Portable, personal table system

Abstract

An adjustable, portable, personal table system for one person that holds a plate and a drink container. More specifically, the invention is directed to an adjustable, portable, personal table system fashioned with a wire base, plate holder and cup holder components, a central tubular stanchion, and a securing component connected to said stanchion for engaging a ground surface.

Description

[0001] This application relates to and claims priority of provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 177,224 filed on Jan. 21, 2000.[0002] The present invention relates to outdoor grilling, picnicking and casual meal consumption where conventional table facilities are either not available or undesirable. More specifically, the invention is directed to a portable table for one person for casual dining.[0003] Grilling out has become very popular for backyard cookouts, grilling at the beach, tailgate parties at ball games, auto races, etc. No matter where people gather for a cook out, one problem is consistent, there are either inadequate or no table facilities available. The only current resolution to the problem is to carry portable tables and chairs to the picnic site. A difficulty with this is that most passenger vehicles have limited size and space accommodations for transporting bulky items. Carrying large items also limits the remaining available space for basic necessities such as a c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0053] The present invention represents an enhanced option for informal dining both indoors and outdoors. There are numerous occasions when people gather together to celebrate family reunions, birthdays, ball games and the like in their home where there is not enough seating and table space to accommodate everyone present. The portable, personal table system is very useful during these occasions as it can be set up quickly and used anywhere in the house. When not in use the subject portable table breaks down and stores away in a drawer, cabinet, closet or the like.[0054] There are many uses for this unique invention in today's mobile society such as tail-gate parties at sporting events, camping at the beach or wherever people have a picnic table in their backyard and they are in short supply at park and campgrounds as well. As a result people are forced to sit with a paper plate in their lap and nowhere to place their cup when they are cooking out. Additionally, the portable table is manufactured from strong heavy gauge steel wire and then powder coated with non-toxic paint to protect it for many years of physical use. It is constructed to be cleaned and stored away very quickly and conveniently. Other materials such as plastic could also be used to form some or even all of the components of this invention.[0055] A stanchion element is divided into two sections so that the height of the plate holder can be lowered by removing one section. The plate and cup holder are faciely removable from the stanchion so that a paper plate and cup can be easily supported with one hand to pour a drink or add food to one's plate with the free hand.[0056] In describing the subject invention, reference has been made to a preferred embodiment and illustrative advantages of the invention. Those skilled in the art, however, and familiar with the instant disclosure of the subject invention, may also recognize other additions, deletions, modifications, substitutions and / or other changes which will fall within the purview of the subject invention and claims.

Problems solved by technology

No matter where people gather for a cook out, one problem is consistent, there are either inadequate or no table facilities available.

A difficulty with this is that most passenger vehicles have limited size and space accommodations for transporting bulky items.

Carrying large items also limits the remaining available space for basic necessities such as a cooler, picnic basket, etc.

Tables, chairs and other bulky items protruding from the trunks of vehicles, held in by ropes, bungy cords, or the like, present a danger to the occupants and to other motorists.

Such items can block driver vision or fall into the path of another vehicle.

An inconvenience associated with the increasing popularity of outdoor grilling and picnicking is eating from a paper plate while standing and balancing a cup on any available surface.

In addition, some paper plates are quite flexible which exacerbate the balancing problem.

Campers traveling in motor homes or other types of RV's also find that the complete lack or shortage of outdoor table facilities requires that they balance a plate on their lap and place their cup wherever they can.

If picnic food is served buffet style on a single table or a row of tables, it is awkward to handle a paper plate and a cup at the same time.

Conventional portable tables are inconvenient to set up or too flimsy to provide a stable system to hold a plate and a cup.

Moreover, conventional tray tables are not vertically adjustable to accommodate a person sitting on a couch or chair and also a child that might want to sit on the floor.

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