Side frame structure

Abstract

Support structures are provided having an improved connecting structures. Support structures include tables, chairs, and the like. The improved connecting structures securely connect a support surface and a support leg. For example, the improved connecting structures of the present invention can be used to connect a table top to a table leg. In one embodiment, a table top has a raised portion extending from a bottom surface thereof. A connector having a horizontal portion and at least one vertical portion is secured to the raise portion. A table leg is then pivotally connected to the connector. The connector can be U-shaped or L-shaped. The length of the vertical portion of the connector is less than the height of the raised portion of the table top.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A table comprising: 
 a plastic table top comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the table top comprising a raised portion extending outwardly from the bottom surface of the table top, the raised portion comprising a horizontal portion, a first side wall and a second side wall;    a connector configured to be secured to at least a portion of the raised portion of the table top, the connector comprising a horizontal portion and a first vertical portion, wherein the length of the first vertical portion of the connector is less than the height of at least one of the first and second side wall of the raised portion; and    a first table leg connected to the connector near an end thereof.    
     
     
         2 . The table as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the connector further comprises a second vertical portion opposing the first vertical portion, wherein the length of the second vertical portion of the connector is less than the height of at least one of the first and second side wall of the raised portion.  
     
     
         3 . The table as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the connector has an L-shaped cross-section.  
     
     
         4 . The table as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the connector has a U-shaped cross-section.  
     
     
         5 . The table as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the raised portion comprises an elongate structure which is substantially the same length as the table top.  
     
     
         6 . The table as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises an elongate structure which is substantially the same length as the table top.  
     
     
         7 . The table as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the connector substantially conforms to at least a portion of the outer surface of the raise portion.  
     
     
         8 . The table as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the plastic table top is formed from a blow-molded plastic construction.  
     
     
         9 . The table as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first table leg is pivotally connected to the connector.  
     
     
         10 . The table as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising a second table leg pivotally connected to the connector near an opposing end thereof.