Table glide spacer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing table leg assemblies with height adjustment mechanisms and caster wheels are not compatible, preventing different tables with these configurations from being used together to create a uniform height work surface.
Innovation Solution
A table leg assembly that allows for the selective removal and replacement of either a caster wheel assembly or a glide assembly, using a tube end insert that can receive either attachment rod, enabling both assemblies to be vertically adjusted and used on all leg members, maintaining consistent table height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a caster wheel assembly is mounted to the lower end of the table leg, then the table can move along the floor, but the length of the table leg is modified relative to a table leg including only the height adjustment assembly, preventing compatibility with tables using height adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The tube end insert is designed with a universal interface that can receive both caster wheel assemblies and glide assemblies. The insert includes an opening that accommodates the attachment rod of either assembly type, allowing the same table leg structure to support different floor contact mechanisms. This enables tables to be configured for either mobility (caster wheels) or stability (glides) while maintaining compatibility across different table models and configurations.
2Ease of operation
If a height adjustment mechanism with a threadedly received foot is used, then the table height can be adjusted, but the overall length of the table leg becomes fixed relative to tables using caster wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The table leg assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the leg member with height adjustment mechanism, the tube end insert, and the removable floor contact assembly (caster wheel or glide). This segmentation allows the height adjustment function to be separated from the floor contact function, enabling independent selection and replacement of each component. The tube end insert serves as the interface between these segments, providing a standardized connection point that works with both height adjustment mechanisms and various floor contact assemblies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different table types with different leg configurations are used, then various table functions can be achieved, but they cannot be used adjacent to each other to create a uniform height work surface
Solution Approach 1:
The tube end insert provides a universal mounting interface that ensures consistent height positioning regardless of whether a caster wheel assembly or glide assembly is installed. By standardizing the connection interface and the attachment rod dimensions, the invention ensures that both assembly types maintain the same vertical position when installed on the same table leg. This universality allows tables of different configurations to be used together to create uniform height work surfaces, as all tables will have consistent leg lengths when equipped with either type of floor contact assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A table leg assembly for supporting a table top. The table leg assembly includes a leg member having a lower end that defines an open interior. A tube end insert is received within the open interior at the lower end of each of the leg members. A threaded internal opening of the tube end insert receives an attachment rod of either a caster wheel assembly or a glide assembly. The glide assembly includes a glide member having a support foot mounted to the threaded attachment rod. A spacer is positioned along the attachment rod between the lower end of the leg member and the support foot. The spacer is movable along the attachment rod to cover the threaded attachment rod and lock the glide member in position. The attachment rod of the caster wheel assembly is received within the tube end insert to mount the caster wheel assembly to the leg member.