Table framework

Abstract

A framework for a tabletop includes inner and outer frames with each frame formed from a plurality of segments joined together sequentially at joints. Each joint includes a tab on one segment disposed in a corresponding notch or indentation on an adjacent segment. Additionally, each joint includes a tab on one frame disposed in a corresponding notch of the other frame such that the inner and outer frames can be coupled together at the joints.

1 . A framework for a table top, comprising:
 a) an inner frame having a plurality of segment joints formed by a plurality of straight segments coupled together end to end, each segment joint including a tab on an end of one straight segment disposed within a corresponding indentation of an end of a mating straight segment;   b) an outer frame substantially circumscribing the inner frame and having a plurality of segment joints formed by a plurality of arcuate segments coupled together end to end, each segment joint including a tab on an end of one arcuate segment disposed within a corresponding indentation of an end of a mating arcuate segment; and   c) each of the plurality of segment joints of the inner frame coupled to a different segment joint of the outer frame to form a frame joint coupling the inner frame to the outer frame, each frame joint further comprising:
 i) a tab formed by at least one protrusion on at least one of the straight or arcuate segments; and 
 ii) an indentation formed by at least one notch on at least one of the straight or arcuate segments. 
   
   
   
       2 . A framework in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising a cross frame extending between opposite frame joints and coupled to each of the frame joints by at least one tab extending into at least one indentation, the at least one tab extending from one of the cross frame or straight segments into the at least one indentation in the other of the cross frame or straight segment. 
   
   
       3 . A framework in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the cross frame further includes:
 a) a spar coupled to opposite frame joints and extending the distance therebetween; and   b) a pair of cross members, each cross member coupled to an approximate midpoint of the spar and extending from the spar to opposite frame joints.   
   
   
       4 . A framework in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein the spar and cross members are positioned substantially coplanar to the inner and outer frames, and configured to support a middle portion of the table top. 
   
   
       5 . A framework in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the arcuate segments have an inner diameter substantially equal to an outer diameter. 
   
   
       6 . A framework in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the arcuate segments are wider in a middle portion than at end portions. 
   
   
       7 . A framework in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the tab of the frame joint is formed by two adjacent protrusions with each protrusion on a different one of two adjoined segments, and the indentation of the frame joint is formed by two adjacent notches with each notch on a different one of two adjoined segments. 
   
   
       8 . A framework in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a) a tabletop, supported by the framework;   b) legs coupled to the framework to support the framework and the tabletop; and   c) the tabletop, legs, and framework together forming a table.   
   
   
       9 . A framework in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising a lower frame disposed below the inner frame and the outer frame and coupled to the outer frame at locations between the frame joints. 
   
   
       10 . A framework for a table top, comprising:
 a) inner and outer frames, each frame formed of a plurality of segments joined together sequentially at joints, each joint including a tab on one segment disposed in a corresponding notch on an adjacent segment; and   b) each joint further including a tab on one frame disposed in a corresponding notch of the other frame such that the inner and outer frames are coupled together at the joints.   
   
   
       11 . A framework in accordance with  claim 10 , the inner frame further comprising:
 a plurality of straight segments coupled together end to end.   
   
   
       12 . A framework in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein the outer frame substantially circumscribes the inner frame and further includes a plurality of arcuate segments coupled together end to end. 
   
   
       13 . A framework in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein each of the joints of the inner frame is coupled to a different joint of the outer frame to form a frame joint coupling the inner frame to the outer frame. 
   
   
       14 . A framework in accordance with  claim 13 , further comprising a lower frame disposed below the inner frame and the outer frame and coupled to the outer frame at locations between the frame joints to strengthen the outer frame, reduce deformation of the outer frame between the frame joints, and reduce bending loads at the frame joints. 
   
   
       15 . A framework in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the tab of the frame joint is formed by two adjacent protrusions with each protrusion on a different one of two adjoined segments, and the indentation of the frame joint is formed by two adjacent notches with each notch on a different one of two adjoined segments. 
   
   
       16 . A framework in accordance with  claim 10 , further comprising a cross frame extending between opposite joints of the inner and outer frames and coupled to each of the joints by at least one tab extending into at least one indentation, the at least one tab extending from one of the cross frame or inner frame segments into the at least one indentation in the other of the cross frame or inner frame segment. 
   
   
       17 . A framework in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein the cross frame has an upper surface substantially co-planar with an upper surface of the inner and outer frames. 
   
   
       18 . A framework in accordance with  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a) a tabletop, supported by the framework;   b) legs coupled to the framework to support the framework and the tabletop; and   c) the tabletop, legs, and framework together forming a table.   
   
   
       19 . A framework for a table top, comprising:
 a) an inner frame having a plurality of segment joints formed by a plurality of straight segments coupled together end to end, each segment joint including a tab on an end of one straight segment disposed within a corresponding indentation of an end of a mating straight segment;   b) an outer frame substantially circumscribing the inner frame and having a plurality of segment joints formed by a plurality of arcuate segments coupled together end to end, each segment joint including a tab on an end of one arcuate segment disposed within a corresponding indentation of an end of a mating arcuate segment;   c) each of the plurality of joints of the inner frame coupled to a different joint of the outer frame to form a frame joint coupling the inner frame to the outer frame, each frame joint further comprising:
 i) a tab formed by at least one protrusion on at least one of the straight or arcuate segments; and 
 ii) an indentation formed by at least one notch on at least one of the straight or arcuate segments; and 
   d) a cross frame extending across the framework between opposite frame joints and coupled to each of the frame joints by at least one tab extending into a corresponding indentation, the at least one tab extending from one of the cross frame or straight segments into the corresponding indentation in the other of the cross frame or straight segment.   
   
   
       20 . A framework in accordance with  claim 19 , wherein the cross frame further includes:
 a) a spar coupled to opposite frame joints and extending the distance therebetween; and   b) a pair of cross members, each cross member coupled to an approximate midpoint of the spar and extending from the spar to opposite frame joints.