Abstract:
A modular table system having a base assembly, a pedestal and a top member. The base assembly includes a plurality of base members. The pedestal includes a plurality of adjacent wall panels, each supported by a corresponding one of the base members. The member engages with upper panel mounts on at least some of wall panels, whereby the base assembly, the pedestal and the top member define an enclosure.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a non-provisional application which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/126,428, filed Feb. 27, 2015. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Tables systems are often used by exhibitors at tradeshows and exhibitions. It is desirable for such table systems to be relatively lightweight, while also being durable, rigid and laterally stable table. Exhibitors also want a table system that provides a finished and aesthetically pleasing furniture appearance, but which is also quickly assembled and disassembled, preferably without tools. Additionally, it is desirable to exhibitors to be able to easily pack their exhibit tables and other exhibit items into small easily transport units. An additional desirable feature is a table system that provides a secure storage area in which the exhibitor can keep personal belongings as well as extra marketing materials and other supplies out of sight of visitors. 
         [0003]    Furthermore, because the space available to an exhibitor may vary from event to event, and because different exhibitors may prefer different arrangements, it is generally desirable to have a table system which is modular and configurable to varying lengths and shapes. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modular table system. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a base assembly of the modular table system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of a corner connector for the base assembly of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0007]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of a base member for the base assembly of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 5  is an end elevation view of the base member of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wall panel of the modular table system of  FIG. 1  showing upper and lower panel mounts. 
           [0010]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of the upper panel mount of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 8  is an end elevation view of the upper panel mount of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of the lower panel mount of  FIG. 6  and the top member mount of  FIG. 18 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 10  is an end elevation view of the lower panel mount and top member mount of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged partial perspective view of the upper portion of the wall panel of  FIG. 6  showing the upper panel mount attached to the wall panel. 
           [0015]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged partial perspective view of the lower portion of the wall panel of  FIG. 6  showing the lower panel mount attached to the wall panel. 
           [0016]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the modular table system of  FIG. 1  at an initial assembly stage of two wall panels positioned into the base assembly. 
           [0017]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged elevation view showing the lower panel mount being positioned in the base assembly. 
           [0018]      FIG. 15  is the same view as  FIG. 14  showing the lower panel mount secured into the base assembly. 
           [0019]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the modular table system of  FIG. 1  at a later assembly stage. 
           [0020]      FIG. 17  is an enlarged perspective view of the circled area of  FIG. 16  showing an embodiment of a panel lock. 
           [0021]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an inside surface of an embodiment of the top member. 
           [0022]      FIG. 19  is an enlarged partial perspective view of a corner of the top member of  FIG. 18  showing the top member mount. 
           [0023]      FIG. 20  is an enlarged partial perspective view of another corner of the top member of  FIG. 18  showing the top lock bracket. 
           [0024]      FIG. 21  is an enlarged elevation view with the top member in partial cross-section showing the top member mount being received into the upper panel mount of a wall panel. 
           [0025]      FIG. 22  is the same enlarged elevation view as  FIG. 21  showing the top member mount secured within the upper panel mount. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 23 and 24  illustrate perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the modular table system in which one of the wall panels incorporates a hinged door. 
           [0027]      FIG. 25  illustrates various sized rectangular modular table systems and accessories. 
           [0028]      FIG. 26  illustrates various sized curved modular table systems and accessories. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 27-28  illustrate various combinations and sizes of rectangular modular table systems with accessories. 
           [0030]      FIG. 29  illustrates various combinations and sizes of curved modular table systems with accessories. 
           [0031]      FIG. 30  illustrates various combinations of rectangular and curved modular table systems with accessories. 
           [0032]      FIG. 31  illustrates an embodiment of an accessory mount for securing accessories to the modular table systems. 
           [0033]      FIG. 32  illustrates an embodiment of a connector for securing two modular table systems together. 
           [0034]      FIG. 33  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular table system. 
           [0035]      FIG. 34  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a base assembly of the modular table system of  FIG. 33 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 35  is an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of a corner connector for the base assembly of  FIG. 34 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 36  is an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of a base member for the base assembly of  FIG. 34 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 37  is an end elevation view of the base member of  FIG. 36 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 38  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wall panel of the modular table system of  FIG. 33  showing upper and lower panel mounts. 
           [0040]      FIG. 39  is an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of the upper panel mount of  FIG. 38 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 40  is an end elevation view of the upper panel mount of  FIG. 39 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 41  is an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of the lower panel mount of  FIG. 38 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 42  is an end elevation view of the lower panel mount and top member mount of  FIG. 41 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 43  is an enlarged partial perspective view of the upper portion of the wall panel of  FIG. 38  showing the upper panel mount attached to the wall panel. 
           [0045]      FIG. 44  is an enlarged partial perspective view of the lower portion of the wall panel of  FIG. 38  showing the lower panel mount attached to the wall panel. 
           [0046]      FIG. 45  is a perspective view of the modular table system of  FIG. 33  at an initial assembly stage of two wall panels positioned into the base assembly. 
           [0047]      FIG. 46  is an enlarged elevation view showing the lower panel mount being positioned in the base assembly. 
           [0048]      FIG. 47  is the same view as  FIG. 46  showing the lower panel mount secured into the base assembly. 
           [0049]      FIG. 48  is a perspective view of the modular table system of  FIG. 33  at a later assembly stage. 
           [0050]      FIGS. 49A  is enlarged perspective views of the circled area of  FIG. 48  showing another embodiment of a panel lock in the locked position. 
           [0051]      FIGS. 49B  is enlarged perspective view of the panel lock of  FIG. 49A  in the unlocked position. 
           [0052]      FIG. 50  is a perspective view of an inside surface of an embodiment of the top member. 
           [0053]      FIG. 51  is an enlarged elevation view with the top member in partial cross-section showing the top member secured within the upper panel mount of  FIG. 38 . 
           [0054]      FIG. 52  illustrates another embodiment of an accessory mount for securing accessories to the modular table systems. 
           [0055]      FIG. 53  illustrates another embodiment of a connector for securing two modular table systems together. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0056]    Referring to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals designate the same or corresponding parts throughout the several views,  FIG. 1 . is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modular table system  10 . The modular table system  10  is comprised of a base assembly  20  which supports wall panels  40  around its periphery defining a pedestal  12 . A top member  80  attaches to the top of the pedestal  12  thereby defining an enclosed area within the pedestal  12 . 
         [0057]    The base assembly  20  is best illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 13 .  FIG. 13  shows the fully assembled base assembly  20  and  FIG. 2  is a partially exploded perspective view of the base assembly  20 . In this embodiment, the base assembly is comprised of four base members  22  joined together by corner connectors  24  forming a square base assembly. It should be appreciated, however that the base assembly  20  may be triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, hexagonal, octagonal or any other desired shape by varying the lengths and numbers of the base members  22  joined together. The base members  22  may also be curved if a curved modular table system  10  is desired, such as shown in  FIG. 29 . 
         [0058]    An enlarged perspective view of one embodiment of the base members  22  is shown in  FIG. 4  with an enlarged end elevation view shown in  FIG. 5 . In this embodiment, the base member  22  is shown as an extrusion, but may be fabricated from rolled shapes or plate joined together. The base member  22  may be comprised of aluminum, steel, plastic or other suitable material. The base member  22  is comprised of a vertical leg  26  and a horizontal leg  28 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , the base members  22  may be joined by corner connectors  24  received into the ends of the vertical legs  26 . Taping screws  30 , rivets or other connectors may be used to secure the base members  22  to the corner connectors  24  thereby forming the base assembly  20 . Although the corner connectors  24  are shown as 90 degree angles, the corner connectors  24  may form any desired angle depending on the number of sides and shape desired for the pedestal  12  of the modular table system  10 . The corner connectors  24  may incorporate webs  32  and sockets  34  for added rigidity and to securely hold the tapping screws  30  or other connectors. 
         [0059]    The horizontal leg  28  of the base member  22  includes an outwardly projecting upper flange  36  and an outwardly projecting curved flange  38 , which cooperate with the lower panel mounts  60  for securing the wall panels  40  to the base assembly  20  as described later. The horizontal leg  28  also forms a C-shaped track  39 , the purpose of which is discussed later. 
         [0060]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of one of the wall panels  40 . The wall panel  40  is comprised of a panel member  42  to which is secured an upper panel mount  50  and a lower panel mount  60 . The panel member  42  may be made from any suitable material. One type of material found to be particularly suitable, is PVC wrapped MDF (polyvinyl chloride wrapped medium-density fiberboard), due to its relatively low cost and durability in resisting scratches and chipping. The wall panel  40  may have any desired length and height depending on the desired length, height and shape of the modular table system  10 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view of the upper panel mount  50 , with an enlarged end view shown in  FIG. 8 . The upper panel mount  50  includes a horizontal flange  51  and a vertical flange  52  which form an L-shaped panel seat  53  to receive the upper end of the panel member  42  as best illustrated in  FIG. 11 . Apertures  54  may be provided in the vertical flange  52  for receiving threaded connectors to secure the upper panel mount  50  to the upper end of the panel member  42 . The upper panel mount  50  also includes an upwardly projecting vertical flange  56  and an upwardly projecting curved flange  58 , which cooperate with the top member mount  70  for securing the top member  80  to the wall panels  40 , as described later. The upper panel mount also includes a C-shaped track  59 , the purpose of which is discussed later. 
         [0062]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged perspective view of the lower panel mount  60 , with an enlarged end view shown in  FIG. 10 . The lower panel mount  60  includes a substantially flat mount body  62  with a bulbous end  64  and a bulbous projection  66 , which cooperate with the base assembly  20  described later. Apertures  68  may be provided in the mount body  62  for receiving threaded connectors to secure the lower panel mount  60  to the lower end of the panel member  42  as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0063]      FIGS. 9 and 10  also show the top member mount  70  which is identical to the lower panel mount  60 , and includes a corresponding substantially flat mount body  72  with a bulbous end  74  and a bulbous projection  76 , which cooperate with the upper panel mount  50  for securing the top member  80  to the wall panels  40 , as described later. Apertures  78  may be provided in the mount body  72  for receiving threaded connectors to secure the top member mount  70  to the underside of the top member  80  as shown in  FIGS. 17, 18 and 20 . 
         [0064]      FIGS. 13-22  illustrate the steps in assembling the modular table system  10 . The base assembly  20  is pre-assembled as described above. The pre-assembled base assembly  20  is positioned on a floor or other surface. A user then positions a first wall panel  40 A over the base assembly  20  ( FIG. 13 ) such that the bulbous end  64  of the lower panel mount  60  is received within the upwardly curved flange  38  of a first base members  22 A of the base assembly  20  ( FIG. 14 ). The first wall panel  40 A is then rotated inwardly as indicated by arrow  99  in  FIG. 14  until the bulbous projection  66  is frictionally engaged with the outwardly projecting flange  36  of the base member  22  ( FIG. 15 ). Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the end of the outwardly projecting flange  36  is configured to slidably receive the bulbous projection  66  as the wall panel  40  is rotated inwardly. A recess  37  may be provided in the underside of the outwardly projection flange  36  to receive the bulbous projection  66  to retain the first wall panel  40 A in a substantially vertical position while the second wall panel  40 B is being retrieved. The above process is repeated with a second wall panel  40 B positioned in the base assembly  20  with respect to a second base member  22 B adjacent to the first base member  22 A. 
         [0065]    Referring to  FIGS. 13, 16 and 17 , the two adjacent wall panels  40 A,  40 B are then locked together by a panel lock  90 . The panel lock  90  comprises an arm  92  with a lateral hook  94 . The arm  92  is pivotally secured to the inside of each wall panel  40  near one vertical edge. Near the opposite vertical edge of each wall panel  40  is a vertically aligned upwardly projecting hook  98  secured to the inside of the panel member. Thus, when two adjacent wall panels  40  are positioned next to one another with their opposing vertical edges aligned, the lateral hook  114  can be pivotally rotated ( FIG. 17 ) to be received by the upwardly projecting hook  98  of the adjacent wall panel, thereby locking the adjacent wall panels together. 
         [0066]    The above process is then repeated for the third wall panel  40 C, and so on, until each of the wall panels  40  are positioned into the base assembly  20  and adjacent wall panels are locked together by the panel locks  90  (except as discussed below when one of wall panels is removable or includes a hinged access door, the removable wall panel or hinged access door is not locked to adjacent wall panels). It should be appreciated that with the panel locks  90  securing adjacent wall panels together and with lower panel mounts  60  engaged with the base assembly  20 , a substantially laterally stable pedestal  12  is achieved onto which the top member  80  is received. 
         [0067]    It should be appreciated that the vertical edges of the wall panels  40  may include a 45 degree miter such that when the adjacent wall panels are secured together by the panel locks  90 , a 90 degree aesthetically pleasing corner is formed. Of course, if the pedestal  12  has a shape other than rectangular (e.g., triangular, trapezoidal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.) the vertical edges may be mitered at an angle that corresponds to the angle of the corresponding shaped pedestal. 
         [0068]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , once all of the wall panels are positioned in the base assembly and locked together, the top member  80  is ready to be attached to the assembled pedestal  12 . The top member  80  may be any desired length and width or shape depending on the length, width and shape of the pedestal  12  to which it attaches. The top member  80  may be made of any suitable material. Like the wall panels  20 , one type of material found to be particularly suitable is PVC wrapped MDF due to its relatively low cost and ability to resist scratching and chipping. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIG. 18 , the bottom surface of the top member  80  includes a recessed area  82  near its outer periphery for receiving the top member mount  70  ( FIG. 19 ) and for receiving the top lock bracket  120  ( FIG. 20 ). By positioning the top member mount  70  and top lock bracket  120  within a recessed area  82 , these components are hidden from view providing a more finished and aesthetically pleasing furniture appearance when the modular table system  10  is assembled. 
         [0070]    Referring to  FIGS. 16, 18, 20 and 21 , it should be appreciated that only one top member mount  70  is provided on one end of the top member  80  for engaging with the upper panel mount  50  of one of the wall panels  40 . To attach the top member  80  to the pedestal  12  formed by the wall panels  40 , the top member  80  is positioned over the upper panel mount  50  of one of the wall panels and the bulbous end  74  of the top member mount  70  is inserted into one of the curved flange  58  of one of the upper panel mounts  50 . The top member  80  is then rotated downwardly as indicated by arrow  122  in  FIG. 21  until the bulbous projection  76  is frictionally engaged with the upwardly extending flange  56  of the upper panel mount  50 . Referring to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the end of the upwardly projecting flange  56  is configured to slidably receive the bulbous projection  76  as the top member  80  is rotated downwardly onto the pedestal. A recess  122  may be provided in the upwardly projecting flange  56  to receive the bulbous projection  76 . 
         [0071]    With the top member  80  in position over the pedestal  12  formed by the wall panels  40 , the top member  80  may be secured to the pedestal  12 . In one embodiment, the top member  80  is locked onto the pedestal  12  such that it may not be removed without a key, thereby providing a secure storage area within the pedestal  12 . Referring to  FIG. 16 , at the inside upper end of one of the wall panels  40 D is a top lock  130  comprising a hooked arm  132  secured to a keyed lock  134  into which a key (not shown) may be inserted from the outside of the wall panel  40 D. When the keyed lock  134  is rotated with the key, the hooked arm  132  is caused to rotate and engages with the top lock bracket  120 , thereby locking the top member  80  to the wall panel  40 D, preventing removal of the top member  80  from the pedestal  12  until a key is reinserted into the keyed lock  134  to rotate the hooked arm  132  out of engagement with the top lock bracket  120 . 
         [0072]    In an alternative embodiment, rather than using a keyed lock  134  to secure the top member  80  to the pedestal  12 , the top member may be secured to the pedestal using a fastener (such as a spring loaded pin or similar mechanical engagement mechanism) which engages with the upper panel mount  50  when the top member  80  is pushed down onto the top of the pedestal  12 . 
         [0073]    It should be appreciated that if it is desirable to remove the wall panel  40 D while the top member  80  remains positioned over the top of the pedestal  12 , the user may simply tilt the top of the wall panel  40 D outwardly and then lift the wall panel  40 D upwardly to remove the bulbous end  64  out of the upwardly curved flange  38  of the base member  22 D. Of course, it should be appreciated, that the removable wall panel  40 D, would not be locked to the adjacent wall panels  40 B,  40 C by the panel locks  90 . It should also be appreciated that the upper end of wall panel  40 D may include a recessed handhold or cutout  140  ( FIG. 16 ) for receiving a user&#39;s hand to make it easier for the user to grab the upper end of the wall panel  40 D to tilt it away from the pedestal while the top member  80  remains in place over the pedestal  12 . 
         [0074]      FIGS. 23 and 24  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the modular table system  10  in which one of the wall panels  40 E includes a hinged door  42 - 2  attached to a narrow panel member  42 - 1 . Apart from the hinged door  42 - 2 , the embodiment of the wall panel  40 E is substantially identical to the previously described removable wall panel  40 D. The only difference being, that the lower panel mount  60  is only attached to the narrow panel member  42 - 1 , thereby allowing the hinged door to  42 - 2  to swing outwardly when the top lock  130  attached to the hinged door  42 - 2  is unlocked (in embodiments with the top lock), while the narrow panel member  42 - 1  remains securely retained in place by the cooperation of the lower panel mount  60  with the base assembly  20  and due to the panel lock  90  locking the narrow panel member  42 - 1  to the adjacent wall panel  40 C. 
         [0075]    In any of the embodiments, a bottom shelf panel  160  ( FIG. 24 ) may be placed over the base assembly  20  and one or more intermediate shelf panels  162  ( FIG. 24 ) may be supported on the wall panels  40  by pegs or other suitable shelf supports at a desired elevation within the pedestal  12 . 
         [0076]      FIGS. 25 and 26  illustrate various shapes and sizes of rectangular and curved modular table systems  10  with various accessories  100 , including various length rectangular drop ledges  102  and various length rectangular “drop tops”  104 . Other accessories  100  are shown in  FIG. 28 , which accessories  100  may include monitors, iPads, tablets or other computer peripherals, lamps and other lighting fixtures, shelves, hang rails, fascia panels, standoff graphics, etc. 
         [0077]    The accessories  100  may be attached to the modular table systems  10  by accessory mounts  110  such as brackets  111  which are configured to engage with the C-shaped tracks  59  of the upper panel mounts  50  as shown in  FIG. 31 . The C-shaped tracks  59  may also be used with a complimentary bracket  112  for securing two modular table systems together as shown in  FIG. 32 . Various other configurations of accessory mounts  110  may also be provided which cooperate with the tracks  59  or other components of the modular table systems  10  for attaching accessories or joining table systems together. 
         [0078]    Additionally, it should be appreciated that the C-shaped tracks  39 ,  59  serve as a convenient means of routing and hiding power cords for the accessories  100 . The tracks  39 ,  59  may be used for routing LED lights for providing recessed accent lighting below the top member  80  or around the base of the pedestal  12 . 
         [0079]      FIGS. 27-30  illustrate various modular table systems  10  and accessories which may be combined to produce a wide variety of shapes, sizes and configurations of modular tables systems for various uses. 
         [0080]      FIG. 33  is a perspective view of anther embodiment of a modular table system  200 . As in the previous embodiments, the modular table system  200  is comprised of a base assembly  220  which supports wall panels  240  around its periphery defining a pedestal  212 . A top member  280  attaches to the top of the pedestal  212  thereby defining an enclosed area within the pedestal  212 . 
         [0081]    The base assembly  220  is best illustrated in  FIGS. 34 and 35 .  FIG. 45  shows the fully assembled base assembly  220  and  FIG. 34  is a partially exploded perspective view of the base assembly  220 . In this embodiment, the base assembly is comprised of four base members  222  joined together by corner connectors  224  forming a square base assembly. It should be appreciated, however that the base assembly  220  may be triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, hexagonal, octagonal or any other desired shape by varying the lengths and numbers of the base members  22  joined together. The base members  222  may also be curved if a curved modular table system is desired, such as shown in  FIG. 29 . 
         [0082]    An enlarged perspective view of one embodiment of the base members  222  is shown in  FIG. 36  with an enlarged end elevation view shown in  FIG. 37 . As in the previous embodiment, the base members  222  may be an extrusion, or fabricated from rolled shapes or plate joined together and may be comprised of aluminum, steel, plastic or other suitable material. The base member  222  are substantially the same as the base members  22  of the previous embodiment and include a vertical leg  226  and a horizontal leg  228  and are joined together by corner connectors  224  received into the ends of the vertical legs  226 . However, the base members  222  include an additional channel  229  formed in the corner at the intersection of the horizontal leg  228  and vertical leg  226  for hiding and routing electrical wires, signal wires or LEDs for providing base lighting around the base assembly  220 . Taping screws  230 , rivets or other connectors may be used to secure the base members  222  to the corner connectors  224  thereby forming the base assembly  220 . Although the corner connectors  224  are shown as 90 degree angles, the corner connectors  224  may form any desired angle depending on the number of sides and shape desired for the pedestal  12  of the modular table system  10 . The corner connectors  24  may incorporate webs  232  and sockets  234  for added rigidity and to securely hold the tapping screws  230  or other connectors. 
         [0083]    The horizontal leg  228  of the base member  222  includes an outwardly projecting upper flange  236  and an outwardly projecting curved flange  238 , which cooperate with the lower panel mounts  260  for securing the wall panels  240  to the base assembly  220  in substantially the same manner as described above and as discussed later. The horizontal leg  228  also forms a C-shaped track  239 , the purpose of which is discussed later. 
         [0084]      FIG. 38  is a perspective view of one of the wall panels  240 . The wall panel  240  is comprised of a panel member  242  to which is secured an upper panel mount  250  and a lower panel mount  260 . As with the previous embodiment, the panel member  242  may be made from any suitable material such as PVC wrapped MDF due to its relatively low cost and durability in resisting scratches and chipping. The wall panel  240  may have any desired length and height depending on the desired length, height and shape of the modular table system  200 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 33 and 48 , one of the wall panels  240 D includes a door panel  242 - 2  which is hingedly attached to a narrow wall panel  242 - 1 . The door panel  242 - 2  may include a cut-out handle  243  into which the user may insert his or her hand to open the door panel  242 - 2 . The hinged door  242 - 2  of the modular table system  200  may include a keyed door lock  310 . The keyed door lock may be any suitable type of conventional lock, including the type in which a lever (not shown) on the inside of the door panel  242 - 2  rotates as the key is rotated to engage with a slot or projection (not shown) on the adjacent wall panel  240 C. 
         [0085]      FIG. 39  is an enlarged perspective view of the upper panel mount  250 , with an enlarged end view shown in  FIG. 40 . The upper panel mount  250  includes a horizontal flange  251  which intersects with a vertical flange  252  forming panel seat  253  to receive the upper end of the panel member  242  as best illustrated in  FIG. 43 . Apertures  254  may be provided in the vertical flange  252  for receiving threaded connectors to secure the upper panel mount  250  to the upper end of the panel member  242 . The upper panel mount  250  also includes an L-shaped flange  256  which supports an inverted V-shaped top member  258  which is received within a mating V-shaped slot  82  formed in the underside of the top member  280 , as described later. The inverted V-shaped top member  258  includes an inwardly projecting sloped flange  257 , the purpose of which will be discussed later. The upper panel mount  250  also includes a C-shaped track  259 , the purpose of which is discussed later. 
         [0086]      FIG. 41  is an enlarged perspective view of the lower panel mount  260 , with an enlarged end view shown in  FIG. 42 . The lower panel mount  260  has substantially the same configuration as the lower panel mount  60  of the previous embodiment, but rather than providing one long lower panel mount as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 9 , in this embodiment, two short lower panel mounts  260  are spaced along the bottom end of the wall panel  242  as shown in  FIG. 38 . Each panel mount include a substantially flat mount body  262  with a bulbous end  264  and a bulbous projection  266 , which cooperate with the base assembly  220  described later. Apertures  268  may be provided in the mount body  262  for receiving threaded connectors to secure the lower panel mount  260  to the lower end of the panel member  242  as shown in  FIG. 44 . 
         [0087]      FIGS. 45-51  illustrate the steps in assembling the modular table system  200 . The base assembly  220  is pre-assembled as described above. The pre-assembled base assembly  220  is positioned on a floor or other surface. As best illustrated in  FIGS. 45 and 46  a user then positions a first wall panel  240 A over the base assembly  220  such that the bulbous end  264  of the lower panel mounts  260  are received within the upwardly curved flange  238  of a first base members  222 A of the base assembly  220 . The first wall panel  240 A is then rotated inwardly as indicated by arrow  99  in  FIG. 46  until the bulbous projection  266  is frictionally engaged with the outwardly projecting flange  236  of the base member  222  ( FIG. 47 ). Referring to  FIGS. 46 and 47 , the end of the outwardly projecting flange  236  is configured to slidably receive the bulbous projection  266  as the wall panel  240  is rotated inwardly. A recess  267  may be provided in the underside of the outwardly projection flange  236  to receive the bulbous projection  266  to retain the first wall panel  240 A in a substantially vertical position while the second wall panel  240 B is being retrieved. The above process is repeated with a second wall panel  240 B positioned in the base assembly  220  with respect to a second base member  222 B adjacent to the first base member  222 A. 
         [0088]    Referring to  FIGS. 45, 48 and 49A-49B , the two adjacent wall panels  240 A,  240 B are then locked together by a panel lock  210 . The panel lock  290  comprises a lever  292  with a horizontal leg  293 , a vertical leg  294  and capped end  295  with a slot  296 . The vertical leg  294  of the lever  292  is pivotally secured to the inside of each wall panel  240  by a fastener  297 . Near the opposite vertical edge of each wall panel  240  is a vertically aligned capped head fastener  298  which is received within the slot  296  as the lever  292  is pivoted down onto the aligned fastener  298  thereby locking the adjacent panels  240  together. 
         [0089]    The above process is then repeated for the third wall panel  240 C, and so on, until each of the wall panels  240  are positioned into the base assembly  220  and adjacent wall panels are locked together by the panel locks  290 . It should be appreciated that with the panel locks  290  securing adjacent wall panels together and with lower panel mounts  260  engaged with the base assembly  220 , a substantially laterally stable pedestal  212  is achieved onto which the top member  280  is received. 
         [0090]    It should be appreciated that the vertical edges of the wall panels  240  may include a 45 degree miter such that when the adjacent wall panels are secured together by the panel locks  290 , a 90 degree aesthetically pleasing corner is formed. Of course, if the pedestal  212  has a shape other than rectangular (e.g., triangular, trapezoidal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.) the vertical edges may be mitered at an angle that corresponds to the angle of the corresponding shaped pedestal. 
         [0091]    Referring to  FIG. 48 , once all of the wall panels are positioned in the base assembly and locked together, the top member  280  is ready to be attached to the assembled pedestal  212 . The top member  280  may be any desired length and width or shape depending on the length, width and shape of the pedestal  212  to which it attaches. The top member  280  may be made of any suitable material. Like the wall panels  220 , one type of material found to be particularly suitable is PVC wrapped MDF due to its relatively low cost and ability to resist scratching and chipping. 
         [0092]    Referring to  FIGS. 50 and 51 , the bottom surface of the top member  280  includes a V-shaped groove  282  near its outer periphery for receiving the upper panel mount  250  as described below. Disposed on the underside of the top member is a top lock  300 . As best viewed in  FIG. 51 , the top lock includes a pin  302  that is slidably received within a bracket  304 . A spring  306  biases the pin laterally outwardly. 
         [0093]    To securely attach the top member  280  to the pedestal  212  formed by the wall panels  240 , the top member  280  is positioned horizontally over the upper panel mount  250  such that the inverted V-shaped top members  258  are received within the V-shaped grooves  282 . The user then simply pushes vertically down on the top member  280  forcing the spring biased pin  302  inwardly as the outer end of the pin  302  engages with the sloped flange  257  of the inverted V-shaped top member  258 . The spring biased pin  302  then springs outwardly when its end is pushed below the inwardly projecting sloped flange  257  of the inverted V-shaped top member  258 , thereby locking the top member  280  onto the pedestal  212 . It should be appreciated that the upper panel mount  250  is thereby substantially hidden from view providing a more finished and aesthetically pleasing furniture appearance when the modular table system  200  is assembled. 
         [0094]    When it is desired to remove the top member  280  from the pedestal  212  in order to disassemble the modular table  200 , the user simply reaches in through the open door panel  242 - 2  ( FIG. 48 ) and pulls the pins  302  inwardly to disengage the end of the pin  302  from the sloped flange  257  of the inverted V-shaped top member  258  thereby allowing the top member  280  to be lifted off the upper panel mounts  250 . 
         [0095]    As previously described and illustrated in connection with  FIG. 24 , a bottom shelf panel not shown may be placed inside the pedestal  212  over the base assembly  220  and one or more intermediate shelf panels may be placed inside the pedestal  212  and supported on the wall panels  240  by pegs or other suitable shelf supports at a desired elevation within the pedestal  212 . 
         [0096]    It should be appreciated that the foregoing modular table system  10 ,  200  results in a rigid and laterally stable table that provides a durable, yet finished and aesthetically pleasing furniture appearance, while offering a secure storage area within the pedestal  12 ,  212 . The modular table system  10 ,  200  may be assembled and disassembled without tools in minutes and may be easily packed into relatively small unit for transport, thereby making it ideal for use by exhibitors at trade shows. 
         [0097]    As with the previous embodiment of the modular table system  10 , the modular table system  200  may comprise any of the various shapes and sizes of rectangular and curved modular table systems as shown in  FIGS. 25-26  and may be combined with the various accessories  100  including various length rectangular drop ledges  102  and various length rectangular “drop tops”  104  to produce a wide variety of shapes, sizes and configurations of modular tables systems for various uses as shown in  FIGS. 27-30 . Other accessories  100  such as shown in  FIG. 28 , may include monitors, iPads, tablets or other computer peripherals, lamps and other lighting fixtures, shelves, hang rails, fascia panels, standoff graphics, etc. 
         [0098]    The accessories  100  may be attached to the modular table systems  200  by accessory mounts  110  as shown in  FIGS. 52 and 53  which are slidably received into the C-shaped tracks  259  of the upper panel mounts  250 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 52 , the accessory mount may be an L-shaped mechanical connector  113  having one end with a complimentary shape to the C-shaped track  259  such that it is slidable into the C-shaped track from one end, but which is laterally restrained by C-shaped track. Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 53 , the accessory mount may be an I-shaped mechanical connector  114  which is slidable into the C-shaped tracks  259  of two adjacent modular table systems, but which laterally joins the adjacent modular table systems. Various other configurations of accessory mounts  110  may also be provided which cooperate with the tracks  259  or other components of the modular table systems  200  for attaching accessories or joining table systems together. 
         [0099]    Various embodiments of the invention have been described above for purposes of illustrating the details thereof and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The details and features of the disclosed embodiments are not intended to be limiting, as many variations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be interpreted broadly and to include all variations and modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.