PORTABLE TABLE

Abstract

A portable table for outdoor use comprises a collapsible frame including a plurality of articulated frame members, wherein the collapsible frame is movable between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition. The portable table also comprises a table surface connected to the collapsible frame, wherein the table surface is flexible such that it expands and collapses when the collapsible frame moves between the expanded condition and the collapsed condition, and wherein the table surface is apertured to allow substances to pass therethrough.

Claims

1. A portable table for outdoor use, comprising: a collapsible frame comprising a plurality of articulated frame members, the collapsible frame being movable between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition; and a table surface connected to the collapsible frame, wherein the table surface is flexible such that it expands and collapses when the collapsible frame moves between the expanded condition and the collapsed condition, and wherein the table surface is apertured to allow substances to pass therethrough.

2. The portable table according to claim 1, wherein each of the articulated frame members comprises a pair of pivotally connected supports, the supports being configured to fold together laterally across the portable table when the collapsible frame moves to the collapsed condition.

3. The portable table according to claim 2, wherein the supports are configured to fold together inwardly in opposed transverse directions when the collapsible frame moves to the collapsed condition.

4. The portable table according to claim 3, wherein the supports are configured to fold together lengthwise across the portable table when the collapsible frame moves to the collapsed condition.

5. The portable table according to claim 4, wherein a pair of the articulated frame members are spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis of the portable table.

6. The portable table according to claim 5, wherein the collapsible frame comprises a pair of longitudinal supports extending along the longitudinal axis of the portable table in parallel alignment, wherein the pair of the articulated frame members extend transversely between the pair of longitudinal supports.

7. The portable table according to claim 6, wherein the table surface is rectangular and extends transversely across a region of the portable table that is bordered by the pair of longitudinal supports and by the pair of the articulated frame members.

8. The portable table according to claim 6, wherein the portable table comprises at least one articulated strut, the articulated strut extending from one of the longitudinal supports to one of the pair of the articulated frame members.

9. The portable table according to claim 8, wherein the articulated strut comprises a pair of pivotally connected strut members, the strut members being configured to fold together laterally across the portable table when the collapsible frame moves to the collapsed condition.

10. The portable table according to claim 1, wherein the table surface comprises flexible netting or webbing.

11. The portable table according to claim 1, wherein the portable table comprises at least one leg pivotally connected to the collapsible frame, wherein the leg is movable between a deployed condition and a stowed condition.

12. The portable table according to claim 11, wherein the leg pivots about a rotational axis that is aligned generally parallel with the table surface.

13. The portable table according to claim 12, wherein the rotational axis extends widthways across the table surface.

14. The portable table according to claim 13, wherein in the stowed condition a longitudinal axis of the leg is aligned generally parallel with a horizontally aligned frame member of the collapsible frame.

15. The portable table according to claim 11, wherein the collapsible frame comprises a bearing surface, wherein in the deployed condition the leg bears against the bearing surface and is held in diagonal alignment relative to the table surface.

16. The portable table according to claim 11, wherein a support member of the collapsible frame that the leg is connected to comprises a recessed compartment adapted to receive the leg in the stowed condition.

17. The portable table according to claim 16, wherein the recessed compartment is dimensioned such that the leg lies flush with a side of the collapsible frame when in the stowed condition.

18. The portable table according to claim 17, wherein the recessed compartment comprises an inwardly facing surface that the leg bears against when in the deployed condition.

19. The portable table according to claim 1, wherein the portable table comprises a storage compartment that is releasably mountable onto the collapsible frame.

20. The portable table according to claim 19, wherein the storage compartment comprises an outwardly protruding lip adapted to rest on the collapsible frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a portable table according to an example embodiment of the invention, wherein a collapsible frame of the portable table is shown in an expanded condition;

[0029] FIG. 1B is a plan view of the portable table;

[0030] FIG. 1C is a side elevation of the portable table;

[0031] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the portable table, wherein the collapsible frame is shown in a partially collapsed condition and a storage compartment of the portable table is removed;

[0032] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the collapsible frame shown in a fully collapsed condition, wherein the collapsible frame is shown next to a removable support member of the portable table;

[0033] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a bag that may be used to store and carry the portable table when it is fully collapsed;

[0034] FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a portable table according to a further example embodiment of the invention, wherein a collapsible frame of the portable table is shown in an expanded condition;

[0035] FIG. 5B is an isometric view of the portable table of FIG. 5A shown with a storage compartment and work surface of the portable table removed;

[0036] FIG. 5C is an isometric view of the portable table of FIG. 5A, wherein the collapsible frame of the portable table is shown in a partially collapsed condition;

[0037] FIG. 6A is an isometric view of the storage compartment shown in FIG. 5B, wherein the storage compartment is viewed from its underside;

[0038] FIG. 6B is an isometric view of the work surface shown in FIG. 5B, wherein the work surface is viewed from its underside; and

[0039] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a portable table according to a further example embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1A to 3, an example embodiment of the present invention provides a portable table 10 for outdoor use. The portable table 10 comprises a collapsible frame 12 comprising a plurality of articulated frame members 14. The collapsible frame 12 is movable between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition. The portable table 10 also comprises a table surface 16 connected to the collapsible frame 12, wherein the table surface 16 is flexible such that it expands and collapses when the collapsible frame 12 moves between the expanded condition and the collapsed condition, and wherein the table surface 16 is apertured to allow substances to pass therethrough.

[0041] More particularly, the collapsible frame 12 is shown in its expanded condition in each of FIGS. 1A to 10. The collapsible frame 12 is shown in a partially collapsed condition in FIG. 2 and in a fully collapsed condition in FIG. 3. The frame 12 may comprise a pair of elongate longitudinal supports 18 extending lengthwise across the table 10 that are aligned generally parallel with each other. The frame 12 may also comprise first and second outermost articulated frame members 20 that extend transversely between, and are connected to, the longitudinal supports 18. The first and second frame members 20 are shown located towards, respectively, the foreground and background in each of FIGS. 1A and 2. When the frame 12 is in its expanded condition, the two frame members 20 may extend widthways across the table 10 such that they are aligned generally perpendicular to the longitudinal supports 18. The longitudinal supports 18 and the frame members 20 may, together, form a rectangular-shaped peripheral border of a table top of the table 10.

[0042] The collapsible frame 12 may also comprise an innermost frame member 22 that is spaced apart from, and is disposed intermediate, the two outermost frame members 20. The innermost frame member 22 may be spanned between, and be connected to, the two longitudinal supports 18 and extend widthways across the table 10 when the frame 12 is in its expanded condition. The innermost frame member 22, the second outermost frame member 20 and the two longitudinal supports 18 may together form a rectangular border that supports the rectangular flexible table surface 16.

[0043] As best shown in FIG. 2, each of the frame members 20, 22 may comprise a pair of pivotally connected elongate supports 24, 26 that are configured to fold together laterally across the table surface 16 when the collapsible frame 12 moves to the collapsed condition. The supports 24, 26 may be connected together using hinges or similar pivotable joining means. Opposed peripheral ends 28, 30 of the supports 24, 26 may also be pivotally connected to the longitudinal supports 18 using hinges or similar pivotable joining means. In this arrangement, each pair of supports 24, 26 may be configured such that a central connection point 32 between the supports 24, 26 moves lengthwise across the table surface 16 when the collapsible frame 12 moves into the collapsed condition. For example, the supports 24, 26 of both outermost frame members 20 may have connection points 32 that move inwardly into the table 10 in opposed transverse directions when the collapsible frame 12 collapses. The connection point between the supports 24, 26 of the innermost frame member 22 may also move inwardly into the table 10 when the collapsible frame 12 collapses.

[0044] The table surface 16 may be comprised of flexible netting or webbing that is suspended and held taut by the collapsible frame 12 when fully expanded. The netting or webbing 14 may be comprised of interlaced strands that form a plurality of apertures formed in a regular pattern across the surface 16. The apertures allow granular and particulate materials, such as sand, dust and soil, to pass through the table surface 16 as well as liquids and moving air. The individual strands may be comprised of a material that gives the table surface 16 sufficient rigidity and stiffness to support objects when held taut by the frame 12 yet sufficiently flexible to enable the table surface 16 to collapse or fold with the frame 12 when the table 10 is collapsed. For example, the strands may be comprised of rope, hemp, nylon or synthetic fibers or a plastic-based material. The strands may be arranged in an interlaced pattern such that lengthwise and widthwise strands are perpendicularly or diagonally aligned relative to one another. The frame 12 and its various constituent frame members may be made of wood, plastic, aluminium or other type of suitable material that is strong, lightweight and durable.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1B, the portable table 10 may also comprise at least one articulated strut 34 that extends from one of the longitudinal supports 18 to one of the outermost frame members 20 proximal to a corner of the table surface 16. The strut 34 reinforces the connection between the longitudinal support 18 and the frame member 20. Referring to FIG. 3, the strut 34 may comprise a pair of pivotally connected elongate strut members 36,38 that fold together laterally across the portable table 10 when the collapsible frame 12 moves to the collapsed condition. In the example depicted, the table 10 comprises four of the articulated struts 34 that reinforce, respectively, the four corner points of the rectangular frame section that supports the table surface 16.

[0046] The frame 12 may also comprise a support member 40 that is removably attachable to the collapsible frame 12. The support member 40 may be adapted to support an underside of the table surface 16 when the collapsible frame 12 is in the expanded condition. The moveable support member 40 may comprise an elongate rectangular beam. The beam 40 may be insertable into a position in the frame 12 such that it extends between the innermost frame member 22 and the second outermost frame member 20 and, therefore, extends underneath and supports the table surface 16 in a lengthwise direction. The frame 12 may be provided with a pair of clips or similar retainers (not shown) that hold the beam 40 in position when inserted into the frame 12.

[0047] The table 10 may comprise four table legs 42 that are pivotally connected to the frame 12. Each leg 42 may be movable between a deployed and a stowed condition and pivot about a rotational axis that is aligned generally parallel with the table surface 16. In the example depicted, each leg 42 is connected to one of the longitudinal supports 18 using a swivel joint such that its rotational axis extends widthways across the table surface 16. In this configuration, when the leg 42 is in its stowed condition, the longitudinal axis of the leg 42 is aligned generally parallel with the relevant longitudinal support 18 that the leg 42 is connected to. The frame 12 may comprise four lugs 44 that protrude outwardly from the longitudinal supports 18. The lugs 44 may be positioned on the supports 18 such that when the legs 42 are rotated away from the supports 18 by a maximum permitted extent, the legs 42 bear against the lugs 44 and extend diagonally away from the table surface 16. The lugs 44, therefore, stop the legs 42 from rotating any further and secure the legs 42 in the deployed condition.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 2, the table 10 may also comprise a moveable storage compartment 46. The storage compartment 46 is adapted such that it can be releasably mounted onto the table 10 in its expanded condition. In the example depicted, the storage compartment 46 is dimensioned such that it can be secured within the internal space that is surrounded by the first outermost frame member 20, the innermost frame member 22 and the two longitudinal supports 18 of the frame 12. The storage compartment 46 may comprise a hollow rectangular box provided with a cover 48 that is hingedly connected to a lowermost edge of a front side of the storage compartment 46. The topmost surface of the storage compartment 46 may have a pair of apertures 50 formed therein that are adapted to receive a pair of trays 52. Each tray 52 may be made of plastic and comprise a recessed circular cup 54 and slot 56 which are adapted to hold, respectively, a bottle and a smartphone.

[0049] The storage compartment 46 may comprise a lip 58 outwardly extending around a perimeter of the topmost surface of the storage compartment 46. The lip 58 may be adapted to rest on the first outermost frame member 20, the innermost frame member 22 and the two longitudinal supports 18 of the frame 12 when the storage compartment 46 is placed in position. In other examples, the table 10 may be provided with clips, or similar retainer means, for releasably connecting the storage compartment 46 to the collapsible frame 12.

[0050] To prepare the table 10 for use, the collapsible frame 12 may be moved into its expanded condition by pulling the two longitudinal supports 18 apart from one another. When the frame 12 expands, the flexible table surface 16 is pulled taut by the frame 12 to provide a firm surface capable of supporting objects. The support member 40 may be inserted in between the innermost and outermost frame members 22, 20 to lock the frame members 22, 20 in place and also provide additional support for the table surface 16. The legs 42 may be deployed by rotating them until they rest diagonally against the lugs 44. The storage compartment 46 may then be slotted into the frame 12.

[0051] Once prepared, the table 10 may be used for recreational purposes in outdoor environments. Because the table surface 16 is apertured, the surface 16 allows air to pass therethrough which, advantageously, stops the table from being blown over in windy conditions. Granular and particulate materials, such as sand, dust and soil, also advantageously pass through the table surface 16. The table 10 is, therefore, well suited for environments where these conditions are prevalent, such as on beaches. The apertured surface 16 is also, advantageously, light in weight.

[0052] To store and transport the table 10, the storage compartment 46 and support member 40 are firstly removed from the collapsible frame 12. The frame 12 may then be moved into its collapsed condition by pushing the two longitudinal supports 18 together inwardly into the table 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, during this process the flexible table surface 16 collapses with the frame 12 until the surface 16 and frame 12 are in a compact form. The frame 12, support member 40 and storage compartment 46 may then be placed into a bag. Because each of these components is generally elongated in shape once collapsed, they may be advantageously packed into a backpack-type bag 60, as depicted in FIG. 4.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5C, there is shown a collapsible table 70 according to a further example embodiment of the invention. The collapsible table 70 is materially the same as the table 10 provided in FIGS. 1 to 3 except that the collapsible frame of the table 70 only comprises two frame members 72 that extend widthways across the table 70 when the collapsible frame is fully expanded. The longitudinal supports 74 of the collapsible frame have a pair of outwardly protruding peripheral ends 76 that, together with a first of the frame members 72, provide a platform onto which the storage compartment 78 of the table 70 may be placed. As shown in FIG. 6A, an underside of the lip 80 of the storage compartment 78 may be provided with an elongate channel 82 extending widthways across the lip 80. The channel 82 may be dimensioned to receive a first of the frame members 72 when the storage compartment 78 is placed thereon. The first frame member 72 is shown in the foreground in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The storage compartment 78 may also comprise a pair of circular recesses 84 formed in its topmost surface that are adapted to support drinking glasses in use.

[0054] The collapsible table 70 may also be provided with a removable work surface 86 that is adapted to be mounted onto the collapsible frame of the table 70. As shown in FIG. 6B, an underside of the work surface 86 may comprise an elongate channel 88 extending widthways across the work surface 86. The channel 88 may be dimensioned to receive a second of the frame members 72 when the work surface 86 is placed thereon. The second frame member 72 is shown in the background in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The work surface 86 may also comprise a pair of slots 90 formed in its outermost edge. The innermost end of each slot 90 may comprise a circular cavity 92 that is suitable for retaining the stem of a wine glass inserted into the slot 90.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a collapsible table 100 according to a further example embodiment of the invention. The collapsible table 100 is materially the same as the table 70 depicted in FIGS. 5A to 5C except that the respective sides of the longitudinal supports 102 of its collapsible frame each comprise a pair of recessed compartments 104. The compartments 104 receive the legs 106 of the table 100 when the legs 106 have been pivoted into their stowed positions. The compartments 104 are shaped complementary to the legs 106 such that the legs 106 lie flush with the sides of the longitudinal supports 102 when stowed. This configuration advantageously enables the table 100 to be transformed into compact form when the table 100 has been fully collapsed for storage in the bag 60. Each compartment 104 may comprise an outermost bearing surface 108 that is diagonally inclined and faces inwardly into the relevant compartment 104. Topmost sections of the legs 106 bear against the bearing surfaces 108 when the legs 106 have been pivoted into their diagonally-extending deployed positions.

[0056] In other examples, the collapsible table may comprise one or more of the following additional features (not shown): a receptacle for receiving a handle of a sun parasol or umbrella; a solar panel and power outlet (e.g., USB port) and/or battery charging station; a speaker and/or radio built into the collapsible frame; a lock on the storage compartment of the table, including with a digital code lock; a digital storage device for storing one or more security codes for recording ownership of the table; one or more hooks for storing objects such as sunglasses and hats; a bag comprised of a mesh material for hanging objects on the side of the table; a chopping board that may be secured to the flexible surface of the table using clips; removable extension pieces that may be attached onto each of the legs of the table to extend their length.

[0057] Embodiments of the present invention provide a portable table that is suitable for outdoor use, such as on a beach.

[0058] For the purpose of this specification, the word “comprising” means “including but not limited to”, and the word “comprises” has a corresponding meaning.

[0059] The above embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims that follow.