Abstract:
A portable collapsible table, having a foldable supporting frame that supports a table top, the frame including a plurality of legs that are positionable in a first position that positions the table top in a first relatively low position and that are positionable in a second position that positions the table top in a second relatively raised position, the table top including a plurality of wells disposed therein, the wells, the frame and the table top being collapsible so that the table may be folded for ease in storage or transport thereof.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to tables, and more particularly to a folding, portable table. 
         [0003]    2. Brief Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    A variety of tables are known and used. There are portable tables that have foldable legs, such as, “card” tables, which permit the table to occupy less space in a folded condition so the table may be readily stored. However, although these tables are foldable, they also are heavy, and are not readily transportable without considerable effort, or the use of a vehicle. Other attempts have been to provide the table top separate from the frame. 
         [0005]    A number of table frames and table tops are disclosed in the following U.S. patent documents: U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,361 Zheng et al, issued on Dec. 12, 2000; U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,089 Zheng et al issued on May 22, 2001; U.S. Pat. Appln. 2008/0178776, published on Jul. 31, 2008; U.S. Pat. Appln. 2005/0199162 published on Sep. 15, 2005; and U.S. Pat. Appln. 2003/0094123 published on May 22, 2003. 
         [0006]    A need exists for a table that is lightweight and portable and which may be collapsed for storage and transport. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    A lightweight, foldable table that may be readily collapsed for transport or storage is provided. 
         [0008]    According to a preferred embodiment, the table frame is comprised of foldable legs and supports that are slidably and/or pivotally connected to collapse when desired. 
         [0009]    According to a preferred embodiment, the table top is removable from the supporting frame and is constructed to be folded, and the frame is detachable from the table top and collapsible. According to preferred embodiments, the table may be collapsed and folded into a semi-circle. 
         [0010]    It is an object of the invention to provide a collapsible table having a table top featuring a surface with a plurality of beverage holders provided therein. 
         [0011]    It is a further object of the invention to provide preferred embodiments where the beverage holder is comprised of a collapsible sleeve that extends below the table top surface. A beverage container may be placed in the sleeve. 
         [0012]    It is another object of the invention to provide a table having an adjustable height. According to a preferred embodiment, the table top may be positioned at a first height and a second height, as desired. The first height, for example, may be designated as a standard table height of about 24 inches, while the second height may be the height of 36 inches, which can be used for standing, or in connection with bar stool/higher chair type seating. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a foldable table according to my invention showing the table in a raised condition with the legs extended, as viewed looking down on the table from the front left; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of a slider and support members connected thereto, shown separately from the other components of the table; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view looking at the underside of the table top, shown separately from the legs and lower frame support structure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of the frame of the table of  FIG. 1 , shown turned on its side and in a collapsed condition, and separately from the table top and upper support; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the frame of the table of  FIG. 1 , shown separate from the table top and being illustrated in a partially collapsed/partially expanded condition; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a portion of the lower frame support and a leg, in partial view, shown in a condition where the frame is expanded and the legs are positioned for supporting the table top at a relatively lower height. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is an illustration of a carrying case storing the table in a collapsed condition. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0020]    Referring to the drawing figures, a foldable table  10  is shown having a frame  11  and a top  12 . The frame  11  includes a plurality of upstanding legs  11   a , 11   b , 11   c , 11   d , which are vertically disposed and support the table top  12 . Preferably, the legs  11   a , 11   b , 11   c , 11   d  connect with an upper frame support  18  ( FIG. 3 ) that supports the table top  12 . The legs  11   a , 11   b , 11   c , 11   d  preferably have upper ends,  14   a , 14   b , 14   c , 14   d , respectively, which are shown received in the upper connectors  15   a , 15   b , 15   c , 15   d . The legs  11   a , 11   b , 11   c , 11   d  also have lower ends  16   a , 16   b , 16   c , 16   d , respectively, which connect to lower connectors  17   a , 17   b , 17   c , 17   d , respectively. The lower connectors  17   a , 17   b , 17   c , 17   d  preferably form the feet that are designed to rest on a surface, such as the ground or floor, and support the weight of the table  10 . The frame  11  is shown having a lower support  20 . Preferably the lower support  20  comprises a plurality of support members  20   a , 20   b , 20   c , 20   d , 20   e , 20   f , 20   g , 20   h , which are arranged to support the table  10 . According to a preferred embodiment, the support members  20   a , 20   b , 20   c , 20   d , 20   e , 20   f , 20   g , 20   h  each have a first end and a second end. As illustrated in connection with the support member  20   a , the first end  21   a  of support member  20   a  is shown pivotally connected to the lower connector  17   b  with the fastener  22 . The other end or second end  23   a  of the support member  20   a  is pivotally connected to a slider  25  that rides along the adjacent leg  11   a . The slider  25  preferably has an aperture  25   a  therein (see  FIG. 2 ). As best shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  6 , a fastener  22  is used to connect the support member second end  23   a  to the slider  25 . The support member  20   a  preferably is connected to the support member  20   b  at a location between the support member first end  21   a  and second end  23   a . As best shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  6 , the connection between support members  20   a ,  20   b  preferably is a pivot connection that may be made with a fastener  26 . The first end  21   b  of the second support member  20   b  is shown making a pivotal connection to the slider  25  that rides along the second leg  11   b . The second end  23   b  of the second support member  20   b  is shown making a pivotal connection to the lower connector  17   a . A fastener  22  may be used to secure the pivotal connections of the first end  21   b  and second end  23   b  of the support member  20   b  with the respective connections to the slider  25  and lower connector  17   a . As illustrated in the figures, the support member pairs  20   c , 20   d  are connected to the sliders  25  on the first leg  11   a  and fourth leg  11   d , respectively, in the same manner as the pair of support members  20   a , 20   b  described herein, with the first end  21   c  of the third support member  20   c  being pivotally connected to the lower connector  17   a , and the second end  23   c  of the support member  20   c  being pivotally connected to the slider  25  on the fourth leg  11   d . Suitable fasteners are used to make the pivotal connections, such as, the fasteners  26  which may pivotally connect the legs  20   c , 20   d  together and fasteners  22  used for securing the pivotal connections made between the support members  20   c , 20   d  and the respective sliders  25  and lower connectors  17   a , 17   d . Support members  20   e , 20   f , and support members  20   g , 20   h , preferably are secured to the legs  11   d , 11   c  and legs  11   c , 11   b , respectively, and fasteners  22  are used to secure the pivotal connections made with the respective sliders  25  and respective lower connectors  17   d , 17   c , 17   b , as best illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 5 . 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the enlarged view shows the slider  25  having a first arm  25   b  to which the first end  21   b  of the second support member  20   b  is shown pivotally connected with the fastener  22 . The first end  21   g  of the seventh support member  20   g , is shown pivotally connected to a second arm (not shown) of the slider  25  with a fastener  22 . According to preferred embodiments, lower stops  28  ( FIGS. 1 and 5 ) are provided on each leg  11   a , 11   b , 11   c , 11   d , and, more preferably, on each lower leg section  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d , to limit the movement of each slider  25  in the downward direction of the leg. When the table  10  is in a fully open condition, with the frame  11  unfolded as in  FIG. 1 , the sleeves  25  preferably are engaged on or limited by the lower stops  28 . The lower stops  28  are illustrated according to a preferred embodiment comprising annular rings that are disposed about the circumference of each lower leg  11   a , 11   b , 11   c , 11   d , and preferably, the lower stops  28  are mounted on each leg  11   a , 11   b , 11   c , 11   d  with a suitable mounting means, such as, for example, the screws  29 . 
         [0022]    Each leg  11   a , 11   b , 11   c , 11   d  preferably is comprised of two sections, including a first or lower section  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d  and a second or upper section  31   a , 31   b , 31   c , 31   d . The first leg  11   a  is shown comprised of a lower leg section  30   a  and an upper leg section  31   a . According to a preferred embodiment, the leg sections  30   a , 31   a  are telescopic members. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with a preferred configuration, the lower leg section  30   a  of the leg  11   a  is tubular in structure and slidably receives the upper leg section  31   a  therein. The other legs  11   b , 11   c , 11   d  preferably may be constructed in the same manner as the first leg  11   a , with lower leg sections  30   b , 30   c , 30   d  and respective upper leg sections  31   b , 31   c , 31   d , which respectively, are received therein. The upper leg section  31   a  has a first end that is disposed within the tubular lower leg section  30   a , and a second end  14   a  that is connected to an upper connector  15   a . The upper connector  15   a  preferably includes a sleeve  33   a  to which the second end  14   a  of the leg  11   a , and preferably of the upper leg section  31   a , is connected. Preferably, a portion of the upper leg section  31   a  is received within the sleeve  33   a . A suitable fastener, such as, for example, a screw  39 , secures the sleeve  33   a  on the upper leg section  31   a . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , an upper connector  15   b  is shown in an enlarged view having a sleeve  33   b  and a locking arm  34   b , and being secured with a screw  39  to the upper leg section  31   b  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0023]    According to a preferred embodiment, the legs  11   a , 11   b , 11   c , 11   d  preferably are adjustable to allow the table  10  to be set up at different heights. According to one preferred embodiment, the table legs  11   a , 11   b , 11   c , 11   d  are constructed to hold the table top  12  at a first height and at a second height. The first height is obtained when preferably each sleeve  33   a , 33   b , 33   c , 33   d  is resting on each stop  40   a , 40   b , 40   c , 40   d . The second height or a raised height, may be obtained when the upper leg sections  31   a , 31   b , 31   c , 31   d  are raised relative to the lower leg sections  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d , in which they slide. The upper leg sections  31   a , 31   b , 31   c , 31   d  are slidably drawn out from the lower leg sections  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d . Preferably, a locking mechanism is provided to lock the upper leg sections  31   a , 31   b , 31   c , 31   d  at a raised height. According to a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism is shown comprising a retractable pin  55  disposed in each upper leg section  31   a , 31   b , 31   c , 31   d . The retractable pin  55  preferably has a spring (not shown) on one end, and the pin  55  is biased outwardly from the leg in which it sits, so that when the pin  55  is depressed, the pin  55  is biased to return to a protruding position. According to a preferred embodiment, where the locking mechanism is provided on both the upper leg sections  31   a , 31   b , 31   c , 31   d  and lower leg sections  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d , a pin  55  is carried in each upper leg section  31   a , 31   b , 31   c , 31   d , and each lower leg section  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d  preferably has a mating locking mechanism, which is shown comprising an upper aperture  56  disposed in the upper portion of each lower leg section  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d  (see  FIG. 2 ). Each lower leg section  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d  also has a lower aperture  59 . The pins  55  preferably extend through the lower apertures  59  when the upper leg sections  31   a , 31   b , 31   c , 31   d  are lowered and the pins  55  are aligned with the lower apertures  59 . According to a preferred embodiment, the positioning of a pin  55  in a respective lower leg section lower aperture  59  aligns the respective upper connector  15   a , 15   b , 15   c , 15   d  to position the connector arm  34   a , 34   b , 34   c , 34   d  to hold the table top  12  and upper support  18 . 
         [0024]    Although not shown, each upper leg section  31   a , 31   b , 31   c , 31   d  preferably has an aperture therein in which the pin  55  is mounted. When the upper leg sections  31   a , 31   b , 31   c , 31   d  are raised from the lower leg sections  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d , the pins  55  carried on the upper leg sections  31   a , 31   b , 31   c , 31   d  are forced inwardly by the walls of the lower leg sections  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d . In the embodiment illustrated, the pins  55  ride against the inner wall surfaces of the lower leg sections  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d  until the upper leg sections  31   a , 31   b , 31   c , 31   d  are raised to a height where the pins  55  are aligned with the upper apertures  56  of the respective lower leg sections  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d . Optionally, although not shown, a track, key or other structure may be provided as a guide along which the pins  55  may slide when the upper leg sections  31   a ,  31   b , 31   c , 31   d  are raised and lowered. Upon reaching the upper apertures  56 , the pins  55  release and extend through the upper apertures  56  to lock the legs  11   a , 11   b , 11   c , 11   d  in a raised position (see  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0025]    The table top  12  has a top surface  12   a  ( FIG. 1 ) and bottom surface  12   b  ( FIG. 3 ). Preferably, the table top surfaces  12   a , 12   b  are constructed from a lightweight, washable material, such as, for example, polyester, which may comprise a single panel. One preferred material is a polyester 600 denier fabric. The table top  12  preferably is attached to the frame  11 , and may be removably secured on the frame  11  with the use of a suitable securing component. Examples of securing components include surfaces of hooks and loop pile, snaps, threaded seams, welds, cords, posts and grommets and the like. According to a preferred embodiment, the table top  12  preferably is comprised of a flexible panel  19  securely attached to the upper frame support  18  so that when the panel  19  and upper support  18  are installed on the legs  11   a , 11   b , 11   c , 11   d , the table top surface  12   a  is tensioned to provide a firm surface. According to a preferred embodiment, the fabric panel  19  is fixedly mounted on the upper support  18 , and is attached so it may be folded along with the upper support  18  and placed in a carry bag  110  (see  FIG. 7 ). According to alternate embodiments, the table top  12  may be constructed from a removable panel. 
         [0026]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the table top  12  is shown from the underside and revealing the bottom or underside surface  12   b  of the table top  12 . The table top  12  is shown with the panel  19  secured to the upper support  18  with a plurality of bands  60 . The bands  60  preferably are comprised of fabric and more preferably, the same fabric as the table top panel  19 . According to some preferred embodiments, the table top panel  19  and bands  60  may be continuous therewith, with the bands  60  being formed or provided as part of the panel  19 . Alternately, the bands  60  may be attached to the panel  19  at edge seams. Four bands  60  are illustrated, but other numbers and configurations of bands may be used to secure the table panel  19  to the upper support  18 . The bands  60  are shown radially configured, disposed about the perimeter of the table top  12 , and being folded over the edges of the table  10 . Preferably, the table top  12  is foldable, with the upper support  18  and panel  19  being folded together. 
         [0027]    According to a preferred configuration, the upper support  18  is constructed having two sections. In one preferred embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the upper support  18  includes a first upper support section  18   a  and a second upper support section  18   b . Connectors  62   a , 62   b  are provided to connect the first upper support section  18   a  and second upper support section  18   b . Preferably, the connector  62   a  connects with one end  18   c  of the first upper support section  18   a  and an adjacent end  18   d  of the second upper support section  18   b . Preferably, the end  18   c  of the first upper support section  18   a  is pivotally connected to the connector  62   a  with a fastener  22 , and the adjacent end  18   d  of the second upper support section  18   b  also is pivotally connected to the connector  62   a  with a fastener  22 . According to a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , each end of the first upper support section  18   a  and each end of the second upper support section  18   b  makes an independent pivotal connection with a connector  62   a ,  62   b , so that four pivot connections are established, two at each connector  62   a , 62   b . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the connector  62   a  is shown having a floor  63   a  and a pair of side walls  64   a . Similarly, the connector  62   b  may be constructed in the same manner. Optionally, the side walls  64   a  of the connector  62   a  may be tapered or formed with a lip at their free ends to facilitate locking onto the upper support  18 . The connector  62   b  may be similarly constructed. 
         [0028]    The table top  12  is provided to be removably installed on and detached from components of the frame  11 . According to a preferred embodiment, the upper support  18  and panel  19  may be attached to and removed from the lower frame components, namely, the legs  11   a , 11   b , 11   c , 11   d  and upper connectors,  15   a , 15   b , 15   c , 15   d . According to one embodiment, optionally, the table panel  19  may be removed from the upper support for cleaning. According to a preferred embodiment, the panel  19  is fixedly connected to the upper support  18  to provide suitable tension for the table top surface  12   a  when the table  10  is constructed by securing the upper support  18  on the connectors  15   a , 15   b , 15   c , 15   d . The upper connectors  15   a , 15   b , 15   c , 15   d , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , secure the table top  12  on the frame  11 . As shown in the enlarged view in  FIG. 2 , the upper connector  15   b  has a sleeve  33   b  and a locking arm  34   b . The upper connectors  15   a , 15   c , 15   d  also preferably are configured with sleeves  33   a , 33   c , 33   d  and locking arms  34   a , 34   c , 34   d , respectively. Each locking arm  34   a , 34   b , 34   c , 34   d  connects the table top  12  to the frame  11 . Preferably, each locking arm  34   a , 34   b , 34   c , 34   d  connects with the upper support  18  to secure the table top  12  onto the frame  11 . According to a preferred embodiment, as best illustrated in  FIG. 2 , locking arm  34   b  includes a pair of flexible side walls  35   b ,  36   b  and a groove  37   b . Preferably, the groove  37   b  is contoured similar to the configuration of the upper support  18 . According to a preferred embodiment, where the upper support  18  is configured as a tube or circumferential element, the groove  37   b  is radially matched (and is slightly larger than the tube radius) to accommodate the upper support  18  therein. Optionally, the side walls  35   b ,  36   b  preferably may be configured with lips or inturned wall portions which snap over the upper support  18  and hold the upper support on the upper connector  15   b . The side walls  35   b , 36   b  (as well as the upper connectors  15   a , 15   b , 15   c , 15   d ) may be constructed from a resilient material, such as, for example, plastic. The other upper connectors  15   a , 15   c , 15   d  preferably connect with the upper support  18  in the manner described and shown in connection with the upper connector  15   b . The bands  60  or table top panel  19  preferably are connected to the upper support  18  to provide areas of access to the upper support  18  when the panel  19  is installed thereon so that the upper connectors  15   a , 15   b , 15   c , 15   d  may securely connect to locations along the upper support  18 . 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the table top  12  preferably includes a plurality of apertures  50  therein which define openings to wells  51 . The wells  51  preferably comprise pockets constructed of a flexible material that allows for the wells  51  to be folded or collapsed as needed when the table top  12  is folded or collapsed. The wells  51  preferably may be constructed from a mesh material and have a bottom  52  and side wall  53 . According to a preferred embodiment, the bottom  52  and side wall  53  may be formed as a continuous unit, and alternately, the bottom  52  and side wall  53  may be separate components that are attached together to form the well  51 . The side wall  53  preferably has a first end that is attached to, or forms, the bottom  52 , and a second end, opposite the first end, which is secured to the table panel  19 , for example, at the location of an aperture  50 . Preferably, a flange  54  is provided at the aperture  50  and may be used to secure the material forming the wells  51 , such as, for example, the side wall  53 , to the table panel  19 . The flange  54  may comprise a snap ring. Alternate attachment means may be used to secure the wells  51  to the table panel  19 , including, for example, a seam with threads or welds, fabric binding or other securing components that attach the second end of the side wall  53  to the table top panel  19 . 
         [0030]    The wells  51  preferably are dimensioned to hold a beverage container, such as, for example, bottles  100 ,  101 , cans (not shown) or another vessel. The wells  51 , although illustrated as being similar in dimension to each other, may be provided having different dimensions or with varied sizes (e.g., where some wells  51  are larger or deeper than others). In addition, the number of wells  51  may be greater or lesser in number than the four depicted in the drawing figures. 
         [0031]    The table  10 , according to a preferred embodiment, is adjustable in height so that the table  10  may be adjustably positioned to a desired height. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the table  10  is illustrated in an extended or raised condition, with the legs  11   a , 11   b , 11   c , 11   d  in an expanded condition, where the table top  12  is raised away from the lower frame portion  20 .  FIG. 1  illustrates the table top  12  in a phantom-line view representing a lower position. Although not shown, when the table top  12  is in the lower (phantom-line) position, the sleeves  33   a , 33   b , 33   c , 33   d  of the upper connectors  15   a , 15   b , 15   c , 15   d , respectively, are positioned at the level of the upper stops  40   a , 40   b , 40   c , 40   d . Upper stops  40   a , 40   b , 40   c , 40   d  are disposed at the top of each lower leg section  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d , respectively, for supporting the upper connectors and the table top surface  12  at a lowered position (see  FIG. 1 ). The upper stops  40   a , 40   b , 40   c , 40   d  preferably may comprise ferrules or bushings that fit on the ends of the top edge of each lower leg section  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d , respectively. Referring to  FIG. 2 , an enlarged view is shown with the upper connector  15   b  resting on the upper stop  40   b.    
         [0032]    The table  10  may be collapsed from its expanded condition ( FIG. 1 ) to the folded condition (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). The folding of the table  10  is accomplished by removing the table top  12  from the upper supports  15   a , 15   b , 15   c , 15   d , and sliding the sliders  25  along the legs  11   a , 11   b , 11   c , 11   d  in a direction away from the lower connectors  17   a , 17   b , 17   c , 17   d  (see  FIG. 5 ). During the sliding movement of the sliders  25  along each of the lower leg sections  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d , the support member pairs  20   a , 20   b  and  20   c , 20   d  and  20   e , 20   f  and  20   g , 20   h  pivot and move to align with the legs  11   a , 11   b , 11   c , 11   d , as illustrated in  FIG. 4  (showing the collapsed frame  11 ). The table top  12  and upper support  18 , which has been removed from the frame  11 , also may be folded, and may form a half-circle. Preferably, the folding of the table top  12  folds the panel  19  and upper support  18 . The wells  51  also collapse as needed. 
         [0033]    An optional carrying case  110  is provided, and the table  10 , when folded in the configuration shown in  FIG. 4 , may be placed within the carrying case  110  ( FIG. 7 ) for storage and transport. A handle  111  preferably is provided on the case  110 . Although not shown, a handle may be provided on the frame  11 , on the table top  12  (including on the underside surface or side edge), or both, to facilitate transport of the table  10 . 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the table  10  may be folded for storage by first removing the top  12 . The table top  12  preferably may be removed from other components of the frame  11  with the upper support  18  still attached to the table top  12 . The upper support  18  is released from the locking arms  34   a , 34   b , 34   c , 34   d  by lifting and preferably tilting the table top  12  away from the locking arms  34   a , 34   b , 34   c , 34   d . Preferably, this is done by lifting one of the upper support sections  18   a , 18   b  upward relative to the other upper support section  18   a , 18   b . When the upper support  18  is released from each locking arm  34   a , 34   b , 34   c , 34   d , then the table frame  11  (or position from which the top  12  and upper support  18  have been detached) may be collapsed for storage. Referring to  FIG. 5 , to collapse the table  10  from a raised height position, the frame  11  is collapsed by depressing the pins  55  (e.g., inwardly) away from the upper apertures  56  (see  FIG. 6 ) and lowering each upper leg section  31   a , 31   b , 31   c , 31   d  into its respective lower leg section  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d . According to a preferred method, each upper leg section  31   a , 31   b , 31   c , 31   d  carries a pin  55 , and, when lowered into each respective lower leg section  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d , the pin  55  seats in the lower pin aperture  59 . The sliders  25  on each lower leg section  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d  are then slid upwardly along the respective lower leg sections  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d  as the lower support  20  collapses (from its  FIG. 1  position to the collapsed condition shown in  FIG. 4 ), with the support members  20   a , 20   b , 20   c , 20   d , 20   e , 20   f , 20   g , 20   h  pivoting (as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) and moving adjacently closer to each other. Preferably, the sliders  25  are moved closer to each other and may engage each other at the end of the collapsing movement (see  FIG. 4 ). The table top  12  and the upper support  18  attached thereto, for example, may be folded in half to form a semi-circle (in the configuration illustrated where the table top  12  is circular). The frame  11  and table top  12  may be stored together in a carry case or lightweight bag  110  for ease of storage and transport. Although a preferred folding method is discussed, alternate folding methods may be used to collapse and expand the table. Alternately, when the table  10  is in the lowered height position (represented by the phantom-line position in  FIG. 1 ), preferably, the pins  55  may already be seated in the lower apertures  59  formed in each lower leg section  30   a , 30   b , 30   c , 30   d . Then the sliders  25  may be moved upward along the legs  11   a , 11   b , 11   c , 11   d  by bringing the legs and lower supports together and/or moving the sliders  25 . The sliders  25  may move past the pins  55 , and may depress them as they move, but preferably, the pins  55  continue to remain in the lower apertures  59 . 
         [0035]    While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, the description is illustrative and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. These and other various modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described herein.