US20140102337A1

US20140102337A1 - Portable Beach Table Assembly

Info

Publication number: US20140102337A1
Application number: US13/952,724
Authority: US
Inventors: Carolyn Ralph; James Ralph
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-10-17
Filing date: 2013-07-29
Publication date: 2014-04-17

Abstract

The present invention describes a beach table assembly that provides securement of the table into the sand. The table has a single leg with a removable threaded attachment that is configured for insertion into the distal end of the leg and is adapted for securement into the beach sand. The table surface has hinges that enable rotation of table ends for the opening and closing of the planar sides of the table, wherein the table sides are supported by arms located underneath the table surface and are locked into place by locking pins on the table leg. The table further has pockets for the storage of suntan lotion, magazines, books, etc., and sunken upper surfaces adapted for the holding of beverages.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/714,897 filed on Oct. 17, 2012, entitled “Beach Easy Table.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to beach tables. More specifically the invention relates to an expandable single leg table designed for insertion into the sand that comprises cup holders and netted storage pockets.
People go to the beach to enjoy the sun, sand and the water; however, it is not desirable to have the accessories that are brought along to the beach to get mixed up in the water and sand. In most situations, people attempt to protect their belongings from the sand by placing them on top of beach towels. However, beach towels are only a convenient means of protection until they become disturbed by the wind, a nearby person, or a rising tide. There are several ways in which a towel can fail to protect the items that are brought to the beach, and beachgoers need a solution to protect their property from the elements they enjoy.
There are several devices that attempt to protect user's belongings from the sun and sand on the beach. These devices come in the form of tables that are adaptable for insertion in the sand and are designed for retention therein. The drawback of these tables is that they are bulky and often not easily transportable. Although they may provide a stable surface for the placement of a variety of items, if the user's resting location along the beach is not nearby, these bulky tables are not convenient.
Several table devices attempt to provide a surface that can accommodate a plurality of a user's belongings by providing an extendable surface. The drawback of these tables is that the surface becomes cluttered when a large amount of items are placed on the table top. The problem with those tables is that although they provide a larger table top area, they still fail to provide a proper storage option for items that don't need to be on top of the table.
There are several devices that attempt to provide protection from the sand and water of the beach; however none of the devices of the past address the need for a beach table that is securable in the beach surface and further includes an extendable surface and the ability to store items that aren't needed for immediate use.
The present invention relates to a new and improved beach table assembly designed for insertion and securement into the beach surface. The beach table assembly comprises a table top and a single table leg with an insertable attachment that has a distal threaded end configured for insertion into the beach surface. The table top comprises hinges at opposite ends of the table thereof to enable the raising and lowering of the table ends. The table top ends are moved by actuation of arms that connect the underside of the table ends to the table leg and the movement of the arms and table ends enable the increasing and decreasing of the usable table top surface. The table assembly also comprises a storage means in the form of netted pockets on either side of the table to enable the storage of items that are not required to be on the table surface. The present invention serves to protect a user's belongings from the elements of the beach and further serves as a convenient storage option for user's who have a plurality of items brought to the beach.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to beach tables. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to beach table assemblies that are configured for securement into the beach sand. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.
Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 4,461,220 to Wetzel teaches an adjustable folding table and hanger assembly that has a lower portion comprising a distal end adapted for insertion into the ground. The assembly further comprises arms that pivotally raise and lower the table, however, while the prior art of Wetzel is similar in nature and relevant to the present invention, it differs in that it fails to provide a table surface that has an adjustable area, and further differs in that it fails to offer a storage means on the assembly.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,584,946 to Tucker describes a foldable table system for use in conjunction with a beach umbrella. The system comprises an elongated central pole configured for insertion into the beach sand and the central pole further comprises hubs for supporting a table at one of a plurality of levels therein. The table of the system comprises spokes that fold up to enable easier transportation or storage. However, while the prior art of Tucker is similar in nature and relevant to the present invention, it differs in that it fails to provide a table surface that has an adjustable usable area, and further differs in that it fails to offer a means on the assembly for the storage of items that is separate from the table top area.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,897 to Reed describes a beach and lawn table comprising a distal end configured for attachment to the ground. The table top is removable from the table assembly and aids to screw the distal end of the assembly into the ground. Although the prior art of Reed is similar in nature and relevant to the present invention, it differs in that it fails to provide a table surface that has an adjustable usable area, and further differs in that it fails to offer a means on the assembly for the storage of items that is separate from the table top area.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,487,977 to Williams teaches a portable outdoor table assembly comprising an umbrella attachment mechanism, a table and a cork screw anchor for securement into the ground. The table of the assembly is removable, and the entirety of the assembly is configured for disassembly and storage and transportation within a portable carrying case. While the prior art of Williams is similar in nature and relevant to the present invention, it differs in that it fails to provide a table surface that has an adjustable usable area, and further differs in that it fails to offer a means on the assembly for the storage of items that is separate from the table top area.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,889,618 to Gromack describes a foldable table adapted to be attached to a central support; wherein the central support can be one of a pole-like structure, or an umbrella upon which the table is attached. The table comprises two sides that are connected to a hinge in order to allow the table sides to rotate between opened and closed positions. Although the prior art of Gromack is similar in nature and relevant to the present invention, it differs in that it fails to provide a table surface that has an adjustable usable area, a mechanism for aiding in the insertion and securement into the ground. Additionally, Gromack fails to offer a means for the storage of items that is separate from the table top area.
The present invention relates to a new and improved beach table assembly that enables securement to beach sand. Specifically the beach table assembly has a table top comprising a central table portion and two rotatable planar table sides, and a single central table leg. The central leg of the assembly comprises an aperture for the insertion of a threaded member adapted for insertion and securement in beach sand or other similar terrain. The side tables comprise hinges that enable the rotation of the side tables by the actuation of a set of table arms that move in relation to a central table leg. The table arms provide a connection between the central table leg and the rotatable planar sides of the table and enable the user to alter the useable area of the table surface. The table assembly also includes a storage means in the form of pockets that hang from the ends of the side tables, and further include sunken surfaces on the table for the placement of beverages.
In view of the drawbacks of the prior art devices, it is shown that the prior art has several known drawbacks and that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing beach table assemblies. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of beach tables now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new portable beach table wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when portability of the table and the ability to alter the usable surface area and the use of storage compartments are desired.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved beach table assembly that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a beach table that has an expandable table surface.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a beach table assembly that has a set of attachment arms that actuate the expansion of the table surface.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a beach table that has storage pockets.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a beach table that has a removable threaded sand insertion means.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a portable beach table assembly that is configured to fit within a beach bag or carrying case.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the present invention while in its folded configuration.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the present invention inserted into the ground.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the beach table assembly. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for the securement of a beach table to a beach surface. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown perspective views of the beach table assembly of the preferred embodiment. The beach table assembly 10 is configured for insertion into the surface of the beach and has a table surface 15, a single table leg 30, and netted pockets for storage of a user's accessories.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the beach table surface 15 comprises a central table surface 20 and two rotatable planar side tables 25. The side tables 25 are rotatable between a formation that increases the working area of the table surface 15 as shown in FIG. 1 and a formation that reduces the working area of the table surface 15 as shown in FIG. 2.
The planar table ends 25 are rotatable in relation to the central table surface 20 by a connecting hinge 50 located on the underside of the table surface 15. The planar table ends 25 each comprise a set of table extension arms 55 that are connected to the underside of the planar table end 25. The arms 55 comprises proximal 57 and distal 58 ends that enable the arms 55 to move in relation to the position of the side tables 25. The distal end 58 of the arms 55 is connected to the table leg 30 by an extension arm sleeve 60 that wraps around the table leg 30. When the end tables 25 are raised or lowered, the table arms 55 move along the sleeve 60, and the proximal 57 and distal ends 58 thereof are rotatable in relation to the movement of the table ends 25. The proximal 57 and distal 58 arms are rotatable by connection to knobs 64 connected to the movable sleeve 60 and table ends 25, that enable rotation of the arms 55 to correspond to movements of the table ends 25 and the sleeve 60. The rotation knobs 64 connected to the sleeve 60 and table ends 25 enables the arms 55 to fluidly move in relation to the movement of the table ends 25.
When the table ends 25 are raised or lowered, the extension arm sleeve 60 that connects the table ends 25 and arms 55 to the table leg 30 moves along the length of the table leg 30; wherein the sleeve 60 is locked into place onto the table leg 30 when the table ends 25 are at their upper and lower positions. The sleeve 60 comprises an aperture 62 configured for the reception of spring mounted locking pins 63 located at the upper and lower ends of the table leg 30. When the table ends 25 are moved between their upper and lowered positions, the extension arms 55 and sleeve 60 move along the table leg 30. When the side tables 25 reach their rotational limits, the central sleeve 60 approaches the locking pin 63 of the table leg 30, the central sleeve 60 passes over the pin 63 until the locking pin 63 emerges from the sleeve aperture 62 and is secured therein. The locking pins 63 of the table leg 30 enable the side tables 25 to retain their positions at a chosen table surface 15 orientation.
The beach table assembly 10 further comprises a removable mechanism adapted for insertion and securement into the beach sand. The table leg 30 has an aperture 45 at its distal end, wherein the aperture 45 is configured for the insertion and securement of a threaded rod 35 adapted for insertion into the ground. The threaded rod 35 is secured into the table leg 30 by a rod securing pin 40 of the table leg 30 that is inserted into an aperture 37 of the threaded rod 35. When the rod 35 is secured within the table leg 30, the assembly 10 can be screwed into the beach sand and secured therein to provide for an elevated platform for the placement of a user's belongings.
FIGS. 1 and 2 further illustrate features of the assembly that provide for the placement of a user's belongings. FIG. 1 displays the table top 15 of the assembly 10 comprising sunken cup holders 70 on the upper surface of the table ends 25. As shown, the assembly 10 comprises a set of two sunken sections 70 on each table end, however more or less cup holders 70 may be used within the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore it is within the scope of the present invention to provide the sunken cup holders 70 on the central table surface 20.
The beach table assembly 10 additionally comprises a set of netted pockets 65 configured for the storage of a user's belongings. The pockets 65 are secured to the edges of the pair of side tables 25 and are of a length approximately equal to that of the table leg 30 in order to enable the pockets 65 to remain above the surface of the ground and avoid contact with harmful or undesired elements of the beach sand or other ground surface. It is further within the scope of the present embodiment that the netted pockets 65 may be comprised of a mesh material or of a non-mesh material that has the ability to restrict outside contact with the items within the pocket 65. Furthermore, it is within the scope of the present invention wherein the pockets 65 can comprise on or more compartments that enable separation between the items within the pocket 65. Additionally having the pockets 65 located on the central table section 20 is within the scope of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Flaps that fold down and secure to the exterior of the pocket may be included to reduce the likelihood that objects placed therein will fall out onto the sand.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the beach table assembly 10 in use. The beach table assembly 10 has a central leg 30 and a table surface 15; wherein the table surface 15 comprises a plurality of sunken cup holders 70 and storage pockets 65 that rest just above the surface of the ground. The threaded rod 35 is secured to the table leg 30 and inserted within the ground surface to secure the table assembly 10 thereto.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2; to transport the table assembly 10 of the present invention, the side tables 25 of the table surface 15 must first be folded down. To fold down the table sides 25, the securement pins 63 of the table leg 30 are pressed down against their spring bias in order for the pin to retract within the aperture 62 of the sleeve 60. Once the pin 63 is retracted the table sides 25 can be folded down. The table extension arms 55 and its associated sleeve 60 begin to translate down the table leg 30 until the sleeve reaches a lower securement pin 63. The lower pin 63 must be retracted for the sleeve 60 to be moved and for the table end 25 to continue rotating until its lowest point, and at that point the lower pin 63 will emerge from the aperture 62 on the sleeve 60 and will lock the table assembly 10 into its folded position as shown in FIG. 2.
The table assembly is portable when it is transitioned into its folded state as shown in FIG. 2. To enable portability, the table sides 25 are folded down until the sleeve 60 is locked into place on the securement pin 63 of the leg 30 and the threaded rod 35 is removed from the leg aperture 45. In this formation a carrying bag is capable of retaining the assembly within the internal space of the bag to aid in transportation.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the present invention provides a new and improved beach table assembly 10 that provides a way to securely position the assembly 10 within the beach surface. The table assembly 10 has a table surface 15 and a single table leg 30. The table surface 15 comprises a central table 20 and a pair of side tables 25 that are rotatable in relation to the central table by way of hinges 50 that connect the central table 20 to the side table 25. The table surface 15 further has table extension arms 55 that connect the table sides 25 to the table leg 30; wherein movement of the table sides 25 causes extension arms 55 to extend or retract as they translate along the table leg 30 via a sleeve 60 that surrounds the leg 30. The sleeve 60 further comprises an aperture 62 configured to accept locking pins 63 of the table leg 30 that enable the assembly to be locked in either folded or unfolded positions. Furthermore, when the assembly is folded as shown in FIG. 2, and when the threaded rod 35 is removed from the table leg 30, the assembly 10 is sized and configured for insertion into a carrying bag, when folded that enables the portability of the assembly 10.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. 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

I claim:

1) A portable beach table assembly comprising:

a table having an upper and lower surface, wherein said lower surface is attached to a single table leg;

wherein said table comprises a central table region hingedly attached to a pair of opposing side table regions;

and wherein each of said side table regions are rotatably connected to said table leg by a pair of table attachment arms.

2) The beach table assembly of claim 1, wherein said table arms are connected to a movable sleeve that translates along said table leg when said table sides are rotated down or upward;

and wherein said table leg comprises a pin that locks into an aperture of said movable sleeve when said table sides reach rotation limits.

3) The beach table assembly of claim 1, wherein said table leg comprises a removable threaded rod adapted for insertion into the ground.

4) The beach table assembly of claim 1, wherein said side table regions each have a storage pocket secured to and configured to hang off of said side table regions

5) The beach table assembly of claim 1, wherein said assembly is adapted to fold into a stowed state designed to be placed within a carrying case.

6) The beach table assembly of claim 1, wherein said side table regions each comprise a set of sunken recesses disposed along said upper surfaces and adapted to receive beverage containers.