Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a universal portable workstation that can be temporarily coupled to an existing fixture, the portable workstation comprising an adjustable support leg assembly, a first table section, a second table section and an attachment clamp. The support leg assembly includes one fixed leg and at least one adjustable leg configured for relative telescopic movement. The support leg assembly is pivotally coupled to a first table section that is configured to house the support leg assembly in a retracted position. The height of the workstation is adjustable and can be fixed by a height adjustment lock. First table section and second table section are hingedly coupled so that the two sections can be in an extended, flat position and a folded, retracted position. The attachment clamp is configured to temporarily fixedly couple an end of the second table section to the existing fixture.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/322,182 having a filing date of Apr. 8, 2010 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/322,434 having a filing date of Apr. 9, 2010 both of which are incorporated herein by reference to the extent permitted by law. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Many people in the world live in apartments, houses, or dorm rooms that have small kitchens with limited (or no) countertops or work surfaces. Further, many people participate in recreational activities in places with confined spaces and limited workspace such as recreational vehicles, boats, campsites, tail gate parties, barbecues, or the like. Often these locations have an inadequate area of workspace or countertop space, if any. Since people also like to combine meals and food while living or participating in a recreational activity, at times of food preparation or presentation, there is a need to temporarily increase the area of workspace or countertop space. It is desirable that these temporary portable workspaces are removable and allow for easy storage when the table top is not needed. People have use folding tables for many years for this particular purpose. 
         [0003]    Folding card tables are portable, but often bulky as they include a solid one-piece table surface. Thus, to store and transport a workspace or table four feet long, one requires a location in a car or other transportation method that has a continuous area of four feet long. This is often difficult to find in any mode of transportation. Further, folding tables have a fixed table height and, therefore, if one desires to have a workspace or countertop extension at one height, they are bound by the fixed height of a folding card table. Having a work surface of uniform height is advantageous for a variety of reasons, including having a universal portable workstation that may be used in a variety of applications as a temporary work surface extension that matches the height of the existing work surface at that location. For example, one portable workstation that is able to provide a temporary extension of a desk at a height of twenty-nine inches (29″) above the floor in an office, and also be used to provide a temporary work surface at counter height of thirty six inches (36″). The temporary tables in the prior art with fixed length legs may only match one of these heights, if any, and only if the heights matched by chance. Thus, there is a need in the art for a portable workstation having an adjustable height to match the height of a plurality known work spaces. 
         [0004]    Further, existing portable tables do not attach to the existing surface, so there is always some discontinuity or a joint where items may fall through. Thus, another need exists for a temporary, portable workstation that can attach to an existing fixture to provide some continuity between the two surfaces. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention is directed to a universal portable workstation that is intended to provide extra work or counter space wherever needed in a home, commercial or industrial setting, boat, recreational vehicle, or attached to a picnic or patio table, barbeque grill, bar, tailgate, or any other surface. The portable workstation of the present invention comprises a foldable work surface, at least one adjustable leg, and an attachment clamp. The portable workstation of the present invention may also include a handle and a second adjustable leg that may be used to provide a stand-alone table. 
         [0006]    The work surface of the portable workstation comprises a first table section and a second table section that are pivotally coupled by a hinge or other like coupling mechanism. In one embodiment, the hinge is separable to allow for the first section and second section to be separated and used individually. In another embodiment, the hinge or other like coupling mechanism may include a locking mechanism that temporarily fixes the two table sections together and prevents them from collapsing. The main structure of the portable workstation consists of two table sections that include a substantially flat working surface wherein the two sections fold together to provide a low profile ideal for storage and transport. The two table sections of the work surface of the portable workstation may be of extruded, injected, or molded composite material, or alternatively may be flat panels, such as plywood, sheet metal, or sheet plastic on top of a frame substructure. 
         [0007]    The adjustable support leg comprises an arrangement of one or more telescoping legs. One leg section is fixed and pivotally coupled to the bottom of the work surface. One or more slideable legs are then telescopically coupled with the fixed legs. The combined height of the fixed portion and at least one slideable leg is set as desired and the relative position of the two legs is fixed using a height adjustment lock. One embodiment of the slideable leg includes one or more tubular legs telescopingly engaged with a singular fixed tubular section that is pivotally coupled to an end of the portable workstation. An alternative embodiment of the slideable leg includes two tubular legs with a brace between the two legs to brace and stabilize the legs and the portable workstation. 
         [0008]    The portable workstation of the present invention may also include one or more attachment clamps that couples one end of the workstation to an existing work surface. Existing work surfaces that may support the portable workstation of the present invention are countertops, tables, bars, desks, tailgates, railings, ledges, or any other work surfaces. The attachment clamp(s) may be hooks, straps, elastic cords, clamps, hook and loop fastener (VELCRO®), or any combination thereof or any other attachment methods now known or hereafter developed. The attachment clamp(s) of the present invention allows a user to develop some continuity between the existing work surface and the temporary, portable workstation of the present invention. 
         [0009]    The adjustable support legs and the attachment clamp(s) are configured to be pivoted and housed within the depth of the workstation. Thus, the portable workstation of the present invention may be folded up for transportation and/or flat storage. For example, the portable workstation of the present invention may be stored behind a couch in a recreational vehicle or under the seat on a boat until it is needed. A user will un-fold the two sections, rest the notched end of the workstation on top of the existing work surface, and adjust the height of the adjustable support leg to substantially match the existing work surface. Finally, the user will secure the notched end of the work surface using the attachment clamp(s). 
         [0010]    Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0011]    The accompanying drawings form a part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith, in which like reference numerals are employed to indicate like or similar parts in the various views, and wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a universal portable workstation in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a universal workstation in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view along line  3 - 3  of one embodiment of the connection between two panels of the embodiment of the universal workstation of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the adjustable leg assembly in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a side view of one embodiment of height adjustment lock in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a side view of one embodiment of height adjustment lock in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7A  is a side view of one embodiment of an attachment clamp in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7B  is a side view of one embodiment of an attachment clamp in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7C  is a side view of another embodiment of an attachment clamp in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a bottom view of one embodiment of a table section in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a bottom view of another embodiment of a table section in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the table section of  FIG. 9 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    The following detailed description of the invention references the accompanying drawing figures that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of portable workstation  10  of the present invention. Portable workstation  10  comprises a work surface  12 , at least one adjustable support leg  14 , and an attachment clamp  16 . Portable workstation  10  may also include a handle  18  and a second adjustable support leg  20 . Handle  18  may be slideably coupled to work surface  12  and configured to be stored in a retracted position flush with a side or an end of work surface  12  and able to be pulled out for transport. Further, handle  18  may include a pop-out mechanism that pops handle  18  out from its flush position for transport. Attachment clamp  16  temporarily attaches portable workstation  10  to a countertop, table, bar, desk, tailgate, or other work surfaces, ledges, or railings. 
         [0026]    Now turning to  FIG. 2 , work surface  12  comprises a first table section  22  and a second table section  24 . First table section  22  includes a first end  26 , a second end  28 , a top surface  30 , a bottom surface  32 , a first side  34 , a second side  36  and a thickness T 1 . First table section  22  may have a substantially uniform thickness or the thickness may vary at different locations of first table section  22 . Thickness T 1  may range from about one-half inch (½″) to about four inches (4″). One embodiment of first table section  22  includes a thickness T 1  in a range from about one and three-quarters inches (1¾″) to two and one-half inches (2½″). 
         [0027]    One embodiment of portable workstation  10  includes first table section  22  having a substantially rectangular shape as shown in  FIG. 2 . Alternatively, portable workstation  10  may include first table section  22  having a substantially trapezoidal, circular, or oval shape. First table section  22  includes a width W 1  and a length L 1 . Width W 1  is in a range from about twelve inches (12″) to about forty inches (40″). One embodiment includes first table section  22  having a width W 1  of about eighteen inches (18″). Length L 1  is in a range from about twelve inches (12″) to about thirty six inches (36″). One embodiment of portable workstation  10  includes first table section  22  having a length L 1  of about twenty inches (20″). 
         [0028]    Second table section  24  includes a first end  38 , a second end  40 , a top surface  42 , a bottom surface  44 , a first side  46 , a second side  48  and a thickness T 2 . Second table section  24  may have a substantially uniform thickness or the thickness may vary at different locations of second table section  24 . Thickness T 2  may range from about one-half inch (½″) to about four inches (4″). One embodiment of second table section  24  includes a thickness T 2  of one and three-quarters inches (1¾″) to two and one-half inches (2½″). The thickness T 1  of first table section  22  may be substantially equal to thickness T 2  of second table section  24  when the thicknesses are uniform. If an embodiment includes the thickness of table sections  22  and  24  varying along length L 1  and L 2  or width W 1  and W 2 , then the thicknesses may be configured to mirror each other to provide a uniform appearance when portable workstation  10  is folded for transport or storage. The principle of the invention, however, is not dependent upon thicknesses T 1  and T 2  and, as such, a person of skill in the art will appreciate that thickness T 1  and T 2  as described herein shall not be limiting. 
         [0029]    One embodiment of portable workstation  10  includes second table section  24  having a substantially rectangular shape as shown in  FIG. 2 . Alternatively, portable workstation  10  may include second table section  24  having a substantially trapezoidal, circular, or oval shape. Second table section  24  includes a width W 2  and a length L 2 . Width W 2  ranges from about twelve inches (12″) to about forty inches (40″). One embodiment includes first table section  22  having a width W 2  of about eighteen inches (18″). Length L 2  ranges from about twelve inches (12″) to about thirty six inches (36″). One embodiment includes first table section  22  having a length L 2  of about twenty inches (20″). Second table section  24  may have a substantially identical or complementary shape to first table section  22 . 
         [0030]    Lengths L 1  and L 2  and widths W 1  and W 2  may be uniform and thereby define a rectangular shape, or they may vary to define a trapezoidal or other irregular shape. Some embodiments of portable workstation  10  may include a portion of first end  26  or second end  40  being inwardly recessed, outwardly extending, or a combination thereof. Another embodiment of portable workstation  10  may include a portion of first side  34 , second side  36 , first side  46 , and/or second side  48  being inwardly recessed or outwardly extending and table sections  22  and  24  and may include a width that varies along the table section&#39;s length. 
         [0031]    Work surface  12  may be made of any material known in the art including, but not limited to: UHMW polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, wood, aluminum, steel, brass, copper, glass, composite polymer materials or any other suitable material now known or hereafter discovered. Work surface  12  may comprise a frame supporting a top surface panel or, alternatively, may be of unitary construction. The machining may be done manually, or may be performed by any automatic machining system known in the art. Automatic manufacturing may be performed in a CAD/CAM system. An alternative method of manufacture includes injection molding, compression molding, resin transfer molding, transfer molding of composite materials or metals, and any other molding method know in the art. In addition to the methods identified above, work surface  12  may be manufactured using any manufacturing method now known or hereafter developed that is capable of creating work surface  12  as described herein. 
         [0032]    An embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  includes a work surface  12  being natural or manufactured wood sheathing, sheet metal or a polymeric sheet coupled to a frame constructed of solid or tubular members of metal, polymeric material, or wood wherein the frame members have either a substantially rectangular or substantially round cross-section. The frame may be configured to substantially match the extents of work surface  12  and the frame of tube members may define a cavity that is configured to receive adjustable support leg  14  in a folded position. One embodiment includes a frame constructed of extruded aluminum tube members, powder coated tubular steel, or combination thereof. Coupling of the top surface to the frame or any other coupling of members of the present invention may be achieved through any coupling method now known or hereafter developed, including: nails, screws, pins, rivets, welds, bolts, clamps, adhesives, and/or straps. 
         [0033]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , adjustable support leg assembly  14  includes a first fixed leg  54 , a second fixed leg  56 , a brace  58 , a first adjustable leg  60 , a second adjustable leg  62 , and a height adjustment lock  64 . First fixed leg  54  includes a first end  66 , a second end  68  and a length L 3 . Second fixed leg  56  similarly includes first end  70 , a second end  72 , and a length L 4 . First and second fixed legs  54  and  56  are of similar shape and length. First and second fixed legs  54  and  56  have a rectangular or circular hollow cross-section, but any shape known in the art is within the scope of the present invention. A hollow cross-section includes an outer dimension, an inner dimension, and a wall thickness. The difference between the outer dimension and the inner dimension is the wall thickness. The outer dimension of the cross-section of first and second fixed legs  54  and  56  is preferably less than thickness T 1  or T 2  of work surface  12 . However, an outer dimension of first and second fixed legs  54  and  56  being greater than T 1  or T 2  is within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0034]    Brace  58  includes a first end  74 , a second end  76 , and a length L 5 . Brace  58  is configured between said first and second fixed legs  54  and  56  to connect fixed legs  54  and  56 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , first end  74  of brace  58  is coupled to the first fixed leg  54  proximate the second end  68  and second end  76  of brace  58  is coupled to second fixed leg  56  proximate second end  72 . An embodiment of the portable workstation of the present invention includes brace  58  being positioned substantially perpendicular to fixed legs  54  and  56  as shown. An alternative embodiment (not shown) may include one or more brace  58  being coupled to first fixed leg  54  and second fixed leg  56  in an angular orientation or trussed configuration. 
         [0035]    First adjustable leg  60  includes a first end  78 , a second end  80  and a length L 6 . Second adjustable leg  62  similarly includes first end  82 , a second end  84 , and a length L 7 . Second ends  80  and  84  may further include a shoe  86  that is coupled to second ends  80  and  84  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Shoe  86  may be any element now known or hereafter discovered that prevents second ends  80  and  84  from marking or damaging a floor, ground, or other support surface and/or increases the friction between the support surface and adjustable support leg assembly  14 . Shoe  86  may be rubber or a soft polymer and may slide over or otherwise be coupled to second ends  80  and  84 . Shoe  86  may also comprise or include one or more threaded levelers that are operably connected to ends  80  and  84  such that they may be rotated relative to ends  80  and  84  to fine tune the height and level work surface  12  of portable workstation  10 . The threaded leveler may be threaded screws that have a non-abrasive and/or not marking finish such that they will not indent or mark the supporting surface. Work surface  12  may include a level indicator (not shown) coupled thereto. 
         [0036]    First and second adjustable legs  60  and  62  may have a rectangular or circular cross-section and may be hollow or solid. However, any shape known in the art is within the scope of the present invention. The outer dimension of the cross-section of first and second adjustable legs  60  and  62  is less than the inner dimension of the hollow cross-section of first and second fixed legs  54  and  56  such that first end  78  of adjustable leg  60  is received into and slideably engages second end  68  of first fixed leg  54  and first end  82  of adjustable  62  is received into and slideably engages second end  72  of second fixed leg  56 . 
         [0037]    An alternative embodiment of the present invention is substantially similar to that described above, but a tubular cross section of adjustment legs  60  and  62  is such that the inner dimension of adjustment legs  60  and  62  is greater than the outer dimension of solid or tubular fixed legs  54  and  56  such that adjustment legs  60  and  62  slide over fixed legs  54  and  56 . In such an embodiment, brace  58  may be coupled to adjustment legs  60  and  62  instead of fixed legs  54  and  56  as shown. 
         [0038]    Adjustable legs  60  and  62  are temporarily fixed with respect to fixed legs  54  and  56  using height adjustment lock  64 . Adjustable legs  60  and  62  may be individually adjusted to provide portable workstation to be substantially level even when the ground or other support surface is not level. As shown in  FIG. 2 , one embodiment includes adjustment legs  60  and  62  slideably received by fixed legs  54  and  56  thereby allowing a user to adjust the overall height of the adjustable support leg assembly  14  by sliding adjustment legs  60  and  62  within fixed legs  54  and  56 . Adjustable legs  60  and  62  may be positioned in a fully retracted position within fixed legs  54  and  56  wherein the resulting L 6  and L 7  range from about zero inches (0″) to about four inches (4″). Adjustable legs  60  and  62  may be extended to a desired length to provide an overall height of adjustable support leg assembly  14 . The overall height of adjustable support leg assembly  14  corresponds to the sum of L 3  plus L 6  or L 4  plus L 7  as shown. In general the overall height of adjustable support leg assembly  14  may range to encompass any height used in tables, counters, bars, or other works stations, and more specifically may range from about eighteen inches (18″) to about sixty inches (60″). However, most applications of the present invention will place work surface  12  at a height in a range from about twenty-four inches (24″) to about forty inches (40″) above the floor, ground, or any support surface. 
         [0039]    Adjustable support leg assembly  14  as described above is pivotally coupled to first section  22  of work surface  12  proximate first end  26  and bottom surface  32 . One embodiment includes first end  66  of first fixed leg  54  and first end  70  of second fixed leg  56  being pivotally coupled to first section  22 . Adjustable support leg assembly  14  is in a fully retracted position or an extended position. The fully retracted position includes adjustable legs  60  and  62  being fully retracted with fixed legs  54  and  56  as described above, and adjustable support leg assembly pivoted into a plane substantially parallel to work surface  12 . One embodiment includes the outer dimension of fixed legs  54  and  56  being less than thickness T 1  and lengths L 3  and L 4  being less than length L 1  of first section  22  of work surface  12  to allow adjustable support leg assembly  14  to be received into and housed within first table section  22  of work surface  12  in the fully retracted position. One embodiment of the extended position of adjustable support leg assembly  14  includes adjustable support leg assembly  14  being pivoted in a plane perpendicular to work surface  12  and extending outwardly from bottom surface  32 . Second ends  80  and  84  of adjustable legs  60  and  62  further extend an appreciable distance from second end  68  and  72  of fixed legs  54  and  56  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  to provide an overall height as described above. 
         [0040]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , an alternative embodiment of the work surface  12  of the present invention includes first section  22  and second section  24  being a unitary piece of molded polymeric material. Table sections  22  and  24  may further include integral horizontal support ribs  49  that span substantially from side to side and longitudinal support ribs  50  that span substantially from end to end. These support ribs  49  and  50  extend downwardly from bottom surface and may terminate at a common plane. Further, recessed portions may be molded into the bottom surfaces  32  and  44  of table sections  22  and  24  and configured to receive adjustable support leg  14  in a retracted and folded position. 
         [0041]      FIG. 3  further shows first section  22  and second section  24  being pivotally coupled together using pivoting mechanism  52 . An embodiment of portable workstation  10  includes pivoting mechanism  52  being separable such that first section  22  may be selectively separated from second section  24 . One embodiment includes pivoting mechanism  52  being at least one hinge coupled to bottom surface  32  of first section  22  and bottom surface  44  of second section  24  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Pivot mechanism  52  may be a piece of flexible and resilient material, spring loaded hinge, locking hinge mechanism or other hinge device now known or hereafter developed that is coupled to each table section  22  and  24  to operably connect table sections  22  and  24 . Further, pivot mechanism may temporarily fix itself when first table section  22  and second table section  24  are in an open (in use) position. The locking pivot mechanism may further include a push button, spring loaded, or other release mechanism now known or hereafter developed to allow the two table sections  22  and  24  to be folded up for transport or storage. 
         [0042]      FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of adjustable support assembly  14 ′ having a single leg assembly comprising a first tubular section  200 , a second tubular section  202  slideably coupled with first tubular section  200 , a third tubular section  204  slideably coupled with second tubular section  202 , and a base  206 . One embodiment includes the three tubular sections  200 ,  202 , and  204  being substantially rectangular. Second tubular section  202  is configured to be received by first tubular section  200  and third tubular section  204  is similarly configured to be received by second tubular section  202  such that all three pieces interact to provide a telescoping extension or retraction of adjustable support assembly  14 ′ as shown. Base  206  is coupled to third tubular section  204  and provides one or more points of support for portable workstation  10 . Third tubular section  204  is coupled to base  206  in the middle third of its length, but third tubular section  204  being coupled any where along the length of base  206  is within the scope of the present invention. Base  206  may include two low profile feet  208  with a link support  210  connecting two feet  208  together as shown. Feet  208  may further include one or more threaded levelers  220  that are operably connected to feet  208  such that they may be rotated relative to feet  208  to fine tune the height and level work surface  12  of portable workstation  10 . Threaded levelers  220  may be threaded screws that have a non-abrasive and/or not marking finish such that they will not indent or mark the supporting surface. 
         [0043]    First tubular section  200  is pivotally coupled to work surface  12 , with one embodiment including first tubular section  200  being coupled to bottom surface  32  of first table section  22  of work surface  12 . The pivot coupling of first tubular section  204  to bottom surface  32  of first table section  22  may further include a locking mechanism (not shown) that locks first tubular section  204  in its extended position until a release mechanism is activated to allow a retracted adjustable support assembly  14 ′ received within first tubular section  204  to be pivoted and retracted into a housing in first table section  22  configured to receive adjustable support assembly  14 ′. Any such locking and release mechanisms now known or hereafter developed are within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0044]    As further illustrated in  FIG. 4 , one embodiment of the present invention includes adjustable support assembly  14 ′, which also includes a sleeve  212  having similar dimensions and cross section as first tubular section  200 . Sleeve  212  is configured to slide along a substantial portion of second tubular section  202 . Brace bars  214  are pivotally coupled to sleeve  212  and to sides  34  and  36  as shown. Brace bars  214  prevent adjustable support assembly  14 ′ from pivoting past a certain angle with respect to work surface  12  when adjustable support assembly  14 ′ is in a fully extended position. Adjustable support assembly  14 ′ will be substantially vertical in orientation, and/or substantially perpendicular to work surface  12  in an extended configuration. When adjustable support assembly  14 ′ is retracted and pivoted toward bottom surface  32  of work surface  12 , sleeve  212  slides along first tubular support section  200 . Sleeve  212  also prevents sideways displacement of workstation with respect to adjustable support assembly  14 ′ in both the extended. A locking mechanism (not shown) may be incorporated into sleeve  212  to prevent it from sliding relative to first tubular section  200 . The total height of this embodiment will have the same ranges listed above, but will be the sum of the lengths of three sections as shown herein. An embodiment of adjustable support assembly of the present invention may also be a combination of the embodiments described herein. 
         [0045]    As further seen in  FIG. 4 , an embodiment of height adjustment lock  216  may include one or more one-way ratcheting mechanisms that allow for the height to be increased until a desired height and locked into place at the desired height. When a user wants to collapse and stow the device, a spring loaded release bar  218  or the like will be pressed as to release the one-way ratcheting mechanism of leg sections  202  and/or  204 , thereby allowing third tubular section  204  to telescope back into second tubular section  202  and second tubular support section  202  to telescope back into first tubular section  200  to allow adjustable support leg  14  to be in a retracted position and pivoted into a housing within table section  22  as described herein. The lock release may alternatively be a pull strap, button, toggle or any other release mechanism now known or hereafter developed. 
         [0046]      FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of the present invention wherein adjustable leg  60 ,  62  is received into fixed leg  54 ,  56  and the position of adjustable leg  60 ,  62  is temporarily fixed with respect to fixed leg  54 ,  56  through height adjustment lock  64 . In particular,  FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of height adjustment lock  64  being a spring mounted pin  88  that engages one of a plurality of holes  90  in fixed leg  54 ,  56  along its length. The holes may be spaced at a common interval, such as one-half inch (½″), to allow adjustable leg  60  or  62  to be extended or shortened to provide the desired overall height. Any known hole spacing interval is within the scope of the present invention. A spring mounted pin and hole mechanism may be readily modified for use with the adjustable support assembly illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 6  illustrates an alternative embodiment of height adjustment lock  64  comprising a clamp  92  including a flanged collar  94  including a first flange  96  and a second flange  98 , a pin  100  passing through both flanges  96  and  98  and including a head or nut  102  at one end to prevent pin  100  from being pulled through flange  96 , and a lever  104  at another end engaging flange  98 . Lever  104  may include a cam-action as shown to provide the clamping force necessary to temporarily fix adjustable leg  60  or  62  with respect to fixed leg  54  or  56 . The present invention should not be limited to the clamp as shown and clamp  92  may be any clamping mechanism now known or hereafter developed. Notwithstanding the embodiments shown, height adjustment mechanism may be any mechanical method of removably coupling adjustable legs  60  and  62  with respect to fixed legs  54  and  56  and fixing the position of an adjustable leg to a fixed leg. 
         [0048]    The clamping mechanism shown in  FIG. 6  allows a user to more exactly adjust the combined length of first fixed leg  54  and first adjustable leg  60  and/or second fixed leg  56  and first adjustable leg  62  in the case that the floor, ground, or support surface is uneven requiring a different height for the first legs  54 ,  60  and the second legs  56 ,  62  to ensure work surface  12  is substantially level because it is not limited to adjustment in intervals corresponding to the hole spacing of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0049]    Now turning to  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B, and  7 C illustrating three possible embodiments of attachment clamp  16  that secures portable workstation  10  of the present invention to an existing work surface  108 . Attachment clamp  16  secures second end  40  of second table section  24  to existing work surface  108 . Attachment clamp  16  may include one or more hooks, straps, elastic cords, clamps, hook and loop fastener (VELCRO®), or any combination thereof or any other attachment methods now known or hereafter developed. As seen in  7 A,  7 B, and  7 C, there is a notched portion of second end  40  of second table section  24  that fits over the edge of existing work surface  108  as shown. The overlapping portion  110  of second end  40  overlaps and rests upon the edge of existing work surface  108  and keeps second end  40  from downward displacement due to gravity. The underside of overlapping portion  110 , which is in contact with work surface  108 , may include one or more anti-slip features. For example, one or more pads, nibs or projections of rubber, neoprene, a viscoelastic material, soft polyethylene, or other composite material that increases the friction between overlapping portion  110  and work surface  108  when engaged. Attachment clamp  16  then clamps the edge of existing work surface  108  against the notched second end  40  of second table section  24  to resist lateral and horizontal displacement of portable workstation  10  while in use. Attachment clamp  16  is configured to be able to secure portable workstation  10  to a surface from about one-eighth inch (⅛″) thick to about six inches (6″) thick. Further, attachment clamp may also include one or more draw-tight, tie-back, ratchet or other similar straps as now known or hereafter developed to secure portable workstation  10  to elements over six inches (6″) thick. 
         [0050]      FIG. 7A  illustrates an embodiment wherein attachment clamp  16  comprises a ratchet bar clamp  112  pivotally coupled to work surface  12 . Ratchet bar clamp  112  comprises a handle  114 , a ratchet arm  116 , a guide bar  118 , a ratcheting mechanism (not shown), and a clamping arm  120 . Ratchet bar clamp  112  may further include a clamp pad  121  that is compressible, for example, rubber, neoprene, a viscoelastic material, soft polyethylene, or other composite material, such that ratchet bar clamp  112  does not damage existing work surface  108  when securing portable workstation  10  thereto. Guide bar  118  may include one or more holes proximate the end furthest away from work surface  108  so that utensils or other items may be hung from guide bar  118  when the clamp is engaged. When not in use, bar clamp  112  may be pivoted about a pivot point  122  such that guide bar  118  is parallel to work surface  12 . Bar clamp  112  may be received into bottom surface  44  of second table section  24  or, alternatively, bottom surface  32  of first table section  22  may be configured to receive ratchet bar clamp  112  so that when portable workstation  10  is folded up, bottom surfaces  32  and  44  lie substantially parallel for compact transportation or storage. 
         [0051]      FIG. 7B  illustrates an embodiment wherein attachment clamp  16  comprises a spring loaded pivot clamp  124  coupled to bottom surface  44  of second table section  24  of work surface  12 . Pivot clamp  124  comprises a handle  126 , a pivot point  128 , a spring (not shown), and a clamping arm  130 . Pivot clamp  124  may further include a clamp pad  132  that is compressible, for example, rubber, neoprene, a viscoelastic material, soft polyethylene, or other composite material, such that ratchet bar clamp does not damage existing work surface  108  when securing portable workstation  10  to it. Bottom surface  32  of first table section  22  may be configured to receive pivot clamp  124  when portable workstation  10  is folded up to allow bottom surfaces  32  and  44  to lie substantially parallel for compact transportation or storage. 
         [0052]      FIG. 7C  illustrates an embodiment wherein attachment clamp  16  comprises a screw-type clamp  134  pivotally coupled to bottom surface  44  of second table section  24  of work surface  12 . Screw-type clamp  134  may comprise an L-shaped bracket or other bracket configured for such clamp  136  and a screw  138  having a twisting head  140 , a threaded body  142  and a bearing head  144 . Screw-type clamp  134  may be connected to workstation  10  by a hinge  146 . Screw  138  may be advanced or reversed by applying torque to twisting head  140  such that bearing head  144  bears against a bottom of the existing work surface  108 . Twisting head  140  may be any handle shape now known or hereafter developed configured for manually applying torque to a screw. For example, a butterfly as shown in  FIG. 7C  or a textured grip may be used. Torque may continue to be applied to twisting head  140  until screw  138  may no longer advances or at some point just prior to that. Screw-type clamp  134  may further include a clamp pad (not shown) on the face of bearing head  144  that is compressible, for example, rubber, neoprene, a viscoelastic material, soft polyethylene, or other composite material, such that ratchet bar clamp does not damage existing work surface  108  when securing portable workstation  10  to it. Screw-type clamp  134  is configured to be hidden during storage and transport. One embodiment includes the L-bracket being pivoted to nest within the notch in second end  40  of second table section  24 . Another embodiment includes rotating the L-bracket back toward hinge  52  wherein bottom surface  32  or  44  of table section  22  or  24  may be configured to receive screw-type clamp  132  when portable workstation  10  is folded up to allow bottom surfaces  32  and  44  to lie substantially parallel for compact transportation or storage. 
         [0053]      FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of portable workstation  10  including first table section  22  and second table section  24  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) each being a substantially similar blow-molded plastic top section  300 . Each blow-molded plastic top section  300  includes a top surface  302 , a bottom surface  304 , a front edge  306 , a back edge  308 , a first side edge  310  and a second side edge  312 . Top surface  302  is substantially planar. Bottom surface  304  may include a plurality of protuberances or depressions  314  in random shapes distributed randomly about bottom surface  304  to help reinforce the bottom surface  304  and/or strengthen the entire table section  300 . Alternatively, bottom surface  304  may include a plurality of horizontal ribs (not shown), longitudinal ribs (not shown), or a combination thereof either inwardly or outwardly disposed to reinforce bottom surface  304  and/or strengthen the entire table section  300 . In the embodiment including ribs or depressions inwardly disposed, the ribs or depressions may extend to and be coupled with top surface  302 . This configuration may also strengthen the overall table top section  300 . 
         [0054]      FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrates yet another embodiment of portable workstation  10  including first table section  22  and second table section  24  (each shown in  FIG. 2 ) each being a substantially similar blow-molded plastic top section  320 . Each blow-molded plastic top section  320  includes a top surface  322 , a bottom surface  324 , a front edge  326 , a back edge  328 , a first side edge  330  and a second side edge  332 . Top surface  322  is substantially planar. Bottom surface  324  may include a plurality of protuberances or depressions  334  in a circular pattern distributed about bottom surface  324  to help reinforce bottom surface  324  and/or strengthen the entire table section  320 . 
         [0055]    From the foregoing, it may be seen that the portable workstation of the present invention is particularly well suited for the proposed usages thereof. Furthermore, since certain changes may be made in the above invention without departing from the scope hereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover certain generic and specific features described herein.