Abstract:
The present invention relates to a collapsible stand assembly. The stand includes four sets of strut members wherein each set of struts are rotationally connected at a midpoint and the lower ends of the strut members are rotationally connected to feet and the upper ends of the strut members are rotationally connected to brackets. A cross support member is rotationally connected at a first end of each bracket such that the second end of the cross support member can be secured to the other bracket on the same side of the stand at different locations to provide different widths and heights of the stand. Two sets of struts on opposite sides of the stand extend above the cross support members to create a stop to prevent structures supported by the stand, such as a cooler, from sliding off the stand when erected.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to stands and more particularly to collapsible stands that may be used to support coolers of varying sizes. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Stands that are collapsible for transportation and storage have unique challenges to provide a stable platform for supporting the items. These challenges are increased when the stand is adjustable for different platform sizes and heights. The present invention provides a stable, collapsible stand that has adjustability. While the stand may be used for supporting various structures, one exemplary structure that the stand may support is a cooler and, particularly, a cooler used at an event for containing drinks or other items to be chilled and dispensed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a stand with four sets of outer strut members, each set being rotationally connected at a midpoint. The sets of strut members are connected together by brackets and feet, the lower end of a strut member rotationally connected to a foot that is also rotationally connected to the lower end of a strut member from a different set of struts, and the upper ends of the strut members rotationally connected to a bracket that is also rotationally connected to the upper end of a strut member from a different set of struts. The rotational movements of the struts in the first set are in a plane that is parallel to the plane for the rotational movements of the struts in the third set. The rotational movements of the struts in the second set are in a plane that is parallel to the plane for the rotational movements of the struts in the fourth set. The planes of rotation for the first set and the third set of struts are perpendicular to planes of rotation for the second set and the third sets of struts, creating a box like structure. Rotationally connected to each bracket is also a cross support member such that the second end of the cross support member can be secured to the other bracket on the same side of the stand. The second end of the cross members are removably secured to the corresponding bracket, allowing for a secure and stable stand in the secured position. In one aspect of the invention, the means for securing the second end of the cross members to the corresponding bracket includes the ability to secure the bracket to the cross member at different locations on the cross member, allowing for adjustability of the width and height of the stand. In another aspect of the invention, the height of the struts in parallel sets extends above the secured position of the cross members, providing a stop that will prevent items from sliding off of the cross members of the stand. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is perspective view of a collapsible stand assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, shown in use with a cooler; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the collapsible stand assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of the collapsible stand assembly of  FIG. 1 , the rear view being substantially similar; 
         FIG. 4  is a left side view of the collapsible stand assembly of  FIG. 1 , with the right side view (not shown) being substantially similar; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the collapsible stand assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C are top, front, and side views, respectively, of the first bracket from collapsible stand assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 7A ,  7 B, and  7 C are top, front, and side views, respectively, of the first foot from collapsible stand assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial side elevation view of the collapsible stand assembly of  FIG. 1  further illustrating the securing mechanisms of the second cross support member to the first bracket and the second bracket; 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of the collapsible stand assembly of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the use of the stand with engagement of the cross support members with the brackets in a first position; 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevation view of the collapsible stand assembly of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the use of the stand with engagement of the cross support members with the brackets in a second position; and, 
         FIG. 11  is view of the collapsible stand assembly of  FIG. 1  in a collapsed condition for storage within a storage bag. 
     
    
    
     Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     The present invention generally comprises a collapsible stand assembly  10  having a first set of outer side struts  100 , a second set of outer side struts  200 , a third set of outer side struts  300 , a fourth set of outer side struts  400 , feet  510 ,  520 ,  530 , and  540 , brackets  610 ,  620 ,  630 , and  640 , and cross support members  710 ,  720 ,  730 , and  740 . The first set of side struts  100  include a first strut  101  and a second strut  102 , the second set of side struts  200  include a third strut  203  and a fourth strut  204 , the third set of side struts  300  include a fifth strut  305  and a sixth strut  306 , and the fourth set of side struts  400  include a seventh strut  407  and an eighth strut  408 . 
     A lower end  101   a  of the first strut  101  is rotationally connected to the first foot  510 , and a lower end  204   a  of the fourth strut  204  is also rotationally connected to the first foot  510 . A lower end  203   a  of the third strut  203  is rotationally connected to the second foot  520 , and a lower end  306   a  of the sixth strut  306  is also rotationally connected to the second foot  510 . A lower end  305   a  of the fifth strut  305  is rotationally connected to the third foot  530 , and a lower end  408   a  of the eighth strut  408  is also rotationally connected to the third foot  530 . A lower end  407   a  of the seventh strut  407  is rotationally connected to the fourth foot  540 , and a lower end  102   a  of the second strut  102  is also rotationally connected to the fourth foot  540 . 
     An upper end  102   b  of the second strut  102  is rotationally connected to the first bracket  610 , and an upper end  203   b  of the third strut  203  is rotationally connected to the first bracket  610 . An upper end  204   b  of the fourth strut  204  is rotationally connected to the second bracket  620 , and an upper end  305   b  of the fifth strut  305  is rotationally connected to the second bracket  620 . An upper end  306   b  of the sixth strut  306  is rotationally connected to the third bracket  630 , and an upper end  407   b  of the seventh strut  407  is rotationally connected to the third bracket  630 . An upper end  408   b  of the eighth strut  408  is rotationally connected to the fourth bracket  640 , and an upper end  101   b  of the first strut  101  is rotationally connected to the fourth bracket  640 . 
     The first set of side struts  100 , the second set of side struts  200 , the third set of side struts  300 , and the fourth set of side struts  400  are rotationally connected to each other at midpoints  100   c ,  200   c ,  300   c , and  400   c , respectively. As used herein, the term “midpoint” means a point between the lower end and the upper end of the strut. However, in one embodiment, the midpoints  100   c ,  200   c ,  300   c , and  400   c  may be located halfway between the location where the struts of the respective sets connect to the brackets and the feet. 
     The rotational movement of the first set of side struts  100  with respect to each other, with respect to the feet  510  and  540 , and with respect to the brackets  610  and  640 , are in planes parallel each other. The rotational movement of the second pair of side struts  200  with respect to each other, with respect to the feet  510  and  520 , and with respect the brackets  610  and  620 , are in planes parallel each other. The rotational movement of the third set of side struts  300  with respect to each other, with respect to the feet  520  and  530 , and with respect to the brackets  620  and  630 , are in planes parallel each other. The rotational movement of the fourth set of side struts  400  with respect to each other, with respect to the feet  530  and  540 , and with respect to the brackets  630  and  640 , are in planes parallel each other. 
     The rotational movements of the first set of side struts  100  are in a plane parallel to the plane of the rotational movement of the third set of side struts  300   b , and the rotational movements of the second set of side struts  200  are in a plane parallel to the plane of rotational movement of the fourth set of side struts  400 . The rotational movement of the first set of side struts  100  and the third set of side struts  300  are in planes that are perpendicular to the rotational planes of the second set of side struts  200  and the fourth set of side struts  400 . 
     The distance between the lower end rotational connections to the feet and the upper end rotational connections to the brackets may be substantially the same for the first strut  101 , the second strut  102 , the third strut  203 , the fourth strut  204 , the fifth strut  305 , the sixth strut  306 , the seventh strut  407 , and the eighth strut  408 . The midpoint rotational connections of first set of side struts  100 , the second set of side struts  200 , the third set of side struts  300 , and the fourth set of side struts  400  may be at substantially the same position between the lower end rotational connections and the upper end rotational connections. 
     Depending on how the struts are connected to the brackets, a short portion of the upper ends of the struts may extend above their connection points with the brackets. However, in one embodiment, the third strut  203 , fourth strut  204 , seventh strut  407 , and the eighth strut  408  will each include upper extensions  213 ,  214 ,  417 , and  418 , respectively, which extend an amount above the connection points to the brackets  610 ,  620 ,  630 , and  640 . The upper extensions  213 ,  214 ,  417 , and  418  create a bumper stop for objects and structures resting on the cross support members and prevent them from sliding off of stand  10 . In particular, when a cooler is the structure that is supported by the present collapsible stand, the upper extensions  213 ,  214 ,  417 , and  418  create stops for blocking, or at least reducing, any sliding movement of the cooler surface on the cross support members. 
     A first end  711  of the first cross support member  710  is rotationally connected to the bracket  640  such that a second end  712  of the cross support member  710  can engage the first bracket  610  and be secured thereto. A first end  721  of the second cross support member  720  is rotationally connected to the first bracket  610  such that a second end  722  of the first cross support member  710  can engage the second bracket  620  and be secured thereto. A first end  731  of the third cross support member  730  is rotationally connected to the second bracket  620  such that a second end  732  of the third cross support member  730  can engage the third bracket  630  and be secured thereto. A first end  741  of the fourth cross support member  740  is rotationally connected to the third bracket  630  such that a second end  742  of the fourth cross support member  740  can engage the fourth bracket  640  and be secured thereto. 
     When the second ends  712 ,  722 ,  732 , and  742  of the cross support members  710 ,  720 ,  730 , and  740  engage and are secured to the corresponding brackets  610 ,  620 ,  630 , and  640 , the stand assembly  10  is locked into a wider use configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . When the stand  10  is locked in the wider use configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the stand  10  can support items such as cooler  11  which will have dimensions appropriate for being maintained supported by the cross support members of stand  10 . When the second ends  712 ,  722 ,  732 , and  742  of the cross support members  710 ,  720 ,  730 , and  740 , are not secured with the corresponding brackets  610 ,  620 ,  630 , and  640 , the stand assembly  10  is free to move into the narrower storage configuration shown in  FIG. 11 . When the stand  10  is in the narrower storage configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the stand  10  can be stored in a storage bag  12  for easy transportation. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C, there is shown an embodiment of the first bracket  610 . It will be understood that the description of this embodiment for the first bracket  610  would also apply to the same embodiment of the second bracket  620 , third bracket  630  and the fourth bracket  640 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C, the first bracket  610  has a first strut mounting point  611 , a second strut mounting point  612 , a cross member securing tab  613  and a cross member horizontal surface  614 . The first strut mounting point  611  of the first bracket  610  provides the rotational mounting location for the upper end  202   b  of the second strut  102 , and the second strut mounting point  612  of the first bracket  610  provides the rotational mounting location for the upper end  203   a  of the third strut  203 . The cross member securing tab  613  of the bracket  610  provides part of a mechanism for removably securing the first cross support member  710  and the cross member horizontal surface  614  provides a surface for vertical support of the first cross support member  710 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first strut mounting point  611  and the second strut mounting point  612  are located on the inside surfaces of the bracket  610 , perpendicular to each other. The distance from the center of the second strut mounting point  612  to the inside surface of the first bracket  610  with the first strut mounting point  611  is spaced to provide clearance of the third strut  203  from the first bracket  610  and from the second strut  102  during rotation of the third strut  203 . With the second strut  102  mounted on the inside of the stand  10  from the first strut  101  and the third strut  203  mounted on the outside of the stand  10  from the fourth strut  204 , the distance from the center of the first strut mounting point  611  on the first bracket  610  to the inside surface of the first bracket  610  having the second strut mounting point  612  is substantially the same as the distance from the center of the first strut mounting point  611  on the first bracket  610  to the inside surface of the first bracket  610  having the second strut mounting point  612 , plus the width of the third strut  203 . As previously mentioned, it will be understood that the description of this embodiment for the configuration of the first bracket  610  with stand  10  would also apply to the same embodiment for the second bracket  620 , the third bracket  630 , and the fourth bracket  640 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B, and  7 C, there is shown an embodiment of the first foot  510 . It will be understood that the description of this embodiment for the first foot  510  would also apply to the same embodiment of the second foot  520 , the third foot  530  and the fourth foot  540 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B, and  7 C, the first foot  510  has a first strut mounting point  511 , a second strut mounting point  512 , and a resting pad horizontal surface  514 . The first strut mounting point  511  of the first foot  510  provides the rotational mounting location for the lower end  101   a  of the first strut  100 , and the second strut mounting point  512  of the first foot  510  provides the rotational mounting location for the lower end  204   a  of the fourth strut  204 . The resting pad horizontal surface  514  provides a horizontal surface for vertical support of the stand  10 . 
     In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, the first strut mounting point  511  and the second strut mounting point  512  are located on the inside surfaces of the foot  510 , perpendicular to each other. The distance from the center of the first strut mounting point  511  to the inside surface of the first foot  510  having the second strut mounting point  512  is spaced to provide clearance of the first strut  101  from the first foot  510  and from the fourth strut  204  during rotation of the first strut  101 . In an embodiment, the distance from the center of the first strut mounting point  511  of the first foot  510  to the inside surface of the first foot  510  having the second strut mounting point  512  is substantially the same as the distance from the center of the second strut mounting point  611  of the first bracket  610  to the inside surface of the first bracket  610  with the first strut mounting point  612 . With the second strut  102  mounted on the inside of the stand  10  from the first strut  101  and the third strut  203  mounted on the outside of the stand  10  from the fourth strut  204 , the distance from the center of the second strut mounting point  512  on the first foot  510  to the inside surface of the first foot  510  having the first strut mounting point  511  is substantially the same as the distance from the center of the first strut mounting point  511  of the first foot  510  to the inside surface of the first foot  510  having the first strut mounting point  512 , plus the width of the first strut  101 . As previously mentioned, it will be understood that the description of this embodiment for the configuration of the first foot  510  with stand  10  would also apply to the same embodiment for the second foot  520 , the third foot  530 , and the fourth foot  540 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a further illustration of an embodiment of second cross support member  720  and the mechanisms for removably securing the second end  722  of the second cross support member  720 . It will be understood that the description of this embodiment for the configuration of the securing mechanisms of the second cross support member  720  would also apply to the same preferred embodiment of the first cross support member  710 , the third cross support member  730  and the fourth cross support member  740  and the securing mechanisms for those cross support members. As previously mentioned, the first end  721  of the second cross support member  720  is rotationally connected to the first bracket  610 . In a preferred embodiment, the axis of the rotational connection to the first bracket  610  is aligned coaxially with the axis of the rotational connection of the upper end  103   a  of the third strut  103  to the first bracket  610 . At the second end  722  of the second cross support member  720  are stop receptors  723   a ,  723   b , and  723   c . Each of the stop receptors  723   a ,  723   b , and  723   c  provide a location for the cross member stop  623  of the second bracket  620 . The cross member rest  624  of the second bracket  620  provides the vertical support to the second end  722  of the second cross support member  720 . 
     Although the means for removably securing the second end of the cross support members is illustrated in the drawings with a slot in the cross support members engaging a tab from the brackets, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that other configurations may also perform removable securing functions for the second ends of the cross support member to the brackets. For example, the tab could be mounted on the second ends of the cross support members which engage apertures in the brackets, the tabs could be replaced with pins that engage apertures, clamps can be mounted on the brackets that engage the cross support members, clamps can be mounted on the cross support members that engage the brackets, or the like. In addition, the various cross support members could all employ the same securing mechanisms or they could be different amongst all or less than all of the cross support members. The function of the means for removably securing the cross support members is to secure the second end of the cross support member at a single location to the bracket. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the second cross support member  720  is raised and not secured to the second bracket  620 . When the second cross support member  720  is lowered and the stop receptor  723   a  is engaged with the cross member stop  613  of the first bracket  610 , and the other cross support members  710 ,  730 , and  740  are similarly engaged with the corresponding brackets  610 ,  630 , and  640 , the stand  10  is secured in a position as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . The height and width of the stand for supporting objects can be changed by selecting different stop receptors on the cross support members for engaging the cross support members.  FIG. 10  illustrates the stand  10  using different stop receptors to increase the width and height of the stand  10  for supporting a different-sized structure, such as a cooler. 
     In one embodiment, the struts  101 ,  102 ,  203 ,  204 ,  305 ,  306 ,  407 , and  408  are formed by tubes, and the rotational connections are created by rivets. The cross support members  710 ,  720 ,  730 , and  740  can also be formed of tubes, and the rotational connections to the brackets  640 ,  610 ,  620 , and  630 , can be created by the same rivets connecting the struts  101 ,  203 ,  305 , and  407  to the brackets  640 ,  610 ,  620 , and  630 , respectively. The stop receptors in the cross support members  710 ,  720 ,  730 , and  740  can be formed by slots in the tubes such that the inner walls of the tube prevent lateral movement of the cross support members  710 ,  720 ,  730 , and  740  on the cross member stops of the brackets  610 ,  620 ,  630 , and  640 , respectively. Indicia on the top of the cross support members  710 ,  720 ,  730 , and  740  located above the stop receptors may provide a reference to the potential positions of the cross support members  710 ,  720 ,  730 , and  740 . 
     The entire collapsible stand structures can be formed from lightweight aluminum tubes and surfaces, but the actual design of the components and their manufacture can be varied, depending on the desired properties. For example, the use of aluminum tubes allows for a readily transportable, lightweight, yet strong, collapsible stand. It will be understood that other materials, including but not limited to steel, graphite, etc., may be utilized. It will father be understood that flat bladed supports and structures other than tubes may also be utilized if desired. 
     These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in such appended claims. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the versions contained therein.