GB2342035A

GB2342035A - Self-assembly table

Info

Publication number: GB2342035A
Application number: GB9820483A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin John Flowerdew
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-09-22
Filing date: 1998-09-22
Publication date: 2000-04-05
Also published as: GB9820483D0

Abstract

A self-assembly table preferably sold in the form of a flat pack, comprises two interlocking leg pieces (16, 18) of inverted U-shape and a table top (10). The table top has a rib (14) on its underside which abuts the outer ends of the leg pieces to prevent the top sliding in its plane when it is seated on top of the interlocked leg pieces.

Description

2342035 Self-Assembly Tabl This invention relates to a self-assembly

table, more especially a small, relatively low standing table dimensionally of the order of a small coffee or occasional table.

According to the invention, there is provided a self-assembly table comprising a pair of U-shaped, planar leg pieces which interlock to provide four equi-angularly spaced legs surmounted by a supporting surface of cruciform. shape, and a table top for resting on the cruciform- shaped supporting surface, the table top having means on its underside in use acting to restrict lateral movement of the table top in its plane relative to the interlocked leg pieces on which it rests.

The invention also relates to a flat pack comprising, within the pack, one or a plurality of sets of three pieces comprising two leg pieces and a table top as aforesaid.

The three flat pieces as aforesaid are preferably moulded of plastics material.

717he restricting means on the underside of the table top preferably comprises a rib for closely surrounding. the circle defined by the outer ends of the arms of the cruciform-shaped supporting surface formed by the assembled leg pieces. This nb, which may for example be circular or square shaped, is preferably spaced inside the periphery of the table top, which may be any convenient shape including circular or polygonal, so that the table top projects beyond the boundary defined by the outer ends of the arms of the cruciform. supporting surface formed by the assembled leg pieces.

The U-shaped leg pieces preferably interlock by means of slots in the respective crosspieces of the U-shaped leg pieces. Such slots preferably comprise an upward slot at the centre of the lower edge of one crosspiece and a downward slot at the centre of the upper edge of the other crosspiece.

The table top may also have an upstanding peripheral rib on its upper surface, to prevent material or objects placed on the table from spilling off.

The self-assembly table in accordance with the invention has a variety of possible uses, including use as a builder's accessory on which to place mortar when bricklaying, or as a party table for children.

The invention is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure I shows a circular table top in plan view, edge view and underside view; Figure 2 shows the two U-shaped leg pieces, together with one leg piece in edge view; Figure 3 shows a square table top in underplan view, edge view and plan view; and Figure 4 shows an assembled table in perspective.

Referring to the drawings, the illustrated table may have a table top about 60 cm in diameter or 60 cm square, and stand about 30 cm high.

The complete table, comprising two leg pieces and a table top, is moulded of plastics material.

The table top 10 shown in Figure 1 is circular, with a peripheral rib 12 on its upper surface and a rib 14 on its underside, spaced a distance inside the table top periphery.

The leg pieces 16, 18 shown in Figure 2 are generally of a flat U-shape, with crosspieces 16A, 18A one with an upwardly dircted slot 16B at the centre of its lower edge and one with a downwardly directed slot 18B at the centre of its upper edge. It will thus be appreciated that the two Ushaped leg pieces 16, 18 can be interlocked to form a cruciform-shaped supporting surface for the table top at the top of four equi-angularly spaced legs.

The underside rib 14 on the table top is located, in relation to the circle defined by the outer ends of the arms of the cruciform-shaped supporting surface, so that when the table top is placed centrally on the supporting surface, the rib 14 closely surrounds the said circle, so that the table top is substantially prevented, or is at least substantially restricted, against sliding movement in its plane over the supporting surface.

Figure 3 shows a square table top 20, which can be placed on the supporting surface formed by the interlocked leg pieces 16, 18. This square table top 20 has a peripheral rib 22 on its upper surface and a rib 24 on its underside, which can be square as illustrated, but could again be a circular rib.

Figure 4 shows an assembled circular table 26 in perspective, comprising table top 10 and leg pieces 16, 18.

Three plana pieces as above-described for assembly to form a table are for sale incorporated into a flat pack. The pack may contain one or more sets of the three pieces required to assemble a table.

Claims

1. A self-assembly table comprising a pair of U-shaped, planar leg pieces which interlock to provide four equi-angularly spaced legs surmounted by a supporting surface of cruciform shape, and a table top for resting on the cruciform-shaped supporting surface, the table top having means on its underside in use acting to restrict lateral movement of the table top in its plane relative to the interlocked leg pieces on which it rests,

2. A table according to claim 1, wherein the three flat pieces as aforesaid are moulded of plastics material.

3. A table according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the restricting means on the underside of the table top comprises a rib for closely surrounding the circle defined by the outer ends of the arms of the c ruci formshaped supporting surface formed by the assembled leg pieces.

4. A table according to claim 3, wherein the rib is spaced inside the periphery of the table top, so that the table top projects beyond the boundary defined by the outer ends of the arms of the cruciform supporting surface formed by the assembled leg pieces.

5. A table according to any of claims I to 4, wherein the table top is of circular or polygonal shape.

6. A table according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the rib is of circular or polygonal shape.

7. A table according to any of claims I to 6, wherein the U-shaped leg pieces interlock by means of slots in the respective crosspieces of the U-shaped leg pieces.

8. A table according to claim 7, wherein the slots comprise an upward slot at the centre of the lower edge of one crosspiece and a downward slot at the centre of the upper edge of the other crosspiece.

9. A table according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the table top has an upstanding peripheral rib on its upper surface, to prevent material or objects placed on the table from spilling off.

10. A self-assembly table substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

11. A flat pack comprising, within the pack, one or a plurality of sets of three pieces comprising two leg pieces and a table top as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10.