CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable to this application.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable to this application.
BACKGROUND
Field
Example embodiments in general relate to a collapsible table system configured to transition between a table configuration and a case configuration for easy transport or storage.
Related Art
Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.
Collapsible tables have been in use for many years to allow a table to be easily stored without taking up too much space. Typically, a collapsible table will be partially collapsed, such as by folding the legs upwardly, so that the table may be stored or moved between locations.
In the past, such collapsible tables have been difficult to transport due to being bulky, unwieldly, or uncomfortable to handle. Additionally, many collapsible tables have been known to be unwieldy and unstable when constructed. Collapsible tables have also not been typically convertible into a case configuration for easy transport. When they have, they typically lack the ability to efficiently store a number of different components such as attachments or the like.
SUMMARY
An example embodiment is directed to a collapsible table system. The collapsible table system includes a tabletop having a cavity on its lower end adapted to store various components such as legs, clamps, stabilizing members, and/or attachments. The legs may be removably connected to the lower end of the tabletop to support the tabletop at various heights when in the table configuration. The legs may be stored within the cavity of the tabletop when in the case configuration. Clamps may be utilized both connect stabilizing members between the legs and to support a shelf at various heights below the tabletop. Various attachments may be stored within the tabletop to be extracted when needed.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the embodiments of the collapsible table system in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional embodiments of the collapsible table system that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the collapsible table system in detail, it is to be understood that the collapsible table system is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The collapsible table system is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference characters, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the example embodiments herein.
FIG. 1 is a top view of a tabletop of a collapsible table system in accordance with an example embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a tabletop in a storage configuration of a collapsible table system in accordance with an example embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a tabletop in a storage configuration of a collapsible table system in accordance with an example embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a lower perspective view of a tabletop in a storage configuration of a collapsible table system in accordance with an example embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a first lower perspective view of a tabletop with the cover and shelf insert being partially pulled off of a collapsible table system in accordance with an example embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a second lower perspective view of a tabletop with the cover and shelf insert being partially pulled off of a collapsible table system in accordance with an example embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the various components of a collapsible table system in accordance with an example embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of four compacted legs of a collapsible table system in accordance with an example embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of four fully expanded legs of a collapsible table system in accordance with an example embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a perpsective view illustrating use of clamps and stabilizing members on legs of a collapsible table system in accordance with an example embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating usage of a shelf of a collapsible table system in accordance with an example embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary table configuration of a collapsible table system in accordance with an example embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cover being partially connected to a tabletop when in an exemplary table configuration of a collapsible table system in accordance with an example embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of various attachments being utilized on a collapsible table system in accordance with an example embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an individual utilizing an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible table system.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an individual sitting while utilizing an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible table system.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible table system being used to support a laptop and projector.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible table system being used to support a laptop and projector.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a clamp in an opened state of a collapsible table system in accordance with an example embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a clamp in a closed state of a collapsible table system in accordance with an example embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating connection of a clamp on a leg of a collapsible table system in accordance with an example embodiment.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a slant support in use with a collapsible table system in accordance with an example embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a laptop being angularly supported by a slant support of a collapsible table system in accordance with an example embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a slant support in a closed state of a collapsible table system in accordance with an example embodiment.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible table system being transported in its case configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A. Overview
An example collapsible table system generally comprises a tabletop 20 comprising an upper end 21 and a lower end 22; with the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20 comprising a cavity 30. A plurality of legs 40 may be removably connected to the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20, wherein the plurality of legs 40 are adapted to support the tabletop 20 when the plurality of legs 40 are connected to the tabletop 20. A cover 80 may be connected to the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20, wherein the cover 80 is adapted to selectively enclose the cavity 30. The plurality of legs 40 may be stored in the cavity 30 of the tabletop 20. A plurality of stabilizing members 74 may be utilized for stabilizing the legs 40, with each of the stabilizing members 74 being removably connected between the plurality of legs 40. The stabilizing members 74 may be stored in the cavity 30 of the tabletop 20.
A plurality of clamps 50 may be provided, with each of the clamps 50 being removably connected to one of the legs 40. The stabilizing members 74 may be connected between the clamps 50. A shelf 70 may be removably connected between the legs 40, such as by being removably connected to the clamps 50. The shelf 70 may be stored between the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20 and the cover 80 when the cover 80 is connected to the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20. The cavity 30 may comprise a plurality of compartments 31, 32, 33. The stabilizing members 74 may each comprise a rod.
The clamps 50 may comprise a first portion 51 and a second portion 52. The first portion 51 may be hingedly connected to the second portion 52; with the first portion 51 being hingedly connected to the second portion 52. A distal end of the first portion 51 may be selectively and removably connected to a distal end of the second portion 52. Each of the clamps 50 may comprise a leg opening 56 for removably receiving one of the legs 40; the leg opening 56 being defined between the first and second portions 51, 52 when the first portion 51 is connected to the second portion 52. Each of the clamps 50 may comprise a rod opening 57, 58 for removably receiving one of the stabilizing members 74.
The cavity 30 may be divided into a plurality of compartments 31, 32, 33 for storing the various components of the collapsible table system 10. The cavity 30 may comprise a first compartment 31 and a second compartment 32; with the legs 40 being adapted to be stored in the first compartment 31 and the clamps 50 being adapted to be stored in the second compartment 32. One or more attachments 60 may be adapted to be removably connected to the upper end 21 of the tabletop 20 with each of the accessories 60 being adapted to be stored in the cavity 30.
Various attachments 60 may be provided which are removably connected to the upper end 21 of the tabletop 20 for use when desired. A document holder 64 may be removably connected to the tabletop 20, wherein the document holder 64 is adapted to be stored in the cavity 30. A device holder 62 may be removably connected to the tabletop 20, wherein the device holder 62 is adapted to be stored in the cavity 30. A cup holder 66 may be removably connected to the tabletop 20, wherein the cup holder 66 is adapted to be stored in the cavity 30.
The tabletop 20 may include a slant support 90 which is movably connected within a cutout portion 98 of the upper end 21 of the tabletop 20. The slant support 90 may be adjustable between a first position in which the slant support 90 is flush with the upper end 21 of the tabletop 20 and a second position in which the slant support 90 is adapted to extend angularly upward to support an object such as a laptop 14 at an angle with respect to the upper end 21 of the tabletop 20.
B. Tabletop
As shown throughout the figures, a tabletop 20 may serve the dual function of acting as both the top of an upright table supported by legs 40 and a carrying case for storing various components of the collapsible table system 10. The shape, size, and configuration of the tabletop 20 may vary, and thus should not be construed as limited by the exemplary figures. For example, the tabletop 20 is illustrated as comprising a rectangular-shape, though other shapes such as circular may be utilized.
As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tabletop 20 may comprise an upper end 21, a lower end 22, a first side 23, a second side 24, a first end 25, and a second end 26. In embodiments in which the tabletop 20 is not four-sided as shown in the exemplary embodiment of the figures, more or less sides 23, 24 or ends 25, 26 may be provided.
The upper end 21 of the tabletop 20 may function as a surface to support various objects, such as a laptop 14 or projector 15, or simply to serve as a surface for writing or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper end 21 of the tabletop 20 may comprise a raised portion 27 such that, when the cover 80 is connected to the upper end 21 of the tabletop 20, a flush surface is provided. The size of the raised portion 27 may vary widely. In the figures, the raised portion 27 covers approximately ¼ of the length of the upper end 21 of the tabletop 20. It should be appreciated that the raised portion 27 could cover more or less of the length of the tabletop 20 in different embodiments. In some embodiments, the raised portion 27 may be omitted entirely.
As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the sides 23, 24 of the tabletop 20 may include tracks 28, 29 for removably receiving a cover 80 to removably connect the cover 80 to either the upper end 21 or the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20. The tracks 28, 29 may comprise ribs 86 or the like which create indentations in which a lip 85 of the cover 80 may engage such as by sliding between the ribs 86.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the first side 23 of the tabletop 20 includes a first track 28 and the second side 24 of the tabletop 20 includes a second track 29. It should be appreciated that other methods may be utilized to removably connect the cover 80 to the tabletop 20, including clamps, brackets, bands, or the like; so long as the cover 80 may be efficiently connected to and removed from both the upper end 21 and the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5-7, the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20 may comprise a cavity 30 adapted to store the various components of the collapsible table system 10 when not in use. By storing the various components (such as the legs 40, clamps 50, and/or attachments 60) in the cavity 30, the tabletop 20 may be converted into a case which may be easily transported from one location to another to be reassembled into a table configuration.
As shown in FIG. 7, the cavity 30 may comprise a plurality of compartments 31, 32, 33 in some embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, a first compartment 31 is adapted to removably store the attachments 60, a second compartment 32 is adapted to removably store the clamps 50, and a third compartment 33 is adapted to removably store the legs 40. A first divider 34 separates the first compartment 31 from the third compartment 33 and a second divider 35 separates the second compartment 32 from the third compartment 33. Various other configurations may be utilized.
As shown in FIG. 7, the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20 may also include one or more leg receivers 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d adapted to removably receive and retain the legs 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d. Thus, the legs 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d may be removed from the cavity 30 to be removably secured in each of the corresponding leg receivers 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d in order to convert to the table configuration.
The shape, size, configuration, and number of leg receivers 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d utilized may vary in different embodiments to suit different types of tabletops 20. In the exemplary embodiment best shown in FIG. 7, each of the leg receivers 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d is illustrated as comprising a receiver opening adapted to frictionally engage with the corresponding 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d. The leg receivers 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d may be integral with the tabletop 20 as shown in the figures, or may be connected to the tabletop 20.
In some embodiments, the leg receivers 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d may comprise clamps, brackets, adhesives, fasteners, or any other structure known to removably interconnect a leg 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d with the lower end 22 or underside of the tabletop 20.
As shown in the figures, the first leg 40a may be removably secured within the first leg receiver 36a, the second leg 40b may be removably secured within the second leg receiver 36b, the third leg 40c may be removably secured within the third leg receiver 36c, and the fourth leg 40d may be removably secured within the fourth leg receiver 36d. Although the leg receivers 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d are illustrated as being positioned at the outer corners of the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20, it should be appreciated that the leg receivers 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d could be located at various other locations along the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20 in alternate embodiments.
As shown in FIGS. 5-7, one or more compartment covers 37, 38 may be removably connected to selectively cover portions of the cavity 30. This can be helpful in ensuring that any components of the collapsible table system 10 does not jostle around or become intermingled when transporting the system 10 in its transport configuration. Additionally, the compartment covers 37, 38 may allow some of the components of the collapsible table system 10, such as the clamps 50, attachments 60, and/or stability members 74, to remain secured in place when not needed in the table configuration.
The shape, size, number of, and configuration of the compartment covers 37, 38 may vary in different embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment best shown in FIGS. 5-7, a first compartment cover 37 is adapted to removably and selectively cover a first compartment 31 of the cavity 30 and a second compartment cover 37 is adapted to removably and selectively cover a second compartment 38 of the cavity 30. Although not shown, additional compartment covers 37, 38 may be utilized, such as to removably and selectively cover the third compartment 33.
The manner by which the compartment covers 37, 38 are removably connected so as to selectively cover parts or all of the cavity 30 may vary in different embodiments. By way of example, the compartment covers 37, 38 could be magnetically connected to the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20. Additionally, adhesives, fasteners, clamps, brackets, and the like may be utilized in different embodiments.
C. Legs
As best shown in FIGS. 8-9, an exemplary embodiment may include a plurality of legs 40 which are adapted to be removably connected to the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20 when in the table configuration, and stored within the cavity 30 when in the transport configuration. The shape, size, and number of legs 40 utilized may vary in different embodiments to suit different types of tabletops 20. Additionally, the manner in which the legs 40 are removably connected to the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20, or the manner in which the legs 40 are stored within the cavity 30, may vary in different embodiments.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the legs 40 may be length-adjustable such that the elevation or height of the tabletop 20 when in the table configuration may be adjusted to suit different needs (such as sitting or standing) or different heights of users. The legs 40 may also be reduced to their shortest length so as to fit within the cavity 30 of the tabletop 20 when in storage.
In some embodiments, the legs 40 may be telescopically-adjustable such as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The manner in which the legs 40 are adjustable-in-length may utilize various methods and devices known in the art and should not be construed as limited by the exemplary figures. The legs 40 may, by way of example and without limitation, include a ratchet-system for adjustment, may include printed height adjustment markers on each leg, a push-button lever for adjusting height, slots or the like at predetermined intervals, etc.
The number of segments 43, 44, 45 may vary for different embodiments. The legs 40 may comprise an outer segment 43 into which one or more inner segments 44, 45 may be selectively inserted or pulled out. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, each leg 40 comprises an outer segment 43, a first inner segment 44 which is telescopically adjustable into or out of the outer segment 43, and a second inner segment 45 which is telescopically adjustable into or out of the first inner segment 43.
As shown in the figures, the legs 40 may comprise openings 46 on one or more of its segments 43, 44, 45. The openings 46 may be utilized in connection with a variety of different locking members 47 to selectively secure the legs 40 at various lengths. The figures illustrate an exemplary configuration of a locking members 47 in which a trigger may be utilized to selectively lock or unlock the segments 43, 44, 45 in various positions with respect to each other. Alternatively, a pin, fastener, frictional engagement, magnets, clamps, or the like may be utilized to selectively lock or unlock the segments 43, 44, 45 to collapse or extend the length of each leg 40.
As shown in FIGS. 8-9, each leg 40 may comprise an upper end 41 and a lower end 42. The upper end 41 of each leg 40 may include a connector 49 such as threading or the like to assist with engaging to or disengaging from a corresponding leg receiver 36 on the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20 to selectively connect each leg 40 to the tabletop 20 when in the table configuration. In some embodiments, the upper end 41 of each leg 40 may frictionally engage with a corresponding leg receiver 36. In other embodiments, magnets, fasteners, adhesives, or the like may be utilized to connect the upper end 41 of each leg 40 with the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20.
In other embodiments, the connector 49 of each leg 40 may comprise a threaded member so that the upper end 41 of each leg 40 may be screwed into the corresponding leg receiver 36 on the tabletop 20. The lower end 42 of each leg 40 may include a base, pads, feet, or the like to prevent skidding or sliding of the legs 40 when standing upright on a ground surface.
As shown in FIGS. 8-9, an exemplary embodiment may comprise a first leg 40a, a second leg 40b, a third leg 40c, and a fourth leg 40d. The first leg 40a may be removably connected to a corresponding first leg receiver 36a when forming the table configuration. The second leg 40b may be removably connected to a corresponding second leg receiver 36b, the third leg 40c may be removably connected to a corresponding third leg receiver 36c, and a fourth leg 40d may be removably connected to a corresponding fourth leg receiver 36d.
As shown in FIGS. 5-6, the legs 40 may be stored in the cavity 30 of the tabletop 20 when in the transport configuration. The legs 40 may be secured by brackets, clamps, magnets, fasteners, or the like in some embodiments. Although not shown, a compartment cover 37, 38 could enclose the legs 40 within the cavity 30.
D. Clamps
In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 10, clamps 50 may be removably connected to one or more of the legs 40. The clamps 50 may be utilized to provide connection points for stability members 74 such as rods as shown in FIG. 10. The clamps 50 may also be utilized to support a shelf 70 between the legs as shown in FIG. 11.
Generally, there will be at least one clamp 50 for each leg 40, though in some embodiments less clamps 50 may be utilized. The figures illustrate an embodiment in which four clamps 40 are utilized in conjunction with four corresponding legs 40. The positioning of any particular clamp 50 along the length of the legs 40 may vary depending on the needs of the particular usage of the collapsible table system 10 at that particular time, as the height of the shelf 70 may be adjusted depending on the positioning of the clamps 50 on the legs 40.
The shape, size, and configuration of the clamps 50 may vary in different embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 19-20, each clamp 50 is illustrated as comprising a first portion 51 which is pivotally connected to a second portion 52 by a pivot 53. The pivot 53 may comprise a hinge so as to hingedly connect the first portion 51 of the clamp 50 with the second portion 52 of the clamp 50.
The distal ends of the first portion 51 and second portion 52 of each clamp 50 may be removably connectable so as to define a leg opening 56 between the first and second portions 51, 52 of the clamp 50. The clamp 50 may be closed around a leg 40 such that the leg 40 is positioned within the leg opening 56.
A connector 54 on the distal end of the second portion 52 of each clamp 50 may be adapted to engage with a corresponding receiver 55 on the distal end of the first portion 51 of each clamp 50 to removably secure the clamp 50 around the leg 40 at a desired position on the length of the leg 40. The connector 54 may thus be “snapped shut” by engaging the connector 54 within the receiver 55 of the clamp 50.
The connector 54 may comprise a cylindrical member such as shown in FIGS. 19-20; with a portion of the cylindrical member being exposed when the clamp 50 is closed so as to provide a support for the shelf 70 such as shown in FIG. 20. In this manner, the connector 54 may be utilized as a post or pinion-rod to which the shelf 70 may be connected such as shown in the figures.
As shown in FIG. 10, the clamps 50 may be utilized to support the stabilizing members 74 connected between the various legs 40. FIG. 11 illustrates a clamp 50 installed on each of four legs 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d; with the stabilizing members 74 extending between each pair of legs 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d. It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the clamps 50 may be omitted and the stabilizing members 74 instead be directly connected to the legs 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d.
As shown in FIG. 19, each clamp 50 may include one or more rod openings 57, 58 for removably receiving an end 75, 76 of a stabilizing member 74. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, a first rod opening 57 is positioned on the first portion 51 of the clamp 50 and a second rod opening 58 is positioned on the second portion 52 of the clamp 50. The first rod opening 57 is adapted to receive an end 75, 76 of a first stability member 74 while the second rod opening 58 is adapted to receive an end 75, 76 of a second stability member 74.
The stability members 74 are best shown in FIGS. 7 and 10. The number of stability members 74 utilized may vary in different embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, a plurality of stability members 74 may be utilized comprised of a first stability member 74a, a second stability member 74b, a third stability member 74c, and a fourth stability member 74d; with each of the stability members 74a, 74b, 74c, 74d extending between a pair of legs 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d.
The stability members 74 are adapted to provide additional structural integrity to the legs 40 when in the table configuration to prevent wobbling of the legs 40 when in use or other undesirable conditions. This can be particularly useful when the legs 40 are fully extended such as shown in FIG. 10.
The stability members 74 are illustrated as comprising rods in the exemplary configuration shown in the figures. The type of stability member 74 utilized may vary in different embodiments. Each stability member 74 includes a first end 75 and a second end 76; with the first end 75 being connected to a first leg 40 and the second end 76 being connected to a second leg 40; such as by clamps 50.
The respective ends 75, 76 of each stability member 74 may be angularly-oriented (such as at a right angle) with respect to the remainder of the stability member 74 body such that the ends 75, 76 may be easily inserted into or removed from the clamps 50. Alternatively, the stability members 74 could be magnetically connected or use brackets or the like to directly connect to the legs 40 in some embodiments.
E. Attachments
As best shown in FIGS. 7 and 14, various attachments 60 may be provided to be selectively attached to the tabletop 20 when in the table configuration to provide various functionalities. It should be appreciated that the attachments 60 shown and described herein are merely exemplary; and that various other attachments 60 known to be useful in connection with a tabletop 20 may be utilized in different embodiments.
As shown in FIG. 1, the tabletop 20 may include one or more attachment receivers 68 on its upper end 21 adapted to removably engage with and receive an attachment 60 to be secured to the tabletop 20 when in the table configuration. These same attachments 60 may be stored in the cavity 30 of the tabletop 20 when in the case configuration such as shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 14 illustrates exemplary attachments 60 for use with the tabletop 20. A device holder 62 may be provided for supporting various mobile devices, such as a mobile phone, in an upright and visible position for the user when the tabletop 20 is in the table configuration. Various types of device holders 62 may be utilized, and the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures should not be construed as limiting. The device holder 62 may be removably connected to the tabletop 20 via the attachment receivers 68.
FIG. 14 illustrates a document holder 64 which may also be provided for supporting documents or pages to be easily read by a user of the tabletop 20 when in the table configuration. Various types of document holders 64 may be utilized, and the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures should not be construed as limiting. The document holder 64 may be removably connected to the tabletop 20 via the attachment receivers 68.
FIG. 14 illustrates a cup holder 66 which may also be provided for supporting a cup on the tabletop 20 when in the table configuration. Various types of cup holders 66 may be utilized, and the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures should not be construed as limiting. The cup holder 66 may be removably connected to the tabletop 20 via the attachment receivers 68.
It should be appreciated that the use of a cavity 30 allows the attachments 60 to be stored when not in use. Thus, for example, the cup holder 66 could be utilized while the document holder 64 and device holder 62 remain in storage. Any combination of attachments 60 in use and in storage may be utilized. Additionally, it should be appreciated that some attachments 60 may not necessarily connect using the attachment receivers 68 such as in FIG. 14, which illustrates that the device holder 62 is merely positioned on the tabletop 20 rather than being secured with an attachment receiver 68.
F. Shelf
As best shown in FIGS. 11-18, a shelf insert 70 may be utilized to provide a utility shelf 70 for optional use with the tabletop 20 when in the table configuration. When not in use (e.g., when in the case configuration or when a shelf 70 is not desired or needed), the shelf insert 70 may be secured between the cover 80 and the tabletop 20 (either upper end 21 or lower end 22).
The shelf 70 may comprise a planar, rectangular sheet having one or more mount openings 72 to allow it to be removably mounted via the clamps 50 such as shown in FIG. 11. The shelf 70 may comprise various shapes, sizes, and configurations, and should not be construed as limited by the exemplary figures or descriptions herein.
FIG. 15 illustrates a shelf 70 in use on a tabletop 20 in a table configuration. As can be seen, the shelf 70 is supported by engaging the connectors 54 of the clamps 50 within the mount openings 72 of the shelf 70. The height of the shelf 70 may vary depending on the location along the length of the legs 40 that the clamps 50 are connected to. The shelf 70 may be utilized for various purposes, such as to hold papers or the like, or to support a projector 15 as shown in FIG. 18.
FIG. 6 illustrates a shelf 70 secured between the tabletop 20 and the cover 80. When being stored, the shelf 70 may be sandwiched between the tabletop 20 and the cover 80; with the cover 80 retaining the shelf 70 in position. To retrieve the shelf 70, the cover 80 may be pulled off to expose the shelf 70 so that it may be removed for usage. The cover 80 may then be reconnected to the tabletop 20 such as shown in FIG. 11; with the shelf 70 being connected between the legs 40.
G. Cover
As shown throughout the figures, a cover 80 may be provided to selectively and removably connect to either the upper end 21 or the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20. The cover 80 may be connected to cover the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20 so as to enclose the cavity 30 when in the case configuration or when in the table configuration if not all components stored in the cavity 30 are in use.
The cover 80 will generally be substantially the same shape and size as the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20 such as shown in FIG. 7. The cover 80 may include an upper end 81 and a lower end 82; the lower end 82 being adapted to be connected to the tabletop 20. The outer edge 84 of the cover 80 may comprise a lip 85 which is adapted to engage with the tracks 28, 29 of the tabletop 20 so that the cover 80 may be slid onto or slid off of the cover 80 such as shown in FIG. 6.
The cover 80 may also serve to extend the effective area of the tabletop 20 surface when in the table configuration such as shown in FIG. 13. The cover 80 may be connected such that a portion of it “hangs off” one of the ends 25, 26 of the tabletop 20 which allows the cover 80 to effectively extend the upper end 21 of the tabletop 20 to increase work space.
FIG. 17 illustrates such an embodiment in which a projector 15 is supported on the cover 80 as it is partially connected to the tabletop 20. As can be seen in FIG. 17, the cover 80 has been partially connected to the upper end 21 of the tabletop 20 in a manner such that the cover 80 effectively expands the workspace available to a user. Thus, the user would be able to use both the exposed upper end 21 of the tabletop 20, as well as the entirety of the overlying cover 80, as workspace for writing, reading, or supporting devices such as laptops 14, projectors 15, and the like.
When not in use, such as when the tabletop 20 is in its case configuration, the cover 80 may be connected to the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20. When in the table configuration, the cover 80 may be connected to the upper end 21 of the tabletop 20 such that it is flush with the raised portion 27, or may be set aside. The cover 80 will generally not be connected to the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20 when in the table configuration, as the cover 80 would not allow access for the legs 40 to connect to the leg receivers 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d.
H. Slant Support
FIGS. 22-24 illustrate an optional slant support 90 that may be included on the upper end 21 of the tabletop 20 to support various devices such as a laptop 14 in an angular position. This can be useful for ergonomics when typing to reduce the chance of carpel-tunnel syndrome or the like.
As shown in FIG. 24, the tabletop 20 may include a cutout portion 98 in which the slant support 90 may collapse to provide a flush surface when the slant support 90 is not in use. The slant support 90 may comprise various configurations, such as those shown in FIGS. 22-24. The slant support 90 may include a first end 92 which is pivotally connected to the tabletop 20. A second end 93 of the slant support 90 may be adapted to be adjusted along various locations of the cutout portion 98.
A hinge 95 may be positioned at the approximate midpoint of the slant support 90 to allow the slant support 90 to be adjusted between its upright position and its flush position. The second end 93 of the slant support 90 may be lockably and removably engaged in corresponding locking members 94 within the cutout portion 98 to lock the slant support 90 in various positions. The slant support 90 may include a support member 96 such as a plate or the like which provides support for the device such as a laptop 14 as shown in FIG. 23.
I. Operation of Preferred Embodiment
In use, the collapsible table system 10 is convertible between a table configuration such as shown in FIGS. 12-18 and a case configuration such as shown in FIGS. 1-4. When in the case configuration, the cover 80 is connected to the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20 so as to cover the cavity 30 and enclose any components stored therein such as shown in FIG. 4.
FIGS. 8-13 illustrate the construction of the table configuration. First, the cover 80 may be removed to expose the cavity 30. The various components desired for use may be pulled out of the cavity 30, such as the legs 40, clamps 50, attachments 60, and stability members 74. The cover 80 may be set aside, or connected to the upper end 21 of the tabletop 20 such as shown in FIG. 13.
The legs 40 may then be set up according to the needs of the individual. They may be lengthened to various lengths to adjust the height of the tabletop 20 when in the table configuration. FIG. 9 illustrates the legs 40 being fully extended. As shown in FIG. 10, the clamps 50 may be connected to the legs 40; with each leg 40 receiving one clamp 50. The stabilizing members 74 may then be connected between the clamps 50, which will ensure the structural integrity of the legs 40 such as shown in FIG. 10.
If desired, the shelf 70 may be pulled out from the tabletop 20 and connected between the legs 40. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the shelf 70 may be connected to the clamps 50. The height of the shelf 70 may vary depending on the positioning of the clamps 50 on the legs 40.
The tabletop 20 may then be connected to the upper ends 41 of the legs 40. Generally, the connectors 41 on the upper end 41 of the legs 40 will removably engage with corresponding leg receivers 36 on the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments this could be the first step; with the legs 40 being connected to the tabletop 20 prior to connection of the clamps 50, stability members 74, and/or shelf 70.
FIGS. 14-18 illustrate various uses for the tabletop 20 when in the table configuration. As shown in FIG. 14 illustrates various attachments which are secured to the tabletop 20 for various uses, including a device holder 62, document holder 64, and cup holder 66. FIG. 15 illustrates an operator 12 standing while using a laptop 14 on an extended tabletop 20 in the table configuration.
FIG. 16 illustrates an operator 12 sitting while using a laptop 14 on a shorter tabletop 20 in the table configuration. FIG. 17 illustrates a tabletop 20 being used to support both a laptop 14 and a projector 15; with the laptop 14 on the upper end 21 of the tabletop 20 and the projector on the cover 80 which is connected to the upper end 21 of the tabletop 20. FIG. 18 illustrates a laptop 14 on the tabletop 20 and a projector 15 on the shelf 70.
When desired, the collapsible table system 10 may be collapsed back into its case configuration for transport such as shown in FIG. 25. FIG. 25 illustrates how easy it is to transport the collapsible table system 10 when in its case configuration, with an operator 12 transporting the collapsible table system 10 within luggage 18. The legs 40, clamps 50, attachments 60, and stability members 74 may be stored within the cavity 30. The shelf 70 may be stored between the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20 and the cover 80 when the cover 80 is connected to the lower end 22 of the tabletop 20 to enclose the cavity 30.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the collapsible table system, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The collapsible table system may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.
Patent Application
20190254417
