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  Collapsible outdoor table and supportUSPTO Application #: 20070246091Title: Collapsible outdoor table and support Abstract: A portable collapsible table assembly having a support surface, a centrally located pole coupled to the support surface and a ground support structure coupled to the pole. The ground support structure includes a pair of downwardly facing spear members aligned along the central axis of the pole. The spear members intersect one another generally along the central axis of the pole, and the spear members are substantially perpendicular to one another. (end of abstract)
Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c. - Milwaukee, WI, US Inventor: Scott Becker USPTO Applicaton #: 20070246091 - Class: 135016000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Tent, Canopy, Umbrella, Or Cane, Umbrella, Combined The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070246091. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to portable furniture and, specifically, portable tables. Patio and outdoor furniture generally are designed to be left in a designated place for an extended period, such as during a summer season. Usually, these tables are heavy and sturdy so that they withstand being left outdoors without tipping or falling over. However, there are many instances, such as at a public park or other similar area, where it is not possible to leave the table or furniture for an extended period of time. [0002] Likewise, shade structures that are portable for use at the beach or other similar areas are not ideal for use as a table. These structures, if they do include a table-like surface, tend to not be well balanced and can be easily shifted or moved, thereby minimizing the use of the device as a table. [0003] Portable outdoor tables and umbrellas have been contemplated in the prior art. While adequate for simple shade protection, such as at a beach, they have potential drawbacks relating to proper support and balance. Furthermore, these umbrellas and tables may be cumbersome to transport. Some tables use augers as support for the tables. For instance, Williams et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,487,977), describes a collapsible table. The table must be screwed into the ground with an auger, which may be difficult in dense ground, especially when it is needed to screw the auger sufficiently into the ground to balance the table. To overcome this shortcoming, Williams utilizes a stabilizing bar to help with the balance of the table. However, the stabilizing bar is arranged to rest on the ground when the auger is completely screwed into the ground, which still can lead to an unbalanced table if the auger is not sufficiently secured downwardly into the ground. [0004] Credle, Sr. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,166) shows a portable table. The center pole of the table has a beveled end that is inserted into the ground. While the table also has a handle located in the support section of the assembly to force the pole adequately into the ground, the table still has the same problems with balance as discussed above. The table may still be inserted unevenly into the ground and adjusting the table after being inserted into the table can loosen the area around the support, thereby lessening the balance of the table. [0005] Thus, it would be advantageous to have a portable table that is easily inserted into the ground with the table being sufficiently balanced without the need of extra support structures or devices. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] The present invention provides a portable, collapsible table assembly to be supported upon an outdoor location. The assembly has a centrally located pole, a support surface or a table surface that has a bore for receiving the pole, and a ground support structure coupled to the pole, that will be driven into the ground. The ground support structure comprises a pair of downwardly facing spear members, each having a central axis and intersecting one another generally along the central axis. The spears are arranged to provide an easily insertable support structure that will sufficiently balance the table. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible table assembly in accordance with the present invention. [0008] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the table assembly shown in FIG. 1. [0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a support surface used with the table assembly of the present invention. [0010] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the support surface shown in FIG. 3. [0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the support surface of FIG. 3 taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4. [0012] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the support surface of FIG. 3. [0013] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a ground support structure in accordance with the present invention. [0014] FIG. 8 is top plan sectional view of the ground support structure of the present invention. [0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a locking member used in accordance with the present invention. [0016] FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of the locking member of FIG. 9 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0017] Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. [0018] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a portable table assembly 10 according to the present invention. The table assembly 10 is designed-so that it will sufficiently be supported and balanced upon the ground or a substrate 5. The table assembly 10 is self-supporting and does not need extra ropes, poles, or bars to keep the assembly 10 upright. [0019] Still referring to FIG. 1, the assembly 10 generally comprises an umbrella 12, a pole 14 having a first end 14a connected to the umbrella 12 and a second end 14b, a support surface 16, and a ground support structure 18 (shown in phantom)that is connected to the second end 14b of the pole 14. The pole 14 is preferably centrally located with respect to the umbrella 12, the support surface 16, and the ground support structure 18 to further insure the assembly 10 is evenly balanced. [0020] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the assembly 10. The pole 14 is shown as three separate sections, a top section 20, a middle section 22, and a bottom section 24, but the pole 14 may be designed with more or fewer sections, as preferred. The sections are preferably designed so that they will easily mate with one another to insure a tight fit. Additionally, the mating sections may be threaded to further allow the section to be secured to one another. The top section 20 is shown coupled to the umbrella 12, which allows an area or structure to grab the umbrella 12 when assembling or disassembling the table assembly 10. The middle section 22 intersects the support surface 16 at a bore 26, preferably centrally located on the support surface 16. The middle section 22 may be further secured to the bottom section 24 and the support surface 16 by a coupler 28. Continue reading... Full patent description for Collapsible outdoor table and support Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Collapsible outdoor table and support patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Collapsible outdoor table and support or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Automatic, touchless, exterior rollover vehicle wash machine and system Next Patent Application: Retractable rain cover for a golf cart Industry Class: Tent, canopy, umbrella, or cane ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Collapsible outdoor table and support patent info. 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