US2521596A

US2521596A - Knockdown metal table

Info

Publication number: US2521596A
Application number: US648397A
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles P Molla
Original assignee: Molla Inc
Current assignee: Molla Inc
Priority date: 1946-02-18
Filing date: 1946-02-18
Publication date: 1950-09-05
Anticipated expiration: 1967-09-05

Description

Sept. 5, 1950 c. P. MOLLA 5 5 Y KNOCKDOWN METAL TABLE Filed Feb. 18,1946

INVENTOR 94 9 5; Q Mzm ATTOR EY Patented Sept. 5, 1950 we Charles P. Molla, New Hyde Park, N. Y., assignor to Molla Incorporated, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application February 18, 1946, Serial No. 648,397

9- Claims.

This invention relates to what might be generally referred to as wrought iron tables. More -particularly,- the invention deals with tables of this type and kind adapted for porch and outdoor uses, wherein the table is composed of detachably coupled parts, comprising a top table frame part, four similar leg members and a bottom leg brace and coupling part, whereby the complete table can be compactly packed in a relatively thin container of dimensions corresponding to peripheral dimensions and thickness of the table top frame. The novel features of the invention will be best understood from the following description when taken'together with the accompanyin'gdrawing,

in which certain embodiments of the invention are disclosed, and in which the separate parts are designated by suitable reference characters in each of the views; and in which:

Fig. 1 is a side view of a table made accordin to my invention, with parts of the construction only partially indicated.

Fig. 2 is an end view similar to Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the table indicating part of a transparent table slab arranged in one corner of the table top frame.

Fig. i is an exploded'perspective view showing diagrammatically one corner portion of the table top frame,the upper part of a leg for attachment thereto, and also illustrating the bolt and nut structure in making one of the attachments of the leg with the table top frame, and also omitting the filagree or ornamental work of the table top frame to simplify the illustration;

Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1, on an enlarged scale, and illustrating the assemblage of a leg with a corner of the table top; and

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a container'dia grammatically showing in dotted lines the arrangement of the table parts within the container, in storage, packaging, or' shipment thereof.

In constructing wrought iron or similar metal tables for porch, lawn, playroom and other uses, it has been customary to construct a complete assembly unit of the table, which has necessitated complications in storage, packaging and shipment of the complete assemblage. Further it has often resulted in damage to the table in shipment and handling thereof. 1

It is the purpose of my invention to provide'a knockdown structure of the class under consideration wherein the complete table may be acked in a relatively small package or container, the size of which is governed by the length, width and height of the table top frame. By reason of this construction, a greater number of table units can be stored inthe'space normally occupied oy one completely constructed table, and further the table is protectedin shipment and transportation. Still further, a convenient means; is provided forstorage of the table in the home between seasons and when the same is not in use.

. In the drawing I have shown at [0 a top table frame partor section. At II I have shown four leg parts or sections, each of which is of the same construction, and for this reason, one reference character'isused on each of these parts. At I2 I have shown a leg bracing .or' coupling section. The table top part or section It is composed of top and bottom rectangular frames it and I4 joined and spaced by L-shaped corner posts 15,

I 3'are L-s'haped table top retaining cleats I9 having raised flangeportions 20 adapted to retain a transparent table top 2i against horizontal shifting ordisplacement from the table top part or section In, part only of the table top 2| is shown at one corner portion of Fig. 3. It will also I be understood that any type or kind of table top can be employed, such as plastic or combinations of plastic and fibre board or metal, or metal faced tops. I l v I -The cleats l9 in addition to retaining the table top against displacement alsofurther reinforce I the .corner portions of the complete table top framejthe cleats being welded or otherwise secured in position. The lower frame parts I4 have adjacent the corner posts land at sides and ends thereof rectangular apertures 22 for receiving the square portions 23 of stove bolts or similar fastenings 24 employed to secure the upper ends of the legs I i to the table top part or frame Hi.

In Fig. 4 of the drawing, the upper end of one of the legs is shown, and welded to the end of the leg II is an L-shaped mounting bracket 25, the end portions of which have apertures ZG-fcr the reception of the bolts 24 and nuts 21 are employed in securing the parts together. It will appear that the upper end of the'leg 'Il extends to form a shoulder 28 outwardly beyond the corner portion 29 of thebracket 25, so that this shoulder forms a seat-'upon which the corner post 15 is adapted to rest, as will clearly appear from'ia consideration of Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing. The lower ends of the legs have large disc like feet 30 to provide a wide spread support upon a lawn or other surface. Centrally of each leg is secured an inwardly directed cleat 3| to which the brace and coupling frame I2 is secured by bolts 24', similar to the bolts 24.

The frame l2 comprises an ornamental structure comprising a center ring 32 to which is welded or otherwise secured abruptly curled ends 33 of supporting arms 34 which flare outwardly in the direction of opposed sides of the table, as clearly seen in Fig. 3 of the drawing, and the ends of these arms are secured to the cleats 31 by the bolts 24'. The frame 12 in addition to bracing and coupling the legs II also form a table like structure upon which magazinesypapers and similar articles can be supported.

Joining the top and bottom frames l3 and M of the table top l0, and welded or otherwise secured-to edges of these frames, including the corner posts 1 5, is an ornamental or filagreework, -as partially indicated at 35, in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing. This gives an attractive ornamental appearance to the-resulting table. This filagree work has been omitted from the showing in 'Fig. 4, as well as in Fig. 5 in order to simplify the showings in these latter figures. It will be apparent that the design of this ornamentation may lee-modified in different tables without interfering with the basicconstruction of the complete tableunit comprising the parts Ill,-H and l'2.

By reason of the braced leg structure employed, the table'obtains a very sturd mounting and support, and yet the complete table structure, when assembled, will be comparatively lightin weight, enabling the same to be moved about without difficulty. This light structure also facilitates handling in the packaging and shipment thereof. It will, of course, be understood that thetables may be made in different sizes, and I have found from practical experience that three sizes are desirable, that is to say, a small, medium and large size. In this way, tables to suit different uses are made available.- Thesmaller size tables are often used as end tables associated with chairs, couches, settees and the like, whereas the 'larger'tables may be used in serving and as luncheon tables foroutdoor refreshments or meals of any type or kind.

In assembling the table unit from it knockdown packaged condition, it is desirable to first couple the legs with the corner portions of the table top with the latter ininverted position upon a floor or supporting surface, after which the leg brace and supporting mem'ber fl'is :assembled with the leg members and after this assemblage has been made, the bolts coupling the leg members of the table top are tightened to their secure position, and finally the bolts 24' are tightened. The table top 2| can be securely fixed in position or can be made detachable and shipped in a separate package, particularly when it is desirable to sell table tops of color combinationssatisfying the tastes of a customer. In this way, the complete table unit can also'be produced in one of a number of colors or color combinations which can be marked and identified onthe carton or package 35, shown in Fig. 6 of the drawing. In this figure, the various parts of the complete table .unit, that is to sayythe table top frame ID, the leg members, and the leg brace framel Z, are diagrammatically illustrated in dotted lines.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A knockdown metal table comprising a unitary rectangular table top frame, a plurality of similar leg member and a leg coupling and bracing frame, means comprising L-shaped brackets at upper terminal end' portions of the leg members and apertures at lower corner portions only of said table top frame for detachably coupling "the leg members therewith, means at the central portion of" the leg members and on said coupling and bracing frame for detachably coupling the latter with'the leg members, said leg members having relatively large feet at the lower ends thereof, and said table top frame comprising upper and lower frame parts fixedly united and spaced by L-shaped corner posts.

2. A knockdown metal table comprising a unitary rectangular table top frame, a plurality of similar leg members and a leg coupling-and bracing frame, means comprising L-shaped brackets at upper terminal end portions of the-legamembers and apertures at lower corner .portions only of said table topframefor'detachablywcoupling the leg members therewith,'meansatithecentraI portion of the leg members'and' on'said coupling and bracing frame for detachably coupling-the latter with the leg members, said leg'members having relatively'large feet'at the lower ends thereof, said table top frame comprisingupper and lower frame parts'fixedly unitedandspaced by L-shaped corner'posts', and the upperframe being L -shaped in cross sectional formproviding a top horizontal part-and a depending vertical outer wall part.

3'. A-knockdownmetal table comprisirigra unitary rectangular table topframc, a plurality of similar leg members and a leg coupling and bracing frame, meansxcomprising L-shaped brackets at upper terminal end portions of the legmembers and apertures at lower-corner portionsonly of -sai'd table topfrarne for dctachablycoupling theleginembers therewith; means :at the central portion of the leg members and'omsa-id coupling and bracing-frame for detachably-coupling the latter-with the leg members, said leg members having relatively large feet at the lowerends thereof, said tabletcpframe comprising upper and lower-frame parts fixedly united andspaced by 'L-shaped cornerv posts, the upper: frame being L-shaped in-cross sectional form prov-idingaa top horizontal part and a depending vertical-outer wallppart, a table top for mounting on the upper part of said top' frame, and means at 'cor-nenportions ofthetable framefor-retainingsaid table top against-horizontal shifting thereon.

A kn-ockdownmetaltable of the classdescribed com; iuga rectangular top section, said section-comp. ng upper and lower frames-spaced and integrally unitm L-shaped-ccrner posts at cornenporticns of said section, four similar'leg members, upper ends of said leg members having integral L-shapedbrackets extending beyondside limits of the leg members and adapted to seat snugly upon inner surfaces ofthe. bottom frame of said top section with upper ends .of thezleg members seating on the lower ends of said corner'posts outwardly'of said brackets, meanshdetachably coupling the brackets to said bottom frame, a leg bracing and, coupling frame "detachably :coupled with "center portions of" said legs; said top section having :L-shaped :cornercleats reinforcing corner portions of the upperframc of said section,'-and said-:cleats havingfiangaportions extending above the upper surfaces of said top frame to form means retaining a table top against shifting on said top section.

5. A knockdown metal table of the class described comprising a rectangular top section, said section comprising upper and lower frames spaced and integrally united by L-shaped corner posts at corner portions of said section, four similar leg members, upper ends of said leg members having integral L-shaped brackets extending beyond side limits of the leg members and adapted to seat snugly upon inner surfaces of the bottom frame of said top section with upper ends of the leg members seating on the lower ends of said corner posts outwardly of said brackets, means detachably coupling the brackets to said bottom frame, a leg bracing and coupling frame detachably coupled with center portions of said legs, said top section having L-shaped corner cleats reinforcing corner portions of the upper frame of said section, said cleats having flange portions extending above the upper surfaces of said top frame to form means retaining a table top against shifting on said top section, and the upper frame of said top section being L-shaped in cross sectional form providing a fiat upper supporting surface for a table top arranged thereon.

6. A knockdown metal table of the class described comprising a rectangular top section, said section comprising upper and lower frames spaced and integrally united by L-shaped corner posts at corner portions of said section, four similar leg members, upper ends of said leg members having integral L-shaped brackets extending beyond side limits of the leg members and adapted to seat snugly upon inner surfaces of the bottom frame of said top section with upper ends of the leg members seating on the lower ends of said corner posts outwardly of said brackets, means detachably coupling the brackets to said bottom frame, a leg bracing and coupling frame detachably coupled with center portions of said legs, said top section having L-shaped corner cleats reinforcing corner portions of the upper frame of said section, said cleats having flange portions extending above the upper surfaces of said top frame to form means retaining a table top against shifting on said top section, the upper frame of said top section being L-shaped in cross sectional form providing a flat upper supporting surface for a table top arranged thereon, said leg members being bowed inwardly at the central portions thereof, and the lower ends of said leg members having enlarged feet.

7. A knockdown metal table of the class described comprising a rectangular top section, said section comprising upper and lower frames spaced and integrally united by L-shaped corner posts at corner portions of said section, four similar leg members, upper ends of said leg members having integral L-shaped brackets extending beyond side limits of the leg members and adapted to seat snugly upon inner surfaces of the bottom frame of said top section with upper ends of the leg members seating on the lower ends of said corner posts outwardly of said brackets, means detachably coupling the brackets to said bottom frame, a leg bracing and coupling frame detachably coupled with center portions of said legs, said top section having L-shaped corner cleats reinforcing corner portions of the upper frame of said section, said cleats having flange portions extending above the upper surfaces of said top frame to form means retaining a table top against shifting on said top section, the upper frame of said top section being L-shaped in cross sectional form providing a fiat upper supporting surface for a table top arranged thereon, said leg members being bowed inwardly at the central portions thereof, the lower ends of said leg members having enlarged feet, and the top and bottom frames of the top section being joined by ornamental portions throughout the periphery thereof.

8. A knockdown metal table comprising a rectangular table top frame, a plurality of similar leg members and a leg coupling and bracing frame, means comprising L-shaped brackets at upper terminal end portions of the leg members and at corner portions of said table top frame for detachably coupling the leg members therewith, means at the central portion of the leg members and on said coupling and bracing frame for detachably coupling the latter with the leg members, said leg members having relatively large feet at the lower ends thereof, said table top frame comprising upper and lower frame parts fixedly united and spaced by L-shaped corner posts, the upper frame being L-shaped in cross sectional form providing a top horizontal part and a vertical outer wall part, a table top for mounting on the upper part of said top frame, means at corner portions of the table frame for retaining said table top against horizontal shifting thereon, and said last named means comprising L-shaped cleats having raised flange portions projecting above the horizontal parts of said top frame.

9. A knockdown metal table of the class described comprising a rectangular top section, said section comprising upper and lower frames spaced and integrally united by L-shaped corner posts at corner portions of said section, four similar leg members, upper ends of said leg members having integral L-shaped brackets extending beyond side limits of the leg-members and adapted to seat snugly upon inner surfaces of the bottom frame of said top section with upper ends of the leg members seating on the lower ends of said corner posts outwardly of said brackets, means detachably coupling the brackets to said bottom frame, and a leg bracing and coupling frame detachably coupled with center portions of said legs.

CHARLES P. MOLLA.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

George Koch Sons, Inc, Evansville, Ind., Catalogue No. 3*R, 1939. (Copy in Design Div.)