Patent Publication Number: US-2011048288-A1

Title: Portable outdoor utility table

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Appl. Ser. No. 61/237,430, filed 27 Aug. 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference and to which priority is claimed. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with existing outdoor equipment and uses thereof. Outdoor activities often involve clean up and/or preparation tasks for which a portable table would be advantageous. For example, hunting and fishing each involve cleaning and preparing the meat as soon as possible in order to preserve flavor. Camping involves meal preparation and clean up. Often, hunting, fishing, and camping sites may provide basic amenities such as running water but do not provide further amenities for the required activities. Therefore, a versatile outdoor utility table that may be easily transported to the locations of various outdoor activities is desirable. 
     Although attempts have been made in the past to provide portable outdoor tables, each effort has resulted in certain undesirable features. For instance, existing designs suffer from immobility, instability, lack of water supply, and lack of storage among other things. Furthermore, existing designs have been typically directed towards a single particular outdoor activity. Accordingly, it is the purpose of the present application to overcome the deficiencies of existing designs. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a portable outdoor utility table is provided that includes a table top that is bordered on two opposite sides by sidewalls that extend above the top side of the table top. The sidewalls form a boundary that prohibits water runoff along the sides of the table top. Optionally, the sidewalls may extend below the bottom side of the table top as well. The table top is supported at two opposite ends by support structures, each of which include two legs joined by a hip and are maintained in an extended position by a locking brace. Upon release of the locking brace, the supports may be folded up against the bottom of the table top for transport and storage. In one embodiment, the outdoor utility table is provided with a water delivery system that is affixed to the table and includes a spray nozzle connected to one end of a hose and a water supply connection at the opposite end of the hose. 
     In a further embodiment, a customizable outdoor preparation system includes a rigid preparation surface that includes upwardly extending sidewalls along at least two opposite edges of the surface. The surface additionally contains at least one drain along at least one adjacent edge of the surface. Formed in the surface are one or more accessory receptacles, which are configured to receive an accessory peg. Preferably, the peg fits snugly in the receptacle so that any lateral movement of the peg within the receptacle is minimized. Any one of a plurality of accessories, each containing at least one accessory peg, may be releasably secured to the surface by inserting the accessory peg or pegs into any of the surface&#39;s complementary accessory receptacles. In certain embodiments, the rigid surface may be supported by one of a variety of mounting accessories that are installed in one or more of the accessory receptacles. 
     In still another embodiment, a portable outdoor utility table includes a four-sided table top bordered on two opposing sides by sidewalls that extend above a top side of the table top. The table is supported at two opposite ends by pivoting support structures, each of which are secured between the opposing sidewalls and include two legs joined by a hip structure. The pivoting support structures can be folded for transportation and storage with the first pivoting structure folded against the underside of the table top and the second pivoting structure folded against the first pivoting structure. The table is provided with a water delivery system consisting of a spray nozzle and a water supply connection attached to opposite ends of a hose. Formed in the table top are one or more accessory receptacles that are configured to accept one or more accessory pegs belonging to a plurality of accessories. In certain embodiments, the table may contain a drain which is formed for example as a slot extending through the table top at an end of the table or as a sluice which channels water into a low point at an end of the table. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, including features and advantages, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a portable outdoor utility table in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is an end view of the portable outdoor utility table. 
         FIG. 3A  is a top view of the portable outdoor utility table depicting an embodiment of an interchangeable accessory system. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a locking mechanism to secure accessories to the table top. 
         FIGS. 3C-3F  shows several arrangements for pegs and receptacles to secure accessories to the table top. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the portable outdoor utility table having the interchangeable accessory system. 
         FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of a suitable support folding arrangement of the portable outdoor utility table. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a storage compartment accessory compatible with the outdoor utility table. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a fish cleaning accessory compatible with the outdoor utility table. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an oyster shucking accessory compatible with the outdoor utility table. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a waste disposal accessory compatible with the outdoor utility table. 
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of the outdoor utility table illustrating one of the many possible arrangements of the accessories of  FIGS. 6A-9 . 
         FIGS. 10B-100  show alternative support arrangements for the outdoor utility table. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of another portable outdoor utility table according to certain teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of the portable outdoor utility table. 
         FIG. 13  is a plan view of the portable outdoor utility table. 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom view of the portable outdoor utility table. 
         FIG. 15  shows a table accessory with pegs inserted in holes in the table top. 
         FIG. 16  shows a table accessory with a traction surface for the table top. 
         FIGS. 17A-17B  show table accessories with ribs for the table top&#39;s trough. 
         FIG. 18  shows a table accessory having a fixture for attaching to the table top. 
         FIG. 19  shows a clamp accessory for the table top. 
         FIG. 20  is a plan view of the utility table with various accessories disposed thereon. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed herein is a portable outdoor utility table that combines the stability of a stationary preparation surface with the convenience of a portable table. In certain embodiments, a portable outdoor preparation system is provided that is completely customizable to desired hunting, fishing and/or camping uses by virtue of a design that is able to accept various interchangeable attachments. While the making and using of various embodiments of the table are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure provides many applicable inventive concepts, which can be employed in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the disclosed table and do not delimit the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Turning now to the figures, an outdoor utility table  10  in  FIGS. 1 and 2  has a pivoting support  40   b  attached at a tail end  25  of upper horizontal table top  20  and another pivoting support  40   a  at a head end  24  of the table top  20 . Both pivoting supports  40   a - b  are movably fastened to the table top  20  in the depicted embodiment. Opposing sidewalls  26   a - b  define an outer raised edge of the table top  20  along at least a portion of its length. The supports  40   a - b  are movably fastened to the sidewalls  26   a - b , and both supports  40   a - b  can be folded towards the underside  23  of the table top  20 . When fully extended, however, the supports  40   a - b  can be locked in place, such as for example by folding braces  45 . 
     It is contemplated that multiple materials, including but not limited to wood, metal, and plastic, may be used to fabricate the outdoor utility table  10 . In particular, the major structural components of the table can be manufactured out of plastic by molding techniques including but not limited to injection molding, compression molding, and thermoforming. Decorative aspects can be optionally provided by film insert molding wherein an image such as on film or fabric is inserted into the mold prior to plastic injection. 
     The opposing sidewalls  26   a - b  extend above the table&#39;s upper surface  22  along at least some portion of the length of the table. As such, the sidewalls  26   a - b  provide a raised border along the edges of the table. Such an arrangement directs water and waste towards the head end  23  and/or the tail end  25  of the table  10  when performing activities such as fish and game cleaning and food preparation. 
     One or both sidewalls  26   a - b  can also contain a recessed electrical outlet  50  ( FIG. 1 ). Outlet  50  may contain a watertight receptacle cover  52  to reduce the risk of electrical shock. It should be noted that the present design contemplates the optional usage of the table  10  by two people at a time. As such, a further electrical outlet  50  may be provided, such as for example on an opposite side of outdoor utility table  10 . 
     As will be discussed in greater detail below, the table  10  can be used with a number of accessories, one or more of which may require electrical power. A single cable (not shown) can provide electrical power to the electrical outlets  50  and the individual accessories, thereby eliminating need for multiple extension cords. 
     The outdoor utility table  10  is capable of being easily stored and transported to a desired location. When the table  10  is not in use, the pivoting supports  40   a - b  can be folded under the table top  20 . As will be described in greater detail below in  FIG. 5 , the front pivoting support  40   a  is first folded towards the underside  23  of the table top  20  after it is unlocked, such as by disengaging the appropriate braces  45 , as indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 1 . The other pivoting support  40   b  is then pivoted towards the underside of the table surface after it is unlocked as indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 1 . 
     Because the table  10  can be used as a work surface and may be used by two people, the table  10  is preferably stable. In prior designs, work surface stability has suffered as portability increases. The portable table  10  derives its stability from a design of the pivoting supports  40   a - b . By connecting each pair of legs  42  with a hip  44  into a single pivoting support structure, independent leg movement is eliminated for increased stability. 
     In the particular embodiment depicted, each leg  42  additionally contains a brace  46  that is perpendicular to the plane of the leg  42 . As depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , brace  46  extends at least to the foot of each leg  42  to confer stability. Such an arrangement substantially increases table stability because the hip  44  and brace  46  of each pair of legs  42  help stabilize the legs  42  against bowing and guard the table  10  against vibration and rocking. In a particular embodiment, stability is further increased by fabricating the outdoor utility table  10  by injection molding or other types of molding such that the primary parts are the table top structure and the pivoting supports  40   a - b . In this way, the number of assembly points, which may contribute to instability, is minimized. 
     Optionally, as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the outdoor utility table  10  may contain a height adjustable foot  48  on each leg  42  which lowers and raises the table top  20  as it is adjusted, for example by being screwed up into the table leg  42  and unscrewed respectively. Using the adjustable feet  48 , the table top  20  may optionally be slightly sloped from the head end  24  to tail end  25  so that water and waste exit at the tail end  25  for activities in which such an arrangement is desirable. Alternatively, sloping may be accomplished by making the legs  42  on head support  40   a  shorter so that so that water and waste exit at the head end  24 . 
     The opposing sidewalls  26   a - b  are joined to the table top  20 . In the particular embodiment depicted, the table top  20  and sidewalls  26   a - b  consist of a single structure in which the sidewalls  26   a - b  extend both slightly above the table upper surface  22  and below the underside  23  of the table top  20 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, the table top  20  may contain features that allow the outdoor utility table  10  to be customized with a variety of interchangeable accessories according to the desired use. For example, the table  10  may be quickly converted from a breakfast preparation table to a fish cleaning and preparation table. 
       FIG. 3A  is a plan view of the horizontal table top  20  for the disclosed table  10 . At least a portion of the table upper surface  22  can have a textured aspect  34  in order to increase the grip of the table upper surface  22 . Also visible from the top view of the table  10  of  FIG. 3A  is a water delivery system. The outdoor utility table  10  has a hand held spray nozzle  57  for cleaning the table and directing waste towards an end  24 / 25  of the table  10  for activities such as fish and game cleaning. The water delivery system may also be useful for providing water for cooking or for cleaning the table accessories and other equipment. Drainage may be provided by drainage holes or slots, such as drainage slot  32 , that allow water to pass through the table top  20  before reaching the head or tail end  23 / 25  of the table  10 . Alternatively, drainage may be provided by a drain race or sluice manufactured as a sloping depression terminating at a drain end of the table top, as shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 13 and 20 , for example. 
     As will be described in greater detail in reference to the table accessories, drainage slot  32  will be particularly useful when using the waste disposal accessory. The drainage slot  32  may also be covered if desired by the user. The spray nozzle  57  is preferably connected to a flexible hose  56 . To the end of the flexible hose  56  opposite spray nozzle  57  is attached a connector  58  such that flexible hose  56  may be connected to a water supply. Although the present disclosure is not limited by the length of flexible hose  56 , the hose  56  will typically range in length between 3 and 6 feet. When the spray nozzle  57  is not in use, the nozzle  57  can be inserted into nozzle compartment  36  and secured in place by closing nozzle compartment lid  37 . Alternatively, the spray nozzle  57  can be secured by a clip without the requirement of a port hole for compartment  36  defined through the table surface. 
     In certain aspects, the outdoor utility table  10  is additionally equipped with a handle  28  for easily transporting the table  10  in its folded position. While the handle  28  is depicted near the tail end  25  of the table  10 , it might also be located along the sidewall  26   a - b  or head end  24 . In addition, the table  10  can have multiple handles. The handle  28  may be molded or fabricated into or onto the surface of the table top  20  or may be attached by screws or other fasteners. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A , one or more accessory receptacles  30  can be located on the table surface. These accessory receptacles  30  may extend entirely or partially through the table top  20 . As will be described in greater detail below, each of these receptacles  30  can accept an accessory peg or post (not shown) that is attached to accessories. The disclosed table  10  is not limited by the size, shape, design, or placement of the receptacles  30  and/or pegs as multiple designs of the accessory system are contemplated. For example, the accessory receptacles  30  and matching pegs may have varying cross-sectional shapes including, but not limited to, round, square, rectangular, or hexagonal. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 3B , a peg  60   a  of an accessory can have a locking mechanism  62  that allows the peg  60  to be inserted into a receptacle  30  of  FIG. 3A  from above and snap firmly against the underside  23  of the table top  20  as it passes through the receptacle  30 . The locking mechanism  62  may have springs  64  that cause the locking mechanism  62  to expand on the underside  23  of the table top  20  preventing removal of the accessory. Release of accessory having this locked mechanism  62  can be accomplished by compressing springs  64  of locking mechanism  62  between the thumb and forefinger. The accessory may alternatively contain a release, which compresses the springs  64  of each of the pegs  60   a  for the accessory without the need to compress the springs  64  for each peg  60   a . Other locking mechanisms are available such as for example, ball and socket pull apart locking mechanisms, tension rings, etc. 
     Alternatively as shown in  FIG. 3C , a peg  60   b  for an accessory can lack a locking mechanism and can instead insert in a receptacle  30   b  partially defined in the table top  20 . As shown in  FIG. 3D , a peg  60   c  can be sufficiently long that it extends in a deep receptacle  30   c  through the table top  20  and can be dislodged from the table receptacle  30   c  by an upward pull. 
     Alternatively as shown in  FIG. 3E , the receptacle  30   d  can accept a receptacle cover  31   a , such as cap or plug, to seal the receptacle  30   d  when unused. Typically, the receptacle  30   d  can be covered with the cover  31   a  that can be removed to accommodate a particular accessory peg. The receptacle  30   d  can be internally threaded, and the receptacle cover  31   a  can be threaded into the receptacle  30   d.    
     Alternatively as shown in  FIG. 3F , a receptacle cover  31   b  can be mounted in a receptacle  30   e  and biased by a spring. The cover  31   b  can be displaced when an accessory peg  60   d  is inserted into the receptacle  30   e . Yet, the cover  31   b  can spring back into the receptacle  30   e  when the accessory is removed. 
     A perspective view of the outdoor utility table  10  of  FIGS. 1 through 3A  is shown in  FIG. 4 . The table upper surface  22  can range from 2 to 3 feet wide and 3 to 5 feet long and can stand approximately 3 to 4 feet in height. Although depicted as generally rectangular, the table top  20  can have a variety of shapes including square, hexagonal, oval, etc. It should be noted that the above referenced dimensions allow ample space for two people to use the table while allowing each person access to any necessary equipment. It can also be seen that each user has convenient access to each of the table features and/or accessories. For instance, the placement of the electrical receptacles  50  provides access to each user and the flexible hose  56  allows each user convenient access to the spray nozzle  57 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 4 , drainage for the table top surface  22  can use a central depression that forms a slice or race  33  for directing water off the table top surface  22 . As shown, the slice  33  can be utilized with a drainage slot  32  and can be a depression that runs to the end of the drain end of the table  10 . 
     Because the table  10  can be used as a work surface for one or two people, the table  10  is designed so that its portability does not compromise stability. Here again, the table  10  depicted in  FIGS. 1-5 , it can be seen that both the pivoting supports  40   a - b  each contain two legs  42 . It can also be seen that a pivoting mechanism  41  extends through the sidewall  26   a - b  and into the pivoting supports  40   a - b . The pivoting mechanism  41  may be installed on each side of a pivoting support  40   a - b  and extend through the sidewall  26   a - b  and only partially into the pivoting support  40   a - b . Alternatively, a single pivoting mechanism  41  may extend through the entire width of the pivoting support  40   a - b  and through to the opposing sidewalls  26   a - b  like an axle. Because the front pivoting support  40   a  folds against the top&#39;s underside  23  and the back pivoting support  40   b  folds against the front pivoting support  40   b , the pivoting mechanism  41  for the front pivoting support  40   a  is located closer to the underside  23  than for the back pivoting support  40   b.    
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of one folding support arrangement for the outdoor utility table  10 . In this view, the front pivoting support  40   a  has been folded underneath the table  10  for transport or storage. The front pivoting support  40   a  rests flat against the underside  23  of the table top  20 . When folded, the perpendicular brace components  46  of the legs  42  of front pivoting support  40   a  run parallel to the sidewalls  26   a - b  with only a small gap between to accommodate the locking mechanism, such as braces  45 . Alternatively, a different locking method may obviate the need for a gap between the front pivoting support&#39;s legs  42  and the sidewalls  26   a - b . For example, the pivoting mechanism  41  may contain a means for locking the support  40   a  in an extended position. 
     The back pivoting support  40   b  is folded under the table  10  by unlocking the locking mechanism (e.g., brace  45 ) and pivoting the support  40   b  towards the underside  23  of the table  10 . As can be appreciated, the perpendicular braces  46  of the back pivoting support  40   b  rest parallel to and to the inside of the perpendicular braces  46  of the front pivoting support  40   a . Because the back pivoting support&#39;s brace components  46  are offset from the sidewalls  26   a - b  to allow the pivoting supports  40   a - b  to fold together, the back pivoting support  40   b  contains a bracket tab  47   b  on each leg  42  that accommodates for the offset and ensures that the braces  45  run parallel to the sidewalls  26   a - b . When the back pivoting support  40   b  is folded underneath the table  10 , the bracket tabs  47   b  align with the tab recesses  47   a  of the front pivoting support  40   a . Again, the need for bracket tabs and recesses  47   a - b  may be obviated when an alternate locking mechanism is used. It can therefore be seen that when the pivoting supports  40   a - b  are folded under the table  10 , the supports  40   a - b  fit neatly within the width of the sidewalls  26   a - b . In its folded position, the outdoor utility table  10  is very compact and can be stored or transported with ease. 
     A few of the many contemplated accessories will now be described beginning with a storage compartment accessory  70  depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 10A . As can be seen in  FIG. 10A , the storage compartment accessory  70  may be directly affixed to the table  10  in an essentially permanent way or may be removably attached via one or more accessory pegs  60  that fit into the accessory receptacles  30  along the table  10 . 
     The storage compartment  70  is designed to span the width of the table and fit snugly between opposing sidewalls  26   a - b . Alternatively, the storage compartment  70  may be shorter and not extend across the width of the table top  20 . If the receptacles  30  are placed equidistant from each other in both longitudinal and widthwise dimensions, the storage compartment  70  can be optionally placed parallel to a long axis of the table top  20 . Although the storage compartment  70  may be installed anywhere along the length of the table  10 , the compartment  70  is preferably installed near one tail end  25  of the table  10  in order to define a working surface separate from a small convenience surface for accessories such as drink holders. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the storage compartment  70  has a top  72  that attaches to the storage compartment  70  by one or more hinges. The top  72  may be opened as indicated by arrow to allow for the storage of equipment such as knives, bags, and other utensils within storage compartment  70 . In a particular embodiment, the top  72  may also be maintained in the closed position by utilizing a locking mechanism installed between the top  72  and the body of the storage compartment  70 . The storage compartment top  72  contains a slot  74  through which items such as plastic storage bags or cleaning items may be dispensed. As an item is dispensed, the subsequent item will be partially pulled through the slot  74 . This feature allows the desired items to be isolated from the working surface until they are needed. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a fish cleaning accessory  75  having at least one clamp  76  that secures a fish to the accessory surface  77 . As shown, for example, the fish cleaning accessory  75  contains one or more mounting pegs  60 . The fish cleaning accessory  75  features a single cylindrical mounting peg  60 . Because the fish cleaning accessory  75  is held in place only at the insertion point of the single cylindrical mounting peg  60  into a single receptacle  30 , the user is free to rotate the fish cleaning accessory  75  about the peg  60  as indicated by arrow in order to locate the accessory  75  in the most comfortable position. Once the accessory  75  is located in the proper position, the user can clean and filet the fish held by clamp  76 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , an oyster shucking accessory  80  is depicted. The oyster shucking accessory  80  contains one or more pegs  60  that can affix the accessory  80  to the table via receptacles  30 . The user places an oyster shell into the channel  82  of the accessory  80 . The channel  82  supports the oyster shell and allows the user to pry open the shell and retrieve the oyster. 
     Particularly useful in combination with accessories such as the fish cleaning accessory  75  and the oyster shucking accessory  80  is a waste disposal accessory  85  such as depicted in  FIG. 9 . Unlike most of the accessories, the waste disposal accessory  85  positions at the end of the table top  20 . The waste disposal accessory  85  contains converging sidewalls  89  that preferably have ends for sitting flush against opposing sidewalls  26   a - b  as shown in  FIG. 10A . The converging sidewalls  89  direct water and waste towards the center at the end of the table top  20  as shown in  FIG. 10A . The converging sidewalls  89  may slightly overlap the drainage slot  32  so that water is directed into the drainage slot  32 . The waste products that pass over the drainage slot  32  can fall off the end of the table  10 . 
     Affixed to the converging sidewalls  89  is the disposal container holder  86  which hangs over the end of the table top  20 . A disposal container (not shown), such as a garbage bag, may be suspended between the prongs or arms  87  of the disposal container holder  86  to catch the waste products that pass over the drainage slot  32  and fall off the end of the table  10 . As shown, slots are formed in each arm  87  of the disposal container holder  86 . A top edge of the garbage bags is easily slipped into opposing slots of each arm  87  to securely hold garbage bags. The drainage slot  32  can be located slightly upstream of the front pivoting support  40   a  such that the water is drained on the upstream side of the pivoting support  40   a  and the disposal container  85  hangs on the opposite side of the pivoting support  40   a  in a manner which reduces the water drainage contacting the outside of the disposal container. 
       FIG. 10A  depicts one of the many possible arrangements of the accessories of  FIGS. 6A-9  installed on the outdoor utility table  10 . Further optional accessories are depicted including electric coffee pot  90   a , electric lamp  90   b  and electric fillet knife  90   c , each including an accessory peg  60  for releasability attaching to the table top  20 . Although the depicted electric accessories  90   a - c  are shown with electric cords, certain of the accessories may alternatively be powered by rechargeable batteries depending on their voltage requirements. 
     A cooktop accessory  90   d  is provided that is affixed to the table top  20  by the peg and receptacle mechanism. In one embodiment, the cooktop accessory  90   d  is an induction cooktop that heats only the ferrous cooking vessels used in conjunction with it and otherwise delivers no residual heat to the table top  20 . 
     Further examples of contemplated accessories include knife storage. The knife storage may be in the form of a knife block that is attached to the table surface by the peg and receptacle mechanism. Alternatively, the knife storage may be a magnetic strip that is affixed to the table. Further accessories include peg mountable receptacles such as for scalers, peelers, scissors, drinks, music players, etc. It should be noted that  FIG. 10A  does not illustrate a required placement of the depicted accessories but provides an example of one of many possible arrangements. Furthermore, the application is not intended to be limited by the described accessories. Rather, the described accessories were chosen to illustrate the wide variety of accessories that may be accommodated by the outdoor utility table  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10A  and elsewhere, the table top  20  may be provided with attached legs  42 . Yet, various mounting devices and/or legs may be provided as accessories. In certain aspects, table legs can be fitted with pegs or posts that engage table top receptacles  30  from the underside  23  of the table top  20 . Alternatively, table top  20  can be designed to be supported by one or more mounting accessories, such as for example a trailer hitch accessory that secures table top  20  to a vehicle trailer hitch or a bed mount accessory that allows table top  20  to be supported on a truck bed or other surface. 
     For example,  FIG. 10B  shows the table  10  having one support  40   a  at the front edge  24  and another support  40   c  at the back edge  25 . The front support  40   a  can have the one or more foldable legs  42  as described previously. The back support  40   b , however, includes a trailer hitch accessory  43  that may or may not be pivotably attached to the underside of the table top  20 . Either way, the accessory  43  has a hitch receptacle that fits onto a conventional trailer hitch  49   a  of a vehicle or the like. In this way, a user can unfold the supports  40   a / 40   c  from the table top  20  and secure the table top  20  behind a vehicle. The front support  40   a  can hold the front of the table top  20  and may provide most of the stability. The hitch accessory  43  can support the back of the table top  20 . 
       FIG. 10C  shows a somewhat similar arrangement. Here, the table top  10  has one support  40   a  at the front edge  24  and another support  40   d  at the back edge  25 . Again, the front support  40   a  can include the one or more foldable legs as described previously. The back support  40   d , however, includes a bed mount accessory that allows table top  20  to be supported on a truck bed or other surface  49   b  of a vehicle. This back support  40   d  may or may not foldably attach to the table top  20 . In any event, the accessory of back support  40   d  can be shaped to fit the configuration of the particular surface on which it is to be used for support. 
     Another portable outdoor utility table  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 11-14  has a table top  110  supported on its back or tail end by pivotable legs  160   a - b  and on its front or head end by pivotable legs  170   a - b . As best shown on its top surface  112  in  FIG. 12 , the table top  110  defines sidewalls  120   a - b  along lengthwise edges and defines sidewall  122  along head edge. A central portion  113  of the top surface  112  is raised so that a sluice or trough  124  is defined around the lengthwise and head edges of the table top  110 . The sidewalls  120   a - b / 122  can be the same height or different height than the raised central surface  113  of the table top  110 . 
     This trough  124  serves to channel liquid running off the central raised portion  113  of the top surface  112  toward a drainage opening  126  at the head of the table top  110 . The sidewalls  120   a - b / 122  keep the liquid in the trough  124 . Although not shown, the tail edge of the table top  110  can have a sidewall and can define a portion of the trough  124  to bring liquid to the drainage opening  126 . As noted previously, the table top  110  is preferably inclined slightly with the tail end being higher than the head end to facilitate the flow of liquid to the drainage opening  126 . Although one opening  126  is shown, the trough  124  can have additional openings at various places. 
     To support the table top  110  and as best shown in  FIGS. 11 and 14 , a pair of tail legs  160   a - b  attach near back corners of the top&#39;s underside  114 , and a pair of head legs  170   a - b  attach near front corners of the top&#39;s underside  114 . Each of these legs  160   a - b / 170   a - b  can be the same and can pivot inward to the top&#39;s underside  114 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the tail legs  160   a - b  are disposed more toward the edges than the head legs  170   a - b . In this way, the legs  160   a - b / 170   a - b  fit side-by-side when the legs  160   a - b / 170   a - b  fold inward against the top&#39;s underside  114 . 
     When the legs  160   a - b / 170   a - b  fold inward, the table top  110  can be carried using one or more handles. As shown in  FIG. 14 , for example, one of the longitudinal edges along the top&#39;s underside  114  has a handle  117 . As shown, the handle  117  can include a retractable grip that springs into a nook  115  in the bottom edge when not used. Other types of handles could be used, including fixed and recessed handles. 
     As shown on the topside  112  in  FIGS. 11-13 , a storage container  150  fits along the tail edge of the table top  110 . This container  150  defines a compartment  152  and can have a hinged cover  154 . The container  150  can be permanently affixed to the table top  110  or can removably attach using pegs, fasteners, or the like. 
     Next to the container  150  at the edges, the table top  110  has holders  130  with various receptacles  132  defined therein. These holders  130  can be integral components of the table top  110  or can be removable accessories. In any event, the holders  130  can be used to hold any number of useful items including drinks, spices, tools, or the like in the various receptacles  132 . 
     As also shown on the topside  112  in  FIG. 13 , various slots  116 / 118  are defined near the tail end. These slots  116 / 118  can pass entirely through the table top  110  or may only be partially defined in the top surface  112 . In any event, for those extending through the top  110 , the slots (e.g.,  116 ) can be used to hold knives or other tools useful for use with the table  100 . 
     As also shown in the side and front views of  FIGS. 11-12 , another accessory for the table  100  includes a basket  180 . As best shown in  FIG. 11 , the basket  180  can have a wire frame  182  with a mesh  184  disposed thereon. The top of the basket  180  can be opened at the head edge of the table top  110  so that debris pulled off the table top  110  and/or passed through drainage opening  126  can be trapped in the basket  180 . If desired, a trash bag (not shown) can be used to line the basket  180 . 
     The back of the basket  180  attaches to the head legs  170   a - b  so the basket  180  can be pivoted and collapsed against the underside  114  when the table  10  is stored or carried. To help support the basket  180  open, pivot arms  186  extend from the head legs  170   a - b  to the front, top edge of the basket  180 . The pivot arms  186  help keep the top of the basket  180  open when unfolded as shown. 
     As noted previously, a number of accessories can be used with the disclosed table  100 . The accessories described previously include a storage compartment, a fish cleaning board, an oyster shucking block, a waste disposal holder, a drink holder, a cooktop, a coffee pot, a lamp, a fillet knife, and a knife block. At each corner, for example, the table top  110  has projections  140  with slots or receptacles  142  defined therein for any of the various accessories. These projections  140  preferably extend from the edges of the table top  110  to maintain more surface area for the table&#39;s work space, although this is not strictly necessary. 
     The slots or receptacles  142  can receive pegs or feet of any number of accessory items as disclosed herein. Although only four such projections  140  are shown, more could be provided along the edges of the table top  110 . As shown in the side and front views of  FIGS. 11-12 , for example, one accessory that can fit into the slots  142 , especially at the tail end of the top  110 , can be an accessory bar  200  with hangers  202 / 204  or the like. A number of useful items can be hung on the accessory bar  200 , including a water hose  210  with nozzle as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     As described previously, some of the accessories disclosed herein include pegs that fit into various slots in the table  100 . Accordingly, additional slots or receptacles can be defined elsewhere on the table top  110  similar to what has been previously described. For example, one or more slots (e.g.,  144 ;  FIG. 13 ) can be defined along the sidewalls  120   a - b / 122 . Also, one or more slots (e.g.,  146 ;  FIG. 13 ) can be defined on the raised surface  113 . 
     The slots  142 / 144 / 146  can receive pegs for accessories. As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 20 , for example, a table accessory  220   a  can have pegs  226  that insert in the slots  146  in the table top&#39;s surface  112 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 20 , an accessory  220   a  can have a peg to fit into the slot  144  on the sidewall  120   a.    
     Alternatively, the table top  110  can lack such slots and may only have the peg holes  142  in the projections  140  as shown in  FIG. 13 . Yet, various accessories can still be used on the table top  110 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , an accessory  220   b , such as a work block, can have a textured underside  222  that engages the surface  112  of the top  110  so the accessory  220   b  can be held in place during use. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 20 , the table top  110  can have a textured surface  148  for the accessory  220   b.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 17A and 20 , an accessory  220   c  can have a rib  224  along at least one edge. This rib  224  can be sized to fit into the trough  124  of the table top  110 . The rib  224  on the accessory  220   c  could alternatively be a thin plate or bar to fit into one of the slots ( 116 / 118 ;  FIG. 13 ) to hold the accessory  220   c  on the table top  110 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 17B and 20 , another accessory  220   d  that is wide enough can have ribs  224  along two opposing edges so they can fit into opposing sides of the trough  124  along the lengthwise edges of the table top  110 . As shown in  FIGS. 18 and 20 , an accessory  220   e  can have one or more fixtures  230  for attaching in one of the slots  116 / 118  in the top  110 . This fixture  230  can includes a bar or plate with fasteners at each end. As shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , a clamp  240  or other type of holder can affix in one of the slots  116 / 118  in the raised surface  113  to hold a desired work piece, such as a fish during cleaning. 
     Although the table top  10  of  FIGS. 1-5  has been described with various features and the table top  100  of  FIGS. 11-14  has been described with the same or additional features, it will be appreciated with the benefit of the present disclosure that the features associated with one table top can be mixed, matched, and replaced with those of the other table top, producing additional implementations. 
     From the preceding description, it can be seen that the disclosure provides an outdoor table, which not only improves upon existing designs by increasing stability, but also provides an opportunity for a user to customize the table to the user&#39;s specific needs by installing one or more desired interchangeable accessories. It can also be appreciated that the design of the outdoor utility table increases the ease of use of the table. 
     From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of the disclosed table, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes to the claims that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.