14 in any desired manner or configuration.

The retention assembly 40 preferably also includes a head 44 that is intended to be disposed outside of the foot 18 of the table leg 14. In particular, the head 44 preferably includes a cap 46 with an inner surface 48, an outer surface 50 and an outer periphery 52. The cap 46 is preferably sized and configured to prevent or otherwise restrict axial movement of the annular member 20 relative to the retention assembly 40 and the foot 18 of the table leg 14. Specifically, the cap 46 is preferably sized and configured to position and maintain the annular member 20 in a particular position. For example, as best seen in FIG. 10, the retention assembly 40 and the cap 46 may be sized and configured to position and maintain the annular member 40 about the distal end of the foot 18 of the table leg 14. It will be appreciated that the retention assembly 40 and the cap 46 may also be sized and configured to position and maintain the annular member 20 in other desired locations or configurations.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the outer surface 50 of the cap 46 has a concave or inwardly curved face and the outer periphery 52 may include one or more notches or depressions 54. The depressions 54 may, for example, be sized and configured to facilitate attachment of the retention assembly 40 to the foot 18 of the table leg 14. It will be appreciated, however, that the outer surface 50 and the outer periphery 52 of the retention assembly 40 could also have other suitable configurations and arrangements. For example, the outer surface 50 of the cap 46 could have a generally flat or convex configuration.

The inner surface 48 of the cap 46 of the retention assembly 40 preferably includes one or more projections 56 that are sized and configured to be disposed within a portion of the annular member 20. In particular, the projections 56 preferably extend towards the body 42 of the retention assembly 40 and the projections are sized and configured to be disposed within the lip 32 of the annular member 20. Desirably, the projections 56 are sized and configured to fit within the lip 32 of the annular member 20 so that the annular member may rotate relative to the retention assembly 40. The projections 56, however, could also be sized and configured to connect the annular member 20 to the retention assembly 40, if desired. In addition, the projections 56 do not have to be disposed within the lip 32 of the annular member 20 and, in contrast, the projections could be disposed adjacent and/or in contact with the lip or other suitable portions of the annular member. It will be understood that the projections 56 could also be a flange, step or other suitable structure. It will also be understood, however, that the retention assembly 40 does not require the projections 56.

As discussed above, at least a portion of the body 42 of the retention assembly 40 is preferably sized and configured to be inserted into an opening or depression in the foot 18 of the table leg 14. In particular, as best seen in FIG. 4, the body 42 of the retention member 40 preferably includes an elongated portion 60 with a generally X-shaped cross-sectional configuration, but the elongated portion could have any suitable configuration including cylindrical, tubular, oblong, polygonal, oval, and the like. A plurality of generally circular engagement (or retention) members 62 are disposed about the elongated portion 60 and the engagement members are sized and configured to contact the inner surface of the foot 18 of the table leg 14. Preferably, the engagement members 62 securely engage the inner surface of the foot 18 so that the retention assembly 40 is securely held in a fixed position by a friction or interference fit. Advantageously, this may allow the retention assembly 40 to be quickly and easily connected to the foot 18 by simply inserting the elongated body 60 into the foot and the friction or interference fit may secure the retention assembly in the desired position. It will be appreciated, however, that the retention assembly 40 could be attached to the table leg 14 by any suitable means or manner. The engagement members 62 may also have other suitable shapes and configurations depending, for example, upon the size and configuration of the table leg 14. For example, the engagement members 62 may have a generally oval configuration if the table leg 14 has an oval configuration, or the engagement members 62 may have a generally square or rectangular configuration if the table leg 14 has a square or rectangular configuration.

In greater detail, as best seen in FIG. 4, the engagement members 62 may include an outer surface 64 and an inner surface 66. Desirably, the engagement members 62 are tapered from the outer surface 64 to the inner surface 66 to allow the engagement members to be more easily inserted into the foot 18 of the table leg 14. In particular, the outer surface 64 of the engagement members 62 may have a diameter that is generally equal to or less than an inner diameter of the foot 18 and the inner surface 66 may have a diameter that is equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the foot. Advantageously, this may allow the engagement members 62 to securely engage the inner surface of the foot 18. In addition, the engagement members 62 may be spaced apart to allow the members to slightly bend or deflect as the engagement members are inserted into the foot 18 of the table leg 14. This may allow a secure friction or interference fit to be established between the elongated body 60 of the retention assembly 40 and the foot 18.

As shown in the accompanying figures, the engagement members 62 preferably completely encircle the elongated portion 60 of the retention assembly 40. The engagement members 62, however, do not have to completely encircle the elongated portion 60 of the retention assembly 40. In contrast, engagement members 62 may extend only about a portion of the elongated portion 60 or the engagement members may be divided into one or more parts. Further, if desired, only a single engagement member 62 may be used to connect the retention assembly 40 to the table leg 14 or a plurality of engagement members may be used to connect the retention assembly to the table legs. The engagement members 62, however, do not have to be used to connect the retention assembly 40 to the table leg 14 and other suitable methods and/or mechanisms may be used to connect the retention assembly to the table leg 14.

The elongated portion 60 and engagement members 62 of the retention assembly 40 may also have other suitable shapes and configuration depending, for example, upon the type of table leg 14 or the intended use of the table 12. For example, it the table leg 14 has a generally square or rectangular configuration, then the elongated portion 60 and/or engagement members 62 may also have a similar square or rectangular configuration. Of course, the elongated portion 60 and engagement members 62 could have any suitable size, shape and configuration

For example, as seen in FIGS. 6-10, other exemplary embodiments of the retention assembly 40 may include an elongated body 68 with a generally hollow interior and a generally circular cross-section. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a plurality of generally circular engagement members 70 may extend outwardly from the elongated body 68. As best seen in FIG. 7, the engagement members 70 may have different thicknesses depending, for example, upon the positioning of the engagement member along the elongated body 68. This may help secure the retention assembly 40 to the foot 18 of the table leg 14.

As shown in FIG. 8, another exemplary embodiment of the retention assembly 40 includes an elongated body 68 one or more spaced apart bands 72. The outer surface 74 of the bands 72 are preferably sized and configured to engage the inner surface of the foot 18 of the table leg 14. Thus, the outer surface 74 of the bands 72 may connect the elongated body 68 of the retention assembly to the foot 18 by a friction or interference connection. In particular, the diameter of the outer surface 74 of the bands 72 is preferably slightly larger than the inner diameter of the foot 18 such that the retention assembly 40 is securely attached to the table leg 14. Additionally, the outer surface 74 of the bands 72 may be slightly deformable or bendable to allow a secure friction or interference fit to be established between the retention assembly 40 and the foot 18.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, the engagement members 62 may include one or more bumps or protrusions 76 that extend outwardly from the elongated body 60 of the retention assembly 40. The protrusions 76 are preferably spaced and configured to allow the retention assembly 40 to be securely attached to the foot 18 of the table leg 14. The protrusions 76 include an upper surface 78 that is sized and configured to engage the inner surface of the foot 18 of the table leg 14. The upper surface 78 may be rounded, curved, flat, sloped, etc. depending, for example, upon the size and configuration of the retention assembly 40 or the table leg 14. Additionally, the protrusions 76 may be arranged into a predetermined or random patterned, as desired. Further, the upper surface 78 of the protrusions 76 may be slightly deformable or movable to allow a secure friction or interference fit to be established.

As discussed above, the engagement members 62 preferably securely attach the retention assembly 40 to the foot 18 of the table leg 14. In addition, the engagement members 62 and/or the retention assembly 40 may have various shapes, sizes and configurations depending, for example, upon the type of table 12 and/or table leg 14. The retention assembly 40 may also be attached to the table leg 14 by other suitable means or methods such as fasteners, adhesives and the like.

As shown in FIG. 10, in order to connect the end cap 10 to the table leg 14, the annular member 20 is positioned about the foot 18 of the table leg 14. In particular, at least a portion of the body of the annular member 20 is disposed about the foot 18 and the lip 32 is disposed proximate an end of the foot. The body 42 of the retention assembly 40 is then inserted through the opening in the annular member 20 and into the foot 18 of the table leg 14. The engagement members 62 preferably engage the inner surface of the foot 18 to securely connect the retention assembly 40 to the table leg 14. As shown, portions of the engagement members 62 may deflect or deform against the inner surface of the foot 18 to help create a secure friction or interference connection of the retention assembly 40 to the table leg 14. While the retention assembly 40 is preferably securely attached to the foot 18 of the table leg 14, and the annular member 20 is preferably rotatable about the end of the foot 18 of the table leg 14. The lip 32 of the annular member 20, however, preferably prevents or otherwise restricts the axial movement of the annular member relative to the foot 18 of the table leg 14. That is, the lip 32 preferably allows annular member 20 to freely rotate about the foot 18, but the lip prevents the annular member from moving along the length of the foot. It will be appreciated that the retention assembly 40 may also secure the annular member 20 in a fixed position, if desired, and the retention assembly could be rotatably connected to the foot 18 of the table leg 14, if desired.

Advantageously, the end cap 10 can be used in connection with a wide variety of legs and leg assemblies. Additionally, because the annular member 20 and the retention assembly 40 may be rotatably coupled or secured to the structure in a fixed position, the end cap 10 can be used on structures that are intended to remain in a generally fixed position or on structures that are intended to be moved. Thus, the end caps 10 may include an annular member 20 that is freely rotatable relative to the table leg 14 or the end caps may include an annular member that is not rotatable relative to the table leg. Thus, the end caps 10 may be rotatable or non-rotatable.

Significantly, the rotatable end caps 10 may be used to allow a structure, such as a table, to be easily moved from one location to another. The non-rotatable end caps 10, however, may be used to secure a structure in a generally fixed position. In addition, a structure may include both rotatable end caps 10 and non-rotatable end caps to allow the structure to be moved when desired and to remain in a fixed position when desired. For example, rotatable end caps 10 may be attached to the legs on one side of the structure and non-rotatable end caps may be attached to the legs on the other side of the structure. That is, rotatable end caps 10 may be connected to the ends of a foot disposed on one side of the structure and non-rotatable end caps may be connected to the ends of an opposing foot. When it is desired to move the structure, the end of the structure with the non-rotatable end caps 10 may be lifted off the ground and the structure may be rolled on the rotatable end caps. Advantageously, this allows the structure to be quickly and easily moved. On the other hand, when the non-rotatable end caps contact the ground, this prevents the structure from inadvertently moving. Thus, the structure will not inadvertently move when the non-rotatable end caps contact the ground, but the structure can be easily movable by simply tilting or pivoting the structure onto the rotatable end caps. Of course, some or all of the end caps 10 may be rotatable, non-rotatable or any combination thereof depending, for example, upon the intended use of the end caps 10.

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.

Claims

1. A table comprising:

a table top;
at least one table leg attached to the table top, the table leg including an opening; and
an end cap attached to the table leg, the end cap comprising: a retention assembly including a body and a head, at least a substantial portion of the body being disposed inside the opening in the table leg, at least a substantial portion of the head being disposed outside the opening in the table leg; and an annular member including a first end, a second end, an inner surface and an outer surface, at least a portion of the table leg being disposed inside the annular member, at least a portion of the annular member being disposed between the table leg and the head of the retention assembly, the annular member being rotatable relative to the table leg to facilitate movement of the table.

2. The table as in claim 1, wherein the annular member includes a lip that is sized and configured to limit axial movement of the annular member with respect to the table leg.

3. The table as in claim 1, wherein the lip of the annular member is at least partially disposed between the head of the retention assembly and the table leg.

4. The table as in claim 1, further comprising one or more engagement members extending from the body of the retention assembly, the one or more engagement members being sized and configured to engage at least a portion of the table leg to secure the retention assembly to the table leg.

5. The table as in claim 4, wherein the engagement members include a tapered outer portion that is sized and configured to engage an inner surface of the opening in the table leg.

6. The table as in claim 4, wherein the engagement members include at least one protrusion that is sized and configured to engage an inner surface of the opening in the table leg.

7. The table as in claim 1, wherein the body of the retention assembly has a generally X-shaped cross-sectional configuration.

8. The table as in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of grooves in the inner surface of the annular member, the annular member being sized and configured to freely rotate about the table leg.

9. The table as in claim 1, wherein the table leg includes a foot and the end cap is attached to the foot of the table leg.

10. The table as in claim 1, wherein the head of the retention assembly has an outer diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the body of the retention assembly;

wherein an inner diameter of the annular member is larger than an outer diameter of the table leg; and
wherein an inner diameter of the lip is smaller than the outer diameter of the table leg.

11. An end cap that is sized and configured to be attached to an opening in support leg for a structure, the end cap comprising:

a retention assembly including a body and a head, at least a portion of the body being disposed inside the opening in the support leg, at least a portion of the head being disposed outside the opening in the support leg, the head having a larger outer diameter than an outer diameter of the body; and
an annular member including a first end, a second end, an inner surface, an outer surface and a lip, at least a portion of the support leg being disposed inside the annular member, at least a portion of the lip being disposed between the support leg and the head of the retention assembly, the annular member being rotatable relative to the support leg to facilitate movement of the structure.

12. The end cap as in claim 11, wherein the lip extends inwardly from the first end of the annular member and the lip is sized and configured to limit axial movement of the annular member with respect to the table leg.

13. The end cap as in claim 11, further comprising an inner diameter of the lip that is less than an outer diameter of the table leg, and an inner diameter of the annular member that is greater than the outer diameter of the table leg.

14. The end cap as in claim 11, further comprising one or more engagement members extending from the body of the retention assembly, the one or more engagement members being sized and configured to engage at least a portion of the opening in the support leg to secure the retention assembly to the support leg.

15. The end cap as in claim 14, wherein the engagement members include a tapered outer portion that is sized and configured to engage an inner surface of the opening in the support leg.

16. The end cap as in claim 14, wherein the engagement members include at least one protrusion that is sized and configured to engage an inner surface of the opening in the support leg.

17. The end cap as in claim 11, wherein the body of the retention assembly has a generally X-shaped cross-sectional configuration.

18. The end cap as in claim 11, further comprising a plurality of grooves in the inner surface of the annular member, the annular member being sized and configured to freely rotate about the support leg.

19. The end cap as in claim 11, wherein the support leg includes a foot and the end cap is attached to the foot of the support leg.

20. An end cap system for a structure including at least a first support leg and a second support leg, the end cap system comprising:

a first end cap connected to the first support leg, the first end cap comprising: a retention assembly including a body and a head, at least a portion of the body being disposed inside an opening in the first support leg, at least a portion of the head being disposed outside the opening in the first support leg; and an annular member including a first end, a second end, an inner surface, an outer surface and a lip, at least a portion of the first support leg being disposed inside the annular member, at least a portion of the lip being disposed between the first support leg and the head of the retention assembly, the annular member being rotatable relative to the first support leg to facilitate movement of the structure; and
a second end cap connected to the second support leg, the second end cap comprising: a retention assembly including a body and a head, at least a portion of the body being disposed inside an opening in the second support leg, at least a portion of the head being disposed outside the opening in the second support leg; and an annular member securely attached to the retention assembly in a fixed, non-rotatable configuration, at least a portion of the second support leg being disposed inside the annular member;
wherein the first end cap is sized and configured to facilitate movement of the structure and the second end cap is sized and configured to resist movement of the structure.
Patent History
Publication number: 20050103241
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 12, 2004
Publication Date: May 19, 2005
Inventors: David Winter (Layton, UT), L. Strong (Clearfield, UT), Thayne Haney (Syracuse, UT), Robert Astle (Logan, UT)
Application Number: 10/964,223
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: 108/161.000