Collapsible portable table

Abstract

An improved collapsible portable table suitable for use in both outdoor and indoor environments and on both regular and irregular surfaces, having a tabletop and a two-part support leg comprised of a main support shaft and a stake in telescopic relationship to each other, and an optional stabilization base removably attachable to the stake. The improved collapsible portable table is easily disassembled for transport and storage with components which can be conveniently stored within themselves, is both light weight and durable, comprises safety features to prevent injury to users, and is easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The invention relates generally to portable tables suitable for in outdoor environments as well as indoor use and more particularly to collapsible tables which may be easily stored and transported.[0003]2. Description of Prior Art[0004]Portable tables are well-known in the art. Basic designs include the pedestal table, having a tabletop, a single support leg, and a base. Pedestal tables work well in indoor environments but are relatively unstable in outdoor environments. They also are unstable where the surface upon which they are places is somewhat irregular. Another common portable table design is a staked table, having a tabletop and a single support leg which terminates in a pointed end which can be inserted into the ground. Staked tables work well in outdoor environments, though they often experience lateral instability, especially if the pointed end of the support leg is not inserted very deep into the ground. Staked tab...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]The present invention is directed to an improved collapsible portable table. The primary components of the table are a tabletop and a two-part support leg comprised of a main support shaft and a stake in telescopic relationship to each other. In addition, the table comprises a stub for removably attaching the tabletop to the support leg and an optional stabilization base having a collar to removably attach the stabilization base to the stake. The stake has a pointed end, located distal from the tabletop, which is suitable for inserting into a ground surface to secure the table, or which can be fully retracted when the stabilization base is used. Alternately, the stake can be used in conjunction with the stabilization base, with the pointed end of the stake inserted into the ground and the stabilization base flush with the ground for added stability of the table. The height of the table can be changed by telescoping or extending the main support shaft and the stake.

[0016]The removable stabilization base provides increased flexibility to the table of the present invention. When the table is used on substantially flat, soft outdoor surfaces, such as grassy lawns or sandy beaches, the combined use of the stake and the stabilization base provide the table with maximum stability. However, on steeply sloped or irregular terrain, such as where there are close set rocks, the stabilization base can be removed and the table remains stable solely by use of the staked end. On hard surfaces or indoor environments, the stake is retracted and the stabilization base allows the table to be used.

[0017]The components of the table are designed to be easily assembled and disassembled, without tools, so that the table can be easily moved and stored. This feature is particularly useful when the table is being used at outdoor events. The components are further designed such that when disassembled many of the components fit securely within each other, thereby increasing the convenience of storing and transporting the table. All of the components of the table may be constructed of high strength, light weight non-corrosive material, such as aluminum or composite materials, making the table ideal for outdoor use.

[0018]The ease of assembly and disassembly of the table of the present invention also lends itself to the table having interchangeable parts, such as different sized or shaped tabletops, thereby increasing the purposes for which the table may be used. A single table with a large sized tabletop and a small sized tabletop can be used by large groups on some occasions and then by an individual on other occasions. Additionally, different sized or shaped stabilization bases may be used for different types of terrain. This is especially useful for hunters and campers.

[0019]The components of the table of the present invention can be easily and inexpensively manufactured. For example, a single length of metal tubing can be sectioned into the main support shaft and the collar, while another single length of solid metal rod can be sectioned into the stake and the stub. The fasteners can be uniform set screws, and the planar pieces (the tabletop and the stabilization base) can be purchased in bulk with predrilled central threaded apertures. Those skilled in the art will be able to ascertain many other manufacturing efficiencies inherent in the design of the present invention.

Problems solved by technology

Pedestal tables work well in indoor environments but are relatively unstable in outdoor environments.

They also are unstable where the surface upon which they are places is somewhat irregular.

Staked tables work well in outdoor environments, though they often experience lateral instability, especially if the pointed end of the support leg is not inserted very deep into the ground.

Staked tables, however, are unsuited for indoor use or for use in outdoor environments having a hard ground surface.

While various configurations of portable tables and collapsible tables are known, there is no known portable, collapsible table that is suitable for use in both indoor and outdoor environments on both regular and irregular surfaces.

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