Expandable Folding Table Top Overlay

Abstract

The present invention is a portable, foldable tabletop made of moldable composite materials that allows a smaller table area to be increased by putting a new foldable surface on top of it. The system includes four equal sized segments that are connected together allowing them to unfold into a solid single surface that is then connected to the existing table with under-mounted clamps that are adjustable to any sized table surface. The unit is lightweight and can be stored in smaller areas do to its low profile and collapsibility. The rigid under structure combined with the mounting system provides a secure surface that is able to handle weight across its entire surface using the primary table beneath as its support.

1 ) A round horizontal folding surface which comprises four individual panel segments that are each connected together on one side, including a flexible hinge unit that connects the panels segments together for the unfolding and folding, a sliding adjustable mounting support bracket that holds four panel segments to the existing table, a structural channel guide for the support brackets to travel along, and a center support plug which connects all the segments together in the middle. 
   
   
       2 ) The combination defined in  claim 1  wherein the individual panels segments mean a molded quadrant with an engineered sub structure where each segment is one quarter of the total size of the end structure. 
   
   
       3 ) The combination defined in  claim 2  wherein the panel segments have specific support structure layout that interconnect with the other panels when folded together. 
   
   
       4 ) The combination defined in  claim 1  wherein flexible hinged unit means a specific integrated joint or flexible device that allows the turning or pivoting of a quarter panel on a stationary frame. 
   
   
       5 ) The combination defined in  claim 4  wherein the flexible device is constructed with a molded dovetail to allow for a sliding adjustable mounting bracket, ‘C’ clamp, to be attached along it. The before mentioned flexible device runs along the seams of the four panel segments allowing the ‘C’ clamp to bind the panel segments together. 
   
   
       6 ) A ‘C’ clamp of  claim 5  wherein binding means to bring together the panel segments so no cracks appear between the panel segments as well as bring lateral strength to the entire unit. 
   
   
       7 ) The combination defined in  claim 5  wherein sliding adjustable mounting bracket refers to a ‘C’ clamp bracket mechanism attached to the underside of the table device that can be moved in and out towards the center of the table. 
   
   
       8 ) A ‘C’ clamp of  claim 7  wherein said device has a manual screw device that provides holding pressure, via a rubber foot, from the panel segment to underside of the existing table. 
   
   
       9 ) The combination defined in  claim 1 , where unfolding means the panels are able to spread out to its final form without being detached from one another. 
   
   
       10 ) A channel guide of  claim 1  refers to a special designed rigid dovetail like receptacle that allows the ‘C’ clamp bracket to move in and out towards the existing table. 
   
   
       11 ) The combination defined in  claim 1  wherein the center support plug allows for the leveling of the horizontal surface and the lateral interconnectivity of the four panel segments. 
   
   
       12 ) The combination defined in  claim 1  wherein the individual panels segments are made from composite moldable materials. 
   
   
       13 ) The combination defined in  claim 5  wherein the ‘C’ clamps and flexible device are made from composite moldable materials.