Tool-free assembled flat plate packaging table

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool-free assembled flat plate packaging table, in particular to a furniture component comprising a first furniture sub-assembly, a first fitting on the first furniture sub-assembly, a second furniture sub-assembly, and a second fitting on the second furniture sub-assembly. The second fitting is selectively attachable to the first fitting to secure the first furniture subassembly to the second furniture subassembly. One of the first fitting and the second fitting is a sliding interference groove having an open end and a blind end, and the other of the first fitting and the second fitting is a sliding tongue that can be slidably introduced into the open end of the sliding interference groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter described herein relates to a flat pack table that is configured to be manually assembled without the use of tools. Background Art

[0002] Flat pack furniture refers to furniture that can be disassembled into components that can be stored flat in, for example, a cardboard box. For example, a flat pack design can reduce the end-user cost of the furniture by reducing the amount of furniture components that need to be shipped and, therefore, reducing their shipping and storage costs. However, in general, flat pack furniture needs to be assembled by the end user, and the assembly steps and instructions can be complex and time-consuming, requiring tools and a significant amount of time and space to complete. Therefore, it can be understood that conventional flat pack furniture has many disadvantages, including complexity, cost, assembly time, and other disadvantages. Therefore, there has long been a need for improved flat pack furniture that addresses one or more of the problems in the prior art.

[0003] The information contained in the background section of this specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is provided for technical reference purposes only and should not be construed as binding subject matter on the scope of the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0004] A flat pack table is disclosed herein that can be assembled from flat pack components without the use of tools.

[0005] One general aspect includes a furniture component. The furniture component includes: a first furniture subassembly; a first accessory on the first furniture subassembly; a second furniture subassembly; a second accessory on the second furniture subassembly, the second accessory being selectively attachable to the first accessory to secure the first furniture subassembly to the second furniture subassembly. One of the first accessory and the second accessory is a sliding interference groove having an open end and a blind end, and the other of the first accessory and the second accessory is a sliding tongue that is slidably introduced into the open end of the sliding interference groove.

[0006] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the sliding interference groove is one of a T-shape, an L-shape, and a dovetail shape. In some embodiments, the first accessory and the second accessory snap into place. In some embodiments, the first accessory may include one of a protrusion and a stopper, and the second accessory may include the other of the protrusion and the stopper. In some embodiments, the second accessory is attached to a second furniture subassembly. In some embodiments, the first furniture subassembly may include a first frame having a plurality of spaced-apart first accessories thereon, and the second furniture subassembly may include a second frame having a plurality of spaced-apart second accessories thereon so as to be simultaneously fixed to the plurality of spaced-apart first accessories. In some embodiments, the sliding interference groove includes: a longitudinal opening extending from the open end toward the blind end; a longitudinal recess accessible through the longitudinal opening, the longitudinal opening having a first width, and the longitudinal recess having a second width greater than the first width. In some embodiments, the sliding interference groove includes: a longitudinal opening extending from the open end toward the blind end; a longitudinal recess accessible through the longitudinal opening, the longitudinal opening having a first width, and the longitudinal recess having a second width equal to the first width. Implementations of the technology may include hardware or methods or processes.

[0007] A general aspect includes a table furniture component. The table furniture component includes a desktop subassembly. The component also includes a first accessory on the desktop subassembly. The component also includes a support. The component also includes a second accessory on the support, which can be selectively attached to the first accessory to fix the support to the desktop subassembly. One of the first accessory and the second accessory is a first sliding interference groove having a first open end and a first blind end, and the other of the first accessory and the second accessory is a first sliding tongue that can be slidably introduced into the first open end of the first sliding interference groove. The component also includes a third accessory on the support. The component also includes a leg subassembly. The component also includes a fourth accessory on the leg subassembly, which can be selectively attached to the third accessory to fix the leg subassembly to the support. One of the third accessory and the fourth accessory is a second sliding interference groove having a second open end and a second blind end, and the other of the third accessory and the fourth accessory is a second sliding tongue that can be slidably introduced into the second open end of the second sliding interference groove.

[0008] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the first sliding interference groove or the second sliding interference groove is one of a T-shape, an L-shape, and a dovetail shape. In some embodiments, the first accessory and the second accessory snap into place, or the third accessory and the fourth accessory snap into place. In some embodiments, the first accessory may include one of a protrusion and a stopper, and the second accessory may include the other of the protrusion and the stopper. In some embodiments, the third accessory may include one of the protrusion and the stopper, and the fourth accessory may include the other of the protrusion and the stopper. In some embodiments, the leg subassembly may include a frame having a plurality of spaced-apart first accessories on the frame, and a plurality of spaced-apart second accessories on the support member so as to be simultaneously fixed to the plurality of spaced-apart first accessories. In some embodiments, the first sliding interference groove or the second sliding interference groove includes: a longitudinal opening extending from an open end toward a blind end; a longitudinal recess accessible through the longitudinal opening, the longitudinal opening having a first width, and the longitudinal recess having a second width greater than the first width. In some embodiments, the first sliding interference groove or the second sliding interference groove includes: a longitudinal opening extending from the open end toward the blind end; a longitudinal recess accessible through the longitudinal opening, the longitudinal opening having a first width, and the longitudinal recess having a second width equal to the first width.

[0009] A general aspect includes a table. The table includes a first leg subassembly. The table also includes a first support capable of being attached to the first leg subassembly. The table also includes a first tabletop subassembly capable of being attached to the first support. The table also includes a second leg subassembly. The table also includes a second support capable of being attached to the second leg subassembly. The table also includes a second tabletop subassembly capable of being attached to the first support and the second support. The table also includes the first leg subassembly, the first support, the first tabletop subassembly, the second leg subassembly, the second support, and the second tabletop subassembly fitted within a package having a total volume in the range of approximately 0.6-105 cubic feet and capable of being assembled without the use of tools.

[0010] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the first leg subassembly is attachable to the first support, the second leg subassembly is attachable to the second support, the first desk subassembly and the second desk subassembly are each attachable to both the first support and the second support, and the first leg subassembly and the second leg subassembly are each configured to abut but not attach to the first desk subassembly and the second desk subassembly. In some embodiments, the first leg subassembly is attachable to the first support by snapping into place, and the second leg subassembly is attachable to the second support by snapping into place.

[0011] One general aspect includes a furniture component that can be assembled without the use of tools. The furniture component includes: a first furniture subassembly having a first accessory thereon; and a second furniture subassembly having a second accessory thereon, the second accessory being shaped and sized to be selectively attached to the first accessory to secure the first furniture subassembly to the second furniture subassembly.

[0012] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, one of the first and second fittings is a sliding interference groove having an open end and a blind end, and the other of the first and second fittings is a sliding tongue that can be slidably introduced into the open end of the sliding interference groove. Implementations of the technology may include hardware or methods or processes.

[0013] The Summary introduces a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the Detailed Description below. The Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive introduction to the features, details, utilities, and advantages of the flat pack table defined in the claims will be provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the disclosure and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a top side perspective view of an exemplary flat pack table according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 is a bottom side perspective view of an exemplary flat pack table according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 3 is a top side perspective exploded view of an exemplary flat pack table according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 4 is a bottom side perspective exploded view of an exemplary flat pack table according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 5 is a top side perspective view of an exemplary flat pack table in its unassembled flat pack configuration according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a female slide snap fitting and a male slide snap fitting according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 7is a perspective view of a female slide snap fitting and a male slide snap fitting according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a female slide snap fitting and a male slide snap fitting in a partially interlocked state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a female slide snap fitting and a male slide snap fitting in a partially interlocked state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting and a male sliding snap fitting in a fully interlocked state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting and a male sliding snap fitting in a fully interlocked state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting and a male sliding snap fitting in a fully interlocked state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig.13A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tongue-and-groove structure for a male and female slide-and-slide fitting according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 13B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tongue-and-groove structure for a male and female slide-and-slide fitting according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig. 13C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tongue-and-groove structure for a male and female slide-and-slide fitting according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig.14 is a side perspective view of an exemplary desktop subassembly according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig.15 is a top side perspective view of an exemplary desktop subassembly according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig.16 is a bottom side perspective view of an exemplary desktop subassembly according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Fig.17 is a side perspective view of an exemplary tabletop subassembly having two slide-in supports in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Fig.18A is a side perspective view of an exemplary tabletop subassembly having two slide-in supports, one of which is attached to a leg subassembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Fig.18B is a side perspective view of an exemplary tabletop subassembly having two slide-in supports, each of which is attached to a leg subassembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Fig.19A is a top side perspective view of an exemplary assembly process for a flat pack table in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig.19B is a top side perspective view of an exemplary assembly process for a flat pack table in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig.19C is a top side perspective view of an exemplary assembly process for a flat pack table in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig.19D is a top side perspective view of an exemplary assembly process for a flat pack table in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Fig. 20 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary desktop subassembly according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Fig.21 is a side perspective view of an exemplary desktop subassembly according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Fig. 22 is an end perspective view of an exemplary slide-in support according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Fig.23 is a perspective view of a leg subassembly according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Fig.24 is a bottom side perspective view of an exemplary assembly process for a flat pack table in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig.25 is a top side perspective view of a partially assembled flat pack table according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Fig.26 is a top side perspective view of a fully assembled flat pack table according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Fig. 27 is a bottom side perspective view of a fully assembled flat pack table according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Fig.28 is a front perspective view of an exemplary fuel tank according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Fig.29 is a bottom side perspective view of a leg subassembly according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Fig.30 is a bottom side perspective view of a partially assembled flat pack table according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Fig.31 is a bottom side perspective view of a partially assembled flat pack table according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Fig.32 is a bottom side perspective view of an exemplary slide-in support and leg subassembly according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Fig.33 is a side perspective view of an exemplary slide-in support connected to a tabletop subassembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Fig.34A is a side top perspective view of an assembly step according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein two tabletop subassemblies are assembled together on their back sides as described above.

[0055] Fig.34B is a side top perspective view of an assembly step according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein two leg subassemblies are snapped into place on the table top subassembly as described above.

[0056] Fig.34C is a side top perspective view of an assembly step according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the assembled tabletop subassembly and leg subassembly are turned over.

[0057] Fig.34D is a side top perspective view of an assembled table subassembly according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Fig.35A is a side top perspective view of an assembly step in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a removable central member is placed into a central aperture of an assembled table subassembly.

[0059] Fig.35Bis a side top perspective view of a fully assembled table including a removable center member, two table top subassemblies, and two leg subassemblies in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Fig.36A is a side top perspective view of an assembly step in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a retaining plate, gel fuel can holder, and glass panel are placed into a central aperture of an assembled table subassembly.

[0061] Fig.36B is a side top perspective view of a fully assembled table according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a glass panel, two tabletop sub-assemblies, and two leg sub-assemblies.

[0062] Fig.37A is a side top perspective view of an assembly step according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a retaining plate, Bio-E can holder, can lid, and glass panel are placed into a central aperture of an assembled table subassembly.

[0063] Fig.37B is a side top perspective view of a fully assembled table according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a glass panel, two tabletop sub-assemblies, and two leg sub-assemblies.

[0064] Fig.38A is a front perspective view of a male snap-fitting according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Fig.38B According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.38A A rear side perspective view of a male snap-fit ​​fitting.

[0066] Fig.39A is a front perspective view of a female snap-fitting according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Fig.39B According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.39A A side perspective view of a female snap-fitting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a flat-pack table is provided that can be assembled from 3-7 flat-pack components in a minimal amount of time without the use of tools or user-operable fasteners. In one example, the flat-pack table includes two tabletop subassemblies that are reversibly attached to each other via a friction fit provided by two tongue-in-groove slide-in supports. The flat-pack table also includes two leg subassemblies that slide and snap into place onto the slide-in supports via slide-snap fittings. This novel and simple arrangement advantageously allows the table to be assembled in only 2-6 tool-free steps, including by novices with no previous furniture assembly experience.

[0069] These descriptions are for exemplary purposes only and should not be considered to limit the scope of the flat pack table. Certain features may be added, removed, or modified without departing from the spirit of the claimed subject matter.

[0070] In order to promote the understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings and specific language will be used to describe them. However, it goes without saying that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited. Any changes and further modifications to the described devices, systems and methods, as well as any further applications of the principles of the present disclosure, are fully contemplated and included within the scope of the present disclosure, as this is usually the case for those skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Specifically, it is fully contemplated to combine the features, components and / or steps described for one embodiment with the features, components and / or steps described for other embodiments of the present disclosure. However, for the sake of brevity, multiple repetitions of these combinations will no longer be described separately.

[0071] Figure 1 is a top side perspective view of an exemplary flat pack table 100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 In the example shown, the flat pack table 100 includes two tabletop subassemblies 110, two leg subassemblies 120, and two slide-in supports (as shown). These six components snap together without the need for tools in a five-step assembly process as described below. Figure 1 The flat pack table 100 shown is exemplary; other flat pack tables may have different components, a different number of components, and / or a different number of assembly steps.

[0072] Before continuing the discussion, it should be noted that the above examples are for illustration only and are not limiting. Other devices and / or device configurations may also be used to perform the operations described herein.

[0073] Figure 2is a bottom side perspective view of an exemplary flat pack table 100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are two table top subassemblies 110 and two leg subassemblies 120. Also visible are two slide-in supports 310 that support the leg subassemblies 120 and reversibly connect the leg subassemblies 120 to the table top subassemblies 110 and reversibly connect the table top subassemblies 110 to each other.

[0074] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, each leg subassembly includes two legs 122, a bottom horizontal leg support 124, and a top horizontal leg support 126, which is attached to one of the two slide-in supports 310 via snap and lock fittings as described below. Each desktop subassembly 110 includes a desktop section 112 and a horizontal desktop support 114. The horizontal desktop support 114 forms a friction fit with the legs 122 of the leg subassembly 120.

[0075] In one example, the desktop subassembly 110, the leg subassembly 120, and the slide-in support 310 are made of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the subassembly is formed of a hard polymer material such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, which is weather-resistant and lightweight, but other materials may be used instead or in addition, including but not limited to wood, metal, ceramic, composite materials, other polymers, or combinations thereof. According to different embodiments, the legs 122, the bottom horizontal leg support 124, and the top horizontal leg support 126 of the leg subassembly 120 can be attached together (e.g., using adhesives, fasteners, or other means), or can also be formed as a single component (e.g., by injection molding, 3D printing, etc.). Similarly, the desktop section 112 and the horizontal desktop support of the desktop subassembly 110 can be attached together (e.g., using adhesives, fasteners, or other means), or can also be formed as a single component.

[0076] Figure 3 is a top side perspective exploded view of an exemplary flat pack table 100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are the tabletop subassembly 110, the leg subassembly 120, and the slide-in support 310. Although each subassembly may be composed of multiple parts, these multiple parts are fixed together in a manner to form the subassemblies described herein. That is, they are shipped and provided to the consumer in the form of subassemblies that can be simply assembled together to form the table 100 without the use of tools.

[0077] In the example shown, the leg subassemblies 120 each include three male snap-fittings 350 that form a sliding snap-fit ​​fit with three female snap-fittings 360 located on the slide-in support 310 , as shown.

[0078] For example, the two tabletop subassemblies 110 can be identical and interchangeable (e.g., one is a rotation of the other about the vertical axis 320). The two leg subassemblies 120 can also be identical and interchangeable (e.g., one is a rotation of the other about the vertical axis 320). It will be appreciated that, according to different embodiments, the male snap fittings 350 can be located on the slide-in support 310 and the female snap fittings 360 can be located on the leg subassembly 120, or some male snap fittings 350 can be located on the leg subassembly 120 and some on the slide-in support 310, and some female snap fittings 360 can be located on the leg subassembly 120 and some on the slide-in support 310, as will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Other numbers of snap fitting pairs 350, 360 may also be used alternatively or additionally, including but not limited to one, two, four, or five pairs.

[0079] In some cases, each slide-in support member 310 may be referred to as a support subassembly.

[0080] Figure 4 1 is a bottom side perspective exploded view of an exemplary flat pack table 100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are the table top subassembly 110, table top section 112, horizontal table top support 114, leg subassembly 120, legs 122, bottom horizontal leg support 124, top horizontal leg support 126, slide-in support 310, male slide snap fitting 350, and female slide snap fitting 360.

[0081] Figure 5 is a top side perspective view of an exemplary flat pack table 100 in its unassembled flat pack configuration 500 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are the table top subassembly 110 and the leg subassembly 120. Also visible is a recess 510 in the top horizontal support 126 of each leg subassembly 120 into which a female slide snap fitting 350 may be attached so that it is flush with the surface of the top horizontal support 126. A similarly sized and shaped recess 510 may be found in the slide-in support 310 (not shown). The slide snap fitting 350, 260 may be attached to the recess 510 by fasteners, adhesives, or other methods known in the art. In some embodiments, the recess 510 is not present, and the male slide snap fitting 350 is formed together as part of the top horizontal support, while the female slide snap fitting 360 is formed together as part of the slide-in support 310. In other embodiments, the slide-and-snap fittings 350 , 360 are attached or secured to an outer surface of a corresponding structure without the recess 510 .

[0082] For example, the unassembled flat pack configuration 500 may be stored and shipped in a cardboard box. Figure 5 In the example shown, the unassembled flat pack configuration 500 has a length L that can range between 12 inches and 96 inches, a width W that can range between 12 inches and 96 inches, and a height H that can vary between 4 inches and 72 inches. Thus, the total volume of the flat pack configuration can range from 0.6-105 cubic feet, while the volume of the fully assembled table can have a much larger volume of 2.14-375 cubic feet. This illustrates the advantage of flat pack storage and shipping, with the volume required to ship the flat pack table 100 being less than 30% of the assembled volume of the flat pack table 100.

[0083] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a female slide snap fitting 360 and a male slide snap fitting 350 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 In the example shown, the female sliding snap fitting 360 includes a longitudinal trapezoidal recess 610 having an open end 612 and a blind end 614. Other shapes are also possible and can be used instead or in addition. The recess 610 is supported by a body or lateral flange 615 extending around three sides of the recess 610 and a number of through holes 620 formed through the flange 615, which are used to fix the female sliding snap fitting 360 to the slide-in support using fasteners. The male sliding snap fitting 350 includes a trapezoidal tongue 630 and a pair of snap protrusions 640, and the tongue is supported by a body or lateral flange 631 extending around three sides of the tongue 630 and a number of countersunk through holes 650 formed through the flange 631. In some embodiments, the through holes 620, 650 may not be present, and the sliding snap fittings 350, 360 may be formed as part of the leg subassembly and the slide-in support, respectively.

[0084] The shape of the trapezoidal recess 610 and the trapezoidal tongue 630 means that they are wider at the open end 612, making it easier for a novice user to align the female slide snap fitting 360 onto the male slide snap fitting 350 than if the shape of the recess 610 and the tongue 630 were rectangular. This helps the user assemble the leg subassembly onto the slide-in support. Figure 3 This may also be helpful if, in the example shown, there are multiple sliding snap assemblies 360 that all need to be aligned in order to snap the subassembly into place.

[0085] In one example, the female and male slide snap fittings 360, 350 are made of a plastic such as nylon, but other materials may be used instead or in addition, including but not limited to wood, metal, ceramic, composite materials, other polymers, or combinations thereof.

[0086] Figure 7is a perspective view of a female slide snap fitting 360 and a male slide snap fitting 350 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are a trapezoidal recess 610, a trapezoidal tongue 630, and through holes 620, 650. Figure 7 In the example shown, the trapezoidal recess 610 of the female slide snap fitting 360 includes a dovetail interference groove 710, and the trapezoidal tongue 630 of the male slide snap fitting 350 includes a dovetail ridge 720 that is configured to interlock with the dovetail interference groove 710 so that the male slide snap fitting 350 is retained by friction when sliding into the female slide snap fitting 360. In addition, the female slide snap fitting 360 also includes a pair of detents or snap recesses 740 that are configured to interlock with the snap protrusions 640 of the male slide snap fitting so that the male slide snap fitting 350 is securely retained by the snap protrusions 640 when sliding into the female slide snap fitting 360. Therefore, when the leg subassembly is attached to the slide-in support subassembly, the subassemblies are retained together by the slide snap fittings 350, 360.

[0087] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting 360 and a male sliding snap fitting 350 in a partially interlocked state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 In the example shown, the dovetail ridge 720 (not visible) interlocks with the dovetail interference groove 710 (not visible), so that the female slide snap fitting 360 and the male slide snap fitting 350 can slide relative to each other along the sliding axis 910, but cannot move relative to each other in any other direction. Visible is a snap projection 640 of the male slide snap fitting 350.

[0088] exist Figure 3 In the configuration shown, the female and male slide snap fittings 360, 350 are oriented so that any weight sliding onto the support will press the female and male slide snap fittings 360, 350 together along the sliding axis 910 rather than apart, thereby providing a strong load-bearing structure.

[0089] Fig. 9 6 is a perspective view of a female slide snap fitting 360 and a male slide snap fitting 350 in a partially interlocked state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible is a snap protrusion 640 of the male slide snap fitting 350.

[0090] It is noted that in some embodiments, a snap-fit-like arrangement of one or more protrusions and one or more detents may be used to retain the slide-in accessory within the tabletop subassembly.

[0091] Fig.10FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting 360 and a male sliding snap fitting 350 in a fully interlocked state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.10 In the example shown, the dovetail ridge 720 interlocks with the dovetail interference groove 710, and the snap protrusion 640 (not visible) of the male slide snap fitting 350 interlocks with the stopper or snap recess 740 (not visible) of the female slide snap fitting 360, so that the male slide snap fitting 350 and the female slide snap fitting 360 can no longer move relative to each other in any direction, thereby forming a strong load-bearing connection (for example, between the slide-in support and the leg subassembly).

[0092] In one example, the weight capacity of the six sets of male and female sliding snap fittings, and thus the entire flat pack table, is in the range of approximately 10-1200 pounds.

[0093] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting 360 and a male sliding snap fitting 350 in a fully interlocked state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting 360 and a male sliding snap fitting 350 in a fully interlocked state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] exist Figure 3 In certain embodiments, the female slide snap fitting 360 is provided on the leg subassembly, while the male slide snap fitting 350 is provided on the slide-in support. In certain embodiments, both the leg subassembly and the slide-in support include cutouts to receive the female slide snap fitting 360 or the male slide snap fitting 350. These cutouts can be recessed portions having a depth that is approximately the same as the depth of the flanges 615, 631 of the corresponding slide snap fittings 350, 360. Thus, the surface of the flange on the slide snap fitting can be approximately flush with the surface of the corresponding subassembly. In this way, any gap between the sides of the leg subassembly and the sides of the slide-in support can be minimized even when assembled.

[0096] Fig.13A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tongue-and-groove structure for a male sliding snap fitting 350 and a female sliding snap fitting 360 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the first embodiment, as described above, the ridge 720 and the interference groove 710 are dovetail-shaped. However, other possible configurations may also be used instead or in addition.

[0097] Fig. 13Bis a schematic cross-sectional view of a tongue and groove structure for a male slide snap fitting 350 and a female slide snap fitting 360 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second embodiment, both the tongue 1220 and the groove 1210 are T-shaped.

[0098] Fig. 13C 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tongue-and-groove structure for a male slide-and-snap fitting 350 and a female slide-and-snap fitting 360 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the third embodiment, both the tongue 1320 and the groove 1310 are L-shaped. Other cross-sectional shapes are possible and clearly fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0099] It should be noted that the cross-sectional shapes of the groove 116 and the tenon 315 (see Figure 16-17 ) can also be dovetail, T-shaped, L-shaped or other shapes.

[0100] Fig.14 1 is a side perspective view of an exemplary desktop subassembly 110 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are the desktop section 112 and the desktop horizontal support 114. Also visible are two dovetail grooves 116 that facilitate the attachment of the slide-in support 310, as described below.

[0101] Fig.15 1 is a top side perspective view of an exemplary desktop subassembly 110 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are desktop section 112, desktop horizontal support 114, and dovetail interference groove 116. Groove 116 is configured to receive a dovetail tongue formed along the top edge of slide-in support 310.

[0102] Fig.16 1 is a bottom side perspective view of an exemplary desktop subassembly 110 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are desktop section 112, desktop horizontal support 114, and dovetail groove 116. Groove 116 has an open end 1610 and a closed end 1620. In some embodiments, groove 116 is not dovetail-shaped, but can be T-shaped, L-shaped, or other shapes that would occur to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0103] Fig.17 is a side perspective view of an exemplary tabletop subassembly 110 having two slide-in supports 310 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.17 In the example shown, the dovetail tongue 315 along the top edge of each slide-in support 310 has been slid into a corresponding dovetail interference groove 116 in the tabletop section 112 (see FIG. Figure 14-16) until it abuts against the blind end 1620 of the tabletop horizontal support 114 and / or the groove 116. In some embodiments, the tongue 315 is not dovetail-shaped, but can be T-shaped, L-shaped, or other shapes to complement the shape of the groove 116 and fit into the groove. The tongue 315 and the groove 116 can be collectively referred to as a tongue-in-groove fitting, and / or the groove 115 can be referred to as a female tongue-in-groove fitting and the tongue 315 can be referred to as a male tongue-in-groove fitting. In some cases, the groove 116 can also be referred to as an interference groove.

[0104] Fig.18A is a side perspective view of an exemplary tabletop subassembly 110 having two slide-in supports 310, one of which is attached to a leg subassembly 120, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are tabletop segment 112, slide-in supports 310, dovetail tongue 315, top horizontal leg support 126, legs 122, and bottom horizontal leg support 124. The configuration shown in FIG. 18 is for visual illustration purposes only.

[0105] Fig.18B is a side perspective view of an exemplary tabletop subassembly 110 having two slide-in supports 310, each of which is attached to a leg subassembly 120, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are tabletop segment 112, slide-in supports 310, dovetail tongue 315, top horizontal leg support 126, legs 122, and bottom horizontal leg support 124. The configuration shown in FIG. 18 is for visual illustration purposes only.

[0106] Fig.19A is a top side perspective view of an exemplary assembly process for the flat pack table 100 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] An exemplary assembly process for the flat pack table 100 includes:

[0108] 1) Install a slide-in support 310 into a tabletop subassembly 110 .

[0109] 2) Install the second sliding support member 310 into the tabletop subassembly 110 .

[0110] Fig.19B is a top side perspective view of an exemplary assembly process for the flat pack table 100 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] An exemplary assembly process for the flat pack table 100 includes:

[0112] 3) Install another desktop subassembly 110 onto the slide-in support 310 until it abuts the first desktop subassembly 110 .

[0113] Fig.19C is a top side perspective view of an exemplary assembly process for the flat pack table 100 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] An exemplary assembly process for the flat pack table 100 includes:

[0115] 4) Install the first leg subassembly 120 onto one of the slide-in supports 310 .

[0116] Fig.19D is a top side perspective view of an exemplary assembly process for the flat pack table 100 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] An exemplary assembly process for the flat pack table 100 includes:

[0118] 5) Install the second leg subassembly 120 onto the other slide-in support member 310 .

[0119] Another exemplary assembly process for a flat pack table includes:

[0120] 1) Install one leg subassembly 120 onto the slide-in support 310 .

[0121] 2) Install another leg subassembly 120 onto another slide-in support 310 .

[0122] 3) Install a slide-in support 310 into a tabletop subassembly 110 .

[0123] 4) Install another slide-in support member 310 into the tabletop subassembly 110 .

[0124] 5) Install another desktop subassembly 110 onto the slide-in support 310 until it abuts the first desktop subassembly 110 .

[0125] Other assembly processes are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0126] Fig. 20 2 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary desktop subassembly 2110 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this alternative embodiment, the desktop subassembly 2110 includes a desktop section 2112, a desktop horizontal support 2114, and a desktop horizontal bracket 2118. The desktop subassembly 2110 also includes two dovetail (or other shaped) slots 2116 into which the slide-in supports can be inserted.

[0127] Fig.2121 is a side perspective view of an exemplary desktop subassembly 2110 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are desktop section 2112, horizontal desktop support 2114, horizontal desktop bracket 2118, and one of two dovetail grooves 2116.

[0128] Fig. 22 23 is an end perspective view of an exemplary slide-in support 2310 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible is a dovetail tongue 2315, which is sized and shaped to slide tightly into a dovetail groove 2116 (see FIG. Fig.21 ).

[0129] Fig.23 An exemplary leg subassembly 2120 is shown. The leg subassembly includes two legs 2122 and a crossbar 2124. A male sliding snap fitting 350 or a female sliding snap fitting 360 is provided at the end of the leg 2122 (see Figure 6-12 ). Fig.24 As shown, the male slide snap fitting 350 and the female slide snap fitting 360 are configured to lockably engage with corresponding male or female slide snap fittings 350, 360 provided on the slide-in support 2310. According to the description herein, these components can be configured as an integral component or as separate components attached to the leg subassembly 2120 and the slide-in support 2310.

[0130] Fig.24 is a bottom side perspective view of an exemplary assembly process for a flat-pack table according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.26 In the example shown, two desktop subassemblies are placed close to each other, and a slide-in support 2310 is inserted into each desktop subassembly. Then, the slide-in support 2310 is inserted into the opposite desktop subassembly 2110, and the two desktop subassemblies are pushed together. Subsequently, the leg subassembly 2120 is snapped into place on each slide-in support 2310. Thus, the assembly is completed.

[0131] Fig.25 is a top side perspective view of a partially assembled flat pack table 2100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.24 In the example shown, the tabletop subassembly 2110 has been attached together and the leg subassembly 2120 has been attached to the slide-in support 2310. Also visible is the central aperture 2410, which is configured to receive a fuel can holder or dual fuel burner, or other accessories including but not limited to a plug, ice chest or smoker tray.

[0132] Fig.26 is a top side perspective view of a fully assembled flat pack table 2100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.24In the example shown, the tabletop subassembly 2110 has been attached together, the leg subassembly 2120 has been attached to the slide-in support 2310, and the fuel can holder or dual burner drop-in insert 2510 has been inserted into the center aperture 2410 (see FIG. Fig.25 ). The fuel tank holder 2510 includes three circular apertures 2520, each of which is sized and shaped to receive a fuel tank, such as a can of jellied alcohol chafing fuel, bioethanol, etc. For example, the fuel tank holder can be made of a heat-resistant, low thermal conductivity material such as stainless steel, although other materials may be used instead or in addition. In some embodiments, the fuel tank holder can be sized and shaped to snap or friction fit into place when inserted into the central aperture 2410.

[0133] According to various embodiments, the central aperture 2410 may receive a plug, ice bin, smoker tray, or other drop-in accessory instead of the fuel canister holder 2510 .

[0134] Fig. 27 2 is a bottom side perspective view of a fully assembled flat pack table 2100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are the table top subassembly 2110, the leg subassembly 2120, and the fuel tank holder 2510. The fuel tank holder 2510 includes two side walls 2610 and a bottom 2620, each of which can be made of a heat-resistant, low thermal conductivity material such as stainless steel, although other materials can be used instead or in addition. In some embodiments, the fuel tank holder 2510 can be formed as a single component (e.g., by stamping a flat blank of sheet metal).

[0135] Fig.28 2700 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the fuel tank can be made of a heat-resistant, low-thermal-conductivity material such as stainless steel, but other materials can be used instead or in addition. The fuel tank can be filled with a combustible fuel, such as solidified alcohol hot pot fuel, which can be designed so that the fuel can be ignited while still in the tank to produce a vertical flame that emits light and heat without a significant risk of uncontrolled combustion or burning of nearby flammable materials.

[0136] Fig.29 21 is a bottom side perspective view of a leg subassembly 2120 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are a bottom horizontal support 2124, a top horizontal support 2126, and two legs 2122. Two male sliding snap fittings 350 are attached to the top horizontal support with fasteners 2910, such as screws.

[0137] Fig.302 is a bottom side perspective view of a partially assembled flat pack table 2100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are two leg subassemblies 2120, two slide-in supports 2310, two table top subassemblies 2110, and a central aperture 2410. Male slide snap fittings 350 are attached to the leg subassemblies 2120. Female slide snap fittings 360 are attached to the slide-in supports 2310.

[0138] Fig.31 2 is a bottom side perspective view of a partially assembled flat pack table 2100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are two leg subassemblies 2120, two slide-in supports 2310, two table top subassemblies 2110, and a central aperture 2410. Male slide snap fittings 350 are attached to the leg subassemblies 2120. Female slide snap fittings 360 are attached to the slide-in supports 2310.

[0139] Fig.32 is a bottom side perspective view of an exemplary slide-in support 2310 and leg subassembly 2120 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. A male slide snap fitting 350 is attached to the leg subassembly 2120. A female slide snap fitting 360 is attached to the slide-in support 2310. Also visible is the dovetail tongue 3215 of the slide-in support 2310.

[0140] Fig.33 is a side perspective view of an exemplary slide-in support 2310 connected to a tabletop subassembly 2110 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are two female slide snap fittings 360 and a dovetail tongue 3215.

[0141] Fig.34A 24 is a side top perspective view of an assembly step according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein two tabletop subassemblies 2110 are assembled together at their backs as described above. Also visible is the central aperture 2410.

[0142] Fig.34B 24 is a side top perspective view of an assembly step in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein two leg subassemblies 2120 are snapped into place on the tabletop subassembly as described above. Also visible is the central aperture 2410.

[0143] Fig.34C 24 is a side top perspective view of an assembly step according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the assembled tabletop subassembly 2110 and leg subassembly 2120 are turned over. Also visible is the central aperture 2410.

[0144] Fig.34D34 is a side top perspective view of an assembled table subassembly 3410 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are two tabletop subassemblies 2110, two leg subassemblies 2120, and a central aperture 2410.

[0145] Fig.35A is a side top perspective view of an assembly step in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a removable central member 3510 is placed into the central aperture 2410 of an assembled table subassembly 3410. Also visible are two tabletop subassemblies 2110 and two leg subassemblies 2120.

[0146] Fig.35B is a side top perspective view of a fully assembled table 3510 including a removable center member 3510 , two tabletop subassemblies 2110 , and two leg subassemblies 2120 , in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0147] Fig.36A 36 is a side top perspective view of an assembly step in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a retaining plate 3610, a gel fuel can holder 3620, and a glass panel 3630 are placed into the central aperture 2410 of the assembled table subassembly 3410. Also visible are two tabletop subassemblies 2110 and two leg subassemblies 2120.

[0148] Fig.36B is a side top perspective view of a fully assembled table 3610 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, including a glass panel 3630, two tabletop subassemblies 2110, and two leg subassemblies 2120. Present but not visible are the retaining plate 3610 and the gel fuel can holder 3620.

[0149] Fig.37A 36 is a side top perspective view of an assembly step according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a holding plate 3610, a Bio-E can holder 3620, a can lid 3740, and a glass panel 3630 are placed into the central aperture 2410 of the assembled table subassembly 3410. Also visible are two tabletop subassemblies 2110 and two leg subassemblies 2120.

[0150] Fig.37B is a side top perspective view of a fully assembled table 3710 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes a glass panel 3630, two tabletop subassemblies 2110, and two leg subassemblies 2120. Present but not visible are the retaining plate 3610, the Bio-E can holder 3620, and the can lid 3740.

[0151] Fig.38A6 is a front perspective view of a male snap fitting 350 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are a trapezoidal tongue 630, a flange 631, a snap protrusion 640, and a through hole 650.

[0152] Fig.38B According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.38A 38 is a rear side perspective view of the male snap-fitting 350. In this view, multiple reinforcement feature structures 3810 formed in the male snap-fitting 350 are visible.

[0153] Fig.39A 6 is a front perspective view of a female snap fitting 360 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are the trapezoidal recess 610, the blind end 614, the lateral flange 615, the through hole 620, and the stop or snap recess 740.

[0154] Fig.39B According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.39A 39 is a side perspective view of a female snap-fitting 360. In this view, visible are a plurality of reinforcement features 3910 formed in the female snap-fitting 360.

[0155] All sizes and configurations shown in this disclosure are exemplary. Other sizes and configurations may also fall within the scope of this disclosure. Still other configurations are possible and fall within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, the technology described herein can also be applied to other furniture components or other types of furniture, including but not limited to chairs, stools and benches.

[0156] Those of ordinary skill in the art, after becoming familiar with the teachings herein, will readily appreciate that the flat-pack table of the present disclosure advantageously provides a sturdy, load-bearing structure consisting of only four flat-packable subassemblies that can be assembled together in only three steps without the need for tools or complicated instructions. When packaged for shipping, the subassemblies can occupy only a volume of 0.6-105 cubic feet, while the fully assembled table can occupy a much larger volume of 2.14-375 cubic feet. Thus, it can be seen that the flat-pack table meets a long-felt need in the art by reducing the time and skill level required for assembly compared to flat-pack furniture of comparable size and load-bearing capacity.

[0157] The examples and embodiments described above may have many variations. For example, a flat-pack table may be made of different materials than described herein, may be of different sizes, may have a greater or lesser load capacity, may have a different number of legs, slats, or supports, and may have a different shape (e.g., an Adirondack table, a deck table, a casual table, etc.), while still conforming to the principles described herein.

[0158] Therefore, the logical operations constituting the technical embodiments described herein are variously referred to as operations, steps, objects, elements, components or modules. In addition, it should be understood that unless otherwise explicitly required, or the claim language itself requires a specific order, these can appear, execute or be arranged in any order.

[0159] All directional references, such as up, down, inside, outside, upward, downward, left, right, side, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise, proximal and distal, are used only for identification purposes to help the reader understand the claimed subject matter and do not create limitations, especially not the position, orientation or use of the flat-pack table. Unless otherwise specified, connection references, such as "attached", "connected", "connected", "connected" or "connected with..." should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between sets of elements and relative movement between elements. Therefore, connection references do not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected and have a fixed relationship with each other. The term "or" should be interpreted as "and / or", not "exclusive or". The word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" does not exclude a plurality. Unless otherwise specified in the claims, the numerical values ​​should be interpreted as for reference only and shall not be regarded as limiting numerical values.

[0160] The above description, examples, and data fully describe the structure and use of the exemplary embodiments of the flat-pack table defined in the claims. Although various embodiments of the claimed subject matter have been described above with a certain degree of detail, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art may make numerous modifications to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0161] Other embodiments are also contemplated. All matters described above and shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as merely illustrative of particular embodiments and not restrictive. Modifications may be made in detail or structure without departing from the essential elements of the subject matter defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A furniture component, comprising: First furniture subassembly; a first accessory, the first accessory being on the first furniture subassembly; second furniture subassembly; as well as a second accessory, the second accessory being on the second furniture subassembly, the second accessory being selectively attachable to the first accessory to secure the first furniture subassembly to the second furniture subassembly, One of the first fitting and the second fitting is a sliding interference groove having an open end and a blind end, and the other of the first fitting and the second fitting is a sliding tongue that can be slidably introduced into the open end of the sliding interference groove.

2. The furniture component according to claim 1, wherein the sliding interference groove is one of a T-shape, an L-shape and a dovetail shape.

3. The furniture component of claim 1, wherein the first fitting and the second fitting snap into place.

4. The furniture component of claim 1, wherein the first fitting comprises one of a protrusion and a stop, and the second fitting comprises the other of a protrusion and a stop.

5. The furniture component of claim 1, wherein the second accessory is attached to the second furniture subassembly.

6. The furniture component of claim 1 , wherein the first furniture subassembly comprises a first frame having a plurality of spaced-apart first accessories thereon, and wherein the second furniture subassembly comprises a second frame having a plurality of spaced-apart second accessories thereon so as to be simultaneously secured to the plurality of spaced-apart first accessories.

7. The furniture component according to claim 1, wherein the sliding interference groove comprises: a longitudinal opening extending from the open end toward the blind end, A longitudinal recess is accessible through the longitudinal opening, the longitudinal opening having a first width, the longitudinal recess having a second width greater than the first width.

8. The furniture component of claim 1, wherein the sliding interference groove comprises: a longitudinal opening extending from the open end toward the blind end, A longitudinal recess is accessible through the longitudinal opening, the longitudinal opening having a first width, the longitudinal recess having a second width equal to the first width.

9. A table furniture component, comprising: Desktop subcomponent; A first accessory, the first accessory is located on the desktop subassembly; Supports; a second accessory disposed on the support member and capable of being selectively attached to the first accessory to secure the support member to the tabletop subassembly, wherein one of the first fitting and the second fitting is a first sliding interference groove having a first open end and a first blind end, and the other of the first fitting and the second fitting is a first sliding tongue capable of being slidably introduced into the first open end of the first sliding interference groove; a third accessory, the third accessory being located on the support member; Leg subassembly; as well as a fourth accessory on the leg subassembly, the fourth accessory being selectively attachable to the third accessory to secure the leg subassembly to the support, One of the third and fourth accessories is a second sliding interference groove having a second open end and a second blind end, and the other of the third and fourth accessories is a second sliding tongue that can be slidably introduced into the second open end of the second sliding interference groove. 10 . The table furniture component according to claim 9 , wherein the first sliding interference groove or the second sliding interference groove is one of a T-shape, an L-shape and a dovetail shape.

11. The table furniture component according to claim 9, wherein: The first accessory and the second accessory snap into place, or The third accessory and the fourth accessory snap into place.

12. The table furniture component of claim 9, wherein the first accessory comprises one of a protrusion and a stopper, and the second accessory comprises the other of a protrusion and a stopper.

13. The table furniture component of claim 9, wherein the third accessory comprises one of a protrusion and a stopper, and the fourth accessory comprises the other of a protrusion and a stopper.

14. A table furniture component according to claim 9, wherein the leg subassembly includes a frame having a plurality of spaced-apart first accessories thereon, and wherein the support member has a plurality of spaced-apart second accessories thereon to be simultaneously fixed to the plurality of spaced-apart first accessories.

15. The table furniture component according to claim 9, wherein the first sliding interference groove or the second sliding interference groove comprises: a longitudinal opening extending from the open end toward the blind end, A longitudinal recess is accessible through the longitudinal opening, the longitudinal opening having a first width, the longitudinal recess having a second width greater than the first width.

16. The table furniture component according to claim 9, wherein the first sliding interference groove or the second sliding interference groove comprises: a longitudinal opening extending from the open end toward the blind end, A longitudinal recess is accessible through the longitudinal opening, the longitudinal opening having a first width, the longitudinal recess having a second width equal to the first width.

17. A table comprising: a first leg subassembly; a first support member attachable to the first leg subassembly; a first desk subassembly, the first desk subassembly being attachable to the first support; a second leg subassembly; a second support member attachable to the second leg subassembly; as well as a second desk subassembly attachable to the first support and the second support; The first leg subassembly, the first support, the first tabletop subassembly, the second leg subassembly, the second support, and the second tabletop subassembly fit within a package having a total volume in the range of approximately 0.6-105 cubic feet and can be assembled without the use of tools.

18. A table according to claim 17, wherein the first leg subassembly is capable of being attached to the first support member, the second leg subassembly is capable of being attached to the second support member, the first desktop subassembly and the second desktop subassembly are each capable of being attached to both the first support member and the second support member, and the first leg subassembly and the second leg subassembly are each configured to be adjacent to but not attached to the first desktop subassembly and the second desktop subassembly.

19. The table of claim 17, wherein the first leg subassembly is attachable to the first support member by snapping into place, and the second leg subassembly is attachable to the second support member by snapping into place.

20. The table of claim 17, further comprising a central aperture covered by at least one of a removable center member, a removable gel fuel can holder, or a removable Bio-E can holder.

21. A furniture component capable of being assembled without the use of tools, comprising: a first furniture subassembly having a first accessory thereon; as well as a second furniture subassembly having a second accessory thereon, The second accessory is shaped and sized to be selectively attachable to the first accessory to secure the first furniture subassembly to the second furniture subassembly.

22. The furniture component according to claim 20, wherein one of the first fitting and the second fitting is a sliding interference groove having an open end and a blind end, and the other of the first fitting and the second fitting is a sliding tongue that can be slidably introduced into the open end of the sliding interference groove.

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