US3382820A

US3382820A - Table or like article of furniture

Info

Publication number: US3382820A
Application number: US651784A
Authority: US
Inventors: Vincent J Cafiero; William I Sohl
Original assignee: Knoll Associates Inc
Current assignee: Knoll Associates Inc
Priority date: 1967-07-07
Filing date: 1967-07-07
Publication date: 1968-05-14
Anticipated expiration: 1985-05-14

Description

y 968 v. J. CAFIERO ET AL 3,382,820

TABLE OR LIKE ARTICLE OF FURNITURE Filed July '7. 1967 4 Sheets-Sheet l 3Z f was -45 40 42 Tic. E.

INVENTOR5 VINCENT J. CA F/ERO BY WILL/AM I, SOHL ATTORNEY May 14, 1968 v CAFIERO ET AL 3,382,820

TABLE 0R LIKE ARTICLE OF FURNITURE 4 Sheets-g 2 QHH QE ll y 'lll \52/ 45 52 Hull?" ILI y 1963 v. J. CAFIERO ET L 3,382,820

TABLE 0R LIKE ARTICLE OF FURNITURE 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 7, 1967 May 14, 1968 Filed July 7, 1967 V. J. CAFIERO ET AL TABLE OR LIKE ARTICLE OF FURNITURE io "n" n umi H "a" a 1 a 90 M? United States Patent 3,382,820 TABLE 0R LIKE ARTICLE OF FURNITURE Vincent J. Cafiero, lrvingtou, and William I. Sohl, Chappaqua, N.Y., assignors to Knoll Associates, Inc, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed July 7, 1967, Ser. No. 651,784 7 Claims. (Cl. 108-27) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A table, desk or the like, having two rigid end frames each formed of two vertical legs welded to a horizontal crossbar and bearing a pair of lugs respectively mounted at opposite ends of the crossbar, a pair of parallel horizontal rails extending between the end frames and bolted at opposite ends to the end frame lugs, and a table top overlying the rails and secured to the rails by screws. The rails and lugs are offset downwardly with respect to the crossbar so that the top seats between the horizontal crossbars of the end frames and is flush with the crossbars. The rails and lugs are also offset inwardly with respect to the legs, so as to accommodate side flanges of the top; these flanges extend laterally between the two end frames, being flush with the legs, and project downwardly over the rails and lugs.

Background of the invention This invention relates to articles of furniture having horizontally supported planar surfaces, herein for convenience referred to as tables but also including other similar articles such as desks, library carrels, and the like. In particular, it relates to tables (as broadly defined above) having separable components and suitable for modular construction or arrangement.

Especially for modular furniture assemblies, it is advantageous to provide tables having legs disposed at the ends in essentially flush relation to the table corners. This disposition of the legs not only eliminates sharp overhanging table top corners, thereby providing clean and simple design lines consistent with contemporary trends in furniture styling, but also affords a balanced and pleasing appearance in end-to-end modular arrangements of tables, and in addition may enable use of a single pair of legs to support two adjacent table units in such modular arrangements.

It is also advantageous to provide table constructions made up of separable structural frame and top components which are more or less flat (for ease of shipment and handling) and which can simply and quickly be assembled into a complete table. Desirably, the frame components should be interchangeable and suitable for use to form a variety of articles, e.g. capable of assembly with table tops of various lengths.

At the same time, it is highly important that the assembled table be stable, rigid, free from play or relative movement of the components under conditions of normal use, and sufficiently rugged to withstand commonly encountered shocks and stresses such as those occasioned when the table is tipped on its legs or when frame portions are bumped or knocked accidentally during movement of the table from place to place. Furthermore, in tables of any substantial length, intermediate support must be provided for the table top, at least unless the top is of massive thickness.

Attainment of these attributes in tables having legs at the ends, and formed of separable components arranged for convenient assembly or disassembly, has heretofore presented serious problems. It is difficult to effect direct individual connection of the legs to the table top corners in a manner providing the desired stability and freedom 3,382,82fi Patented May 14, 1968 "ice from play; moreover, such arrangement does not in itself provide the requisite intermediate support for the table top. Frames or substructures interconnecting the legs beneath the table top tend to interfere with comfortable positioning of the 'knees of a person seated at the table, as well as to detract from a simple, clean-lined appearance of the table, and are apt to be complex and difficult to assemble.

Summary of the invention The present invention contemplates the provision of a table or like article of furniture broadly comprising a pair of end frames, a pair of rigid horizontal rails interconnecting the end frames, and a top panel extending between the end frames and overlying the rails.

In accordance with the invention, each of the end frames includes an elongated rigid horizontal metal frame member having a planar horizontal upper surface and planar inner and outer vertical surfaces, a pair of rigid vertical metal legs having planar vertical inner and outer end and side surfaces, and a pair of horizontally elongated metal side lugs having vertical inner and outer surfaces. The two legs of each end frame are respectively secured by welds to opposite ends of the horizontal frame member with the outer end surfaces of the legs substantially flush with the outer vertical surface of the frame member. The pair of lugs of each end frame are respectively welded to the end frame at opposite ends of the horizontal frame member, and project inwardly from the inner vertical surface of the frame member in perpendicular relation thereto; these lugs have upper edges lying in a plane spaced downwardly from the plane of the horizontal upper surface of the frame member, and the outer vertical surfaces of the lugs are offset inwardly with respect to the outer side surfaces of the legs. It will be understood that the terms inner and inwardly as herein employed refer to directions toward the center of the table, or toward a vertical plane of symmetry of the table, whereas the terms outer and outwardly refer to directions away from such center or plane of symmetry.

Further in accordance with the invention, the two end frames are spaced apart with their pairs of lugs projecting toward each other in aligned relation. The aforementioned horizontal rails extend in spaced parallel relation between the two end frames, each rail being secured at each end by a plurality of horizontally spaced bolts to one lug of the end frame adjacent thereto. Each of the rails has a vertical surface positioned inwardly of and in overlapping engagement with the inner vertical surfaces of the lugs to which the rail is connected, and a horizontal surface projecting inwardly above the vertical rail surface in a plane spaced downwardly with respect to the horizontal upper surfaces of the frame members of the two end frames.

The top panel of the table has planar horizontal upper and lower surfaces and bears a pair of side cleats respectively extending along its side edges. The end edges of the panel abut the inner vertical surfaces of the horizontal members of the end frames, the downward spacing of the lugs and horizontal rails being such that the upper surface of the panel is substantially flush with the upper horizontal surfaces of these frame members. The lower surface of the panel rests on the horizontal surfaces of the rails, which are secured to the panel by a plurality of screws spaced along the major axis of the rails. The side cleats respectively extend between a leg of one end frame and a leg of the other end frame on opposite sides of the top panel and have outer vertical surfaces respectively flush with the outer side surfaces of the adjacent legs. These cleats project below the lower surface of the panel for a distance at least about equal to the vertical dimension of the rails, being thus disposed on the outer sides of the rails so as to conceal them from view.

The described structure, providing a table having legs effectively flush with the top corners, is advantageously stable, rigid and free from play or relative movement of its component parts. Its construction is sturdy and rugged, well able to withstand commonly encountered shocks and stresses without loosening. The horizontal rails provide full and firm support for the top of the table over the entire length thereof. At the same time, the described structure may be quickly and easily disassembled by removing the screws Which attach the top panel to the horizontal rails and removing the bolts which attach the rails to the lugs of the end frames. The table is then in knockdown condition, consisting of the two end frames, the top panel and the horizontal rails as separate components, all of these components being more or leSs flat as desired for convenience of ship-ping, handling and storage.

The described end frames may be used interchangeably to provide tables of varying length, i.e. by assembling them with horizontal rails and top panels of any desired longitudinal dimension over a wide range of dimensions. Since the rails are received within the recess formed by the side cleats and the lower surface of the top panel, they do not interfere with knee room for a person seated at the table, and they are concealed so as not to detract from the clean, simple lines of the table design.

As placed in end-to-end relation, the described tables provide a balanced and attractive modular construction. If desired, adjacent tables may be interconnected using a common end frame as a support for both, by providing the common end frame with oppositely directed pairs of side lugs positioned to be respectively secured by bolts to the horizontal rails of both adjacent tables.

The described construction may also be adapted to provide other table-like articles of furniture, again with the foregoing advantages. For example, a library carrel having back and side walls above the table work surface may be provided by extending the legs at the back and one side of the table above the level of the table surface, and mounting vertical panels between these legs.

In an important further specific aspect, the two horizontal rails are interconnected at their ends by rail sections to form a complete rectangular top frame having welded joints at the corners. The end rail sections of this top frame extend along the inner vertical surfaces of the end frame horizontal members and are secured thereto to provide enhanced structural rigidity of the composite frame consisting of the end and top frame components, and the top panel in effect floats on this frame.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description hereinbelow set forth, together with the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partly broken away, of a table embodying the present invention in a particular form;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional elevational view of one end of the table, taken along the line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional plan view of one corner of the table taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view, partly exploded, of one corner of an end frame of the table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional elevational view of a corner of the table taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional elevational view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional plan view of a corner of a modified table structure embodying the invention, taken as along the line 33 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 6 again showing the modified structure of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a library carrel embodying the invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view, partly broken away, of a two-unit modular table embodying the invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view, partly broken away, of a further modified embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional elevational view taken along the line 1212 of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the top frame components of the embodiment of FIGS. ll and 12.

DetuL'ea" description Referring first to FIGS. 1-6, the invention in the embodiment there illustrated comprises a table 10 having two rigid end frames 11, 12 interconnected by a pair of rigid rails '14, 15, and a top panel 16 overlying the rails and extending between the end frames.

The end frame 11 includes an elongated rigid horizontal metal frame member or crossbar 18 and a pair of rigid vertical metal legs 19, 26 respectively welded to opposite ends of the member 18. As shown, member 18 has a planar horizontal upper surface 22 and planar vertical inner and outer surfaces respectively designated 24 and 25. Each of the

legs

19, 20 has planar vertical inner and outer end and side surfaces, as will be apparent from FIG. 3, wherein the inner and outer end surfaces of leg 19 are respectively designated 27 and 28, and the inner and outer side surfaces of the same leg are respectively designated 2% and 30. The two legs are so positioned that their outer end surfaces are flush with the outer vertical surface 25 of member 13; in addition, in the embodiment of FiGS. l6, the tops of the legs are liush with the upper horizontal surface 22 of member 18.

As particularly shown in FIGS. 2-5, member 18 may be formed of an open-ended length of hollow steel tubing 32 of rectangular cross section, and a pair of rectangular steel lugs 33, 34 (herein termed end lugs) respectively received within the opposite ends of the tubing 32 and secured thereto by plug welds 35. Each of the

legs

19, 20 may comprise a length of hollow steel tubing 37 of square cross section having inserted therein a suitable stiffening member such as a length of water pipe 33, which is secured in the tubing 37 as by plug welds (not shown). The upper extremity of each leg is closed by a steel cap 40 (FIG. 4) welded thereto, and the lower extremity of each leg may bear a suitable conventional square foot or glider 42 (FIG. 1).

In assembling the described frame, the two end lugs 33, 34 are respectively welded to the inner side surfaces of the

legs

19, 20 adjacent the upper ends of the legs, and are then inserted within and welded to the opposite ends of the tubing 32, to constitute a complete, rigid end frame structure.

The frame 11 further includes a pair of solid rectangular horizontally elongated steel lugs 44, 45 (herein termed side lugs), which are respectively welded to the frame at or adjacent to the opposite ends of the horizontal member 18 so as to project horizontally inward from the vertical inner surface 24 of member 18 in perpendicular relation thereto. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. l-6, the vertical end edges of the two side lugs 44, 45 respectively abut the joints between the two end lugs 33, 34 and the

legs

19, 20, being welded to the end frame at these joints.

As will be seen from FIGS. 4-6, the upper horizontal edges of the two side lugs 44, 45 lie in a plane which is spaced downwardly from the plane of the horizontal upper surface 22 of member 18 by a distance at least equal to the thickness of the top panel 16. Each of these side lugs has inner and outer vertical side surfaces; the disposition of the two side lugs on the end frame is such that their outer vertical side surfaces are offset inwardly with respect to the outer vertical side surfaces of the respectively adjacent legs.

The end frame 12 is identical in construction to the described end frame 11 and bears a pair of side lugs 47, 48 corresponding to the side lugs 44, of frame 11. In the assembled table, the two end frames 11 and 12 are spaced apart with their respective pairs of side lugs projecting toward each other in aligned relation; i.e. lug 44 is aligned with lug 47, and lug 45 is aligned with lug 48.

The two

rails

14 and 15, which may be steel angle rails, extend horizontally in spaced parallel relation between the end frames 11 and 12, along opposite sides of the table. Each of these rails comprises a vertical web 49 and a horizontal flange 50 formed integrally with the web 49 and projecting inwardly above the web. The opposite ends of the web of rail 14 respectively engage the inner vertical surfaces of the aligned side lugs 44 and 47 in overlapping relation; each end of this rail web is secured to its associated side lug by a plurality of horizontally spaced bolts 52. The opposite ends of the web of rail 15 are similarly disposed in relation to the side lugs 45 and 48, and similarly secured thereto, to provide, in such assembly with rail 14 and the two end frames, a rigid and self-supporting rectangular table frame structure. It will be appreciated that the use of plural horizontally spaced bolts to secure each end of each rail to the end frame lugs enhances the rigidity of the structure, effectively preventing relative movement or play of the structure components.

The horizontal flanges of

rails

14 and 15 lie in a plane spaced downwardly, with respect to the upper horizontal surfaces of the frame members of end frames 11 and 12, by a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the top panel 16. This top panel, which may be fabricated of wood, overlies the

rails

14 and 15 as stated above (resting on their horizontal flanges), and extends between the two end frames 11 and 12, with its opposite end edges respectively abutting the inner vertical surfaces of the horizontal frame members of the end frames; its upper surface is substantially flush with the upper horizontal surfaces of these frame members. The flange of each rail is secured to the under surface of the top panel by a plurality of screws 54 spaced along the major axis of the rail.

A pair of cleats 56, 57 (also conveniently fabricated of Wood) are secured to the top panel 16 and respectively extend along the opposite side edges of the panel for the entire length thereof. Preferably, each cleat and associated side edge of the panel is covered with a strip of edging material 59 (e.g. a vinyl strip, or a strip of veneer) to conceal the joint between the cleat and panel. As particularly shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cleat 57 projects downwardly below the lower surface of panel 16 for a distance substantially equal to the vertical dimension of the 'web of rail 15 and extends along the outer side of rail 15, thus concealing the rail (and the side lugs secured to the rail) from view. The end edges of cleat 57 respectively abut the inner end surfaces of the legs of end frames 11 and 12 which. are on the rearward side of the table as seen in FIG. 1, the outer vertical surface of the cleat being flush with the outer side surfaces of these two legs. Cleat 56 is similarly disposed in relation to rail 14 and to the forward legs of the two end frames, concealing the rail 14.

As will be seen from FIG. 3, the inner surface of each of these side cleats is recessed adjacent its ends to accommodate the side lugs of the end frames. The central portions of the inner vertical surfaces of the side cleats are closely adjacent to the outer surfaces of the webs 49 of

rails

14 and 15; if desired, the rail webs may be secured to the cleats by screws (not shown).

The top panel 16 may also be provided with

end cleats

60 and 61, repseetively secured to the lower surface of the top panel in immediately subjacent parallel relation to the opposite end edges thereof. These end cleats respectively engage the inner 'vertical surfaces of the horizontal frame members of the two end frames and are secured to the frame members by a plurality of horizontally spaced bolts 62. To hold the bolts 62 in place, suitable conventional fastening elements 63 such as those commercially available under the trade name Rivnuts may be mounted within the hollow tubing portions of the horizontal frame members, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As thus mounted, the top panel provides additional bracing for the supporting frame structure to further enhance the rigidity and sturdiness thereof.

The components of the described table, when in knocked-down or disassembled condition, are relatively fiat as desired for ease of shipping and handling, these components constituting the two end frames 11 and 12, the two

angle rails

14 and 15, and the top panel 16 with attached side and end cleats. Assembly of the table is accomplished easily and rapidly, by bolting the angle rails to the end frames and securing the top panel to the resultant frame structure by screws and bolts as described.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a somewhat modified embodiment of the invention, wherein the legs of the end frame are formed of solid steel stock of square cross section, and the side lugs of the end frames are welded to the end lug-s of the horizontal frame members at localities spaced slightly inwardly of the legs. Thus, as shown in FIG. 7, side lug 44 is welded to the inner vertical surface of end lug 33 at a locality spaced inwardly of leg 19 so that the cleat 56 (having its outer surface flush with the outer side surface of leg 19) is accommodated with clearance outwardly of the outer vertical side surface of lug 44, without having to be recessed at its end portion to fit over the lug. The inner end of tubing 32 adjacent leg 19 is cut away sufficiently to accommodate the lug 44 in the described position.

The structure of the invention may also be :modified to provide types of furniture other than tables of the form shown in FIG. 1. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the two legs of the end frame 12 and the rear leg 20 of the end frame 11 may extend .vertically substantially above the horizontal level of the top panel 16 to support rear and side walls for forming a library carrel. The side wall of the carrel is constituted of a vertical panel 65 is mounted in any suitable manner between the upwardly extending legs of the frame 12 above panel 16, and the rear wall is provided by a similar vertical panel 66 mounted between the upwardly extending portions of the rear legs of the two end frames. A shelf 68, secured by conventional means to the

panels

65 and 66, and elevated at a suitable distance above the panel 16, may also be provided in the carrel, which otherwise has the same construction as the table 10 described above.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown a further modified embodiment of the invention comprising a modular construction of two tables 59a and 6% arranged in end-to-end relation and supported by a common intermediate end frame.

This structure includes three end frames respectively designated 70, 71 and 72. Each of the end frames is essentially similar in construction to the end frames 11 and 12 of the table 10 of FIG. 1, having a rigid horizontal metal frame member and a pair of rigid vertical metal legs respectively welded to opposite ends of the frame member.

The left-hand end frame 70 (as seen in FIG. 10) has a pair of side lugs 73, 74 corresponding to the side lugs 44, 45 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6. These lugs are respectively welded to the end frame 70 at opposite ends of the horizontal frame member and project horizontally inward from the inner vertical surface of that frame memher in perpendicular relation thereto.

The common or intermediate end frame 71 bears a corresponding pair of side lugs 75, 76, respectively welded to the frame 71 at opposite ends of its horizontal frame member and projecting horizontally in perpendicular relation to the vertical surface of the frame member. This frame member 71 also bears a second pair of side lugs 77, 78, also welded to the frame at opposite ends of the horizontal frame member and projecting horizontally therefrom in perpendicular relation to the frame member vertical surface. As shown, the two pairs of side lugs 75, 76 and 77, 78 are disposed on opposite sides of the hori zontal member of frame 71 and project in opposite directions.

The right-hand and frame 72 (as seen in FIG. 10) again bears a single pair of side lugs 79, 811, welded at and projccting horizontally from opposite ends of its horizontal frame member in perpendicular relation to the vertical surface of the frame member.

The three

frames

70, 71 and 72 are spaced apart in parallel relation in such position that the lugs 73, 74 of frame 79 and the lugs 75, 76 of frame 71 project toward each other in aligned relation. The

lugs

77, 78 of frame 71 and the

lugs

79, 80 of frame 72 similarly project toward each other in aligned relation.

To complete the frame structure of table 69a, frames 70 and 71 are interconnected by a pair of horizontally extending spaced parallel angle rails 81, 82 corresponding in structure and arrangement to the rails 14, of the table 10 of FIGS. 1-6. Thus the web of rail 81 is positioned with its opposite ends engaging the inner vertical surfaces of lugs 73 and 75 respectively, being secured to each of these lugs by a plurality of horizontally spaced belts; in the same :manner rail 82 is secured at its opposite ends to the

lugs

74, 76.

The frame of table 6911 similarly includes a pair of horizontally extending spaced parallel angle rails 83, 34. The opposite ends of the web of rail 83 engage the inner vertical surfaces of

lugs

77 and 79 respectively, while the opposite ends of the web of rail 84 engage the inner surfaces of

lugs

78 and 80 respectively, the rail ends again being secured to each of the lugs by a plurality of horizontally spaced bolts.

Top panels similar to the top panel 16 of FIGS. l-6 are placed over the side rails of the two tables to complete the table structures, one of these panels being shown in fragmentary view at 85. As in the case of the table 10 described above, the upper horizontal surfaces of the top panels are flush with the upper horizontal surfaces of the frame members of

frames

70, 71 and 72, and the side cleats of these top panels project downwardly (in flush relation to the frame legs) to conceal the side rails 81, 82 and 83, 84.

In this way, there is provided a rigid and sturdy modular table construction which is readily assembled and provides full support for the table top, yet is free from play or relative movement of its parts. While a two-table assembly is shown in FIG. 10, it will be appreciated that assemblies comprising any desired number of table units may be provided in the same manner, i.e. using a plurality of intermediate frame members corresponding to the frame member 71 of FIG. 10 and having oppositely directed pairs of side lugs for attachment to the side rails of adjacent tables.

As will further be appreciated, in such interconnected modular constructions (or in separate individual units), end frames having legs that terminate at the level of the top panel as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10 may be combined with end frames having legs extending vertically above the top panel as shown in FIG. 9. That is to say, provision of such upwardly extending legs involves no alteration in other end frame dimensions, and hence end frames having these upwardly extending legs are usable interchangeably, in modular manner, with end frames having legs terminating at the top panel level.

A further modified embodiment of the invention, incorporating important specific features of the invention in one aspect thereof in a table such as the table 10 of FIGS. 1-6, is shown in FIGS. 1113, wherein the same reference numerals are used as in FIGS. 1-6 to designate like parts. In this table, the structure of the end frames 11 and 12 may,

8 for example, be as described with reference to FIGS. 16 above. The top panel 16 may also correspond generally to that of FIGS. 1-6, but in this embodiment the

end cleats

60 and 61 are omitted.

In the table of FIGS. 1113, the horizontal angle rails 14% and 15 are interconnected by a pair of parallel end rails and 91 respectively positioned at opposite ends of the horizontal rails and extending there-between in perpendicular relation to the horizontal rails. The ends of the

rails

14 and 15, as likewise the ends of the

rails

90 and 91, are mitercd and secured together, e.g. by welding, to provide a rigid integral rectangular top frame structure 93 (FIG. 13).

The end rails 90 and 91 may be steel angle rails similar to

rails

14 and 15. Each of these

rails

90 and 91 has a vertical web and a horizontal flange projecting inwardly from the upper extremity of the vertical web, the horizontal flanges of the end rails being coplanar with the horizontal flanges of the side rails 14 and 15, and hence displaced downwardly with respect to the horizontal upper surfaces of the end frame horizontal members by a distance substantially equal to the thickness of top panel 16. The length of

rails

90 and 91 is such as to provide appropriate spacing of

rails

14 and 15 so that they may be secured to the side lugs of the end frames in the manner already described with reference to FIGS. 16.

When the top frame 93 is positioned between the end frames 11 and 12, the webs of the end rails 90 and 91 respectively butt up against the inner vertical surfaces of the horizontal frame members of end frames 11 and 12, and extend along these inner vertical surfaces, being secured thereto by bolts 94 which may be threaded in fastening elements 95 (e.g. elements commercially available under the designation Rivnuts) mounted within the horizontal frame members (FIG. 12). Such construction enhances the rigidity, strength and sturdiness of the table, the end frames 11 and 12 and the top frame 93 together providing a completely rigid frame structure which does not require structural cooperation of the top panel 16 therewith for strength.

The top panel, as before, overlies the

rails

14 and 15 and, at its end edges, also overlies the horizontal flanges of the end rails 90 and 91, in effect floating on the top frame structure 93. This top panel 16 is indicated in FIGS. 1113 as being secured by screws to the horizontal flanges of the end and side rails. However, it may alternatively be free to move relative to the rails, and connected to the table frame by a side hinge (not shown) extending along either the front or rear side of the table; thus the top may be swung upwardly to provide a tiltable work surface as desired, e.g. for draftsmens tables and/or to enable access to the space beneath the table top and between the side rails, which space may be utilized for storage if a shelf or floor (not shown) is provided therefor. Such provision of a hinged table top surface is possible because the tab-1e of FIGS. 11-13 does not depend on the top panel to provide s'turdiness or rigidity.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the features and embodiments hereinabove specifically set forth but may be carried out in other ways without departure from its spirit.

We claim:

1. In an article of furniture, in combination,

(a) a pair of end frames each comprising (i) an elongated rigid horizontal metal frame member having a planar horizontal upper surface and planar inner and outer vertical surfaces extending in the direction of its major axis,

(ii) a pair of rigid vertical metal legs having planar vertical inner and outer end and side surfaces, respectively secured by welds to 0pposite ends of said frame member with the outer end surfaces of said legs substantially flush with the outer vertical surface of said frame member, and

(iii) a pair of horizontally elongated metal side lugs having vertical inner and outer surface extending in the direction of their major axes, respectively welded to said end frame at opposite ends of said frame member and projecting inwardly from the inner vertical surface of said "frame member in perpendicular relation thereto, said side lugs having upper edges lying in a plane spaced downwardly from the plane of said horizontal upper surface of said frame member, and the outer vertical surfaces of said side lugs being offset inwardly with respect to the outer side surfaces of said lugs, said end frames being spaced apart with their pairs of side =lugs projecting toward each other in aligned relation;

(b) a pair of horizontal rails extending in spaced parallel relation between said end frames, each of said rail-s being secured at one end by a plurality of horizontally spaced bolts to one side lug of the end frame adjacent said one end, and being secured at its opposite end by a plurality of horizontally spaced bolts to the side lug f the outer end frame aligned with said one side lu-g, each said rail comprising a vertical surface positioned inwardly of and in overlapping engagement with the inner vertical surfaces of the side lugs to which the rail is connected, and a horizontal surface projecting inwardly above said vertical rail surface in a plane spaced downwardly with respect to the horizontal upper surfaces of the frame members of said end frames; and

(c) a top panel having planar upper and lower surfaces and a pair of side cleats respectively extending along the side edges of said panel, said panel overlying said rails and extending between said end frames with its end edges abutting the inner vertical surfaces of said frame members, the upper surface of said panel being substantially flush with the upper surfaces of said frame members, the lower surface of said panel resting on said horizontal surfaces of said rails, each of said cleats extending between a leg of one end frame and a leg of the other end frame and having an outer vertical surface substantially flush with the outer side surfaces of said lastmentioned legs, said cleats projecting below the lower surface of said panel for a distance at least about equal to the vertical dimension of said rails, each of said rails being secured to said panel by a plurality of screws spaced along the major axis of the rail.

2. An article as defined in claim 1, further including a pair of end cleats respectively secured to the lower surface of said top panel in immediately subjacent parallel relation to the opposite end edges thereof, said end cleats respectively engaging the inner vertical surfaces of the rei0 spective frame members and being secured to said frame members by a plurality of horizontally spaced bolts.

3. An article as defined in claim 1, wherein each of said frame members comp-rises a length of hollow open-ended rectangular metal tubing, and a pair of end lugs respectively received within opposite ends of said tubing and welded thereto, said end lugs being respectively welded to the legs respectively positioned at the opposite ends of said frame member; and wherein said pair of side lugs of each said end frame are respectively welded to said pair of end lugs inwardly of said legs.

4. An article as defined in claim 1, wherein the tops of said legs are flush with the horizontal upper surfaces of said frame members.

5. An article as defined in claim 1, wherein at least two of said legs, respectively positioned adjacent opposite ends of a horizontal edge of said top panel, project vertically upward above the level of the top panel upper surface, and further including a vertical panel mounted between and secured to said two legs above said last-mentioned level.

6. An article as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of said end frames further includes a second pair of side lugs identical to the first-mentioned pair of side lugs, welded to the frame at opposite ends of the horizontal frame member and projecting therefrom in a direction opposite to the direction in which said first-mentioned side lugs project.

7. An article as defined in claim 1, further including a pair of end rails interconnecting said pair of horizontal rails, said end rails being respectively positioned at opposite ends of said horizontal rails and extending between said horizontal rails in perpendicular relation thereto, the ends of said end rails being rigidly secured to the ends of said horizontal rails to provide a rigid integral rectangular top frame structure, each of said end rails having an outer vertical surface and an upper horizontal surface projecting inwardly from the upper extremity of said vertical surface, said vertical surfaces of said end rails respectively extending along and engaging the inner vertical surfaces of said horizontal frame members of said end frames and being secured thereto by bolts, said upper horizontal surfaces of said end rails being in coplanar relation to said horizontal surfaces of said horizontal rails.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,240,390 9/1917 Uhl 108-155 2,328,182 8/ 1943 Bales 10 8-27 2,868,599 1/1959 Roggio 108-3 6 2,903,312 10/1959 Lawless 108-62 3,072,245 l/1963 G reenberg et al. 108-160 BOBBY R. GAY, Primary Examiner. GLENN FINCH, Assistant Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No 3 ,382 ,820 May 14 1968 Vincent J. Cafiero 6t 31 It is certified that error appears in the above identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 6, line 44, after "65" cancel "is"; line 55, "59a" should read 69a Column 9, line 24, "outer" should read other Column 10, under "References Cited," "3,072,245" should read 3,072,451

Signed and sealed this 7th day of October 1969.

(SEAL) Attest:

Edward M. Fletcher, Jr. WILLIAM E. SCHUYLER, JR.

Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents