Collapsible beach table and associated method(s)

Abstract

A collapsible outdoor table includes a top surface assembly, and a bottom stabilizing assembly removably and rotatably attached to the to the top surface assembly. The bottom stabilizing assembly has an adjustable vertical length and is configured to rotatably anchor into a sand surface such that the top surface assembly is maintained at a substantially stable horizontal orientation relative to the adjustable vertical length. Without requiring tools, the top surface assembly is configured to be rotatably assembled and rotatably disassembled to the bottom stabilizing assembly. The bottom stabilizing assembly is configured to be rotatably locked in a first rotating direction to the top surface assembly. The bottom stabilizing assembly is configured to be rotatably unlocked in a second rotating direction to the top surface assembly. The first rotating direction is opposite to the second rotating direction.

Claims

1. A collapsible outdoor table comprising: a top surface assembly; and a bottom stabilizing assembly removably and rotatably attached to said top surface assembly; wherein said bottom stabilizing assembly has an adjustable vertical length and is configured to rotatably anchor into a sand surface such that said top surface assembly is maintained at a substantially stable horizontal orientation relative to said adjustable vertical length; wherein, without requiring tools, said top surface assembly is configured to be rotatably assembled and rotatably disassembled to said bottom stabilizing assembly; wherein said bottom stabilizing assembly is configured to be rotatably locked in a first rotating direction to said top surface assembly; wherein said top surface assembly includes a support surface bifurcated into a first half and a second half and having a central aperture at a junction of said first half and said second half, a plurality of hinges connected to a bottom face of said first half and said second half, respectively, and a first coupling statically connected said bottom face of said bottom stabilizing assembly; wherein said first coupling is bifurcated into a first section and a second section statically affixed to said first half and said second half, respectively; wherein said bottom stabilizing assembly includes a second coupling operably engaged with said first coupling: wherein said first half and said second half are configured to be pivotal relative to each other when said first coupling is rotatably unlocked from said second coupling; wherein said second coupling includes a central circular region and a plurality of rectilinear flanges radially extended away from said central circular region; wherein said rectilinear flanges are equidistantly spaced apart along a circumferential outer perimeter of said central circular region.

2. The collapsible outdoor table of claim 1, wherein each of said first section and said second section has a semi-spherical shape and conjoined to each other at said junction of said first half and said second half.

3. The collapsible outdoor table of claim 1, wherein said first coupling includes a plurality of quadrants comprising: a first quadrant, a second quadrant, a third quadrant, and a fourth quadrant equidistantly spaced apart from each other; wherein said first quadrant and said second quadrant are located at said first section; wherein said third quadrant and said fourth quadrant are located at said second section.

4. The collapsible outdoor table of claim 1, wherein said rectilinear flanges comprise: a first rectilinear flange, a second rectilinear flange, a third rectilinear flange, and a fourth rectilinear flange.

5. The collapsible outdoor table of claim 4, further comprising: a plurality of friction-inducing regions contiguously disposed to said open bottom sides, respectively: wherein said friction-inducing regions include a first friction-inducing region, a second friction-inducing region, a third friction-inducing region, and a fourth friction-inducing region.

6. The collapsible outdoor table of claim 5, wherein said first rectilinear flange is rotatably and removably interfitted with said first friction-inducing region; wherein said second rectilinear flange is rotatably and removably interfitted with said second friction-inducing region; wherein said third rectilinear flange is rotatably and removably interfitted with said third friction-inducing region; wherein said fourth rectilinear flange is rotatably and removably interfitted with said fourth friction-inducing region.

7. The collapsible outdoor table of claim 1, wherein said bottom stabilizing assembly further comprises: a top rod statically affixed to said second coupling; an intermediate rod rotatably and detachably affixed to said top rod; and a bottom rod rotatably and detachably affixed to said intermediate rod.

8. The collapsible outdoor table of claim 7, wherein said top rod comprises: a first axial bore centrally aligned with said central aperture; a pair of first apertures; a pair of first fingers protruding outwardly from said first axial bore; and an elongated and rectilinear bar removably passed through said first apertures.

9. The collapsible outdoor table of claim 8, wherein said intermediate rod is rotatably connected to said top rod and comprises: a second axial bore vertically aligned with said first axial bore; a pair of first J-shaped lock channels located at a proximal end of said intermediate rod; a pair of second apertures situated subjacent to said first J-shaped lock channels; and a pair of second fingers protruding outwardly from said second axial bore; wherein said first fingers are rotatably engaged and disengaged with said first J-shaped lock channels.

10. The collapsible outdoor table of claim 9, wherein said bottom rod is rotatably connected to said intermediate rod and comprises: a third axial bore vertically aligned with said first axial bore; a pair of second J-shaped lock channels located at a proximal end of said bottom rod; and a tapered distal end; wherein said second fingers are rotatably engaged and disengaged with said second J-shaped lock channels.

11. The collapsible outdoor table of claim 1, wherein said first half lays parallel to said second half when said top surface assembly is articulated to a folded position and an unfolded position.

12. A collapsible outdoor table comprising: a top surface assembly; and a bottom stabilizing assembly removably and rotatably attached to said top surface assembly; wherein said bottom stabilizing assembly has an adjustable vertical length and is configured to rotatably anchor into a sand surface such that said top surface assembly is maintained at a substantially stable horizontal orientation relative to said adjustable vertical length; wherein, without requiring tools, said top surface assembly is configured to be rotatably assembled and rotatably disassembled to said bottom stabilizing assembly; wherein said bottom stabilizing assembly is configured to be rotatably locked in a first rotating direction to said top surface assembly; wherein said bottom stabilizing assembly is configured to be rotatably unlocked in a second rotating direction to said top surface assembly; wherein said top surface assembly includes a support surface bifurcated into a first half and a second half and having a central aperture at a junction of said first half and said second half, a plurality of hinges connected to a bottom face of said first half and said second half, respectively, and a first coupling statically connected said bottom face of said bottom stabilizing assembly; wherein said first coupling is bifurcated into a first section and a second section statically affixed to said first half and said second half, respectively; wherein said hinges are spaced along said junction of said first half and said second half; wherein said first coupling includes a plurality of quadrants having a plurality of open bottom sides, respectively, and a plurality of friction-inducing regions contiguously disposed to said open bottom sides, respectively; a plurality of rectilinear flanges being configured to upwardly enter said first coupling through said open bottom sides and further configured to rotatably slide along a top face of said friction-inducing regions, respectively, such that said first coupling is locked with said second coupling.

13. A collapsible outdoor table comprising: a top surface assembly; and a bottom stabilizing assembly removably and rotatably attached to said top surface assembly; wherein said bottom stabilizing assembly has an adjustable vertical length and is configured to rotatably anchor into a sand surface such that said top surface assembly is maintained at a substantially stable horizontal orientation relative to said adjustable vertical length; wherein, without requiring tools, said top surface assembly is configured to be rotatably assembled and rotatably disassembled to said bottom stabilizing assembly; wherein said bottom stabilizing assembly is configured to be rotatably locked in a first rotating direction to said top surface assembly; wherein said bottom stabilizing assembly is configured to be rotatably unlocked in a second rotating direction to said top surface assembly; wherein said first rotating direction is opposite to said second rotating direction; wherein said top surface assembly includes a support surface bifurcated into a first half and a second half and having a central aperture at a junction of said first half and said second half, a plurality of hinges connected to a bottom face of said first half and said second half, respectively, and a first coupling statically connected said bottom face of said bottom stabilizing assembly; wherein said first coupling is bifurcated into a first section and a second section statically affixed to said first half and said second half, respectively; wherein said hinges are spaced along said junction of said first half and said second half; wherein said first coupling includes a plurality of quadrants having a plurality of open bottom sides, respectively, and a plurality of friction-inducing regions contiguously disposed to said open bottom sides, respectively; a plurality of rectilinear flanges being configured to upwardly enter said first coupling through said open bottom sides and further configured to rotatably slide along a top face of said friction-inducing regions, respectively, such that said first coupling is locked with said second coupling.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY DRAWINGS

(1) The novel features believed to be characteristic of non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable beach table, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

(3) FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the adjustable beach table shown in FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the adjustable beach table shown in FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the top surface assembly at a folded position;

(6) FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the adjustable beach table shown in FIG. 1 without the bottom stabilizing assembly;

(7) FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5A-5A in FIG. 5;

(8) FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of section 5B taken in FIG. 5A;

(9) FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of section 5C taken in FIG. 5B;

(10) FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the adjustable beach table shown in FIG. 1;

(11) FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a first section of the first coupling engaged with a portion of the second coupling;

(12) FIG. 8 is an enlarged top plan view showing the first coupling frictionally engaged with the second coupling at a locked position; and

(13) FIG. 8A is an enlarged top plan view showing the first coupling disengaged from the second coupling at an unlocked position.

(14) Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) depicted in the figures nor the shapes, relative sizes or proportions shown in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

(15) The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure is shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) set forth herein. Rather, such non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the relevant art(s). Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the figures.

(16) The illustrations of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the present disclosure. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of the structures, systems and/or methods described herein. Other non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) upon reviewing the disclosure. Other non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may be utilized and derived from the disclosure such that structural, logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

(17) One or more embodiment(s) of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the true spirit and scope of this application to any particular non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiment(s) have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment(s) shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of other embodiment(s). Combinations of the above embodiment(s), and other embodiment(s) not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the relevant art(s) upon reviewing the description.

(18) References in the specification to one embodiment(s), an embodiment(s), a preferred embodiment(s), an alternative embodiment(s) and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in at least an embodiment(s) of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s). The appearances of the phrase non-limiting exemplary embodiment in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment(s).

(19) Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiment(s) and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

(20) If used herein, about, generally, and approximately mean nearly and in the context of a numerical value or range set forth means 15% of the numerical.

(21) If used herein, substantially means largely if not wholly that which is specified but so close that the difference is insignificant.

(22) The non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) is/are referred to generally in FIGS. 1-8A and is/are intended to provide a collapsible and adjustable outdoor table 20 that is anchored into a sand surface and rotatably assembled/disassembled between unfolded/folded configurations 21, 22, respectively, without requiring tools. The bottom stabilizing assembly 26 of the outdoor table 20 can be partially submerged into the ground, sand, or gravel on land and under water. This bottom stabilizing assembly 26 can be made up of multiple interlocking parts to change the height of the outdoor table 20. Each part can be assembled by hand and allows rotatable connection to interchangeable top surface assemblies 25. A single bottom stabilizing assembly 26 can have one top surface assembly 25. Alternately, multiple bottom stabilizing assemblies 26 can be used for multiple larger top surface assemblies 25. Advantageously, outdoor table 20 does not require tools to assemble/disassemble.

(23) In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the bottom stabilizing assembly 26 can be used for multiple items including, but not limited to, top surface assembly 25, chairs, coolers, beds, umbrellas, and trash cans. The bottom stabilizing assembly 26 can be broken down to make it more compact for storage. The top surface assembly 25 can be folded by hand to make it more compact for storage. The top surface assembly 25 has a raised edge to allow different accessories to be attached to it. Also, the bottom stabilizing assembly 26 can be broken down or extended to accommodate different heights as needed.

(24) A non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure is referred to generally in FIGS. 1-8A and is intended to provide a specially configured collapsible and adjustable outdoor table 20 that is anchored into a sand surface and succinctly assembled/disassembled between unfolded/folded configurations 21, 22, respectively, without requiring tools. It should be understood that the exemplary embodiment(s) may be used to anchor the outdoor table 20 to a variety of sand surfaces and should not be limited to any particular sand surface described herein.

(25) Referring to FIGS. 1-8A in general, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s), the folding outdoor table 20 has a variable height bottom stabilizing assembly 26 configured for the beach or soft sand. Advantageously, bottom stabilizing assembly 26 can disassemble into smaller pieces which can be assembled by hand without the use of tools. Accessories may be added such as larger outdoor table tops, umbrellas, trash bag hook, cup holder, phone holder, etc. The outdoor table 20 can be folded and is sturdy enough to act as a second anchor for boats. Thus, a boat can be moored to the outdoor table 20. The outdoor table 20 provides variable height bottom stabilizing assembly 26 meant for the beach, river, grass, or soft sand.

(26) Advantageously, the outdoor table 20 is broken down by hand without the need for tools. A user can extend/retract the height by adding more leg sections to the bottom stabilizing assembly 26. Advantageously, outdoor table 20 is sturdy enough to act as a second anchor for boats twenty-four feet and below while at the beach/shoreline/sandbar. Outdoor table 20 can sustain wake waves as well and is small enough to be stored in a small bag.

(27) Referring to FIGS. 1-8A in general, the collapsible and adjustable outdoor table 20 is anchored into a sand surface and rotatably assembled/disassembled between unfolded/folded configurations 21, 22, respectively, without requiring tools. The collapsible outdoor table 20 includes a top surface assembly 25, and a bottom stabilizing assembly 26 removably and rotatably attached to a bottom face 30b of the top surface assembly 25. Advantageously, the bottom stabilizing assembly 26 has an adjustable vertical length and is configured to rotatably anchor into a sand surface such that the top surface assembly 25 is maintained at a substantially stable horizontal orientation relative to the adjustable vertical length. Advantageously, without requiring tools (e.g., wrench, power drill, pliers, screw driver, socket wrench, hammer, etc.), the top surface assembly 25 is configured to be rotatably assembled and rotatably disassembled to the bottom stabilizing assembly 26. Advantageously, the bottom stabilizing assembly 26 is configured to be rotatably locked in a first rotating direction 27 to the top surface assembly 25. Advantageously, the bottom stabilizing assembly 26 is configured to be rotatably unlocked in a second rotating direction 28 to the top surface assembly 25. Advantageously, the first rotating direction 27 (e.g., counter clockwise) is opposite to the second rotating direction 28 (e.g., clockwise). Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unexpected results of succinctly and rotatably assembling and disassembling the outdoor table 20 without the use of tools, which provides quick access to a sturdy outdoor table 20.

(28) In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the top surface assembly 25 includes a top surface 30 bifurcated into a first half 31 and a second half 32 and having a central aperture 60 at a junction 42 of the first half 31 and the second half 32, a plurality of hinges 33 connected to the bottom face 30b of the first half 31 and the second half 32, respectively, and a first coupling 40 statically connected the bottom face 30b of the top surface assembly 25. Advantageously, the first coupling 40 is bifurcated into a first section 40a and a second section 40b statically affixed to the first half 31 and the second half 32, respectively. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unexpected results of succinctly and rotatably assembling and disassembling the outdoor table 20 without the use of tools, which provides quick access to a sturdy outdoor table 20.

(29) In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, each of the first section 40a and the second section 40b has a semi-spherical shape and conjoined to each other at junction 42 of the first half 31 and the second half 32. The first section 40a and second section 40b are mirror images of each other and coextensively shaped. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unexpected results of succinctly and rotatably assembling and disassembling the outdoor table 20 without the use of tools, which provides quick access to a sturdy outdoor table 20.

(30) In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the bottom stabilizing assembly 26 includes a second coupling 50 operably engaged with the first coupling 40. Advantageously, the first section 40a and first half 31 (as a group) as well as the second section 40b and second half 32 (as a group) are configured to be synchronously pivotal relative to each other when the first coupling 40 is rotatably unlocked from the second coupling 50. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unexpected results of succinctly and rotatably assembling and disassembling the outdoor table 20 without the use of tools, which provides quick access to a sturdy outdoor table 20.

(31) In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the second coupling 50 includes a central circular region 50a and a plurality of rectilinear flanges 50b-50e radially extended away from the central circular region 50a. Advantageously, the rectilinear flanges 50b-50e are equidistantly spaced apart along a circumferential outer perimeter 51 of the central circular region 50a. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unexpected results of succinctly and rotatably assembling and disassembling the outdoor table 20 without the use of tools, which provides quick access to a sturdy outdoor table 20.

(32) In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the hinges 33 are spaced along junction 42 of the first half 31 and the second half 32. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unexpected results of succinctly and rotatably assembling and disassembling the outdoor table 20 without the use of tools, which provides quick access to a sturdy outdoor table 20.

(33) In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the first coupling 40 includes a plurality of quadrants 44-47 having a plurality of open bottom sides 44a-47a, respectively, and a plurality of friction-inducing regions 44b-47b contiguously disposed to the open bottom sides 44a-47a, respectively. Advantageously, the rectilinear flanges 50b-50e are configured to upwardly enter the first coupling 40 through the open bottom sides 44a-47a, respectively, and further configured to rotatably slide along a top face 52 of the friction-inducing regions 44b-47b, respectively, such that first coupling 40 is rotatably locked with the second coupling 50. An unlocking procedure is performed by oppositely rotating and downwardly disengaging the second coupling 50 through the open bottom sides 44a-47a of the first coupling 40. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unexpected results of succinctly and rotatably assembling and disassembling the outdoor table 20 without the use of tools, which provides quick access to a sturdy outdoor table 20.

(34) In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the quadrants 44-47 include a first quadrant 44, a second quadrant 45, a third quadrant 46, and a fourth quadrant 47 equidistantly spaced apart from each other. Advantageously, the first quadrant 44 and the second quadrant 45 are located at the first section 40a. Advantageously, the third quadrant 46 and the fourth quadrant 47 are located at the second section 40b. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unexpected results of succinctly and rotatably assembling and disassembling the outdoor table 20 without the use of tools, which provides quick access to a sturdy outdoor table 20.

(35) In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the rectilinear flanges 50b-50e include a first rectilinear flange 50b, a second rectilinear flange 50c, a third rectilinear flange 50d, and a fourth rectilinear flange 50e. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unexpected results of succinctly and rotatably assembling and disassembling the outdoor table 20 without the use of tools, which provides quick access to a sturdy outdoor table 20.

(36) In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the friction-inducing regions 44b-47b include a first friction-inducing region 44b, a second friction-inducing region 44c, a third friction-inducing region 44d, and a fourth friction-inducing region 44e. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unexpected results of succinctly and rotatably assembling and disassembling the outdoor table 20 without the use of tools, which provides quick access to a sturdy outdoor table 20.

(37) In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the first rectilinear flange 50b is rotatably and removably interfitted with the first friction-inducing region 44b. Advantageously, the second rectilinear flange 50c is rotatably and removably interfitted with the second friction-inducing region 44c. Advantageously, the third rectilinear flange 50d is rotatably and removably interfitted with the third friction-inducing region 44d. Advantageously, the fourth rectilinear flange 50e is rotatably and removably interfitted with the fourth friction-inducing region 44e. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unexpected results of succinctly and rotatably assembling and disassembling the outdoor table 20 without the use of tools, which provides quick access to a sturdy outdoor table 20.

(38) In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the bottom stabilizing assembly 26 further includes a top rod 56 statically affixed to the second coupling 50, an intermediate rod 57 rotatably and detachably affixed to the top rod 56, and a bottom rod 58 rotatably and detachably affixed to the intermediate rod 57. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unexpected results of succinctly and rotatably assembling and disassembling the outdoor table 20 without the use of tools, which provides quick access to a sturdy outdoor table 20.

(39) In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the top rod 56 includes a first axial bore 56a centrally aligned with the central aperture 60, a pair of first apertures 56b, a pair of first fingers 56c protruding outwardly from the first axial bore 56a, and an elongated and rectilinear bar 56d removably passed through the first apertures 56b. The elongated and rectilinear bar 56d is used to help rotate the bottom stabilizing assembly 26 relative to the top surface assembly 25, thereby locking/unlocking such assemblies 25, 26 to each other without the use of tools. For example, while holding the rectilinear bar 56d at a fixed position, the bottom stabilizing assembly 26 remains stationary and the top surface assembly 25 is rotated in clockwise and counterclockwise directions thereby locking and unlocking the first coupling 40 to the second coupling 50 (visa versa), respectively (FIG. 8 illustrates and unlocked position 70, FIG. 8A illustrates a locked position 71). Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unexpected results of succinctly and rotatably assembling and disassembling the outdoor table 20 without the use of tools, which provides quick access to a sturdy outdoor table 20.

(40) In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the intermediate rod 57 is rotatably connected to the top rod 56 and includes a second axial bore 57a vertically aligned with the first axial bore 56a, a pair of first J-shaped lock channels 57b located at a proximal end of the intermediate rod 57, a pair of second apertures 57c situated subjacent to the first J-shaped lock channels 57b, and a pair of second fingers 57d protruding outwardly from the second axial bore 57a. Advantageously, the first fingers 56c are rotatably engaged and disengaged with the first J-shaped lock channels 57b. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unexpected results of succinctly and rotatably assembling and disassembling the outdoor table 20 without the use of tools, which provides quick access to a sturdy outdoor table 20.

(41) In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the bottom rod 58 is rotatably connected to the intermediate rod 57 and includes a third axial bore 58a vertically aligned with the first axial bore 56a, a pair of second J-shaped lock channels 58b located at a proximal end of the bottom rod 58, and a tapered distal end 58c. Advantageously, the second fingers 57d are rotatably engaged and disengaged with the second J-shaped lock channels 58b. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unexpected results of succinctly and rotatably assembling and disassembling the outdoor table 20 without the use of tools, which provides quick access to a sturdy outdoor table 20.

(42) In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the first half 31 and first section 40a (as a group) lays parallel to the second half 32 and second section 40b (as a group) when the top surface assembly 25 is articulated between folded position 22 and unfolded position 21. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unexpected results of succinctly and rotatably assembling and disassembling the outdoor table 20 without the use of tools, which provides quick access to a sturdy outdoor table 20.

(43) While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and it is understood that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the accompanying figures and discussed in this detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted. Therefore, it will be understood that any of the features shown and/or discussed in the present disclosure may be implemented together in any suitable combination. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.

(44) While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings.

(45) Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

(46) The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims that now follow. That scope is intended and should be interpreted to be as broad as is consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language that is used in the claims when interpreted in light of this specification and the prosecution history that follows and to encompass all structural and functional equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the Patent Act, nor should they be interpreted in such a way. Any unintended embracement of such subject matter is hereby disclaimed.

(47) Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.

(48) It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms comprises, comprising, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by a or an does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

(49) The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various examples for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed example. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.