MODULAR TABLE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A modular table assembly comprising first and second table units, each table unit including a top planar surface, a bottom surface and a plurality of respective first and second unit foot connectors located on the bottom surfaces of the table units. The assembly further comprising a plurality of foot members for supporting the first and second table units and being selectively connectable in one of a first configuration in which unit connectors are connected to a corresponding one of the first unit foot connectors and to a corresponding one of the second unit foot connectors to thereby connect together the first and second table units positioned adjacent each other, and a second configuration in which the unit connectors are all connected to a single one of the first and second unit foot connectors.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field generally relates to furniture, and more specifically to modular furniture assemblies.

BACKGROUND

Manufacturers of tables, including work desks, dining tables, coffee tables, must manufacture different sized tabletops of different lengths to suit the needs of consumers. For example, a manufacturer must manufacture a shorter tabletop for consumers with a small amount of space in which to accommodate a table. Conversely, a manufacturer must manufacture a longer or wider tabletop for those buyers with a larger amount of space in which to accommodate a table.

Further, if the table is moved to a different space, the consumer may desire to increase or decrease the size of the table. Unfortunately, existing modular table assemblies typically require the use of additional hardware and tools which may make their assembly relatively complex and/or time-consuming. Existing assemblies also typically only allow the units to be assembled together in a single predetermined configuration.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, there is provided a modular table assembly comprising: a first table unit including a top planar surface for receiving one or more items thereon and a bottom surface opposite the top planar surface, the first table unit further including a plurality of first unit foot connectors located on the bottom surface of the first table unit; a second table unit including a top planar surface for receiving one or more items thereon and a bottom surface opposite the top planar surface, the second table unit further including a plurality of foot connectors located on the bottom surface of the second table unit; a plurality of foot members for supporting the first and second table units, each foot member including a plurality of unit connectors, each foot member being selectively connectable in one of a first configuration in which at least one of the unit connectors is connected to a corresponding one of the first unit foot connectors and at least one of the unit connectors is connected to a corresponding one of the second unit foot connectors to thereby connect together the first and second table units positioned adjacent each other, and a second configuration in which the unit connectors are all connected to a single one of the first and second unit foot connectors.

In at least one embodiment, each one of the first and second table units includes a lift-up table unit.

In at least one embodiment, each one of the first and second table units includes an entertainment center unit.

In at least one embodiment, each foot member includes a connection portion including the unit connectors and a support portion extending away from the connection portion.

In at least one embodiment, each foot member includes a substantially rectangular frame including top and bottom frame members spaced from each other and extending substantially parallel to each other, and a pair of side frame members extending between the top and bottom frame members, substantially perpendicularly to the top and bottom frame members, the top frame member forming the connection portion of the foot member.

In at least one embodiment, each foot member includes a connection plate forming the connection portion of the foot member and an elongated support portion extending away from the connection plate.

In at least one embodiment, each unit connector includes a fastener and wherein each one of the first and second unit foot connectors includes a fastener receiving hole for receiving the fastener.

According to another aspect, there is also provided a modular lift-up table assembly comprising: first and second lift-up table units, each lift-up table unit including a body, a top panel extending substantially horizontally for receiving one or more items thereon and an extension mechanism connecting the top panel to the body, the top panel being movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, each lift-up table unit further including a plurality of first unit foot connectors located on a bottom surface of the body; a plurality of foot members for supporting the first and second lift-up table units, each foot member including a plurality of unit connectors, each foot member being selectively connectable in one of a first configuration in which at least one of the unit connectors is connected to a corresponding one of the first unit foot connectors and at least one of the unit connectors is connected to a corresponding one of the second unit foot connectors to thereby connect together the first and second lift-up table units positioned adjacent each other, and a second configuration in which the unit connectors are all connected to a single one of the first and second unit foot connectors.

According to another aspect, there is provided a modular table assembly comprising a first table unit including a top planar surface and a bottom surface opposite the top planar surface, the first table unit further including a plurality of first foot connectors located on the bottom surface of the first table unit, a second table unit including a top planar surface for receiving one or more items thereon and a bottom surface opposite the top planar surface, the second table unit further including a plurality of second foot connectors located on the bottom surface of the second table unit, a plurality of foot members for supporting the first and second table units, each foot member including a plurality of unit connectors, each one of the foot members being selectively connectable in one of a first configuration in which at least one of the unit connectors of a respective one of the foot members is connected to a corresponding one of the first foot connectors and at least one of the unit connectors of the respective one of the foot members is connected to a corresponding one of the second foot connectors to thereby connect together the first and second table units positioned adjacent each other, the first and second table units defining a seam having a centerline and extending between the first and second table units when positioned adjacent each other, and a second configuration in which the unit connectors of the respective one of the foot members are all connected to a single one of the first and second foot connectors.

In at least one embodiment, at least one of the first and second table units includes a top panel including the top planar surface, a bottom panel including the bottom surface, and first and second side walls extending between the top and bottom panels, the bottom panel and the first and second side walls forming a table body.

In at least one embodiment, the modular table assembly further comprises first and second extension mechanisms respectively housed within the first and second side walls and operatively connected to the table body and the first and second extension mechanisms being configured to enable a displacement of the top panel between a closed configuration wherein the top panel abuts at least one of the first and second side walls, and an open configuration wherein the top panel is spaced upwardly and away from the first and second side walls.

In at least one embodiment, the first and second extension mechanisms are configured to translate laterally the top panel between the closed and the open configurations, wherein a peripheral edge of the top panel is offset laterally from a peripheral edge of the table body when the top panel is in the open configuration.

In at least one embodiment, the table body defines an interior space and an open top, the open top being restricted by the top panel when the top panel is in the closed configuration.

In at least one embodiment, each one of the first and the second foot connectors is dividable into four sets, each one of the sets extending along a respective edge of the bottom surface of the first and the second table units respectively.

In at least one embodiment, each one of the first and the second foot connectors is dividable into at least one set extending along a respective edge of the bottom surface of the first and the second table units respectively.

In at least one embodiment, the plurality of unit connectors of a respective one of the foot members includes first and second unit connectors spaced from each other by a transversal spacing distance in a transversal direction of the respective one of the foot members.

In at least one embodiment, one of the first foot connectors and one of the second foot connectors of corresponding ones of the at least one set define a first connector pair, the first connector pair being spaced apart by the transversal spacing distance when the first and second table units are positioned adjacent each other to connectably receive the respective one of the foot members in the first configuration.

In at least one embodiment, each of the first and second foot connectors of the first connector pair is spaced from the centerline of the seam at a distance corresponding to half the transversal spacing distance.

In at least one embodiment, the first connector pair is located along a first hole axis extending substantially perpendicular to the seam.

In at least one embodiment, each of the at least one set defines a second connector pair, the second connector pair being spaced apart by the transversal spacing distance to connectably receive the respective one of the foot members in the second configuration.

In at least one embodiment, the plurality of unit connectors of the respective one of the foot members further includes a third unit connector and a fourth unit connector spaced from the first unit connector and the second unit connector respectively by a longitudinal spacing distance in a longitudinal direction of the respective one of the foot members, the third and fourth unit connectors being spaced apart by the transversal spacing distance.

In at least one embodiment, each of the first and second foot connectors of the first connector pair is further spaced from an adjacent edge to the respective edge of the first and second table units at a distance corresponding to half the longitudinal spacing distance to connectably receive one of the foot members in the first configuration.

In at least one embodiment, the second connector pair is further spaced from the first connector pair by the longitudinal spacing distance to connectably receive the respective one of the foot members in the second configuration.

In at least one embodiment, the second connector pair is spaced from an adjacent edge to the respective edge of the corresponding first and second table units at a distance corresponding to half the longitudinal spacing distance to connectably receive one of the foot members in the first configuration.

In at least one embodiment, one of the first foot connectors and one of the second foot connectors of the corresponding ones of the at least one set defines a third connector pair, the third connector pair being spaced apart from the first connector pair by the longitudinal spacing distance when the first and second table units are positioned adjacent each other to connectably receive the respective one of the foot members in the first configuration.

In at least one embodiment, each of the first and second foot connectors of the third connector pair is further spaced from an adjacent edge to the respective edge of the first and second table units at a distance corresponding to half the longitudinal spacing distance to connectably receive one of the foot members in the first configuration.

According to another aspect, there is provided a modular lift-up table assembly comprising first and second lift-up table units, each of the first and second lift-up table units including a body, a top panel extending substantially horizontally, and an extension mechanism connecting the top panel to the body, the top panel being movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, each of the first and second lift-up table units further including a plurality of unit foot connectors located on a bottom surface of the body, a plurality of foot members for supporting the first and second lift-up table units, each foot member including a plurality of unit connectors, each foot member being selectively connectable in one of a connection configuration in which at least one of the unit connectors of a respective one of the foot members is connected to a corresponding one of the unit foot connectors of the first lift-up table unit, and at least one of the unit connectors of the respective one of the foot members is connected to a corresponding one of the unit foot connectors of the second lift-up table unit to thereby connect together the first and second lift-up table units positioned adjacent each other, and a support configuration in which the unit connectors of the respective one of the foot members are all connected to corresponding ones of the unit foot connectors of the first lift-up table unit, wherein the plurality of unit connectors of a respective one of the foot members includes first and second unit connectors spaced from each other by a transversal spacing distance in a transversal direction of the respective one of the foot members, and wherein the plurality of foot connectors of each of the first and second lift-up table units defines sets of foot connectors, each of the sets of foot connectors including at least one foot connector being spaced from a respective bottom edge of the corresponding first and second lift-up table units at a distance corresponding to half the transversal spacing distance, and each of the sets of foot connectors comprising a first pair of connectors being spaced apart from each other by the transversal spacing distance.

In at least one embodiment, the plurality of unit connectors of the respective one of the foot members further includes a third unit connector spaced from the first unit connector by a longitudinal spacing distance in a longitudinal direction of the respective one of the foot members, each of the sets of foot connectors including at least one foot connector being spaced from a bottom edge of the corresponding first and second lift-up table units adjoining the respective bottom edge at a distance corresponding to half the longitudinal spacing distance, and each of the sets of foot connectors further comprising a second pair of connectors being spaced apart from each other by the longitudinal spacing distance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top, front perspective view of a modular table assembly, in accordance with one embodiment, in which the modular table assembly includes a plurality of lift-up table units in a closed configuration.

FIG. 2 is a top, rear perspective view of the modular table assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom, front perspective view of the modular table assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the modular table assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, with a fastener removed from a foot member.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the modular table assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, with the foot members removed.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the modular table assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, showing a foot member configured in a first connection configuration.

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the modular table assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, showing foot members configured in a second connection configuration.

FIG. 8 is another top, front perspective view of the modular table assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, with the lift-up table units in an open configuration.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the modular table assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, with the lift-up table units in the open configuration.

FIG. 10 is a top, front perspective view of a modular table assembly, in accordance with another embodiment, in which the modular table assembly includes a plurality of lift-up table units in a closed configuration.

FIG. 11 is another top, front perspective view of the modular table assembly illustrated in FIG. 10, with the lift-up table units in an open configuration.

FIG. 12 is a top, front perspective view of a modular table assembly, in accordance with another embodiment, in which the modular table assembly includes a plurality of entertainment center units.

FIG. 13 is a top, rear perspective view of the modular table assembly illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a bottom, rear perspective view of the modular table assembly illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the modular table assembly illustrated in FIG. 12 with the foot members removed.

FIG. 16 an enlarged view of a bottom portion of the modular table assembly illustrated in FIG. 12, showing two foot members configured in a first connection configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements or steps. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, this description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein in any way but rather as merely describing the implementation of the various embodiments described herein.

For the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only.

Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as “above”, “below”, “top”, “bottom”, “forward”, “rearward” “left”, “right” and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and correspond to the position and orientation in the modular table assembly and corresponding parts when being used. Positional descriptions should not be considered limiting.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, there is shown a modular furniture assembly 5, in accordance with one embodiment. In this embodiment, the modular furniture assembly 5 includes a modular table assembly 10 which is assembled to form a table 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the table 20 formed by the modular table assembly 10 is substantially elongated and has opposite first and second long sides 22, 24 and opposite first and second short sides 26, 28.

It will be understood that the term “table” used herein refers to any furniture article which includes at least one substantially horizontal surface that can receive one or more items. This includes, but is not limited to, a dining table, a desk, a coffee table, an entertainment center, a stand such as a television stand or the like, a bedside table, or any other types of tables which could be provided as a modular table.

The modular table assembly 10 includes a plurality of table units 100 that are assembled together to form the table 20. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the table units 100 include lift-up tables that can be used in a closed configuration in which the table is at a first height and in an open configuration in which the table's top surface is raised at a second height greater than the first height. Due to this configuration, the table 20 could be used in the closed configuration for a first use—as a coffee table, for example—and in the open configuration for a second use—as a work desk, a dining table or the like. Configuring the lift-up tables in the closed configuration may further reduce the volume and/or footprint occupied by the table 20 as well as facilitate the storage of the table units.

In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly 10 includes three table units 100 that are positioned adjacent each other. More specifically, the table units 100 include first and second end table units 102, 104 which are spaced from each other and a center table unit 106 which is positioned between the first and second end table units 102, 104. The three table units 102, 104, 106 are therefore disposed along a longitudinal axis of the table 20.

As will be explained further below, the illustrated configuration is merely shown as an example and the table units 100 can be reconfigured in various other configurations.

In the illustrated embodiment, each table unit 100 includes top and bottom panels 108, 110 which are spaced vertically from each other, and which extend substantially parallel to each other, and first and second side walls 112, 114 which are spaced from each other and extend substantially vertically between the top and bottom panels 108, 110.

As indicated above, in the illustrated embodiment, each table unit 100 is configured as a lift-up table. As shown in FIG. 8, the side walls 112, 114 and the bottom panel 110 form a table body 120 of the table unit 100 and the top panel 108 is movable upwardly and away from the table body 120 between the closed configuration in which the top panel 108 sits on top of the side walls 112, 114 and the open configuration in which the top panel 108 is spaced upwardly away from the side walls 112, 114. More specifically, the top panel 108 is movably connected to the table body 120 via an extension mechanism 122, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, which allows movement of the top panel 108 relative to the table body 120 and which is configured to allow the top panel 108 to remain in the open configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the side walls 112, 114 are hollow and have an open top 115, and the extension mechanism 122 includes first and second extension linkages 124, 126 which are respectively received in the first and second side walls 112, 114. Each extension linkage 124, 126 forms a parallelogram linkage or four-bar linkage which allows the top panel 108 to remain substantially horizontal as it moves towards and away from the table body 120, thereby preventing one or more items received on the top panel 108 from sliding off the top panel 108 as it moves.

As best shown in FIG. 9, when the top panel 108 moves to the open configuration, the extension linkages 124, 126 further cause the top panel 108 to move laterally towards a panel extension side 118. Specifically, while the top panel 108 extends away from the table body 120, it also moves outwardly beyond the table body 120 in the direction of the panel extension side 118 such that it is substantially horizontally offset from the table body 120, and more specifically from at least one of a plurality of peripheral edges 140 of the bottom panel 110.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the table units 102, 104, 106 are oriented relative to each other so as to avoid interference between their top panels 108 when the top panels 108 are in the open configuration. Specifically, the first end table unit 102 is oriented such that its panel extension side 118 is located towards the first long side 22 of the table 20, the second end table unit 104 is oriented such that its panel extension side 118 is located towards the second short side 28 of the table 20 and the center table unit 106 is oriented such that its panel extension side 118 is located towards the second long side 24 of the table 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, the table units 102, 104, 106 are hollow and include an interior space 130 delimited by the side walls 112, 114 and the bottom panel 110. The interior space 130 has an open top 132 which is closed off by the top panel 108 when the top panel 108 is in the closed configuration. When the top panel 108 is in the open configuration, the interior space 130 is accessible through its open top 132 and can be used to store items. Still in the illustrated embodiment, each table unit 102, 104, 106 further includes open ends 128 (shown in FIG. 3) extending transversally between the side walls 112, 114, and the interior space 130 can further be accessed through the open ends 128. Alternatively, the ends of the table units 100 could instead be closed such that the interior space 130 is only accessible through the open top 132.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the modular table assembly 10 further includes a plurality of foot members 200 which are secured to the table bodies 120 of the table units 100 and extend downwardly from the bodies 120 to support the table units 100 above a ground surface. Specifically, each foot member 200 includes a connection portion 201 connectable to the table units 100 and a support portion 203 extending away from the connection portion 201 for contacting the ground surface.

In the illustrated embodiment, each foot member 200 includes a substantially rectangular frame 202 which is substantially elongated, and which extends between first and second foot ends 205, 207. The foot member 200 comprises top and bottom frame members 204, 206 which are spaced from each other and extend substantially parallel to each other, and a pair of side frame members 208 which extend between the top and bottom frame members 204, 206, substantially perpendicularly to the top and bottom frame members 204, 206. When the foot members 200 are secured to the table bodies 120, the top frame member 204 extends along the bottom surface 111 of the bottom panel 110 of at least one of the table units 102, 104, 106. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the foot members 200 extend substantially parallel to each other and include first and second outer foot members 210, 212 located towards the short sides 26, 28 of the table 20 and first and second inner foot members 214, 216 located between the first and second outer foot members 210, 212, towards a longitudinal center of the table 20. In this embodiment, the top frame member 204 defines the connection portion 201 of the foot member 200 and the bottom and side frame members 206, 208 define the support portion 203.

Referring now to FIG. 3, each foot member 200 can be configured in either a support configuration in which the foot member 200 supports only a single table unit 100 and a connection configuration in which the foot member 200 connects at least two table units 100 together as well as support the connected table units 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second outer foot members 210, 212 are in the support configuration. Specifically, in the support configuration, the top frame member 204 of the first outer foot member 210 extends only against the bottom surface 111 of the first end table unit 102 and does not extend laterally beyond the first end table unit 102. Similarly, the top frame member 204 of the second outer foot member 212 extends only against the bottom surface 111 of the second end table unit 104 and does not extend laterally beyond the second end table unit 104.

Still in the illustrated embodiment, the first and second inner foot members 214, 216 are configured in the connection configuration. Specifically, the top frame member 204 of the first inner foot member 214 overlaps the first end table unit 102 and the center table unit 106. More specifically, the top frame member 204 of the first inner foot member 214 extends over a seam 160 between the first end table unit 102 and the center table unit 106 and along the seam 160 (i.e. parallel to the seam 160). Similarly, the top frame member 204 of the second inner foot member 216 overlaps the second end table unit 104 and the center table unit 106 and extends over a seam 170 between the second end table unit 104 and the center table unit 106, along the seam 170 (i.e. parallel to the seam 170).

Referring specifically to FIGS. 4 to 6, the bottom panel 110 of each table unit 100 includes a plurality of foot connectors 300 defined in the bottom surface 111 and each foot member 200 includes one or more unit connectors 250 for engaging the foot connectors 300 to removably connect the foot member 200 to the table bodies 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the unit connectors 250 includes fasteners 252 configured to engage the top frame member 204 and the foot connectors 300 include a plurality of fastener-receiving holes 302 configured to receive the fasteners 252.

In the illustrated embodiment, each fastener 252 includes a threaded rod 253 and a handle portion 255 which is sized and shaped to be easily grabbed and manipulated by a user. This eliminates the need for the user to provide and/or use a tool to assemble the foot members 200 to the table units 100. Alternatively, the fasteners 252 could include any other suitable fastener such as screws, rivets and/or bolts.

In the illustrated embodiment, the foot member 200 includes a first pair of connection tabs 254a, 254b extending outwardly (or protruding) from the top frame member 204, opposite each other on either side of the top frame member 204, and a second pair of connection tabs 256a, 256b also extending outwardly (or protruding) from the top frame member 204, opposite each other on either side of the top frame member 204. The first and second pair of connection tabs 254a, 254b and 256a, 256b are spaced from each other, with the first pair of connection tabs 254a, 254b being located towards the first foot end 205 and the second pair of connection tabs 256a, 256b being located towards the second foot end 207.

Each connection tab 254a, 254b, 256a, 256b includes a fastener hole 258 sized and shaped to receive one of the fasteners 252. In one embodiment, the threaded rod 253 of the fastener 252 is configured for engaging the fastener hole 258 such that the fastener 252 can remain engaged in the fastener hole 258 and may be moved with the foot member 200, which facilitate the connection of the foot members 200 to the table units 100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener holes 258 of opposite connection tabs 254a, 254b or 256a, 256b are spaced from each other in a substantially transversal direction relative to the top frame member 204 by a certain transversal spacing distance D₁. The fastener holes 258 of the first pair of connection tabs 254a, 254b are further spaced from the fastener holes 258 of the second pair of connection tabs 256a, 256b in a substantially longitudinal direction relative to the top frame member 204 by a longitudinal spacing distance D₂.

As shown in FIG. 5, the fastener-receiving holes 302 are located substantially near the peripheral edges 140 of the bottom surface 111. More specifically, the bottom surface 111 includes first and second bottom edges 140a, 140b extending substantially parallel to each other and third and fourth bottom edges 140c, 140d extending parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the first and second bottom edges 140a, 140b. The plurality of holes 302 include a first set of holes 310 located near the first bottom edge 140a, a second set of holes 312 located near the second bottom edge 140b, a third set of holes 314 located near the third bottom edge 140c and a fourth set of holes 316 located near the fourth bottom edge 140d.

Each set of holes 310, 312, 314, 316 includes a first pair of holes 318a and a second pair of holes 318b. Both the first pair of holes 318a and the second pair of holes 318b are located along a hole axis H which extends substantially perpendicular to the corresponding bottom edge 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d next to which the pair of holes 318a, 318b is located.

The first pair of holes 318a are spaced apart from each other by the transversal distance D₁ and the second pair of holes 318b are also spaced apart from each other by the transversal distance D₁. The first pair of holes 318a is further spaced from the second pair of holes 318b by the longitudinal spacing distance D₂. This configuration allows the foot member 200 to be positioned such that the fastener holes 258 are aligned with the holes 318a, 318b from one set of holes 310, 312, 314, 316 of one of the table units 100 and to be removably connected to the table unit 100 in this position by the fasteners 252. In this position, the foot member 200 is connected to a single one of the table units 100 and is therefore in the support configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener-receiving holes 302 are further positioned to be usable for connecting the foot member 200 to two adjacent table units 100 in the connection configuration. In this configuration, each of the first and second pair of holes 318a, 318b are located along a corresponding hole axis H which extends substantially perpendicular to the seam 160. Specifically, the first and second pairs of holes 318a, 318b are spaced from a centerline of the seam 160 by a distance corresponding substantially to about half the transversal spacing distance D₁. It is to be understood that the expression “centerline” as used herein refers to an imaginary line extending through a transversal center of the seam 160. When two table units 100 are placed adjacent to each other such that one of the bottom edges of the first table unit extends along one of the bottom edges of the second table unit, one of the holes of each pair of holes 318a, 318b next to the one of the bottom edges of the first table unit is therefore spaced from one of the holes of each pair of holes 318a, 318b located next to the one of the bottom edges of the second table unit by the transversal spacing distance D₁. This allows the foot member 200 to be connected to both table units by positioning the fastener holes 258 in alignment with the holes that are spaced by the transversal spacing distance D₁ and to be removably connected to the two table units 100 in this position by the fasteners 252.

For example, FIG. 6 shows the first end table unit 102 and the center table unit 106 positioned adjacent each other such that the first bottom edges 140a of both table units 102, 106 extend along each other. In this configuration, the first set of holes 310 of both units 102, 106 are further proximal to each other. One of the foot members 200 is positioned such that its fasteners 252 are aligned with corresponding holes of the first set of holes 310 of each table unit 102, 106 which are spaced from each other by the transversal spacing distance D₁. The foot member 200 is therefore in the connection configuration and connects the first end table unit 102 and the center table unit 106 together, in addition to supporting both table units 102, 106.

In some embodiments, the fastener-receiving holes 302 are further positioned to be able to connect two adjacent table units with the foot members 200 oriented in a different orientation. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the connection configuration illustrated in FIG. 6 is a first connection configuration. The foot members 200 can further be configured in a second connection configuration. As shown in FIG. 7, in this second connection configuration, the foot members 200 extend transversely across the seam between adjacent table units, instead of extending along the seam and substantially parallel to the seam, as was the case in the first connection configuration. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the fastener-receiving holes 302 are also positioned on the bottom surface 111 such that the pairs of holes 318a, 318b of each set of holes 310, 312, 314, 316 is spaced from a bottom edge at a distance corresponding to about half the longitudinal spacing distance D₂. According to this configuration, when two table units 100 are positioned adjacent each other, at least one pair of holes 318a, 318b of the first table unit is at the longitudinal spacing distance D₂ of one pair of holes 318a, 318b of the second table unit.

For example, FIG. 5 shows the first pair of holes 318a of the third set of holes 314 on the first end table unit 102 being positioned at the longitudinal spacing distance D₂ from the second pair of holes 318b of the fourth set of holes 316 on the center table unit 216. The first pair of holes 318a of the fourth set of holes 316 on the first end table unit 214 are also positioned at the longitudinal spacing distance D₂ from the second pair of holes 318b of the third set of holes 316 on the center table unit 216.

As shown in FIG. 7, foot members 200 can therefore be positioned such that its fasteners 252 engage the corresponding holes located at the longitudinal spacing distance D₂ from each other and thereby extend transversally across the seam 160 between the two table units 102, 106. In this case, the two foot members 200 are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the other foot members 200.

It will be understood that the foot members 200 can be configured in various configurations relative to each other and to the table units. For example, instead of having two foot members parallel to each other in the second connection configuration, only a single foot member could be positioned in the second connection configuration across the seam 160 and another foot member could be placed in the first configuration position over and along the seam 160. In another embodiment, one foot member could be positioned in the first connection configuration while two other foot members are positioned in the second connection configuration.

It will also be understood that the configuration and location of the fastener-receiving holes 302 allow the table units 100 to be positioned in various configurations relative to each other. Specifically, when seen from the bottom, each table unit 100 is symmetrical according to an order 4 rotation symmetry, which means that each table unit 100 has the same configuration when rotated by increments of 90 degrees. The table units 100 can therefore be oriented at any desired orientation relative to each other, i.e. such that any bottom edge of a first table unit extends along any bottom edge of a second table unit, and the foot members 200 will still be able to connect the two adjacent table units 100 in the first and second connection configurations.

Moreover, although the table units 100 are shown aligned along an axis, the table units 100 could instead be positioned and connected together in an L-shape configuration. In another embodiment, the assembly 10 could include only two table units 100 or more than three table units 100, and the table units 100 could be positioned in any desired position relative to each other. For example, the assembly 10 could include four table units 100 which are positioned to form a two-by-two square, or any other number of table units in any other configuration.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, an embodiment of the modular table assembly 10 is shown including a plurality of table units 100 that are assembled together to form an L-shaped table 20. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first end table unit 102 of the the table assembly 10 is positioned adjacent the center table unit 106 along a first side 106a of the center table unit 106, and the second end table unit 104 is positioned adjacent the center table unit 106 along a second side 106b of the center table unit 106 adjoining the first side 106a such that the three table units 102, 104, 106 are not disposed along a longitudinal axis of the table 20.

It will therefore be appreciated that the modular table assembly 10 described herein provides the ability to obtain various configurations and to reconfigure the assembly 100 as desired quickly and with minimal effort. The assembly 100 can easily be reconfigured by unfastening the fasteners 252, moving the foot members 200 to a new location on the bottom surface of the table units 100 until the fasteners 252 are aligned with corresponding fastener-receiving holes 302 and fastening the foot members 200 to the table unit(s) using the fasteners. This ease of use also facilitates the addition or removal of foot members and/or table units from the assembly 100 as desired.

Turning now to FIGS. 12 to 16, there is shown a modular table assembly 10′, in accordance with another embodiment, which includes a plurality of table units 100′. In this embodiment, the table units 100′ include entertainment center units connected together to form an entertainment center 20′ which can be used to support any display such as a television set or the like, as well as any relevant accessories and/or devices related to the display such as a DVD player, Blue-ray™ player, video game console, digital media player, and/or any other items.

Each table unit 100′ is hollow and includes top and bottom panels 102′, 104′ and side panels 106′, 108′. In this embodiment, the table unit 100′ further includes a back panel 400 in which is provided an elongated opening 402 which may be used to run cables to devices inside the table unit 100′. Each table unit 100′ may further include a door 404 which closes off a front end 406 of the table unit 100′. Alternatively, the front end 406 may be open.

The table units 100′ are supported by a plurality of foot members 200′ which can be configured in a support configuration to support a single one of the table units 100′ or in a connection configuration to simultaneously connect two adjacent table units 100′ together and to support the adjacent table units 100′.

Each foot member 200′ includes a connection portion 201′ connectable to the table units 100′ and a support portion 203′ extending away from the connection portion 203′. In this embodiment, the connection portion 201′ includes a connection plate 450 which is positionable against a bottom surface 111′ of the table units 100′, and an elongated support portion 452 which extends away from the connection plate 450 and which is substantially perpendicular to the connection plate 450. In the illustrated embodiment, the support portion 452 is substantially flat and tapers away from the connection plate 450, but alternatively, the support portion 452 could be cylindrical or have any other suitable configuration.

The foot member 200′ further includes a pair of fastener holes 454a, 454b for receiving fasteners 456. The fastener holes 454a, 454b are spaced from each other by a spacing distance D₁′. In this embodiment, each table unit 100′ includes a bottom surface 111′ and a plurality of fastener receiving holes 500 defined in the bottom surface 111′. Specifically, the plurality of fastener receiving holes 500 includes four pair of holes 502a, 502b, 502c, 502d, each pair of holes being located generally towards a corner of the bottom surface 111′. The holes in each pair of holes 502a, 502b, 502c, 502d are spaced from each other by the spacing distance D₁′. The foot member 200′ can be configured in the support configuration by being positioned such that each fastener 456 is aligned with one of the pair of holes 502a, 502b, 502c, 502d and by being further fastened to the table unit 100′.

In this embodiment, one hole of each pair of holes 502a, 502b, 502c, 502d is also spaced from a bottom edge 504 of the bottom surface 111′ by a distance corresponding to about half the spacing distance D₁′. According to this configuration, when two table units 100′ are positioned adjacent each other such that their bottom edges 504 extend against each other, the foot member 200′ can be configured in the connection configuration by being positioned such that each fastener 456 is aligned with a corresponding fastener receiving hole of one of the table units 100′ and by engaging the fasteners 456 in the corresponding fastener receiving hole. The foot member 200′ thereby extend transversely across a seam 160′ between the two adjacent table units 100′ and connects together the table units 100′ while also supporting the table units 100′.

It will be understood that the above embodiments are merely provided as examples and that other alternative embodiments may be considered. For example, although the foot connectors and unit connectors are described above as a combination of fasteners and fasteners-receiving holes, the connectors could include any other suitable connector.

While the above description provides examples of the embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above has been intended to be illustrative and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A modular table assembly comprising: a first table unit including a top planar surface and a bottom surface opposite the top planar surface, the first table unit further including a plurality of first foot connectors located on the bottom surface of the first table unit;a second table unit including a top planar surface for receiving one or more items thereon and a bottom surface opposite the top planar surface, the second table unit further including a plurality of second foot connectors located on the bottom surface of the second table unit;a plurality of foot members for supporting the first and second table units, each foot member including a plurality of unit connectors, each one of the foot members being selectively connectable in one of a first configuration in which at least one of the unit connectors of a respective one of the foot members is connected to a corresponding one of the first foot connectors and at least one of the unit connectors of the respective one of the foot members is connected to a corresponding one of the second foot connectors to thereby connect together the first and second table units positioned adjacent each other, the first and second table units defining a seam having a centerline and extending between the first and second table units when positioned adjacent each other, and a second configuration in which the unit connectors of the respective one of the foot members are all connected to a single one of the first and second foot connectors.

2. The modular table assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second table units includes a top panel including the top planar surface, a bottom panel including the bottom surface, and first and second side walls extending between the top and bottom panels, the bottom panel and the first and second side walls forming a table body.

3. The modular table assembly of claim 2, further comprising first and second extension mechanisms respectively housed within the first and second side walls and operatively connected to the table body and the first and second extension mechanisms being configured to enable a displacement of the top panel between a closed configuration wherein the top panel abuts at least one of the first and second side walls, and an open configuration wherein the top panel is spaced upwardly and away from the first and second side walls.

4. The modular table assembly of claim 3, wherein the first and second extension mechanisms are configured to translate laterally the top panel between the closed and the open configurations, wherein a peripheral edge of the top panel is offset laterally from a peripheral edge of the table body when the top panel is in the open configuration.

5. The modular table assembly of claim 3, wherein the table body defines an interior space and an open top, the open top being restricted by the top panel when the top panel is in the closed configuration.

6. The modular table assembly of any one of claim 1, wherein each one of the first and the second foot connectors is dividable into four sets, each one of the sets extending along a respective edge of the bottom surface of the first and the second table units respectively.

7. The modular table assembly of any one of claim 1, wherein each one of the first and the second foot connectors is dividable into at least one set extending along a respective edge of the bottom surface of the first and the second table units respectively.

8. The modular table assembly of claim 7, wherein the plurality of unit connectors of a respective one of the foot members includes first and second unit connectors spaced from each other by a transversal spacing distance in a transversal direction of the respective one of the foot members.

9. The modular table assembly of claim 8, wherein one of the first foot connectors and one of the second foot connectors of corresponding ones of the at least one set define a first connector pair, the first connector pair being spaced apart by the transversal spacing distance when the first and second table units are positioned adjacent each other to connectably receive the respective one of the foot members in the first configuration.

10. The modular table assembly of claim 9, wherein each of the first and second foot connectors of the first connector pair is spaced from the centerline of the seam at a distance corresponding to half the transversal spacing distance.

11. The modular table assembly of claim 9, wherein the first connector pair is located along a first hole axis extending substantially perpendicular to the seam.

12. The modular table assembly of claim 9, wherein each of the at least one set defines a second connector pair, the second connector pair being spaced apart by the transversal spacing distance to connectably receive the respective one of the foot members in the second configuration.

13. The modular table assembly of claim 12, wherein the plurality of unit connectors of the respective one of the foot members further includes a third unit connector and a fourth unit connector spaced from the first unit connector and the second unit connector respectively by a longitudinal spacing distance in a longitudinal direction of the respective one of the foot members, the third and fourth unit connectors being spaced apart by the transversal spacing distance.

14. The modular table assembly of claim 13, wherein each of the first and second foot connectors of the first connector pair is further spaced from an adjacent edge to the respective edge of the first and second table units at a distance corresponding to half the longitudinal spacing distance to connectably receive one of the foot members in the first configuration.

15. The modular table assembly of claim 13, wherein the second connector pair is further spaced from the first connector pair by the longitudinal spacing distance to connectably receive the respective one of the foot members in the second configuration.

16. The modular table assembly of claim 13, wherein the second connector pair is spaced from an adjacent edge to the respective edge of the corresponding first and second table units at a distance corresponding to half the longitudinal spacing distance to connectably receive one of the foot members in the first configuration.

17. The modular table assembly of claim 13, wherein one of the first foot connectors and one of the second foot connectors of the corresponding ones of the at least one set defines a third connector pair, the third connector pair being spaced apart from the first connector pair by the longitudinal spacing distance when the first and second table units are positioned adjacent each other to connectably receive the respective one of the foot members in the first configuration.

18. The modular table assembly of claim 17, wherein each of the first and second foot connectors of the third connector pair is further spaced from an adjacent edge to the respective edge of the first and second table units at a distance corresponding to half the longitudinal spacing distance to connectably receive one of the foot members in the first configuration.

19. A modular lift-up table assembly comprising: first and second lift-up table units, each of the first and second lift-up table units including a body, a top panel extending substantially horizontally, and an extension mechanism connecting the top panel to the body, the top panel being movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, each of the first and second lift-up table units further including a plurality of unit foot connectors located on a bottom surface of the body; anda plurality of foot members for supporting the first and second lift-up table units, each foot member including a plurality of unit connectors, each foot member being selectively connectable in one of a connection configuration in which at least one of the unit connectors of a respective one of the foot members is connected to a corresponding one of the unit foot connectors of the first lift-up table unit, and at least one of the unit connectors of the respective one of the foot members is connected to a corresponding one of the unit foot connectors of the second lift-up table unit to thereby connect together the first and second lift-up table units positioned adjacent each other, and a support configuration in which the unit connectors of the respective one of the foot members are all connected to corresponding ones of the unit foot connectors of the first lift-up table unit;wherein the plurality of unit connectors of a respective one of the foot members includes first and second unit connectors spaced from each other by a transversal spacing distance in a transversal direction of the respective one of the foot members; andwherein the plurality of foot connectors of each of the first and second lift-up table units defines sets of foot connectors, each of the sets of foot connectors including at least one foot connector being spaced from a respective bottom edge of the corresponding first and second lift-up table units at a distance corresponding to half the transversal spacing distance, and each of the sets of foot connectors comprising a first pair of connectors being spaced apart from each other by the transversal spacing distance.

20. The modular lift-up table assembly of claim 19, wherein the plurality of unit connectors of the respective one of the foot members further includes a third unit connector spaced from the first unit connector by a longitudinal spacing distance in a longitudinal direction of the respective one of the foot members, each of the sets of foot connectors including at least one foot connector being spaced from a bottom edge of the corresponding first and second lift-up table units adjoining the respective bottom edge at a distance corresponding to half the longitudinal spacing distance, and each of the sets of foot connectors further comprising a second pair of connectors being spaced apart from each other by the longitudinal spacing distance.