Patent ID: 6615746
Filing Date: 2003-09-09
Classification: A47B

Abstract:
A modular, knockdown furniture item adapted to be disposed upon a generally flat or horizontal supporting surface, the furniture comprising:a generally planar top adapted to be supported vertically above said surface; a plurality of generally planar legs, each leg comprising a lower foot for contacting said supporting surface, an upper arm for grasping said top, and an integral, intermediate portion of nonuniform width, said portion of nonuniform width formed between an outer wedging region comprising a ramp and an inner edge of the leg; a generally planar lock adapted to be disposed between said feet and said top for first admitting and then captivating the legs and compressing them together, the lock comprising intersecting, internal slots having predetermined dimensions through which said legs extend and in which said portions of nonuniform width are compressively captivated; wherein said lower feet diverge downwardly and outwardly away from said intermediate leg portions a distance substantially greater than said predetermined slot dimensions and said upper arms diverge upwardly and outwardly away from said intermediate leg portions a distance substantially greater than said predetermined slot dimensions, such that the dimensions of the assembled legs in vertical plan exceed the predetermined dimensions of said lock slots; wherein the arms comprise hooks for grasping the top, and said hooks are drawn into engagement with said top in response to compression of said ramps within the slots of said lock; and, said inner edges of the leg intermediate portions are compressed together in abutment when said lock is installed.