Patent Description:
Many different types of tables are known and are used for a variety of 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 tables can often be positioned in an assortment of 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.

Conventional tables often include tabletops constructed from materials such as wood, particleboard, or metal. Tabletops 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. <CIT> discloses an example of a known blow-molded plastic structure.

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

The structure is constructed from blow-molded plastic.

The structure includes a tabletop. The tabletop may include a generally planar element, such as a central or body portion, and the central or body portion of the tabletop has a generally planar upper and/or lower surface. The tabletop may include an outwardly extending portion, such as a projection or protruding structure. A lip extends downwardly relative to the lower surface of the tabletop.

The lip may form at least a portion of a sidewall or edge of the tabletop.

Still another aspect is a tabletop may be integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure. For example, the tabletop may be integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece construction during a blow-molding process. The tabletop may include one or more features that may be integrally formed as part of the unitary, one-piece structure. For example, a lip may be integrally formed as part of the unitary, one-piece structure.

Yet another aspect is a tabletop that may include a lip extending along at least a part of a perimeter of the tabletop and/or the lip may be spaced inwardly from the perimeter of the tabletop. In an exemplary configuration, the lip may form one or more sidewalls and/or edges of the tabletop. In this exemplary configuration, an outer wall or surface of the lip may extend in a substantially normal direction relative to the upper surface and/or the lower surface of the tabletop, and an inner wall or surface of the lip is disposed in an inward direction relative to the outer wall of the lip. The lip may have a height that may be measured from a bottom portion of the lip to an upper portion of the lip and/or an upper or lower portion of the tabletop. The lip, for example, may have substantially the same height. Thus, in an exemplary configuration, the lip may extend about the perimeter of the tabletop and the lip may have substantially the same height. The lip, however, may also have different heights. For example, at least a portion of the lip along the sides of the tabletop may have a shorter height than the lip along the ends of the tabletop. This may allow, for example, a portion of the frame to be exposed along the sides of the tabletop. One skilled in the art will appreciate, after reviewing this disclosure, that the lip may have various suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table.

In an exemplary embodiment, the lip may include an outer wall and an inner wall. The outer wall and inner wall may be separated by a distance. For example, if the lip is constructed from molded plastic, the outer wall and inner wall may be separated by a hollow interior portion, which may be formed during the molding process. The outer wall and inner wall of the lip may also contact or touch. For instance, during the molding process, at least a portion of the outer wall and at least a portion of the inner wall may contact or touch. This may allow, for example, a compression edge to be formed.

Still yet another aspect is a lip that may include one or more extending or protruding portions. For example, the inner surface of the lip may include one or more inwardly extending portions. The inwardly extending portions may have a height that is less than the height of the lip. In particular, the height of the lip may be greater than the height of the inwardly extending portion. The height of the inwardly extending portion may be less than about eighty percent (<NUM>%) of the height of the lip, less than about seventy percent (<NUM>%) of the height of the lip, less than about sixty percent (<NUM>%) of the height of the lip, less than about fifty percent (<NUM>%) of the height of the lip, less than about forty percent (<NUM>%) of the height of the lip, less than about thirty percent (<NUM>%) of the height of the lip, less than about twenty percent (<NUM>%) of the height of the lip, or less than about ten percent (<NUM>%) of the height of the lip. The inwardly extending portion may be sized and configured to increase the strength and/or structural rigidity of the lip. The inwardly extending portion may also include one or more channels or recessed portions. The recessed portions may be disposed in an inner portion and/or lower portion of the inwardly extending structures. The inwardly extending portion may include a hollow interior portion that may be in fluid communication with a hollow interior portion of the tabletop. The hollow interior portion of the inwardly extending portion may also be in fluid communication with the lip.

A further aspect is a lip that may include one or more risers. The risers may facilitate gas flow during the molding process. For example, the risers may facilitate gas flow between a hollow interior portion of the tabletop and the lip. In particular, the risers may facilitate gas flow between a hollow interior portion of the tabletop and a portion of the lip, such as a hollow interior portion of the lip.

Another further aspect is a lip that may include one or more attachment portions which are sized and configured to allow a frame to be attached to the lip. In particular, the attachment portions may be sized and configured to allow the frame to be attached to the inwardly extending portion of the lip. The attachment portions may include a surface that is sized and configured to contact or abut a side rail of the frame. The attachment portions may facilitate attachment of the frame to the inwardly extending portion of the lip by one or more fasteners.

Still another further aspect is frame that includes one or more side rails. The side rails of the frame include a receiving portion that is sized and configured to receive the inwardly extending portion of the lip. For example, the receiving portion may have a generally L-shaped configuration and the inwardly extending portion of the lip may be disposed in the receiving portion of the side rails of the frame.

Another aspect is a molded plastic tabletop that include an upper surface, a lower surface, and a hollow interior portion disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface of the tabletop. A lip extends downwardly relative to the lower surface of the tabletop and the lip includes an outer surface and an inner surface. One or more inwardly extending portions extend inwardly from the inner portion of the lip. The inwardly extending portions may be sized and configured to increase the strength and/or structural integrity of the lip. The inwardly extending portion may also allow fluid communication between the hollow interior portion of the tabletop and a lip. For example, the inwardly extending portion includes a first portion connected to the lower surface of the tabletop and a second portion connected to the inner surface of the lip, and the inwardly extending portion may include a hollow interior portion in fluid communication with the hollow interior portion of the tabletop. The tabletop may include one or more elongated tack-offs and the elongated tack-offs may prevent fluid flow between the hollow interior portion of the tabletop and the lip.

Advantageously, the receiving portion of the frame and inwardly extending portion of the lip may help create a tabletop that is relatively high-strength, impact resistant, and aesthetically pleasing. In addition, the lip may generally hide the frame from view during use of the table or the lip may allow a portion of the frame to be visible during use of the table. After reviewing this disclosure, one skill in the art will be appreciate that the table may include any suitable number, size, shape, configuration, and/or arrangement of inwardly extending portions depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table.

The invention is a blow-molded plastic structure may be constructed using a blow-molding process. The blow-molded plastic structure comprises a tabletop including an upper surface, a lower surface, and a hollow interior portion disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface of the tabletop; a lip extending downwardly relative to the lower surface of the tabletop, the lip including an outer surface and an inner surface; an inwardly extending portion extending inwardly from the inner surface of the lip; and a side rail of a frame, the side rail including a receiving portion that receives the inwardly extending portion, the side rail including a portion that supports the lower surface of the table top, the side rail including a portion that supports the lip. The inwardly extending portion may enclose the receiving portion of the side rail. A fastener may extend through an upper portion of the side rail and into the inwardly extending portion to connect the side rail to the table top. A hollow interior portion of the inwardly extending portion may be in fluid communication with the hollow interior portion of the table top and a hollow interior portion of the lip. The tabletop, the lip, and the inwardly extending portion may be integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure during the blow-molding process. A height of the inwardly extending portion has a height less than a height of the lip. An upper portion of the side rail of the frame may be disposed in a frame receiving recess in the lower surface of the table top, the receiving portion of the side rail may enclose the inwardly extending portion, and a lower portion of the side rail of the frame may be generally aligned with a lower portion of the lip. The receiving portion of the side rail may have a generally L-shaped configuration with a first surface disposed at least proximate a first side of the inwardly receiving portion and a second surface disposed at least proximate a second side of the inwardly receiving portion. A first opening may be disposed in an inner surface of the side rail of the frame, a second opening may be disposed in an inner surface of the receiving portion of the side rail of the frame, and a fastener may be disposed in the first opening and the second opening, the fastener may extend through the first opening and the second opening and be connected to the inwardly extending portion. A first surface of the side rail contacts the lower surface of the table top, a first surface of the receiving portion of the side rail contacts a first surface of the inwardly extending portion; a second surface of the receiving portion of the side rail contacts a second surface of the inwardly extending portion; and a second surface of the side rail contacts the inner surface of the lip.

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

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:.

It will be understood that, with the benefit of the present disclosure, the tables disclosed herein can have a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and arrangements. Moreover, while the tables shown in the accompanying figures may be configured for use in connection with fold-in-half tables, it will be appreciated that tables may have any suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements. For instance, the tables described herein may be utility tables, round tables, personal tables, conference tables, seminar tables, recreation tables, adjustable height tables, card tables, and the like.

To assist in the description of exemplary embodiments of the tables, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, upper, lower, 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 some exemplary embodiments of the tables now follows.

As shown in the accompanying figures, an exemplary table <NUM> may include a tabletop <NUM> that may be constructed from molded plastic. The tabletop <NUM> includes an upper portion <NUM>, such as an upper surface, a lower portion <NUM>, such as a lower or underneath surface, and an outer boundary or perimeter <NUM>. As shown in the accompanying figures, a lip <NUM> is disposed about the perimeter <NUM> and the lip extends downwardly relative to the upper portion <NUM> and/or lower portion <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. The upper portion <NUM> may be spaced apart from the lower portion <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> by a distance, which may be a generally constant distance in some embodiments. As discussed in more detail below, the tabletop <NUM> includes a hollow interior portion and the hollow interior portion may be disposed between the upper portion <NUM> and the lower portion <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>.

In addition, the tabletop <NUM> may further include one or more sides, such as a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM>. The tabletop <NUM> may also include one or more ends, such as a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The tabletop <NUM> may also include one or more corners <NUM>. The tabletop <NUM>, including the upper portion <NUM>, the lower portion <NUM>, the hollow interior portion, the lip <NUM>, the first side <NUM>, the second side <NUM>, the first end <NUM>, the second end <NUM>, and/or the corners <NUM> may be integrally formed as part of unitary, one-piece structure during the molding process. If the tabletop <NUM> is constructed from plastic, it may be formed in the desired shape by blow-molding, injection molding, rotary molding, and/or other suitable processes.

As shown in the accompanying figures, the lip <NUM> may be disposed about the perimeter <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. The lip <NUM> may extend around an entirety of the perimeter <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> or one or more portions of the perimeter. The lip <NUM> may also be spaced inwardly from the perimeter <NUM> and the lip may be any structure disposed at an angle and/or outwardly extending from the tabletop <NUM>. For example, the lip <NUM> extends downwardly relative to the upper portion <NUM> and/or lower portion <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. For instance, the lip <NUM> may extend in a substantially normal direction from the lower portion <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. In this exemplary configuration, when the tabletop <NUM> is oriented with the upper portion <NUM> facing up, the lip <NUM> may extend generally downwardly.

As shown in <FIG>, the table <NUM> may include a one or more support structures <NUM>, which may be sized and configured to support the tabletop <NUM> above a surface such as the floor or ground. The support structures <NUM> may include one or more legs or supports <NUM> and the support structures may be movable between an extended or use position, such as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and a collapsed or storage position such as shown in <FIG>. As shown in the accompanying figures, the support structures <NUM> may include a pair of legs or supports <NUM> and a connecting member <NUM> may interconnect the supports.

The tabletop <NUM> includes a hollow interior portion <NUM> and the hollow interior portion is disposed between the upper portion <NUM> and the lower portion <NUM> of the tabletop. The hollow interior portion <NUM> may be formed during the molding process. For example, with the tabletop <NUM> constructed from blow-molded plastic, the hollow interior portion <NUM> may be formed during the blow-molding process. In addition, the hollow interior portion <NUM> may be integrally formed during the molding process as part of a unitary, one-piece structure. The hollow interior portion <NUM> may be filled with foam or other materials, if desired.

The table <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> that is connected to the tabletop <NUM>. The frame <NUM> includes a first side rail <NUM> disposed along one side of the tabletop <NUM> and a second side rail <NUM> disposed along another side of the tabletop. For example, the first side rail <NUM> may be disposed along the first side <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> and the second side rail <NUM> may be disposed along the second side <NUM> of the tabletop. The first and second side rails <NUM>, <NUM> may extend along a length of the tabletop <NUM> and the side rails may help support the tabletop <NUM>. If the table <NUM> is a fold-in-half table, then a first portion of the first side rail <NUM> may be connected to a first portion of the tabletop <NUM> and a second portion of the first side rail may be connected to a second portion of the tabletop. Similarly, a first portion of the second side rail <NUM> is connected to a first portion of the tabletop <NUM> and a second portion of the second side rail is connected to a second portion of the tabletop. The first and second portions of the first side rail <NUM> may be connected by a member, such as a hinge <NUM>, and the first and second portions of the second side rail <NUM> may be connected by a member, such as a hinge <NUM>. A cross member, such as a center cross member <NUM>, may be disposed at least portion a center portion of the tabletop <NUM> and the center cross member may be connected to the first hinge <NUM> and the second hinge <NUM>.

The support structures <NUM> may be connected to the frame <NUM> and the support structures may be movable relative to the frame to allow the support structures to move between the outwardly extending or use position and the collapsed or storage position. For example, cross members <NUM>, <NUM> may connect the support structures <NUM> and the frame <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross members <NUM>, <NUM> may be part of the support structures <NUM> and the cross members may be connected to the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. In another exemplary embodiment, the cross members <NUM>, <NUM> may be part of the frame <NUM>. The table <NUM> may also include a first brace assembly <NUM> and a second brace assembly <NUM>, which may be connected to the support structures <NUM>. In particular, the first brace assembly <NUM> may be connected to a first support structure and the second brace assembly <NUM> may be connected to a second support structure. The brace assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may be sized and configured to allow the support structures <NUM> to move between the use and storage positions. The brace assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may be connected to the center cross member <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the support structures <NUM>, the legs <NUM>, the frame <NUM>, and the brace assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table <NUM>. It will also be appreciated that the support structures <NUM>, the legs <NUM>, the frame <NUM>, and the brace assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may be connected to any suitable portions of the table <NUM>. In addition, it will be appreciated that the table <NUM> may include any suitable number of the support structures <NUM>, the legs <NUM>, the frame <NUM>, and the brace assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>.

The table <NUM> may be a fold-in-half table that may be disposed in a folded or collapsed configuration, such as shown in <FIG>. The table <NUM> may also be sized and configured to be stacked with one or more additional tables. In the stacked configuration, the tables <NUM> are preferably nested together to reduce a height of the stacked tables. Reduction in the height may allow the tables <NUM> to be shipped, stored, and transported in a smaller volume. This may result in significant cost savings to the manufacturer, for example, because less storage space may be required and a substantial reduction in transportation costs may be achieved. Exemplary embodiments of nested tables are shown and described in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame <NUM> are disposed along the sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. For example, the first side rail <NUM> may be disposed along the first side <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> and the second side rail <NUM> may be disposed along the second side <NUM> of the tabletop. Advantageously, if the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed proximate the sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>, then the sides of the tabletop <NUM> may be supported by the frame <NUM>, which may help create a strong and sturdy table <NUM>. In addition, the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> is sized and configured to support the lip <NUM>, which may also help create a strong and sturdy table <NUM>. Further, a portion of the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> may be exposed along the sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, which may help show consumers that the table <NUM> has significant strength. For example, a portion of the first side rail <NUM> may be exposed along the first side <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> and a portion of the second side rail <NUM> may be exposed along the second side <NUM> of the tabletop. The exposed portions of the frame <NUM> may create the appearance of a strong and sturdy table <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame <NUM> may not be exposed. In an exemplary embodiment, the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> directly support the lip <NUM>. For example, a lower portion of the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> supports a lower portion of the lip <NUM>. In this configuration, the lip <NUM> may help prevent damage to the frame <NUM> and/or the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> may help increase the strength, structural integrity, and/or impact resistance of the lip.

In an exemplary embodiment, the lip <NUM> may be disposed about the perimeter <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> and the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the lip. A portion of the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> directly contacts and supports a portion of the lip <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the tabletop <NUM> may include one or more depressions <NUM>, which may also be referred to as tack-offs. The depressions <NUM> may be sized, shaped, configured, and arranged to provide increased strength, stiffness, and/or rigidity to the tabletop <NUM>. The depressions <NUM> may cover a majority, substantially all or the entirety of the lower portion <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. In addition, the depressions <NUM> may have a generally uniform shape, size, configuration, and arrangement. The depressions <NUM> may further have an elongated shape that is aligned with an axis and the depressions <NUM> may be aligned in a series of rows and/or columns that extend along the length and/or width of the tabletop <NUM>. Additionally, the depressions <NUM> in adjacent rows and/or columns may be offset, and the distance between adjacent depressions in the rows and/or columns may be generally the same. For example, the distance between adjacent depressions in each row and/or column may be generally constant or the same. The distance between adjacent rows and columns may also be generally constant or the same.

The depressions <NUM> may be used to create a tabletop <NUM> with generally uniform characteristics or qualities. For example, if the depressions <NUM> are consistently spaced, that may allow the upper portion <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> to be uniformly supported. In addition, if the depressions <NUM> are separated by a generally constant distance, which may be measured from a center of one depression <NUM> to a center of an adjacent depression <NUM>, that may create a tabletop <NUM> with more uniform characteristics or qualities. The distance between adjacent depressions <NUM> may be measured longitudinally, laterally, or at an angle depending, for example, upon the arrangement of the depressions <NUM>.

The depressions <NUM> may also be disposed in a pattern and the depressions may be generally aligned and/or disposed in predetermined locations within the pattern. The pattern may include, for example, a number of rows <NUM> that extend along a length of the tabletop <NUM> and/or a number of columns <NUM> that extend along a width of the tabletop <NUM>. The depressions <NUM> may also be disposed in other suitable forms and patterns, and may have other shapes, sizes, configurations and arrangements, depending, for example, upon the intended use of the tabletop <NUM>.

The depressions <NUM> may also have different characteristics depending, for example, upon the particular configuration of the depressions. For example, the depressions <NUM> may have an elongated length and a depression may have increased strength along its length. The depression <NUM> may also have a non-circular configuration with increased strength in one direction in comparison to another direction. Advantageously, if the depressions <NUM> have different characteristics, then the depressions can be arranged or configured so the structure has certain characteristics. In particular, the depressions <NUM> may be arranged into a pattern to maximize certain characteristics and/or create a structure with generally uniform characteristics. For instance, the pattern may include generally uniformly spaced depressions <NUM> that are separated by a generally constant distance and/or disposed in standardized arrangement. A consistent arrangement of the depressions <NUM> may help create a structure with uniform characteristics. For example, a generally constant pattern of depressions <NUM> may create a structure with generally uniform strength and structural integrity.

The tabletop <NUM> may include one or more recesses and the recesses may be sized and configured to receive a portion of the support structures <NUM> and/or the frame <NUM>. For example, the tabletop <NUM> may include a recess <NUM> that is sized and configured to receive the center cross member <NUM>. The tabletop <NUM> may also include a recess <NUM> that is sized and configured to receive the cross member <NUM> and a recess <NUM> that is sized and configured to receive the cross member <NUM>. The tabletop <NUM> may further include recesses <NUM> that are sized and configured to receive the support structures <NUM> when the support structures are in the collapsed or folded position.

The tabletop <NUM> may include a first frame receiving recess <NUM> that is sized and configured to receive a first portion of the frame such as the first side rail <NUM>. The tabletop <NUM> may also include a second frame receiving recess <NUM> that is sized and configured to receive a second portion of the frame such as the second side rail <NUM>. As discussed in greater detail below, the first and second frame receiving recesses <NUM>, <NUM> may be disposed proximate the lip <NUM>. Advantageously, this may allow the first and second side rails <NUM>, <NUM> to support the outer edges and/or sides of the tabletop <NUM>. This may also allow the first and second side rails <NUM>, <NUM> to support the lip <NUM>. Significantly, the lip <NUM> may be a stronger and/or more rigid structure if a portion of the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> contact or abut a portion of the lip, which may create a table <NUM> that is less likely to be damaged. For example, if the lip <NUM> is support by the side rails <NUM>, <NUM>, then the lip may be more resistant to damage. That is, the lip <NUM> may be able to withstand a larger force or impact if the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame <NUM> directly support the lip.

For instance, the table <NUM> may be constructed and then shipped to a retailer or end user. During the shipping process, the table <NUM> may be dropped or may contact other products. Such contact may impose forces on the tabletop <NUM> such as the sides <NUM>, <NUM>. The lip <NUM> and the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> may be sized and configured to strengthen and/or reinforce the sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>, which may reduce or prevent damage to the table <NUM>. The lip <NUM> and side rails <NUM>, <NUM> may also help reduce or prevent damage during use and/or storage. For example, the table <NUM> may be dropped, tipped on its side, stuffed into a storage closet, etc., which may result in contact between the tabletop <NUM> and various items (e.g., the floor, closet doors, other tables, etc.). The lip <NUM> and side rails <NUM>, <NUM> may help prevent damage to the tabletop <NUM>.

The lip <NUM> includes an outer wall <NUM> and the outer wall may be disposed about at least a portion of the perimeter <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. In greater detail, the outer wall <NUM> may extend about the perimeter <NUM> and the outer wall <NUM> may be oriented substantially normal or perpendicular to the upper portion <NUM> or the lower portion <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>.

The lip <NUM> includes an inner wall <NUM> that may be disposed generally parallel or at an angle relative to the outer wall <NUM>. A portion of the inner wall <NUM> and the outer wall <NUM> may be separated by a spaced or a gap. For example, a hollow interior portion <NUM> may be at least partially disposed between the inner wall <NUM> and the outer wall <NUM>, and the hollow interior portion may be formed during the molding process. In particular, the hollow interior portion <NUM> may be at least partially disposed between the inner wall <NUM> and the outer wall <NUM> and the hollow interior portion may be formed during a blow-molding process. A portion of the outer wall <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> of the lip <NUM> may contact or abut. For example, at least a portion of the outer wall <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> may contact or abut, which may form a compression edge of the tabletop <NUM>. The lip <NUM> may also include portions in which the outer wall <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> contact or abut, and other portions in which the outer wall <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> are separated by the hollow inter portion <NUM>. For example, the lip <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM> in which the outer wall <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> contact or abut and a second portion <NUM> in which the outer wall and the inner wall are separated by the hollow interior portion <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion <NUM> may be disposed towards a distal or lower portion <NUM> of the lip <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may be disposed towards a proximal or upper portion <NUM> of the lip. Thus, the lower portion <NUM> of the lip <NUM> may include a compression edge and an upper portion <NUM> of the lip may include a hollow interior portion <NUM>, such as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In another exemplary embodiment, the outer wall <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> may contact or abut along a height of the lip <NUM>. For instance, the outer wall <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> may contact or abut from the lower portion <NUM> of the lip <NUM> to the upper portion <NUM> of the lip, such as shown in <FIG>. On the other hand, the outer wall <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> may be separated by the hollow interior portion <NUM> along the height of the lip. Thus, for example, the outer wall <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> may be separated by the hollow interior portion <NUM> from the lower portion <NUM> of the lip <NUM> to the upper portion <NUM> of the lip. Therefore, the outer wall <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> of the lip <NUM> may touch or contact along a height (e.g., measured from the lower portion <NUM> to the upper portion <NUM> of the lip) and/or along a length (e.g., measured along a side <NUM>, <NUM> and/or end <NUM>, <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>). In addition, the outer wall <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> may be separated by a distance (e.g., by the hollow interior portion <NUM>) along the height and/or the length of the lip <NUM>. One skilled in the art will appreciate, after reviewing this disclosure, that the lip <NUM> may include one or more portions in which the outer wall <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> contact or touch, and one or more portions in which the outer wall and the inner wall are separated by a distance, and these portions may be disposed laterally and/or longitudinally along the lip.

The lip <NUM> includes one or more inwardly extending portions <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the inner surface of the lip <NUM> includes one or more inwardly extending portions <NUM> and the inwardly extending portions may be disposed along the sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. The inwardly extending portions <NUM> extend inwardly relative to the inner surface of the lip <NUM> and the inwardly extending portions may include a lower surface <NUM> and an inner surface <NUM>. The lower surface <NUM> of the inwardly extending structures <NUM> may be disposed substantially parallel to the upper portion <NUM> and/or the lower portion <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> of the inwardly extending portions <NUM> may be disposed generally parallel to the outer wall <NUM> and/or inner wall <NUM> of the lip. The inner surface <NUM> of the inwardly extending portions <NUM> may also be disposed generally perpendicular or normal to the upper portion <NUM> and/or lower portion <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. As shown in the accompanying drawings, the inwardly extending portions <NUM> may be disposed inwardly relative to the outer wall <NUM> of the lip <NUM> and the inwardly extending portions may extend towards a central portion of the tabletop <NUM>.

The inwardly extending portions <NUM> may be at least partially formed by or disposed in the inner wall <NUM> of the lip <NUM>. In addition, the inner surface <NUM> of the inwardly extending structures <NUM> may be spaced apart from the outer wall <NUM> by a distance. Thus, a gap, space, or hollow interior portion <NUM> may be disposed between the inner surface <NUM> of the structural feature <NUM> and the outer wall <NUM> of the lip <NUM>.

If the outer wall <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> are disposed in a generally parallel configuration, the lip <NUM> may include a lower edge or bottom wall <NUM>, which may connect the outer and inner walls. As discussed above, in an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the outer wall <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> may contact and/or a portion of the outer wall and the inner wall may be separated by a gap or distance. The gap or distance between the outer wall <NUM> and the inner wall <NUM> may form the hollow interior portion <NUM>, and the outer and inner walls may be disposed in close proximity. For example, the outer and inner walls <NUM> and <NUM> may be spaced apart by about <NUM> (. ), about <NUM> (. ), about <NUM> (. ), about <NUM> (. ); about <NUM> (. ), or less. The outer and inner walls <NUM> and <NUM> may provide additional strength and structural rigidity to the lip <NUM> and/or the inwardly extending structures <NUM>. In addition, the inwardly extending structures <NUM> may provide additional strength and/or structural rigidity to the lip <NUM>.

The inwardly extending structures <NUM> may extend along the sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> and the inwardly extending structures may be disposed along at least a majority, substantially the entire, or the entire inner wall <NUM> of the lip <NUM>. For example, the inwardly extending structures <NUM> may be disposed along more than about fifty percent (<NUM>%) of the inner wall <NUM> along the sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>, more than about sixty percent (<NUM>%) of the inner wall along the sides of the tabletop, more than about seventy percent (<NUM>%) of the inner wall along the sides of the tabletop, more than about eighty percent (<NUM>%) of the inner wall along the sides of the tabletop, or more than about ninety percent (<NUM>%) of the inner wall along the sides of the tabletop.

In an exemplary embodiment, such as shown in <FIG>, the first frame receiving recess <NUM> may be disposed along the first side <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> and the second frame receiving recess <NUM> may be disposed along the second side <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. The inwardly extending portions <NUM> may extend inwardly towards the frame receiving recesses <NUM>, <NUM>. The lower surface <NUM> of the inwardly extending portion <NUM> may be spaced closer to the lower portion <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> than the distal end <NUM> of the lip <NUM>. Thus, the distal end <NUM> of the lip <NUM> may extend farther from the lower portion <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> than the lower surface <NUM> of the inwardly extending portion <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> of the structural feature <NUM> may be disposed at least proximate the frame receiving recesses <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the inner surface <NUM> of the structural feature <NUM> may be generally aligned with a sidewall <NUM> of the frame receiving recess <NUM>, <NUM>.

The inwardly extending portions <NUM> may include one or more strengthening members <NUM>, which may be sized and configured to provide additional strength. The strengthening members <NUM> may have a generally curved or rounded configuration and may be disposed in the lower surface <NUM> and/or inner surface <NUM> of the structural feature. For example, the strengthening members <NUM> may have a rounded surface <NUM> that extends towards the outer wall <NUM> of the lip. If desired, an inner surface <NUM> of the structural feature <NUM> may contact the outer wall <NUM> of the lip. As shown in <FIG>, the strengthening member <NUM> may be disposed in both the lower surface <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the structural feature <NUM>. After reviewing this disclosure, one skill in the art will appreciate that the strengthening member <NUM> may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the inwardly extending portion <NUM> may include a hollow interior portion <NUM> and the strengthening members <NUM> may include a hollow interior portion <NUM>. The hollow interior portions <NUM> of the inwardly extending portion <NUM> and/or the hollow interior portion <NUM> of the strengthening member <NUM> may be in fluid communication with the hollow interior portion <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> and/or the hollow interior portion <NUM> of the lip <NUM>. The hollow interior portions <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be part of a cavity, chamber, opening, etc. and may be used to create a pathway. For example, the hollow interior portions <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be in fluid communication with at least a portion of the hollow interior portion <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> and at least a portion of the lip <NUM>. This may facilitate fluid flow during a molding process, such as a blow-molding process. In particular, the hollow interior portions <NUM> and/or <NUM> may allow gas, such as air, to flow between the tabletop <NUM> and the lip <NUM> during the molding process.

For example, the hollow interior portions <NUM> and/or <NUM> may facilitate gas flow during the blow-molding process so that gas flows into the hollow interior portion <NUM> of the lip <NUM>, which may help form the lip during the blow-molding process. In particular, the hollow interior portion <NUM> of the lip <NUM> may be in fluid communication with the hollow interior portions <NUM> and/or <NUM>. The hollow interior portions <NUM> and/or <NUM> and the hollow interior portion <NUM> may facilitate formation of the lip <NUM> during the blow-molding process and may allow the lip to be formed with the hollow interior portion <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and/or the solid structure as shown in <FIG>.

After reviewing this disclosure, it will be appreciated that the inwardly extending portions <NUM> and the strengthening members <NUM> may be generally disposed between the frame receiving recess <NUM>, <NUM> and the lip <NUM>. The inwardly extending portions <NUM> and the strengthening members <NUM> may also be disposed in other portions of the tabletop <NUM>. For example, one or more inwardly extending portions <NUM> may be disposed along the ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>. In addition, while the lip <NUM> shown in the accompanying figures extends about the entire perimeter <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM>, the lip may be disposed about only a portion of the tabletop. Further, the tabletop <NUM> could include any suitable number of lips <NUM> and the lips could be separated by a distance. For example, a first lip may be disposed along the first side <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> and a second lip may be disposed along the second side <NUM> of the tabletop. Additionally, the lip <NUM> may have different heights. For instance, the lip <NUM> along the sides <NUM>, <NUM> may have a height that is different from the height of the lip along the ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the tabletop. This may allow, for example, a portion of the frame <NUM> to be exposed. The lip <NUM> could also have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements, such as that shown in <CIT>. The lip <NUM>, the inwardly extending portions <NUM>, and the strengthening members <NUM> may be integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure. In particular, the lip <NUM>, the inwardly extending portions <NUM>, and the strengthening members <NUM> may be integrally formed with the tabletop <NUM> as part of a unitary, one-piece structure. For instance, in a blow-molded process, the material that is used to form the tabletop <NUM> may also create the lip <NUM>, the inwardly extending portions <NUM>, and the strengthening members <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> may be referred to as an upper portion and the second portion <NUM> may be referred to as the lower portion. The first portion <NUM> may be sized and configured to be disposed in the frame receiving recess <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus, the first portion <NUM> may be disposed in the frame receiving recess <NUM>, <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may be disposed towards the lower portion of the lip <NUM>. The width of the upper portion <NUM> may be smaller than the width of the lower portion <NUM>. For example, the width of the upper portion <NUM> may be generally equal to or less than eighty percent (<NUM>%) of the width of the lower portion <NUM>, generally equal to or less than seventy percent (<NUM>%) of the width of the lower portion, generally equal to or less than sixty percent (<NUM>%) of the width of the lower portion, generally equal to or less than fifty percent (<NUM>%) of the width of the lower portion, generally equal to or less than forty percent (<NUM>%) of the width of the lower portion, generally equal to or less than thirty percent (<NUM>%) of the width of the lower portion, generally equal to or less than twenty percent (<NUM>%) of the width of the lower portion, or generally equal to or less than ten percent (<NUM>%) of the width of the lower portion. The first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame <NUM> may have a generally planar surface.

The side rails <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame may include a side <NUM>, which may be referred to as the inner side or surface, disposed towards an inner portion of the tabletop <NUM> and a side <NUM>, which may be referred to as the outer side or surface, disposed towards an outer portion of the tabletop. The side rails <NUM>, <NUM> may further include a receiving portion <NUM> and the receiving portion may be at least partially defined by a first surface <NUM> and a second surface <NUM>. As shown in the accompanying figures, the receiving portion <NUM> may have a generally L-shaped configuration with the first and second surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> disposed at generally a right angle. The receiving portion <NUM>, however, could have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements. The side rails <NUM>, <NUM> may include one or more openings <NUM> and the openings may be sized and configured to facilitate attachment of the side rails to the tabletop <NUM>. For example, the openings <NUM> may be sized and configured to allow fasteners <NUM> to connect the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> to the lip <NUM>. The receiving portion <NUM> of the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> may be sized and configured to receive a portion of the lip <NUM>. For example, the receiving portion <NUM> may be sized and configured to receive an inwardly extending portion of the lip <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving portion <NUM> may be sized and configured to receive the inwardly extending portions <NUM>. In another exemplary embodiment, the receiving portion <NUM> may be sized and configured to receive the strengthening members <NUM>. In still another exemplary embodiment, the receiving portion <NUM> may be sized and configured to receive the inwardly extending portions <NUM> and the strengthening members <NUM>. The receiving portion <NUM> may also be sized and configured to receive one or more inwardly extending portions <NUM> and/or one or more strengthening members <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the inwardly extending portions <NUM> may have a height that is less than the height of the lip <NUM>. This may allow the upper portion <NUM> of the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> to support the lower portion <NUM> of the table top <NUM> and the side <NUM> of the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> to support the distal end <NUM> of the lip <NUM>. Thus, the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> may directly support both the table top <NUM> and the lip <NUM>. In addition, the receiving portion <NUM> of the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> may receive the inwardly extending portions <NUM>, which may be necessary to form the lip <NUM>. Thus, the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame <NUM> may enclose or surround the inwardly extending portions <NUM> and may support both the table top <NUM> and the lip <NUM>.

As shown in the accompanying figures, the inwardly extending portions <NUM> and the strengthening members <NUM> may be disposed at least proximate the intersection, connection, or meeting of the body of the tabletop <NUM> and the lip <NUM>. In particular, the inwardly extending portions <NUM> and the strengthening members <NUM> may be connected to the tabletop <NUM> and the lip <NUM>. In greater detail, the inwardly extending portions <NUM> and the strengthening members <NUM> may be connected to the lower portion <NUM> of the tabletop <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the lip <NUM>. In addition, the side rails <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame <NUM> may be disposed proximate the intersection, connection, or meeting of the body of the tabletop <NUM> and the lip <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the tabletop <NUM> may include one or more elongated tack-offs <NUM>. The elongated tack-offs may be similar to the elongated tack-offs disclosed in <CIT>.

It will be understood the tabletop <NUM>, and parts and components of the table top, may have different shapes, sizes, configurations and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the table <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A blow-molded plastic structure constructed using a blow-molding process, the blow-molded plastic structure comprising:
a tabletop (<NUM>) including an upper surface (<NUM>), a lower surface (<NUM>), and a hollow interior portion (<NUM>) disposed between the upper surface (<NUM>) and the lower surface (<NUM>) of the tabletop (<NUM>);
a lip (<NUM>) extending downwardly relative to the lower surface (<NUM>) of the tabletop (<NUM>), the lip (<NUM>) including an outer surface and an inner surface;
an inwardly extending portion (<NUM>) extending inwardly from the inner surface of the lip (<NUM>); a frame (<NUM>) and
a side rail (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the frame (<NUM>), the side rail (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a receiving portion (<NUM>) that receives the inwardly extending portion (<NUM>), the side rail (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a first surface (<NUM>) that supports the lower surface (<NUM>) of the table top (<NUM>), a first surface (<NUM>) of the receiving portion (<NUM>) of the side rail (<NUM>, <NUM>) that contacts a first surface (<NUM>) of the inwardly extending portion (<NUM>), a second surface (<NUM>) of the receiving portion (<NUM>) of the side rail (<NUM>, <NUM>) that contacts a second surface (<NUM>) of the inwardly extending portion (<NUM>), and a second surface (<NUM>) of the side rail (<NUM>, <NUM>) that supports the inner surface of the lip (<NUM>), and wherein the side rail (<NUM>, <NUM>) has a generally tubular configuration.