Abstract:
A support system comprises a hub comprising a channel, a leg comprising a finger that slideably engages the channel, and a washer that prevents the finger from disengaging the channel, wherein a multi-dimensional force is exerted that tightens the connection therebetween when the hub, the leg, and the washer are connected together. A method of connecting a support system for an article of furniture comprises inserting a finger of a leg into a channel of a hub to form a mating connection therebetween, connecting a washer to the hub to maintain the finger within the channel, and exerting a multi-dimensional force to secure the leg to the hub.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of and claim benefit under 35 USC §120 to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/566,581 entitled “Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System” filed Dec. 4, 2006, which in turn was related to and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/742,459 filed Dec. 5, 2005 and entitled “Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System”, all of which are assigned to the Assignee of the present application and hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to support base systems for articles of furniture, and more specifically to support base systems that allow for furniture legs to be removably attached to an article of furniture. Thus, the furniture legs may be replaced whenever necessary or changed to a new leg design whenever desired without retooling the entire support base system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many articles of furniture, including tables, chairs, and desks, comprise support base systems that provide support to other components of the furniture, such as the table top, the desk top or the chair seat, for example. In some table and desk applications, the support base comprises a plurality of legs that are welded or otherwise attached to a central pole to which at least another component of the furniture is attached. To provide sufficient structural support and a positive aesthetic look, die cast aluminum may be used to manufacture the support base system. In the die casting process, a mold is created and liquid aluminum is cast into the mold, then cooled to create the desired support base. Therefore, each mold is specific to a particular article of furniture such that once the mold is created, the shape and size of the support base is fixed. To provide a different support base shape and/or size, such as for a different piece of furniture or to change a component on the same piece of furniture, then the mold must either be retooled or a new mold created to accommodate the modified shape and/or size of the support base. Therefore, a need exists for a support base system comprising easily assembled, interchangeable components such that only the components requiring a modified shape and/or size would have to be retooled or remolded. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a support system comprising a hub comprising a channel, a leg comprising a finger that slideably engages the channel, and a washer that prevents the finger from disengaging the channel, wherein a multi-dimensional force is exerted that tightens the connection therebetween when the hub, the leg, and the washer are connected together. In an embodiment, the support system further comprises a key disposed between the hub and the leg, wherein the key forces the leg away from the hub. The multi-dimensional force may be exerted by the key on the leg, on the hub, or on both. In another embodiment, the leg further comprises a pocket and the washer mates with the pocket to create the multi-dimensional force. The multi-dimensional force may be exerted by the washer on the leg. In an embodiment, the hub further comprises a guide that aligns the washer with respect to the channel. In an embodiment, the finger is shaped to prevent the leg from engaging the channel in an upside-down position. The finger may be tapered such that the cross-sectional area of the top of the finger is different than the cross-sectional area of the bottom of the finger. In an embodiment, a finger taper angle creates the change in cross-sectional area of the finger. The change in cross-sectional area of the finger may be non-uniform. In an embodiment, the channel is tapered to correspond with and matingly engage the tapered finger. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an article of furniture comprising a support system. In an embodiment, the article of furniture further comprises a support pole connected to the hub at one end and a working component of the article of the furniture at another end. In various embodiments, the working component comprises a table top or a chair seat, for example. 
     In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of connecting a support system for an article of furniture comprising inserting a finger of a leg into a channel of a hub to form a mating connection therebetween, connecting a washer to the hub to maintain the finger within the channel, and exerting a multi-dimensional force to secure the leg to the hub. In one embodiment, a tapered surface of the washer mates with a corresponding tapered surface of the leg to create the multi-dimensional force. In another embodiment, the method further comprises connecting a key between the hub and the leg to create the multi-dimensional force. In an embodiment, the leg is removeably attached to the hub. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and for further details and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  is a top plan view of one embodiment of an assembled Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System in a representative operational environment forming part of a round table; 
         FIG. 1B  is a side elevational view of the round table comprising the embodiment of the assembled Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System depicted in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1C  is an enlarged perspective view of the various components comprising the embodiment of the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System depicted in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom plan view of one embodiment of a hub of the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System; 
         FIG. 3  is a side cross-sectional view of the hub taken along section line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a top perspective view of the hub illustrated in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4B  is a bottom perspective view of the hub illustrated in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of an assembled Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System in a representative operational environment forming part of a rectangular table; 
         FIG. 5B  is an end elevational view of the rectangular table comprising the alternative embodiment of the assembled Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System depicted in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  is a side elevational view of the rectangular table comprising the alternative embodiment of the assembled Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System depicted in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of an alternative embodiment of the hub of the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System; 
         FIG. 7A  is a top perspective view of the hub illustrated in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7B  is a bottom perspective view of the hub illustrated in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a table leg of the interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System; 
         FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the table leg illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an end elevational view of the table leg illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11A  is a cross-sectional top view of a finger extending from an end of the table leg, taken along section line  11 A- 11 A in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional top view of a finger taken along section line  11 B- 11 B in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11C  is a cross-sectional top view of the finger taken along section line  11 C- 11 C in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11D  is a cross-sectional top view of the finger taken along section line  11 D- 11 D in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a top plan view of one embodiment of a washer of the interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional side view of the washer, taken along section line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the assembled Interlocking, interchangeable Support Base System; and 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the assembled Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Various embodiments of the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System and methods of assembling the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used for like features throughout the several views. Referring first to  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B , an article of furniture, such as a round table  90 , for example, comprises a tabletop  92  comprising an upper surface  93  and a lower surface  94 , a bracket  95  attached to the lower surface  94  of the tabletop  92 , a support pole  180  that maintains the tabletop  92  at a desired height, and an Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 . The tabletop  92  provides the working surface for a person using the table  90 . The bracket  95  connects the tabletop  92  to the support pole  180 , which in turn connects to the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 . 
       FIG. 1C  provides an enlarged perspective view of the various components comprising the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 , namely a nut  172 , a bolt  170 , a hub  120 , a plurality of legs  140 , and a washer  160 . At its lower end  182 , the support pole  180  connects to the hub  120  using any one of various known attachment means, such as bolting, threading, welding, or frictional engagement. In one embodiment, the bolt  170  and the nut  172  secure the support pole  180  to the hub  120 . The legs  140  are designed to removably engage the hub  120  and are held in place by the washer  160 . In particular, when tightened together, the bolt  170 , the washer  160 , and the nut  172  secure the legs  140  in place with respect to the hub  120 , thereby preventing the legs  140  from disengaging from the hub  120 . Once assembled, the various components of the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100  comprise the support base for an article of furniture, such as the round table  90 . 
       FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 A and  4 B illustrate a bottom plan view, a side cross-sectional view, and top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of an embodiment of the hub  120  of the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 . The hub  120  is generally cylindrical in shape and comprises a bolt hole  122 , at least one guide  124 , and at least one channel  126 . In the specific embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 A, and  4 B, the hub  120  comprises four guides  124  and four channels  126  arranged in an alternating configuration equidistant around the perimeter of the hub  120 , as well as a centrally positioned bolt hole  122 . The bolt hole  122  allows the bolt  170  to pass through the hub  120  when connecting the hub  120  to the support pole  180 , for example. The guides  124  act to position the washer  160  in place when the bolt  170  is inserted through the bolt hole  122  and tightened. The channels  126  are configured to receive a corresponding finger component of the legs  140 , as will be described in more detail herein, which may be inserted from the bottom of the hub  120  and then moved upwardly to slide into the channels  126 . If desired, the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100  may optionally be configured with a plurality of internal supports to increase the structural integrity of the hub  120 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 3 , in an embodiment, the channels  126  each comprise a cavity  134  and an optional key recess  128 . The cavity  134  has a substantially vertical axis and may be outwardly tapered from top to bottom over its vertical length  125  such that the cross-sectional area of the upper portion  132  of the cavity  134  is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the lower portion  130  of the cavity  134 . While it is envisioned that the change in cross-sectional area may not be uniform over the vertical length  125  of the cavity  134 , in an embodiment, the change in cross-sectional area results from a cavity taper angle that produces a uniform change in cross-sectional area across the vertical length  125  of the cavity  134 . The cavity taper angle may be defined as the angle between a true vertical axis and the interior wall of the cavity  134 . Numerous cavity taper angles are suitable for the purposes described herein, and the specific cavity taper angle should be selected by a person of ordinary skill in the art based on various design criteria. For example, a large cavity taper angle improves the weight distribution characteristics of the Interlocking, interchangeable Support Base System  100 . However, a large cavity taper angle also increases the manufacturing complexity of both the hub  120  and the leg  140 . Thus, a person of ordinary skill in the art should aim to balance the need for improved weight distribution properties with the need for simplified manufacturing, as well as other factors, when selecting the cavity taper angle that produces the desired change in cross-sectional area. In various embodiments, the cavity taper angle is at least about 1 degree, between about 5 degrees and about 60 degrees, or between about 10 degrees and about 30 degrees. In other embodiments, particularly those in which the cavity  134  has a non-uniform change in cross-sectional area, the cross-sectional area of the lower portion  130  of the cavity  134  is at least about 5 percent, between about 10 percent and about 100 percent, or between about 15 percent and about 50 percent larger than the cross-sectional area of the upper portion  132  of the cavity  134 . Due to the shape of the cavity  134 , the leg  140  can only be inserted into the channel  126  by sliding the leg  140  up from the bottom of the hub  120 . Thus, the tapered shape of the cavity  134  prevents the leg  140  from being inserted into the cavity  134  in the upside-down position because the smaller cross-sectional area of the upper portion  132  will not accommodate the part of the leg  140  that is sized to fit into the larger cross-sectional area of the lower portion  130 , as will be described in more detail herein. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 2 , the cavity  134  may also be neck-shaped such that the inner portion  131  of the channel  126  closest to the bolt hole  122  has a larger width than the outer portion  133  of the channel  126  adjacent the side surface  135  of the hub  120 . In addition, and as explained in further detail below, the interaction between the cavity  134  and the leg  140  improves the weight distribution between the hub  120  and the leg  140 , thereby increasing the structural integrity of the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 . As will also be explained in greater detail below, if the hub  120  is configured with the optional key recess  128 , the hub key recess  128  works with a key recess  153  on the leg  140  to define a keyhole that is sized to receive a key  174  as shown in  FIG. 15 . The key  174  creates a multi-dimensional force  175  between the hub  120  and the leg  140  that tightens the connection therebetween. 
     Of course, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100  includes embodiments of the hub  120  not specifically illustrated or described herein. For example, the hub  120  can be shaped in alternative shapes, such as oval, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, or any other polygonal shape. The hub  120  can be configured with one, two, three, four, five, six, or any other number of channels  126 . Similarly, the hub  120  can be configured with zero, one, two, three, four, five, or six guides  124 , Further in the alternative, the channel  126  can be open to the top, bottom, inside, or outside of the hub  120 . 
       FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C illustrate an alternative design for a rectangular table  190 , which incorporates an alternative embodiment of the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  200 . The rectangular table  190  illustrated in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B and  5 C is similar to the round table  90  illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , with the exception that the rectangular table  190  in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C contains two brackets  195 , two support poles  280 , two Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base Systems  200 , and a cross-support  197 .  FIGS. 6 ,  7 A, and  7 B illustrate an alternative embodiment of a hub  220  comprising two channels  226  and two guides  224 . While the alternative hub  220  illustrated in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 A, and  7 B may be used as the sole support for an article of furniture, a plurality of the hubs  220  illustrated in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 A, and  7 B may be used to support different areas of an article of furniture, such as the rectangular table  190  shown in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C. 
     Another component of the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 ,  200  is the leg  140 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8 ,  9 , and  10 , the leg  140  comprises three sections: a shoulder  142 , a shall  144 , and a foot  146 . The shoulder  142  connects the leg  140  to the hub  120 ,  220  and comprises a finger  143 , an optional collar  151 , an optional pocket  145 , and an optional key recess  153 . The finger  143  is approximately the same size as the cavity  134  and slides into the channel  126 ,  226  from the bottom of the hub  120 ,  220 . The finger  143  necks down where it connects to the remainder of the leg  140  such that the outermost portion  141  of the finger  143  is thicker than the innermost portion  148  of the finger  143  as shown in  FIG. 9 . The necked down innermost portion  148  of the finger  143  allows the hub  120 ,  220  to retain the finger  143  within the channel  126 ,  226  when the finger  143  is inserted into the channel  126 ,  226 . 
     In an embodiment, the finger  143  may be tapered such that the cross-sectional area of the top  149  of the finger  143  is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the bottom  155  of the finger  143 .  FIGS. 11A ,  11 B,  11 C, and  11 D illustrate various cross-sectional top down views of the finger  143 , taken along section lines  11 A- 11 A,  11 B- 11 B,  11 C- 11 C, and  11 D- 11 D of  FIG. 8 , respectively.  FIGS. 11A ,  11 B,  11 C, and  11 D clearly illustrate that the cross-sectional area of the finger  143  is increasing from the top  149  of the finger  143  shown in  FIG. 11A  to the bottom  155  of the finger  143  shown in  FIG. 11D . While it is envisioned that the change in cross-sectional area may not be uniform over the vertical length  157  of the finger  143 , as identified in  FIG. 10 , in an embodiment, the change in cross-sectional area results from a finger taper angle that produces a uniform change in cross-sectional area across the vertical length  157  of the finger  143 . The finger taper angle may be defined as the angle between a true vertical axis and the wall of the finger  143 . Numerous finger taper angles are suitable for the purposes described herein, and the specific finger taper angle should be selected by a person of ordinary skill in the art based on various design criteria. For example, a large finger taper angle improves the weight distribution characteristics of the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 ,  200 . However, a large finger taper angle also increases the manufacturing complexity of both the hub  120 ,  220  and the leg  140 . Thus, a person of ordinary skill in the art should aim to balance the need for improved weight distribution properties with the need for simplified manufacturing, as well as other factors, when selecting the finger taper angle that produces the desired change in cross-sectional area. In various embodiments, the finger taper angle is at least about 1 degree, between about 5 degrees and about 60 degrees, or between about 10 degrees and about 30 degrees. In other embodiments, particularly those in which the finger  143  has a non-uniform change in cross-sectional area, the cross-sectional area of the bottom  155  of the finger  143  is at least about 5 percent, between about 10 percent and about 100 percent, or between about 15 percent and about 50 percent larger than the cross-sectional area of the top  149  of the finger  143 . The tapered shape of the finger  143  prevents the finger  143  from being inserted into the cavity  134  in the upside-down configuration. In addition, the tapered shape of the finger  143  allows for better weight distribution between the hub  120 ,  220  and the legs  140 . More specifically, the tapered finger  143  and channel  126 ,  226  allow the weight of the article of furniture to be transferred from the hub  120 ,  220  to the leg  140  across the top and side surfaces of the finger  143 . In contrast, if the finger  143  were shaped such that it was not tapered (e.g. the walls of the finger  143  were vertical), then the load would merely be transferred from the hub  120 ,  220  to the leg  140  across the top surface of the finger  143 , not the combination of the top and side surfaces of the finger  143 . 
     The improved weight distribution characteristics of the interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 ,  200  allow less structural material to be used in the various components of the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 ,  200 , and also allow the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 ,  200  to support larger loads than untapered designs to meet structural integrity standards common within the furniture industry. For example, a finite elements analysis (FEA) indicates that the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 ,  200  would meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer&#39;s Association (BIFMA) standard X5.5-1998, section 4. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 8 ,  9  and  10 , in an embodiment, the shoulder  142  further comprises a collar  151  which is a decorative component that wraps around part of the hub  120 ,  220 . The collar  151  is sized such that radius of curvature of the collar  151  is approximately equal to the radius of curvature of the hub  120 ,  220 . Thus, when the leg  140  is attached to the hub  120 ,  220  the collar  151  conforms to the hub  120 ,  220  to reduce the visibility of the connection between the hub  120 ,  220  and the leg  140 , thereby giving the appearance that the hub  120 ,  220  and the leg  140  are of unitary construction. 
     In an embodiment, the shoulder  142  further comprises a pocket  145 , which is a downwardly tapered portion of the shoulder  142  that mates with the washer  160 . When the bolt  170  is tightened to secure the various components of the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 ,  200  together, the washer  160  mates with the pocket  145  and exerts the multi-dimensional force  175  shown in  FIG. 14  on the leg  140 , the force  174  acting to tighten the connection between the leg  140  and the hub  120 ,  220 . While it is envisioned that the pocket taper may not be uniform over the horizontal width  159  of the pocket  145 , as identified in  FIG. 8 , in an embodiment the taper results from a pocket taper angle that produces a uniform taper across the horizontal width  159  of the pocket  145 . The pocket taper angle may be defined as the angle between a true horizontal axis and the surface of the pocket  145 . Numerous pocket taper angles are suitable for the purposes described herein and the specific pocket taper angle should be selected by a person of ordinary skill in the art based on various design criteria. For example, a large pocket taper angle increases a horizontal component  176  of the multi-dimensional force  175 , thereby improving the ability of the washer  160  to tighten the connection between the hub  120 ,  220  and the leg  140 . However, a large pocket taper angle also decreases a vertical component  177  of the multi-dimensional force  175 , limiting the ability of the washer  160  to retain the legs  140  in the hub  120 ,  220 . Thus, a person of ordinary skill in the art should aim to balance the need for the horizontal component  176  with the need for the vertical component  177  of the multi-dimensional force  175 , as well as other factors, when selecting the pocket taper angle. In one embodiment, the pocket taper angle is substantially the same as the washer taper angle discussed below. In various embodiments, the pocket taper angle is at least about 1 degree, between about 5 degrees and about 60 degrees, or between about 30 degrees and about 45 degrees. 
     In an embodiment, the shoulder  142  further comprises the key recess  153  depicted in  FIG. 10 . The key recess  153 , in combination with the key recess  128  on the hub  120 ,  220  defines a keyhole sized to receive the key  174  shown in  FIG. 15 . The key  174  can be angled such that the key  174  exerts the multi-dimensional force  175  on the hub  120 ,  220  and the leg  140 , which tightens the connection of the leg  140  to the hub  120 ,  220 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 8 ,  9  and  10 , the leg  140  also comprises the shaft  144  and the foot  146 . The shaft  144  connects the shoulder  142  to the foot  146  and extends away from the hub  120 ,  220  in at least the horizontal direction such that the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 ,  200  has a wider footprint and thus greater stability. As shown in phantom lines in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the shaft  144  optionally comprises a plurality of ribs  147  for increasing the structural integrity of the shaft  144 . The foot  146  is the section of the leg  140  that ultimately supports the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100  and may comprise a hole  169 . If desired, a leveling foot, wheel, or caster (not shown) may be inserted into the hole  169  so that the article of furniture can be leveled or made to roll across a floor or other surface. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , another component of the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 ,  200  is the washer  160 , which is shaped to conform to the lower surface of the hub  120 ,  220 . More specifically, the washer  160  comprises a plurality of arms  161 , a plurality of optional tapered ends  164 , a hole  162 , and an optional depression  166 . The arms  161  fit between the guides  124 ,  224  on the lower side of the hub  120 ,  220  and may position the tapered ends  164  in the pockets  145 . In particular, the tapered ends  164  mate with the pockets  145  and, upon tightening the bolt  170 , exert the multi-dimensional force  175  upon the pockets  145  as shown in  FIG. 14 . While it is envisioned that the taper may not be uniform over the horizontal length  165  of the tapered end  164 , in an embodiment the taper results from a washer taper angle that produces a uniform taper across the horizontal length  165  of the tapered end  164 . The washer taper angle may be defined as the angle between a true horizontal axis and the upper surface of the tapered end  164 . Numerous washer taper angles are suitable for the purposes described herein and the specific washer taper angle should be selected by a person of ordinary skill in the art based on various design criteria. For example, a large washer taper angle increases the horizontal component  176  of the multi-dimensional force  175 , thereby improving the ability of the washer  160  to tighten the connection between the hub  120 ,  220  and the leg  140 . However, a large washer taper angle also decreases the vertical component  177  of the multi-dimensional force  175 , limiting the ability of the washer  160  to retain the legs  140  in the hub  120 ,  220 . Thus, a person of ordinary skill in the art should aim to balance the need for the horizontal component  176  with the need for the vertical component  177  of the multi-dimensional force  175 , as well as other factors, when selecting the washer taper angle. In one embodiment, the washer taper angle is substantially the same as the pocket taper angle discussed above. In various embodiments, the washer taper angle is at least about 1 degree, between about 5 degrees and about 60 degrees, or between about 30 degrees and about 45 degrees. Referring again to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the hole  162  in the washer  160  allows the bolt  170  to pass through the washer  160 . The washer  160  may also be configured with a depression  166  adjacent to the hole  162 . The depression  166  allows the bolt  170  to be separated from the remainder of the surface of the washer  160 , thereby accommodating larger bolt heads and allowing the assembly tools to have better gripping capacity on bolt heads having a low profile. Of course, in alternative embodiments the washer  160  may contain any number of arms  161  and/or may comprise a conventional round disc or other polygonal shape. Furthermore, in certain embodiments of the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 ,  200  such as the embodiment shown in  FIG. 15 , the washer  160  can be configured without the tapered ends  164 . 
     As described above, the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 ,  200  is assembled by sliding the legs  140  upwardly into the channels  126 ,  226  of the hub  120 ,  220 , positioning the washer  160  under the hub  120 ,  220 , sliding the bolt  170  through the washer  160  and hub  120 ,  220 , and tightening the nut  172  on the bolt  170 .  FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate the assembled connection between the hub  120 ,  220 , the leg  140 , the washer  160 , the bolt  170 , and the nut  172 . More specifically,  FIG. 14  illustrates the embodiment of the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 ,  200  in which the washer  160  contains the tapered end  164  and the leg  140  contains the pocket  145 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the washer  160  exerts a multi-dimensional force  175  comprising a vertical component  177  and a horizontal component  176  on the leg  140 . The vertical component  177  retains the leg  140  within the hub  120 ,  220  while the horizontal component  176  pushes the leg  140  outwardly away from the hub  120 ,  220 . The outward force on the leg  140  caused by the horizontal component  176  tightens the connection between the hub  120 ,  220  and the leg  140  such that the position of the leg  140  is substantially fixed with respect to the hub  120 ,  220  and thus the article of furniture. The fixed position of the leg  140  with respect to the hub  120 ,  220  substantially eliminates any wiggle in the connection between the leg  140  and the hub  120 ,  220 , which is important because any wiggle would be very apparent to the users of the article of furniture, particularly in tables. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 15 , an alternative embodiment of the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 ,  200  is illustrated. Unlike the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 15  lacks the tapered ends  164  on the washer  160  and the pocket  145  in the leg  140 , and instead uses a key  174  to create the multi-dimensional force  175 . More specifically, when the bolt  170  is tightened, the washer  160  exerts an upward force on the key  174 , which in turn causes the key  174  to exert the multi-dimensional force  175  on the hub  120 ,  220  and/or the leg  140 . Depending on the shape of the key  174 , the key  174  may exert the multi-dimensional force  175  on the hub  120 ,  220  on the leg  140 , or on both the hub  120 ,  220  and the leg  140 . As with the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 15  comprises the vertical component  177  of the multi-dimensional force  175  that retains the leg  140  within the hub  120 ,  220  as well as the horizontal component  176  of the force  175  that pushes the leg  140  outwardly away from the hub  120 ,  220 . The outward force on the leg  140  caused by the horizontal component  176  tightens the connection between the hub  120 ,  220  and the leg  140  such that the position of the leg  140  is substantially fixed with respect to the hub  120 ,  220  and thus the article of furniture. Of course, persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the key  174  and the combination of the tapered ends  164  and the pocket  145  perform similar functions. Thus, the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 ,  200  can be configured with the key  174 , the combination of the tapered ends  164  and the pocket  145 , or the key  174  and the combination of the tapered ends  164  and the pocket  145 . 
     The Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 ,  200  may be used as a support base system for any type of furniture. For example, the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 ,  200  can be used as a support base system for commercial or residential furniture such as chairs, stools, tables, desks, and various types of stands, for example. It is also contemplated that the interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 ,  200  can be used as a support base system for other items not specifically described herein. 
     The various components illustrated and discussed herein can be made of any type of suitable material and produced by any acceptable method. For example, the various components may be made of wood, metal, plastic, other materials, or combinations thereof. The various components may be made by milling, casting, forging, extrusion, any other manufacturing method, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the various components of the Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base System  100 ,  200  are made from aluminum or steel in a die casting process. One method for die casting aluminum components is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,772,821 to Fulton et al., entitled “System for Manufacturing Die Castings,” which is incorporated by reference herein as if reproduced in its entirety. In various embodiments, the cast components may be chrome plated, brushed, or have a powder-coated finish. 
     While various embodiments of Interlocking, Interchangeable Support Base Systems and associated methods have been shown and described herein, modifications thereof may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the teachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations, and modifications are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is defined by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.