Legs Collapse Against Underside Of Support Surface Patents (Class 248/439)
  • Patent number: 6928934
    Abstract: A foldable table includes a table top coupled to a frame, and a pedestal that is coupled to the side rails and end rails of the frame via a four bar link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Edward Zheng
  • Patent number: 6920832
    Abstract: A table includes a table top, a leg, and a leg lock. The leg is arranged to rotate relative to the table top between extended and collapsed orientations. The leg lock is arranged to lock the leg in the extended and collapsed orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Leng Lou-Hao
  • Patent number: 6901867
    Abstract: A table includes a support brace that interconnects the table top and the leg. The support brace includes a first end with an outwardly extending arm with an opening and a second end with an outwardly extending arm with an opening. A first bracket is attached to the leg and it includes a flange with a rounded end and an aperture. The rounded end of the flange is disposed within the opening in the outwardly extending arm and a portion of the outwardly extending arm extends through the aperture in the flange when the support brace is connected to the first bracket. A second bracket is attached to the table top and it includes a first end with an angled portion and an aperture. A portion of the angled portion is disposed within the opening in the outwardly extending arm and a portion of the outwardly extending arm extends through the aperture in the bracket when the support brace is connected to the second bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Curtis Strong, David C. Winter
  • Patent number: 6845723
    Abstract: A folding and tilting table which is versatile, simply constructed and easy to use. The table includes a table top, an elongated support member, two leg assemblies pivotally mounted to ends of the support member, a set of wheels connected to the leg assemblies and an elongated hinge connected to the support member and to the table top. A first pair of latch assemblies restrain the table top to the support member and a second pair of latch assemblies restrain the leg assemblies. Once released, the table top may rotate from an in-use horizontal position to a vertical position for storage. Also once released, the leg assemblies may move from the use mode to storage mode quickly and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Kottman, Josiah M. Ives, Mark Schaefers, William C. Cesaroni, Shawn O. Barrett, Robert J. Glenn, II
  • Patent number: 6843015
    Abstract: A bipod for a firearm, or other equipment utilizing a multiple-leg pod, is provided that features easy, snap-apart and snap-together legs and snap-on and snap-off connection of the bipod to a ball or knob on the firearm or other equipment. The legs are preferably received in bores/holes in the bipod body and, during snapping in and out, the legs move past protrusions that restrict movement of the legs between different lobes of the bores/holes. The ball joint formed between the ball/knob and the main body of the bipod serves as preferably the only connection that moves during use by the shooter. As the shooter swivels, tilts, or pans the gun, the ball/knob attached to the firearm moves in the top socket of the main body of the bipod, with the legs being stationary relative to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Ronnie L. Sharp
  • Patent number: 6672558
    Abstract: A holding apparatus engages with an information input device, particularly a foldable keyboard, for supporting portable electronic devices such as pocket PC, Palm PC, PDA, mobile phone and the like. The holding apparatus includes a receiving dock which has connector spindles pivotally engaged with the input device and a slot. A bracket is provided to slide in the slot at a first position to flatly fold on the input device to facilitate carrying when not in use. The bracket may be slid in the slot at a second position and be unfolded at a selected angle against the input device for the receiving dock to support the portable electronic device when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Darfon Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Chin-Cheng Li
  • Patent number: 6663074
    Abstract: A portable artist's horse includes a pair of generally parallelepiped bench sections containing individual storage compartments which are hinged to provide a bench and pallet (or drawing board) support in an erected configuration and to allow folding to a compact travel configuration which can be easily transported by pulling or pushing. A pair of spaced-apart rollers provide mobility, and a pair of lifting handles, which are interconnected by latches, allow manipulation of the horse in transport condition. The rollers are received in pockets in the other bench section with the horse in its erected condition, and the lifting handles are integral portions of legs which stably support the bench in its erected configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Frederick Prior
  • Publication number: 20030102413
    Abstract: A support platform for a beverage container is formed from rigid wires and includes a substantially planar support platform supported by two legs that are removably interengaged with and locked with locking loops formed as part of the wire support members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: John J. Svabek, Alex J. Kaminecki
  • Patent number: 6561106
    Abstract: A folding table includes support pedestals, side rails, and foldable support braces. Each of the support braces includes a rail connecting portion and a pedestal connecting portion. One of the pedestal connecting portion and the rail connecting portion of each of the support braces is formed with a notch, whereas the other of the pedestal connecting portion and the rail connecting portion of each of the support braces is formed with a projection extending into the notch to ensure that the support brace can be maintained at an extended state. Each of the support braces further includes a pivot fastener for connecting pivotally the pedestal connecting portion to the rail connecting portion, and a locking fastener to retain releasably the support brace at the extended state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuen-Jong Tseng
  • Patent number: 6471173
    Abstract: A foldable frame support device for supporting a top plate used for furniture, includes two support braces disposed to prop releasably and respectively two support legs in a straddling position. Each support brace includes a spring-biased locking lever with a locking end to snap an anchoring end of a respective strut member. The strut member has a pivot end connected pivotally to a respective support leg so as to be swingable to permit placement of the support leg in a folded position upon actuating the locking lever to release the anchoring end of the strut member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuen-Jong Tseng
  • Patent number: 6439222
    Abstract: A barbecue grill and cart including a right leg frame assembly and a left leg assembly. Each of the right and left leg assemblies includes a bracket member disposed on an upper portion of the right and said left leg assemblies. Each of the bracket members includes a contact portion for engaging a barbecue grill when the right and left leg assemblies are in generally vertical positions. Securing means are provided for rotatably attaching the right and said left leg assemblies to the barbecue grill such that the right and said left leg assemblies can be rotated between a stowed position and said generally vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: W.C. Bradley Company
    Inventors: Bill Dixon, Lewis Dorsey Cox, Lloyd G. B. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6425558
    Abstract: A metal frame structure designed to fit and attach on top of a half height ISO open top container. This extends the vertical height to which general cargo can be loaded and secured in a half height open top container. The cargo extension frame also serves as a securing structure for cargo items of irregular sizes and shapes or in circumstances where the upper portion of a cargo item may be top heavy or difficult to block and brace. When the cargo extension frame is not in use, the four vertical legs can be folded parallel to the underside of the left and right side longitudinal rails to facilitate handling and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: George D. Saunders
  • Patent number: 6257229
    Abstract: A foldable or collapsible cart for a barbecue grill and cart assembly which includes a frame assembly and first and second folding or collapsible leg assemblies. The leg assemblies are pivotally connected to the frame assembly at opposite ends thereof. The frame assembly mounts a barbecue grill casting. The frame assembly, barbecue casting and first and second folding leg assemblies are preferably preassembled by the manufacturer prior to shipping the barbecue grill and cart assembly. In this manner, less assembly is required on the part of the end user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Stewart, Michael R. Giebel, Richard Whitehall, Donald R. Lamond, Dylan Akinrele
  • Patent number: 6231015
    Abstract: A combined teapoy and footrest includes a rectangular table top having a bottom provided with four seats, an outer leg frame including two first legs and a cross bar mounted between the two first legs, each of the first legs having a through hole close to an upper end thereof pivotally connected with a respective one of the seats, an inner side of each of the first legs having an intermediate portion formed with a J-shaped groove having an indentation, and a notch between the through hole and the J-shaped groove, and an inner leg fame including two second legs and a cross bar mounted between the two second legs, each of the second legs having a through hole close to an upper end thereof pivotally connected with a respective one of the seats, an inner side of each of the second legs having an intermediate portion provided with a protuberance configured to be engageable with the J-shaped groove and the notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Wu Ching Kun
  • Patent number: 6213436
    Abstract: A lightweight, collapsible compact platform for use by hikers and backpackers includes a supporting surface having horizontal adjustability. The platform can be conveniently folded into a compact carrying unit less than 6 ounces in weight and having a fold down or compactability ratio of at least approximately 25 to 1. The supporting surface cooperates with vertical legs that can be adjusted to provide a level supporting surface irrespective of the slope of the underlying ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Hembree Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne A. Hembree
  • Patent number: 6158831
    Abstract: Foldable, ready to use office furniture suite components are disclosed which include a foldable, ready to use office hutch which may be supported on a base. The hutch has an erect configuration for use as a furniture component and a folded configuration for storage. The hutch includes a back panel included in the hutch, a first side panel pivotally attached to the back panel and a second side panel pivotally attached to the back panel. A horizontal panel is pivotally carried by the back panel and a vertical case panel is pivotally carried by one of the back panel for forming a utility case with one of the first and second side panels. Cabinet panels for forming a utility cabinet within the interior of the hutch include a vertical cabinet panel pivotally carried by one of the back panel and the horizontal panel, and a horizontal cabinet panel pivotally carried by the vertical cabinet panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventors: Charles R. Brown, Marion O. Fogle, Thomas F. Salley
  • Patent number: 6152417
    Abstract: A portable easel is provided including a base and a leg assembly including a pair of collapsible legs mounted on the base for supporting the same. Also included is a plate hingably coupled to the base for being selectively angled with respect to the base to support reading and writing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Sarah B. Randall
  • Patent number: 6044775
    Abstract: A folding bench for supporting objects is described. The folding bench comprises a platform with two legs attached to the platform. Each leg comprises a cross member comprising a locating pin and a pin receiver. A first support is attached to the cross member and a second support is attached to the cross member opposite to the first support. The first support and the second support diverge. A bracket attaches each leg to the platform. The bracket comprises a cap wherein the cross member is contained between the cap and the platform. The cap further comprises a locating slot positioned to receive the locating pin wherein the locating pin and the locating slot work in concert to prohibit the legs from moving sideways. A locking mechanism is secured to the cap and reversibly engagable with the pin receiver to prohibit the legs from rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventors: Maureen Lashlee, Ashton Walton
  • Patent number: 6019321
    Abstract: A modular furniture panel including a bracket including a plurality of telecommunications connectors. The bracket is positioned within the modular furniture panel and provides an interconnection point for routing telecommunication cable from a telecommunications closet to the work area. The bracket may be fitted with a variety of telecommunication connectors to accommodate different cable types (copper, optical fiber, co-axial, etc.). Panel covers conceal the bracket and cable located in the interior of the panel. Areas on either side of the bracket are used for cable management including storage, routing and/or splicing of cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: The Siemon Company
    Inventors: Robert C. Carlson, Jr., C. K. Tripp Siemon, Mark Bassil
  • Patent number: 5984047
    Abstract: An erectable horizontal work surface apparatus having a work surface pivotally connected to two sets of legs and removably connected to brace members for the sets of legs. The brace members are removably connected to the legs. When in the assembled position, the legs are extended at an angle somewhat perpendicular to the work surface and one end of the brace members are placed in brace member reception notches so as to connect the brace members to the legs. The opposite end of the brace members are connected to the work surface by use of a removable dowel member. To place the apparatus in a disassembled position, such as for transporting or storage, the dowel member is removed from its reception notch thus allowing the brace members to fall free. The legs are then pivoted toward the work surface until they are placed in a position that is parallel or horizontal with the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: William R. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5964435
    Abstract: A durable and portable gun support that is particularly well adapted for use in a hunting blind or stand. The gun support provides a gun rest and support brace that may be hooked over a wall or the bottom of a window opening to give the operator a flat top surface on which to rest a gun. The flat top surface may be adjusted to orient the gun laying on the gun rest toward the expected field of view for firing. This generally correct orientation allows the operator to more quietly, quickly, and accurately aim and fire the gun. The gun support also provides a camera mount that allows the operator to conveniently secure a camera to record activities occurring within the field of view. The gun support may also be employed in two alternate positions to provide convenience of operation and stability during firing for the operator of a two-handed gun. In a first alternate position, the gun support can be oriented with its flat surface generally vertical to support a gun being held in a kneeling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignees: Harold R. Peltier, Chad Peltier, Joyce A. Peltier
    Inventor: Harold R. Peltier
  • Patent number: 5934641
    Abstract: Collapsible nursery stand comprising a pair of scissor action side frames each comprising a pair of limbs (6, 8) from upper regions of which U-shaped link members depend which swingingly support a carry-cot (36) or the like. The link members may be interconnected by a frame (22) for holding the carry-cot (36). On each side of the stand a strut (50) extends between the limbs (6, 8) to hold the stand in an erected configuration so that the carry-cot (36) can swing on the links. Each strut includes a securing means which can be released to permit the stand to collapse. Lower ends of the links move towards each other as this occurs. The securing means may comprise a plate (49) with a track (54), a pair of telescoping members, a hooked bar, an over centre latch mechanism or a strut which is slidingly engageable with one limb member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Andrew Paul Vince
  • Patent number: 5913272
    Abstract: A folding leg apparatus is provided to mount a leg to an article of furniture, such as a tabletop, so that the leg can be moved between extended and retracted positions. The table leg has a pair of upright bars disposed apart from each other. the apparatus includes a pair of support brackets mounted to the underside of the tabletop and straddling the upright bars of the leg. A pair of swivel brackets and a pair of brace links are pivotably mounted at opposite ends of each support bracket. A pair of pivot rods are attached to the upright bars adjacent the free end of the leg, and the swivel brackets and brace links are pivotably connected to a corresponding pivot rod. The apparatus includes a latch and release mechanism that includes a release lever having an actuator plate positioned within the envelope of the support brackets. The release lever includes a pair of lever arms that each define a locking notch for receiving one of the pivot rods therein to lock the leg in its upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Ditto Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Gutgsell, Scott Schwinghammer
  • Patent number: 5845962
    Abstract: A foldable chair has a seat support, a seat plate disposed on the seat support, a first support pipe disposed beneath the seat support, a second support pipe disposed beneath the first support pipe, a first knuckle connected to a first end of the first support pipe, a second knuckle connected to a second end of the first support pipe, a third knuckle connected to a first end of the second support pipe, a fourth knuckle connected to a second end of the second support pipe, a first leg tube connected to the first knuckle, a second leg tube connected to the second knuckle, a third leg cube connected to the third knuckle, a fourth leg tube connected to the fourth knuckle, a first leg pad connected to the first leg tube, a second leg pad connected to the second leg tube, a third leg pad connected to the third leg tube, a fourth leg pad connected to the fourth leg tube, a fifth knuckle connected to the seat support, a sixth knuckle connected to the seat support, a first spindle connected to the fifth knuckle, a sec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Forever Young Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fang-Sheng Lin
  • Patent number: 5839706
    Abstract: A folding collapsible stand mounting structure including a pair of parallel locating plates raised from a bottom side of a wheel-equipped base frame of a baby walker within a bottom chamber, each locating plate having a first locating notch and a second locating notch, a screw tube raised from the base frame between the locating plates, an arched locating block fixedly secured to the screw tube by a screw, a stand pivoted to the locating plates of the base frame and secured in place by the arched locating block and turned between a first position in which the stand is received within the bottom chamber of the base frame, and a second position in which the stand is extended out of the base frame outside the bottom chamber for supporting the baby walker firmly on the ground, the stand having two locating rods which are forced into engagement with the first locating notches of the locating plates when the stand is turned to the second position, or the second locating notches of the locating plates when the stand
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Kun-Hei Liu
  • Patent number: 5716113
    Abstract: A beverage vending machine having a sliding shelf for supporting thereon one or more beverage containers. Folding legs are provided under the shelf for supporting the weight of the shelf when the shelf is in an extended position. The deployment and retraction of the legs is effected by a pair of pantograph actuators, coincidently with a movement of the shelf when the shelf is within a minimal distance from the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventor: Donald G. Plourde
  • Patent number: 5662298
    Abstract: Support apparatus includes a pair of folding leg elements pivotally secured to a longitudinal beam assembly. The beam assembly includes two beams longitudinally aligned with each other and secured by a U-shaped clamp. The leg elements are secured to the center, longitudinally extending beams by a pair of cam lock units, secured to the leg units. The cam lock units pivot and are lockable to the beam in both the open, support position and in the folded, storage position. The use of the two beam elements and the U-shaped channel connector allows the beam elements to twist relative to each other, and the twisting allows the leg elements to remain stable while disposed on an uneven surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Harold O. Collins
  • Patent number: 5639138
    Abstract: A portable flag stand is described which is designed for supporting flags having magnetic base portions and to improve the storage, portability, and arrangement of such flags. The portable flag stand includes a main body portion, a handle and a fold out support for propping the stand in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Randy Smith
  • Patent number: 5562051
    Abstract: A table includes a tabletop and a pair of opposing folding leg assemblies. Each folding leg assembly includes a base plate secured to the tabletop. A folding leg is pivotally connected to the base plate by a linkage arrangement that includes first links pivotally connecting the folding leg to the base to define first and second axes of rotation and a U-shaped second link pivotally connecting the folding leg to the base to define third and fourth axes of rotation. The second link further includes a transverse section, and a latch is secured to the base plate for releasably engaging the transverse section when the folding leg is in the extended position. The first, second, third, and fourth axes are spaced from each other and located so that the folding legs fold flat against the tabletop when in the folded position, but so that the axes do not move "on center" or "over center" and cause the legs to lock up when in the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Steelcase, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Rizzi
  • Patent number: 5560582
    Abstract: A foldable wheeled stand is provided for supporting a motor driven pipe threading machine during operation thereof and for transporting the machine from one location to another. The stand includes a scissors-type leg assembly having lower ends which engage an underlying surface when the stand is both folded and unfolded and having upper ends which are respectively elevated and lowered relative to the support surface when the stand is in its unfolded and folded positions. A pipe threading machine is mounted between the upper ends of the stand for pivotal displacement about one of the upper ends and for sliding displacement relative to the other during the displacement of the stand and machine between the folded and unfolded positions of the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Company
    Inventor: Valere H. J. Beelen
  • Patent number: 5542639
    Abstract: Apparatus for supporting an object which includes at least two leg members attached to and capable of folding under an object-supporting surface. The leg members are pivotally attached to the object-supporting surface at pivot axes offset from one another relative to the object-supporting surface so that the leg members may fold under the object-supporting surface without interfering with one another. The apparatus includes diagonal supports, attached from the leg members to the object-supporting surface, which are designed to fold with the leg members. The apparatus may also include side rails defining the object-supporting surface. The side rails are configured to releasably attach to a specially configured base portion on an object such as a miter saw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Delta International Machinery Corp.
    Inventors: Barry D. Wixey, Ronald E. Young, Charles J. Baird, Jeffrey L. Haffely
  • Patent number: 5540158
    Abstract: A sectional folding table has a first-tabletop frame (3) with an outside periphery into which a second-tabletop frame (4) and foldable legs (16, 18) of the second-tabletop frame are pivotally foldable. An attachment side (20) of the first-tabletop frame is attachable to a separate structure such as a vehicle compartment (15), to another table or to other desired objects of a desired height as an option to primary legs (26, 27). Legs of both tabletop frames are attached pivotally to a joint side (10) and positioned in juxtaposed relationship for side-by-side pivotal folding. Several embodiments are shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Henry E. Ford
  • Patent number: 5528997
    Abstract: A folding table having a leg pivotally connected to the bottom surface having a locking mechanism including two pairs of linkage members attached to opposite sides of the leg. The two pairs of links allow a slight overrotation of the leg during its closing movement to thereby lock it in position. By the orientation of the links, a bias force is created to maintain the leg in a closed position. A resilient U-shaped spring clamp is attached to capture the leg in its closed position. A separate resilient locking latch engages the pivoting links when the leg is in its open, unfolded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventor: Grover L. Miller
  • Patent number: 5522179
    Abstract: An automatic water level control system, for use in conjunction with a Christmas tree stand of the type having a watering basin with an outer rim and a tree clamping mechanism for holding the Christmas tree in an upright manner with the base portion of the tree disposed within the watering basin. The water level control system includes a water supply container, a flexible conduit, an attachment mechanism, and a valve mechanism. The water supply container serves as a holding tank for water which is supplied to the watering basin of the Christmas tree stand via the flexible conduit. The water level in the watering basin is regulated by the valve mechanism attached to the Christmas tree stand. The attachment mechanism has a main body and is attachable to the outer rim of the watering basin in a manner to functionally secure the main body to the Christmas tree stand. The valve mechanism includes a watering port, a valve, and a float member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Peter R. Hollis
  • Patent number: 5509361
    Abstract: A folding collapsible table stand including a mounting frame fixed to a table board at the bottom, two pairs of stand legs pivoted to the mounting frame, two horizontal braces connected between the stand legs, and four folding struts connected between the mounting frame and the stand legs, wherein each horizontal brace has a plurality of retaining strips at both ends respectively inserted into respective retaining holes on the stand legs and then secured in place by screw bolts inside the stand legs; each folding strut consists of a base frame and a flat connecting rod pivotably connected together, and a guard plate hinged to one side of the base frame and releasably secured in the closed position by a snap to hold down the folding strut in the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventor: Fa-Shon Chen
  • Patent number: 5497706
    Abstract: A portable table includes a top surface having a plurality of compartments positioned within a removable block member permitting ease of cleaning and maintenance of the block and the compartments therewithin, and includes pivotally mounted legs mounted to a bottom wall of the table, wherein pairs of the legs are arranged for interconnection to optionally employ a tensioning structure to maintain the legs in an orthogonal relationship relative to the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Cheong Ah Yong
  • Patent number: 5404962
    Abstract: A collapsible support includes a cross member and a pair of collapsible support brackets having pairs of generally tubular legs extending therefrom. Each support bracket includes a generally planar base member secured to the cross member and a pivotally attached leg carrier. The leg pairs are secured to the leg carrier and are pivotable therewith from extended load bearing positions to collapsed storage or transport positions. A spring lock mechanism is provided which engages a portion of the leg carrier in the extended load bearing position and secures it in a releasable attachment in the load bearing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: John T. Carter
  • Patent number: 5394808
    Abstract: A folding table has a unitary table top formed of molded plastic preferably having an outer shell of non-cellular plastic with a filling of light weight hardened foam. Pairs of spaced apart sockets are formed in the table top material at the underside of the table top and a cylindrical bushing is disposed in each socket. One of a pair of pivotable leg assemblies is coupled to each pair of sockets by a pair of pivot axle projections that extend into the sockets and bushings. At least one of the sockets of each pair has a depth at least equal to the combined distances that the pivot axle projections extend into the pair of sockets. This enables entry of the pair of pivot axle projections into the pair of sockets by inserting one of the projections deeply into the one socket and then partially withdrawing that projection while guiding the other projection into the other socket of the pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Dutro Company
    Inventors: William A. Dutro, Craig Wallin
  • Patent number: 5390610
    Abstract: A folding table includes a tabletop and a number of legs operable between a folded and an extended position. A folding table leg apparatus associated with each of the legs comprises a plate assembly mounted to the tabletop, the plate assembly having a pair of handles. Each of the handles has a height greater than the effective diameter of one leg. The handles and the plate assembly define an envelope within which the leg is contained in its folded position and the folding apparatus itself is fully contained within the envelope when the leg is in its folded position. The handles are provided near the center of gravity of the tabletop to improve its maneuverability during handling and facilitate operation of the folding mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Ditto Sales
    Inventor: David R. Gutgsell
  • Patent number: 5279233
    Abstract: A folding table includes legs which are movable between an open, unfolded position and a closed, folded position. A slide plate, having at least one edge wall, is secured to the underside of the table inwardly of the legs. A strut is pivotally secured at one end to the leg. The free end of the strut has a head formed in it which is slidable along the plate edge wall. A locking pin is mounted to the strut head and is urged against the edge wall of the plate. The wall includes an opening which receives the pin to lock the leg in its unfolded position. The end of the strut head opposite the locking pin includes a grip which is operatively connected to the pin. The table is unlocked by urging the grip inwardly. The grip is formed in two halves to define a clip which frictionally receives the leg to lock the leg in its folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Falcon Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Lewis D. Cox
  • Patent number: 5275365
    Abstract: A collapsible table height cart is disclosed for elevating a table top mounted case enclosed machine, such as a voting station for deployment of a direct recording electronic voting machine. The erection of the case on the cart is assisted by a series of pivoting motions over a cart fulcrum for ease of voting station erection by polling place personnel having less than average strength. The collapsed cart is flush to one side of the case. The case and collapsed cart transport on a supporting tracking wheel pair protruding from a lower edge of the case at the collapsed cart. Stowing occurs with the case containing the polling station standing on end in a substantially vertical position. Support of the polling station in the vertical stowed position occurs from both the tracking wheel pair and paired arcuate members extending over the bottom edge of the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Unilect Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Gerbel, Donald C. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5199930
    Abstract: An adjustable height training hurdle is provided for which allows variation of the height of the hurdle from near ground level up to regulation height. A slip gear is utilized to create a scissor action of the hurdle legs thus offering incremental adjustment of the hurdle height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Inventor: Dennis W. Weber
  • Patent number: 5141197
    Abstract: A mountable support for a modular unit, such as a camper body, including telescoping support pillars with pivotal pads as well as telescoping arms for longitudinal support against inadvertent forward or rear section rotation from the support position, which is affixed to the body for storage at a reference position and having pivotal forward and rear sections for rotation to a support position for storage of the body after its removal from a transport vehicle bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Great White Northern Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry Mackaay
  • Patent number: 5129715
    Abstract: A portable desk with a work surface panel supported between two support compartments which are hinged. Each support compartment not only is foldable from a right angle position of support to a parallel storage folded inward and beneath the work surface panel, but also is foldable from the right angle support position outward and parallel to the work surface panel. An interposed hingeable piece allows the combined support compartments and panel to bifold outward and bridge the space between two surfaces such as the arms of an armchair or bedrails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Inventor: Stuart T. Maynard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5119903
    Abstract: A collapsible sawhorse assembly including a cross member having first and second ends, opposing side surfaces, a lower surface and an upper surface for supporting articles. A first and second pair of support legs are adapted to horizontally elevate the first and second ends of the cross member. The support legs each further include attachment ends and ground engagement ends. Means are provided for pivotally securing the attachment ends of the first and second pair of support legs in a generally side-by-side spaced apart relation adjacent the first and second ends, respectively, of the cross member so that the first and second pair of support legs may be moved from an upstanding cross member support position. The legs are generally perpendicular to the cross member while in an erect position, and are generally parallel to the cross member while in a collapsed storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventor: Carl Ulshafer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5113920
    Abstract: A hinge connects two sections of a workbench top so that they may be either aligned into a single plane or folded in proximity to each other. Each section of the top hingedly carries a support leg for movement between a collapsed condition in proximity to an underside of the top section and an erected condition extending at right angles therefrom. Side braces hold the legs in their respective erected condition. The legs include a plurality of openings extending therethrough from front to back and at different but aligned levels and each sized to receive a work edge support to support work such as a door or the like in an on-edge disposition and in proximity along either one side or the other side of the workbench. An end support plate is secured to a top section proximate an end and includes a slot to facilitate positioning of the work on end. A tray is hingedly connected along an edge of the top and a work support bar is connectable selectively either along an edge or a side of the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Inventor: Svein Sedeniussen
  • Patent number: 5109778
    Abstract: A folding table is disclosed. The table includes legs pivotably connected to the underside of a table surface so that when the table is folded, the legs lay flat against the underside of the table. A locking mechanism is provided to lock the legs in an unfolded position, and a release mechanism is provided to unlock the legs, thereby allowing the table to be folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Berco Industries
    Inventors: Alan Berkowitz, Elliott W. Baum, Curt Angel
  • Patent number: 5087013
    Abstract: A foldable wheeled stand is provided for supporting a motor driven pipe threading machine during operation thereof, for transporting the machine from one location to another, and for storing the machine during periods of non-use. The stand includes an upper support portion on which the machine is mounted, and a scissors-type foldable leg assembly providing a lower support portion by which the upper support portion and threading machine can be elevated and lowered relative to an underlying support surface. Elevating and lowering is achieved through a crank actuated jackscrew arrangement. The lower support portion includes a pair of wheels, whereby the stand, when folded, can be pivoted relative to the wheels to an inclined angle at which the stand and the threading machine mounted thereon are supported by the wheels for movement along the underlying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Paul W. Gress, John H. Jansen
  • Patent number: 5016893
    Abstract: A collapsible support and transport stand is provided to receive a personal watercraft, such as a jet ski, water scooter, or the like from the back of a pick-up truck, for example, and to transport the personal watercraft into the water over typical beach terrain. The stand includes a cradle upon which the personal watercraft is supported and a plurality of telescoping legs which extend to a pair of skids having a plurality of spring biased retractable wheels. The telescoping legs are maintained in their support position transverse to the cradle by several telescoping cross members which extend therebetween. The cross members are adapted for disassembly to permit the legs to pivot to a stowed position underneath the cradle for ease of storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventor: Charles R. Hart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4953473
    Abstract: A combination serving tray, bed tray and bathtub tray. A "U-shaped" leg is hinged at each end of an elongated tray, to swing from a closed position underneath the tray frame down into a generally upright position. In this position, the legs hold the tray a predetermined height above the surface on which the legs are supported. A cammed latch is provided beneath the bottom surface of the tray, positioned to engage the resiliently bendable bight portion of each "U"-shaped leg when the leg is swung up from its open position to its closed position. Handles are provided at each end of the tray, slidably engaged with the tray frame and movable outward a predetermined maximum distance but no farther. In its preferred form, the cammed latch includes a spherical body that engages the resiliently bendable bight portions of the "U"-shaped legs to hold them in their closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventors: Leonard P. Tomaka, Larry M. Dreyfus