Molded plastic structure

Abstract

A plastic molding lip structure may extend along the outer periphery of a flat element and may include an outer wall, an inner wall, a structural portion, and a protruding feature. The outer wall may extend in a direction perpendicular to the flat element. The inner wall may be arranged in an inward direction relative to the outer wall. The structural portion may be arranged along a structural section of the outer periphery and may include a first portion of the inner wall and a first portion of the outer wall. The first portion may be arranged parallel to the inner wall and separated from the first portion along the structural section by a first distance. The protruding feature may be located between the two structural portions, and the inner wall may be separated from the second portion of the outer wall by a second distance, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office, with the title of “Molded Plastic Structure”, application number CN201811385278.X, which was filed on November 20, 2018.

[0002] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 588,812, filed November 20, 2017, entitled “Molded Plastic Structure”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0004] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 682,668, filed June 8, 2018, entitled “Molded Plastic Structure”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present invention relates generally to structures constructed at least in part from plastic, and more particularly to furniture, such as tables, that can include molded plastic components. BACKGROUND

[0006] Various different types of tables are known and used for various purposes. For example, existing tables can include legs that are pivotably attached to a table top, and the legs can be moved between a use position, in which the legs extend outwardly from the table top, and a storage position, in which the legs are folded against the table top. Existing tables having relatively large table tops and folding legs are commonly referred to as “banquet tables”, and these tables are often used in auditoriums, banquet halls, conference centers, hotels, schools, churches, and other locations where large groups of people gather. These tables are often positioned in various configurations and used in various settings. When the banquet tables are no longer needed, the table legs can be moved to the storage position, and the tables can be more easily moved or stored.

[0007] Existing tables often include table tops constructed from materials such as wood, particle board, or metal. However, table tops constructed from wood, particle board, or metal are often relatively heavy, which can make the tables cumbersome or difficult to move. Table tops constructed from wood or metal are also relatively expensive, and these types of table tops often must be treated or finished prior to use. For example, table tops constructed from wood often must be sanded and painted, and metal table tops must be formed into the desired shape and painted. Additionally, because these wooden and metal table tops are relatively heavy, the cost of shipping and transporting the tables can increase. The weight of the table tops can also make the tables more difficult to move and store.

[0008] To reduce the weight of existing tables, the table top can be constructed of a relatively lightweight material, such as plastic. Unfortunately, a table top constructed of a lightweight material can require larger reinforcing members or other structural components, such as braces, supports, support members, etc. to reinforce the table top. While these additional components can increase the strength of the table top, the added components also increase the weight of the table. These additional components can result in increased manufacturing costs and require additional time to assemble the table. Additionally, additional fasteners can be required to assemble and connect the components to the table, which can require additional time and labor during the manufacturing process. The additional components and fasteners can further increase the cost of the table and make the table more difficult to manufacture. Moreover, these additional components and fasteners can have sharp edges that can injure a user's leg or arm.

[0009] Existing tables can include a frame connected to the table top. The frame can include a pair of side rails connected to the sides of the table top using fasteners. Multiple fasteners can be required to securely connect the frame to the table top. Upon a relatively large load or force being applied to some existing tables, the frame can bend, deform, and / or disengage from the table top. Additionally, the fasteners used to connect the frame to the table top can disengage or separate from the table top. The fasteners can even damage and tear the table top if the load or force exceeds a certain amount.

[0010] The table top of some existing tables can be damaged if a relatively large load or force is applied. For example, if a large load or force is applied to a portion of the table top, that portion of the table top can bend or deform. For example, if a load or force is applied to an outer portion of the table top, that outer portion of the table top can undesirably bend or deform. In particular, the outer portion of the table top can be damaged, dented, or destroyed. SUMMARY

[0011] Therefore, a need exists for a table to eliminate or alleviate the above-mentioned disadvantages and problems.

[0012] One aspect is a structure that can be constructed of plastic. For example, the structure can be constructed of a molded plastic. If desired, the structure can be constructed of a blow-molded plastic.

[0013] Another aspect is a structure that can include a substantially planar element, such as a central portion or body portion of a table top having a substantially planar upper surface and / or lower surface, and a protruding or raised structure, such as a lip. The lip can include and / or form at least a portion of a sidewall or edge of the table top. The substantially planar element and the lip can be constructed from a molded plastic, such as a blow-molded plastic. The substantially planar element and the lip can be integrally formed as part of a one-piece structure during a blow-molding process. The structure can include a table top that can be sized and configured to nest with an adjacent table to reduce a height of a plurality of stacked tables in a nested configuration. The structure can also include a furniture article, a picnic table, a component of a playground, a component of a shelter, a component of a chair, and the like.

[0014] Yet another aspect is a plastic molded lip structure that can extend along at least a portion of an outer periphery of a flat element, and the lip structure can include a lip, a sidewall, and / or an edge of the structure. The lip structure can also include an outer wall, an inner wall, a structural portion, a protruding feature, a joint, a side, an end, and / or other portions. The outer wall can extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the flat element. The inner wall can be disposed in an inward direction relative to the outer wall. The structural portion can be disposed along a structural segment of the outer periphery. The structural portion can include a first portion of the inner wall and a first portion of the outer wall. The first portion of the outer wall can be disposed substantially parallel to the first portion of the inner wall and can be separated from the first portion of the inner wall by a first distance. The protruding feature can be disposed between two of the structural portions. One or more of the protruding features can include a second portion of the outer wall that extends substantially perpendicular to the outer periphery and a second portion of the inner wall. The second portion of the inner wall can be separated from the second portion of the outer wall by a second distance that can be greater than the first distance. The joint can be disposed on the structural segment. The joint can connect the flat element to the inner wall and the outer wall. The protruding feature can interrupt the joint. The inner wall and the outer wall can be integrated at the joint. The joint can include an outer surface that can be substantially parallel to the flat element, and the outer surface can be displaced relative to a flat surface of the flat element. The outer wall can include a first outer wall end disposed at the outer periphery of the flat element and a terminal outer wall portion opposite the first outer wall end. The inner wall can include a first inner wall end disposed at an inner surface of the flat element and a terminal inner wall portion positioned opposite the first inner wall end. The terminal inner wall portion of the inner wall and / or the terminal outer wall portion of the outer wall can join to form a lip end. The inner wall, the outer wall, the joint, and the lip end can at least partially define a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity defined along the structural segment. One or more or each of the second cavities can be disposed within one of the protruding features. The second distance by which the second portion of the inner wall is separated from the second portion of the outer wall can decrease between the first inner wall end and the terminal inner wall portion. The structural segment can include greater than about fifty percent (50%) of the outer periphery, greater than about sixty percent (60%) of the outer periphery, greater than about seventy percent (70%) of the outer periphery, greater than about eighty percent (80%) of the outer periphery, or greater than about ninety percent (90%) of the outer periphery. The end can be connected to the side by a corner. A first number of protruding features can be disposed along the end. A second number of protruding features can be disposed along the side. In particular, the end can include a length of about thirty (30) inches, and the first number of protruding features can be nine (9) protruding features or another suitable number of protruding features. Further, the side can include a length of about seventy-two (72) inches, and the second number of protruding features can be twenty-three (23) protruding features or another suitable number of protruding features. The first number of protruding features can be disposed evenly or unevenly along the end.Additionally or alternatively, the second number of protruding features may be uniformly or non-uniformly distributed along the sides. Two or more of the first number of protruding features distributed along the ends may include rounded protruding features. Two or more of the second number of protruding features distributed along the sides may include rectangular protruding features.

[0015] Advantageously, depending on the intended use of the structure, the structure can have different shapes, sizes, configurations, and arrangements. For example, the structure can be a tabletop, and the tabletop can be sized to fit and configured to nest with the tabletops of adjacent tables to reduce the height of multiple stacked tables in a nested configuration. In one example embodiment, the substantially flat element of the structure can be the top or upper surface of the tabletop, or the lower or bottom surface of the tabletop. For example, the substantially flat element can form the bottom surface of the tabletop, and one or more recesses (also referred to as "tack-offs") can be arranged in the bottom surface of the tabletop. The recesses can extend into one or more volumes disposed between the upper and lower surfaces of the tabletop. The recesses can be integrally formed as part of a one-piece structure along the substantially flat element and lip during the molding process. Upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that the structure can include tabletops sized to fit and configured to nest with adjacent tables to reduce the height of multiple stacked tables in a nested configuration, furniture articles (such as chairs or picnic tables), playground components, canopy components, chair components, etc.

[0016] Another aspect is a structure that may include a flat element oriented substantially in a first plane. The flat element may consist of a first layer of material and a second layer of material such that one or more volumes are defined between at least a portion of a first inner surface of the first layer and a second inner surface of the second layer. The flat element may include a bottom surface defining a recess therein. The recess may extend into the volume defined in the flat element. The structure may also include a plastic-molded lip structure that may extend at least a portion of the outer periphery of the flat element. The lip structure may include an outer wall, an inner wall, a structural portion, a protruding feature, a joint, a side, an end, etc. The outer wall may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the flat element. The inner wall may be arranged in an inward direction relative to the outer wall. The structural portion may be arranged along a structural section of the outer periphery. The structural portion may include a first portion of the inner wall and a first portion of the outer wall. The first portion of the outer wall may be arranged substantially parallel to the first portion of the inner wall and may be separated from the first portion of the inner wall by a first distance along the structural section. A protruding feature may be arranged between two structural portions in the structural portion. One or more of the protruding features may include a second portion of the outer wall extending substantially perpendicular to the outer perimeter and the second portion of the inner wall. The second portion of the inner wall may be separated from the second portion of the outer wall by a second distance, which may be greater than a first distance. A connector may be disposed on the structural segment. The connector may connect the flat element to the inner and outer walls. The protruding features may interrupt the connector. The inner and outer walls may be integrated at the connector. The connector may include an outer surface that may be substantially parallel to the flat element, and the outer surface may be displaced relative to the flat surface of the flat element. The outer wall may include a first outer wall end and a terminal outer wall portion, the first outer wall end being disposed at the outer perimeter of the flat element, and the terminal outer wall portion being opposite to the first outer wall end. The inner wall may include a first inner wall end and a terminal inner wall portion, the first inner wall end being disposed at the inner surface of the flat element, and the terminal inner wall portion being positioned opposite to the first inner wall end. The terminal inner wall portion of the inner wall and / or the terminal outer wall portion of the outer wall may engage to form a lip end. The inner wall, outer wall, joint, and lip end may at least partially define a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity being defined along a structural segment. One or more of the second cavities may be arranged within one of the protruding features. A second distance separating the second portion of the inner wall from the second portion of the outer wall may be reduced between the end of the first inner wall and the terminal inner wall portion. The structural segment may include approximately 50% (50%), 60% (60%), 70% (70%), 80% (80%), or 90% (90%) greater than the outer periphery. The end may be connected to the side by a corner. A first number of protruding features may be arranged along the end. A second number of protruding features may be arranged along the side.Specifically, the end portion may include a length of approximately thirty (30) inches, and the first number of protruding features may be nine (9) protruding features or another suitable number of protruding features. Additionally, the side portion may include a length of approximately seventy-two (72) inches, and the second number of protruding features may be twenty-three (23) protruding features or another suitable number of protruding features. The first number of protruding features may be evenly or unevenly distributed along the end portion. Additionally or alternatively, the second number of protruding features may be evenly or unevenly distributed along the side portion. Two or more of the first number of protruding features distributed along the end portion may include rounded protruding features. Two or more of the second number of protruding features distributed along the side portion may include rectangular protruding features.

[0017] Another aspect is a tabletop that may include a lip structure that may extend at least partially along the outer periphery of a flat element. The lip structure may include a lip, sidewalls, and / or edges. The lip structure may also include an outer wall, an inner wall, structural portions, protruding features, joints, sides, ends, etc. The outer wall may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the flat element. The inner wall may be arranged in an inward direction relative to the outer wall. The structural portion may be arranged along a structural section of the outer periphery. The structural portion may include a first portion of the inner wall and a first portion of the outer wall. The first portion of the outer wall may be arranged substantially parallel to the first portion of the inner wall and may be separated from the first portion of the inner wall by a first distance. A protruding feature may be arranged between two structural portions of the structural portion. One or more of the protruding features may include a second portion of the outer wall that extends substantially perpendicular to the outer periphery and the second portion of the inner wall. The second portion of the inner wall may be separated from the second portion of the outer wall by a second distance, which may be greater than the first distance. A joint may be arranged on the structural section. The joint can connect the flat element to the inner and outer walls. The protruding feature can interrupt the joint. The inner and outer walls can be integrated at a joint. The joint may include an outer surface that is substantially parallel to the flat element and that the outer surface may be displaced relative to the flat surface of the flat element. The outer wall may include a first outer wall end and a terminal outer wall portion, the first outer wall end being disposed at the outer periphery of the flat element and the terminal outer wall portion being opposite to the first outer wall end. The inner wall may include a first inner wall end and a terminal inner wall portion, the first inner wall end being disposed at the inner surface of the flat element and the terminal inner wall portion being positioned opposite to the first inner wall end. The terminal inner wall portion of the inner wall and / or the terminal outer wall portion of the outer wall may engage to form a lip end. The inner wall, outer wall, joint, and lip end may at least partially define a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity being defined along a structural segment. One or more of the second cavities may be disposed within one of the protruding features. A second distance separating the second portion of the inner wall from the second portion of the outer wall may be reduced between the first inner wall end and the terminal inner wall portion. The structural segment may include approximately 50% (50%), 60% (60%), 70% (70%), 80% (80%), or 90% (90%) greater than the periphery. The end portion may be connected to the side portion by a corner. A first number of protruding features may be arranged along the end portion. A second number of protruding features may be arranged along the side portion. Specifically, the end portion may include approximately 30 inches in length, and the first number of protruding features may be nine (9) protruding features or another suitable number of protruding features. Furthermore, the side portion may include approximately 72 inches in length, and the second number of protruding features may be twenty-three (23) protruding features or another suitable number of protruding features. The first number of protruding features may be evenly or unevenly arranged along the end portion.Additionally or alternatively, the second number of protruding features may be uniformly or non-uniformly distributed along the sides. Two or more of the first number of protruding features distributed along the ends may include rounded protruding features. Two or more of the second number of protruding features distributed along the sides may include rectangular protruding features.

[0018] On the other hand, there is a table that can be sized to fit and configured to nest with adjacent tables to reduce the height of the stacked tables in the nested configuration. Each table in the stack can have substantially the same size and configuration. The table can include a tabletop with a lip structure. The lip structure can extend at least partially along the outer periphery of a flat element of the tabletop. The lip structure can include an outer wall, an inner wall, structural portions, protruding features, joints, sides, ends, etc. The outer wall can extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the flat element. The inner wall can be arranged in an inward direction relative to the outer wall. The structural portion can be arranged along a structural section of the outer periphery. The structural portion can include a first portion of the inner wall and a first portion of the outer wall. The first portion of the outer wall can be arranged substantially parallel to the first portion of the inner wall and can be separated from the first portion of the inner wall by a first distance along the structural section. A protruding feature can be arranged between two structural portions in the structural portion. One or more of the protruding features can include a second portion of the outer wall that extends substantially perpendicular to the outer periphery and the second portion of the inner wall. The second portion of the inner wall can be separated from the second portion of the outer wall by a second distance, which can be greater than the first distance. A connector may be disposed on a structural segment. The connector connects a flat element to an inner wall and an outer wall. A protruding feature may interrupt the connector. The inner and outer walls may be integrated at the connector. The connector may include an outer surface that is substantially parallel to the flat element and that the outer surface may be displaced relative to the flat surface of the flat element. The outer wall may include a first outer wall end and a terminal outer wall portion, the first outer wall end being disposed at the outer periphery of the flat element, and the terminal outer wall portion being opposite to the first outer wall end. The inner wall may include a first inner wall end and a terminal inner wall portion, the first inner wall end being disposed at the inner surface of the flat element, and the terminal inner wall portion being positioned opposite to the first inner wall end. The terminal inner wall portion of the inner wall and / or the terminal outer wall portion of the outer wall may engage to form a lip end. The inner wall, outer wall, connector, and lip end may at least partially define a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity being defined along the structural segment. One or more of the second cavities may be disposed within one of the protruding features. The second distance separating the second portion of the inner wall from the second portion of the outer wall may be reduced between the end of the first inner wall and the terminal inner wall portion. The structural segment may include approximately 50% (50%), 60% (60%), 70% (70%), 80% (80%), or 90% (90%) greater than the outer perimeter. The end may be connected to the side by a corner. A first number of protruding features may be arranged along the end. A second number of protruding features may be arranged along the side. Specifically, the end may include a length of approximately thirty (30) inches, and the first number of protruding features may be nine (9) protruding features or another suitable number of protruding features.Furthermore, the side portion may include a length of approximately seventy-two (72) inches, and the second number of protruding features may be twenty-three (23) protruding features or another suitable number of protruding features. The first number of protruding features may be evenly or unevenly distributed along the ends. Additionally or alternatively, the second number of protruding features may be evenly or unevenly distributed along the side portion. Two or more of the first number of protruding features distributed along the ends may include rounded protruding features. Two or more of the second number of protruding features distributed along the side portion may include rectangular protruding features.

[0019] On the other hand, it is a blow-molded plastic structure. The blow-molded plastic structure may include a body, a lip structure, a joint, one or more sides, one or more ends, and multiple recesses in the body. The body may include a first surface, a second surface, and at least one hollow interior of the body, the hollow interior being at least partially disposed between the first and second surfaces. The lip structure may extend at least partially along the outer periphery of the body, and the lip structure may include a lip, sidewalls, and / or edges. The lip structure may include multiple components, such as an outer wall, an inner wall, structural portions, and protruding features. The outer wall may include an outer portion of the first surface and may extend along a first direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second surfaces. The inner wall may include an outer portion of the second surface. The inner wall may be arranged in an inward direction relative to the outer wall. The structural portion may be arranged along a structural section of the outer periphery. The structural portion may include a first portion of the inner wall and a first portion of the outer wall. The first portion of the outer wall may be arranged substantially parallel to the first portion of the inner wall and may be separated from the first portion of the inner wall along the structural section by a first distance. The protruding features may be arranged between two structural portions in the structural portion. One or more of the protruding features may include a second portion of the outer wall, which may extend substantially perpendicular to the outer periphery and the second portion of the inner wall. The second portion of the inner wall may be separated from the second portion of the outer wall by a second distance, which may be greater than a first distance. The second distance separating the second portion of the inner wall from the second portion of the outer wall may decrease between a first inner wall end and a terminal inner wall portion. The body and the lip structure may be integrally formed as a single-piece structure. A joint may be arranged on a structural segment connecting the body to the lip structure. Specifically, one or more of the protruding features may interrupt the joint, and the inner and outer walls may be integrated at the joint. The joint may include an outer surface that may be substantially parallel to a first surface, and this outer surface may be displaced relative to the first surface. Furthermore, the outer wall may include a first outer wall end and a terminal outer wall portion, the first outer wall end being disposed at the outer periphery of the flat element, and the terminal outer wall portion being opposite the first outer wall end. The inner wall may include a first inner wall end and a terminal inner wall portion, the first inner wall end being disposed at the inner surface of the flat element, and the terminal inner wall portion being positioned opposite the first inner wall end. The terminal inner wall portion of the inner wall and the terminal outer wall portion of the outer wall can be joined to form a lip end. The inner wall, outer wall, joint, and lip end can at least partially define a first cavity along the structural segment and a second cavity disposed within one of the protruding features. The first cavity can be in fluid communication with the hollow interior via the second cavity. The one-piece structure can be formed using a blow molding process. During the blow molding process, gas can flow from the hollow interior of the body through the second cavity and into the first cavity. During the blow molding process, the gas can have sufficient pressure in the first cavity to form the lip structure.The structural segment may include approximately 50% (50%), 60% (60%), 70% (70%), 80% (80%), or 90% (90%) greater than the periphery. The end portion may be connected to the side portion by a corner. A first number of protruding features may be arranged along the end portion. A second number of protruding features may be arranged along the side portion. Specifically, the end portion may include approximately 30 inches in length, and the first number of protruding features may be nine (9) protruding features or another suitable number of protruding features. Furthermore, the side portion may include approximately 72 inches in length, and the second number of protruding features may be twenty-three (23) protruding features or another suitable number of protruding features. The first number of protruding features may be evenly or unevenly arranged along the end portion. Additionally or alternatively, the second number of protruding features may be evenly or unevenly arranged along the side portion. Two or more of the first number of protruding features arranged along the end portion may include rounded protruding features. Two or more of the second number of protruding features provided along the side may include rectangular protruding features. Recesses may be defined in the second surface. Recesses may extend into the hollow interior. Recesses may be integrally formed as part of a one-piece structure along the flat element and lip structure during the molding process. The structure may include a tabletop that can be sized to fit and configured to nest with adjacent tables to reduce the height of multiple stacked tables in a nested configuration. The structure may also include furniture articles, picnic tables, playground components, canopy components, chair components, etc.

[0020] Another aspect is a blow-molded plastic structure constructed using a blow molding process. The blow-molded plastic structure may include a tabletop, comprising an upper surface, a lower surface, and a hollow interior disposed between the upper and lower surfaces of the tabletop; a lip extending downward relative to the lower surface of the tabletop, the lip including an outer surface and an inner surface; a first pair of adjacent risers, each riser including a first portion connected to the lower surface of the tabletop and a second portion connected to the inner surface of the lip, each riser including a hollow interior in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the tabletop; an elongated recess extending between the first pair of adjacent risers, the elongated recess including a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be at least adjacent to the first riser of the first pair of adjacent risers, the second end being configured to be at least adjacent to the second riser of the first pair of adjacent risers; a first gas flow channel formed at least partially by the hollow interior of the tabletop and the hollow interior of the first riser; and a second gas flow channel formed at least partially by the hollow interior of the tabletop and the hollow interior of the second riser.

[0021] Another aspect of the blow-molded plastic structure is that the elongated recess can be substantially positioned between the tabletop and the lip; and the elongated recess can at least substantially prevent fluid flow between the tabletop and the lip. The elongated recess can have a length at least three times greater than the height of the riser in the first pair of adjacent risers. The hollow interior of each riser can be in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the lip. A first gas flow channel can be formed at least partially by the hollow interior of the tabletop, the hollow interior of the first riser, and the first hollow interior of the lip. A second gas flow channel can be formed at least partially by the hollow interior of the tabletop, the hollow interior of the second riser, and the second hollow interior of the lip. The first hollow interior and the second hollow interior of the lip can be in fluid communication.

[0022] Furthermore, the tabletop, lip, first pair of adjacent risers, elongated recess, first gas flow channel, and second gas flow channel can be integrally formed as a single-piece structure during the blow molding process. During the blow molding process, gas can flow into the first gas flow channel and gas can flow into the second gas flow channel to form at least a portion of the lip. The blow-molded plastic structure may also include a second pair of adjacent risers, with the first pair of adjacent risers disposed on a first side of the tabletop and the second pair of adjacent risers disposed on a second side of the tabletop. The first pair of adjacent risers may be a portion of multiple pairs of adjacent risers, which may include at least two pairs of adjacent risers disposed along the first side of the tabletop, at least two pairs of adjacent risers disposed along the second side of the tabletop, at least two pairs of adjacent risers disposed along the third side of the tabletop, and at least two pairs of adjacent risers disposed along the fourth side of the tabletop. Additionally, if the tabletop includes a corner, the first riser in the first pair of adjacent risers may be disposed on the first side of the corner, the second riser in the first pair of adjacent risers may be disposed on the second side of the corner, and the elongated recess may extend along the radius of the corner between the first pair of adjacent risers. The tabletop may include an outer perimeter, the first pair of adjacent risers may be portions of multiple pairs of adjacent risers, the elongated recess may have a length measured from the first end to the second end, the elongated recess may be portions of multiple elongated recesses, the elongated recess may be arranged between each pair of adjacent risers, and the length of the combination of multiple elongated recesses may include the following lengths: greater than about fifty percent (50%) of the outer perimeter, greater than about sixty percent (60%) of the outer perimeter, greater than about seventy percent (70%) of the outer perimeter, greater than about eighty percent (80%) of the outer perimeter, greater than about ninety percent (90%) of the outer perimeter, or more.

[0023] On the other hand, there is a blow-molded plastic structure constructed using a blow molding process. The blow-molded plastic structure may include a tabletop having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a hollow interior disposed between the upper and lower surfaces of the tabletop; a lip extending downward relative to the lower surface of the tabletop, the lip including an inner surface and an outer surface; a plurality of risers, each riser connected to the lower surface of the tabletop and the inner surface of the lip, each riser including a hollow interior in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the tabletop; and a plurality of elongated recesses, one of the elongated recesses being disposed between adjacent risers.

[0024] On the other hand, the hollow interior of the tabletop can be in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the riser during the blow molding process, and the hollow interior of the riser can be in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the lip during the blow molding process; a gas flow channel can be formed by the hollow interiors of the tabletop, the riser, and the lip, and gas can flow within the gas flow channel during the blow molding process. The first and second ends of the elongated recess can be arranged between adjacent risers, with the first end of the elongated recess arranged at least adjacent to a first riser and the second end of the elongated recess arranged at least adjacent to a second riser. The elongated recess disposed between adjacent risers can have a length substantially equal to the distance separating the adjacent risers.

[0025] Furthermore, structural features can be arranged between adjacent risers in a plurality of risers, and the structural features may include a hollow interior in fluid communication with the hollow interior of an adjacent riser. Adjacent risers in a plurality of risers may be spaced substantially equidistant. Adjacent risers in a plurality of risers may be spaced substantially equidistant along at least a portion of the side of the table and at least a portion of the end of the table. Additionally, the table may include a corner having a first end and a second end, and one of a plurality of elongated recesses may extend between the first and second ends of the corner. The corner may include a first end, a second end, and a radius; a first riser in a pair of adjacent risers may be arranged adjacent to the first end of the corner; a second riser in the pair of adjacent risers may be arranged adjacent to the second end of the corner; and one of the elongated recesses may extend along the radius of the corner between the first and second risers. Gas can flow from the hollow interior of the table through the hollow interior of the riser during the blow molding process and enter one or more hollow interiors of the lip.

[0026] On the other hand, the length of the elongated concave portion can be two, three, four, five, six, or more times the width of the riser. The length of the elongated concave portion can also be two, three, four, five, six, or more times the height of the adjacent portion of the lip. Furthermore, the length of the elongated concave portion can be two, three, four, five, six, or more times the length of the existing recess. Further, the elongated concave portion can have a length at least three times greater than the height of the riser in the first pair of adjacent risers.

[0027] Advantageously, risers and elongated recesses can contribute to the production of a high-strength, impact-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing lip. Additionally, in one example embodiment, a relatively small number of risers may be required. For example, a tabletop approximately thirty (30) inches wide may include four (4) risers arranged along its width, while a tabletop approximately seventy-two (72) inches long may include eight (8) or ten (10) risers arranged along its length. It will be understood upon reading this disclosure that, depending on the intended use of, for example, the table, it may include risers and elongated recesses of any suitable number, size, shape, configuration, and / or arrangement.

[0028] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawings, the detailed description of preferred embodiments, and the claims of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings contain illustrations of exemplary embodiments to further illustrate and clarify the above and other aspects, advantages, and features of the invention. It should be understood that these drawings are merely illustrative embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit its scope of protection. Furthermore, it should be understood that while the drawings may show preferred dimensions, scales, relationships, and configurations of the invention, they are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the claimed invention. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail using the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a top-down 3D view of the example table;

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The tabletop shown is a bottom-view perspective view, in which the support structure is set in an extended configuration;

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The table shown is a bottom-view perspective view, with the support structure set in a folding configuration;

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The table shown is a bottom-view perspective view, with the supporting structure omitted.

[0034] Figure 5This is a magnified view of a portion of the sample desktop;

[0035] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the tabletop shown;

[0036] Figure 7 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of one of the protruding features realizing an angled geometry, which can be implemented in... Figure 1 On the tabletop shown;

[0037] Figure 8 This shows that it can be achieved in Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a structural feature on the tabletop shown.

[0038] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view is shown of one of the protruding features that realizes a curved geometry, which can be achieved in... Figure 1 On the tabletop shown;

[0039] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of a portion of the example tabletop shown;

[0040] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of a portion of the example tabletop shown;

[0041] Figure 12 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of one of the protruding features that realizes a rectangular geometry, which can be implemented in... Figure 1 On the tabletop shown;

[0042] Figure 13 An example portion of the desktop is shown, which includes an end and two sides, as well as a portion of a frame positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the desktop;

[0043] Figure 14 Another example portion of the desktop is shown, which includes an end and two sides, as well as a portion of a frame positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the desktop;

[0044] Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a frame disposed in a recess is shown, wherein the recess may be defined in Figure 1 On the tabletop shown;

[0045] Figure 16 Showing the example stack configuration Figure 1 Multiple embodiments of the table shown;

[0046] Figure 17 This is a detailed cross-sectional view of an example section of a table in a stacked configuration;

[0047] Figure 18 This is a bottom-view perspective view of another example embodiment of the desktop.

[0048] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional side view, which is part of an example embodiment of the desktop.

[0049] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional side view, which is part of another example embodiment of the desktop.

[0050] Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional side view, which is part of yet another example embodiment of the desktop.

[0051] Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional side view, which is part of yet another example embodiment of the desktop.

[0052] Figure 23 A cross-sectional side view, which is part of yet another example embodiment of the desktop; and

[0053] Figure 24 This is a cross-sectional side view as part of a further example embodiment of the desktop. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The following example embodiments are generally described in conjunction with a desktop. However, the principles of the invention are not limited to desktops. In particular, the principles of the invention can be implemented in other furniture articles and other structures including molded plastic components. Furthermore, it should be understood that the desktops disclosed herein can have various shapes, sizes, configurations, and arrangements for the benefits of this disclosure. Moreover, while the desktops, as shown in the figures, can be configured for use in conjunction with banquet tables or multi-purpose tables, it should be understood that the desktops can have any suitable style or configuration. For example, the desktops described herein can be implemented as round tables, individual tables, conference tables, seminar tables, folding tables, lounge tables, height-adjustable folding tables, card tables, etc. Further, the invention and its components disclosed herein can be successfully combined with other types of furniture (e.g., chairs, stacking chairs, children's chairs, tables, picnic tables, etc.) and / or structures (e.g., storage sheds, storage boxes, freezers, garden boxes, playground equipment, etc.).

[0055] To aid in describing exemplary embodiments of the desktop, terms such as top, bottom, front, back, left, and right may be used to describe the accompanying drawings, which may, but need not, be drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the desktop can be arranged in various desired positions or orientations and used in a wide range of locations, environments, and arrangements. The following are detailed descriptions of some exemplary embodiments of the desktop.

[0056] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the example table 10 may include a tabletop 12 that can be constructed from molded plastic. The tabletop 12 may include an upper portion 14, such as an upper surface; a lower portion 16, such as a lower surface or bottom side surface, or a lower or bottom portion; and an outer boundary 18. As shown in the figures, a lip structure 13 may be arranged around an outer perimeter 15 and may extend downward from the lower portion 16 of the tabletop 12. The upper portion 14 may be spaced apart from the lower portion 16 of the tabletop 12 by a distance that may be substantially constant in some embodiments. The tabletop 12 may also include a hollow interior disposed between the upper portion 14 and the lower portion 16 of the tabletop 12.

[0057] Additionally, the tabletop 12 may include one or more sides 22, corners 24, and ends 26. The tabletop 12, including the upper part 14, lower part 16, hollow interior, lip structure 13, sides 22, corners 24, and / or ends 26, can be integrally formed as a single-piece structure during the molding process. If the tabletop 12 is constructed of plastic, it can be formed into the desired shape through blow molding, injection molding, rotational molding, and / or other suitable processes. It should also be understood that the tabletop 12 can be constructed from various materials, such as wood, metal, etc.

[0058] The tabletop 12 may include a substantially flat portion or element 11. The substantially flat element 11 may form at least a portion of the tabletop 12, such as an upper or upper surface 14 and / or a lower or lower surface 16. A lip structure 13 may be arranged around an outer perimeter 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the lip structure 13 may extend around the entire outer perimeter 15 of the tabletop 12. In other embodiments, the lip structure 13 may extend along one or more portions of the outer perimeter 18, which may be separated from each other. The lip structure 13 may also be spaced inward from the outer perimeter 15, and the lip structure 13 may be any structure angled relative to the substantially flat element 11. The lip structure 13 may extend outward and / or downward from the lower portion 16 of the tabletop 12. For example, the lip structure 13 may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lower portion 16 of the tabletop 12. In this example configuration, the lip structure 13 may extend downward when the tabletop 12 is oriented with the upper portion 14 facing upward.

[0059] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The table 10 may also include one or more support structures 27, which may be sized and configured to support the tabletop 12 above a surface (such as a floor or ground). The support structure 27 may include one or more legs or supports 30, and the support structure may be movable relative to the tabletop 12 between an extended or used position and a folded or stored position. As shown in the figures, the support structure 27 may include a pair of legs or supports 30, and connecting members may connect the supports to each other.

[0060] Table 10 may include a frame 36 connected to a tabletop 12. Support structure 27 may be connected to the frame 36. Additionally, support structure 27 may be movably connected to the frame 36 to allow legs 30 to move between an outwardly extended position or a use position and a folded position or a storage position. For example, support structure 27 and / or legs 30 may include or be connected to transverse members 23, 40, and transverse members 23, 40 may be connected to the frame 36 or may be part of the frame 36. Frame 36 may include elongated support members or side bars 42, 44, and transverse members 23, 40 may be connected to side bars 42, 44. It should be understood that transverse members 23, 40 may also be part of the frame 36. Side bars 42, 44 may extend along the length 92 and / or width 90 of the tabletop 12, and the side bars may help support the tabletop 12 and / or help connect support structure 27 and / or transverse members 23, 40 to the tabletop 12.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, the support structure 27 and / or legs 30 may, but are not necessarily, connected to the transverse members 23, 40 or the frame 36. Instead, the support structure 27 and / or legs 30 may be connected to any suitable part of the table 10. It should also be understood that, depending on, for example, the intended use of the table, the table 10 may include any suitable number of support structures 27 and / or legs 30. It should also be understood that, depending on, for example, the intended use of the table 10, the tabletop 12, support structure 27, and legs 30 may have various sizes, shapes, configurations, and arrangements. It should also be understood that the frame 36, side bars 42, 44, and / or transverse members 23, 40 are not mandatory; and if desired, the table 10 may have other components, features, aspects, characteristics, etc.

[0062] The table 10 may also include a first support assembly 46 and a second support assembly 48, which can be connected to the support structure 27. In particular, the support assemblies 46, 48 can be connected to the legs 30 and can be sized and configured to allow the legs 30 to move between a use position and a storage position. The support assemblies 46, 48 may include a first portion 50A connected to the legs 30 and a second portion 50B connected to the transverse member 52 and / or the tabletop 12. The first portion 50A and the second portion 50B can be interconnected to form the support assemblies 46, 48.

[0063] Table 10 can be sized to fit and configured to stack with one or more additional tables. For example, Figure 16Several embodiments of tables 10 in a stacking configuration 500 are illustrated. In the stacking configuration 500, the stacked tables 10 are preferably nested together to reduce the height 502 of the tables 10 in the stacking configuration 500. The reduction in height 502 allows the tables 10 to be transported, stored, and shipped in a smaller volume. This can result in significant cost savings for manufacturers, for example, because less storage space is required and a substantial reduction in transportation costs can be achieved. Example embodiments of nested tables are shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 8,397,652, issued March 19, 2012; U.S. Patent No. 8,408,146, issued April 2, 2013; U.S. Patent No. 8,622,007, issued January 7, 2014; U.S. Patent No. 9,138,050, issued September 22, 2015; and U.S. Patent No. 8,347,795, issued January 8, 2013; each of these patent documents is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Some additional details of the stacked configuration 500 are described elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0064] Back Figure 3 The frame 36 can be sized and configured to facilitate nesting of the table 10. For example, the side bars 42, 44 of the frame 36 can be arranged along the side 22 of the tabletop 12. Advantageously, if the side bars 42, 44 are arranged adjacent to the side 22 of the tabletop 12, the side of the tabletop 12 can be supported by the frame 36, which can help to create a sturdy and robust table 10. In addition, the side bars 42, 44 can be sized and configured to help transmit forces away from the center portion and outer perimeter 15 of the table 10, which can also help to create a sturdy and robust table 10.

[0065] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The desktop 12 may include one or more recesses 60, which may also be referred to as recesses. The recesses 60 may be sized, shaped, configured, and arranged to provide increased strength, stiffness, and / or rigidity to the desktop 12. The recesses 60 may cover most, substantially all, or all of the lower portion 16 of the desktop 12. Additionally, the recesses 60 may have a substantially uniform shape, size, configuration, and arrangement. The recesses 60 may further have an elongated shape aligned with an axis, and the recesses 60 may be aligned in a series of rows and / or columns extending along the length and / or width of the desktop 12. Furthermore, the recesses 60 in adjacent rows and columns may be offset, and the distance between adjacent recesses in a row and column may be substantially equal. For example, the distance between adjacent recesses in each row and / or column may be substantially constant or equal. The distance between adjacent rows and columns may also be substantially constant or equal.

[0066] The recesses 60 can be used to produce a tabletop 12 with substantially uniform characteristics or quality. For example, if the recesses 60 are spaced evenly, the upper portion 14 of the tabletop 12 can be uniformly supported. Alternatively, if the recesses 60 are separated by a substantially constant distance, which can be measured from the center of one recess 60 to the center of the adjacent recess 60, a tabletop 12 with even more uniform characteristics or quality can be produced. Depending on, for example, the arrangement of the recesses 60, the distance between adjacent recesses 60 can be measured longitudinally, laterally, or at an angle.

[0067] The recesses 60 can also be arranged in a pattern, and the recesses within the pattern can be substantially aligned and / or positioned at predetermined locations. The pattern may include, for example, multiple rows 64 (see example...). Figure 3 ) and / or column 66 (see example) Figure 3 The recess 60 is a recess. Rows 64 can be arranged along the length 92 of the tabletop 12, and columns 66 can extend along the width 90 of the tabletop 12. Depending on the intended use of, for example, the tabletop 12, the recess 60 can also be arranged in other suitable forms and patterns, and can have other shapes, sizes, configurations, and arrangements.

[0068] Depending on the specific configuration of, for example, the recesses, 60 can also have different characteristics. For example, recess 60 can have an elongated length, and the recess can have increasing strength along its length. Recess 60 can also have a non-circular configuration to have increased strength in one direction compared to another. Advantageously, if the recesses 60 have different characteristics, the recesses can be arranged or configured such that the structure has specific characteristics. In particular, the recesses 60 can be arranged in a pattern to maximize specific characteristics and / or produce a structure with substantially uniform characteristics. For example, the pattern can include substantially uniformly spaced recesses 60, recesses separated by substantially constant distances and / or set in a standardized arrangement. A consistent arrangement of recesses 60 can contribute to producing a structure with uniform characteristics. For example, a substantially constant pattern of recesses 60 can produce a structure with substantially uniform strength and structural integrity.

[0069] refer to Figure 4One or more recesses 60 may be arranged in one or more recesses 28, 25, 32 and / or 34. The recesses 60 in the recesses 28, 25, 32 and / or 34 may have substantially the same size, shape, configuration and / or arrangement as the recesses 60 in the pattern of the rest of the tabletop 12. Depending on, for example, the size of the recess, the recesses 60 in the recesses 28, 25, 32 and / or 34 may also have other sizes, shapes, configurations and / or arrangements. Advantageously, the recesses 60 in the recesses 28, 25, 32 and / or 34 may help support the upper portion 14 of the tabletop 12. The recesses 60 in the recesses 28, 25, 32 and / or 34 may also help support adjacent frames of the tabletop 12 (e.g., such as...). Figure 3 The recess 60, provided by the frame 36 shown, helps prevent the desktop 12 from undesirably sagging or otherwise deforming. If a load or force is applied to a portion of the desktop 12, the recess 60 also helps prevent that portion of the desktop 12 from undesirably bending or collapsing.

[0070] The desktop 12 may include a longitudinal recess 28 that may extend along one or more sides 22, and a central longitudinal recess 25. The longitudinal recesses 28 and 25 may be sized to and configured to receive longitudinal portions or components of the frame (e.g., the side bars 42 and 44 described above).

[0071] Furthermore, the tabletop 12 may include one or more central lateral recesses 32 and one or more lateral recesses 34. For example, the central lateral recesses 32 may be arranged adjacent to the central portion of the tabletop 12, while the lateral recesses 34 may be arranged adjacent to the respective ends 26 of the tabletop 12. The lateral recesses 32 and 34 may be configured to receive lateral portions or components of the frame 36.

[0072] The tabletop 12 and the recesses 28, 25, 32 and / or 34 may be sized to facilitate nesting of a table 10 having the tabletop 12. For example, the recesses 28, 25, 32 and / or 34 may allow portions of the frame to be positioned along the tabletop 12. The frame 36, for example, may be sized and configured to transmit forces toward the central portion of the tabletop 12 and the outer periphery 15 away from the tabletop 12. The frame may also be sized and configured to support the sides 22, corners 24 and / or ends 26 of the tabletop 12. Furthermore, the recesses 28, 25, 32 and / or 34 may facilitate the positioning of the frame and / or support structure and may facilitate the stacking and / or nesting of the tabletops 12.

[0073] In some embodiments, the frame 36 and support structure 27 implemented in the desktop 12 may include a frame and support structure similar to or substantially similar to the frame and support structure shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 9,138,050, issued September 22, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. It should be understood that, for the benefits of this disclosure, the desktop 12 may be configured to have any suitable frame and / or support structure. It should be understood that, for the benefits of this disclosure, the frame and support structure may include any suitable components, which may have various sizes, shapes, configurations, and arrangements depending on, for example, the intended use of the desktop 12. It should also be understood that the frame and / or support structure is not mandatory, and the desktop 12 may be configured to interface with other components, features, aspects, characteristics, etc., if desired.

[0074] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As described above, the lip structure 13 may be arranged around or along at least a portion of the outer perimeter 15 of the tabletop 12. The lip structure 13 may provide additional support to the corners 24, sides 22, and / or ends 26 of the tabletop 12. Advantageously, the lip structure 13 may increase the strength, rigidity, structural integrity, and / or impact resistance of the tabletop 12. The lip structure 13 may increase the service life of the tabletop 12 and may reduce the likelihood of damage to the tabletop 12 during use, transportation, and / or storage.

[0075] For example, table 10 may be constructed and then shipped to a retailer or end user. During transport, table 10 may fall or come into contact with other products. Such contact may exert force on the tabletop 12, particularly on the edge portions of tabletop 12. A lip structure 13 may be configured to reinforce tabletop 12, which may reduce or prevent damage to table 10. The lip structure 13 may also help reduce or prevent damage during use. For example, tabletop 12 may include a banquet table, which can be configured for storage and use. Between uses, the banquet table can be configured in the storage arrangement and stored. For the next use, the banquet table can be removed and reconfigured for use. During this usage mode, the banquet table may fall, tip over on its side, get stuck in a storage cabinet, etc., which may cause contact between tabletop 12 and various objects (e.g., floor, cabinet doors, other tables, etc.). The lip structure 13 can reduce the likelihood of such contact causing damage to tabletop 12.

[0076] The desktop 12 may include one or more protruding features 126 and 328. Protruding features 126 and 328 may be at least partially disposed in the lip structure 13. For example, the lip structure 13 may include one or more of the protruding features 126 disposed along the end portion 26 and one or more protruding features 328 disposed along the side portion 22 (collectively referred to as protruding features 126 / 328). The protruding features 126 and / or 328 and the structural feature 128 may be arranged in a specific configuration and / or arrangement. For example, one or more structural features 128 may be positioned or disposed between each group of two protruding features 126 / 328.

[0077] In one example embodiment, the lip structure 13 may include an outer wall 80 disposed around at least a portion of the outer perimeter 15 of the tabletop 12. More specifically, the outer wall 80 may extend around the outer perimeter 15, and the outer wall 80 may be oriented substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to substantially flat elements 11 (such as the upper portion 14 or lower portion 16 of the tabletop 12). Protrusion features 126 and / or 328 and structural features 128 may be substantially aligned with and / or configured to be parallel to the outer wall 80.

[0078] The lip structure 13 may include an inner wall 82, which may be arranged substantially parallel to or at an angle relative to the outer wall 80. At least a portion of the inner wall 82 and the outer wall 80 may be separated by a spacer or gap. In particular, a hollow interior may be at least partially disposed between the inner wall 82 and the outer wall 80, and the hollow interior may be formed during the molding process. Specifically, the hollow interior is at least partially disposed between the inner wall 82 and the outer wall 80 during the blow molding process. Protruding features 126 and / or 328 and structural feature 128 may be at least partially formed or disposed in the inner wall 82 and / or the outer wall 80. For example, protruding features 126 and / or 328 may be at least partially formed or disposed in the inner wall 82 and substantially aligned with the outer wall 80. The structural feature 128 may also be at least partially formed or disposed in the inner wall 82 and / or the outer wall 80. For example, structural feature 128 may be at least partially formed or disposed in the inner wall 82 and substantially aligned with the outer wall 80.

[0079] In one example embodiment, structural feature 128 may form part of inner wall 82. This structural feature 128 and / or inner wall 82 may be arranged substantially perpendicular to the substantially flat element 11 and / or substantially parallel to the outer wall 80. Protruding features 126 / 328 and / or inner wall 82 may be arranged inwardly relative to the outer wall 80. For example, protruding features 126 / 328 may extend toward the central portion 86 of the tabletop 12.

[0080] Structural feature 128 may form a portion of the lip structure 13, and may be at least partially formed by an inner wall 82 and an outer wall 80. At least portions of the inner wall 82 and the outer wall 80 may be spaced apart. Therefore, a gap or hollow interior may be arranged between the inner wall 82 and the outer wall 80. The inner wall 82 and the outer wall 80 may be arranged in a substantially parallel configuration and / or at an angle relative to each other.

[0081] For example, if the inner wall 82 and the outer wall 80 are configured to be substantially parallel, a lower wall or bottom wall may connect the inner and outer walls. The inner wall 82 and the outer wall 80 may also touch or contact, which can form a compression edge. Thus, in one example embodiment, portions of the inner wall 82 and the outer wall 80 may contact each other, and portions of the inner wall 82 and the outer wall 80 may be separated by a gap or spaced apart by a distance. The gap or distance between the inner wall 82 and the outer wall 80 can form a hollow interior, such as a volume or cavity. Advantageously, the inner and outer walls 80 and 82 may be arranged close together. For example, the inner and outer walls 80 and 82 may be spaced apart by about 5 mm (0.2 inches) or less, such as about 4 mm (0.16 inches), about 3 mm (0.12 inches), about 2 mm (0.08 inches); about 1 mm (0.04 inches), about 0.5 mm (0.02 inches), or less. The two walls 80 and 82 can provide additional rigidity for forces acting on the lip structure 13 and / or structural feature 128. In addition, the two walls 80 and 82 of the lip structure 13 and / or structural feature 128 can provide additional rigidity, such as for forces acting inward (e.g., toward the central portion 86) or outward (e.g., away from the central portion 86).

[0082] Structural feature 128 may form at least a portion, such as a majority, of the lip structure 13. For example, the lip structure 13 may extend around the entire perimeter 18. For example, the tabletop 12 may be an eight-foot banquet table having a length 92 of about eight (8) feet and a width 90 of about thirty (30) inches. Accordingly, the perimeter 15 may be about 252 inches. A portion of the perimeter 15 on which the structural feature 128 may be arranged or at least partially defined may be greater than about fifty percent (50%), about sixty percent (60%), about seventy percent (70%), about eighty percent (80%), or about ninety percent (90%) of the perimeter 18.

[0083] It should be understood that, depending on the intended use of, for example, table 10, tabletop 12 may have different shapes, sizes, configurations, and / or arrangements. It should also be understood that table 10 and tabletop 12 may include any suitable number and combination of features, aspects, and components; however, these features, aspects, or components are not mandatory. Furthermore, it should be understood that structural feature 128 may have specific sizes, shapes, configurations, and / or arrangements to provide, for example, increased strength, rigidity, and / or structural integrity. It should also be understood that, depending on factors such as location, intended use, and function, structural feature 128 may have specific sizes, shapes, configurations, and / or arrangements.

[0084] In the following paragraphs, the lip structure 13 is described with reference to the tabletop 12. However, it should be understood that the lip structure 13 is not limited to the implementation of the tabletop 12. Rather, the lip structure 13 can be implemented in a variety of structures, which may include round tables, individual tables, conference tables, seminar tables, folding tables, lounge tables, height-adjustable folding tables, card tables, other types of furniture (e.g., chairs, stacking chairs, children's chairs, tables, picnic tables, etc.) and / or structures (e.g., storage sheds, storage boxes, freezers, garden boxes, playground equipment, etc.).

[0085] Figure 5 This shows a portion of desktop 12. A portion of desktop 12 is shown in... Figure 5 This shows one of the ends 26, two corners 24, a portion of the substantially flat element 11, a portion of the side 22, and a portion of the lip structure 13 extending around the portions of the ends 26, corners 24, and side 22. As described above and as... Figure 5 As shown, the lip structure 13 can extend outward (e.g., in the y-direction) from the substantially flat element 11 of the tabletop 12. The lip structure 13 can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer perimeter 15, and the lip structure 13 can be arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the upper portion 14 and the lower portion 16 of the tabletop 12.

[0086] In other embodiments, the lip structure 13 may not be arranged at an angle relative to the outer perimeter 15 and may be spaced inward from the outer perimeter 18. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the lip structure 13 may extend only a portion of the outer perimeter 15 of the tabletop 12. Therefore, depending on, for example, the size, shape, configuration, and / or arrangement of the tabletop 12, the tabletop 12 may include, for example, a plurality of lip structures 13, and the lip structures may be spaced apart, aligned, angled, etc.

[0087] The basically flat element 11 can be Figure 5 Extending in the z-direction of any defined coordinate system shown. The substantially flat element 11 can be substantially oriented in a first plane, which is oriented substantially parallel to... Figure 5The XZ plane is in the middle. The substantially flat element 11 may include or may be substantially aligned with the materials of the first layer 110 and the second layer 108. The first layer 110 may include a first inner surface 114 and a first outer surface 116. The second layer 108 may include a second inner surface 118 and a second outer surface 120. The first outer surface 116 may form the upper surface of the tabletop 12. In these and other embodiments, the second outer surface 120 may form the bottom surface or bottom side portion of the tabletop 12 (e.g., facing the floor in use). The first layer 110 may be positioned relative to the second layer 108 such that one or more hollow interiors 112 (such as volumes, chambers, or spaces) are disposed or defined between at least a portion of the first inner surface 114 of the first layer 110 and the second inner surface 118 of the second layer 108.

[0088] As described above, the substantially flat element 11 may include one or more recesses 60. Recesses 60 may be defined or formed in the second outer surface 120. Recesses 60 may extend into at least a portion or a portion of the volume 112. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the recesses 60 extend over at least a portion of the distance 111 to the first inner surface 114. For example, the recesses 60 may extend over approximately fifty percent (50%) of the distance 111 to the first inner surface 114, approximately sixty percent (60%) of the distance 111 to the first inner surface 114, approximately seventy percent (70%) of the distance 111 to the first inner surface 114, approximately eighty percent (80%) of the distance 111 to the first inner surface 114, approximately ninety percent (90%) of the distance 111 to the first inner surface 114, etc. In some embodiments, the recesses 60 may extend into the volume 112 such that the second inner surface 118 contacts the first inner surface 114. Additionally, the substantially flat element 11 may include or define one or more other recesses or volumes, such as those described above. For example, the substantially flat element 11 may include or define a recess 28 in which a table (e.g., as described above) may be arranged and / or fixed. Figures 1 to 4 The frame of the table 10 shown (e.g., as shown) Figures 1 to 4 The frame 36 shown, its parts, table legs, etc. One or both of the recesses 28 may extend into the volume 112, or may be configured such that the second inner surface 118 contacts the first inner surface 114 at the recess 28.

[0089] The lip structure 13 may extend around the entire outer periphery 15 of the substantially flat element 11 or around one or more portions of the outer periphery 15. The portions may be separated by another lip structure, which includes one or more different features. For example, in some embodiments, the tabletop 12 may include the lip structure 13 along end 26 and a lip structure similar to that described in U.S. Patent No. 9,138,050 along side 22, the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference. In other embodiments, additional lip structures may be implemented between portions of the lip structure 13, depending on the function or intended use of the component having the lip structure 13.

[0090] The lip structure 13 can extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first plane. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the lip structure 13 can extend in the substantially y-direction relative to the first plane.

[0091] like Figure 5 As shown, the lip structure 13 may include two or more protruding features 126A to 126I (collectively referred to as protruding features 126 or more protruding features 126) and one or more structural features 128A to 128H (collectively referred to as structural features 128 or more structural features 128). The protruding features 126 and structural features 128 may be at least partially formed and / or arranged in the lip structure 13. The protruding features 126 and / or structural features 128 may be arranged in a pattern or arrangement. For example, two or more protruding features 126 may be separated from each other. The structural features 128 may be positioned or disposed between the protruding features 126.

[0092] Structural feature 128 may be sized to fit and configured to support and structurally reinforce lip structure 13. For example, in some embodiments, structural feature 128 may include portions of outer wall 80 and inner wall 82 (described in detail below) positioned close to each other and arranged substantially parallel to each other. “Close to each other” may be used to describe the distance between at least a portion of inner wall 82 and at least a portion of outer wall 80, which may be less than about 1.5 mm, less than about 1.0 mm, less than about 0.5 mm, or another suitable distance. In another embodiment, all or part of inner wall 82 and outer wall 80 may be joined. For example, inner wall 82 and outer wall 80 may be joined at bottom edge 88. If inner wall 82 and outer wall 80 are joined, a compression edge may be formed. If desired, all or part of inner wall 82 and outer wall 80 may be arranged close to each other or may be joined. Accordingly, structural feature 128 may include two walls 80 and 82 that are positioned close to each other, at least partially joined (e.g., at bottom edge 88), or partially positioned close to each other and partially joined. Compared to other edge and lip structures constructed with a single wall, and to other edge and lip structures that are far apart from each other relative to walls 80 and 82, the two walls 80 and 82 can provide increased strength.

[0093] The tabletop 12 or another structure having the lip structure 13 can be blow molded. For example, the tabletop 12 or other structure can be produced by a blow molding process, wherein the tabletop 12 or other structure is formed as a single integral structure or a single piece. In these embodiments, the protruding feature 126 can enable the formation of the structural feature 128. For example, in order to mold the structural feature 128 during a blow molding process, plastic can be forced into the mold by pressure (e.g., about eighty (80) pounds per square inch (PSI)). During the blow molding process, a limitation is that the walls 80 and 82 of the structural feature 128 can be positioned relative to each other (e.g., in close proximity) and engaged at one or more ends, while the inner surfaces do not undesirably touch, engage with each other, and potentially isolate portions of the structural feature 128 from pressure. For example, while it may be desirable for walls 80 and 82 to touch to form a compression edge, undesirable contact or engagement of other portions of the molded plastic during the blow molding process can result in defective products.

[0094] For example, without the protruding feature 126 along its length (e.g., the x-direction), a portion of the outer wall 80 might undesirably contact the inner wall 82 at some points (possibly near the left corner 24). This contact between walls 80 and 82 could seal the remainder of structural feature 128 and could prevent or substantially prevent gas from entering the remainder or undesirably reduce gas pressure. Lack of gas and / or gas pressure could create voids, inconsistencies, etc., in structural feature 128. Voids, inconsistencies, etc., would reduce the structural integrity of the lip structure 13 and affect its appearance. Lack of gas and / or gas pressure would also prevent the tabletop 12 from forming correctly. For example, the tabletop 12 might include one or more defects, which could impede its use. That is, the gas or gas pressure might be insufficient to form a portion of the tabletop 12, resulting in defects in the tabletop 12. However, the protruding feature 126 can allow the structural feature 128 to form correctly because it can, for example, allow gas of suitable pressure to form the structural feature during the blow molding process. In the illustrated embodiment, the lip structure 13 may include protrusions 126 positioned between structural features 128. The protrusions 126 may facilitate the formation or provision of pathways or channels through which gas at appropriate pressure is supplied to the structural features 128.

[0095] exist Figure 5 The portion of the lip structure 13 between the first protrusion feature 126A and the fourth protrusion feature 126D shown includes the overall length, which is in Figure 5 The protruding feature 128 is indicated by reference numeral 156. The structural feature 128 may be arranged along a first portion of the overall length 156, and the protruding feature 126 may be arranged along a second portion of the overall length 156. The first portion may constitute the main part or the majority of the overall length 156. For example, the first portion may be greater than approximately fifty percent (50%), greater than approximately sixty percent (60%), greater than approximately seventy percent (70%), greater than approximately eighty percent (80%), or greater than approximately ninety percent (90%) of the overall length 156.

[0096] Furthermore, the distance 158 between the protruding features 126 may correspond to the length of the structural feature 128. If desired, the distance 158 between the protruding features 126 may be substantially equal. Alternatively, the distance 158 between the protruding features may vary, such as along the lip structure 13. For example, the lip structure 13 may include a first distance (e.g., 158) and a second distance (e.g., 158) different from the first distance. The distance 158 may be approximately 1 inch, approximately 2 inches, approximately 3 inches, approximately 4 inches, approximately 5 inches, approximately 6 inches, approximately 7 inches, approximately 8 inches, or another suitable distance. In each of these embodiments, the sum of the distances 158 between the protruding features 126 may be greater than a second portion of the total distance 158, which is composed of the protruding features 126.

[0097] The protrusion feature 126 may include multiple geometries. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion feature 126 may include two geometries. A first geometry may be implemented in a first subset of the protrusion features 126 (e.g., 126A, 126C, 126E, 126G, and 126I), and this first geometry may be a rounded geometry. For example, the outer surface 131 may curve from a first side to a second side of the protrusion feature 126. Furthermore, the rounded geometry includes a width (e.g., in the x-direction) that is narrower at the top (with a larger y-dimension) than at the bottom (with a smaller y-dimension).

[0098] A second geometry can be implemented in a second subset of the protrusion features 126 (e.g., 126B, 126D, 126F, and 126H), and this second geometry can be an angled geometry. For example, the outer surface 133 can extend at an angle toward the bottom edge 88 and can be angled between the first and second sides of the protrusion feature 126. Furthermore, the angled geometry includes having a narrower width (e.g., in the x-direction) at the top (with a larger y-dimension) than at the bottom (with a smaller y-dimension).

[0099] In the illustrated embodiment, every other protrusion feature 126 may include an angled geometry. In other embodiments, every third protrusion feature 126, every fourth protrusion feature 126, etc., may include an angled geometry. Furthermore, in some embodiments, all protrusion features 126 may include angled geometry, curved geometry, or other suitable geometry.

[0100] Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 An example embodiment showing a portion of the desktop 12 (such as the lip structure 13 and the protruding feature 126) is illustrated. In particular, Figure 6 The cutting plane in the middle is substantially parallel to the first plane of the substantially flat element 11 (parallel to)Figure 5 (The XZ plane is shown). Figure 7 and Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the protrusion feature 126 is shown. Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of one of the protruding features 126 having an angled geometry is shown. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of one of the protruding features with a curved geometry is shown. Figure 7 and Figure 9 The sectional view is perpendicular to Figure 6 A sectional view. In Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 For simplicity and ease of explanation, each feature is not labeled. It should be understood that similar features may include similar functions and structures for the benefits of this disclosure.

[0101] refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The protruding feature 126 may include an inner wall portion 132 and an outer wall portion 134. The inner wall portion 132 may be formed from a portion of the inner wall 82, and the outer wall portion 134 may be formed from a portion of the outer wall 80. As shown in the figures, the inner wall portion 132 may be positioned separate from or spaced apart from the corresponding outer wall portion 134. For example, the inner wall portion 132 may extend inward to form an internal space, such as... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The first cavity 136 shown Figure 6 and Figure 9 The third cavity 135 is shown.

[0102] refer to Figure 7 The first cavity 136 may be at least partially formed or defined between the inner surface 140 of the corresponding outer wall portion 134 and the inner surface 142 of the corresponding inner wall portion 132. Similarly, the third cavity 135 may be at least partially formed or defined between the inner surface 141 of the corresponding outer wall portion 134 and the inner surface 143 of the corresponding inner wall portion 132.

[0103] The first cavity 136 may extend into and / or fluidly communicate with one or more volumes 112 of the substantially flat element 11. Furthermore, the first cavity 136 may fluidly communicate with a second cavity 138. Figure 6 and Figure 8The second cavity 138 may be fluidly connected to one or more volumes 112. Furthermore, the first cavity 136 may extend and / or be fluidly connected to a third cavity 135, which may be fluidly connected to the second cavity 138 and / or volume 112. Therefore, during the molding process, gas can flow through volume 112 and into cavities 136, 135, and 138 of the protrusion feature 126. Gas can also flow through cavities 136, 135, and 138 and into structural feature 128 during the molding process. Advantageously, during the molding process, a sufficient amount of appropriately pressurized gas can flow through the protrusion feature 126 to allow the formation of structural feature 128. Furthermore, pressure or a portion of the pressure applied in the first cavity 136 during the molding process can be diverted to the second cavity 138. Pressure can be provided via volume 112 and / or via other protrusion features 126.

[0104] The protruding feature 126 may include a connecting portion or bottom surface, such as an end 144. The end 144 may be formed by a terminal portion 148 of the outer wall portion 134 and a terminal portion 146 of the inner wall portion 132. The terminal portion 148 of the respective outer wall portion 134 may be molded together with the terminal portion 146 of the inner wall portion 132 to create a structure at the bottom edge 88. The terminal portions 146 and / or 148 may comprise approximately 45% (45%) of the respective outer wall portion 134 and / or inner wall portion 132, approximately 35% (35%) of the respective outer wall portion 134 and / or inner wall portion 132, approximately 25% (25%) of the respective outer wall portion 134 and / or inner wall portion 132, approximately 15% (15%) of the respective outer wall portion 134 and / or inner wall portion 132, approximately 5% (5%) of the respective outer wall portion 134 and / or inner wall portion 132, or less. End portion 144 may include a rounded outer surface and may be aligned with bottom edge 88.

[0105] In such Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall portion 132, the outer wall portion 134, the first layer 110, and the second layer 108 can be composed of a single, integral piece of material. The inner wall portion 132, the outer wall portion 134, the first layer 110, and the second layer 108 can be integrally formed with the tabletop 12 as a single, integral structure. For example, during blow molding, the material used to form the tabletop 12 can be a cylinder of molten or semi-molten plastic blown into a mold to produce the tabletop 12 as a single, integral structure. The end portion 144 can be formed by contacting, engaging, meshing, and / or connecting the inner wall portion 132 and the outer wall portion 134; this can be referred to as a compression edge. The end portion 144 can be formed by connecting the inner wall portion 132 and the outer wall portion 134, along with some additional material adjacent to the connection. This adjacent material and connection can constitute terminal portions 146 and 148.

[0106] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The protruding feature 126, having an angled geometry, may include one or more angled portions. For example, the inner wall portion 132 of the protruding feature 126 may be angled toward a corresponding outer wall portion 134. Furthermore, the protruding feature 126 may include surfaces 150 that are angled toward each other (see, for example...). Figure 7 ). refer to Figure 6 and Figure 9 The protrusion feature 126, which has a curved geometry, may include a curved surface. For example, the inner wall portion 132 of the protrusion feature 126 may extend curvedly along the outer wall portion 134.

[0107] like Figures 1 to 9 The size and shape of the protrusion feature 126 shown are not intended to be limiting. For example, Figure 11 An alternative protrusion feature 328 is shown, which has a different size, shape, configuration, and arrangement from protrusion feature 126. For example, protrusion feature 328 may include features similar to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 Compared to the more or less rectangular protrusions 126, some additional details of protrusion 328 are provided below.

[0108] Figure 6 and Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of structural feature 128 according to at least one example embodiment is shown. As described above, Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the lip structure 13, the cutting plane of which is substantially parallel to the first plane of the substantially flat element 11. Figure 8 Another cross-sectional view of a structural feature 128 is shown.

[0109] Joint Reference Figure 6 and Figure 8 Structural feature 128 may include an inner wall portion 160 of the inner wall 82 and a corresponding outer wall portion 162 of the outer wall 80. The inner wall portion 160 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the substantially flat element 11 and substantially parallel to the corresponding outer wall portion 162. For example, the corresponding outer wall portion 162 may be oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substantially flat element 11 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 8 The inner wall portion 160 extends in the y-direction shown. Similarly, the inner wall portion 160 may also extend in a substantially perpendicular direction and parallel to the corresponding outer wall portion 162. The corresponding outer wall portion 162 or a portion thereof may be separated from a portion of the inner wall portion 160 by an inner wall distance 167. The inner wall distance 167 may be less than about 1.5 mm, less than about 1.0 mm, less than about 0.5 mm, or another suitable distance.

[0110] refer to Figure 8Structural feature 128 may include a lower connecting portion or bottom surface, such as end 164. Structural feature 128 may also include an upper connecting portion, such as connector 165. End 164 may be similar to end 144. For example, end 164 may be formed by terminal portions 148 and 146 of walls 80 and 82. The outer surface of end 164 may be aligned with the outer surface of end 144, and the outer surfaces of ends 164 and 144 may form at least a portion of the bottom edge 88. The second cavity 138 may be formed or defined at least partially by end 164 and connector 165.

[0111] End portion 164 may include terminal portions 146 and / or 148, which may include approximately 45% (45%) of the respective outer wall portions 162 and / or inner wall portions 160, approximately 35% (35%) of the respective outer wall portions 162 and / or inner wall portions 160, approximately 25% (25%) of the respective outer wall portions 162 and / or inner wall portions 160, approximately 15% (15%) of the respective outer wall portions 162 and / or inner wall portions 160, approximately 5% (5%) of the respective outer wall portions 162 and / or inner wall portions 160, or less. Terminal portions 146 and / or 148 of end portion 164 may differ from terminal portions 146 and / or 148 of end portion 144.

[0112] The connector 165 can separate the second cavity 138 from the volume 112. Specifically, the connector 165 can prevent fluid communication between the volume 112 and the second cavity 138. The connector 165 can extend along a portion of the structural feature 128 and can form part of the structural feature 128. The connector 165 can be disposed between two protruding features 126. The connector 165 can define or define a portion of the second cavity 138. Accordingly, the inner wall distance 167 between the inner wall portion 160 and the outer wall portion 162, the end 164, and the connector 165 can define at least a portion of the outer periphery or outer boundary of the second cavity 138.

[0113] Connector 165 may be part of receiving portion 170 and may be used to attach or connect structural feature 128 to the outer periphery 15 of substantially flat element 11. Receiving portion 170 may be configured to receive a portion of another desktop 12 in a nested configuration. Receiving portion 170 may be similar to the receiving portion described in U.S. Patent No. 9,138,050, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0114] In embodiments including the receiving portion 170, structural feature 128 can provide increased structural integrity and / or rigidity. For example, refer to... Figure 16 and Figure 17When multiple tables 10A to 10C are in a stacked configuration 500, structural feature 128 can provide increased strength in the substantially y-direction. For example, receiving portion 170 may include a substantially L-shaped form. Receiving portion 170 may include a horizontal portion 172 (substantially with...) Figure 8 (aligned with the x-axis) and the vertical section 174 (basically with) Figure 8 (Aligned with the y-axis). In a stacked configuration, the bottom edge 88 of the first (upper) tabletop 12 can rest on the horizontal portion 172 of the subsequent (lower) tabletop 12. Similarly, the bottom edge 88 of the subsequent tabletop 12 can rest on the horizontal portion 172 of the still subsequent tabletop 12, and so on. Accordingly, stresses associated with the stacked tabletops can be applied to the horizontal portion 172 of the tabletop. In fact, the tabletop 12 at or near the bottom of the multiple stacked tabletops will be subjected to the force generated by the sum of the weights of the tables stacked on it. Accordingly, structural feature 128 can provide additional support, which can enable the stacking of more tables or reduce the likelihood of damage to the tabletops in a stacked configuration.

[0115] In some embodiments, the desktop 12 having the lip structure 13 may not include the receiving portion 170. For example, the connector 165 may be positioned in or aligned with the plane of the outer surface 116, upper portion 14, or lower portion 16 of the desktop 12. Additionally or alternatively, the outer wall 80 may be aligned with the outer periphery 15 of the substantially flat element 11.

[0116] Figure 10 and Figure 7 An example of a curved structural feature 128W is shown. The curved structural feature 128W may have similar dimensions, shape, configuration, and / or arrangement to the structural feature 128 described above, and may include a curve. The curved structural feature 128W may be arranged between one of the sides 22 and one of the ends 26, and the curved structural feature 128W may be oriented at an angle 184°. For example, in Figure 10 In this embodiment, a first portion of the lip structure 13 may be arranged along the end portion 26. A second portion of the lip structure 13 may be arranged along the side portion 22. The side portion 22 may be oriented at an angle 184 relative to the end portion 26.

[0117] A first protruding feature 126A may be positioned on the end portion 26. A second protruding feature 328A may be positioned on the side portion 22. The first protruding feature 126A and the second protruding feature 328A may be substantially similar to the protruding feature 126 described above. For example, the first protruding feature 126A and the second protruding feature 328A may at least partially form or define a cavity (e.g., a first cavity 136 and / or a third cavity 135). A curved structural feature 128W may be arranged between the first protruding feature 126A and the second protruding feature 328A. The curved structural feature 128W may be positioned between the end portion 26 and the side portion 22. In particular, the curved structural feature 128W may extend in a curved shape to form a corner 24 between the end portion 26 and the side portion 22.

[0118] exist Figure 10 and Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, angle 184 may be approximately ninety (90) degrees. In other embodiments, angle 184 may be greater than ninety (90) degrees or less than ninety (90) degrees. Additionally, in some embodiments, the curved structural feature 128W may extend around a curved outer periphery. For example, the substantially flat element 11 may include a circular table. The curved structural feature 128W may extend around the curved outer periphery of the circular table.

[0119] exist Figure 10 In some embodiments, the first protrusion feature 126A and the second protrusion feature 328A may have different shapes. For example, the first protrusion feature 126A may include an angled side 150, and the second protrusion feature 328A may include a substantially rectangular structure.

[0120] The curved structural feature 128W may have a similar size, shape, configuration, and / or arrangement to the structural feature 128 described above. For example, the curved structural feature 128W may include a second cavity 138 defined by a connector 165, an end 164, an inner wall portion 160, and an outer wall portion 162. Additionally, the receiving portion 170 may be arranged along the curved structural feature 128W. In some embodiments, the second cavity 138 may extend from the first protrusion feature 126A to the second protrusion feature 328A.

[0121] Figure 11 Another example section 1100 of desktop 12 is shown. Figure 11 The portion 1100 of the tabletop 12 shows one of the sides 22, a portion of the tabletop 12, and a portion of the lip structure 13 extending around the side 22. Figure 11 In the middle, the basically flat element 11 can be Figure 11 It extends along the z-direction of an arbitrarily defined coordinate system. In this portion 1100 of the desktop 12, volume 112 is located between layers 108 and 110 as shown.

[0122] The lip structure 13 of portion 1100 may be substantially similar to the lip structure 13 described above. For example, portion 1100 may include structural feature 128 and protrusion feature 328 (in... Figure 11 (Only a subset of it is marked). Protrusion feature 328 can provide similar functionality to the aforementioned protrusion feature 126. However, Figure 11 The protruding features 328 can have different sizes, shapes, configurations, and / or arrangements. For example, one or more of the protruding features 328 (e.g., protruding features 328B and 328D) can include a rectangular geometry. For example, a protruding feature 328 having a rectangular geometry can have a substantially lateral (e.g., substantially in the YX plane) face 330 instead of an angled face (such as face 150 described above). A protruding feature 328 having a rectangular geometry allows a portion of the frame to be positioned substantially flat against the protruding feature 328. For example, face 330 of the protruding feature 328 abuts against a flat surface of the frame, such as the side bars 42 and 44 described elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0123] Furthermore, one or more of the protruding features 328 (e.g., protruding features 328A, 328C, 328E, and 328F) may have a rounded geometry. For example, the outer surface 331 may curve from a first side to a second side of the protruding feature 328. Additionally, the rounded geometry may include a width (e.g., in the x-direction) that is narrower at the top (with a larger y-dimension) than at the bottom (with a smaller y-dimension). The protruding feature 328 with a rounded geometry may be substantially similar to the protruding feature 126 with a rounded geometry.

[0124] The protruding feature 328 may be separated by one or more distances 332A to 332C (collectively referred to as the plurality of distances 332 or distance 332). The distances 332 may be substantially similar or identical. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the distances 332 may be different from each other. The distances 332 may be sized to and configured to provide additional structural rigidity and / or support to desired portions of the desktop 12, such as the center of the desktop 12.

[0125] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of a protrusion feature 328 having a rectangular geometry is shown. The protrusion feature 328 can be implemented along the side 22 of the tabletop 12 as described above. As mentioned above, the side 22 of the tabletop 12 may also include one or more of the structural feature 128 and the protrusion feature 126, which have a curved geometry. The cross-sectional views of the structural feature 128 and the protrusion feature 126 can be substantially similar to... Figure 8 and Figure 9 A sectional view.

[0126] In suchFigure 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion feature 328 may include an inner wall portion 132 and an outer wall portion 134. The inner wall portion 132 may be formed from a portion of the inner wall 82, and the outer wall portion 134 may be formed from a portion of the outer wall 80. The inner wall portion 132 may be positioned away from or spaced apart from the corresponding outer wall portion 134. For example, the inner wall portion 132 may extend inward to form an internal space, such as a fourth cavity 336.

[0127] A fourth cavity 336 may be at least partially formed or defined between the inner surface 340 of the corresponding outer wall portion 134 and the inner surface 342 of the inner wall portion 132. The fourth cavity 336 may extend into and / or fluidly communicate with one or more volumes 112 of the substantially flat element 11. Furthermore, the fourth cavity 336 may fluidly communicate with other cavities defined in the tabletop 12. For example, the fourth cavity 336 may fluidly communicate with cavities / volumes 138, 136, 112, and 135 (e.g., cavity 138 of structural feature 128, cavity 328 of protrusions 328 / 126 with rounded geometry, cavity 136 of protrusions with angled geometry). Accordingly, as described above, gas may flow through volume 112 and enter cavities 336, 135, 136, and 138 of protrusions 126 and 328 during the molding process. Gas can also flow through cavities 336, 135, 136 and 138 and into structural feature 128 during the molding process.

[0128] The protruding feature 328 may include a connecting portion or bottom surface, such as an end 344. The end 344 may be formed by a terminal portion 348 of the outer wall portion 134 and a terminal portion 346 of the inner wall portion 132. The terminal portion 348 of the respective outer wall portion 134 may be molded together with the terminal portion 346 of the inner wall portion 132 to create a structure at the bottom edge 88. The terminal portions 346 and / or 348 may comprise approximately 45% (45%) of the respective outer wall portion 134 and / or inner wall portion 132, approximately 35% (35%) of the respective outer wall portion 134 and / or inner wall portion 132, approximately 25% (25%) of the respective outer wall portion 134 and / or inner wall portion 132, approximately 15% (15%) of the respective outer wall portion 134 and / or inner wall portion 132, approximately 5% (5%) of the respective outer wall portion 134 and / or inner wall portion 132, or less. End portion 344 may include a rounded outer surface and may be aligned with bottom edge 88.

[0129] In such Figure 12In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall portion 132, the outer wall portion 134, the first layer 110, and the second layer 108 can be composed of a single, integral piece of material. As described above, the inner wall portion 132, the outer wall portion 134, the first layer 110, and the second layer 108 can be integrally formed with the tabletop 12 as a single, integral structure. For example, during blow molding, the material used to form the tabletop 12 can be a cylinder of molten or semi-molten plastic blown into a mold to produce the tabletop 12 as a single, integral structure. The end portion 344 can be formed by the connection between the inner wall portion 132 and the outer wall portion 134, which can be referred to as a compression edge. The end portion 344 can be formed by the connection between the inner wall portion 132 and the outer wall portion 134, as well as some additional material adjacent to the connection. This adjacent material and connection can constitute terminal portions 346 and 348.

[0130] The protrusion feature 328, having a rectangular geometry, may include one or more lateral portions. For example, the inner wall portion 132 of the protrusion feature 328 may be substantially parallel to and spaced from the outer wall portion 134. Furthermore, the protrusion feature 328 may include an upper surface 504 that is substantially perpendicular to the outer wall portion 134 and the inner wall portion 132.

[0131] Figures 13 to 15 A portion of desktop 12 is shown, which is connected to a portion of frame 36 via an interface. For example, Figure 13 and 14 End 26 and two sides 22 connected to end 26 are shown. Figure 13 and Figure 14 In the middle, a portion of frame 36 is positioned adjacent to the lower part 14 of the substantially flat element 11. Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of a portion (e.g., side bar 42) of a frame 36 disposed within one of the recesses 28 defined in a substantially flat element 11 is shown.

[0132] In the illustrated embodiment, the side bar 42 is substantially rectangular. Accordingly, the outer elements of the side bar 42 may be positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the protrusion feature 328, such as the outer surface of a protrusion feature having a rectangular geometry. The side bar 42 may be mechanically coupled to the tabletop 12 at one or more of the protrusion features 328. For example, in some embodiments, a fastener 91 may pass through the side bar 42 and be received in the protrusion feature 328. The fastener 91 may engage the frame 36 relative to the tabletop 12. Because the protrusion feature 328 having a rectangular geometry includes a substantially flat surface, such as surface 97, and the side bar 42 may include a substantially flat surface, the side bar 42 can be securely coupled to the tabletop 12 in a substantially stable manner.

[0133] In the illustrated embodiment, four fasteners 91 are used to mechanically connect the side rod 42 relative to the tabletop 12. One of the four fasteners 91 is positioned near each end 26, and two fasteners 91 may be positioned near the central recess 32. In other embodiments, four or more fasteners 91 or fewer fasteners 91 may be used to mechanically connect the side rod 42 to the tabletop 12. For example, embodiments including five, six, seven, or eight fasteners 91 may be implemented.

[0134] Furthermore, the recess 28 may include an angled feature 29. The angled feature 29 may include a portion defining a rectangular cross-section for receiving the side rod 42. For example, the portion 31 of the angled feature 29 may extend upward or along an inner portion of the side rod 42. The distance 33 between the portion 31 of the angled feature 29 and the surface of the protrusion feature 328 may correspond to the width 35 of the side rod 42. Accordingly, the recess 38 may be configured to receive the side rod 42, which may help prevent rotation of the side rod 42 and may help secure the side rod 42 relative to the tabletop 12.

[0135] refer to Figure 15 The recess 38 can be configured to position the side rod 42 relative to the bottom edge 88. For example, a distance 93 can be defined between the bottom surface 95 of the side rod 42 and the bottom edge 88. The distance 93 can be related to the vertical portion 174 of the receiving portion 170. In some embodiments, the distance 93 can be sized to such that in a stacked configuration (e.g., Figure 16 and Figure 17 In the stacked configuration 500, the bottom surface 95 of the side bar 42 may abut or contact the upper part 14 of the tabletop 12. Alternatively, the distance 93 may be sized such that, in the stacked configuration, the bottom edge 88 abuts against the horizontal surface of the receiving portion 170.

[0136] Figure 16 and Figure 17 The following is an example of a stack configuration 500: Figures 1 to 4 Several embodiments of the table 10 are shown. Figure 16 and Figure 17 In the stack configuration 500, there are three tables: the top table 10A, the middle table 10B, and the bottom table 10C. The top table 10A, the middle table 10B, and the bottom table 10C are collectively referred to as table 10. Figure 16 An external view of table 10 is shown. Figure 17 A partial sectional view of a portion of table 10 is shown.

[0137] exist Figure 16 and Figure 17In this embodiment, three tables 10 are included in the stacking configuration 500. In other embodiments, two or more tables 10 may be included in the stacking configuration 500. For example, the tables 10 may be sold in sets of eight or twelve. The tables 10 may be transported and / or stored in the stacking configuration 500, which includes eight or twelve tables 10. In the stacking configuration 500, the stacked tables 10 may be nested together to reduce the height 502 of the tables 10. The reduction in height 502 allows the tables 10 to be transported, stored, and shipped in a smaller volume.

[0138] refer to Figure 17 In the stacked configuration 500, the lower surface 95 of the side bar 42 of the uppermost table 10A can be positioned on the upper part 14 of the middle table 10. Similarly, the lower surface 95 of the side bar 42 of the middle table 10B can be positioned on the upper part 14 of the lowermost table 10C. Accordingly, the mass or weight of the uppermost table 10A can be loaded onto the side bar 42 of the middle table 10B. Similarly, the mass or weight of the uppermost table 10A and the middle table 10B can be loaded onto the side bar 42 of the lowermost table 10C.

[0139] Furthermore, in the stacked configuration 500, the receiving portion 170 or a portion thereof of the bottommost table 10C can be received within the volume defined by the lip structure 13 of the middle table 10B. Similarly, in the stacked configuration 500, the receiving portion 170 or a portion thereof of the middle table 10B can be received within the volume defined by the lip structure 13 of the topmost table 10A. Compared to an arrangement that simply stacks tables one on top of the other, this arrangement of receiving the receiving portion 170 within the volume defined by the lip structure 13 can reduce the height 502 of the stacked configuration 500. Furthermore, this arrangement of receiving the receiving portion 170 within the volume defined by the lip structure 13 can assist in the alignment of the tables 10 in the stacked configuration 500.

[0140] In other embodiments, other portions or features of the table 10 may contact each other in the stacked configuration 500. For example, the bottom edge 88 of the uppermost table 10A may contact the horizontal surface of the receiving portion 170 of the middle table 10B. Similarly, the bottom edge 88 of the middle table 10B may contact the horizontal surface of the receiving portion 170 of the lowermost table 10C. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the upper surface 504 of the protruding feature 328 may contact the upper portion 14 of an adjacent table 10. For example, the upper surface 504 of the uppermost table 10A may contact the upper portion 14 of the middle table 10B. Similarly, the upper surface 504 of the middle table 10B may contact the upper portion 14 of the lowermost table 10C.

[0141] Figures 18 to 24Another example embodiment is shown, and the same or similar reference numerals as those described above may be used for clarity and readability, as desktop 12 may include one or more features or aspects similar to or related to those described above. However, it should be understood that the features and aspects of desktop 12 may differ from those described above. For example, one or more features and aspects may have different shapes, sizes, configurations, and / or arrangements than those described above. Additionally, desktop 12 may have other features and aspects described above.

[0142] like Figures 18 to 24 The tabletop 12 shown may include a substantially flat element or portion 11 that may form the body or central portion 86 of the tabletop 12. The tabletop 12 may also include a lip structure 15, which may include sidewalls, edges, and / or a lip. The tabletop 12 may also include sides 22, ends 26, and corners 24. Additionally, a plurality of recesses 60 may be arranged in the body 11 of the tabletop 12.

[0143] The desktop 12 may also include a plurality of protruding features 126, which may be referred to as risers. Riser 126 may have a size, shape, configuration, and / or arrangement similar to the protruding features described above. For example, riser 126 may have a rounded geometry or an angled geometry similar to the protruding features. Additionally, riser 126 may have a hollow interior, such as a first cavity 136 or a third cavity 138.

[0144] More in detail, such as Figure 18 As shown, the desktop 12 may also include one or more risers 126 disposed along the side 22 and end 26. Upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that, depending on, for example, the size, shape, configuration, and / or arrangement of the desktop 12, the desktop 12 may include any suitable number of risers 126. Those skilled in the art will also understand that, depending on, for example, the size, shape, configuration, and / or arrangement of the desktop 12, the risers 126 may have different sizes, shapes, configurations, and / or arrangements.

[0145] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the riser 126 can be arranged at least adjacent to the junction, connection, or intersection of the body of the tabletop 12 and at least a portion (such as the lip) of the lip structure 13. In particular, the riser 126 can connect to the tabletop 12 and the lip 13. More specifically, the riser 126 can connect to the lower portion 16 of the tabletop 12 and the inner surface 82 of the lip 13. For example, the riser 126 may include a first portion and a second portion, the first portion connecting to the lower portion 16 of the tabletop 12 and the second portion connecting to the inner surface 82 of the lip 13.

[0146] Riser 126 may include a hollow interior 135, such as cavity 135 or 136 (which may also be referred to as chamber or opening and may be used to create a channel), and the hollow interior 135 or 136 may be in fluid communication with at least a portion of the hollow interior 112 of tabletop 12. The hollow interior 135 or 136 of riser 126 may also be in fluid communication with at least a portion of lip 13 (such as structural feature 128). Similar to the above description, structural feature 128 may be a portion of lip 13 disposed between risers 126. Structural feature 128 may include substantially parallel inner and outer surfaces, and the inner and / or outer surfaces of structural feature 128 may include one or more substantially flat surfaces. As detailed elsewhere herein, the inner and outer surfaces of structural feature 128 may be arranged close together and / or may touch, contact, or engage. For example, as Figure 20 and Figure 23 As shown, structural feature 128 may include a hollow interior, such as cavity 138. However, structural feature 128 may also be a structure that is at least partially solid, such as... Figure 21 and Figure 24 As shown.

[0147] The hollow interior 135 or 136 of riser 126 may be in fluid communication with the hollow interior 112 of tabletop 12 and the hollow interior 13 of lip (such as cavity 138). This allows riser 126 to facilitate the flow of fluids (such as gases) during molding processes (such as blow molding processes). In particular, riser 126 may allow gases (such as air) to flow in tabletop 12 and lip 13 during blow molding processes.

[0148] Riser 126 can facilitate gas flow during the blow molding process, allowing gas to flow into the interior 138 of the lip 13, which can help form the lip 13 during the blow molding process. Specifically, the lip 13 may include a hollow interior 138 in fluid communication with the hollow interior 135 or 136 of the riser 126. Riser 126 and interior 138 can facilitate the formation of the lip 13 during the blow molding process and can allow the lip 13 to be formed with a hollow interior 138 (e.g., Figure 20 and Figure 23 (as shown) and / or solid structures (such as) Figure 21 and Figure 24 (As shown).

[0149] More specifically, in one example embodiment, all or part of the structural feature 128 of the lip 13 may include a compressed edge. In another example embodiment, all or at least part of the structural feature 128 of the lip 13 may include a hollow interior 138 disposed between opposing surfaces. Alternatively, a portion of the structural feature 128 may include a compressed edge, wherein opposing surfaces touch or contact each other, while another portion of the structural feature 128 may include a hollow interior 138. Upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that the structural feature 128 of the lip 13 may include a compressed edge, a hollow interior 138, or a combination of a compressed edge and a hollow interior 138. For example, a first portion (such as a distal portion) of the structural feature 128 of the lip 13 may include a compressed edge, and a second portion (such as a proximal portion) of the structural feature 128 of the lip 13 may include a hollow interior 138. Thus, for example, the outermost portion of the structural feature 128 of the lip 13 may be a compressed edge, and the portion of the structural feature 128 adjacent to the body of the tabletop 12 may include a hollow interior 138.

[0150] Riser 126 may include a height measurable relative to the inner surface 82 of the lip 13. Riser 126 may have a height that allows sufficient gas flow during the blow molding process to allow proper formation of the lip 13. Riser 126 may also include one or more sides or an outer surface. For example, riser 126 may have two or three sides. Furthermore, riser 126 may have one or more rounded surfaces. For example, riser 126 may have a substantially rounded, tapered, or cylindrical configuration. If desired, riser 126 may taper or may narrow along its length. Advantageously, riser 126 may have dimensions, shapes, configurations, and / or arrangements that facilitate gas flow during the blow molding process. In particular, riser 126 may allow sufficient gas flow during the blow molding process to allow proper formation of the lip 13.

[0151] Because the lip 13 can form the outer boundary or periphery of the tabletop 12, it can be difficult for the lip 13 to form during the blow molding process, as gas must flow to the outermost part of the structure. Additionally, the gas must have sufficient pressure to form the lip 13. Therefore, the lip 13 can be difficult to form during the blow molding process because the gas must travel a long distance and / or reach a distant part of the structure, and the gas must be at the correct pressure to properly form the lip 13. If the gas flow and / or pressure are abnormal, the lip 13 cannot form properly during the blow molding process, which will result in defective products. Advantageously, the riser 126 can allow sufficient gas to flow at the desired pressure to allow the lip 13 to form fully and completely during the blow molding process.

[0152] The riser 126 may have dimensions, shape, configuration, and / or arrangement that facilitate gas flow during the blow molding process. In particular, the riser 126 may facilitate gas flow during the blow molding process to allow the lip 13 to be formed with desired dimensions, shape, configuration, arrangement, properties, and / or characteristics.

[0153] Riser 126 can help support the lip 13. For example, riser 126 can help prevent movement of the lip 13, such as flexing or bending. The riser can also help prevent movement of the lip 13 relative to the body of the tabletop 12. Additionally, riser 126 can help prevent rotation of the lip 13 relative to the body of the tabletop. Accordingly, in some example embodiments, riser 126 can increase the stiffness, rigidity, and / or structural integrity of the lip 13. Advantageously, riser 126 can reinforce the tabletop 12 and / or can help prevent damage to the tabletop 12.

[0154] like Figure 18 As shown, for example, the tabletop 12 may include a plurality of risers 126, and the risers 126 may be spaced apart at one or more desired locations. One or more risers 126 may be spaced apart substantially equally along the side 22 of the tabletop 12. Additionally, the risers 126 may be spaced apart substantially equally along the end 26 of the tabletop 12. Advantageously, if the risers 126 are spaced apart substantially equally, this can help to produce a substantially uniform gas flow during the blow molding process. That is, a substantially uniform spacing of the risers 126 can allow for a substantially uniform gas flow during the blow molding process. In one example embodiment, the risers 126 may be spaced apart by substantially equal distances, such as about four inches, about five inches, about six inches, about seven inches, about eight inches, about nine inches, about ten inches, about eleven inches, about twelve inches, or more. Upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that, depending on, for example, the size, shape, configuration, and / or arrangement of the tabletop 12, the risers 126 may be spaced apart by any suitable distance.

[0155] As shown in the accompanying drawings, risers 126 may be spaced apart at a first distance along the side 22 of the tabletop 12 and at a second distance along the end 26 of the tabletop 12. If desired, risers 126 may be spaced apart by substantially the same distance along the side 22 and end 26 of the tabletop 12. That is, in this example embodiment, all or substantially all of the risers 126 may be spaced apart by substantially the same distance. If adjacent risers 126 among the plurality of risers are separated by substantially the same distance along the side 22 and / or end 26 of the tabletop 12, a more uniform gas flow can be formed during the blow molding process. Additionally, the tabletop 12 may have more uniform properties or characteristics.

[0156] like Figures 18 to 24As shown, risers 126 cannot be positioned at the corner 24 of the tabletop 12. For example, if the tabletop 12 includes a corner 24, then risers 126 cannot be positioned at the corner 24. However, risers 126 can be spaced apart from the corner 24 by equal distances. For example, a first riser 126 can be positioned from the corner 24 at a first distance, a second riser 126 can be positioned from the corner 24 at a second distance, and these distances can be at least substantially the same. Additionally, if desired, the distance between adjacent risers 126 near the corner 24 can be substantially the same as the distance between adjacent risers 126 along the side 22 and / or end 26 of the tabletop 12. Thus, in one example embodiment, all or substantially all of the risers 126 can be separated by substantially the same distance, regardless of whether the risers 126 are positioned along the side 22, end 26, or corner 24 of the tabletop 12. Upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that any suitable number of risers 126 can be used, and that the risers 126 can be separated by any suitable distance.

[0157] like Figure 18 As shown, for example, at least some risers 126 provided along the side 22 of the tabletop can be separated at substantially equal distances. However, some risers 126 can be separated at different distances. For example, adjacent risers 126 can be spaced closer together toward the end 26 of the tabletop 12, toward the corner 24, where the frame 36 is attached to the tabletop 12, and / or where the leg 30 or support structure 27 is attached to the tabletop 12. For example, risers 126 can be arranged to be spaced closer together where the leg 30 or support structure 27 is attached to the tabletop 12, which can provide additional attachment points for the frame 36 and / or additional support for the leg 30.

[0158] Riser 126 can also be arranged in pairs, and one or more pairs of risers can have similar configurations. For example, the first pair of risers can be arranged on one side of the tabletop 12, and the second pair of risers can be arranged on the opposite side of the tabletop 12. The tabletop 12 can also include one or more pairs of adjacent risers disposed along the side 22 and / or end 26 of the tabletop 12.

[0159] like Figure 18 As shown, the risers 126 can be arranged in a substantially symmetrical or regular pattern, which can help to generate a more uniform gas flow during the blow molding process. Additionally, if adjacent risers 126 arranged along the sides 22, ends 26, and / or corners 24 are spaced at substantially the same distance, this can also help to form a more uniform gas flow during the blow molding process. Upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that more risers 126 can be arranged at locations where additional gas flow is required during the blow molding process, while fewer risers 126 can be arranged at locations where reduced gas flow is required during the blow molding process.

[0160] Desktop 12Figures 18 to 24 The device may include one or more elongated recesses 165, which may have a structure substantially the same as the connector 165 described above. The elongated recesses 165 may be arranged at least adjacent to the body or central portion 86 and lip 13 of the tabletop 12. In particular, the elongated recesses 165 may be arranged at least adjacent to the junction of the body portion 86 and lip 13 of the tabletop 12. The elongated recesses 165 may be formed when an outer wall or surface (such as outer wall 80) of the blow-molded plastic structure touches, contacts, engages with, or joins another outer wall or surface (such as inner wall 82) of the blow-molded plastic structure. Therefore, the elongated recesses 165 may have a double wall thickness. Furthermore, the elongated recesses 165 may be at least partially disposed between the central portion 86 and lip 13 of the tabletop 12. The elongated recesses 165 may also at least substantially prevent fluid flow between the central portion 86 and lip 13 of the tabletop 12.

[0161] The elongated recess 165 can be similar to the recess 60 provided in the main body portion 86 of the tabletop 12, but the elongated recess 165 can have a significantly longer length. For example, the length of the elongated recess 165 can be three, four, five, six, or more times the length of the recess 60 in the main body portion 86 of the tabletop 12. For example, the elongated recess 165 can have a length of about four inches or more, about five inches or more, about six inches or more, about seven inches or more, about eight inches or more, about nine inches or more, about ten inches or more, about eleven inches or more, about twelve inches or more, or more. The length of the elongated recess 165 can be the distance between opposing ends or the distance by which opposing surfaces touch, contact, engage, or mesh.

[0162] For example, in such Figure 18In the example embodiment shown, the recess 60 provided in the main body portion 86 of the tabletop 12 may have a length of approximately one inch or less. In contrast, the elongated recess 165 may have a length of approximately three inches or more. In particular, the elongated recess 165 provided along the side portion 22 of the tabletop 12 may have a length of approximately three inches or more, approximately four inches or more, approximately five inches or more, approximately six inches or more, approximately seven inches or more, approximately eight inches or more, approximately nine inches or more, approximately ten inches or more, approximately eleven inches or more, or approximately twelve inches or more. The elongated recess 165 provided along the end portion 26 of the tabletop 12 may have a length of approximately three inches or more, approximately four inches or more, approximately five inches or more, approximately six inches or more, approximately seven inches or more, approximately eight inches or more, approximately nine inches or more, approximately ten inches or more, approximately eleven inches or more, or approximately twelve inches or more. The elongated recess 165 provided near the corner 24 may have a length of about three inches or more, about four inches or more, about five inches or more, about six inches or more, about seven inches or more, about eight inches or more, about nine inches or more, about ten inches or more, about eleven inches or more, or about twelve inches or more.

[0163] The elongated recess 165 can provide increased strength, rigidity, and / or structural integrity. Due to the elongated contact area between opposing surfaces of, for example, a molded plastic structure, the elongated recess 165 can also provide different properties and characteristics. As otherwise described herein, the elongated recess 165 can impede or prevent gas flow during the blow molding process.

[0164] An elongated recess 165 may be disposed between adjacent risers 126. In particular, the elongated recess 165 may be at least substantially disposed between adjacent risers 165. For example, the elongated recess may extend from one riser 126 to an adjacent riser 165. More specifically, a first end of the elongated recess 165 may be disposed at least adjacent to a first riser 126, and a second end of the elongated recess 165 may be disposed at least adjacent to a second riser 126. Thus, the elongated recess 165 may be at least substantially or completely disposed between adjacent risers 126.

[0165] In one example embodiment, the elongated recess 165 can prevent other structures (such as gaps or openings) from being positioned between adjacent risers 126. When the elongated recess 165 is formed, it can also block or prevent gas flow between adjacent risers 126 during the blow molding process. The elongated recess 165 can also create a seal or at least a partial seal between adjacent risers 126.

[0166] The elongated recesses 165 can have substantially the same length, which can help to create a more uniform gas flow during the blow molding process. For example, the tabletop 12 may include a plurality of elongated recesses 165, and the elongated recesses 165 can have substantially the same length and be arranged adjacent to the lip 13. Advantageously, if the elongated recesses 165 have substantially the same length and are arranged in a substantially uniform pattern, a more uniform gas flow can be generated during the blow molding process.

[0167] The elongated recess 165 may have a first length along the side 22 of the tabletop 12 and a second length along the end 26 of the tabletop 12. If desired, the elongated recess 165 along the side 22 and end 26 of the tabletop 12 may have substantially the same length. That is, in this example embodiment, all or substantially all of the elongated recesses 165 may have substantially the same length. If adjacent elongated recesses 165 have substantially the same length along the side 22 and / or end 26 of the tabletop 12, a more uniform gas flow can be generated during the blow molding process. Furthermore, if the elongated recesses 165 have substantially the same length, the tabletop 12 may have more uniform properties or characteristics.

[0168] The elongated recesses 165 may also have substantially the same length in one or more corners 24 of the tabletop 12. For example, the elongated recesses 165 may be arranged in each corner 24, and the elongated recesses 165 may have substantially the same length. Advantageously, if the elongated recesses 165 have substantially the same length, the corners 24 may have more uniform properties and / or characteristics. As shown in the figures, the elongated recesses 165 may span the entire radius or curved portion of the corner 24. That is, the elongated recesses 165 may extend from one side of the corner 24 to the other side of the tabletop 12. The length of the elongated recesses 165 may also be greater than the radius or curved portion of the corner 24. For example, the elongated recesses 165 may extend from a riser 126 provided along one side (such as side 22) of the tabletop 12 around the corner 24 to a riser 126 provided along the other side (such as end 26) of the tabletop. If desired, the length of the elongated recess 165 in the corner 24 can be substantially the same as the length of the elongated recess 165 provided along at least a portion of the side 22 and / or end 26 of the tabletop 12. If one or more of the elongated recesses 165 provided along the side 22, end 26 and / or corner 24 are substantially the same length, a more uniform gas flow can be generated during the blow molding process.

[0169] Upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that, depending on, for example, the spacing between pairs of adjacent risers 126, the elongated recesses 165 may have the same or different lengths. For example, one or more pairs of adjacent risers 126 may be separated by a first distance, and the elongated recesses 165 disposed between these pairs of adjacent risers 126 may have substantially the same length, which may be substantially equal to the first distance separating the pairs of adjacent risers 126. One or more pairs of adjacent risers 126 may also be separated by a second distance, and the elongated recesses 165 disposed between these pairs of adjacent risers 126 may have substantially the same length, which may be substantially equal to the second distance separating the pairs of adjacent risers 126.

[0170] The elongated recess 165 may be arranged around most of the outer perimeter 15 of the tabletop 12. For example, multiple pairs of adjacent risers may be arranged around the outer perimeter 15 of the tabletop 12, and the elongated recess may be arranged between each pair of adjacent risers. The length of the combination of multiple elongated recesses may be greater than about fifty percent (50%) of the outer perimeter, about sixty percent (60%) of the outer perimeter, about seventy percent (70%) of the outer perimeter, about eighty percent (80%) of the outer perimeter, about ninety percent (90%) of the outer perimeter, or more.

[0171] The riser 126 and the elongated recesses 165 provide a surprising and unexpected result because, at the time of making this invention, those skilled in the art had always believed that the elongated recesses 165 would prevent the proper formation of the lip 13 during the blow molding process. However, the riser 126 and the elongated recesses 165 provide a surprising and unexpected result: a tabletop 12 with a lip 13, separated from the body portion 86 of the tabletop 12 by a plurality of elongated recesses 165, can be produced. In particular, it is surprising and unexpected to those skilled in the art that the lip 13 can be formed during the blow molding process, as it was previously believed that the elongated recesses 165 would cause significant obstruction and difficulty, resulting in defects during the blow molding process. For example, it is believed in the prior art that when a plurality of elongated recesses 165 are disposed between the body portion 86 of the tabletop 12 and the lip 13, the gas flow and / or pressure will be insufficient to form the lip 13. Furthermore, the prior art considers that, due to the multiple elongated recesses 165, gas flow and / or pressure will be insufficient to create the hollow interior 138 of the compressed edge and / or lip 13. Further, the prior art considers that, for example, the gas must travel a considerable distance and / or the gas pressure will decrease, preventing proper formation of the lip 13. The prior art also considers that the elongated recesses 165 can obstruct or prevent gas flow, thereby hindering proper formation of the lip 13 during the blow molding process, particularly because the elongated recesses 165 can be positioned between the portion 86 of the body of the tabletop 12 and at least a majority of the lip 13.

[0172] Another surprising and unexpected result is that the elongated recess 165 can have a much greater length than recesses in the prior art (such as recess 60), while the lip 13 of the tabletop 12 can be properly formed during the blow molding process. For example, constructing a large, substantially flat structure from blow-molded plastic may include multiple recesses 60 formed as a substantially uniform pattern, but the length of the recesses 60 is typically one (1) inch or less to facilitate gas flow and / or minimize interruptions, interferences, etc., in the gas flow. Contrary to what those skilled in the art would expect, the length of the elongated recess 165 can be two, three, four, five, six, or more times the length of existing recesses 60. Furthermore, the elongated recess 165 can be positioned between the central body portion 86 of the tabletop 12 and the lip 13, and the lip 13 can be properly formed during the blow molding process.

[0173] Upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that the tables and desktops disclosed herein can have a variety of different aspects, features, characteristics, and configurations. Furthermore, depending on, for example, the intended use of the table, the table and / or desktop can have any suitable number of aspects, features, characteristics, and configurations.

[0174] While the invention has been described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, other embodiments that will be apparent to those skilled in the art are also included within the scope of protection of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of protection of the invention is intended to be defined solely by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A blow-molded plastic structure constructed using a blow molding process, the blow-molded plastic structure comprising: A panel, comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a hollow interior disposed between the first surface and the second surface; A lip edge extending outward from the panel, the lip edge comprising an outer surface and an inner surface; A pair of curved risers extending inward from the inner surface of the lip, each of the pair of curved risers including a first portion connected to the panel and a second portion connected to the inner surface of the lip; as well as An elongated recess extending between the pair of curved risers, the elongated recess including a first end and a second end, the first end being positioned at least adjacent to a first riser in the pair of curved risers, and the second end being positioned at least adjacent to a second riser in the pair of curved risers; the elongated recess having a length at least three times greater than the height of one of the risers in the pair of curved risers.

2. The blow-molded plastic structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elongated recess is substantially positioned between the edge of the panel and the lip; and The elongated recess at least substantially prevents fluid flow between the panel and the lip.

3. The blow-molded plastic structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elongated concave portion has a length that is at least three times greater than the width of one of the pair of curved risers.

4. The blow-molded plastic structure according to claim 1, further comprising: The first gas flow channel is formed at least partially by the hollow interior of the panel and the hollow interior of the first riser; The second gas flow channel is formed at least partially by the hollow interior of the panel and the hollow interior of the second riser.

5. The blow-molded plastic structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The panel, lip, pair of curved risers, and elongated recess are integrally formed as a single-piece structure during the blow molding process.

6. The blow-molded plastic structure according to claim 1, further comprising: Structural features set between the pair of curved risers.

7. The blow-molded plastic structure according to claim 1, wherein, The panel includes a desktop.

8. The blow-molded plastic structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pair of curved risers is located on the first side of the panel, the second pair of curved risers is located on the second side of the panel, the third pair of curved risers is located on the third side of the panel, and the fourth pair of curved risers is located on the fourth side of the panel.

9. The blow-molded plastic structure according to claim 1, further comprising a corner of the panel, wherein a first riser of the pair of curved risers is disposed on a first side of the corner, a second riser of the pair of curved risers is disposed on a second side of the corner, and the elongated recess extends along the radius of the corner between the pair of curved risers.

10. The blow-molded plastic structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The panel includes an outer periphery; The curved riser is part of a larger set of curved risers; The elongated concave portion has a length measured from the first end to the second end; The elongated concave portion is part of multiple elongated concave portions; Each pair of curved risers is provided with a slender concave portion; and The length of the combination of multiple elongated concave portions includes the following length: Greater than 50% of the peripheral area, Greater than 60% (60%) of the periphery, Greater than 70% (70%) of the periphery, Greater than 80% (80%) of the periphery, or Greater than 90% of the peripheral area.

11. A blow-molded plastic structure constructed using a blow molding process, the blow-molded plastic structure comprising: A panel, comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a hollow interior disposed between the first surface and the second surface; The lip margin extends outward from the panel and includes an outer surface and an inner surface; Multiple curved risers extend inward from the inner surface of the lip, each of the multiple curved risers connecting to the inner surface of the panel and the lip; and Multiple elongated concave portions, one of the multiple elongated concave portions being disposed between a pair of curved risers; the length of the elongated concave portion is at least three times greater than the height of the adjacent curved riser.

12. The blow-molded plastic structure of claim 11, further comprising a structural feature disposed between a pair of curved risers.

13. The blow-molded plastic structure according to claim 11, wherein the first end of the elongated recess disposed between a pair of curved risers is disposed at least adjacent to the first riser of the pair of curved risers, and the second end of the elongated recess is disposed at least adjacent to the second riser of the pair of curved risers.

14. The blow-molded plastic structure according to claim 11, characterized in that, The elongated recess between a pair of curved risers has a length that is substantially equal to the distance between the curved risers.

15. The blow-molded plastic structure according to claim 11, wherein the panel is a tabletop, and the lip extends outward relative to the second surface of the panel.

16. The blow-molded plastic structure according to claim 11, characterized in that, The curved risers in the multiple risers are spaced approximately at equal intervals.

17. The blow-molded plastic structure according to claim 11, characterized in that, The curved risers in the plurality of risers are spaced substantially equidistant from each other at least a portion along the side of the panel and at least a portion along the end of the panel.

18. The blow-molded plastic structure of claim 11, further comprising a corner of a panel, the corner including a first end and a second end, and one of a plurality of elongated recesses extending between the first end and the second end of the corner.

19. The blow-molded plastic structure according to claim 11, further comprising: The corner of the panel, the corner including a first end, a second end and a radius; The first riser in a pair of curved risers is positioned at the first end of the adjacent corner; The second riser in the pair of curved risers is positioned at the second end adjacent to the corner; and One of a plurality of elongated depressions, which extends along the radius of its corner between the first riser and the second riser.

20. A blow-molded plastic structure constructed using a blow molding process, the blow-molded plastic structure comprising: A flat panel comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a hollow interior disposed between the first surface and the second surface; The lip margin extends outward from the panel and includes an outer surface and an inner surface; A pair of curved risers extend inward from the inner surface of the lip toward the center portion of the panel; A structural feature that spans and contacts the pair of curved risers, the structural feature being formed by a portion of the outer surface of the lip and a portion of the inner surface of the lip, which are configured to be at least adjacent to or in contact with the lip in the configuration; as well as An elongated recess, spanning and contacting the pair of curved risers, is disposed between the flat panel and the structural feature, the elongated recess at least substantially preventing fluid communication between the flat panel and the structural feature, the elongated recess having a length at least three times greater than the height of one of the pair of curved risers.

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