Patent Publication Number: US-2021177133-A1

Title: Portable table

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority under 35 USC 119 based on Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2019904704, filed on Dec. 12, 2019. The entire subject matter of this priority document, including specification claims and drawings thereof, is incorporated by reference herein. 
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates to furniture and, more particularly, to a portable table for outdoor use. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A variety of portable table designs are known. For example, portable tables comprising collapsible frames are commercially available that can be reduced in size for ease of transportation. Existing portable tables are easily blown over by the wind and are not practical for outdoor use. This includes because air flowing underneath the table lifts the table&#39;s surface upwards causing the table to flip over. 
     Dust, debris and other unwanted materials can also collect on a table&#39;s surface when being used outdoors. This can render the table unusable or unfit for use for food and beverage consumption. This is particularly the case when the table is being used in dusty and sandy environments, such as on a beach. Further, known portable tables with collapsible frames do not collapse in a manner that enable them to be packed into small bags that can be easily carried by a person. 
     In this context, there is a need for improved portable tables. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to the present invention, there is provided a portable table for outdoor use, comprising: 
     a collapsible frame comprising a plurality of articulated frame members, the collapsible frame being movable between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition; and a table surface connected to the collapsible frame, wherein the table surface is flexible such that it expands and collapses when the collapsible frame moves between the expanded condition and the collapsed condition, and wherein the table surface is apertured to allow substances to pass therethrough. 
     Each of the articulated frame members may comprise a pair of pivotally connected supports, the supports being configured to fold together laterally across the portable table when the collapsible frame moves to the collapsed condition. 
     The supports may be configured to fold together inwardly in opposed transverse directions when the collapsible frame moves to the collapsed condition. 
     The supports may be configured to fold together lengthwise across the portable table when the collapsible frame moves to the collapsed condition. 
     A pair of the articulated frame members may be spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis of the portable table. 
     The collapsible frame may comprise a pair of longitudinal supports extending along the longitudinal axis of the portable table in parallel alignment, wherein the pair of the articulated frame members extend transversely between the pair of longitudinal supports. 
     The table surface may be rectangular and extend transversely across a region of the portable table that is bordered by the pair of longitudinal supports and by the pair of the articulated frame members. 
     The portable table may comprise at least one articulated strut, the articulated strut extending from one of the longitudinal supports to one of the pair of the articulated frame members. 
     The articulated strut may comprise a pair of pivotally connected strut members, the strut members being configured to fold together laterally across the portable table when the collapsible frame moves to the collapsed condition. 
     The table surface may comprise flexible netting or webbing. 
     The portable table may comprise at least one leg pivotally connected to the collapsible frame, wherein the leg is movable between a deployed condition and a stowed condition. 
     The leg may pivot about a rotational axis that is aligned generally parallel with the table surface. 
     The rotational axis may extend widthways across the table surface. 
     In the stowed condition, a longitudinal axis of the leg may be aligned generally parallel with a horizontally aligned frame member of the collapsible frame. 
     The collapsible frame may comprise a bearing surface, wherein in the deployed condition the leg bears against the bearing surface and is held in diagonal alignment relative to the table surface. 
     A support member of the collapsible frame that the leg is connected to may comprise a recessed compartment adapted to receive the leg in the stowed condition. 
     The recessed compartment may be dimensioned such that the leg lies flush with a side of the collapsible frame when in the stowed condition. 
     The recessed compartment may comprise an inwardly facing surface that the leg bears against when in the deployed condition. 
     The portable table may comprise a storage compartment that is releasably mountable onto the collapsible frame. 
     The storage compartment may comprise an outwardly protruding lip adapted to rest on the collapsible frame. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is an isometric view of a portable table according to an example embodiment of the invention, wherein a collapsible frame of the portable table is shown in an expanded condition; 
         FIG. 1B  is a plan view of the portable table; 
         FIG. 1C  is a side elevation of the portable table; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the portable table, wherein the collapsible frame is shown in a partially collapsed condition and a storage compartment of the portable table is removed; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of the collapsible frame shown in a fully collapsed condition, wherein the collapsible frame is shown next to a removable support member of the portable table; 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a bag that may be used to store and carry the portable table when it is fully collapsed; 
         FIG. 5A  is an isometric view of a portable table according to a further example embodiment of the invention, wherein a collapsible frame of the portable table is shown in an expanded condition; 
         FIG. 5B  is an isometric view of the portable table of  FIG. 5A  shown with a storage compartment and work surface of the portable table removed; 
         FIG. 5C  is an isometric view of the portable table of  FIG. 5A , wherein the collapsible frame of the portable table is shown in a partially collapsed condition; 
         FIG. 6A  is an isometric view of the storage compartment shown in  FIG. 5B , wherein the storage compartment is viewed from its underside; 
         FIG. 6B  is an isometric view of the work surface shown in  FIG. 5B , wherein the work surface is viewed from its underside; and 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a portable table according to a further example embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A to 3 , an example embodiment of the present invention provides a portable table  10  for outdoor use. The portable table  10  comprises a collapsible frame  12  comprising a plurality of articulated frame members  14 . The collapsible frame  12  is movable between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition. The portable table  10  also comprises a table surface  16  connected to the collapsible frame  12 , wherein the table surface  16  is flexible such that it expands and collapses when the collapsible frame  12  moves between the expanded condition and the collapsed condition, and wherein the table surface  16  is apertured to allow substances to pass therethrough. 
     More particularly, the collapsible frame  12  is shown in its expanded condition in each of  FIGS. 1A to 10 . The collapsible frame  12  is shown in a partially collapsed condition in  FIG. 2  and in a fully collapsed condition in  FIG. 3 . The frame  12  may comprise a pair of elongate longitudinal supports  18  extending lengthwise across the table  10  that are aligned generally parallel with each other. The frame  12  may also comprise first and second outermost articulated frame members  20  that extend transversely between, and are connected to, the longitudinal supports  18 . The first and second frame members  20  are shown located towards, respectively, the foreground and background in each of  FIGS. 1A and 2 . When the frame  12  is in its expanded condition, the two frame members  20  may extend widthways across the table  10  such that they are aligned generally perpendicular to the longitudinal supports  18 . The longitudinal supports  18  and the frame members  20  may, together, form a rectangular-shaped peripheral border of a table top of the table  10 . 
     The collapsible frame  12  may also comprise an innermost frame member  22  that is spaced apart from, and is disposed intermediate, the two outermost frame members  20 . The innermost frame member  22  may be spanned between, and be connected to, the two longitudinal supports  18  and extend widthways across the table  10  when the frame  12  is in its expanded condition. The innermost frame member  22 , the second outermost frame member  20  and the two longitudinal supports  18  may together form a rectangular border that supports the rectangular flexible table surface  16 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 2 , each of the frame members  20 ,  22  may comprise a pair of pivotally connected elongate supports  24 ,  26  that are configured to fold together laterally across the table surface  16  when the collapsible frame  12  moves to the collapsed condition. The supports  24 ,  26  may be connected together using hinges or similar pivotable joining means. Opposed peripheral ends  28 ,  30  of the supports  24 ,  26  may also be pivotally connected to the longitudinal supports  18  using hinges or similar pivotable joining means. In this arrangement, each pair of supports  24 ,  26  may be configured such that a central connection point  32  between the supports  24 ,  26  moves lengthwise across the table surface  16  when the collapsible frame  12  moves into the collapsed condition. For example, the supports  24 ,  26  of both outermost frame members  20  may have connection points  32  that move inwardly into the table  10  in opposed transverse directions when the collapsible frame  12  collapses. The connection point between the supports  24 ,  26  of the innermost frame member  22  may also move inwardly into the table  10  when the collapsible frame  12  collapses. 
     The table surface  16  may be comprised of flexible netting or webbing that is suspended and held taut by the collapsible frame  12  when fully expanded. The netting or webbing  14  may be comprised of interlaced strands that form a plurality of apertures formed in a regular pattern across the surface  16 . The apertures allow granular and particulate materials, such as sand, dust and soil, to pass through the table surface  16  as well as liquids and moving air. The individual strands may be comprised of a material that gives the table surface  16  sufficient rigidity and stiffness to support objects when held taut by the frame  12  yet sufficiently flexible to enable the table surface  16  to collapse or fold with the frame  12  when the table  10  is collapsed. For example, the strands may be comprised of rope, hemp, nylon or synthetic fibers or a plastic-based material. The strands may be arranged in an interlaced pattern such that lengthwise and widthwise strands are perpendicularly or diagonally aligned relative to one another. The frame  12  and its various constituent frame members may be made of wood, plastic, aluminium or other type of suitable material that is strong, lightweight and durable. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1B , the portable table  10  may also comprise at least one articulated strut  34  that extends from one of the longitudinal supports  18  to one of the outermost frame members  20  proximal to a corner of the table surface  16 . The strut  34  reinforces the connection between the longitudinal support  18  and the frame member  20 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , the strut  34  may comprise a pair of pivotally connected elongate strut members  36 , 38  that fold together laterally across the portable table  10  when the collapsible frame  12  moves to the collapsed condition. In the example depicted, the table  10  comprises four of the articulated struts  34  that reinforce, respectively, the four corner points of the rectangular frame section that supports the table surface  16 . 
     The frame  12  may also comprise a support member  40  that is removably attachable to the collapsible frame  12 . The support member  40  may be adapted to support an underside of the table surface  16  when the collapsible frame  12  is in the expanded condition. The moveable support member  40  may comprise an elongate rectangular beam. The beam  40  may be insertable into a position in the frame  12  such that it extends between the innermost frame member  22  and the second outermost frame member  20  and, therefore, extends underneath and supports the table surface  16  in a lengthwise direction. The frame  12  may be provided with a pair of clips or similar retainers (not shown) that hold the beam  40  in position when inserted into the frame  12 . 
     The table  10  may comprise four table legs  42  that are pivotally connected to the frame  12 . Each leg  42  may be movable between a deployed and a stowed condition and pivot about a rotational axis that is aligned generally parallel with the table surface  16 . In the example depicted, each leg  42  is connected to one of the longitudinal supports  18  using a swivel joint such that its rotational axis extends widthways across the table surface  16 . In this configuration, when the leg  42  is in its stowed condition, the longitudinal axis of the leg  42  is aligned generally parallel with the relevant longitudinal support  18  that the leg  42  is connected to. The frame  12  may comprise four lugs  44  that protrude outwardly from the longitudinal supports  18 . The lugs  44  may be positioned on the supports  18  such that when the legs  42  are rotated away from the supports  18  by a maximum permitted extent, the legs  42  bear against the lugs  44  and extend diagonally away from the table surface  16 . The lugs  44 , therefore, stop the legs  42  from rotating any further and secure the legs  42  in the deployed condition. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the table  10  may also comprise a moveable storage compartment  46 . The storage compartment  46  is adapted such that it can be releasably mounted onto the table  10  in its expanded condition. In the example depicted, the storage compartment  46  is dimensioned such that it can be secured within the internal space that is surrounded by the first outermost frame member  20 , the innermost frame member  22  and the two longitudinal supports  18  of the frame  12 . The storage compartment  46  may comprise a hollow rectangular box provided with a cover  48  that is hingedly connected to a lowermost edge of a front side of the storage compartment  46 . The topmost surface of the storage compartment  46  may have a pair of apertures  50  formed therein that are adapted to receive a pair of trays  52 . Each tray  52  may be made of plastic and comprise a recessed circular cup  54  and slot  56  which are adapted to hold, respectively, a bottle and a smartphone. 
     The storage compartment  46  may comprise a lip  58  outwardly extending around a perimeter of the topmost surface of the storage compartment  46 . The lip  58  may be adapted to rest on the first outermost frame member  20 , the innermost frame member  22  and the two longitudinal supports  18  of the frame  12  when the storage compartment  46  is placed in position. In other examples, the table  10  may be provided with clips, or similar retainer means, for releasably connecting the storage compartment  46  to the collapsible frame  12 . 
     To prepare the table  10  for use, the collapsible frame  12  may be moved into its expanded condition by pulling the two longitudinal supports  18  apart from one another. When the frame  12  expands, the flexible table surface  16  is pulled taut by the frame  12  to provide a firm surface capable of supporting objects. The support member  40  may be inserted in between the innermost and outermost frame members  22 ,  20  to lock the frame members  22 ,  20  in place and also provide additional support for the table surface  16 . The legs  42  may be deployed by rotating them until they rest diagonally against the lugs  44 . The storage compartment  46  may then be slotted into the frame  12 . 
     Once prepared, the table  10  may be used for recreational purposes in outdoor environments. Because the table surface  16  is apertured, the surface  16  allows air to pass therethrough which, advantageously, stops the table from being blown over in windy conditions. Granular and particulate materials, such as sand, dust and soil, also advantageously pass through the table surface  16 . The table  10  is, therefore, well suited for environments where these conditions are prevalent, such as on beaches. The apertured surface  16  is also, advantageously, light in weight. 
     To store and transport the table  10 , the storage compartment  46  and support member  40  are firstly removed from the collapsible frame  12 . The frame  12  may then be moved into its collapsed condition by pushing the two longitudinal supports  18  together inwardly into the table  10 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , during this process the flexible table surface  16  collapses with the frame  12  until the surface  16  and frame  12  are in a compact form. The frame  12 , support member  40  and storage compartment  46  may then be placed into a bag. Because each of these components is generally elongated in shape once collapsed, they may be advantageously packed into a backpack-type bag  60 , as depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A to 5C , there is shown a collapsible table  70  according to a further example embodiment of the invention. The collapsible table  70  is materially the same as the table  10  provided in  FIGS. 1 to 3  except that the collapsible frame of the table  70  only comprises two frame members  72  that extend widthways across the table  70  when the collapsible frame is fully expanded. The longitudinal supports  74  of the collapsible frame have a pair of outwardly protruding peripheral ends  76  that, together with a first of the frame members  72 , provide a platform onto which the storage compartment  78  of the table  70  may be placed. As shown in  FIG. 6A , an underside of the lip  80  of the storage compartment  78  may be provided with an elongate channel  82  extending widthways across the lip  80 . The channel  82  may be dimensioned to receive a first of the frame members  72  when the storage compartment  78  is placed thereon. The first frame member  72  is shown in the foreground in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . The storage compartment  78  may also comprise a pair of circular recesses  84  formed in its topmost surface that are adapted to support drinking glasses in use. 
     The collapsible table  70  may also be provided with a removable work surface  86  that is adapted to be mounted onto the collapsible frame of the table  70 . As shown in  FIG. 6B , an underside of the work surface  86  may comprise an elongate channel  88  extending widthways across the work surface  86 . The channel  88  may be dimensioned to receive a second of the frame members  72  when the work surface  86  is placed thereon. The second frame member  72  is shown in the background in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . The work surface  86  may also comprise a pair of slots  90  formed in its outermost edge. The innermost end of each slot  90  may comprise a circular cavity  92  that is suitable for retaining the stem of a wine glass inserted into the slot  90 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a collapsible table  100  according to a further example embodiment of the invention. The collapsible table  100  is materially the same as the table  70  depicted in  FIGS. 5A to 5C  except that the respective sides of the longitudinal supports  102  of its collapsible frame each comprise a pair of recessed compartments  104 . The compartments  104  receive the legs  106  of the table  100  when the legs  106  have been pivoted into their stowed positions. The compartments  104  are shaped complementary to the legs  106  such that the legs  106  lie flush with the sides of the longitudinal supports  102  when stowed. This configuration advantageously enables the table  100  to be transformed into compact form when the table  100  has been fully collapsed for storage in the bag  60 . Each compartment  104  may comprise an outermost bearing surface  108  that is diagonally inclined and faces inwardly into the relevant compartment  104 . Topmost sections of the legs  106  bear against the bearing surfaces  108  when the legs  106  have been pivoted into their diagonally-extending deployed positions. 
     In other examples, the collapsible table may comprise one or more of the following additional features (not shown): a receptacle for receiving a handle of a sun parasol or umbrella; a solar panel and power outlet (e.g., USB port) and/or battery charging station; a speaker and/or radio built into the collapsible frame; a lock on the storage compartment of the table, including with a digital code lock; a digital storage device for storing one or more security codes for recording ownership of the table; one or more hooks for storing objects such as sunglasses and hats; a bag comprised of a mesh material for hanging objects on the side of the table; a chopping board that may be secured to the flexible surface of the table using clips; removable extension pieces that may be attached onto each of the legs of the table to extend their length. 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide a portable table that is suitable for outdoor use, such as on a beach. 
     For the purpose of this specification, the word “comprising” means “including but not limited to”, and the word “comprises” has a corresponding meaning. 
     The above embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims that follow.