Patent Publication Number: US-2019191868-A1

Title: Modular table with angled leg coupler

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This non-provisional patent application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/608,943, filed Dec. 21, 2017 to William Bower, entitled “Modular Table with Angled Leg Coupler,” which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. The Field of the Invention 
     This invention is in the field of modular tables. 
     2. The Relevant Technology 
     Event management is a busy and complex business. Event managers must be ready for events having a number of different sizes—small, medium and large. Small events often use less furnishings, while the large events can tax the staff and resources of even a successful events manager. Events managers are required to have the ability to provide furnishings for all such events. Thus, storage, set-up and management of furnishings becomes an important logistical venture. 
     As storage space becomes more of a challenge, there is increasing motivation to improve the type of modular, storable furnishings that can be used. Furnishings that can be used both for small, medium, and large events and that are readily stored and set-up the next week are particularly useful. Thus, there is a significant need for modular tables that can be used for one portion of the table, and/or for another portion of a table, depending upon a particular need. 
     Modular table assemblies can be employed at an end of a table, at the middle of a table, on the side of a table or in a variety of different positions, as necessary, in a particular occasion. Modular tables are particularly useful when they can be decreased in size in order to be stored, and then increase in size in order to be used. One challenge is that folding tables, which can be readily folded up or down, depending upon a particular need, often do not have a pleasing aesthetic appearance and often are not stable under a variety of different circumstances. 
     There is therefore a need in the table industry for an improved table that is aesthetically pleasing, can be readily stored, and can be readily used in a variety of non-storage settings when the need for use arises. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention contemplates a unique and novel system and method for selectively, modularly, removably coupling table legs to a table top to form a table assembly using a unique coupling assembly. The coupling assembly is comprised of a mounting nut that mounts within the table top. A coupler has table legs mounted thereon, forming a table leg assembly. An attachment member, such as a wing screw, selectively, removably attaches the coupler of the table leg assembly to the mounting nut. An alignment member attached to the table top contacts the coupler and prevents the coupler, and therefore the table leg assembly, from rotating. 
     The coupling assembly enables a quick coupling or decoupling of the table leg assembly to the table top, such that the table top and table leg assembly can be conveniently stored, then set up, then taken down and stored again on a continual basis. 
     More specifically, an embodiment of a “coupling assembly” of the present invention for coupling table legs to a substantially flat table top of a modular table comprises: (A) a mounting nut configured to be secured to the table top (e.g., at least partially embedded within the table top), the mounting nut having a neck and a shoulder mounted about the neck, the neck configured to extend through a portion of the table top such that a portion of the neck of the mounting nut extends out of a surface of the table top; (B) a coupler having a substantially flat plate, the coupler further having first and second opposing flanges extending from opposing portions of a first side of the plate, the first and second flanges extending at an angle away from a plane defined by the substantially flat plate, the coupler further having a buttress support member extending between the first and second flange members outwardly away from the plate within the same plane as the plate, the flange and buttress support members configured such that the table legs of the table assembly can be mounted on respective flanges and the buttress support member, the coupler further having an aperture through which the neck of the mounting nut at least partially extends; (C) an attachment member, such as a wing-screw, that selectively, removably extends into the neck of the mounting nut, thereby selectively, removably connecting the coupling plate of the coupler to the mounting nut, such that the table leg assembly is coupled to the table top; and (D) an alignment member configured to be mounted within the table top and extend at least partially through a second aperture in the plate of the coupler, the alignment member preventing rotation of the table leg assembly. 
     A table leg coupler of the present invention comprises: (i) a substantially flat plate, having a first aperture therein, the plate having a first side and a second side; (ii) first and second flanges extending from opposing ends of the first side of the plate; and (iii) a buttress member extending outwardly from the first side of the plate between the first and second flanges, the buttress member extending outwardly from the plate in the same plane as the plate, (iv) such that the plate and the buttress member can be mounted flush with a substantially flat bottom surface of a table top, (v) such that first and second parallel table support legs can be supported by the first and second flange members, respectively, and (vi) such that the buttress member supports a buttress leg that is off-set at its table-top end from the first and second table support legs. 
     The flanges extend at an angle of approximately 97 degrees, in one embodiment, with respect to the plane of the plate. The buttress support member extends, in the same plane as the plate, away from the plate. The coupler connects to first and second parallel legs that couple to the flanges. The buttress support couples to a buttress leg that extends away from the buttress support. The parallel support legs and buttress leg meet at a support member that contacts the floor. The floor support member couples the legs together at the floor support member. 
     The floor support member couples the three legs together at one end of the legs, and the coupler couples the three legs to the coupler at an opposing end of the legs. An attachment member such as a winged screw extends into a circularly-shouldered nut member coupled into the table top, attaching the coupler (and the legs attached thereto) to the table top. A variety of different variations can be employed, as discussed herein. 
     Thus, in one embodiment, a modular table assembly employing the unique coupler of the present invention comprises: (i) a substantially flat table top; (ii) a plurality of mounting nut members embedded within the table top, the mounting nut members each having a neck member, a portion of which extends out of the surface of the table top; and (iii) a plurality of table leg assemblies (including legs and respective couplers) that are selectively mounted onto the table top, the neck of a respective mounting nut extending through a portion of each of the couplers of each of the respective leg assemblies when the respective leg assemblies are mounted onto the table top. 
     The table leg assemblies are mounted to the table top(s) at angles with respect to the table tops that increase the stability of the resulting tables. These angles are achieved through the use of the couplers of the present invention having angled flanges. 
     The table leg assemblies that support the table top each include a coupler, each of the couplers having an aperture therethrough that receives a neck of a respective mounting nut at least partially therethrough, the mounting of the plate onto the neck of the mounting nut providing stability to each of the table leg assemblies. 
     An attachment member, e.g., a wing screw connects to the plate of the coupler and the mounting nut by extending through the mounting plate and into the neck of the mounting nut. Thus, the combination of the wing screw and the mounting nut are examples of two-part attachment members that are employed in the present invention. 
     One advantage of the present invention is the table leg assemblies can be used to support a variety of different table tops having a variety of different shapes. By mounting a plurality of attachment members, such as for example, mounting nut members, at universal offset distances “D” (e.g., 7.5 inches) from the edges of respective table tops, the table tops can be conveniently coupled together with table top connectors that span a universal connector distance 2D (e.g., 15 inches). The “universal connector distance” is at least twice and possibly greater than twice the universal offset distance, i.e., because the universal offset distance of two tables is being spanned by the connector. 
     The modularity of the table top connectors and the table leg assemblies also enables a variety of unique, interesting, and helpful types of furniture assemblies to be created, such as simple one-leaf tables, two-leaf banquet tables, circular tables, rectangular tables, square tables, desks, tables with holes in the center for flower arrangements, center pieces, standing tables, and Lazy Susan type serving tables, tables with corresponding benches, U-shaped tables, oval tables, stacked tables, cocktail tables and tables and furniture arrangements having a variety of shapes and sizes. 
     Because of the convenient modularity of the pieces involved, the table assembly of the present invention can be conveniently assembled and used, then conveniently disassembled and stored in a closet or store room when not in use. For convenient storage and transportation, the leg assemblies conveniently nest into each other because of their unique configuration. 
     These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of 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  demonstrates a table  10  of the present invention. Couplers of the table leg assemblies (which in one embodiment are identical or substantially similar) are shown in dotted phantom lines for illustrative purposes. 
         FIG. 2A  is a view of a rectangular table top of the table  10  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2B  is an alternate semicircular table top of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the underside of table  10  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an assembled view of the underside of table  10  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are alternate upper and lower views of the coupler of the table  10  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  are exploded views of the leg assembly of the table  10  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  are assembled views of the leg assembly of the table  10  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  shows two tables  10  that are combined to form a banquet table; the two tables  10  are coupled together using a table top connector. 
         FIG. 11  shows a table top connector employed to couple the tables in  FIG. 10  (and in other figures) together. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates the coupling of the two tables  10 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , using the coupler of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  shows the underside of the coupled two tables of  FIGS. 10 and 12 . 
         FIG. 14  shows the two coupled tables  10  of  FIG. 10  combined to form a larger table top with at least one bench having the dimensions and design of the table top  12  of  FIG. 1 . The table top  12  can thus be conveniently used as a bench or as part of a table top. The leg assemblies of the bench are smaller in height than those shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 10 . 
         FIGS. 15-16  show the nesting of table leg assemblies having the design of the leg assemblies of  FIG. 1 , which is convenient for storage and/or transportation. 
         FIGS. 17-21  illustrate various possible modular table configurations using the table top connectors of the present invention. Mounting nut members  20  are located at a universal offset distance “D” from the edges of the table tops such that the table top connectors having a length of at least and possibly greater than 2D can span adjacent table edges to connect adjacent table tops together. 
         FIGS. 22-23  illustrate a rotating serving table (e.g., a Lazy Susan-style rotating table) of the present invention being employed within a large table assembly of the present invention, e.g., with the table assembly of  FIG. 21 . 
     
    
    
     Additional Figures and description relating to the inventions herein are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/608,943, filed Dec. 21, 2017 to William Bower, entitled “Modular Table with Angled Leg Coupler, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention relates to a modular table assembly having a unique coupler that enables both convenient modularity, removability and stability of a table leg assembly as the coupler connects a table leg assembly to a table top. A number of unique and uniquely positioned attachment members and other components combine to achieve a highly modular, useful, and readily storable series of table assemblies, a large variety of which can be achieved, as discussed herein. 
       FIG. 1  shows a modular table  10  of the present invention. Modular table  10  is comprised of a table top  12 , and first and second leg assemblies  14 , the leg assemblies  14  having first and second respective couplers  16  that couple the leg assembles  14  to the table top  12 . Leg assemblies  14  are coupled to table top  12  at angles with respect to table top  12 , making the resulting table  10  of  FIG. 1  stable and reliable. Leg assemblies  14  are angled at desired angles with respect to table top  12  through the use of angled portions (e.g., flanges) of couplers  16 . 
     Corresponding two-part attachment members for enabling the connection of the couplers  16  of the leg assemblies  14  to the table top  12  of the table  10  are shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , such as: (i) winged screws  18  that selectively thread through plates of respective coupling members  16  and into (ii) respective nut members  20 . 
     Nut members  20  have neck portions  25  that extend through table top  12  and through portions of respective couplers  16  in mating relationships with respective winged screws  18 . Thus, the nut members  20  and wing screws are convenient members of the two-part attachment member system employed in the present invention. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 1-3 , nut members  20  are embedded within respective apertures  21   a - b  and  23   a - b  in table top  12 . These different aperture locations shown in table top  12  of  FIG. 1  provide different leg assembly coupling locations such that the leg assemblies can be placed in different desired locations on a table top. Respective holes  21   a - b  and  23   a - b  receive portions of respective mating two-part attachment members, e.g., nut members  20 , there-through, into which wing screws  18  are mounted. In  FIG. 1 , table leg assemblies  14  are attached to nut members  20  in holes  21   a - b . In another embodiment, nut members  20  in alternate holes  23   a ,  23   b  may be attached to in the event that it is desired to spread the leg assembly members  14  out further for different types of seating. 
     Holes  21   a - b  and  23   a - b  are each configured to be a universal offset distance “D” from a respective edge of table top  12  and can be employed to connect various table tops  12  together, as shown in later Figures. 
     Nut members  20  each comprise a circular shoulder member connected to an internally threaded circular neck  25 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , the shoulder member has internal threads that receive securement screws through table top  12 . The securement screws are threaded through the underside surface of the table top  12  into the shoulders of respective nut members  20  to retain the nut members  20  in the table top  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B . 
       FIGS. 3-4 and 12  show the relationships of the winged screws threading through the respective couplers  16  into the internally threaded necks  25  of respective nut members  20 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , the connection of the leg assemblies  14  to the table top  12  using couplers  16  is very convenient and very efficient, e.g., simply using the wing screws  18  or other attachment members. The couplers  16  are conveniently selectively, removably mounted onto the table top  12  for convenient use. When an event is finished, and storage is desired, the entire assembly can be taken apart for convenient storage. 
       FIGS. 5A-B  show details of the couplers  16  of the present invention. An example of a coupler  16  of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 5A-B  and now will be described in additional detail. Coupler  16  (e.g., a metallic coupler) is comprised of a substantially flat plate  30  having a connecting aperture  32  therein and an orientation aperture  34  therein. 
     Extending laterally from plate  30  and in the same plane as plate  30 , is a buttress support  36 , having first and second apertures  38   a ,  38   b  therein. Buttress support  36  is configured to receive a buttress leg  50  (wooden, for example) which is secured to buttress support  36  through the use of screws (or other connectors) that thread through apertures  38   a - b  into the buttress support. 
     Extending at an angle α from plate  30  are first and second parallel angled flanges. Flanges  40   a  and  40   b , as shown in  FIGS. 5A-B , extend away from the plane of plate  30  at an angle α which, in one embodiment is 97 degrees or approximately 97 degrees from the plane of the plate  30  of coupler  16  as shown in  FIGS. 5A-5B . This angled relationship enables coupling to support legs in a manner that provides excellent stability to the table of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A-B , each of the angled flanges  40   a - 40   b  has a respective pair of apertures  44   a - 44   b  therein. Screws extending through apertures  44   a - 44   b  connect parallel support legs  48   a - b  (wooden legs  48   a - b , for example) to coupler  16  which extend away from coupler  16  at an angle with plate  30 . 
       FIGS. 5A-B  shows the angled relationship between first and second support flanges  40   a  and  40   b  and plate  30 . In one embodiment, the flanges  40   a - 40   b  extend away at an angle α of 97 degrees with respect to the plane of the plate  30 . In another embodiment, the angle α is approximately 97 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle α is in the range of approximately 95 degrees to approximately 99 degrees with respect to the plane of  FIG. 30 . In yet another embodiment, the angle α of the flanges extending with respect to plane of the plate  30  is in the range of approximately 91 degrees to approximately 105 degrees. 
     The coupler  16  provides stability in part because the coupler  16  is mounted flush with the table top  12  and provides useful components, e.g., the plate  30 , the flanges  40   a - b  extending at an angle with respect to the plate and the buttress support  36  extending between the flanges within the same plane as the plate  30 . In one embodiment the flanges  40   a - b  can be at an angle α of approximately 92 to approximately 105 degrees with respect to the plane of the plate. As a result of the angles provided by couplers  16 , table leg assemblies  14  are angled with respect to table top(s) in a manner that makes the resulting table(s) stable. By angling the coupler flanges and therefore the support legs to which the coupler flanges are connected, the leg assemblies  14  are angled at supportive angles with respect to table top  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . The angles of leg assemblies  14  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4  provide reliability and stability to table  10 . Also, the triangular relationship generated by the coupler  16  and legs  48   a ,  48   b  and  50  provides an excellent level of support and surface-area support to the table top  12 , making the table  10  stable and reliable for the user. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the table  10  is stable and steady. The triangular relationship of the legs  48   a - b ,  50  of the leg assemblies  14  provides excellent support to the table top  12  and items resting thereon. Angling the leg assemblies  14  with respect to table top  12  and providing a triangular relationship amongst the leg members  48   a ,  48   b ,  50  provides steadiness and reliability to the table top  12 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 5A-B  and  FIGS. 3-4 , the second hole  34  in the plate  30  keeps coupler  16  from spinning by being mounted on the alignment screw  59  threaded into the underside of table top  12 . In other embodiments, the alignment screw  59  may comprise any other alignment member that protrudes out of table top  12  so as to be received in hole  34  to minimize or prevent rotation of coupler  16 . Positioning the hole  34  of plate  30  on alignment screw  59  maintains leg assembly  16  in a fixed position against table top  12 , preventing or substantially preventing rotation of coupler  16  about neck  25  of nut member  20 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5A-B  and  FIG. 12 , in one embodiment, the thickness of the plate  30  of coupler  16  (e.g., a metallic coupler) is approximately ¼ inch and the length of the neck  25  of the nut member  20  is approximately ½ inch. In an embodiment, a thickness of the tabletop sandwiched between the circular shoulder of nut member  20  and plate  30  of coupler  16  may be about 5/16 inch; in such an embodiment, neck  25  may protrude approximately 3/16 inch out of the plane of the table top  12 , for receipt into receiving hole  32  of coupler  16 , leaving an approximately 1/16 inch recessed space  67  within hole  32  of coupler. 
     Thus, when assembly of the table is desired, the receiving hole  32  of the coupler  16  is placed over the neck  25 , leaving an approximately 1/16-inch recessed space  67  between the surface of the plate  30  and the portion of the neck  25  closest to the surface of the plate. In other words, the neck  25  is slightly sunken, e.g., an approximately 1/16-inch recessed space  67 , within the plate  30 . 
     Coupler  16  selectively mounts in mating relationship onto neck  25 . When coupler  16  is mounted on neck  25 , the protrusion of the neck  25  of the nut member  20  into the receiving hole  32  of the coupler  16  provides additional stability to assembly  14  in addition to the stability provided by the winged screw  18  that threadably couples the plate  30  to the table top  12 . The plate  30  surrounds the neck  25  of the nut member  20 , providing stability to the coupler  16  and the overall leg assembly  14  of which the coupler  16  is a part. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention employs the following: (i) wing-head screws  18  i.e., screws  18  with wings on the head portion for convenient insertion; and (ii) Acme threads on screws  18  for convenient threated mounting. 
     The present invention thus contemplates a coupling assembly for selectively, removably, coupling a leg assembly (comprising legs  48   a ,  48   b ,  50 ) of a modular table  10  to a table top  12  of the modular table  10 . The coupling assembly is comprised of a mounting nut  20  that mounts within the table top  12 . A coupler  16  has table legs  48   a ,  48   b ,  50  mounted thereon, forming a table leg assembly  14 . An attachment member, such as a wing screw  18 , selectively, removably attaches the coupler  16  of the table leg assembly  14  to the mounting nut  20 . An alignment member  59  attached to the table top  12  contacts the coupler  16  and prevents the coupler  16 , and therefore the table leg assembly  14 , from rotating. 
     The coupling assembly enables a quick coupling or decoupling of the table leg assembly  14  to the table top  12 , such that the table top  12  and table leg assembly  14  can be conveniently stored, then set up, then taken down and stored again on a continual basis. Assembly does not require any tools (e.g., screwdrivers, hammers, or the like). Assembly can be accomplished completely and easily by hand. 
     More specifically, one embodiment of a “coupling assembly” of the present invention for coupling table legs  48   a ,  48   b ,  50  to a substantially flat table top  12  of a modular table  10  comprises: (A) a mounting nut  20  configured to be secured to the table top  12  (e.g., at least partially embedded within the table top), the mounting nut  20  having a neck  25  and a shoulder mounted about the neck  25 , the neck  25  configured to extend through a portion of the table top  12  such that a portion of the neck  25  of the mounting nut  20  extends out of a surface of the table top  12 ; (B) a coupler  16  having a substantially flat plate  30 , the coupler  16  further having first and second opposing flanges  40   a - b  extending from opposing portions of a first side of the plate  30 , the first and second flanges  40   a - b  extending at an angle away from a plane defined by the substantially flat plate  30 , the coupler  16  further having a buttress support member  36  extending between the first and second flange members  40   a - b  outwardly away from the plate  30  within the same plane as the plate  30 , the flange and buttress support members configured such that the table legs  48   a - b ,  50  of the table assembly  14  can be mounted on respective flanges  40   a - b  and the buttress support member  36 , the coupler  14  further having an aperture  32  through which the neck  25  of the mounting nut  20  at least partially extends; (C) an attachment member, such as a wing-screw  18 , that selectively, removably extends into the neck  25  of the mounting nut  20 , thereby selectively, removably connecting the coupling plate  30  of the coupler  16  to the mounting nut  20 , such that the table leg assembly  14  is coupled to the table top  12 ; and (D) an alignment member  59  configured to be mounted within the table top  12  and extend at least partially through a second aperture  34  in the plate of the coupler  16 , the alignment member  59  preventing the rotation of the table leg assembly  14 . 
     The table leg assembly  14  is further shown in  FIGS. 6-9 . As shown in  FIGS. 6-9 , flanges  40   a  and  40   b  of coupler  30  couple to respective parallel support legs  48   a  and  48   b  that extend from coupler  30  at an angle. Buttress leg  50  is coupled to buttress support  36  and is angled on one side thereof and therefore extends at an angle from buttress support  36 . The parallel support legs have a passageway  52  therebetween. The buttress leg extends away from buttress support  36  in a manner that it eventually intersects or converges into the passageway  52  to between the parallel support legs  48   a  and  48   b , so that legs  48   a ,  48   b , and  50  eventually converge into the same plane (e.g., at leg support  56 ). 
     Thus, support legs  48   a  and  48   b  are spaced apart and buttress support leg  50  is partially within the space between the two support legs  48   a  and  48   b  and is partially not in the space  52  between the legs  48   a  and  48   b . Support legs  48   a ,  48   b  and buttress leg  50  begin at coupler  30  and extend in a triangular relationship to a desired height and connect to floor support  56 . Thus, support legs  48 A,  48 B and buttress leg  50  are connected at one end to coupler and at an opposing end to floor support member  56 . The surfaces of floor support member  56  can be slightly angled, such that upon being mounted on the floor, the support member member  56  is flush with the floor. Floor support member  56  may have plastic or felt tabs or other material thereon in order to prevent scratching of the floor surface, and/or to prevent damage to floor support member  56 . 
       FIGS. 6-7  show exploded views of coupler  30 , the floor support member  56 , the legs  48   a ,  48   b  and buttress leg  50  that are mounted between coupler  30  and floor support member  56  using the attachment members shown. The connection of the legs  48   a - 48   b  and  50  between couplers  30  and floor support member  56  form a triangular relationship that creates a strong and reliable support member that can be mounted reliably between the table top and the floor. 
     The plate  30  of coupler  16  bears some of the weight of the table top  12  and the weight of the table top  12  is further extended upon the buttress support  36  and in some embodiments the ends of the legs  48   a ,  48   b  directly bear support of table top  12 . All of the force of table top  12  is then directed in a triangular relationship along legs  48   a ,  48   b  and  50  down to floor support member  56 . The surface area provided by the above components against table top  12  in a triangular relationship provides excellent support for the table, somewhat similar to a 3-legged stool, for example, but with the further advantages of being affixed to plate  30  that spreads the surface area out, providing additional support. The triangle formed at the coupler  16  provides a great deal of surface area upon which to mount the table top  12 . The legs  48   a - b  and  50  of leg assembly  14  transfer force down to the floor support member  56 . 
     The larger triangular configuration of the legs formed at coupler  16 , as opposed to the tighter triangle at support member  56 , shares the load of table top  12  more evenly spread across the larger triangle, thereby distributing the weight of table top  12 . The legs funnel or converge down toward support member  56  into three concentrated pieces that are closer, and thereby easier to install at support member  56 . Thus, leg assemblies  14  have the advantage of providing support to table top  12 , yet are convenient to assemble at coupler  16  and support member  56 . 
     The uniting of the three table legs onto the support member  56 , as shown in  FIGS. 6-9 , allows convenient alignment of the table legs ends mounted on support member  56  on the same side of support member  56 , making assembly convenient for the manufacturer. Table legs  48   a - b ,  50  may be notched in order to conveniently receive member  56  thereon, as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Thus, the table legs start at one end (e.g., at the table-top end) in a larger triangle for increased surface area support of the table top  12 , then extend to a smaller triangle that is convenient to mount onto the support member  56  in the same plane of support member  56 . The table leg assembly  14  thus comprises three table leg members, each having a top end that is mounted to a coupler  16  and configured to be placed adjacent the table top  12 . Each of the three leg members having a bottom end that is mounted to a floor support member  56 , wherein each of the bottom ends of the three leg members contacts the floor support member  56  along a longitudinal axis defined by the length of the floor support member  56  such that it is convenient to connect the bottom ends of the three leg members  48   a - b ,  50  to the floor support member  56 . The top ends of each of the three leg members are spaced apart from each other on the coupler  16  to thereby increase the amount of surface area of the table top  12  supported by the top ends of the three table legs  48   a - b ,  50 . The concept of the present invention employing a plurality of table leg assemblies, each in the triangular configuration mounted onto a table top in a variety of different triangular sizes and configurations thus has a variety of advantages. 
     An additional benefit of the table leg assembly  14  of the present invention is that it enables a coupler  16 , e.g., a metallic coupler, to be coupled to an aesthetically pleasing wood material or other aesthetically pleasing material. In one embodiment the coupler  16  is one or more metallic materials and the legs are formed from a wood material, e.g. cherry, mahogany, walnut, maple, oak, etc. In one embodiment, legs  48   a - 48   b  and buttress leg  50  and floor support member  56  are comprised of a wooden material such as maple, or a variety of other materials that may be desired from a strength and aesthetic standpoint. Table top  12  can also be an aesthetically pleasing wood material to which couplers  16  are conveniently coupled. 
     In one embodiment, the nut members  20  are comprised of a steel material that is electroplated with copper for appearance and wear, for example. 
     Resilient isolators or felt-style pads mounted on the floor support member  56  prevent scratching of the floor surface, the isolators or pads being mounted on floor support members  56 . In one embodiment, the leg members  48   a - b  are each approximately 29 inches long, but shorter legs can be used for benches or smaller tables. 
     As discussed with respect to  FIG. 1 , respective holes  21   a ,  21   b  receive portions of respective mating two-part attachment members, wing screw  18  and nut member  20 , there-through. Thus, holes  21   a ,  21   b  are configured to at least partially receive mating two-part attachment members  18 ,  20  therethrough. In another embodiment, alternate holes  23   a ,  23   b  may be employed in the event that it is desired to spread the leg assembly members  14  out further. The alternate holes  23   a ,  23   b  can also be conveniently used when connecting tables together as illustrated in  FIGS. 12 through 13 . 
       FIG. 10  shows that advantageously two tables  10  of  FIG. 1  of the present invention can be selectively, modularly connected together via one or more table top connectors  60  to form a larger table, such as a standard size banquet table. For example, in one embodiment, each of the table tops  12  have dimension of approximately 15″ in width and approximately 72″ in length such that they form when combined a banquet table  10   b  as shown in  FIG. 10  having dimensions of approximately 30″×approximately 72″. As shown in  FIG. 10 , it is convenient to place three chairs on one side of the banquet table  10   b  formed in  FIG. 10  with each chair being able to be seated at the table  10   b  without significant interference from an associated table leg assembly. The present invention thus provides convenient coupling of tables  10  together to form a larger table  10   b.    
     Tables of the present invention, such as tables  10  are connected together by connecting the table tops  12  to each other. In order to connect the table tops  12  together, one or more table top connectors  60  are used, such as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . Table top connectors  60  are each comprised of a substantially flat plate  62 , having first and second apertures  64  therein. Each of the apertures are a passageway through plate  62  and through a circular neck  66  that extends out of plate  62 . 
     Necks  66  of connector  60  may be approximately 1/16 inch in width, for example, and are configured to fit conveniently within the recessed spaces  67  within respective plates  30  of couplers  16  that are mounted on respective necks  25  of nut members  20  adjacent table tops  12 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , in one embodiment, when plates  30  of couplers  16  are placed on the underside of table tops  12  onto the neck portions  25  of the nut members  20 , a recessed space  67  (e.g., 1/16 th  of an inch) exists between the surface of the plates  30  and the surfaces of the necks  25  of corresponding nut members  20 . Thus, the necks  25  of the nut members  20  are embedded deeper within the plate  30  than the surface of the plate  30 , forming the recessed spaces  67  shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     This recessed space  67  between necks  25  and plate  30  can be filled in mating relationship by the necks  66  of the table top connector  60 , when connector  60  is selectively mounted in nesting relationship on adjacent plates  30  as illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , such that the necks  66  of connector  60  are mounted in mating relationship within the recessed spaces  67  between the neck members  25  of the nut members  20  and the surface of plate  30 . 
     Selectively placing the necks of the connectors  60  in the recessed spaces  67  formed between adjacent table tops helps to properly orient and secure couplers  60  with respect to adjacent couplers  16 , as show in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . Placing the necks of the couplers  60  in the recessed spaces  67 , then coupling the wing screws  18  into the necks  25  of corresponding nut members  20  connects table tops together, as illustrated in  FIGS. 12-14 and 17-21 . Thus, the configuration of connector  60  shown in  FIGS. 12-13  with its necks  66  extending out of a plane of plate  62  is advantageous in that connector  60  conveniently orients flush on top of plates  30  as shown in  FIGS. 12-13 . Once wing screws  18  are then mounted through respective apertures  64  of connector  60 , through plates  30  of couplers  16  and into the necks  25  of nut members  20 , table tops  12  are reliably connected to each other, as shown in  FIGS. 12-13 . 
     Thus, as shown in  FIGS. 12-13 , plates  30  of couplers  16  are selectively mounted in mating relationship onto neck members  25  of respective nut members  20 . This mating relationship provides further stability to leg assemblies  14  as they are mounted on table tops  12 . As further shown in  FIGS. 12-13 , connector  60  selectively mounts and nests in mating relationship onto plates  30  of leg assemblies  14  on adjacent taps tops  12  in order to connect the table tops  12  to each other. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates another advantage of the present inventions which is the configuration of a table top  12  of the present invention being able to be used as either a table top  12  or as a bench seat  12 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , two combined table tops  12  are used for forming the table top portion of the banquet table  10   b  while another table top  12  having the same configuration and dimensions is separately used as a bench. In the bench of  FIG. 14 , the leg assemblies  14   a  are the same basic configuration and design as leg assemblies  14  of  FIGS. 1-13 , except that bench leg assemblies  14   a  are shorter. Thus, in one embodiment, the design of the approximately 15-inch by approximately 72-inch table top  12  of the present invention can be used either as a bench or as a table top, depending only upon the size of the leg assemblies ( 14  or  14   a ) employed to hold the table top  12 . The leg assemblies may be either approximately 29.5 inches long for table leg assemblies  14 , for example, or approximately 17.5 inches long for bench legs  14   a , for example. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  show the convenient nesting relationship achieved by leg assemblies  14 . In light of the shape of coupler  16  and the relationship of the legs  48   a - b  and  50 , leg assemblies  14  conveniently nest into each other such that they can be conveniently hefted and carried. As shown, convenient nesting is a function of buttress support  36  and the space  52  formed between leg members  48   a - b . Buttress leg  50  does not initially extend within space  52  between leg members  48   a - b , but then eventually extends into the space  52  as buttress  50  moves away from the buttress support  36 , towards floor support member  56 . As shown, one buttress leg  50  conveniently nests onto the buttress support  36  of an adjacent assembly  14 . The nested leg members are conveniently carried by the floor support member  56  in an upside-down relationship as shown in  FIG. 16  with the user draping the user&#39;s arms under multiple adjacent floor support members  56  for convenient carrying as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
       FIGS. 17-21  show convenient configurations of tables  10   c - g  of the present invention that are formed by coupling a plurality of table top connectors  60  to adjacent table tops, e.g., table tops  12  and other table tops described herein having a variety of different shapes and dimensions.  FIGS. 22-23  further show a rotating serving table, e.g., a Lazy-Susan style rotating serving table that can also be used in connection with the table leg assemblies  14  of the present invention. These figures demonstrate the versatility of the design of table leg assemblies  14 . 
     In one embodiment, a table top  12  is approximately 15 inches in width and approximately 45 inches in length and approximately an inch in thickness, and the leg assembly  14  is 29 inches high, which when mated with the one-inch thick table top creates a 30-inch-high table. In another embodiment, the table top is approximately ¾ inch in thickness and the leg assembly is approximately 29¼ inches in height, for example. A variety of other sizes and dimensions may be employed with table leg assemblies  14 . The present invention enables a variety of modular positions and changeable options that are available using the table leg assembly and the table top of the present invention as coupled by the unique couplers and attachment members of the present invention. 
     In one embodiment, a user can use a set of leg assemblies  14  approximately 29.5 inches in height and any of table tops comprised of a half-moon shape, a 15 inches×72 inches, a 15 inches×45 inches, a 30-inch round, a 36-inch round and any combinations of any of those shapes to achieve whatever shape and function may be desired. 
     For example, in one embodiment, a standard size for a banquet table is 30 inches in width by 72 inches in length. In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 10-14 , the table top  12  of the present invention is approximately 15 inches in width by approximately 72 inches in length and when combined with a table top  12  of identical dimension, the two table tops  12  collectively form a standard banquet table  10   b  having a width of approximately 30 inches and a length of approximately 72 inches. 
     In one embodiment, nut members  20  in  FIGS. 1-4, 10-14, and 17-23  are positioned at a universal offset distance “D” from at least one edge of the table tops  12  on which they are mounted. By placing nut members  20  at a universal offset distance (e.g., approximately 7.5 inches) from a side edge and/or end edge of a corresponding table tops  12 , a variety of table configurations can be aligned by coupling the table tops  12  together using connector  60 , as shown in  FIGS. 17-21 . For example, if a user wants a table to be 12 feet long, two six-foot table tops can be coupled together. 
     So long as the nut members  20  are the universal offset distance “D” from each edge, a variety of convenient connection combinations are possible. For example, when the nut members  20  are 7.5 inches from each edge, there is a 15-inch connector distance (twice the offset distance, i.e., 2D). A connector  60  having a hole  64  to hole  64  length of 15 inches can conveniently couple the adjacent nut members  20  having a 7.5-inch offset distance “D” to each other as shown in  FIGS. 17-21 . 
     In one embodiment, a table top having a first nut member  20  that has a 7.5-inch offset distance “D” from an edge can readily connect to other table tops having nut members that are also 7.5 inches offset distances “D” from their respective table top edges, thereby allowing a variety of different coupling options using connectors  60  with a connector distance of 15 inches, such as shown in  FIGS. 12-21 . Importantly, the connectors  60  can be connected to certain nut members  20  that are also being used for connections to leg assemblies  14 , but connectors  60  can also be connected to nut members  20  that are not currently being used for connections to leg assemblies  14 . 
     The connectors  60  and the universal offset distances “D” between nut members  20  and table edges provide a variety of different advantages. For example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment on a 30 inch by 72-inch table  10   b  with table leg assemblies  14  mounted in nut members  20 , three chairs can fit conveniently at the table  10   b  without significant leg interference from the table leg assemblies  14 . In this embodiment two 72″×15″ table tops  12  are connected next to each other, forming a standard banquet table and easily having three chairs on one side and potentially three opposing chairs on the other side. However, in order to change the seating, e.g., for the convenience of the person(s) sitting on the end, in one embodiment, a 45″ by 15″ table top is added to form the table  10   c , as shown in  FIG. 17 . 
     In  FIGS. 17-21  each of the table tops has at least one an attachment member located at a universal offset distance “D” from an edge of the respective table top and wherein the table top connector  60  has a length of at least 2D to thereby span adjacent table edges to connect adjacent table tops together, the table top connector configured to be mounted on attachment members of adjacent table tops. 
     A variety of other advantages can be achieved using the connectors  60  of the present invention and employing universal offset distances “D” between table tops. 
       FIGS. 21-23  further show a rotating serving table  90  that can be formed using the shorter table leg assemblies  14  of the present invention and/or additional components clarified herein. Rotating serving table  90  is formed using table leg assemblies  14 , an upper table top  106 , and an intermediate table top member  92  having a smooth bore hub member  98  (e.g., a metallic hub member  98 ) therein into which a spinning extension member  100  can be rotatably mounted. 
     Spinning extension member  100  has, at a bottom end, a smooth outer bore neck  102  with internal threads that can be connected to an attachment member such as a wing screw  93  extending through hub  98  into neck  102 . Neck  102  is selectively placed in mating relationship within hub  98 , as illustrated in  FIG. 22 . A connector  104  at a top end of extension number  100  selectively connects to upper table top  106 , which may be circular in nature. The outer smooth bore neck  102  at the bottom of extension member  100  rotates with hub  98 . Thus, a Lazy Susan style rotating serving assembly may be formed as shown in  FIGS. 22-23 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 21 , the Lazy Susan style rotating serving assembly may be placed within the middle of a table assembly  10   g  of the present invention and may serve various individuals in a banquet style using a rotating table top  106 . Table leg assemblies  14  are connected to intermediate table top  92  in a similar way as discussed with respect to table  10  in  FIGS. 1-9 , for example. 
     In one embodiment, the hole in the table  10   g , as shown in  FIG. 21 , is used for the placement of pedestals that hold flower arrangements and/or Lazy Susan type serving trays for decorative, functional and/or interesting displays, e.g., wedding or other banquet purposes. 
       FIGS. 21-23  and the disclosure herein illustrates that the principles of the present invention can be used to make serving tables, bistro tables, and cocktail-style tables as desired. In one embodiment, rather than rotating, the extension member  100  can be immovably coupled to table  92  to form a cocktail style table, for example. 
     In one embodiment, hub  98  is a metallic non-threaded hollow member mounted within intermediate table top  92  and receives neck  102  therein. Neck  102  rotates within hollow non-threaded hub  98 , in one embodiment. Wing screw  93  maintains neck  102  within hub  98  and assures that extension member  100  remains mounted on table top  92 . Hub  98  may have an internal circular hollow shoulder upon which the lower circular edges of neck  102  rotate when being rotated. 
     Thus, in one embodiment, extension  100  is rotatably coupled to intermediate table  92  by having neck  102  rotatably coupled to hub  98  using wing screw  93 , which extends through hub  98  into the internal threads within neck  102 . 
     In another embodiment, the hub of table  92  is a nut member that the extension member threads into, or some other form of non-rotating connection between extension  100  and table top  92 . 
     As another option, in one embodiment the upper table top  106  is rotatably connected to an upper portion of an extension member of the present invention. 
     In one embodiment, a circular or rectangular table of the present invention is set at a coffee table at coffee table height of approximately 24 inches for example, or at 30 inches to be a bistro table for example or at 36 inches to be a working table. At 45 inches height a table of the present invention could be a cocktail table. A standard desk using the leg assemblies and table tops described herein might be 36 inches in height for example. 
     The outwardly extending circular disk shaped members  102   a - 104   a  of the extension member  100  shown in  FIGS. 22-23  are wider than the handle portion. The wider outwardly extending circular disk shaped members  102   a - 104   a  mounted on the handle of extension member  100  provide stability as well as convenience for gripping when in use (e.g., during rotation of member  100 ) and during set up and removal. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , circular disk shaped members  102   a ,  104   a  mounted on the handle of extension member  100  provide stability to extension member  100  and to the resulting table assembly  90  in which extension member  100  is used. In one embodiment, one or both of the circular disk shaped members contacts the table top adjacent to which is it placed, thereby providing further stability to the overall table in which extension member  100  is used. For example, as shown in  FIG. 23 , in one embodiment, lower circular disk shaped member  102   a  of extension member  100  (which is adjacent neck  102 ) is mounted on intermediate table top  92  (e.g., slidably mounted on table top  92 ), thereby providing additional stability to table  90 . The upper circular disk shaped member can also be configured to contact the upper table top  106 , thereby providing stability to the table top  106  and the overall table. However, in another embodiment, one or both of the disk shaped members do not necessarily contact the adjacent table tops. 
     Importantly, all of the table tops, couplers, connection members, and leg assembly pieces discussed herein can be conveniently placed into a closet or other storage areas when not in use. Thus, inventions described herein can be described as “seating for X in your closet,” wherein X could be as many as 16 people or more, for example. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.