Cover for a brace

Abstract

A slotted brace may be used, for example, to connect a table leg to a table and the slotted brace may allow the table leg to be moved between a collapsed position and an extended position relative to the table. The slotted brace may include a body with an elongated slot and a guide at least partially disposed within the elongated slot. The slotted brace may also include a first position in which the table leg is retained in a generally fixed position relative to the table top and a second position in which the table leg is movable relative to the table. A cover may be connected to the slotted brace and the cover may include an indicator that is sized and configured to indicate to a user that a force should be applied to the indicated portion to allow the slotted brace to be released from the first position and into the second position to allow the table leg to be moved relative to the table. The cover may also include a second indicator that may indicate, for example, a pivotal connection of the slotted brace to the table or table leg.

1 . A cover for a slotted brace that is connected to a table and a table leg, the slotted brace being sized and configured to allow the table leg to be moved between a collapsed position and an extended position relative to the table, the slotted brace including a body with an elongated slot and a guide at least partially disposed within the elongated slot, the slotted brace including a first position in which the table leg is retained in a generally fixed position relative to the table top and a second position in which the table leg is movable relative to the table, the cover comprising: 
 an elongated body including a first end, a second end, a top and a bottom;    a cavity disposed in the bottom of the elongated body, the cavity being sized and configured to receive at least a portion of a brace; and    an indicator on the top of the elongated body that is sized and configured to indicate to a user that a force should be applied to the indicated portion to allow the slotted brace to be released from the first position and into the second position to allow the table leg to be moved relative to the table.    
   
   
       2 . The cover as in  claim 1 , further comprising a second indicator on the top of the elongated body, the second indicator indicating a pivotal connection of the slotted brace.  
   
   
       3 . The cover as in  claim 1 , further comprising a tab disposed in the top of the elongated body, the tab including an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface of the tab including a generally downwardly extending portion that is sized and configured to engage the guide when the guide is near a locking portion.  
   
   
       4 . The cover as in  claim 3 , wherein the upper surface of the tab protrudes from the top of the cover when the guide is proximate the locking portion to indicate that the slotted brace is not in the locked position; and wherein the upper surface of the tab is generally aligned with the top of the cover when the guide is in the locking portion to indicate that the slotted brace is in the locked position.  
   
   
       5 . The cover as in  claim 1 , wherein the cover is constructed from a unitary, one-piece structure.  
   
   
       6 . The cover as in  claim 1 , wherein the cover is constructed from injection molded plastic.  
   
   
       7 . The cover as in  claim 1 , wherein the indicator on the top surface of the elongated body is a depression.  
   
   
       8 . The cover as in  claim 1 , wherein the indicator includes an opening in the top surface of the elongated body.  
   
   
       9 . An apparatus for connecting a table leg to a table, the table leg movable between an extended position relative to the table top and a fixed position relative to the table top, the apparatus comprising: 
 a slotted brace including a first end, a second end and a guide track, the first end being sized and configured to be pivotally connected to a table;    a guide being sized and configured to be connected to a table leg, the guide being at least partially disposed within the guide track; and    a cover connected to the slotted brace, the cover including an indicator that is sized and configured to indicate to a user that a force should be applied to the indicated portion to allow the slotted brace to be released from a first, locked position and into a second, movable position to allow the table leg to be moved relative to the table.    
   
   
       10 . The apparatus as in  claim 9 , further comprising a second indicator that indicates a pivotal connection of the slotted brace to the table.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus as in  claim 9 , further comprising a tab disposed in the cover, the tab including an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface of the tab including a generally downwardly extending portion that is sized and configured to engage the guide when the guide is near the lock position.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus as in  claim 11 , wherein the upper surface of the tab protrudes from the top of the cover when the guide is proximate the lock position to indicate that the slotted brace is not in the locked position; and wherein the upper surface of the tab is generally aligned with a top surface of the cover when the guide is in the locked position to indicate that the slotted brace is in the locked position.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus as in  claim 9 , wherein the cover is constructed from a unitary, one-piece structure.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus as in  claim 9 , wherein the slotted brace and the cover are constructed from a unitary, one-piece structure.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus as in  claim 9 , wherein the slotted brace is at least partially disposed within a cavity in the cover, the slotted brace being retained within the cavity by an interference fit.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus as in  claim 9 , wherein the cover is constructed from injection molded plastic.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus as in  claim 9 , wherein the indicator on the top surface of the elongated body is a depression.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus as in  claim 9 , wherein the indicator includes an opening in the top surface of the elongated body.