Collapsible table

Abstract

An easily transportable collapsible table in which a box with a support structure inside converts to a table top with the support structure as its base. The box provides substantial structural integrity for the table top and it is easily assembled on site. The collapsible table can be disassembled, restored in the box and reused, or disposed of after a single use.

1 . A collapsible table comprising: 
 a. a structure for supporting the table, 
 i. said structure for supporting the table comprising a collapsible base having a top end and a bottom end,  
 ii. said collapsible base being selectively configurable between a first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored and a second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table; and  
   b. a box with a receptacle space for accessibly holding the structure for supporting the table, 
 i. said box having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one side surface,  
 ii. each of said at least one side surface being disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface,  
 iii. said bottom surface having an aperture, 
 (1) said aperture being selectively configurable between to a closed configuration in which the aperture is substantially closed and an open configuration in which the aperture is open defining a passageway for receiving the top end of the collapsible base,  
 
 whereby, the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored in the receptacle space of the box for ease of transport, the collapsible base can be removed from the receptacle space of the box and the top end of the collapsible base can inserted into the aperture of the bottom surface of the box, and the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table and the top surface of the box can be up righted allowing the top surface to be a table top.  
   
   
   
       2 . The collapsible table of  claim 1 , wherein access to the structure for supporting the table for removal from the receptacle space inside the box is through a closeable opening in one of the top surface, the bottom surface, and the at least one side surface.  
   
   
       3 . The collapsible table of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom surface of the box has a plurality of opposing tabs extending into the passageway and the base has at least two opposing sides, each of said at least two opposing sides has at least one recess for receiving one of the plurality of opposing tabs, each of said at least one recess being at a predetermined distance from the top end of the base so that the top end of the base supports an underside of the top surface of the box when the top end of the collapsible base is disposed in the passageway in the second configuration and each of the plurality of opposing tabs is disposed in one of the at least one recess, 
 whereby removal of the erect base from the passageway of the table top is restricted independent of collapsing the collapsible base before withdrawing the base from the table top and the table top is supported by the base.    
   
   
       4 . The collapsible table of  claim 3 , wherein the structure for supporting the table further comprises means for opening the aperture of the bottom surface of the box independent of contact with the opposing tabs extending into the passageway including a flat rigid sheet having dimensions corresponding to the cross-sectional dimensions of the erect collapsible base.  
   
   
       5 . The collapsible table of  claim 1 , wherein the aperture comprises a predetermined array of die cuts and crease lines in the bottom surface of the box, so that through the application of an applied force to the aperture will cause separation along the die cuts allowing the crease lines to fold to create the passageway.  
   
   
       6 . The collapsible table of  claim 5 , wherein at least one of the crease lines is parallel to a peripheral edge of the passageway.  
   
   
       7 . The collapsible table of  claim 5 , wherein the predetermined array of die cuts are intersecting diagonals extending through the aperture.  
   
   
       8 . The collapsible table of  claim 5 , wherein the predetermined array of die cuts are two parallel lines defining opposing edges of the passageway and a line perpendicular to and medially intersecting each of the two parallel lines.  
   
   
       9 . The collapsible table of  claim 1 , wherein the structure for supporting the table and the box are comprised of cardboard.  
   
   
       10 . The collapsible table of  claim 9 , wherein the cardboard is corrugated.  
   
   
       11 . The collapsible table of  claim 9 , wherein at least the top surface of the box has a water resistant coating.  
   
   
       12 . The collapsible table of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the structure for supporting the table and the box is comprised of plastic.  
   
   
       13 . The collapsible table of  claim 12 , wherein the plastic is corrugated.  
   
   
       14 . The collapsible table of  claim 1 , wherein the overall shape of the passageway through the bottom surface of the box is polygonal and the base is sized to fit the passageway.  
   
   
       15 . The collapsible table of  claim 14 , wherein the second configuration of the base has a polygonal cross-section with a maximum transverse dimension that is less by a predetermined amount than a maximum transverse dimension of the passageway and with a minimum transverse dimension that is less by a predetermined amount than a minimum transverse dimension of the passageway.  
   
   
       16 . The collapsible table of  claim 1 , wherein the overall shape of the passageway through the bottom surface of the box is substantially square and the second configuration of the base has a square cross-section that is sized to fit the passageway.  
   
   
       17 . The collapsible table of  claim 1 , wherein the base is adapted for use with the passageway of the box so that dependent rotation, about the centerline of the base, between the second configuration of the base and box exists.  
   
   
       18 . The collapsible table of  claim 14 , wherein the second configuration of the base comprises an elongated open ended multi-sided sleeve with a polygonal cross section sized to fit the passageway with at least two opposing parallel sides, each side is joined to another side by a crease line, and each of said at least two opposing parallel sides has a longitudinally disposed central crease line for folding, 
 whereby, the at least two opposing sides can be folded along the crease lines to allow the base to be flattened and stored inside the box, and the at least two opposing sides can be flattened unfolding the crease lines to allow the base to be erect to fit in the passageway and support the table top.    
   
   
       19 . The collapsible table of  claim 18 , wherein the base comprises at least one slot, disposed in at least one of the sides of the multi-sided sleeve, for receiving a wine bottle.  
   
   
       20 . The collapsible table of  claim 18 , wherein the base comprises at least two elongated interlocking stiffeners, each of said at least two elongated interlocking stiffeners have a maximum lateral dimension that is less than a maximum transverse dimension of the passageway and have a length equal to the length of the elongated sleeve, said stiffeners are disposable in the erect base, each of said at least two interlocking stiffeners has a centrally disposed longitudinal cut extending from an end surface to a medial point, 
 whereby, said at least two interlocking stiffeners can be interlocked along each of said longitudinal cuts and said interlocking stiffeners can be inserted into a bottom opening of the erect collapsible base to provide additional structural stability for the collapsible table.    
   
   
       21 . The collapsible table of  claim 18 , wherein the structural support further comprises at least one elongated stiffener having a length not exceeding the length of the elongated sleeve and a width corresponding to a maximum transverse dimension of the erect collapsible base.  
   
   
       22 . The collapsible table of  claim 1 , wherein the second configuration of the base comprises an elongated open ended multi-sided sleeve with a polygonal cross section sized to fit the passageway with at least two opposing sides, each of said at least two opposing sides having a longitudinally disposed central crease line for folding, 
 whereby, the at least two opposing sides can be folded along the crease lines to allow the base to be flattened and stored inside the box, and the at least two opposing sides can be flattened unfolding the crease lines to allow the base to be erect to fit in the passageway and support the table top.    
   
   
       23 . The collapsible table of  claim 22 , wherein the base comprises an elongated stiffener having a maximum lateral dimension that is greater than the length of any one peripheral edge of the passageway and having a length not exceeding the length of the elongated sleeve, said stiffener being disposed between the respective crease lines to maintain the base in an erect configuration.  
   
   
       24 . The collapsible of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom end of the collapsible base has a plurality of feet, each of said plurality of feet being adapted for resting on an extraneous surface for supporting the collapsible table.  
   
   
       25 . The collapsible table of  claim 24 , wherein the base comprises two elongated interlocking stiffeners adapted for snug insertion into the erect base, each of said two interlocking stiffeners having a centrally disposed longitudinal cut extending from an end surface to a medial point a respective bottom edge of each of the pair of interlocking sheets has extended feet corresponding in length, number and pattern of distribution to the feet of the collapsible base, and the respective bottom edge of each of the pair of interlocking sheets further has at least one foot that is centrally disposed when the two interlocking stiffeners are disposed in the sleeve.  
   
   
       26 . The collapsible table of  claim 25 , wherein all of the plurality of feet of the collapsible base and all of the feet of the two elongated interlocking stiffeners are protected against moisture penetration by one of a plurality of moisture impermeable coverings.  
   
   
       27 . The collapsible table of  claim 26 , wherein the plurality of moisture impermeable coverings are plastic.  
   
   
       28 . The collapsible table of  claim 1 , further comprising a handle extending from at least one of the at least one side surface of the box.  
   
   
       29 . A collapsible table comprising: 
 a. a structure for supporting the table, 
 i. said structure for supporting the table comprising a collapsible base having a top end and a bottom end,  
 ii. said collapsible base being selectively configurable between a first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored and a second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table; and  
   b. a box with a receptacle space for accessibly holding the structure for supporting the table, 
 i. said box having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one side surface,  
 ii. each of said at least one side surface being disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface,  
 iii. said structure for supporting the table being accessibly removable from the receptacle space inside the box through a closeable opening in one of the top surface, the bottom surface, and the at least one side surface,  
 iv. said bottom surface having an aperture, 
 (1) said aperture being selectively configurable between a closed configuration in which the aperture is substantially closed and an open configuration in which the aperture is open defining a passageway for receiving the top end of the collapsible base,  
 (2) said passageway being adapted for use with the base so that dependent rotation, about the centerline of the base, between the second configuration of the base and box exists,  
 (3) said aperture comprising a predetermined array of die cuts and crease lines in the bottom surface of the box, so that through the application of an applied force to the aperture will cause separation along the die cuts allowing the crease lines to fold to create the passageway,  
 
 whereby, the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored in the receptacle space of the box for ease of transport, the collapsible base can be removed from the receptacle space of the box and the top end of the collapsible base can inserted into the aperture of the bottom surface of the box, and the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table and the top surface of the box can be up righted allowing the top surface to be a table top.  
   
   
   
       30 . A collapsible table comprising: 
 a. a structure for supporting the table, 
 i. said structure for supporting the table comprising a collapsible base having a top end and a bottom end,  
 ii. the top end of the collapsible base has at least one head,  
 iii. said collapsible base being selectively configurable between a first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored and a second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table; and  
   b. a box with a receptacle space for accessibly holding the structure for supporting the table, 
 i. said box having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one side surface,  
 ii. each of said at least one side surface being disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface,  
 iii. said bottom surface having at least one aperture corresponding in number and pattern of distribution to the number and pattern of distribution of said at least one head, 
 (1) each of said at least one aperture having an open configuration defining a passageway for receiving one of the at least one head of the top end of the collapsible base,  
 
 whereby, the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored in the receptacle space of the box for ease of transport, the collapsible base can be removed from the receptacle space of the box, the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table, and each of the at least one head of the top end of the collapsible base can inserted into one of the at least one aperture of the bottom surface of the box, and the top surface of the box can be up righted allowing the top surface to be a table top.  
   
   
   
       31 . The collapsible table of  claim 30 , wherein the at least one aperture comprises a plurality of apertures and the top end of the collapsible base has a plurality of heads corresponding in number and pattern of distribution to the number and pattern of distribution of said plurality of apertures.  
   
   
       32 . The collapsible table of  claim 31 , wherein each of the plurality of heads has sufficient height to enter the passageway and extend to an underside of the top surface of the box.  
   
   
       33 . The collapsible table of  claim 30 , wherein access to the structure for supporting the table for removal from the receptacle space inside the box is through a closeable opening in one of the top surface, the bottom surface, and the at least one side surface.  
   
   
       34 . The collapsible table of  claim 30 , wherein the base is adapted for use with the passageway of the box so that dependent rotation, about the centerline of the base, between the second configuration of the base and box exists.  
   
   
       35 . The collapsible table of  claim 30 , wherein the base comprises at least one slot, disposed in at least one of the sides of the multi-sided sleeve, for receiving a wine bottle.  
   
   
       36 . The collapsible of  claim 30 , wherein the bottom end of the collapsible base has a plurality of feet, each of said plurality of feet being adapted for resting on an extraneous surface for supporting the collapsible table.  
   
   
       37 . A collapsible table comprising: 
 a. a structure for supporting the table, 
 i. said structure for supporting the table comprising a collapsible base having a top end and a bottom end,  
 ii. the top end of the collapsible base has a plurality of heads of a predetermined height,  
 iii. said collapsible base being selectively configurable between a first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored and a second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table; and  
   b. a box with a receptacle space for accessibly holding the structure for supporting the table, 
 i. said box having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one side surface,  
 ii. each of said at least one side surface being disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface,  
 iii. said bottom surface having a plurality of apertures corresponding in number and pattern of distribution to the number and pattern of distribution of said a plurality of heads, 
 (1) each of said a plurality of apertures having an open configuration defining a passageway for receiving one of the a plurality of heads of the top end of the collapsible base with each of the plurality of heads extending to an underside of the top surface of the box,  
 
 iv. said box having a closeable opening in one of the top surface, the bottom surface, and the at least one side surface for removably access of the structure for supporting the table,  
 v. the passageway of the box is adapted for use with the base so that dependent rotation, about the centerline of the base, between the second configuration of the base and box exists,  
 whereby, the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the first configuration in which base is flattened so that it can be stored in the receptacle space of the box for ease of transport, the collapsible base can be removed from the receptacle space of the box, the collapsible base can be selectively configured to the second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table, and each of the a plurality of heads of the top end of the collapsible base can inserted into one of the a plurality of apertures of the bottom surface of the box, and the top surface of the box can be up righted allowing the top surface to be a table top.  
   
   
   
       38 . A method for constructing a collapsible table from a box having a receptacle space for accessibly holding a structure for supporting the table, a closeable opening in one of a top surface, a bottom surface with a centrally disposed openable aperture, and an at least one side surface, and the structure for supporting the table, including a collapsible base with a top end having at least one head and a bottom end, comprising: 
 a. opening the closeable opening in one of the top surface, the bottom surface, and the at least one side surface of the box;    b. removing the structure for supporting the table from the box;    c. selectively configuring the collapsible base from a first configuration in which the base is flattened for stowage to a second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table;    d. opening the aperture to form a passageway for receiving the top end of the collapsible base; and    e. inserting the top end of the collapsible base into the passageway.    
   
   
       39 . The method for constructing a collapsible table of  claim 38 , further comprising the step of supporting the bottom end of the collapsible base on a grounding surface to allow the top surface to be a upwardly disposed as a table top of the collapsible table.  
   
   
       40 . The method for constructing a collapsible table of  claim 38 , further comprising the steps of 
 a. removing the top end of the collapsible base from the passageway;    b. closing the aperture;    c. selectively configuring the collapsible base from the second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table to the first configuration in which the base is flattened for stowage;    d. opening the closeable opening; and    e. stowing the structure for supporting the table in the receptacle space of the box.    
   
   
       41 . A method for constructing a collapsible table from a box having a receptacle space for accessibly holding a structure for supporting the table, a closeable opening in one of a top surface, a bottom surface with a centrally disposed openable aperture, and an at least one side surface, and the structure for supporting the table, including a collapsible base with a top end having at least one head and a bottom end, comprising: 
 a. opening the closeable opening in one of the top surface, the bottom surface, and the at least one side surface of the box;    b. removing the structure for supporting the table from the box;    c. selectively configuring the collapsible base from a first configuration in which the base is flattened for stowage to a second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table and the at least one head corresponds in number and pattern of distribution to the number and pattern of distribution of said at least one aperture; and    d. inserting each of the at least one head into a corresponding one of the at least one aperture.    
   
   
       42 . The method for constructing a collapsible table of  claim 41 , further comprising the step of supporting the bottom end of the collapsible base on a grounding surface to allow the top surface to be a upwardly disposed as a table top of the collapsible table.  
   
   
       43 . The method for constructing a collapsible table of  claim 41 , further comprising the steps of 
 a. removing the top end of the collapsible base from the passageway;    b. closing the aperture;    c. selectively configuring the collapsible base from the second configuration in which the base is erect for supporting the table to the first configuration in which the base is flattened for stowage;    d. opening the closeable opening; and    e. stowing the structure for supporting the table in the receptacle space of the box.    
   
   
       44 . The method for constructing a collapsible table of  claim 41 , wherein the at least one head comprises a plurality of heads and the at least one aperture comprises a plurality of apertures corresponding in number and pattern of distribution to the number and pattern of distribution of said plurality of heads, comprising the step of inserting each of the plurality of heads into a corresponding one of the plurality of apertures.  
   
   
       45 . The method for constructing a collapsible table of  claim 41 , further comprising the step of opening each of the at least one aperture to form at least one passageway for receiving one of the at least one head.