Patent Publication Number: US-2023136673-A1

Title: Table with removable legs

Description:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/444,120 filed Jul. 30, 2021, which also claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Provisional Application No. 63/094,282, filed Oct. 20, 2020, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entirety and for all purposes. In addition, any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS 
     Field of the Inventions 
     The embodiments disclosed herein relate to tables or other pieces of furniture with removable legs, including desks with legs that can be removed for shipping. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Various different designs exist for removably mounting legs to furniture, including tables and desks. Such types furniture are usually supported by a plurality of legs resting on the floor, to support an upright support surface, such as top of a table or desk, in a stable manner. In some applications, such as heavier weight furniture or musical instruments, legs can be inclined relative to vertical, to better support the higher weight in a more stable manner. 
     Generally, it is easier to securely attach a leg to a piece of furniture with high rigidity and durability, if it is attached in a permanent manner, for example, as part of the manufacturing process. However, permanently attached legs result in a larger volumetric space which can significantly increase shipping charges. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS 
     An aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein includes the realization that a leg mounting socket for a piece of furniture configured for removable and secured engagement of a support leg to a piece of furniture with at least one of two threaded fastener portions being mounted for limited relative motion can generate a highly stable and secure connection between the leg and the socket, reduce structural loads on the threaded fasteners at portions, and at the same time, provide improved alignability of the threaded fastener portions within the socket. For example, some known designs for a leg mounting socket include a cylindrical socket portion with a bolt rigidly fixed at the center of the bottom of the cylindrical portion. A threaded nut is fixed to the end of the leg. With both portions of the fastener, the bolt and the nut, secured in fixed locations and orientations relative to the socket and the leg, respectively, a collimation problem arises. The collimation problem is due to the need to be able to align the bolt and the nut as well as the socket in the outer surface of the leg, with sufficient accuracy that the threads on the bolt and the nut can engage. It is beneficial for the inner surface of the socket to be close fitting with the outer surface of the leg, so as to transfer loads from the leg to walls of the socket for a more stable connection and load transfer from the leg to the socket. However, a close fit between the inner walls of the socket and the outer surface of the leg also make it more difficult to achieve accurate collimation between the bolt and the nut. Along these lines, any misalignment of the bolt and/or nut can result in additional loads and potential plastic deformation of the bolt or of the material forming the fixed connection, such as adhesive or weld. 
     For example, if the bolt is welded or fixed in place in the socket, but slightly misaligned, then as the nut of the leg is engaged with the bolt and screwed to a desired tightness, the bolt can be shifted or bent into a more accurate alignment. However, this shifting or bending can cause plastic deformation of the bolt itself and/or weaken the connection between the bolt and the socket. Further, as the leg is loaded in use, for example, due to lateral loads, such loads can be imparted onto the connection between the bolt and the socket, thereby potentially causing additional plastic deformation and/or damage to the connection between the bolt and the socket. These loads are in addition to the tensile load generated between the bolt and the nut which is generated by screwing the leg into the socket for a stable connection. This combination of loads can result in further plastic deformation or damage to the connection between the bolt and the socket. 
     An aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein includes the realization that in a removable leg attachment mechanism having a socket and a leg, each of which include a threaded fastener portion, at least one of the threaded fastener portions can be secured to the socket or the leg with a non-fixed device, such that the at least one threaded fastener portion can move in a limited manner, with respect to the alignment of the two fastener portions. For example, but without limitation, a bolt can be connected to a bottom wall of the socket such that the bolt is captured at the bottom wall of the socket, but also allowed to pivot and/or twist slightly. For example, in some embodiments, a socket of such a system can include a square or a flat sided aperture at a bottom wall of the socket with a bolt extending through the flat sided aperture such that the bolt is registered with the flat sided aperture to prevent rotation, i.e., anti-rotation registration. Additionally, the aperture can be slightly larger than the outer flat surfaces of the bolt so as to provide some play between the bottom of the socket and the bolt. Additionally, a locking clip or other member can be provided on the bolt such that the bolt is captured within the aperture by the head of the bolt and the clip. The amount of play allowed by the clip and the bolt can be adjusted as desired, by adjusting the placement of the clip on the bolt and/or the relative clearance between the flat sided aperture and the flat surfaces of the bolt. 
     The corresponding leg can include a nut in the end of the leg, for example, aligned with the center axis of the leg. The outer surface of the leg can be closely matched, diametrically, with the inner surface of the socket. For example, the outer surface of the leg can be sized so as to provide a close and/or tight fit with the inner surface of the socket. 
     When the leg is inserted into the socket, the contact between the outer surface of the leg and the inner surface of the socket would tend to dominate the alignment there between, and thus control the alignment between the threads on the bolt and the threads on the nut. Because the bolt is mounted so as to be slightly moveable, the threads between the bolt and the nut can be more easily aligned for initiation of engagement of the threads. Further twisting of the leg and the anti-rotation registration between the bolt and the socket allows the nut and the bolt to become threadedly engaged and pull the socket and leg together, until a stop is reached. For example, a portion of the leg could reach the bottom of the socket, thereby providing a positive engagement between the leg and the socket. 
     With the leg securely seated into the socket, and the close fit between the outer surface of the leg and the inner surface of the socket, much of the loads imparted onto the leg, and in particular, lateral loads and bending, would be imparted onto the socket. However, because the bolt is mounted within an aperture with clearance, and without being permanently affixed to the bottom wall of the socket, bending loads and elastic deformation of the socket would generate less load at the bolt. Thus, such a design can reduce or avoid additional loading of the bolt and/or nut and thus reduce or avoid plastic deformation and damage to the bolts that might be caused by collimation problems. As such, the detachable leg arrangement can be easier to assemble and more durable. 
     Thus, in some embodiments a desk kit with removable legs configured to efficient packaging and shipping, the kit can comprise a desktop having an upper surface configured as a working surface for a user and a lower surface having at least first, second, third, and fourth recesses configured for receiving leg mount components. First, second, third and fourth leg mounts can comprise a flange portion having a mounting surface, a projection extending from beyond the mounting surface and into one of the first, second, third, and fourth recesses, a socket portion having an inner side surface an end wall, a fastener aperture in the end wall, the fastener aperture comprising a plurality of inwardly facing flat surfaces configured for anti-rotation registration. First, second, third and fourth bolts can be coupled with the first, second, third and fourth leg mounts, respectively, each of the first, second, third and fourth bolts comprising a head, a shaft portion extending from the head, and a threaded portion extending from the shaft portion, the shaft portion comprising a plurality of outwardly facing flat surfaces configured to contact the inwardly facing flat surfaces and thereby engage the fastener aperture with anti-rotation registration, wherein the shaft portion is smaller than the fastener aperture so as to define a radial clearance between the shaft portion and the fastener aperture. First, second, third and fourth retainer clips can be engaged with the first, second, third and fourth bolts, respectively, the retainer clips being engaged with the threaded portions thereby capturing the end wall between the heads and the retainer clips with axial clearance, thereby retaining the outwardly facing flat surfaces of the bolts in alignment in the inward facing flat surfaces of the fastener apertures and thereby providing anti-rotation registration of the bolts within the fastener apertures. First, second, third and fourth legs can be attached to the first, second, third and fourth leg mounts, respectively, each of the first, second, third and fourth legs comprising a protruding portion having a leg outer surface sized to provide a snug fit with the inner side surface of the socket, a threaded aperture fixed to the protruding portion and configured to engage the threaded portion, a tapered aperture portion defining a tapered entrance to the threaded aperture. The radial and axial clearances can allow the bolts to move over limited ranges of radial and/or axial movement during installation to improve alignability of the threaded portions of the threaded apertures of the protruding portion. 
     In some embodiments, the socket portion extends at an inclined angle relative to the flange portion, and wherein the end wall is spaced from a plane of the mounting surface of the flange providing clearance between the head and lower surface of the desktop to allow the head to move during an alignment of the threaded portions with the threaded apertures. 
     In some embodiments, the projection comprises the head and the head extends into one of the first, second, third, and fourth recesses to provide clearance for the head to move during an alignment of the threaded portions with the threaded apertures. 
     In another embodiment, a table kit with removable legs can comprise a tabletop having an upper surface configured as a working surface for a user and a lower surface. At least a first leg mount can be connected to the lower surface of the tabletop and can comprise a flange portion having a mounting surface, a socket portion having an inner side surface an end wall, and a fastener aperture in the end wall, the fastener aperture comprising at least one inwardly facing flat surface configured for anti-rotation registration. At least a first bolt can be coupled with the first leg mount, the first bolt comprising a head, a shaft portion extending from the head, and a threaded portion extending from the shaft portion, the shaft portion comprising at least a first outwardly facing flat surface configured to contact the at least one inwardly facing flat surface and thereby engage the fastener aperture with anti-rotation registration, wherein the shaft portion is smaller than the fastener aperture so as to define a radial clearance between the shaft portion and the fastener aperture. At least a first retainer clip can be engaged with the first bolt, the retainer clips being engaged with the threaded portion thereby capturing the end wall between the head and the retainer clip with axial clearance. Additionally, at least a first leg can be configured to be attachable to the first leg mount and can comprise a protruding portion having a threaded aperture fixed to the protruding portion and configured to engage the threaded portion. 
     In some embodiments, the socket portion extends at an inclined angle relative to the flange portion, and wherein the end wall is spaced from a plane of the mounting surface of the flange providing clearance between the head and lower surface of the tabletop to allow the head to move during an alignment of the threaded portions with the threaded apertures. 
     In some embodiments, the projection comprises the head and the head extends into one the first recess to provide clearance for the head to move during an alignment of the threaded portion with the threaded aperture. 
     In some embodiments, the lower surface comprises at least a first recess, and wherein the first leg mount comprises a projection extending from beyond the mounting surface and into the first recesses. 
     In some embodiments, the first clip retains the first outwardly facing flat surface in alignment in the at least one inwardly facing flat surface of the fastener aperture, thereby providing anti-rotation registration of the bolt within the fastener aperture. 
     In some embodiments, the protruding portion comprises a leg outer surface sized to provide a snug fit with the inner side surface of the socket. 
     In some embodiments, a tapered aperture portion can define a tapered entrance to the threaded aperture. 
     In some embodiments, the radial and axial clearances allow the bolts to move over limited ranges of radial and/or axial movement during installation to improve alignability of the threaded portions of the threaded apertures of the protruding portion. 
     In yet another embodiment, a furniture kit with removable legs can comprise a structural furniture member, at least a first leg mount attached to the structural furniture member, a socket portion having an inner side surface an end wall, and a fastener aperture in the end wall, at least a first threaded fastener coupled with the leg mount with a clearance such that the threaded fastener can move through a limited range of movement relative to the leg mount, and at least a first leg comprising a protruding portion having a threaded aperture fixed to the protruding portion and configured to engage the first threaded fastener. 
     In some embodiments, the socket portion extends at an inclined angle relative to a surface of the structural furniture member, and wherein the end wall is spaced from the surface of the structural furniture member, providing clearance between the first threaded fastener and the surface of the structural furniture member to allow the first threaded fastener to move during an alignment of the threaded portion with the fastener aperture. 
     In some embodiments, the structural furniture member comprises at least a first recess and wherein the first threaded fastener comprises head extending into the first recesses to provide clearance for the head to move during an alignment of the threaded portion with the fastener aperture. 
     In some embodiments, the structural furniture member comprises at least a first recess, and wherein the first leg mount comprises a projection extending from beyond the mounting surface and into the first recesses. 
     In some embodiments, a clip can retain the first threaded fastener in the fastener aperture. 
     In some embodiments, the protruding portion comprises a leg outer surface sized to provide a snug fit with an inner side surface of the socket portion. 
     In some embodiments, a tapered aperture portion can define a tapered entrance to the fastener aperture. 
     In some embodiments, the clearance can comprise radial and axial clearances sized to allow the bolt to move over limited range of radial and/or axial movement relative to the fastener aperture during installation to improve alignability of the threaded portion and the first threaded aperture. 
     In some embodiments, the fastener aperture comprises at least one inwardly facing flat surface configured for anti-rotation registration. 
     In some embodiments, the first threaded fastener comprises at least a first outwardly facing flat surface configured to contact the at least one inwardly facing flat surface and thereby engage the fastener aperture with anti-rotation registration. 
     In some embodiments, at least a first retainer engaged with the first threaded fastener, the retainer being engaged with the threaded portion thereby retaining the threaded fastener in the fastener aperture. 
     In some embodiments, the first threaded fastener comprises a head, a shaft portion extending from the head, and a threaded portion extending from the shaft portion, the shaft portion configured to contact the fastener aperture and rotatably restrict rotation of the shaft relative to the aperture, wherein the shaft portion is smaller than the fastener aperture so as to define a clearance between the shaft portion and the fastener aperture. 
     In additional embodiments, a releasable attachment mechanism can include at least a first mount comprising a socket portion having an inner portion and an end wall disposed in the inner portion, at least a first fastener portion coupled with end wall, and at least a second fastener portion coupled to a protruding component configured to be inserted into the socket portion, the second fastener portion being configured to engage the first fastener portion, wherein at least one of the first and second fastener portions are coupled so as to allow a limited range of movement during alignment of the first and second fastener portions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a side elevational view of a table having a removable leg arrangement in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a bottom, front, and right side perspective view of the table of  FIG.  1   , with one leg illustrated in an exploded position. 
         FIG.  3    is a top plan view of a socket that can be used in the table of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view of the socket of  FIG.  3   , taken along line  4 .- 4 . 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the socket of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  6 A  is a side elevational view of the socket of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  6 B  is a partial section view of the socket of  FIG.  6 A , taken along line  6 B- 6 B. 
         FIG.  7    is a side elevational, partial sectional, and exploded view of the socket of  FIG.  3    connected to the tabletop in  FIG.  1    and upper portion of a leg of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  8 A  is an exploded and sectional view illustrating an alignment of an upper portion of a table leg being aligned within the socket of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  8 B  is a further cross-sectional view of the upper end of the table leg fully inserted into the socket of  FIG.  8 A  and tightened to a fully installed orientation. 
         FIG.  9 A  is a perspective and transparent view of a variation of the socket of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  9 B  is a perspective view of a variation of the upper portion of a leg of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  9 C  is a perspective and sectional view of the upper portion of the leg of  FIG.  9 B . 
         FIG.  9 D  is a sectional view of the upper portion of the leg of  FIG.  9 B  connected to the socket of  FIG.  9 A . 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic illustration of the table of  FIG.  1   , with all legs removed and inserted into a box. 
         FIG.  11    is a further embodiment of the table of  FIG.  1   , including a removable leg attachment arrangement with non-perpendicular legs. 
         FIG.  12    is a bottom, front, and left side perspective view of the table of  FIG.  11   , with one leg illustrated in an exploded position. 
         FIG.  13    is a bottom plan view of a socket that can be used with the table of  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  14    is a top plan view of the socket of  FIG.  13   . 
         FIG.  15    is a cross-sectional view of the socket of  FIG.  14   , taken along line  15 .- 15 . 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective view of the socket of  FIG.  13   . 
         FIG.  17 A  is a cross-sectional view of the socket of  FIG.  13    attached to a tabletop of  FIG.  11   , with an upper end portion of a leg partially inserted in the socket. 
         FIG.  17 B  is a further cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG.  17 A , with the upper end of the leg fully seated into the socket. 
         FIG.  18 A  is a perspective and transparent view of the socket of  FIG.  13   . 
         FIG.  18 B  is a sectional view of the socket of  FIG.  18 A  engaged with the upper portion of the leg of  FIG.  9 B . 
         FIG.  19    is a schematic view of the table of  FIG.  11    disassembled and inserted into a box. 
         FIG.  20    is a cross-sectional view of an engagement protrusion. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The embodiments disclosed herein are described in the context of providing detachable attachment mechanisms for legs of pieces of furniture such as tables and desks because they have particular utility in that context. The inventions disclosed herein, however, can be used in other contexts as well, for example, but without limitation, for connecting legs to other types of furniture or devices, or for attaching other different pieces of furniture to one another, or for connecting other types of devices in other contexts. 
     Certain terms may be used in the following description for the purpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “above”, and “below” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, and “side” describe the orientation and/or location of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second”, and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a furniture assembly  10  having a structural furniture member  12  and removable legs  14 , according to an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the furniture assembly is in the form of a table assembly  10  and the structural furniture member is a tabletop  12 . The tabletop  12  can be considered as a tabletop or a desktop. The legs  14  can be connected to the tabletop  12  with attachment mechanisms  16 . Each of the legs  14  and the attachment mechanisms  16  can be the same, and thus only one is described in the following description. In some embodiments, different legs and different attachment mechanisms can be also be used on the same table assembly  10 . In some embodiments, the legs  14  can include height adjustment mechanisms  18 . 
     The tabletop  12  can be formed of any type of material for any type of use. For example, the tabletop  12  can be in the form of solid wood, joined planks of wood, engineered materials such as MDF, recycled plastics, or other engineered materials. The tabletop  12  can be configured for use as a desk, a table, or another type of furniture. The tabletop  12  can include an upper surface  20  and a lower surface  22 . The upper surface can be considered as serving as a working surface for a user when using the table  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , each of the legs are detachably removed by way of the removable attachment mechanism  16 . During an assembly procedure, the leg  14  would be positioned for proper alignment of the attachment mechanism  16 , then rotated in a direction of arrow R for threadedly engaging the leg  14 , to the tabletop  12 , through the attachment mechanism  16 . 
     In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism  16  includes a socket  30  and an engagement protrusion  32 . In some embodiments, the socket  30  can be mounted to the tabletop  12 , for example, on the bottom surface  22  of the tabletop  12 . The engagement protrusion  32 , in some embodiments, can be provided on an upper end of the leg  14 . In some embodiments, the engagement protrusion is an upper end of the leg  14 . In some embodiments, each of the socket  30  and the engagement protrusion  32  can include portions of a threaded fastener for providing a secure engagement between the engagement protrusion  32  and the socket  30 . The socket  30  can have a height  48  ( FIG.  6   ). 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  3 - 6   , the socket  30  can include the mounting flange  40 , a socket portion  42 , and a first portion of a threaded fastener  44 . The mounting flange portion  40  can have any shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting flange  40  is in the form of a circular plate having a plurality of mounting holes  46 . Any number of mounting holes can be used. The mounting holes are configured for receiving fasteners, for attaching the socket  30  to the tabletop  12 . In some embodiments, self-tapping wood screws can be used with the mounting holes  46 . Other types of fasteners can also be used. 
     The socket portion  42  can be mounted to the flange  40  in a central location of the flange  40 . In some embodiments, the socket portion  42  is at the center of the flange portion  40 . 
     In some embodiments, the socket portion  42  is formed of a cylindrical wall member  50 . The cylindrical wall member can be attached to the flange with any known technique, such as bonding or welding, or it can be cast integrally with the flange  40 . 
     The cylindrical wall  50  can include an outer surface  52  and an inner surface  54 . The inner surface  54  can define an inner diameter  56 . Additionally, the socket portion  42  can include an end wall  58 . In some embodiments, the end wall  58  is formed integrally with the flange  40 . In other embodiments, the end wall  58  is formed integrally with the cylindrical wall  50 . For example, the end wall  58  can be permanently fixed relative to the cylindrical wall  50  by welding, bonding, or casting. 
     The end wall  58  includes fastener aperture  60 . The fastener aperture  60  is sized so as to provide a desired amount of clearance with a fastener. Additionally, the fastener aperture  60  is configured to provide anti-rotational registration with a fastener. As such, a fastener can be inserted into the fastener aperture  60 , with some allowable relative movement, but resistance against rotation. 
     The fastener  44  can be in the form of a bolt or a nut. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener portion  44  is in the form of a bolt extending through a fastener aperture  60 . The bolt  44  can include one or more engagement surfaces for engaging with the fastener aperture for anti-rotation registration. For example, in some embodiments, both of the fastener aperture  60  and the bolt  44  include one or more flat, mating surfaces that make contact during installation, preventing the bolt  44  from rotating relative to the aperture  60 , thus providing anti-rotation registration. 
     For example, with reference to  FIG.  6 B , in some embodiments, the aperture  60  includes one or more flat, inwardly facing surfaces  61 . In some embodiments, the aperture is rectangular or square and thus has four flat, inwardly facing surfaces  61 . 
     The bolt  44  can include surfaces for cooperating with the one or more inwardly facing surfaces  61  to provide anti-rotation registration with the aperture  60 . For example, the bolt  44  can include a shaft portion  45  with one or more outwardly facing flat surfaces  43  configured to abut against the one or more inwardly facing flat surfaces  61 . For example, the flat surfaces  43  of the shaft portion  45  can be arranged to define a rectangular or square cross-section. The outer dimensions of the flat sides  43  of the bolt  44  can be slightly smaller than the inner dimensions of the flat surfaces  61  of the aperture  60 . Such sizing can provide a clearance  63  such that the bolt  44  cannot rotate when it is received within the aperture  60 , but it can be moved, for example, in a translational and/or pivoting direction and the direction of the arrow P L  ( FIGS.  3  and  4   ) which represents “play” between the bolt  44  and the aperture  60 . The clearance  63  can be considered as defining a radial clearance between the bolt  44  and the aperture. 
     Optionally, a retaining clip  62  can be engaged with the bolt  44  for capturing and maintaining the bolt  44  in place within the aperture  60 . For example, the clip  62  and the head  64  of the bolt  44  can both be larger than the aperture  60  and thus capture the bolt  44  in the orientation illustrated in  FIG.  4   , but with sufficient clearance to allow for “play,” as described above, in directions of the arrows P L . as well as some play in the axial direction, perpendicular to the arrows P L . The clearance between the head  64 , clip  62  and the surfaces of the end wall can be considered as an axial clearance. In some embodiments, the amount of deflection either axially and or in the direction of arrows P L  can be relatively small, for example, in the range of the fraction of a millimeter, one millimeter, two millimeters, or more. As such, movement of the bolt  44  is limited. Embodiments including the radial and/or axial clearances thus allow for a limited range of radial and/or axial movement of the bolt  44  relative to the aperture  60 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the movement of the bolt  44  is generally free from resistance. In other embodiments, other attachment arrangements can be used to provide some resistance to the movement of the bolt  44 , for example, axially and/or in the directions of arrows P L . For example, an additional soft, elastic, and/or resilient material (not shown) can be disposed between the bolt  44  and the socket  30 , between the bolt  44  and the aperture  60  and/or in contact with the head  64 , to provide some resistance to movement without fixing the bolt  44  to the socket  30 . Other configurations can also be used. 
     In some embodiments, the head  64  of the bolt  44  is rounded, for example, in the form of a “carriage bolt”. Other shapes of bolt heads can also be used. As shown in  FIGS.  4  and  6   , the head  64  protrudes beyond the plane of the lower surface  41  of the flange  40 . 
     Another aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein includes the realization that in a configuration in which the head of a fastener extends beyond a lower mounting surface of a flange, such as that illustrated in  FIGS.  4  and  6   , a further advantage can be achieved by providing a recess in a mounting surface that provides clearance for movement of the fastener, during use. As such, when installed to a piece of furniture, such as the tabletop  12 , the bolt  44  can still be moved along the directions P L  for providing improved alignability, during use. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  7   , the socket  30  is mounted to the bottom surface  22  of the tabletop  12  with a plurality of threaded fasteners  70  extending through the apertures  46  of the flange  40 . In this orientation, the head  64  protrudes downwardly from the bottom surface  41  of the socket  30 . Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom surface  22  of the tabletop  12  includes a preformed fastener recess  72 . 
     The preformed fastener recess  72  can be sized to be slightly larger than the head  64  of the bolt  44 . For example, the inner surface of the recess  72  can have a larger dimension than the outer dimensions of the head  64 . In the illustrated embodiment, the head  64  is generally rounded, or partially spherical, in the form of what is commonly known as a “carriage bolt.” Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the recess  72  is in the form of a hemispherical or partially spherical concave indention in the lower surface  22  of the tabletop  12 . 
     In some embodiments, a radius of curvature and maximum depth of the recess  72  can be larger than the radius of curvature of the head  64  and the maximum height of the head as measured from the bottom surface  41  of the flange  40 . In embodiments where other shapes of the head  64  is used, the recess  72  may or may not be differently shaped so as to provide the desired amount of play of the head  64  when the socket  30  is installed in the manner illustrated in  FIG.  7   . 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  7   , the engagement protrusion  32  of the leg  14  can include an outer surface  78  defining an outer diameter  80 , as well as a second portion  82  of a threaded fastener. The second portion  32  can be in the form of a nut, a threaded aperture, and/or a straight aperture configured for a self-tapping screw. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement protrusion  32  includes a lower plate member  84  with an aperture  86 . The aperture  86  can include threads, configured to engage the threads of the bolt  44 . Optionally, the aperture  86  can include a tapered portion  88 , having a wider end facing outwardly, so as to be oriented toward the bolt  44  in use. In other embodiments, a nut (not shown) can be secured over the aperture  86 , for example, but without limitation, by welding, bonding, or other attachment techniques. In other embodiments, the bolt  44  can be mounted to the protrusion  32  and a nut can be secured to the end wall  58  of the socket. 
     The leg  14  and/or the engagement protrusion  32  can be formed from various different kinds of materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement protrusion  32  is made from cylindrical metal, such as steel, aluminum or other metals. The plate  84  is attached to the end of the cylindrical portion. In other embodiments, the leg  14  and/or the engagement protrusion  32  can be made from other solid materials, for example, wood, plastic, or other materials. In such solid embodiments, the end plate  84  can be mounted to the end of the solid material. In other embodiments, threads can be formed directly in the solid material forming the engagement protrusion  32 , or a nut can be embedded in the end of the solid material forming the engagement protrusion  32 . Other configurations can also be used. 
     With reference to  FIG.  8   , the outer diameter  80 , in some embodiments, can be close to the inner diameter  56  of the socket portion  42 . For example, the inner diameter  56  and the outer diameter  80  can be sufficiently close to generate a “snug” or “tight” fit. Depending on the materials used for these components, different tolerances can be appropriate. In some embodiments, sufficient clearance can be left to allow for insertion of the leg  14  into the socket portion  42  as well as rotation of the leg  14  relative to the bolt  44 , without the use of tools. Providing a “snug” or “tight” fit generates more contact between the outer surface of the leg  14  and the inner surface  54  of the cylindrical wall  50 , and thereby loads imparted onto the leg  14  can be better imparted onto the socket portion  30 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  8   , during an installation procedure, the engagement protrusion  32  is aligned with the cylindrical wall  50  and inserted therein. The outer diameter  80 , being approximately the same as or slightly less than the inner diameter  56  allows the engagement protrusion to move into the interior of the socket portion  42 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , as the engagement protrusion  32  is pushed downwardly into the socket portion  42 , the aperture  86  initiates contact with an upper end of the bolt  44 . By way of the clearance between outer surfaces of the bolt  44  and inner surfaces of the aperture  60 , the bolt  44  can pivot and deflect, for example, in the directions of arrow P L  and also may translate to achieve alignment with the aperture  86 . Additionally, the tapered portion  88  can provide the optional additional advantage of helping to guide the end of the bolt  44  into proper alignment with the threads of the aperture  86 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  9   , as the aperture  86  is brought into contact with the upper end of the bolt  44 , a user can rotate the leg  14  and thus rotate the engagement protrusion  32  to thereby rotate the aperture  86 . Due to the anti-rotation registration of the bolt  44  with the aperture  60 , the bolt  44  does not rotate and thus the aperture  86  and the threads on the bolt  44  can engage. Further twisting of the leg  14  thus can draw the engagement protrusion  32  deeper into the socket portion  42  until a lower end portion of the engagement protrusion  32  reaches a bottom wall surface  58  of the socket portion  42 . 
     Optionally, in some embodiments, the diameter  80  can be significantly greater than the diameter of the bolt  44 . Thus, a user can easily create sufficient torque on the leg  14  with their hands for twisting the leg  14  with sufficient force to secure the leg  14  to the bolt  44  and the socket portion  42 . Additionally, because the bolt  44  is not permanently fixed to the end wall  58  of the flange  40 , the bolt  44  is loaded entirely or primarily in tension during use. 
     For example, in use, lateral loads L acting against the leg  14 , as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , can create bending loads onto the socket  30  due to the interaction between the outer surface  78  of the engagement protrusion  32  against the inner surface  54  of the socket portion  42 . The lateral load L can impart a torque onto the socket  30 . Such a lateral load L could cause elastic deformation of the socket portion of  42  relative to the flange  40 . If the bolt  44  were permanently fixed to the aperture  60  in a fixed orientation (for example by bonding or welding), some of that torque created by the lateral load L would also be imparted to the connection between the bolt  44  and the aperture  60 . However, due to the floating, non-fixed, engagement between the end wall  58  and the bolt  44 , the bolt  44  can move relative to the aperture  60  and thus such elastic deformation of the socket portion  42  would result in less loads being imparted onto the bolt  44 , leaving the bolt  44  loaded primarily in tension. 
     With reference to  FIG.  8   , during an installation procedure, the recess  72  being slightly larger than the head  64  of the bolt  44 , allows for additional freedom of movement of the bolt  44 , for example, during initial contact of the bolt  44  with the aperture  86 . 
       FIGS.  9 A- 9 D  illustrate a variation of the embodiment of the attachment mechanism  16  identified generally by the reference numeral  16 A ( FIG.  9 D ). Parts, components, and features of the connection mechanism  16 A are identified with the same reference numerals as the connection mechanism  16  ( FIGS.  1 - 10   ), except that a letter “A” has been added thereto. 
     The attachment mechanism  16 A is similar to the attachment mechanism  16 , except that the position of the first and second portions of the threaded fastener are reversed; the first portion of a threaded fastener  44 A being on the leg and the second portion  82 A being on the socket portion  30 A. 
     More specifically, the socket  30 A includes a flange  40 A and a socket portion  42 A. The socket portion  42 A includes a bottom wall  84 A which includes a second portion of a fastener  82 A. Like the second portion  82  of the embodiment of  FIG.  1   - FIG.  8   , the second portion of a threaded fastener  82 A is in the form of an aperture  86 A with internal threads. Alternatively, the second portion of a threaded fastener  82 A can be in the form of a nut (not shown) mounted over the aperture  86 A and configured to threadedly engage the bolt  44 A ( FIGS.  9 B- 9 D ). 
     With reference to  FIGS.  9 B and  9 C , the engagement protrusion  32 A includes the first portion of a threaded fastener  44 A, which is in the form of a bolt in the present embodiment, connected to the upper end of the leg  14 A in a manner that provides some “play” as well as anti-rotation and registration. For example, the engagement protrusion  32 A can include an end wall  58 A including an aperture  60 A. The bolt  44 A can extend through the aperture  60 A. Like the embodiment of  FIGS.  1 - 8   , the aperture  60 A can include inwardly facing surfaces configured to cooperate with outwardly facing surfaces of the bolt  44 A to provide clearance and thus some “play” as well as anti-rotation registration. A clip  62 A can be used to retain the bolt  44 A within the aperture  60 A. For example, the clip  62 A and the head  64 A of the bolt  44 A can be larger than the aperture  60 A and thereby capture the bolt  44 A within the aperture  60 A. 
     Optionally, a resilient member  61  can be disposed between the end wall  58 A and the clip  62 A to provide some cushioning or resistance against movement during use. 
     With reference to  FIG.  9 D , the bottom surface  22 A of the tabletop  12 A can include a recess  72 A configured to provide clearance for a distal end of the bolt  44 A. For example, as shown in  FIG.  9 D , the engagement protrusion  32 A is fully seated in the socket  30 A with a portion of the bolt  44 A extending into the recess  72 A. 
     With reference to  FIG.  10   , any of the above described embodiments of  FIGS.  1 - 9 D , although only the embodiments of  FIGS.  1 - 8 B  are specifically referenced below, can provide for a conveniently assemblable and disassemblable table or desk kit. For example, as noted above, the legs  14  can be attached to the tabletop  12  without any tools. Additionally, in some embodiments, the dimensions of certain components of the table assembly  10  can be configured for efficient packing for shipping. 
     For example, as noted above, the mounts  30  can have a height  48 . In some embodiments, the height  48  is approximately equal to, larger than, or slightly smaller than the diameter  80  of the leg  14 . As such, the desk assembly  10  can be considered as a desk kit, in a disassembled state, such as that illustrated in  FIG.  10   . 
     In  FIG.  10   , the legs  14  are removed from the mounts  30  and arranged adjacent to the lower surface  22  of the tabletop  12 . Because the outer dimensions of the leg  14 , in the illustrated embodiment, the diameter  80  is approximately the same, slightly greater than, or less than the height  48 , the legs  14  can be efficiently placed within a box  90  for packaging and/or shipping the desk  10 , thereby forming a desk kit. The efficient nesting of the legs  14  within the approximate height  48  of the mount  30  allows for the components of the desk  10  to efficiently fill the box  90 , with less empty space. Additionally, forming the mount  30  with the height  48  provides additional strength to the mount  30 , for example, for resisting lateral loads L ( FIG.  8 B ) imparted onto the legs  14  during use. Thus, making the height  48  of the mount  30  approximately the same as, larger than, or slightly smaller than the diameter  80  of the leg  14  provides the dual advantages of strength and packaging efficiency. 
     As such, a consumer can receive the kit having the desk components  10  in an efficiently packed box  90 , for example, by mail. Additionally, as described above, features of the embodiments described above allow the desk to be assembled without any tools. 
     Additionally, because of the packaging efficiency achieved by the configurations noted above, the mounts  30  can be pre-attached to the tabletop  12  prior to packaging. As such, there is little for the end user to do to assemble the table  10  for use. 
       FIGS.  11 - 19    illustrate a further embodiment of the table kit  10 , identified generally by the reference numeral  100 . Parts, components, and features are described and identified below using the same reference numerals as the embodiment of  FIGS.  1 - 10   , except that the value of “ 100 ” has been added thereto. 
     The table kit  100  includes a tabletop  112  having an upper surface  120  and a lower surface  122  supported by legs  14  that are mounted relative to the tabletop  112 , at an angle by way of the releasable engagement devices  116 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  12   , the legs  14  include the engagement protrusion  32  configured to engage the mounts  130 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  13 - 16   , the mount  130  includes a flange  140  having a plurality of apertures  146 . The flange  140  can, optionally, include a visual indicator for identifying a location of an alignment tab  149 . The function of the alignment tab  149  is described below. In some embodiments, the visual indicator for the position of the alignment tab  149  is an aperture  147  that has a different shape than the other apertures  146 . For example, in some embodiments, the visual indicator  147  can be in the form of an oval aperture, being visibly distinct from the remaining apertures  146  and thereby providing a visual indication to a professional assembling the mounts  130  to the tabletop  112 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  13   , in some embodiments, the flange can also include a central aperture  141 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  14 - 16   , the mount  130  includes a socket portion  140  that is inclined relative to the flange  140 . The orientation of the socket portion  140  relative to the flange  140  determines the angle at which the legs  14  would extend relative to the tabletop  112 , after installation. 
     In some embodiments, the socket portion  142  is formed from a cylindrical wall member  150 , for example, in the configuration of a pipe. The cylindrical wall  150  can include an inner surface  154 , an outer surface  152 , an inner diameter  156 , and an end wall  158 . The lower end of the cylindrical wall member  150  can be attached around the central aperture  141  of the flange  140 . 
     The lower wall  158  can include the aperture  160 , as in the previous embodiments, configured for anti-rotation registration with the bolt  144 . In the illustrated embodiment, the end wall  158  is round and thus is mated with the inner surface  154  of the cylindrical wall member  150 , and extending in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the cylindrical wall member  150 . Such a configuration also supports a good alignment of the bolt  144  for a procedure for attachment to the leg  14 . 
     As with the previous embodiments, outer surfaces of the bolt  144  are configured for an anti-rotation registration with surfaces of the aperture  160 . Additionally, the clip  162  cooperates with the head  164  to retain the bolt  144  a floating engagement with the end wall  158 . The lower surface of the end wall  158  is spaced upwardly (as viewed in  FIG.  15   ) from the lower surface  141  of the flange  140 . The space  172  can be considered as being a distance between the lowermost surface of the head  164  relative to a plane of the bottom surface  141  of the flange  140 . This provides the space  172  between the lower surface of the end wall  158  and the lower surface  122  of the table  112 , in use, thereby allowing the head  164  room for movement during installation. 
     The alignment tab  149  extends downwardly from a lower surface  141  of the flange  140 . This alignment tab  149  can be used to ensure proper orientation of the mount  130  during attachment to the tabletop  112 . 
     For example, with reference to  FIG.  17   , the tabletop  112  can include a preformed recess  171  opening on the lower surface  122 . Additionally, in some embodiments, holes for the fasteners  170  can also be predrilled prior to attachment of the mount  130  to the tabletop  12 . As such, with the recess  171  and holes for the fasteners  170  being predrilled, the mount  130  can be easily aligned into the proper orientation such that the socket portion  142  tilts in the desired orientation for supporting the legs  14  at the desired angle. 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  17   , during an assembly procedure, the engagement protrusion  32  is inserted into the socket portion  142  wherein the clearance between the outer diameter  80  and the inner diameter  156  can provide for a snug or tight fit, but still allow for rotation of the engagement protrusion  32  relative to the socket portion  142 . 
     As the aperture  86  and/or the taper  88  comes into contact with the upper end of the bolt  144 , the floating engagement of the bolt  144  relative to the aperture  160  allows the bolt  144  to move, for example, axially and/or in the directions of the arrows P L . This movement is additionally supported by the space  172 , which allows the head  164  of the bolt  144  to remain spaced away from the lower surface  122  of the table  12 . This enhances the engagability of the aperture  86  with the threads on the bolt  144 . Twisting of the engagement protrusion  32  would draw the engagement protrusion  32  further into the socket portion  142  by way of the threaded engagement between the aperture  86  and the threads of the bolt  144 , until the lower end of the engagement protrusion  32  reaches the upper surface of the end wall  158 . 
     Thus, like in the above embodiments, the lack of a permanent, fixed attachment between the bolt  144  and the bottom plate  158  allows for easier collimation and engagement of the threads of the bolt with the aperture  86  and can also reduce or prevent additional loads from being imparted onto the bolt  144  during use, allowing the bolt  144  to remain more in tensile loading during use. 
       FIGS.  18 A and  18 B  illustrate a variation of the attachment mechanism  116 , identified generally by the reference numeral  116 A. Parts, components, features, and advantages of the attachment mechanism  116 A that are the same or similar to the attachment mechanism  116 , are identified with the same reference numeral except that a letter “A” has been added thereto. 
     With reference to  FIG.  18 A , the socket  130 A can include a flange portion  140 A, a socket portion  142 A and an end wall  184 A. The end wall  184 A can include an aperture  86 A and a second portion of a threaded fastener  82 A. In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion of the threaded fastener  82 A is in the form of internal threads on the aperture  86 A. However, in other embodiments, the second portion  82 A can be in the form of a nut (not shown) mounted over the aperture  86 A. 
     With reference to  FIG.  18 A , the protruding portion  32 A can be inserted into the socket  130 A with the bolt  44 A engaging with the second portion  82 A. 
     With reference to  FIG.  19   , as in the above embodiments, the height  148  of the mounts  130  can be approximately the same as, slightly larger than, or slightly smaller than the diameter of the legs  80 , thereby allowing for efficient packaging of the table kit  100  into a box  190 . 
       FIG.  20    shows engagement protrusion  32 . The engagement protrusion  32  can include an outer surface  78  defining an outer diameter  80 , as well as a second portion  82  of a threaded fastener. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement protrusion  32  includes a lower plate member  84  with an aperture  86 . The aperture  86  can include threads, configured to engage the threads of the bolt  44 . Optionally, the aperture  86  can include a tapered portion  88 , having a wider end facing outwardly, so as to be oriented toward the bolt  44  in use. In other embodiments, a nut (not shown) can be secured over the aperture  86 , for example, but without limitation, by welding, bonding, or other attachment techniques. In other embodiments, the bolt  44  can be mounted to the protrusion  32  and a nut can be secured to the end wall  58  of the socket. 
     While certain embodiments have been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claimed subject matter in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the described embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope defined by the claims, which includes known equivalents and foreseeable equivalents at the time of filing this patent application.