Patent ID: 6892859
Filing Date: 2005-05-17
Classification: B25H

Abstract:
1. A self-stabilizing trestle that provides a stable, substantially horizontal support surface when placed on uneven terrain, comprising: a crossbeam having a first end and a second end, and defining the substantially horizontal support surface; a first leg assembly disposed near the first end of said crossbeam and secured to said crossbeam for pivoting about a first hinge defining a first rotation axis that is oriented at a predetermined acute angle relative to the support surface defined by said crossbeam; and a second leg assembly disposed near the second end of said crossbeam and secured to said crossbeam for pivoting about a second hinge defining a second rotation axis that is oriented at a predetermined acute angle relative to the support surface defined by said crossbeam; wherein said first and second leg assemblies each have a generally tetrahedral structure including three lateral faces joined along three lateral edges, said first hinge being secured to said first leg assembly along one of its lateral edges, and said second hinge being secured to said second leg assembly alone one of its lateral edges: wherein said first and second hinges allow for independent pivoting of the first and second leg assemblies about said first and second rotation axes and relative to said crossbeam, thereby allowing the support surface defined by said crossbeam to be maintained at a substantially horizontal orientation when said first and second leg assemblies are placed on uneven terrain.