Patent Description:
Many different types of tables are well known and used for a variety of different purposes. For example, conventional tables may include legs that are pivotally attached to a tabletop and the legs may be movable between a use position in which the legs extend outwardly from the tabletop and a storage position in which the legs are folded against the tabletop. Conventional tables with relatively large tabletops and folding legs are often referred to as "banquet tables" and these tables are frequently used in assembly halls, banquet halls, convention centers, hotels, schools, churches, and other locations where large groups of people meet. These types of tables can often be positioned in an assortment of different configurations and used in a variety of settings. When the banquet tables are no longer needed, the table legs can be moved into the storage position and the tables may be more easily moved or stored.

Because most banquet tables have a length between six and ten feet and a width between three and four feet, the required storage area for such tables is quite large even with the legs in the collapsed position. This large storage area may be problematic for businesses or facilities such as hotels, schools, and churches because a considerable number of these tables may have to be stored.

Conventional tables often include tabletops constructed from materials such as wood, particleboard, or metal. Table tops constructed from wood, particleboard or metal, however, are often relatively heavy and this may make the table awkward or difficult to move. Tabletops constructed from wood or metal are also relatively expensive, and these types of tabletops must generally be treated or finished before use. For example, tabletops constructed from wood must generally be sanded and painted, and metal tabletops must be formed into the desired shape and painted. In addition, because these wooden and metal tabletops are relatively heavy, the cost of shipping and transportation of the tables may be increased. The weight of the tabletop may make the tables more difficult to move and store.

In order to decrease the weight of conventional tables, tabletops may be constructed from relatively lightweight materials such as plastic. Disadvantageously, tabletops constructed from lightweight materials may require large reinforcing members or other structural parts such as braces, brackets, support members and the like to strengthen the tabletop. While these additional parts may increase the strength of the tabletop, the added parts may also increase the weight of the table. These additional parts may result in increased manufacturing costs and require additional time to assemble the table. In addition, extra fasteners may be required to assemble and connect these parts to the table, which may require extra time and labor during the manufacturing process. The additional parts and fasteners may further increase the cost of the table and make the table more difficult to manufacture. Moreover, these additional parts and fasteners may have sharp edges that can injure a user's legs or arms.

Conventional tables may include a frame that is connected to the tabletop. The frame may include a pair of side rails connected to sides of the tabletop using fasteners. Multiple fasteners may be required to securely connect the frame to the tabletop and transmit forces applied to the tabletop to the frame. Undesirably, when a relatively large load or force is applied to some known tables, the frame may bend, deform, and/or detach from the tabletop. In addition, the fasteners used to connect the frame to the tabletop may detach or separate from the tabletop. The fasteners may even damage and tear through the tabletop if the load or force exceeds a certain amount. Further, the frames or fasteners of some known tables may collapse in some circumstances.

Additionally, conventional tables may include frames with components that help stabilize the table when the table is being used. These components may extend into the volume or space disposed below the tabletop. The components may also be disposed underneath the tabletop and between the table legs. The components may restrict or limit a user's placement of his or her legs below the tabletop, restrict a number of chairs placed below the tabletop, or restrict a number of users who can comfortably sit at the table.

Support structures, such as leg assemblies, in some conventional tables may be configured to fold relative to a tabletop. For example, these tables may be configured in a storage arrangement in which the support structures are folded against the tabletop and in a use arrangement in which the support structures are arranged substantially normal to the tabletop. In some existing tables, the support mechanisms may be engaged only when a leg assembly is disposed at a ninety-degree (<NUM>°) angle relative to the tabletop. In these tables, when a user is configuring the table in use arrangement, the table may be placed on a top surface or side surface of the tabletop such that the leg assembly is accessible. The user may then rotate the leg assembly relative to the tabletop. When the leg assembly is disposed at a ninety-degree (<NUM>°) angle relative to the tabletop, the leg assembly may be locked.

In some circumstances, the leg assembly may not be rotated sufficiently relative to the tabletop. For example, a user may erroneously think that the leg assembly is locked, but one or more mechanisms of the leg assembly may not be properly or fully engaged. Insufficient rotation or an improperly locked leg assembly may result in the leg assembly being disposed in an unlocked position. For instance, without the table locked, a force applied to the table or a load placed on the table may cause the leg assembly to rotate relative to the tabletop (e.g., unexpectedly rotate towards the tabletop). Thus, the table or a portion of the table may collapse.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments, such as those described. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

<CIT> discloses a height adjustment lock for table legs. <CIT> discloses a locking mechanism intended to immobilise a moving element with respect to a fixed element. <CIT> discloses a foldable table.

A need therefore exists for a table that eliminates or diminishes the above-described disadvantages and problems.

An aspect is a table according to claim <NUM>. The table includes two or more components such as a tabletop, a lateral structure, a frame, a leg assembly, and/or a brace member. The tabletop may include a first end, a second end (which may be opposite the first end), and a center portion that may be disposed substantially equidistant from the first end and the second end. The tabletop may include a first distance which may be measured between the first end and the center. The tabletop may be constructed from blow-molded plastic and may be formed as part of a unitary, one-piece construction during a blow-molding process. Additionally, the tabletop may include two tabletop portions, which may have generally the same sizes or different sizes. The two tabletop portions may be configured to be arranged in a storage configuration in which the two tabletop portions are substantially parallel to one another. Also, the two tabletop portions may be arranged in use configuration in which the two tabletop portions are disposed in a generally planar configuration and/or arranged in a plane. One or both of the tabletop portions may be constructed from blow-molded plastic and may be formed as part of the unitary, one-piece construction during a blow-molding process. The frame is attached to a lower surface of the tabletop. The frame may include a first longitudinal structure that extends along a first side of the tabletop and a second longitudinal structure that extends along a second side of the tabletop. The first longitudinal structure may be separated from the second longitudinal structure by a particular distance such as a lateral frame dimension. The leg assembly may include a support element, a translation mechanism, and a lock device. The support element includes an end structure and the end structure is attached to an elongated structure. The end structure may be rotatably coupled to the frame. The support element is rotatable relative to the frame between a first position and a second position, and at least a portion of the support element may be substantially fixed at a position on the frame. The first position may be a stored position in which the leg assembly is positioned adjacent to or at least proximate the lower surface of the tabletop. The second position may be a use configuration in which the leg assembly is disposed substantially perpendicular to the tabletop. The end structure may be rotatably coupled to the frame at a second distance from the first end of the tabletop. Also, the end structure may be rotatably coupled to the frame at a first interface. The elongated structure may include a support shaft. The elongated structure may include a leg configured to be placed on a surface to support the tabletop. The elongated structure may include two legs or two support shafts; and the second distance may be between about one-fifth and one-third of the first distance. The elongated structure may include two support shafts, which may extend from the end structure. The two support shafts may be separated by a shaft support separation distance. The shaft support separation distance may be less than the lateral frame dimension such that the brace member extends in a lateral direction from the frame to one of the two support shafts. The support element may define a receiver on an inner surface. The receiver may be sized and shaped to receive a lock tab that may extend from a lock device when the lock device is in the engaged arrangement. The translation mechanism may be retained relative to the support element and the frame. The translation mechanism may be configured to translate along a portion of the support element as the support element rotates between the first position and the second position. The translation mechanism may include one or more sleeves. The one or more sleeves may at least partially surround the two legs or the two support shafts of the elongated structure. The sleeve may include a leg configured to be placed on a surface to support the tabletop. The leg may define a translation volume in which the support shaft is disposed. Alternatively, the sleeve may include a conduit, which may define a translation volume in which a portion of the elongated structure, such as a leg, is disposed. In detail, when the support element is in the first position, the translation mechanism may be disposed at a first distance from the end structure. Additionally, when the support element is in the second position, the translation mechanism may be disposed at a second distance from the end structure. The first position may be closer to the end structure than the second position. The lateral structure may extend between translation mechanisms. For instance, the lateral structure may extend from a first leg of the two legs to a second leg of the two legs, or from a first support shaft of the two support shafts to a second support shaft of the two support shafts. The lock device may be at least partially disposed in the lateral structure. The lock device may be configurable in an engaged arrangement. In the engaged arrangement, the lock device may fix the translation mechanism to the support element. The lock device may be configurable in a disengaged arrangement. In the disengagement arrangement, the translation mechanism may not be fixed relative to the support element. The lock device may include a compression mechanism. The compression mechanism may be configured to withdraw one or more lock tabs and the lock tabs may extend from the lateral structure into the support element. The brace member may be rotatably attached to the frame and to the translation mechanism. The brace member may be disposed between the frame and an outer portion of the translation mechanism. When the support element is in the first position, the brace member may be positioned at an angle relative to the support element and the frame. When the support element is in the second position, the brace member may be substantially parallel to the frame and the support element. The brace member may be rotatably coupled to the frame at a second interface. The second interface may be disposed between the center of the tabletop and the first interface. The brace member may be positioned between the elongated structure and the first longitudinal structure or between the elongated structure and the second longitudinal structure.

Another disclosure not forming part of the invention is a support assembly and an exemplary embodiment of the support assembly may include a frame, a support element, a translation mechanism, a lock device, a brace member, and/or a lateral structure. The frame may include a first longitudinal structure and a second longitudinal structure. The first longitudinal structure and the second longitudinal structure may be separated by a distance, such as a lateral frame dimension. The support element may be rotatably coupled to the first longitudinal structure and the second longitudinal structure. The support element may be rotatable relative to the frame between a first position and a second position. The support element may be substantially fixed at a position on the frame. The support element may include an end structure and an elongated structure may be attached to the end structure. The elongated structure may include a leg and the leg may be configured to be placed on a surface to support the frame. The elongated structure may include a support shaft. The support element may define a receiver on an inner surface. The receiver may be sized and shaped to receive a lock tab and the lock tab may extend from the lock device when the lock device is configured in the engaged arrangement. The translation mechanism may be configured to translate along a portion of the support element as the support element rotates relative to the frame. The translation mechanism may include a sleeve that at least partially surrounds a structure of the support element. The sleeve may include a leg configured to be placed on a surface to support the tabletop. The leg may define at least a portion of a translation volume in which the support shaft is disposed. The sleeve may alternatively include a conduit and the conduit may define at least a portion of a translation volume in which a portion of the elongated structure such as a leg is disposed. In detail, when the support element is in the first position, the translation mechanism may be disposed a first distance from the end structure. When the support element is in the second position, the translation mechanism may be disposed a second distance from the end structure. The first portion and/or the first distance may be closer to the end structure than the second position and/or the second distance. The lock device may be configurable in an engaged arrangement. In the engaged arrangement, the lock device may fix the translation mechanism relative to the support element. The lock device may be configurable in a disengaged arrangement. In the disengaged arrangement, the lock device may not fix the translation mechanism relative to the support element. The lock device may be biased in the engaged arrangement when the support element is in the first position. The brace member may be disposed between the frame and an outer portion of the translation mechanism. The brace member may be rotatably attached to the frame and to the translation mechanism. The lateral structure may be attached to the translation mechanism. The lock device may be at least partially disposed in the lateral structure. The lock device may include a compression mechanism. The compression mechanism may be configured to withdraw lock tabs that extend from the lateral structure into the support element.

Some benefits of the table, support assembly, and the like may include increasing a volume below the tabletop of a table. For instance, the leg assemblies or the support assemblies may move brace members and other components of the leg assemblies or the support assemblies outside of the volume below the tabletop. For instance, the brace members may be moved to or towards the edges and the lateral element may be moved towards the lower surface of the tabletop. Accordingly, one or more of the components of the leg assemblies and the support assemblies may not interfere with legs of the user, or with chairs or other objects placed below the tabletop.

Another aspect is a table comprised of a tabletop, a frame, and/or a leg assembly. The frame is attached to a lower surface of the tabletop. The leg assembly includes a support element, a translation mechanism, and/or a two-stage lock assembly. The support element includes an end structure attached to an elongated structure. The end structure is rotatably coupled to the frame such that the support element may be rotatable relative to the frame between a first position and a second position, and the support element may be substantially fixed at a position on the frame. The translation mechanism is retained relative to the support element and the frame. The translation mechanism is configured to translate along a portion of the support element as the support element rotates between the first position and the second position. The two-stage lock assembly includes a multi-element lock tab having a body and an end on which a first element and a second element are disposed. The two-stage lock assembly is configurable in a disengaged configuration in which the translation mechanism is not fixed relative to the support element, a second engaged configuration in which the two-stage lock assembly fixes the translation mechanism to the support element, and a first engaged configuration in which the first element is positioned in a receiver which is defined in the support element and the second element is not positioned in the receiver. The positioning of the first element in the receiver in the first engaged configuration may prevent an unintentional collapse of the tabletop when the leg and the end structure are not rotated to the second engagement angle. The elongated structure may include a support shaft. The translation mechanism may include a leg that defines a translation volume in which the support shaft is disposed. The leg assembly according to the invention is configured such that the disengaged configuration occurs when the leg and the end structure is disposed between an angle of about zero to a first engagement angle at which the first element is introduced to the receiver, the first engaged configuration may occur when the leg and the end structure are positioned in a range from the first engagement angle and a second engagement angle, and the second engaged configuration occurs according to the invention when the leg and the end structure are positioned at the second engagement angle at which the second element enters the receiver. The first engagement angle may be between about <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees. The second engagement angle may be between about <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees. The multi-element lock tab may be outwardly biased. For instance, the multi-element lock tab may be outwardly biased such that at when the leg and the end structure are rotated to the first engagement angle, the first element is pushed into the receiver and at the second engagement angle, the second element may be pushed into the receiver. In the first engaged configuration, an opening in the leg may overlap a lower portion of the receiver to enable the first element to move outwardly into the receiver. The opening may include a height that substantially corresponds to a height of the multi-element lock tab. The first element may include a first element height and the multi-element lock tab may include a second height. The first element height may include between about twenty-five percent (<NUM>%) and about fifty percent (<NUM>%) of the second height. The first element may make up a first portion of the end and the second element may make up a remaining part of the end. The multi-element lock tab may include a top and a bottom. The second element may include a portion of the end between the top and the first element and between the bottom and the first element. The first element may be positioned on a lower portion or an upper portion of the end. A top or a bottom may be sloped towards the first element. The first element may include two protrusive features. The two protrusive features may be positioned at or near a central portion of the body.

Another aspect is a table that include a two-stage lock assembly. The two-stage lock assembly may be configured to prevent collapse of the table because of an insufficiently rotated leg assembly. The two-stage lock assembly may include one or more components such as a multi-element lock tab. The multi-element lock tab may be configured for disposition in a lateral structure of a lock device. The multi-element lock tab may include a body that includes an end on which a first element and a second element may be disposed. The multi-element lock tab may be configurable in a disengaged configuration, a first engaged configuration, and a second engaged configuration. The first element may extend from the body farther than the second element to enable the first element to be introduced into a receiver prior to the second element. The disengaged configuration may occur when the first element and the second element are not positioned in the receiver. The first engaged configuration may occur when the first element is positioned in the receiver and the second element is not positioned in the receiver. The second engaged configuration may occur when the first and the second elements are positioned in the receiver. The first element may include first element height and the multi-element lock tab may include a second height. The first element height may be between about twenty-five percent (<NUM>%) and about fifty percent (<NUM>%) of the second height. The first element may make up a first portion of the end and the second element may make up a remaining part of the end. The multi-element lock tab may include a top and a bottom. The second element may include a portion of the end between the top and the first element and between the bottom and the first element.

Some benefits of the table, leg assemblies, two-stage lock assembly, and the like may include preventing collapse or reducing a likelihood of collapse of the table in instances in which a leg assembly is not fully extended. For example, in circumstances in which a user insufficiently rotates the leg assembly, a first element of the two-stage lock assembly may engage in a receiver and reduce the likelihood of collapse of the table.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following brief description of the drawings, the drawings, the detailed description of preferred embodiments and appended claims.

The appended drawings contain figures of exemplary embodiments to further illustrate and clarify the above and other aspects, advantages and features of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit its scope. Additionally, it will be appreciated that while the drawings may illustrate preferred sizes, scales, relationships and configurations of the invention, the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:.

The present invention is generally directed towards structures such as tables or benches. The principles of the present invention, however, are not limited to tables or benches. It will be understood that, in light of the present disclosure, the exemplary tables disclosed herein can have a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements. In addition, while the tables shown in the accompanying figures are banquet or utility tables, it will be appreciated the tables may have any suitable style or configuration such as round, personal, conference, or card tables. Further, the structures disclosed herein may be successfully used in connection with other types of furniture and/or assemblies.

Additionally, to assist in the description of exemplary embodiments of the tables, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, right and left may be used to describe the accompanying figures which may be, but are not necessarily, drawn to scale. It will further be appreciated the tables can be disposed in a variety of desired positions or orientations, and used in numerous locations, environments and arrangements. A detailed description of exemplary embodiments of a table now follows.

<FIG> illustrate an exemplary table <NUM> (which may be referred to as a first table <NUM>) that may implement one or more leg assemblies 200A or 200B (collectively, leg assemblies or generally leg assembly <NUM>) according to some exemplary embodiments described in the present disclosure. <FIG> is an enlarged view of a portion of the first table <NUM> depicting a first leg assembly 200A attached to an exemplary tabletop <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first table <NUM> may include the tabletop <NUM> and one or more support assemblies, such as the support assembly <NUM>, which may selectively support the table <NUM> and/or the tabletop <NUM> relative to a surface such as the floor or the ground. The support assembly <NUM> may include one or more leg assemblies <NUM>, and the leg assemblies may be positioned in a first position and a second position. In the first position, the leg assemblies <NUM> may be disposed in a storage configuration in which the leg assemblies <NUM> are positioned adjacent to or at least proximate a lower surface <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. Such positioning may reduce a height of the first table <NUM>, which may reduce the volume used by the first table <NUM> when storing the first table <NUM>. The second position may be a use configuration. In the second position, the leg assemblies <NUM> may be disposed substantially perpendicular to the lower surface <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. The leg assemblies <NUM> may support the tabletop <NUM> such that the table <NUM> may be used. In <FIG>, the leg assemblies <NUM> are shown in the use configuration.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the support assembly <NUM> and the leg assemblies <NUM> may be configured to open up the volume <NUM> below the tabletop <NUM>. For instance, in some existing tables, the leg assemblies include an angled support. The angled support may extend from a center of the tabletop to a cross member of the leg assemblies. Accordingly, the angled support may occupy or be disposed in the volume (e.g., volume <NUM>) below the tabletop. Presence of the angled support may interfere with chairs or a user's legs, which may limit use of the table.

Accordingly, in at least some of the exemplary embodiments described in the present disclosure, there is no angled support that extends from a center <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> to the leg assemblies <NUM>. Instead, the leg assemblies <NUM> may include brace members <NUM>. The brace members <NUM> may be coupled between a frame <NUM> and the leg assemblies <NUM>. The brace members <NUM> may be located near outer edges of the tabletop <NUM>. The locations of the brace members <NUM> may open up or increase the volume <NUM> below the tabletop <NUM>.

The leg assemblies <NUM> may include one or more support elements <NUM> and one or more translation mechanisms <NUM>. The brace members <NUM> may be coupled between the translation mechanism <NUM> and the frame <NUM>. As the support element <NUM> transitions between the first position and the second position, the brace members <NUM> may rotate and the translation mechanism <NUM> may translate along a portion of the support element <NUM>. In the use configuration, the leg assembly <NUM> may be locked, which may secure the leg assemblies <NUM> by prohibiting the translation mechanism <NUM> from translating along the support element <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the leg assemblies <NUM> may include a lock device <NUM>. The lock device <NUM> may be configurable in an engaged arrangement in which the lock device <NUM> fixes the translation mechanism <NUM> to the support element <NUM>, which may lock the leg assemblies <NUM>. Accordingly, in the engaged arrangement the leg assemblies <NUM> may be fixed such that the translation mechanism <NUM> cannot translate relative to the support element <NUM>. The lock device <NUM> may also be configurable in a disengaged arrangement in which the translation mechanism <NUM> is not fixed relative to the support element <NUM>. In the disengaged arrangement, the leg assemblies <NUM> may transition from the second position to the first position.

The first table <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> is an exemplary seminar table. The seminar table may have a length of about ninety-six inches, which may be measured between a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The seminar table may have a width of about eighteen inches, which may be measured between a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM>. The tabletop <NUM> of the seminar table may be constructed from plastic, such as a high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The tabletop <NUM> may be constructed from a process, such as blow-molding. Additionally, or alternatively, the tabletop <NUM> may be a unitary, one-piece structure, and the tabletop <NUM> may be formed using a blow molding process. Thus, the tabletop <NUM> may be integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure constructed from blow-molded plastic. In other embodiments, the leg assemblies <NUM> may be implemented in other tables or other structures, which may also be blow-molded structures. For instance, the leg assemblies <NUM> may be implemented in banquet tables (e.g., tables that are <NUM> inches in length, tables that are <NUM> inches in length, etc.), fold-in-half tables (e.g., second table <NUM>), folding tables, nesting tables, round tables, bistro tables, fold-in-half round tables, benches, picnic tables, and the like. After reviewing this disclosure, one skill in the art will appreciate that the table <NUM>, the tabletop <NUM>, the leg assemblies, and the other parts and components, may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first table <NUM> may include two type of leg assemblies <NUM>. For instance, as best illustrated in <FIG>, the table <NUM> may include a first leg assembly 200A and a second leg assembly 200B. Both the first and second leg assemblies 200A and 200B may include the support element <NUM>, the translation mechanism <NUM>, the lock device <NUM>, and the brace members <NUM>. Additionally, both the first and second leg assemblies 200A and 200B may be configured to rotate between the first position and the second position relative to the tabletop <NUM>. The first leg assembly 200A and the second leg assembly 200B are described in more detail below.

<FIG> depicts a portion of the first table <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The first leg assembly 200A, a portion of the frame <NUM>, and a portion of the tabletop <NUM> are included in the portion of the first table <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Additionally, <FIG> and <FIG> depict additional views of the support assembly <NUM>, which may include the frame <NUM> and the first leg assembly 200A.

The support assembly <NUM> may include the frame <NUM>, the support element <NUM>, the translation mechanism <NUM>, the lock device <NUM>, the brace members <NUM>, and/or the lateral structure <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may include a first longitudinal structure <NUM> and a second longitudinal structure <NUM>. The first longitudinal structure <NUM> may be separated by a lateral frame dimension <NUM> from the second longitudinal structure <NUM>. The first and second longitudinal structures <NUM> and <NUM> may be attached to the lower surface <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. The leg assemblies <NUM> may be attached to the tabletop <NUM> indirectly via the first and second longitudinal structures <NUM> and <NUM>.

The support assembly <NUM> may include the support element <NUM> and the support element <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the longitudinal structures <NUM> and <NUM>. In the first leg assembly 200A, the support element <NUM> may include an end structure <NUM> and an elongated structure <NUM>. The end structure <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the frame <NUM>. For instance, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the end structure <NUM> may include a cylindrical rod. The cylindrical rod may be retained in the longitudinal structures <NUM> and <NUM>, and the cylindrical rod may be able to rotate relative to the frame <NUM>.

The translation mechanism <NUM> may be configured to translate along a portion of the support element <NUM>. For example, as the support element <NUM> rotates relative to the frame <NUM>, the translation mechanism <NUM> may translates up or down the support element <NUM>. When the support element <NUM> has rotated to a first position (such as when the first leg assembly 200A is disposed generally perpendicular to the lower surface <NUM>) the translation mechanism <NUM> may be fixed relative to the support element <NUM> by the lock device <NUM>.

The leg assembly 200A may be positioned within the first and second longitudinal structures <NUM> and <NUM>. For instance, with reference to <FIG>, a first brace member 1700A may be rotatably coupled to the first longitudinal structure <NUM> at a first end and to a first translational mechanism 114A at a second end. The first translational mechanism 114A may be retained relative to the support element <NUM>, which may be rotatably coupled to the frame <NUM>. The first translational mechanism 114A may be coupled to a second translational mechanism 114B by the lateral structure <NUM>. The second translational mechanism 114B may also be retained relative to the support element <NUM>. The second translational mechanism 114B may be coupled to a second brace member 1700B at a first end. At a second end of the second brace member 1700B, the brace member 1700B may be rotatably coupled to the second longitudinal structure <NUM>. Accordingly, the first leg assembly 200A and the brace members <NUM> may be located or at least partially disposed between the first and second longitudinal structures <NUM> and <NUM>.

With further reference to <FIG>, the end structure <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the frame at a first interface <NUM>. Additionally, the brace member <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the frame <NUM> at a second interface <NUM>. The second interface <NUM> may be disposed between the second end <NUM> and the first interface <NUM>.

The support assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be implemented in other tables (e.g., banquet tables, round tables, etc.), benches, other types of furniture, etc. Some additional details of these exemplary structures may be in accordance with <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>; and <CIT>. Some adaptations may be required to the frame <NUM> to use the support assembly <NUM> with some of the other tables or benches. However, the leg assembly 200A may operate substantially as described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the support assembly <NUM> that may be implemented or used with structures such as tables or benches. For example, as shown in the accompanying figures, the support assembly <NUM> may be implemented in the first table <NUM>, which is shown in <FIG>, or a second table <NUM>, which is shown in <FIG> (described below). One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, after reviewing this disclosure, that the tables, support assembly, parts, components, and the like, could have different shapes, sizes, configurations, and arrangements depending, for example, upon its intended use. <FIG> illustrates the support assembly <NUM> with the leg assemblies <NUM> disposed in a use configuration or arrangement. <FIG> illustrates the support assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> with the leg assemblies <NUM> disposed in a partially folded configuration or arrangement. <FIG> illustrates the support assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> with the leg assemblies <NUM> disposed in a storage configuration or arrangement.

With reference to <FIG>, the leg assemblies <NUM> may be configured to rotate relative to the frame <NUM>. For instance, the leg assemblies <NUM> may rotate from a first angular position in which the leg assemblies <NUM> are substantially perpendicular to the frame <NUM> (such as shown in <FIG>) to a second angular position in which the leg assemblies <NUM> are substantially parallel to the frame <NUM> (such as shown in <FIG>). <FIG> depicts the leg assemblies <NUM> transitioning from the first angular position to the second angular position.

Referring to <FIG>, the leg assemblies <NUM> are in a use configuration. In the use configuration, the leg assemblies <NUM> may be disposed substantially perpendicular to the frame <NUM>. The translation mechanisms <NUM> may be positioned on a surface to support the frame <NUM> above the surface. In the use configuration, the lock device <NUM> may be in an engaged arrangement. In the engaged arrangement, the lock device <NUM> may fix the translation mechanism <NUM> relative to the support element <NUM>. Also, in the use configuration, the translation mechanism <NUM> may be translated towards the support element <NUM> and the brace members <NUM> may be oriented at an angle relative to the translation mechanism <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, to transition the first leg assemblies 200A, the lock device <NUM> may be transitioned from the engaged arrangement to a disengaged arrangement. When the lock device <NUM> is in the disengaged arrangement, the translational mechanism <NUM> may not be fixed to the support element <NUM>. Accordingly, the translational mechanism <NUM> may translate relative to the support element <NUM> as the support element <NUM> rotates relative to the frame <NUM>. Additionally, the brace members <NUM> may rotate with the translational mechanism <NUM> as the support element <NUM> rotates.

In particular, with reference to <FIG>, the first leg assembly 200A may rotate in a direction represented by arrow <NUM>. As the first leg assembly 200A rotates in the direction <NUM>, the brace member <NUM> may rotate in the same direction, which is represented by arrow <NUM>. Moreover, as the first leg assembly 200A rotates, a distance <NUM> between the lateral structure <NUM> and the support element <NUM> may increase.

Referring to <FIG>, the support assembly <NUM> is depicted in a storage configuration. In the storage configuration, the leg assemblies 200A, 200B may be disposed substantially parallel to the frame <NUM>. The translation mechanisms <NUM> may be positioned in a volume at least partially defined by the frame <NUM>. In the storage configuration, the lock device <NUM> may be disposed in the disengaged arrangement, which may allow the translational mechanism <NUM> to translate relative to the support element <NUM>. Also, in the storage configuration, the brace members <NUM> may be positioned between the translational mechanism <NUM> and an inner surface of the frame <NUM>.

The first leg assembly 200A and one or more of the brace members <NUM> may function together to enable a transition between the use configuration and the storage configuration, such as the use and storage configurations described above. <FIG> and <FIG> depict the first leg assembly 200A with the brace member <NUM> in partially folded positions 500A and 500B. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the first leg assembly 200A. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate sectional views of the first leg assembly 200A with the translation mechanism <NUM> translating on the support element <NUM>.

With combined reference to <FIG>, the first leg assembly 200A may include the support element <NUM>, the translation mechanism <NUM>, the lock device <NUM>, and/or a lateral structure <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, an exemplary support element <NUM> is depicted that may be implemented in a leg assembly, such as the first leg assembly 200A. The support element <NUM> may be an example of the support element <NUM> described above. Accordingly, the support element <NUM> may be configured to be rotatably attached to a structure, such as a first longitudinal structure and a second longitudinal structure of a frame (e.g., the frame <NUM> described above).

The support element <NUM> may include an end structure <NUM> that is attached to one or more elongated structures <NUM>, which are referred to in the embodiment shown in <FIG> as legs. The legs <NUM> may extend substantially perpendicular to the end structure <NUM>. The legs <NUM> may each be configured to be received within a translation volume of a conduit (e.g., the conduit <NUM>). For instance, the legs <NUM> may include a diameter and a length that enables the legs <NUM> to be received in the translation volume and for a corresponding translation mechanism to translate relative to the support element <NUM>.

The legs <NUM> (as shown in the accompanying figures, the support element <NUM> may include two legs <NUM>) may be separated by a shaft support separation distance <NUM>. The shaft support separation distance <NUM> may be less than a lateral frame dimension (e.g., <NUM>), which may be the distance between the first the second longitudinal structures of a frame. Thus, the legs <NUM> may be positioned within the fame of a table (e.g., tables <NUM> or <NUM>).

The end structure <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the frame. For example, the outer portions <NUM> (an exemplary embodiment of which is shown in <FIG>) may be received by the first and the second longitudinal structures of the frame such that the support element <NUM> is rotatable relative to the frame from the first position to the second position. The end structure <NUM> may be rotatable relative to the frame, but the end structure may be fixed relative to the frame such that the end structure <NUM> cannot be displaced. It will be appreciated that the end structure <NUM> does not have to be rotatably coupled to the frame and the end structure <NUM> could be coupled to other suitable portions of the table.

The elongated structures <NUM> may define at least a portion of a receiver <NUM> (an exemplary receiver <NUM> is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). One or more receivers <NUM> may be positioned on an inner surface of the elongated structures <NUM> and the receivers <NUM> may face one another. The receiver <NUM> may be sized and shaped to receive a lock tab that extends from a lock device (e.g., the lock device <NUM>) when the lock device is configured in the engaged arrangement. The size and position of the receivers <NUM> may correspond to openings included on conduit (e.g., the conduit <NUM>). Accordingly, the lock tab may extend through the opening into the receiver <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first leg assembly 200A may include one or more translation mechanisms <NUM>, which may include conduits. Some additional details of the conduits are provided below. The elongated structure <NUM> may extend into the translation mechanism <NUM>, which may be configured to translate along a portion of the support element <NUM> as the support element <NUM> rotates relative to the frame.

The translation mechanism <NUM> may be retained relative to the support element <NUM>. For instance, the translation mechanism <NUM> may be slidably retained relative to the support element <NUM> such that the translation mechanism <NUM> translates relative to the support element <NUM> and the translation mechanism <NUM> may translate in a particular direction. In the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the translation mechanism <NUM> may translates in a direction indicated by arrows <NUM>. Because the brace members <NUM> may be rotatably coupled between the translation mechanism <NUM> and the frame, in order for the support element <NUM> to rotate, the translation mechanism <NUM> may translate. Accordingly, fixing the translation mechanism <NUM> relative to the support element <NUM> may prevent the support element <NUM> from transitioning between the use position and the storage position.

The lateral structure <NUM> may be attached to the translation mechanism <NUM>. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the lateral structure <NUM> may extend between the translation mechanisms <NUM>. The lock device <NUM> may be at least partially disposed in the lateral structure <NUM>. The lock device <NUM> may include a compression mechanism <NUM>. The compression mechanism <NUM> may include one or more buttons, such as two buttons. The buttons may be disposed in opposing positions, which may create two opposed buttons. A user may actuate the compression mechanism <NUM> by drawing or pushing the two opposed buttons towards one another. Pressing the opposed buttons of the compression mechanism <NUM> towards one another may pull lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> towards a center portion of the leg assembly <NUM>. With sufficient force, the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be withdrawn from receivers <NUM> defined in the support element <NUM>. When the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are withdrawn from the receivers <NUM> and into the lateral structure <NUM>, the translation mechanism <NUM> may be able to translate relative to the support element <NUM>.

The lock device <NUM> may be configurable in two arrangements. In an engaged arrangement, an exemplary embodiment is shown in <FIG>, the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may extend from the sides of the lateral structure <NUM> and may be received in the receiver <NUM>. In the engaged arrangement, the lock device <NUM> may fix the translation mechanism <NUM> relative to the support element <NUM>. Accordingly, the translation mechanism <NUM> may not translate relative to the support element <NUM>, which may prevent the support element <NUM> from rotating.

With reference to <FIG>, the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are depicted engaged in the receiver <NUM>, which may correspond to the engaged arrangement of the lock device <NUM>. The lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be biased by a biasing mechanism such one or more springs <NUM> and <NUM>. For instance, in the exemplary embodiment, the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be biased away from one another such that the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are biased towards being introduced and retained in the receivers <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, the lock device <NUM> may also be configurable in a disengaged arrangement, exemplary embodiments of which are depicted in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. In the disengaged arrangement, the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be withdrawn from the receivers <NUM> and into the lateral structure <NUM>. The translation mechanism <NUM> may accordingly translate relative to the support element <NUM>, which may enable the support element <NUM> to rotate relative to a frame. To transition the lock device <NUM> from the engaged arrangement to the disengaged arrangement, a user may press the buttons on the compression mechanism <NUM> towards one another. The buttons may translate these forces to the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> and retract them from the receivers <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first leg assembly 200A is depicted in the disengaged arrangement and the engaged arrangement, respectively. Referring to <FIG>, the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are pulled towards one another. The direction the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are moved are represented in <FIG> by arrows <NUM> and <NUM>. The force applied to the buttons is sufficient to overcome a spring force applied by springs <NUM> and <NUM>. With the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> withdrawn from the receivers <NUM>, the translation mechanism <NUM> may translate relative to the support element <NUM>. For instance, a distance <NUM> between the end structure <NUM> and a top of the lateral structure <NUM> may increase.

As shown in <FIG>, the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are pressed away from one another by the springs <NUM> and <NUM>. When the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are aligned with the receivers <NUM>, the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> extend into the receivers <NUM>. The direction the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may move because of the springs <NUM> and <NUM> are represented in <FIG> by arrows <NUM> and <NUM>. With the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> positioned in the receivers <NUM>, the translation mechanism <NUM> may be fixed to the support element <NUM>, which may fix a distance <NUM> between the end structure <NUM> and a top of the lateral structure <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate views of an exemplary embodiment of the translation mechanism <NUM> and an exemplary embodiment of the lateral structure <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the translation mechanism <NUM>, the lateral structure <NUM>, and other components therein may be referred to as a translation assembly <NUM>/<NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the translation assembly <NUM>/<NUM>. <FIG> is a rear view of the translation assembly <NUM>/<NUM>. <FIG> is a sectional view of the translation assembly <NUM>/<NUM>.

In the translation assembly <NUM>/<NUM>, the translation mechanism <NUM> may be a sleeve or sleeve structure that at least partially surrounds a structure of a support element (e.g., the support element <NUM> described above). In particular, the translation assembly <NUM>/<NUM> may include conduits 802A and 802B (generally, conduit <NUM> or conduits <NUM>), which is an example of the translation mechanism <NUM>. Accordingly, the conduits <NUM> may be retained relative to a support element, a frame, and a brace member. For instance, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the support element <NUM> may be received in the conduits <NUM> such that the conduits <NUM> may translate relative to the support element. Additionally, the conduits <NUM> may be coupled to the frame <NUM> via the brace member <NUM>.

The conduits <NUM> may define at least a portion of the translation volumes <NUM>. The translation volumes <NUM> may extend through at least a portion of the entire conduit <NUM>, which may allow the elongated structures (e.g., the legs of the support element) to extend through the conduits <NUM>. The conduits <NUM> may translate relative to the elongated structures as the support element rotates.

The translation assembly <NUM>/<NUM> may also include the lateral structure <NUM>. The lateral structure <NUM> may be attached to the conduits <NUM> at an inner surface of the conduits <NUM>. The lateral structure <NUM> may be a shell structure in which the lock device <NUM> is at least partially positioned. The lock device <NUM> may include a compression mechanism <NUM>. The compression mechanism <NUM> may include one or more buttons, such as two buttons <NUM> and <NUM>. The two buttons <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed in an opposed configuration. A user may actuate the compression mechanism <NUM> by drawing or pushing the two opposed buttons <NUM> and <NUM> towards one another. Drawing the opposed buttons <NUM> and <NUM> of the compression mechanism <NUM> towards one another pull lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> towards a center portion of the lateral structure <NUM>. With sufficient force, the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be withdrawn from receivers defined in a support element. When the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are withdrawn from the receivers and into the lateral structure <NUM>, the conduits <NUM> may be able to translate relative to the support element.

With reference to <FIG>, the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be biased by a biasing mechanism such as one or more springs <NUM> and <NUM>. For instance, in the depicted embodiment the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be biased away from one another such that the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are biased towards being introduced and retained in the receivers. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, a first lock tab <NUM> may be biased in a direction indicated by arrow <NUM> and a second lock tab <NUM> may be biased in a direction indicated by arrow <NUM>. In other embodiments, the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be otherwise biased.

<FIG> illustrate another exemplary structure, such as a second exemplary table <NUM> (second table <NUM>). The second table <NUM> may implement one or both of the leg assemblies <NUM> as described in the present disclosure. <FIG> is an enlarged view of a portion of the second table <NUM> depicting the second leg assembly 200B attached to an exemplary tabletop <NUM>. The second table <NUM> may include a tabletop <NUM> that is selectively supported by a support assembly <NUM>. The support assembly <NUM> may be configured to support the tabletop <NUM> relative to a surface such as a floor or the ground. The support assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> may include the second leg assembly 200B. The second leg assembly 200B can be positioned in a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second leg assembly 200B may be disposed in a storage configuration in which the leg assemblies <NUM> are positioned adjacent to, in contact with, or substantially adjacent to a lower surface <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. Such positioning may reduce a height of the second table <NUM>, which may also reduce a volume used by the second table <NUM> when the table is being stored. The second position may be a use configuration. In the second position, the second leg assemblies 200B may be disposed substantially perpendicular to the lower surface <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. The leg assemblies 200B may support the tabletop <NUM> such that the second table <NUM> may be used (e.g., a user placing items on the tabletop <NUM>). In <FIG>, the leg assemblies 200B are shown in the use configuration.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the support assembly <NUM> and the leg assemblies 200B may be sized, shaped, configured, and/or arranged to open up, increase, or vacate the volume, generally indicated by item number <NUM>, below the tabletop <NUM>. For instance, in some existing tables, the leg assemblies may include an angled support. The angled support may extend from a center of the tabletop to a cross member of the leg assemblies. Accordingly, the angled support may occupy the volume (e.g., <NUM>) below the tabletop. Presence of the angled support may interfere with chairs or a user's legs, which may limit the use of the table. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments described in the present disclosure may not include that type of angled support. Specifically, the second table <NUM> may not include a structure that extends from a center <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> to the leg assemblies <NUM>. Instead, the leg assemblies 200B may include brace members <NUM>. The brace members <NUM> may be coupled between a frame <NUM> and the leg assemblies 200B. The brace members <NUM> may be located near outer edges of the tabletop <NUM>. The locations of the brace members <NUM> and the omission of structures in the volume <NUM> may open up or increase the volume <NUM> below the tabletop <NUM>.

The second table <NUM> shown in <FIG> is an exemplary fold-in-half table. Accordingly, the tabletop <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>. Each of the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may be constructed from plastic such as a high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may be constructed from different processes, such as blow-molding. Additionally, or alternatively, each of the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may be integrally constructed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure that may be formed using a blow molding process.

The exemplary fold-in-half table shown in <FIG> may have a length of about <NUM> inches between a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The fold-in-half table may have a width of about thirty inches between a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM>. In other embodiments, the leg assembly, such as the leg assembly 200B, may be implemented in other tables or other structures, which may also be blow-molded structures. For instance, the leg assemblies 200B may be implemented in banquet tables (e.g., tables that are <NUM> inches in length, tables that are <NUM> inches in length, etc.), seminar tables, folding tables, nesting tables, round tables, bistro tables, fold-in-half round tables, benches, picnic tables, and the like.

With reference to <FIG>, the leg assemblies 200B may include a support element <NUM> and the support element may be rotatably coupled to the frame <NUM>. The leg assemblies 200B may also include a translation mechanism <NUM> and the translation mechanism may be retained relative to the support element <NUM>. The brace members <NUM> may be coupled between the translation mechanism <NUM> and the frame <NUM>. As the support element <NUM> transitions between the first position and the second position, the brace members <NUM> may rotate and the translation mechanism <NUM> may translate a long a portion of the support element <NUM>. In the depicted exemplary embodiment, for the support element <NUM> to rotate, the translation mechanism <NUM> may translate and the brace member <NUM> may rotate. Accordingly, in the use configuration, the leg assembly <NUM> may be locked, which may secure the translation mechanism <NUM> relative to the support element <NUM>.

For example, the leg assemblies 200B may include a lock device, such as the lock device <NUM>. The lock device <NUM> may be configurable in an engaged arrangement in which the lock device <NUM> may fix the translation mechanism <NUM> to the support element <NUM>. The lock device <NUM> may be configured in the engaged arrangement when the leg assemblies 200B are in the use configuration. Accordingly, in the engaged arrangement, the leg assemblies <NUM> may be fixed such that the translation mechanism <NUM> cannot translate relative to the support element <NUM>. Also, the lock device <NUM> may be configurable in a disengaged arrangement in which the translation mechanism <NUM> is not fixed relative to the support element <NUM>. In the disengaged arrangement, the leg assemblies <NUM> may transition from the second position to the first position or between a use configuration and a storage configuration.

Referring to <FIG>, the second table <NUM> may include the second leg assembly 200B. In other embodiments, the second table <NUM> may include one or two of the first leg assemblies 200A described elsewhere in the present disclosure.

<FIG> illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the support assembly <NUM> that may be implemented in a structure such as the second table <NUM> shown in <FIG> or the first table <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates the support assembly <NUM> with the second leg assemblies 200B disposed in a use arrangement or configuration. <FIG> illustrates the support assembly <NUM> of <FIG> with the leg assemblies 200B disposed in partially folded arrangement or configuration. <FIG> illustrates the support assembly <NUM> of <FIG> with the leg assemblies 200B disposed in a storage arrangement or configuration.

With reference to <FIG>, the support assembly <NUM> may include the frame <NUM> and the leg assemblies 200B. The support assembly <NUM> may be generally configured to selectively support a tabletop such as the tabletop <NUM> shown in <FIG> or the tabletops 901A and 901B shown in <FIG>. In the depicted embodiment, the support assembly <NUM> is configured for use with a fold-in-half table. Some additional embodiments of a suitable fold-in-half table may be as described in <CIT>, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The frame <NUM> shown in <FIG> may include hinges 1102A and 1102B, which may enable a first portion 1101A of the support assembly <NUM> to be folded over on a second portion 1101B of the support assembly <NUM>.

The support assembly <NUM> may also be used in connection with other structures or other tables (e.g., banquet tables, round tables, etc.), benches, etc. Some adaptations may be required to the frame <NUM> to use the support assembly <NUM> with the table <NUM>, however, the leg assemblies 200B may operate substantially as described in the following paragraphs.

With reference to <FIG>, the leg assemblies 200B may be configured to rotate relative to the frame <NUM>. For instance, the leg assemblies 200B may rotate from a first angular position in which the leg assemblies 200B are disposed substantially perpendicular to the frame <NUM> (such as shown in <FIG>) to a second angular position in which the leg assemblies 200B are disposed substantially parallel to the frame <NUM> (such as shown in <FIG>). <FIG> depicts the leg assemblies 200B transitioning from the first angular position to the second angular position.

The support assembly <NUM> may include the frame <NUM>, the support element <NUM>, the translation mechanism <NUM>, the lock device <NUM>, the brace members <NUM>, and/or the lateral structure <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may include the first longitudinal structure <NUM> and the second longitudinal structure <NUM>. The first longitudinal structure <NUM> may be separated by the lateral frame dimension <NUM> from the second longitudinal structure <NUM>. The leg assemblies 200B may be positioned within the first and second longitudinal structures <NUM> and <NUM>. For instance, with reference to <FIG>, a first brace member 1700A may be rotatably coupled to the first longitudinal structure <NUM> at a first end and to a first translational mechanism 114A at a second end. The first translational mechanism 114A may be retained relative to the support element <NUM>, which may be rotatably coupled to the frame <NUM>. The first translational mechanism 114A may be coupled to a second translational mechanism 114B by the lateral structure <NUM>. The second translational mechanism 114B may also be retained relative to the support element <NUM>. The second translational mechanism 114B may be coupled to a second brace member 1700B at a first end. At a second end of the second brace member 1700B, the brace member 1700B may be rotatably coupled to the second longitudinal structure <NUM>. Accordingly, the second leg assembly 200B and the brace members <NUM> may be at least partially located between the first and second longitudinal structures <NUM> and <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the second leg assemblies 200B are disposed in a use configuration. In the use configuration, the leg assemblies 200B are disposed substantially perpendicular to the frame <NUM>. The translation mechanisms <NUM> may be positioned on a surface to support the frame <NUM> above the surface. In the use configuration, the lock device <NUM> may be disposed in an engaged arrangement. In the engaged arrangement, the lock device <NUM> may fix the translation mechanism <NUM> relative to the support element <NUM>. Also, in the use configuration, the translation mechanism <NUM> may be translated towards the support element <NUM> and the brace members <NUM> may be oriented at an angle relative to the translation mechanism <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, to transition the second leg assemblies 200B, the lock device <NUM> may be transitioned from the engaged arrangement to a disengaged arrangement. When the lock device <NUM> is in the disengaged arrangement, the translational mechanism <NUM> may not be fixed to the support element <NUM>. Accordingly, the translational mechanism <NUM> may translate relative to the support element <NUM> as the support element <NUM> rotates relative to the frame <NUM>. Additionally, the brace members <NUM> may rotate with the translational mechanism <NUM> as the support element <NUM> rotates. In particular, with reference to <FIG>, the second leg assembly 200B may rotate in a direction represented by arrow <NUM>. As the second leg assembly 200B rotates in the direction <NUM>, the brace member <NUM> may rotate in the same direction, which is represented by arrow <NUM>. Moreover, as the second leg assembly 200B rotates, a distance <NUM> between the lateral structure <NUM> and the support element <NUM> may increase.

Referring to <FIG>, the support assembly <NUM> is depicted in a storage configuration. In the storage configuration, the leg assemblies 200B may be disposed substantially parallel to the frame <NUM>. The translation mechanisms <NUM> may be positioned in a volume at least partially defined by the frame <NUM>. In the storage configuration, the lock device <NUM> may also be in the disengaged arrangement, which may allow the translational mechanism <NUM> to translate relative to the support element <NUM>. Also, in the storage configuration, the brace members <NUM> may be positioned between the translational mechanism <NUM> and an inner surface of the frame <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the second leg assembly 200B that may be implemented in a structure such as the first table <NUM> or second table <NUM> described above. <FIG> depicts a sectional view of a portion of the second leg assembly 200B shown in <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the second leg assembly 200B with an exemplary translation mechanism <NUM>/<NUM> translating on an exemplary support element <NUM>/<NUM>.

With combined reference to <FIG>, the second leg assembly 200B may include the support element <NUM>, the translation mechanism <NUM>, the lock device <NUM>, and/or a lateral structure <NUM>. The second leg assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> may include one or more components and the support element <NUM> may also be labeled "<NUM>," which is further described in <FIG>. The second leg assembly <NUM> may include one or more translation mechanisms, such as two translation mechanisms <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the translation mechanism <NUM> may include a sleeve structure and the sleeve structure may at least partially surround the elongated structure <NUM> of the support element <NUM>. The translation mechanisms may also be labeled "<NUM>" to correspond to a leg, which is further described with reference to <FIG>.

The support element <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to a first longitudinal structure and a second longitudinal structure. For example, the support element <NUM> may include an end structure <NUM> attached to an elongated structure <NUM>. The end structure <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the first longitudinal structure and the second longitudinal structure such that the leg assembly 200B is rotatable relative to the frame between a first position and a second position. The elongated structure <NUM> may extend into the translation mechanism <NUM>, which may be configured to translate along a portion of the support element <NUM> as the support element <NUM> rotates relative to the frame.

The translation mechanism <NUM> may be retained relative to the support element <NUM>. For instance, the translation mechanism <NUM> may be slidably retained relative to the support element <NUM> such that the translation mechanism <NUM> translates relative to the support element <NUM> in a particular direction. In the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, the translation mechanism <NUM> may translate in a direction indicated by arrow <NUM>. Because the brace members (<NUM>) may be rotatably coupled between the translation mechanism <NUM> and the frame, in order for the support element <NUM> to rotate, the translation mechanism <NUM> may translate. Accordingly, fixing the translation mechanism <NUM> relative to the support element <NUM> may prevent the support element <NUM> from transitioning between the use position and the storage position.

The lateral structure <NUM> may be attached to the translation mechanism <NUM>. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the lateral structure <NUM> may extend from a translation mechanism, such as a first translation mechanism <NUM> (e.g., a first leg <NUM>), to another translation mechanism, such as a second translation mechanism <NUM> (e.g., a second leg <NUM>).

The lateral structure <NUM> may be shell structure, which may be configured to retain the lock device <NUM>. Accordingly, the lock device <NUM> may be at least partially disposed in the lateral structure <NUM>. The lock device <NUM> may include a compression mechanism <NUM>. The compression mechanism <NUM> may include one or more buttons, such as two buttons. The two buttons may be disposed in an opposed configuration. A user may actuate the compression mechanism <NUM> by drawing or pushing the two opposed buttons towards one another. The act of drawing the opposed buttons of the compression mechanism <NUM> towards one another may pull lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> towards a center portion of the leg assembly 200B. With sufficient force, the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be withdrawn from receivers <NUM>, which may be defined in the support element <NUM>. When the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are withdrawn from the receivers <NUM> and into the lateral structure <NUM>, the translation mechanism <NUM> may be able to translate relative to the support element <NUM>.

The lock device <NUM> may be configurable in two arrangements. In an engaged arrangement, which is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may extend from the sides of the lateral structure <NUM> and may be received in the receiver <NUM>. The lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may also extend through openings <NUM> in the translation mechanism <NUM>. In the engaged arrangement, the lock device <NUM> may fix the translation mechanism <NUM> relative to the support element <NUM>. Accordingly, the translation mechanism <NUM> may not translate relative to the support element <NUM>, which may prevent the support element <NUM> from rotating.

With reference to <FIG>, the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are depicted engaged in the receiver <NUM>, which may correspond to the engaged arrangement of the lock device <NUM>. The lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be biased by a biasing member such as one or more springs <NUM> and <NUM>. For instance, in the depicted embodiment, the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be biased away from one another such that the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are biased towards being introduced and retained in the receivers <NUM>. Specifically, as shown in the accompanying figures, a first lock tab <NUM> may be biased in a direction indicated by arrow <NUM> and a second lock tab <NUM> may be biased in a direction indicated by arrow <NUM>. In other embodiments, the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be otherwise biased.

Referring back to <FIG>, the lock device <NUM> may also be configurable in a disengaged arrangement, which is depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>. In the disengaged arrangement, the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be withdrawn from the receivers <NUM> and into the lateral structure <NUM>. The translation mechanism <NUM> may accordingly translate relative to the support element <NUM>, which may enable the support element <NUM> to rotate relative to a frame. To transition the lock device <NUM> from the engaged arrangement to the disengaged arrangement, a user may press the buttons on the compression mechanism <NUM> towards one another. The buttons may translate these forces to the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> and retract them from the receivers <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second leg assembly 200A is depicted in the disengaged arrangement and the engaged arrangement, respectively. Referring to <FIG>, the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are pulled towards one another. The direction the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are moved are represented in <FIG> by arrows <NUM> and <NUM>. The force applied to the buttons may be sufficient to overcome a spring force applied by springs <NUM> and <NUM>. With the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> withdrawn from the receivers <NUM>, the translation mechanism <NUM> may translate relative to the support element <NUM>. For instance, a distance <NUM> between the end structure <NUM> and a top of the lateral structure <NUM> may increase.

In <FIG>, the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be pressed away from one another by the springs <NUM> and <NUM>. When the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are aligned with the receivers <NUM>, the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may extend through the openings <NUM> of the translation mechanisms <NUM> and into the receivers <NUM>. The direction the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may move because of the springs <NUM> and <NUM> are represented in <FIG> by arrows <NUM> and <NUM>. With the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> positioned in the receivers <NUM>, the translation mechanism <NUM> may be fixed to the support element <NUM>, which may fix a distance <NUM> between the end structure <NUM> and a top of the lateral structure <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary support element <NUM> that may be implemented in the second leg assembly <NUM> described in the present disclosure. The support element <NUM> is an example of the support element <NUM> described above. Accordingly, the support element <NUM> may be configured to be rotatably attached to a first longitudinal structure and a second longitudinal structure of a frame (e.g., the frame <NUM> described above).

The support element <NUM> may include an end structure <NUM> that is attached to one or more elongated structures <NUM>, which may be referred to in the embodiment of <FIG> as shaft supports. The shaft supports <NUM> may extend substantially perpendicular to the end structure <NUM>. The shaft supports <NUM> may each be configured to be received within a translation volume of a leg. For instance, the shaft supports <NUM> may include a diameter and a length that enables the elongated structures <NUM> to be received in the translation volume and for a corresponding translation mechanism to translate relative to the support element <NUM>.

The two shaft supports <NUM> may be separated by a shaft support separation distance <NUM>. The shaft support separation distance <NUM> may be less than a lateral frame dimension (e.g., <NUM>) between the first and the second longitudinal structures of a frame. Thus, the shaft supports <NUM> may be positioned within the fame of a table.

The end structure <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the frame. For example, the outer portions <NUM> may be received by the first and the second longitudinal structures of the frame such that the support element <NUM> is rotatable relative to the frame between the first position and the second position. The end structure <NUM> may be rotatable relative to the frame, but the end structure may be fixed relative to the frame such that the end structure <NUM> cannot be displaced.

The elongated structures <NUM> may each define a receiver <NUM> (an exemplary receiver is shown in <FIG>). The receiver <NUM> may be positioned on an inner surface of the elongated structures <NUM> and the receivers <NUM> may be disposed such that the receivers <NUM> face one another. The receiver <NUM> may be sized and shaped to receive a lock tab that extends from the lock device (e.g., <NUM>) when the lock device is configured in the engaged arrangement. The size and position of the receivers <NUM> may correspond to openings included on legs (e.g., the opening <NUM> of the leg <NUM> of <FIG>). Accordingly, the lock tab may extend through the opening in the leg and into the receiver <NUM>. As described above, in some embodiments, the lock tabs may be spring biased such that the lock tabs are positioned in the receiver <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary leg <NUM> that may be implemented in a leg assembly, such as the second leg assembly 200B. Exemplary embodiments of the second leg assembly 200B described in the present disclosure may include two of the legs <NUM> shown in <FIG>, which may be positioned on either side of the support element (e.g., the support element <NUM> of <FIG> or support element <NUM>). The leg <NUM> of <FIG> is an example of the translation mechanism <NUM> described in the present disclosure. Accordingly, the leg <NUM> may be configured to translate relative to the support element. For example, when the support element rotates from the first position to the second position, the leg <NUM> may translate relative to the support element.

The leg <NUM> of <FIG> may be substantially cylindrical and may extend from a first end <NUM> to a second end <NUM>. At the first end <NUM>, the leg <NUM> may define a translation volume <NUM> in which a support shaft of the support element is disposed. As the support element rotates, the leg <NUM> may translate relative to the support shaft, while maintaining the support shaft within the translation volume <NUM>.

The leg <NUM> may also define an opening <NUM> that is configured to receive a lock tab from a lock device (e.g., <NUM>). The opening <NUM> may be positioned to correspond to a receiver in the support shaft when the leg assembly 200B is in a use position. Thus, the lock tab may be disposed in the opening <NUM> and the receiver when the leg assembly 200B is in the use position. The leg <NUM> may also define one or more fastener openings <NUM>. The fastener openings <NUM> may be configured to receive a fastener that attaches a brace member to the leg <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an exemplary brace member <NUM> that may be implemented in a leg assembly, such as the first leg assembly 200A or the second leg assembly 200B described in the present disclosure. <FIG> is a first perspective view of the brace member <NUM>. <FIG> is a second perspective view of the brace member <NUM>. The brace member <NUM> may be configured to be disposed between a frame (e.g., frame <NUM>) and an outer portion of the translation mechanism (e.g. translation mechanism <NUM>). For instance, the brace member <NUM> may be configured to be rotatably attached to the frame and rotatably attached to the translation mechanism.

The brace member <NUM> may include two ends <NUM> and <NUM>, which may define an opening. The ends may be attached to the frame and the translation mechanism, respectively. The ends <NUM> and <NUM> may be substantially parallel to one another in some embodiments. The ends <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected by a brace end connector <NUM>. The brace end connector <NUM> may be angled between or otherwise attach the ends <NUM> and <NUM>. The angle of the brace end connector <NUM> relative to the ends <NUM> and <NUM> and length of the brace end connector <NUM> may determine a length <NUM> (such as shown in <FIG>) and a width <NUM> (such as shown in <FIG>) of the brace member <NUM>. The length <NUM> may be sized such that the translation member can smoothly translate relative to the support element (e.g., <NUM>) as the support element rotates between the first position and the second position. The width <NUM> may be sized based on a lateral frame dimension (e.g., <NUM>) and a distance between the translation members.

As described above, the leg assemblies 200A and 200B may be configured in a use arrangement when the leg assemblies 200A and 200B are disposed at an angle of about ninety degrees (<NUM>°) relative to the tabletop <NUM> or <NUM>. For example, the use arrangement of the tables <NUM> and <NUM> can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively. In some circumstance, a user may configure the tables <NUM> and/or <NUM> in the use arrangement by rotating the leg assemblies 200A and/or 200B relative to the tabletops <NUM> or <NUM>. As described above, when leg assemblies 200A and/or 200B are disposed at an angle of about ninety degrees (<NUM>°), ends of the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> or <NUM> and <NUM> may be positioned in the receivers <NUM> or <NUM>. In these mechanisms, there may be an engaged position (in which the lock tabs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are positioned in the receivers <NUM> or <NUM>) and a disengaged position (in which the lock tabs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are not positioned in the receivers <NUM> or <NUM>). In some circumstances, the leg assemblies 200A and 200B may be rotated relative to the tabletops <NUM> and <NUM>. However, the lock tabs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may not be positioned or fully positioned in the receivers <NUM> or <NUM>. For example, a user may erroneously think that the leg assemblies 200A and 200B are engaged or locked when they are not. The user may begin to use the table <NUM> or <NUM> with the leg assemblies 200A or 200B in an unsafe condition. For instance, the table <NUM> or <NUM> may be loaded and/or a force applied to the table, which may cause the leg assemblies 200A or 200B to rotate relative to the tabletop <NUM> or <NUM>. The table <NUM> or <NUM> may collapse or partially collapse by the leg assemblies 200A or 200B rotating towards the tabletop <NUM> or <NUM>.

Accordingly, in the following paragraphs, some embodiments of a two-stage lock assembly are described. The two-stage lock assembly includes components that may address an improperly configured table. For instance, the two-stage lock assembly may provide an additional safety feature that may prevent or at least reduces the likelihood that the table <NUM> or <NUM> collapses in circumstances in which the leg assemblies 200A or 200B are not fully extended (e.g., to approximately ninety degrees relative to the tabletop). The two-stage lock assembly is described relative to the second leg assembly 200B. It may be understood with the benefit of this disclosure that the two-stage lock assembly may be implemented with the first leg assembly 200A or with other leg assemblies. Additionally, it may be understood that the two-stage lock assembly may be implemented with other tables or structures such as round tables, folding tables, nesting tables, bistro tables, fold-in-half round tables, benches, picnic tables, and the like.

<FIG> depicts an example two-stage lock assembly <NUM> that may be implemented in the lock device <NUM> described elsewhere in the present disclosure or another suitable lock device. <FIG> depict sectional views of a portion of the second leg assembly 200B implementing the two-stage lock assembly <NUM>. The two-stage lock assembly <NUM> may also be implemented in the first leg assembly 200A or other suitable leg assemblies implemented with the first table <NUM> or the second table <NUM>.

The portion of the second leg assembly 200B shown in <FIG> includes an upper portion of the leg <NUM> and a portion of the end structure <NUM> with the elongated structure <NUM> extending into the leg <NUM>. <FIG> also includes a corner portion of a tabletop, such as the tabletop <NUM>, with a portion of the longitudinal structure <NUM> attached to the tabletop <NUM>. The sectional planes of <FIG> may bisect the end structure <NUM> and the leg <NUM> such that the receiver <NUM> and the opening <NUM> are visible.

The two-stage lock assembly <NUM> may include a multi-element lock tab <NUM>. The multi-element lock tab <NUM> may be disposed in a lateral structure such as the lateral structure <NUM> described in <FIG>. The lateral structure is omitted in <FIG>. Additionally, other components of the lock device (e.g., lock device <NUM>) are omitted in <FIG>.

<FIG> depicts the two-stage lock assembly <NUM> in a disengaged configuration 1801A. <FIG> depicts the two-stage lock assembly <NUM> in a first engaged configuration 1801B. <FIG> depicts the two-stage lock assembly <NUM> in a second engaged configuration 1801C. Each of these configurations 1801A-1801C is described below.

Referring to <FIG>, the disengaged configuration 1801A may occur when the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> are positioned at an angle that is less than a first engagement angle. The first engagement angle may be an angle at which a first element <NUM> of the multi-element lock tab <NUM> enters the receiver <NUM>. For example, the leg assembly 200B may be in the disengaged configuration 1801A when the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> are at an angle between about <NUM> degrees (e.g., against or immediately adjacent to the tabletop <NUM>) and about <NUM> degrees relative to the tabletop <NUM>. In this example, the first engagement angle may be about <NUM> degrees. In other embodiments, the first engagement angle may be any angle between about <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees. In these embodiments, the leg assembly 200B may be in the disengaged configuration 1801A when the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> are positioned in a range from about <NUM> degrees to the corresponding first engagement angle.

In the disengaged configuration 1801A, the first element <NUM> may be positioned in the opening <NUM> of the leg <NUM>. An end of the first element <NUM> may abut or contact an outer surface of the elongated structure <NUM>. The outer surface of the elongated structure <NUM> may prevent the multi-element lock tab <NUM> from moving in an outward direction, which is represented by arrow <NUM>. For example, the two-stage lock assembly <NUM> may be outwardly biased. In these embodiments, the multi-element lock tab <NUM> may be biased or pushed by a spring or another biasing mechanism in the outward direction <NUM>. As the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> are positioned at an angle between <NUM> degrees and the first engagement angle, the first element <NUM> may be positioned in the opening <NUM> and against the outer surface of the elongated structure <NUM>.

To transition the two-stage lock assembly <NUM> to the first engaged configuration 1801B as shown in <FIG>, the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> may be rotated relative to the tabletop <NUM>. For instance, the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> may be rotated about an axis <NUM>. As the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> rotate, the leg <NUM> and the multi-element lock tab <NUM> may translate up the elongated structure <NUM>, which may be towards the end structure <NUM>. For example, in <FIG>, the multi-element lock tab <NUM> may be separated from the end structure <NUM> by a first distance <NUM>. As the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> rotate, the first distance <NUM> may be reduced such that the multi-element lock tab <NUM> is disposed closer to the end structure <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first engaged configuration 1801B may occur when the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> are positioned at an angle between the first engagement angle and a second engagement angle. The first engagement angle may be an angle at which the first element <NUM> enters the receiver <NUM>. The second engagement angle may be an angle at which a second element <NUM> enters the receiver <NUM>.

For example, the leg assembly 200B may be in the first engaged configuration 1801B when the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> are at an angle between about <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees relative to the tabletop <NUM>. In this example, the first engagement angle may be about <NUM> degrees and the second engagement angle may be about <NUM> or about <NUM> degrees. In other embodiments, the first engagement angle may be any angle between about <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees and the second engagement angle may be any angle between about <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees. In these embodiments, the leg assembly 200B may be in the first engaged configuration 1801B when the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> are positioned in a range from the first engagement angle and the second engagement angle.

In the first engaged configuration 1801B, the opening <NUM> may overlap a lower portion of the receiver <NUM>. For instance, the leg <NUM> may translate towards the end structure <NUM> (reducing the distance <NUM>) such that the opening <NUM> becomes aligned with a lower portion with the receiver <NUM>. Alignment between the opening <NUM> and the lower portion of the receiver <NUM> may enable the first element <NUM> to move outwardly into the receiver <NUM>. For example, the first element <NUM> may transition from abutting the outer surface of the elongated structure <NUM> to being positioned in the receiver <NUM>. When the first element <NUM> is positioned in the receiver <NUM>, the second element <NUM> may be positioned in the opening <NUM>. An end surface of the second element <NUM> may abut or contact the outer surface of the elongated structure <NUM>.

Additionally, in the depicted exemplary embodiment, the opening <NUM> may include a height that substantially corresponds to a height <NUM> of the multi-element lock tab <NUM>. Correspondence between the height of the opening <NUM> and the height <NUM> of the multi-element lock tab <NUM> may enable a tight fit, which may assist in stability of the leg assembly 200B.

As mentioned above, the multi-element lock tab <NUM> may be outwardly biased. Accordingly, as soon as the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> are rotated to the first engagement angle, the first element <NUM> may be pushed into the receiver <NUM> and the second element <NUM> may be pushed into the opening <NUM>.

With the first element <NUM> in the receiver <NUM>, the leg <NUM> may be prevented from translating in a direction away from the tabletop <NUM> and the end structure <NUM>. Prevention of such translation may further prevent the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> from rotating relative to the tabletop <NUM>. The first element <NUM> may accordingly provide a safety feature when the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> are not rotated to the second engagement angle.

For example, a user may inadequately rotate the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM>. Without the first element <NUM>, inadequate rotation of the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> may result in the lock tab not being introduced into the receiver <NUM>. Accordingly, the leg <NUM> may not be locked relative to the end structure <NUM>, which may enable unintentional translation of the leg <NUM> away from the end structure <NUM> and collapse of the tabletop <NUM>.

Thus, inclusion of the first element <NUM> and positioning the first element <NUM> in the receiver <NUM> may reduce or prevent an unintentional collapse of the tabletop <NUM> when the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> are not rotated to the second engagement angle. From the first engaged configuration 1801B, the second leg assembly 200B may be transitioned to the disengaged configuration 1801A and to the second engaged configuration 1801C. To transition the second leg assembly 200B, the multi-element lock tab <NUM> may be removed or retracted from the opening <NUM> and the receiver <NUM>. For instance, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the two-stage lock assembly <NUM> may be implemented in the lock device <NUM>. For example, the multi-element lock tab <NUM> may be substituted for the lock tabs <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>. To transition the second leg assembly 200B from the first engaged configuration 1801B to the disengaged configuration 1801A, a user may actuate the compression mechanism <NUM> by drawing or pushing the two opposed buttons towards one another. Drawing the opposed buttons of the compression mechanism <NUM> towards one another may pull the multi-element lock tabs <NUM> towards a center portion of the leg assembly 200B. With sufficient force, the first elements <NUM> of the multi-element lock tab <NUM> may be withdrawn from receivers <NUM>. When the first elements <NUM> of the multi-element lock tab <NUM> are withdrawn from the receivers <NUM> and into the lateral structure <NUM>, the second leg assembly 200B may be transitioned to the disengaged configuration 1801A.

To transition the two-stage lock assembly <NUM> to the second engaged configuration 1801C as shown in <FIG>, the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> may be rotated relative to the tabletop <NUM>. For instance, the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> may be rotated about the axis <NUM>. As the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> rotate, the leg <NUM> and the multi-element lock tab <NUM> may translate up the elongated structure <NUM>, which may be towards the end structure <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the second engaged configuration 1801C may occur when the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> are positioned at the second engagement angle at which the second element <NUM> may enter the receiver <NUM>. For example, the leg assembly 200B may be in the second engaged configuration 1801C when the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> are at an angle between about <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees relative to the tabletop <NUM>.

In the second engaged configuration 1801C, the opening <NUM> may overlap an operable portion of substantially all of the receiver <NUM>. For instance, the leg <NUM> may translate towards the end structure <NUM> (which may reduce the distance <NUM>) such that the opening <NUM> becomes aligned with the receiver <NUM>. Alignment between the opening <NUM> and the receiver <NUM> may enable the second element <NUM> to move outwardly into the receiver <NUM>. For example, the second element <NUM> may transition from abutting the outer surface of the elongated structure <NUM> to being positioned in the receiver <NUM>.

When the leg assembly 200B is in the second engaged configuration 1801C, the multi-element lock tab <NUM> may lock the leg <NUM> relative to the end structure <NUM>. For example, the multi-element lock tab <NUM> may prevent the leg <NUM> from translating relative to the elongated structures <NUM>, which may prevent the leg <NUM> and the end structure <NUM> from rotating relative to the tabletop <NUM>. The leg assembly 200B may be transitioned from or to the disengaged configuration 1801A or the first engaged configuration 1801B through operation of the lock device <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a detailed view of the multi-element lock tab <NUM> engaged with the leg <NUM> and the elongated structure <NUM>, which may correspond to the second engaged configuration 1801C shown in <FIG>. Sectional views of the leg <NUM> and the elongated structure <NUM> are depicted in <FIG> such that the opening <NUM> and the receiver <NUM> are visible. The multi-element lock tab <NUM> shown in <FIG> may include the first element <NUM>, the second element <NUM>, and a body <NUM>. The body <NUM> may be generally the portion of the multi-element lock tab <NUM> that extends into a lock device such as the lock device <NUM>. In <FIG>, a portion of the body <NUM> is depicted. The body <NUM> may include a top <NUM>, a bottom <NUM>, and an end <NUM>. The first element <NUM> and the second element <NUM> may be integrally formed with or may be features of the body <NUM>. The first element <NUM> and the second element <NUM> may be positioned at the end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The end <NUM> may include the part of the body <NUM> that is disposed in the opening <NUM> and the receiver <NUM>.

The first element <NUM> may extend from or may make up a part of the end <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the first element <NUM> may be positioned in a central part of the body <NUM>. In other embodiments, the first element <NUM> may be positioned on a lower portion (e.g., near or including the bottom <NUM>) or an upper portion (e.g., near or including the top <NUM>) of the end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The first element <NUM> may include a first element height <NUM>. The first element height <NUM> may include between about twenty-five percent (<NUM>%) and about fifty percent (<NUM>%) of the height <NUM> of the multi-element lock tab <NUM>. The second element <NUM> may make up a remaining part of the end <NUM>. For instance, the second element <NUM> may include a portion of the end <NUM> between the top <NUM> and the first element <NUM> and between the bottom <NUM> and the first element <NUM>.

The first element <NUM> and the second element <NUM> may extend different distances from the end <NUM>. Extensions of the first element <NUM> and the second element <NUM> may enable the first element <NUM> to be introduced into the receiver <NUM> prior to the second element <NUM>. For example, in <FIG> a datum <NUM> may be defined on the body <NUM>. The datum <NUM> may be substantially parallel to the y-direction of <FIG>. The first element <NUM> may extend a first distance <NUM> from the datum <NUM>. The second element <NUM> may extend a second distance <NUM> from the datum <NUM>. The second distance <NUM> may be less than the first distance <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the top <NUM> and/or the bottom <NUM> may be sloped. For example, the top <NUM> and/or the bottom <NUM> may be sloped towards the first element <NUM> near the end <NUM>. In other embodiments, the top <NUM> and/or the bottom <NUM> may be substantially planar or level. The multi-element lock tab <NUM> may be sized relative to the opening <NUM> and/or the receiver <NUM>. For instance, the multi-element lock tab <NUM> may include a height <NUM> that extends from the top <NUM> to the bottom <NUM>. Similarly, the opening <NUM> and the receiver <NUM> may include a height <NUM>. The height <NUM> may be substantially equivalent (e.g., within about <NUM>%) the height <NUM>.

In the depicted embodiment, the opening <NUM> and the receiver <NUM> may include substantially equivalent heights (e.g., within about <NUM>%) which are represented by height <NUM>. In some embodiments, a height of the opening <NUM> may be greater than a height of the receiver <NUM>. In these and other embodiments, the height <NUM> of the receiver <NUM> may correspond to or be substantially equal to the height <NUM>. Additionally, in some embodiments, the height <NUM> may be sized to correspond to a narrowed end of the multi-element lock tab <NUM>. For instance, the body <NUM> may narrow near the end <NUM>. In these embodiments, the height <NUM> may be sized to correspond to a height of the body <NUM> near the end <NUM>.

The particular geometry of the multi-element lock tab <NUM> is not meant to be limiting. For instance, <FIG> depict alternative multi-element lock tabs 2000A-2000C that may be implemented in a lock assembly such as the two-stage lock assembly <NUM> or a similar multi-stage lock assembly. Each of the multi-element lock tabs 2000A-2000C may include the body <NUM>, the top <NUM>, the bottom <NUM>, and the end <NUM>. Each of the multi-element lock tabs 2000A-2000C may include first elements on the first end <NUM>, which are different from the first element <NUM> described above. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the first alternative lock tab 2000A may include a first element <NUM>. The first element <NUM> may be positioned at or near the top <NUM> of the body <NUM>. Positioning the first element <NUM> at or near the top <NUM> may lower the first engagement angle and may separate the first engagement angle from the second angle.

As shown in <FIG>, the second alternative lock tab 2000B may include a first element <NUM>. The first element <NUM> may include two protrusive features. The two protrusive features may be positioned at or near a central portion of the body <NUM>. The first element <NUM> may result in multiple engagement angles at which protrusive features are engaged in the receive <NUM>. Similarly, in <FIG>, the third alternative lock tab 2000C may include a first element <NUM>. The first element <NUM> may include multiple protrusive features, which may be positioned at or near the top <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The first element <NUM> may result in multiple engagement angles at which protrusive features are engaged in the receive <NUM>.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure.

By the term "substantially" it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

Claim 1:
A table comprising:
a tabletop (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a frame (<NUM>) attached to a lower surface of the tabletop (<NUM>); and
a leg assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a support element (<NUM>, <NUM>) including an end structure (<NUM>) attached to an elongated structure (<NUM>, <NUM>), the end structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) rotatably coupled to the frame (<NUM>) such that the support element (<NUM>) is rotatable relative to the frame (<NUM>) between a first position and a second position;
a translation mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) retained relative to the support element (<NUM>) and the frame (<NUM>), the translation mechanism (<NUM>) being configured to translate along a portion of the support element (<NUM>) as the support element (<NUM>) rotates between the first position and the second position; and
a two-stage lock assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a multi-element lock tab (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) having a body and an end on which a first element (<NUM>) and a second element (<NUM>) are disposed, the two-stage lock assembly (<NUM>) being configurable in a disengaged configuration in which the translation mechanism (<NUM>) is not fixed relative to the support element (<NUM>), a second engaged configuration in which the two-stage lock assembly (<NUM>) fixes the translation mechanism (<NUM>) to the support element (<NUM>), and a first engaged configuration in which the first element is positioned in a receiver (<NUM>, <NUM>) in the support element (<NUM>) and the second element is not positioned in the receiver (<NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein:
the leg assembly (<NUM>) is configured such that the disengaged configuration occurs when the leg and the end structure (<NUM>) is disposed between an angle of about zero degrees to a first engagement angle at which the first element (<NUM>) is introduced to the receiver (<NUM>, <NUM>);
the first engaged configuration occurs when the leg and the end structure (<NUM>) are positioned in a range from the first engagement angle and a second engagement angle; and
the second engaged configuration occurs when the leg and the end structure (<NUM>) are positioned at the second engagement angle at which the second element (<NUM>) enters the receiver (<NUM>, <NUM>).