Abstract:
A collapsible stand with at legs connected to a pivot junction via extension supports which may be retracted or expanded in relation to the pivot junction to create a variety of variety of radii to accommodate different objects such as water coolers, the object either resting on the extension supports or on accessories such as a shelf which may be selectively coupled to the stand.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Related Applications 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a stand for supporting objects and more particularly, to a stand that is capable of easy collapsible storage and transport, and that can expand to support various sized objects. 
         [0003]    2. Background and Related Art 
         [0004]    It is often desirable to support an object above a surface. For instance, if the object is a water container, a user may want to store it at a level that is easy to use and access. Placing the container on a stand provides such optimal access. 
         [0005]    Unfortunately, currently available stands used to support objects have many drawbacks. For instance, many stands do not work on uneven ground or surfaces because they have four legs. Moreover, many stands are not readily storable and transportable because they are cumbersome to collapse, or they do not collapse into a flat enough position to enable compact storage. Additionally, many stands are made to accommodate one size container or object. Specifically, in the aforementioned example, most water stands hold only one size water container. 
         [0006]    A need, therefore, exists for a stand that serves as a suitable adjunct to any place a user desires to support an object above either an even or uneven surface. And, further, a need exists for a stand that is capable of flatly collapsing for easy transport and storage and that can accommodate various sized objects. 
       SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for supporting an object, and more specifically, an apparatus and method that optimally collapses, easily transports, and retracts and expands to accommodate various-sized objects. 
         [0008]    The preferred embodiment of the present invention involves a stand that supports objects, such as containers, water containers, and the like. Each embodiment comprises a plurality of legs about a pivot juncture, where each leg can be retracted toward or expanded away from the pivot juncture to receive different sized objects. One embodiment comprises three legs, each of which has an upper and lower member protruding from the legs. These upper and lower members connect to two pivotal junctures, each of which is comprised of upper, middle and lower flanges. Each of the flanges has a first end with an orifice for receiving a pin and a second end. The pin, when entered through the orifices of each of the flanges, pivotally connects the flanges together. In this embodiment, the two pivotal junctures include a top pivotal juncture that connects to the upper member on each of the legs, and a bottom pivotal juncture that connects to the lower members of each of the legs. The connection made between the members of the legs and the flanges of the pivotal juncture, forms the stand and creates an opening or space for receiving an object. Specifically, the object rests above the upper member and the top pivotal juncture. Even more specifically, once the legs and their corresponding members are connected to the pivotal junctures, via the pivotal juncture&#39;s flanges, the desired object or container rests on top of a Y-shaped region formed (or a space created above), by the connection between the top pivotal juncture and the upper members of the legs. Additionally, in this embodiment, each of the members has an elongated groove that runs parallel with the member. The groove secures the connection between the legs and the pivotal juncture by receiving within the groove, a nodule located on each of the members. In other words, the nodule is located on each of flanges of the pivotal juncture. This nodule-and-groove combination enables slidable communication and connection between the pivotal junctures and the legs, which ultimately form a location above the top pivotal juncture and the upper members of the legs for holding the object. Further, the slidable connection causes the space to retract and expand, which in turn, accommodates various sizes of objects. 
         [0009]    Another way to describe the function of the nodule and groove feature is to explain that it is the extension and retraction of the flanges, which causes the legs of the stand to be moved away from or closer to the pivot juncture. This permits the stand to support objects of various sizes. In other words, the nodule on the flange serves as a stopping mechanism that allows the stand to expand to a maximum size, to contract to a minimum size, or to be adjusted to any position therebetween. As further illustration, the nodule being slid within the groove toward the pivot juncture permits the stand to hold a smaller object or container, whereas in contrast, when the nodule is fully extended the stand holds a larger object or container. 
         [0010]    The present invention also contemplates embodiments as few as two legs and/or utilizing a singular pivot juncture. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments of the present invention, the stand may comprise one or more appliance rings, used for storing a garbage bag, a water cup tray, a drip bowl, a potted plant, sports equipment, balls, and the like. This feature need not necessarily be a ring, but may comprise any shape suitable for storage near the space for holding the object which ring may be located along the leg. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment the present invention, the appliance ring is connected to the stand with one or more downward facing U-shaped pins, which fits into one or more receivers mounted along the legs. The “U” shape of the pins permits the appliance ring to be connected to the stand when the stand is expanded or contracted to accommodate different size objects. For example, when the legs, and their integrally attached members, are closer toward the pivot juncture, the appliance ring is connected to the stand using one set of prongs of the U-shaped pins. In contrast, when the legs, and their integrally attached members, are furthest from the pivot juncture (i.e., in a fully expanded position), the appliance ring is connected to the stand by placing another set of prongs of the U-shaped pins into the receivers on the legs of the stand. 
         [0013]    Accordingly, it is an object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for supporting an object above an even or uneven surface to enable easy access to the contents of the object being stored. 
         [0014]    It is another object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for supporting an object that is collapsible and capable of easy storage and transport. 
         [0015]    Another object of some embodiments of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for supporting an object that retracts and expands to accommodate various sized objects. 
         [0016]    Yet another object of some embodiments of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for supporting an object that can support containers and various other accessories. 
         [0017]    These and other objects of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description, drawings, and claims. Other objects will likewise become apparent from the practice of the invention as set forth hereafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The foregoing and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the accompanying drawings when considered in conjunction with the following description and appended claims. Although the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are thus, not to be deemed limiting of the invention&#39;s scope, the accompanying drawings help explain the invention in added detail. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  depicts one view of the preferred embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  depicts another view of the present invention without the appliance ring. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  depicts a view of the preferred embodiment supporting a water container. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  depicts the present invention in its collapsed and ready-for-transport form. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5(   a ) depicts one embodiment of the legs. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5(   b ) depicts another embodiment of the legs. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5(   c ) depicts yet another embodiment of the legs. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a view of the stand using the embodiment of the legs depicted in  FIG. 5(   b ). 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a view of an embodiment of the stand having four legs. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a close-up view of the top pivot juncture in one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged view of the top pivot juncture. The bottom pivot juncture is shown beneath the top pivot juncture. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10(   a ) is a view of the pivot juncture as it is being drawn together to collapse the stand and store. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  ( b ) depicts a pivot juncture with the upper, middle and lower flange unconnected and separated (i.e., without the pin). 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  ( c ) depicts another view, which is similar to  FIG. 8(   a ), showing the pivot juncture as it is about to align the upper, middle and lower flanges, and consequently, about to form the collapsed stand. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  ( d ) depicts a view of the upper, middle and lower flange separated and the pin that enters the orifices found on each of the upper, middle and lower flanges. 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  ( e ) shows a pivot juncture in the position it would take if the stand were collapsed and ready for transport or storage. 
           [0035]      FIG. 11(   a ) shows another embodiment of the present invention, and specifically, another embodiment of the pivot juncture. 
           [0036]      FIG. 11(   b ) shows yet another embodiment of the pivot juncture. 
           [0037]      FIG. 12  shows one embodiment of the U-shaped pin that connects the appliance ring to the legs of the stand. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0038]    It is emphasized that the present invention, as illustrated in the figures and description herein, can be embodied in other forms. Thus, neither the drawings nor the following more detailed description of the various embodiments of the system and method of the present invention limit the scope of the invention. The drawings and detailed description are merely representative of examples of embodiments of the invention; the substantive scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims recited to describe the many embodiments. The various embodiments of the invention will best be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like elements are designated by like alphanumeric character throughout. 
         [0039]    With reference now to the accompanying drawing,  FIG. 1  depicts one view of one embodiment. In this view, the stand  20  is shown in a perspective view in its entirety. The legs  22  each have an upper member  24  and a lower member  26  protruding and integrally connected to the legs  22 ). Upper members  24  and lower members  26  connect to respectively a top pivotal juncture  28  and a bottom pivotal juncture  30 . Leg  22  has a lateral support portion  23  above upper member  24 . Each pivot juncture ( 28 ,  30 ) is further comprised of a flange for each leg. In  FIGS. 1-4 ,  8 - 10 , a three-flange configuration is illustrated showing upper flange  32 , a middle flange  34  and a lower flange  36 . The upper, middle and lower flange ( 32 ,  34 ,  36 ) each have a first end with an orifice  56  and a second end  58 . A pin  60  is received within each of the orifices  56  to pivotally position the upper, middle and lower flanges ( 32 ,  34 ,  36 ) relative to each other. 
         [0040]    Thus, the means for the legs  22  to rotate around a pivot juncture ( 28 ,  30 ) comprises flanges ( 32 ,  34 ,  36 ) and the pin  60  specified above. 
         [0041]    The top pivotal juncture  28  connects to upper members  24 . The bottom pivotal juncture  30  connects to lower members  26 . In further detail, the members ( 24 ,  26 ) connect with the flanges ( 32 ,  34 ,  36 ) to make the connection between the pivotal junctures ( 28 ,  30 ) and the legs  22 . This connection of legs  22  to pivot juncture(s) ( 28 ,  30 ) forms the stand, and when positioned radially, creates a space  38  within lateral support members  23  for receiving an object  40  (shown for example in  FIG. 3 ). The object  40 , (shown for example in  FIG. 3 ), rests above the members ( 32 ,  34 ,  36 ) on each of the legs  22  and above the pivotal juncture  28 . Thus, once the legs  22  and their corresponding integrally connected members ( 24 ,  26 ) are connected to the pivotal junctures ( 28 ,  30 ) (via the pivotal junctures&#39; ( 28 ,  30 ) flanges ( 32 ,  34 ,  36 )), the object is placed in space  38  between lateral support members  23  created above the pivotal juncture ( 28 ) and the leg members. If one were to take a bird&#39;s eye view of the top of the stand  20  downward, space  38  is under-girded by a Y-shaped configuration support. 
         [0042]    Additionally, each of the members ( 24 ,  26 ) acts to maintain the adjacent positioning has an elongated groove  42  along members ( 24 ,  26 ). In one embodiment, members  24  and  26  comprise an open channel to receive the seconds ends  58  of flanges  32 ,  34 , and  36 . The groove  42  secures the legs  22  and the pivotal junctures ( 28 ,  30 ) by receiving within the groove  42 , a nodule  44  disposed on the flanges ( 32 ,  34 ,  36 ). The nodule-in-groove configuration also enables selectively slidable movement of The flanges  32 ,  34 , and  36  with the channel of members  24  and  26 . This slidable connection enables space  38  between supports  23  to expand and contract to accommodate objects of different sizes within lateral support portions  23  defining space  38 . Moreover, the slidable connection enables the space  38  to retract and expand depending on the size of the object  40  to be supported. In essence, the nodule  44  and groove  42  configuration enables the flanges ( 32 ,  34 ,  36 ) held within the members ( 24 ,  26 ) to selectively and slidably extend and retract, thereby causing the legs  22  of the stand to move away from or closer to the pivot juncture ( 28 ,  30 ). Put another say, the nodule  44  on the flanges ( 32 ,  34 ,  36 ) serves as a stopping mechanism that allows the stand  20  to expand to a maximum size, to contract to a minimum size, or to be adjusted to any position therebetween. For example, the nodule  44  being slid within the groove  42  toward the pivot junctures ( 28 ,  30 ) could permit the stand  20  to hold a five gallon water container  40 , whereas in contrast, when the nodule  44  is fully extended the stand  20  could hold a ten gallon water container  40 . Thus, means for adjustably connecting the legs  22  to the pivot juncture ( 28 ,  60 ) such that the legs  22  are capable of selectively moving away from the pivot juncture ( 28 ,  30 ) and closer to the pivot juncture ( 28 ,  30 ) to accommodate supporting various-sized objects  40 , is disclosed by the nodule and groove description provided above. 
         [0043]      FIG. 1  further depicts one embodiment of the present invention with an appliance ring  46 . This ring  46 , which need not necessarily be a ring, serves to store garbage bags, accessories, water trays carrying cups, drip bowls, potted plants, sports equipment, balls, and the like. The ring  46  is located at some point along leg  22 . The ring  46  is connected to the stand  20  with one or more downward facing (i.e., upside down) U-shaped pins  48 . Pin  48  could have three or more forwardly extending prongs. These U-shaped pins  48  fit into one or more receivers  50  that are connected to the legs  22 . The “U” shape of the U-shaped pins  48  permits the ring  46  to be connected to the stand  20  when the stand  20  is expanded or contracted to accommodate different sizes of objects  40 . For example, when the legs  22  and their integrally attached members  24 ,  26 , are closer toward the pivot junctures  28  and  30 , the ring  46  is connected to the stand  20  using one set of prongs  52 . In contrast, when the legs  22 , and their integrally attached members  24 ,  26 , are extended away from the pivot juncture ( 28  or  30 ), the appliance ring  46  is connected to the stand  20  by placing another set of prongs  54 , into the receivers  50 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 2  depicts another view of the present invention without the appliance ring. In this figure, the upper, middle and lower flange ( 32 ,  34 ,  36 , respectively) are easily viewable. 
         [0045]      FIG. 3  depicts a view of one preferred embodiment supporting a water container  40 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 4  depicts one embodiment in its collapsed and ready-for-transport position. Here, the flanges ( 32 ,  34 ,  36 ) of the pivotal juncture  28  are aligned substantially parallel and side-by-side with each other. The same is true for a lower pivot juncture  30  and lower leg members  26 .  FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of the pivotal junctures ( 28 ,  30 ) and how each of the flanges ( 32 ,  34 ,  36 ) has a first end with an orifice  56 , which pivots about pin  60 .  FIG. 4  illustrates that one or more flanges are attached at the first end such that the axis of the flanges does not intersect orifice  56 . In this way, the flanges will lie substantially parallel and side-by-side in the collapsed state. 
         [0047]      FIG. 5(   a ) is a view of one embodiment illustrating a configuration of leg  22 . This figure depicts the upper member  24  and the lower member  26  as they are unattached to the flanges ( 32 ,  34 ,  36 ). It illustrates the grooves  42  on each of the members ( 24 ,  26 ). 
         [0048]      FIG. 5(   b ) is a view of another embodiment of the legs. In this embodiment, there is a single member ( 24  or  26 ) protruding from the leg  22 , rather than upper and lower members ( 24 ,  26 ) as illustrated in other embodiments. In this embodiment, one or more grooves  42  can be utilized to join the leg member to a pivotal structure. This embodiment enables the stand to only have one pivotal juncture, but the single vertical leg  22  branches out into one or more support members  24 A and/or  24 B. 
         [0049]      FIG. 6  shows an embodiment of the stand  20  as it would appear with legs  22  as depicted in  FIG. 5(   b ). In this embodiment, a single member ( 24  or  26 ) protrudes from each of the legs  22 , rather than the upper and lower members ( 24 ,  26 ) as illustrated in other figures. 
         [0050]      FIG. 7  is a view of an embodiment of the stand  20  having three or four legs. In this embodiment, the flanges ( 32 ,  34 ,  36 ) are the same as explained above, however, one or more of the flanges (either the upper, middle or lower) further divides to attach an additional leg. Specifically, one or more of the flanges  70  separates into two more flanges ( 72 ,  74 ), each of which is capable of receiving a member ( 24 ,  26 ) from a leg  22 . This embodiment permits three or more legs with still one pivotal juncture. It is contemplated that the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  could have one or more pivotal junctures. For example, the point at which flange  70  separates into flanges  72  and  74  could be configured with another pivotal juncture, which is similar in structure to the top and bottom pivotal junctures explained above. 
         [0051]      FIG. 8  illustrates one configuration of a pivot juncture  28 , which is a close-up view of the top pivot juncture  28 . Specifically,  FIG. 8  shows the nodules  44  of the flange protruding through groove  42 . This figure more clearly shows the nodules  44  as it exists within the grooves  43 . It also illustrates the space  38  created within lateral support portions  23  when the stand  20  is in ready position for receiving an object  40 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged view of the top pivot juncture  28 . The pin  60  is readily viewable as it is within the orifices  58  of each of the upper, middle and lower flanges ( 32 ,  34 ,  36 ). The bottom pivot juncture  30  is shown beneath the top pivot juncture  28 . That is,  FIG. 9  illustrates one embodiment of flanges and the relative configuration of the flange members about orifice  56  that permit the stand components to fold flat against each other. 
         [0053]      FIG. 10(   a ) is a view of a pivot juncture ( 28 ,  30 ) as it is being drawn together to collapse the stand  20  for storage or transport. 
         [0054]      FIG. 10(   b ) depicts a pivot juncture ( 28 ,  30 ) with the upper, middle and lower flange ( 32 ,  34 ,  36 ) unconnected and separated (i.e., without the pin  60 ). 
         [0055]      FIG. 10  ( c ) depicts another view, similar to  FIG. 8(   a ), showing a configuration of the flanges and the pivot juncture ( 28  or  30 ), which permits the flanges to fold substantially flat or parallel, and side-by-side, and consequently, collapse the stand  20 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 10(   d ) depicts another view of the upper, middle and lower flange ( 32 ,  34 ,  36 ) separated and the pin  60  that enters the orifices  58  found on each of the upper, middle and lower flanges ( 32 ,  34 ,  36 ). 
         [0057]      FIG. 10(   e ) shows a pivot juncture ( 28 ,  30 ) in the position it would be in if the stand  20  were collapsed and ready for transport or storage. In this figure, the upper, middle and lower flanges ( 32 ,  34 ,  36 ) are not shown within the members ( 24 ,  26 ). 
         [0058]      FIGS. 11  ( a ) and  11 ( b ) show other embodiments of the pivot juncture ( 28 ,  30 ). Specifically, in  FIG. 11(   a ) the pivot juncture comprises a single disc  80 , having pin-flanges  82  connected via rotatable pins  84  connected to each of the pin-based flanges  82 . The pin-based flanges  82  are connected to the disc  80  in a way to allow rotation of flange  82  around the disc  80  so that when the stand  20  is collapsed, the pin-based flanges  82  align substantially flat and parallel with one another, in a side-by-side arrangement. Specifically, each of the pin-based flanges  82  has a slot  86  that the disc  80  is positioned within so as to enable rotation of the pin-based flanges  82  around the disc  80 . All slots  86  may be of sufficient size to permit all flanges  82  to rotate to a side-by-side position. Or, one or more slots  86  may be larger than the other slots  86  because one the pin-based flanges  82  must move around the disc  80  a greater distance to reach the side-by-side, collapsed position. 
         [0059]    Finally,  FIG. 12  shows one embodiment of the present invention having the appliance ring in enlarged view. In this figure, the pin  48  that connects appliance ring  46  to legs  22  of stand  20 . The ring  46  is removably connected to the stand  20  via the downward facing prongs  52  (i.e., upside down) of pin  48 . Again, the prongs  49 ,  52  U-shaped pins  48  fit into one or more receivers  50  that are integrally connected to the legs  22 . The prongs  49  of pins  48  permits the ring  46  to be selectively connected to the stand  20  when the stand  20  is expanded or contracted to accommodate different sizes of objects  40 . For example, when the legs  22  and their integrally attached members  24 ,  26 , are closer toward the pivot junctures  28  and  30 , the ring  46  is connected to the stand  20  using one set of prongs  52  of pin  48 . In contrast, when the legs  22 , and their integrally attached members  24 ,  26 , are extended away from the pivot junctures ( 28 ,  30 ) (that is, in a fully expanded position), the appliance ring  46  is connected to the stand  20  by placing another set of prongs  54  pins  48  into receivers  50 . Pin  48  could have three or more prongs to accommodate intermediate extensions of the legs from one another.