US20050204968A1

US20050204968A1 - Collapsible table

Info

Publication number: US20050204968A1
Application number: US11/029,789
Authority: US
Inventors: Patricia Butkus; Steven Jaffe
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-01-05
Filing date: 2005-01-05
Publication date: 2005-09-22

Abstract

An easily transportable collapsible table in which a box with a support structure inside converts to a table top with the support structure as its base. The box provides substantial structural integrity for the table top and it is easily assembled on site. The collapsible table can be disassembled, restored in the box and reused, or disposed of after a single use.

Description

Applicant claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application for A Portable Table, Application No. 60/524,259, filed Jan. 5, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method and device for a collapsible table preferably constructed from and contained in a thin portable cardboard box.
There are a variety of foldable paperboard tables. Some of these include U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,065 issued to Lin for a foldable paperboard table comprising a number of sections to form the base, and an additional center section support is required because the structure of the table top is insufficiently suitable on its own. Additionally, the structure on the periphery must be folded over and attached to base to provide adequate peripheral support.
Another paperboard table patent is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,473 issued to Kondratiev. This device has no transporting means and it requires a separate attaching means to connect the base to the top.
A transportable box is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,033 for a triangulated shelf display unit. The transportable box contains a number of internally transported paperboard members that serve as shelves and the box itselfconverts to a column support.
Foldable furniture is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,810 issued to Howard et al. Although the various members may be inserted into a package for shipping, no shipping container (box) is provided or utilized in the design.
A knock down semi-rigid table assembly is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,454 issued to Negus. The box shown in FIG. 1 is not utilized as part of the configured table. U.S. Pat. No. 4,078,502 issued to Barna relates to similar furniture construction.
The principal disadvantage of such devices is their bulky, difficult to transport configurations and lack of structural integrity.
To alleviate these inherent problems, and others which will become apparent from the disclosure which follows, the present invention conveniently provides an easily transportable table which includes substantial structural integrity and can withstand considerable more loading than existing foldable tables. Furthermore, the embodiments of this invention provide a collapsible paperboard table assembly which is easily assembled on site that is inexpensive, lightweight, and which can be either disposable or reusable.
The citation of the foregoing publications is not an admission that any particular publication constitutes prior art, or that any publication alone or in conjunction with others, renders unpatentable any pending claim of the present application. None of the cited publications is believed to detract from the patentability of the claimed invention.

ADVANTAGES OF THIS INVENTION

The transportable box of the instant invention which also serves as a table top has sufficient independent structure to provide the necessary support without all of the additional elements and attachments that are required by the foregoing references. Nonetheless, this transportable table can be made out of lightweight corrugated paper board or cardboard and coated to reduce the effects of water on corrugated material protecting it against water from drinks in glasses or bottles that may be placed on the table top. It can be used inside or outdoors on a clean, dry, and level surface. Footings have been provided for more effective stabilization on uneven surfaces. Waterproof footings have been added to allow it to be used on surfaces that are not entirely dry.
The base and table top snap and lock together when the unit is assembled without the need of separate attachment elements. The units can be made in a variety of sizes, each of which can support about 100 pounds of evenly distributed weight.
Moreover, the instant invention provides methods and devices for building a collapsible table from a thin lightweight cardboard box having a bottom surface, a top surface, an end flap for sealing an end opening and an interior space, a collapsible base that can be stored in the interior space of the box, and preferably a fold back stabilizer and a pair of interlocking flat cardboard sheets. In one embodiment of the collapsible table, the bottom surface has a pair of transverse perforated cuts forming four opposing wedges which can be displaced to form an aperture for receiving a base. The base can be removed from storage in the interior space and inserted into the aperture of the outer thin box to form a lightweight easily transported table.
Each of the pair of interlocking flat cardboard sheets, the collapsed open-ended base, and the fold back stabilizer can be removed from the interior of the outer thin box; each of the pair of interlocking flat cardboard sheets can be interlocked and the collapsed opened base can be expanded to receive the interlocked flat cardboard sheets to form a base; the four opposing wedges which can be displaced by the fold back stabilizer to form an aperture for receiving the base; and the fold back stabilizer with two end openings and two side openings can be disposed to receive an apex of each of the four opposing wedges to secure the aperture in an open position, as shown in the drawing.
The top end of the base can be inserted into the aperture of the outer thin box, and the outer thin box with the base disposed in its aperture can be arranged with the base at the bottom and the top surface at the top to form the disposable lawn table of the present invention. The outer thin box with the base disposed in its aperture can be arranged with the base at the bottom and the top surface at the top to form the table of the present invention.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
Still other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure that follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a collapsible table comprising a structure for supporting the table and a box with a receptacle space for accessibly holding the structure for supporting the table. The structure for supporting the table comprises a collapsible base having a top end and a bottom end. The collapsible base is selectively configurable between a first configuration in which the base is flattened so that it can be stored in the box and a second configuration in which the base is expanded for supporting the table.
The box has a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one side surface. Each of the at least one side surface is disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface. The bottom surface has an aperture that is selectively configurable between a closed configuration in which the aperture is substantially closed and an open configuration in which the aperture is open defining a passageway for receiving the top end of the collapsible base.
The collapsible base can be selectively configured to the first configuration in which the base is flattened so that it can be stored in the receptacle space of the box for ease of transport, the collapsible base can be removed from the receptacle space of the box and the top end of the collapsible base can inserted into the aperture of the bottom surface of the box, and the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table and the top surface of the box can be up righted allowing the top surface to be a table top.
The present invention also teaches a method for constructing a collapsible table from a box having a receptacle space for accessibly holding a structure for supporting the table, a closeable opening in one of a top surface, a bottom surface with a centrally disposed openable aperture, and an at least one side surface, and the structure for supporting the table, including a collapsible base with a top end having at least one head and a bottom end, comprising steps of opening the closeable opening in one of the top surface, the bottom surface, and the at least one side surface of the box; removing the structure for supporting the table from the box; selectively configuring the collapsible base from a first configuration in which the base is flattened for stowage to a second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table; opening the aperture to form a passageway for receiving the top end of the collapsible base; and inserting the top end of the collapsible base into the passageway.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled collapsible table of the instant invention showing the box functioning as a tabletop supported by a collapsible base having feet at its respective corners;
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken along the line of 1-1 of FIG. 1 showing a preferred construction of the corrugated material of the instant invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tabletop being used as a transport box with a handle for transporting the collapsible table of the instant invention and showing particularly the bottom surface of the box which has a series of partial cuts to provide an open able aperture for receiving a top end of the collapsible base;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the collapsible table of the current invention with the elements of the structural support partially removed from the inside of the table top/box;
FIG. 5 is a exploded perspective view of the collapsible table of the current invention showing an arrangement of the box in position to function as the table top and for receiving the means for opening the open able aperture, the collapsible base and the pair of intersecting sheets;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the aperture of the box partially opened by the means for opening which includes a flat plate that can be inserted to open the open able aperture without contacting the inwardly extending tabs of the bottom surface;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the box with the openable aperture of the bottom surface fully opened and with the means for opening said aperture disposed within said aperture;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the collapsible table showing the partially folded collapsible base being inserted into the openable aperture;
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of the collapsible table with the collapsible base fully opened within the aperture so that the taps are in the recesses in the side walls of the base and with the pair of interlocking sheets being partially inserted into a bottom opening of the collapsible base (FIGS. 6-9 show assembly steps in connecting the various elements of the collapsible table.);
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the box of the current invention with a preferred configuration of cuts and fold lines for the aperture shown in a closed configuration for transporting the collapsed base inside;
FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of the aperture on the bottom surface of the box in an open configuration;
FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of the aperture on the bottom surface of the box in an open configuration with the collapsible base in a partially opened configuration disposed in the passageway of said aperture;
FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of the collapsible table with the collapsible base fully opened within the aperture so that the tabs extend into the recess in the opposing side walls of the base;
FIG. 14 is a exploded perspective view of the collapsible table showing the structure for supporting the table exploded away from the table top/box;
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 15-15 of FIG. 14 showing the preferred construction of the intersecting sheet corrugated wall;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the assembled collapsible table with a round table top/box;
FIG. 17 is a cut away perspective view of the collapsible table showing a polygonal table top with the base and intersecting sheets disposed within the base and the base disposed within the aperture and further showing feet on the base and the interlocking stiffeners;
FIG. 18 is a cut away perspective view showing access to the structure for supporting the table accessible through the top surface of the box;
FIG. 19 is a cut away perspective view of another embodiment of the collapsible table with a plurality of apertures in the bottom surface of the box and a corresponding number of heads extending from the top of the base through a plurality of apertures of the bottom surface of the box;
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 20-20 of FIG. 19 showing a corrugated head disposed in the passageway of one of the apertures in the bottom surface of the box;
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 21-21 of FIG. 19 showing one of the heads of the base extending through the aperture to support the underside of the top surface of the box;
FIG. 22 is an exploded cut away fragmentary perspective view of another embodiment of the collapsible table showing a polygonal aperture and a complementary base cross-section, with the base having an elongated stiffener that has a maximum lateral dimension that is greater than the length of any one peripheral edge of the passageway; and
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the base taken along the lines 23-23 of FIG. 22 showing the collapsible table with the stiffener disposed between the respective crease lines of the base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiments depicted in the drawing comprise a collapsible table with a table top convertible from a box. Without departing from the generality of the invention disclosed herein and without limiting the scope of the invention, the discussion that follows, will refer to the invention as depicted in the drawing.
The preferred embodiments of the apparatus depicted in the drawing comprise a collapsible table 1 comprising a structural support for the portable table including a collapsible base 2 with a top end 22 and a bottom end 20, and a table top 4 including a box 11 having a top surface 14, a bottom surface 16, and at least one side surface 15. Each of the at least one side surface 15 is disposed between the top surface 14 and the bottom surface 16 proximate a respective peripheral edge thereof, with at least one of the at least one side surface having a closeable opening 26 for accessing a receptacle space 13 inside of the box 4 for storing the structural support.
Additionally, the bottom surface 16 has an openable aperture 24 for receiving the top end 22 of the collapsible base 2 into the receptacle space 13 inside of the box 4. In this way, the collapsible table can be readily transported in the table top as a box with the structural support including the collapsible base disposed therein, and it can assembled as a table unit with the collapsible base being removed from the receptacle space inside the box, and with the top end of the collapsible base inserted into the openable aperture of the box and unfolded to form the structural support of the table in which the top surface 14 of the box can be up righted allowing the top surface to be an upper surface of the table top.
Preferably, as shown in FIG. 5, the collapsible base comprises an elongated open ended multi-sided sleeve 46 with a polygonal cross section with at least two opposite sides that are parallel. Each of the at least two opposite sides that are parallel have a centrally elongated crease 3 line for folding, whereby, the at least two opposite sides can be folded along the crease lines and the collapsible base can be collapsed to fit inside the box. In the preferred embodiment as shown in the drawing, there are four side surfaces. As shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 9, the cross section of the unfolded sleeve is square. At least one of the two opposing sides that are parallel have centrally disposed creased line for folding.
As best shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 8 and 9, the bottom end of the collapsible base has a plurality of feet 10. Each of the plurality of feet is adapted for resting on an extraneous surface, which may be uneven, for supporting the collapsible table.
Referring to FIG. 3, the openable aperture for receiving the top end of the collapsible base comprises a first set of partial cut crease lines 5 forming a square corresponding generally to the cross sectional dimensions of an unfolded collapsible base and a second set of partial cut crease lines 6 forming a square with each of the crease lines forming an inner square with each of its creased lines at a distance no greater than the width of the box from the respective outer crease lines. Also shown are a pair of partial transverse intersecting cuts 8 centrally disposed forming four opposing triangular segments 38. Each of the partial transverse intersecting cuts extends diagonally from an intersection of the partial cut crease lines of the outer square to an opposite corner of the square with a central section 40 proximate to the intersection of the partial transverse intersecting cuts remaining uncut to maintain partial integrity of the bottom surface.
The length of each of the partial transverse intersecting cuts corresponds to the length of the diagonal dimension of the unfolded cross section of the unfolded collapsible base.
As shown in FIGS. 3, and 6-9, the openable aperture of the bottom surface has opposing tabs extending into the aperture 24 from opposing peripheral edges and the collapsible base has corresponding recesses disposed along disposing sides thereof which are adapted to receive the tabs of the bottom surface when the collapsible base 2 is unfolded. Removal of the base from the table top is restricted independent of collapsing the collapsible base before withdrawing the base from the table top. See FIG. 9.
Additionally, the structural support of the collapsible table of this important invention comprises at least one flat sheet (30, 32) having a length equal to the length of the elongated sleeve and a width corresponding to the cross-sectional length of the unfolded collapsible base. As shown in FIG. 5, the structural supporting may have a pair of interlocking flat sheets (30, 32), each having length equal to the length of the elongated sleeve and a width corresponding to the cross-sectional length of the unfolded collapsible base. A first of the pair of interlocking sheets 30 has a centrally disposed cuts 42 extending from a bottom surface thereof to a medial point, and the second 32 of the pair of interlocking sheets may have a centrally disposed cuts 44 extending from a top edge thereof to a medial point, as shown in FIG. 5. The pair of interlocking sheets can be interlocked along the respective cuts, as shown in FIG. 9. The interlocking sheets can be inserted into the bottom opening of the collapsible base to provide additional structural stability for the collapsible table.
Additionally, the respective bottom edge of each of the pair of interlocking sheets may have extended feet corresponding in length to the feet of the collapsible base and further has a centrally disposed foot.
Furthermore, the collapsible table may further comprise a means for opening 28 the openable aperture of the bottom surface of the table top independent of the contact with the inwardly disposed tabs 7 of the bottom surface 16 comprising a flat sheet having dimensions corresponding to the cross sectional dimensions of the collapsible base. Recesses 34 in the collapsible base are adapted to receive the tabs 7.
The collapsible table may further comprise a handle 12 extending from at least one of the plurality of side surfaces of the box.
As can be readily appreciated from the foregoing and the drawing, various methods of making a collapsible table from a convertible box are disclosed by this invention.
The collapsible table 1 taught by the instant invention comprises a structure for supporting the table and a box 11 with a receptacle space 13 for accessibly holding the structure for supporting the table. The structure for supporting the table comprises a collapsible base 2 having a top end 22 and a bottom end 20. The collapsible base is selectively configurable between a first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 18, and a second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table, as shown in FIGS. 1, 16, 17, and 19. The box 11 has a top surface 14, a bottom surface 16, and at least one side surface 15; each of the at least one side surface is disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface. The bottom surface 16 has an aperture 24 that is selectively configurable between to a closed configuration in which the aperture is substantially closed, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 10 and 14, and an open configuration in which the aperture is open defining a passageway for receiving the top end of the collapsible base, as shown in FIGS. 5-9, 11-13, and 16-17.
The collapsible base 2 can be selectively configured to the first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored in the receptacle space 13 of the box for ease of transport, the collapsible base can be removed from the receptacle space of the box and the top end 22 of the collapsible base can inserted into the aperture 24 of the bottom surface 16 of the box 4, and the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table and the top surface 14 of the box can be up righted allowing the top surface to be a table top.
Furthermore, access to the structure for supporting the table for removal from the receptacle space inside the box is through a closeable opening 9 in one of the top surface 14, the bottom surface 16, and the at least one side surface 13. The bottom surface 16 of the box 4 may have a plurality of opposing tabs 7 extending into the passageway and the base has at least two opposing sides 17, each of the at least two opposing sides has at least one recess 34 for receiving one of the plurality of opposing tabs 7, each of the at least one recess 34 is at a predetermined distance from the top end 22 of the base 2 so that the top end of the base supports an underside 14 a of the top surface 14 of the box 4 when the top end 22 of the collapsible base is disposed in the passageway 25 in the second configuration and each of the plurality of opposing tabs 7 is disposed in one of the at least one recess 34, so that removal of the erect base 2 from the passageway 25 of the table top (box 4) is restricted independent of collapsing the collapsible base before withdrawing the base 2 from the table top and the table top is supported by the base.
Additionally, referring to FIG. 6, the structure for supporting the table further may comprise means for opening 28 the aperture 24 of the bottom surface of the box independent of contact with the opposing tabs 7 extending into the passageway including a flat rigid sheet has dimensions corresponding to the cross-sectional dimensions of the erect collapsible base 2.
The aperture 24 preferably comprises a predetermined array of die cuts 8 and crease lines (5,6) in the bottom surface of the box, so that through the application of an applied force to the aperture 24 will cause separation along the die cuts 8 allowing the crease lines to fold to create the passageway 25. At least one of the crease lines 5 is preferably parallel to a peripheral edge 27 of the passageway 25. In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined array of die cuts are intersecting diagonals, as best shown in FIG. 3, extending through the aperture. In another preferred embodiment, the predetermined array of die cuts 8 are two parallel lines defining opposing edges of the passageway and a line perpendicular to and medially intersecting each of the two parallel lines, as shown in FIG. 10.
Because the collapsible table is designed to be transportable and lightweight, the structure for supporting the table and the box may be made of cardboard. The cardboard is preferably corrugated, as shown in FIGS. 2, 15, and 20. Additionally, at least the top surface 14 of the box 4 may have a water resistant coating (14 b, 14 c). Alternatively, at least one of the structure for supporting the table and the box may be comprised of plastic and the plastic may be corrugated.
Variations are contemplated for the interconnection between the box and the structure for supporting the table. The overall shape of the passageway 25 through the bottom surface 16 of the box 4 may be polygonal—one example of which is shown in FIG. 22, with the base being sized to fit the passageway. As best shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the second configuration of the base 4 may have a polygonal cross-section with a maximum transverse dimension that is less by a predetermined amount than a maximum transverse dimension of the passageway and with a minimum transverse dimension that is less by a predetermined amount than a minimum transverse dimension of the passageway. The overall shape of the passageway through the bottom surface of the box may be substantially square and the second configuration of the base has a square cross-section that is sized to fit the passageway, as shown in various figures throughout the drawing.
So that the table top/box 4 does not spin on the base 2, the base is adapted for use with the passageway 25 of the box so that dependent rotation, about the centerline of the base, between the second configuration of the base and box exists. Preferably, the second configuration of the base 2 comprises an elongated open ended multi-sided sleeve 46 with a polygonal cross section sized to fit the passageway with at least two opposing parallel sides 48, each at least two opposing parallel sides is joined to another side by a crease line 3, and each of the at least two opposing parallel sides has a longitudinally disposed central crease line 3 a for folding. In this way, the at least two opposing sides 48 can be folded along the crease lines 3 a to allow the base 2 to be flattened and stored inside the box 4, and the at least two opposing sides 48 can be flattened unfolding the crease lines to allow the base (sleeve 48) to be erect to fit in the passageway 25 and support the table top/box 4.
As shown in FIGS. 5, 14, and 19, the base may comprise at least two elongated interlocking stiffeners (30,32). Each of the at least two elongated interlocking stiffeners has a maximum lateral dimension that is less than a maximum transverse dimension of the passageway 25 and have a length equal to the length of the elongated sleeve 46, the stiffeners are disposable in the erect base, and each of the at least two interlocking stiffeners has a centrally disposed longitudinal cut (42 and 44, respectively) extending from an end surface to a medial point. Thus, the at least two interlocking stiffeners can be interlocked along each of the longitudinal cuts and the interlocking stiffeners can be inserted into a bottom opening of the erect collapsible base to provide additional structural stability for the collapsible table. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, the structural support may further comprise at least one elongated stiffener 31 that has a length not exceeding the length of the elongated sleeve and a width corresponding to a maximum transverse dimension of the erect collapsible base 4.
As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the collapsible table provides the second configuration of the base comprises an elongated open ended multi-sided sleeve 46 with a polygonal cross section sized to fit the passageway with at least two opposing sides 17, each of the at least two opposing sides has a longitudinally disposed central crease line 3 for folding, so that the at least two opposing sides 17 can be folded along the crease lines to allow the base to be flattened and stored inside the box 4, and the at least two opposing sides can be flattened unfolding the crease lines to allow the base to be erect to fit in the passageway and support the table top. Additionally, the base may comprise an elongated stiffener 31 having a maximum lateral dimension that is greater than the length of any one peripheral edge of the passageway and has a length not exceeding the length of the elongated sleeve, the stiffener is disposed between the respective crease lines to maintain the base in an erect configuration.
The bottom end 20 of the collapsible base may have a plurality of feet 10 with each of the plurality of feet being adapted for resting on an extraneous surface for supporting the collapsible table. Moreover, the base may comprise two elongated interlocking stiffeners (30,32) adapted for snug insertion into the erect base 2. Each of the two interlocking stiffeners preferably has a centrally disposed longitudinal cut extending from an end surface to a medial point a respective bottom edge of each of the pair of interlocking sheets has extended feet 10 a corresponding in length, number and pattern of distribution to the feet of the collapsible base 4, and the respective bottom edge of each of the pair of interlocking sheets further has at least one foot 10 b that is centrally disposed when the two interlocking stiffeners are disposed in the sleeve. Preferably, all of the plurality of feet of the collapsible base and all of the feet of the two elongated interlocking stiffeners are protected against moisture penetration by one of a plurality of moisture impermeable coverings 21, as shown in FIG. 17. The plurality of moisture impermeable coverings may be plastic.
As shown in FIGS. 12-14, the collapsible table may have a handle extending from at least one of the at least one side surface of the box.
The collapsible table 1 of the present invention can comprise a structure for supporting the table and a box 4 with a receptacle space 13 for accessibly holding the structure for supporting the table. The structure for supporting the table may have a collapsible base 2 with a top end 22 and a bottom end 20, and the collapsible base may be selectively configurable between a first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored and a second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table. The box 4 may have a top surface 14, a bottom surface 16, and at least one side surface 15. Each of the at least one side surface is disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface. The structure for supporting the table is accessibly removable from the receptacle space 13 inside the box through a closeable opening 9 in one of the top surface 14, the bottom surface 16, and the at least one side surface 15. The bottom surface may have an aperture 24 that is selectively configurable between a closed configuration in which the aperture is substantially closed and an open configuration in which the aperture is open defining a passageway 25 for receiving the top end 22 of the collapsible base 2. The passageway 25 is adapted for use with the base 2 so that dependent rotation, about the centerline of the base, between the second configuration of the base 2 and box 4 exists, and the aperture 24 comprises a predetermined array of die cuts 8 and crease lines (5,6) in the bottom surface 16 of the box 4, so that through the application of an applied force to the aperture will cause separation along the die cuts allowing the crease lines to fold to create the passageway 25.
In this way, the collapsible base 2 can be selectively configured to the first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored in the receptacle space 13 of the box for ease of transport, the collapsible base can be removed from the receptacle space of the box and the top end 22 of the collapsible base 2 can inserted into the aperture 24 of the bottom surface of the box, and the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table and the top surface of the box can be up righted allowing the top surface to be a table top.
In another preferred embodiment, the collapsible table 1 may comprise a structure for supporting the table and a box 4 with a receptacle space 13 for accessibly holding the structure for supporting the table. The structure for supporting the table may have a collapsible base 2 has a top end 22 and a bottom end 20 with the top end 22 of the collapsible base 2 having at least one head 50. The collapsible base is selectively configurable between a first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored and a second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table. The box has a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one side surface, and each of the at least one side surface is disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface. The bottom surface has at least one aperture 24 corresponding in number and pattern of distribution to the number and pattern of distribution of the at least one head 50. Each of the at least one aperture has an open configuration defining a passageway 25 for receiving one of the at least one head 50 of the top end 22 of the collapsible base 2. Thus, the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored in the receptacle space of the box for ease of transport, the collapsible base can be removed from the receptacle space of the box, the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table, and each of the at least one head of the top end of the collapsible base can inserted into one of the at least one aperture of the bottom surface of the box, and the top surface of the box can be up righted allowing the top surface to be a table top.
Additionally, the at least one aperture 24 comprises a plurality of apertures and the top end of the collapsible base may have a plurality of heads corresponding in number and pattern of distribution to the number and pattern of distribution of the plurality of apertures, as shown in FIG. 19.
Furthermore, as best shown in FIG. 21, each of the plurality of heads 50 has sufficient height to enter the passageway 25 and extend to an underside 14 a of the top surface 14 of the box 4. Moreover, access to the structure for supporting the table for removal from the receptacle space inside the box is preferably through a closeable opening in one of the top surface, the bottom surface, and the at least one side surface. An important feature is for the base to be adapted for use with the passageway 25 of the box 4 so that dependent rotation, about the centerline of the base, between the second configuration of the base 2 and box 4 exists.
An additional feature which allows the collapsible table 1 to be used conveniently for displaying and cooling bottles of wine is to provide the base with at least one slot 52, as shown in FIG. 19, disposed in at least one of the sides of the multi-sided sleeve 46, for receiving a wine bottle. Moreover, the base can be filled with ice (not shown) to cool the bottle and its contents.
Preferably, the bottom end 20 of the collapsible base 2 has a plurality of feet 10, with each of the plurality of feet being adapted for resting on an extraneous surface for supporting the collapsible table.
Another embodiment of the collapsible table comprises a structure for supporting the table and a box with a receptacle space for accessibly holding the structure for supporting the table. The structure for supporting the table will comprise a collapsible base 2 has a top end and a bottom end, with the top end of the collapsible base having a plurality of heads 50 of a predetermined height. The collapsible base will be selectively configurable between a first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored and a second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table.
Moreover, the box has a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one side surface, and each of the at least one side surface is disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface. The bottom surface 16 has a plurality of apertures 24 corresponding in number and pattern of distribution to the number and pattern of distribution of the plurality of heads 50, and each of the a plurality of apertures have an open configuration defining a passageway for receiving one of the a plurality of heads of the top end of the collapsible base with each of the plurality of heads extending to an underside of the top surface of the box. The box will have a closeable opening in one of the top surface, the bottom surface, and the at least one side surface for removably access of the structure for supporting the table. The passageway of the box will be adapted for use with the base so that dependent rotation, about the centerline of the base, between the second configuration of the base and box exists.
In this way, the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored in the receptacle space of the box for ease of transport, the collapsible base can be removed from the receptacle space of the box, the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table, and each of the a plurality of heads of the top end of the collapsible base can inserted into one of the a plurality of apertures of the bottom surface of the box, and the top surface of the box can be up righted allowing the top surface to be a table top.
Also methods for constructing a collapsible table 1 from a box 4 having a receptacle space 13 for accessibly holding a structure for supporting the table, a closeable opening 9 in one of a top surface 14, a bottom surface 16 with a centrally disposed openable aperture 24, and an at least one side surface 15, and the structure for supporting the table, including a collapsible base 2 with a top end 22 having at least one head 10 and a bottom end 20 is taught by this important invention. The method comprises opening the closeable opening 9 in one of the top surface 14, the bottom surface 16, and the at least one side surface 15 of the box 4; removing the structure for supporting the table from the box; selectively configuring the collapsible base 2 from a first configuration in which the base is flattened for stowage to a second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table; opening the aperture 24 to form a passageway 25 for receiving the top end 22 of the collapsible base 2; and (b) inserting the top end 22 of the collapsible base into the passageway. This method is best illustrated in FIGS. 4-9, and 10-14. See also FIG. 18 for an illustration of removing the structure for supporting the table from the box through the top surface 14 of the box 4.
The method for constructing a collapsible table may further comprise the step of supporting the bottom end of the collapsible base on a grounding surface to allow the top surface to be a upwardly disposed as a table top of the collapsible table. Moreover, the method for constructing a collapsible table may further comprise the steps of removing the top end of the collapsible base from the passageway; closing the aperture; selectively configuring the collapsible base from the second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table to the first configuration in which the base is flattened for stowage; opening the closeable opening; and stowing the structure for supporting the table in the receptacle space of the box.
Preferably, a method for constructing a collapsible table from a box have a receptacle space for accessibly holding a structure for supporting the table, a closeable opening in one of a top surface, a bottom surface with a centrally disposed openable aperture, and an at least one side surface, and the structure for supporting the table, including a collapsible base with a top end have at least one head and a bottom end, comprise opening the closeable opening in one of the top surface, the bottom surface, and the at least one side surface of the box; removing the structure for supporting the table from the box; selectively configuring the collapsible base from a first configuration in which the base is flattened for stowage to a second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table and the at least one head corresponds in number and pattern of distribution to the number and pattern of distribution of the at least one aperture; and inserting each of the at least one head into a corresponding one of the at least one aperture.
Additionally, said method for constructing a collapsible table may further comprise the step of supporting the bottom end of the collapsible base on a grounding surface to allow the top surface to be a upwardly disposed as a table top of the collapsible table.
Furthermore, said method for constructing a collapsible table may comprise the steps of removing the top end of the collapsible base from the passageway; closing the aperture; selectively configuring the collapsible base from the second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table to the first configuration in which the base is flattened for stowage; opening the closeable opening; and stowing the structure for supporting the table in the receptacle space of the box.
Where the at least one head of the collapsible table comprises a plurality of heads and the at least one aperture comprises a plurality of apertures corresponding in number and pattern of distribution to the number and pattern of distribution of the plurality of heads, the method for constructing a collapsible table may comprise the step of inserting each of the plurality of heads into a corresponding one of the plurality of apertures.
Lastly, the method for constructing a collapsible table may further comprise the step of opening each of the at least one aperture to form at least one passageway for receiving one of the at least one head.
While this invention has been described in connection with the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor for carrying out his invention, the preferred embodiments described and shown are for purposes of illustration only, and are not to be construed as constituting any limitations of the invention. Modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and all modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is base, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scop of the present invention.
My invention resides not in any one of these features per se, but rather in the particular combinations of some or all of them herein disclosed and claimed and it is distinguished from the prior art in these particular combinations of some or all of its structures for the functions specified.
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.
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.

Claims

1. A collapsible table comprising:

a. a structure for supporting the table,

i. said structure for supporting the table comprising a collapsible base having a top end and a bottom end,

ii. said collapsible base being selectively configurable between a first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored and a second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table; and

b. a box with a receptacle space for accessibly holding the structure for supporting the table,

i. said box having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one side surface,

ii. each of said at least one side surface being disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface,

iii. said bottom surface having an aperture,

(1) said aperture being selectively configurable between to a closed configuration in which the aperture is substantially closed and an open configuration in which the aperture is open defining a passageway for receiving the top end of the collapsible base,

whereby, the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored in the receptacle space of the box for ease of transport, the collapsible base can be removed from the receptacle space of the box and the top end of the collapsible base can inserted into the aperture of the bottom surface of the box, and the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table and the top surface of the box can be up righted allowing the top surface to be a table top.

2. The collapsible table of claim 1, wherein access to the structure for supporting the table for removal from the receptacle space inside the box is through a closeable opening in one of the top surface, the bottom surface, and the at least one side surface.

3. The collapsible table of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the box has a plurality of opposing tabs extending into the passageway and the base has at least two opposing sides, each of said at least two opposing sides has at least one recess for receiving one of the plurality of opposing tabs, each of said at least one recess being at a predetermined distance from the top end of the base so that the top end of the base supports an underside of the top surface of the box when the top end of the collapsible base is disposed in the passageway in the second configuration and each of the plurality of opposing tabs is disposed in one of the at least one recess,

whereby removal of the erect base from the passageway of the table top is restricted independent of collapsing the collapsible base before withdrawing the base from the table top and the table top is supported by the base.

4. The collapsible table of claim 3, wherein the structure for supporting the table further comprises means for opening the aperture of the bottom surface of the box independent of contact with the opposing tabs extending into the passageway including a flat rigid sheet having dimensions corresponding to the cross-sectional dimensions of the erect collapsible base.

5. The collapsible table of claim 1, wherein the aperture comprises a predetermined array of die cuts and crease lines in the bottom surface of the box, so that through the application of an applied force to the aperture will cause separation along the die cuts allowing the crease lines to fold to create the passageway.

6. The collapsible table of claim 5, wherein at least one of the crease lines is parallel to a peripheral edge of the passageway.

7. The collapsible table of claim 5, wherein the predetermined array of die cuts are intersecting diagonals extending through the aperture.

8. The collapsible table of claim 5, wherein the predetermined array of die cuts are two parallel lines defining opposing edges of the passageway and a line perpendicular to and medially intersecting each of the two parallel lines.

9. The collapsible table of claim 1, wherein the structure for supporting the table and the box are comprised of cardboard.

10. The collapsible table of claim 9, wherein the cardboard is corrugated.

11. The collapsible table of claim 9, wherein at least the top surface of the box has a water resistant coating.

12. The collapsible table of claim 1, wherein at least one of the structure for supporting the table and the box is comprised of plastic.

13. The collapsible table of claim 12, wherein the plastic is corrugated.

14. The collapsible table of claim 1, wherein the overall shape of the passageway through the bottom surface of the box is polygonal and the base is sized to fit the passageway.

15. The collapsible table of claim 14, wherein the second configuration of the base has a polygonal cross-section with a maximum transverse dimension that is less by a predetermined amount than a maximum transverse dimension of the passageway and with a minimum transverse dimension that is less by a predetermined amount than a minimum transverse dimension of the passageway.

16. The collapsible table of claim 1, wherein the overall shape of the passageway through the bottom surface of the box is substantially square and the second configuration of the base has a square cross-section that is sized to fit the passageway.

17. The collapsible table of claim 1, wherein the base is adapted for use with the passageway of the box so that dependent rotation, about the centerline of the base, between the second configuration of the base and box exists.

18. The collapsible table of claim 14, wherein the second configuration of the base comprises an elongated open ended multi-sided sleeve with a polygonal cross section sized to fit the passageway with at least two opposing parallel sides, each side is joined to another side by a crease line, and each of said at least two opposing parallel sides has a longitudinally disposed central crease line for folding,

whereby, the at least two opposing sides can be folded along the crease lines to allow the base to be flattened and stored inside the box, and the at least two opposing sides can be flattened unfolding the crease lines to allow the base to be erect to fit in the passageway and support the table top.

19. The collapsible table of claim 18, wherein the base comprises at least one slot, disposed in at least one of the sides of the multi-sided sleeve, for receiving a wine bottle.

20. The collapsible table of claim 18, wherein the base comprises at least two elongated interlocking stiffeners, each of said at least two elongated interlocking stiffeners have a maximum lateral dimension that is less than a maximum transverse dimension of the passageway and have a length equal to the length of the elongated sleeve, said stiffeners are disposable in the erect base, each of said at least two interlocking stiffeners has a centrally disposed longitudinal cut extending from an end surface to a medial point,

whereby, said at least two interlocking stiffeners can be interlocked along each of said longitudinal cuts and said interlocking stiffeners can be inserted into a bottom opening of the erect collapsible base to provide additional structural stability for the collapsible table.

21. The collapsible table of claim 18, wherein the structural support further comprises at least one elongated stiffener having a length not exceeding the length of the elongated sleeve and a width corresponding to a maximum transverse dimension of the erect collapsible base.

22. The collapsible table of claim 1, wherein the second configuration of the base comprises an elongated open ended multi-sided sleeve with a polygonal cross section sized to fit the passageway with at least two opposing sides, each of said at least two opposing sides having a longitudinally disposed central crease line for folding,

23. The collapsible table of claim 22, wherein the base comprises an elongated stiffener having a maximum lateral dimension that is greater than the length of any one peripheral edge of the passageway and having a length not exceeding the length of the elongated sleeve, said stiffener being disposed between the respective crease lines to maintain the base in an erect configuration.

24. The collapsible of claim 1, wherein the bottom end of the collapsible base has a plurality of feet, each of said plurality of feet being adapted for resting on an extraneous surface for supporting the collapsible table.

25. The collapsible table of claim 24, wherein the base comprises two elongated interlocking stiffeners adapted for snug insertion into the erect base, each of said two interlocking stiffeners having a centrally disposed longitudinal cut extending from an end surface to a medial point a respective bottom edge of each of the pair of interlocking sheets has extended feet corresponding in length, number and pattern of distribution to the feet of the collapsible base, and the respective bottom edge of each of the pair of interlocking sheets further has at least one foot that is centrally disposed when the two interlocking stiffeners are disposed in the sleeve.

26. The collapsible table of claim 25, wherein all of the plurality of feet of the collapsible base and all of the feet of the two elongated interlocking stiffeners are protected against moisture penetration by one of a plurality of moisture impermeable coverings.

27. The collapsible table of claim 26, wherein the plurality of moisture impermeable coverings are plastic.

28. The collapsible table of claim 1, further comprising a handle extending from at least one of the at least one side surface of the box.

29. A collapsible table comprising:

a. a structure for supporting the table,

iii. said structure for supporting the table being accessibly removable from the receptacle space inside the box through a closeable opening in one of the top surface, the bottom surface, and the at least one side surface,

iv. said bottom surface having an aperture,

(1) said aperture being selectively configurable between a closed configuration in which the aperture is substantially closed and an open configuration in which the aperture is open defining a passageway for receiving the top end of the collapsible base,

(2) said passageway being adapted for use with the base so that dependent rotation, about the centerline of the base, between the second configuration of the base and box exists,

(3) said aperture comprising a predetermined array of die cuts and crease lines in the bottom surface of the box, so that through the application of an applied force to the aperture will cause separation along the die cuts allowing the crease lines to fold to create the passageway,

30. A collapsible table comprising:

a. a structure for supporting the table,

ii. the top end of the collapsible base has at least one head,

iii. said collapsible base being selectively configurable between a first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored and a second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table; and

iii. said bottom surface having at least one aperture corresponding in number and pattern of distribution to the number and pattern of distribution of said at least one head,

(1) each of said at least one aperture having an open configuration defining a passageway for receiving one of the at least one head of the top end of the collapsible base,

whereby, the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored in the receptacle space of the box for ease of transport, the collapsible base can be removed from the receptacle space of the box, the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table, and each of the at least one head of the top end of the collapsible base can inserted into one of the at least one aperture of the bottom surface of the box, and the top surface of the box can be up righted allowing the top surface to be a table top.

31. The collapsible table of claim 30, wherein the at least one aperture comprises a plurality of apertures and the top end of the collapsible base has a plurality of heads corresponding in number and pattern of distribution to the number and pattern of distribution of said plurality of apertures.

32. The collapsible table of claim 31, wherein each of the plurality of heads has sufficient height to enter the passageway and extend to an underside of the top surface of the box.

33. The collapsible table of claim 30, wherein access to the structure for supporting the table for removal from the receptacle space inside the box is through a closeable opening in one of the top surface, the bottom surface, and the at least one side surface.

34. The collapsible table of claim 30, wherein the base is adapted for use with the passageway of the box so that dependent rotation, about the centerline of the base, between the second configuration of the base and box exists.

35. The collapsible table of claim 30, wherein the base comprises at least one slot, disposed in at least one of the sides of the multi-sided sleeve, for receiving a wine bottle.

36. The collapsible of claim 30, wherein the bottom end of the collapsible base has a plurality of feet, each of said plurality of feet being adapted for resting on an extraneous surface for supporting the collapsible table.

37. A collapsible table comprising:

a. a structure for supporting the table,

ii. the top end of the collapsible base has a plurality of heads of a predetermined height,

iii. said bottom surface having a plurality of apertures corresponding in number and pattern of distribution to the number and pattern of distribution of said a plurality of heads,

(1) each of said a plurality of apertures having an open configuration defining a passageway for receiving one of the a plurality of heads of the top end of the collapsible base with each of the plurality of heads extending to an underside of the top surface of the box,

iv. said box having a closeable opening in one of the top surface, the bottom surface, and the at least one side surface for removably access of the structure for supporting the table,

v. the passageway of the box is adapted for use with the base so that dependent rotation, about the centerline of the base, between the second configuration of the base and box exists,

whereby, the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored in the receptacle space of the box for ease of transport, the collapsible base can be removed from the receptacle space of the box, the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table, and each of the a plurality of heads of the top end of the collapsible base can inserted into one of the a plurality of apertures of the bottom surface of the box, and the top surface of the box can be up righted allowing the top surface to be a table top.

38. A method for constructing a collapsible table from a box having a receptacle space for accessibly holding a structure for supporting the table, a closeable opening in one of a top surface, a bottom surface with a centrally disposed openable aperture, and an at least one side surface, and the structure for supporting the table, including a collapsible base with a top end having at least one head and a bottom end, comprising:

a. opening the closeable opening in one of the top surface, the bottom surface, and the at least one side surface of the box;

b. removing the structure for supporting the table from the box;

c. selectively configuring the collapsible base from a first configuration in which the base is flattened for stowage to a second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table;

d. opening the aperture to form a passageway for receiving the top end of the collapsible base; and

e. inserting the top end of the collapsible base into the passageway.

39. The method for constructing a collapsible table of claim 38, further comprising the step of supporting the bottom end of the collapsible base on a grounding surface to allow the top surface to be a upwardly disposed as a table top of the collapsible table.

40. The method for constructing a collapsible table of claim 38, further comprising the steps of

a. removing the top end of the collapsible base from the passageway;

b. closing the aperture;

c. selectively configuring the collapsible base from the second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table to the first configuration in which the base is flattened for stowage;

d. opening the closeable opening; and

e. stowing the structure for supporting the table in the receptacle space of the box.

41. A method for constructing a collapsible table from a box having a receptacle space for accessibly holding a structure for supporting the table, a closeable opening in one of a top surface, a bottom surface with a centrally disposed openable aperture, and an at least one side surface, and the structure for supporting the table, including a collapsible base with a top end having at least one head and a bottom end, comprising:

b. removing the structure for supporting the table from the box;

c. selectively configuring the collapsible base from a first configuration in which the base is flattened for stowage to a second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table and the at least one head corresponds in number and pattern of distribution to the number and pattern of distribution of said at least one aperture; and

d. inserting each of the at least one head into a corresponding one of the at least one aperture.

42. The method for constructing a collapsible table of claim 41, further comprising the step of supporting the bottom end of the collapsible base on a grounding surface to allow the top surface to be a upwardly disposed as a table top of the collapsible table.

43. The method for constructing a collapsible table of claim 41, further comprising the steps of

a. removing the top end of the collapsible base from the passageway;

b. closing the aperture;

d. opening the closeable opening; and

44. The method for constructing a collapsible table of claim 41, wherein the at least one head comprises a plurality of heads and the at least one aperture comprises a plurality of apertures corresponding in number and pattern of distribution to the number and pattern of distribution of said plurality of heads, comprising the step of inserting each of the plurality of heads into a corresponding one of the plurality of apertures.

45. The method for constructing a collapsible table of claim 41, further comprising the step of opening each of the at least one aperture to form at least one passageway for receiving one of the at least one head.