US5035186A — Table having a connection device

Claim 1

Independent Claim 186 words

A table having a connection device for connecting the table (10) to an adjacent tabletop, suspended top or the like (21; 37), characterized in that in the region of a table leg (13; 60) and below the tabletop (11; 21; 69) or frame element (12; 22; 47) of said table (10), a support element (14, 15; 45, 46) is provided that has a tubular segment (26, 27; 70,75) which is pivotable about an at least approximately vertical part (13; 63) of the table, also has a support extension portion, the top (18; 50) of which is formed for supporting a tabletop (11; 69; 21; 37), suspended top, table frame element or the like, serves as a support for an adjacent tabletop, suspended top, frame element or the like when said support element is in a position outwardly pivoted (15' 5") about said at least approximately vertical part (13; 62) of the table, and is provided with a releasable, upwardly protruding part (54) for engagement in a corresponding recess (44) of the tabletop, suspended top, or frame element which is to be connected to said support element.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 186 words

A table having a connection device for connecting the table (10) to an adjacent tabletop, suspended top or the like (21; 37), characterized in that in the region of a table leg (13; 60) and below the tabletop (11; 21; 69) or frame element (12; 22; 47) of said table (10), a support element (14, 15; 45, 46) is provided that has a tubular segment (26, 27; 70,75) which is pivotable about an at least approximately vertical part (13; 63) of the table, also has a support extension portion, the top (18; 50) of which is formed for supporting a tabletop (11; 69; 21; 37), suspended top, table frame element or the like, serves as a support for an adjacent tabletop, suspended top, frame element or the like when said support element is in a position outwardly pivoted (15' 5") about said at least approximately vertical part (13; 62) of the table, and is provided with a releasable, upwardly protruding part (54) for engagement in a corresponding recess (44) of the tabletop, suspended top, or frame element which is to be connected to said support element.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 176 words

A table having a connection device for connecting the table (10) to an adjacent tabletop, suspended top or the like (21; 37), characterized in that in the region of a table leg (13; 60) and below the tabletop (11; 21; 69) or frame element (12; 22; 47) two outwardly pivotable support elements (14, 15; 45, 46) are provided, which are pivotable about the same axis and the tops (18; 50) of which are preferably located at the same level, said axis being at least approximately vertical, the top (18; 50) of each said support element being formed for supporting a tabletop, suspended top, table frame element or the like, and serving, when in an outwardly pivoted position (15', 15"), as a support for an adjacent tabletop, suspended top, frame element or the like and its top (18) each said support element (14, 15) is provided with a recess (23; 53) for receiving an engagement element (24; 54') which is approximately complementary to said recess (23; 53) and is provided on the tabletop or its frame element.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 176 words

A table having a connection device for connecting the table (10) to an adjacent tabletop, suspended top or the like (21; 37), characterized in that in the region of a table leg (13; 60) and below the tabletop (11; 21; 69) or frame element (12; 22; 47) two outwardly pivotable support elements (14, 15; 45, 46) are provided, which are pivotable about the same axis and the tops (18; 50) of which are preferably located at the same level, said axis being at least approximately vertical, the top (18; 50) of each said support element being formed for supporting a tabletop, suspended top, table frame element or the like, and serving, when in an outwardly pivoted position (15', 15"), as a support for an adjacent tabletop, suspended top, frame element or the like and its top (18) each said support element (14, 15) is provided with a recess (23; 53) for receiving an engagement element (24; 54') which is approximately complementary to said recess (23; 53) and is provided on the tabletop or its frame element.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 29 words

A table as defined by claim 1, characterized in that the support element (14, 15; 45, 46) is lockable into place in at least one rotational position (15, 15").

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 45 words

A table as defined by claim 1, characterized in that the table leg (13; 60) at least in some portion includes a tube (13; 62, 63) of circular-cylindrical cross section, and that said support element (14, 15; 45, 46) is located rotatably on said tube.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 145 words

A table, having a connection device for connecting the table (10) to an adjacent tabletop, suspended top or the like (21; 37), characterized in that in the region of a table leg (13; 60) and below the tabletop (11; 21; 69) or frame element (12; 22; 47) two outwardly pivotable support elements (14, 15; 45, 46) are provided, which are pivotable about an at least approximately vertical axis and pivotable about the same axis, and the tops (18; 50) of which are located essentially at the same level; in that the table leg (13; 60) at least in some portion includes a tube (13; 62, 63) of circular-cylindrical cross section, and in that the two support elements (14, 15; 45, 46) are located rotatably on said tube, a support ring (16) being provided on said tube (13) for supporting at least one said support (14).

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 145 words

A table, having a connection device for connecting the table (10) to an adjacent tabletop, suspended top or the like (21; 37), characterized in that in the region of a table leg (13; 60) and below the tabletop (11; 21; 69) or frame element (12; 22; 47) two outwardly pivotable support elements (14, 15; 45, 46) are provided, which are pivotable about an at least approximately vertical axis and pivotable about the same axis, and the tops (18; 50) of which are located essentially at the same level; in that the table leg (13; 60) at least in some portion includes a tube (13; 62, 63) of circular-cylindrical cross section, and in that the two support elements (14, 15; 45, 46) are located rotatably on said tube, a support ring (16) being provided on said tube (13) for supporting at least one said support (14).

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 170 words

A table having a connection device for connecting the table (10) to an adjacent tabletop, suspended top or the like (21; 37), characterized in that in the region of a table leg (13; 60) and below the table top (11; 21; 69) or frame element (12; 22; 47) two outwardly pivotable support elements (14, 15; 45, 46) are provided, which are pivotable about the same axis and the tops (18; 50) of which are preferably located at the same level, said axis being at least approximately vertical, the top (18; 50) of each said support element being formed for supporting a tabletop, suspended top, table frame element or the like, and serving, when in an outwardly pivoted position (15', 15"), as a support for an adjacent tabletop, suspended top, frame element or the like, the support element being provided with a releasable, upwardly protruding part (54) for engagement in a corresponding recess (44) of the tabletop, suspected top or frame element which is to be connected to said support element.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 170 words

A table having a connection device for connecting the table (10) to an adjacent tabletop, suspended top or the like (21; 37), characterized in that in the region of a table leg (13; 60) and below the table top (11; 21; 69) or frame element (12; 22; 47) two outwardly pivotable support elements (14, 15; 45, 46) are provided, which are pivotable about the same axis and the tops (18; 50) of which are preferably located at the same level, said axis being at least approximately vertical, the top (18; 50) of each said support element being formed for supporting a tabletop, suspended top, table frame element or the like, and serving, when in an outwardly pivoted position (15', 15"), as a support for an adjacent tabletop, suspended top, frame element or the like, the support element being provided with a releasable, upwardly protruding part (54) for engagement in a corresponding recess (44) of the tabletop, suspected top or frame element which is to be connected to said support element.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 66 words

A table as defined by claim 1, characterized in that said extension portion of the support element (14, 15; 45, 46), in side view has approximately the shape of a triangle (71, 76), one edge of the triangle being substantially horizontal and joined to a top horizontal surface (18, 50) and another edge being substantially vertical and connected to said tubular segment of said support element.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 82 words

A table as defined by claim 1, characterized in that the pivotable support element (45, 46), for lateral guidance of the tabletop, suspended top or the like (34) to be coupled to the table, is provided with a guide portion (47, 48) protruding obliquely upward from the top of said extension portion of said support element, a horizontal support surface being joined to said extension portion at its top (18, 50) and said guide portion extending obliquely outward from said support surface.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 154 words

A table having a connection device for connecting the table (10) to an adjacent tabletop, suspended top or the like (21; 37), characterized in that in the region of a table leg (13; 60) and below the tabletop (11; 21; 69) or frame element (12; 22; 47) of said table (10), a support element (14, 15; 45, 46) is provided that, has a tubular segment (26, 27; 70, 75) which is pivotable about an at least approximately vertical part (13; 63) of the table, also has a support extension a tabletop (11; 69; 21; 37), suspended top, table frame element or the like, serves as a support for an adjacent tabletop, suspended top, frame element or the like, and is provided with a recess (23; 53) for receiving an engagement element (24; 54') which is approximately complementary to said recess (23; 53) and is provided on the tabletop (21) or its frame element (22).

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 154 words

A table having a connection device for connecting the table (10) to an adjacent tabletop, suspended top or the like (21; 37), characterized in that in the region of a table leg (13; 60) and below the tabletop (11; 21; 69) or frame element (12; 22; 47) of said table (10), a support element (14, 15; 45, 46) is provided that, has a tubular segment (26, 27; 70, 75) which is pivotable about an at least approximately vertical part (13; 63) of the table, also has a support extension a tabletop (11; 69; 21; 37), suspended top, table frame element or the like, serves as a support for an adjacent tabletop, suspended top, frame element or the like, and is provided with a recess (23; 53) for receiving an engagement element (24; 54') which is approximately complementary to said recess (23; 53) and is provided on the tabletop (21) or its frame element (22).

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 113 words

A table as defined by claim 1, wherein said support element has a recess (23; 53) for receiving an engagement element (24; 54) provided on said table top (21) or frame thereof (22), wherein said engagement element (24; 54'), viewed in cross section, at least in a sectional plane that is vertical with respect to its position in use, widens from its free end (137) initially up to a location (130, 131) of maximum cross section and then decreases again in cross section (faces 135, 136), and wherein said engagement element is resiliently deformable in said cross-sectional plane that is vertical with respect to the position of the engagement element when in use.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 72 words

A table as defined by claim 10, characterized in that said location (130, 131) of maximum cross section has a maximum cross-sectional dimension in a direction parallel, at the time of use, to the orientation of said table top or frame therefor which dimension is greater than the dimension complementary to it of the recess (23; 53) intended for receiving the engagement element (24; 54') by an amount which can be accomodated.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 24 words

A table as defined by claim 11, wherein the engagement element (24; 54') is produced from a resiliently elastic plastic, in particular a polyamide.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 34 words

A table as defined in claim 12, wherein the engagement element (24; 54') is provided with a recess (143) having an elongated shape seen in the direction of its depth to increase its elasticity.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 79 words

A table as defined by claim 13, wherein said engagement element is of elongated contour, being elongated in a direction perpendicular to said direction of maximum cross-sectional dimension, and extends from said table top or frame thereof to its said free end and wherein said elongated recess (143) extends in the direction of its depth from the free end (137) of the elongated engagement element (24) to approximately the level of said location (130, 131) of maximum cross section.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 41 words

A table as defined by claim 14, wherein the elongated engagement element (24) has a chamfer (144, 145) in the region of each of its longitudinal ends, to facilitate its introduction into a corresponding elongated recess (23) in said support element.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 73 words

A table as defined by claim 14, wherein the engagement element (24; 54') for fastening to a tabletop, suspended top (21), tabletop frame element (22) of the like, is provided, on a surface thereof fitting against said tabletop, suspended top, tabletop frame element or the like, with at least one spreadable protrusion (133, 134) having its end split by a recess (133', 134') for introducing a spreader element into this protrusion (133, 134).

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 44 words

A table as defined by claim 14, wherein the longitudinal axis of the elongated engagement element (24) extends at an angle, and preferably at least approximately a right angle, with respect to the table edge bordering on an adjacent table element (10) when assembled.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 62 words

A table as defined by claim 1, characterized in that, in the region of a table leg (13; 60), two said pivotable support elements (14, 15; 45, 46) are provided, which are pivotable about a single said at least approximately vertical part (13, 63) of the table, tops (18; 50) of said two support elements being preferably located at the same level.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 45 words

The table of claim 18, characterized in that the table leg (13; 60) at least in some portion thereof includes a tube (13; 62, 63) of circular-cylindrical cross section, and that both said support elements (14, 15; 45, 46) are located rotatably on said tube.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 26 words

A table as defined by claim 4, characterized in that on the tube (13) a support ring (16) is provided for supporting said support element (14).

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 28 words

A table as defined by claim 19, characterized in that on the tube (13) a support ring (16) is provided for supporting both said support elements (14; 15).

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 35 words

A table as defined in claim 1, characterized in that said support element (46) has a recess for receiving a part (54') secured to said element (21; 37) to be coupled to said support element.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 164 words

A table as defined by claim 2, wherein each of said two support elements has a recess (143) for receiving an engagement element provided on said table top (21) or frame thereof (22) and wherein said engagement element (24; 54'), viewed in cross-section, at least in a sectional plane that is vertical with respect to its position in use, widens from its free end (137) initially up to a location (130, 131) of maximum cross-section and then decreases again in cross-section, said engagement element being of elongated contour, being elongated in a direction perpendicular to said direction of maximum cross-sectional dimension, and extends from said table top or frame thereof to said free end and wherein said recess (143) has an elongated shape seen in the direction of its depth to increase its elasticity and extends in the direction in its depth from said free end of the elongated engagement element (24) to approximately the level of said location (130, 131) of maximum cross-section.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 42 words

A table as defined by claim 23, wherein the elongated engagement element (24) has a chamfer (144, 145) in the region of each of its longitudinal ends, to facilitate its introduction into a corresponding elongated recess (23) in a said support element.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 76 words

A table as defined by claim 23, wherein the engagement element (24; 54') for fastening to a table top, suspended top (21), table top frame element (22) or the like, is provided, on a surface thereof fitting against said table top, suspended top, tabletop, frame element or the like, with at least one spreadable protrusion (133, 134) having its end split by a recess (133', 134') for introducing a spreader element into this protrusion (133', 134').

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 164 words

A table as defined by claim 5, wherein each of said two support elements has a recess (143) for receiving an engagement element provided on said table top (21) or frame thereof (22) and wherein said engagement element (24; 54'), viewed in cross-section, at least in a sectional plane that is vertical with respect to its position in use, widens from its free end (137) initially up to a location (130, 131) of maximum cross-section and then decreases again in cross-section, said engagement element being of elongated contour, being elongated in a direction perpendicular to said direction of maximum cross-sectional dimension, and extends from said table top or frame thereof to said free end and wherein said recess (143) has an elongated shape seen in the direction of its depth to increase its elasticity and extends in the direction in its depth from said free end of the elongated engagement element (24) to approximately the level of said location (130, 131) of maximum cross-section.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 41 words

A table as defined by claim 26, wherein the elongated element (24) has a chamfer (144, 145) in the region of each of its longitudinal ends, to facilitate its introduction into a corresponding elongated recess (23) in a said support element.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 77 words

A table as defined by claim 26, wherein the engagement element (24; 54') for fastening to a table top, suspended top (21), table top frame element (22) or the like, is provided, on a surface thereof fitting against said table top, suspended top, table top, frame element or the like, with at least one spreadable protrusion (133, 134) having its end split by a recess (133', 134') for introducing a spreader element into this protrusion (133', 134').

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1994-07-29	1995-01-28	1995-07-30	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1998-07-29	1999-01-28	1999-07-30	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2002-07-29	2003-01-28	2003-07-30	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Table having a connection device

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