Abstract:
A furniture line featuring a table which is customizable and suited for confined and irregular spaces such as balconies, decks or outdoors which line can be easily assembled or disassembled essentially by hand and available affordably with a variety of selectable tops, shapes and applications. The table features a skeletal frame arrangement with universal top mounts, selectable curved tubular or rod like legs, at least one and preferably two hub couplers or tubular leg and pedestal base, and optional rotatable or slide on levelers for uneven surfaces. A method and system disclosed provides purchaser customization of the table and complementary ensembles.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This patent application is a divisional application of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/279,543 filed May 16, 2014. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/824,046, filed May 16, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to furniture articles, particularly a line of tables and complementary ensembles that are ideally suited for use on small balconies, terraces, decks or walkways and confined or even irregular shaped areas. More specifically it relates to a furniture line that offers customizable furniture items such as table top shapes, sizes, heights and uses from selectable components while maintaining low cost affordability, ease of assembly and disassembly, essentially by hand, and even use of minimal tools and loose parts. 
         [0003]    The furniture field is replete with table constructions for indoor and outdoor uses, and they are available limited as to aesthetics and/or functionality so that purchasers have to accept what is offered or available on the market. Accordingly, there has been numerous sacrifices that had to be made either as to aesthetics, functionality, ease of assembly, costs, or suitability for the intended purpose. 
         [0004]    It will be appreciated that this background description is merely an overview to aid the reader, and it is not to be taken as reference to particular prior art, nor, as an indication that any of the deficiencies, disadvantages, or other problems pointed out were appreciated in the art or that they were satisfactorily resolved. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The disclosure describes, in one aspect, a furniture line featuring a customizable table having a top frame, provided selectively in a variety of geometric shapes adapted to receive tops selectable from numerous provided materials and patterns, including solid surface and grids; models with openings for umbrella poles and other accessories; an under mount cross-member coupling system to connect the top frame to a plurality of tubular or rod-like legs, either 3 or 4, in number, the legs being curved and transitioning from vertical to horizontal at upper and lower ends, at least one and preferably two hub-type leg couplers adapted to connect the legs intermediate to their ends and being easily attached and removable; and optionally provided horizontally mountable, rotatable leg levelers to provide stability on uneven surfaces. The disclosed table line provides durability, selection and customization of top shapes, sizes and varying materials, ease of assembly and disassembly, and stability in confined locations on multiple surfaces. 
         [0006]    The disclosure also describes various improvements in the ease and versatility of attaching the components by way of alignment, securement and interchangeability providing personalized aesthetics and functions desired by users. 
         [0007]    Finally, some of the embodiments disclose companion accessories that enhance the versatility of the table line and show the possible expansion of the features, components and aesthetics to related articles of furniture or other items of decor. 
         [0008]    Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent and explained as the description herein proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings, and further by the accompanying claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a top down perspective view of an exemplary 3 leg table constructed according to the invention herein; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a top down perspective view of another exemplary 3 leg table; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a top down perspective view of another exemplary 4 leg table; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a top down perspective view of another exemplary 4 leg table; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a top down perspective view of another exemplary 4 leg table; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a top down perspective view of another exemplary 4 leg table; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a top down perspective view of another exemplary 4 leg table; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a top down perspective view of another exemplary 4 leg table; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a top down perspective view of another exemplary 3 leg table; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary 3 leg table showing the components making up the table and with an umbrella pole; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10 a    is an exploded perspective view similar to  FIG. 10 , for a 4 leg table; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a partial exploded view of table top components and with a hook ring, a tubular leg and interlocking plates; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11 a    is an exemplary exploded view of a top construction and an optional twist-on tubular leg employing interlocking plates; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary cross bar construction for a 3 leg table and a leg hub; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of a cross bar top construction with the optional twist on tubular leg mounts and a pedestal base; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is an exploded top perspective view of a pole cup and 3 leg hub; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14 a    is an enlarged bottom perspective view of a 4 leg hub; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a top down perspective view of a table extender with an exemplary top; 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is another top down perspective view of a table top with an alternate top extender; 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a composite plan view of an exemplary sample of selectable top shapes; 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a composite plan view showing fragmentary samples of exemplary grid type tops for selection; 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a front end perspective of a foot leveler component; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 20 and 20   a  are plan views of the top and bottom respectively, of the leveler of  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  is a side plan view of the leveler of  FIG. 20 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  is an end view of the leveler here being substantially round in shape with a flat bottom; 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  is a cross sectional view along the line  23 - 23  in  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of another foot leveler substantially triangular in shape; 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  is a side plan view of the leveler of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 26  is a top plan view of the leveler of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 27  is yet another plan view of the leveler of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view along the line  28 - 28  of  FIG. 27 ; 
           [0040]      FIGS. 29 and 29   a  are composite views of alternative levelers in a set; 
           [0041]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of another foot leveler here being pentagon shaped 
           [0042]      FIG. 31  is a side plan view of the leveler of  FIG. 29 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 32  is a side plan view of the leveler of  FIG. 30 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 33  is a top plan view of the leveler of  FIG. 30 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 34  is an end view of the leveler taken along the line  34 - 34  in  FIG. 33 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 35  is an exploded perspective view of a hook rings and tubular leg; 
           [0047]      FIG. 36  is a partial perspective view of exemplary legs with levelers exploded therefrom. 
           [0048]      FIG. 37  is a bottom plan view of an exemplary table construction here showing a removable assembly; 
           [0049]      FIG. 38  is a perspective view of a complementary chair; 
           [0050]      FIG. 39  is an exploded perspective view of the chair of  FIG. 38 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 40  is a front elevational view thereof; 
           [0052]      FIG. 41  is a right side elevational view thereof; 
           [0053]      FIG. 42  is a rear side elevational view thereof; 
           [0054]      FIG. 43  is a top plan view thereof; 
           [0055]      FIG. 44  is a left side elevational view thereof; 
           [0056]      FIG. 45  is a bottom plan view thereof; 
           [0057]      FIG. 46  is a perspective view of a protective cover for the interlocking plate with lugs; 
           [0058]      FIG. 47  is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a 4 leg table; 
           [0059]      FIGS. 48, 48   a , and  48   b  are a perspective view, a top view, and a side view of the smaller top hub for a 4 leg table; 
           [0060]      FIGS. 49, 49   a , and  49   b  are a perspective view, a top view, and a side view of the larger bottom hub for a 4 leg table; 
           [0061]      FIG. 50  is a back end perspective view of another embodiment of a foot leveler component here being bulb shaped; and 
           [0062]      FIGS. 51, 51   a , and  51   b  are plan views of the end, side, and cross sectional views respectively, of the leveler in  FIG. 50 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0063]    Referring to the drawings, particularly  FIGS. 1-9 , conjointly, there is shown an exemplary table line construction embodied in the present invention and generally indicated at  50 . As shown, each table  50  includes a top  52  with a peripheral frame  54 , a top surface  56 , here being a grid, 3 or 4 leg members  58 , here being curved tubular or rod-like, and a hub  60  intermediate leg ends for fastening the legs together. As illustrated the tables include an opening  62  for an umbrella pole  63  or the like. 
         [0064]    In accordance with the present invention, the tables are representative of a furniture line customizable with the table being ideally suited for use on small balconies, terraces, decks or walkways which are confined or have irregular shaped areas. The customization of the tables is implemented by the provision of selectable numbers of a variety of geometric shape frames, corresponding tops, selectable from numerous materials and patterns in solid surface or grids and other options like openings for umbrella or light poles, holders, leg numbers and type, foot levelers and hooks. 
         [0065]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , the exploded view of components for an exemplary 3 leg table  50  includes a peripheral frame  54  which has an inwardly extending lip  55  on the top edge of the frame wall. The wall is preferably angled with the angle being approximately between 65° and 110° and the optimal angle is about 70°. A top  56  complementary with the frame shape fits into the frame held against the lip  55 . Beneath the top  56  there is provided a cross bar member  64  having arms  66  and a ring  68  forming a spoke-like construction when assembled. The outer arm  66  ends attach to the inner wall of frame  54  to form the top assembly. In this instance the top is provided with an opening  70  for receipt of an umbrella pole  72 . The top opening  70  corresponds to the center ring  68  of the pole member in location which would be the epicenter of the particular shaped table top. A top ring  74  finishes the top. The table legs  58  are vertical intermediate the ends and from the vertical position they curve outwardly and become horizontal at the top and bottom ends. 
         [0066]    The bottom horizontal leg portions are provided with a threaded interior inward of the end tip to receive and hold a rotatable foot leveler  75  such as shown in  FIGS. 19 to 24  and  FIG. 36 . 
         [0067]    In order to secure the legs together there is provided a hub  60  which is collar shaped and has vertical semicircular grooves  81  symmetrically spaced about its outer periphery. The legs  58  attach to the collar or hub  60  that has tapped holes  77  (shown in  FIG. 14 a   ) by way of Allen Head machine screws  78 . 
         [0068]    In accordance with the invention, referring to  FIGS. 10 and 10   a , the components which make up the table assembly are fairly few in number and capable of being “bin” or inventory parts. This hub  60  available for 3 or 4 leg versions can be stocked for purchase selection. Likewise center tube  68 , ring  74 , and legs  56  in a number of sizes may be stocked. The top frames, tops, and cross-bars are also possible stockable parts according to the number of selectable tables being offered. The accents and other accessories may be further stocked items. 
         [0069]    In  FIGS. 10 and 10   a  there is shown a partial portion of a pole  63  such as for an umbrella (not shown) that passes through the table opening  60  and the collar hub  60 . A stop ring embedded in bottom hub  60   a  can be used to limit the height of the pole from the ground. 
         [0070]    Alternatively, referring to  FIGS. 12 and 14 , a cup member  82  having cylindrical bottom portion  83  and an enlarged rim  84  seats in a groove  85  on collar hub  60  to receive the end of a pole  63 . 
         [0071]    An alternative embodiment of a table is illustrated in  FIG. 47 . An exploded view of components for an exemplary 4 leg table  250  includes a peripheral frame  254  which has an inwardly extending lip  255  on the top edge of the frame wall. A top  256  complementary with the frame shape fits into the frame held against the lip  255 . Beneath the top  256  there is provided a cross bar member  264  having arms  266  and a ring  268  forming a spoke-like construction when assembled. In some embodiments the top is provided with an opening  270  for receipt of an umbrella pole. The table legs  258  are vertical intermediate the ends and from the vertical position they curve outwardly and become horizontal at the top and bottom ends. In order to secure the legs together there is provided an upper hub  260  and a lower hub  280 . The hubs are collar shaped and have vertical semicircular grooves  281  and  283  symmetrically spaced about their outer periphery. The legs  258  attach to the collars or hubs  260  and  280  that have tapped holes by way of Allen Head machine screws 
         [0072]    The upper hub  260  described above is illustrated in greater detail in  FIGS. 48, 48   a , and  48   b.  The embedded upper hub  260  can receive a pole end. 
         [0073]    The lower hub  280  described above is illustrated in greater detail in  FIGS. 49, 49   a , and  49   b . The embedded lower hub  280  can receive a pole end. 
         [0074]    Referring to  FIGS. 11, 11   a  and  13 , a tubular leg  88  is provided that is attached with interlocking plates or rings  90 ,  92 . The upper ring  92  here shown with lugs  93  attaches to the cross bar structure and the lower ring with slots  94  is affixed to the tubular leg  88  top. Of course, the rings can be reversed and in either case the tube would be attachable and removable with a twisting movement. The lower end of tubular leg  88  attaches to a base  99  which can be round or other shapes. The preferred attachment is by way of similar interlocking plates or rings  90 ,  92   a  allowing for a twist connection. The pedestal base  99  is here shown as circular, however, it is intended that a number of different geometric shaped bases will be provided for selection. 
         [0075]    Another accessory shown in  FIGS. 11 and 35  is a hook member  95  which is a ring  96  and a series of single hooks  97  that seats above the tubular leg  88 . Referring to  FIG. 35  there is shown a double hook  95  alternative. The hooks can be used to hang articles beneath the table top. 
         [0076]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention the table tops may be enlarged when larger surfaces are needed. Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , there is shown examples of extenders  100  that fit around the table top  56  providing additional top surface. The extenders are collar like with an interior opening the edge of which is angled to be complementary to the angle of outer edge  54  of the top  56 . It is preferred that the angle is approximately 70°. 
         [0077]    In  FIG. 15  the top extender  100  is a flat surface while in  FIG. 16  the extender is provided with cup holder openings  102 . 
         [0078]    As shown in  FIG. 17 , an exemplary number of different geometric shaped tops  52  are provided for selection. Each of the shapes can be provided in a selectable number of dimensions.  FIG. 18  shows an exemplary number of grid  56  designs that can be provided for selection. The selectable tops can also include solid surfaces made of different materials and with choices of colors and surface designs. 
         [0079]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, foot levelers  75  are provided that are either stationary or rotatable to provide stability on uneven surfaces. 
         [0080]    Referring to  FIGS. 19-28 , the foot leveler  75  is an elongated body  110  substantially cylindrical with a flat portion  112 . An elongated opening  114  eccentrically located allows the leveler to slide onto the horizontal ends of the table legs. An internal rib  116  snap fits with the annular groove  76  of the table legs. 
         [0081]    In  FIG. 24-28  the foot leveler is substantially triangular in cross-section and the center opening is eccentrically located so that when rotated there are three different radii to make leveling adjustments. 
         [0082]    Another embodiment of a foot leveler is illustrated in  FIGS. 49-52 . The foot leveler  275  is bulb shaped and has an elongated body  310  that is substantially cylindrical. In some embodiments, the elongated body may have a flat portion. An elongated opening  314  eccentrically located allows the leveler to screw into the horizontal ends of table leg. 
         [0083]    In  FIGS. 29 and 29   a  there are shown composite sets of slide on foot levelers which have different amounts of lift to level or stabilize a table leg. 
         [0084]      FIGS. 30 to 34  show a substantially 5-sided or pentagon shaped in cross section leveler which upon rotation provides 5 different lift radii for leveling a table. 
         [0085]    It will be appreciated that other polygonal cross-sectional shapes can be used to provide more or less amounts of lift. 
         [0086]    Referring to  FIG. 35  there is shown a partial view of a tubular leg  88  which can twist connect to an upper plate  90  (not shown) attached to the table top. Exploded above the leg is shown alternative hook rings  95  with double hooks  101  and with alternative 3 or 4 sets being shown. 
         [0087]    Referring to  FIG. 37 , there is shown an exemplary underside of a table top where assembly of the frame  50 , cross bar  66 , sleeve  68  and top  56  are done with Allen head screws  78 . This allows the top to be easily disassembled to replace or change a top surface. 
         [0088]    In accordance with carrying out the method of the present invention there is shown in  FIGS. 38-45  an illustrative complementary chair  120  that is customizable along with a table to make an ensemble. 
         [0089]    The chair has tubular or rod-like front legs  122  and back legs  124 . The front legs are bent over rearwardly and provide connection to a seat  126  by way of Allen head screws  78 . 
         [0090]    The seat  126  includes a tubular frame and top which can be a solid surface or a grid to match a table top in material and, if desired, substantially in shape. 
         [0091]    The rear legs  124  rise up and support a seat back  128  also constructed with a frame and a top like the seat. 
         [0092]    The front legs  122  are attached to the back legs  124  by way of Allen head screws. Referring to  FIG. 46 , there is shown a perspective view of a plastic protective cover  130  for the lugs of ring or plate  90  whether on the table or a base. 
         [0093]    It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed customizable table and furniture line. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the disclosures or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosures more generally. All language of distinction with respect to certain features is not intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features or to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated. 
         [0094]    Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods for selection or assembly described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein as otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 
         [0095]    Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 
         [0096]    The designs, shapes, sizes and arrangements shown and described are intended to be illustrative of the versatility and choices that would be available, however, it is not intended that other variations thereof are excluded.