Abstract:
An improved collapsible portable table suitable for use in both outdoor and indoor environments and on both regular and irregular surfaces, having a tabletop and a two-part support leg comprised of a main support shaft and a stake in telescopic relationship to each other, and an optional stabilization base removably attachable to the stake. The improved collapsible portable table is easily disassembled for transport and storage with components which can be conveniently stored within themselves, is both light weight and durable, comprises safety features to prevent injury to users, and is easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The invention relates generally to portable tables suitable for in outdoor environments as well as indoor use and more particularly to collapsible tables which may be easily stored and transported. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Prior Art 
         [0004]    Portable tables are well-known in the art. Basic designs include the pedestal table, having a tabletop, a single support leg, and a base. Pedestal tables work well in indoor environments but are relatively unstable in outdoor environments. They also are unstable where the surface upon which they are places is somewhat irregular. Another common portable table design is a staked table, having a tabletop and a single support leg which terminates in a pointed end which can be inserted into the ground. Staked tables work well in outdoor environments, though they often experience lateral instability, especially if the pointed end of the support leg is not inserted very deep into the ground. Staked tables, however, are unsuited for indoor use or for use in outdoor environments having a hard ground surface. 
         [0005]    Collapsible tables are also well-known in the art. They are useful in that they can be more easily stored and transported than non-collapsible tables. Many different mechanisms for collapsing tables are known in the art, including disassembly of components, folding of components, telescoping components into each other, and the like. 
         [0006]    While various configurations of portable tables and collapsible tables are known, there is no known portable, collapsible table that is suitable for use in both indoor and outdoor environments on both regular and irregular surfaces. There exists a need for such tables, especially in the fields of recreation and entertainment, such as for hunting, camping, sporting events, and the like. 
         [0007]    It is therefore an objective of this invention to provide an improved collapsible portable table which is suitable for use in both outdoor and indoor environments. 
         [0008]    It is a further objective of this invention to provide an improved collapsible portable table which is suitable for use on regular and irregular surfaces and which is stable on a wide variety of surfaces. 
         [0009]    It is yet a further objective of this invention to provide an improved collapsible portable table which can be easily disassembled for transport and storage. 
         [0010]    It is yet a further objective of this invention to provide an improved collapsible portable table having components which can be conveniently stored within themselves. 
         [0011]    It is yet a further objective of this invention to provide an improved collapsible portable table which is both light weight and durable. 
         [0012]    It is yet a further objective of this invention to provide an improved collapsible portable table which comprises safety features to prevent injury to users. 
         [0013]    It is yet a further objective of this invention to provide an improved collapsible portable table which is easy and inexpensive to manufacture. 
         [0014]    Other objectives of this invention will be evident from the following disclosure. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0015]    The present invention is directed to an improved collapsible portable table. The primary components of the table are a tabletop and a two-part support leg comprised of a main support shaft and a stake in telescopic relationship to each other. In addition, the table comprises a stub for removably attaching the tabletop to the support leg and an optional stabilization base having a collar to removably attach the stabilization base to the stake. The stake has a pointed end, located distal from the tabletop, which is suitable for inserting into a ground surface to secure the table, or which can be fully retracted when the stabilization base is used. Alternately, the stake can be used in conjunction with the stabilization base, with the pointed end of the stake inserted into the ground and the stabilization base flush with the ground for added stability of the table. The height of the table can be changed by telescoping or extending the main support shaft and the stake. 
         [0016]    The removable stabilization base provides increased flexibility to the table of the present invention. When the table is used on substantially flat, soft outdoor surfaces, such as grassy lawns or sandy beaches, the combined use of the stake and the stabilization base provide the table with maximum stability. However, on steeply sloped or irregular terrain, such as where there are close set rocks, the stabilization base can be removed and the table remains stable solely by use of the staked end. On hard surfaces or indoor environments, the stake is retracted and the stabilization base allows the table to be used. 
         [0017]    The components of the table are designed to be easily assembled and disassembled, without tools, so that the table can be easily moved and stored. This feature is particularly useful when the table is being used at outdoor events. The components are further designed such that when disassembled many of the components fit securely within each other, thereby increasing the convenience of storing and transporting the table. All of the components of the table may be constructed of high strength, light weight non-corrosive material, such as aluminum or composite materials, making the table ideal for outdoor use. 
         [0018]    The ease of assembly and disassembly of the table of the present invention also lends itself to the table having interchangeable parts, such as different sized or shaped tabletops, thereby increasing the purposes for which the table may be used. A single table with a large sized tabletop and a small sized tabletop can be used by large groups on some occasions and then by an individual on other occasions. Additionally, different sized or shaped stabilization bases may be used for different types of terrain. This is especially useful for hunters and campers. 
         [0019]    The components of the table of the present invention can be easily and inexpensively manufactured. For example, a single length of metal tubing can be sectioned into the main support shaft and the collar, while another single length of solid metal rod can be sectioned into the stake and the stub. The fasteners can be uniform set screws, and the planar pieces (the tabletop and the stabilization base) can be purchased in bulk with predrilled central threaded apertures. Those skilled in the art will be able to ascertain many other manufacturing efficiencies inherent in the design of the present invention. 
         [0020]    Other features and advantages of the invention are described below. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the tabletop and the stub, with a directional arrow depicting how the stub is inserted into the tabletop. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the main support shaft and the interrelation of the main support shaft and the stub, with a directional arrow depicting how the stub is inserted into the main support shaft. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the stake and the interrelation of the stake and the main support shaft, with a directional arrow depicting how the stake is inserted into the main support shaft. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the stabilization base and the collar, with a directional arrow depicting how the collar is inserted into the stabilization base. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective bottom view of the stabilization base, depicting the circumferential rim. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5A  is an exploded plan view of the table depicting all of the table components. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5B  is a plan view of the table showing the use of the stabilization base with the stake extending below the bottom surface of the stabilization base, with ghost lines depicting the location of the stake within the main support shaft and collar. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5C  is a plan view of the table showing the use of the stabilization base with the stake fully retracted within the main support shaft and collar, with ghost lines depicting the location of the stake within the main support shaft and collar. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5D  is a plan view of the table showing the use of the stabilization base with the stake extending below the bottom surface of the stabilization base and the main support shaft positioned relatively higher on the stake to extend the height of the table, with ghost lines depicting the location of the stake within the main support shaft and the collar. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of the table as used on a substantially soft and level surface, showing the use of the stabilization base with the stake extending below the bottom surface of the stabilization base and inserted into the surface, with ghost lines depicting the location of the second end of the stake as inserted into the surface. 
           [0031]      FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of the table as used on a substantially sloped and rocky surface, showing the use of the stake without using the stabilization base, the stake inserted into the surface between the rocks, with ghost lines depicting the location of the second end of the stake as inserted into the surface. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6C  is a perspective view of the table as used on a substantially hard surface, showing the use of the stabilization base with the stake fully retracted within the main support shaft and collar, with ghost lines depicting the location of the stake within the main support shaft and collar. 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the table having been collapsed and reassembled for storage, with ghost lines depicting the location of the stake and stub within the main support shaft and collar. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0034]    The present invention comprises an improved collapsible table  1 , suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The table  1  comprises a tabletop  10 , a main support shaft  20 , a stub  30 , a stake  40 , a stabilization base  50 , and a collar  60 . See  FIG. 5A . The main support shaft  20  in combination with the stake  40 , and optionally in combination with the stabilization base  50 , supports the tabletop  10  in a substantially upright orientation. The stub  30  removably secures the tabletop  10  to the main support shaft  20 . The collar  60  removably secures the stabilization base  50  (when used) to the stake  40 . The main support shaft  20  and the stake  40  are telescopically engaged such that the height of the table  1  may be adjusted. The stabilization base  50  may be used to further stabilize the table  1 , or it may be removed from the table  1  during use, as further described below. 
         [0035]    The tabletop  10  is substantially planar and may have any suitable size and shape. In one embodiment the tabletop  10  is substantially circular. See  FIG. 1 . In another embodiment the tabletop  10  is substantially square. Other regular and irregular geometric shapes are also contemplated for the tabletop  10 . The tabletop  10  may be substantially solid, or it may contain apertures, vents, or other decorative openings. Multiple interchangeable tabletops  10  may be included with the table  1 , each having a unique size and/or shape and/or surface design, giving the table  1  added flexibility of use. The tabletop  10  is constructed of any suitable rigid material, such as aluminum, stainless steel, wood, or plastic. Where the table  1  is intended to be used primarily outdoors, the tabletop  10  should be constructed of a material which is substantially non-corrosive. 
         [0036]    The main support shaft  20  is substantially cylindrical and hollow. See  FIG. 2 . It has a first end  21 , a second end  22 , an outer wall  24 , and an inside diameter  26 . The amin support shaft  20  is opened at both its first end  21  and its second end  22 . The main support shaft  20  is constructed of any suitable rigid material, such as aluminum, stainless steel, wood, or plastic. Where the table  1  is intended to be used primarily outdoors, the main support shaft  20  should be constructed of a material which is substantially non-corrosive. 
         [0037]    The first end  21  of the main support shaft  20  is removably secured to the tabletop  10  by the stub  30 . In one embodiment the tabletop  10  comprises a central threaded aperture  13  into which the stub  30  may be inserted. In this embodiment the stub  30  is substantially cylindrical and has a first end  31 , a second end  32 , and an outside diameter  35 . The first end  31  of the stub  30  is threaded and suitably adapted to be threaded into the central threaded aperture  13  of the tabletop  10 . See  FIG. 1 . The outside diameter  35  of the stub  30  is just slightly less than the inside diameter  26  of the main support shaft  20 , such that the second end  32  of the stub  30  may be at least partially inserted into the main support shaft  20  at the first end  21  of the main support shaft  20  and removably secured thereto. See  FIG. 2 . 
         [0038]    The present invention contemplates various configurations for removably securing the stub  30  to the main support shaft  20 , such as by cooperating threads located on the second end  32  of the stub  30  and the first end  21  of the main support shaft  20 , or by the second end  32  of the stub  30  being frictionally secured into the first end  21  of the main support shaft  20 . In the preferred embodiment the stub  30  is removably secured to the main support shaft  20  by a first threaded set screw  71 . In this embodiment the main support shaft  20  further comprises an upper threaded aperture  27  located at the first end  21  of the main support shaft  20 . The upper threaded aperture  27  is substantially perpendicular to the outer wall  24  of the main support shaft  20  and passes completely through the outer wall  24  of the main support shaft  20 . The first threaded set screw  71  is suitably adapted to be threaded into the upper threaded aperture  27  of the main support shaft  20  completely through the outer wall  24  of the main support shaft  20 , such that the first threaded set screw  71  when threaded into the upper threaded aperture  27  of the main support shaft  20  engages the stub  30  proximate to the second end  32  of the stub  30  when the stub  30  is at least partially inserted into the main support shaft  20 , thereby removably securing the stub  30  to the main support shaft  20 . This arrangement is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5A . 
         [0039]    The stake  40  is substantially cylindrical and has a first end  41 , a second end  42 , and an outside diameter  45 . See  FIG. 3 . In the preferred embodiment the stake  40  is solid, though it may also be hollow. The second end  42  of the stake  40  is tapered to a blunted point. The outside diameter  45  of the stake  40  is just slightly less than the inside diameter  26  of the main support shaft  20 , such that the stake  40  is suitably adapted to be at least partially inserted into the main support shaft  20 . The stake  40  is constructed of any suitable rigid material, such as aluminum, stainless steel, wood, or plastic. Where the table  1  is intended to be used primarily outdoors, the stake  40  should be constructed of a material which is substantially non-corrosive. 
         [0040]    To insert the stake  40  into the main support shaft  20 , the first end  41  of the stake  40  is inserted into the second end  22  of the main support shaft  20 . The amount of the stake  40  that is permitted to extend beyond the second end  22  of the main support shaft  20  dictates the ultimate height of the table  1 . For a taller table  1 , more of the stake  40  is permitted to extend beyond the second end  22  of the main support shaft  20 , see  FIG. 5D ; for a shorter table  1 , less of the stake  40  is permitted to extend beyond the second end  22  of the main support shaft  20 , see  FIG. 5B . Once an appropriate height for the table  1  is established by correctly positioning the stake  40  within the main support shaft  20 , the stake  40  is removably secured to the main support shaft  20 . 
         [0041]    The present invention contemplates various configurations for removably securing the stake  40  to the main support shaft  20 , for example the first end  41  of the stake  40  may be frictionally secured into the second end  22  of the main support shaft  20 . In the preferred embodiment the stake  40  is removably secured to the main support shaft  20  by a second threaded set screw  72 . In this embodiment the main support shaft  20  further comprises a lower threaded aperture  28  located at the second end  22  of the main support shaft  20 . The lower threaded aperture  28  is substantially perpendicular to the outer wall  24  of the main support shaft  20  and passes completely through the outer wall  24  of the main support shaft  20 . The second threaded set screw  72  is suitably adapted to be threaded into the lower threaded aperture  28  of the main support shaft  20  completely through the outer wall  24  of the main support shaft  20 , such that the second threaded set screw  72  when threaded into the lower threaded aperture  28  of the main support shaft  20  engages the stake  40  when the stake  40  is at least partially inserted into the main support shaft  20 , thereby removably securing the stake  40  to the main support shaft  20 . This arrangement is shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  5 B-D. 
         [0042]    The stabilization base  50  is substantially planar and may have any suitable size and shape, though it is contemplated that the stabilization base  50  will be smaller than the tabletop  10 . In one embodiment the stabilization base  50  is substantially circular. See  FIG. 4 . In other embodiments the stabilization base  50  may have different regular and irregular geometric shapes. The stabilization base  50  may be substantially solid, or it may contain apertures, vents, or other decorative openings. The stabilization base  50  is constructed of any suitable rigid material, such as aluminum, stainless steel, wood, or plastic. Where the table  1  is intended to be used primarily outdoors, the stabilization base  50  should be constructed of a material which is substantially non-corrosive. 
         [0043]    The stabilization base  50  has a top surface  51  and a bottom surface  52 , and the bottom surface  52  of the stabilization base  50  has a circumferential rim  54 . The top surface  51  of the stabilization base  50  is oriented upward, and the bottom surface  52  is oriented downward. The circumferential rim  54  serves to raise the bottom surface  52  of the stabilization base  50  off the surface  100  onto which the table  1  is placed, creating a void under the stabilization base  50 . This configuration permits the stabilization base  50  to provide better stability to the table  1  when the surface  100  is somewhat irregular. 
         [0044]    The stabilization base  50  is removably secured to the stake  40  by the collar  60 . In one embodiment the stabilization base  50  comprises a central threaded aperture  53  into which the collar  60  may be inserted. In this embodiment the collar  60  is substantially cylindrical and hollow, and has a first end  61 , a second end  62 , an inside diameter  66 , and an outer wall  64 . The first end  61  of the collar  60  is threaded and suitably adapted to be threaded into the central threaded aperture  53  of the stabilization base  50 . See  FIG. 4 . The inside diameter  66  of the collar  60  is just slightly larger than the outside diameter  45  of the stake  40 , such that the second end  42  of the stake  40  may be at least partially inserted into and optionally through the collar  20  and removably secured thereto. See  FIGS. 5B-D . 
         [0045]    The present invention contemplates various configurations for removably securing the collar  60  to the stake  40 , such as by the stake  40  being frictionally secured within the collar  60 . In the preferred embodiment the collar  60  is removably secured to the stake  40  by a third threaded set screw  73 . In this embodiment the collar  60  further comprises a threaded aperture  67  located at the second end  62  of the collar  60 . The threaded aperture  67  is substantially perpendicular to the outer wall  64  of the collar  60  and passes completely through the outer wall  64  of the collar  60 . The third threaded set screw  73  is suitably adapted to be threaded into the threaded aperture  67  of the collar  60  completely through the outer wall  64  of the collar  60 , such that the third threaded set screw  73  when threaded into the threaded aperture  67  of the collar  60  engages the stake  40  when the stake  40  is at least partially inserted into the collar  40 , thereby removably securing the collar  60  to the stake  40 . This arrangement is shown in FIGS.  4  and  5 B-D. 
         [0046]    The table  1  of the present invention is designed to be collapsible for easy storage and transportation. The table  1  is collapsed by disassembling one or more of its components. In the embodiments using threaded apertures and set screws to secure the components, no tools are required to disassemble the table  1 . In the preferred embodiment all of the components are disassembled. In the most preferred embodiment the combined length of the stake  40  and the stub  30  is slightly greater than the length of the main support shaft  20  and the combined length of the stake  40  and the stub  30  is slightly less than the combined length of the main support shaft  20  and the collar  60 . After disassembly, the stake  40  and the stub  30  are both inserted into the main support shaft  20  such that only a part of either of the stake  40  or the stub  30  (but not both) extends beyond one end of the main support shaft  20 , and the collar  60  is then placed over the extending part, such that no part of the stake  40  or the stub  30  extends beyond the main support shaft  20  and the collar  60 . The set screws are then used to secure the stake  40  and the stub  30  within the main support shaft  20  and the collar  60  to the end of either the stake  40  and the stub  30  (whichever extends beyond the end of the main support shaft  20 ). See  FIG. 7 . This configuration causes all of the cylindrical components of the table  1  to be stored as a single unit, taking up a minimal amount of storage space. It also safely contains the pointed second end  42  of the stake  40  within the main support shaft  20  or collar  60 , thereby preventing a user from being injured by the pointed second end  42  of the stake  40  when handling the table  1  during storage or transport. The planar elements (tabletop  10  and stabilization base  50 ) are not attached to the cylindrical components or to each other during storage, but may be stored together with them, for example, within a tote bag. 
         [0047]    The table  1  may be positioned on a surface  100  in one of three ways. Where the surface  100  is substantially hard, such as the floor of a building, a concrete patio, or rocky ground, the stabilization base  50  is used, being secured to the stake  40  by the collar  60 . The stake  40  is retracted within the main support shaft  20  such that the second end  42  of the stake  40  extends beyond the second end  22  of the main support shaft  20  sufficiently to be secured to the collar  60  but not enough to extend beyond the second end  62  of the collar  60 . The circumferential rim  54  of the stabilization base  50  is oriented downward and is placed onto the surface  100 . See  FIG. 6C . This arrangement is similar to that of a standard pedestal table. 
         [0048]    Where the surface  100  onto which the table  1  is to be positioned is soft, such as a grassy lawn or a beach, and uneven, such as a sloped lawn or a rocky beach, the stabilization base  50  is not used, being removed from the stake  40 . The stake  40  extends beyond the second end  22  of the main support shaft  20  sufficiently to reveal the blunted point of the second end  42  of the stake  40 . The second end  42  of the stake  40  is then inserted into the surface  100 , thereby securing the table  1  to the surface  100 . See  FIG. 6B . This arrangement is similar to that of a standard staked table. 
         [0049]    Where the surface  100  onto which the table  1  is to be positioned is soft and substantially even, such as a level lawn or a sandy beach, the stabilization base  50  is used, being secured to the stake  40  by the collar  60 . The stake  40  extends beyond the second end  22  of the main support shaft  20  sufficiently to allow the blunted point of the second end  42  of the stake  40  to extend beyond the second end  62  of the collar  60 . The second end  42  of the stake  40  is then inserted into the surface  100  to a sufficient depth to cause the stabilization base  50  to contact the surface  100 , thereby securing the table  1  to the surface  100 . See  FIG. 6A . 
         [0050]    Other possible arrangements of the table  1  may be used to position the table  1  on a variety of surfaces  100 . 
         [0051]    Modifications and variations may be made to the disclosed embodiments of the present invention without departing from the subject or spirit of the present invention as defined in the following claims.