A table leg assembly and method for assembling a table leg assembly

Abstract

A table leg assembly (100, Figure 1A) comprising a table leg (110, Figure 1A), the leg comprising an elongate body 120, an upper mount 130, and a first connector 140. An upper portion 150 of the elong

Description

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD Examples of the disclosure relate to a table leg assembly and method for assembling a table leg assembly. BACKGROUND Table legs are frequently attached to tables by rotational movement around a central attachment means. A problem with such table legs is that they frequently come loose during the lifetime of the table. Loosening of the table leg may be caused, in particular, by movement of the table or application of a shock to the table leg. BRIEF SUMMARY According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a table leg assembly comprising: a table leg, the table leg comprising an elongate body, an upper mount, and a first connector, wherein: at least an upper portion of the elongate body of the table leg is hollow; the upper mount is provided within the hollow upper portion of the table leg; and the first connector is provided on a central axis of rotation of the table leg; wherein the table leg assembly further comprises: a top support, configured to be attached to a table base, the top support comprising a body and a second connector configured to receive the first connector such that rotation of the table leg about the central axis of rotation when the second connector and the first connector are aligned causes the first and second connectors to engage and tighten the table leg against the top support; and a washer, comprising an elastic material, and positioned between the upper mount of the table leg and the top support in use, such that rotation of the table leg to cause the first and second connectors to engage causes elastic compression of the washer between the top support and the upper mount of the table leg, wherein an upper face of the washer is sloped to provide for a progressive increase of frictional force between the upper face of the washer and the body of the top support as the washer is compressed. An advantage of providing a washer is that compression of the washer provides a frictional force between the top support and the upper mount, resisting unscrewing of the table leg from the table during use. A further advantage of providing a washer is that the washer acts as a damper to reduce shocks applied to the connectors when a shock is applied to table leg, thus resisting unscrewing of the table leg from the table as a result of a shock being applied to the table leg. In some but not necessarily all examples, the washer is positioned within the hollow upper portion of the elongate body of the table leg. In some but not necessarily all examples, the washer is sized to have a loose fit within the hollow upper portion of the elongate body of the table leg such that an outer expansion space is provided between an outer face of the washer and an inner face of the table leg. In some but not necessarily all examples, the washer comprises a central hole, through which the first connector extends, the central hole being sized such that an inner expansion space is provided between an inner face of the washer and an outer face of one of the connectors. In some but not necessarily all examples, compression of the washer between the top support and the upper mount of the table leg causes deformation of the washer such that the washer expands into the outer expansion space and the inner expansion space. An advantage of providing inner and outer expansion spaces is that deformation of the washer such that the washer expands into the inner expansion space and the outer expansion space provides a frictional force between an outer surface of the washer and an inner surface of the elongate portion of the table leg, resisting relative movement of the washer and the table leg. A further advantage of providing an outer expansion space is preventing “pinching” of the deformed washer between an outer surface of the upper mount and the inner surface of the elongate portion of the table leg. An upper face of the washer is sloped, e.g., domed. An advantage of providing a sloped upper face of the washer is providing for a progressive increase of frictional force between the upper face of the washer and the body of the top support as the washer is compressed. A further advantage of providing a sloped upper face of the washer is providing tolerance for positioning of the washer relative to the connectors. In some but not necessarily all examples, the upper face of the washer is domed towards an inside diameter of the washer. An advantage the upper face of the washer being domed towards the inside diameter of the washer is that the shape causes a majority of the deformation of the washer to be towards the outer expansion space. In some but not necessarily all examples, the washer comprises an upper transitional edge leading to a central hole of the washer. An advantage of providing a chamfered / transitional edge is providing a locating feature, and providing for some deformation of the washer towards the inner expansion space without excessive pressure being applied to the first connector. In some but not necessarily all examples, the washer comprises a material having a maximum Shore A hardness of 70 or 80. In some but not necessarily all examples, the washer comprises a polymer. In some but not necessarily all examples, the washer is formed from an elastomeric material. In some but not necessarily all examples, the washer is formed from a polymeric material. In some but not necessarily all examples, the elastomeric polymeric material is rubber. In some but not necessarily all examples, the upper mount is provided by a top plate. In some but not necessarily all examples, the upper mount comprises a central hole, through which one of the connectors extends. In some but not necessarily all examples, the upper mount comprises at least one pressure-causing feature configured to apply a frictional force to the washer. An advantage of the at least one pressure-causing feature is providing a frictional force between the upper mount and the washer, preventing relative rotation of the washer and the upper mount during assembly and use. A further advantage of the at least one pressure-causing feature is increasing the strength of the upper mount. In some but not necessarily all examples, the at least one pressure-causing feature extends substantially tangentially to the central axis of rotation. In some but not necessarily all examples, the at least one pressure-causing feature comprises at least one elongate ridge. In some but not necessarily all examples, the at least one pressure-causing feature comprises two elongate ridges positioned at equal distances from the central hole. In some but not necessarily all examples, the at least one pressure-causing feature is positioned such that it contacts the washer at, or close to, a portion of the washer underneath an apex of the washer. In some but not necessarily all examples, the at least one pressure-causing feature is configured to contact the washer before a flat face of the upper mount contacts the washer, during the compression of the washer. An advantage of providing the at least pressure-causing feature underneath an apex of the washer is the application of a frictional force to the washer in line with the first point of contact between the washer and the top support, to maximise the applied frictional force. In some but not necessarily all examples, the top support comprises a plate configured to be attached to a table base using a plurality of fixtures. In some but not necessarily all examples, the top support is shaped to prevent rotation of the second connector. An advantage of preventing rotation of the second connector is providing for ease of assembly by providing a static feature to the first connector is attached. In some but not necessarily all examples, the hollow upper portion of the elongate body of the table leg comprises an open end, through which a portion of the washer protrudes beyond a top rim of the elongate body of the table leg. In some but not necessarily all examples, the upper portion of the elongate body of the table leg is a portion proximal to the top support and distal a foot portion of the elongate body of the table leg configured to contact a ground plane when in use. In some but not necessarily all examples, the elongate body of the table leg, the upper mount and the washer have a circular or substantially circular cross-section; or the elongate body of the table leg, the upper mount and the washer have a rectilinear or substantially rectilinear cross-section. An advantage of the table leg assembly depicted in the drawings and described herein is minimal material use, while improving shock resistance and durability to prolong product life. According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a method of assembling a table leg assembly comprising: providing a table leg comprising an elongate body, an upper mount, and a first connector, wherein: at least an upper portion of the elongate body of the table leg is hollow; the upper mount is provided within the hollow upper portion of the table leg; and the first connector is provided on a central axis of rotation of the table leg; providing a washer comprising an elastic material; providing a top support comprising a body and a second connector, such that the washer is positioned between the upper mount of the table leg and the body of the top support, wherein an upper face of the washer is sloped to provide for a progressive increase of frictional force between the upper face of the washer and the body of the top support as the washer is compressed; aligning the first connector and the second connector; and rotating the table leg about the central axis of rotation such that the first and second connectors engage and tighten the table leg against the top support, and the washer is elastically compressed between the body of the top support and the upper mount of the table leg. According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims. While the above examples of the disclosure and optional features are described separately, it is to be understood that their provision in all possible combinations and permutations is contained within the disclosure. It is to be understood that various examples of the disclosure can comprise any or all the features described in respect of other examples of the disclosure, and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGs 1A and 1B illustrate perspective views of examples of a table leg assembly; FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded cross-section view of an example table leg assembly; FIG. 3 illustrates a non-exploded cross-section view of the example table leg assembly of FIG. 2; FIGs 4A and 4B illustrate example washers for round and square table legs, respectively; FIGs 5A and 5B illustrate example upper mounts for a table leg assembly; and FIG. 6 illustrates an example method of assembling a table leg assembly. The figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and views of the figures can be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale in the interest of clarity and conciseness. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid explication. Similar reference numerals are used in the figures to designate similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals are not necessarily displayed in all figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The Figures illustrate various examples of a table leg assembly 100 comprising: a table leg 110, the table leg 110 comprising an elongate body 120, an upper mount 130, and a first connector 140, wherein: at least an upper portion 150 of the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110 is hollow; the upper mount 130 is provided within the hollow upper portion 150 of the table leg 110; and the first connector 140 is provided on a central axis of rotation A of the table leg 110. The table leg assembly 100 further comprises a top support 160, configured to be attached to a table base, the top support 160 comprising a body 170 and a second connector 180 configured to receive the first connector 140 such that rotation of the table leg 110 about the central axis of rotation A when the second connector 180 and the first connector 140 are aligned causes the first and second connectors 140, 180 to engage and tighten the table leg 110 against the top support 160. The table leg assembly 100 further comprises a washer 190, comprising an elastic material, and positioned between the upper mount 130 of the table leg 110 and the top support 160 in use, such that rotation of the table leg 110 to cause the firstand second connectors 140,180 to engage causes elastic compression of the washer 190 between the top support 160 and the upper mount 130 of the table leg 110. This provides the technical effect of providing a frictional force between the top support 160 and the upper mount 130, resisting unscrewing of the table leg 110 from the table during use. FIGs 1A and 1B illustrate examples of a table leg assembly 100. In the example of FIG 1A, the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110, the upper mount 130 and the washer 190 have a circular or substantially circular cross-section. In the example of FIG 1B, the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110, the upper mount 130 and the washer 190 have a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross-section. In some of the examples and FIGs, only an example in which the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110, the upper mount 130 and the washer 190 have a circular or substantially circular cross-section, or an example in which the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110, the upper mount 130 and the washer 190 have a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross-section is illustrated. It will be appreciated all examples may be equally applied to examples in which the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110, the upper mount 130, and the washer 190 have a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross-section, unless otherwise specified. In examples, the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110, the upper mount 130 and the washer 190 have a square cross-section. The table leg 110 comprises an elongate body 120. The elongate body 120 comprises a lower portion and an upper portion, such as a lower half and an upper half. At least the upper portion 150 of the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110 is hollow. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the upper portion 150 of the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110 is a portion proximal, in use, to the top support 160. The upper portion 150 of the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110 is distal a foot portion 250 of the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110, the foot portion 250 being configured to contact the ground when in use. The foot portion 250 may comprise a foot 260, attachable to the lower portion of the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110 is a hollow tube. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the hollow upper portion 150 of the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110 comprises an open end. In some such examples, a portion (apex 212) of the washer 190 protrudes, in use, beyond a top rim of the open end of the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110. When the elongate body 120 is attached to the body of the top support 160, the washer 190 is therefore compressed. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the protruding portion of the washer 190 is compressed until the elongate body 120 contacts and / or is flush with the body 170 of the top support 160. As can be seen in the exploded view of FIG. 3, the table leg 110 comprises a first connector 140, provided on a central axis of rotation A of the table leg 110. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the first connector 140 comprises a threaded hole. In some such examples, the first connector 140 is a threaded hole 230 formed through the upper mount 130. Alternatively, the first connector 140 may comprise a welded nut or captive nut located to one side of the upper mount 130. As can be seen in the exploded view of FIG. 3, the table leg 110 comprises an upper mount 130. FIGs 5A and 5B illustrate examples of the upper mount 130. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the upper mount 130 is provided within the hollow upper portion 150 of the table leg 110, recessed below a top rim of an open end of the hollow upper portion of the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110. This creates a pocket within which the washer 190 is received, e.g., loosely received. The height of the recess from the upper mount 130 to the top rim is slightly less than the height of the washer 190 from the bottom of the washer 190 to the apex 212 of the washer, so the apex 212 of the washer 190 protrudes above the top rim of the open end of the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110. The apex 212 of the washer 190 may be a linear ridge extending in a ring, e.g., circle, around the central hole 210. The illustrated apex 212 is a ridge that defines a sharp peak, lacking a flat spot. The apex 212 of the washer 190 may protrude above the top rim by a vertical distance of at least 0.5mm, or at least 1mm. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the upper mount 130 comprises a central hole 230, through which the first connector 140 extends in use. As described above, the central hole 230 may optionally be threaded to define the first connector 140. As illustrated in FIGs 5A and 5B, in some, but not necessarily all, examples, the upper mount 130 comprises at least one pressure-causing feature 240 configured to apply a frictional force to the washer 190. In examples in which the upper mount 130 is planar or substantially planar, the pressure-causing feature 240 strengthens the upper mount 130. As can be seen in FIG. 5B, in some, but not necessarily all, examples, the at least one pressure-causing feature 240 extends substantially tangentially to the central axis of rotation A. In examples in which the upper mount 130 comprises more than one pressure-causing feature 240, the pressure-causing features 240 may be positioned at equal distances from the central hole 230. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, an upper surface of the upper mount 130 is non-planar (non-flat) to define at least one pressure-causing feature 240. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the at least one pressure-causing feature 240 comprises at least one elongate ridge formed in the upper surface of the upper mount 130. The elongate ridge may be formed in an upper plate surface of the upper mount 130 which the washer 190 contacts in use. Therefore, a base of the washer 190 contacts the elongate ridge 240 in use, as well as the surrounding upper surface of the upper mount 130. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the at least one pressure-causing feature 240 comprises two elongate ridges positioned at equal distances from the central hole 230. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the at least one pressure-causing feature 240 is positioned such that it contacts the washer 190 at, or close to, a portion of the washer 190 underneath the apex 212 of the washer 190. The at least one pressurecausing feature 240 is therefore positioned in line with, or substantially in line with, the apex 212 of the washer 190 to contact the body 170 of the top support 160 during assembly of the table leg assembly 100. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, at least a portion of the at least one pressure-causing feature 240 is positioned closer to the central hole 230 of the upper mount 130 than to an outer perimeter of the upper mount 130. For example, where a pressure-causing feature 240 may comprise a ridge extending generally tangentially to the circular apex 212 of the washer 190, the ridge 240 may tangentially intersect a radius of the washer 190 which is equal to or less than a radius of the apex 212 of the washer 190 when the washer 190 is viewed in plan view. The middle of the ridge 240 may extend proximal to the central hole 230 of the upper mount 130. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, at least one pressure-causing feature 240 is configured to contact the washer 190 before a flat face of the upper mount 130 contacts the washer 190. The pressure-causing feature 240 therefore provides for an initial point of contact between the upper mount 130 and the washer 190 with a small surface area. The pressure exerted on the washer 190 by the upper mount 130 is therefore high at the initial point of contact, causing a high frictional force between the upper mount 130 and the washer 190. This inhibits rotation of the washer 190 relative to the upper mount 130. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the upper mount 130 is provided by a plate. In such examples, the upper mount 130 and the pressure-causing feature 240 may be formed by pressing sheet metal. In examples, the upper mount 130 comprises steel. In other examples, the upper mount 130 is formed as part of the table leg 110. Referring back to FIGs 1A and 1B and the exploded view of FIG 2, the table leg assembly 100 comprises a top support 160. The top support 160 is configured to be attached to a table base. The top support 160 comprises a body 170. In some, but not necessarily all examples, the body 170 of the top support 160 comprises an upper surface configured to contact a table base, and a lower surface configured to contact the washer 190. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the body 170 of the top support 160 comprises a plate (e.g., flange) configured to be pre-attached to a table base (not shown) using a plurality of fixtures. As can be seen in the exploded view of FIG. 2, the top support 160 comprises a second connector 180. The second connector 180 is configured to receive the first connector 140 such that rotation of the table leg 110 about the central axis of rotation A when the second connector 180 and the first connector 140 are aligned causes the first and second connectors 140, 180 to engage and tighten the table leg 110 against the top support 160. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the second connector 180 comprises a threaded portion. In some such examples, the second connector 180 comprises a bolt. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the body 170 of the top support 160 is shaped to prevent rotation of the second connector 180. In some such examples, the body 170 of the top support 160 comprises a portion having the same cross-sectional shape as a head of the second connector 180. For example, the second connector 180 may comprise a bolt having a hexagonal bolt head, and the body 170 of the top support 160 comprises a hexagonal seat 172 in which the bolt head may be seated. By preventing rotation of the second connector 180, a static feature to which the first connector 140 may be engaged is provided, therefore providing improved ease of assembly. As can be seen in the exploded view of FIG. 3, the table leg assembly 100 comprises a washer 190. FIGs 4A and 4B illustrate examples of the washer 190. FIG. 4A illustrates the circular washer of FIGS. 2-3. FIG. 4B illustrates a square variant. The washer 190 is positioned between the upper mount 130 of the table leg 110 and the top support 160 in use, such that rotation of the table leg 110 to cause the first and second connectors 140, 180 to engage causes elastic compression of the washer 190 between the top support 160 and the upper mount 130 of the table leg 110. The washer 190 thus provides a frictional force to the top support 160 and to the upper mount 130. The frictional forces inhibit unscrewing of the table leg 110 during use. The washer 190 also provides a damper. Forces applied to the table leg 110 are transmitted to the upper mounting support, the first and second connectors 140, 180, and the top support 160 through the washer 190. The elastic material of the washer 190 dampens a force applied to the upper mount 130, the first and second connectors 140, 180, and the top support 160 caused by application of a sudden force to the table leg 110. The washer 190 therefore resists unscrewing of the table leg 110 as a result of a shock being applied to the table leg 110. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the washer 190 is positioned within the hollow upper portion 150 of the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110 such that the washer 190 protrudes from an outer face of the hollow upper portion 150. The washer 190 therefore contacts the body 170 of the top support 160 before the table leg 110 contacts the body 170 of the top support 160. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the washer 190 is sized to have a loose fit within the hollow upper portion 150 of the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110 such that an outer expansion space 200 (FIG. 3) is provided between an outer face of the washer 190 and an inner face of the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the washer 190 comprises a central hole 210, through which the first connector 140 extends. The central hole 210 is sized such that an inner expansion space 220 is provided between an inner face of the washer 190 and an outer face (e.g., shank) of the second connector 180. In other words, the central hole 210 is oversized relative to the shank of the second connector 180, e.g., at least 120% of the shank diameter. In use, the central hole 210 of the washer 190 is aligned with the central hole 230 of the upper mount 130. As shown in FIG. 3, when the table leg assembly 100 is in an assembled state, the inner expansion space 220 may be shorter in height than a height of the central hole 210. This is because an upper portion of the central hole 210 may be filled in by a downwardly-protruding boss 174 formed in an underside of the top support 160. The inner expansion space 220 is the empty space below the bottom of the boss. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the central hole 210 of the washer 190 of FIG. 4A has a transitional edge 214, e.g., chamfer, extending from the apex 212 towards the central hole 210. This transitional edge 214 is optional, as demonstrated in FIG. 4B wherein the apex 212 is located at the perimeter of the central hole 210, with no transitional edge. During deformation of the washer 190, the chamfer 214 limits contact between the washer 190 and the second connector 180, thus inhibiting “pinching” of the washer 190 by the second connector 180. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, compression of the washer 190 between the top support 160 and the upper mount 130 of the table leg 110 causes deformation of the washer 190 such that the washer 190 expands laterally into the outer expansion space 200 and the inner expansion space 220 (FIG. 3). Outwards deformation of the washer 190 into the outer expansion space 200 provides a frictional force between an outer side surface of the washer 190 and an inner side surface of the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110. Inwards deformation of the washer 190 provides a frictional force between an inner side surface of the central hole 210 of the washer 190 and an outer side surface of the boss 174 of the top support 160. The squashing / spreading of the washer 190 by the vertical compression thus resists relative movement of the washer 190 and the table leg 110. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, an upper face 216 of the washer 190 is sloped, e.g., domed. In some such examples, the upper face of the washer 190 is domed towards an inside diameter, such as the diameter of the apex 212. The sloped upper face 216 causes a progressive increase in the frictional force between the washer 190 and the body 170 of the top support 160, because the surface area over which the frictional force is applied gradually increases as the first connector 140 and the second connector 180 engage. The slope direction of the upper face 216 of the washer 190 may be such that the outer perimeter 218 of the washer 190 protrudes above the top rim of the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110 less than the apex 212 of the washer 190. In other examples, the outer perimeter 218 of the washer 190 may not protrude above the top rim of the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110, and only the region of the apex 212 protrudes. For example, the apex 212 may be at least 0.5mm or at least 1mm higher than the outer perimeter 218 of the washer 190. In FIG. 4A, the apex 212 may be radially closer to the central hole 210 than to the outer perimeter 218 of the washer 190. Therefore, the sloped upper face 216 may extend over a radially longer distance than the transitional edge 214. In FIG. 4B, the sloped upper face 216 is sloped from the outer perimeter 218 of the washer 190 to the apex 212 at the central hole 210. The sloped upper face 216 also provides tolerance for positioning of the washer 190 relative to the second connector 180, because, when the apex 212 of the washer 190 contacts the body 170 of the top support 160, the force applied to the washer 190 causes alignment of the washer 190 and the second connector 180, and the boss 174. In examples in which the upper face 216 of the washer 190 is domed towards the inside diameter of the central hole 210, deformation of the washer 190 towards the outer expansion space 200 is increased relative to deformation of the washer 190 towards the inner expansion space 220. The washer 190 comprises an elastic material. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the washer 190 comprises a material having a maximum Shore A hardness of 70. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the washer 190 comprises a polymer. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the washer 190 comprises rubber, or equivalents thereof. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the washer 190 is formed as a continuous ring. There is therefore provided a table leg assembly 100 comprising a table leg 110, a top support 160 and a washer 190. The table leg 110 may be attached to the top support 160 by aligning first and second connectors 140, 180 and rotating the table leg 110 around a central axis when the first and second connectors 140, 180 are aligned to cause the first and second connectors 140, 180 to engage and tighten the table leg 110 against the top support 160. Movement of the table leg 110 towards the top support 160, e.g., by screwing in the table leg 110, causes the washer 190 to contact the top support 160 and to be compressed between the table leg 110 and the top support 160. The compression between the table leg 110 and the top support 160 causes the application of a frictional force between the washer 190 and the top support 160, and between the washer 190 and the table leg 110. The applied forces are maximised in an assembled position in which the table leg 110 contacts the top support 160 and / or is flush with the top support 160. The force required to disengage the table leg 110 and the top support 160 from the assembled position is therefore higher than if no washer 190 is provided. FIG 5 illustrates an example method of assembling a table leg assembly 100. The table leg assembly 100, and features of the table leg assembly 100, may be a table leg assembly 100 and features of a table leg assembly 100 as described above. The method comprises, at block 602, providing a table leg 110 comprising an elongate body 120, an upper mount 130, and a first connector 140. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, block 602 comprises providing the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110, providing the upper mount 130 within a hollow upper portion 150 of the elongate body 120 of the table leg 110, and providing the first connector 140 on a central axis of rotation A of the table leg 110. The method comprises, at block 604, providing a washer 190 comprising an elastic material. The method comprises, at block 606, providing a top support 160 comprising a body 170 and a second connector 180, such that the washer 190 is positioned between the upper mount 130 of the table leg 110 and the body 170 of the top support 160. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, block 606 comprises providing the body 170 of the top support 160, and providing the second connector 180. The method comprises, at block 608, aligning the first connector 140 and the second connector 180. The method comprises, at block 610, rotating the table leg 110 about the central axis of rotation A such that the first and second connectors 140, 180 engage and tighten the table leg 110 against the top support 160, and the washer 190 is elastically compressed between the body 170 of the top support 160 and the upper mount 130 of the table leg 110. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the method comprises attaching the body 170 of the top support 160 to a table base. This could be carried out before the table leg 110 is attached to the top support 160, or after. There is therefore provided a method comprising: providing a table leg 110 comprising an elongate body 120, an upper mount 130, and a first connector 140; providing a washer 190 comprising an elastic material; providing a top support 160 comprising a body 170 and a second connector 180, such that the washer 190 is positioned between the upper mount 130 of the table leg 110 and the body 170 of the top support 160; aligning the first connector 140 and the second connector 180; and rotating the table leg 110 about the central axis of rotation A such that the first and second connectors 140, 180 engage and tighten the table leg 110 against the top support 160, and the washer 190 is elastically compressed between the body 170 of the top support 160 and the upper mount 130 of the table leg 110. It will be appreciated that the blocks of the method may be carried out in an order different to the order described above. The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to ‘comprising only one...’ or by using ‘consisting.’ In this description, the wording ‘connect’, ‘couple’ and ‘communication’ and their derivatives mean operationally connected / coupled / in communication. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components can exist (including no intervening components), i.e., to provide direct or indirect connection / coupling / communication. Any such intervening components can include hardware and / or software components. In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘can’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’, ‘can’, or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example. Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, the types of connectors may be reversed so that the first connector 140 comprises a bolt and the second connector 180 comprises a threaded hole. Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above. Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not. The description of a feature, such as an apparatus or a component of an apparatus, configured to perform a function, or for performing a function, should additionally be considered to also disclose a method of performing that function. For example, description of an apparatus configured to perform one or more actions, or for 20 performing one or more actions, should additionally be considered to disclose a method of performing those one or more actions with or without the apparatus. Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not. The term ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a / an / the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of ‘at least one’ or ‘one or more’ may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning. The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result. In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described. The above description describes some examples of the present disclosure however those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of possible alternative structures and method features which offer equivalent functionality to the specific examples of such structures and features described herein above and which for the sake of brevity and clarity have been omitted from the above description. Nonetheless, the above description should be read as implicitly including reference to such alternative CM structures and method features which provide equivalent functionality unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the above description of the examples of the present disclosure. 5 Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon. 10 l / we claim:

Claims

1. A table leg assembly comprising:a table leg, the table leg comprising an elongate body, an upper mount, and a first connector, wherein:at least an upper portion of the elongate body of the table leg is hollow; the upper mount is provided within the hollow upper portion of the table leg; andthe first connector is provided on a central axis of rotation of the table leg;wherein the table leg assembly further comprises:a top support, configured to be attached to a table base, the top support comprising a body and a second connector configured to receive the first connector such that rotation of the table leg about the central axis of rotation when the second connector and the first connector are aligned causes the first and second connectors to engage and tighten the table leg against the top support; anda washer, comprising an elastic material, and positioned between the upper mount of the table leg and the top support in use, such that rotation of the table leg to cause the first and second connectors to engage causes elastic compression of the washer between the top support and the upper mount of the table leg, wherein an upper face of the washer is sloped to provide for a progressive increase of frictional force between the upper face of the washer and the body of the top support as the washer is compressed.

2. A table leg assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the washer is positioned within the hollow upper portion of the elongate body of the table leg.

3. A table leg assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the washer is sized to have a loose fit within the hollow upper portion of the elongate body of the table leg such that an outer expansion space is provided between an outer face of the washer and an inner face of the table leg.

4. A table leg assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the washer comprises a central hole, through which the first connector extends, the central holebeing sized such that an inner expansion space is provided between an inner face of the washer and an outer face of one of the connectors.

5. A table leg assembly as claimed in claims 3 and 4 in combination, wherein compression of the washer between the top support and the upper mount of the table leg causes deformation of the washer such that the washer expands into the outer expansion space and the inner expansion space.

6. A table leg assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper face of the washer is domed towards an inside diameter of the washer.

7. A table leg assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the washer comprises an upper transitional edge leading to a central hole of the washer.

8. A table leg assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the washer comprises a material having a maximum Shore A hardness of 70 or 90.

9. A table leg assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the washer comprises a polymer.

10. A table leg assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the washer is formed from an elastomeric material.

11. A table leg assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper mount is provided by a plate.

12. A table leg assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper mount comprises a central hole, through which one of the connectors extends.

13. A table leg assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper mount comprises at least one pressure-causing feature configured to apply a frictional force to the washer.

14. A table leg assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein the at least one pressurecausing feature extends substantially tangentially to the central axis of rotation.

15. A table leg assembly as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the at least one pressure-causing feature comprises at least one elongate dome.

16. A table leg assembly as claimed in any of claims 13-15, wherein the at least one pressure-causing feature comprises an elongate ridge, or two elongate ridges positioned at equal distances from the central hole.

17. A table leg assembly as claimed in any of claims 13-16, wherein the at least one pressure-causing feature is positioned such that it contacts the washer at, or close to, a portion of the washer underneath an apex of the washer.

18. A table leg assembly as claimed in any of claims 13 - 17, wherein the at least one pressure-causing feature is configured to contact the washer before a flat face of the upper mount contacts the washer, during the compression of the washer.

19. A table leg assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the body of the top support comprises a plate configured to be attached to a table base using a plurality of fixtures.

20. A table leg assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the body of the top support is shaped to prevent rotation of the second connector.

21. A table leg assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the hollow upper portion of the elongate body of the table leg comprises an open end, through which a portion of the washer protrudes beyond a top rim of the elongate body of the table leg.

22. A table leg assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper portion of the elongate body of the table leg is a portion proximal to the top support and distal a foot portion of the elongate body of the table leg configured to contact a ground plane when in use.

23. A table leg as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the elongate body of the table leg, the upper mount and the washer have a circular or substantially circular cross-section; or the elongate body of the table leg, the upper mount and the washer have a rectilinear or substantially rectilinear cross-section.

24. A method of assembling a table leg assembly comprising:providing a table leg comprising an elongate body, an upper mount, and a first connector, wherein:at least an upper portion of the elongate body of the table leg is hollow;the upper mount is provided within the hollow upper portion of the table leg; andthe first connector is provided on a central axis of rotation of the table leg;providing a washer comprising an elastic material;providing a top support comprising a body and a second connector, such that the washer is positioned between the upper mount of the table leg and the body of the top support, wherein an upper face of the washer is sloped to provide for a progressive increase of frictional force between the upper face of the washer and the body of the top support as the washer is compressed;aligning the first connector and the second connector; androtating the table leg about the central axis of rotation such that the first and second connectors engage and tighten the table leg against the top support, and the washer is elastically compressed between the body of the top support and the upper mount of the table leg.

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