GB2514416A

GB2514416A - Portable table

Info

Publication number: GB2514416A
Application number: GB1309392.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Naomi Batten
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-05-24
Filing date: 2013-05-24
Publication date: 2014-11-26
Also published as: GB201309392D0

Abstract

A portable table 10 comprises table top 12 formed of two leaves 12a and 12b that are connected by a pair of hinges 14 at proximal ends and held together at distal ends by a catch 12c. Leaf 12a is mounted on a support frame 16 which also carries a wheel support 18 which bears two wheels 20a and 20b. Telescopic handle 22 is also mounted on the support frame. The table also has four foldable legs 24, two mounted on each of the leaves. The table can be easily transported on its wheels by pulling the handle. It is also useful as a trolley for carrying additional load items.

Description

Portable Table

The present invention relates to a portable table, and is concerned particularly, although not exclusively, with a portable table that can also be used as a trolley.

The prior art contains several examples of portable table, for example for use in camping. Some such tables can also be used as a trolley, for carrying light loads, such as camping equipment or other items, often for outdoor use.

Hxamples of such tables are found in US Patent No. 4565382 and Australian patent application No. AU2O1O1O1263. Each document describes a table with folding legs that can be stowed for transportation. The tables also have wheels that allow them to be pulled along the ground, and a container or platform that can support other items for transportation

with the table.

However, there are a number of disadvantages with the prior tables. Firstly, their use is limlXed because of a re1ativeiy small surface area of the table-top and also a lack of stabiliLy and strength to suppoft anything more than a modest load when erected as a table. Also, because of the configuration of Lho foldable legs there is litLle space below the table top, for example to accommodate the legs of a diner sitting at the table. Furthermore, parLicularly in the case of AU2O1D1O1263, there are several loose parLs that may become detached and lost, parLicularly when the table is used for outdoor activities, such camping.

I

The present invention is defined in the attached independent claims, to which reference should now he made.

Further, preferred features may be found in the sub-claims appended thereto.

S

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable table comprising a table top, a number of legs, a load support, and at least one wheel member, wherein the table is operatively arranged to adopt a first configuration as a hand truck or hand cart,. in which it can be transported by hand by rolling the wheel member along a ground surface, and in which the load supporL is arranged to support an independent load, and a second configuration as a table, in which it can provide a substantially level table surface, wherein the table top comprises two table top portions which are moveable between a stowed configuration, in which one portion substantially overlies the other, and an operable configuration, in which the two portions form a substantially conLinuous table surface, and wherein when the table is in the firsL configuration the at least one wheel member is located in the region of a coimnon edge of the table top porLions, and when Lhe table is in the second configuraLion the at least one wheel member is located substantially part-way along

the table top.

Preferably, when the table is in the second configuration, the table top portions lie substantially edge to edge and the at least one wheel member may be located substantially mid-way between the table top portions.

S

In a preferred arrangement the load support comprises a load platform.

There are preferably at least two, more preferably three and still more preferably four legs. In a preferred arrangement the table top is generally rectangular, and a leg is located at each of four corners of the table top in the second, table configuration. One or more of the legs may be foldable, and may be lockable in either an opened position1 a stowed position, or both positions. The or each leg may be extendable and may be telescopically extendable.

Alternatively, or in addition, the leg may have a foot, which toot may be threadedly engaged with the leg and may effect an extension or contraction of the leg by screwing the foot out or in with respect to the leg.

Tn a preferred arrangement the table is provided with a handle for manipulating and/or moving Lhc Lable when in the first configuration. The handle may be extendable and is preferably telescopically adjustable.

The table may be lockablo in Lhc firs configuration, which may bo by means of one or more catches. The table may be lockable in the second configuration, which may be by means of one or more shoot bolts.

In a preferred arrangement the table includes one or more straps or webs for retaining an independent load on the table in the first configuration.

The invention may include any combination of the features or limitations referred to herein, except such a combination of features as are mutually exclusive, or mutually inconsistent.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described. By way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a view of the front of a portable table according to an embodiment of the invention, in a

transportable mode;

Figure 2 is a view of the rear of the table of Figure 2; Figure 3 shows the table of Figures 1 and 2 without a load; Figure 4 shows the table of Figures 1 to 3 in a part-unfolded configuration; and Figure 5 shows the table of Figures 1 to 4 in an operational configuration.

Turning to Figures 1 and 2, these show the portable table in a folded configuration ready for transportation. The table, referenced generally at 10, comprises table top 12 formed of two leaves 12a and 12b that are connected by a pair of hinges 14 at proximal ends and are held together at dtstai ends by a catch 12c. Leaf 12a is mounted on a support frame 16 which also carries a wheel support 18, boaring two wheels 20a and 2Db. Telescopic handle 22 is also mounted on support frame 16, and in the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2 the handle 22 is shown in a fully extended configuration. The table 10 also has four foldable legs 24, two mounted on each of the leaves 12a and 12b, as will be described later.

In this arrangement the table it) can easily be transported on its wheels by pulling the handle. It is also useful as a trolley for carrying additional load items. Table leaf 125 has a foldable load platform 26, hingedly mounted proximate to a lower edge of leaf i2b, and moveable between a load-bearing configuration, shown in Figure 2, and a stowed configuration shown in Figures 3 and 4 and described later.

The load platform comprises a mesh of steel or alloy material. As an alternative, the platform could be a solid surface of metal or other material. In the load-bearing configuration the platform 26 is able to support load items, represented generally in the drawing by 28. A retaining clip (not shown) holds the plaLform in the stowed configuration when it is not in use. Load straps 30 pass through eyelets 32 formed integrally with the table leaf 12b, and these straps reLain the load iLems 28 in position on the platform 26 and against Lhe leaf 12b. The straps are retained by the eyelets so that they do not become detached and lost when not in use. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) in addition to or in place of the straps there could be provided fabric or mesh panels or webbing1 to provide support and/or containment for luggage items.

The load platform 26 has a foldable stand 26a, which is mounted on the platform for pivotal movement thereon, and which can either lie flush against the platform or else can be folded out to the position shown in Figure 2, in which it can serve to support the apparatus in a substantially upright position against a ground surface. This can be useful when a user wishes to leave the apparatus temporarily, without setting it down flat on the ground, such as when queuing, for example.

Figure 3 shows the table 10 with the load items 28 removed and the load platform 26 stowed1 ready to open out for use as a table at a desired location.

Referring to Figure 4, to open the table top, first the catch 12c is operated to release the leaves 12a and 12b from engagement at their distal ends. The legs 24 are individually mounted to the underside of the ieaves 12a or l2b by dual-position locking hinges 34. The hinges 34 retain the legs either in the stowed configuration shown in Figures 1 to 3, or else the operational configuration shown in Figures 4 and 5, from which they can be released at the press of a button 36 on *Lhe side of the hinge 34.

Towards the lower end of leaf 12b are a pair of shoot bolts 3B, spaced towards Lhe edges of the leaf 12b. Ihesc are receivable in sockets (not shown) mounted in corresponding positions on the other leaf 12a, and act as locking means for maintaining the table leaves in an open, operable configuration, as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5 shows the table opened and ready for use.

Adjustable feet 40, at the end of each of the legs 24, enable the table to be set level, even when the ground surface is not, such as is often the case when used outdoors. The feet 40 are threadedly mounted in the ends of the legs and may be screwed in or out to vary the effective length of the leg. As an alternative, the feet 40 could be mounted [Lelescopically with respect to the legs 24. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the legs could be arrangeable at a reduced length, for example by telescopic sliding or by folding, so as to allow [the table to be used at a lower height, for example by small children, or to be placed on top of another surface.

Whilst the illustrated embodimeriL has four leys, alternative numbers of legs may be used in alternative embodiments (not shown) . For example, where the table is to be used in connection with another form of support such as in a lean-to mode, only two legs may provided. Alternative configurations, including a tripod arrangement may be employed, and a greater number of legs may be utilised where, for example, a greater load must be supported, or elso Lhe table top is longer.

The load straps 30 can be neaLly retained under the table top in Lhe open configuration, so that they do rioL hang down and become a nuisance to users of thc table.

As can be seen from Figure 5, in the open configuration the opened table top presents double the surface area of one of the leaves. Also, the positioning of the legs at the corners, as well as providing maximum stability under load, allows for a substantial space beneath the table top, which is useful if persons are seated around the table, as they would be when dining. In order to increase further the space beneath the table top, i.n an alternative embodiment (not shown) the wheei.s 20 can be pivotally mounted so that they can be made to fold up inwardly, towards the centre of the table top, to a stowed position. The track of the wheels is, in any case, narrower than the widLh of the table top so that any dirt on the wheels does not come into ccntact with a person standing by the table in use. A table cloth 42 is shown partly draped over the table.

Disassembly for transportaLion is essentially a reverse of the above-described procedure. The legs are stowed first, and then the shoot bolts 38 are withdrawn, allowing the leaves 12a and 12b to be folded to the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2, where they are retained together using the catch 12c. With the load platform let down to the load-hearing position the user can then load additional items to be carried, which items can be securely retained using straps 30.

The table described is compacL and can be pulled easily by one person using the adjustable Lelescopic handle. The platform and sLraps allow the carrying of several load items, making the table particularly suitable for camping, festivals, picnics and the like. Once on site assernbl.y is quick and straiyhLforward, and the large surface-area combined with the substantial space beneath make the table particularly useful for dining or cooking. The absence of loose parts means that nothing can become lost during use, which is particularly advantageous in an outdoor setting.

S

The table 10 is preferably made of non-flammable and/or heat-resistant materials, and the table top may be provided wfth a non-slip surface.

In addition, when in the folded configuration the table is relatively corapact and can therefore easily be stored, or transported in a vehicle, for example.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance, it should be understood that the applicant claims protection in respecL of any patentable feature or combination of features referred to herein, and/or shown in the drawings, whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A portable table comprising a table top, a number of legs, a load support, and at least one wheel member, wherein the table is operatively arranged to adopt a first configuration as a hand truck or hand cart, in which it can be transported by hand by rolling [the wheel member along a ground surface, and in which the support platform is arranged to support: an independent load, and a second configuration as a table, in which it can provide a substantially level table surface, wherein the table top comprises two table top portions which are moveable between a stowed configuration, in which one porUon substantially overlies the other, and an operabl.e configuration, in which the two porticns form a substantiaJl.y continuous table surface, and wherein when the table Is in the first configuration the at least one wheel member is located in the region of a common edge of Lhe table Lop portions, and when the table is in the second configuration the at least one wheel member is located subs*tantially part-way along thetable top.
2. A portable table according to Claim 1, wherein, when the table is in the second configuration, the table top portions lie substantially edge to edge and the at least one wheel member may be located substantially mid-way between the table top portions.
3. A portable table according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the load support comprises a load platform.
4. A portable table according to any of Claims 1 to 3, having at least two legs.
5. A portable table according to Claim 4, wherein the table top is generally rectangular, and a leg is located at each of four corners of the table top in the second,table configuration.
6. portable table according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein one or more of the legs is foldable.
7. portable table according to Claim 4, wherein the one or more legs i.s lockabie in either an opened position, a stowed position, or both positions.
8. A portable table according to any of the preceding claims, wherei.n the or each leg i.s extendabl.e.
9. A portable table according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the or each leg has a foot, which foot is threadedly engaged wiLh the leg and may effect an extension or contracLion of the leg by screwing the foot out or in with respect to the leg.
10. A portable table according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the table is provided with a handle for manipulating and/or moving the table when in the first configuration.
11. A portable table according to Claim 10, wherein the handle is extendable.
12. A portable table according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the table is lockable in the first configuration, by means of one or more catches.
13. A portable table according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the table is lockable in the second configuration, by means of one or more shoot bolts.
14. A portable table according to any of Lhe preceding claims, wherein Lhe table includes one or more straps or webs for retaining an independent load on the table in the first configuration.
15. A portable table substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.