US20050092213A1

US20050092213A1 - Portable plan table for use with trailer hitch

Info

Publication number: US20050092213A1
Application number: US10/701,932
Authority: US
Inventors: Wayne Wilson; John O'Donnell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-11-04
Filing date: 2003-11-04
Publication date: 2005-05-05

Abstract

An apparatus comprising a plan table and a vertical element, said vertical element rotateably attached to said plan table.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present invention is a new and improved apparatus which enabling the mounting of a plan table to a trailer hitch hardware.
2. The Prior Art
Background
In the construction industry a need for a portable plan table is readily apparent. Prior to the present application, contractors, laborers, architects, surveyors and others on a construction site or a land parcel being surveyed carried plans in their hands using whatever surfaces were convenient to make notes on their plans. Further, the plans are rarely spread out and only a small portion of the plans is readily visible to the user. Further, because of the rough handling the plans received on those surfaces they rarely held up for long. In so doing the present application resolves some of the issues by providing a plan table, surveyor's table or drafting table on which the plans may be fully extended and visible. Further, the plan table may be mounted to a truck or on a rolling base which may be wheeled about the construction site.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is side view of one embodiment of the plan table positioned to allow a user to use the tailgate of the vehicle as a seat.
FIG. 2 is side view of one embodiment of the plan table with a seat distal from the truck.
FIG. 3A is top view of one embodiment of the plan table allowing for side to side movement.
FIG. 3B is a detailed side view of one apparatus allowing for the movement shown in FIG. 3A.
FIG. 3C is a detailed top view of the hinge.
FIG. 4A is a view of another apparatus for allowing the plan table to rotate.
FIG. 4B looking down at plate with a plurality of holes.
FIG. 5A is a view of another apparatus for allowing the plan table to rotate in a closed position.
FIG. 5B is a view of another apparatus for allowing the plan table to rotate in a closed position.
FIG. 6 shows a simple right angle.
FIG. 7 shows a vertical element for receiving a plan table.
FIG. 8A is a view of the plan table on a rolling base.
FIG. 8B is top view of one embodiment of the plan table showing the placement of the wheels of a rolling base with relation to the plan table.
FIG. 9A is view of the plan table folded for transportation.
FIG. 10A is view from the side of another embodiment of the plan table in a side mounted configuration.
FIG. 11 shows a plan table mounted to a fitting in the tail gate of the vehicle.
FIG. 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D and 12E is a the plan table mounted to side of a truck.
FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the plan table from the rear of truck.
FIG. 14A shows a plan table as disclosed which is broken down to enable ease of storage
FIG. 15 is a view of another embodiment with a cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following description is illustrative only and not in any way limiting. Other modifications and improvements will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. In the following description, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
FIG. 1 is side view of one embodiment of the plan table 2 positioned to allow a user to use the tailgate 4 of the vehicle 6 as a seat. The plan table 2 is secured to vehicle 6 by a standard receiver 8. Standard receivers are 2″×2″ but any type of device for attaching a device to a vehicle may be used. The present embodiment has a horizontal extension element 10 with multiple apertures 12 which allows a user place to plan table 2 at a preferred distance. Further, the horizontal element 10 has a vertical receiver 14 to receive vertical element 16. Vertical element 16 has multiple apertures 20 which allow a user to place plan table 2 as a preferred height. In future embodiments a wing nut may be used to set the vertical level of the plan table 2. In this embodiment the angle 22 of the plan table may be varied from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. This gives the user the freedom to place the plan table at a height, distance and angle to allow for easy access to the plan table 2 while sitting on the tailgate 4. Further, a standard 12 volt electrical attachment maybe used to supply power to a variety of equipment on the plan table 2. In other embodiments the table may receive power from a generator or any other type of power source. The equipment which attaches to the table includes but is not limited to a light, fan, camera, computer, radio, CD Storage Case. Further, a cup holder maybe attached to the plan table 2. In this embodiment, an optional clamping device may be used to secure material, such as plans, papers etc., to the plan table 2. In other embodiments, a storage box for paper, scales, pencils, pens etc. may be mounted on the plan table 2. Further, attachments for such items such as hand cleaner, towels and notepads may be added to the plan table 2. Further, a sliding laptop tray may be attached out from under the plan table 2. While in this embodiment the plan table 2 is shown at the rear of the vehicle, in reality the plan table 2 may be attached anywhere a receiver may be mounted such as the front of the vehicle or on the side of the vehicle such as at a receiver 26 mounted to the side of the vehicle or a receiver mounted at the front of the vehicle 28. In other embodiments the plan table may be attached to a utility box at job sites. A version of these boxes are sold under the brand name JOBOX. The plan table may be attached to the lifters placed at the bottom of the box or a standard receiver may be attached to the bottom of the box
FIG. 2 is side view of one embodiment of the plan table with a seat 30 distal from the truck 6. In this embodiment, a seat 30 has been placed opposite the truck from the plan table 2. The seat 30 is slidably attached to horizontal element 10 so that the vertical position of the seat 30 may be adjusted as well as the horizontal position of the seat 30. This embodiment allows users greater ease of access to the plan table.
FIG. 3A is top view of one embodiment of the plan table 2 allowing for side to side movement. Fundamentally, this embodiment is similar to the embodiment described in FIG. 1. However, this embodiment allows a user to swing the plan table out of the way without having to remove the table from the receiver 8. This is done by placing a pin 32 proximate to the receiver 8. In this embodiment the plan table may be adjusted through out a 180 degree Arc 34. This allows a person sitting on tail gate 4 to move the table to stand up thereby allowing for a person to easily get up without having to move themselves around the table. Further, it allows a person to access equipment that may be in the bed of the truck. Also, shown is pivot point 35 which allows the plan table to swivel about that point so that the table may be turned to a position chosen by the user.
FIG. 3B is a detailed side view of one apparatus allowing for the movement shown in FIG. 3A. In this embodiment, a pin 32 is used to allow the horizontal element 10 to swing in relationship to the receiver 8. The pin 32 is held in place by the use of a nut 36. In other embodiments bolt 36 may be held in place by a pin or any other method known in the art.
FIG. 3C is a detailed top view of the hinge. Horizontal element 10 has had its edges 40 rounded to allow the horizontal element to swing up to 180 degrees without being impeded by receiver 8.
FIG. 4A is a view of another apparatus for allowing the plan table to rotate. In this embodiment two plates 42, 44 have been added to the receiver 8. Turning to FIG. 4B looking down at plate 42 a plurality of holes 46 can be seen. This allows horizontal element 10 to be positioned at a variety of angles. A pin 48 may be used to keep horizontal element 10 in the selected position.
FIG. 5A is a view of another apparatus for allowing the plan table to rotate in a closed position. In this embodiment a device consisting of first arm 48, a second arm 50, a hinge 52 and a locking pin 54. First arm 48 is rigidly mounted into receiver 8 and the horizontal arm 10 of the plan table is rigidly mounted to second arm 50. When the plan table needs to be rotated locking pin 54 is released and the plan table may then be rotated about hinge 52 as shown in FIG. 5B.
FIG. 6 shows a simple right angle 56. In another embodiment the right angle 56 may be placed in receiver 8 to allow the plan table to be rigidly placed to the side of the vehicle so that access to the bed of the truck is not impaired. The angle may be held in place by bolts secured at points 55. However, any method of holding the angle in place may be used.
FIG. 7 shows a vertical element 16 for receiving a plan table. In this embodiment a bottom post of the plan table is manufactured from round stock 57 which fits snugly within the square stock of the vertical element 16. This allows users to rotate the table about the bottom post of the plan table to a preferred position and then fix it in place using wing nut 58. The vertical element 16 would then be secured to the horizontal element. In other embodiments the bottom post of the plan table may be square stock which would not allow for the rotation of the table.
FIG. 8A is a view of the plan table 2 on a rolling base 60. In this embodiment, the plan table 2 and the vertical element 16 have been removed from the horizontal element 10 shown in FIG. 1. The plan table 2 and the vertical element 16 are then mounted on a rolling base 60. The rolling base may have a plurality of wheels 62. In this embodiment 3 wheels are shown. In future embodiments more wheels may be used. The wheels 62 may be casters to be used on relatively smooth surfaces such as on a concrete slab, large rubber tires for use over rugged surfaces such as dirt, grass etc or any other type known in the art.
FIG. 8B is top view of one embodiment of the plan table showing the placement of the wheels 62 of a rolling base with relation to the plan table 2. In other embodiments, the radius of the placement of the wheels may be greater to allow for more stability.
FIG. 9A is view of the plan table folded for transportation. A double hinge 64 is used on the plan table 2. The double hinge 64 is used to ease storage of plan table 2. FIG. 6B is view of the plan table folded for transportation.
FIG. 10A is view from the side of another embodiment of the plan table in a side mounted configuration. In this embodiment, plan table 2 is attached to the side of a vehicle 6. The plan table 2 is supported by a plurality of legs 66 and the side of the vehicle. The plan table 2 may be attached to the vehicle itself, a cabinet in the bed of the vehicle or a rack mounted on the vehicle. The plurality of legs may be folding legs which fold under the plan table such as in a card table or they may telescope like the legs of a surveyors tripod. FIG. 10B shows the plan table 2 and the plurality of legs 66 from the rear of the vehicle. In this configuration a person would use the table by standing at the side of the vehicle.
FIG. 11 shows a plan table 2 mounted to a fitting 68 in the tail gate 4 of the vehicle 6. This allows for a minimum of components to be used allowing the users to carry a smaller load.
FIG. 12A is view from the rear of the plan table 2 in a side mounted configuration. In this embodiment the plan table 2 is shown in a side mounted configuration with a plurality of legs 66 for illustrative purposes only. The plan table 2 may be mounted in any configuration including but not limited to the trailer hitch 8 or the fitting 68 of FIG. 11. In this embodiment a storage space 70 is shown on truck rack 71. When the user is done with the plan table 2, the table is broken down and stored in storage space 70. In simple embodiments the table may be broken down and put away in storage space 70 manually. In other embodiments the table may be secured on rollers and may be attached to a roller system X in storage space 70 by connector 73. The table may then be slid out and unfolded while still being connected to the rollers in the storage space as shown in FIG. 12B, FIG. 12C and FIG. 12D. This allows for the table to be easily transported, set-up, dismantled and stored. It may be secured by a variety of means including but not limited to fasteners, ropes, clamps or any other means known in the art. FIG. 12E shows a side view of the storage space 70 on the truck rack.
FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the plan table 2 from the rear of truck 6. In this embodiment when the plan table 2 is deployed it is secured to a storage system 72 by means of a hinge 74. When the user is done using the plan table 2, the plan table 2 is swung up along arc 76 and latched into place on storage system 72. When closed the bottom of plan table 2 becomes the cover or door of storage system 72. Storage system 72 is flexible to accommodate the needs of the user. Storage system 72 may consist of shelves or may simply be large cabinet.
FIG. 14A shows a plan table 2 as disclosed which is broken down to enable ease of storage. Here the crossbar 80 and vertical element 16 have been removed from the centerline 78 where they are connected to the plan table when deployed. The crossbar 80 and vertical element 16 are then placed and secured proximate to one edge of the bottom of the plan table 2 by use of the same equipment used to secure it to the centerline 78 when in its deployed position. Further, the horizontal element 10 is also secured to the bottom of the plan table 2 by use of straps or any other mechanism known in the art. The seat 30 and the seat support 82 are also secured to the bottom of the plan table 2. Turning to FIG. 14B, bolts 84 are used to hold crossbar 80 and vertical element 16 securely to plan table 2. Additionally, a cover 86 may be used to protect the surface of the plan table 2.
FIG. 15 is a view of another embodiment with a cover 88. In this embodiment a cover 88 has been added to protect the plans and the user from the elements. In other embodiments an umbrella may be used. Further, in this embodiment, a brace 90 is shown to help prevent the plan table 2 from moving.
In another embodiment, a smaller plan table may be mounted in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The plan table may be mounted to the transmission hump by a set of bolts.
While embodiments and applications of this disclosure have been shown and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications and improvements than mentioned above are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The disclosure, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An portable table assembly, comprising:

a plan table having a centerline; and

a vertical element, said vertical element rotateably attached to said center line of said plan table.