Table

Abstract

A table may include a table top, legs, frame and one or more bosses that are sized and configured to allow objects to be attached to the table top. For example, the bosses may be sized and configured to allow the frame to be connected to the table top. The bosses may include a body and reinforcing members that extend outwardly in non-radial directions. The table top may also include ribs that are preferably disposed in a predetermined pattern. For example, a portion of the table top may include a larger number or density of ribs than another portion. In addition, the ribs may be sized and configured to provide a table top with generally uniform characteristics, such as a table top with generally uniform strength and/or rigidity. The table may further be sized and configured to move between a folded position and an unfolded position, and a retainer may be sized and configured to secure the table in the folded position.

1 . A table comprising: 
 a frame;    at least one leg connected to the frame;    a table top constructed from plastic, the table top comprising: 
 a surface; and  
 a fastener boss integrally formed with the surface of the table top as part of a unitary, one piece structure during a molding process, the fastener boss including: 
 a body extending outwardly from the surface of the table top; and  
 at least one reinforcing member extending in at least one non-radial direction away from the body; and  
 
   a fastener interconnecting at least a portion of the frame and the body of the fastener boss.    
   
   
       2 . The table as in  claim 1 , wherein the table top further comprises a pattern of ribs integrally formed in the unitary, one piece structure during the molding process, the pattern of ribs including a denser portion disposed at least proximate a generally central portion of the table top.  
   
   
       3 . The table as in  claim 1 , wherein the table top further comprises a pattern of ribs integrally formed in the unitary, one piece structure during the molding process, the pattern of ribs including a denser portion spaced apart from the frame to provide a working surface with a generally consistent strength.  
   
   
       4 . The table as in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one reinforcing member extending in a non-radial direction away from the body includes a plurality of reinforcing members extending in a plurality of non-radial directions away from the body.  
   
   
       5 . The table as in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one reinforcing member extending in a non-radial direction away from the body includes at least one reinforcing member extending in a generally tangential direction away from the body.  
   
   
       6 . The table as in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one reinforcing member extending in a non-radial direction away from the body includes a plurality of reinforcing members extending in a plurality of generally tangential directions away from the body.  
   
   
       7 . The table as in  claim 1 , wherein the fastener boss is integrally formed with the surface of the table top as part of a unitary, one piece structure during a compression molding process.  
   
   
       8 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a first structure constructed from plastic, the first structure comprising: 
 a surface; and  
 a fastener boss integrally formed with the surface of the first structure as part of a unitary, one piece structure during a molding process, the fastener boss including: 
 a body extending outwardly from the surface of the first structure; and  
 at least one reinforcing member extending in at least one non-radial direction away from the body;  
 
   a second structure;    a fastener interconnecting the second structure and the body of the fastener boss.    
   
   
       9 . The apparatus as in  claim 8 , wherein the at least one reinforcing member extending in a non-radial direction away from the body includes at least two reinforcing members extending in at least two non-radial directions away from the body.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus as in  claim 8 , wherein the at least one reinforcing member extending in a non-radial direction away from the body includes at least three reinforcing members extending in at least three non-radial directions away from the body.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus as in  claim 8 , wherein the at least one reinforcing member extending in a non-radial direction away from the body includes at least four reinforcing members extending in at least four non-radial directions away from the body.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus as in  claim 8 , wherein the at least one reinforcing member extending in a non-radial direction away from the body includes at least two reinforcing members extending in at least two generally tangential directions away from the body.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus as in  claim 8 , wherein the at least one reinforcing member extending in a non-radial direction away from the body includes at least three reinforcing members extending in at least three generally tangential directions away from the body.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus as in  claim 8 , wherein the at least one reinforcing member extending in a non-radial direction away from the body includes at least four reinforcing members extending in at least four generally tangential directions away from the body.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus as in  claim 8 , wherein the first structure comprises at least a portion of a table top.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus as in  claim 8 , wherein the first structure comprises at least a portion of a table top; and wherein the second structure comprises at least a portion of a metal frame.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus as in  claim 8 , wherein the first structure comprises at least a portion of a shed.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus as in  claim 8 , wherein the first structure comprises at least a portion of a basketball system.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus as in  claim 8 , wherein the first structure comprises at least a portion of a fence.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus as in  claim 8 , wherein the first structure comprises at least a portion of a chair.  
   
   
       21 . A table comprising: 
 a frame including a first metal rail and a second metal rail;    at least one leg connected to the frame;    a table top connected to the frame, the table top being constructed from plastic, the table top comprising: 
 a lower surface; and  
 a pattern of ribs integrally formed with the lower surface of the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece structure during a molding process, the pattern of ribs including a denser portion spaced apart from the first and second metal rails to provide a working surface with a generally consistent strength.  
   
   
   
       22 . The table as in  claim 21 , wherein the unitary, one piece structure is a table top section; and wherein the denser portion is disposed at least proximate a generally central portion of the table top section.  
   
   
       23 . The table as in  claim 21 , wherein table top is sized and configured to move between a folded position and an unfolded position.  
   
   
       24 . The table as in  claim 23 , further comprising a retainer sized and configured to releasably secure the table top in the folded position, at least a portion of the pattern of ribs being sized and configured to restrict the movement of the retainer.