Table

Abstract

A table may include a table top and one or more support structures that are sized and configured to support the table top. The table top and/or the support structures may be sized and configured to pivot or move between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position. The table may also include one or more shelves that are sized and configured to pivot or move between an extended or use position and a collapsed or storage position. The table top, support structures and shelves may be positioned generally parallel to each other when in the collapsed position. In addition, the shelves may be connected to the support structures to help reinforce the support structures. The table may also include one or more cables and one or more cable guides that are sized and configured to help position cables in desired locations.

1 . A table comprising: 
 a table top sized and configured to pivot about a first generally level axis to move between an extended position and a collapsed position;    a first support structure sized and configured to pivot about a first generally upright axis to move between an extended position and a collapsed position;    a second support structure sized and configured to pivot about a second generally upright axis to move between an extended position and a collapsed position; and    a back member connected to the first support structure, the second support structure and the table top.    
   
   
       2 . The table as in  claim 1 , wherein, when the first and second support structures and the table top are in the collapsed position, the first and second support structures are generally aligned in a first plane, the back member is generally aligned in a second plane and the table top is generally aligned in a third plane, the first, second and third planes being generally parallel to each other.  
   
   
       3 . The table as in  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a first shelf connected to the back member, the first shelf being sized and configured to pivot about a second generally level axis to move between an extended position and a collapsed position; and    a second shelf connected to the first and second support structures, the second shelf being sized and configured to pivot about a third generally level axis to move between an extended position and a collapsed position.    
   
   
       4 . The table as in  claim 3 , wherein, when the first and second shelves are in the collapsed position, the first shelf and the back member are generally aligned in a first plane and the second shelf and the table top are generally aligned in a second plane, the first and second planes being generally parallel to each other.  
   
   
       5 . The table as in  claim 3 , wherein, when the first and second support structures, the table top and the first and second shelves are in the collapsed position, the first and second support structures are generally aligned in a first plane, the first shelf and the back member are generally aligned in a second plane and the second shelf and the table top are generally aligned in a third plane, the first, second and third planes being generally parallel to each other.  
   
   
       6 . The table is in  claim 1 , further comprising a shelf sized and configured to pivot about a second generally level axis to move between an extended position and a collapsed position.  
   
   
       7 . The table as in  claim 6 , wherein the shelf and the back member are generally aligned in the same plane when the shelf is in the collapsed position.  
   
   
       8 . The table as in  claim 6 , wherein the shelf and the table top are generally aligned in the same plane when the shelf is in the collapsed position.  
   
   
       9 . The table as in  claim 6 , wherein the shelf is connected to the back member, the shelf being sized and configured to be releasably connected to the first and second support structures when the shelf is in the extended position.  
   
   
       10 . The table as in  claim 6 , wherein the height of the shelf is adjustable.  
   
   
       11 . The table as in  claim 10 , wherein the first support structure includes an adjustable length support member connected to the shelf; and wherein the second support structure includes an adjustable length support member connected to the shelf.  
   
   
       12 . The table as in  claim 6 , further comprising a unitary, one-piece hinge component including a first portion and a second portion, the shelf being pivotally connected to the first portion of the unitary, one-piece hinge component, the first support structure being pivotally connected to the second portion of the unitary, one-piece hinge component.  
   
   
       13 . The table as in  claim 6 , further comprising a brace connected to the first support structure in a generally fixed position relative to the support structure; wherein, when the first support structure is in the extended position, the brace is positioned in an extended position that supports the shelf; wherein, when the first support structure is in the collapsed position, the brace is positioned in a collapsed position that permits the shelf to be freely collapsed and extended.  
   
   
       14 . The table as in  claim 6 , further comprising a gusset connected to the first support structure in a generally fixed position relative to the support structure; wherein, when the first support structure is in the extended position, the gusset is positioned in an extended position that supports the shelf, wherein, when the first support structure is in the collapsed position, the gusset is positioned in a collapsed position that permits the shelf to be freely collapsed and extended.  
   
   
       15 . The table as in  claim 1 , wherein the back member comprises a panel, the panel including a cable guide, the cable guide including a plurality of slots integrally formed in the panel as part of a unitary, one-piece panel.  
   
   
       16 . The table as in  claim 1 , further comprising a cable guide positioned proximate a generally upright support member of the first support structure, the cable guide having a generally tubular configuration.  
   
   
       17 . A method for using a table, the table comprising a table top, a first support structure, a second support structure and a shelf, the method comprising: 
 moving the table top from a collapsed position to an extended position by pivoting the table top about a first generally level axis;    moving the first support structure from a collapsed position to an extended position by pivoting the first support structure about a first generally upright axis;    moving the second support structure from a collapsed position to an extended position by pivoting the second support structure about a second generally upright axis; and    moving the shelf from a collapsed position to an extended position by pivoting the shelf about a second generally level axis.    
   
   
       18 . The method as in  claim 17 , further comprising connecting the shelf to the first and second support structures when the shelf and the first and second support structures are in the extended position.  
   
   
       19 . The method as in  claim 18 , further comprising: 
 disconnecting the shelf from the first and second support structures; and    moving the shelf from the extended position to the collapsed position by pivoting the shelf about the second generally level axis.    
   
   
       20 . The method as in  claim 17 , wherein, when the first and second support structures, the shelf and the table top are in the collapsed position, the first and second support structures are generally aligned in a first plane, the shelf is generally aligned in a second plane and the table top is generally aligned in a third plane, the first, second and third planes being generally parallel to each other.  
   
   
       21 . The method as in  claim 17 , wherein, when the first and second support structures, the shelf and the table top are in the collapsed position, the first and second support structures are generally aligned in a first plane and the shelf and the table top are generally aligned in a second plane, the first and second planes being generally parallel to each other.  
   
   
       22 . The method as in  claim 17 , wherein, when the first and second support structures and the table top are in the collapsed position, the first and second support structures are generally aligned in a first plane and the table top is generally aligned in a second plane, the first and second planes being generally parallel to each other.  
   
   
       23 . The method as in  claim 17 , wherein, when the first and second support structures and the shelf are in the collapsed position, the first and second support structures are generally aligned in a first plane and the shelf is generally aligned in a second plane, the first and second planes being generally parallel to each other.  
   
   
       24 . The method as in  claim 17 , wherein, when the shelf and the table top are in the collapsed position, the shelf is generally aligned in a first plane and the table top is generally aligned in a second plane, the first and second planes being generally parallel to each other.  
   
   
       25 . The method as in  claim 17 , wherein, when the shelf and the table top are in the collapsed position, the shelf and the table top are generally aligned in the same plane.