Abstract:
A combination writing and drawing table apparatus and method therefore capable of providing a flat writing and drawing surface at an appropriate height for children as well as secure compartments for various writing implements.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates generally to work tables and, more specifically, to a portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus particularly useful for children and method therefor.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Many adults and children of all ages enjoy drawing, doodling and writing. Parents often encourage this behavior to improve the skills that aid in the child&#39;s ability to express him or herself. Additionally, it is often when drawing, doodling or writing as a child that parents and other adults are able to identify special artistic talents. To this end, parents often bring with them drawing paper and various crayons, markers or other writing implements when traveling in order to provide their children with every opportunity to draw or write.  
           [0003]    Several obstacles present themselves to both adults who enjoy drawing themselves and to parents who want to encourage their children to creatively express themselves and hone their writing and drawing skills. First, it is not always easy to find a flat surface suitable for writing or drawing. Even if such a surface is found, however, the table, counteror other space is often at a height either not suitable for children or inappropriate for adults. This is especially a problem for parentsor other adults who need to take children to doctor&#39;s appointments, meetings, or on other errands in which table space at an appropriate height for children is not always available. Additionally, it is not easy for the adult or the child to transport drawing paper, crayons, markers, and other writing implements from place to place. Often times, the drawing paper gets crinkled and the caps come off of the markers making a mess that is both time-consuming as well as expensive to clean up.  
           [0004]    A need therefore existed for a portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus and method therefor capable of providing a flat writing and drawing surface at a comfortable height for both children and adults as well as secure compartments for various writing implements.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    An object of the present invention is to provide a portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus capable of providing a substantially flat writing surface.  
           [0006]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus capable of providing a substantially flat writing surface at a comfortable height for both children and adults.  
           [0007]    It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus comprising at least one receptacle dimensioned to securely hold various kinds of writing implements.  
           [0008]    It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus comprising at least one receptacle dimensioned to receive drawing paper.  
         BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
         [0009]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus is disclosed, comprising, in combination, a platform having a substantially flat top surface and a bottom surface and a front side and a back side, a cover having substantially the same size as the platform and having a top surface and a bottom surface and a front side and a back side, a lower portion of the cover is rotatably coupled proximate the back side of the platform, at least one exterior compartment coupled proximate the top surface of the cover, at least one interior compartment coupled proximate the bottom surface of the cover, a first retractable support member rotatably coupled proximate the bottom surface of the platform, and a second retractable support member rotatably coupled proximate the bottom surface of the platform, the first retractable support member and the second retractable support member are dimensioned to support the platform in a raised position when the first retractable support member and the second retractable support member are fully extended away from the platform.  
           [0010]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for providing a portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus is disclosed, comprising, in combination, the steps of providing a platform having a substantially flat top surface and a bottom surface and a front side and a back side, providing a cover having substantially the same size as the platform and having a top surface and a bottom surface and a front side and a back side, rotatably coupling a lower portion of the cover proximate the back side of the platform, coupling at least one exterior compartment proximate the top surface of the cover, coupling at least one interior compartment proximate the bottom surface of the cover, rotatably coupling a first retractable support member proximate the bottom surface of the platform, and rotatably coupling a second retractable support member proximate the bottom surface of the platform, the first retractable support member and the second retractable support member are dimensioned to support the platform in a raised position when the first retractable support member and the second retractable support member are fully extended away from the platform.  
           [0011]    The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus of the present invention, showing the table in the closed position.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus of FIG. 1, showing the retractable support members partially extended.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus of FIG. 1, showing the retractable support members fully extended.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus of FIG. 1, showing three interior compartments and the cover held in an open position relative to the platform by the rod and groove assembly.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 5 is a back view of the preferred embodiment of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus of FIG. 4, showing two exterior compartments and the cover in an open position relative to the platform.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus of FIG. 4, showing the locking pivot arm assembly in the unlocked position and the rod and groove assembly unengaged.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 7 is a back view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, showing one exterior compartment.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0019]    Referring to FIGS.  1 - 6  reference number  10  refers generally to the preferred embodiment of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus of the present invention. The combination writing and drawing table apparatus  10  comprises a platform  12  having a substantially flat top surface  14  (shown in FIGS. 4 and 6) and a bottom surface  16 . The platform  12  also comprises a front side  18  (shown in FIGS.  1 - 4  and  6 ) and a back side  20  (shown in FIGS. 5 and 7).  
         [0020]    The combination writing and drawing table apparatus  10  further comprises a cover  22  having substantially the same size as the platform  12 . The cover  22  has a top surface  24  (shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 ,  5  and  7 ) and a bottom surface  26  (shown in FIGS. 4 and 6) and a front side  28  (shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 , and  6 ) and a back side  30  (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6). A lower portion of the cover  22  is rotatably coupled proximate the back side  20  of the platform l 2 . In the preferred embodiment, the cover  22  is hingedly coupled proximate the back side of the platform  12 . Preferably, the cover  22  comprises a first hinge  29  (shown in FIG. 4) and a second hinge  31  (shown in FIG. 4). The first hinge  29  is hingedly coupled proximate a first end  33  (shown in FIG. 4) of the cover  22  proximate the back side  20  of the platform  12  and the second hinge  31  is hingedly coupled proximate a second end  35  (shown in FIG. 4) of the cover  22  proximate the back side  20  of the platform  12 . While, in the preferred embodiment, the cover  22  comprises a first hinge  29  and a second hinge  31 , it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus  10  in which the cover  22  is rotatably coupled to the platform  12  by some other mechanism, such as the shaft assembly  37  (shown in FIG. 6).  
         [0021]    The combination writing and drawing table apparatus  10  further comprises at least one and preferably a first exterior compartment  34  (shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 , and  5 - 6 ) and a second exterior compartment  36  (shown in FIGS.  1 - 3  and  5 ). The first exterior compartment  34  is preferably coupled proximate the top surface  24  of the cover  22  and is dimensioned to receive drawing paper (not shown). The second exterior compartment  36  is preferably smaller in size than the first exterior compartment  34  and is dimensioned to receive drawing paper of a smaller size than the first exterior compartment  34 . The second exterior compartment  36  is also preferably coupled proximate the top surface  24  of the cover  22 . While, in the preferred embodiment, the cover  22  comprises a first exterior compartment  34  and a second exterior compartment  36  it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus  10  in which the cover  22  comprises a single exterior compartment  32  (as shown in FIG. 7). In this alternative embodiment of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus, hereinafter  100 , only one exterior compartment  32  is coupled proximate the top surface  24  of the cover  22 .  
         [0022]    Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 6, the combination writing and drawing table apparatus  10  further comprises at least one and preferably three interior compartments: a first interior compartment  38 , a second interior compartment  40  and third interior compartment  42 . The first interior compartment  38 , the second interior compartment  40  and the third interior compartment  42  are coupled proximate the bottom surface  26  of the cover  22  In the preferred embodiment, the first interior compartment  38  is dimensioned to receive crayons (not shown), the second interior compartment  40  is dimensioned to receive drawing markers (not shown) , and the third interior compartment  42  is dimensioned to receive pens and pencils (not shown). While, in the preferred embodiment, three interior compartments are dimensioned to receive varying kinds of writing implements it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus  10  in which the bottom surface  26  of thecover  22  comprises as few as one interior compartment, so long as it is capable of receiving at least one variety of writing implements. Similarly, it should be understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus  10  in which the first interior compartment  38 , the second interior compartment  40 , and the third interior compartment  42  are dimensioned to receive other items often used by children, such as drawing paper, glue, and the like.  
         [0023]    Referring now to FIGS.  4 - 6 , preferably the first interior compartment  38 , the second interior compartment  40 , the third interior compartment  42 , the first exterior compartment  34  and the second exterior compartment  36  each comprise a lid  43 . Each lid  43  is dimensioned to be coupled proximate an upperportion of the first interior compartment  38 , the second interior compartment  40 , the third interior compartment  42 , the first exterior compartment  34  and the second exterior compartment  36 . Preferably, each lid  43  further comprises a shaft  45  (shown in FIG. 4 enlarged and removed to the side although with a shortened shaft) having a first end  47  (shown in FIG. 4) and a second end  49  (shown in FIG. 4). In the preferred embodiment, the first end  47  of each shaft  45  is rotatably coupled proximate a first end  51  (shown in FIGS.  4 - 6 ) of each lid  43  by a first washer and bolt assembly  55  (shown in FIGS.  4 - 5 ). Preferably, the second end of the of each shaft  45  is rotatably coupled proximate a second end  53  (shown in FIGS.  4 - 6 ) of each lid  43  by a second washer and bolt assembly  57  (shown in FIGS.  4 - 5 ). While, in the preferred embodiment, each lid  43  comprises a first washer and bolt assembly  55  and a second washer and bolt assembly  57 , it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the interior and exterior compartments in which either no lid  43  exists or where the lid  43  is coupled by an alternative mechanism, such as by Velcro™ or some other means, so long as the interior and exterior compartments are able to securely hold their contents.  
         [0024]    Referring now to FIGS.  2 - 7 , the combination writing and drawing table apparatus  10  further comprises a first retractable support member  44  and a second retractable support member  46 . The first retractable support member  44  and the second retractable support member  46  are rotatably coupled proximate the bottom surface  16  of the platform  12  and are dimensioned to support the platform  12  in a raised position when the first retractable support member  44  and the second retractable support member  46  are fully extended away from the platform  12 . It should be understood that the retractable support members do not have to be in use for the substantially flat top surface  14  of the platform  12  to be utilized. Preferably, the purpose of the retractable support members are to allow a child (not shown) to sit on the floor and still comfortably write or draw on the substantially flat top surface  14 . Additionally, it should be noted that the first retractable support member  44  and the second retractable support member  46  can also be used when placing the portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus  10  on a table (not shown) or some other place, to raise the table to a more appropriate height for children and/or adults.  
         [0025]    Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 6, the combination writing and drawing table apparatus  10  preferably comprises a rod and groove assembly  48  (shown in FIG. 4) dimensioned to support the cover  22  in an open position relative to the platform  12 . The substantially flat top surface  14  of the platform  12  defines a groove  50  proximate the back side  20  of the platform  12 . The groove  50  is dimensioned to receive a rod  52 . The rod  52  is pivotably coupled proximate the bottom surface  26  of the cover  22 , proximate the back side  30  of the cover  22 . While, in the preferred embodiment, the combination writing and drawing table apparatus  10  comprises a rod and groove assembly  48 , it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus  10  in which other means, such as hinges, are used to support the cover  22  in an open position relative to the platform  12 . It is also quite possible that the cover  22  could be supported in an open position relative to the platform  12  by gravity alone if the cover  22  is coupled to the platform  12  at an angle of greater than ninety degrees.  
         [0026]    In the preferred embodiment, the combination writing and drawing table apparatus  10  further comprises a handle  54  coupled proximate the front side  28  of the cover  22 . Freferably, the combination writing and drawing table apparatus  10  also comprises a locking pivot arm assembly  56  (shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 ). The pivot arm assembly  56  comprises a knob  58  (shown in FIGS.  1 - 4 , and  6 ) coupled proximate the front side  18  of the platform  12 . A pivot arm  60  (shown in FIGS.  1 - 3  and  6 ) is preferably coupled proximate the front side  28  of the cover  22  and dimensioned to communicate with the knob  58  to lock the cover  22  in a closed position relative to the platform  12 . While, in the preferred embodiment, the combination writing and drawing table apparatus  10  comprises a pivot arm assembly  56  it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus  10  which either lacks a locking mechanism altogether or which comprises an alternative locking mechanism, such as Velcro™ or the standard latches found on most briefcases.  
         [0027]    While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention