Utility table

Abstract

A utility table preferably includes a substantially planar table top with a generally flat top surface and a bottom portion. The table top is preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic and a lip may be formed on the bottom surface of the table top. The lip is preferably located along the outer periphery of the tabletop, but the lip could be located in any desired location. A plurality of connecting apertures is preferably formed in the lip. A first bushing or sleeve is configured to be disposed in each connecting aperture and a second sleeve may be disposed in an opposing connecting aperture. A table leg can be secured to the table top by connecting the table leg to a cross bar, inserting a sleeve into a connecting aperture and disposing an end of the cross bar into the sleeve. The lip may include other structures such as grooves or recesses which serve to distribute the weight of the table top.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A utility table comprising: 
 a blow-molded table top having a first end, a second end, a top surface and a bottom surface extending between the first end and the second end, the blow-molded table top comprising: 
 a lip extending outwardly from the bottom surface, the lip having an interior surface, and outer surface, and a bottom surface; and  
 a first connecting aperture formed in the interior surface of the lip near the first end of the table top;  
   a first sleeve having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the first sleeve is at least partially disposed in the first connecting aperture;    a first table leg having a first end and a second end; and    a first cross pole having opposing ends, the first cross pole being connected to the first end of the first table leg, wherein one of the ends of the first cross pole is at least partially disposed in the first sleeve.    
     
     
         2 . The utility table as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a first recess formed in the exterior surface of the lip, wherein the recess is substantially aligned with the first connecting aperture.  
     
     
         3 . The utility table as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the second end of the first sleeve is configured to engage the first recess.  
     
     
         4 . The utility table as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first sleeve has a substantially circular cross section.  
     
     
         5 . The utility table as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first sleeve has a substantially square cross section.  
     
     
         6 . The utility table as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the first sleeve comprises a fixing plate.  
     
     
         7 . The utility table as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the lip comprises at least one groove.  
     
     
         8 . The utility table as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the at least one groove abuts against the first sleeve.  
     
     
         9 . The utility table as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a second connecting aperture formed in the exterior surface of the lip and substantially aligned with the first connecting aperture.  
     
     
         10 . The utility table as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising a second sleeve having a first end and a second end, the second end being at least partially disposed in the second connecting aperture and substantially aligned with the first sleeve.  
     
     
         11 . The utility table as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve are slidably engaged.  
     
     
         12 . The utility table as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the first end of the second sleeve comprises a fixing plate.  
     
     
         13 . A method of manufacturing a utility table, comprising: 
 forming a blow-molded table top, the table top having a first end, a second end, a top surface, and an opposing bottom surface extending therebetween;    forming a lip extending outwardly from the bottom surface of the blow-molded table top, the lip having an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a bottom surface;    forming a first connecting aperture in the interior surface of the lip;    inserting a first end of a first sleeve at least partially within the first connecting aperture;    connecting a cross bar to an end of a table leg; and    inserting a first end of the cross bar at least partially within the first sleeve.    
     
     
         14 . The method as recited in  claim 13 , further comprising forming at least one groove in the bottom surface of the lip.  
     
     
         15 . The method as recited in  claim 14 , further comprising placing the first sleeve so that the first sleeve abuts the at least one groove.  
     
     
         16 . The method as recited in  claim 13 , further comprising forming a first recess on the exterior surface of the lip.  
     
     
         17 . The method as recited in  claim 16 , further comprising engaging the second end of the first sleeve with the first recess.  
     
     
         18 . The method as recited in  claim 13 , further comprising forming a second connecting aperture on the exterior surface of the lip.  
     
     
         19 . The method as recited in  claim 18 , further comprising inserting a first end of a second sleeve at least partially within the second connecting aperture.  
     
     
         20 . The method as recited in  claim 19 , further comprising coupling the first sleeve and second sleeve so that the first sleeve and the second sleeve are slidably engaged.  
     
     
         21 . The method as recited in  claim 19 , further comprising inserting the first end of the cross bar at least partially within the first sleeve and the second sleeve.