Table

Abstract

To provide a table capable of reducing he manpower necessary for installing, moving and storing the table.SOLUTION: A table includes a top plate, a leg part, and a connection part for detachably connecting the top plate and the leg part. The leg part includes in a state of being connected to the top plate, a support surface for supporting the top plate by being directly or indirectly in close contact with a supported surface of the top plate. The connection part includes an engaging member disposed in one of the top plate and the leg part, and an engaged member disposed in the other one. The engaging member can be inserted / removed into / from a first position of the engaged member, and can relatively move to a second position for connecting the top plate and the leg part from the first position in a state of being inserted into the engaged member. The connection part is so constituted that a contact pressure of the supported surface of the top plate and the support surface of the leg part is increased due to that the engaging member relatively moves from the first position to the second position in a state of being inserted into the engaged member, and a contact pressure of the supported surface of the top plate and the support surface of the leg part is decreased due to that the engaging member relatively moves from the second position to the first position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a table. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are various sizes of tables used for meals, meetings, etc. The size of the table varies depending on the size of the top plate. As the top plate becomes larger, the weight tends to increase. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a table with a large top plate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-346362 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, tables are often set up, moved and stored in banquet halls, conference rooms, etc. If the tabletop is large or heavy, the labor required to set up, move and store the table tends to increase.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention has an object to provide a table that can reduce the effort required for setting up, moving and storing the table. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A table according to the present invention comprises a tabletop, legs supporting the tabletop, and a connecting portion detachably connecting the tabletop and the legs, the legs having a support surface that supports the tabletop by directly or indirectly coming into close contact with a supported surface of the tabletop when connected to the tabletop, the connecting portion comprising an engaging member provided on one of the tabletop and the legs, and an engaged member provided on the other of the tabletop and the legs, the engaging member being configured to be insertable into and detachable from a first position of the engaged member, and being configured to be insertable into and detachable from the tabletop when inserted into the engaged member, the engaging member being configured to be insertable into and detachable from the tabletop from the first position. The connecting portion is configured to be capable of relative movement to a second position connecting the engaging member and the leg portion, and the connecting portion is configured such that, when the engaging member is inserted into the engaged member, the engaging member moves relatively from the first position of the engaged member to the second position, thereby increasing the contact pressure between the supported surface of the tabletop and the supporting surface of the leg portion and bringing the supported surface and the supporting surface into direct or indirect close contact, and the engaging member moves relatively from the second position of the engaged member to the first position, thereby decreasing the contact pressure between the supported surface of the tabletop and the supporting surface of the leg portion. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a table that can reduce the effort required for setting up, moving and storing the table. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a table according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the top plate side. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the table shown in FIG. 1, seen from the leg side. [Diagram 3] 3 is a perspective view showing the top plate of the table shown in FIG. 2, the top plate being viewed from the back side. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a leg of the table shown in FIG. [Diagram 5]2 is a perspective view showing an example of a connecting member used to connect the table top and legs in the table shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a state in which a table top and legs are connected in the table shown in FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] A table according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is merely an example, and the table according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0010] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the table T of this embodiment includes a top plate 1, legs 2 supporting the top plate 1, and a connecting portion 3 (see Fig. 6) for detachably connecting the top plate 1 and the legs 2. The legs 2 are attached to the top plate 1 via the connecting portion 3, and the table T can be used as a table for dining, working, meetings, and the like. The table T can be suitably used in places where multiple tables are often installed, moved, and stored, such as inns. In particular, in banquet halls (such as large halls) in inns, multiple tables are often installed, moved, and stored. For this reason, if the table T of this embodiment can reduce the labor required for installation, movement, and storage, the labor efficiency of those who perform installation and other tasks can be effectively improved.

[0011] In this specification and drawings, the direction D1 represents the height direction (up-down direction) of the table T, the direction D2 represents the longitudinal direction of the table T (the longitudinal direction of the top board 1), and the direction D3 represents the width direction of the table T (the width direction of the top board 1). The directions D1, D2, and D3 are mutually perpendicular. The length of the top board 1 in the direction D2 may be the same as the length of the top board 1 in the direction D3. For example, the top board 1 may be square or circular. In the following, the directions D1, D2, and D3 will be used in the description in both a state in which the top board 1 and the leg part 2 are connected and a state in which the connection between the top board 1 and the leg part 2 is released (a state in which the leg part 2 is removed from the top board 1).

[0012] The tabletop 1 is a member supported by the legs 2 and given a predetermined height. The tabletop 1 can have an object placed on its upper surface, or can be used for eating or working. The shape of the tabletop 1 is not particularly limited as long as the object can be placed on its upper surface, or can be used for eating or working. In the example shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the tabletop 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape. The legs 2 are detachably attached to the tabletop 1 via the connecting parts 3 on one side (lower surface) in the direction D1. The tabletop 1 may have a shape other than a substantially rectangular shape, and may have other shapes such as a substantially elliptical shape, a substantially circular shape, or a substantially square shape.

[0013] The tabletop 1 has a supported surface 13 (see FIG. 3) supported by a support surface 21 (see FIG. 4) of the leg 2, which will be described later. The tabletop 1 is supported by the support surface 21 in a state of being in close contact with the support surface 21 of the leg 2. The tabletop 1 can be supported in a stable state by being supported in a state of being in close contact with the support surface 21 of the leg 2. The position and size of the supported surface 13 are not particularly limited as long as the tabletop 1 can be supported in a stable state by the support surface 21 of the leg 2. In this embodiment, the supported surface 13 is the lower surface of each of both ends of the tabletop 1 in the direction D2 (the upper surface in FIG. 3). The supported surface 13 is provided along the side edge (the short side in the example shown in FIG. 3) of both ends of the tabletop 1 in the direction D2. Since the supported surface 13 is the lower surface of each of both ends of the tabletop 1 in the direction D2, the tabletop 1 can be supported by the leg 2 at a well-balanced position with respect to the center of gravity of the tabletop 1.

[0014] The material of the tabletop 1 is not particularly limited, and any material such as wood, synthetic resin, or metal can be used. The structure of the tabletop 1 is not particularly limited, and any structure such as a solid core structure, a flush structure, or a honeycomb structure can be used. In order to reduce the weight of the tabletop 1, it is preferable that the tabletop 1 has a flush structure or a honeycomb structure. In this embodiment, the tabletop 1 has a honeycomb structure. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the tabletop 1 includes a frame-shaped frame portion 11 that constitutes the peripheral portion of the tabletop 1, and a planar portion 12 provided on the inside of the frame portion 11. The frame portion 11 constitutes the framework of the tabletop 1. The leg portion 2 is configured to be connected to the frame portion 11. By connecting the leg portion 2 to the frame portion 11, the connection between the leg portion 2 and the tabletop 1 can be made strong. In this embodiment, the frame portion 11 is configured to be able to attach an engaging member 31, which will be described later and which constitutes the connecting portion 3. Furthermore, frame portion 11 is configured so that, with engaging member 31 attached, engaged member 32, which will be described later, can be engaged with engaging member 31. In the example shown in Fig. 3, supported surface 13 is provided on the lower surface (surface facing leg portion 2) of frame portion 11. By providing supported surface 13 on frame portion 11, leg portion 2 and tabletop 1 can be firmly connected to each other.

[0015] In this embodiment, the tabletop 1 has a recess 14 configured to be recessed with respect to the supported surface 13. The recess 14 constitutes a storage space for storing the engaging member 31. That is, the engaging member 31 is provided in the recess 14. By providing the engaging member 31 in the recess 14, it is possible to prevent the engaging member 31 from protruding from the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 when the leg 2 is removed from the tabletop 1. This makes it possible to avoid the engaging member 31 interfering with surrounding objects and damaging the surrounding objects when the tabletop 1 is carried or stored alone. In particular, when the engaging member 31 is a male screw member described later, it is considered that there is a possibility that the surrounding objects will be damaged if the head of the male screw member interferes with the surrounding objects. However, as in this embodiment, by providing the engaging member 31 in the recess 14, it is possible to avoid such inconvenience with a simple configuration.

[0016] In this embodiment, the recess 14 is a groove (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 6). In the example shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the recess (groove) 14 is formed in the top plate 1. The recess (groove) 14 extends along a direction connecting the first position 321 and the second position 322 of the engaged member 32 (direction D3 in the example shown in FIG. 3, direction D4 in the example shown in FIG. 6) when viewed from the depth direction of the recess 14 (direction D1 in the examples shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6). "The recess 14 extends along a direction connecting the first position 321 and the second position 322 of the engaged member 32 when viewed from the depth direction of the recess 14" is based on the premise that, as described later, the engaging member 31 is provided in the recess 14 (see FIG. 3) and, in a state where the engaged member 32 is positioned in the recess 14 (see FIG. 6), the engaging member 31 is relatively movable between the first position 321 and the second position 322 of the engaged member 32 (see FIG. 6). That is, the recess 14 is configured to extend along a direction connecting the first position 321 and the second position 322 of the engaged member 32 (direction D3 in the example shown in FIG. 3, direction D4 in the example shown in FIG. 6) when the engaged member 32 is located in the recess 14, as viewed from the depth direction of the recess 14 (direction D1 in the example shown in FIG. 6). With this, when the engaging member 321 is provided in the recess 14 and the engaged member 32 is located in the recess 14, the engaging member 31 and the engaged member 32 are moved relatively along the extending direction of the recess 14 (direction D3 in the example shown in FIG. 6) as viewed from the depth direction of the recess 14 (direction D1 in the example shown in FIG. 6), thereby making it possible to relatively move the engaging member 31 along the direction connecting the first position 321 and the second position 322 of the engaged member 32 (direction D4 in the example shown in FIG. 6).

[0017] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 3 includes a plurality of engaging members 31 (three at each end of the tabletop 1 in the direction D2 in the example shown in FIG. 3). The plurality of engaging members 31 are provided at intervals along the short side direction (direction D3) of the tabletop 1. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the recess 14 has a length (size) capable of accommodating a plurality of (for example, three) engaging members 31. The length (length along the direction D3) of the recess 14 is not particularly limited as long as at least one engaging member 31 can be accommodated in the recess 14, and the engaging member 31 and the engaged member 32 can move relatively in the recess 14 to engage with each other. The recess 14 may be provided for each of the plurality of engaging members 31. For example, when three engaging members 31 are provided along the direction D3, the three recesses 14 may be provided so as to be aligned along the direction D3.

[0018] In this embodiment, the recess 14 is formed in the frame portion 11 of the tabletop 1 (see FIG. 3). This allows the leg portion 2 and the tabletop 1 to be firmly connected. Specifically, the recess 14 is formed so as to be recessed into the supported surface 13 (the upper surface of the frame portion 11 shown in FIG. 3) provided on the frame portion 11. This prevents the engagement member 31 provided on the tabletop 1 from protruding from the supported surface 13, and prevents the engagement member 31 from interfering with surrounding objects and damaging the surrounding objects when the tabletop 1 is carried or stored by itself.

[0019] In this embodiment, the planar portion 12 of the tabletop 1 is integrally formed with the frame portion 11 so as to be surrounded by the frame portion 11 (see FIG. 3). The size and shape of the planar portion 12 are not particularly limited as long as they have a size and shape according to the use of the table T. In this embodiment, the planar portion 12 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. In addition, in this embodiment, in order to reduce the weight of the tabletop 1, the planar portion 12 has a honeycomb structure layer (not shown) or a foamed resin layer (not shown). Specifically, the planar portion 12 has a plate-shaped front surface portion 121 located on one side (upper side in FIG. 1) in the direction D1, and a plate-shaped back surface portion 122 located on the other side (upper side in FIGS. 2 and 3) in the direction D1 and provided at a predetermined interval in the direction D1 from the front surface portion 121. In addition, the planar portion 12 has a honeycomb structure (not shown) provided between the front surface portion 121 and the back surface portion 122. The honeycomb structure is configured to achieve both weight reduction and improved strength. Specifically, the honeycomb structure is composed of partition walls with a plurality of hexagonal columnar spaces formed inside. The partition walls are configured to be sandwiched between a front surface portion 121 and a back surface portion 122 from both sides in the direction D1 (upper and lower sides in Figs. 2 and 3). In the example shown in Fig. 3, the honeycomb structure is provided in a rectangular parallelepiped space indicated by the dashed line between the front surface portion 121 and the back surface portion 122. In addition, when the planar portion 12 has a foamed resin layer, the foamed resin layer is provided in the rectangular parallelepiped space indicated by the dashed line between the front surface portion 121 and the back surface portion 122. The foamed resin layer is configured to achieve both weight reduction and strength improvement.

[0020] The leg 2 is a member that supports the tabletop 1 and gives the tabletop 1 a predetermined height. The leg 2 is detachably connected to the tabletop 1 via the connecting portion 3. The structure of the leg 2 is not particularly limited as long as it supports the tabletop 1 so as to give the tabletop 1 a predetermined height and is detachable from the tabletop 1. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the leg 2 includes a base 22, a column 23 extending from the tabletop 22 along the direction D1, and a beam 24 provided on the opposite side of the base 22 with respect to the column 23. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the base 22 is a rod-shaped or plate-shaped member extending along the direction D3. The column 23 is a rod-shaped member extending along the direction D1. The beam 24 is a rod-shaped or plate-shaped member extending along the direction D3. The surface of the beam 24 that faces the tabletop 1 is a support surface 21 described later. Further, engaged members 32 are provided on the support surface 21. Specifically, a plurality of engaged members 32 (three in the example shown in FIG. 4) are provided at intervals from each other along the longitudinal direction (direction D3) of the beam portion 24.

[0021] The legs 2 are provided with a support surface 21 (see FIG. 4) that, when connected to the tabletop 1, contacts the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 to support the tabletop 1. That is, the support surface 21 supports the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 in a state of contacting the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1. The tabletop 1 can be supported in a stable state by supporting the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 in a state where the support surface 21 of the legs 2 contacts the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 in a stable state. As long as the support surface 21 can stably support the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1, the position and size of the support surface 21 are not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the support surface 21 is a surface that contacts the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 in a parallel state when the tabletop 1 and the legs 2 are connected to each other. In this embodiment, the support surface 21 is located at one end of the leg 2 in direction D1 (the upper end in Figure 4) when the tabletop 1 and the leg 2 are connected, and is a surface that contacts the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 in a parallel state.

[0022] In this embodiment, the table T includes a plurality of legs 2 (two in the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). The plurality of legs 2 (two in the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) are configured to support both ends of the tabletop 1 in the direction D2. That is, a plurality of legs 2 (two in the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) are provided at positions capable of supporting the supported surfaces 13 (see FIG. 3) of both ends of the tabletop 1 in the direction D2. The number of legs 2 may be two or more. For example, the number of legs 2 may be four. In this case, the four legs 2 are configured to support areas near the four corners of the tabletop 1 (the four vertices of the tabletop 1).

[0023] As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the legs 2 are detachably connected to the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 via the connecting portion 3. By detachably connecting the legs 2 to the tabletop 1, the legs 2 can be removed from the tabletop 1 as necessary. For example, the legs 2 can be removed from the tabletop 1 when transporting or storing the table T. This allows the tabletop 1 and the legs 2 to be transported or stored separately. Each of the tabletop 1 and the legs 2 is lighter and more compact than the entire table T. Therefore, by transporting or storing the tabletop 1 and the legs 2 separately, the effort required to move and store the table T can be reduced.

[0024] The connecting portion 3 includes an engaging member 31 provided on either the top plate 1 or the leg portion 2, and an engaged member 32 provided on the other of the top plate 1 and the leg portion 2. In this embodiment, the engaging member 31 and the engaged member 32 are configured to be detachably engaged with each other. It is sufficient that either the engaging member 31 or the engaged member 32 is provided on the top plate 1. In this embodiment, the engaging member 31 is provided on the top plate 1 (see Figures 3 and 6). On the other hand, the engaged member 32 is provided on the leg portion 2 (see Figures 4 and 6).

[0025] The engaged member 32 (see FIG. 6) is a member that detachably connects the top plate 1 and the leg 2 by detachably engaging with the engaging member 31. In this embodiment, the engaged member 32 has a first position 321 where the engaging member 31 can be inserted and removed (inserted and removed), and a second position 322 where the engaged member 32 connects the top plate 1 and the leg 2 by engaging with the engaging member 31. The engaged member 32 also has a guide portion 324 that guides the engaging member 31 inserted into the engaged member 32 from the first position 321 to the second position 322. That is, the engaged member 32 has an insertion / removal function that enables the engaging member 31 to be inserted and removed, an engagement function that engages with the engaging member 31, and a guide function that guides the engaging member 31 so that the engaging member 31 moves between the insertion / removal position (first position 321) and the engagement position (second position 322).

[0026] In this embodiment, the engaged member 32 is made of a plate-like member (see FIG. 6). The material of the engaged member 32 is not particularly limited as long as it has the strength to engage with the engaging member 1 and connect the top plate 1 and the leg 2. In this embodiment, the engaged member 32 is made of a metal such as iron or stainless steel. In this embodiment, the engaged member 32 has an opening 323 that opens to connect the first position 321 and the second position 322. That is, the opening 323 has the first position 321 at one end in the direction D3 and the second position 322 at the other end. The opening 323 also has a guide portion 324 in the section between the first position 321 and the second position 322. The guide portion 324 extends linearly along the direction D3. The shape and size of the opening 323 are not particularly limited as long as the opening 323 has the above-mentioned insertion / removal function, the engagement function, and the guide function.

[0027] In this specification, the "first position 321" is a position in the engaged member 32 that functions as an entrance through which the engaging member 31 is inserted. In this embodiment, the inserted portion 311 of the engaging member 31, which will be described later, is inserted into the engaged member 32. The "first position 321" is a position in the engaged member 32 that functions as an exit through which the engaging member 31 inserted into the engaged member 32 is removed. In this embodiment, the inserted portion 311 of the engaging member 31, which will be described later, is removed from the first position 321. In this embodiment, the opening 323 has a shape and size that allows the inserted portion 311 of the engaging member 31 to be inserted and removed at the first position 321.

[0028] In this specification, the "second position 322" is a position where the engaging member 31 engages with the engaged member 32. In this embodiment, the engaging member 31 engages with the second position 322 of the engaged member 32, thereby connecting the tabletop 1 and the leg 2. In this specification, "relative movement from the first position 321 to the second position 322" means that the engaging member 31 moves relatively from the first position 321 to the second position 322 of the engaged member 32. If the engaging member 31 moves relatively to the engaged member 32, it may be either the engaging member 31 or the engaged member 32 that actually moves, or both of them may move.

[0029] The guide portion 324 is configured to define a path of "relative movement from the first position 321 to the second position 322". That is, the guide portion 324 is configured to guide "relative movement from the first position 321 to the second position 322". The configuration of the guide portion 324 is not particularly limited as long as it can guide the relative movement of the engaging member 31 from the first position 321 to the second position 322 of the engaged member 32. In this embodiment, the guide portion 324 is provided so as to extend along the direction D3. In this embodiment, the guide portion 324 can also relatively move the engaging member 31 from the second position 322 to the first position 321 of the engaged member 32. In this embodiment, the guide portion 324 is configured so that the engaging member 31 inserted into the engaged member 32 cannot be pulled out. That is, the guide portion 324 has a fall-off prevention function that prevents the engaging member 31 from coming out (falling off) from the engaged member 32 while the engaging member 31 is being guided. Since the guide portion 324 has a fall-off prevention function, it is possible to reliably guide the engaging member 31 from the first position 321 to the second position 322. The opening width of the guide portion 324 (opening width in the direction D2) is smaller than the width of an inserted portion 311 (see FIG. 6) of the engaging member 31, which will be described later, and is larger than the width of an insertion portion 314 (see FIG. 6) of the engaging member 31, which will be described later. Since the opening width of the guide portion 324 has such a width, when the insertion portion 314 of the engaging member 31 is inserted, the guide portion 324 can prevent the inserted portion 311 from slipping out (falling off) of the engaged member 32 through the guide portion 324 while guiding the insertion portion 314 to move between the first position 321 and the second position 322.

[0030] In this embodiment, the engaged member 32 (see FIG. 5) includes a pair of mounting portions 325 attached to the leg 2 (see FIG. 6), a pair of extension portions 326 extending substantially perpendicularly to the respective mounting portions 325 (extending to one side in the direction D1 in the examples shown in FIGS. 5 and 6), and a connecting portion 327 extending along a direction in which the engaging member 31 is guided (direction D4 in the example shown in FIG. 6) and connecting the pair of extension portions 326 to each other. The mounting portions 325 are plate-shaped flange portions. The mounting portions 325 extend along an attachment target (the support surface 21 of the leg 2 in the example shown in FIG. 6). The mounting portions 325 have a screw hole 328 for fixing the mounting portions 325 to the attachment target (the leg 2). The screw hole 328 is configured so that the leg 51 of the male screw member 5 (see FIG. 6) can be inserted therethrough. The male screw member 5 is a member different from the above-mentioned engaging member (male screw member in the example shown in FIG. 6) 31. The male screw member 5 includes a leg portion 51 having a male screw formed on the circumferential surface and a head portion 52 provided on one end side of the leg portion 51. Unlike the engaging member 31, the male screw member 5 does not need to include a portion corresponding to the regulating portion 313 and the insertion portion 314. The extension portion 326 is configured in a plate shape. One of the extension portions 326 has a first position 321 where the engaging member 31 can be inserted and removed. One of the extension portions 326 is opened at the first position 321 with a shape and size that allows the insertion portion 311 (see FIG. 6) of the engaging member 31 to be inserted and removed. Also, one of the extension portions 326 is opened at the first position 321 with a shape and size that allows the insertion portion 314 (see FIG. 6) of the engaging member 31 to be inserted and removed. The connection portion 327 is configured in a plate shape. The connecting portion 327 has a guide portion 324 extending along a direction (direction D4 in the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) for guiding the engaging member 31 (see FIG. 6). The guide portion 324 is an opening. The guide portion 324 extends so as to connect the first position 321 and the second position 322. An opening (opening provided at the first position 321) provided in one of the extending portions 326 and an opening (opening connecting the first position 321 and the second position 322) constituting the guide portion 324 communicate with each other (are connected). In addition, the extending direction of the connecting portion 327 (direction D4 in the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) is inclined with respect to the mounting portion 325.The extending direction of the connecting portion 327 is parallel to the extending direction of the guide portion 324 (direction D4 in the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0031] The engaging member 31 (see FIG. 6) is a member that detachably connects the top plate 1 and the leg 2 by detachably engaging with the engaged member 32. The engaging member 31 is configured to be insertable into and detachable from the first position 321 of the engaged member 32. In this specification, "insertable and detachable" means that the engaging member 31 can be inserted into and removed from the engaged member 32. That is, the engaging member 31 can be inserted into the first position 321 of the engaged member 32. Furthermore, the engaging member 31 inserted into the engaged member 32 can be removed from the first position 321. In this embodiment, the engaging member 31 is a male screw member. The male screw member includes a leg portion having a male screw formed on its outer circumferential surface and a head portion provided on one end side of the leg portion.

[0032] In this embodiment, the engaging member 31 (see FIG. 6) has an inserted portion 311 that is inserted into the engaged member 32. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the inserted portion 311 is the head of the male screw member described above. In this embodiment, the engaging member 31 also has a fixing portion 312 that is fixed to the tabletop 1. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the fixing portion 312 is the leg of the male screw member described above. The fixing portion 312 is fixed to the tabletop 1 by being screwed into the tabletop 1. In this embodiment, the engaging member 31 also has a defining portion 313 that defines the position of the inserted portion 311 in the direction D1. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the defining portion 313 is configured to limit the depth to which the fixing portion 312 is screwed into the tabletop 1 to a predetermined depth. The defining portion 313 is provided between the fixing portion 312 and the inserted portion 311. When the fixing portion 312 is screwed into the top plate 1 to a predetermined depth, the defining portion 313 comes into contact with the top plate 1 (see FIG. 6). In this embodiment, the defining portion 313 comes into contact with the bottom surface 141 of the recess 14 in the top plate 1. The defining portion 313 comes into contact with the top plate 1 to prevent the fixing portion 312 from being screwed in deeper than necessary. In this embodiment, the defining portion 313 is configured as a flange portion having a diameter larger than that of the fixing portion 312. Specifically, the defining portion 313 is formed as a circular flange portion having a diameter larger than that of the fixing portion 312. In this embodiment, the engaging member 31 includes an insertion portion 314 that is inserted into a guide portion 324 of the engaged member 32, which will be described later. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the insertion portion 314 is configured as a neck portion that connects the defining portion 313 and the inserted portion 311. The insertion portion 314 is formed in a columnar shape such as a cylinder. The diameter of the insertion portion 314 is smaller than the diameter of the inserted portion 311 and the diameter of the regulating portion 313. The diameter of the insertion portion 314 is also smaller than the opening width of the guide portion 324 of the engaged member 32.

[0033] The engaging member 31 is configured to be able to move relatively from a first position 321 to a second position 322 that connects the top plate 1 and the leg 2 while being inserted into the engaged member 32 (see FIG. 6). In this embodiment, the inserted portion 311 of the engaging member 31 is inserted into the engaged member 32 from the first position 321. While the inserted portion 311 is inserted into the engaged member 32, the engaging member 31 can move from the first position 321 to the second position 322 via the guide portion 324. When the engaging member 31 is guided from the first position 321 to the second position 322 by the guide portion 324, the insertion portion 314 can slide against the guide portion 324 (the wall surface of the opening 323). Therefore, the engaging member 31 can move relatively from the first position 321 to the second position 322 while being inserted into the engaged member 32. Moreover, in this embodiment, the engaging member 31 can be guided from the second position 322 to the first position 321 by the guide portion 324. When the engaging member 31 is guided from the second position 322 to the first position 321 by the guide portion 324, the insertion portion 314 can slide against the guide portion 324 (the wall surface of the opening 323). Therefore, the engaging member 31 can move relatively from the second position 322 to the first position 321 while being inserted into the engaged member 32.

[0034] The connecting portion 3 is configured such that, when the engaging member 31 is inserted into the engaged member 32, the engaging member 31 moves relatively from the first position 321 to the second position 322 of the engaged member 32, so that the contact pressure between the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 increases and the supported surface 13 and the supporting surface 21 come into close contact with each other (contact pressure increasing function). Also, the connecting portion 3 is configured such that, when the engaging member 31 is inserted into the engaged member 32, the engaging member 31 moves relatively from the second position 322 to the first position 321 of the engaged member 32, so that the contact pressure between the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 decreases (contact pressure decreasing function). In other words, the connecting portion 3 is configured such that the contact pressure between the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 can be increased or decreased by the relative movement of the engaging member 31 and the engaged member 32. By increasing the contact pressure between the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the support surface 21 of the leg 2, the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the support surface 21 of the leg 2 are brought into close contact with each other. This allows the tabletop 1 to be stably supported by the leg 2. In addition, by decreasing the contact pressure between the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the support surface 21 of the leg 2, the engaging member 31 can be easily removed from the first position 321 of the engaged member 32. Therefore, the leg 2 can be attached to and detached from the tabletop 1 simply by moving the engaging member 31 relative to the engaged member 32. That is, the leg 2 can be easily attached to and detached from the tabletop 1 (assembly of the table T) and detached from the tabletop 1 (disassembly of the table T). Therefore, the installation work of the table T can be easily performed, and the labor required for the installation of the table T can be reduced. In addition, when the table T is moved, the tabletop 1 and the leg 2 can be moved separately by removing the leg 2 from the tabletop 1. That is, the table T can be moved in parts. This reduces the effort required to move the table T. Furthermore, when storing the table T, the table top 1 and the legs 2 can be stored separately by removing the legs 2 from the table top 1. In other words, the table T can be stored in parts.Therefore, compared to the case where table T is stored without being disassembled, the space required for storing table T can be made smaller, and table T can be stored compactly.

[0035] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 3 is configured such that, with the engaging member 31 inserted into the engaged member 32, the engaging member 31 moves relatively from a first position 321 to a second position 322 of the engaged member 32, so that the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 moves relatively in a direction approaching the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1. By the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 moving relatively in a direction approaching the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1, the contact pressure between the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 is increased, so that the supported surface 13 and the supporting surface 21 can be brought into close contact with each other.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 3 is configured such that, with the engaging member 31 inserted into the engaged member 32, the engaging member 31 moves relatively from the second position 322 to the first position 321 of the engaged member 32, so that the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 moves relatively in a direction away from the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1. By the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 moving relatively in a direction away from the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1, the contact pressure between the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 can be reduced.

[0037] The "increase in contact pressure between the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2" may be an increase that provides a contact pressure that brings the supported surface 13 and the supporting surface 21 into close contact when the engaging member 31 reaches the first position 321 of the engaged member 32. When the engaging member 31 is located at the first position 321 of the engaged member 32, the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 may or may not be in contact. In other words, when the engaging member 31 is located at the first position 321 of the engaged member 32, the contact pressure between the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 may be a value greater than zero or may be zero.

[0038] In this embodiment, in order to realize the contact pressure increasing function and the contact pressure decreasing function, the extension direction D4 (see FIG. 6) of the opening 323 in the engaged member 32 is inclined with respect to the support surface 21 in the leg 2. Specifically, the extension direction D4 of the guide portion 324 in the opening 323 is inclined so that the distance between the first position 321 and the support surface 21 is smaller than the distance between the second position 322 and the support surface 21. Since the extension direction D4 of the guide portion 324 in the opening 323 is inclined in this manner, the distance between the engaging member 31 inserted into the engaged member 32 and the support surface 21 becomes smaller as the engaging member 31 moves from the first position 321 to the second position 322. Therefore, the distance between the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the support surface 21 of the leg 2 becomes smaller as the engaging member 31 moves from the first position 321 to the second position 322. As a result, the contact pressure between the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 increases as the engaging member 31 moves from the first position 321 to the second position 322. Therefore, by moving the engaging member 31 relatively to the engaged member 32 from the first position 321 to the second position 322, the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 can be brought into close contact with each other, thereby connecting the leg 2 to the tabletop 1.

[0039] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 3 is configured such that, with the engaged member 32 positioned in the recess 14, the engaging member 31 moves relatively between the first position 321 and the second position 322 of the engaged member 32. That is, the recess 14 functions as a storage space for storing both the engaging member 1 and the engaged member 32 when the leg 2 is attached to the tabletop 1. Therefore, when the leg 2 is attached to the tabletop 1, the engaged member 32 is disposed in the recess 14, and the engaging member 31 can be moved relatively from the first position 321 to the second position 322 of the engaged member 32 in the recess 14. As a result, when the engaged member 32 is provided so as to protrude from the support surface 21 of the leg 2 (see Figs. 4 and 6), the contact pressure between the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the support surface 21 of the leg 2 can be increased, and the supported surface 13 and the support surface 21 can be brought into close contact with each other.

[0040] In this embodiment, the table T includes a plurality of connecting parts 3. The plurality of connecting parts 3 are arranged in a line along a direction connecting the first position 321 and the second position 322 of the engaged member 31 in a state where the top plate 1 and the leg part 2 are connected. Therefore, by relatively moving the plurality of engaging members 31 provided in the recess 14 of the top plate 1 along the extending direction of the recess 14 and the plurality of engaged members 32 provided on the leg part 2 along the extending direction of the recess 14 within the recess 14, respectively, the plurality of sets of connecting parts 3 (sets of engaging members 31 and engaged members 32) can be engaged within the recess 14. In this way, the plurality of sets of connecting parts 3 can be easily engaged with a simple operation. Therefore, the top plate 1 and the leg part 2 can be easily and firmly connected to each other.

[0041] In this embodiment, the table T further includes a locking mechanism 4 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3). The locking mechanism 4 is configured to maintain the state in which the top plate 1 and the leg portion 2 are connected by the connecting portion 3. Therefore, by providing the locking mechanism 4, the state in which the top plate 1 and the leg portion 2 are connected by the connecting portion 3 can be maintained. In detail, for example, when some kind of impact (for example, an impact due to the table T falling over, or an impact due to an object colliding with the top plate 1) acts on the table T in which the top plate 1 and the leg portion 2 are connected by the connecting portion 3, an external force may act to release the engagement between the engaging member 31 and the engaged member 32. However, by maintaining the state in which the top plate 1 and the leg portion 2 are connected by the locking mechanism 4, the locking mechanism 4 resists such an external force, and it is possible to prevent the engagement between the engaging member 31 and the engaged member 32 from being released against the user's intention.

[0042] The configuration of the lock mechanism 4 is not particularly limited as long as it can maintain the state in which the top plate 1 and the leg portion 2 are connected by the connecting portion 3. In this embodiment, the lock mechanism 4 is configured as a bar lock. Specifically, the lock mechanism 4 includes an inserting portion 41 provided on the top plate 1 and an inserted portion 42 provided on the leg portion 2. The inserting portion 41 is configured to be capable of reciprocating in a direction approaching the inserted portion 42 and a direction away from the inserted portion 42. The inserting portion 1 is configured to move in a direction approaching the inserted portion 42 and be inserted into the inserted portion 42, thereby entering a locked state in which the movement of the leg portion 2 relative to the top plate 1 is prevented. In addition, the inserting portion 41 is configured to move in a direction away from the inserted portion 42, thereby releasing the locked state. In this embodiment, the inserting portion 41 includes a rod-shaped main body 411 and a support portion 412 that slidably supports the main body 411 so that the main body 411 can reciprocate. In this embodiment, the inserted portion 42 has a recess into which the tip of the inserting portion 41 is inserted. The inserted portion 42 is, for example, a recess formed in the leg portion 2. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 4 has a grip portion 43 with which the user operates the inserting portion 41. The grip portion 43 is provided on the main body 411 of the inserting portion 41. The user can operate the inserting portion 41 while gripping the grip portion 3, and cause the main body 411 of the inserting portion 41 to move back and forth, thereby locking and unlocking by the locking mechanism 4. The locking mechanism 4 may have a configuration other than a bar lock.

[0043] In the example shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the engaging member 31 is provided on the tabletop 1, and the engaged member 32 is provided on the leg 2, but this is not limited to this. The engaging member 31 may be provided on the leg 2 instead of the tabletop 1. The engaged member 32 may be provided on the tabletop 1 instead of the leg 2. In the example shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the recess (groove) 14 is provided on the tabletop 1, but this is not limited to this. The recess 14 may be provided on the leg 2 instead of the tabletop 1.

[0044] Specifically, for example, in the case where the engaging member 31 is provided on the tabletop 1 and the engaged member 32 is provided on the leg 2, the leg 2 may have a recess (not shown). The recess forms a storage space for accommodating the engaged member 32. In this case, the recess is configured to be recessed with respect to the support surface 21, and the engaged member 32 is provided within the recess. Furthermore, the connecting portion 3 is configured such that, when the engaging member 31 is positioned within the recess, the engaging member 31 moves relatively between the first position 321 and the second position 322 of the engaged member 32. In this case, when the leg 2 is detached from the tabletop 1, it is possible to prevent the engaged member 32 from protruding from the support surface 21 of the leg 2. This makes it possible to avoid inconveniences such as the engaged member 32 interfering with surrounding objects and damaging the surrounding objects when the leg 2 is carried or stored.

[0045] Also, for example, in the case where the engaging member 31 is provided on the leg 2 and the engaged member 32 is provided on the tabletop 1, the tabletop 1 may have a recess 14. The recess 14 constitutes a storage space for accommodating the engaged member 32. In this case, the recess 14 is configured to be recessed with respect to the supported surface 13, and the engaged member 32 is provided in the recess 14. Furthermore, the connecting portion 3 is configured such that, when the engaging member 31 is positioned in the recess 14, the engaging member 31 moves relatively between the first position 321 and the second position 322 of the engaged member 32. In this case, when the leg 2 is detached from the tabletop 1, it is possible to prevent the engaged member 32 from protruding from the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1. This makes it possible to avoid inconveniences such as the engaged member 32 interfering with surrounding objects and damaging the surrounding objects when the tabletop 1 is carried or stored.

[0046] Also, for example, in the case where the engaging member 31 is provided on the leg 2 and the engaged member 32 is provided on the tabletop 1, the leg 2 may have a recess (not shown). The recess forms a storage space for accommodating the engaging member 31. In this case, the recess is configured to be recessed with respect to the support surface 21, and the engaging member 31 is provided within the recess. Furthermore, the connecting portion 3 is configured such that, when the engaged member 32 is positioned within the recess, the engaging member 31 moves relatively between the first position 321 and the second position 322 of the engaged member 32. In this case, when the leg 2 is detached from the tabletop 1, it is possible to prevent the engaging member 31 from protruding from the support surface 21 of the leg 2. This makes it possible to avoid inconveniences such as the engaging member 31 interfering with surrounding objects and damaging the surrounding objects when the leg 2 is carried or stored.

[0047] The table T may be configured so that the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 are in direct or indirect contact with each other. In this specification, "direct contact" means that the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 are in close contact with each other without any member interposed between them. "Indirect contact" means that the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 are in close contact with each other with a member (not shown) interposed between them. In other words, "indirect contact" means that the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 are in close contact with each other with a member interposed between them.

[0048] The member interposed between the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 is a member that increases the pressure (hereinafter also referred to as pressing force) at which the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 press against each other. The member interposed between the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 is not particularly limited as long as it can increase the pressing force. The member (hereinafter also referred to as pressing promotion member) is, for example, a sheet-like member having a thickness that can increase the pressing force. In addition, the pressing promotion member is preferably a band-like (tape-like) member. The pressing promotion member can be provided, for example, on at least one of the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2 (for example, by attaching with an adhesive or by bonding with an adhesive). The pressing promotion member is provided, for example, on one of the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2. The pressing promotion member is provided along the direction in which the engaging member 31 and the engaged member 32 move relatively to each other. Specifically, a band-shaped pressing promotion member is provided along the direction in which the engaging member 31 and the engaged member 32 move relatively to each other.

[0049] The pressing promotion member is preferably a member having low friction (low coefficient of friction). Such a material having low friction is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, PTFE (polyethylene terephthalate), PE (polyethylene), or POM (polyacetal). Since the pressing promotion member is a member having low friction, when the engaging member 31 and the engaged member 32 are moved relatively to engage with each other, the sliding resistance between the pressing promotion member and a surface that slides relatively to the pressing promotion member (for example, the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 or the support surface 21 of the leg 2) is reduced. Therefore, the engaging member 31 and the engaged member 32 can be easily engaged with each other, and the pressing force between the supported surface 13 of the tabletop 1 and the support surface 21 of the leg 2 can be increased to increase the adhesion between them. This allows the tabletop 1 and the leg 2 to be more firmly connected. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent wobbling between the tabletop 1 and the leg 2.

[0050] Next, an example of a method of using the table T according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Below, a method of assembling the table T from a state in which the legs 2 are detached from the top board 1, and a method of disassembling the assembled table T (removing the legs 2 from the top board 1) will be described.

[0051] When assembling the table T from a state where the legs 2 are removed from the top plate 1, first, the top plate 1 is turned upside down (see FIG. 3) and placed on the floor surface. Next, the legs 2 are placed upside down on the supported surface 13 of the top plate 1. When placing them in this manner, the legs 2 are placed so that the support surface 21 of the legs 2 rests on the supported surface 13 of the top plate 1. In addition, the legs 2 are placed so that the engaged member 32 is located in the recess 14 of the top plate 1. In addition, the legs 2 are placed so that the engaging member 31 is located at the first position 321 of the engaged member 32 in the recess 14. By placing the legs 2 in this manner, the inserted portion 311 of the engaging member 31 is inserted into the engaged member 32 at the first position 321. Next, the engaged member 32 is moved relative to the engaging member 31 so that the engaging member 31 moves from the first position 321 to the second position 322. This movement can be performed, for example, by pushing the leg 2 along the extension direction of the recess 14 (direction D3 shown in FIG. 6) while gripping the leg 2. This movement engages the engaging member 1 with the engaged member 2 (see FIG. 6), and connects the leg 2 to the tabletop 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Next, while gripping the gripping portion 43 of the locking mechanism 4, the main body 411 of the inserting portion 41 is moved toward the inserted portion 42, and the main body 411 of the inserting portion 41 is inserted into the inserted portion 42. This locks the state in which the leg 2 is connected to the tabletop 1. On the other hand, when disassembling the assembled table T, the procedure for assembling the table T is carried out in reverse.

[0052] As described above, in the table T according to this embodiment, the engaging member 31 is inserted into the engaged member 32, and the engaging member 31 is moved relatively from the first position 321 to the second position 322 of the engaged member 32, thereby increasing the contact pressure between the supported surface 13 of the table top 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2, thereby bringing the supported surface 13 and the supporting surface 21 into close contact with each other. In addition, in the table T according to this embodiment, the engaging member 31 is inserted into the engaged member 32, and the engaging member 31 is moved relatively from the second position 322 to the first position 321 of the engaged member 32, thereby reducing the contact pressure between the supported surface 13 of the table top 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2. Therefore, the user can easily connect the table top 1 and the leg 2 by simply performing a simple connecting operation to bring the supported surface 13 of the table top 1 into close contact with the supporting surface 21 of the leg 2. Moreover, the user can easily remove the legs 2 from the top plate 1 by simply performing a simple removal operation to release the contact between the supported surface 13 of the top plate 1 and the supporting surface 21 of the legs 2. Therefore, the legs 2 can be easily removed from the top plate 1 when transporting or storing the table T. This allows the top plate 1 and the legs 2 to be transported or stored separately. Each of the top plate 1 and the legs 2 is lighter and more compact than the entire table T. Therefore, by transporting or storing the top plate 1 and the legs 2 separately, the effort required for moving and storing the table T can be reduced. Furthermore, the table T can be easily assembled by a simple connecting operation, so the effort required for installation can be reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1. Top plate 11 Frame section 12 Planar part 121 Surface part 122 Back part 13 Supported surface 14 Recess 2 legs 21 Support surface 22 Pedestal 23 Pillar section 24 Beam section 3 Connecting part 31 Engagement member 311 Inserted part (head) 312 Fixed part (leg part) 313 Regulation part (flange part) 314 Insertion part (neck part) 32 Engaged member 321 1st position 322 2nd position 323 Opening 324 Information Department 325 Mounting part 326 Extension section 327 Connection 328 Screw hole 4 Locking mechanism 41 Insertion part 411 Main unit 412 Support part 42 Inserted part 43 Gripping part 5 Male threaded member 51 Legs T Table

Claims

1. The top plate and A leg portion supporting the top plate; a connecting portion that detachably connects the top plate and the leg portion, The leg portion includes a support surface that supports the tabletop by directly or indirectly contacting the supported surface of the tabletop when the leg portion is connected to the tabletop, The connecting portion includes an engaging member provided on one of the top plate and the leg portion, and an engaged member provided on the other of the top plate and the leg portion, the engaging member is configured to be insertable into and detachable from the first position of the engaged member, and is configured to be relatively movable from the first position to a second position connecting the top plate and the leg portion when inserted into the engaged member; A table, wherein the connecting portion is configured such that, when the engaging member is inserted into the engaged member, the engaging member moves relatively from the first position to the second position of the engaged member, thereby increasing the contact pressure between the supported surface of the tabletop and the supporting surface of the leg, and the supported surface and the supporting surface come into direct or indirect close contact with each other, and the engaging member moves relatively from the second position to the first position of the engaged member, thereby decreasing the contact pressure between the supported surface of the tabletop and the supporting surface of the leg.

2. The engaging member is provided on the top plate, The engaged member is provided on the leg portion, Either the top plate or the leg portion has a recess, (i) When the top plate has the recess, The recess is configured to be recessed relative to the supported surface, and the engagement member is provided within the recess; the connecting portion is configured such that the engaging member moves relatively between the first position and the second position of the engaged member in a state in which the engaged member is positioned within the recess; (ii) when the leg portion has the recess, The recess is configured to be recessed relative to the support surface, and the engaged member is provided within the recess; The connecting portion is configured such that the engaging member moves relatively between the first position and the second position of the engaged member when the engaging member is positioned in the recess. The table of claim 1.

3. The engaging member is provided on the leg portion, The engaged member is provided on the top plate, Either the top plate or the leg portion has a recess, (i) When the top plate has the recess, The recess is configured to be recessed relative to the supported surface, and the engaged member is provided within the recess; the connecting portion is configured such that the engaging member moves relatively between the first position and the second position of the engaged member when the engaging member is positioned in the recess; (ii) when the leg portion has the recess, The recess is configured to be recessed relative to the support surface, and the engagement member is provided within the recess; the connecting portion is configured such that the engaging member moves relatively between the first position and the second position of the engaged member in a state in which the engaged member is positioned within the recess; The table of claim 1.

4. The table further includes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is configured to maintain a state in which the tabletop and the legs are connected by the connecting portion. The table of claim 1.

5. The recess is a groove, the groove portion extends along a direction connecting the first position and the second position of the engaged member when viewed from a depth direction of the groove portion, The table includes a plurality of the connecting portions, The plurality of connecting portions are arranged so as to be aligned along a direction connecting the first position and the second position of the engaged member when the top plate and the leg portion are connected to each other. A table according to claim 2 or 3.

Images