Abstract:
A Universal Table with an organizational base, table, connecting, holding, supporting, and adjusting mechanisms for use beside any seating, reclining, or bed-type furniture is disclosed. The base provides ballast for the table and other attachments, and provides areas for storing desired supplies. The connecting devices and mechanisms allow positioning of a table and other attachments in relation to the base and to the seating/reclining/laying furniture. The table has the following adjustment features: it slides from left to right; it is adjustable closer or further away from a user; it is tiltable, past perpendicular; it swivels and rotates about its vertical support; and it is adjustable in height. Accessories can be added to the Universal Table at the base, table, and to the upright supports.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Disclosure Document filed Mar. 8, 1999, U.S. Pat. No. 452,653 
     Utility patent application filed Jan. 11, 2001, Ser. No. 09/759,572; 
     Provisional Patent Application filed Jul. 30, 2001, Ser. No. 60/308,391 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of devices that support objects adjacent to a person in a seated, reclining, or laying position, i.e. convenience tables. More particularly, the present invention relates to convenience tables that are multi-functional, freestanding, adjustable, and attractive. 
     The field of convenience tables is dominated by devices that are designed for a single purpose or for a very narrow range of applications. Examples of such tables are end tables, coffee tables, book holders, foldaway tables that attach to furniture, tables for use with hospital beds, and craft tables, snack and TV trays. Many of these tables are lightweight and easily tipped. 
     One drawback of the support surfaces provided by end tables is the inconvenient location of the table surface relative to an occupant in the seating unit. The table surface of an end table is placed beside rather than directly in front of a seated occupant. The occupant must twist to retrieve a plate or glass from the end table, or twist to eat from the plate placed on the end table. 
     Use of coffee tables also requires leaning forward. Even those tables that have mechanisms to move a portion of the coffee table into closer proximity to the user require leaning forward while raising or lowering the moveable portion. 
     A similar problem exists with the use of snack trays, also called TV trays. The tray legs prevent the user to position the tray close enough to use, for eating, writing, or other activities, without having to lean over. This puts stress on the user&#39;s back, causing pain for many people. In order to move the tray to rise from the seat, the user must lift the tray up and forward or twist to the side to re-position it out of the way. Again, this is difficult for many people. Use of a TV tray is also difficult, if not impossible, when seated in a recliner with an extended footrest, or in a bed. 
     Hospital bed trays have an extended support leg that is often too high in profile for most beds in homes; does not work with a waterbed at all; and interferes with placement in front of or beside most chairs, especially those with extended footrests. 
     Book holders are not designed to be supportive of dishes, games, and other objects in a level position. 
     Craft tables are usually designed with pre-determined bulky cavities that are often not adaptable for other uses. 
     Foldaway tables must be cleared of all items before being removed from in front of the user. This may require the assistance of a second person, therefore is not an option for many people. 
     Many of these tables do not provide storage areas for supplies needed for activities, such as magazines or papers, remote controls, writing, art, or eating utensils, an ice bucket, or plants. They also do not provide for the attachment of additional accessories, such as a magnifying glass, a light, an electronic game holder, a phone holder, an umbrella, or fishing rod holder. 
     Many of these devices are largely utilitarian in design and lack a pleasing appearance. Further, most of these devices are designed for use exclusively inside a living space or business, or are designed exclusively for outdoor use. 
     An adjustable table as shown in L. Posly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,144,898 (expired), has a T-shaped base as ballast with an extension leg that does not fit under or in front of many chairs (rockers, recliners), prohibiting placement of the table top in proper relationship to the user. This table is to be ‘mountable’ to chairs. The T-shaped base has no other purpose than support. 
     A cabinet and table assembly for use with seating apparatus shown in F. Cauffiel, U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,599 &amp; 5,839,780, and table with movable top surface shown in S. Hoffman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,086 &amp; 5,549,052, each provide a horizontally disposed table surface in front or beside the user, but no provision is allowed for a tiltable surface for reading or writing. 
     Tables with base plates shown in F. Cauffiel, U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,917, 5,606,918, 5,479,865, and 5,293,825, will be supported only when the base plate is placed under a support of a chair leg (or wheel) and thus will not stand alone. These tables rely upon the weight of a seating apparatus for stabilization and supporting means. These tables will not adapt to use with rocking chairs, lawn chairs, nor chairs on rollers or castors. 
     A table attached to a chair is shown in D. Ervin U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,702 with a mechanism that is mounted to the bottom frame of the chair, with the table to be stored under the chair, then pulled out and pivoted to a vertical position for use. This table is limited to the chair to which it is bolted, and the mechanism can not be transferred to all designs of chairs, i.e. rockers, platform rockers, four-legged chairs, lawn chairs, wheelchairs, chairs on rollers or castors, or beds. There are only two basic positions for the table: a fold-away position and a vertically extending position in front of the chair. The table support leg must be re-positioned from horizontal to vertical for use. Thus it is not designed to be in a ready-to-use position. 
     Thus, there exists the need for an attractive Universal Table, that stands alone, that is positional on the left or right side of a multiplicity of seats, reclining, or bed-type furniture, that provides a storage area, that adjusts easily for height and position, that has a movable table top area which is easily adjusted to a level position, tilted position, shifted right to left, located closer or further from the user, and swivels from in front of the user to the side for ease of movement from a seated, reclining, or laying position, without lifting or removing anything on the surface of the table. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a Universal Table as a freestanding, adjustable convenience system with a filly adjustable table surface, provides storage areas; that stands alone with an acceptable degree of stability; is usable on the left or right side of any piece of furniture designed for sitting, reclining, or laying; has adjustment mechanisms to change configurations and be re-secured with a minimum of effort; is designed so that other attachments may be easily added; is attractive as an added piece of furniture; and is suited for use both indoors and outdoors. 
     The first object of the present invention is to provide a convenience system incorporating a base providing a storage area and a usable table surface for use alone or beside any piece of furniture designed for sitting, reclining, or laying down. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a convenience system that is freestanding, without being attached to a floor, wall, or any other piece of furniture or object, with an acceptable degree of stability. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a convenience system, with a usable table surface in both the conventional lateral position of an end table and a position more accessible for an occupant of a seating unit, and to do so without sacrificing the usual functions provided by end tables. 
     It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a convenience system that is adjustable as to the position of the table surface in reference to the storage unit, adjustable in height, adjustable in distance from the user, and placement on either the left-or-right-hand side. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a convenience system that has a level table surface. 
     It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a convenience system that has a table surface that is easily tilted to varying degrees, and even beyond perpendicular. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a convenience system that has a table surface that is horizontally adjustable, being slideably adjustable from side to side. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a convenience system that has a table surface that is horizontally adjustable, in proximity to user, either closer or further away. 
     It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a convenience system that has a table surface with a pivotal support means to allow the user to easily swing the table surface out of the way, with just a light touch, when moving to and from a seated, reclining, or laying position. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a convenience system that will provide storage of desired objects. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a convenience system that is adaptable for additional attachments and other accessories. Some of the accessories for the table top can include, but are not limited to, book holders, page holders, drawers, trays for craft supplies, wrist rests, cup holders, lights or fans, electronic equipment holders, pencil holders, sunshades or table extensions. Other accessories that can be added to the convenience system base are a removable liner, a variety of lids, self-watering planter, domed plant cover, plant trellis, heaters for plants, wire racks, night light, misting system, or wheels. Attachments or accessories that can be attached to the Universal Table are an umbrella, lights, a fishing pole holder, fans, cup holders, a mirror, or a magnifying glass. Many other items will also adapt to this Universal Table convenience system as an attachment or accessory. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a convenience system that will stand alone for use as an easel, with the system base providing a storage area for art supplies or a seat with a lid on the base cavity. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a convenience system that will have adjustment mechanisms functioning with a minimum of effort from the user. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a convenience system that is attractive as an added piece of furniture and does not have to be stored when not in immediate use. 
     It is also a further object of the present invention to provide a convenience system that is suited for use both indoors and outdoors. 
     It is also a further object of the present invention to provide a convenience system having removable pockets on the outside of the base, with additional convenient spaces to place items. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
     FIG. 1 shows an isometric assembled view of the Universal Table in relation to a phantom chair. 
     FIG. 2 is an isometric exploded view of the parts comprising the base, extension apparatus mechanism, entrapment ring, pockets, with two detailed views of cutaway portions of the entrapment ring. 
     FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the table support assembly. 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded view of extension apparatus mechanism and the telescoping vertical mechanism of the table support assembly. is an assembly cutaway view of part of the telescoping vertical mechanism of the table support assembly. 
     FIG. 6 is a view of telescoping table level/tilt adjustment mechanism of table support assembly. 
     FIG. 7 is a view of the table horizontal adjustment mechanism of the table support assembly. 
     FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the clamp. 
     FIG. 9 is a view of the features of the clamshell, lever, and guide of the table horizontal adjustment mechanism. 
     FIG. 10 is a partially exploded, partially assembled view of table horizontal adjustment mechanism. 
     FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the table, table top inserts, table support platform, and table support arms. 
     FIG. 12 is a cutaway view of a portion of the table with the stack of inserts. 
     FIG. 13 is a cutaway view of a portion of the table support platform and cam latching mechanism. 
     FIG. 14 is a view of the underneath side of the table. 
     FIG. 15 is a cutaway view of underneath side of the table, without the table support platform. 
     FIG. 16 is an assembled view of the base, three different extension apparatus mechanisms, and the entrapment ring. 
     FIG. 17 is an exploded view of base, three extension apparatus mechanisms, and entrapment ring. 
     FIG. 18 is a view of the base with hole and fill plug for hollow cavity 
     FIG. 19 is a view of handle assembly and wheel assembly 
     FIG. 20 is an exploded view of handle assembly and wheel assembly 
     FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the hinge assembly of the handle assembly 
     FIG. 22 is a composite view of the Universal Table and accessories 
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 
       10  base 
       11  tower section 
       12  inner concave cavity 
       13  outside concave surfaces 
       14  points 
       15  pockets 
       16  projection 
       17  vertical channel strips 
       18  inner cavity 
       19  projection strips 
       20  extension apparatus mechanism 
       21  hook-shaped extension section 
       23  extension support section 
       25  clamping sleeve 
       27  latching mechanism 
       30  table support assembly 
       40  telescoping vertical mechanism 
       41  telescoping upright 
       43  non-rotating telescoping upright 
       43   a  hole 
       43   b  telescoping holes 
       44  screw 
       45  round upright 
       45   a  hole 
       46  screw 
       47  hollow upright 
       47   a  hole 
       48  grooved indention 
       49  removable tip 
       50  table level/tilt adjustment mechanism 
       51  slide body 
       51   a  holed bracket 
       51   b  holed bracket 
       52  bolt 
       53  handle 
       53   a  holed cam 
       54  nut 
       55  brake 
       56  bolt 
       57  table support/tilt arm 
       57   a  circular support segment 
       57   b  configured bar 
       57   c  hole in configured bar 
       58  nut 
       60  table horizontal adjustment mechanism 
       61  clamp 
       61   a  clamp segment 
       61   b  clamp segment 
       63  table support/rotation arm 
       63   a  circular support segment 
       63   b  configured bar 
       65  clamshell 
       65   a  clamshell segment 
       65   b  clamshell segment 
       67  guide 
       67   a  multi-cornered cutout area 
       67   b  extension arm 
       67   d  guide pin 
       67   e  guide hole 
       67   f  guide hole 
       68  domed cover 
       68   a  receiver 
       68   b  arm hole 
       69  lever 
       69   a  lever short leg 
       69   b  lever pin 
       69   c  lever hole 
       69   d  lever hole 
       71   a  wing of clamp  61  with pintile 
       71   b  wing of clamp  61   
       71   c  wing of clamp  61   
       71   d  wing of clamp  61   
       73   a  hole 
       73   b  hole 
       73   c  hole 
       73   d  hole 
       75  bolts 
       77  nuts 
       79  pintile of clamp  61   
       79   a  pintile latching device means on pintile  79   
       82  hinge means 
       82   a  holed loop extension 
       82   b  holed loop extension 
       82   c  holed loop extension 
       83  circular cutout area 
       84   a  brake shoe 
       84   b  brake shoe 
       84   c  brake recessed cavity 
       84   d  brake recessed cavity 
       84   e  brake adjusting screw 
       84   f  brake adjusting screw 
       84   g  brake screw hole 
       84   h  brake screw hole 
       85  notched cutout area 
       86   a  abutting area 
       86   b  abutting area 
       86   c  abutting area 
       87  spring 
       87   a  spring hole 
       87   b  spring hole 
       87   c  spring pin 
       87   d  spring pin 
       87   c  spring pinhole 
       87   f  spring pinhole 
       87   g  spring hook 
       87   h  spring hook 
       88  guide flange stop 
       89  guide flange stop 
       90  table 
       91  table support platform 
       91   a  internal circular channel 
       91   b  internal circular channel 
       91   c  platform slot 
       91   d  platform slot 
       92   a  cam latching mechanism 
       92   b  cam latching mechanism 
       92   c  screw section 
       92   d  screw section 
       92   e  lever 
       92   f  lever 
       92   g  nut 
       92   h  nut 
       92   i  lever (in open position) 
       93  rounded edge of table  90   
       94  insert wall 
       95  grooves between top side and edge of table  90   
       95   a  grooves between underneath side and edge of table  90   
       96  indention 
       97   a  table insert 
       97   b  table insert 
       97   c  table insert 
       97   d  table insert 
       98  center of table top side 
       98   a  recessed area 
       99  notches for holding table insert 
       110  extended base section 
       111  entrapment ring 
       113  spacer 
       115  holed tabs 
       117  bolts 
       119  nuts 
       120  hollow chamber hole 
       121  fill plug 
       123  cavity in base, underneath 
       125  receptor holes 
       127  lid 
       130  wheel assembly mechanism 
       131  wheel 
       133  shaft 
       135  bearings 
       137  hubs 
       140  vertical adjustment mechanism 
       145  cavity in round upright  45   
       150  handle assembly mechanism 
       151  telescoping extension 
       152  telescoping extension 
       153  hinge assembly mechanism 
       153   a  hinge section 
       153   b  hinge section 
       153   c  cam lever 
       153   d  handle pintile 
       153   e  handle pintile 
       153   f  handle latching device 
       153   g  springs 
       153   h  shaft 
       153   i  pin 
       153   j  segment 
       153   k  segment 
       153   m  segment 
       153   n  cavity 
       155  linkage 
       157  holes 
       161   a  adjusting mechanism 
       161   b  adjusting mechanism 
       161   c  adjusting mechanism 
       200  umbrella accessory shown in phantom 
       210  unattached chair shown in phantom 
       220  auxiliary extension apparatus mechanism 
       221  auxiliary hook-shaped extension section 
       223  auxiliary extension support section 
       225  auxiliary extension telescoping upright 
       227  auxiliary telescoping upright 
       229  auxiliary fulcrum upright 
       320  supplementary extension apparatus mechanism 
       321  supplementary hook-shaped extension section 
       323  supplementary extension support section 
       325  supplementary extension telescoping upright 
       327  supplementary telescoping upright 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention, an article of furniture for holding items, hereinafter referred to as a Universal Table, is comprised of a base, an extension apparatus mechanism, a table support assembly mechanism and a table. The design provides an acceptable degree of stability and allows the invention to be used alone or to the left or right near any seat, and is especially adaptable beside reclining chairs and beds. 
     FIG. 1 shows an assembled view in isometric form of the Universal Table with a chair in phantom as a reference. FIG. 1 further illustrates the base  10  of the Universal Table positioned on the right side of the chair and the table  90 , as it would be in front of a person in a seated position. 
     The base  10 , setting on a floor, has cavities that will hold items. Base  10  can be manufactured from a number of materials, but must have sufficient mass and weight to provide a low center of gravity, ballast, and stability for the rest of the invention and attached accessories. 
     An extension apparatus mechanism  20  hooks onto base  10 . 
     The table  90  is supported with table support assembly  30 , attached to an extension apparatus mechanism  20 . 
     In FIG. 2, base  10  is comprised of a tower section  11 , an entrapment ring  111 , and an extended base section  110 . 
     Tower section  11  has an inner concave cavity  12 . The tower section  11  has concave surfaces  13  and points  14  about the tower sections outside diameter. 
     An extension apparatus mechanism  20  is comprised of a hook-shaped section  21 , an extension support section  23  with a clamping sleeve  25  with a latching mechanism  27 . 
     The hook-shaped section  21  of extension apparatus mechanism  20  slides over and around the tower section  11 , until it comes to bear on the extended base section  110 , and is indexed into place by the points  14 . 
     The indexing points  14  provide a minimal amount of resistance and less friction as the hookshaped section  21  rotates around the axis of tower section  11 . 
     An entrapment ring  111  is comprised of a circular piece with holed tabs  115  for receiving bolts  117  and nuts  119 , as shown in Detail A. 
     The entrapment ring  111  is positioned on the tower section  11  to hold the hook-shaped section  21  in place, without restricting the independent rotation of the hook-shaped section  21  about the axis of base  10 . 
     The entrapment ring  111  is secured to the vertical channel strip  17  with bolts  117  and nuts  119 , as shown in Detail B. Nuts  119  are placed inside strips  17 , and securely tightened with bolts  117  after entrapment ring  111  is in position on tower section  11 . 
     The entrapment ring  111  is a non-rotating bearing surface, upon which the pockets  15  will rest. 
     Pockets  15  are shaped to index into the concave surfaces  13  around the tower section  11 , and provide an inner cavity  18 . The outer rim of pockets  15  has a projection  16 . 
     On the tower section side of pockets  15  are projection strips  19  to position the pocket  15  onto vertical channel strips  17  on the tower outer concave sections, above the entrapment ring  111 . 
     Pockets  15  are located on tower section  11  providing additional areas to place items and to increase the ballast aspect of base  10 . 
     In FIG. 3, table support assembly  30  is comprised of a telescoping vertical mechanism  40 , a table level/tilt adjustment mechanism  50 , a table horizontal adjustment mechanism  60 , and a table support platform  91 . 
     In FIG. 4, telescoping vertical mechanism  40  is comprised of a telescoping upright  41  removably attached to the clamping sleeve  25  of extension apparatus mechanism  20 , a vertical adjustment mechanism  140 , a non-rotating telescoping upright  43  affixed to a round upright  45 , and a hollow upright  47 . 
     Clamping sleeve  25  has a latching mechanism  27  that when open will allow for insertion of upright  41  through clamping sleeve  25 . An optional removable tip  49  is placed on the bottom of telescoping upright  41 . The latching mechanism  27  is closed to secure upright  41 . A fulcrum point is created between the base and the table as the upright  41 , or tip  49  attached to upright  41 , rests on the floor. 
     A vertical adjustment mechanism  140  is affixed to the top of upright  41 . Vertical adjustment mechanism  140  is a standard spring-loaded device of public domain. To achieve vertical adjustment, the spring collapses, releasing a pin inserted into a selected hole in upright  43 . Once a desired height is achieved, the pin engages in another pinhole. 
     Screw  44  is inserted through hole  43   a  of upright  43  and into hole  45   a  of upright  45 , locking uprights  43  and  45  together to perform as one solid piece. 
     Screw  46  is affixed to upright  47  through hole  47   a  and lines up with a grooved indention  48  that encircles upright  45  to allow upright  47  to rotate around the common axis of uprights  45  and  47  for horizontal positioning. 
     The sectional view FIG. 5 shows uprights  43 / 45  placed through the vertical adjustment mechanism  140  that is affixed to the top of upright  41  shown as a cut-away portion. Also shown in upright  43  are the telescoping holes  43   b . Upright  47  is shown affixed to uprights  43 / 45  by screw  46  positioned through the hole in upright  47  and into the grooved indention of upright  45 . Uprights  43 / 45  extend beyond the full height of upright  47 . 
     In FIG. 6, table level/tilt adjustment mechanism  50  is comprised of a slide body  51 , a handle  53 , a brake  55 , and a table support/tilt arm  57 . 
     Slide body  51  has two pair of holed brackets  51   a  and  51   b . One end of handle  53  has a holed cam  53   a . The handle  53  holds brake  55  into position in a slot between the holed brackets  51   a . The handle  53  is held in the brackets  51   a  by bolt  52  and nut  54 . The slide body  51  is slideably attached about upright  47 . 
     Table support/tilt arm  57  is comprised of a circular support segment  57   a  attached to a configured bar  57   b . Table support/tilt arm  57  is pivotally held in brackets  51   b  with bolt  56  and nut  58  through hole  57   c  of configured bar  57   b . The circular support segment  57   a  is entrapped into the channel member  91   b  of table support platform  91 . 
     The handle  53  pivots about the axis of bolt  52  releasing the brake  55  with a cam action to allow the table level/tilt adjustment mechanism  50  to slide vertically on upright  47  that drafts table support/tilt arm  57  which levels or tilts table support platform  91 . 
     FIG. 7 shows the table horizontal adjustment support mechanism  60  comprised of clamp  61 , table support/rotation arm  63 , clamshell  65 , guide  67 , domed cover  68 , and lever  69 . Clamp  61  is configured to fit around, and is fixedly secured to the top of hollow upright  47 . Upright  45  extends through and above upright  47 . The upright portion  45   a  extends through a circular cutout area  83  of clamshell  65 . Clamshell  65  rests on clamp  61 . 
     Brake shoes, placed in recessed cavities in clamshell  65 , make contact with end upright portion  45   a  of upright  45  of telescoping vertical mechanism to prevent rotation of clamshell  65 , clamp  61 , and hollow upright  47  about the axis of upright  45 . 
     Lever  69  passes through a notched cutout area  85  of clamshell  65  and multi-cornered cutout area  67   a  of guide  67 . Domed cover  68  fits over clamshell  65 . 
     Support arm  63  is comprised of a circular support segment  63   a  attached to a configured bar  63   b . The bar  63   b  is positioned through arm hole  68   b  of domed cover  68  and vertically inserted into a cavity  145  of upright portion  45   a  of upright  45 . 
     Clamshell  65  has abutting areas between and on either side of the notched area  85  and the circular area  83 . 
     Shown in FIG. 8, is each clamp segment  61   a  and  61   b  of clamp  61 . The wings  71   a ,  71   b ,  71   c ,  71   d  accommodate holes  73   a ,  73   b ,  73   c ,  73   d  for bolts  75  and nuts  77  to securely fasten clamp  61  to upright  47 . A pintile  79  extends above wing  71   a  of clamp segment  61   a  of clamp  61 . A pintile latching device  79   a  atop pintile  79  fits into the inside of a receiver  68   a  in the domed cover  68  is shown in the cut-away view. 
     In the exploded view FIG. 9, clamshell  65  is comprised of clamshell segments  65   a  and  65   b , a brake mechanism, a spring pulling mechanism, notched area, circular area, and abutting areas. 
     An abutting area between the circular area and the notched area of each segment of clamshell  65  provides space for a spring  87  to be secured. 
     In clamshell segment  65   a , spring  87  is inserted into spring hole  87   a  and held by spring pin  87   c  positioned through pinhole  87   e , passing through spring hook  87   g  and continuing on into the lower area of clamshell segment  65   a.    
     In clamshell segment  65   b , the other end of spring  87  is inserted into spring hole  87   b  and held by spring pin  87   d  positioned through pinhole  87   f , passing through spring hook  87   h , and continuing on into the lower area of clamshell segment  65   b.    
     Spring  87  provides constant tension to pull the clamshell segments  65   a  and  65   b  together. 
     Brake mechanism shoe  84   a  is inserted into a cavity  84   c  of clamshell segment  65   a . Brake mechanism shoe  84   b  is inserted into a like cavity of clamshell segment  65   b.    
     In clamshell  65   b  brake adjusting screw  84   f  is threaded into the screw hole  84   g  until making contact with brake shoe  84   b . In clamshell segment  65   a  brake adjusting screw  84   e  is threaded into a like screw hole until making contact with brake shoe  84   a . The braking pressure can be increased and decreased, against the round upright of the telescoping vertical mechanism, by tightening and loosening the brake adjusting screws  84   e  and  84   f.    
     The short leg  69   a  of the lever is inserted into the bottom of clamshell  65  through the notched area. 
     A guide  67  comprising of a multi-cornered cutout area  67   a  and an extension arm  67   b  fits over the short leg  69   a  of the lever coming to bear on the top of the clamshell  65 . 
     Guide pin  67   d  passes through guide hole  67   e , lever hole  69   d , and extends through guide hole  67   f , locking the guide  67  to the lever short leg  69   a.    
     A retaining means is used to prevent vertical movement of the lever short leg  69   a  and guide  67 , such as a lever pin  69   b  put through lever hole  69   c , which is just below clamshell  65 . Lever pin  69   b  extends beyond both sides of lever short leg  69   a.    
     At one end of clamshell segment  65   b  is an offsetting holed ring extension  82   a , and at the corresponding end of clamshell segment  65   a  is an offsetting holed ring extension  82   b.    
     In FIG. 10 the table horizontal adjustment mechanism is shown with some assembly and some parts exploded. 
     The assembled clamp  61  is affixed securely to the top of upright  47 . Resting on clamp  61  with the circular area encircling upright  45 , clamshell  65  is placed over the pintile of clamp  61  by merging holed loop extensions  82   a ,  82   b ,  82   c  to form a stack of loops, creating a hinge means for clamshell  65 . 
     Lever  69  and guide  67  are shown assembled through the notched area of clamshell  65 . 
     Guide flange stops  88  and  89  prevent the guide from moving too far. 
     In the exploded view, the bar  63   b  of support arm  63  is positioned through arm hole  68   b  of domed cover  68 . The bar  63   b  will be vertically inserted into the cavity  145  in the upper end of upright  45 . 
     Domed cover  68  will fasten onto clamp  61  concealing clamshell  65 , guide  67 , and a portion of the lever short leg  69   a.    
     The circular support segment  63   a  of support arm  63  will be entrapped in a channel member  91   b  of table support platform  91 . 
     As the long leg of lever  69  is pushed either left or right, the lever&#39;s short leg along with guide  67  will rotate about the axis of the lever&#39;s short leg, and continue until guide extension arm  67   b  is stopped by guide stop  88  or guide stop  89 . 
     By pushing the lever  69  left or right, the clamshell  65  is hinged open against the spring tension, releasing the brake pressure exerted against the upright  45 , and allowing clamshell  65 , clamp  61 , upright  47  and any attached components, to rotate about the axis of upright  45 . 
     Once the components have rotated to the desired position, the long leg of lever  69  is released, allowing the spring tension to pull the clamshell sections together, engaging the brakes against upright  45 . 
     Shown in FIG. 11 is the top of table  90  with table inserts  97   a ,  97   b ,  97   c  and  97   d . The edges  93  encompass table  90 . Between the edges  93  and the top center  98  of table  90  are grooves  95 . An indention  96  extends inwardly into the top center  98  inside the grooves  95 . 
     The table support platform  91  is positioned between the edges  93  on the underneath side of table  90  and is slideably attached with cam latching mechanism  92   a / 92   b.    
     The table support arms  57  and  63  connect the table support platform  91  to the table level/tilt adjustment mechanism and the table horizontal adjustment mechanism. 
     Shown in FIG. 12, a cutaway portion of the top of table  90 , the edges  93  are formed to provide an easy, comfortable grip for a hand, since the shape is similar to the “C” formed when a human brings the thumb and index fingertip toward each other. 
     The edges  93  are continuous around the outside of table  90 , except at the corners. The grooves  95  extend to the outside of table  90  at each corner. This provides a continuous passage for a non-rotating attachment mechanism means of accessory items to be slid onto table  90 . 
     Edges  93  and grooves  95  will allow these accessory items to slide along the edges, but not rotate on the axis of the edges. Such accessories might include, but are not limited to, book straps, a cup holder, a magnifying glass, a document holder, a light, a fan, or a table extension. 
     The top center  98  of table  90  is an article-supporting surface with an insert wall  94  and an indented area for items such as table inserts  97   a ,  97   b ,  97   c , and  97   d . The table inserts  97   a ,  97   b ,  97   c , and  97   d  are held in place with notches  99  extending from the insert wall  94 . These inserts can provide a variety of surfaces for different activities, such as, but not limited to, hard and smooth for writing, non-skid to retain dishware, soft to the touch, or translucent to reveal an entrapped picture, map, or instructions. 
     Indentions  96  provide an area for the fingertip to get under the table inserts  97   a ,  97   b ,  97   c , or  97   d  for release from the notches  99 , for removal or to change the order of any of table inserts  97   a ,  97   b ,  97   c , or  97   d.    
     In FIG. 13, a portion of the table support platform  91  is shown with slot  91   c , cam latching mechanism  92   a  with screw section  92   c  and lever  92   e , and nut  92   g  which will be embedded into the underneath side of the table. 
     In phantom is lever  92   i  showing the lever in an open position for assembly of cam latching mechanism  92   a  to the table. Screw section  92   c  of cam latching mechanism  92   a  passes through platform slot  91   c , and screws into nut  92   g  embedded into the underneath surface of the table. 
     Shown in FIG. 14 is an assembled view of the underneath side of table  90  with table support platform  91  with channel members  91   a  and  91   b , and cam latching mechanism  92   a / 92   b  shown in a locked position. 
     The table support platform  91  is positioned in a recessed area  98   a  inside the grooves  95   a  that are inside edges  93  on the underneath side of table  90 . 
     The cam latching mechanism  92   a / 92   b  slideably attach table support platform  91  to the underneath surface of the table  90  with screw sections of cam latching mechanism  92   a / 92   b  passing through the platform slots, and into the nuts embedded into the recessed area  98   a  of table  90 . 
     As the cam latching mechanism levers are released, the table  90  can be positional in proximity to user, either closer or further away, by sliding the table forward or backward along the slots, and then secured by returning the cam latching mechanism levers to the locked position. The cam latching mechanism pulls the underneath surface of table  90  against the platform  91  for the locked position. 
     The table  90  is supported by circular support segments  57   a  and  63   a  that are slideably entrapped inside the table circular channels  91   b  and  91   a  that are fixedly attached to table support platform  91 . The circular support segments  57   a  and  63   a  can rotate about the common axis of the support segments  57   a  and  63   a  and the channels  91   a  and  91   b  for level-to-tilted positioning and to slide from side-to-side for left-to-right placement adjustment. 
     The table support/tilt arm  57  will be secured to the table level/tilt adjustment mechanism. The table support/rotation arm  63  will be inserted into the table horizontal adjustment mechanism. 
     FIG. 15 shows a portion of the underneath side of table  90  without the table support platform in place, with cam latching mechanism  92   a  and the nut  92   g  that is embedded into the recessed area  98   a.    
     In FIG. 16 is shown the base  10  with extension apparatus mechanism  20 , an auxiliary extension apparatus mechanism  220 , and a supplementary extension apparatus mechanism  320 . 
     The supplementary extension apparatus mechanism  320  is comprised of a supplementary hookshaped extension section  321  and a supplementary extension support section  323 , fixedly attached to a supplementary extension telescoping upright  325 , affixed telescopically to a supplementary telescoping upright  327  with an adjusting mechanism  161   b  for vertical and/or rotational positioning of upright  327  and any accessory attached to upright  327 . 
     The auxiliary extension apparatus mechanism  220  is comprised of an auxiliary hook-shaped extension section  221  and an auxiliary extension support section  223 , fixedly attached to an auxiliary extension telescoping upright  225 , affixed telescopically to an auxiliary telescoping upright  227  with an adjusting mechanism  161   a , and an auxiliary fulcrum upright  229  telescopically affixed to the bottom of auxiliary extension telescoping upright  225 . 
     Upright  229  becomes a means for auxiliary extension apparatus mechanism  220  to reach the floor, creating a fulcrum point between the base  10  and uprights  225  and  227  and any accessory attached to the uprights. 
     Adjusting mechanism  161   a  provides for vertical and/or rotational positioning of upright  227 , and any accessory attached to upright  227 . 
     Entrapment ring  111  is shown attached to vertical channel strips  17  of base  10 , to retain hookshaped extension sections  21 ,  221 , and  321 . 
     FIG.  17 . is an exploded view of the parts indicated in FIG.  16 . The hook-shaped extension sections like  21 ,  221  and  321  slide over and around tower section  11 , with a first hook-shaped section bearing on the top of the extended base section  110 . 
     The hook-shaped extension sections may be of any shape and material as long as the hook-shaped extension section is allowed to encircle the tower section  11  of base  10 . 
     Between each hook-shaped section of each extension apparatus mechanism is a non-rotating bearing spacer  113 , shaped to coincide with the outer concave surfaces  13  and points  14 , and allowing room to pass over the vertical channel strips  17  of tower section  11 . 
     Spacer  113  is positioned on the tower section  11  to create a low friction surface between the rotating hook-shaped sections to allow an independent rotation of each hook-shaped extension section about the axis of base  10 . 
     The extension apparatus mechanisms  20 ,  220  and  320  are rotationally encircling base  10  for attachments to be moved rotationally about the axis of base  10  for positioning. Such attachments include tables and other accessory items, such as, but not limited to, a light or document holder. 
     Additional hook-shaped extension sections will come to bear on the top of the preceding hookshaped extension section with a spacer  113  in between to create a stack of hook-shaped extension sections. 
     The number of extension apparatus mechanisms that can be stacked around tower section  11  depends on the hook-shaped extension sections vertical thickness and the height of the strips on the tower section. 
     Entrapment ring  111  retains the hook-shaped extension sections allowing them to rotate independently on a horizontal plane. 
     Each extension apparatus mechanism may or may not have a fulcrum point means between base  10  and table  90  or other attachments. 
     In FIG. 18, an optional feature is shown, if the base  10  is manufactured with double walls to form a hollow chamber. 
     Hole  120  allows for any weighty substance such as a liquid, a gravel or pellet form, to be placed in or removed from the hollow chamber, for increasing or decreasing the weight of the base  10 . 
     A fill plug  121 , secured in the hole  120  in base  10 , will retain the weighty substance in the hollow chamber. 
     FIG. 19 shows an assembled view exposing the underneath side of base  10  and handle assembly mechanism  150  with an attachment of wheel assembly mechanism  130 . On the underneath side of the base  10  is a concave cavity  123  providing an area for storage of accessory items, such as but not limited to, wheels, bearings and hubs, which will also add additional weight. 
     On top of the base  10  is a lid  127 . 
     Seen in FIG. 20, is an exploded view of the underneath side of extended base section  110  showing cavity  123  and receptor holes  125 . 
     The receptor holes  125  will allow for additional attachment of accessories, such as, but not limited to wheels, or bracing to increase the overall stability. 
     Handle assembly mechanism  150  and wheel assembly  130  are also shown in FIG.  20 . 
     The handle assembly mechanism  150  is comprised of a series of telescoping extensions  151  and  152 , which is connected with hinge assembly mechanism  153  and linkage to connect to base  10 . 
     Telescoping extensions  151  and  152  are telescopically attached with an adjusting mechanism  161   c.    
     The hinge assembly mechanism  153  allows the telescoping extensions  151  and  152  to adjust from a straight extension that is parallel to the floor to an angle position to provide leverage for tipping the weight of the base  10  to the wheels  131 . Linkage  155  of the handle assembly mechanism  150  passes through the receptor holes  125  in the extended base section  110 , to become removeably secured to the base  10 . 
     The wheel assembly mechanism  130 , is comprised of wheels  131 , shaft  133 , bearings  135  and  10  hubs  137 . 
     Shaft  133  passes through and beyond the holes  157  in the hinge assembly mechanism  153 . Bearings  135  slide over the ends of the shaft  133 . Wheels  131  slide over the bearings  135 . Hubs  137  are secured to the ends of shaft  133 . 
     When not in use, the wheel assembly mechanism  130  is un-assembled and stored in the bottom cavity  123  of the base  10 . 
     Also shown in FIG. 20 is a lid  127 , which fits into the inner concave cavity of the tower  11 . 
     Shown in FIG. 21, an exploded view of one of the hinge assembly mechanism  153 , comprising hinge sections  153   a  and  153   b , cam lever  153   c , handle pintiles  153   d  and  153   e , handle latching device  153   f , and springs  153   g.    
     Shaft  153   h  of handle latching device  153   f  passes through a hole in pintile  153   e . Springs  153   g  are entrapped in cavities in pintile  153   e.    
     Pin  153   i  passes through a hole in shaft  153   h  and is secured in the holes in cam lever  153   c.    
     Two segments  153   j  and  153   m  protrude at one end of hinge section  153   a , and converge with the one protruding segment  153   k  of hinge section  153   b  to form a hinge. Segments  153   j  and  153   m  have holes into which pintile  153   d  and  153   e  are secured. 
     Segment  153   k  of hinge section  153   b  has a cavity on one side for pintile  153   d  to nest after passing through a hole in segment  153   j.    
     To retract the handle latching device  153   f  from the cavity  153   n  on hinge section  153   k , cam lever  153   c  is rotated 90 degrees, which compresses the springs  153   g.    
     The hinge section  153   a  along with secured telescoping extensions  151  will rotate from a vertical position to a horizontal position that is parallel to the floor, and cam lever  153   c  is then returned to the locked position. 
     In FIG. 22, some accessory items and attachments for the Universal Table are shown as it might be commonly used. 
     Base  10 , pockets  15 , extension apparatus mechanism  20 , table support assembly  30 , table  90 , auxiliary extension apparatus mechanism  220 , supplemental extension mechanism  320 , the handle assembly mechanism  150 , the hinge assembly mechanism, and lid  127  are shown. 
     The auxiliary extension apparatus mechanism  220  is shown with an accessory of a light, shown in light phantom lines. 
     The supplemental extension mechanism  320  is shown with an accessory of a document holder, shown in light phantom lines. 
     Also shown in light phantom lines are accessories for the table  90 , a table extension, a magnifying glass, and two book or magazine restraints, shown slid over the table edges. 
     A container is placed in the projection  16  of a pocket  15  on the base  10 . The lid  127  also has a cavity for setting cans or cups. 
     SUMMARY 
     In summary, a Universal Table is assembled with one or more extension apparatus mechanisms placed with the hook-shaped extension section around the tower section of the base above the base extended section. 
     The hook-shaped extension or stack of hook-shaped extensions are trapped between the pockets of the base and the extended base section with spacers in such a manner as to allow the hook-shaped extension, auxiliary extension apparatus mechanism, supplementary extension apparatus mechanism, and other hook-shaped extensions, to rotate about the base independently of one another. 
     The table with the table support assembly mechanism is affixed to the extension mechanism assembly. The telescoping upright of the table support assembly mechanism is affixed telescopically into the latching assembly mechanism of the extension apparatus mechanism. The table support arms are entrapped into the table support platform that has been slideably secured to the table. 
     Options to affix to the table include, but are not limited to, book or magazine restraints, a magnifying glass, or a table extension. 
     Options to affix to the auxiliary extension mechanism assembly and/or the supplementary extension mechanism assembly include, but are not limited to, an umbrella, a document holder, or a light. 
     By pushing left or right on the lever of the table horizontal adjustment mechanism, the clamshell is hinged open against the spring tension, releasing the brake pressure exerted against the upright, and allowing clamshell, clamp, upright, and any attached components, to rotate about the axis of the upright. 
     Once the components have rotated to the desired position, the long leg of the lever is released, allowing the spring tension to pull the clamshell sections together, engaging the brakes against the upright. 
     Many types of public domain hardware, such as snap buttons, braking clamps, friction clamps, and spring clamps can perform the same or similar functions as the latching mechanism, the latching devices, the vertical adjustment mechanism, and the adjusting mechanism. 
     After assembly, the Universal Table is ready for immediate use as, but not limited to, an organizer for multiple items, an easel, a document/book holder, or a display table. It is also ready to be positioned near any chair, couch, bed, hammock, or lawn furniture; in a home, office, waiting room, or outside; with the storage area in the base for needed supplies and for personal items, as desired by the user. This is a Universal Table that can be used by any person, whether standing, seated, reclining, or laying down, with adjustment mechanisms designed to be easy for all to manipulate, especially those with physical dexterity limitations. 
     Although only one configuration of the invention is shown and described in the figures, the invention is not limited to the above description and includes a variety of specific designs. It is believed apparent that the invention is not necessarily confined to the specific use described above, since it may be utilized for any purpose to which it may be suited. Nor is the invention necessarily limited to the specific construction illustrated and described, since such construction is only intended to be illustrative of the principles of operation, it being considered that the invention comprehends any minor change.