Compact Camping Table

Abstract

A portable table with a collapsible support framework. The support framework has legs that are interconnected by scissor linkages. The legs have brackets affixed to the top end. Guide rails are provided that can be selectively attached to the support framework. The guide rails contain connectors that selectively engage the brackets on the legs of the support framework. Each of the guide rails has a top surface and a ledge that is disposed a first depth below the top surface. A segmented tabletop extends between the guide rails. The segmented tabletop rests on the ledges of the guide rails, wherein the segmented tabletop is the same thickness as the depth of the ledges. This provides the portable table with a flat top surface having no cantilevered areas. The result is a strong and sturdy table that can be easily and rapidly disassembled.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

In general, the present invention relates to portable tables that have collapsible frames. More particularly, the present invention relates to the structural elements of the tables that enable the frames to fold and deploy.

2. Prior Art Description

When an individual goes camping, tailgates at a sporting event, or otherwise spends time in the outdoors and away from home, it is commonplace for that individual to carry some basic equipment for comfort. For example, many people bring a portable chair so that they can sit in comfort. In addition to a chair, a highly useful item to bring camping or to a tailgate is a table. In this manner, food and other items can be placed on the table for comfort and convenience. The problem is that tables, even folding tables, can be very bulky and difficult to transport. Most folding tables only have folding legs. The tabletop of the table remains the same size both when the table is folded and when the table is open. As such, the table remains difficult to carry and to transport in a vehicle.

In the prior art, there are a wide variety of portable tables. Some tables have tabletops that fold in half or in thirds, but the tabletops remain connected to the support framework. Such prior art tables are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 2,549,242 to Ross. However, a half-fold table and a tri-fold table are nearly as bulky and difficult to transport as are full tables. Recognizing the need for tables that can be more readily carried, some collapsible table designs have been created that have fabric tabletops and collapsible frames. Although such tables can collapse into compact sizes, the use of fabric as a tabletop surface is undesirable. Fabric tabletops sag when weighted and can easily shift during windy conditions. This can cause objects on the table, to tip or fall off the table.

In the prior art, attempts have been made to make collapsible tables with segmented tabletops. In this manner, a rigid tabletop can be provided that still has the ability to be folded into a compact shape. Such prior art tables are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 1,553,036 to Foss. A problem associated with such prior art tables is that the segmented tabletops are placed over narrow bases. The edges of the tabletop are therefore cantilevered. This can cause the tabletop to tip if a weighted object is placed near the edge of the tabletop. Additionally, the support structure used with the segmented tabletop remains large and bulky. As a result, the tabletop can be collapsed, but the overall portable table remains large and bulky.

A need therefore exists in the prior art for a portable table that has a rigid tabletop surface, yet the entire table assembly can be collapsed into a convenient size. A need also exists for a portable table with a segmented tabletop that does not overhang its supports, therein creating a tipping hazard. These needs are met by the present invention as described and claimed below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a portable table that presents a hard support surface when opened, yet can be folded into a very compact configuration. The portable table utilizes a collapsible support framework. The support framework has legs that are interconnected by scissor linkages. This enables the legs to be condensed together when the portable table is disassembled. Each of the legs in the support framework has a top end and a bracket that is affixed to the top end.

Guide rails are provided that can be selectively attached to, or detached from, the support framework. The guide rails contain connectors that selectively engage the brackets on the legs of the support framework. Each of the guide rails has a top surface and a ledge that is disposed a first depth below the top surface. When the guide rails are attached to the support framework, the support framework retains the guide rails in a parallel orientation.

A segmented tabletop is provided that extends between the guide rails when the guide rails are in their parallel orientation. The segmented tabletop rests on the ledges of the guide rails, wherein the segmented tabletop is the same thickness as the depth of the ledges. This provides the portable table with a flat top surface having no cantilevered areas. The result is a strong and sturdy table that can be easily and rapidly disassembled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description of exemplary embodiments thereof, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table assembly in its open configuration;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmented cross-sectional view of the top of the table assembly in its open configuration;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the table assembly disassembled and in a folded configuration; and

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a table assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention portable table assembly can be configured in many ways and can be adapted for use in many applications. For example, the portable table assembly can be made to a variety of lengths, widths and heights, depending upon market needs. Although the table assembly can be altered in shape to fit various applications, only two exemplary embodiments are illustrated and described. The exemplary embodiments are selected in order to set forth some of the best modes contemplated for the invention. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely exemplary and should not be considered limitations when interpreting the scope of the appended claims.

Referring in conjunction to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a portable table assembly 10 is shown. The portable table assembly 10 consists of a collapsible support framework 12, guide rails 14 and a segmented tabletop 16. The collapsible support framework 12, the guide rails 14, and the segmented tabletop 16 can be selectively assembled to form the table assembly 10 and can be disassembled for compact storage.

The support framework 12 itself is collapsible and can be selectively configured between an open configuration and a collapsed configuration. The support framework 12 has four legs 18. Each of the legs 18 can have a set length between a top first end 20 and a bottom second end 22. Alternatively, the legs 18 can have a telescoping construction that enables the length between the top first end 20 and the bottom second end 22 to be selectively adjusted by manual manipulation.

The top first end 20 of each of the legs 18 terminates with a top bracket 24. The top brackets 24 are fixed in place on the legs 18. Each of the legs 18 is also provided with a slide bracket 26. The slide brackets 26 are able to reciprocally move along the length of the legs 18 in some range between the top first end 20 and the bottom second end 22 of the legs 18. Locking holes 28 are formed in each of the legs 18 proximate the top bracket 24. Locking pull pins 30 are integrated into the slide brackets 26. The pull pins 30 selectively engage the locking holes 28 in the legs 18 as the slide brackets 26 move over the locking holes 28 in the legs 18. The locking holes 28 are positioned so that the locking pull pins 30 lock in place on the legs 18 when the slide brackets 26 are at their highest points in their range of movement. That is, when the slide brackets 26 are closest to the top brackets 24 on each of the legs 18.

The top brackets 24 and the slide brackets 26 on adjacent legs 18 are joined together by scissor linkages 32. When the slide brackets 26 are moved down the legs 18 and away from the top brackets 24, the scissor linkages 32 retract the legs 18 and move the support framework 12 into a collapsed configuration (FIG. 4). Conversely, when the slide brackets 26 are moved toward the top brackets 24, the legs 18 spread the support framework 12 into a fully open configuration (FIG. 1). Once at the fully open configuration, the locking pull pins 30 on the slide brackets 26 engage the locking holes 28 on the legs 18 and the support framework 12 becomes locked in its open configuration.

Two guide rails 14 are provided. The guide rails 14 are straight between a first end 34 and an opposite second end 36. Both the first end 34 and the second end 36 of each guide rail 14 terminate with a connector 38. The connector 38 is configured to mechanically interconnect with the top brackets 24 of the legs 18. When the support framework 12 is in its fully open configuration, the connectors 38 at the first ends 34 and second ends 36 of the guide rails 14 are capable of engaging two of the top brackets 24. This is because the length of the guide rails 14 equals the distance between adjacent legs 18 on the support framework 12, when the support framework 12 is in its fully open configuration.

When both of the guide rails 14 are attached to the support framework 12, the guide rails 14 are parallel. Additionally, each of the guide rails 14 has a top surface 40 that is horizontal on the table assembly 10. A ledge 42 is formed below the top surface 40 that runs the length of each guide rail 14. The ledges 42 of the two guide rails 14 face each other when the guide rails 14 are attached to the support framework 12. The ledges 42 are uniformly spaced apart by a distance D1. The ledges 42 also contain protrusions, reliefs or some other interlocking structure 44 that can be selectively engaged by the segmented tabletop 16.

The segmented tabletop 16 is comprised of a plurality of flat slats 46 that are arranged in parallel. Each of the slats is rigid and is preferably made of a molded plastic or composite material. The slats 46 are connected using fabric or hinges. Living hinges can be used if the slats 46 are molded from plastic. This configuration makes the segmented tabletop 16 foldable in between the slats 46. The ability of the segmented tabletop 16 to fold in between the slats 46 enables the various slats 46 to be manipulated between two configurations. In a first configuration, the slats 46 can be stacked atop one another for storage. This configuration is shown in FIG. 4. In a second configuration, the slats 46 can be arranged in a common plane to form a flat surface, which serves as a tabletop. This configuration is shown in FIG. 1. Each of the slats 46 has the same length. That length is equal to the distance D1 between the ledges 42 on the guide rails 14. Furthermore, the thickness of the slats 46 is equal to the depth of the ledges 42. This enables the slats 46 of the segmented tabletop 16 to lay in the same flat plane as the top surfaces 40 of the guide rails 14. This provides the table assembly with a single flat top surface, where none of the segmented tabletop is cantilevered over some edge of support framework 12.

The slats 46 have opposing ends 48. The ends 48 of at least some of the slats 46 contain some engagement feature 50 that engages the interlocking structures 44 on the ledges 42 of the guide rails 14. For example, the slats 46 may contain detents that engage recesses in the guide rails 14. Alternatively, the slats 46 and the guide rails 14 may have grooved elements that mechanically interlock. Magnetic connections can also be used. The interlocking of the segmented tabletop 16 with the guide rails 14 is preferred to prevent the segmented tabletop 16 from falling out of the guide rails 14 if the table assembly 10 is carried askew or accidentally knocked over.

To collapse the table assembly 10, the segmented tabletop 16 is removed from the guide rails 14. The segmented tabletop 16 can then be folded in a concertinaed fashion. The guide rails 14 are then disconnected from the support framework 12. This leaves the support framework 12 in its open configuration. The locking pull pins 30 on the slide brackets 26 are pulled to release the slide brackets 26. Once the slide brackets 26 are released, the legs 18 on the support framework 12 can be moved together, therein collapsing the support framework 12. The folded segmented tabletop 16, the guide rails 14 and the collapsed support framework 12 can then be stored in a narrow carry bag.

The dimensions of the table assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 4 can be changed as a matter of design choice. Larger table assemblies may require more complex support frames in order to bear the weight that may be rested on a larger table assembly. Referring to FIG. 5, such a large table assembly 60 is shown. In FIG. 5, the table assembly 60 has a larger, more complex support framework 62. The support framework 62 has six legs 64. The top end of each of the legs 64 terminates with a top bracket 66. The top brackets 66 are fixed in place. Each of the legs 64 is also provided with a slide bracket 68. The slide brackets 68 are able to reciprocally move along the length of the legs 64. The slide brackets 68 can lock into place in the same manner as was described for the first embodiment.

The top brackets 66 and the slide brackets 68 on adjacent legs 64 are joined together by scissor linkages 70. When the slide brackets 68 are moved down the legs 64 and away from the top brackets 66, the scissor linkages 70 retract the legs 64 and move the support framework 12 into a collapsed configuration. Conversely, when the slide brackets 68 are moved toward the top brackets 66, the legs 64 spread the support framework 62 into a fully open configuration. Once at the fully open configuration, the slide brackets 68 lock in place on the legs 64.

At least two guide rails 72 are provided.

Depending upon the length of the table assembly 60, two or more sets of guide rails 72 may be used to create the length needed. The guide rails 72 are positioned into two parallel rows. Each guide rail 72 terminates with a connector 74. The connector 74 is configured to mechanically interconnect with the top brackets 66 of the legs 64. When the support framework 62 is in its fully open configuration, the connectors 74 on the guide rails 72 can engage the top brackets 66 on the legs 64.

A larger segmented tabletop 76 is provided. The tabletop 76 can be one piece or two pieces, depending upon the length of the table assembly 60. The tabletop 76 is made from interconnected slats 78. Each of the slats 78 has the same length. That length is equal to the distance between the guide rails 72. Furthermore, the thickness of the slats 78 is equal to the depth of ledges 80 on the guide rails 72. This enables the slats 78 of the segmented tabletop 76 to be arranged in a flat plane with and between the two guide rails 72.

It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention that are illustrated and described are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art can make many variations to those embodiments. All such embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A portable table assembly; a support framework that contains legs, wherein each of said legs has a top first end and a bottom second end;guide rails that selectively interconnect with each said first end of said legs, wherein said guide rails have top surfaces and ledges disposed a first depth below said top surfaces, wherein said support framework retains said guide rails in a parallel orientation when said guide rails are interconnected with said legs; anda segmented tabletop that extends between said guide rails when said guide rails are in said parallel orientation, wherein said segmented tabletop rests on said ledges of said guide rails.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of said legs terminates with a bracket at said top first end.

3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein each of said guide rails has opposing ends, wherein connectors are affixed to said opposing ends, and wherein said connectors selectively connect to and disconnect from each said bracket on said legs.

4. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said segmented tabletop is comprised of rigid slats that are interconnected by foldable joints.

5. The assembly according to claim 4, wherein each of said slats has a thickness equal to said first depth of said ledges below said top surfaces of said guide rails.

6. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said support framework includes scissor linkages that interconnect said legs, wherein said scissor linkages enable said support framework to expand into an open configuration and retract into a collapsed configuration.

7. The assembly according to claim 6, further including a locking mechanism for selectively locking said support framework into said open configuration.

8. The assembly according to claim 1, further including an interlocking mechanism between said guide rails and said segmented tabletop that retains said slats on said ledges.

9. A portable table assembly; a support framework that contains legs, wherein said support framework is selectively configurable between an open configuration and a collapsed configuration;guide rails that selectively interconnect with said support framework when said support framework is in said open configuration, wherein said guide rails contain ledges and said support framework retains said guide rails in a parallel orientation when interconnected with said support framework; anda segmented tabletop that extends between said guide rails when said guide rails are in said parallel orientation, wherein said segmented tabletop rests on said ledges of said guide rails.

10. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein said legs have first ends and brackets that are affixed to said first ends.

11. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein said guide rails have connectors that selectively connect to, and disconnect from, said brackets on said legs.

12. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein said segmented tabletop is comprised of slats that are interconnected by foldable joints.

13. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein said guide rails have top surfaces and said ledges are disposed a first depth below said top surfaces, wherein each of said slats has a thickness equal to said first depth.

14. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein said support framework includes scissor linkages that interconnect said legs, wherein said scissor linkages enable said support framework to expand into said open configuration and retract into said collapsed configuration.

15. The assembly according to claim 14, further including a locking mechanism for selectively locking said support framework into said open configuration.

16. The assembly according to claim 13, further including an interlocking mechanism between said guide rails and said segmented tabletop that retains said slats on said ledges.