Compact Camping Table

Abstract

A portable table with a collapsible support framework. The support framework has legs that are interconnected by scissor linkages. The legs have brackets affixed to the top end. Guide rails are provided that can be selectively attached to the support framework. The guide rails contain connectors that selectively engage the brackets on the legs of the support framework. Each of the guide rails has a top surface and a ledge that is disposed a first depth below the top surface. A segmented tabletop extends between the guide rails. The segmented tabletop rests on the ledges of the guide rails, wherein the segmented tabletop is the same thickness as the depth of the ledges. This provides the portable table with a flat top surface having no cantilevered areas. The result is a strong and sturdy table that can be easily and rapidly disassembled.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A portable table assembly;
 a support framework that contains legs, wherein each of said legs has a top first end and a bottom second end;   guide rails that selectively interconnect with each said first end of said legs, wherein said guide rails have top surfaces and ledges disposed a first depth below said top surfaces, wherein said support framework retains said guide rails in a parallel orientation when said guide rails are interconnected with said legs; and   a segmented tabletop that extends between said guide rails when said guide rails are in said parallel orientation, wherein said segmented tabletop rests on said ledges of said guide rails.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein each of said legs terminates with a bracket at said top first end. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly according to  claim 2 , wherein each of said guide rails has opposing ends, wherein connectors are affixed to said opposing ends, and wherein said connectors selectively connect to and disconnect from each said bracket on said legs. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said segmented tabletop is comprised of rigid slats that are interconnected by foldable joints. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly according to  claim 4 , wherein each of said slats has a thickness equal to said first depth of said ledges below said top surfaces of said guide rails. 
     
     
         6 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said support framework includes scissor linkages that interconnect said legs, wherein said scissor linkages enable said support framework to expand into an open configuration and retract into a collapsed configuration. 
     
     
         7 . The assembly according to  claim 6 , further including a locking mechanism for selectively locking said support framework into said open configuration. 
     
     
         8 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , further including an interlocking mechanism between said guide rails and said segmented tabletop that retains said slats on said ledges. 
     
     
         9 . A portable table assembly;
 a support framework that contains legs, wherein said support framework is selectively configurable between an open configuration and a collapsed configuration;   guide rails that selectively interconnect with said support framework when said support framework is in said open configuration, wherein said guide rails contain ledges and said support framework retains said guide rails in a parallel orientation when interconnected with said support framework; and   a segmented tabletop that extends between said guide rails when said guide rails are in said parallel orientation, wherein said segmented tabletop rests on said ledges of said guide rails.   
     
     
         10 . The assembly according to  claim 9 , wherein said legs have first ends and brackets that are affixed to said first ends. 
     
     
         11 . The assembly according to  claim 10 , wherein said guide rails have connectors that selectively connect to, and disconnect from, said brackets on said legs. 
     
     
         12 . The assembly according to  claim 9 , wherein said segmented tabletop is comprised of slats that are interconnected by foldable joints. 
     
     
         13 . The assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein said guide rails have top surfaces and said ledges are disposed a first depth below said top surfaces, wherein each of said slats has a thickness equal to said first depth. 
     
     
         14 . The assembly according to  claim 9 , wherein said support framework includes scissor linkages that interconnect said legs, wherein said scissor linkages enable said support framework to expand into said open configuration and retract into said collapsed configuration. 
     
     
         15 . The assembly according to  claim 14 , further including a locking mechanism for selectively locking said support framework into said open configuration. 
     
     
         16 . The assembly according to  claim 13 , further including an interlocking mechanism between said guide rails and said segmented tabletop that retains said slats on said ledges.