Table mounting assembly

Abstract

A table facilitating independent assembly includes a table top having a peripheral edge and a tubular frame circumscribing the peripheral edge. The tubular frame includes a plurality of vertical webs and an upper flange projecting inwardly toward the table top. Disposed about the periphery of the table top are a plurality of mounting brackets. Each of the mounting brackets includes a vertical base plate and an inwardly projecting shelf opposing the upper flange of the frame. Accordingly, the shelf and flange capture an edge of the table top therebetween for supporting the table top. The vertical base plate of each mounting bracket includes an upper stem portion disposed between the peripheral edge of the table top and the frame. A fastener connects the mounting bracket to a vertical web of the frame to complete the table top assembly. A plurality of legs are then disposed in combination with the tubular frame or mounting brackets to support the table top assembly.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to tables, and more particularly to a new and useful table and table top mounting arrangement therefore which is inexpensive to fabricate and facilitates installation/assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nearly every porch, patio or deck is furnished with an outdoor set of patio furniture for enjoying picnics, gatherings, or family dinners. Unlike conventional indoor furniture, furnishings of the outdoor variety are typically purchased unassembled and, subsequently, assembled at the home by the consumer. While purchasing these items in an unassembled condition offers several advantages, i.e., reduces inventory space for the merchant and/or cost to the consumer, the construction of such items can be complicated and/or laborious.

For example, it is common for a patio dinette set to include a table having a smooth glass top which seats within and is supported by a metal frame. More specifically, the metal frame typically circumscribes the periphery of the glass top and forms a channel for engaging the edges thereof. A tight or snug fit is typically required to prevent shifting which can lead to chipping of the glass edges and, subsequent cracking of/damage to the glass top. This can be especially difficult to achieve with respect to circular or oval shape table tops. To effect a tight fit, it is common to bifurcate the metal frame into two or more C-shaped frame members. Each of the frame members is caused to engage the peripheral edge by sliding each segment in-plane with the table top until the segments meet at a mid-point or mating plane. The ends of the metal frame are then attached by sheet metal screws or other fastening means.

It will be appreciated that the prior art configuration described above is difficult to assemble by an individual working independently, and typically requires a second set of hands to secure the various elements while being assembled. Other prior art designs are similar to the one described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,553,921 B2. To facilitate the subsequent discussion, FIG. 1 depicts the relevant details of the Lui '921 patent. In FIG. 1, a table top assembly is depicted wherein a tubular frame 100 is disposed about the periphery of a glass table top 102. The frame 100 is oversized relative to the table top 102 such that when the table top 102 is inserted into the tubular frame 100, a circumferential gap G is produced between the edges 104 of the table top 102 and a sidewall surface 106 of the frame 100. The gap G is closed or filled by a bracket 110 having a t-shaped cross-sectional configuration wherein the upper vertical stem 112 of the “tee” snuggly fits within the gap G. The horizontal “cross” 114 of the tee supports the table top 102 on one side thereof and engages a circumferential channel 116 formed in the frame on the opposite side. Several brackets 110 are installed about the edges 104 at equiangular increments such that the table top 102 is secured in both directions, i.e., in-plane and out-of-plane.

While the mounting bracket disclosed in the '921 patent facilitates assembly, i.e., may be assembled by a single individual working independently, assembly cannot be performed without deformation or separation of the frame 100. That is, the stem 112 and cross 114 of the tee, especially those segments which are ninety degrees apart, cannot be simultaneously inserted within the gap G and channel 116 of the frame 100. Consequently, the frame 100 must be split, installed in multiple segments, or requires other manipulation to complete the assembly.

A need therefore exists for a table and table top mounting arrangement which permits independent assembly while maintaining structural efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A table is provided which facilitates independent assembly and includes a table top having a peripheral edge and a tubular frame circumscribing the peripheral edge. The tubular frame includes a plurality of vertical webs and an upper flange projecting inwardly toward the table top. Disposed about the periphery of the table top are a plurality of mounting brackets. Each of the mounting brackets includes a vertical base plate and an inwardly projecting shelf opposing the upper flange of the frame. Accordingly, the shelf and flange capture an edge of the table top therebetween for supporting the table top. The vertical base plate of each mounting bracket includes an upper stem portion disposed between the peripheral edge of the table top and the frame. A fastener connects the mounting bracket to a vertical web of the frame to complete the table top assembly. A plurality of legs are then disposed in combination with the tubular frame or mounting brackets to support the table top assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings various forms that are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and constructions particularly shown.

FIG. 1 is sectional view of a prior art table top assembly at a peripheral location along an edge of the assembly, i.e., where the edge of the table top meets the table frame.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a circular glass top table illustrating an exemplary application of a table according to the present invention including a table top mounting arrangement.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 depicting a bracket for mounting a table top to a tubular frame structure disposed about the periphery of the table top.

FIG. 4 is a view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 depicting the mounting bracket in combination with the tubular frame.

FIG. 5 is a broken away, exploded perspective view of the mounting arrangement for the table top according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is the sectional view of FIG. 3 depicting the shear and moment loads acting on the table top mounting arrangement.

FIG. 7 depicts an alternate embodiment of the tubular frame wherein the mounting bracket includes a T-shaped bearing block for securing the bracket within a T-slot of the frame.

FIG. 8 is a view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7 depicting the mounting bracket in combination with the tubular frame.

FIG. 9 depicts an alternate embodiment of the invention wherein a table leg is coupled directly to a mounting bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify like elements, components, subassemblies etc., FIGS. 2-4 depict an exemplary embodiment of the table and table top assembly according to the present invention. In FIG. 2, the table includes a table top 12, a tubular frame 14 circumscribing the table top 12, and a plurality of table legs 16. More specifically, the table top 12 is seated within and supported by the table frame 14 which is disposed about the periphery of the table top 12. The table top 12 and frame 14 in combination define a table top assembly 18. The legs 16 mount to the table top assembly 18 at several locations, e.g., support positions at equiangular increments about the periphery of the table top 12. While four legs 16 are shown, it will be appreciated that the table 10 may be supported by any number of legs. It is desirable that there are at least three legs in order to provide sufficient support for a the table top.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, a mounting arrangement 20 is shown for attaching the table top 12 to the frame 14. Preferably the mounting arrangement 20 is identical at various locations about the periphery. For simplicity, only one such arrangement 20 is depicted herein. The mounting arrangement 20 comprises (a) a tubular frame 14 having an inwardly projecting upper flange 22 and a plurality of vertical webs 24, (b) a mounting bracket 26 having at least one inwardly projecting shelf 28 for supporting an edge 12_E of the table top 12 and a vertical stem 30 disposed between the table top edge 12_E and the tubular frame 14, and (c) a fastening assembly 40 for securing the mounting bracket 26 to a vertical web 24 of the frame 14.

The tubular frame 14 is preferably formed as a continuous homogenous structure, i.e., without breaks. Internally, the frame 14 preferably forms several integrated tubular structures, i.e., separated by the vertical webs 24 and, as such, produces a highly efficient tubular structure, particularly in out-of-plane bending. In the preferred embodiment, the tubular frame 14 includes three such vertical webs 24 including an innermost web 24_I, an outermost web 24_O and a central web 24_C disposed therebetween. Furthermore, the frame 14 tapers in height dimension, i.e., from the innermost to outermost webs 24_I, 24_O, to provide a smooth, faired external appearance. The innermost and central webs 24_I, 24_C are closely spaced and, in the illustrated embodiment, extend the full height of the frame 14. In the preferred embodiment, the frame 14 begins to taper radially outboard of the central web 12_C.

The mounting bracket 26 includes a vertical base plate 32 which, when installed, is positioned against the innermost web 24_I. An upper vertical stem 30 is formed integral with the base plate 32 and is designed to be disposed between the edge 12_E of the table top 12 and the innermost web 24_I of the frame 14 in use. The thickness of the vertical stem 30 is selected to prevent in-plane movement or shifting of the table top 12 after assembly. This thickness dimension is a function of the desired gap and tolerances required for assembly. The shelf 28 of the mounting bracket 26 projects inwardly from and is preferably orthogonal to the base plate 32. The shelf 28 defines a surface 28_S which is designed to extend substantially parallel to but spaced apart from the upper flange 22 of the tubular frame 14. Additionally, the mounting bracket 26 includes integral side plates 36 which extend laterally of the base plate 32 and to each side of the shelf 28.

The fastening assembly includes at least one and more preferably a pair of fasteners 40a, 40b which connect the mounting bracket 26 to the frame 14. More specifically, and referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, fasteners 40a, 40b extend through aligned apertures 42 formed in each of the side plates 36 and through into the vertical webs 24. If desired, predrilled holes 44, 46 may be formed in one or both of the webs 24 to facilitate installation. The apertures 42, 44 and 46 are located vertically below the surface 28_S of the shelf 28 so as not to interfere with the installation of the table top 12. In the preferred embodiment, and referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the apertures 44, 46 extend through the innermost and central webs 24_I, 24_C of the frame 14, thereby producing an efficient force couple F_A, F_D for reacting the weight W of the table top 12.

In FIG. 6, it will be appreciated that the bracket 26 forms a cantilever support which must react the weight W of the table top 12 as a shear V and moment load M. The shear load V is principally reacted at the interface of the side plate 36 and the innermost web 24_I of the frame 14. The moment load M is reacted by the force couple F_A and F_D.

The steps for assembling the table 10 and each of the mounting arrangements 20 of the present invention are as follows. Referring collectively to FIGS. 2-6, the tubular frame 14 is positioned with the flange 22 facing downwardly such that the table top 12 may be lowered into the frame 14 against the flange 22. The dimension of the frame 14, i.e., from the innermost web 12_I on one side to the web on the other, is approximately 0.25-0.5 inches greater than the respective table top dimension to facilitate installation of the top without interfering with the frame 14. Consequently, a small gap of approximately 0.125-0.25 inches is produced about the periphery of the table top 12. Next, preferably at least three mounting brackets 26 are positioned between the table top 12 and the frame 14 such that the gap therebetween is filled by the vertical stem 30 of each bracket 26. Inasmuch as a snug fit is desirable, the thickness of the stem should, as nearly as is practicable, completely fill the gap. Further, the brackets 26 should be positioned in an equiangular pattern to prevent shifting of the table top 12 relative to the frame 14. Moreover, the brackets 26 are positioned such that the shelf 28 of each abuts the face surface of the table top 12 thereby capturing the edges 12_E between the shelf 28 and the upper flange 22 of the frame 14.

The mounting brackets 26 are then secured to the frame 14 by the threaded fasteners 40. The apertures 42, which are preferably predrilled through the side plates 36 of each bracket, may be used as a pilot for drilling (or forming through the threading process) apertures 44, 46 in the vertical webs 12_I, 12_C of the frame 14. Alternatively, the apertures 44, 46 may be predrilled such that the apertures 42 of the bracket 26 need only be aligned with the web apertures 44, 46 when installing the threaded fasteners 40. As mentioned earlier, the fasteners 40 should preferably extend through the innermost and central webs to produce an efficient structural connection.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 wherein the fastening assembly 40 for securing the bracket 26 to the frame 14 comprises a T-shaped bearing block 50 disposed within a T-slot 52 formed in the frame 14. More particularly, the bearing block 50 is preferably substantially rectangular in shape and attached to the bracket 26 through a necked down portion 50_A so as to form a T-shape with a bulbous head 50_B. The bulbous head 50_B is designed to be located on the opposite side of the innermost web 24_I of the frame 14 from the remainder of the bracket 26. The necked down portion 50_A of the bearing block extends through an opening in the T-slot as shown. In order to permit the bulbous head 50_B of the bearing block 50 to be inserted into the frame, a slotted opening 56 is formed in the innermost web 24_I of the frame 14. The opening 56 need only be large enough to permit the bulbous head 50_B of the bearing block 50 to be inserted behind the innermost web 24_I. Once this is done, the bracket 26 can be slid laterally within the slot 52 such that the bulbous head 50_B of the bearing block 50 is captured internally of the innermost web 24_I, preferably abutting its internal surface.

With the completion of the table top assembly, i.e., the combination of table top 12, frame 14 and mounting brackets 26, the supporting legs 16 are then attached. The legs 16 may be adapted to support the table top assembly in a variety of ways. For example, the uppermost portion of each leg may be configured to mate with the underside of the frame and fastened thereto by conventional threaded fasteners. Alternatively, and referring to FIG. 9, one or more of the brackets 26 may be configured to accept the upper end of each leg 16. That is, a clevis or cup 60 may be formed in combination with the vertical base plate of the bracket for accepting the upper portion of each leg 16. As such, the leg 16 may also support the underside of the shelf 28.

In summary, the table and mounting arrangement of the present invention provides a structurally efficient design while facilitating unassisted assembly. Furthermore, the construction of the table does not require additional assembly steps associated with connecting multiple table frame elements.

While the mounting assembly has been described in terms of an exemplary embodiment, a variety of other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the disclosure provided herein. For example, the invention has been described in terms of a circular table top, however, the invention is equally applicable to other geometric shapes, e.g., oval, elliptical, rectangular, octagonal, etc. Furthermore, while the table top has been described in terms of a glass construction or composition, the table top may be any of a variety of materials. Similarly, the frame may be fabricated from metal, plastic, ceramic or other materials. While threaded fasteners are shown to secure the mounting bracket to the frame, any well-known fastening means may be employed including, but not limited to, rivets, bolts, screws etc. Moreover, while mounting gaps of approximately 0.125-0.5 inches are discussed in the described embodiment, the gap is a function of the desired ease of assembly. That is, a larger or smaller gap may be desirable or acceptable for other table configurations and the dimensions selected herein are merely illustrative of a typical mounting arrangement.

Thus, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A table comprising:

a table top having a peripheral edge;

a tubular frame circumscribing the peripheral edge of the table top, the frame having an inwardly projecting upper flange and at least one vertical web;

a plurality of mounting brackets disposed about the periphery of the table top, each of the mounting brackets including a vertical base plate and an inwardly projecting shelf spaced apart from the upper flange for accepting and supporting the peripheral edge of the table top therebetween, the vertical base plate of each bracket having an upper stem portion disposed between the peripheral edge of the table top and the frame;

a fastening assembly connecting the bracket to a vertical web of the frame; and

a plurality of legs supporting the frame.

2. The table according to claim 1 wherein the tubular frame includes at least an inner and secondary vertical web, the secondary vertical web being located within the frame, and wherein the fastener assembly includes a pair of fasteners engaging the inner and secondary vertical webs.

3. The table according to claim 2 wherein the bracket includes integral side plates disposed on each side of the shelf, and wherein one of the fasteners is disposed through each of the side plates.

4. The table according to claim 1 wherein an upper end portion of each leg is mounted within a portion of the bracket.

5. The table according to claim 1 wherein the fastener assembly includes a slot formed in the at least one vertical web, and a T-shaped bearing block projecting outwardly from the vertical base plate of the mounting bracket, the bearing block having a head portion and a neck, the neck adapted to slide within the slot, the head being positioned on an outboard side of the at least one vertical web thereby mounting the bracket to the frame.

6. The table according to claim 5 wherein the at least one vertical web includes an opening having a vertical dimension larger than the vertical dimension of the head, the opening connecting with the slot.

7. The table according to claim 2 wherein the frame tapers radially outboard from said central vertical web.

8. The table according to claim 3 wherein the frame tapers radially outboard from said central vertical web.

9. The table according to claim 8 wherein the fasteners are disposed below the surface of the shelf.

10. The table according to claim 2 wherein the mounting brackets are equiangularly spaced about the periphery of the table top.

11. The table according to claim 3 wherein the mounting brackets are equiangularly spaced about the periphery of the table top.

12. A mounting arrangement for a table top assembly, comprising:

a tubular frame circumscribing the peripheral edge of a table top, the frame having an inwardly projecting upper flange and at least one vertical web;

a plurality of mounting brackets disposed about the periphery of the table top, each of the mounting brackets including a vertical base plate and an inwardly projecting shelf spaced apart from the upper flange for accepting and supporting the peripheral edge of the table top therebetween, the vertical base plate of each bracket having an upper stem portion disposed between the peripheral edge of the table top and the frame; and

a fastening assembly connecting the bracket to a vertical web of the frame.

13. The mounting arrangement according to claim 12 wherein the tubular frame includes at least an inner and secondary vertical web, the secondary vertical web being located within the frame, and wherein the fastener assembly includes a pair of fasteners engaging the inner and secondary vertical webs.

14. The table according to claim 13 wherein the bracket includes integral side plates disposed on each side of the shelf, and wherein one of the fasteners is disposed through each of the side plates.

15. The table according to claim 12 wherein the fastener assembly includes a slot formed in the at least one vertical web, and a T-shaped bearing block projecting outwardly from the vertical base plate of the mounting bracket, the bearing block having a head portion and a neck, the neck adapted to slide within the slot, the head being positioned on an outboard side of the at least one vertical web thereby mounting the bracket to the frame.

16. The table according to claim 5 wherein the at least one vertical web includes an opening having a vertical dimension larger than the vertical dimension of the head, the opening connecting with the slot.

17. A table kit comprising:

a table top having a peripheral edge;

a tubular frame adapted to be disposed about the peripheral edge of the table top, the frame having an inwardly projecting upper flange and at least one vertical web;

a plurality of mounting brackets, each mounting bracket adapted to attach to a location on the frame, each mounting bracket including a vertical base plate with an upper stem portion and an inwardly projecting shelf, the inwardly projecting shelf being spaced apart from the upper stem portion so as to be located in spaced apart relationship with respect to the upper flange of the frame when the bracket is mounted to the frame;

a fastening assembly for connecting the bracket to a vertical web of the frame; and

a plurality of legs adapted to attach to the frame.