Patent Publication Number: US-7905185-B2

Title: Table top with integral alignment members

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/772,119, filed Feb. 9, 2006 and entitled TABLE, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to tables. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Conventional tables may include a table top and one or more legs or leg assemblies. Conventional tables may also include frame connected to the table top and the table top may be constructed from materials such as wood or plastic. The frame may include a pair of side rails that are connected to the table top using one or more fasteners. When an excessive force or load is applied to the table, the fasteners may allow the frame to detach or separate from the table top. In addition, if the table top is constructed from plastic, the fasteners can damage and even tear through the table top if the load or force exceeds a certain amount. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     A need therefore exists for a table that eliminates or diminishes the disadvantages and problems described above. 
     One aspect is a table that may include a table top, a frame and one or more stops. The frame may be connected to the table top using one or more fasteners, and the stops may be disposed proximate the fasteners. Consequently, when a force is applied to the table, such as a force that draws the frame away from the table top, the fasteners may contact and/or engage the stops, which may help resist the frame&#39;s movement away from the table top. Resisting this movement may advantageously help the table top and the frame to remain in a generally fixed relative position. 
     Another aspect is a table that may include a table top, which may include one or more stops, a frame and fasteners connecting the frame to the table top. Advantageously, the fasteners may abut the stops of the table top. In addition, the fasteners may extend along at least half of the depth of the stops and may extend past the stops, if desired. Significantly, when forces are applied to the table that may draw the frame away from the table top, the fasteners may contact and/or engage the stops, which may allow a larger force to be applied to the table. For example, when the fasteners contact the stops, the forces may be spread out along a larger part of the stops. Advantageously, this may help the stops resist the fasteners&#39; movement, which may help prevent the fasteners from damaging portions of the table top. 
     These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The appended drawings contain figures of preferred embodiments to further illustrate and clarify the above and other aspects, advantages and features of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary table; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a portion of the table shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the table top and the frame; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of a portion of the table top and frame shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of a portion of the table top shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a portion of the frame shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is another side view of the portion of the frame shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the portion of the frame shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the table top and frame shown in  FIG. 2 , illustrating an exemplary fastener connecting the frame and table top; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the table top shown in  FIG. 8  without the frame and the fastener; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the table top and frame shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the frame and fastener shown in  FIG. 8 ; and 
         FIG. 12  is another cross-sectional side view of a portion of the frame and fastener shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is generally directed towards a table. The principles of the present invention, however, are not limited to tables. It will be understood that, in light of the present disclosure, the table disclosed herein can be successfully used in connection with other types of furniture or structures. 
     Additionally, to assist in the description of the table, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, right and left may be used to describe the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. It will be appreciated, however, that the table can be located in a variety of desired positions—including various angles, sideways and even upside down. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of a table  10  includes a table top  12  with a first leg assembly  14  and a second leg assembly  16  that may be used to support the table top above a surface such as the floor. The first and second leg assemblies  14 ,  16  may include one or more legs  18 . For example, as shown in the accompanying figures, the first and second leg assembles  14 ,  16  could include two legs  18  that are interconnected. The leg assemblies  14 ,  16  could also include only a single leg  18 , if desired. In addition, the leg assemblies  14 ,  16  could include any suitable number and configuration of legs  18 , and the leg assemblies may include other suitable parts and components depending, for example, upon the design of the leg assemblies. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the leg assemblies  14 ,  16  and legs  18  may have a variety of suitable shapes and sizes, and the leg assemblies and/or legs may have a fixed or adjustable length. 
     The leg assemblies  14 ,  16  are preferably movable between a collapsed position and an extended position relative to the table top  12 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the first leg assembly  14  is in the extended position in which the leg assembly extends outwardly from the table top  12 , and the second leg assembly  16  is in the collapsed position in which the leg assembly is generally adjacent and parallel to the lower portion of the table top. When the leg assemblies  14 ,  16  are in the collapsed position, all or a portion of the leg assemblies may contact or abut the lower portion of the table top  12 , if desired. Advantageously, this may facilitate shipping and/or stacking of the tables  10 . As discussed in greater detail below, the leg assemblies  14 ,  16  may be pivotally connected to the table top  12 , but the leg assemblies may be connected to the table top in any suitable manner. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the table top  12  may have a generally rectangular shape. For example, the table top  12  may have a length of about 72 inches (about 1.8 meters) and a width of about 30 inches (about 0.76 meters). Advantageously, this size of table top  12  may be used to form a utility-type table, which may allow the table  10  to be used for a wide variety of purposes and reasons. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the table top  12  could also be larger or smaller depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table  10 . The table top  12  could also have other suitable configurations such as a generally circular configuration with a diameter of about 60 inches (about 1.54 meters) or a generally square configuration with about 37-inch (about 0.94 meters) sides. The table  10  may include a relatively small table top  12  that is sized and configured for use by an individual. On the other hand, if the table  10  is intended to be used by more than one person, then the table top  12  may have a larger size. Significantly, the table top  12  may be sized and configured for numerous suitable particular purposes and functions, such as a personal table, computer table, game table, bedside table, night stand, television table, utility table, card table, conference table and the like. While the table  10  may be sized and configured for a particular use or activity, the table could also have a general shape, design and/or configuration to allow it to be used in a variety of situations and circumstances. 
     The table top  12  is preferably constructed from a lightweight material and, more preferably, the table top is constructed from plastic, such as high density polyethylene. The plastic table top  12  is desirably formed by a blow-molding process because, for example, the blow-molding process may allow a strong, lightweight, rigid and sturdy table top to be quickly and easily manufactured. Advantageously, a blow-molded plastic table top  12  may have a lighter weight than a conventional table top, which may allow the table  10  to be more easily moved, transported and stored. The blow-molded plastic table top  12  may also be constructed from less plastic than a conventional plastic table top, and that may reduce manufacturing expenses and consumer costs. In addition, the blow-molded plastic table top  12  may be constructed with thinner outer walls and that may allow the table top to cool more quickly during the manufacturing process. This may decrease the time required to create the table top  12  and may increase the efficiency in which the table  10  is manufactured. 
     The blow-molded plastic table top  12  may be lightweight because it may include a hollow interior portion that is formed during the blow-molding process. Advantageously, the lightweight table top  12  may allow a lighter weight table  10  to be constructed. The lighter weight table  10  may reduce shipping costs and may allow the consumer to more easily move the table. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hollow interior portion formed during the manufacturing process may be subsequently filled with material, such as foam, and that the table top  12  does not have to be formed with a hollow interior portion. 
     The table top  12  is preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic because flow-molded plastic table tops may be relatively durable, weather resistant, temperature insensitive, corrosion resistant and rust resistant. In addition, blow-molded plastic generally does not deteriorate over time and can be used in a wide variety of environments. One skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that the table top  12  does not have to be constructed from blow-molded plastic and other suitable materials and/or processes can be used to construct the table top depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table  10 . Thus, the table top  12  could be constructed from other materials with suitable characteristics, such as, other plastics, composites, synthetics, wood, plywood, particle board, metal, metal alloys, fiberglass, ceramics and the like. Additionally, the table top  12  could be constructed using other suitable processes such as injection molding, extrusion molding, compression molding, rotary molding and the like. 
     The table top  12  may include one or more features such as a generally downwardly extending lip  20 . Advantageously, the lip  20  may be integrally formed in the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece structure. The lip  20  may be disposed about the outer portion of the table top  12  or the lip may be disposed inwardly from the outer edge of the table top. The table top  12  may also include one or more recesses that are sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the leg assemblies  14 ,  16  when the leg assemblies are in the collapsed position. For example, as shown in the accompanying figures, a recess may be at least partially formed by the lower portion of the table top  12  and the lip  20 . Advantageously, when the leg assemblies  14 ,  16  are in the collapsed position, the leg assemblies may be partially or completely disposed within the recess. 
     As discussed above, when the leg assemblies  14 ,  16  are in the collapsed position, the leg assemblies are preferably positioned generally adjacent and parallel to a lower portion of the table top  12 . In addition, all or a portion of the leg assemblies  14 ,  16  may contact the lower portion of the table top  12  when the leg assemblies are in the collapsed position. Advantageously, when the leg assemblies  14 ,  16  are in the collapsed position, the leg assemblies may be sized, configured and positioned so that the leg assemblies do not extend beyond a plane that is generally aligned with a lower portion of the lip  20 . The leg assemblies  14 ,  16  may also be sized, configured and positioned so that the leg assembles are at least substantially disposed within an envelope generally defined by the lower portion of the table top  12 , the lip  20  and a plane generally aligned with a lower portion of the lip. Advantageously, these configurations may facilitate stacking of the tables  10 , which may allow the tables to be more easily shipped and stored. 
     In greater detail, as shown in the accompanying figures, the lip  20  is preferably disposed about the outer periphery of the table top  12  and it may be generally aligned with the outer edge of the table top. In particular, the lip  20  may include an outer portion that is generally aligned with the outer edge of the table top  12 , but the lip could be spaced inwardly if desired. The lip  20  may also include a lower portion with a generally even and level surface. Preferably, the lower portion of the lip  20  is generally aligned in the same plane to facilitate stacking of the table  10 . In addition, the lip  20  may include a hollow interior portion and the lip may be integrally formed with the table top  12 , for example, during the blow-molding process. Advantageously, this may allow the hollow interior portion of the lip  20  to be formed with the hollow interior portion of the table top  12  during the blow-molding process. This may also allow the hollow interior portion of the lip  20  to be in communication with the hollow interior portion of the table top  12 . It will be appreciated, however, that the lip  20  does not have to be integrally formed with the table top  12  and the lip could be formed from other suitable processes and materials. It will also be appreciated that the lip  20  could be a separate component that is attached to the table top  12  and the lip could be disposed about all or only a portion of the table top. Further, it will be appreciated that the lip  20  could have a variety of suitable arrangements and configurations, and the table  10  does not require a lip. 
     The table top  12  may also include other features such as depressions  22 , which are also known as tack-offs or kiss-offs. The depressions  22  may also be integrally formed as part of a unitary one-piece table top  12 , such as during the blow-molding process. As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , a plurality of depressions  22  may be disposed in the lower surface of the table top  12 . The depressions  22  preferably cover at least a substantial portion of the lower surface of the table top  12  and the depressions preferably extend towards and/or contact an opposing surface, such as the upper surface of the table top. For example, depressions  22  may be formed in the lower portion of the table top  12  and the ends of the depressions may contact or abut the inner surface of the upper portion of table top  12  or the ends of the depressions may be spaced from the upper portion of the table top. The depressions  22  may also be formed in a predetermined pattern or array, and the depressions may be placed in a staggered, geometric, random or suitable arrangement. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the depressions  22  may be formed in any desired portions of the table top  12 . 
     Advantageously, the depressions  22  may be sized and configured to increase the strength and/or structural integrity of the table top  12 . For example, it was previously believed that stronger blow-molded plastic structures were created by increasing the thickness of the outer walls and/or adding reinforcement structures such as troughs or ribs. Increasing the number of depressions in a blow-molded plastic structure, however, created the surprising and unexpected result of a stronger structure. In addition, increasing the number of depressions created the surprising and unexpected result that the thickness of the outer walls may be reduced, which may allow a structure to be constructed with less plastic. Surprisingly, increasing the number of depressions increased the strength and structural integrity of the structure despite forming additional disruptions and discontinuities in the structure. These surprising and unexpected results allow the table top  12  to be constructed with less plastic even though the lower surface of the table top includes a greater number of disruptions and discontinuities created by the depressions  22 . Additionally, the increased number of depressions  22  may increase the strength and/or structural integrity of the table top  12 . Accordingly, less plastic may be used to make the table top  12  by increasing the number of depressions  22 , which may create a lighter weight table  10 . 
     Additionally, the depressions  22  may reduce the amount of time required to manufacture the table top  12 . For example, when a blow-molded structure such as the table top  12  formed, a certain amount of time must elapse before the structure can be removed from the mold. Advantageously, blow-molded structures with thinner walls have a shorter cooling time than structures with thicker walls. Thus, the depressions  22  may allow table tops  12  with thinner plastic walls to be constructed and the cooling time required before the table tops can be removed from the mold may be decreased. Significantly, a reduced cycle time may increase the efficiency of manufacturing process and decrease the cost of the table  10 . 
     Additional details regarding the size, shape and configuration of depressions that may be suitable for use in connection with the table top  12  are disclosed in Assignee&#39;s U.S. Pat. No. 7,069,865 and Assignee&#39;s U.S. Pat. No. 7,171,910, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the depressions  22  may have a variety of suitable sizes, shapes and configurations depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table  10 . It will also be appreciated that the table top  12  may include other features and structures, such as reinforcement portions, but the depressions and other features are not required. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the table top  12  may consist of a single, unitary, one-piece structure. The table top  12 , however, could be constructed from any suitable number of sections to form, for example, a fold-in-half table. Advantageously, this may allow the table top  12  to be moved between a folded position and an unfolded position, which may facilitate transportation and storage of the table  10 . Of course, the table top  12  may be constructed with any suitable number of components or sections depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table  10 . 
     The table  10  may also include a frame  24  which is connected to the table top  12 . The frame  24  may be sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the table top  12 . The frame may also allow, for example, the leg assembles  14 ,  16  to be attached to the table  10 . In greater detail, as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the frame  24  may include one or more side rails, such as a first side rail  26  and a second side rail  28 . The first and second side rails  26 ,  28  are preferably disposed proximate the outer edges of the table top  12  and the side rails may extend along all or a portion of the length of the table top. In particular, the side rails  26 ,  28  preferably extend along at least half of the length of the table top  12 ; however, the side rails could be longer or shorter. 
     As shown in the accompanying figures, the side rails  26 ,  28  may comprise tubes, which may have a generally rectangular configuration. For example, as best seen in  FIGS. 10-12 , the side rails  26 ,  28  may include a first pair of spaced apart walls  30 ,  32  and a second pair of spaced apart walls  34 ,  36 , which may be arranged in a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration. It will be appreciated, however, that the side rails  26 ,  28  could have a cross-sectional configuration that is generally S-shaped, U-shaped, circular, polygonal, oblong, square, rectangular, square, planar, tubular, and/or other suitable shapes; and the side rails could be connected to any desired portions of the table top  12 . It will also be appreciated that the frame  24  could have other suitable components, configurations and the like. 
     The frame  24  may be connected to the table top  12  using one or more suitable fasteners  38 , such as rivets, bolts or screws and the like. For example, the side rails  24 ,  26  may include one or more openings  40  through which the fasteners  38  may extend to connect the side rails to the table top  12 . The side rails  24 ,  26  may be also attached to the table top  12  using a snap fit, an interference fit, a friction fit and the like. It will be appreciated that the frame  24  and side rails  26 ,  28  may have a variety of suitable sizes, shapes and configurations. 
     The table  10  may also include one or more cross bars  42 , which may be disposed proximate the ends of the table top  12 . For example, the table  10  may include a first cross bar  42  that is disposed proximate one end of the table top  12  and a second cross bar that is disposed proximate the other end of the table top. The cross bars  42  may be attached to the side rails  26 ,  28  of the frame  24  and the cross bars may rotate relative to the table top  12 . In particular, the ends of the cross bars  42  may be inserted into openings  44  in the side rails  26 ,  28  of the frame  24  and this may allow the cross bars to rotate relative to the table top  12 . The leg assemblies  14 ,  16  may be attached to the cross bars  42  and/or the cross bars may form a portion of the leg assemblies. Advantageously, the cross bars  42  may help facilitate movement of the leg assemblies  14 ,  16  between the extended and collapsed positions. It will be appreciated that the cross bars  42  may be connected to any suitable portion of the table  10  and the cross bars do not have to rotate relative to the table top  12 . It will also be appreciated that the table  10  could have any suitable number, configuration and/or arrangement of cross bars  42 . 
     In addition, the table  10  may include one or more cross bars disposed proximate the center portion of the table top  12 . For example, the table  10  may include a center cross bar  46  that is attached to the side rails  26 ,  28  of the frame  24  and the center cross bar may rotate or be held in a generally fixed position relative to the table top  12 . In particular, the ends of the cross bar  46  may be inserted into openings  48  in the side rails  26 ,  28  of the frame  24  and this may allow the cross bar to rotate relative to the table top  12 . The cross bar  46 , however, may be connected to any suitable portion of the table  10  and the cross bar could have any suitable number, configuration and/or arrangement. It will also be appreciated that the cross bar  46  is not required. 
     The cross bars  42  and/or cross bar  46  could also have a configuration such as shown in Assignee&#39;s U.S. Pat. No. 6,915,748, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Of course, the cross bars  42  and/or the cross bar  46  could have other appropriate sizes, designs and the like depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the leg assemblies  14 ,  16  may be attached to the cross bars  42  and the cross bars may allow the leg assemblies to be moved between the extended and collapsed positions. For example, the leg assembly  14  may be rigidly connected to the first cross bar  42  and the first cross bar may be pivotally connected to the frame  24  to allow the leg assembly to be moved between the extended and collapsed positions. Similarly, the leg assembly  16  may be rigidly connected to the second cross bar  42  and the second cross bar may be pivotally connected to the frame  24  to allow the leg assembly to be moved between the extended and collapsed positions. The leg assemblies  14 ,  16  could also be pivotally attached to the cross bars  42  and the cross bars could be rigidly attached to the frame  24 . It will be appreciated that the leg assemblies  14 ,  16  and/or the legs  18  do not require pivotal engagement with frame  24  or the table top  12 , and the leg assemblies and/or legs may be connected to the table  10  in any suitable manner such as disclosed in Assignee&#39;s U.S. Pat. No. 7,100,518, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     The table  10  may also include braces  50 ,  52  that may be sized and configured to, for example, secure the leg assemblies  14 ,  16  in the extended position. For example, a first brace  50  may be connected to the first leg assembly  14  and the cross bar  46 , and a second brace  52  may be connected to the second leg assembly  16  and the same cross bar. It will be appreciated that the braces  50 ,  52  may be connected to different cross bars  46  and/or different portions of the frame  24  or table top  12  depending, for example, upon the intended design or use of the table  10 . 
     As mentioned above, the frame  24  may be connected to the table top  12  and  FIGS. 2-3 ,  8  and  10  illustrate an exemplary connection of the frame to the table top. In particular, as shown in  FIGS. 5-7  and  11 , the side rails  26 ,  28  may include openings  40 , such as slots, which may allow fasteners  38  to connect the side rails to the table top  12 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , the side rails  26 ,  28  preferably include one or more openings  40  disposed near a first end of the side rail and one or more openings disposed near a second end of the side rail. As shown in  FIGS. 5-7  and  11 , the opposing walls  30 ,  32  and/or opposing sides  54 ,  56  of the side rails  26 ,  28  may include a pair of aligned openings  40  through which a fastener may be inserted. Consequently, the side rails  26 ,  28  may include, for example, two or more pairs of aligned openings  40  disposed near a first end of the side rail and two or more pairs of aligned openings  40  near a second end of the side rail. Advantageously, these aligned openings  40  may help position the fastener  38  in a generally level orientation relative to the table top  12 . It will be appreciated, however, that the side rails  26 ,  28  may include any number of openings  40  in any suitable location and that the fastener  38  may be disposed in other orientations. It will also be appreciated that the openings  40  need not be slots, need not be aligned and may have other suitable configurations. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , the table top  12  may include one or more projections  58  extending from the lip  20 . The projections  58  may include a wall  60  that may abut, contact, engage and/or support a portion of a side rail  26 ,  28 . In particular, an outer surface of the wall  60  of the projection  58  may abut, contact, engage and/or support the wall  32  or surface  56  of the side rail  26 ,  28 , which may advantageously help the table top  12  and the side rail to remain in a generally fixed relative position. If desired, a part of the wall  60  may be disposed below the fastener  38  and/or in generally perpendicular orientation relative to the fastener so that, when forces draw a side rail  26 ,  28  away from the table top  12 , the part of the wall below the fastener may help resist the side rail&#39;s movement away from the table top. Resisting this movement may advantageously help the table top  12  and the side rail  26 ,  28  to remain in a generally fixed relative position. The wall  60  may advantageously have an increased thickness to increase its strength and help further resist such movement. 
     The projection  58  may also include a stop  62  that is sized and configured to abut, contact, engage and/or support the fastener  38 . The stop  62  preferably forms at least a part of a lower portion of the projection  58 ; however, the stop may be spaced apart from a lower portion of the projection and may be formed in any other suitable portion of the projection and/or the table top  12 . If desired, the stop  62  may be formed separately from the table top  12  and/or the projection  58 , and the stop and may be connected to the table top and/or the projection using one or more fasteners, adhesives, and/or other suitable means. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the stop  62  may have a generally planar configuration. For example, the stop  62  may comprise a wall that may include generally flat upper and lower surfaces that are generally parallel to each other. In particular, the wall&#39;s upper and lower surfaces may be spaced apart at a generally constant distance. It will be appreciated, however, the stop  62  may have other suitable shapes and/or configurations. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the stop  62  may be disposed proximate to the fastener  38 . Consequently, when forces draw the side rail  26 ,  28  away from the table top  12 , a lower portion of the fastener  38  may quickly contact and/or engage the stop  62 , which may help resist the side rail&#39;s movement away from the table top. For example, the lower portion of the fastener  38  may contact and/or engage a support or engaging surface of the stop  62 , such as an upper surface of the stop, which may help support the fastener and the side rail and may help resist the side rail&#39;s movement away from the table top  12 . Resisting such movement may advantageously help the table top  12  and the side rail  26 ,  28  to remain in a generally fixed relative position. 
     In further detail, as shown in  FIGS. 11-12 , the fastener  38  may include an enlarged head  64  and an elongated body  66 , which may include one or more threads  68 . Desirably, the elongated body  66  may be positioned within a first distance from the stop  62 , and the first distance may advantageously be less than the thickness t of the elongated body. If desired, the elongated body  66  may be positioned within 10 millimeters, 9 millimeters, 8 millimeters, 7 millimeters, 6 millimeters, 5 millimeters, 4 millimeters, 3 millimeters and/or 2 millimeters from the stop  62 . The elongated body  66  may be positioned at smaller distances from the stop  62  and may even contact the stop depending, for example, upon the particular configuration of the stop  62 . It will be appreciated that the elongated body  66  may be positioned at greater distances from the stop  62 , if desired. 
     To help position the fastener  38  and the stop  62  proximate each other, the fastener and/or the openings  40  may be disposed proximate the lower wall  36  of the side rail  26 ,  28  and/or may be offset from the middle of the side rail. In further detail, the openings  40  are preferably positioned at a first distance from a lower surface  72  of the side rail  26 ,  28  and a second distance from an upper surface  70  of the side rail, which may be at least two times, at least three times, and/or at least four times the first distance. Also, the openings  40  are preferably positioned at a first distance from the lower wall  36  and a second distance from the upper wall  34 , which may be at least two times, at least three times, and/or at least four times the first distance. It will be appreciated, however, that the fastener  38  and/or the openings  40  may be positioned in any other suitable location and need not be offset from the middle of the side rail  26 ,  28 . 
     In addition, to help position the fastener  38  and the stop  62  proximate each other, the stop  62  may be offset from and/or positioned above a lower wall  74  of the lip  20 , the lower wall  36  of the side rail  26 ,  28 , and/or the lower surface  72  of the side rail. Consequently, the stop  62  may be positioned between an upper wall  76  of the table top  12  and the lower wall  74 , the lower wall  36  and/or the lower surface  72 . It will be appreciated, however, that the stop  62  may be positioned in other suitable locations. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10 , the fastener  38  may abut the stop  62 , and the stop may be generally disposed below the elongated body  66  of the fastener. The fastener  38  preferably extends along at least half of the depth of stop  62  and may extend past the stop. Consequently, when forces draw the side rail  26 ,  28  away from the table top  12 , the fastener  38  may contact and/or engage the stop  62 . In particular, when such forces draw the side rail  26 ,  28  away from the table top  12 , the fastener  38  preferably contacts and/or engages the stop  62  along at least half of the stop&#39;s depth. With the fastener  38  contacting the stop  62  in this fashion, these forces may be applied to a larger part of the stop. This may advantageously help prevent the fastener  38  from tearing through the projection  58  and/or the stop  62 . The fastener  38  and the stop  62  may also be positioned in generally parallel planes, which may help further spread out such forces to help prevent such tearing. Desirably, the generally aligned openings  40  formed in the walls  30 ,  32  of the side rail  26 ,  28  may help resist torque applied to the fastener  38  to help retain the fastener and the stop in generally parallel planes to help prevent such tearing. In addition, the fastener  38  may include a tapered and/or pointed end portion  78 , and all or at least a portion of the tapered and/or pointed end portion may extend past the stop  62 , which may even further help prevent such tearing. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-4  and  8 - 10 , the table top  12  may include one or more projections  80  extending from a lower surface  82  of the table top. In addition, the table top  12  may include one or more recessed portions  84 , such as channels or grooves. Desirably, the projections  58 , the projections  80  and/or the recessed portions  84  may abut, contact and/or engage a side rail to help the table top  12  and the side rail to remain in a generally fixed relative position. For example, at least a portion of the side rails  26 ,  28  may be disposed within the recessed portions  84  and/or sandwiched between the projections  58 ,  80 , which may help to secure the table top  12  and the side rail in a generally fixed relative position. Preferably, this may help secure the table top  12  and the side rail in a generally fixed relative position in which the fastener  38  and the stop  62  are proximate each other and/or are in generally parallel planes. 
     Preliminary testing that used various aspects of embodiments disclosed herein indicated that approximately 140 pounds of force could be applied to the table  10  before the table would be damaged. The preliminary testing also indicated that over 300 pounds of force could be applied before the fasteners  38  would be removed. The preliminary testing further indicated that over 300 pounds of force could be applied before the frame  24  would be detached from the table top  12 . 
     The components of the table  10  may be constructed of a variety of materials. For example, the table top  12 , the lip  20 , the depressions  22 , the projections  58 ,  80 , the stops  62  and/or the recessed portions  84  are preferably constructed from materials such as plastic. The leg assemblies  14 ,  16 , the legs  18 , frame  24 , the side rails  26 ,  28 , the fasteners  38 , the cross bars  42 ,  46  and braces  50 ,  52  are preferably constructed from a relatively strong materials such as metal. It will be appreciated, however, that these and other components of the table  10  may be constructed from other materials with other suitable characteristics. 
     In further detail, the leg assemblies  14 ,  16 , the legs  18 , frame  24 , the side rails  26 ,  28 , the cross bars  42 ,  46  and braces  50 ,  52  are preferably constructed from metal, such as steel. In particular, all or a portion of these components may be constructed from steel tubes and these components may be finished, for example by painting or powder coating, to protect the components from the elements. Advantageously, the steel tubes may help create a table  10  that is strong and able to support a relatively large amount of weight. The steel tubes may have, for example, a cross-sectional configuration that is generally circular, polygonal, oblong, square, rectangular, square, or the like. These components, however, may have other suitable sizes, shapes and configurations, depending, for example, upon the intended purpose or use of the table. 
     The components of the table  10  may also be integrally formed as part of unitary, one-piece structures during a molding process or other suitable manufacturing process. For example, the table top  12 , the lip  20 , the depressions  22 , the projections  58 ,  80 , the stops  62  and/or the recessed portions  84  may be integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure during a blow molding process. In addition, the table top  12 , the lip  20  and/or the projections  58 ,  80  may include hollow interior portions, which may be in communication with each other and which may be integrally formed as part of the unitary, one-piece structure during the blow molding process. 
     Integrally forming these items as part of unitary, one-piece structure may advantageously help reduce manufacturing time and, thus, the costs associated with that manufacturing time. It will be appreciated that the table top  12 , the lip  20 , the depressions  22 , the projections  58 ,  80 , the stops  62  and/or the recessed portions  84  need not be integrally formed as part of any unitary, one-piece structure and may include a plurality of separately formed components formed via a variety of manufacturing processes. 
     Other suitable features of tables are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,301; U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,404; U.S. Pat. No. 6,530,331; U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,370; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/112,236, filed Apr. 22, 2005, now abandoned, which are incorporated by reference in there entireties. 
     Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined only by the claims which follow.