U.S. patent application number 13/952724 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-17 for portable beach table assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Carolyn Ralph, James Ralph. Invention is credited to Carolyn Ralph, James Ralph.
Application Number | 20140102337 13/952724 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50474197 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140102337 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ralph; Carolyn ; et
al. |
April 17, 2014 |
Portable Beach Table Assembly
Abstract
The present invention describes a beach table assembly that
provides securement of the table into the sand. The table has a
single leg with a removable threaded attachment that is configured
for insertion into the distal end of the leg and is adapted for
securement into the beach sand. The table surface has hinges that
enable rotation of table ends for the opening and closing of the
planar sides of the table, wherein the table sides are supported by
arms located underneath the table surface and are locked into place
by locking pins on the table leg. The table further has pockets for
the storage of suntan lotion, magazines, books, etc., and sunken
upper surfaces adapted for the holding of beverages.
Inventors: |
Ralph; Carolyn;
(Casselberry, FL) ; Ralph; James; (Casselberry,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ralph; Carolyn
Ralph; James |
Casselberry
Casselberry |
FL
FL |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50474197 |
Appl. No.: |
13/952724 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61714897 |
Oct 17, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/25 ; 108/28;
108/33; 108/42; 108/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 3/00 20130101; A47B
37/04 20130101; A47B 13/16 20130101; A47B 13/081 20130101; A47B
1/04 20130101; A47B 13/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/25 ; 108/42;
108/72; 108/28; 108/33 |
International
Class: |
A47B 37/04 20060101
A47B037/04; A47B 3/00 20060101 A47B003/00; A47B 13/16 20060101
A47B013/16; A47B 13/00 20060101 A47B013/00 |
Claims
1) A portable beach table assembly comprising: a table having an
upper and lower surface, wherein said lower surface is attached to
a single table leg; wherein said table comprises a central table
region hingedly attached to a pair of opposing side table regions;
and wherein each of said side table regions are rotatably connected
to said table leg by a pair of table attachment arms.
2) The beach table assembly of claim 1, wherein said table arms are
connected to a movable sleeve that translates along said table leg
when said table sides are rotated down or upward; and wherein said
table leg comprises a pin that locks into an aperture of said
movable sleeve when said table sides reach rotation limits.
3) The beach table assembly of claim 1, wherein said table leg
comprises a removable threaded rod adapted for insertion into the
ground.
4) The beach table assembly of claim 1, wherein said side table
regions each have a storage pocket secured to and configured to
hang off of said side table regions
5) The beach table assembly of claim 1, wherein said assembly is
adapted to fold into a stowed state designed to be placed within a
carrying case.
6) The beach table assembly of claim 1, wherein said side table
regions each comprise a set of sunken recesses disposed along said
upper surfaces and adapted to receive beverage containers.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/714,897 filed on Oct. 17, 2012, entitled "Beach
Easy Table." The above identified patent application is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of
disclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to beach tables. More
specifically the invention relates to an expandable single leg
table designed for insertion into the sand that comprises cup
holders and netted storage pockets.
[0004] People go to the beach to enjoy the sun, sand and the water;
however, it is not desirable to have the accessories that are
brought along to the beach to get mixed up in the water and sand.
In most situations, people attempt to protect their belongings from
the sand by placing them on top of beach towels. However, beach
towels are only a convenient means of protection until they become
disturbed by the wind, a nearby person, or a rising tide. There are
several ways in which a towel can fail to protect the items that
are brought to the beach, and beachgoers need a solution to protect
their property from the elements they enjoy.
[0005] There are several devices that attempt to protect user's
belongings from the sun and sand on the beach. These devices come
in the form of tables that are adaptable for insertion in the sand
and are designed for retention therein. The drawback of these
tables is that they are bulky and often not easily transportable.
Although they may provide a stable surface for the placement of a
variety of items, if the user's resting location along the beach is
not nearby, these bulky tables are not convenient.
[0006] Several table devices attempt to provide a surface that can
accommodate a plurality of a user's belongings by providing an
extendable surface. The drawback of these tables is that the
surface becomes cluttered when a large amount of items are placed
on the table top. The problem with those tables is that although
they provide a larger table top area, they still fail to provide a
proper storage option for items that don't need to be on top of the
table.
[0007] There are several devices that attempt to provide protection
from the sand and water of the beach; however none of the devices
of the past address the need for a beach table that is securable in
the beach surface and further includes an extendable surface and
the ability to store items that aren't needed for immediate
use.
[0008] The present invention relates to a new and improved beach
table assembly designed for insertion and securement into the beach
surface. The beach table assembly comprises a table top and a
single table leg with an insertable attachment that has a distal
threaded end configured for insertion into the beach surface. The
table top comprises hinges at opposite ends of the table thereof to
enable the raising and lowering of the table ends. The table top
ends are moved by actuation of arms that connect the underside of
the table ends to the table leg and the movement of the arms and
table ends enable the increasing and decreasing of the usable table
top surface. The table assembly also comprises a storage means in
the form of netted pockets on either side of the table to enable
the storage of items that are not required to be on the table
surface. The present invention serves to protect a user's
belongings from the elements of the beach and further serves as a
convenient storage option for user's who have a plurality of items
brought to the beach.
[0009] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0010] Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to
beach tables. These include devices that have been patented and
published in patent application publications. These devices
generally relate to beach table assemblies that are configured for
securement into the beach sand. The following is a list of devices
deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein
described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the
unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting
the drawbacks existing in the prior art.
[0011] Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 4,461,220 to Wetzel teaches an
adjustable folding table and hanger assembly that has a lower
portion comprising a distal end adapted for insertion into the
ground. The assembly further comprises arms that pivotally raise
and lower the table, however, while the prior art of Wetzel is
similar in nature and relevant to the present invention, it differs
in that it fails to provide a table surface that has an adjustable
area, and further differs in that it fails to offer a storage means
on the assembly.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,584,946 to Tucker describes a foldable table
system for use in conjunction with a beach umbrella. The system
comprises an elongated central pole configured for insertion into
the beach sand and the central pole further comprises hubs for
supporting a table at one of a plurality of levels therein. The
table of the system comprises spokes that fold up to enable easier
transportation or storage. However, while the prior art of Tucker
is similar in nature and relevant to the present invention, it
differs in that it fails to provide a table surface that has an
adjustable usable area, and further differs in that it fails to
offer a means on the assembly for the storage of items that is
separate from the table top area.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,897 to Reed describes a beach and lawn
table comprising a distal end configured for attachment to the
ground. The table top is removable from the table assembly and aids
to screw the distal end of the assembly into the ground. Although
the prior art of Reed is similar in nature and relevant to the
present invention, it differs in that it fails to provide a table
surface that has an adjustable usable area, and further differs in
that it fails to offer a means on the assembly for the storage of
items that is separate from the table top area.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,487,977 to Williams teaches a portable
outdoor table assembly comprising an umbrella attachment mechanism,
a table and a cork screw anchor for securement into the ground. The
table of the assembly is removable, and the entirety of the
assembly is configured for disassembly and storage and
transportation within a portable carrying case. While the prior art
of Williams is similar in nature and relevant to the present
invention, it differs in that it fails to provide a table surface
that has an adjustable usable area, and further differs in that it
fails to offer a means on the assembly for the storage of items
that is separate from the table top area.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,889,618 to Gromack describes a foldable
table adapted to be attached to a central support; wherein the
central support can be one of a pole-like structure, or an umbrella
upon which the table is attached. The table comprises two sides
that are connected to a hinge in order to allow the table sides to
rotate between opened and closed positions. Although the prior art
of Gromack is similar in nature and relevant to the present
invention, it differs in that it fails to provide a table surface
that has an adjustable usable area, a mechanism for aiding in the
insertion and securement into the ground. Additionally, Gromack
fails to offer a means for the storage of items that is separate
from the table top area.
[0016] The present invention relates to a new and improved beach
table assembly that enables securement to beach sand. Specifically
the beach table assembly has a table top comprising a central table
portion and two rotatable planar table sides, and a single central
table leg. The central leg of the assembly comprises an aperture
for the insertion of a threaded member adapted for insertion and
securement in beach sand or other similar terrain. The side tables
comprise hinges that enable the rotation of the side tables by the
actuation of a set of table arms that move in relation to a central
table leg. The table arms provide a connection between the central
table leg and the rotatable planar sides of the table and enable
the user to alter the useable area of the table surface. The table
assembly also includes a storage means in the form of pockets that
hang from the ends of the side tables, and further include sunken
surfaces on the table for the placement of beverages.
[0017] In view of the drawbacks of the prior art devices, it is
shown that the prior art has several known drawbacks and that the
present invention is substantially divergent in design elements
from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a
need in the art for an improvement to existing beach table
assemblies. In this regard the instant invention substantially
fulfills these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of beach tables now present in the prior art, the present
invention provides a new portable beach table wherein the same can
be utilized for providing convenience for the user when portability
of the table and the ability to alter the usable surface area and
the use of storage compartments are desired.
[0019] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a new and improved beach table assembly that has all of the
advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
beach table that has an expandable table surface.
[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
beach table assembly that has a set of attachment arms that actuate
the expansion of the table surface.
[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
beach table that has storage pockets.
[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
beach table that has a removable threaded sand insertion means.
[0024] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
portable beach table assembly that is configured to fit within a
beach bag or carrying case.
[0025] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Although the characteristic features of this invention will
be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and
manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood
after a review of the following description, taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are
provided throughout.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the present
invention while in its folded configuration.
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the present
invention inserted into the ground.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like
reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like
or similar elements of the beach table assembly. For the purposes
of presenting a brief and clear description of the present
invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for
the securement of a beach table to a beach surface. The figures are
intended for representative purposes only and should not be
considered to be limiting in any respect.
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown perspective
views of the beach table assembly of the preferred embodiment. The
beach table assembly 10 is configured for insertion into the
surface of the beach and has a table surface 15, a single table leg
30, and netted pockets for storage of a user's accessories.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the beach table surface 15
comprises a central table surface 20 and two rotatable planar side
tables 25. The side tables 25 are rotatable between a formation
that increases the working area of the table surface 15 as shown in
FIG. 1 and a formation that reduces the working area of the table
surface 15 as shown in FIG. 2.
[0034] The planar table ends 25 are rotatable in relation to the
central table surface 20 by a connecting hinge 50 located on the
underside of the table surface 15. The planar table ends 25 each
comprise a set of table extension arms 55 that are connected to the
underside of the planar table end 25. The arms 55 comprises
proximal 57 and distal 58 ends that enable the arms 55 to move in
relation to the position of the side tables 25. The distal end 58
of the arms 55 is connected to the table leg 30 by an extension arm
sleeve 60 that wraps around the table leg 30. When the end tables
25 are raised or lowered, the table arms 55 move along the sleeve
60, and the proximal 57 and distal ends 58 thereof are rotatable in
relation to the movement of the table ends 25. The proximal 57 and
distal 58 arms are rotatable by connection to knobs 64 connected to
the movable sleeve 60 and table ends 25, that enable rotation of
the arms 55 to correspond to movements of the table ends 25 and the
sleeve 60. The rotation knobs 64 connected to the sleeve 60 and
table ends 25 enables the arms 55 to fluidly move in relation to
the movement of the table ends 25.
[0035] When the table ends 25 are raised or lowered, the extension
arm sleeve 60 that connects the table ends 25 and arms 55 to the
table leg 30 moves along the length of the table leg 30; wherein
the sleeve 60 is locked into place onto the table leg 30 when the
table ends 25 are at their upper and lower positions. The sleeve 60
comprises an aperture 62 configured for the reception of spring
mounted locking pins 63 located at the upper and lower ends of the
table leg 30. When the table ends 25 are moved between their upper
and lowered positions, the extension arms 55 and sleeve 60 move
along the table leg 30. When the side tables 25 reach their
rotational limits, the central sleeve 60 approaches the locking pin
63 of the table leg 30, the central sleeve 60 passes over the pin
63 until the locking pin 63 emerges from the sleeve aperture 62 and
is secured therein. The locking pins 63 of the table leg 30 enable
the side tables 25 to retain their positions at a chosen table
surface 15 orientation.
[0036] The beach table assembly 10 further comprises a removable
mechanism adapted for insertion and securement into the beach sand.
The table leg 30 has an aperture 45 at its distal end, wherein the
aperture 45 is configured for the insertion and securement of a
threaded rod 35 adapted for insertion into the ground. The threaded
rod 35 is secured into the table leg 30 by a rod securing pin 40 of
the table leg 30 that is inserted into an aperture 37 of the
threaded rod 35. When the rod 35 is secured within the table leg
30, the assembly 10 can be screwed into the beach sand and secured
therein to provide for an elevated platform for the placement of a
user's belongings.
[0037] FIGS. 1 and 2 further illustrate features of the assembly
that provide for the placement of a user's belongings. FIG. 1
displays the table top 15 of the assembly 10 comprising sunken cup
holders 70 on the upper surface of the table ends 25. As shown, the
assembly 10 comprises a set of two sunken sections 70 on each table
end, however more or less cup holders 70 may be used within the
preferred embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore it is
within the scope of the present invention to provide the sunken cup
holders 70 on the central table surface 20.
[0038] The beach table assembly 10 additionally comprises a set of
netted pockets 65 configured for the storage of a user's
belongings. The pockets 65 are secured to the edges of the pair of
side tables 25 and are of a length approximately equal to that of
the table leg 30 in order to enable the pockets 65 to remain above
the surface of the ground and avoid contact with harmful or
undesired elements of the beach sand or other ground surface. It is
further within the scope of the present embodiment that the netted
pockets 65 may be comprised of a mesh material or of a non-mesh
material that has the ability to restrict outside contact with the
items within the pocket 65. Furthermore, it is within the scope of
the present invention wherein the pockets 65 can comprise on or
more compartments that enable separation between the items within
the pocket 65. Additionally having the pockets 65 located on the
central table section 20 is within the scope of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention. Flaps that fold down and
secure to the exterior of the pocket may be included to reduce the
likelihood that objects placed therein will fall out onto the
sand.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of the beach table assembly 10 in use. The beach table
assembly 10 has a central leg 30 and a table surface 15; wherein
the table surface 15 comprises a plurality of sunken cup holders 70
and storage pockets 65 that rest just above the surface of the
ground. The threaded rod 35 is secured to the table leg 30 and
inserted within the ground surface to secure the table assembly 10
thereto.
[0040] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2; to transport the table
assembly 10 of the present invention, the side tables 25 of the
table surface 15 must first be folded down. To fold down the table
sides 25, the securement pins 63 of the table leg 30 are pressed
down against their spring bias in order for the pin to retract
within the aperture 62 of the sleeve 60. Once the pin 63 is
retracted the table sides 25 can be folded down. The table
extension arms 55 and its associated sleeve 60 begin to translate
down the table leg 30 until the sleeve reaches a lower securement
pin 63. The lower pin 63 must be retracted for the sleeve 60 to be
moved and for the table end 25 to continue rotating until its
lowest point, and at that point the lower pin 63 will emerge from
the aperture 62 on the sleeve 60 and will lock the table assembly
10 into its folded position as shown in FIG. 2.
[0041] The table assembly is portable when it is transitioned into
its folded state as shown in FIG. 2. To enable portability, the
table sides 25 are folded down until the sleeve 60 is locked into
place on the securement pin 63 of the leg 30 and the threaded rod
35 is removed from the leg aperture 45. In this formation a
carrying bag is capable of retaining the assembly within the
internal space of the bag to aid in transportation.
[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the present invention provides
a new and improved beach table assembly 10 that provides a way to
securely position the assembly 10 within the beach surface. The
table assembly 10 has a table surface 15 and a single table leg 30.
The table surface 15 comprises a central table 20 and a pair of
side tables 25 that are rotatable in relation to the central table
by way of hinges 50 that connect the central table 20 to the side
table 25. The table surface 15 further has table extension arms 55
that connect the table sides 25 to the table leg 30; wherein
movement of the table sides 25 causes extension arms 55 to extend
or retract as they translate along the table leg 30 via a sleeve 60
that surrounds the leg 30. The sleeve 60 further comprises an
aperture 62 configured to accept locking pins 63 of the table leg
30 that enable the assembly to be locked in either folded or
unfolded positions. Furthermore, when the assembly is folded as
shown in FIG. 2, and when the threaded rod 35 is removed from the
table leg 30, the assembly 10 is sized and configured for insertion
into a carrying bag, when folded that enables the portability of
the assembly 10.
[0043] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has
been shown and described in what is considered to be the most
practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however,
that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and
that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the
art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention.
[0044] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *