COLLAPSIBLE TABLE TENNIS TABLE

Abstract

A table tennis table includes a table top and a base assembly. The base assembly includes legs that are adjustably spaced so that the base assembly has an adjustable length and an adjustable width. Each leg includes a telescoping pole that extends between a table pad and a floor pad. One or more struts extend from each leg to adjacent legs along the length and the width of the base assembly. The adjustable legs may be used to configure the base assembly between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration which has a greater length and width than the collapsed configuration. When the base assembly is configured in the expanded configuration, the legs of the base assembly may be used to support the table top to create a to playing surface for table tennis.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure deals with table tennis tables.

BACKGROUND

Table tennis is a racket sport played on a table with a hard playing surface. A net divides two halves of the table and players standing on opposite ends of the table take turns hitting a ball back and forth over the net with a racket. A base is typically attached to the playing surface to keep the playing surface at a fixed height above the ground and to keep the playing surface from shifting during play.

Often, assembling a table tennis table can be a lengthy process, as the base must be securely attached to the playing surface. Additionally, although the table tennis table may take up a lot of space when not in use, it is often too time consuming to disassemble the table and then reassemble the table when it is needed. Some table tennis tables are foldable to reduce the storage space needed. Other table tennis tables are capable of being split into four sections allowing for easier display in stores or for easier transportation. However, for these tables the seams between adjacent quarter sections are present on the playing surface of the table and can cause bad bounces, decreasing the quality of game play.

Thus, there is a need for improvement in this field.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments include a collapsible table tennis table that is capable of being arranged in a collapsed configuration for storage and an expanded configuration for game play. The table tennis table has a table top having a top surface and a bottom surface. The table top includes a first table section and a second table section separated by a seam and typically connected by one or more hinges. The second table section is foldable with respect to the first table section about the one or more hinges. In use, a vertical table tennis net extends substantially perpendicularly from the top surface of the table top and across the width of the table top.

The table tennis table includes a base assembly that has a plurality of legs. The legs are adjustably spaced so that the base assembly has an adjustable length and an adjustable width. Each leg includes a telescoping pole that extends between a table pad and a floor pad. Struts extend from each leg along the length and the width of the base assembly to each adjacent leg.

The base assembly is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration in which the base assembly has a greater length and width than in the collapsed configuration. The telescoping poles allow the length of the legs to change to accommodate the change between the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration. Each of the legs has a longer length in the collapsed configuration and adjusts to a shorter length in the expanded configuration.

For game play, the table top is supported by the plurality of legs of the base assembly with the base assembly in the expanded configuration. In some embodiments, the base assembly includes a total of six legs. Two of the legs support an outer end of the first table section and two more legs support an outer end of the second table section. The middle two legs support the table top along the seam and contact both the first table section and the second table section.

Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table tennis table in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a table top for the table tennis table of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the table top of FIG. 2 in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a base assembly for the table tennis table of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the base assembly of FIG. 4 in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a leg of the base assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a table pad of the leg of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the table tennis table of FIG. 1

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the table tennis table of FIG. 1

FIG. 10 is a side view of the table tennis table of FIG. 1

FIG. 11 is a front view of the table tennis table of FIG. 1

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an apron attached to the table tennis table of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a strut spanning two legs when the base assembly is in the collapsed configuration.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a strut spanning two legs when the base assembly is in the expanded configuration.

FIG. 15 is a kit for a table tennis table.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

The present disclosure pertains generally to the field of table tennis tables and more particularly to a collapsible table tennis table. In certain embodiments, the table tennis table includes a table top and a base assembly which are separable from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the table top is formed from at two sections. In a collapsed configuration, the two sections are folded with respect to each other and the base assembly is collapsed. In an expanded configuration, the two sections are adjacent each other and lie in the same plane and the base assembly is expanded.

The base assembly is formed from two or more legs. Each leg includes a telescoping pole positioned between a table pad and a floor pad. Each of the legs is connected to an adjacent leg using at least one strut that extends from the table pad of a first leg to a floor pad of an adjacent leg. In some embodiments, each leg is connected to each adjacent leg using two struts. The second strut extends from the floor pad of the first leg to the table pad of the second leg. The first strut and the second strut form a pair of struts connected at a pivot point where the first strut and second strut cross so that the two struts are arranged between the adjacent legs to form a deformable X-shape.

The base assembly includes a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the struts connecting the legs of the base assembly are arranged to be substantially vertical so that the struts are close to parallel to the legs. In this position, each leg is positioned close to the attached adjacent legs and in some instances may be touching an adjacent leg or legs. To expand the base assembly into the expanded configuration, the legs are moved away from each other. As the distance between the legs increases, the struts pivot with respect to the legs, moving from being substantially parallel to the legs to being at an oblique angle with to respect to the legs.

Additionally, as the legs of the base assembly are spread farther apart, the telescoping pole allows the height of the legs to change to accommodate the changing distance between each adjacent leg. The height of each leg is reduced as the distance between legs is increased, while the height of each leg is increased as the base assembly is collapsed.

With the base assembly in the expanded configuration, the table top is placed on top of base assembly. Each leg of the base assembly provides support to the table top so that the table top is kept level and forms a surface on which to play table tennis.

FIG. 1 is a view of a representative embodiment of a table tennis table 20 in an expanded configuration. Table tennis table 20 includes a table tennis net 25, a table top 30 and a base assembly 50. Table top 30 rests on top of base assembly 50. In some embodiments, table top 30 is attached to base assembly 50 using an adhesive or other suitable attachment mechanism such as screws, bolts, or Velcro® fasteners. In other embodiments, table top 30 is placed on base assembly 50 without the use of an attachment mechanism.

Table tennis net 25 may extend between a pair of posts and is held in tension. The posts may be clamped to opposing sides of table top 30 across the width or may be attached to table top 30 using any other suitable method such as fasteners or adhesive. Table tennis net 25 extends vertically from table top 30 so that table tennis net 25 is substantially perpendicular with respect to table top 30.

A perspective view of table top 30 is shown in FIG. 2. Table top 30 includes a top surface 32 and a bottom surface 34. Top surface 32 acts as a playing surface and bottom surface 34 contacts base assembly 50 when table top 30 is placed atop base assembly 50. Court markings such as a centerline 33 and/or side lines and end lines may be included on top surface 32.

Table top 30 is formed from a first table section 38 and a second table section 42. First table section 38 is separable with respect to second table section 42 about a seam 44. In some embodiments, seam 44 may be a joint that separates first table section 38 and second table section 42. In some embodiments, the inner edges of table sections 38, 42 do not touch each other. In other embodiments, seam 44 may be a portion where first table section 38 and second table 42 are abutting. Typically, table tennis net 25 is positioned above seam 44 so that a table tennis ball hit on the playing surface fainted by table top 30 does not land on seam 44 during play.

In certain embodiments, one or more hinges 46 connect the first table section 38 and the second table section 42 at the seam 44. As shown in FIG. 3, although not required, it is preferable that the hinges 46 are located on the bottom surface 34 of table top 30 so that hinges 46 are not exposed on the playing surface formed by top surface 32 when table top 30 is in use. In some embodiments, a single hinge 46, such as a piano hinge may extend the entire length or substantially the entire length of seam 44. In alternate embodiments, seam 44 is formed when the inner edges of table sections 38, 42 are adjacent during play, but the table sections 38, 42 may not be physically connected.

In the embodiment shown, the seam 44 is positioned about halfway along the length of table top 30 so that first table section 38 and second table section 42 are approximately the same size. In other examples, table top 30 may include no seam 44 so that the table top is not foldable and is merely removable from base assembly 50.

In some embodiments, table top 30 follows the rules of the International Federation of Table Tennis. The top surface 32 of table top 30 is rectangular and is 274 cm (9 ft.) in length and 152.5 cm (5 ft.) in width. Table top 30 is supported so that top surface 32 is 76 cm (2.5 ft.) above the floor. Top surface 32 is a uniform, dark color with a matte finish. A white line extends along each side along the length of top surface 32 and a white end line extends along each side along the width of top surface 32. Table sections 38, 42 are of equal size and separated by a vertical net running along the width of table top 30. Table top 30 is formed from any is material that yields a uniform bounce of 23 cm (8¼ in.) from any standard table tennis ball that is dropped from a height of 30 cm (12 in.).

FIG. 4 illustrates base assembly 50 in an expanded configuration. Base assembly 50 includes an arrangement with a plurality of legs 52. The legs 52 are adjustably spaced relative to each other so that base assembly 50 has a length, L, and a width, W. Each leg 52 includes a telescoping pole 54 extending between a table pad 70 and a floor pad 71. The table pad 70 is positioned at an upper end of telescoping pole 54 and contacts the table top 30. The floor pad 71 is positioned at a lower end of telescoping pole 54 and contacts the ground or a support surface when table top 30 is positioned on base assembly 50.

Each leg 52 is connected to an adjacent leg 52 by at least one strut 65 that is angled between the legs 52. In some embodiments, strut 65 is angled approximately 45 degrees with respect to leg 52 in the expanded configuration. A first strut 65 extends from the table pad 70 of a first leg 52 to the floor pad 71 of the adjacent leg 52, for instance with one end of first strut 65 pivotally attached to the table pad 70 of a first leg and a second end of the first strut pivotally attached to the floor pad 71 of a second leg. A second strut 65 may extend from the floor pad 71 of the first leg 52 to the table pad 70 of the adjacent leg 52 so that the two struts 65 form a deformable X-shape between the adjacent legs 52. In some embodiments, fewer struts 65 may be used so that some of or all of the legs 52 are only connected to an adjacent leg 52 by one strut 65.

When base assembly 50 is not used to support table top 30, base assembly 50 may be arranged in a collapsed position as shown in FIG. 5. In the collapsed position, the distance between the legs 52 of base assembly 50 is greatly reduced so that the legs are adjacent to each other and the base assembly 50 takes up less space for easy storage. Struts 65 are pivoted with respect to legs 52 such that struts 65 are approaching vertical and are close to parallel with regard to legs 52. As shown, the length, L, of base assembly 50 in the collapsed configuration is less than the length, L, of base assembly 50 in the expanded configuration. Likewise, the width, W, of base assembly 50 in the collapsed configuration is less than the width, W, of base assembly 50 in the expanded configuration. In some embodiments, although not required, legs 52 may be in direct contact with adjacent legs when base assembly 50 is in the collapsed position.

An embodiment of a leg 52 of base assembly 50 is illustrated in FIG. 6. As shown, leg 52 includes a telescoping pole 54 extending between a table pad 70 and a floor pad 71. Telescoping pole 54 includes a male portion 56 that is slidable within a female portion 58, allowing the height of leg 52 to be adjusted by sliding male portion 56 with respect to female portion 58.

The table pad 70 is positioned at an upper end of telescoping pole 54 and may include a table support surface 86. Table support surface may include a non-slip material on the outer surface of table pad 70. Table support surface 86 is arranged to contact table top 30 when table top 30 is supported by base assembly 50. When table top 30 is positioned on base assembly 50, the bottom surface 34 of table top 30 rests on table support surface 86 and table support surface 86 prevents table top 30 from sliding with respect to leg 52.

A floor pad 71 is positioned at the opposite end of telescoping pole 54 from the table pad 70. The floor pad 71 is arranged to contact a support surface such as the ground or a floor when base assembly 50 is in use. The outer surface of the floor pad 71 may include a floor contact surface 88 that is made from a non-slip material. Floor contact surface 88 is in contact with the ground or support surface and assists to provide stability to base assembly 50 by preventing leg 52 from slipping on the ground when the table tennis table 20 is in use.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a table pad 70. Although a table pad 70 is shown in FIG. 7, it should be noted that a floor pad 71 may have the same structure as table pad 70 and may be arranged symmetrically with respect to table pad 70 on leg 52. Table pad 70 includes a base 74 and a body portion 76 extending vertically from base 74. Base 74 may include anchor openings 75 extending through base 74. Anchor openings 75 may receive an anchoring mechanism for securing table pad 70 to the bottom surface 34 of table top 30. Similarly, anchor opening 75 may receive an anchoring mechanism for securing a floor pad 71 to the ground or other support surface. It is not required that anchoring mechanisms be used with table pad 70. In some embodiments, table top 30 rests on table pad 70 and is sufficiently secure without an anchoring mechanism. Likewise, in some embodiments, floor pad 71 may rest on a support surface without being anchored to the support surface using an anchoring mechanism.

Body portion 76 defines a pole end cavity 78 that is sized to allow an end of telescoping pole 54 of leg 52 to fit within pole end cavity 78. Pole end cavity 78 is dimensioned to fittingly receive an end of pole 54 of leg 52 and connect pole 54 to table pad 70. Pole 54 may be snugly held within pole end cavity 78 using a friction fit or may be kept within pole end cavity 78 using any other suitable attachment method such as a fastener or adhesive.

Body portion 76 also includes vertical and lateral flanges 80 that extend outward relative to pole end cavity 78. Each flange 80 defines a horizontal strut attachment opening 81 for to receiving an attachment mechanism such as a screw or a bolt that may serve as an axle. The attachment mechanism received in strut attachment opening 81 may be used to rotatably attach a strut 65 to table pad 70 so that strut attachment opening 81 defines a pivot axis about which strut 65 is able to pivot with respect to leg 52. Although each flange may include a strut attachment opening 81 for attaching a strut 65, it is not required that each strut attachment opening 81 is used when table pad 70 is included in base assembly 50. In some embodiments, table pad 70 may attach to only two struts 65 or only three struts 65. In the embodiment shown, there are four flanges 80 each spaced at 90 degrees from an adjacent flange 80; however in other embodiments there may be more or fewer flanges 80 as desired. Floor pad 71 has a corresponding structure to the structure of table pad 70 described above.

Various views of an embodiment of the assembled table tennis table 20 are shown in

FIGS. 1 and 8-11. In this embodiment, there are six legs 52 arranged in in two rows with three legs 52 in each row. This forms a rectangular shaped base assembly 50 that is suited for supporting a rectangular table top 30. The corner legs 52 are each attached to the two adjacent legs 52 along the length and width of base assembly 50 by struts 65. The legs 52 in the middle are each attached to three adjacent legs 52 along the length and width of base assembly 50 by struts 65. Although base assembly 50 is shown having six legs 52, in other embodiments that may be less desired, more or fewer legs 52 may be included in base assembly 50. For example, the middle legs may be removed so that base assembly 50 has four legs with corresponding alterations to the table top. In other examples, extra legs 52 may be added to provide greater support, for example base assembly 50 could include eight legs.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-10, in the expanded configuration, the legs 52 are positioned so that two of the legs support the outer end of first table section 38 of table top 30 lo and two of the legs 52 support the outer end of second table section 42 of the table top 30. The middle two legs 52 support the table top 30 along the seam 44. The table pads 70 of these middle legs 52 straddle seam 44 and are in direct contact with both the first table section 38 and the second table section 42.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12, table tennis table 20 may include an apron 90 that covers base assembly 50. Apron 90 hangs from table top 30 to hide base assembly 50 while also preventing table tennis balls and other debris from becoming trapped underneath table top 30. In some embodiments, apron 90 is positioned between table top 30 and base assembly 50. For example, apron 90 may be supported by table pads 70 and table top 30 is positioned on top of apron 90 to clamp the apron in place. In some embodiments, apron 90 hangs from a peripheral edge 35 of table top 30.

Apron 90 may be attached to table tennis table 20 using any suitable method of attachment. As an example, apron 90 may be attached to table tennis table 20 using screws, grommets, or snap features. Other options such as hook and loop fasteners like Velcro® may also be used. In some embodiments, apron 90 is attached to table top 30, for example, on a side edge of table top 30 or on the bottom surface 34 of table top 30. In some embodiments, apron 90 is attached to base assembly 50, such as to table pad 70.

In some embodiments, apron 90 is easily changeable so one apron 90 can be swapped for an apron 90 having a different color or design. Apron 90 may be made from a variety of fabric options. For example, apron 90 can be made from vinyl, nylon, cotton, spandex, lycra, or any other suitable material. Apron 90 may also include graphics or text such as team logos, advertising, or any other desired visual indicia.

Typically, when table tennis table 20 is not in use, it may be stored in the collapsed lo configuration. In the collapsed configuration, table top 30 is folded in half as shown in FIG. 3 and base assembly 50 is configured as shown in FIG. 5 to reduce the size of table top 30 and base assembly 50.

When table tennis table 20 is desired to be used, table tennis table 20 is converted from the collapsed configuration into the expanded configuration. To convert table tennis table 20 to the expanded configuration, the legs 52 of base assembly 50 are pulled away from each other. In the collapsed configuration as illustrated in FIG. 13, the struts 65 extending between adjacent legs 52 approach being positioned vertically, so that the struts are close to parallel with respect to telescoping pole 54 of each leg 52 to which strut 65 is attached. However, as the legs 52 are pulled apart from each other, the struts 65 pivot with respect to legs 52 so that each strut 65 is positioned at a significantly oblique angle with respect to each leg 52 to which the strut 65 is attached (see FIG. 14). As an example, a significantly oblique angle is considered to be an angle between 15 and 75 degrees. In some embodiments, the oblique angle formed between strut 65 and leg 52 in the expanded configuration may be approximately 45 degrees.

As shown in FIGS. 13-14, the length A, of a strut 65 is fixed yet struts 65 are pivotable. Therefore, the vertical height, H_C, a strut 65 spans when base assembly is in the collapsed configuration is greater than the vertical height, H_E, strut 65 spans when base assembly 50 is in the expanded configuration. As the vertical height span of strut 65 decreases from H_C to H_E, the angle, B, between strut 65 and leg 52 is increased.

To accommodate the changing vertical height span of strut 65, the male portion 56 of telescoping pole 54 telescopes within the female portion 58 of telescoping pole 54 to decrease the length of leg 52 when legs 52 are pulled away from each other into the expanded configuration. Likewise, as base assembly 50 is changed from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration, male portion 56 of telescoping pole 54 extends from female portion 58 of telescoping pole 54 to increase the length of leg 52.

The expansion of base assembly 50 is limited by the minimum length of legs 52 as expansion of base assembly 50 may continue until the length of legs 52 may no longer decrease. The minimum length of legs 52, and thus the table height, is determined by the movement of male portion 56 of telescoping pole 54 within female portion 58. Once the lower end of male portion 56 reaches the lower end of female portion 58, it will rest against floor pad 71 or the lower end of female portion 58, so that male portion 56 may not slide any further within female portion 58. Once male portion 56 can no longer slide within female portion 58, a minimum height is reached. In this configuration, the weight from table top 30 may be carried solely by male portion 56. If female portion 58 has an open lower end, none of the weight of table top 30 is supported by female portion 58.

Once base assembly is arranged in the expanded configuration, table top 30 is unfolded so that first table section 38 and second table section 42 lie within the same plane. Table top 30 is then placed on top of base assembly 50 so that the bottom surface 34 of table top 30 contacts table pads 70 of the legs 52 of base assembly 50. The table pads 70 of base assembly 50 provide support points for table top 30. A table tennis net 25 may be attached or mounted to table top 30 and table tennis table 20 may be used for table tennis games or practice.

Table tennis table 20 is collapsible into a collapsed state for storage or transport by reversing the process described above. The table top 30 is removed from the top of base assembly 50. Table top 30 may then be folded in half by folding or separating first table section 38 with respect to second table section 42 at the seam 44. Base assembly 50 is then moved from the expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration by moving the legs 52 closer to each other and causing struts 65 to pivot into an orientation in which the struts are substantially parallel to legs 52.

A collapsible table tennis table kit 100 is illustrated in FIG. 15. Kit 100 includes a table top 30 that includes a first table section and a second table section and a table tennis net 25. The second table section of table top 30 is connected to the first table section by one or more hinges and is foldable with respect to the first table section about the hinges.

Kit 100 also includes a base assembly 50, such as base assembly 50 shown in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, kit 100 also may include at least one table tennis paddle 105 and one or more table tennis balls 110. Kit 100 may also include an apron 90.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions defined by following claims are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. A table tennis table comprising:

a table top having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein said table top includes: a first table section; a second table section connected to said first table section by one or more hinges, wherein said second table section is foldable with respect to said first table section about said one or more hinges;

a table tennis net extending substantially perpendicularly from said top surface of said table top;

a base assembly including a plurality of legs adjustably spaced so that said base assembly has an adjustable length and an adjustable width, wherein each leg includes a telescoping pole extending between a table pad and a floor pad and wherein struts extend from each leg along the length and the width of the base assembly to each adjacent leg;

wherein said base assembly is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and wherein the length and the width of the base assembly is greater in the expanded configuration than in said collapsed configuration;

wherein the length of said legs telescopically adjusts between a longer length in the collapsed configuration to a shorter length in the expanded configuration; and

wherein said table top is supported by said plurality of legs when said base assembly is in the expanded configuration to create a playing surface.

2. The table tennis table of claim 1, wherein one end of a first strut is pivotally attached to the table pad of a first leg and a second end of said first strut is pivotally attached to the floor pad of a second leg that is adjacent to said first leg.

3. The table tennis table of claim 2, wherein one end of a second strut is pivotally attached to the floor pad of said first leg and a second end of said second strut is pivotally attached to the table pad of said second leg.

4. The table tennis table of claim 1, wherein said bottom surface of said table top is in contact with the table pads of said plurality of legs when said table top is supported by said base assembly.

5. The table tennis table of claim 1, wherein said struts are at oblique angles with respect to said plurality of legs when said base assembly is in said expanded configuration.

6. The table tennis table of claim 1, further comprising:

an apron, wherein said apron is positioned between said table top and said base assembly; and

wherein said apron hangs from said table top to hide said base assembly.

7. The table tennis table of claim 6, wherein said table top includes a peripheral edge, and wherein said apron hangs from said peripheral edge of said table top.

8. The table tennis table of claim 1, wherein said table pad includes a table support surface made from a non-slip material to resist said table top from sliding when said table top is supported by said base assembly.

9. The table tennis table of claim 1, wherein said floor pad includes a floor contact surface made from a non-slip material to resist said base assembly from sliding on a support surface in contact with said base assembly.

10. The table tennis table of claim 1, wherein said base assembly includes six legs arranged in two rows, and wherein each row includes three legs.

11. The table tennis table of claim 10, wherein when said base assembly is in said expanded configuration two of said legs support the first table section of the table top, two of said legs support the table top at a seam between said first table section and said second table section and contact both said first table section and said second table section, and two of said legs support the second table section of the table top.

12. A kit, comprising:

a table top including a first table section and a second table section connected to said first table section by one or more hinges, wherein said second table section is foldable with respect to said first table section about said one or more hinges;

a table tennis net;

a base assembly, including: a first leg including a first pole, wherein a length of the first pole is adjustable; a second leg including a second pole, wherein a length of the second pole is adjustable; a first strut extending between said first leg and said second leg; a second strut extending between said first leg and said second leg, wherein said second strut crosses said first strut so that said first strut and said second strut form an X-shape; and

wherein said base assembly is configurable in a collapsed configuration and expandable to be placed in an expanded configuration, and wherein a length and a width of the base assembly is greater in the expanded configuration than in said collapsed configuration.

13. The kit of claim 12, wherein said base assembly includes:

a third leg including a third pole extending between a third table pad and a third floor pad, wherein a length of the of the third pole is adjustable;

a third strut extending between said first leg and said third leg; and

a fourth strut extending between said first leg and said third leg, wherein said fourth strut crosses said third strut so that said third strut and said fourth strut form an X-shape.

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. The kit of claim 12, further comprising:

an apron, wherein said apron is attachable to said table top; and

wherein the apron is supported by the table pads and the table top is positioned on top of said apron to clamp the apron in place, and wherein said apron hangs from said table top to hide said base assembly.

17. The kit of claim 12, wherein said first pole and said second pole are telescoping poles.

18. The kit of claim 12, wherein said base assembly includes six legs arranged in two rows and wherein each row includes three legs so that said base assembly has a rectangular shape when arranged in the expanded configuration.

19. A table tennis table comprising:

a table top having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein said table top includes: a first table section; a second table section connected to said first table section by one or more hinges, wherein said second table section is foldable with respect to said first table section about said one or more hinges at a seam;

a base assembly including a plurality of legs adjustably spaced so that said base assembly has an adjustable length and an adjustable width, and wherein said base assembly includes: a first leg, a second leg and a third leg, wherein each leg includes a telescoping pole extending between a table pad and a floor pad; wherein said first leg is coupled to said second leg by a first pair of struts connected at a pivot point, and wherein said first pair of struts cross to form an X-shape; wherein said second leg is coupled to said third leg by a pair of second struts connected at a pivot point, and wherein said second pair of struts cross to form an X-shape;

wherein said base assembly is configurable in an expanded configuration and collapsible to a collapsed configuration, and wherein the length and the width of the base assembly in said collapsed configuration is less than the length and the width of the base assembly in said expanded configuration; and

wherein when said base assembly is in said expanded configuration, said first leg supports the first table section of the table top, said second leg supports the table top at the seam and contacts both said first table section and said second table section, and said third leg supports the second table section of the table top to form a playing surface.

20. The table tennis table of claim 19,

wherein said base assembly includes six legs; and

wherein when said base assembly is in said expanded configuration two of said legs support the first table section of the table top, two of said legs support the table top at the seam and contact both said first table section and said second table section, and two of said legs support the second table section of the table top.

21. The table tennis table of claim 19, wherein the hinges are located on the bottom surface of the table top so that the hinges are not exposed on the playing surface formed by the top surface when the table top is in use.

22. The table tennis table of claim 19,

wherein said base assembly includes six legs; and

wherein when said base assembly is in said expanded configuration two of said legs support the first table section of the table top, two of said legs straddle the seam and are in direct contact with both the first table section and the second table section, and two of said legs support the second table section of the table top.