Patent ID: 7124988
Filing Date: 2006-10-24
Classification: A47B

Abstract:
1. A portable device for supporting a load in a cantilevered disposition extending from a generally horizontal extant structure, said extant horizontal structure having an edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface, said device comprising: a platform portion extending in a first direction, said platform portion for holding said load in a cantilevered disposition; a bracing portion extending in a second direction generally opposite said first direction, said bracing portion having a first bearing segment at its distal end for transferring an upward vertical component of a moment couple, caused by supporting said load in a cantilevered disposition, to said bottom surface at a location remote from said edge; and at least one hanging bracket pivotably attached at a first axis interjacent said platform portion and said bracing portion, said hanging bracket having a second bearing segment at its distal end for transferring a downward vertical component of said moment couple to said top surface of said extant structure at a location adjacent to said edge, said hanging bracket pivoting into a generally compact disposition relative to said platform and bracing portions when said device is not in use; wherein mounting said second bearing segment of said hanging bracket on said top surface adjacent to said edge and applying said load to said platform portion causes said first bearing segment of said bracing portion to engage with said bottom surface at said location remote from said edge, thereby supporting said load in said cantilevered disposition extending from said extant structure and accommodating a diversity of variable thicknesses between said top surface and said bottom surface of diverse ones of said extant structure.