US3850114A

US3850114A - Portable article containing table construction

Info

Publication number: US3850114A
Application number: US00344627A
Authority: US
Inventors: H Ganteaume
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-03-26
Filing date: 1973-03-26
Publication date: 1974-11-26
Anticipated expiration: 1991-11-26

Abstract

The table includes a central table section and a pair of lateral table sections pivotally secured to the central table section along its opposite sides. The central table section has a depending support panel. Lateral table supports are hingedly secured to the opposite sides of the central support panel for swinging movement between positions underlying and supporting the lateral table sections when the latter lie in coplanar relation with the central table sections, and a position parallel to and overlying the central panel. The outer ends of the lateral table supports hingedly mount terminal supports for movement between positions angularly related to the lateral supports and underlying the table sections and a position substantially coplanar with the lateral support. The central panel, lateral supports and terminal supports each have a plurality of openings which, when the lateral and terminal supports lie generally parallel to the central panel, lie in registry one with the other to define a plurality of cavities for receiving and storing articles. The table sections are foldable into overlying relation on opposite sides of the lateral and terminal supports when folded over the central panel to define end closure members for the cavities. When folded, the table sections and supports define a carrying case. Handles are provided on the central panel whereby the table and its contents are portable in the form of a carrying case. The table is set up by swinging the table sections outwardly into coplanar relation with the central table section and pivoting the lateral and terminal supports away from the central panel into underlying and supporting engagement with the table sections.

Description

United States Patent [191 Ganteaume v PORTABLE ARTICLE CONTAINING TABLE CONSTRUCTION [76] Inventor: Harry Ganteaume, Hacienda San Pablo, Turmero Edo. Aragua, Venezuela [22] Filed: Mar. 26, 1973 [21] Appl. No.2 344,627

[52] US. Cl 108/38, 312/241, 312/244 [51] Int. Cl. A47b 3/00, A47b 85/00 [58] Field of Search 108/41, 89, 88, 38, 79,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,661,258 12/1953 Dinken 108/79 X 3,139,281 6/1964 Nicholson 108/38 X 3,201,186 8/1965 Noonan et al. 108/44 X 3,208,807 9/1965 Becker 312/241 X 3,271,091 9/1966 Henry 108/25 X 3,308,773 3/1967 Long 108/79 3,520,259 7/1970 Sanchez 108/79 Primary ExaminerPaul R. Gilliam Attorney, Agent, or FirmLeBlanc & Shur [57] ABSTRACT The table includes a central table section and a pair of lateral table sections pivotally secured to the central table section along its opposite sides. The central table Nov. 26, 1974 section has a depending support panel. Lateral table supports are hingedly secured to the opposite sides of the central support panel for swinging movement between positions underlying and supporting the lateral table sections when the latter lie in coplanar relation with the central table sections, and a position parallel to and overlying the central panel. The outer ends of the lateral table supports hingedly mount terminal supports for movement between positions angularly related to the lateral supports and underlying the table sections and a position substantially coplanar with the lateral support. The central panel, lateral supports and terminal supports each have a plurality of openings which, when the lateral and terminal supports lie generally parallel to the central panel, lie in registry one with the other to define a plurality of cavities for receiving and storing articles. The table sections are foldable into overlying relation on opposite sides of the lateral and terminal supports when folded over the central panel to define end closure members for the cavities. When folded, the table sections and supports 7 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures The present invention relates to a portable article containing table construction and particularly relates to a portable table construction which can be set up as a table and knocked down, collapsed, or folded to form a carrying case in which articles may be stored.

A number of tables which can be folded or knocked down to form a carrying case with articles contained within the case for use in conjunction with the table have been proposed and constructed in the past. One such construction is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 2,693,258 wherein a pair of table sections are hingedly secured to a central table top part, the sections being foldable towards one another whereby a carrying case is provided. The table legs are hinged to the undersides of the table sections for movement between table supporting and stored positions. The table legs are also receivable through open ends of the table sections thereby forming a handle for the table when knocked down as a carrying case. Various devices for securing articles such as utensils, cups, plates, and the like, are secured to the underside of this table. In US. Pat. No. 2,31 1,798, there is disclosed a folding table formed of a plurality of sections hinged one to the other such that when they are unfolded they form a table configuration. Various devices are provided on the undersides of the table sections for holding utensils, plates, and the like. These tables, however, appear unwieldy, difficult to set up and knock down, readily and easily distorted or broken thereby shortening their useful life, and generally unacceptable from practical and economic standpoints.

Moreover, none of the foregoing or other table constructions known to applicant have optimized the functions of the various table parts in both configurations thereof, i.e., when set up as a table or knocked down as a carrying case. For example, none of these prior tables have utilized the support members for the table for the dual purpose of supporting the table as well as defining cavities or recesses in which articles can be received and stored when the table is knocked down to form a carrying case. By employing the support members ofa table in the foregoing manner, as more particularly described hereinafter, the need for ancillary devices for securing articles for storage within the table sections is eliminated. Also, the openings in the table support members can be configured to complement the shape of specific articles, whereby when the table forms a carrying case, the articles can be stored in an orderly and effective manner and without movement thereof relative to the case. Furthermore, the table support members when unfolded provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance as a result of the variously arranged and configured openings through the support members.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a porta-- cured to the central table section. The central table section has a depending support. Lateral table supports are hingedly secured on opposite sides of the central support. The outer extremity of each lateral table support also hingedly carries a terminal table support.

v When the table is set up, central and lateral table sections lie in coplanar relation and thereby define a substantially continuous table surface. The lateral supports are hinged outwardly away from the central support on opposite sides thereof and underlie and support the respective lateral table sections. The terminal supports are hinged away from the lateral supports and lie in an outermost position generally parallel to the central sup port and underlying and supporting the outer extremities of the table sections. To fold the table construction for portability, the terminal supports are pivoted into planes containing the respective lateral supports whereby the terminal and lateral supports lie in coplanar relation on opposite sides of the central support. The lateral and terminal supports are then pivoted to overlie the central support on opposite sides thereof whereby the supports lie in generally parallel relation with one another. In pivoting the lateral and terminal supports parallel to the central support, they are also displaced from supporting engagement below the lateral table sections. The table sections are thus free for pivotal movement into positions overlying and generally parallelling the lateral and terminal supports. The table is thus in a knocked-down condition and in the configuration of a carrying case.

For receiving and storing articles to be carried within the table construction when it is knocked down and forms a carrying case, the central, lateral and terminal supports are provided with a plurality of openings. Respective openings in each support register with like configured and located openings in each other support when the table is knocked down. In this manner, a plurality of cavities are defined by the registering openings of the central, lateral, and terminal supports. The cavities have a depth equal to the sum of the widths or thicknesses of such supports. The table sections provide end closures on opposite sides of each cavity when the table sections are knocked down parallel to the supports. Any shape of opening can be provided as desired dependent upon the shape of the articles to be stored. Also, when the table is set up, the openings through the lateral, central and terminal supports form aesthetically pleasing designs enhancing the overall appearance of the table.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved portable article containing table construction.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved portable article containing table construction wherein articles can be received and stored within the table supports when the table construction and its supports are knocked down and form a carrying case.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved portable article containing table construction wherein openings are provided in each table support with the openings cooperating one with the other to define article receiving cavities when the table construction is knocked down and forms a carrying case.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved portable article containing table construction wherein the table is readily set up and knocked down.

It is a still further object of the present invention to I provide a novel and improved portable article containing table construction which is not only functional as a table with the additional capacity to confine and store articles, when knocked down, but which is also aestethically pleasing in appearance when set up as a table.

FIG.- 2 is a perspective view of the table construction hereof illustrated in a knocked down configuration wherein the table forms a carrying case for ancillary articles;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the table construction hereof illustrating one of the table sections pivoted to uncover cavities within the carrying case for carrying and storing the articles.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the table construction viewed from its underside;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views thereof taken about on lines 5-5 and 6-6 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the table construction hereof illustrated in a partially set up condition or a condition wherein only one-half of the table is to be utilized; and

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the table construction hereof with its parts illustrated in exploded juxtaposition showing its assembly and the registration of the various cavity forming openings through the table supports.

Referring now the the drawings, and particularly to FIG. I, there is illustrated a portable article containing table construction or unit 10 set up for use as a table.

Table construction 10 includes a central table section 12 and a pair of lateral table sections 14 and I6 hingedly secured on respective opposite sides of central table section 12. Preferably, and as illustrated in FIG. 4, piano type hinges 18 disposed on the underside of the table are utilized to secure the lateral table sections to the central table section. When the

lateral sections

14 and 16 are pivoted to the position illustrated in FIG. 1, the table sections l2, l4 and 16 define a substantially continuous upper table surface 20.

A central support or panel 22 depends from the central table section 12 at right angles thereto. The lower edge of central support 22 has a pair of outer legs 26 and a centrally disposed leg 28 separated by a pair of recesses or indentations 24. A slot 30 is provided through the centrally disposed leg 28 and provides a handle for the table unit when knocked down to form a carrying case as more particularly described hereinafter. The upper lateral margins 32 of central support 22 are enlarged and define slots 34 along opposite sides thereof. Slots 34 also serve as handles for the table unit when knocked down to form a carrying case.

posite sides and outboard thereof for supporting

table sections

14 and 16 respectively. More particularly, lateral table support 36 is pivoted to one side of central support 22 by, for example, piano type hinges 37 for pivotal movement about an axis normal to the axis of hinges l8 and between a position in a plane generally parallel to the plane containing central support 22 and a position swung outwardly therefrom underlying and supporting table section 14 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Lateral table support 38 is pivoted to the opposite edge of central support 22 by, for example, piano type hinges 39 for pivotal movement about an axis generally normal to the axis of hinges 18 and between a position in a plane parallel to the plane containing central support 22 and a position swung outwardly therefrom underlying and supporting the plane containing table section 16 as illustrated in FIG. 4. As best illustrated in FIG. 8 table support 14 is recessed along its bottom edge to define a pair of

support legs

40 and 42. Table support 16 is similarly recessed along its lower edge to define a pair of

support legs

44 and 46. For reasons which will be appreciated from the ensuing description, the lateral table supports 14 and 16 are coextensive in width with the central support 22, the laterally enlarged portions 32 on opposite sides of central support 22 projecting beyond the lateral edges of the lateral supports. The inner faces of lateral supports 36 and 38 are inset adja cent the outermost portions thereof at 48 and 50, respectively. For reasons which will be appreciated hereinafter, the thicker portions of the lateral table supports 36 and 38, when hinged to overlie central support 22 have outer faces which lie substantially in alignment with the opposite sides of table section 12.

Terminal table supports 52 and 54 are hinged to the outer ends of the lateral table supports 36 and 38, respectively, by, for example, piano-type hinges designated S3 and 55. Terminal support 52 is recessed along its lower edge to define a pair of

legs

56 and 58, while terminal support 54 is also recessed along its lower edge to define a pair of

legs

60 and 62. The terminal supports are formed to a thickness such that, when pivoted inwardly about their hinge axes, they may lie within the recesses formed by the inset faces 48 and 50 along the inner surfaces of the lateral table supports. The combined thickness of each terminal support and the outboard portion of the associated lateral support is preferably equal to or at least no greater than the thickness of the inner portion of the lateral support whereby the terminal and lateral supports are coplanar when folded or arranged as illustrated in FIG. 5.

Stops

64 and 66 are carried along the underside of the

table sections

14 and 16, respectively, and adjacent diagonally disposed corners thereof. Generally U- shaped

catches

68 and 70 are also carried along the underside of

table sections

14 and 16, respectively, in

spaced, generally transverse, alignment with

respective stops

64 and 66.

Before detailing the manner in which the table is set up and knocked down to form a carrying case, it will be appreciated that the various parts of the table unit 10 described above can be manufactured of a variety of materials. For example, the various table sections and supports may be formed of plastic, wood, aluminum, fiberglass, synthetic woods, plywood, cardboard, or any combination of such materials, although plastic is the preferred form for reasons of strength and durability.

In FIGS. 1 and 4, table unit is illustrated set up as a table. In this position,

table sections

12, 14 and 16 lie in a common plane and define the continuous table surface 20. The lateral supports 36 and 38 are pivoted outwardly into underlying supporting engagement with the

table sections

14 and 16, respectively. Particularly, the lateral supports 36 and 38 are swung outwardly whereby their remote ends engage stops 64 and 66, respectively on the undersides of

table sections

14 and 16. Terminal supports 52 and 54 are also pivoted away from the respective lateral supports 36 and 38 such that the upper edge or upper corner of each terminal sup port is received within the associated slot defined by the U-shaped catches 68 and 70. Consequently, it will be appreciated that table unit 10 is supported by the various legs of the central, lateral, and terminal supports when unfolded to form a table as illustrated in FIG. 1.

To collapse the table unit into a carrying case, for example as illustrated in FIG. 2, the terminal supports 52 and 54 are pivoted to lie within

recesses

48 and 50, respectively, and coplanar with the respective lateral supports 36 and 38. The lateral supports 36 and 38 and the terminal supports respectively carried thereby are then pivoted to overlie the central support 22 on opposite sides thereof. That is, the lateral and terminal supports on respective opposite sides of central support 22 are pivoted into planes generally parallel to the plane containing the central support 22. In this

manner table sections

14 and 16 are able to pivot into positions overlying the outer faces of the lateral supports. As illustrated in FIG. 5, suitable fasteners 72 are provided along the underside of the table sections whereby

table sections

14 and 16 are secured one to the other with the central support 22, the lateral supports 36 and 38, and

terminal supports

52 and 54 confined therebetween.

It will be appreciated that when the terminal and lateral supports lie in planes parallel to the plane containing central support 22, the

legs

40 and 42 of lateral support 36 and the

legs

44 and 46 of lateral support 38 lie in respective registry with the

legs

26 and 27 of central support 22. Also, the leg 58 of terminal support 52 lies in registry with

legs

42 and 44 of lateral supports 36 and 38 respectively and with leg 26 of central support 22. Likewise, the leg 60 of terminal support 52 lies in registry with

legs

40 and 46 of lateral supports 36 and 38 respectively and with leg 27 of central support 22. When the lateral and terminal supports overlie central support 22,

legs

56 and 62 of terminal

respective supports

52 and 54 lie in registry with opposite sides of the central leg 28 of central support 22 opposite respective ends of the slot 30 through leg 28. In this manner, the handle defined by slot 30 remains exposed as illustrated in FIG. 3 whereby the case can be readily gripped. The handles 34 are also exposed along opposite sides of the case. Thus, the handles provide a ready means for carrying the table unit in its folded position as illustrated in FIG. 2.

Itis a significant feature of the present invention that articles can be received and stored within the table unit when knocked down to form a carrying case. as illustrated in FIG. 2. To accomplish this, the lateral and terminal supports as well as the central support are provided with a plurality of openings each of which in part defines a portion of a cavity or chamber for receiving an article when the table unit is knocked down and folded as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Particularly, and

referring now to FIG. 8, several different groups of openings are provided in the central panel and lateral supports. For example, two generally rectangular openings c and 82c are provided in diagonally opposite corners of central support 22. A pair of circular openings 84c and 860 are provided in the upper lefthand corner of support 22. An oblong opening 880 is pro vided along the upper side of support 22 between circular openings 84c, 86c, and rectangular opening 800. A set of five circular openings designated c are formed in the lower right hand corner of support 22. Similarly configured and arranged openings are provided in each of the

lateral support members

36 and 38 respectively. For example,

rectangular openings

80s and 82s; circular openings 84s and 865; an oblong opening 88:; and a set of five circular openings 90s are located in lateral support panel 36 at like locations as

openings

80c, 82c, 84c, 86c, 88c, and 900, respectively, are arranged in the central support 22. Likewise, similar openings are provided in lateral support panel 38. For example,

rectangular openings

80s and 82s;

circular openings

84s and 86s; an oblong opening 88s; and a set of five circular openings 90s are arranged in lateral support 38 similarly as the

openings

80c, 82c, 84c, 86c, 88c, and 906 are arranged in central support 22.

It will be appreciated that the

inset portions

48 and 50 of the lateral supports as well as the terminal supports 52 and 54 are laterally offset one from the other in the folded position of the table unit. Each terminal support has openings configured and arranged similarly as the openings in the reduced width portion of its associated lateral support are configured and arranged. For example, the terminal support 52 is provided with a rectangular opening 80! along its upper side, and a set of five circular openings 90! along its lower side, these rectangular and circular openings being arranged and configured as the corresponding openings 80c and 90(- in central support 22. Likewise, the terminal support 54 has a pair of circular openings 84! and 861, and an oblong opening 881 through its upper side and a rectangular opening 82! through its lower side, the openings being arranged and configured similarly as the

openings

84c, 86c and 82c, respectively, are arranged and configured in central support 22. Thus, it will be appreciated that when the lateral and terminal supports overlie the central support 22 on opposite sides thereof, openings of like configuration and location in the respective supports lie in registry one with the other. For example, the

rectangular openings

80s, 80t, 800, and 80s lie in registry one with the other. Likewise, the oblong openings 88s, 88c, 88! and 88s lie in registry one with the other.

It will be appreciated that these registering openings define a plurality of cavities or chambers corresponding in depth at any one location to the combined thicknesses of the lateral and central supports and the corresponding one of the terminal supports. These cavities are specifically illustrated in FIG. 3. Thus, where the table unit is adapted as a childs toy, utensils, dishes, cups, and the like can be inserted into the cavities defined by these registering openings. The openings can be shaped as desired and in conformance to the shape of the articles to be carried by the case. Note that in the folded position, the

table sections

14 and 16 form end closure members for the cavities on opposite sides thereof whereby articles are retained within the cavities. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the openmay, if desired, extend through one or two of the supports with another support forming the end closure on one side of the cavities.

The table unit can, of course, be formed in different sizes and the openings configured to receive articles for different uses. For example, the table can be used as a gaming table for card playing and the openings can be configured to receive various decks of cards and other articles incident to various types of card games. The table may also be employed as a camping table or for use by hunters with the openings being configured to house equipment ancillary to such use.

Also, the table unit need not be fully unfolded. That is, the table unit can be set up as illustrated in FIG. 7, with only half of the table unit forming the table. Various indicia may be utilized to differentiate one side of the table unit from its other side when knocked down to form a case. For example concentric circles 100 and a full circle 102 provided, for example by decals, on the table surface portions of

table sections

14 and 16 respectively identify the orientation of the case and its contents. This is important since it is often desirable that the articles disposed within the table unit can be retrieved from one side of the case.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being. indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A portable collapsible table construction for containing articles when collapsed comprising: a central table section, a pair of lateral table sections secured to said central table section on respective opposite sides thereof for pitoval movement about generally parallel axes between first positions wherein said lateral and central table sections lie in a substantially common plane one with the other to define a substantially continuous co-planar table surface and second positions wherein said lateral table sections lie in spaced generally parallel planes extending generally normal to a plane containing said central table section, a central support carried by said central table section for supporting said table when said lateral table sections lie in said first positions thereof and lying in a plane generally parallel to and between the planes containing said lateral table sections'when in their second positions, a pair of lateral table supports pivotally connected to said central support for pivotal movement about axes generally normal to said parallel axes, said lateral table support being pivotal between first positions underlying and supporting the lateral table sections when said lateral table sections lie in their first positions and second positions in planes generally parallel to and between the planes containing the lateral table sections when the latter lie in their second positions, a pair of terminal supports respectively pivotally secured to said lateral table supports adjacent the edges thereof remote from the pivotal connections between the lateral table supports and the central support, said terminal supports being pivotal relative to'said lateral table supports between first positions underlying and supporting said lateral table sections when the lateral table sections lie in their first positions and second positions lying in planes generally parallel to and between the planes containing said table sections when the latter lie in their second positions, each of said lateral table supports, said central support and said terminal supports having a plurality of openings therethrough in respective registration one with the other when said lateral table supports and said terminal supports lie in their second positions to define a plurality of discrete chambers having a depth substantially equal to the combined thicknesses of said lateral, terminal and central supports for receiving and storing articles, said lateral table sections constituting in part end closure members for said chambers when the lateral table sections lie in their second positions, and means for releasably securing said lateral table sections in their second positions with said lateral table supports, said terminal supports, and said central supportdisposed therebetween and in generally parallel planes therewith.

2. A construction according to claim 1 wherein the openings through said lateral, terminal and central supports which register one with the other when said lateral and terminal supports lie in their respective second positions on each of the opposite sides of said central support have like peripheral configurations, the nonregistering openings through said lateral, central and terminal supports having unlike peripheral configurations whereby articles of different shapes can be complementarily received in said chambers.

3. A construction according to claim 2 wherein said terminal supports in their first positions lie generally parallel to said central support and substantially normal to said lateral table sections, andmeans engageable between said terminal supports and said lateral table sections for releasably retaining said terminal supports in their first positions.

4. A construction according to claim 1 wherein said terminal supports are shorter in length than said lateral supports, said lateral supports having recessed face portions for receiving said terminal supports, the lateral support and terminal support on one side'of said central support lying in a common plane and the lateral support and terminal support on the other side of said central support lying in another common plane when said lateral and terminal supports lie in their second positions, the chambers opening through the lateral, central and terminal supports being bounded by the margins of said lateral, central and terminal supports defining the openings therethrough substantially throughout the depth of the chambers.

5. A construction according to claim 1 wherein said lateral supports are pivotally secured to said central support along opposite edges thereof, said terminal supports lying laterally offset from and misaligned with one another when said lateral and terminal supports lie in their second positions.

6. A construction according to claim 1 including a handle formed on one of said central and lateral sup- .ports for carrying the table when said table sections,

lateral supports and terminal supports lie in their second positions.

7. A construction according to claim 1 including indicia carried by said lateral table sections for differentiating the opposite sides of said construction when said lateral and terminal supports and said lateral table sections lie in said second position.

- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTIGN Patent No. 3,850,114 Dated November 26, 1974 Inventor (s) Harry Ganteaume It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Col. 3, line 39, "the the" should read --to the- Col. 5, line 14, "68 and 70" should read --68 or 70.--.

Signed and sealed this 11th day of March 1975;

(SEAL) Attest: a

C MARSHALL DANN 4 v RUTH C. MASON Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer and Trademarks

Claims

1. A portable collapsible table construction for containing articles when collapsed comprising: a central table section, a pair of lateral table sections secured to said central table section on respective opposite sides thereof for pitoval movement about generally parallel axes between first positions wherein said lateral and central table sections lie in a substantially common plane one with the other to define a substantially continuous co-planar table surface and second positions wherein said lateral table sections lie in spaced generally parallel planes extending generally normal to a plane containing said central table section, a central support carried by said central table section for supporting said table when said lateral table sections lie in said first positions thereof and lying in a plane generally parallel to and between the planes containing said lateral table sections when in their second positions, a pair of lateral table supports pivotally connected to said central support for pivotal movement about axes generally normal to said parallel axes, said lateral table support being pivotal between first positions underlying and supporting the lateral table sections when said lateral table sections lie in their first positions and second positions in planes generally parallel to and between the planes containing the lateral table sections when the latter lie in their second positions, a pair of terminal supports respectively pivotally secured to said lateral table supports adjacent the edges thereof remote from the pivotal connections between the lateral table supports and the central support, said terminal supports being pivotal relative to said lateral table supports between first positions underlying and supporting said lateral table sections when the lateral table sections lie in their first positions and second positions lying in planes generally parallel to and between the planes containing said table sections when the latter lie in their second positions, each of said lateral table supports, said central support and said terminal supports having a plurality of openings therethrough in respective registration one with the other when said lateral table supports and said terminal supports lie in their second positions to define a plurality of discrete chambers having a depth substantially equal to the combined thicknesses of said lateral, terminal and central supports for receiving aNd storing articles, said lateral table sections constituting in part end closure members for said chambers when the lateral table sections lie in their second positions, and means for releasably securing said lateral table sections in their second positions with said lateral table supports, said terminal supports, and said central support disposed therebetween and in generally parallel planes therewith.

2. A construction according to claim 1 wherein the openings through said lateral, terminal and central supports which register one with the other when said lateral and terminal supports lie in their respective second positions on each of the opposite sides of said central support have like peripheral configurations, the non-registering openings through said lateral, central and terminal supports having unlike peripheral configurations whereby articles of different shapes can be complementarily received in said chambers.

3. A construction according to claim 2 wherein said terminal supports in their first positions lie generally parallel to said central support and substantially normal to said lateral table sections, and means engageable between said terminal supports and said lateral table sections for releasably retaining said terminal supports in their first positions.

4. A construction according to claim 1 wherein said terminal supports are shorter in length than said lateral supports, said lateral supports having recessed face portions for receiving said terminal supports, the lateral support and terminal support on one side of said central support lying in a common plane and the lateral support and terminal support on the other side of said central support lying in another common plane when said lateral and terminal supports lie in their second positions, the chambers opening through the lateral, central and terminal supports being bounded by the margins of said lateral, central and terminal supports defining the openings therethrough substantially throughout the depth of the chambers.

6. A construction according to claim 1 including a handle formed on one of said central and lateral supports for carrying the table when said table sections, lateral supports and terminal supports lie in their second positions.