Portable Table Support

Abstract

A portable table support that connects a collapsible table and capable of provide support of a stationary table. The portable table support includes a lower support structure, a platform disposed on a top surface of the lower support structure, and a pair of adjustable end supports. The a pair of adjustable end supports are attached to the platform such that each of the pair of adjustable end supports have a pair of members that move linearly with respect to each other in opposite directions along a horizontal plane. Further, the pair of adjustable end supports are individually positioned opposite each other at each end of the platform.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/425,001, filed Dec. 20, 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a table support and, in particular, to a portable table support adjustable to receive a folding table.

BACKGROUND

Collapsible tables with foldable leg braces are generally known in the art. Collapsible folding tables have some distinct advantages over conventional tables because they can be transported to various locations more easily and can be stored in small spaces. Such portability and small size is very important to various professional trades such as massage services where massage practitioners who visit numerous clients at various locations need specialized massage tables to provide their services. The collapsible folding massage table is often transported in the massage practitioner's vehicle from one location to another and carried and set up by the massage practitioner at the client's location. Therefore, such collapsible folding massage tables should be portable, small, light weight and easy to set up and collapse. However, a collapsible massage table, generally, does not provide as much support as a stationary massage table that may include a lift system.

While the stationary massage table provides full support and a range of adjustable features, the stationary massage table, generally, is cumbersome and is not be easily stored. Furthermore, there are massage professionals who are required to purchase both collapsible massage tables and stationary massage tables, in order to accommodate their cliental.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the invention was devised in light of the problems described above, inter alia, and provides a portable table support that adjust to support a collapsible table, and provides the support of a stationary table.

The portable table support according to the invention includes a lower support structure, a platform disposed on a top surface of the lower support structure, and a pair of adjustable end supports. The a pair of adjustable end supports are attached to the platform such that each of the pair of adjustable end supports have a pair of members that move linearly with respect to each other in opposite directions along a horizontal plane. Further, the pair of adjustable end supports are individually positioned opposite each other at each end of the platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be explained in detail with reference to embodiments, referring to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable table support according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the portable table support according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the portable table support according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the portable table support according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a exploded view of an end support of the portable table support according to the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a collapsible massage table attached to a portable table support according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the figures.

With reference to FIG. 1 through 5, a portable table support 1 is shown having a lower support structure 10, adjustable end supports 20, and a middle support 40.

The lower support structure 10, in the embodiment shown, includes a platform 12, support arms 14, and a lifting mechanism 18. The platform 12 is rigid and framed out to support a collapsible massage table (see FIG. 6). The support arms 14 are arranged to rest on a floor a floor or other support structure and extend to attach with the platform 12. In the embodiment shown, the support arms 14 are positioned in a scissor-type manner, wherein both support arms 14 cross each other around a substantial middle section of the support arms 14. However, it is possible that the support arms 14 be positioned such that they may act as a cantilever lift (i.e. powered), in a way which makes it easy and fast to lift a collapsible massage table no matter the size. In the embodiment shown, the support arms 14 attach to lateral supports 16, one which includes wheels 16a while the other includes stationary stands 16b, in the embodiment shown.

The adjustable end supports 20 are positioned on the top surface and at both ends of the platform 12, wherein each of the adjustable end supports 20 having members that move linearly with respect to each other in opposite direction along a horizontal plane. The members, which include outer and inner support planks 22, 24, mechanically adjust, and expand horizontally with respect to a longitudinal direction L of the portable support table 1.

The outer support plank 22 includes a sliding channel 22a that extends in the horizontal direction, and a fastener 22b. The fastener 22b extends through this sliding channel 22a and rigidly attaches to the platform 12. This allows the outer support plank 22 to remain fixed to the top surface of the platform 12, while also permitting the outer support plank 22 to move laterally with respect to the fastener 22b attached to the side of the platform 12.

The inner support plank 24 includes a sliding channel 24a that extends in the horizontal direction, as well. A fastener 24b extends through this sliding channel 24a and rigidly attaches to the platform 12, on the other side of the platform 12 than where the outer support plank 22 attaches to the platform 12. The sliding channel 22a, 24a allow the outer and inner support planks 22, 24 to expand and adjust. Between the outer and inner support planks 22, 24 is a tongue and sliding mechanism 26, which allows the outer and inner support plank 22, 24 to adjust together. When one of the outer or inner support planks 22, 24 is adjusted, the other of the outer and inner support planks 22, 24 is adjusted accordingly so that an attached collapsible massage table has a center of mass in a substantial center of the lower support structure 10. The tongue and sliding mechanism 26 may also include a gear system so that this function is further efficient.

In the embodiment shown, the tongue and sliding mechanism 26 includes a tongue 26a and a groove 26b. The tongue 26a is an integral piece of the inner support plank 24. The tongue 26a is a protrusion that extends downward from a bottom surface of the inner support plank 24. The tongue 26a is positioned on a side that will match up with the inner support plank 24. The groove 26b is a recess in the outer support plank 22, which is capable of receiving the tongue 26a. When the outer and inner support planks 22, 24 are positioned together, and the fasteners 22b, 24b are attached to the platform 12, the outer and inner support planks 22, 24 work together such that the end support 20 can expand while still being attached the platform 12.

The outer and inner support planks 22, 24 include retention pieces 22c, 24c that extend from the surface of the outer and inner support planks 22, 24. In the embodiment shown, the retention pieces 22c, 24c are positioned such that the outer and inner support planks 22, 24 become L-shaped brackets in order to further support and hold an attaching collapsible massage table.

As shown in the FIG. 2, the sliding channels 22a, 24a are aligned with each other, such that each of the sliding channels 22a, 24a are positioned between extension pieces of the outer and inner support planks 22, 24. These extension pieces form fit with the opposing outer and inner support planks 22, 24, respectively, and provide more surface area for each outer support plank 22.

In the embodiment shown, the middle support 40 is plank that rigidly attaches to the platform 12 of the lower support structure 10. The middle support 40 includes a table fastener 42 and receiving groove 44. The width of the middle support 40 is substantially the same as the width of the outer support planks 22

The receiving groove 44 is a recess that receives hinges, brackets, or other protrusions of the collapsible massage table (not shown). The table fastener 42 is a temporary fastener capable of securely holding the collapsible massage table (not shown) on top of the outer support plank 22 and the middle support 40. In the embodiment shown, the table fastener 42 is a set of straps having buckles that draw around a connecting collapsible massage table (not shown) and connect to each other. However, it is also possible that the fastener secure the portable table from underneath the table using a rope and cleat system. Other known fastening techniques are possible, such as long as the portable table is supported and secured by the middle 40, which then prevents the attached portable table from moving end to end or lift up in a substantial middle if a cantilevered load is applied at one end of the table.

In the embodiment shown, the lower support structure 10 includes a lifting mechanism 18, which includes a motor and an actuator to adjust the height of the portable table support 1 by causing the support arm 14 connected to the lateral support 16 having wheels to move. The lower support structure 10 and platform 12 may be lowered or tilted the lifting mechanism 18, which may be electronic or hydraulic. It is also possible that this lift mechanism 18, with an adjustable lower support structure 10, may tilt the portable table support 1 at various angles. Furthermore, it is also possible that the lower support structure 10 is adjustable such that one end is lowered with respect to the other end. As a result, the lower support structure 10, with assistance from the lift mechanism 18 when applicable, can adjust the angle of either end of the portable table support 1. However, this would depend on if the attaching portable table is adjustable.

With reference to FIG. 5, fasteners 22b, 24b are shown as a nut and bolt configuration. However, other known methods to secure the end supports 20 to the platform 12 are possible. In the embodiment shown, the bolt of the fasteners 22b, 24b extends through the sliding channel 22a, 24a, and further through a receiving hole in the platform 12. The nut of the fasteners 22b, 24b then connects with the bolt, such that the outer and inner support planks 22, 24 are secure to the platform 12. When the fasteners 22b, 24b are tightened the outer and inner support planks 22, 24 become more secure, while when loosened the outer and inner support planks 22, 24 become less secure so that the user can adjust the width of the end support 20

With reference to FIG. 6, a collapsible massage table 100 is partially assembled. However, the legs 102 are left under the collapsible massage table 100, and a support surface 104 is only unfolded. The collapsible massage table 100 is then positioned on top of the outer support planks 22 and the middle support 40. The user adjusts the end supports such that the retention pieces 22c, 24c grip the outside of the support surface 104. The receiving groove 44 receives the hinges or other protrusions along a folding line 106 of the collapsible massage table 100, and the table fasteners 42 secure the collapsible massage table 100. This allows a user to benefit from a collapsible massage table 100, while also realizing and utilizing the benefits of a stationary support table.

In another embodiment, the end supports 20 and the middle support 40 can rigidly connect to a worktable or bench, such that a collapsible massage table (not shown) could connect easily to the worktable or bench, and be properly supported and secured.

In other embodiments, a single or variety of end supports 20 could be used with or without the middle support 40. The end support 20 may be positioned to and adjust such that the members of the end support, including the outer and inner support planks 22, 24, extend longitudinally, along a length of the lower support structure 10, stationary support, or work bench. Stoppers or retention pieces 22c, 24c would abut and secure an end of the collapsible massage table 100, when positioned on the portable table support 1.

Additionally, the shape and configuration of the end support 20 is not limited to that which is shown. Other configurations are possible, such as long as the end support 20 can expand while still being attached to the platform 12. For example, the end support 20 can utilize a telescoping system having two support arms (i.e. telescoping tubing) that expand and retract with respect to each other. It is also the portable table support 1 according to the invention includes a expandable mechanism either attached to or part of the end support 20 that allows a pair of end supports 20 positioned at opposite ends of the portable support 1 to expand or retract with respect to each other along a longitudinal length of the portable table support 1. Accordingly, the end supports 20 not only adjust to accommodate the width of a portable table, but also the length in a further accommodating design.

The foregoing illustrates some of the possibilities for practicing the invention. Many other embodiments are possible within the scope and spirit of the invention. It is, therefore, intended that the foregoing description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that the scope of the invention is given by the appended claims together with their full range of equivalents.

Claims

1. A portable table support for supporting a collapsible table comprising:

a lower support structure;

a platform disposed on a top surface of the lower support structure; and

a pair of adjustable end supports attached to the platform such that each of the pair of adjustable end supports have a pair of members that move linearly with respect to each other in opposite directions along a horizontal plane;

wherein the pair of adjustable end supports is individually positioned opposite each other at each end of the platform.

2. The portable table support according to claim 1, wherein the pair of members are an outer and inner support plank.

3. The portable table support according to claim 2, wherein each of the pair of adjustable end supports includes retention pieces for securing a collapsible table.

4. The portable table support according to claim 2, wherein the outer support plank includes a outer support plank sliding channel that extends in a horizontal direction of the portable table support and a first fastener.

5. The portable table support according to claim 4, wherein the first fastener extends through the outer support plank sliding channel and rigidly attaches to the platform.

6. The portable table support according to claim 5, wherein the inner support plank includes a inner support plank sliding channel that extends in the horizontal direction and a second fastener extends through the inner support plank sliding channel and rigidly attaches to the platform.

7. The portable table support according to claim 6, further comprising a sliding mechanism positioned between the outer and inner support plank such that when one of outer and inner support planks is adjusted, another of the outer and inner support planks is adjusted

8. The portable table support according to claim 7, wherein the sliding mechanism includes a gear system to allow incremental adjustment of the outer and inner support planks

9. The portable table support according to claim 8, wherein the sliding mechanism includes a tongue as a protuberance disposed on the inner support plank that extends downward from a bottom surface of the inner support plank.

10. The portable table support according to claim 9, wherein the tongue is positioned on a side that correspond with a recess in the outer support plank that receives the tongue.

11. The portable table support according to claim 10, wherein the first and second fasteners are attached to the platform and the outer and inner support planks work together such that the pair of adjustable end supports can expand while still being attached the platform.

12. The portable table support according to claim 3, further including a middle support positioned on the top surface of the lower support structure and between the pair of adjustable end supports.

13. The portable table support according to claim 1, further including a middle support positioned on the top surface of the lower support structure and between the pair of adjustable end supports.

14. The portable table support according to claim 13, wherein the middle support is plank rigidly attached to a platform of the lower support structure and includes a receiving groove and a fastener mechanism to secure the collapsible massage table.

15. The portable table support according to claim 14, wherein the receiving groove is a recess for receiving a protuberance of the collapsible massage table.

16. The portable table support according to claim 14, wherein the fastener mechanism are set of straps having buckles that draw and connect around the collapsible massage table.

17. The portable table support according to claim 1, wherein the lower support structure is a fixture.

18. The portable table support according to claim 1, wherein the lower support structure includes a plurality of support arms that extend from lateral supports and attach to the platform.

19. The portable table support according to claim 18, wherein the plurality of support arms are positioned in a scissor-type form, wherein the plurality of support arms cross each other at a substantial middle position of each support arm.

20. The portable table support according to claim 18, wherein the plurality of support arms are positioned as a cantilever support between the platform and the lateral supports.

21. The portable table support according to claim 1, wherein the lower support structure includes a powered lifting mechanism having a motor and an actuator to adjust the height of the portable table support.

22. The portable table support according to claim 21, wherein lower support structure may tilted the lifting mechanism

23. The portable table support according to claim 21, wherein lifting mechanism is hydraulic.

24. The portable table support according to claim 21, wherein the lower support structure is adjustable and configured to tilt the portable table support at various angles.