WO2006085891A1

WO2006085891A1 - A furniture support system and method of making furniture

Info

Publication number: WO2006085891A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/011662
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francesco Gillia; Marco Gillia
Original assignee: Francesco Gillia; Marco Gillia
Priority date: 2005-01-28
Filing date: 2005-04-06
Publication date: 2006-08-17

Abstract

A furniture support system comprising a unique connector (1), locking element (2) and receptor (3) for creating a joint to securely support a table top (4a) without tools being required.

Description

A FURNITURE SUPPORT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MAKING FURNITURE

The applicant claims the benefit of the following prior filed Provisional Application, U.S.

Serial No. 60/684,000, filed January 28, 2005, and U.S. Utility Patent Application, filed April 5,

2005, by the same inventors: Francesco Gillia and Marco Gillia.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A furniture support system is taught by the present application which comprises a

connector, a locking element, a receptor and a secured member. The connector has a head

extending from an elongated body. The elongated body has a first portion with a first passageway.

The locking element may have a number of different shapes, but it is preferably longitudinally

tapered. The receptor has a second passageway interconnected to two third passageways. The

second passageway is adapted for receiving the first portion of the elongated body and for aligning

the first passageway with the third passageways so that the locking element can be disposed within

the third passageways and the first passageway. The secured member has a forth passageway for receiving the connector.

In this way, the fourth passageway can be aligned with the second passageway and the

connector can be inserted into an alignment of the fourth passageway and the second passageway,

the first passageway can be aligned with the third passageways, and the locking element can be

inserted into an alignment of the first passageway and the third passageways to join the receptor

to the secured member to form the furniture support system.

A preferred furniture support system comprises at least one connector having a head

extending from an elongated body with a first portion with a first passageway, a locking element, a receptor and a secured member. The receptor has a second passageway and two third passageways. The second passageway is adapted for receiving the first portion of the elongated body of each of the at least one connector and for allowing alignment therein of the first

passageway of each of the at least one connector with each of the at least one third passageway so

that the locking element can be inserted into each of the two third passageways and the first

passageway of each of the at least one connector. The secured member has at least one fourth

passageway equal in number to the number of said at least one connector for receiving the connector.

Whereby, at least a portion of the head of each of the at least one connector can be

engagingly inserted into one of the at least one fourth passageway with at least a portion of the

elongated body of each of the at least one connector being disposed in the second passageway.

Moreover, the first passageway of each of the at least one connector can be aligned with each of

the two third passageways, and the locking element can be inserted into each of the two third

passageways and the first passageway of each of the at least one connector to join the receptor to

the secured member to form the furniture support system.

Various methods for producing a furniture support system of a connector, a locking

element, a receptor, and a secured member are disclosed. A preferred method includes the step?

of inserting a first portion with a first passageway of an elongated body of a connector having u

head through a fourth passageway of a secured member, arranging the connector and the secured

member combination so that the first passageway of the connector faces the same direction as a

third passageway of a receptor that has a second passageway adapted for receiving the first portion

of the elongated body of the connector, inserting the first portion extending through the fourth

passageway with the first passageway of the connector facing the same direction as the third

passageway into the second passageway of the receptor, aligning the first passageway of the

connector generally with the third passageway of the receptor, and inserting the locking element

securely into an alignment of the first passageway and the third passageway to produce the furniture support system with an interconnected connector, locking element, receptor and secured member.

Alternative methods and systems for making a furniture joint and assembling a table are

available in U.S. Patent No. 3,485,527 issued in 1969 to Barghout for a chair comprising two

pieces connected together by a retainer and a' phi; as well as a detachable table leg attached to

a table by a screw and pin connection as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 240,668 which issued in

1881 to Curry. A table or stool with separable interlocking components is taught by U.S. Patent

No. 4,191,113 which issued to Hogberg in 1980 and U.S. Patent No. 4,208,850 issued to

Collier in 1980 discloses a phi connection for a knock-down cabinet.

See also, U.S. Patent No. 4,585,365 which issued in 1986 to Manno for a post and beam

construction for an article of furniture, and U.S. Patent No. 4,650,263 which issued in 1987 to

Monaghan et al. for a structural support and thin panel assembly with interlocking members.

Moreover, see U.S. Patent No. 6,675,979 for a furniture assembly system having

interconnecting pieces was issued to Taylor in 2004. The principal disadvantage of such devices

are their cost, difficult assembly techniques, and the need for tools during assembly.

The citation of the foregoing publications is not an admission that any particular publication

constitutes prior art, or that any publication alone or in conjunction with others, renders

unpatentable any pending claim of the present application. None of the cited publications is

believed to detract from the patentability of the claimed invention. ADVANTAGES OF THIS INVENTION

Unlike the foregoing devices which teach structures that require tools for assembly, this

instant invention can be erected by hand without any tools whatsoever. Moreover, each of the

components is or can be made relatively flat so that the system can be easily packaged and shipped.

Customers of the products, made with this system will appreciate that it can be easily dis¬

assembled and stored or shipped to another location.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of

novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed

to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating

advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the

accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments

of the invention.

Still other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure that follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a furniture support system comprising a connector, a locking

element, a receptor and a secured member to form the furniture support. The unique connector has

a head extending from an elongated body which has a first portion having a first transverse

passageway. The unique receptor has a second passageway interconnected to two third

passageways and the second passageway is adapted for receiving the first portion of the elongated

body so that the first passageway can be aligned with each of the third passageways to allow the

locking element to be disposed in the third passageways and the first passageway. The secured

member has a forth passageway for receiving the connector and the fourth passageway can be

generally aligned with the second passageway so that the connector can be inserted into an alignment of the fourth passageway and the second passageway so that the first passageway is

aligned with the third passageways, and at least a segment of the locking element can be inserted

into an alignment of the first passageway and the third passageways to join the receptor to the

secured member to form the furniture support system.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention

in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order

that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter

of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon

which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other

structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It

is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions

insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described hereinafter with reference to the

accompanying drawing wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a connector, a locking element, a receptor and a

secured member of the furniture support system of the present application with the elongated body

of the connector aligned for insertion into the fourth passageway of the secured element and the

second passageway of the receptor, and the locking element aligned for insertion into the third

passageways of the receptor, with the receptor being a leg and the secured element being a table

top and each of the elongated body and the locking element having a rectangular cross-section. Fig. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a connector, a locking element, a receptor and a secured member of the furniture support system of the present application with the elongated body

top and the elongated body having a circular cross-section and the locking element having a

rectangular cross-section.

Fig. 3 is a perspective exploded view of a connector, a locking element, a receptor and a

passageways of the receptor, with the receptor being a leg and the secured element being a tabfe

top and the elongated body having a rectangular cross-section and the locking element having a

circular cross-section.

Fig. 4 is a perspective exploded view of a connector, a locking element, a receptor and a

passageways of the receptor, with the receptor being a stringer and the secured element being a leg

and each of the elongated body and the locking element having a rectangular cross-section.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of a connector, a locking element, a receptor and

a secured member (shown in dashed lines) of the furniture support system of the present

application with the elongated body of the connector aligned for insertion into the fourth passageway (not shown) of the secured element and the second passageway of the receptor, and

the locking element aligned for insertion into the third passageways of the receptor, with the

receptor being a pedestal (fragmentary top section shown) and the secured element being a table

top and each of the elongated body and head of the connector being irregularly shaped as shown

and the locking element having a generally flat configuration.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the furniture support system of Fig. 1 showing the

components of the system fully engaged.

Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the furniture support system of Fig. 1 showing the

components of the system partially engaged.

Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the furniture support system of Fig. 6 showing the

components of the system fully engaged.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the furniture support system with a locking element of

uniform cross-sectional area and a blunted nose (insertion end) showing the components of the

system fully engaged.

Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the furniture support system of Fig. 7 showing the

components of the system partially engaged.

Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the furniture support system of Fig. 7 showing the

components of the system fully engaged.

Fig. 8 a perspective view of the furniture support system showing the components of the

system fully engaged with the head of the connector disposed outside of the fourth passageway on

top of the table top.

Fig. 8 A is a cross-sectional view of the furniture support system of Fig. 8 showing the

components of the system partially assembled. Fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the furniture support system of Fig. 8 showing the

components of the system fully assembled.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the furniture support system a panel leg showing the

components of the system fully engaged.

Fig. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the furniture support system of Fig. 9 showing the components of the system partially engaged.

Fig. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the furniture support system of Fig. 9 showing the

components of the system fully engaged.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the furniture support system of Fig. 4 showing the

components of the system fully engaged. This series of figures 1 OA- 1 OD best shows how the ends

of the first passageway and the third passageways are adapted to accommodate a wedge-like

element.

Fig. 1OA is a cross-sectional view of the furniture support system of Fig. 10 showing the

components of the system partially engaged with the proximal ends of the third passageways being

vertical and the opposing trailing end of the first passageway being skewed from vertical to make

full contact with the wedge-like element.

Fig. 1OB is a cross-sectional view of the furniture support system of Fig. 10 showing the

components of the system fully engaged.

Fig. 1OC is a cross-sectional view of a furniture support system similar to Fig. 10 with

having a locking element showing the components of the system partially engaged with the

proximal ends of the third passageways being skewed from vertical to make full contact with the wedge-like element and the opposing trailing end of the first passageway being vertical. Fig. 1OB is a cross-sectional view of the furniture support system of Fig. 10 showing the

components of the system fully engaged.

Fig. 1 IA is a side elevation view of a furniture support system with the connector in a fully

engaged position connecting a pedestal to a table top (shown in hatched lines).

Fig. 1 IB is an exploded side elevation view of a furniture support system of Fig. 1 IA with

the connector, locking element and pedestal aligned for engagement with the table top removed.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of the furniture support system of Fig. 5 with the

connector and locking element fully engaged to a table top (shown in hatched lines).

Fig. 12A is a top plan view of the top panels of the pedestal and connectors of Fig. 12 with

the first passageways and the third passageways in general alignment.

Fig. 12B is a top plan view of the top panels of the pedestal and connectors of Fig. 12 with

the first passageways and the third passageways securing the locking element.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a head of the connector showing the inner step of the head.

Figs. 14, 14A and 14B are perspective illustrations of the interconnections of the furniture

support system of Fig. 12.

Fig. 15 is a perspective illustration showing a corresponding relationship between the shape

of the first passageway of the connector and the cross-sectional shape of the locking element, and

further showing a variety of cross-sectionally shaped locking elements.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a table made using the furniture support system of the

present invention and further showing that the back end of the locking element can be disposed in

the third passageway. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of another table made using the furniture support system of

the present invention and further a stringer interconnecting the pedestals and locked in place with

a wedge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiments depicted in the drawing comprise a furniture support system

comprising a connector 1, a locking element 2, a receptor 3 and a secured member 4 for securing

the receptor 3 to the secured member 4.

Without departing from the generality of the invention disclosed herein and without

limiting the scope of the invention, the discussion that follows, will refer to the invention as

depicted in the drawing.

The preferred embodiments of the apparatus depicted in the drawing comprise a furniture

support system comprising a connector 1 , a locking element 2, a receptor 3 and a secured member

4 to form the furniture support system. The connector 1 has a head 9 extending from an elongated

body 10 which has a first portion 10a with a first transverse passageway. The receptor 3 has a

second passageway 6 interconnected to two third passageways 7. The second passageway 6 is

adapted for receiving the first portion 10a of the elongated body 10 and for aligning the first

passageway 5 with each of the third passageways 7 so that the locking element 2 can be disposed

in the third passageways 7 and the first passageway 5. Referring to representative Fig. 1, the

secured member 4 has a forth passageway for receiving the connector 1, so that the fourth

passageway 8 can be generally aligned with the second passageway 6 and the connector 1 can be

inserted into an alignment of the fourth passageway 8 and the second passageway 6 so that the first

passageway 5 is aligned with the third passageways 7, and at least a segment of the locking element 2 can be inserted into an alignment of the first passageway 5 and the third passageways 7 to join

the receptor 3 to the secured member 4 to form the furniture support system.

Preferably, the locking element 2 comprises an elongated wedge-shaped element 14 with

an insertion end 2a that is smaller in cross-sectional area than a back end 2b, and the elongated

wedge-shaped element 14 has opposing first and second surfaces, 14 a and 14b, respectively. The

first passageway 5 has a leading end 5a and an opposing trailing end 5b, with the leading end 5a

being closer to the head 9, the trailing end 5b of the first passageway 5 being adapted for engaging

contact with one of the opposing first and second surfaces of the locking element 2, and the third

passageways 7 comprise a first of the third passageways 7 and a second of the third passageways

7 that are disposed at a predetermined spaced distance from each other, both third passageways 7

have a proximal end 7a proximate a first end of the receptor 3 and a distal end 7b proximate an

opposing end of the receptor 3, and each of the first of the third passageways 7 and second of the

third passageways 7 are adapted to receive the elongated wedge-shaped element 14. In this way,

the insertion end 2a of the elongated wedge-shaped element 14 can be inserted into the first of the

third passageways 7 with the opposing first surface 14a in the direction of the proximal end 7a of

the third passageways 7 and the leading end 5a of the first passageway 5, with the opposing second

surface 14b of the wedge-shaped element 14 facing the direction of the opposing trailing end 5b

of the first passageway 5 and the distal end 7b of the third passageways 7, and the elongated

wedge-shaped element 14 can be further inserted so that the opposing first surface 14a of the

wedge-shaped element 14 makes an engaging contact with the proximal end 7a of each of the first

and the second of the third passageways 7, and the opposing second surface 14b of the wedge-

shaped element 14 makes engaging contact with the opposing trailing end 5b of the first passageway 5 to secure the receptor 3 to the secured member 4 to form the furniture support

systems.

As shown in the drawing the furniture support system of this important invention comprises

at least one connector 1, a locking element 2, a receptor 3 and a secured member 4 to form the

furniture support system. The at least one connector 1 has a head 9 extending from an elongated

body 10, the elongated body 10 has a first portion 10a with a first passageway 5, (The term

passageway as used herein means a way that permits passage between two places or points.

Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, McGraw-Hill, Fourth Edition.) The receptor 3 has

a second passageway 6 and two third passageways 7. The second passageway 6 is adapted for

receiving the first portion 1 Oa of the elongated body 10 of each of the at least one connector 1 and

for allowing general alignment therein of the first passageway 5 of each of the at least one

connector 1 with each of the two third passageways 7, so that the locking element 2 can be inserted

into each of the third passageways 7 and the first passageway 5 of each of the at least one connector

1. The secured member 4 has at least one fourth passageway 8 equal in number to the number of

the at least one connector 1 for receiving the connector 1. Whereby, at least a portion of the head

9 of each of the at least one connector 1 can be engagingly inserted into one of the at least one

fourth passageway 8 with the first portion 10a of the elongated body 10 of each of the at least one

connector 1 being disposed in the second passageway 6, wherein the first passageway 5 of each of

the at least one connector 1 can be generally aligned with each of the third passageways 7, and the

locking element 2 can be inserted into each of the third passageways 7 and the first passageway 5

of each of the at least one connector 1 to join the receptor 3 to the secured member 4 to form the

furniture support system. Additionally, the furniture support system includes the head 9 extending longitudinally to

a predetermined height from the elongated body 10. The head 9 has a maximum transverse (i.e.

cross-sectional) dimension that is greater than a maximum transverse dimension of the elongated

body 10. The at least one fourth passageway 8 has a minimum transverse dimension that does not

substantially exceed the maximum transverse dimension of the elongated body 10, and a maximum

transverse dimension that does not substantially exceed the maximum transverse dimension of the

head 9. A lead in portion with a straight on distance measured along the centerline thereof between

a perpendicular plane containing the maximum transverse dimension and a transverse plane that

is parallel to the perpendicular plane, the transverse plane containing the minimum transverse

dimension that is nearest to the maximum transverse dimension, the straight on distance of each

of the at least one fourth passageway 8 being not significantly less than the predetermined height

of the head 9. At least a portion of the head 9 of the connector 1 can be inserted into the fourth

passageway 8 of the secured member 4.

Moreover, the furniture support system of the present invention may have the head 9

extending longitudinally from the elongated body 10, the head 9 having a maximum transverse

dimension that is greater than a maximum transverse dimension of the elongated body 10, the at

least one fourth passageway 8 having a uniform transverse dimension that does not substantially

exceed the maximum transverse dimension of the elongated body 10 and that is less than the

maximum transverse dimension of the head 9.

The furniture support system may have the elongated body 10 with a transverse shape

corresponding to the transverse shape of the at least one fourth passageway 8 in the transverse

plane of the minimum transverse dimension. Furthermore, the transverse shape of the elongated

body 10 may comprise one of a polygon, a circle and an oval. The head 9 may taper as it progresses along the longitudinal direction of the connector 1 toward the elongated body 10, and

the at least one fourth passageway 8 may comprise a frustum shaped recess adapted to snugly

receive the head 9.

The furniture support system may use a table top 4a as the secured member 4. Moreover,

the receptor 3 comprises one of a leg 11 and a pedestal 12, as shown in Figs. 1-3 and in Figs. 5,

respectively. Additionally, the secured member 4 may comprise an upright leg 11 and the receptor

3 may comprise a stringer 13, as shown in Fig. 4. The locking element 2 may comprise a wedge-

shaped element 14 adapted to secure the receptor 3 to the secured member 4 to form the furniture

support system as shown in Figs. 1-6. As best shown in Fig. 15, the locking element 2 may

comprise one of a frustum of a cone, a frustum of a pyramid and a paraboloidal segment.

As shown in Figs. 1-3, 5 and 9, as well as others, the secured member 4 of the furniture

support system may comprise a table top 4a with the receptor 3 comprising one of a leg 11 , a panel

and a pedestal 12. The head 9 may extend longitudinally from the elongated body 10 and the head

9 may have a maximum transverse dimension that is greater than a maximum transverse dimension

of the elongated body 10. The at least one fourth passageway 8 may have a minimum transverse

dimension that does not substantially exceed the maximum transverse dimension of the elongated

body 10, and a maximum transverse dimension that does not substantially exceed the maximum

transverse dimension of the head 9. The transverse shape of the elongated body 10 should

correspond to the transverse shape of the at least one fourth passageway 8 in the transverse plane

of the minimum transverse dimension and comprises one of a polygon, a circle and an oval,

whereby, the head 9 of the connector 1 can be inserted into the fourth passageway 8 of the secured

member 4. The furniture support system preferably has a locking element 2 comprising one of a

frustum of a cone, a frustum of a pyramid and a paraboloidal segment, which corresponds to the

transverse shape of the elongated body 10. Additionally, the head 9 may taper as it progresses

along the longitudinal direction of the connector 1 toward the elongated body 10, and the at least

one fourth passageway 8 will have a frustum shaped recess adapted to snugly receive the head 9.

The furniture support system may have the secured member 4 comprising an upright leg

11 with the receptor 3 comprising a stringer 13 that extends from a first support joint to a second

support joint, and the head 9 extending longitudinally from the elongated body 10 and has a

maximum transverse dimension that is greater than a maximum transverse dimension of the

elongated body 10. The at least one fourth passageway 8 preferably has a minimum transverse

transverse dimension of the head 9, and the transverse shape of the elongated body 10 corresponds

to the transverse shape of the at least one fourth passageway 8 in the plane of the minimum

transverse dimension and comprises one of a polygon, a circle and an oval, that corresponds to the

transverse shape of the elongated body 10. In this way, the head 9 of the connector 1 can be

inserted into the fourth passageway 8 of the secured member 4.

The furniture support system may have the secured member 4 comprising a table top 4a,

the receptor 3 comprising one of a leg 11 and a pedestal 12, the head 9 extending longitudinally

from the elongated body 10, the head 9 having a maximum transverse dimension that is greater

than a maximum transverse dimension of the elongated body 10, the at least one fourth passageway

8 having a minimum transverse dimension that does not substantially exceed the maximum

transverse dimension of the elongated body 10 and a maximum transverse dimension that does not substantially exceed the maximum transverse dimension of the head 9, and the transverse shape

of the elongated body 10 corresponds to the transverse shape of the at least one fourth passageway

8 in the plane of the minimum transverse dimension and comprises one of a polygon, a circle and

an oval, that corresponds to the transverse shape of the elongated body 10. Whereby, the head 9

of the connector 1 can be inserted into the fourth passageway 8 of the secured member 4.

Preferably, the locking element 2 of the furniture support system comprises an elongated

wedge-shaped element 14 with an insertion end 2a that is smaller in cross-sectional area than a

back end 2b, and the elongated wedge-shaped element has opposing first and second surfaces;

each of the first passageway 5s, being a primary first passageway 5 and a secondary first

passageway 5, has a leading end 5a and an opposing trailing end 5b, with the leading end 5a being

closer to the head 9, the trailing end 5b of each of the first passageways 5 being adapted for

engaging contact with one of the opposing first and second surfaces of the locking element 2; and

each of the third passageways 7 has a proximal end 7a and a distal end 7b, with a first of the third

passageways 7 being larger than a second of the third passageways 7, the first of the third

passageways 7 and the second of the third passageways 7 being at a predetermined spaced distance

from each other and , both third passageways have a proximal end 7a proximate a first end of the

receptor 3 and a distal end 7b proximate an opposing end of the receptor 3, and each of the first of

the third passageways 7 and second of the third passageways 7 are adapted to receive the elongated

wedge-shaped element, so that the insertion end 2a of the elongated wedge-shaped element can be

inserted into the first of the third passageways 7 with the opposing first surface 14a in the direction

of the proximal end 7a of the third passageways 7 and the leading end 5a and the opposing trailing

end 5b of the first passageway 5, with the opposing second surface 14b of the wedge-shaped

element facing the direction of the opposing trailing end 5b of the first passageway 5 and the distal end 7b of the third passageways 7, and the elongated wedge-shaped element can be further inserted

so that the opposing first surface 14a of the wedge-shaped element makes an engaging contact with

the proximal end 7a of each of the first and the second of the third passageways 7, and the opposing

second surface 14b of the wedge-shaped element makes an engaging contact with the opposing

trailing end 5b of the first passageway 5 to secure the receptor 3 to the secured member 4 to form

the furniture support systems.

As best shown in Figs. 7-7B, the locking element 2 may comprise an elongated element 15

having a generally uniform cross-sectional area with an insertion end 2a that is blunted, and the

elongated element having opposing first and second surfaces, with each of the first passageways

5, being a primary first passageway 5 and a secondary first passageway 5 and having a leading end

5a and an opposing trailing end 5b, with the leading end 5a being closer to the head 9, and with

each of the leading end 5a and the trailing end 5b of each of the first passageways 5 being adapted

for engaging contact with one of the opposing first and second surfaces of the locking element 2;

and each of the third passageways 7 having a proximal end 7a and a distal end 7b, the first of the

third passageways 7 and the second of the third passageways 7 being at a predetermined spaced

distance from each other, and each being adapted to fit a segment of the locking element 2, so that

the insertion end 2a of the elongated element can be inserted into the first of the third passageways

7 with the opposing first surface 14a in the direction of the proximal end 7a of the first of third

passageways 7, the opposing first surface 14a of the element being in the direction of one of the

leading end 5a and the opposing trailing end 5b of the primary first passageway 5, and the opposing

first surface 14a of the element being in the direction of the other of the leading end 5a and the

opposing trailing end 5b of the secondary first passageway 5, and the elongated element can be

further inserted with the opposing first surface 14a of the elongated element in contact with the proximal end 7a and the distal end 7b of each of the first and the second of the third passageways

7, and the opposing second surface 14b of the element can be in contact with the proximal end 7a

and the distal end 7b of each of the first and the second of the third passageways 7 to secure the

pedestal 12 to the table top 4a to form at least one of the furniture support systems for the table.

Preferably, the furniture support system of the present invention comprises two connectors

1, a locking element 2, a receptor 3 and a secured member 4 to form the furniture support system.

The two connectors 1 each have a head 9 extending from an elongated body 10 that has a first

portion 10a with a first passageway 5. The receptor 3 has a second passageway 6 and two third

passageways 7, with the second passageway 6 adapted for receiving the first portion 10a of the

elongated body 10 of each of the two connectors 1 and for allowing alignment therein of the first

passageway 5 of each of the two connectors 1 with each of the two third passageways 7, so that the

locking element 2 can be inserted into each of the two third passageways 7 and the first passageway

5 of each of the two connectors 1. The secured member 4 has two fourth passageways 8 - one for

receiving each of the two connectors 1. Thus, at least a portion of the head 9 of each of the two

connectors 1 can be engagingly inserted into one of the two fourth passageways 8 with the first

portion 1 Oa of the elongated body 10 of each of the two connectors 1 being disposed in the second

passageway 6, wherein the first passageway 5 of each of the two connectors 1 can be aligned with

each of the two third passageways 7, and the locking element 2 can be inserted into each of the two

third passageways 7 and the first passageway 5 of each of the two connectors 1 to join the receptor

3 to the secured member 4 to form the furniture support system.

Additionally, the secured member 4 may comprise a table top 4a with a top surface 4b, a

bottom surface 4c, opposing end surfaces 4d, and opposing side surfaces 4e and each head 9 may

extend longitudinally from the elongated body 10 and have a protruding lateral surface 9a with an inner step 9b between the protruding lateral surface 9a and a corresponding lateral surface of the

head 9. Each of the two fourth passageways 8 may comprise a recess disposed on the bottom

surface 4c of the table top 4a, with each of the recesses having an inner medial edge and being

adapted to receiving a portion of the head 9 with the protruding lateral surface 9a in a face to face

relationship with the bottom surface of the table top 4a and the inner medial edge in a face to face

relationship with the inner step 9b. The receptor 3 may have an upright pedestal 12 with a top

portion have two parallel spaced apart panels with each of the panels having one of the two third

passageways 7. The two third passageways 7, which may be horizontally elongated, are in general

alignment with each other, and the second passageway 6 may comprise a space between the two

parallel spaced apart panels.

In this way, the portion of each of the connectors 1 with the protruding lateral surface 9a

disposed upwardly can be inserted into one of the two recesses with the protruding lateral surface

9a in contact with the bottom surface 4c of the table top 4a and the inner step 9b of each connector

1 in contact with the inner medial edge of each respective recess, the first portion 10a of the

elongated body 10 of each of the connectors 1 can be disposed in the second passageway 6 with

the first passageway 5 of the elongated body 10 of each of the connectors 1 being generally aligned

with the two third passageways 7, and the locking element 2 can be inserted into each of the two

third passageways 7 and the first passageway 5 of each of the two connectors 1 to join the pedestal

12 to the table top 4a to form at least one of the furniture support systems for a table. Preferably,

each recess extends from one of the opposing side surfaces 4e of the table top 4a. Also, a top of

each of the panels is preferably in contact with the bottom side of the table top 4a.

Furthermore, the locking element 2 may comprise an elongated wedge-shaped element that

can be snugly inserted into each of the two third passageways 7 and the first passageway 5 of each of the two connectors 1 to join the receptor 3 to the secured member 4 to form the furniture support

system for the table. Additionally, the locking element 2 may comprise an elongated wedge-shaped

element with an insertion end 2a that is smaller in cross-sectional area than a back end 2b, and the

elongated wedge-shaped element has opposing first and second surfaces (14a, 14b), each of the

first passageways 5, being a primary first passageway 5 and a secondary first passageway 5, has

a leading end 5a and an opposing trailing end 5b, with the leading end 5a being closer to the head

9, and the trailing end 5b of each of the first passageways 5 being adapted for engaging contact

with one of the opposing first and second surfaces of the locking element 2. Each of the third

passageways 7 preferably has a proximal end 7a and a distal end 7b, with a first of the third

from each other and being adapted to snugly fit a behind segment and a front segment of the

locking element 2, respectively, so that the insertion end 2a of the elongated wedge-shaped element

can be inserted into the first of the third passageways 7 with the opposing first surface 14a in the

direction of the proximal end 7a of the first of third passageways 7, the opposing first surface 14a

of the wedge-shaped element being in the direction of one of the leading end 5a and the opposing

trailing end 5b of the primary first passageway 5, and the opposing first surface 14a of the wedge-

shaped element being in the direction of the other of the leading end 5 a and the opposing trailing

end 5b of the secondary first passageway 5 , and the elongated wedge-shaped element can be further

inserted with the opposing first surface 14a of the wedge-shaped element in contact with the

proximal end 7a of each of the first and the second of the third passageways 7, and the opposing

second surface 14b of the wedge-shaped element can be in contact with the distal end 7b of each of the first and the second of the third passageways 7 to secure the pedestal 12 to the table top 4a

to form at least one of the furniture support systems for the table.

Another preferred detail is for the inner step 9b of the head 9 to comprise a tenon 9c and

the inner medial edge to comprise a mortise 8a so that a dovetail joint can be made between the head 9 and the fourth passageway 8 of the table top 4a.

The furniture support system of the present invention may further include an elongated

wedge 14 have a first longitudinal dimension; a stringer 13 with a medial segment and end

segments having a reduced cross-sectional area on each end, and a second pedestal 12 that is

identical to the upright pedestal 12, and which is connected to the table top 4a in the same manner

as the upright pedestal 12. The medial segment may have a medial transverse dimension with each

of the end segments having a fifth passageway for receiving the wedge 14, and each of the

pedestals 12 may have a sixth passageway for receiving one of the end segments of the stringer 13.

The sixth passageway will preferably have a maximum transverse dimension that is less than the

medial transverse dimension of the medial segment so that each end segment of the stringer 13 can

be inserted into the sixth passageway of one of the pedestals 12 and secured in place with one of

the wedges.

Moreover, the secured member 4 may comprise a table top 4a, the receptor 3 may comprise

one of a leg 11 and a pedestal 12, and the head 9 may extend longitudinally from the elongated

body 10. The head 9 may also have a maximum transverse dimension that is greater than a

maximum transverse dimension of the elongated body 10 and the at least one fourth passageway

8 may have a minimum transverse dimension that does not substantially exceed the maximum

transverse dimension of the elongated body 10 and a maximum transverse dimension that does not

substantially exceed the maximum transverse dimension of the head 9, and the transverse shape of the elongated body 10 may correspond to the transverse shape of the at least one fourth

passageway 8 in the transverse plane of the minimum transverse dimension and comprises one of a polygon, a circle and an oval. Whereby, the head 9 of the connector 1 can be inserted into the fourth passageway 8 of the secured member 4.

Also, the secured member 4 may comprise an upright leg 11 and the receptor 3 may

comprise a stringer 13. The head 9 preferably extends longitudinally from the elongated body 10

and has a maximum transverse dimension that is greater than a maximum transverse dimension of

the elongated body 10. The at least one fourth passageway 8 preferably has a minimum transverse

transverse dimension of the minimum transverse dimension and comprises one of a polygon, a

circle and an oval, whereby, the head 9 of the connector 1 can be inserted into the fourth

passageway 8 of the secured member 4.

Moreover, the secured member 4 may comprise a table top 4a and the receptor 3 may

comprise one of a leg 11 and a pedestal 12. The head 9 may extend longitudinally from the

elongated body 10 and have a maximum transverse dimension that is greater than a maximum

transverse dimension of the elongated body 10. The at least one fourth passageway 8 may have

a minimum transverse dimension that does not substantially exceed the maximum transverse

dimension of the elongated body 10 and a maximum transverse dimension that does not

substantially exceed the maximum transverse dimension of the head 9, and the transverse shape

of the elongated body 10 corresponds to the transverse shape of the at least one fourth passageway 8 in the plane of the minimum transverse dimension of the minimum transverse dimension and comprises one of a polygon, a circle and an oval for the head 9 of the connector 1 to be inserted into the fourth passageway 8 of the secured member 4.

Additionally methods for producing a furniture support system for fastening a receptor 3

to a secured member 4 are taught by the present invention. One of these methods include the

following steps:

a. inserting a first portion 1 Oa with a first passageway 5 of an elongated body 10 of

a connector 1 have a head 9 through a fourth passageway 8 of the secured member

4 to form a connector 1 and secured member 4 combination;

b. arranging the connector 1 and secured member 4 combination so that the first

passageway 5 of the connector 1 faces the same direction as each of two third

passageways 7 of the receptor 3 have a second passageway 6, that is interconnected

to the two third passageways 7, adapted for receiving the first portion 10a of the elongated body 10 of the connector 1;

c. inserting the first portion 10a of the connector 1 extending from the connector 1 and

secured member 4 combination into the second passageway 6 of the receptor 3;

d. aligning the first passageway 5 of the connector 1 generally with the two third

passageways 7 of the receptor 3 that are interconnected to the second passageway

6 to form an alignment of the first passageway 5 and the third passageways 7; and

e. inserting a locking element 2 into the alignment of the first passageway 5 and the

two third passageways 7 to secure the receptor 3 to the secured member 4

producing the furniture support system. Another method for producing a furniture support system for fastening a receptor 3 to a secured member 4 comprises the following steps:

a connector 1 have a head 9 through a fourth passageway 8 of the secured member

4 to form a connector 1 and secured member 4 combination, the first passageway

5 have a leading end 5a and an opposing trailing end 5b, with the leading end 5a

being closer to the head 9, and the trailing end 5b of the first passageway 5 being

adapted for engaging contact with one of an opposing first and second surfaces 14b

of a locking element 2;

b. arranging the connector 1 and secured member 4 combination so that the first

passageway 5 of the connector 1 faces the same direction as each of two third

passageways 7 of the receptor 3 with a second passageway 6, that is interconnected

to the two third passageways 7, adapted for receiving the first portion 10a of the

elongated body 10 of the connector 1;

c. inserting the first portion 1 Oa of the connector 1 extending from the connector 1 and

secured member 4 combination into the second passageway 6 of the receptor 3;

6 to form an alignment of the first passageway 5 and the third passageways 7, in

which the third passageways 7 comprise a first of the third passageways 7 and a

second of the third passageways 7 that are disposed at a predetermined spaced

distance from each other, both third passageways 7 have a proximal end 7a

proximate a first end of the receptor 3 and a distal end 7b proximate an opposing end of the receptor 3, and each of the first of the third passageways 7 and second

of the third passageways 7 are adapted to receive an elongated wedge-shaped element 14; and

e. initially inserting an insertion end that is smaller in cross-sectional area than a back end 2b of an elongated wedge-shaped element 14 with opposing first and second

surfaces into a first of the third passageways 7 with opposing first and second surfaces, the opposing first surface 14a in the direction of the proximal end 7a of

the third passageways 7 and the leading end 5a of the first passageway 5, with the

opposing second surface 14b of the wedge-shaped element 14 facing the direction

of the opposing trailing end 5b of the first passageway 5 and the distal end 7b of the

third passageways 7 of the alignment of the first passageway 5 and the two third

passageways 7; and

f. making an engaging contact between the opposing first surface 14a of the wedge-

shaped element 14 and the proximal end 7a of each of the first and the second of

the third passageways 7, and an engaging contact between the opposing second

surface 14b of the wedge-shaped element 14 and the opposing trailing end 5b of the

first passageway 5 to secure the receptor 3 to the secured member 4 producing the

furniture support system.

A preferred method for producing a furniture support system for fastening a pedestal 12 to

a table top 4a comprises the following steps:

a. inserting a portion of a head 9 with a protruding lateral surface 9a disposed

upwardly of each of two connector Is with a first passageway 5 of an elongated

body 10 extending from the head 9 into one of two fourth passageways 8 comprising a recess disposed on a bottom surface 4c of the table top 4a, each the

recess have an inner medial edge and being adapted to receive the portion of the

head 9 with the protruding lateral surface 9a in a face to face relationship with the

bottom surface of the table top 4a and with the inner medial edge in a face to face

relationship with an inner step 9b between the protruding lateral surface 9a and a

corresponding lateral surface 9e of the head 9;

b. making an engaging contact between the inner medial edge and the inner step 9b;

c. arranging the first portion 10a of the elongated body 10 of each of the two

connectors 1 in a second passageway 6 of an upright pedestal 12 with a top portion

have two parallel spaced apart panels, each of the panels have one of two third

passageways 7 that are in general alignment with each other, and the second

passageway 6 comprising a space between the two parallel spaced apart panels;

d. aligning the first passageway 5 of the elongated body 10 of each of the two

connectors 1 generally with the two third passageways 7 of the pedestal 12; and

e. inserting a locking element 2 into each of the two third passageways 7 and the first

passageway 5 of each of the two connectors 1 to join the pedestal 12 to the table top

4a to form at least one of the furniture support systems for a table.

Another preferred method for producing a furniture support system for fastening a pedestal

table top 4a, which comprises the following steps:

upwardly of each of two connectors 1 with a first passageway 5 of an elongated

body 10 extending from the head 9 into one of two fourth passageways 8

comprising a recess disposed on a bottom surface 4c of the table top 4a, each the recess have an inner medial edge and being adapted to receive the portion of the

bottom surface of the table top 4a and with the inner medial edge in a face to face relationship with an inner step 9b between the protruding lateral surface 9a and a corresponding lateral surface of the head 9;

c. arranging the first portion 10a of the elongated body 10 of each of the two

have two parallel spaced apart panels, each of the panels have one of two third

passageways 7 that are in general alignment with each other, each of the two third

passageways 7 have a proximal end 7a and a distal end 7b, and the second

passageway 6 comprising a space between the two parallel spaced apart panels;

d. aligning the first passageway 5 of the elongated body 10 of each of the two

connectors 1 generally with the two third passageways 7 of the pedestal 12, the first

passageway 5 have a leading end 5a and an opposing trailing end 5b; and

e. initially inserting an insertion end that is smaller in cross-sectional area than a back

end 2b of an elongated wedge-shaped element 14 with opposing first and second

surfaces into a first of the third passageways 7 with opposing first and second

surfaces the opposing first surface in the direction of the proximal end 7a of the

third passageways 7 and the leading end 5a of the first passageway 5, with the

opposing second surface of the wedge-shaped element 14 facing the direction of the

opposing trailing end 5b of the first passageway 5 and the distal end 7b of the third passageways 7 of the alignment of the first passageway 5 and the two third

passageways 7; and f. making an engaging contact between the opposing first surface of the wedge-shaped element 14 and the proximal end 7a of each of the first and the second of the third

passageways 7, and an engaging contact between the opposing second surface of

the wedge-shaped element 14 and the opposing trailing end 5b of the first

passageway 5 to secure the receptor 3 to the secured member 4 producing the

furniture support system.

The furniture support system can be made of standard materials including common and

exotic woods, metals, plastics and other materials that could be formed to provide the elements for the system.

While this invention has been described in connection with the best mode presently

contemplated by the inventor for carrying out his invention, the preferred embodiments described

and shown are for purposes of illustration only, and are not to be construed as constituting any

limitations of the invention. Modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and ail

modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are intended to be included within

the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon

insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. My invention resides not in any one of these features per se, but rather in the particular

combinations of some or all of them herein disclosed and claimed and it is distinguished from the prior art in these particular combinations of some or all of its structures for the functions specified.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional

relationships for the parts of the invention, including variations in size, materials, shape, form,

function and manner of operation, assembly and use, and all equivalent relationships to those

illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification, that would be deemed readily

apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, are intended to be encompassed by the present

invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.

Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art,

it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described,

and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the

scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent of the UnitedStates is as follows:

1. A furniture support system comprising:

a. at least one connector having a head extending longitudinally from an elongated body,

i. the head has a maximum transverse dimension that is greater than a

maximum transverse dimension of the elongated body,

ii. said elongated body having a first portion with a first passageway;

b. a locking element;

c. a receptor having a second passageway and two third passageways,

i. said second passageway adapted for receiving the first portion of the

elongated body of each of the at least one connector and for allowing

general alignment therein of the first passageway of each of the at least one

connector with each of the two third passageways, so that the locking

element can be inserted into each of the third passageways and the first

passageway of each of the at least one connector; and

d. a secured member having at least one fourth passageway equal in number to the

number of said at least one connector for receiving the connector,

i. the at least one fourth passageway has a uniform transverse dimension that

does not substantially exceed the maximum transverse dimension of the

elongated body and that is less than the maximum transverse dimension of

the head, whereby, at least a portion of the head of each of the at least one connector can be engagingly inserted into one of the at least one fourth passageway with the

first portion of the elongated body of each of the at least one connector being

disposed in the second passageway, wherein the first passageway of each of the at

least one connector can be generally aligned with each of the third passageways,

and the locking element can be inserted into each of the third passageways and the

first passageway of each of the at least one connector to join the receptor to the

secured member to form the furniture support system.

2. A furniture support system comprising:

a. at least one connector having a head extending longitudinally from an elongated

body,

i. said elongated body having a first portion with a first passageway;

b. a locking element;

c. a receptor comprises a stringer with a second passageway and two third

passageways,

i. said second passageway adapted for receiving the first portion of the

elongated body of each of the at least one connector and for allowing

general alignment therein of the first passageway of each of the at least one

connector with each of the two third passageways, so that the locking

element can be inserted into each of the third passageways and the first

passageway of each of the at least one connector; and d. a secured member comprises an upright leg with at least one fourth passageway equal in number to the number of said at least one connector for receiving the

connector,

whereby, at least a portion of the head of each of the at least one connector

can be engagingly inserted into one of the at least one fourth passageway with the

first portion of the elongated body of each of the at least one connector being

secured member to form the furniture support system.

3. The furniture support system of claim 2, wherein the locking element comprises a wedge-

shaped element adapted to secure the receptor to the secured member to form the furniture

support system.

4. The furniture support system of claim 3, wherein the locking element comprises one of a

frustum of a cone, a frustum of a pyramid and a paraboloidal segment.

5. A furniture support system comprising:

body,

i. said elongated body having a first portion with a first passageway,

ii. the head has a maximum transverse dimension that is greater than a

maximum transverse dimension of the elongated body;

b. a locking element; c. a receptor comprises one of a leg, a panel and a pedestal with a second passageway

and two third passageways,

i. said second passageway adapted for receiving the first portion of the

elongated body of each of the at least one connector and for allowing general alignment therein of the first passageway of each of the at least one

connector with each of the two third passageways, so that the locking

element can be inserted into each of the third passageways and the first

passageway of each of the at least one connector; and

d. a secured member comprises a table top with at least one fourth passageway equal

in number to the number of said at least one connector for receiving the connector,

i. the at least one fourth passageway has:

( 1 ) a minimum transverse dimension that does not substantially exceed

the maximum transverse dimension of the elongated body, and

(2) a maximum transverse dimension that does not substantially exceed

the maximum transverse dimension of the head, and

(3) the transverse shape of the elongated body corresponds to the

transverse shape of the at least one fourth passageway in the

transverse plane of the minimum transverse dimension and

comprises one of a polygon, a circle and an oval,

whereby, at least a portion of the head of each of the at least one connector

first portion of the elongated body of each of the at least one connector being

disposed in the second passageway, wherein the first passageway of each of the at least one connector can be generally aligned with each of the third passageways,

first passageway of each of the at least one connector to join the receptor to the secured member to form the furniture support system.

6. The furniture support system of claim 5, wherein the locking element comprises one of a

frustum of a cone, a frustum of a pyramid and a paraboloidal segment, which corresponds

to the transverse shape of the elongated body.

7. The furniture support system of claim 5, wherein the head tapers as it progresses along the

longitudinal direction of the connector toward the elongated body, and the at least one

fourth passageway comprises a frustum shaped recess adapted to snugly receive the head.

8. The furniture support system of claim 5, wherein:

a. the secured member comprises an upright leg;

b. the receptor comprises a stringer that extends from a first support joint to a second

support joint; and

c. the head extends longitudinally from the elongated body and has a maximum

transverse dimension that is greater than a maximum transverse dimension of the

elongated body;

d. the at least one fourth passageway has

i. a minimum transverse dimension that does not substantially exceed the

maximum transverse dimension of the elongated body, and

ii. a maximum transverse dimension that does not substantially exceed the

maximum transverse dimension of the head, and iii. the transverse shape of the elongated body corresponds to the transverse shape of the at least one fourth passageway in the plane of the minimum transverse dimension and comprises one of a polygon, a circle and an oval

that corresponds to the transverse shape of the elongated body,

whereby, the head of the connector can be inserted into the fourth passageway of the secured member.

9. The furniture support system of claim 5, wherein:

a. the secured member comprises a table top;

b. the receptor comprises one of a leg and a pedestal;

c. the head extends longitudinally from the elongated body;

d. the head has a maximum transverse dimension that is greater than a maximum

transverse dimension of the elongated body;

e. the at least one fourth passageway has

i. a minimum transverse dimension that does not substantially exceed the

maximum transverse dimension of the elongated body, and

ii. a maximum transverse dimension that does not substantially exceed the

maximum transverse dimension of the head, and

iii. the transverse shape of the elongated body corresponds to the transverse

shape of the at least one fourth passageway in the plane of the minimum

transverse dimension and comprises one of a polygon, a circle and an oval,

that corresponds to the transverse shape of the elongated body,

whereby, the head of the connector can be inserted into the fourth

passageway of the secured member.

10. The furniture support system of claim 5, wherein:

a. the locking element comprises an elongated wedge-shaped element with an

insertion end that is smaller in cross-sectional area than a back end, and the

elongated wedge-shaped element has opposing first and second surfaces; b. each of the first passageways, being a primary first passageway and a secondary

first passageway, has a leading end and an opposing trailing end, with the leading

end being closer to the head, said trailing end of each of the first passageways being

adapted for engaging contact with one of the opposing first and second surfaces of

the locking element; and

c. each of the third passageways has a proximal end and a distal end, with a first of the

third passageways being larger than a second of the third passageways, said first of

the third passageways and said second of the third passageways being at a

predetermined spaced distance from each other and , both third passageway have

a proximal end proximate a first end of the receptor and a distal end proximate an

opposing end of the receptor, and each of said first of the third passageways and

second of the third passageways are adapted to receive the elongated wedge-shaped

element,

whereby, the insertion end of the elongated wedge-shaped element can be

inserted into the first of the third passageways with the opposing first surface in the

direction of the proximal end of the third passageways and the leading end and the

opposing trailing end of the first passageway, with the opposing second surface of

the wedge-shaped element facing the direction of the opposing trailing end of the

first passageway and the distal end of the third passageways, and said elongated wedge-shaped element can be further inserted so that the opposing first surface of

the wedge-shaped element makes an engaging contact with the proximal end of

each of the first and the second of the third passageways, and the opposing second surface of the wedge-shaped element makes an engaging contact with the opposing

trailing end of the first passageway to secure the receptor to the secured member to form the furniture support systems.

11. The furniture support system of claim 5, wherein:

a. the locking element comprises an elongated element having a generally uniform

cross-sectional area with an insertion end that is blunted, and the elongated element

has opposing first and second surfaces;

b. each of the first passageways, being a primary first passageway and a secondary

end being closer to the head, each of said leading end and said trailing end of each

of the first passageways being adapted for engaging contact with one of the

opposing first and second surfaces of the locking element; and

c. each of the third passageways has a proximal end and a distal end, said first of the

third passageways and said second of the third passageways being at a

predetermined spaced distance from each other, and each being adapted to fit a

segment of the locking element,

whereby, the insertion end of the elongated element can be inserted into the first of

the third passageways with the opposing first surface in the direction of the proximal end

of the first of third passageways, the opposing first surface of the element being in the

direction of one of the leading end and the opposing trailing end of the primary first passageway, and the opposing first surface of the element being in the direction of the other of the leading end and the opposing trailing end of the secondary first passageway, and said

elongated element can be further inserted with the opposing first surface of the elongated

element in contact with the proximal end and the distal end of each of the first and the

second of the third passageways, and the opposing second surface of the element can be in

contact with the proximal end and the distal end of each of the first and the second of the

third passageways to secure the pedestal to the table top to form at least one of the furniture

support systems for the table.

12. A furniture support system comprising:

a. two connectors each having a head extending from an elongated body,

i. said elongated body having a first portion with a first passageway;

b. a locking element;

c. a receptor having a second passageway and two third passageways,

i. said second passageway adapted for receiving the first portion of the

elongated body of each of the two connectors and for allowing alignment

therein of the first passageway of each of the two connectors with each of

the two third passageways, so that the locking element can be inserted into

each of the two third passageways and the first passageway of each of the

two connectors; and

d. a secured member having two fourth passageways one for receiving each of the two

connectors,

whereby, at least a portion of the head of each of the two connectors can be

engagingly inserted into one of the two fourth passageways with the first portion of the elongated body of each of the two connectors being disposed in the second passageway,

wherein the first passageway of each of the two connectors can be aligned with each of the

two third passageways, and the locking element can be inserted into each of the two third

passageways and the first passageway of each of the two connectors to j oin the receptor to the secured member to form the furniture support system.

13. The furniture support system of claim 12, wherein:

a. the secured member comprises a table top with a top surface, a bottom surface,

opposing end surfaces, and opposing side surfaces;

b. each head extends longitudinally from the elongated body and has a protruding

lateral surface with an inner step between the protruding lateral surface and a

corresponding lateral surface of the head;

c. each of the two fourth passageways comprise a recess disposed on the bottom

surface of the table top, each said recess has an inner medial edge and is adapted

to receive a portion of the head with the protruding lateral surface in a face to face

relationship with the bottom surface of the table top and the inner medial edge in

a face to face relationship with the inner step;

d. the receptor comprises an upright pedestal with a top portion having two parallel

spaced apart panels, each of said panels has one of the two third passageways, said

two third passageways being in general alignment with each other, and the second

passageway comprising a space between said two parallel spaced apart panels,

whereby, the portion of each of the connectors with the protruding lateral surface

disposed upwardly can be inserted into one of the two recesses with the protruding lateral

surface in contact with the bottom surface of the table top and the inner step of each connector in contact with the inner medial edge of each respective recess, the first portion

of the elongated body of each of the connectors can be disposed in the second passageway

with the first passageway of the elongated body of each of the connectors being generally aligned with the two third passageways, and the locking element can be inserted into each

of the two third passageways and the first passageway of each of the two connectors to join

the pedestal to the table top to form at least one of the furniture support systems for a table.

14. The furniture support system of claim 13, wherein each said recess extends from

one of the opposing side surfaces of the table top.

15. The furniture support system of claim 13 , wherein a top of each of said panels is in

contact with the bottom side of the table top.

16. The furniture support system of claim 13, wherein the locking element comprises

an elongated wedge-shaped element that can be snugly inserted into each of the two

third passageways and the first passageway of each of the two connectors to j oin the

receptor to the secured member to form the furniture support system for the table.

17. The furniture support system of claim 13, wherein:

a. the locking element comprises an elongated wedge-shaped element with an

insertion end that is smaller in cross-sectional area than a back end, and the

elongated wedge-shaped element has opposing first and second surfaces;

the locking element; and c. each of the third passageways has a proximal end and a distal end, with a first of the

third passageways being larger than a second of the third passageways, said first of the third passageways and said second of the third passageways being at a

predetermined spaced distance from each other and being adapted to snugly fit a

behind segment and a front segment of the locking element, respectively,

whereby, the insertion end of the elongated wedge-shaped element can be

direction of the proximal end of the first of third passageways, the opposing first

surface of the wedge-shaped element being in the direction of one of the leading

end and the opposing trailing end of the primary first passageway, and the opposing

first surface of the wedge-shaped element being in the direction of the other of the

leading end and the opposing trailing end of the secondary first passageway, and

said elongated wedge-shaped element can be further inserted with the opposing first

surface of the wedge-shaped element in contact with the proximal end of each cf

the first and the second of the third passageways, and the opposing second surface

of the wedge-shaped element can be in contact with the distal end of each of the

first and the second of the third passageways to secure the pedestal to the table top

to form at least one of the furniture support systems for the table.

18. The furniture support system of claim 13, wherein the inner step of the head

comprises a tenon and the inner medial edge comprises a mortise,

whereby a dovetail joint can be made between the head and the fourth

passageway of the table top.

19. The furniture support system of claim 12, further comprising:

a. an elongated wedge having a first longitudinal dimension;

b. a stringer with a medial segment and end segments having a reduced cross-sectional

area on each end,

i. the medial segment having a medial transverse dimension,

ii. each of the end segments having a fifth passageway for receiving the

wedge; and

c. a second pedestal that is identical to the upright pedestal, and which is connected

to the table top in the same manner as the upright pedestal,

i. each of said pedestals having a sixth passageway for receiving one of the

end segments of the stringer, said sixth passageway having a maximum

transverse dimension that is less than the medial transverse dimension of

the medial segment,

whereby, each end segment of the stringer can be inserted into the sixth

passageway of one of the pedestals and secured in place with one of the wedges.

20. The furniture support system of claim 12, wherein:

a. the secured member comprises a table top;

b. the receptor comprises one of a leg and a pedestal;

c. the head extends longitudinally from the elongated body;

d. the head has a maximum transverse dimension that is greater than a maximum

transverse dimension of the elongated body;

e. the at least one fourth passageway has i. a minimum transverse dimension that does not substantially exceed the

maximum transverse dimension of the elongated body, and ii. a maximum transverse dimension that does not substantially exceed the maximum transverse dimension of the head, and

iii. the transverse shape of the elongated body corresponds to the transverse

shape of the at least one fourth passageway in the transverse plane of the

minimum transverse dimension and comprises one of a polygon, a circle

and an oval,

whereby, the head of the connector can be inserted into the fourth passageway of

the secured member.

21. The furniture support system of claim 12, wherein:

a. the secured member comprises an upright leg;

b. the receptor comprises a stringer;

c. the head extends longitudinally from the elongated body;

d. the head has a maximum transverse dimension that is greater than a maximum

transverse dimension of the elongated body;

e. the at least one fourth passageway has

i. a minimum transverse dimension that does not substantially exceed the

maximum transverse dimension of the elongated body, and

ii. a maximum transverse dimension that does not substantially exceed the

maximum transverse dimension of the head, and

iii. the transverse shape of the elongated body corresponds to the transverse

shape of the at least one fourth passageway in the plane of the minimum transverse dimension of the minimum transverse dimension and comprises one of a polygon, a circle and an oval,

the secured member.

22. The furniture support system of claim 12, wherein:

a. the secured member comprises a table top;

b. the receptor comprises one of a leg and a pedestal;

c. the head extends longitudinally from the elongated body;

d. the head has a maximum transverse dimension that is greater than a maximum

transverse dimension of the elongated body;

e. the at least one fourth passageway has

i. a minimum transverse dimension that does not substantially exceed the

maximum transverse dimension of the elongated body, and

ii. a maximum transverse dimension that does not substantially exceed the

maximum transverse dimension of the head, and

iii. the transverse shape of the elongated body corresponds to the transverse

shape of the at least one fourth passageway in the plane of the minimum

transverse dimension of the minimum transverse dimension and comprises

one of a polygon, a circle and an oval,

the secured member.

23. A method for producing a furniture support system for fastening a receptor to a

secured member, which comprises the following steps: a. inserting a first portion with a first passageway of an elongated body of a connector

having a head through a fourth passageway of the secured member to form a

connector and secured member combination, said first passageway having a leading

end and an opposing trailing end, with the leading end being closer to the head, and

the trailing end of the first passageway being adapted for engaging contact with one

of an opposing first and second surfaces of a locking element;

b. arranging the connector and secured member combination so that the first

passageway of the connector faces the same direction as each of two third

passageways of the receptor with a second passageway, that is interconnected to the

two third passageways, adapted for receiving the first portion of the elongated body

of the connector;

c. inserting the first portion of the connector extending from the connector and

secured member combination into the second passageway of the receptor;

d. aligning the first passageway of the connector generally with the two third

passageways of the receptor that are interconnected to the second passageway to

form an alignment of the first passageway and the third passageways, in which the

third passageways comprise a first of the third passageways and a second of the

third passageways that are disposed at a predetermined spaced distance from each

other, both third passageways have a proximal end proximate a first end of the

receptor and a distal end proximate an opposing end of the receptor, and each of

said first of the third passageways and second of the third passageways are adapted

to receive an elongated wedge-shaped element; and e. initially inserting an insertion end that is smaller in cross-sectional area than a back

end of an elongated wedge-shaped element with opposing first and second surfaces into a first of the third passageways with opposing first and second surfaces the

opposing first surface in the direction of the proximal end of the third passageways

and the leading end of the first passageway, with the opposing second surface of the

wedge-shaped element facing the direction of the opposing trailing end of the first

passageway and the distal end of the third passageways of the alignment of the first

passageway and the two third passageways; and

f. making an engaging contact between the opposing first surface of the wedge-shaped

element and the proximal end of each of the first and the second of the third

passageways, and an engaging contact between the opposing second surface of the

wedge-shaped element and the opposing trailing end of the first passageway to

secure the receptor to the secured member producing the furniture support system.

24. A method for producing a furniture support system for fastening a pedestal to a

table top, which comprises the following steps:

a. inserting a portion of a head with a protruding lateral surface disposed upwardly of

each of two connectors with a first passageway of an elongated body extending

from the head into one of two fourth passageways comprising a recess disposed on

a bottom surface of the table top, each said recess having an inner medial edge and

being adapted to receive the portion of the head with the protruding lateral surface

in a face to face relationship with the bottom surface of the table top and with the

inner medial edge in a face to face relationship with an inner step between the

protruding lateral surface and a corresponding lateral surface of the head; b. making an engaging contact between the inner medial edge and the inner step; c. arranging the first portion of the elongated body of each of the two connectors in a second passageway of an upright pedestal with a top portion having two parallel

spaced apart panels, each of said panels having one of two third passageways that

are in general alignment with each other, and the second passageway comprising

a space between said two parallel spaced apart panels;

d. aligning the first passageway of the elongated body of each of the two connectors

generally with the two third passageways of the pedestal; and

e. inserting a locking element into each of the two third passageways and the firεt

passageway of each of the two connectors to join the pedestal to the table top to

form at least one of the furniture support systems for a table.

25. A method for producing a furniture support system for fastening a pedestal to a

table top, which comprises the following steps:

each of two connectors with a first passageway of an elongated body extending

inner medial edge in a face to face relationship with an inner step between the

protruding lateral surface and a corresponding lateral surface of the head;

b. making an engaging contact between the inner medial edge and the inner step; c. arranging the first portion of the elongated body of each of the two connectors in

a second passageway of an upright pedestal with a top portion having two parallel

spaced apart panels, each of said panels having one of two third passageways that are in general alignment with each other, each of said two third passageways having

a proximal end and a distal end, and the second passageway comprising a space

between said two parallel spaced apart panels;

generally with the two third passageways of the pedestal, said first passageway

having a leading end and an opposing trailing end; and

end of an elongated wedge-shaped element with opposing first and second surfaces

into a first of the third passageways with opposing first and second surfaces the

passageway and the two third passageways; and

f . making an engaging contact between the opposing first surface of the wedge-shaped

element and the proximal end of each of the first and the second of the third

passageways, and an engaging contact between the opposing second surface of the

wedge-shaped element and the opposing trailing end of the first passageway to