Furniture assembly and components thereof

Abstract

A furniture assembly including a support member and a table. The support member includes a frame, a first plurality of leg members, a first support flange, and a second support flange. The first support flange is arranged opposite the second support flange. The table includes an upper panel, a second plurality of leg members, a first flange-engaging member, and a second flange-engaging member. The first flange-engaging member is arranged opposite the second flange-engaging member. The first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member are arranged relative the support member in a nested configuration below the first support flange and the second support flange; or a stacked configuration above the first support flange and the second support flange.

Description

FURNITURE ASSEMBLY AND COMPONENTS THEREOF TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to furniture, assemblies, and methods of 5 operating the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art. 10

[0003] While known furniture and assemblies thereof have proven to be acceptable for various applications, furniture and assemblies thereof are nevertheless susceptible to improvements that may enhance their overall performance and cost. Therefore, a need exists to develop improved furniture and assemblies thereof that advance the art. 15 SUMMARY

[0004] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0005] One aspect of the disclosure provides a furniture assembly. The furniture assembly includes a support member and a table. The support member includes a frame, a first plurality of 20 leg members, a first support flange, and a second support flange. The first plurality of leg members extend from the frame. The frame and the first plurality of leg members define a volumetric cavity. The first support flange extends from the frame. The second support flange extends from the frame and is arranged opposite the first support flange. The table includes an upper panel, a second plurality of leg members, a first flange-engaging member, and a second flange-engaging member. 25 The second plurality of leg members extend from the upper panel. The first flange-engaging member is supported by at least one first leg of the second plurality of leg members. The second flange-engaging member is supported by at least one second leg of the second plurality of leg members. The first flange-engaging member is arranged opposite the second flange-engaging member. The first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member are arranged 30 relative the support member in: a nested configuration within the volumetric cavity below the first - 1 -  support flange and the second support flange; or a stacked configuration not within the volumetric cavity above the first support flange and the second support flange.

[0006] Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. When first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member are 5 arranged relative the support member in the nested configuration within the volumetric cavity, the first flange-engaging member is not supported by the first support flange, and the second flange- engaging member is not supported by the second support flange. When the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member are arranged relative the support member in the stacked configuration not within the volumetric cavity, the first flange-engaging member is 10 supported by the first support flange, and the second flange-engaging member is supported by the second support flange.

[0007] In some examples, the frame is defined by a first inner side surface, a second inner side surface, a third inner side surface, and a fourth inner side surface. The first inner side surface is arranged opposite the third inner side surface at a first distance. The second inner side surface is 15 arranged opposite the fourth inner side surface at a second distance. The first distance and the second distance define a square shaped opening to the volumetric cavity at an upper end of the support member.

[0008] In an example, the first support flange extends from the fourth inner side surface of the frame. The second support flange extends from the second inner side surface of the frame. An 20 inner side surface of the first support flange is arranged opposite an inner side surface of the second support flange at a third distance. The first distance and the third distance define an opening to be rectangularly-shaped, wherein the rectangular-shaped opening is smaller than the square shaped opening.

[0009] In further examples, a first end surface of the first support flange is spaced apart from the 25 first inner side surface of the frame defining a first key gap. A second end surface of the first support flange is spaced apart from the third inner side surface of the frame defining a second key gap. A first end surface of the second support flange is spaced apart from the first inner side surface of the frame defining a third key gap. A second end surface of the second support flange is spaced apart from the third inner side surface of the frame defining a fourth key gap. 30

[0010] In another example, the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are arranged relative the support member in the nested configuration such - 2 -  that: a first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the first key gap; a second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the third key gap; a third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the fourth key gap; and a fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the second key gap. 5

[0011] In other examples, the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are arranged relative the support member in the stacked configuration such that: a first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the third key gap; a second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the fourth key gap; a third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the second key gap; 10 and a fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the first key gap.

[0012] In further examples, the frame is defined by a first inner side surface region, a second inner side surface region, a third inner side surface region, and a fourth inner side surface region. The first inner side surface region is arranged opposite the third inner side surface at a first distance. The second inner side surface is arranged opposite the fourth inner side surface at the first distance. 15 The first distance defines a circular-shaped opening to the volumetric cavity at an upper end of the support member.

[0013] In even further examples, the first support flange extends from the fourth inner side surface region of the frame. The second support flange extends from the second inner side surface region of the frame. An inner side surface of the first support flange is arranged opposite an inner 20 side surface of the second support flange at a second distance. The second distance defines an opening to be circular shaped. The circular-shaped opening defined by the second distance is smaller than the circular shaped opening defined by the first distance.

[0014] In yet even further examples, a first end surface of the first support flange is arcuately spaced apart from a first end surface of the second support flange at a first arcuate distance defining 25 a first arcuate key gap therebetween. The first arcuate key gap includes: a first end proximate the first end surface of the first support flange; and a second end proximate the first end surface of the second support flange. A second end surface of the first support flange is spaced apart from a second end surface of the second support flange at a second arcuate distance defining a second arcuate key gap therebetween. The second arcuate key gap includes: a first end proximate the 30 second end surface of the second support flange; and a second end proximate the second end surface of the first support flange. - 3 -

[0015] In other examples, the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are arranged relative the support member in the nested configuration such that: a first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the first end of the first key gap; a second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near 5 the second end of the first key gap; a third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the first end of the second key gap; and a fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the second end of the second key gap.

[0016] In further examples, the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are arranged relative the support member in the stacked configuration such 10 that: the first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the second end of the first key gap; the second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the first end of the second key gap; the third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the second end of the second key gap; and the fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the first end of the first key gap. 15

[0017] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a furniture assembly. The furniture assembly includes a support member and a table. The support member includes a square frame, a first plurality of leg members, a first support flange, and a second support flange. The first plurality of leg members extend from the square frame. The square frame and the first plurality of leg members define a volumetric cavity. The first support flange extends from the square frame. The second 20 support flange extends from the square frame and is arranged opposite the first support flange. The table includes an upper panel, a second plurality of leg members, a first flange-engaging member, and a second flange-engaging member. The second plurality of leg members extend from the upper panel. The first flange-engaging member is supported by at least one first leg of the second plurality of leg members. The second flange-engaging member is supported by at least 25 one second leg of the second plurality of leg members. The first flange-engaging member is arranged opposite the second flange-engaging member. The first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member are arranged relative the support member: in a nested configuration within the volumetric cavity below the first support flange and the second support flange; or in a stacked configuration not within the volumetric cavity above the first support flange 30 and the second support flange. - 4 -

[0018] Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. The square frame includes inner side surfaces that define a square-shaped opening to the volumetric cavity at an upper end of the support member. The first support flange extends from one inner side surface of the inner side surfaces of the square frame. The second support flange 5 extends from another inner side surface of the inner side surfaces of the square frame. An inner side surface of the first support flange is arranged opposite an inner side surface of the second support flange at a distance that defines an opening to be rectangularly-shaped. The rectangular- shaped opening is smaller than the square-shaped opening.

[0019] In some examples, the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging 10 member of the table are arranged relative the support member in the nested configuration such that: a first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a first key gap of the support member; a second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a third key gap of the support member; a third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a fourth key gap of the support member; and a fourth leg of the second plurality 15 of leg members of the table is arranged in a second key gap of the support member.

[0020] In other examples, the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are arranged relative the support member in the stacked configuration such that: a first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a third key gap of the support member; a second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged 20 in a fourth key gap of the support member; a third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a second key gap of the support member; and a fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a first key gap of the support member.

[0021] An even further aspect of the disclosure provides a furniture assembly. The furniture assembly includes a support member and a table. The support member includes a circular frame, 25 a first plurality of leg members, a first support flange, and a second support flange. The first plurality of leg members extend from the circular frame. The circular frame and the first plurality of leg members define a volumetric cavity. The first support flange extends from the circular frame. The second support flange extends from the circular frame and is arranged opposite the first support flange. The table includes an upper panel, a second plurality of leg members, a first 30 flange-engaging member, and a second flange-engaging member. The second plurality of leg members extend from the upper panel. The first flange-engaging member is supported by at least - 5 -  one first leg of the second plurality of leg members. The second flange-engaging member is supported by at least one second leg of the second plurality of leg members. The first flange- engaging member is arranged opposite the second flange-engaging member. The first flange- engaging member and the second flange-engaging member are arranged relative the support 5 member in one of: a nested configuration within the volumetric cavity below the first support flange and the second support flange; and a stacked configuration not within the volumetric cavity above the first support flange and the second support flange.

[0022] Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. The circular frame includes inner side surface regions that define a circular-shaped 10 opening to the volumetric cavity at an upper end of the support member. The first support flange extends from one inner side surface region of the inner side surface regions of the circular frame. The second support flange extends from another inner side surface region of the inner side surface regions of the circular frame. An inner side surface of the first support flange is arranged opposite an inner side surface of the second support flange at a distance that defines an opening to be 15 circular-shaped. The circular-shaped opening defined by the distance between the inner side surface of the first support flange and the inner side surface of the second support flange is smaller than the circular-shaped opening defined by the inner sides surface regions of the circular frame.

[0023] In some examples, the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are configured for arrangement relative the support member in the nested 20 configuration such that: a first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near a first end of a first key gap of the support member; a second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near a second end of the first key gap of the support member; a third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near a first end of a second key gap of the support member); and a fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members 25 of the table is arranged near a second end of the second key gap of the support member.

[0024] In other examples, the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are configured for arrangement relative the support member in the stacked configuration such that: the first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the second end of the first key gap of the support member; the second leg of the second 30 plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the first end of the second key gap of the support member; the third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near - 6 -  the second end of the second key gap of the support member; and the fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the first end of the first key gap of the support member. 5 DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the present disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the present disclosure briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only 10 typical embodiments of the present disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the present disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a furniture assembly including a support member and a table arranged in a nested configuration according to the principles of the present disclosure. 15

[0027] FIGS. 2A–2C are perspective views of the furniture assembly of FIG. 1 including the table arranged relative the support member in un-nested configurations.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the furniture assembly of FIG. 1 including the table arranged relative the support member in a stacked configuration.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the furniture assembly according to line 4–4 of FIG. 20 2A.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the furniture assembly according to line 5–5 of FIG. 2C.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the furniture assembly according to line 6–6 of FIG. 3. 25

[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the support member of the furniture assembly of FIG. 1.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a top view of the support member of FIG. 7.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the table of the furniture assembly of FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the table of FIG. 9.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another furniture assembly including a support member 30 and a table arranged in a nested configuration according to the principles of the present disclosure. - 7 -

[0037] FIGS. 12A–12C are perspective views of the furniture assembly of FIG. 11 including the table arranged relative the support member in un-nested configurations.

[0038] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the furniture assembly of FIG. 11 including the table arranged relative the support member in a stacked configuration. 5

[0039] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the furniture assembly according to line 14–14 of FIG. 12A.

[0040] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the furniture assembly according to line 15–15 of FIG. 12C.

[0041] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the furniture assembly according to line 16–16 of 10 FIG. 13.

[0042] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the support member of the furniture assembly of FIG. 11.

[0043] FIG. 18 is a top view of the support member of FIG. 17.

[0044] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the table of the furniture assembly of FIG. 11. 15

[0045] FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the table of FIG. 19.

[0046] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The present disclosure relates generally to furniture, assemblies, and methods for 20 operating the same. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide technical solutions to a number of technical problems in the art.

[0048] Implementations of the present disclosure relate generally to a furniture assembly 10 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1–6). The furniture assembly 10 includes a support member 12 and a table 14. Referring to FIGS. 7–8, the support member 12 includes an upper end 12a and a lower end 12b. 25 Referring to FIGS. 9–10, the table 14 includes an upper end 14a and a lower end 14b.

[0049] While using an X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System (see, e.g., FIGS. 1–6) as a frame of reference in the following disclosure, the furniture assembly 10 is arrangeable in one of three configurations being: (1) a nested configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 1); (2) an un-nested configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A–2C, 4, and 5); and (3) a stacked configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 3 and 6). 30 Irrespective of the nested, un-nested, or stacked configuration of the furniture assembly 10, the table 14 is not: (1) fixed to; or (2) non-removably joined to the support member 12 (i.e., the table - 8 -  14 and the support member 12 are separate components of the furniture assembly 10 that are removably-coupled to / from one another during any of the nested, un-nested, and stacked configurations of the furniture assembly 10). Furthermore, in some of the configurations (see, e.g., the nested configuration of FIG. 1), the table 14 may be arranged so as to not touch or otherwise 5 contact any surface of the support member 12 (i.e., when the table 14 is said to be positioned relative to the support member 12 and is partially stowed within a volumetric cavity or stowage region of the support member 12); see, for example, a tolerance or spacing S (see, e.g., FIG. 4) between an inner surface of any leg member of a plurality of leg members 18 of the support member 12 and an outer surface of any leg member of a plurality of leg members 82 of the table 10 14. In some configurations, the spacing S may be slightly greater than 0mm and less than 10mm; in some implementations, the tolerance or spacing S may be approximately equal to 5mm. In other configurations (see, e.g., the stacked configuration of FIGS. 3 and 6), the table 14 may touch or contact one or more surfaces of the support member 12 while also being removably-connected to the support member 12 along a Z-Axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System. 15

[0050] When the furniture assembly 10 is arranged in the nested configuration of FIG. 1, the lower end 14b of the table 14 is disposed within and surrounded by structure (see, e.g., a plurality of leg members 18 and one or more leg brace bars 70, 72) that at least partially defines a stowage region (see, e.g., a volumetric cavity 24) of the support member 12 while the upper end 14a of the table 14 is not disposed within nor surrounded by the structure that least partially defines the 20 stowage region of the support member 12. In some configurations, most of an underlying supporting structure (see, e.g., a plurality of leg members 82, flange-engaging members 88, 90) of the table 14 is disposed within and surrounded by the structure that at least partially defines the stowage region of the support member 12.

[0051] When the furniture assembly 10 is arranged in the un-nested configuration of FIGS. 2A– 25 2C, some of the underlying supporting structure of the table 14 may or may not be disposed within the stowage region of support member 12. In other configurations, when the furniture assembly 10 is arranged in the un-nested configuration of FIGS. 2A–2C, all of the underlying supporting structure of the table 14 may be removed from and not be disposed within the stowage region of support member 12. 30

[0052] When the furniture assembly 10 is arranged in the stacked configuration of FIG. 3, the lower end 14b of the table 14 is arranged upon and removably-coupled to the upper end 12a of the - 9 -  support member 12. Furthermore, when the furniture assembly 10 is arranged in the stacked configuration, some (but not all) of the underlying supporting structure of the table 14 may be disposed within some (but not all) of the stowage region (see, e.g., region identified by reference numeral 24a in FIG. 6) of support member 12. 5

[0053] As seen at FIG. 7, the support member 12 includes a frame 16, a plurality of leg members 18, a first support flange 20, and a second support flange 22. As will be described in the following disclosure, the frame 16 and (a length L18 of each leg member 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) of the plurality of leg members 18 define a volumetric cavity 24 that is configured for receiving a portion of the table 14 when the table 14 is arranged in the nested configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 1). 10

[0054] The frame 16 is connected to the plurality of leg members 18 whereby the volumetric cavity 24 is defined by a height H12, a width W12, and a depth D12 of the support member 12. As seen at FIG. 7: (1) the height H12 of the support member 12 extends in a Z direction along the Z- Axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System; (2) the width W12 of the support member 12 extends in an X direction along an X-Axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System; and (3) the 15 depth D12 of the support member 12 extends in a Y direction along a Y-Axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System. In some implementations, the height H12 of the support member 12 may be approximately the same as the length L18 of each leg member 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d of the plurality of leg members 18.

[0055] In some implementations, the frame 16 may be configured from, for example, a unitary 20 member, a one-piece member, or an integrated member. Alternatively, in other implementations, the frame 16 may be configured from, for example, four discreet members 16a–16d that are directly or indirectly connected to one another. As seen at FIG. 7, if the frame 16 includes, for example, one or more (e.g. four) discreet members 16a–16d; the four discreet members 16a–16d include a first member 16a, a second member 16b, a third member 16c, and a fourth member 16d. 25

[0056] In some implementations, the plurality of leg members 18 include four legs 18a–18d. The four leg members 18a–18d include a first leg member 18a, a second leg member 18b, a third leg member 18c, and a fourth leg member 18d.

[0057] In some configurations, the four discreet members 16a–16d of the frame 16 are indirectly connected to one another by the four leg members 18a–18d of the plurality of leg members 18. 30 For example, as seen at FIG. 7, in some configurations: (1) the first member 16a of the frame 16 connects a first side surface portion of the first leg member 18a to a first side surface portion of - 10 -  the second leg member 18b; (2) the second member 16b of the frame 16 connects a second side surface portion of the second leg member 18b to a first side surface portion of the third leg member 18c; (3) the third member 16c of the frame 16 connects a second side surface of the third leg member 18c to a first side surface portion of the fourth leg member 18d; and (4) the fourth member 5 16d of the frame 16 connects a second side surface portion of the fourth leg member 18d to a second side surface the first leg member 18a.

[0058] Each leg member 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d of the plurality of leg members 18 includes the length L18. The length L18 of each leg member 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d extends between a bottom surface 26 of each leg member 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d and a top surface 28 of each leg member 18a, 10 18b, 18c, 18d.

[0059] As described above, the length L18 of each leg member 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d may be approximately the same as the height H12 of the volumetric cavity 24 of the support member 12. The height H12 of the volumetric cavity 24 of the support member 12 extends between the upper end 12a (or the top surface 28 of each leg member 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) of the support member 12 15 and the lower end 12b of the support member 12 (or the bottom surface 26 of each leg member 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d).

[0060] The width W12 of the volumetric cavity 24 extends between opposing inner surfaces of the first leg member 18a and the second leg member 18b. Similarly, the width W12 of the volumetric cavity 24 also extends between opposing inner surfaces of the third leg member 18c 20 and the fourth leg member 18d.

[0061] The depth D12 of the volumetric cavity 24 extends between opposing inner surfaces of the second leg member 18b and the third leg member 18c. The depth D12 of the volumetric cavity 24 also extends between opposing inner surfaces the first leg member 18a and the fourth leg member 18d. 25

[0062] Each of the first member 16a of the frame 16, the second member 16b of the frame 16, the third member 16c of the frame 16, and the fourth member 16d of the frame 16 respectively include an inner side surface 30, 32, 34, 36. Each of the first member 16a of the frame 16, the second member 16b of the frame 16, the third member 16c of the frame 16, and the fourth member 16d of the frame 16 respectively also include a top surface 38, 40, 42, 44. 30

[0063] The first support flange 20 extends from or is connected to the inner surface 36 of the fourth member 16d of the frame 16 (see also, e.g., FIGS. 4–6). The second support flange 22 is - 11 -  connected to the inner side surface 32 of the second member 16b of the frame 16. Because the second member 16b of the frame 16 is arranged opposite the fourth member 16d of the frame 16, the first support flange 20 is arranged opposite the second support flange 22.

[0064] With reference to FIGS. 7–8, the first support flange 20 includes a first end surface 46, a 5 second end surface 48, and an inner side surface 50 (see also, e.g., FIGS. 4–6) that connects the first end surface 46 to the second end surface 48. The first support flange 20 also includes a top surface 52 (see also, e.g., FIGS. 4–6) that extends from the first end surface 46, the second end surface 48, and the inner side surface 50 of the first support flange 20. With continued reference to FIGS. 7–8 (and also to FIGS. 4–6), the top surface 52 of the first support flange 20 may be 10 connected to or extends away from the inner side surface 36 of the fourth member 16d of the frame 16.

[0065] As seen at FIGS. 7–8, the second support flange 22 includes a first end surface 54, a second end surface 56, and an inner side surface 58 that connects the first end surface 54 to the second end surface 56. The second support flange 22 also includes a top surface 60 that extends 15 from the first end surface 54, the second end surface 56, and the inner side surface 58 of the second support flange 22. The top surface 60 of the second support flange 22 may be connected to or extend away from the inner side surface 32 of the second member 16b of the frame 16.

[0066] With reference to FIGS. 7–8, the inner side surface 30 of the first member 16a of the frame 16 is arranged opposite the inner side surface 34 of the third member 16c of the frame 16 at 20 a first distance D1. The inner side surface 32 of the second member 16b of the frame 16 is arranged opposite the inner side surface 36 of the fourth member 16d of the frame 16 at a second distance D2. The first distance D1 is substantially equal to the second distance D2 and thereby defines a substantially square-shaped opening (see dashed line 75 in FIG. 8) to the volumetric cavity 24 of the support member 12. 25

[0067] The inner side surface 50 of the first support flange 20 is arranged opposite the inner side surface 58 of the second support flange 22 at a third distance D3. As seen at FIG. 7, the third distance D3 is less than the second distance D2. With reference to FIG. 8, the first distance D1 in combination with the third distance D3 defines a substantially rectangular-shaped opening (see dashed line 77 in FIG. 8) to the volumetric cavity 24 of the support member 12. 30

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 4–6, the top surface 52 of the first support flange 20 is spaced from the top surface 44 of the fourth member 16d of the frame 16 at a fourth distance D4. Similarly, - 12 -  the top surface 60 of the second support flange 22 is also spaced from the top surface 40 of the second member 16b of the frame 16 at the fourth distance D4. Accordingly, each of the top surface 52 of the first support flange 20 and the top surface 60 of the second support flange 22 is recessed into the volumetric cavity 24 by the fourth distance D4; furthermore, the recessed distance D4 5 extending between the top surfaces 52, 60 of the support flanges 20, 22 also defines an upper portion 24a of the volumetric cavity 24, which will be described in greater detail in the following disclosure.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 8, the first end surface 46 of the first support flange 20 is spaced apart from the inner side surface 30 of the first member 16a of the frame 16 at a fifth distance D5 and 10 defines a first key gap 62 therebetween. The second end surface 48 of the first support flange 20 is spaced apart from the inner side surface 34 of the third member 16c of the frame 16 at a sixth distance D6 and defines a second key gap 64 therebetween. The fifth distance D5 is substantially equal to the sixth distance D6, and, as such, the first key gap 62 and the second key gap 64 are similarly sized. 15

[0070] With continued reference to FIG. 8, the first end surface 54 second support flange 22 is spaced apart from the inner side surface 30 of the first member 16a of the frame 16 at a seventh distance D7 and defines a third key gap 66 therebetween. The second end surface 56 of the second support flange 22 is spaced apart from the inner side surface 34 of the third member 16c of the frame 16 at an eighth distance D8 and defines a fourth key gap 68 therebetween. The seventh 20 distance D7 is substantially similar to the eighth distance D8, and, as such, the third key gap 66 and the fourth key gap 68 are similarly sized.

[0071] Furthermore, the distances D5, D6, D7, and D8 are similarly sized. Therefore, collectively, the key gaps 62, 64, 66, and 68 are also similarly sized.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 7, the support member 12 may optionally include one or more leg brace 25 bars 70, 72. In some configurations, the support member 12 includes a first leg brace bar 70 and a second leg brace bar 72.

[0073] Each of the first leg brace bar 70 and the second leg brace bar 72 may extend from or be connected to any side surface region along the length L18 of each leg member 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d. With reference to FIG. 7, in some configurations the first leg brace bar 70 extends from or is 30 connected to any side surface region of the first leg member 18a and the fourth leg member 18d near, for example, the bottom surface 26 of the first leg member 18a and the fourth leg member - 13 -  18d. Similarly, the second leg brace bar 72 extends from or is connected to any side surface region of the second leg member 18b and the third leg member 18c near, for example, the bottom surface 26 of the second leg member 18b and the third leg member 18c.

[0074] As seen at FIG. 9, the table 14 includes an upper panel 74 having a top surface 76, a 5 bottom surface 78, and a side surface 80 connecting the top surface 76 to the bottom surface 78. The upper panel 74 may have any desirable shape; as seen at FIG. 9, the upper panel 74 may include, for example, a substantially square shape. In other implementations, the upper panel 74 may include, for example, a substantially rectangular shape. In yet other implementations, the upper panel 74 may include, for example, a substantially parallelogram shape. Although 10 exemplary implementations of the upper panel 74 described above may include a four-sided shape (e.g., a square shape, a rectangular shape, or a parallelogram shape), the upper panel 74 may include any desirable number of sides having any desirable shape.

[0075] The table 14 also includes a plurality of leg members 82. The plurality of leg members 82 include four legs 82a–82d. The four discreet leg members 82a–82d include a first leg member 15 82a, a second leg member 82b, a third leg member 82c, and a fourth leg member 82d.

[0076] Each leg member 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d of the plurality of leg members 82 includes a length L82. The length L82 of each leg member 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d extends between a bottom surface 84 of each leg member 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d and a top surface 86 of each leg member 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d. The top surface 86 of each leg member 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d of the plurality of leg members 20 82 extends from or is connected to the bottom surface 78 of the upper panel 74.

[0077] With reference to FIGS. 9–10, an outer side surface of each of the first leg member 82a and the second leg member 82b are arranged apart at a nineth distance D9. An outer side surface of each of the second leg member 82b and the third leg member 82c are arranged apart at a tenth distance D10. An outer side surface of each of the third leg member 82c and the fourth leg member 25 82d are arranged apart at an eleventh distance D11. An outer side surface of each of the fourth leg member 82d and the first leg member 82a are arranged apart at a twelfth distance D12.

[0078] The ninth through twelfth distances D9–D12 are substantially similar to one another and therefore generally define a substantially square-shaped footprint (see, e.g., dashed line 97 in FIG. 9) of the plurality of leg members 82 of the table 14. The substantially square-shaped footprint 97 30 is less than but approximately equal to the substantially square-shaped opening 75 to the volumetric cavity 24 of the support member 12. - 14 -

[0079] Furthermore, as seen at FIG. 7, the one or more frame members 16a–16d and the length L18 of each leg member 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d that forms the volumetric cavity 24 generally defines a first substantially cuboidal shape associated with the support member 12. Yet even further, as seen at FIG. 9, the length L82 of each leg member 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d in combination with the 5 substantially square-shaped footprint 97 of the plurality of leg members 82 generally defines a second substantially cuboidal shape associated with the table 14. The second substantially cuboidal shape of the table 14 is smaller than the first substantially cuboidal shape of the support member 12. Because the second substantially cuboidal shape of the table 14 is smaller than the first substantially cuboidal shape of the support member 12, as will be described in the following 10 disclosure, at least a portion of the table 14 is permitted to nest within the first substantially cuboidal shape of the support member 12 such that the furniture assembly 10 may be said to be arranged in the nested configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 1). As will be described in the following disclosure, the nesting or un-nesting of the table 14 relative the support member 12 occurs in the Z direction along the Z-Axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System. 15

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 9–10, the table 14 also includes a first flange-engaging member 88 and a second flange-engaging member 90. The first flange-engaging member 88 includes a first end 88a and a second end 88b. The second flange-engaging member 90 includes a first end 90a and a second end 90b.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 10, the first flange-engaging member 88 includes a length L88 20 extending between the first end 88a of the first flange-engaging member 88 and the second end 88b of the first flange-engaging member 88. The second flange-engaging member 90 includes a length L90 extending between the first end 90a of the second flange-engaging member 90 and the second end 90b of the second flange-engaging member 90. The length L88 of the first flange- engaging member 88 is the same the length L90 of the second flange-engaging member 90. 25

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the first end 88a of the first flange-engaging member 88 extends from or is connected to a side surface region along the length L82 of the first leg member 82a near, for example, the bottom surface 84 of the first leg member 82a. The second end 88b of the first flange-engaging member 88 extends from or is connected to a side surface region along the length L82 of the second leg member 82b near, for example, the bottom surface 84 of the second 30 leg member 82b. - 15 -

[0083] The first end 90a of the second flange-engaging member 90 extends from or is connected to a side surface region along the length L82 of the third leg member 82c near, for example, the bottom surface 84 of the third leg member 82c. The second end 90b of the second flange-engaging member 90 extends from or is connected to a side surface region along the length L82 of the fourth 5 leg member 82d near, for example, the bottom surface 84 of the fourth leg member 82d.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 9–10, the table 14 may optionally include one or more brace bars 92, 94. In some configurations, the table 14 includes a first brace bar 92 and a second brace bar 94.

[0085] The first brace bar 92 includes a first end 92a and a second end 92b. The second brace bar 94 includes a first end 94a and a second end 94b. The first end 92a, 94a of each of the first 10 brace bar 92 and the second brace bar 94 may extend from or be connected to any side surface region of the first flange-engaging member 88. The second end 92b, 94b of each of the first brace bar 92 and the second brace bar 94 may extend from or be connected to any side surface region of the second flange-engaging member 90.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 10, the first brace bar 92 includes a length L92 extending between the 15 first end 92a of the first brace bar 92 and the second end 92b of the first brace bar 92. The second brace bar 94 includes a length L94 extending between the first end 94a of the second brace bar 94 and the second end 94b of the second brace bar 94. The length L92 of the first brace bar 92 is the same the length L94 of the second brace bar 94.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 10, in some configurations, the first end 92a of the first brace bar 92 20 extends from or is connected to any side surface region of the first flange-engaging member 88 at a distance D92a away from the first end 88a of the first flange-engaging member 88. In some configurations, the second end 92b of the first brace bar 92 extends from or is connected to any side surface region of the second flange-engaging member 90 at a distance D92b away from the first end 90a of the second flange-engaging member 90. The connection of the first brace bar 92 25 to the first flange-engaging member 88 and the second flange-engaging member 90 at the distances D92a, D92b forms a first support flange key passage 93 (see also FIGS. 4 and 9).

[0088] With continued reference to FIG. 10, in some configurations, the first end 94a of the second brace bar 94 extends from or is connected to any side surface region of the first flange- engaging member 88 at a distance D94a away from the second end 88b of the first flange-engaging 30 member 88. In some configurations, the second end 94b of the second brace bar 94 extends from or is connected to any side surface region of the second flange-engaging member 90 at a distance - 16 -  D94b away from the second end 94b of the second flange-engaging member 90. The connection of the second brace bar 94 to the first flange-engaging member 88 and the second flange-engaging member 90 at the distances D94a, D94b forms a second support flange key passage 95 (see also FIG. 9). 5

[0089] The connection of: (1) the first brace bar 92 to the first flange-engaging member 88 and the second flange-engaging member 90 at the distances D92a, D92b; and (2) the second brace bar 94 to the first flange-engaging member 88 and the second flange-engaging member 90 at the distances D94a, D94b contributes to forming a rectangularly-shaped lower panel support portion 99 of the table 14. More specifically, the rectangularly-shaped lower panel support portion 99 of 10 the table 14 includes: (1) all of the length L92 of the first brace bar 92; (2) all of the length L94 of the second brace bar 94; (3) a portion of the length L88 of the first flange-engaging member 88 bound by a connection of the first flange-engaging member 88 to first ends 92a, 94a of the first brace bar 92 and the second brace bar 94; and (4) a portion of the length L90 of the second flange- engaging member 90 bound by a connection of the second flange-engaging member 90 to second 15 ends 92b, 94b of the first brace bar 92 and the second brace bar 94.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 9–10, the table 14 may optionally include a lower panel 96. In some configurations, the lower panel 96 is connected to or supported by the rectangularly-shaped lower panel support portion 99.

[0091] With reference back to FIGS. 1–6, the structure and associated dimensions of each of the 20 support member 12 and the table 14 described above are intentionally configured with specific dimensions in order to permit the table 14 to be arranged relative to the support member 12 in a variety of configurations (i.e., the nested configuration of FIG. 1, the un-nest configuration of FIGS. 2A–2C, and the stacked configuration of FIG. 3). Specifically, the table 14 is intentionally sized to cooperatively-key-with a correspondingly-intentionally-sized region of the support 25 member 12. More specifically, the table 14 is intentionally sized to have one or more male portions and one or more female portions that cooperatively-keys-with corresponding one or more female portions and one or more male portions of the intentionally sized support member 12.

[0092] For example, when the furniture assembly 10 is arranged in the nested configuration of FIG. 1, one or more male portions of the table 14 is / are sized for being received within passages, 30 openings, or gaps defining one or more female portions of the support member 12. In some implementations, the one or more male portions of the table 14 include the first leg member 82a, - 17 -  the second leg member 82b, the third leg member 82c, and the fourth leg member 82d of the plurality of leg members 82, and, correspondingly, the one or more female portions of the support member 12 include the first key gap 62, the second key gap 64, the third key gap 66, and the fourth key gap 68. In some implementations, when the furniture assembly 10 is arranged in the nested 5 configuration: (1) the first key gap 62 is configured to receive the first leg member 82a; (2) the third key gap 66 is configured to receive the second leg member 82b; (3) the fourth key gap 68 is configured to receive the third leg member 82c; and (4) the second key gap 64 is configured to receive the fourth leg member 82d. Reception of the first leg member 82a within the first key gap 62, the second leg member 82b within the third key gap 66, the third leg member 82c within the 10 fourth key gap 68, and the fourth leg member 82d within the second key gap 64 arises from the substantially square-shaped footprint 97 of the table 14 being less than but approximately equal to the substantially square-shaped opening 75 to the volumetric cavity 24 of the support member 12.

[0093] Furthermore, as seen at FIG. 1, when the furniture assembly 10 is arranged in the nested configuration, the upper panel 74 of the table 14 is arranged over the upper end 12a of the support 15 member 12. The arrangement of the upper panel 74 of the table 14 over the upper end 12a of the support member 12 arises from the length L82 of each of the first leg member 82a, the second leg member 82b, the third leg member 82c, and the fourth leg member 82d of the plurality of leg members 82 of the table 14 being greater than the length L18 of each the first leg member 18a, the second leg member 18b, the third leg member 18c, and the fourth leg member 18d of the plurality 20 of leg members 18 of the support member 12. Yet even further, because the first leg member 82a, the second leg member 82b, the third leg member 82c, and the fourth leg member 82d of the plurality of leg members 82 are respectively received within the first key gap 62, the second key gap 64, the third key gap 66, and the fourth key gap 68 of the support member 12, when the furniture assembly 10 is arranged in the nested configuration, the table 14 is prohibited from 25 rotating about an axis (i.e., the Z-axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System) relative the support member 12 as a result of the plurality of leg members 82 being surrounded and contained by the frame 16 of the support member 12 that at least partially defines the substantially square shape of the substantially square-shaped opening 75 to the volumetric cavity 24 of the support member 12. 30

[0094] In another example, when the furniture assembly 10 is transitioned for arrangement to / from the nested configuration of FIG. 1 and the un-nested configuration of FIGS. 2A–2C, - 18 -  passages, openings, or gaps defining one or more female portions of the table 14 is / are sized for permitting temporal passage (in a +Z direction / a -Z direction along the Z-Axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System) of one or more male portions of the support member 12 therethrough. In some implementations, the one or more female portions of the table 14 include 5 the first support flange key passage 93 and the second support flange key passage 95, and, correspondingly, the one or more male portions of the support member 12 include the first support flange 20 and the second support flange 22.

[0095] In yet another example, when the furniture assembly 10 is transitioned for arrangement to / from the nested configuration of FIG. 1 to the un-nested configuration of FIGS. 2A–2C, one or 10 more male portions of the table 14 is / are sized for permitting temporal passage (in the +Z direction / the -Z direction along the Z-Axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System) through one or more passages, openings, or gaps defining one or more female portions of the support member 12. In some implementations, the one or more male portions of the table 14 include the rectangularly- shaped lower panel support portion 99, and, correspondingly, the one or more female portions of 15 the support member 12 include the substantially rectangular-shaped opening 77 to the volumetric cavity 24.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 4, an exemplary first un-nested configuration of the furniture assembly 10 is shown. When arranged in the first un-nested configuration (from the nested configuration of FIG. 1), the table 14 is moved relative the support member 12 in the +Z direction 20 along the Z-Axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System. As seen comparatively at FIGS. 1 and 2A, the table 14 has not yet been rotated (e.g., quarter-turned / rotated approximately 90°) about an axis (i.e., the Z-axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System) such that: (1) with reference to FIGS. 2A and 4, a lower surface 89 (see, e.g., FIGS. 5–6, 9–10) of the first flange- engaging member 88 is not arranged directly over the top surface 52 of the first support flange 20; 25 and (2) with reference to FIG. 2A, a lower surface 91 (see, e.g., FIGS. 9–10) of the second flange- engaging member 90 is not arranged directly over the top surface 60 of the second support flange 22.

[0097] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 2B, an exemplary second un-nested configuration of the furniture assembly 10 is shown. When arranged in the second un-nested configuration (from the 30 first un-nested configuration of FIG. 2A), the table 14 is moved relative the support member 12 - 19 -  by rotating R (e.g., in a clockwise direction) the table 14 about an axis (i.e., the Z-axis of the X-Y- Z Cartesian Coordinate System).

[0098] Yet even further, referring to FIG. 2C, an exemplary third un-nested configuration of the furniture assembly 10 is shown. When arranged in the third un-nested configuration (from the 5 second un-nested configuration of FIG. 2B), the table 14 is moved relative the support member 12 by further rotating R (e.g., in the clockwise direction) such that the table 14 is sufficiently rotated (e.g., comparatively relative to FIG. 2A, by quarter-turning / rotating approximately 90° the table 14 relative the support member 12) about the axis (i.e., the Z-axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System) such that: (1) as seen at FIGS. 2C and 5, the lower surface 89 of the first 10 flange-engaging member 88 is then arranged directly over the top surface 52 of the first support flange 20; and (2) as seen in Fig. 2C, the lower surface 91 of the second flange-engaging member 90 is then arranged directly over the top surface 60 of the second support flange 22.

[0099] Further, referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, an exemplary stacked configuration of the furniture assembly 10 is shown. To arrive at the furniture assembly 10 being arranged in the stacked 15 configuration, with reference to FIG. 2C, the table 14 is moved relative the support member 12 in the -Z direction along the Z-Axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System such that: (1) as seen at FIG. 6, the lower surface 89 of the first flange-engaging member 88 is removably-arranged over and upon the top surface 52 of the first support flange 20 such that the first support flange 20 of the support member 12 (i.e., a portion of the upper end 12a of the support member 12) directly 20 removably-supports the lower end 14b of the table 14 defined by the first flange-engaging member 88 of the table 14; and (2) the lower surface 91 of the second flange-engaging member 90 is removably-arranged over and upon the top surface 60 of the second support flange 22 such that the second support flange 22 of the support member 12 (i.e., a portion of the upper end 12a of the support member 12) directly removably-supports the lower end 14b of the table 14 defined by the 25 second flange-engaging member 90 of the table 14.

[00100] When the furniture assembly 10 is arranged in the stacked configuration of FIGS. 3 and 6, one or more male portions of the table 14 is / are sized for being received within passages, openings, or gaps defining one or more female portions of the support member 12. In some implementations, the one or more male portions of the table 14 include the first flange-engaging 30 member 88 and the second flange-engaging member 90, and, correspondingly, the one or more female portions of the support member 12 include the upper portion 24a (see, e.g., FIG. 6) of the - 20 -  volumetric cavity 24 extending: (1) along all of the length of the fourth member 16d of the frame 16 according to the distance D1 and over the top surface 52 of the first support flange 20 that is bound by an upper portion L18a of the length L18 of the plurality of leg members 18; and (2) along all of the length of the second member 16b of the frame 16 according to the distance D1 and the 5 top surface 60 of the second support flange 22 that is bound by the upper portion L18a of the length L18 of the plurality of leg members 18. The lengths L88, L90 of the first flange-engaging member 88 and the second flange-engaging member 90 are approximately the same as but slightly less than the lengths of the second and fourth members 16b, 16d of the frame 16 extending along the distance D1; therefore, when the furniture assembly 10 is arranged in the stacked orientation, the first 10 flange-engaging member 88 and the second flange-engaging member 90 are permitted to pass through the substantially square-shaped opening 75 and into the upper portion 24a of the volumetric cavity 24 of the support member 12.

[00101] With continued reference to FIG. 6, the volumetric cavity 24 is further defined by a lower portion 24b. The lower portion 24b of the volumetric cavity 24 extends along a lower portion L18b 15 of the length L18 of the plurality of leg members 18. More specifically, the lower portion L18b of the length L18 of the plurality of leg members 18 is bound by: (1) the bottom surface 26 of each leg member 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d of the plurality of leg members 18; and (2) a lower surface 53, 61 of each of the first support flange 20 and the second support flange 22. Similarly, regarding the upper portion L18a of the length L18 of the plurality of leg members 18 that contributes to defining 20 the upper portion 24a of the volumetric cavity 24, the upper portion L18a of the length L18 of the plurality of leg members 18 is bound by: (1) the top surface 28 of each leg member 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d of the plurality of leg members 18; and (2) the upper surface 52, 60 of each of the first support flange 20 and the second support flange 22.

[00102] As seen at FIGS. 3 and 6, when the furniture assembly 10 is arranged in the stacked 25 configuration, one or more male portions of the table 14 is / are sized for being received within passages, openings, or gaps defining one or more female portions of the support member 12. In some implementations, the one or more male portions of the table 14 include a lower portion L82b of the length L82 of each leg member 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d of the plurality of leg members 82, and, correspondingly, the one or more female portions of the support member 12 include the some of 30 the lower portion 24b of the volumetric cavity 24 that is axially aligned (along the Z-Axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System) with the first key gap 62, the second key gap 64, the third - 21 -  key gap 66, and the fourth key gap 68. In some implementations, when the furniture assembly 10 is arranged in the stacked configuration: (1) the first key gap 62 is configured to receive the second leg member 82b; (2) the third key gap 66 is configured to receive the first leg member 82a; (3) the fourth key gap 68 is configured to receive the fourth leg member 82d; and (4) the second key gap 5 64 is configured to receive the third leg member 82c. Reception of the second leg member 82b within the first key gap 62, the first leg member 82a within the third key gap 66, the fourth leg member 82d within the fourth key gap 68, and the third leg member 82c within the second key gap 64 arises from the substantially square-shaped footprint 97 of the table 14 being less than but approximately equal to the substantially square-shaped opening 75 to the volumetric cavity 24 of 10 the support member 12.

[00103] Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 6: (1) the lower portion L82b of the length L82 of the second leg member 82b extends below the lower surface 53 of the first support flange 20; (2) the lower portion L82b of the length L82 of the first leg member 82a extends below the lower surface 53 of the first support flange 20; (3) the lower portion L82b of the length L82 of the fourth leg 15 member 82d extends below the lower surface 61 of the second support flange 22; and (4) the lower portion L82b of the length L82 of the third leg member 82c extends below the lower surface 61 of the second support flange 22. Accordingly, because the lower portion L82b of the length L82 of each leg member 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d of the plurality of leg members 82 of the table 14 extend through the key gaps 62, 64, 66, 68 of the support member 12 and below the lower surfaces 53, 61 20 of the first and second support flanges 20, 22, the table 14 is prohibited from rotating about an axis (i.e., the Z-axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System) relative the support member 12.

[00104] Further implementations of the present disclosure relate generally to a furniture assembly 100 (see, e.g., FIGS. 11–16). The furniture assembly 100 includes a support member 112 and a table 114. Referring to FIGS. 17–18, the support member 112 includes an upper end 112a and a 25 lower end 112b. Referring to FIGS. 19–20, the table 114 includes an upper end 114a and a lower end 114b.

[00105] While using an X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System (see, e.g., FIGS. 11–16) as a frame of reference in the following disclosure, the furniture assembly 100 is arrangeable in one of three configurations being: (1) a nested configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 11); (2) an un-nested configuration 30 (see, e.g., FIGS. 12A–12C, 14, and 15); and (3) a stacked configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 13 and 16). Irrespective of the nested, un-nested, or stacked configuration of the furniture assembly 100, - 22 -  the table 114 is not: (1) fixed to; or (2) non-removably joined to the support member 112 (i.e., the table 114 and the support member 112 are separate components of the furniture assembly 100 that are removably-coupled to / from one another during any of the nested, un-nested, and stacked configurations of the furniture assembly 100). Furthermore, in some of the configurations (see, 5 e.g., the nested configuration of FIG. 11), the table 114 may be arranged so as to not touch or otherwise contact any surface of the support member 112 (i.e., when the table 114 is said to be partially stowed within a volumetric cavity or stowage region of the support member 112); see, for example, a tolerance or spacing S (see, e.g., FIG. 14) between an inner surface of any leg member of a plurality of leg members 118 of the support member 112 and an outer surface of any leg 10 member of a plurality of leg members 182 of the table 114. In some configurations, the spacing S may be slightly greater than 0mm and less than 10mm; in some implementations, the tolerance or spacing S may be approximately equal to 5mm. In other configurations (see, e.g., the stacked configuration of FIGS. 13 and 16), the table 114 may touch or contact one or more surfaces of the support member 112 while also being removably-connected to the support member 112 along a Z- 15 Axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System.

[00106] When the furniture assembly 100 is arranged in the nested configuration of FIG. 11, the lower end 114b of the table 114 is disposed within and surrounded by structure (see, e.g., a plurality of leg members 118) that at least partially defines a stowage region (see, e.g., a volumetric cavity 124) of the support member 112 while the upper end 114a of the table 114 is not disposed within 20 nor surrounded by the structure that least partially defines the stowage region of the support member 112. In some configurations, most of an underlying supporting structure (see, e.g., a plurality of leg members 182) of the table 114 is disposed within and surrounded by the structure that at least partially defines the stowage region of the support member 112.

[00107] When the furniture assembly 100 is arranged in the un-nested configuration of FIGS. 25 12A–12C, some of the underlying supporting structure of the table 114 may or may not be disposed within the stowage region of support member 112. In other configurations, when the furniture assembly 100 is arranged in the un-nested configuration of FIGS. 12A–12C, all of the underlying supporting structure of the table 114 may be removed from and not be disposed within the stowage region of support member 112. 30

[00108] When the furniture assembly 100 is arranged in the stacked configuration of FIG. 13, the lower end 114b of the table 114 is arranged upon and removably-coupled to the upper end 112a of - 23 -  the support member 112. Furthermore, when the furniture assembly 100 is arranged in the stacked configuration, some (but not all) of the underlying supporting structure of the table 114 may be disposed within some (but not all) of the stowage region of support member 112 (see, e.g., region identified by reference numeral 124a in FIG. 16) of support member 112. 5

[00109] As seen at FIG. 17, the support member 112 includes a frame 116, a plurality of leg members 118, a first arcuate support flange 120, and a second arcuate support flange 122. As will be described in the following disclosure, the frame 116 and (a length L118 of each leg member 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d) of the plurality of leg members 118 define a volumetric cavity 124 that is configured for receiving a portion of the table 114 when the table 114 is arranged in the nested 10 configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 11).

[00110] The frame 116 is connected to the plurality of leg members 118 whereby the volumetric cavity 124 is defined by a height H112 and a radius R116 of the frame 116 of the support member 112. As seen at FIG. 17: (1) the height H112 of the support member 112 extends in a Z direction along the Z-Axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System; and (2) the radius R116 of the frame 15 116 of the support member 112 extends radially away from an axial center of a central axis that extends along the Z-Axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System. In some implementations, the height H112 of the support member 112 may be approximately the same as but slightly greater than the length L118 of each leg member 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d of the plurality of leg members 118 (as a result of the frame 116 being arranged upon a top surface 128 of each leg member 118a, 20 118b, 118c, 118d of the plurality of leg members 118).

[00111] In some implementations, the frame 116 may be configured from, for example, a unitary member, a one-piece member, or an integrated member. Alternatively, in other implementations, the frame 116 may be configured from, for example, four discreet members that are directly or indirectly connected to one another by each leg member 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d of the plurality of 25 leg members 118. As seen at FIG. 17, the frame 116 includes, for example, a unitary member, a one-piece member, or an integrated member.

[00112] In some implementations, the plurality of leg members 118 include four legs 118a–118d. The four leg members 118a–118d include a first leg member 118a, a second leg member 118b, a third leg member 118c, and a fourth leg member 118d. 30

[00113] Each leg member 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d of the plurality of leg members 118 includes the length L118. The length L118 of each leg member 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d extends between a - 24 -  bottom surface 126 of each leg member 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d and the top surface 128 of each leg member 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d.

[00114] In some configurations, the frame 116 is includes a circular shape having the radius R116 that partially defines the volumetric cavity 124 of the support member 112. The frame 116 also 5 includes a lower surface 117. The top surface 128 of each leg member 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d of the plurality of leg members 118 is connected to the lower surface 117 of the frame 116. Furthermore, as seen at FIG. 17, the frame 116 is defined by a length L116 that extends in a Z direction along the Z-Axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System. Because the lower surface 117 of the frame 116 is connected to the top surface 128 of each leg member 118a, 118b, 118c, 10 118d of the plurality of leg members 118, the length L116 of the frame 1116 in combination with the length L118 (that also extends in a Z direction along the Z-Axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System) of the of each leg member 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d of the plurality of leg members 118 equals the height H112 of the volumetric cavity 124 of the support member 112.

[00115] The frame 116 includes arcuate inner side surface regions 130, 132, 134, 136 that may 15 be respectively referred to as a first arcuate inner side surface region 130, a second arcuate inner side surface region 132, a third arcuate inner side surface region 134, and a fourth arcuate inner side surface region 136. The first arcuate inner side surface region 130 is arranged opposite the third arcuate inner side surface region 134, and the second arcuate inner side surface region 132 is arranged opposite the fourth arcuate inner side surface region 136. Each of the arcuate inner side 20 surface regions 130, 132, 134, 136 extend along about twenty-five percenter of a perimeter of the frame 116.

[00116] Furthermore, the frame 116 includes arcuate top surface regions 138, 140, 142, 144 that may be respectively referred to as a first arcuate top surface region 138, a second arcuate top surface region 140, a third arcuate top surface region 142, and a fourth arcuate top surface region 25 144. The first arcuate top surface region 138 is arranged opposite the third arcuate top surface region 142, and the second arcuate top surface region 140 is arranged opposite the fourth arcuate top surface region 144. Each of the arcuate top surface regions 138, 140, 142, 144 extend along about twenty-five percenter of a perimeter of the frame 116 and respectively correspond to and extend from the arcuate inner side surface regions 130, 132, 134, 136 of the frame 116. 30

[00117] The first arcuate support flange 120 extends from or is connected to the fourth arcuate inner side surface region 136 of the frame 116. The second arcuate support flange 122 is connected - 25 -  to the second arcuate inner side surface region 132 of the frame 116. Because the second arcuate inner side surface region 132 of the frame 116 is arranged opposite the fourth arcuate inner side surface region 136 of the frame 116, the first arcuate support flange 120 is arranged opposite the second arcuate support flange 122. 5

[00118] With reference to FIGS. 17–18, the first arcuate support flange 120 includes a first end surface 146, a second end surface 148, and an arcuate inner side surface 150 (see also, e.g., FIGS. 14–16) that connects the first end surface 146 to the second end surface 148. The first arcuate support flange 120 also includes an arcuate top surface 152 (see also, e.g., FIGS. 14–16) that extends from the first end surface 146, the second end surface 148, and the arcuate inner side 10 surface 150 of the first arcuate support flange 120. With continued reference to FIGS. 17–18 (and also to FIGS. 14–16), the arcuate top surface 152 of the first arcuate support flange 120 may be connected to or extend away from the fourth arcuate inner side surface region 136 of the frame 116.

[00119] As seen at FIGS. 17–18, the second arcuate support flange 122 includes a first end surface 15 154, a second end surface 156, and an arcuate inner side surface 158 that connects the first end surface 154 to the second end surface 156. The second arcuate support flange 122 also includes an arcuate top surface 160 that extends from the first end surface 154, the second end surface 156, and the arcuate inner side surface 158 of the second arcuate support flange 122. The arcuate top surface 160 of the second arcuate support flange 122 may be connected to or extend away from 20 the second arcuate inner side surface region 132 of the frame 116.

[00120] With reference to FIGS. 17–18, the first arcuate inner side surface region 130 of the frame 116 is arranged opposite the third arcuate inner side surface region 134 of the frame 116 at a first distance R1 equivalent to twice the radius R116 of the frame 116. The second arcuate inner side surface region 132 of the frame 116 is also arranged opposite the fourth arcuate inner side surface 25 region 136 of the frame 116 at the first distance R1 equivalent to twice the radius R116 of the frame 116. Accordingly, the arrangement of the arcuate inner side surface regions 130, 132, 134, 136 in view of the radius R116 of the frame 116 results in the first distance R1 defining a circular-shaped opening (see dashed line 175 in FIG. 18) to the volumetric cavity 124 of the support member 112.

[00121] The arcuate inner side surface 150 of the arcuate first support flange 120 is arranged 30 opposite the arcuate inner side surface 158 of the arcuate second support flange 122 at a second distance R2 that is equivalent to twice a radius R177. As seen at FIG. 17, the second distance R2 - 26 -  is less than the first distance R1; accordingly, the second R2 thereby defines a circular-shaped opening (see dashed line 177 in FIG. 18) to the volumetric cavity 124 of the support member 112 that is smaller than the circular-shaped opening 175 to the volumetric cavity 124 of the support member 112 defined by the first distance R1. 5

[00122] Referring to FIGS. 14–16, the arcuate top surface 152 of the first arcuate support flange 120 is spaced from the fourth arcuate top surface region 144 of the frame 116 at a distance Z1. Similarly, the arcuate top surface 160 of the second arcuate support flange 122 is also spaced from the second arcuate top surface region 140 of the frame 116 at the distance Z1. Accordingly, each of the arcuate top surface 152 of the first arcuate support flange 120 and the arcuate top surface 10 160 of the second arcuate support flange 122 is recessed into the volumetric cavity 124 by the distance Z1; furthermore, the recessed distance Z1 extending between the top surfaces 152, 160 of the support flanges 120, 122 also defines an upper portion 124a of the volumetric cavity 124, which will be described in greater detail in the following disclosure.

[00123] Referring to FIG. 18, the first end surface 146 of the first arcuate support flange 120 is 15 arcuately spaced apart from the first end surface 154 of the second arcuate support flange 122 at a first arcuate distance Z2 and defines a first arcuate key gap 162 therebetween. The first arcuate key gap 162 includes: (1) a first end 162a proximate the first end surface 146 of the first arcuate support flange 120; and (2) a second end 162b proximate the first end surface 154 of the second arcuate support flange 122. The first arcuate distance Z2 is bound by the first end 162a of the first 20 arcuate key gap 162 and the second end 162b of the first arcuate key gap 162.

[00124] With continued reference to FIG. 18, the second end surface 148 of the first arcuate support flange 120 is spaced apart from the second end surface 156 of the second arcuate support flange 122 at a second arcuate distance Z3 and defines a second arcuate key gap 164 therebetween. The second arcuate key gap 164 includes: (1) a first end 164a proximate the second end surface 25 156 of the second arcuate support flange 122; and (2) a second end 164b proximate the second end surface 148 of the first arcuate support flange 120. The second arcuate distance Z3 is bound by the first end 164a of the second arcuate key gap 164 and the second end 164b of the second arcuate key gap 164.

[00125] The first arcuate distance Z2 is substantially equal to the second arcuate distance Z3. As 30 such, the first arcuate key gap 162 and the second arcuate key gap 164 are similarly sized. - 27 -

[00126] Referring to FIG. 17, the support member 112 may optionally include one or more arcuate leg brace bars 170, 171, 172, 173. In some configurations, the support member 112 includes a first arcuate leg brace bar 170, a second arcuate leg brace bar 172, a third arcuate leg brace bar 171, and a fourth arcuate leg brace bar 173. 5

[00127] Each of the first arcuate leg brace bar 170, the second arcuate leg brace bar 172, the third arcuate leg brace bar 171, and the fourth arcuate leg brace bar 173 may extend from or be connected to any side surface region along the length L118 of each leg member 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d. With reference to FIG. 17, in some configurations the first leg brace bar 170 extends from or is connected to any side surface region of the first leg member 118a and the fourth leg member 118d 10 near, for example, the bottom surface 126 of the first leg member 118a and the fourth leg member 118d. Similarly, the second leg brace bar 172 extends from or is connected to any side surface region of the second leg member 118b and the third leg member 118c near, for example, the bottom surface 126 of the second leg member 118b and the third leg member 118c. Further, the third leg brace bar 171 extends from or is connected to any side surface region of the first leg member 118a 15 and the second leg member 118b near, for example, the bottom surface 126 of the first leg member 118a and the second leg member 118b. Even further, the fourth leg brace bar 173 extends from or is connected to any side surface region of the third leg member 118c and the fourth leg member 118d near, for example, the bottom surface 126 of the third leg member 118c and the fourth leg member 118d. 20

[00128] As seen at FIG. 19, the table 114 includes an upper panel 174 having a top surface 176, a bottom surface 178, and a side surface 180 connecting the top surface 176 to the bottom surface 178. The upper panel 174 may have any desirable shape; as seen at FIG. 19, the upper panel 174 may include, for example, a substantially circular shape. In other implementations, the upper panel 174 may include, for example, a substantially circular (e.g., oval) shape. Although exemplary 25 implementations of the upper panel 174 described above may include a circular or substantially circular shape, the upper panel 174 may include any desirable shape having any number of sides.

[00129] The table 114 also includes a plurality of leg members 182. The plurality of leg members 182 include four legs 182a–182d. The four discreet leg members 182a–182d include a first leg member 182a, a second leg member 182b, a third leg member 182c, and a fourth leg member 182d. 30

[00130] Each leg member 182a, 182b, 182c, 182d of the plurality of leg members 182 includes a length L182. The length L182 of each leg member 182a, 182b, 182c, 182d extends between a bottom - 28 -  surface 184 of each leg member 182a, 182b, 182c, 182d and a top surface 186 of each leg member 182a, 182b, 182c, 182d. The top surface 186 of each leg member 182a, 182b, 182c, 182d of the plurality of leg members 182 extend from or is connected to the bottom surface 178 of the upper panel 174. 5

[00131] Referring to FIGS. 19–20, the table 114 also includes a first arcuate flange-engaging member 188 and a second arcuate flange-engaging member 190. The first arcuate flange-engaging member 188 includes a first end 188a and a second end 188b. The second arcuate flange-engaging member 190 includes a first end 190a and a second end 190b.

[00132] Referring to FIG. 20, the first arcuate flange-engaging member 188 includes an arcuate 10 length L188 extending between the first end 188a of the first arcuate flange-engaging member 188 and the second end 188b of the first arcuate flange-engaging member 188. The second arcuate flange-engaging member 190 includes an arcuate length L190 extending between the first end 190a of the second arcuate flange-engaging member 190 and the second end 190b of the second arcuate flange-engaging member 190. The arcuate length L188 of the first arcuate flange-engaging member 15 188 is the same the arcuate length L190 of the second arcuate flange-engaging member 190.

[00133] The first end 188a of the first arcuate flange-engaging member 188 extends from or is connected to a side surface region along the length L182 of the first leg member 182a near, for example, the bottom surface 184 of the first leg member 182a. The second end 188b of the first arcuate flange-engaging member 188 extends from or is connected to a side surface region along 20 the length L182 of the second leg member 182b near, for example, the bottom surface 184 of the second leg member 182b.

[00134] The first end 190a of the second arcuate flange-engaging member 190 extends from or is connected to a side surface region along the length L182 of the third leg member 182c near, for example, the bottom surface 184 of the third leg member 182c. The second end 190b of the second 25 arcuate flange-engaging member 190 extends from or is connected to a side surface region along the length L182 of the fourth leg member 182d near, for example, the bottom surface 184 of the fourth leg member 182d.

[00135] With reference to FIG. 20, an outer side surface of each of the first leg member 182a and the second leg member 182b are arranged apart at a distance Z4. An outer side surface of each of 30 the second leg member 182b and the third leg member 182c are arranged apart at a distance Z5. An outer side surface of each of the third leg member 182c and the fourth leg member 182d are - 29 -  arranged apart at a distance Z6. An outer side surface of each of the fourth leg member 182d and the first leg member 182a are arranged apart at a distance Z7.

[00136] With reference to FIG. 20, the distances Z4–Z7 are substantially similar to one another and therefore generally define a substantially square-shaped footprint (see, e.g., dashed line 197) 5 of the plurality of leg members 182 of the table 114. Furthermore, as seen at FIG. 19, the first and second arcuate flange-engaging members 188, 190 contribute to forming a substantially circular- shaped footprint (see, e.g., dashed line 199) of the table 114. The substantially circular-shaped footprint 199 is greater than the substantially square-shaped footprint 197 and therefore the substantially circular-shaped footprint 199 surrounds the substantially square-shaped footprint 10 197. Furthermore, the substantially circular-shaped footprint 199 of the table 114 is less than the substantially circular-shaped opening 175 to the volumetric cavity 124 of the support member 112.

[00137] With reference back to FIGS. 17–18, the frame 116 and the length L118 of each leg member 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d that forms the volumetric cavity 124 generally defines a first substantially cylindrical shape of the furniture assembly 100 that is associated with the support 15 member 112. As seen at FIGS. 19–20, the length L182 of each leg member 182a, 182b, 182c, 182d in combination with the first and second arcuate flange-engaging members 188, 190 and the substantially circular-shaped footprint 199 generally defines a second substantially cylindrical shape of the furniture assembly 100 that is associated with the table 114. The second substantially cylindrical shape of the table 114 is smaller than the first substantially cylindrical shape of the 20 support member 112. Because the second substantially cylindrical shape of the table 114 is smaller than the first substantially cylindrical shape of the support member 112, as will be described in the following disclosure, at least a portion of the table 114 is permitted to nest within the first substantially cylindrical shape of the support member 112 such that the furniture assembly 100 may be said to be arranged in the nested configuration. 25

[00138] With reference back to FIGS. 11–16, the structure and associated dimensions of each of the support member 112 and the table 114 described above are intentionally configured with specific dimensions in order to permit the table 114 to be arranged relative to the support member 112 in a variety of configurations (i.e., the nested configuration of FIG. 11, the un-nest configuration of FIGS. 12A–12C, and the stacked configuration of FIG. 13). Specifically, the 30 table 114 is intentionally sized to cooperatively-key-with a correspondingly-intentionally-sized region of the support member 112. More specifically, the table 114 is intentionally sized to have - 30 -  one or more male portions and one or more female portions that cooperatively-keys-with corresponding one or more female portions and one or more male portions of the intentionally sized support member 112.

[00139] For example, when the furniture assembly 100 is arranged in the nested configuration of 5 FIG. 11, one or more male portions of the table 114 is / are sized for being received within passages, openings, or gaps defining one or more female portions of the support member 112. In some implementations, the one or more male portions of the table 114 include the first leg member 182a, the second leg member 182b, the third leg member 182c, and the fourth leg member 182d of the plurality of leg members 182, and, correspondingly, the one or more female portions of the support 10 member 112 include the first arcuate key gap 162 and the second arcuate key gap 164. In some implementations, when the furniture assembly 100 is arranged in the nested configuration: (1) the first end 162a of the first arcuate key gap 162 is configured to receive the first leg member 182a, and the second end 162b of the first arcuate key gap 162 is configured to receive the second leg member 182b; and (2) the first end 164a of the second arcuate key gap 164 is configured to receive 15 the third leg member 182c, and the second end 164b of the second arcuate key gap 164 is configured to receive the fourth leg member 182d. Reception of the first leg member 182a and the second leg member 182b within the first arcuate key gap 162, and the third leg member 182c and the fourth leg member 182d within the second arcuate key gap 164 arises from the substantially square-shaped footprint 197 of the table 114 being less than the circular-shaped opening 175 to 20 the volumetric cavity 124 of the support member 112.

[00140] Furthermore, as seen at FIG. 11, when the furniture assembly 100 is arranged in the nested configuration, the upper panel 174 of the table 114 is arranged over the upper end 112a of the support member 112. The arrangement of the upper panel 174 of the table 114 over the upper end 112a of the support member 112 arises from the length L182 of each of the first leg member 25 182a, the second leg member 182b, the third leg member 182c, and the fourth leg member 182d of the plurality of leg members 182 of the table 114 being greater than the height H112 of the support member 112 (which includes the length L118 of each the first leg member 118a, the second leg member 118b, the third leg member 118c, and the fourth leg member 118d of the plurality of leg members 118 of the support member 112). Yet even further, because the first leg member 30 182a, the second leg member 182b, the third leg member 182c, and the fourth leg member 182d of the plurality of leg members 182 are respectively received within the first arcuate key gap 162 - 31 -  and the second arcuate key gap 164 of the support member 112, when the furniture assembly 100 is arranged in the nested configuration, the table 114 is prohibited from rotating about an axis (i.e., the Z-axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System) relative the support member 112 as a result of: (1) the first leg member 182a being disposed opposite and proximate the first end surface 146 5 of the first arcuate support flange 120; (2) the second leg member 182b being disposed opposite and proximate the first end surface 154 of the second arcuate support flange 122; (3) the third leg member 182c being disposed opposite and proximate the second end surface 156 of the second arcuate support flange 122; and (4) the fourth leg member 182d being disposed opposite and proximate the second end surface 148 of the first arcuate support flange 120. 10

[00141] In another example, when the furniture assembly 100 is transitioned for arrangement to / from the nested configuration of FIG. 11 to the un-nested configuration of FIGS. 12A–12C, one or more male portions of the table 114 is / are sized for permitting temporal passage (in the +Z direction / the -Z direction along the Z-Axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System) through one or more passages, openings, or gaps defining one or more female portions of the support 15 member 112. In some implementations, the one or more male portions of the table 114 include the first arcuate flange-engaging member 188 and the second arcuate flange-engaging member 190, and, correspondingly, the one or more female portions of the support member 112 include the first arcuate key gap 162 and the second arcuate key gap 164. In some configurations, the arcuate length L188 of the first arcuate flange-engaging member 188 is approximately the same as but 20 slightly less than the first arcuate distance Z2 that is bound by the first end 162a of the first arcuate key gap 162 and the second end 162b of the first arcuate key gap 162. Similarly, the arcuate length L190 of the second arcuate flange-engaging member 190 is approximately the same as but slightly less than the second arcuate distance Z3 that is bound by the first end 164a of the second arcuate key gap 164 and the second end 164b of the second arcuate key gap 164. 25

[00142] Referring to FIGS. 12A and 14, an exemplary first un-nested configuration of the furniture assembly 100 is shown. When arranged in the first un-nested configuration (from the nested configuration of FIG. 11), the table 114 is moved relative the support member 112 in the +Z direction along the Z-Axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System from. As seen comparatively at FIGS. 11 and 12A, the table 114 has not yet been rotated (e.g., quarter-turned / 30 rotated approximately 90°) about an axis (i.e., the Z-axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System) such that: (1) as seen at FIGS. 12A and 14, a lower arcuate surface 189 of the first arcuate - 32 -  flange-engaging member 188 is not arranged directly over the arcuate top surface 152 of the first arcuate support flange 120; and (2) as seen at FIG. 12A, a lower arcuate surface 191 of the second arcuate flange-engaging member 190 is not arranged directly over the arcuate top surface 160 of the second arcuate support flange 122. 5

[00143] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 12B, an exemplary second un-nested configuration of the furniture assembly 100 is shown. When arranged in the second un-nested configuration (from the first un-nested configuration of FIG. 12A), the table 114 is moved relative the support member 112 by rotating R (e.g., in a clockwise direction) the table 114 about an axis (i.e., the Z-axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System). 10

[00144] Yet even further, referring to FIG. 12C, an exemplary third un-nested configuration of the furniture assembly 100 is shown. When arranged in the third un-nested configuration (from the second un-nested configuration of FIG. 12B), the table 114 is moved relative the support member 112 by further rotating R (e.g., in the clockwise direction) such that the table 114 is sufficiently rotated (e.g., comparatively relative FIG. 12A, by quarter-turning / rotating 15 approximately 90° the table 114 relative the support member 112) about the axis (i.e., the Z-axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System) such that: (1) as seen at FIGS. 12C and 15, the lower arcuate surface 189 of the first arcuate flange-engaging member 188 is then arranged directly over the arcuate top surface 152 of the first arcuate support flange 120; and (2) as seen at FIG. 12C, the lower arcuate surface 191 of the second arcuate flange-engaging member 190 is then arranged 20 directly over the arcuate top surface 160 of the second arcuate support flange 122.

[00145] Further, referring to FIGS. 13 and 16, an exemplary stacked configuration of the furniture assembly 100 is shown. To arrive at the furniture assembly 100 being arranged in the stacked configuration, with reference to FIG. 12C, the table 114 is moved relative the support member 112 in the -Z direction along the Z-Axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System such that: (1) as 25 seen at FIGS. 13 and 16, the lower arcuate surface 189 of the first arcuate flange-engaging member 188 is removably-arranged over and upon the arcuate top surface 152 of the first arcuate support flange 120 such that the first arcuate support flange 120 of the support member 112 directly removably-supports the lower end 114b of the table 114 defined by the first arcuate flange- engaging member 188 of the table 114; and (2) as seen at FIG. 13, the lower arcuate surface 191 30 of the second arcuate flange-engaging member 190 is removably-arranged over and upon the arcuate top surface 160 of the second arcuate support flange 122 such that the second arcuate - 33 -  support flange 122 of the support member 114 directly removably-supports the lower end 114b of the table 114 defined by the second arcuate flange-engaging member 190 of the table 114.

[00146] When the furniture assembly 100 is arranged in the stacked configuration of FIGS. 13 and 16, one or more male portions of the table 114 is / are sized for being received within passages, 5 openings, or gaps defining one or more female portions of the support member 112. In some implementations, the one or more male portions of the table 114 include the first arcuate flange- engaging member 188 and the second arcuate flange-engaging member 190, and, correspondingly, the one or more female portions of the support member 112 include an upper portion 124a (see, e.g., FIG. 16) of the volumetric cavity 124 extending: (1) along all of the length of fourth arcuate 10 inner side surface region 136 of the frame 116 and over the top arcuate surface 152 of the first arcuate support flange 120 that is bound by the distance Z1 extending between the arcuate top surface 152 of the first arcuate support flange 120 and the fourth arcuate top surface region 144 of the frame 116; and (2) along all of the length of the second arcuate inner side surface region 132 of the frame 116 and over the top arcuate surface 160 of the second arcuate support flange 122 that 15 is bound by the distance Z1 extending between the top arcuate surface 160 of the second arcuate support flange 122 and second arcuate top surface region 140 if the frame 116. The substantially circular-shaped footprint 199 that is defined in part by the first arcuate flange-engaging member 188 and the second arcuate flange-engaging member 190 may be approximately the same but slightly less than that first distance R1 defining the circular-shaped opening (see dashed line 175 20 in FIG. 18) to the volumetric cavity 124 of the support member 112; therefore, when the furniture assembly 100 is arranged in the stacked orientation, the first arcuate flange-engaging member 188 and the second arcuate flange-engaging member 190 are permitted to pass through the circular- shaped opening 175 and into the upper portion 124a of the volumetric cavity 124 of the support member 112. 25

[00147] With continued reference to FIG. 16, the volumetric cavity 124 is further defined by a lower portion 124b. The lower portion 124b of the volumetric cavity 124 extends from the lower arcuate surfaces 153, 161 of the first and second arcuate support flanges 120, 122 and terminates at the bottom surface 126 of each leg member 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d of the plurality of leg members 118. 30

[00148] As seen at FIGS. 13 and 16, when the furniture assembly 100 is arranged in the stacked configuration, one or more male portions of the table 114 is / are sized for being received within - 34 -  passages, openings, or gaps defining one or more female portions of the support member 112. In some implementations, the one or more male portions of the table 114 include a lower portion L182b of the length L182 of each leg member 182a, 182b, 182c, 182d of the plurality of leg members 182, and, correspondingly, the one or more female portions of the support member 112 include the 5 some of the lower portion 124b of the volumetric cavity 124 that is axially aligned (along the Z- Axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System) with the first and second ends 162a, 162b of the first arcuate key gap 162 and the first and second ends 164a, 164b of the second arcuate key gap 164. In some implementations, when the furniture assembly 100 is arranged in the stacked configuration: (1) the first end 162a of the first arcuate key gap 162 is configured to receive the 10 second leg member 182b, and the second end 162b of the first arcuate key gap 162 is configured to receive the third leg member 182c; and (2) the first end 164a of second arcuate key gap 164 is configured to receive the fourth leg member 182d, and the second end 164b of second arcuate key gap 164 is configured to receive the first leg member 182a. Reception of the second leg member 182b and the third leg member 182c within the first arcuate key gap 162, and the first leg member 15 182a and the fourth leg member 182d within the second arcuate key gap 164 arises from the circular-shaped footprint 197 of the table 114 being less than but approximately equal to the circular-shaped opening 175 to the volumetric cavity 124 of the support member 112.

[00149] Furthermore, with reference to FIGS. 13 and 16: (1) a lower portion L182b of the length L182 of each of the second leg member 182b and the third leg member 182c extend below the lower 20 arcuate surface 153 of the first arcuate support flange 120; and (2) a lower portion L182b of the length L182 of each of the first leg member 182a and the fourth leg member 182d extend below the lower arcuate surface 161 of the second arcuate support flange 122. Accordingly, because the lower portion L182b of the length L182 of each leg member 182a, 182b, 182c, 182d of the plurality of leg members 182 of the table 114 extend through the first and second arcuate key gaps 162, 164 25 of the support member 112 and below the lower arcuate surfaces 153, 161 of the first and second arcuate support flanges 120, 122, the table 114 is prohibited from rotating about an axis (i.e., the Z-axis of the X-Y-Z Cartesian Coordinate System) relative the support member 112.

[00150] Furthermore, in some configurations, in order to provide an anti-rotation feature of the furniture assembly 100 when arranged in the stacked orientation, one or both of the support 30 member 112 and the table 114 may include cooperating detents and grooves. For example, as seen at FIGS. 14–16, the arcuate top surfaces 152, 160 of each of the first and second arcuate support - 35 -  flanges 120, 122 may include a recess 167 (see, e.g., FIGS. 12A–12C, 14–18) that is configured to receive a detent 169 (see, e.g., FIGS. 14–16, 20) extending from the lower arcuate surfaces 189, 191 of each of the first and second arcuate flange-engaging members 188, 190. Furthermore, as seen at FIG. 16, when the detents 169 register within the recesses 167 upon arranging the furniture 5 assembly 100 in the stacked configuration, the registration of the detents 169 within the recesses 167 may provide tactile feedback to a user when arranging the lower end 114b of the table 114 upon the upper end 112a of the support member 112.

[00151] The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements in the preceding descriptions. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are 10 intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional implementations that also incorporate the recited features. Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other 15 values that are “about” or “approximately” the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by implementations of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a suitable manufacturing or production 20 process, and may include values that are within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1%, or within 0.01% of a stated value.

[00152] Further, it should be understood that any directions or reference frames in the preceding description are merely relative directions or movements. For example, any references to “up” and “down” or “above” or “below” are merely descriptive of the relative position or movement 25 of the related elements.

[00153] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within 30 the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. - 36 -  CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A furniture assembly comprising: a support member including: a frame; a first plurality of leg members extending from the frame, wherein the frame and the first plurality of leg members define a volumetric cavity; a first support flange extending from the frame; and a second support flange extending from the frame and arranged opposite the first support flange; and a table including: an upper panel; a second plurality of leg members extending from the upper panel; a first flange-engaging member supported by at least one first leg of the second plurality of leg members; and a second flange-engaging member supported by at least one second leg of the second plurality of leg members, wherein the first flange-engaging member is arranged opposite the second flange-engaging member, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member are arranged relative the support member in: a nested configuration within the volumetric cavity below the first support flange and the second support flange; or a stacked configuration not within the volumetric cavity above the first support flange and the second support flange. - 37 -  2. The furniture assembly of claim 1, wherein: in the nested configuration within the volumetric cavity, the first flange-engaging member is not supported by the first support flange and the second flange-engaging member is not supported by the second support flange; and in the stacked configuration not within the volumetric cavity the first flange-engaging member is supported by the first support flange, and the second flange-engaging member is supported by the second support flange. 3. The furniture assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame is defined by a first inner side surface, a second inner side surface, a third inner side surface, and a fourth inner side surface, wherein the first inner side surface is arranged opposite the third inner side surface at a first distance, wherein the second inner side surface is arranged opposite the fourth inner side surface at a second distance, wherein the first distance and the second distance define a square shaped opening to the volumetric cavity at an upper end of the support member. 4. The furniture assembly of claim 3, wherein the first support flange extends from the fourth inner side surface of the frame, wherein the second support flange extends from the second inner side surface of the frame, wherein an inner side surface of the first support flange is arranged opposite an inner side surface of the second support flange at a third distance, wherein the first distance and the third distance define an opening to be rectangularly-shaped, wherein the rectangular-shaped opening is smaller than the square shaped opening. 5. The furniture assembly of claim 4, wherein a first end surface of the first support flange is spaced apart from the first inner side surface of the frame defining a first key gap, wherein a second end surface of the first support flange is spaced apart from the third inner side surface of the frame defining a second key gap, wherein a first end surface of the second support flange is spaced apart from the first inner side surface of the frame defining a third key gap, wherein a second end surface of the second support flange is spaced apart from the third inner side surface of the frame defining a fourth key gap. - 38 -  6. The furniture assembly of claim 5, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are arranged relative the support member in the nested configuration, wherein: a first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the first key gap; a second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the third key gap; a third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the fourth key gap; and a fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the second key gap. 7. The furniture assembly of claim 5, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are arranged relative the support member in the stacked configuration, wherein: a first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the third key gap; a second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the fourth key gap; a third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the second key gap; and a fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the first key gap. 8. The furniture assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame is defined by a first inner side surface region, a second inner side surface region, a third inner side surface region, and a fourth inner side surface region, wherein the first inner side surface region is arranged opposite the third inner side surface at a first distance, wherein the second inner side surface is arranged opposite the fourth inner side surface at the first distance, wherein the first distance defines a circular-shaped opening to the volumetric cavity at an upper end of the support member. - 39 -  9. The furniture assembly of claim 8, wherein the first support flange extends from the fourth inner side surface region of the frame, wherein the second support flange extends from the second inner side surface region of the frame, wherein an inner side surface of the first support flange is arranged opposite an inner side surface of the second support flange at a second distance, wherein the second distance defines an opening to be circular shaped, wherein the circular-shaped opening defined by the second distance is smaller than the circular shaped opening defined by the first distance. 10. The furniture assembly of claim 9, wherein a first end surface of the first support flange is arcuately spaced apart from a first end surface of the second support flange at a first arcuate distance defining a first arcuate key gap therebetween, wherein the first arcuate key gap includes: a first end proximate the first end surface of the first support flange; and a second end proximate the first end surface of the second support flange, wherein a second end surface of the first support flange is spaced apart from a second end surface of the second support flange at a second arcuate distance defining a second arcuate key gap therebetween, wherein the second arcuate key gap includes: a first end proximate the second end surface of the second support flange; and a second end proximate the second end surface of the first support flange. 11. The furniture assembly of claim 10, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are arranged relative the support member in the nested configuration, wherein: a first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the first end of the first key gap; a second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the second end of the first key gap; a third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the first end of the second key gap; and a fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the second end of the second key gap. - 40 -  12. The furniture assembly of claim 11, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are arranged relative the support member in the stacked configuration, wherein: the first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the second end of the first key gap; the second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the first end of the second key gap; the third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the second end of the second key gap; and the fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the first end of the first key gap. 13. A furniture assembly comprising: a support member including: a square frame; a first plurality of leg members extending from the square frame, wherein the square frame and the first plurality of leg members define a volumetric cavity; a first support flange extending from the square frame; and a second support flange extending from the square frame is arranged opposite the first support flange; and a table including: an upper panel; a second plurality of leg members extending from the upper panel; a first flange-engaging member supported by at least one first leg of the second plurality of leg members; and a second flange-engaging member supported by at least one second leg of the second plurality of leg members, wherein the first flange-engaging member is arranged opposite the second flange-engaging member, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member are arranged relative the support member: in a nested configuration within the volumetric cavity below the first support flange and the second support flange; or - 41 -  in a stacked configuration not within the volumetric cavity above the first support flange and the second support flange. 14. The furniture assembly of claim 13, wherein the square frame includes inner side surfaces that define a square-shaped opening to the volumetric cavity at an upper end of the support member, wherein the first support flange extends from one inner side surface of the inner side surfaces of the square frame, wherein the second support flange extends from another inner side surface of the inner side surfaces of the square frame, wherein an inner side surface of the first support flange is arranged opposite an inner side surface of the second support flange at a distance that defines an opening to be rectangularly-shaped, wherein the rectangular-shaped opening is smaller than the square-shaped opening. 15. The furniture assembly of claim 14, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are arranged relative the support member in the nested configuration, wherein: a first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a first key gap of the support member; a second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a third key gap of the support member; a third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a fourth key gap of the support member; and a fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a second key gap of the support member. 16. The furniture assembly of claim 14, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are arranged relative the support member in the stacked configuration, wherein: a first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a third key gap of the support member; a second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a fourth key gap of the support member; - 42 -  a third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a second key gap of the support member; and a fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a first key gap of the support member. 17. A furniture assembly comprising: a support member including: a circular frame; a first plurality of leg members extending from the circular frame, wherein the circular frame and the first plurality of leg members define a volumetric cavity; a first support flange extending from the circular frame; and a second support flange extending from the circular frame is arranged opposite the first support flange; and a table including: an upper panel; a second plurality of leg members extending from the upper panel; a first flange-engaging member supported by at least one first leg of the second plurality of leg members; and a second flange-engaging member supported by at least one second leg of the second plurality of leg members, wherein the first flange-engaging member is arranged opposite the second flange-engaging member, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member are arranged relative the support member in one of, wherein: a nested configuration within the volumetric cavity below the first support flange and the second support flange; and a stacked configuration not within the volumetric cavity above the first support flange and the second support flange. 18. The furniture assembly of claim 13, wherein the circular frame includes inner side surface regions that define a circular-shaped opening to the volumetric cavity at an upper end of the support member, wherein the first support flange extends from one inner side surface region of - 43 -  the inner side surface regions of the circular frame, wherein the second support flange extends from another inner side surface region of the inner side surface regions of the circular frame, wherein an inner side surface of the first support flange is arranged opposite an inner side surface of the second support flange at a distance that defines an opening to be circular-shaped, wherein the circular-shaped opening defined by the distance between the inner side surface of the first support flange and the inner side surface of the second support flange is smaller than the circular- shaped opening defined by the inner sides surface regions of the circular frame. 19. The furniture assembly of claim 18, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are configured for arrangement relative the support member in the nested configuration, wherein: a first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near a first end of a first key gap of the support member; a second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near a second end of the first key gap of the support member; a third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near a first end of a second key gap of the support member; and a fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near a second end of the second key gap of the support member. 20. The furniture assembly of claim 19, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are configured for arrangement relative the support member in the stacked configuration, wherein: the first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the second end of the first key gap of the support member; the second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the first end of the second key gap of the support member; the third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the second end of the second key gap of the support member; and the fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the first end of the first key gap of the support member. - 44 -

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A furniture assembly comprising: a support member including: a frame; a first plurality of leg members extending from the frame, wherein the frame and the first plurality of leg members define a volumetric cavity; a first support flange extending from the frame; and a second support flange extending from the frame and arranged opposite the first support flange; and a table including: an upper panel; a second plurality of leg members extending from the upper panel; a first flange-engaging member supported by at least one first leg of the second plurality of leg members; and a second flange-engaging member supported by at least one second leg of the second plurality of leg members, wherein the first flange-engaging member is arranged opposite the second flange-engaging member, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member are arranged relative the support member in: a nested configuration within the volumetric cavity below the first support flange and the second support flange; or a stacked configuration not within the volumetric cavity above the first support flange and the second support flange. - 37 -  2. The furniture assembly of claim 1, wherein: in the nested configuration within the volumetric cavity, the first flange-engaging member is not supported by the first support flange and the second flange-engaging member is not supported by the second support flange; and in the stacked configuration not within the volumetric cavity the first flange-engaging member is supported by the first support flange, and the second flange-engaging member is supported by the second support flange.

3. The furniture assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame is defined by a first inner side surface, a second inner side surface, a third inner side surface, and a fourth inner side surface, wherein the first inner side surface is arranged opposite the third inner side surface at a first distance, wherein the second inner side surface is arranged opposite the fourth inner side surface at a second distance, wherein the first distance and the second distance define a square shaped opening to the volumetric cavity at an upper end of the support member.

4. The furniture assembly of claim 3, wherein the first support flange extends from the fourth inner side surface of the frame, wherein the second support flange extends from the second inner side surface of the frame, wherein an inner side surface of the first support flange is arranged opposite an inner side surface of the second support flange at a third distance, wherein the first distance and the third distance define an opening to be rectangularly-shaped, wherein the rectangular-shaped opening is smaller than the square shaped opening.

5. The furniture assembly of claim 4, wherein a first end surface of the first support flange is spaced apart from the first inner side surface of the frame defining a first key gap, wherein a second end surface of the first support flange is spaced apart from the third inner side surface of the frame defining a second key gap, wherein a first end surface of the second support flange is spaced apart from the first inner side surface of the frame defining a third key gap, wherein a second end surface of the second support flange is spaced apart from the third inner side surface of the frame defining a fourth key gap. - 38 -  6. The furniture assembly of claim 5, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are arranged relative the support member in the nested configuration, wherein: a first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the first key gap; a second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the third key gap; a third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the fourth key gap; and a fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the second key gap.

7. The furniture assembly of claim 5, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are arranged relative the support member in the stacked configuration, wherein: a first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the third key gap; a second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the fourth key gap; a third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the second key gap; and a fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in the first key gap.

8. The furniture assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame is defined by a first inner side surface region, a second inner side surface region, a third inner side surface region, and a fourth inner side surface region, wherein the first inner side surface region is arranged opposite the third inner side surface at a first distance, wherein the second inner side surface is arranged opposite the fourth inner side surface at the first distance, wherein the first distance defines a circular-shaped opening to the volumetric cavity at an upper end of the support member. - 39 -  9. The furniture assembly of claim 8, wherein the first support flange extends from the fourth inner side surface region of the frame, wherein the second support flange extends from the second inner side surface region of the frame, wherein an inner side surface of the first support flange is arranged opposite an inner side surface of the second support flange at a second distance, wherein the second distance defines an opening to be circular shaped, wherein the circular-shaped opening defined by the second distance is smaller than the circular shaped opening defined by the first distance.

10. The furniture assembly of claim 9, wherein a first end surface of the first support flange is arcuately spaced apart from a first end surface of the second support flange at a first arcuate distance defining a first arcuate key gap therebetween, wherein the first arcuate key gap includes: a first end proximate the first end surface of the first support flange; and a second end proximate the first end surface of the second support flange, wherein a second end surface of the first support flange is spaced apart from a second end surface of the second support flange at a second arcuate distance defining a second arcuate key gap therebetween, wherein the second arcuate key gap includes: a first end proximate the second end surface of the second support flange; and a second end proximate the second end surface of the first support flange.

11. The furniture assembly of claim 10, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are arranged relative the support member in the nested configuration, wherein: a first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the first end of the first key gap; a second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the second end of the first key gap; a third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the first end of the second key gap; and a fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the second end of the second key gap. - 40 -  12. The furniture assembly of claim 11, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are arranged relative the support member in the stacked configuration, wherein: the first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the second end of the first key gap; the second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the first end of the second key gap; the third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the second end of the second key gap; and the fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the first end of the first key gap.

13. A furniture assembly comprising: a support member including: a square frame; a first plurality of leg members extending from the square frame, wherein the square frame and the first plurality of leg members define a volumetric cavity; a first support flange extending from the square frame; and a second support flange extending from the square frame is arranged opposite the first support flange; and a table including: an upper panel; a second plurality of leg members extending from the upper panel; a first flange-engaging member supported by at least one first leg of the second plurality of leg members; and a second flange-engaging member supported by at least one second leg of the second plurality of leg members, wherein the first flange-engaging member is arranged opposite the second flange-engaging member, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member are arranged relative the support member: in a nested configuration within the volumetric cavity below the first support flange and the second support flange; or - 41 -  in a stacked configuration not within the volumetric cavity above the first support flange and the second support flange.

14. The furniture assembly of claim 13, wherein the square frame includes inner side surfaces that define a square-shaped opening to the volumetric cavity at an upper end of the support member, wherein the first support flange extends from one inner side surface of the inner side surfaces of the square frame, wherein the second support flange extends from another inner side surface of the inner side surfaces of the square frame, wherein an inner side surface of the first support flange is arranged opposite an inner side surface of the second support flange at a distance that defines an opening to be rectangularly-shaped, wherein the rectangular-shaped opening is smaller than the square-shaped opening.

15. The furniture assembly of claim 14, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are arranged relative the support member in the nested configuration, wherein: a first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a first key gap of the support member; a second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a third key gap of the support member; a third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a fourth key gap of the support member; and a fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a second key gap of the support member.

16. The furniture assembly of claim 14, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are arranged relative the support member in the stacked configuration, wherein: a first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a third key gap of the support member; a second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a fourth key gap of the support member; - 42 -  a third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a second key gap of the support member; and a fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged in a first key gap of the support member.

17. A furniture assembly comprising: a support member including: a circular frame; a first plurality of leg members extending from the circular frame, wherein the circular frame and the first plurality of leg members define a volumetric cavity; a first support flange extending from the circular frame; and a second support flange extending from the circular frame is arranged opposite the first support flange; and a table including: an upper panel; a second plurality of leg members extending from the upper panel; a first flange-engaging member supported by at least one first leg of the second plurality of leg members; and a second flange-engaging member supported by at least one second leg of the second plurality of leg members, wherein the first flange-engaging member is arranged opposite the second flange-engaging member, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member are arranged relative the support member in one of, wherein: a nested configuration within the volumetric cavity below the first support flange and the second support flange; and a stacked configuration not within the volumetric cavity above the first support flange and the second support flange.

18. The furniture assembly of claim 13, wherein the circular frame includes inner side surface regions that define a circular-shaped opening to the volumetric cavity at an upper end of the support member, wherein the first support flange extends from one inner side surface region of - 43 -  the inner side surface regions of the circular frame, wherein the second support flange extends from another inner side surface region of the inner side surface regions of the circular frame, wherein an inner side surface of the first support flange is arranged opposite an inner side surface of the second support flange at a distance that defines an opening to be circular-shaped, wherein the circular-shaped opening defined by the distance between the inner side surface of the first support flange and the inner side surface of the second support flange is smaller than the circular- shaped opening defined by the inner sides surface regions of the circular frame.

19. The furniture assembly of claim 18, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are configured for arrangement relative the support member in the nested configuration, wherein: a first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near a first end of a first key gap of the support member; a second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near a second end of the first key gap of the support member; a third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near a first end of a second key gap of the support member; and a fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near a second end of the second key gap of the support member.

20. The furniture assembly of claim 19, wherein the first flange-engaging member and the second flange-engaging member of the table are configured for arrangement relative the support member in the stacked configuration, wherein: the first leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the second end of the first key gap of the support member; the second leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the first end of the second key gap of the support member; the third leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the second end of the second key gap of the support member; and the fourth leg of the second plurality of leg members of the table is arranged near the first end of the first key gap of the support member. - 44 -