Abstract:
A lightweight, portable table that is easily transportable. The inventive table includes two interchangeable table tops, one of which includes a compartment that can hold and transport the remainder of the table when disassembled. The top which houses the remainder of the table&#39;s components can be fitted with handles and removable wheels to facilitate transportation of the table. The table tops are pivotable about an upstanding support to allow an infinite variety of positions for the user.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates generally to tables and more particularly to portable multipurpose tables.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0002]    Many computer simulation games are best appreciated in a comfortable and flexible environment. However, many commercially available work stations that are adaptable for computers or video games are large, confining and time-consuming to assemble. Furthermore, the available work stations or tables known to applicant do not adequately provide for accessories such as joysticks, flight yokes and rudder or auto pedals that are included in many computer simulation games; nor are the available tables adequately flexible such that the user of the computer simulation can become comfortable. Finally, most commercially available work stations suitable for use with computer simulations are not portable, such that the traveling “simmer” or “game-mer” often cannot comfortably enjoy his or her computer simulation while traveling.  
           [0003]    Many ergonomic features for tables and work stations have been developed and are disclosed in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,664,147; 1,349,710 and 6,092,474 disclose tables whose tops have an indented portion that accommodates the user. The &#39;147 patent discloses a friction lock mechanism for telescopic height adjustment of the table top, which mechanism also allows the table top to pivot. U.S. Pat. Nos. 466,303; 5,915,659 and 383,333 disclose vertically adjustable tables that also tilt. U.S. Pat. No. 4,365,561 discloses a computer table that tilts and pivots.  
           [0004]    However, none of the prior art just noted adequately addresses the need for a flexible, easily portable table or work station that provides an ergonomic environment for computer simulations.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    The present invention provides a lightweight, portable table that is easily transportable. The inventive table includes two interchangeable table tops, one of which includes a compartment that can hold and transport the remainder of the table when disassembled. The table tops are pivotable about an upstanding support to allow an infinite variety of positions for the user.  
           [0006]    In one form thereof, the present invention provides a portable table, comprising a base and a support member extending upwardly from the base. First and second table tops are provided that are removably and interchangeably attachable to the support member. The first table top is conveniently storable within a compartment of the second table top, and in preferred embodiments, the base and said support fit within the compartment as well. Preferably, the second table top includes a handle and wheels for transport thereof.  
           [0007]    In another form thereof, the present invention provides a portable table, comprising a base, a support member extending upwardly from the base, and first and second table tops removably and interchangeably attachable to the support. The first table top is removably and hingedly attachable to said second table top.  
           [0008]    One advantage of the present invention is that it provides freedom from a traditional computer work station. The present invention provides a more comfortable, relaxed and flexible environment especially suitable to enjoy the intensity of modem computer simulations.  
           [0009]    Another advantage of the present invention is its portability. The components for the entire table can be conveniently stored in the “tub top” provided with the table. More conveniently, the tub top includes wheels and a handle for easy transportation.  
           [0010]    Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the base provides two rectangular shaped open sections that accommodate pedals or other accessories for a computer simulation.  
           [0011]    Still another advantage of the present invention is its light weight. The disclosed embodiment weighs only 12 to 15 pounds, making the unit easy to lift and transport.  
           [0012]    Still another advantage of the present invention is the ease with which it can be assembled and disassembled for storage and transportation. The table includes only four major parts and can be assembled or disassembled by hand, without any tools. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    The above-mentioned and other advantages of the present invention, and the manner of obtaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a table in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating the table of FIG. 1 with a different top;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the table in FIG. 1 with a different connection between the table top and the support post;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the table  1 ;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the ball and socket mechanism which connects the table top to the support;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3A is an enlarged perspective view of an alternate mechanism which connects the table top to the support and which is also illustrated in FIG. 1B;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a table in accordance with the present invention which illustrates accessories that may be used with the table; and  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the table top depicted in FIG. 1A, illustrating the capacity of the table top to house the components of the table when disassembled. 
     
    
       [0022]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0023]    The embodiments of the present invention described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention.  
         [0024]    Referring now to FIG. 1, portable table  10  includes H-shaped base  12  and support member  14  extending upwardly therefrom. A table top  16  is removably attached to support member  14  and is interchangeable with or, optionally, attaches to a second (tub) table top  18  (FIG. 1A) by means of detachable hinges  17  and latch mechanism  19 , as described in more detail below.  
         [0025]    H-shaped base  12  includes two elongate beam members  20  disposed substantially parallel to one another and connected by a cross member  22  disposed substantially orthogonally to beam members  20 . Support member  14  extends upwardly from cross member  22 . Cross member  22  and beam members  20  form two substantially rectangular open sections  23  which are adapted for the placement of an accessory, as explained in more detail below. Each beam member  20  includes bent sections  24  at both ends thereof. Caster wheels  26  are removably attached to distal portions of bent sections  24 , such that wheels  26  are spaced away from open sections  23 , which reduces interference to the “foot space” created by open sections  23 . H-shaped base  12  can be formed of any of a variety of materials, but it is preferred that the material chosen be sufficiently strong yet lightweight. Suitable materials include injection-molded, reinforced polymer, lightweight metals such as aluminum, steel and titanium, and the like. One of ordinary skill in the art would readily recognize many suitable materials for base  12 .  
         [0026]    Turning now to FIG. 2, support member  14  includes two telescopic segments  28  and  30  as shown. A series of spaced holes  32  is disposed on segment  30 . When segment  30  is inserted and telescopes within segment  28 , one of holes  32  can be selected (depending upon desired height of table top  16 ) and aligned with hole  34  disposed on segment  28 . T-Pin  36  is then inserted through aligned holes  34  and  32  to hold table top  16  at a desired height. T-pin  36  includes a button  38 , depression of which contracts a bearing  40  to allow T-Pin  36  to be inserted or removed from support member  14 . The bottom end of support member  14  includes a female threaded end  42  which threadingly engages male threaded end  44  of base  12 . Support member  14  and segments  28  and  30  thereof can be formed of any of a variety of materials, but it is preferred that the material chosen be sufficiently strong yet lightweight. Suitable materials include poly vinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, injection-molded, reinforced polymer, lightweight metals such as aluminum, steel and titanium, and the like, and combinations thereof. One of ordinary skill in the art would readily recognize many suitable materials for support  14 .  
         [0027]    By comparing FIGS. 1 and 1B, it can be appreciated that two different connection mechanisms  35  and  37  can be used to connect the table top  16  or  18  to support  14 . Turning now to FIG. 3, the connection mechanism  35  between support member  14  and table top  16  or  18  can be appreciated. Cap  46  of support  14  includes an extending male threaded member  48  that threadingly engages female threaded bore  50  (shown in phantom) so that connector  52  is removably connected to support member  14 . Ball and socket connector  52  includes wingnut  54 , which when tightened holds ball  56  at the end of stem  58  in place. A ball and socket connector  52  suitable for the embodiments incorporating the present invention is a Manfrotto 3009, made in Italy, distributed by Bogen, and available from Roberts&#39; Distributors, Indianapolis, Ind. It will be readily recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that many commercially available ball joints could be substituted for the part just mentioned. Ball and socket connector  52  allows stem  58  and thus table top  16  or  18  to pivot freely about support member  14  when wingnut  54  is loosened, thereby allowing table top  16  to be tilted to the preference of the user, whereupon wingnut  54  is tightened to secure the table top in place.  
         [0028]    As further shown in FIG. 3, stem  58  includes a threaded male connector  60  that is received through annular bore  62  of quick disconnect  64 . Nut  66  is threadingly received over threaded connector  60 , thereby securing quick disconnect fitting  64  to ball and socket connector  52 . Flange  68  mates with washer  70  to form a secure fit. Sleeve  72  of quick disconnect  64  defines a bent groove  74  that receives a nub  76  protruding from the surface of annular recess  78  disposed in the bottom of table top  16  (or table top  18 , whichever the case may be). A second nub (not shown) and mating groove (not shown) positioned opposite the illustrated nub  76  and grove  74  may be provided. To secure the table top  16  to the support, sleeve  72  is inserted into recess  78  such that nub  76  slides into the vertical portion  80  of groove  74 , and sleeve  72  is then twisted until nub  76  is positioned within the upward end  82  of groove  74  and thereby releasably locked in place. The table top  16  can pivot about the ball and socket mechanism  52 .  
         [0029]    An alternate connection mechanism  37  is shown in FIG. 3A. Bracket  84  is comprised of a top plate  86  having two parallel, spaced plates  88  depending downwardly therefrom. Plates  88  include mating holes that receive bolt  90  therethrough which pivotably attaches bracket  84  to support  14 . Plates  88  each also include a set of holes  92  arranged in an arc, corresponding ones of which receive removable pin  94 . Corresponding holes (not shown) are also formed in support  14  to receive pin  94 . Depending upon the particular holes  92  selected to receive pin  94  therethrough, bracket  84  will tilt to varying degrees, up to about 45 degrees in either direction, and table top  16  will tilt accordingly therewith. Table top  16  is secured to bracket  84  and thus support  14  by means of upstanding stool-shaped pegs  96  which are inserted into corresponding ones of keyhole recesses  98 . Table top  16  is then shifted relative to pegs  96  such that the smaller ends of keyhole recesses  98  hold the pegs and thus table top  16  in place. It should be understood that table tops  16  and  18  are interchangeable with respect to connection mechanism  35  or  37 . For example, if connection mechanism  35  is employed, both table top  16  and  18  will include an annular recess  78  shown and described with reference to FIG. 3, above. Likewise, if connection mechanism  37  is chosen, table tops  16  and  18  will both be configured with keyhole recesses as shown and described with reference to FIG. 3A. Table top  16  may be used with (FIGS. 1A and 1B) or without (FIG. 1) table top  18 . As alluded to above, hinges  17  removably engage table top  18  and latch  19  secures table top  16  to table top  18 .  
         [0030]    In the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 5, top  18  is configured slightly larger than top  16 , such that top  16  can be stored within top  18  as shown. Table top  18  includes a cover  102  hingedly attached thereto. This type of arrangement is desirable to avoid damage to top  16  during transportation and storage of table  10 . As shown in FIG. 5, the contents of the entire table can be taken apart and stored within table top  18 . Means (not shown) to fix the components within top  18 , such as spaced arms, velcro, separate compartments, etc. can be provided so that the components do not shift when table  10  is transported. Further, removable casters  26  can be taken from base  12  and inserted into receptacles (not shown) in table top  18  such that the entire unit may be easily wheeled from one place to the next. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the receptacles for the wheels can be mounted to wall  55  of top  18  instead of as shown. Optional handles  100  can be configured in one or more places on table top  18  to facilitate transport of same.  
         [0031]    Turning now to FIG. 4, some of the common uses of table  10  are illustrated. Table  10  is shown with game steering assembly  104  attached to table top  16  and computer keyboard  106  placed on top of top  16 . Keyboard  106  is placed on a pad  108  which is made of a tacky nonadhesive material to prevent the keyboard from slipping. A mouse  110  and mouse pad  112  are also placed on top  16 . Pedal assembly  114  is placed in space  23  and provides easy access for the feet of the user (not shown) who would be seated in chair  116 .  
         [0032]    While a preferred embodiment incorporating the principles of the present invention has been disclosed hereinabove, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.