Legs Collapse Against Underside Of Support Surface Patents (Class 248/439)
  • Patent number: 11714331
    Abstract: A camera assembly can include a housing that includes a front side that includes a front side perimeter, a back side that includes a back side perimeter, and a surface that extends between the front side and the back side; a camera that includes a front side aperture; a front side illumination light; and a status light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian William Wallace
  • Patent number: 11160368
    Abstract: An easel apparatus may be converted between a table configuration with a horizontal work surface and an easel configuration with inclined work surfaces, wherein the apparatus has an unchanging footprint when adjusted between the easel and the table configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Inventor: Brian Protzeller
  • Patent number: 10986961
    Abstract: A collapsible support stand is disclosed. The support stand includes a first support section and a second support section. The first support section includes a first side frame and a plurality of first bars extending perpendicularly from the first side frame. The second support section includes a second side frame parallel to the first side frame, a first centre frame defining a plurality of holes, and a plurality of second bars extending between the second side frame and the first centre frame, wherein axial movement of the plurality of first bars through the plurality of holes moves the first support section between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the second support section. The support stand includes a pair of first foldable legs connected to the first side frame and a pair of second foldable legs connected to the second side frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Yehs Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: David Chien-Tuo Yeh
  • Patent number: 10827887
    Abstract: A mountable toilet system including a mountable toilet assembly including a frame having a top-engager including a straight-arm with a toothed-hook. The toothed hook wraps a far end of a tree trunk. A second bottom member may also include a toothed-terminal end for engaging the tree trunk. A seat-platform hindgedly couples both top and bottom members to support a seat having periphery ring and a through-hole. The mountable toilet system can be collapsed for convenient to transport and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Inventor: Gary Gombar
  • Patent number: 10723015
    Abstract: A tire top tool tray apparatus for storing tools on top of a tire while working on a truck includes a tray body comprising a tray inside. A pair of pivot rods is coupled to the tray body and a pair of legs is coupled to the pair of pivot rods. The pair of legs comprises a left leg and a right leg each having a pair of support arms coupled to a left pivot rod and a right pivot rod, respectively. The pair of legs each has a cross bar extending between the pair of support arms. The pair of legs moves between a collapsed position and an alternate extended position. A plurality of springs is coupled to the pair of pivot rods and applies pressure on the pair of pivot rods to move the pair of legs towards the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventor: Timothy Vallow
  • Patent number: 9993123
    Abstract: A portable toilet system for allowing a user to go to the bathroom in privacy when a restroom in unavailable. The portable toilet system includes a toilet having an open lower end, a plurality of sidewalls, and an open upper end, defining an interior volume. The sidewalls are pivotally secured to one another such that the toilet can collapse for storing. A toilet seat is pivotally secured to an upper end of the toilet for receiving waste therethrough and supporting a user seated on the toilet. One or more hooks are disposed the sidewalls of the toilet for removably securing a waste bag to the interior of the toilet. The system further includes a collapsible enclosure disposed over the toilet for providing privacy while a user is going to the bathroom. The collapsible enclosure includes one or more fasteners on the interior thereof for supporting toiletries and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventor: Johnny Moise
  • Patent number: 9027895
    Abstract: A portable support for supporting equipment above a surface having an opening to a subsurface space. The support includes a head, an elevator on the head, and legs connected to the head for supporting the head above the surface. Each of the legs has a foot for engaging the surface when supporting the head above the surface. The support also includes an elongate rod vertically mounted on the elevator for movement between a raised position, in which an upper end of the rod extends above the head, and a lowered position, in which a lower end of the rod extends below the feet of the legs to extend into the subsurface space. The support includes an instrument platform positionable on the lower end of the rod when in the lowered position to support the equipment in the subsurface space when the rod is in the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: SECO Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Hunter, James M. Copeland, Christopher James McNeill
  • Patent number: 8939415
    Abstract: A rooftop device has a generally planar platform and first and second legs which extend from the platform and are pivotally attached to the platform and configured for contact with and mounting to a roof surface to support the platform in a generally horizontal position on a roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: James Dillinger, Michael J. Rich
  • Patent number: 8915478
    Abstract: An easily transportable apparatus for carrying critical care equipment, such as an EKG unit, needed by a patient being transported on a conventional gurney, stretcher, or like patient transport device. The apparatus is adjustable so that it can be conveniently attached to gurneys having side rails with different spacing. Additionally, the apparatus includes an equipment support platform to which the critical care equipment can readily be connected. This platform can be connected and disconnected to a tray component that is connected to a turntable. The turntable can be readily rotated 360 degrees so that the equipment can easily be viewed by caregivers located in both the front and rear of the patient transport device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Adolfo Perez
  • Patent number: 8902587
    Abstract: A support apparatus supports an electronic device on a supporting surface. The support apparatus includes a first support leg and a second support leg. One end of the first support leg is rotatably connected to the electronic device, and the first support leg defines a receiving space therein. One end of the second support leg is rotatably connected to an opposite end of the first support leg. When in a closed state, the support apparatus is completely stowed in the electronic device. When the support apparatus is in a first inclined state, the second support leg is received in the receiving space but the support apparatus is oriented in a position obliquely unfolded from the electronic device. When in a second inclined state, the support apparatus is oriented in the position obliquely unfolded from the electronic device, but the second support leg is unfolded from the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Hua Yu
  • Patent number: 8888393
    Abstract: An applicator, for a cosmetic liquid, such as nail polish, includes a reservoir and a removable cap sealing an opening in the reservoir. The applicator may be quite small, holding nail polish for a single application to a person's nails, having a number of legs that can opened so that the applicator can rest on a table. Alternately, the applicator may be built to be handled like a pen, with a piston that is driven to supply the liquid. Features are provided for the attachment of two or more such applicators to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventors: Zoya Hajianpour, Babak Sheikh
  • Patent number: 8797456
    Abstract: A network video camera having a dual-joint holder structure includes a lower body cover, a turning base board, a base splint, a base cover, a first turning joint, and a second turning joint. The present invention provides a succinct appearance and a convenient way for adjustment and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Hui-Hu Liang
  • Publication number: 20140203158
    Abstract: A stand moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A plurality of legs is rotatably coupled to a connector and are rotatable between a closed position, in which each the plurality of legs is substantially parallel, and an open configuration. When the stand is in a closed configuration the plurality of legs are in the closed position and received in a cavity, and the connector is removably secured to the body. When the stand is in an open configuration, the plurality of legs are in the open position and the connector is removably secured to the body such that the plurality of legs are outside of the cavity and such that the body is positioned to receive and support at least a portion of a guitar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: James R. Hennessey
  • Patent number: 8746637
    Abstract: A foldable frame includes two tubes, a rectangular tube and two base parts. The two tubes are pivotably or fixedly connected to the base parts. Two ends of the rectangular tube are connected to two respective extension portions of the two base parts by two pins, so that the two tubes are pivotable about the two pins. The frame can also be structured as one tube directly connected to the rectangular tube, and the other tube is pivotably connected to the base part. The extension of the base part is pivotably connected of the rectangular tube by a pin to form a single-point folding feature. An outer tube is rotatably movable between one of the tubes and the rectangular tube, and the outer tube hides the rectangular tube when the two tubes are arranged linearly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Chun-Sheng Liu
  • Patent number: 8602378
    Abstract: A collapsible folding stand for use with a portable table saw that is attached to the stand. In a closed position, the stand is generally vertically oriented with the object attached to a top frame. To open the stand a locking mechanism is released which enables a folding mechanism supporting the top frame to unfold in a manner whereby the rear legs having wheels that separate from forward side struts which contact the ground, with the center of gravity of the object being positioned between the wheels and the front ground contact points so that the weight of the object tends to separate the same and bring the top frame into a generally horizontal position. To move the rolling stand to its closed position, the user needs only to lift the handle and the top frame will then move to its generally vertical closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ramon Tam, Brian Taylor
  • Patent number: 8579320
    Abstract: A folding tool stand includes a platform connected to a base frame. The platform is pivotally and slidingly connected at a first side thereof to the base frame and is pivotally connected at a second side thereof to links that are pivotally connected to the base frame. A leg support is pivotally connected to the base frame. A locking device is provided to maintain the platform in an extended position. In the collapsed position, the platform is guided by the links to be positioned along the base frame. In the extended position, the links guide and support the platform in a position spaced from the base frame. In an alternate embodiment, a driving device is used to provide support to the second side of the platform during expanding and collapsing of the folding tool stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Rexon Industrial Corp., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Hung Chiu
  • Patent number: 8523123
    Abstract: A foldable tool stand includes a base frame, a platform pivotally and slidingly connected to the base frame at a first side, a leg support having a top end pivotally connected to the base frame, a pair of links pivotally coupled between a second side of the platform and the base frame, a driving member pivotally connected to the links, and a follower set pivotally connected to the base frame. The driving member and follower set interact to selectively lock the foldable tool stand in either an extended supporting position, where the second side of the platform is spaced from the base frame, or a collapsed position, where the second side of the platform lies adjacent to the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Rexon Industrial Corp., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Hung Chiu
  • Publication number: 20130175791
    Abstract: A folding tool stand includes a platform connected to a base frame. The platform is pivotally and slidingly connected at a first side thereof to the base frame and is pivotally connected at a second side thereof to links that are pivotally connected to the base frame. A leg support is pivotally connected to the base frame. A locking device is provided to maintain the platform in an extended position. In the collapsed position, the platform is guided by the links to be positioned along the base frame. In the extended position, the links guide and support the platform in a position spaced from the base frame. In an alternate embodiment, a driving device is used to provide support to the second side of the platform during expanding and collapsing of the folding tool stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: REXON INDUSTRIAL CORP., LTD.
    Inventor: REXON INDUSTRIAL CORP., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8464994
    Abstract: A folding tool stand includes a platform connected to a base frame. The platform is pivotally and slidingly connected at a first side thereof to the base frame and is pivotally connected at a second side thereof to links that are pivotally connected to the base frame. A leg support is pivotally connected to the base frame. A locking device is provided to maintain the platform in an extended position. In the collapsed position, the platform is guided by the links to be positioned along the base frame. In the extended position, the links guide and support the platform in a position spaced from the base frame. In a first embodiment, spring members bias the platform into the extended position. In an alternate embodiment, a driving device is used to provide support to the second side of the platform during the expansion and collapse of the folding tool stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Rexon Industrial Corp., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Hung Chiu
  • Patent number: 8366066
    Abstract: An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections. The linked sections include a plurality of individual sections linked end to end. As the linked sections are extended, each of the individual sections of the linked chains engage individual sections of adjacent linked chains to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual sections of the linked chains disengage from the individual section of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up for compact storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Tower Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Colman, John Norris
  • Patent number: 8313076
    Abstract: A collapsible folding stand for use with an object that is attached to the stand. In the closed position, the stand is generally vertically oriented with the object attached to a top frame. To open the stand a locking mechanism is released which enables a folding mechanism supporting the top frame to unfold in a manner whereby the rear legs having wheels that separate from forward side struts which contact the ground, with the center of gravity of the object being positioned between the wheels and the front ground contact points so that the weight of the object tends to separate the same and bring the top frame into a generally horizontal position. To move the stand to its closed position, the handle is lifted to move the top frame to its generally vertical closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ramon Tam, Brian Taylor
  • Patent number: 8132517
    Abstract: A supporting portion for a foldable table or a foldable bench is described. The supporting portion includes a V-shaped assembly and a supporting brace. The V-shaped assembly includes two connecting rods and a sliding sleeve. Each of the connecting rods has a disconnected end and a connected end. The connected ends are connected to opposite sides of the sliding sleeve to form a unitary block. The sliding sleeve includes a front ring, a rear ring and a middle piece. The middle piece has a locking hole. The disconnected ends are rotatably connected to a pair of legs respectively. One end of the supporting brace is connected to the undersurface of the table or bench top, and the other end is adapted to slide through the sliding sleeve. The supporting brace has an elastic pin proximate to the other end. When the foldable table or bench is in unfolded position, the elastic pin is inserted into the locking hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: New-Tec Integration (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Luhao Leng
  • Patent number: 8113130
    Abstract: A folding mechanism for a folding table is described. The folding table includes a table top, a supporting portion and a leg portion with two legs and a fixing rod mounted between the two legs. The two legs form a rotatable connection with the table top. The supporting portion includes a supporting rod and a locking member. The locking member has a U-shaped sheet and a locking element disposed in the supporting rod. The U-shaped sheet includes a central vertical sheet and two side vertical sheets. The central vertical sheet and the two side vertical sheets are fixed to the fixing rod. The central vertical sheet has a sliding opening for accommodating the supporting rod so that the supporting rod rotates relative to the sliding opening during sliding. One end of the supporting rod is rotatably connected to a lower surface of the table top. The other end passes through the sliding opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: New-Tec Integration (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Luhao Leng
  • Patent number: 8104725
    Abstract: A lifting device for raising and lowering a litter box comprising a first platform for placing on a ground surface and a second platform for supporting the litter box, wherein the second platform is positioned above the first platform; one or more support components attached to the first platform to the second platform; wherein the second platform can move between an up position wherein the second platform is raised above the first platform a certain distance and a down position wherein the second platform contacts the first platform, wherein the second platform is biased in the up position caused by the support components and the second platform can be secured in the down position via a locking means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Barbara M. Kebre
  • Patent number: 8096519
    Abstract: A collapsible folding stand for use with a portable table saw or other object that is attached to the stand and is capable of being manipulated between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the stand is generally vertically oriented with the object attached to a top frame. To open the stand a locking mechanism is released which enables a folding mechanism supporting the top frame to unfold in a manner whereby the rear legs having wheels that separate from forward side struts which contact the ground, with the center of gravity of the object being positioned between the wheels and the front ground contact points so that the weight of the object tends to separate the same and bring the top frame into a generally horizontal position. To move the rolling stand to its closed position, the user needs only to lift the handle and the top frame will then move to its generally vertical closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ramon Tam, Brian Taylor
  • Patent number: 8052106
    Abstract: A folding workbench includes a rectangular benchtop frame and first and second leg assemblies pivotably coupled to the frame. Each leg assembly includes first and second legs coupled to respective side rails of the frame, the leg assembly rotatable between a folded position, in which the leg assembly lies substantially within the benchtop frame, and an open position in which the leg assembly extends from the benchtop frame at about a 90 degree angle. Each leg assembly includes a shelf bracket extending between the first and second legs, with a notch extending lengthwise in the shelf bracket. With the leg assemblies in their open positions, a shelf assembly extends between and engages the notches of the shelf brackets, preventing rotation of the leg assemblies away from their open positions. Ends of the legs can be shaped to bind against the frame at selected positions, to provide detents to hold the leg assemblies in their folded or open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 8038107
    Abstract: A method of retaining a lawn waste bag in an open position for includes providing a yard waste bag having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall attached to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The perimeter wall has an upper edge defining an opening into an interior of the yard waste bag. A frame is provided as well as a plurality of legs each having has a top end and a bottom end. Each of the legs is pivotally coupled to the frame by one of the couplers. The yard waste bag is opened and the legs are extended into the yard waste bag and to abut the bottom ends against the bottom wall to retain the yard waste bag in an open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Jarvis T. Goins
  • Patent number: 8033514
    Abstract: A motorcycle stand includes first and second legs pivotable relative to one another between a maximum spread configuration, an intermediate spread configuration, and a storage configuration; the legs being generally parallel to one another when at the storage configuration. The motorcycle stand includes a biased plunger operatively coupled to the first leg and a pin operatively extending from at least one of the first and second legs. The second leg includes a first cavity configured to receive the plunger when the first and second legs are at the intermediate spread configuration. The first and second legs are maintained at the intermediate spread configuration when the plunger is received in the first cavity. The pin includes a distal segment for insertion in a motorcycle axle, the distal segment being neither parallel nor perpendicular to the first and second legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Edward M. Lemus
  • Patent number: 8025261
    Abstract: A stand used for supporting spools of wire and the like includes a cam which is operable to increase the length of a leg to thereby raise the spool of wire off of the ground. The stand is adjustable to allow its use with different sizes of spools of wire. The stand allows a single person to raise a spool of wire weighing thousands of pounds off of the ground and support the same to allow the spool to rotate freely upon an axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: David Jordan, Michael Jordan
  • Patent number: 7988120
    Abstract: A foldable stand for supporting a machine can be folded or extended between a collapsed position, an extended supporting position, and a hand carrying position. The foldable stand includes a platform formed by two bearing bars that define a bearing surface for supporting a machine. Two support units are pivotally connected to the bearing bars and can be pivoted, and selectively locked, between a collapsed position, an extended supporting position, and a hand carrying position. The selective locking is achieved by the selective engagement of positioning devices with locating grooves formed on the foldable stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Rexon Industrial Corp., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Chin Hsu
  • Patent number: 7921785
    Abstract: Furniture with a foldable support is provided. The furniture includes a top plate constituting an upper surface of the furniture, a support hinged to support the top plate, a folding part including first and second folding parts hinged to fold the support, and a resilient part for resiliently supporting the second folding part in an unfolding direction. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a volume of the furniture by folding the support into a lower space of the top plate during storage, and improve an unfolding support force of the support by installing the resilient part for applying a resilient force to the folding part upon unfolding of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Jeaki Shin
  • Patent number: 7703736
    Abstract: A stand for an image display device is provided. The stand includes a leg unit. In the leg unit, a supporting member supports the image display device, a connecting member is coupled to the supporting member and rotatable in forward and backward directions with respect to the supporting member, and a base member supports the image display device with respect to a floor. The base member is rotatable in a direction different from the rotation directions of the connection member for being folded to a back of the image display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Dae Sung Oh
  • Publication number: 20100096530
    Abstract: A folding tool stand includes a platform connected to a base frame. The platform is pivotally and slidingly connected at a first side thereof to the base frame and is pivotally connected at a second side thereof to links that are pivotally connected to the base frame. A leg support is pivotally connected to the base frame. A locking device is provided to maintain the platform in an extended position. In the collapsed position, the platform is guided by the links to be positioned along the base frame. In the extended position, the links guide and support the platform in a position spaced from the base frame. In a first embodiment, spring members bias the platform into the extended position. In an alternate embodiment, a driving device is used to provide support to the second side of the platform during the expansion and collapse of the folding tool stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Rexon Industrial Corp., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Hung CHIU
  • Patent number: 7549381
    Abstract: A foldable and stackable operations table is provided with channels underneath the table top, the channels defined by longitudinally extending rails and a side member integral with the top. Elongated rectangular boxes containing electronic components and associated wiring are sized to fit within the channels. Connectivity of components inside the boxes with external devices is enabled by receptacles provided in a lower side of the box. The table has three equal sized channels for receiving boxes, which may be media boxes or a combination of one or two media boxes with a cable storage box. All of the boxes are also equal in size so that they be readily replaced for one another. Legs of the table are independently adjustable in height. Multiple tables may be connected together for larger scale operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventors: Curtis L. Nail, Jr., Roger A. Garrison
  • Patent number: 7487947
    Abstract: A mobile power tool stand includes two transverse bars for holding a power tool thereon, two first legs respectively pivoted to the transverse bars, two links respectively pivoted to the transverse bars, two second legs respectively pivoted to the first legs and the links for allowing the mobile power tool stand to be set between a received status where the first legs and the second legs are received together, and an extended status where the bottom ends of the first and second legs support the whole structure of the stand on the floor, and a locking structure for selectively locking the mobile power tool stand between the received status and the extended status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Durq Machinery Corp.
    Inventors: Chia-Sheng Liu, Ming-Feng Liao
  • Publication number: 20080283713
    Abstract: A support (1), includes at least one telescopic leg (2a), comprising a first tubular segment (4), a second tubular segment (5), a third tubular segment (6) first segment, first locking means (9) arranged between the first and the second segment, second locking means (10a) arranged between the second and third segment, and also first (90) and second (110a) release means capable of unlocking the sliding movement in the insertion direction of the second and third segment respectively in the first and second segment. The second release means comprise an actuating member (11) axially slidable on the outside of the second and third segment, and the first release means are dimensioned such as to locate the actuating member and to displace it axially into the operating position when the second segment is inserted axially into the first segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: LINO MANFROTTO & CO., S.P.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Speggiorin
  • Publication number: 20080245945
    Abstract: As one of the examples, one of the main features is that the setup is small enough that it can live with the camera full-time, and carried around by the user. The legs fold into a very compact size that fit within the footprint of the camera, used for any type camera, e.g. compact point-and-shoot camera, camera phone, or SLR camera. The tripod can then live unnoticed on the bottom of the camera, until a shot requiring a tripod is needed. Then, the legs can be deployed to act as a firm stand. Another one of the main features of this tripod is that all the legs do not share a common end-point or pivot-point. This allows the legs to form a very wide stable platform, even when they are short. In general, for N legs, some legs may have common end-points or pivot-points, but not for all N legs. (N is a positive integer, greater or equal to 3.) This invention can be applied to any camera (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: David Law, Ryan Mongan, Andrew Grant, Graeme Esarey, Martin Aaron Leugers, Josh Druker, Hao Yu Feng, Tark Abed
  • Patent number: 7357365
    Abstract: An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections. The linked sections include a plurality of individual sections linked end to end. As the linked sections are extended, each of the individual sections of the linked chains engage individual sections of adjacent linked chains to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual sections of the linked chains disengage from the individual section of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up for compact storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Tower Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Colman, John Norris
  • Publication number: 20080035822
    Abstract: Disclosed is a table leg system including a leg, an anchor pivotally supporting the leg, and a locking sleeve slidingly engaged with the leg. The locking sleeve is at least partially encircled by at least a single ridge. An embodiment of the table leg system includes a leg, an anchor pivotally supporting the leg, and a locking sleeve slidingly engaged with the leg. The locking sleeve is at least partially encircled by a single groove. Another embodiment of the table leg system includes a table engagement anchor, a locking cylinder integrally extending from a planar surface of the table engagement anchor, and a leg extending from the table locking cylinder. The leg is repositionable between an extended position and a folded position. Yet additional embodiments of the table leg system include a table leg, an anchor plate comprised of a planar surface, and a neck extending perpendicularly from the planar surface of said anchor plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: MOORECO. LP.
    Inventor: Chao-Ken Chen
  • Patent number: 7314011
    Abstract: Tubular fold-away legs for support surfaces which includes a joint, which is made up of an element for coupling to the tubular body and an attachment element to said support surface, the legs being mobile between a first closed non-operative position and a second open operative position, tilted by an angle with respect to the support surface. The joint is equipped with elastic locking device to secure it in either the non-operative or operative positions and with a stable attachment device when in the operative position, as well as matching tilted centering surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Leonardo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Carlo Cattaneo
  • Patent number: 7255355
    Abstract: A portable collapsible stand includes first, second, and third support frames, a work surface frame, and a telescoping strut pivotably connected to the first and work surface frames. The second frame projects perpendicularly from a lower portion of the first frame. A first end of the third frame is rotatably connected to an upper portion of the first frame such that the third frame pivots from a first parallel position to a second perpendicular position with respect to the first frame. An upper portion of the work surface frame is rotatably connected to the upper portion of the first frame. In operation, the stand can assume a collapsed position in which the first, third and work surface frames are generally parallel, and an operating position in which the third frame and first frame are perpendicular and the work surface frame and surface supporting the stand are parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: MK Diamond Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Chisholm, Shawn Tsung, Paulo Carrolo
  • Patent number: 7249563
    Abstract: A mechanism for folding one of at least three legs of a table to a tabletop thereof is disclosed. The mechanism includes a bracket secured to the bottom of the tabletop, a stand as a main portion of each leg pivotally connected to the bracket by a pivot, and a spring having one end connected to an upper pivotal shaft and the other end connected to the lower pivot such that lifting an outer end of the shaft about the other end thereof by one hand and pivoting the stand clockwise about the bracket by the other hand will fold the stand under the tabletop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: E - Make Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Harry Chen, Lung-Chuan Huang
  • Patent number: 7246560
    Abstract: A sliding pivot for a support element used with a stanchion which is hinged to the item with which it is used and from which it can be unfolded, wherein one end of the support element is rigidly attached to the stanchion and the opposite end is provided with a substantially transverse portion extending therefrom, comprises a slide, a sleeve provided with a slide pin extending in substantially the same plane as the sleeve, and a socket substantially parallel with the transverse portion, wherein the sleeve is located on the transverse portion, the pin is located in the slide, the sleeve being adapted to rotate about the transverse portion, and the pin to rotate in the slide, the pin moving along the slide when the stanchion is rotated about its hinge, the socket being adapted to receive the transverse portion when the stanchion is in a fully unfolded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Gopak Limited
    Inventor: Peter Stanley Le Flemming Shepherd
  • Patent number: 7182302
    Abstract: The invention relates to a support structure comprising a support assembly that is supported by legs. The support assembly can be pivoted around a pivoting axis (4) relative to the legs from a position of use to a rest position and can be blocked from pivoting in the position of use by a fixing member. In an advantageous improvement of such a structure, the captivation member is configured as a latch (5) that engages, in the position of use, with a wedge-type blocking surface (8) by means of a spring force, thereby forcing it against a blocking shoulder (9,9?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: wolfcraft GmbH
    Inventor: Zbigniew Noniewicz
  • Patent number: 7140409
    Abstract: A complete and portable tool for retaining round, square or other non-flat stock, especially pipes, in a secure fashion while cutting and related operations are performed thereon. The portable pipe cutting tool includes an adjustable work support, V-shaped trough, chain and tightening device, catch tray, left and right support arm bracket, mounting stand, and power tool having a base portion that, as a unit, secure the pipe in place while being cut, grooved or otherwise worked on, by an operator. The portable pipe cutting tool prevents sideways, upward, rotational or other movement of the pipe during such operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventors: Matthew Leberfinger, Timothy Montgomery
  • Patent number: 7066664
    Abstract: A base for supporting a camera or other electronic device includes a body member connected by a hinge mechanism to a support member and configured to rotate about a camera tilt axis. The support member is attachable to the base of a video camera. Two front legs are fixed in position relative to the body member. A rear leg is attached by a pivot connection to the body member. The base is configured such that the rear leg may be moved by pivoting the rear leg about the rear leg pivot axis to engage a back surface of a laptop screen or flat monitor or onto a flat horizontal surface. The camera tilt axis and the rear leg pivot axis are substantially parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Creative Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Yu Weng Alvin Sitoh, Weng Hong Benjamin Ng
  • Patent number: 7048454
    Abstract: A base for supporting a camera or other electronic device includes a body member connected by a hinge mechanism to a support member and configured to rotate about a camera tilt axis. The support member is attachable to the base of a video camera. Two front legs are fixed in position relative to the body member. A rear leg is attached by a pivot connection to the body member. The base is configured such that the rear leg may be moved by pivoting the rear leg about the rear leg pivot axis to engage a back surface of a laptop screen or flat monitor or onto a flat horizontal surface. The camera tilt axis and the rear leg pivot axis are substantially parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Creative Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Yu Weng Alvin Sitoh, Weng Hong Benjamin Ng
  • Patent number: 7011364
    Abstract: A table with folding legs is disclosed. The table is capable of being folded into a storage position. One embodiment of the table includes one or more seats attached to at least one of the folding legs. In one embodiment, the seats are adjustable horizontally and vertically. An embodiment of the table includes a table top provided with a cavity, the cavity capable of receiving a cooler therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: J.F. Meskill Enterprises, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James F. Meskill, Jeffrey Kalman, Gary Robert Stephan, Craig Saunders, David Boll
  • Patent number: 6971321
    Abstract: A table includes a table top and a leg movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top. A support brace interconnects the leg and the table top, and a locking member is used to secure the support brace in a fixed position. The locking mechanism preferably includes a body with an outwardly extending tab that is sized and configured to lock the support brace in a fixed position when the leg is in an extended position and the locking mechanism is in a locked position. Desirably, a biasing member is used to bias the locking member into the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Curtis Strong, Ray Adams
  • Patent number: 6942269
    Abstract: A removable shelf assembly for vehicles (e.g., sport utility vehicles) to increase storage capacity in a generally flat rearwardly extending bed defined by a floor and pair of upwardly extending side walls, the shelf assembly comprising a frame composed of a plurality of U-shaped members, each member having a base and two spaced apart arms extending perpendicular to the base, a plurality of telescoping members associated with the arms, means for removably locking each arm of each the U-shaped member, whereby to adjustably fix the spaced apart bases; and, a first and second generally planar panel members positioned on the frame for receiving items to be transported thereon, the panel members associated with the frame to allow movement between the panel members. The frame preferably has a raised lip extending substantially around the frame so as to reduce movement of items placed on the frame. A downwardly depending leg which is able to pivot out of the way when needed provides additional load support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Katie-Korp of the Emerald Coast, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Mains