Portable folding table

Abstract

A portable folding table is formed from a planar base having two panels hinged to each and moveable between a folded position and an open position, side panels hinged to each of the base panels and moveable between a folded position and an open position, and a header panel and a footer panel hinged to the base panels, and each moveable between a 5 folded position and an open position. The table may be configured for one-handed folding and unfolding operation.

1 . A portable folding table comprising:
 a) a planar base comprised of at least two panels, one having a header edge, another having a footer edge, and each having a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein the at least two base panels are hinged to each and moveable between a folded position and an open position;   b) first side panels and second side panels hingedly attached to the first side edge and the second side edge respectively of the base panels, wherein each side panel is moveable between a folded position and an open position; and   c) a header panel and a footer panel hingedly attached to the header edge and footer edge respectively, and each moveable between a folded position and an open position.   
     
     
         2 . The portable folding table of  claim 1 , wherein the side panels fold against an upper side of the base panels and the header and footer panels fold against an underside of the base panels, and the two base panels fold such that the footer panel and header panel are adjacent each other in an interior of the folded assembly. 
     
     
         3 . The portable folding table of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of folding legs. 
     
     
         4 . The portable folding table of  claim 1  further comprising an opening strap attached to one of the header panel or the footer panel. 
     
     
         5 . The portable folding table of  claim 4  further comprising opening tabs positioned on the side edge of each of the base panels, such that they are opposite each other when the base panels are folded. 
     
     
         6 . The portable folding table of  claim 5  wherein the opening tabs are opposite and staggered when the base panels are folded, permitting manipulation by a one-handed thumb and forefinger operation. 
     
     
         7 . The portable folding table of  claim 1 , comprising repelling magnets positioned on the header and footer panels to repel each other during an unfolding movement. 
     
     
         8 . The portable folding table of  claim 3 , wherein each leg comprises two legs pivotally connected to each other at one end and adjacent panels at another end, such that the leg folds and unfolds automatically by folding or unfolding the adjacent panels. 
     
     
         9 . The portable folding table of  claim 1  further comprising a closing strap mounted to the base panels, and attached to a cord or cable strung between the footer panel and the header panel, such that pulling on the closing strap urges the footer and header panel towards their folded position. 
     
     
         10 . The portable folding table of  claim 1 , wherein the side panels comprise corner finger holds accessible when the side panels are in their folded position, for opening the side panel. 
     
     
         11 . The portable folding table of  claim 10  wherein each side panel comprises a magnet for maintaining the side panel in the folded position. 
     
     
         12 . The portable folding table of  claim 1  sized as an baby change table.