table

Abstract

The present invention relates to a table, a table, preferably a relatively large size conference room table which only has a first base leg assembly toward a first end of the table and a second base leg assembly toward a second end of the table. Support beams running under the table top lengthwise are attached to the base leg assemblies and have an upward arc therein to assist in offsetting the weight of the table top. Even further, an adjustable tension bar running from end to end inside the lower portion of each support beam can also be used to assist in offsetting the weight of the table top so that the table top remains horizontal.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a table. The table is preferably a relatively large size conference room table which only has a first base leg assembly toward a first end of the table and a second base leg assembly toward a second end of the table. Support beams running under the table top lengthwise are attached to the base leg assemblies and have an upward arc therein to assist in offsetting the weight of the table top. Even further, an adjustable tension bar running from end to end inside the lower portion of each support beam can also be used to assist in offsetting the weight of the table top so that the table top remains horizontal.BACKGROUND

[0002] Tables, particularly conference room tables, are known. However, for very long tables, for example those ten feet or longer, more than two base assemblies are required along the length of the table to support the weight of the long and heavy table top. That makes the table less appealing aesthetically.SUMMARY

[0003] A table, preferably a relatively large size conference room table which only has a first base leg assembly toward a first end of the table and a second base leg assembly toward a second end of the table. Support beams running under the table top lengthwise are attached to the base leg assemblies and have an upward arc therein to assist in offsetting the weight of the table top. Even further, an adjustable tension bar running from end to end inside the lower portion of each support beam can be used to also assist in offsetting the weight of the table top so that the table top remains horizontal.

[0004] As an example, the conference room table can be made with a width of 48 or 60 inches and be made in lengths of from 120 to 192 inches. Various tops or top combinations can be used. For example, a HPL / TFL (high pressure laminate / low pressure laminate thermal fused laminate) top, a solid surface such as a white acrylic resin top, or a glass top can be used. Other size tables and other tops can be used using the technology taught herein.

[0005] To not interfere with a person seated at either end of the table, it is envisioned that the base leg assembly toward the table first end and the second base leg assembly toward the table second end will each be recessed about 18 inches from their respective table ends, although other spacing could be employed.

[0006] More specifically, the present invention is for a table with a top support assembly, the top support assembly having a pair of base leg assemblies, the base leg assemblies having a pair of support beams connected therebetween, the pair of support beams each having an upward bow therein across their lengths, the upward bow being the same amount in each support beam, each base leg assembly including at least one upward extending pad at a location above the pair of support beams; and a top having a first end and a second end, the top supported by each pad of each base leg assembly, the top extending beyond the base leg assemblies on its first and second ends and beyond the support beams on its sides, the top having a weight such that when the top is supported by the top support assembly the pair of support beams become linear across their lengths.

[0007] The table can also include a cross support member connected between the pair of support beams and perpendicular thereto as well as a pair of wings, each wing attached to a support beam where the cross support member connects, each wing extending outwardly away from the support beams, where the pair of wings also support the top.

[0008] Even further, each of the pair of support beams can have a tension bar located in the lower inside portion of each support beam, where each support beam includes a pair of metal plates, each metal plate located toward an end of each support beam, each tension bar having threaded ends, with the threaded ends extending through an opening in each metal bar, with a nut threaded onto each threaded end of each tension bar. One nut can be threaded onto one end of each tension bar and welded to its metal plate and the nut threaded onto the other end of each tension bar can be rotated to tighten or loosen tension on the associated bar.

[0009] The pair of base leg assemblies can be made of metal and each assembly can include a pair of vertical members and a pair of horizontal members connected to form a rectangular shape, each base leg assembly extending downward with the support beams being connected to the vertical members toward the top of the vertical members. In this configuration, the at least one upward extending pad is at a location above the pair of support beams includes two pads. These pads can also be made of metal.

[0010] Alternatively, the pair of base leg assemblies can be made of wood and metal portions, the wood portion extending downward, the wood portion having a recess in its top portion, the metal portion including a metal support beam connector which is connected toward each end to one of the support beams, the metal support beam connector with the ends of the support beams attached thereto received into the recess in the wood portion and secured to the wood portion. In this configuration, the at least one upward extending pad at a location above the pair of support beams can be a square bracket shaped mounting pad located atop the wood portion, with a longer leg of each square bracket shape closer to the table ends and shorter bracket legs facing toward the other end of the table. The pad can also be made of wood.

[0011] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of the concepts that are described in further detail in the detailed description and drawings contained herein. This summary is not intended to identify any primary or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Some or all of the described features may be present in the corresponding independent or dependent claims, but should not be construed to be a limitation unless expressly recited in a particular claim. Each embodiment described herein does not necessarily address every object described herein, and each embodiment does not necessarily include each feature described. Other forms, embodiments, objects, advantages, benefits, features, and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent to one of skill in the art from the detailed description and drawings contained herein. Moreover, the various apparatuses and methods described in this summary section, as well as elsewhere in this application, can be expressed as a large number of different combinations and subcombinations. All such useful, novel, and inventive combinations and subcombinations are contemplated herein, it being recognized that the explicit expression of each of these combinations is unnecessary.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table having a metal base leg assembly.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of the metal beam and metal base structure of the table of FIG. 1 showing the support beam having an upward bow therein.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of the structure of FIG. 2 having a top placed thereon, the weight of the top causing the support beam to become horizontal.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a table having a mostly wooden base leg assembly.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a side view of the metal beam and wooden base structure of the table of FIG. 4 showing the support beam having an upward bow therein.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a side view of the structure of FIG. 5 having a top placed thereon, the weight of the top causing the support beam to become horizontal.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a side view of a table having an adjustable tension bar running lengthwise in the lower portion of the support beam.

[0019] FIG. 8 shows the metal support beam connector for the table of FIG. 4 having a pair of support beams connected thereto.

[0020] FIG. 9 shows the end portions of a support beam with the torsion bar extending therethrough.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the left end portion of the support beam of FIG. 9 showing the adjustment end of the torsion bar.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a metal plate placed toward each end of a support beam and receiving the tension bar therethrough.

[0023] FIG. 12 is an enlarged left end portion of the table of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 13 is an enlarged left end portion of the table of FIG. 4.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention disclosed herein, reference will now be made to one or more embodiments, which may or may not be illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended; any alterations and further modifications of the described or illustrated embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. At least one embodiment of the disclosure is shown in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features or some combinations of features may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

[0026] Any reference to “invention” within this document is a reference to an embodiment of a family of inventions, with no single embodiment including features that are necessarily included in all embodiments, unless otherwise stated. Furthermore, although there may be references to benefits or advantages provided by some embodiments, other embodiments may not include those same benefits or advantages, or may include different benefits or advantages. Any benefits or advantages described herein are not to be construed as limiting to any of the claims.

[0027] Specific quantities (spatial dimensions, temperatures, pressures, times, force, resistance, current, voltage, concentrations, wavelengths, frequencies, heat transfer coefficients, dimensionless parameters, etc.) may be used explicitly or implicitly herein; such specific quantities are presented as examples only and are approximate values unless otherwise indicated. Discussions pertaining to specific compositions of matter, if present, are presented as examples only and do not limit the applicability of other compositions of matter, especially other compositions of matter with similar properties, unless otherwise indicated.

[0028] The following numbers are used in the drawings: 10, 100—table; 20—top; 21—one portion of top 20; 22—other portion of top 20; 23—seam between top portions 21 / 22; 24—table / top first end; 25—table / top second end; 30 / 130—top support assembly; 32—support beam / rail; 33—openings in support beam; 34—cross support member; 35—support beam portion to receive tension bar metal plate; 36—wing; 37—bracket; 40—base leg assembly; 42—horizontal member; 44—vertical member; 50—mounting pad; 60—tension bar; 62—tension bar fixed end; 64—tension bar adjustable end; 66—nut; 70—metal plate; 72—notch to receive portion of support beam; 74—opening; 76—extensions; 140—base leg assembly; 141—metal support beam connector of the base leg assembly; 142—bolt / nut; 143—recess; 144—wooden portion; and 150—mounting pad.

[0029] As is explained in greater detail herein, the table 10 / 100 of the present invention is preferable a relatively large conference room table 10 / 100 having a base leg assembly 40 / 140 toward a table first end 24 and another base leg assembly 40 / 140 toward a table second end 25, preferable leaving room at each end of the table 10 / 100 for a person to sit without hitting a base leg assembly 40 / 140. While other large tables may have additional leg supports, the table 10 / 100 of the present invention does not have additional leg supports between the two base leg assemblies 40 / 140. Because of the distance between the base leg assemblies 40 / 140 and the amount of weight to be supported, support beams 32 running under the table top 20 lengthwise are attached to the base leg assemblies 40 / 140 and the support beams 32 have an upward arc therein to assist in offsetting the weight of the table top 20. Even further, an adjustable tension bar 60 running from end to end inside the lower portion of each support beam 32 is used to also assist in offsetting the weight of the table top 20 so that the table top 20 remains horizontal.

[0030] Below is Table 1, which includes a list of table sizes and table top material and details the weight of the table top per square inch and, then, using the table top area, shows the weight for each table top. Then the load per unit length is calculated.TABLE 1Table Top materialHPL / TFLSolid SurfaceGlassL - TableBaseTop weight - pounds per sq inchTopInset0.02730.05950.0515OveralleachBeamTable Overall Width - inchesLength -end -Length -486048604860inchesinchesinchesWT - Table Top total weight - pounds1201884157.5196.9342.7428.3296.7370.91261890165.4206.7359.8449.8311.6389.51321896173.3216.6376.9471.2326.4408.013818102181.1226.4394.1492.6341.2426.514418108189.0236.3411.2514.0356.1445.115018114196.9246.1428.3535.4370.9463.615618120204.8255.9445.5556.8385.7482.216218126212.6265.8462.6578.3400.6500.716818132220.5275.6479.7599.7415.4519.317418138228.4285.5496.9621.1430.3537.818018144236.3295.3514.0642.5445.1556.418618150244.1305.2531.1663.9459.9574.919218156252.0315.0548.3685.3474.8593.5w = WT / L (load per unit1.311.642.863.572.473.09length) − pounds per inch

[0031] The support beams 32 used are preferably A500 steel tubes with outer dimensions of 1 inch (“b”) by 3 inches (“h”). The wall thickness is 0.0747 inch yielding internal dimensions of 0.9506 inch (“b1”) by 2.8506 inch (“h1”). These dimensions are used to calculate I—the moment of inertia—for each of the two support beams, using the formula: I=(b×h3−(b1×h13)) / 12 to yield I=(1×33−(0.8506×2.85063)) / 12=0.60808. For the A500 steel tube the E—modulus of elasticity—is 29700 kilo pounds per square inch. Now that the moment of inertia I, the modulus of elasticity E, the load per unit length w, and the table length L are known, the max deflection can be calculated using the formula: Max deflection=5wL4 / 384EI. For the various size table tops, the max deflections are shown in Table 2 below.TABLE 2Table Top materialHPL / TFLSolid SurfaceGlassTable overall width - inchesL - Table top overall486048604860length - inchesCalculated Max deflection - inches1200.020.030.050.060.040.061260.030.040.070.080.060.071320.040.050.090.110.080.091380.050.060.110.140.100.121440.060.080.140.180.120.151500.080.100.170.220.150.191560.100.120.210.270.180.231620.120.150.260.320.220.281680.140.180.310.390.270.341740.170.210.370.470.320.401800.200.250.440.550.380.481860.240.300.520.650.450.561920.280.350.610.760.530.66

[0032] As an example, the max deflection calculation for a 192 inch by 48 inch table of HPL / TFL is 5wL4 / 384E1=(5×1.31×1564) / 384×29,700,000×0.60808×2=0.28 inch. The previously calculated I value of 0.60808 is multiplied by 2 because there are two support beams 32.

[0033] The Max deflection=5wL4 / 384E1 formula is that for beam simply supported at the ends with a uniformly distributed load. For this table, that is the portion of the table between the pair of base leg assemblies 40 / 140. There are the two table end portions of 18 inches each which extend beyond the base leg assemblies 40 / 140. These would act like a cantilever beam with a uniformly distributed load. However, it is known that an 18 inch table portion made from the materials listed can extend beyond a base leg assembly and remain horizontal. Therefore, only the calculations of Table 2 are used is establishing max deflection. It is these max deflection numbers that are used to bend the support beams in an upward bow along their length by the amount shown for the table size and material listed. It is noted that these calculations are a starting point as tables of each size and material are constructed and then tested to see if more or less upward bow is needed so that the table top remains in the horizontal.

[0034] As is seen, there are thirteen table lengths listed (120 to 192 inches in 6 inch increments) and 2 widths for each length (48 or 60 inches). That is twenty-six different size tables with three possible materials of construction, yielding a total of 78 different table options, with each table option having its support beams 32 with an upward bow different from the other table options.

[0035] This situation can be alleviated some by including a tension bar 60 in each support beam 32. The tension bar 60 is preferably made of spring steel and is 7 / 16 inch in diameter. It is threaded on one or both ends. As seen in FIGS. 7 and 9-11, the tension bar has a fixed end 62, which can be a nut 66 threaded onto the bar 60's threaded end and then welded so that that end is fixed. The tension bar 60 also has an adjustable end 64 where the tension bar 60's threaded end receives a nut with friction washer 66 thereon. As shown in FIG. 10, nut 66 can be turned counterclockwise to “tighten”. With specific reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, a metal plate 70 with notches 72 to receive a portion of the support beam 35 are on its sides, with extensions 76 extending outward therebetween to lock the plate 70 and its support beam 32. An opening 74 is through the metal plate 70 for the threaded end of the tension bar 60 to pass therethrough.

[0036] As is seen, the tension bar 60 is inserted through the openings 74 in the metal plates 70 such that the tension bar passes through its respective support beam 32 toward the lower portion of the support beam 32. When a support beam 32 is exposed to a load, such as a table top being placed thereon, there is a reactive force. The upper portion of the tube will try to compress or get smaller and the lower portion will stretch or get longer, so the combination of the two work together to support the load being applied from above. Adding the tension bar 60 in the lower portion of the beam 32 and along its length and tightening it preloads the lower quadrant of the beam with a compressive force. That compressive force counteracts the tension in the beam 32 and allows it to support a heavier load even though from the outside the tube looks like a normal tube. By including a tension bar 60 in each beam 32, the tension bar 60 can result in less upward bow to be required in the beams 32 and allow for more adjustability to support tables of different construction. As an example, looking to the data in Table 2, it is seen that the max deflection calculations are less for the tables of HPL / TFL construction when compared to the calculations for the tables of solid surface of glass construction. With the tension bar 60 available, the upward bow in tables of any construction material can be made using the HPL / TFL max deflection numbers and the tension bar 60 can be tightened more for a top of glass construction and even more for top of solid surface construction. This adjustment flexibility with use of the tension bar 60 permits only one upward bow amount to be incorporated into the beams 32 of a table of each length. So, instead of 78 different beam sets each having a different upward bow, only 13 beam sets should be needed, using the upward bow from the column in Table 2 for the HPL / TFL constructed table which is 48 inches wide.

[0037] Looking to table 10 in FIGS. 1-3 and 12, a top support assembly 30 includes support beams 32, cross support member 34, wings 36, brackets 37, and a pair of base leg assemblies 40. Each base leg assembly 40 has a rectangular shape formed by a pair of vertical members 44 and a pair of horizontal members 42. Each support beam 32 is attached to the inside of a vertical members 44. It is desired to maintain the support beams 32 in a parallel relationship at their tops and bottoms. As such, a cross support member 34 connects to both beams 32 toward their bottoms at about their midpoints lengthwise. Cross support member 34 can also contain electric, communications, or other cables therein to keep them from view under the table. As connected, cross support member 34 helps maintain the spacing between the support beams 32 at their bottoms. Further, a plurality of brackets 37 are attached toward the tops of support beams 32 and openings therethrough will be used to maintain support beam 32 spacing toward their tops. Also, at the location where the cross support member 34 is attached to the inside of each beam 32, a wing 36 is attached to the outside of each beam 32 and extends transverse thereto. The wings 36 preferably have openings along both sides. While table top 20 is shown having two parts 21 and 22 with a seam 23 connecting the two parts, the top 20 could be a unitary top or have more than two parts, as desired. Two mounting pads 50 are also part of each base leg assembly 40 and each mounting pad 50 is located above each vertical member 44 and attached thereto. Mounting pads 50 is preferably made of metal. Support beams 32, mounting pads 50, and wings 36 support the table top 20 placed thereon. Attachment of the table top 20 is explained later.

[0038] Looking to table 100 in FIGS. 4-6, 8, 10, and 13, a top support assembly 130 includes support beams 32, cross support member 34, wings 36, brackets 37 and a pair of base leg assemblies 140. Each base leg assembly 140 has a lower wooden portion 144 with a “racetrack” shape. At the top of wood portion 144 is a longitudinal recess 143 to receive a metal support beam connector 141 therein. Each support beam 32 is attached to the inside of downward extending member of the metal support beam connector 141 using nuts / bolts 142 inserted through offset openings 33 beams 32. With the support beams 32 connected to the metal support beam connectors 141, the metal support beam connectors 141 are inserted into recesses 143 of each wooden portion 144. Then, machine screws are inserted from the insides of support beams 32, through beams 32 and into threaded inserts in the wooden portion 144,

[0039] It is desired to maintain the support beams 32 in a parallel relationship at their tops and bottoms. As such, a cross support member 34 connects to both beams 32 toward their bottoms at about their midpoints lengthwise. Cross support member 34 can also contain electric, communications, or other cables therein to keep them from view under the table. As connected, cross support member 34 helps maintain the spacing between the support beams 32 at their bottoms. Further, a plurality of brackets 37 are attached toward the tops of support beams 32 and openings therethrough will be used to maintain support beam 32 spacing toward their tops. Also, at the location where the cross support member 34 is attached to the inside of each beam 32, a wing 36 is attached to the outside of each beam 32 and extends transverse thereto. The wings 36 preferably have openings along both sides. While table top 20 is shown having two parts 21 and 22 with a seam 23 connecting the two parts, the top 20 could be a unitary top or have more than two parts, as desired. A generally square bracket shaped mounting pad 150 is part of the each base leg assembly 140 and each mounting pad 150 is located atop wood portion 144 with the longer leg of each square bracket shape closer to the table ends 24 / 25 and the shorter bracket legs facing toward the other end of the table 100. Mounting pads 150 are preferably made of three-quarter inch particleboard. Support beams 32, mounting pads 150, and wings 36 support the table top 20 placed thereon.

[0040] As was mentioned, table top 20 is shown having two parts 21 and 22 with a seam 23 connecting the two parts. However, the top 20 could be a unitary top or have more than two parts, as desired. For both tables 10 and 100, when HPL / TFL tops are attached, wood screws pass upward through pads 50 / 150 directly into the HPL / TFL top. When solid surface or glass tops are attached, preferably, a one inch thick medium-density fiberboard (MDF) subtop is attached to the pads 50 / 150 using wood screws and the solid surface or glass top is then adhered to the MDF subtop using silicon. Also, wood screws pass through openings in the brackets 37 and the wings 36 and into the HPL / TFL top or the MDF subtop to maintain the support beam 32 spacing toward their tops. With the two part table and the wings 36 having openings along each side, the wood screws inserted along one side of a wing 36 will go through one of the two parts 21 / 22 and the wood screws inserted along the other side will go through the other of the two parts 21 / 22 to help maintain the seam 23 and the two parts 21 / 22 in the relationship shown.

[0041] Reference systems that may be used herein can refer generally to various directions (e.g., top, bottom, leftward, rightward, forward and rearward), which are merely offered to assist the reader in understanding the various embodiments of the disclosure and are not to be interpreted as limiting.

[0042] While examples, one or more representative embodiments, and specific forms of the disclosure, have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive or limiting. The description of particular features in one embodiment does not imply that those particular features are necessarily limited to that one embodiment. Some or all of the features of one embodiment can be used in combination with some or all of the features of other embodiments as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, whether or not explicitly described as such. One or more exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, and all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. A table, comprising:a. a top support assembly, the top support assembly having a pair of base leg assemblies, the base leg assemblies having a pair of support beams connected therebetween, the pair of support beams each having an upward bow therein across their lengths, the upward bow being the same amount in each support beam, each base leg assembly including at least one upward extending pad at a location above the pair of support beams; andb. a top having a first end and a second end, the top supported by each pad of each base leg assembly, the top extending beyond the base leg assemblies on its first and second ends and beyond the support beams on its sides, the top having a weight such that when the top is supported by the top support assembly the pair of support beams become linear across their lengths.

2. The table of claim 1, further comprising: a cross support member connected between the pair of support beams and perpendicular thereto.

3. The table of claim 2, further comprising a pair of wings, each wing attached to a support beam where the cross support member connects, each wing extending outwardly away from the support beams, where the pair of wings also support the top.

4. The table of claim 1, where each of the pair of support beams have a tension bar located in the lower inside portion of each support beam, where each support beam includes a pair of metal plates, each metal plate located toward an end of each support beam, each tension bar having threaded ends, with the threaded ends extending through an opening in each metal bar, with a nut threaded onto each threaded end of each tension bar.

5. The table of claim 4, where one nut threaded onto the end of each tension bar is welded to its metal plate and where the nut threaded onto the other end of each tension bar can be rotated to tighten or loosen tension on the associated bar.

6. The table of claim 5, further comprising: a cross support member connected between the pair of support beams and perpendicular thereto.

7. The table of claim 6, further comprising a pair of wings, each wing attached to a support beam where the cross support member connects, each wing extending outwardly away from the support beams, where the pair of wings also support the top.

8. The table of claim 1, where the pair of base leg assemblies are made of metal and each assembly includes a pair of vertical members and a pair of horizontal members connected to form a rectangular shape, each base leg assembly extending downward with the support beams being connected to the vertical members toward the top of the vertical members.

9. The table of claim 8, where the at least one upward extending pad at a location above the pair of support beams includes two pads.

10. The table of claim 8, where each of the pair of support beams have a tension bar located in the lower inside portion of each support beam, where each support beam includes a pair of metal plates, each metal plate located toward an end of each support beam, each tension bar having threaded ends, with the threaded ends extending through an opening in each metal bar, with a nut threaded onto each threaded end of each tension bar.

11. The table of claim 10, where one nut threaded onto the end of each tension bar is welded to its metal plate and where the nut threaded onto the other end of each tension bar can be rotated to tighten or loosen tension on the associated bar.

12. The table of claim 11, further comprising: a cross support member connected between the pair of support beams and perpendicular thereto.

13. The table of claim 12, further comprising a pair of wings, each wing attached to a support beam where the cross support member connects, each wing extending outwardly away from the support beams, where the pair of wings also support the top.

14. The table of claim 1, where the pair of base leg assemblies are made of wood and metal portions, the wood portion extending downward, the wood portion having a recess in its top portion, the metal portion including a metal support beam connector which is connected toward each end to one of the support beams, the metal support beam connector with the ends of the support beams attached thereto received into the recess in the wood portion and secured to the wood portion.

15. The table of claim 14, where the at least one upward extending pad at a location above the pair of support beams is a square bracket shaped mounting pad located atop the wood portion, with a longer leg of each square bracket shape closer to the table ends and shorter bracket legs facing toward the other end of the table.

16. The table of claim 14, where each of the pair of support beams have a tension bar located in the lower inside portion of each support beam, where each support beam includes a pair of metal plates, each metal plate located toward an end of each support beam, each tension bar having threaded ends, with the threaded ends extending through an opening in each metal bar, with a nut threaded onto each threaded end of each tension bar.

17. The table of claim 16, where one nut threaded onto the end of each tension bar is welded to its metal plate and where the nut threaded onto the other end of each tension bar can be rotated to tighten or loosen tension on the associated bar.

18. The table of claim 17, further comprising: a cross support member connected between the pair of support beams and perpendicular thereto.

19. The table of claim 18, further comprising a pair of wings, each wing attached to a support beam where the cross support member connects, each wing extending outwardly away from the support beams, where the pair of wings also support the top.

Images