Modular conference table

Abstract

A modular conference table may be expanded from an assembly of two identical end sections by adding one or more extension sections with all configurations utilizing the same connection assemblies. The two and three module tables use the same single center leg. The use of structural connecting blocks at the joints between the extension section and each of the end sections obviates the need for additional supporting legs.

1 . A modular table assembly comprising:
 a pair of end sections, each having a flat upper main table portion defined by a finished edge and a connection end edge, and a pair of side edges; an end supporting leg attached to the underside of each table portion, each end supporting leg extending between the side edges and parallel to the end edges, said leg positioned closer to the finished end edge than to the connection end edge;   a center leg assembly including a center supporting leg parallel to and midway between the end supporting legs; and,   fastening means operatively interconnecting the center leg and the connection end edges of the end sections.   
   
   
       2 . The table assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said fastening means holds the connection end edges of the end section in abutting relation and further comprises:
 connecting plate means attached to the top of the center leg and to the undersides of the main table portions adjacent their connection end edges; and,   bearing plate means attached to the undersides of the main table portions adjacent their connection end edges and spaced laterally outside the center leg.   
   
   
       3 . The table assembly as set forth in  claim 2  wherein said connecting plates means comprises a pair of first rectangular plates spanning the center leg and set in adjoining first rectangular recesses in the undersides of the main table portions. 
   
   
       4 . The table assembly as set forth in  claim 3  wherein said bearing plate means comprises a pair of second rectangular plates set in adjoining second rectangular recesses in the undersides of the main table portions. 
   
   
       5 . The table assembly as set forth in  claim 4  including a pair of stiffening beams attached to the undersides of the main table portions, spanning and perpendicular to the abutting connection end edges, and positioned between said first and second plates. 
   
   
       6 . The table assembly as set forth in  claim 2  including a pair of rectangular vertically oriented modesty panels extending between the end supporting leg and the center supporting leg in a parallel laterally spaced orientation, said panels attached to both legs and to the undersides of the main table portions. 
   
   
       7 . The table assembly as set forth in  claim 6  including a U-shaped cable management trough attached to the underside of the table portion and extending between the legs in the space between the modesty panels, cable access openings extending through the main table portion to provide open communication between the cable management trough and a cable slot in the top surface of the main table portion, and a removable cover for the slot. 
   
   
       8 . The table assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the center leg assembly comprises:
 an extension section having a flat upper extension table portion defined by opposite extension connection edges and opposite side edges, said center leg attached to the underside of the extension table portion and said fastening means comprising fastener assemblies directly connecting the connection end edge of each main table portion to an extension connection edge of the extension table portion to provide a tight joint along the connected edges.   
   
   
       9 . The table assembly as set forth in  claim 8  wherein the fastener assembly comprises:
 a connecting block extending along the joint;   connecting plate means attached to the top of the connecting block and to the undersides of the main table portion and the extension table portion; and,   bearing means attached to the undersides of the main table portion and the extension table portion and spaced laterally outside the connecting block.   
   
   
       10 . The table assembly as set forth in  claim 9  wherein said connecting plate means comprises a pair of first rectangular plates spanning the connecting block and set in adjoining first rectangular recesses in the undersides of the main table portion and the extension table portion. 
   
   
       11 . The table assembly as set forth in  claim 10  wherein said bearing plate means comprises a pair of second rectangular plates set in adjoining second rectangular recesses in the undersides of the main table portion and the extension table portion. 
   
   
       12 . The table assembly as set forth in  claim 11  including a pair of stiffening beams attached to the undersides of the main table portion and the extension table portion, spanning and perpendicular to the joint along the connected edges. 
   
   
       13 . The table assembly as set forth in  claim 9  including a pair of rectangular vertically oriented modesty panels extending between the center leg and the connecting block in parallel laterally spaced orientation, said panels attached to the center leg, the connection block and the underside of the extension table portion. 
   
   
       14 . The table assembly as set forth in  claim 13  including a U-shaped cable management trough attached to the underside of the extension table portion and extending between the center leg and the connecting block in the space between the modesty panels, cable access openings extending through the extension table portion to provide open communication between the cable management trough and a cable slot in the top surface of the extension table portion, and a removable cover for the slot.