Abstract:
A collapsible and portable work station, comprising a collapsible and portable leg structure comprising a plurality of legs movably attached to each other, each leg having a top end, a bottom end and longitudinally extending axis, the legs being movable to a first configuration wherein the legs are in close proximity to one another such that the longitudinally extending axes of the legs are generally parallel to one another, and to a second configuration wherein the spacing between the legs is maximal, and a top portion removably attached to the top ends of the legs, the top portion comprising two sections movably attached to one another so as to allow the top portion to be folded such that the sections confront each other when the top portion is not attached to the leg structure. In one embodiment, each of the top portion sections comprises a substantially flat surface. In another embodiment, the top portion comprises a frame that defines a region for receiving a basin. The top portion further comprises means for removably securing the basin to the top portion.

Description:
[0001] The invention described herein may be manufactured, used and licensed by or for the Government for Governmental purposes without the payment to us of any royalty thereon. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention generally relates to a collapsible work station that can be used for many purposes, such as a table, work bench or sink.  
           [0004]    2. Problem to be Solved  
           [0005]    There are many situations that require the use of work stations apart from the normal use of such devices. For example, it is often necessary to use temporary work stations at construction sites. Other situations also require the use of temporary work stations, such as camping and military field operations. What is needed is a new and improved work station that is relatively light in weight, portable and collapsible. Another important feature of such a work station is that it must be a multi-use work station that can be quickly converted into other forms, e.g. from a work table to a sink.  
           [0006]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a collapsible and portable work station that addresses the need discussed above.  
           [0007]    Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the ensuing description of the present invention.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a collapsible and portable work station, comprising a collapsible and portable leg structure comprising a plurality of legs movably attached to each other, each leg having a top end, a bottom end and longitudinally extending axis, the legs being movable to a first configuration wherein the legs are in close proximity to one another such that the longitudinally extending axes of the legs are generally parallel to one another, and to a second configuration wherein the legs are maximally spaced from one another, and a top portion removably attached to the top ends of the legs, the top portion comprising two sections movably attached to one another so as to allow the top portion to be folded such that the sections confront each other when the top portion is not attached to the leg structure. In one embodiment, each of the top portion sections comprises a substantially flat surface. In another embodiment, the top portion comprises a frame that defines a region for receiving a basin. The top portion further comprises means for removably securing the basin to the top portion. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    The features of the invention are believed to be novel and the elements characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the detailed description which follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the collapsible and portable work station of the present invention.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a top portion of the collapsible and portable work station of FIG. 1.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a collapsible and portable leg structure of the collapsible and portable work station of FIG. 1.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a pair of legs of the collapsible and portable leg structure of FIG. 3.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the collapsible and portable leg structure when the legs of this structure are in a collapsed position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0015]    Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of one embodiment of the collapsible and portable work station of the present invention. Collapsible and portable work station  10  generally comprises a top portion  12  and collapsible leg structure  14 . Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, top portion  12  comprises top surface  16 , bottom surface  18 , side portion  20  that extends about the periphery of top portion  12 , and leg attachment portions  22 ,  24 ,  26  and  28 . In a preferred embodiment, top portion  12  is comprised of sections  30  and  32  which are movably attached to each other. Sections  30  and  32  have top surfaces  34  and  36 , respectively, which taken together, define top surface  16 . Sections  30  and  32  also have bottom surfaces  38  and  40 , respectively, which taken together, define bottom surface  18 . Section  30  comprises side portions  42 ,  44  and  46  which are part of side portion  20 . Section  30  further comprises side portion  48 . Leg attachment portion  22  is adjacent side portions  42  and  44  of section  30 . Leg attachment portion  24  is adjacent to side portions  44  and  46  of section  30 . Similarly, section  32  comprises side portions  50 ,  52  and  54  which are part of side portion  20 . Section  32  further comprises side portion  56  which confronts side portion  48  of section  30 . Leg attachment portion  26  is adjacent side portions  50  and  52 . Leg attachment portion  28  is adjacent side portions  52  and  54 .  
         [0016]    Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, sections  30  and  32  are attached to one another with hinges  57 . In such a configuration, sections  30  and  32  pivot, with respect to each other, in the direction indicated arrows  58  and  59 , respectively.  
         [0017]    Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, top surface  16  is generally planar. However, it is to be understood that top surface  16  can be assembled with different configurations depending upon the desired purpose of top surface  16 . In one embodiment, top surface  16  is textured. In another embodiment, top surface  16  is generally smooth.  
         [0018]    Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in a preferred embodiment, sections  30  and  32  are generally the same in size. However, it is to be understood that sections  30  and  32  can have different sizes. Sections  30  and  32  can also be configured so as to provide top portion  12  with any one of several geometrical shapes, rectangular, square, circular, etc.  
         [0019]    Referring to FIG. 2, leg attachment portions  22 ,  24 ,  26  and  28  each have opening  60  for receiving a pin or screw (not shown) that is used to removably attach top portion  12  to the legs of leg structure  14 . This aspect of the present invention is discussed in further detail in the ensuing description.  
         [0020]    Referring to FIGS. 1, 3,  4  and  5 , collapsible and portable leg structure  14  comprises legs  61 ,  62 ,  64  and  66  that are movably attached to each other. Leg section  61  comprises sections  68  and  70 . In one embodiment, section  68  is generally tubular in configuration and section  70  is slidably disposed within the interior of section  68 . Section  68  includes a plurality of equidistantly spaced openings  72 . Section  70  includes a movable projection thereon (not shown) that is sized for moving within any of the openings  72  (not shown on section  68  but shown on the corresponding leg sections of legs  62 ,  64  and  66 . The projection (not shown) is urged outward by a spring (not shown) so as to protrude through one of the openings  72 . Thus, section  70  can be adjusted, with respect to section  68 , by depressing the projection and sliding section  70  so as to enable the projection to enter the next successive opening  72 . The foregoing configuration permits the overall length of the leg  61  to be adjusted depending upon the user&#39;s needs. The use of the projection and spring (not shown) is only one example of how section  70  can be adjusted according to the needs of a user. Other suitable configurations can also be used. Section  70  includes portion  74  that is sized for insertion into leg receiving portion  22 . Portion  74  includes cavity  76  that is aligned with opening  60  when portion  74  is inserted into portion  22 . A locking pin (not shown) is inserted into opening  60  and extends into cavity  76  so as to removably connect leg  61  to top portion  12 . In another embodiment, opening  60  and cavity  76  are threaded so as to threadedly engage a screw (e.g. machine screw, Allen-type screw, etc.) Leg  61  further comprises bottom cap  69  that is attached to the bottom of leg section  68 . In one embodiment, cap  69  is fabricated form rubber so as to provide sufficient friction between leg  61  and a surface in order to prevent sliding or slipping of leg  61  upon the surface.  
         [0021]    Leg section  62  comprises sections  78  and  80 . In one embodiment, section  78  is generally tubular in configuration and section  80  is slidably disposed within the interior of section  78 . In one embodiment, section  78  is generally tubular in configuration and section  80  is slidably disposed within the interior of section  78 . As described in the foregoing description, section  78  includes a plurality of equidistantly spaced openings  72 . Section  80  includes a movable projection thereon (not shown) that is sized for moving within any of the openings  72 . The projection (not shown) is urged outward by a spring (not shown) so as to protrude one of the openings  72 . Thus, section  80  can be adjusted, with respect to section  78 , by depressing the projection and sliding section  80  so as to enable the projection to enter the next successive opening  72 . The foregoing configuration permits the overall length of the leg  61  to be adjusted depending upon the user&#39;s needs. The use of the projection and spring (not shown) is only one example of how the height of section  70  can be adjusted according to the needs of a user. Other suitable configurations can also be used. Section  70  includes portion  74  that is sized for insertion into leg receiving portion  22 . Portion  74  includes cavity  76  that is aligned with opening  60  when portion  74  is inserted into portion  22 . A locking pin (not shown) is inserted into opening  60  and extends into cavity  76  so as to removably connect leg  61  to top portion  12 . In another embodiment, opening  60  and cavity  76  are threaded so as to threadedly engage a screw (e.g. machine screw, Allen-type screw, etc.) Section  70  includes a movable projection thereon (not shown) that is sized for moving within any of the openings  72  (not shown on section  68  but shown on the corresponding leg sections of legs  62 ,  64  and  66 . The projection (not shown) is urged outward by a spring (not shown). Thus, section  80  can be adjusted, with respect to section  78 , by depressing the projection and sliding section  80  so as to enable the projection to enter the next successive opening  72 . The foregoing configuration permits the overall length of the leg  62  to be adjusted depending upon the user&#39;s needs. The use of the projection and spring (not shown) is only one example of how section  80  can be adjusted according to the needs of a user. Other suitable configurations can also be used. Section  80  includes portion  82  that is sized for insertion into leg receiving portion  24 . Portion  82  includes a cavity  84  that is aligned with opening  60  when portion  82  is inserted into portion  24 . A locking pin (not shown) is inserted into opening  60  and extends into cavity  84  so as to removably connect leg  62  to top portion  12 . In another embodiment, opening  60  and cavity  84  are threaded so as to threadedly engage a screw (e.g. machine screw, Allen-type screw, etc.). Leg  62  further comprises bottom cap  85  that is attached to the bottom of leg section  78 . In one embodiment, cap  85  is fabricated form rubber so as to provide sufficient friction between leg  62  and a surface in order to prevent sliding or slipping of leg  62  upon the surface.  
         [0022]    Similarly, leg section  64  comprises sections  86  and  88 . In one embodiment, section  86  is generally tubular in configuration and section  88  is slidably disposed within the interior of section  86 . Section  86  includes a plurality of equidistantly spaced openings  72 . Section  88  includes a movable projection thereon (not shown) that is sized for moving within any of the openings  72 . The projection (not shown) is urged outward by a spring (not shown). Thus, section  88  can be adjusted, with respect to section  86 , by depressing the projection and sliding section  88  so as to enable the projection to enter the next successive opening  72 . The foregoing configuration permits the overall length of the leg  64  to be adjusted depending upon the user&#39;s needs. The use of the projection and spring (not shown) is only one example of how section  88  can be adjusted according to the needs of a user. Other suitable configurations can also be used. Section  88  includes portion  90  that is sized for insertion into leg receiving portion  26 . Portion  90  includes cavity  92  that is aligned with opening  60  when portion  90  is inserted into portion  26 . A locking pin (not shown) is inserted into opening  60  and extends into cavity  92  so as to removably connect leg  61  to top portion  12 . In another embodiment, opening  60  and cavity  92  are threaded so as to threadedly engage a screw (e.g. machine screw, Allen-type screw, etc.). Leg  64  further comprises bottom cap  94  that is attached to the bottom of leg section  88 . In one embodiment, cap  94  is fabricated from rubber so as to provide sufficient friction between leg  64  and the surface upon which leg  64  is mounted in order to prevent sliding or slipping of leg  64  upon the surface.  
         [0023]    Similarly, leg section  66  comprises sections  96  and  98 . In one embodiment, section  96  is generally tubular in configuration and section  98  is slidably disposed within the interior of section  96 . Section  96  includes a plurality of equidistantly spaced openings  72 . Section  98  includes a movable projection thereon (not shown) that is sized for moving within any of the openings  72 . The projection (not shown) is urged outward by a spring (not shown). Thus, section  98  can be adjusted, with respect to section  96 , by depressing the projection and sliding section  98  so as to enable the projection to enter the next successive opening  72 . The foregoing configuration permits the overall length of the leg  66  to be adjusted depending upon the user&#39;s needs. The use of the projection and spring (not shown) is only one example of how section  98  can be adjusted according to the needs of a user. Other suitable configurations can also be used. Section  98  includes portion  100  that is sized for insertion into leg receiving portion  28 . Portion  100  includes cavity  102  that is aligned with opening  60  when portion  100  is inserted into portion  28 .  
         [0024]    A locking pin (not shown) is inserted into opening  60  and extends into cavity  102  so as to removably connect leg  66  to top portion  12 . In another embodiment, opening  60  and cavity  102  are threaded so as to threadedly engage a screw (e.g. machine screw, Allen-type screw, etc.). Leg  66  further comprises bottom cap  104  that is attached to the bottom of leg section  98 . In one embodiment, cap  104  is fabricated from rubber so as to provide sufficient friction between leg  66  and the surface upon which leg  66  is mounted in order to prevent sliding or slipping of leg  66  upon the surface.  
         [0025]    In one embodiment, leg structure  14  comprises wheel assemblies  106 ,  108 ,  110  and  112  that attached to bottom caps  69 ,  85 ,  94  and  104 , respectively, and enable leg structure  14  to be rolled across the surface upon which leg structure  14  is positioned.  
         [0026]    Each leg  61 ,  62 ,  64  and  66  has a longitudinally extending axis  114 . As the ensuing description will show, legs  61 ,  62 ,  64  and  66  are movably attached to one another. Specifically, leg  61  has ring  116  slidably mounted upon leg section  68 . Ring  116  further includes portions  116   a  and  116   b  attached thereto. Leg section  96  of leg  66  has extending portion  118  attached thereto. Leg structure  14  further includes member  120  that is pivotally attached to ring portion  116   a  and portion  118 . Similarly, leg  64  has ring  122  slidably mounted upon leg section  86 . Ring  122  includes portions  122   a  and  122   b  attached thereto. Leg section  96  of leg  66  has extending portion  124  attached thereto. Leg structure  14  further includes member  126  that is pivotally attached to ring portion  122   a  and portion  124 . Section  78  of leg  62  has extending portions  128  and  130  attached thereto. Leg structure  14  further includes member  132  that is pivotally attached to ring  128  and ring portion  122   b.  Similarly, leg structure  14  further includes member  134  that is pivotally attached to ring portion  116   b  and portion  130 . As a result of the pivotal attachment of members  120 ,  126 ,  132  and  134 , and slidable rings  116  and  122 , legs  61 ,  62 ,  64  and  66  are movable to a first configuration wherein legs  61 ,  62 ,  64  and  66  are in close proximity to one another such that longitudinally extending axes  114  are generally parallel to one another, as shown in FIG. 5, and to a second configuration wherein legs  61 ,  62 ,  64  and  66  are maximally spaced from one another, as shown in FIGS.  1 , and  3 . In one embodiment, rings  116  and  122  include locking pins  140  and  142 , respectively, for preventing movement of rings  116  and  122  upon leg sections  68  and  86 , respectively.  
         [0027]    Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown the collapsible and portable work station of the present invention configured as a sink. Collapsible and portable work station  200  comprises leg structure  14 , which has been described in the foregoing description, top portion  202  and sink or basin  204 . Top portion  202  generally comprises main frame portion  206 . Main frame portion  206  comprises sections  208  and  210  that are movably attached together. In one embodiment, hinges  212  and  214  are used to attach sections  208  and  210  together. Hinges  212  and  214  enable sections  208  and  210  to pivot in the directions indicated by arrows  216  and  218 . When sections  208  and  210  are opened, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, main frame portion  206  defines region  219  for receiving sink or basin  204 .  
         [0028]    Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, section  208  has receptacles underneath (not shown) and at each corner  220  and  222  for receiving leg portions  82  and  90 , respectively. In one embodiment, section  208  is hollow. In another embodiment, section  208  is solid. The aforementioned receptacle is similar in configuration to receptacle  22  described in the foregoing description. Similarly, section  210  has a receptacle underneath (not shown) at each corner  224  and  226  for receiving leg portions  100  and  74 , respectively. In one embodiment, section  210  is hollow. In another embodiment, section  210  is solid. Each corner portion  220 ,  222 ,  224  and  226  has opening  227  that is aligned with the opening in the corresponding leg portion (i.e. leg portion  82 ,  90 ,  74  and  100 ) for receiving a locking pin in order to removably attach legs  61 ,  62 ,  64  and  66  to main frame portion  206 .  
         [0029]    Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, section  208  has side portions  228 ,  230  and a third side portion opposite side portion  228  but not shown. Projections  232  extend outward from side portion  228  and  230  and the third side portion not shown. Similarly, section  210  has side portion  234 , another side portion not shown but opposite side portion  230 , and a third side portion not shown but which is opposite side portion  234 . Projections  236  extend outward from side portion  234  and the other side portions of section  210 .  
         [0030]    Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, top portion  202  further includes movable side members  240 ,  242 ,  244  that are movably attached to side portions  228 ,  230  and the third, but not shown, side portion of section  208 , respectively. In a preferred embodiment,  240 ,  242 ,  244  are hingedly attached to these aforementioned side portions of section  208 . Each side members  240 ,  242 ,  244  has cavities  246  on the inner sides facing the side portions of section  208 . Each cavity  246  is sized for receiving a corresponding projection  232 . Thus, when side members  240 ,  242 ,  244  are moved such that the inner side of each side member  240 ,  242  and  244  confront the corresponding side member of section  208 , projections  232  are substantially disposed within corresponding cavities  246 . The purpose of such a configuration is discussed in the ensuing description.  
         [0031]    Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, top portion  202  further includes movable side members  250 ,  252 ,  254  that are movably attached to side portions  234  and the other side portions (not shown) of section  210 , respectively. In a preferred embodiment,  250 ,  252 ,  254  are hingedly attached to these aforementioned side portions of section  210 . Each side member  250 ,  252 ,  254  has cavities  246  on the inner sides facing the side portions of section  210 . Each cavity  246  is sized for receiving a projection  236 . Thus, when side members  250 ,  252 ,  254  are moved such that the inner side of each side member  250 ,  252  and  254  confront the corresponding side member of section  210 , projections  236  are substantially disposed within a corresponding cavity  246  as shown in FIG. 7. The purpose of such a configuration is discussed in the ensuing description.  
         [0032]    Referring to FIG. 6, sink or basin  204  is disposed with region  219  defined by main frame portion  206 . Sink or basin  204  has a body portion  260  and peripheral portion (not shown) that comprises a plurality of sections. Each section of the peripheral portion has a plurality of rings or grommets with openings therethrough (not shown) wherein each ring is sized for receiving a corresponding projection such as projections  232  or projections  234  (see FIG. 7). Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in order to position basin  204  within region  204 , side members  240 ,  242 ,  244 ,  250 ,  252  and  254  are pivoted upward so that each side member is generally parallel with top surface  207  of top portion  206  and a space is created between the side members (i.e.  240 ,  242 , etc.) and edge  261  of top portion  206 . Body portion  260  is then disposed within region  219  and each section of the peripheral portion of basin  204  is then inserted between a corresponding space between each of the side members (i.e.  240 ,  242 , etc.) and edge  261 . Once each peripheral edge section of sink or basin  204  is inserted through the aforementioned corresponding spaces, each peripheral edge section is draped over the sides of sections  208  and  210  and positioned so that the opening of each ring or grommet of the peripheral edge section receives a corresponding projection  232  or  236 . Once this accomplished, all the side members (i.e.  240 ,  242 , etc.) are lowered as shown in FIG. 6 so projections  232  and  236  protrude into corresponding cavities  246 . Such a configuration prevents dislodgment of sink or basin  204  when disposed in region  219 . The weight of the liquid contained in sink or basin  204  provides a tensile force that maintains lodgment of projections  232  and  236  within the openings of the peripheral portion of sink or basin  204  and cavities  246 . Once the liquid is drained from basin  204 , the steps mentioned above are reversed in order to remove basin  204  from top portion  202 .  
         [0033]    Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, sink or basin  204  is fabricated from a coated, heat, puncture and tear resistant fabric. In another embodiment, sink or basin  204  is fabricated from naturally folded plastic. The material from which sink or basin  204  is fabricated cooperates with collapsible and portable leg structure  14  to provide a collapsible and portable sink that can be easily disassembled, transported and stored. Basin  204  further includes a drain (not shown) that is fabricated from plastic, aluminum or stainless steel.  
         [0034]    In an alternate embodiment, a water pump (not shown) is attached to either top portion  202  or leg structure  14  in order to provide water to basin  204 . Similarly, faucets (not shown) or sprayers (not shown) can also be attached to top portion  202  and connected to the aforementioned water pump or other water supply.  
         [0035]    Referring to FIGS. 2, 3,  6  and  7 , top portion  12 , leg structure  14  and top portion  202  can be fabricated from a variety of materials, aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, or other lightweight and high strength materials. In a preferred embodiment, extruded aluminum wherever possible so as to reduce the amount of material, weight and manufacturing costs.  
         [0036]    Thus, the collapsible and portable work stations  10  and  200  of the present invention:  
         [0037]    a) are relatively light in weight and portable thereby requiring only one person to carry work stations  10  or  200 ;  
         [0038]    b) easy to assemble and disassemble;  
         [0039]    c) do not require tools for assembly or disassembly;  
         [0040]    d) are collapsible for easy storage;  
         [0041]    e) convertible to provide different functions, e.g. work table, disch sink, hand wash sink, etc.;  
         [0042]    f) can be fabricated from a variety of low-cost, light weight and high strength materials;  
         [0043]    g) can be used in many applications, e.g. camping, military field operations, emergency field hospitals in areas affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, etc. and  
         [0044]    h) can be manufactured at a relatively low per-unit cost.  
         [0045]    The principals, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. The invention which is intended to be protected herein should not, however, be construed as limited to the particular forms disclosed, as these are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations in changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing detailed description should be considered exemplary in nature and not limited to the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the attached claims.