U.S. patent application number 13/404267 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-20 for portable table.
Invention is credited to Joseph Blumenthal, Derek Boirun, John Gutman.
Application Number | 20120234212 13/404267 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46827416 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120234212 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boirun; Derek ; et
al. |
September 20, 2012 |
PORTABLE TABLE
Abstract
A portable table having a disk shaped bowl with an interior
receiving area for securing articles. The bowl is defined by a
circumferential edge and a base region, an exterior side of the
base region has an insertion area. A lid is mountable on the bowl
for securing the storage of articles within the bowl. A pole has an
upper portion which is insertable into the insertion area of the
base region and a lower portion which is insertable into a
receiving medium. In a closed position the pole is secured within
the interior receiving area of the bowl. The interior receiving
area of the bowl is oriented upward and away from the receiving
medium. The lid forms both a horizontal plane for the placement of
articles on top as well as within the bowl.
Inventors: |
Boirun; Derek; (New York,
NY) ; Blumenthal; Joseph; (New York, NY) ;
Gutman; John; (Stamford, CT) |
Family ID: |
46827416 |
Appl. No.: |
13/404267 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61464010 |
Feb 25, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 37/04 20130101;
A47B 13/023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/28 |
International
Class: |
A47B 37/00 20060101
A47B037/00 |
Claims
1. A portable table kit for use with a receiving medium comprising:
a disk shaped bowl having an interior receiving area for securing
articles, said disk shaped bowl being defined by a circumferential
edge and a base region, an exterior side of said base region having
an insertion area; a releasable lid mountable on said disk shaped
bowl, receivable within an interior side of said circumferential
edge for securing storage of said articles within said disk shaped
bowl and forming a secured storage area within said interior
receiving area; and a pole element having an upper portion
insertable into said insertion area of said base region and a lower
portion insertable into a receiving medium, wherein said disk
shaped bowl being openable from a first closed position where said
pole is secured within said interior receiving area of said disk
shaped bowl, said releasable lid securing the storage of said
upstanding pole, to a second open position where said pole may be
removed from said interior region of said disk shaped bowl, and
wherein said pole is insertable into said insertion area in said
base region and with said lower portion being insertable into said
receiving medium, and wherein said interior receiving area of said
disk shaped bowl is oriented upward and away from said receiving
medium so that when said lid is re-secured to said disk shaped bowl
while said pole is in said receiving medium, an upper surface of
said releasable lid forms both a substantially horizontal plane for
the placement of articles on top of said lid as well as within said
interior receiving area within said disk shaped bowl.
2. The portable table kit according to claim 1 wherein said
insertion area is a cross shaped opening.
3. The portable table according to claim 1 wherein said pole has a
cross shaped cross section.
4. The portable table according to claim 1 wherein said pole
further comprises two pieces capable of interlocking in order to
form one unitary pole.
5. The portable table according to claim 4 wherein when said table
is not in use said pole is stored as two pieces within said
interior receiving area of said disk shaped bowl.
6. The portable table according to claim 1 wherein the interior
side of said circumferential edge has a ridge for supporting a
corresponding circumferential edge of said releaseable lid below an
upper limit of said circumferential edge of said disk shaped
bowl.
7. The portable table according to claim 1 wherein said receiving
medium is selected from the group consisting of sand, dirt, snow,
cork and Styrofoam.
8. The portable table according to claim 1 wherein said pole
element is inserted into said receiving medium to a depth of over 2
inches.
9. The portable table according to claim 1 wherein said pole is
secured within said interior receiving area by clips on the upper
surface of said base of said disk shaped bowl.
10. The portable table according to claim 1 wherein said table is
made of plastic.
11. The portable table according to claim 1 wherein said lid
further comprises a tab and said circumferential edge of said disk
shaped bowl further comprises a recess wherein in a closed position
said tab releasably snaps into said recess.
12. The portable table according to claim 1 further comprising a
detachable base so that when said pole is inserted into said
detachable base said portable table can be used on hard
surfaces.
13. The portable table according to claim 1 wherein said Hd is
designed for the printing of logos.
14. The portable table according to claim 1, wherein said lower
portion of said pole element insertable into said receiving medium
is selected from the group of shapes consisting of angled and
corkscrew.
15. A portable table kit for use with a receiving medium
comprising: a disk shaped bowl having an interior receiving area
for securing articles, said disk shaped bowl being defined by a
circumferential edge and a base region, an exterior side of said
base region having an insertion area; a releasable lid mountable on
said disk shaped bowl, receivable within an interior side of said
circumferential edge for securing storage of said articles within
said disk shaped bowl and forming a secured storage area within
said interior receiving area; a pole element having upper and lower
portions, said upper portion having an upper insertion end
insertable into said insertion area of said base region and a lower
mating end, said lower portion of said pole element having a lower
angled portion insertable into a receiving medium and an upper
mating end, matable with said lower mating end of said upper
portion of said pole element; wherein said disk shaped bowl being
openable from a first closed position wherein said pole element is
secured within said interior receiving area of said disk shaped
bowl, said releasable lid securing the storage of said pole element
to a second open position wherein each of said upper and lower
portions of said pole element may be removed from said interior
receiving area of said disk shaped bowl.
16. The portable table kit according to claim 15 wherein said
insertion area is a cross shaped opening.
17. The portable table according to claim 15 wherein said pole has
a cross shaped cross section.
18. The portable table according to claim 15 wherein the interior
side of said circumferential edge has a ridge for supporting a
corresponding circumferential edge of said releaseable lid below an
upper limit of said circumferential edge of said disk shaped
bowl.
19. The portable table according to claim 15 wherein said pole is
secured within said interior receiving area by clips on the upper
surface of said base of said disk shaped bowl.
20. The portable table according to claim 15 wherein said table is
made of plastic.
21. A portable table kit for use with a receiving medium
comprising: a disk shaped bowl having an interior receiving area
for securing articles, said disk shaped bowl being defined by a
circumferential edge and a base region, an exterior side of said
base region having an insertion area; a releasable lid mountable on
said disk shaped bowl, receivable within an interior side of said
circumferential edge for securing storage of said articles within
said disk shaped bowl and forming a secured storage area within
said interior receiving area; and a pole element having an upper
portion insertable into said insertion area of said base region and
a lower portion insertable into a receiving medium, wherein said
disk shaped bowl being openable from a first closed position, to a
second open position and where said pole is secured within recesses
on a bottom side of said disk shaped bowl, and wherein said pole is
insertable into said insertion area in said base region and with
said lower portion being insertable into said receiving medium, and
wherein said interior receiving area of said disk shaped bowl is
oriented upward and away from said receiving medium so that when
said lid is re-secured to said disk shaped bowl while said pole is
in said receiving medium, an upper surface of said releasable lid
forms both a substantially horizontal plane for the placement of
articles on top of said lid as well as within said interior
receiving area within said disk shaped bowl.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S.
provisional patent application No. 61/464,010, filed on Feb. 25,
2011, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This application relates to a table. More particularly, this
application relates to a portable table with storage capacity
inside the table top.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] It is popular to use a portable table at the beach for
picnicking and recreational needs. Swimmers, sunbathers and the
like have developed a desire for a table to be used at lakes and
beaches which can be easily transported to and from their vehicles
and which can be easily assembled and disassembled after use.
Conventional pool or lawn furniture is suitable for permanent
locations but cannot be easily moved or handled by an
individual.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,163 to Levesque discloses a portable
table kit for use in conjunction with a pole used substantially
upright in supporting a beach umbrella having at least two
containers each including a generally flat upper wall, a major
upright vertically oriented wall and body portions including a
lower wall cooperating with the upper surface and the major wall to
define a hollow interior article containment portion. The upper
walls form a table surface and the groove forms a vertical passage
for engaging receipt of the pole.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,583,090 to Fogarty discloses a travelling
toy tea table having a closed container including a dish shaped
member. The container is closed by a top or lid. The table is
assembled by disassociating the dish shaped member from the top and
using the dish shaped member as a table pedestal by inverting it. A
column is provided for the support of the table top. The lower end
of the column is received by the socket. The lid is then inverted
and supported above the pedestal at a given distance slightly less
than the total length of the column. As assembled, the table may be
used by children for tea sets. When disassembled, the utensils and
support may be stored within the container.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,166 to Credle discloses a portable
umbrella table including a table stake which can be driven into the
ground. The table top is then placed over the stake by fitting the
stake into the socket on the bottom surface of the table top. A
convenient storage pocket is provided immediately below an opening
in the table top for maintaining articles of value.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,487,977 to Williams discloses a table having
a support pole. The support pole can be separated into two pieces
at its midsection. An internally threaded adjustment knob is
utilized to join the two pieces and to also provide a mechanism for
adjusting the length of the pole. A flat disc shaped member
functions as the table top. On the underside of the table the boss
is threaded to receive the upper side of the support pole. Once the
support pole has been ground inserted the table top may be attached
to the upper end of the support pole. To enhance portability, a
carrying case is provided to store the disassembled elements.
[0010] However, the above described prior art arrangements do not
disclose a portable table kit capable of providing storage capacity
while in use with easy access to the articles stored within its
bowl shaped table top.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY
[0011] The present arrangement is a portable table which provides
storage capacity both while in use and when disassembled. While in
use the present arrangement provides for storage within its bowl
shaped table top in order to store small items such as food,
beverages and the like and at the same time keeping these items
easily accessible. When the table is disassembled the leg of the
table is stored within the table top providing for an easily
transportable portable table.
[0012] To this end, the present Invention provides for a portable
table kit for use with a receiving medium having a disk shaped bowl
with an interior receiving area for securing articles. The disk
shaped bowl is defined by a circumferential edge and a base region,
an exterior side of the base region has an insertion area.
[0013] A releasable lid is mountable on the disk shaped bowl which
is receivable within the interior side of the circumferential edge
for securing the storage of articles within the disk shaped bowl
thereby forming a secured storage area within the interior
receiving area. A pole element has an upper portion which is
insertable into the insertion area of the base region of the bowl
and a lower portion which is insertable into a receiving
medium.
[0014] The disk shaped bowl is openable from a first closed
position where the pole is secured within the interior receiving
area of the disk shaped bowl. The releasable lid secures the
storage of the pole. The second open position allows the pole to be
removed from the interior receiving area of the disk shaped bowl.
The pole is insertable into the insertion area in the base region
of the bowl and the lower portion is insertable into the receiving
medium.
[0015] The interior receiving area of the disk shaped bowl is
oriented upward and away from the receiving medium so that when the
lid is re-secured to the disk shaped bowl while the pole is in the
receiving medium, an upper surface of the releasable lid forms both
a substantially horizontal plane for the placement of articles on
top of the lid as well as within the interior receiving area within
the bowl.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] The present invention can be understood through the
following description and accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the portable table according
to one embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bowl in a closed
position according to one embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bowl in an open position
with the lid removed according to one embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the lid according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4B-4C are perspective views of the bowl and lid in an
open position according to one embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bowl in an open position
with the lid removed and leg included inside according to one
embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 6 shows an alternative arrangement with the leg/pole
attached to the underside of disk shaped bowl according to one
embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of pole in a disassembled state
according to one embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a underside perspective view of the pole inserted
into the base region of the bowl according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0026] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the portable table with a
foam insert according to one embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the portable table with a
foam float according to one embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the portable table with a
detachable base according to one embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the detachable base
according to one embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 11 shows the above table clipped to a chair according
to one embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a top view of multiple bowls attached to one
another according to one embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0032] FIGS. 13A and 13B show a lid of the portable table
configured with a game board according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] In accordance with one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, a
portable table 10 is illustrated having a disk shaped bowl 12 with
an interior receiving area 14 for storing articles. Disk shape bowl
12 is defined by a circumferential edge 16 and a base region 18.
The exterior side of base region 18 has a cross-shaped insertion
area 20. A pole 24 has an upper portion 26 which is insertable into
insertion area 20 and an angled lower portion 28 which is
insertable into a receiving medium. Pole 24 has a cross-shaped
cross section.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 2 which illustrates table 10 in a first
closed position, a releasable lid 22 is mountable on disk shaped
bowl 12 and is received within an interior side of circumferential
edge 16 for securing storage of articles within disk shaped bowl 12
and forming a secured storage area within interior receiving area
14.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2-4C, lid 22 is easily detachable and
snaps securely into place within circumferential edge 16. The
interior side of circumferential edge 16 has a ridge 30 for
supporting a corresponding circumferential edge 32 of releaseable
lid 22 below an upper limit of circumferential edge 16 of disk
shaped bowl 12. In a dosed position, tab 34 of lid 22 is engaged in
recess 36 of circumferential edge 16 of disk shaped bowl 12. In
order to detach lid 22 from disk shaped bowl 12 for access to
interior receiving area 14, tab 34 is easily lifted out from recess
36, removing lid 22 from ridge 30 of circumferential edge 16 of
disk shaped bowl 12.
[0036] Turning now to the leg arrangement and assembly of table 10,
referring to FIG. 5, when portable table 10 is not in use and is in
the disassembled state, pole 24 is stored within interior receiving
area 14 of disk shaped bowl 12 in two halves, upper and lower
portions 26 and 28. Pole halves 26, 28 when detached from one
another and from base region 18 are housed inside interior
receiving area 14 for easy transport of portable table 10. Pole
halves 26, 28 are secured within interior receiving area 14 by
clips 38 on the upper surface of base region 18 of disk shaped bowl
12. In an alternative arrangement, shown in FIGS. 4B-4C, clips 38
may be located on the lower surface of lid 22, so that the inside
of disk shaped bowl 12 remains clear and flat. In yet another
alternative arrangement, shown in FIG. 6, instead of clips 38,
recesses 39 may be located on the lower side of disk shaped bowl
12, so that the pole 24 may be stored outside of the interior
receiving area 14 of disk shaped bowl 12.
[0037] In the open position, as illustrated in FIG. 3, pole 24 has
been removed from interior receiving area 14 of disk shaped bowl 12
and interior receiving area 14 provides a storage housing for other
small articles such as cell phone, keys, money, etc.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 7-8, when portable table 10 is in use
pole 24 is removed from inside interior region 14, upper portion 26
is connected to lower portion 28 to form pole 24. Upper portion 26
has an upper insertion end insertable into insertion area 20 of
base region 18 and a lower mating end. Lower portion 28 of pole
element 24 has a lower angled portion insertable into a receiving
medium and an upper mating end, matable with the lower mating end
of upper portion 26 of pole element 24. In alternative
arrangements, the end of lower portion 28 of pole element 24 may be
corkscrew or other shapes, other than angled, depending on the
receiving medium (sand, dirt etc. . . . ) that table 10 is intended
to be used on. Upper portion 26 is then inserted into insertion
area 20 in base region 18 of disk shaped bowl 12. Lower portion 28
is inserted into any receiving medium such as sand, soil, snow, a
display surface of cork, Styrofoam and the like. Lower portion 28
is angled at its bottom end so that it is easily staked into the
receiving medium.
[0039] It is noted that the cross shape for pole elements 24 and
insertion area 28 are for exemplary purposes only. Pole elements 24
and insertion area 28 may have other shapes, including but not
imited to square, oval, circle, triangle etc. . . . Additionally,
rather than pure shape fit, upper portion 26 of pole portion 24 may
be thread fit into insertion area 28. For example, in another
embodiment, upper portion 26 screws into lower portion 28 to form
pole 24. Upper portion 26 of pole 24 is then screwed into the
exterior side of disk shaped bowl 12.
[0040] Lid 22 is then re-secured to disk shape bowl 12. The upper
surface of lid 22 forms a horizontal plane for the placement of
articles on top of lid 22 serving as a table top. Lid 22 also
secures interior receiving area 14 within disk shaped bowl 12
retaining the articles placed therein.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, interior receiving area 14 of disk
shaped bowl 12 is oriented upward and away from the receiving
medium, i.e. sand or soil. This provides for easy access to
articles contained therein since the storage capacity is enclosed
within the user's table top and as such is at the user's
fingertips.
[0042] According to one embodiment, portable table 10 is made is
plastic. However, portable table 10 can be made from any material
that is strong, lightweight, and will not corrode or be damaged by
the sun, rain, snow, salt, sand or dirt.
[0043] In one embodiment, table 10 is designed for individual use
but may be shared by more than one person. Table 10 weighs
approximately 1 pound and can support up to 7 pounds of weight. The
table top measures approximately 11 inches in diameter and pole 24
measures approximately 19 inches in length, made up of two
interlocking halves, each measuring 9.5 inches.
[0044] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention, portable table 10 is for use at the beach. Disk shaped
bowl 12 is used at the beach to store food and beverages and small
items, such as a bottle of water, book, sun lotion and sun glasses
so that the items are removed from the sand and yet remain easily
accessible. Pole 24 is imbedded into the sand.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, in another embodiment when
pole 24 cannot be imbedded into a receiving medium such as sand or
dirt, a detachable base 40 is available for use on hard surfaces.
Pole 24 is inserted into cross-shaped insertion area 42 of
detachable base. In one embodiment detachable base 40 can be stored
within lid 22. Detachable base 40, tripod or other multi legged
stable support arrangement can also be stored by attaching to the
underside of base region 18 of bowl 12. Detachable base 40 may also
be provided with a series of prongs 44 which can be inserted into
dirt or grass surfaces thereby providing stability to portable
table 10.
[0046] In another further embodiment, when pole 24 cannot be
imbedded into the receiving medium, disk shaped bowl 12 can be
mounted to a beach chair or the like with a clippable spring action
clothes pin type bracket 200 as shown for example in FIG. 11, which
may likewise be configurable to be stored within disk shaped bowl
12.
[0047] According to a further embodiment, disk shaped bowl 12 is
provided with an inner circumferential foam core 46 as shown in
FIG. 9A, so as to increase the buoyancy of disk shaped bowl 12,
thus allowing bowl 12 to float within a body of water. Foam core 46
can be mounted within interior receiving area 14 or along the
circumference in a ring shaped manner so as to effect a minimal
reduction in the storage area within bowl 12. FIG. 9B shows an
alternative arrangement with a foam external sleeve 47 fitted
instead over the outside of disk shaped bowl 12 for a similar
effect.
[0048] A further embodiment is shown in FIG. 12, wherein a
plurality of disk shaped bowls 12 are connected together in order
to form a conjoined series of bowls 12 and thus a larger area for
recreation. Means for conjoining the series of bowls are known in
the art, but may include a separate attachment bracket, clips, or a
separate plastic tray within which bowls 12 snap together.
[0049] In another embodiment, lid 22 is designed for the printing
of corporate logos, sports logos, high school and university logos,
cartoon characters, high resolution photo images and the like.
[0050] Lid 22 may also be coated with a chalk board writing surface
thus allowing chalk markings on lid 22. As well, lid 22 may be
coated or provided with a solar covering or decal thus being
capable of providing electrical current for re-charging an
electronic device such as a cell phone or the like. Additionally,
lid 22 may be pre-formed with any suitable game board such as
tic-tac-toe or checkers/chess to allow lid 22 to be used as a game
board surface. Such pre-formation, may include a recess 100 for
accepting one permanently affixed game board, such that it is
smooth with the upper surface of lid 22. Alternatively, such recess
may be configured to accept multiple (Le. interchangeable) game
boards 102 and may be further configured to have openings or "peg
openings" 104 to accept game piece tabs so that such pieces may be
stably retained on the playing surfaces, as shown for example in
FIGS. 13A and 13B.
[0051] While only certain features of the invention have been
illustrated and described herein, many modifications,
substitutions, changes or equivalents will now occur to those
skilled in the art. It is therefore, to be understood that this
application is intended to cover all such modifications and changes
that fall within the true spirit of the invention.
* * * * *