Patent Publication Number: US-8523123-B2

Title: Foldable tool stand

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/159,268, filed Mar. 11, 2009. This application also claims, under 35 U.S.C. §119, priority to Taiwanese Application No. 098107948, filed Mar. 11, 2009. Both U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/159,268 and Taiwanese Application No. 098107948 are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, inclusive of their specification, claims, and drawings. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to tool stands provided for supporting power tools thereon, and more particularly, to a foldable tool stand that can be easily and conveniently set between a collapsed, non-use or storage position, and an extended or supporting position. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Taiwan Patent Number M273664 discloses a collapsible tool stand, which comprises a platform, and a plurality of legs pivotally connected to the platform. When the collapsible tool stand is extended, multiple first locking devices are used to lock the legs in the extended position. When the collapsible tool stand is collapsed, multiple second locking devices are used to lock the legs in the collapsed position. 
     When the collapsible tool stand is in the collapsed position, the legs are received along the bottom side of the platform. Thus, the collapsible tool stand is maintained and supported in a flat manner on the floor. When it is desired to extend the collapsible tool stand from the collapsed position, the user must bend over or squat so that the user&#39;s hands can reach the legs of the collapsible tool stand and move the legs from the collapsed position to the extended position. However, a heavy tool (for example, a table saw) may be provided at the top side of the platform. Thus, when collapsing or extending the collapsible tool stand, an increased effort is required to manipulate the collapsible tool stand, and there is a substantial risk of injury to the user during the collapsing or extending of the collapsible tool stand. 
     SUMMARY 
     In view of the above discussion, an embodiment of a foldable tool stand that can be easily and conveniently set between a collapsed, non-use or storage position, and an extended or supporting position, while providing stable support in the extended supporting position, is described. 
     The foldable tool stand includes a base frame, a platform slidingly and pivotally connected at a first end thereof to the base frame, links pivotally connected at each end to an opposed second side of the platform and to the base frame respectively, and a leg support pivotally connected at top ends of first and second legs thereof to the base frame. 
     The first side of the platform is connected to the base frame in a pivotal manner via sliding sleeves that slide along the supports of the base frame, while allowing the platform to pivot with respect to the base frame. All of the pivot connections can be accomplished via the use of pivot holders. A first set of pivot holders provide the pivotal connection between the leg support and the base frame, while a second set of pivot holders provide the pivotal connection between the links and the base frame. 
     The foldable stand also includes a follower set and a driving device. The follower set includes a pivot shaft inserted through one of the respective second pivot holders, and a follower member pivotally connected to the respective pivot shaft. The follower member has a first locating portion defined thereon. 
     The driving device is pivotally coupled, in combination with the links, to the second pivot holders. The driving device also includes a second locating portion formed thereon. 
     The driving device is movable relative to the base frame between a first (extending) position and a second (collapsing) position. When the driving device is moved to the first position, the second locating portion of the driving device is engaged with the first locating portion of the follower member, thus locking the second side of the platform in the extended supporting position, spaced from the base frame. 
     When the driving device is moved to the second position, the second locating portion of the driving device is disengaged from the first locating portion of the follower member, and the links are moved towards a collapsed position, adjacent the base frame. The movement of the links to lie along the base frame causes the second end of the platform to be positioned adjacent to the base frame, as well as causes the first side of the platform to slide along the base frame, such that both the first and second sides of the platform lie along the base frame in a collapsed position. 
     By use of the interaction between the driving device and the follower set, the foldable tool stand provides a stable support effect, and can be conveniently collapsed into a storage position. The interaction between the driving device and the follower set also allows the foldable tool stand to be locked in either the extended supporting position, or the collapsed storage position. 
     In the extended supporting position of the foldable tool stand, the links provide structural support to maintain the platform in a generally level, supporting configuration, such that the platform is spaced from the base frame. When the foldable tool stand is collapsed, the links allow the platform to pivot with respect to the base frame, such that the platform lies against the base frame when the foldable tool stand is in the collapsed position. 
     The base frame can also include a transverse handle and wheels to allow the foldable tool stand (and tool supported thereon) to be easily transported when the foldable tool stand is in the collapsed position. 
     A retaining device can also be provided on the base frame to retain the leg support along the base frame when the foldable tool stand is in the collapsed position. 
     By way of the above-described configurations, the embodiment of a foldable tool stand disclosed herein provides an excellent supporting effect. Further, the use of the driving device operated by the user&#39;s foot to extend and collapse the stand prevents excessive bending of the user&#39;s body in order to manipulate the stand between the collapsed and extended positions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
         FIG. 1  is an oblique elevation view of a foldable tool stand in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of a part of the foldable tool stand shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the foldable tool stand shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged side view of a part of the foldable tool stand shown in  FIG. 1 , showing the first locating portion of the follower member engaged with the second locating portion of the driving device; 
         FIG. 5  is a view similar to  FIG. 4  showing the first locating portion of the follower member disengaged from the second locating portion of the driving device; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the foldable tool stand shown in  FIG. 1  in a partially collapsed position with the second side of the platform in close proximity adjacent to the base frame; 
         FIG. 7  is a view similar to  FIG. 5  showing one of the links pressed against a torsional spring of the follower member, such that the follower member is biased towards the second locating portion of the driving device; 
         FIG. 8  is another side view of the foldable tool stand shown in  FIG. 1  in a fully collapsed position. 
     
    
    
     It should be noted that the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, but instead are drawn to provide a better understanding of the components thereof, and are not intended to be limiting in scope, but rather to provide exemplary illustrations. It should further be noted that the figures illustrate exemplary embodiments of a foldable tool stand and the components thereof, and in no way limit the structures or configurations of a foldable tool stand and components thereof according to the present disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A. Embodiment of a Foldable Tool Stand 
     An embodiment of a foldable tool stand  10  is shown in  FIG. 1  generally having a platform  20  supported on a base frame  30  for relative movement with respect thereto. 
     The platform  20  is adapted to support a tool (not shown) on an upper support surface defined by the platform  20 . The supported tool can be any suitable tool, for example, a table top tool, such as a table saw, miter saw, scroll saw, band saw, drill press, belt or rotary sander, or any other tool suitable for being supported on a folding tool stand as disclosed herein. 
     The platform  20  forms the tool supporting surface via a first side  22 , a second side  24 , a third side  26 , and a fourth side  28 . The platform  20  can be formed in any suitable shape, such as, for example, rectangular or square. The platform  20  includes pivot holders  221  at the first side  22  thereof, and pivot holders  241  at the second side  24  thereof, which is opposed to the first side  22 . The platform  20  is supported on a base frame  30  for relative movement with respect thereto in a manner more fully described below. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 1 , the base frame  30  includes two generally parallel support rods  32 ,  34  that define two sides of the base frame  30 . A generally transverse handle  302  is provided extending between the support rods  32 ,  34  at the top ends thereof to allow a user to maneuver the foldable tool stand  10  in the collapsed position, or in a partially extended position. 
     First and second transverse rods  306  are connected between the support rods  32 ,  34  near their bottom ends and middle portions thereof in order to reinforce the structural strength of the base frame  30 . Two wheels  38  are respectively connected to the bottom ends of the support rods  32 ,  34  in a rotatable manner for supporting the folding tool stand  10  on a floor, so that in the collapsed position, the foldable tool stand  10  can be translated along the surface of a floor with ease. 
     A floor bar  304  is transversely connected between the bottom ends of the support rods  32 ,  34  at a predetermined angle for allowing the foldable tool stand  10  to stand upright when the foldable tool stand  10  is in the collapsed position, as can be seen in  FIG. 8 . 
     The support rods  32 ,  34  also include first pivot holders  322 ,  342  and second pivot holders  324 ,  344  thereon generally along a middle portion of the support rods  32 ,  34 . 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the platform  20  is connected to the base frame  30  at the first side  22  by the pivot holders  221 , which are pivotally coupled to sliding sleeves  36  arranged on the support rods  32 ,  34  between the first pivot holders  322 ,  342  and the transverse handle  302 . Thus, the platform  20  is pivotally and slidably connected at the first side  22  thereof to the base frame  30 . The platform  20  is connected to the base frame  30  at the second side  24  by the pivot holders  241 , which are pivotally coupled to upper ends of links  50 . Lower ends of the links  50  are pivotally coupled to the second pivot members  324 ,  344  on the base frame  30 , and also include protruding rods  52 . Thus, the links  50  are pivotally coupled between the second side  24  of the platform  20  and the base frame  30  such that the links  50  guide and support the second side  24  of the platform spaced away from the base frame  30  when the foldable tool stand  10  is in the extended supporting position, and the links  50  further guide and support the second side  24  of the platform  20  adjacent to the base frame  30  when the foldable tool stand  10  is in the collapsed position. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  6 , and  8 , this configuration allows the platform  20  to be manipulated back and forth from a collapsed, storage position to an extended supporting position. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  8 , a leg support  40  connected to the base frame  30  is formed of two generally parallel legs  40   a ,  40   b  having a second transverse rod  44  positioned therebetween for increased structural support. The leg support  40  is configured to be swung from a collapsed, storage position along the base frame  30  ( FIG. 8 ) to an extended support position ( FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  6 ) for engagement with a supporting surface, such as the floor. The movement of the leg support  40  is accomplished by having the top ends of the legs  40   a ,  40   b  pivotally connected to the base frame at the respective first pivot holders  324 ,  344 , which are positioned generally along the middle portion of the respective support rods  32 ,  34 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 , and  3 , a retaining device  326  is provided near a bottom end of at least one support rod (as shown, support rod  32 ) to selectively engage at least one leg (as shown, leg  40   a ) of the leg support  40  to retain the leg support  40  in the collapsed, storage position. 
     When the leg support  40  is extended to the support position, the foldable tool stand  10  is supported on the supporting surface, such as the floor, by the wheels  38 , and the bottom ends of the legs  40   a ,  40   b . Since the bottom ends of the legs  40   a ,  40   b  do not have wheels thereon, the foldable tool stand  10  is stably supported on the supporting surface. 
     From the above discussion, it can be seen that the leg support  40  is pivotable between a first position adjacent the base frame  30  when the foldable tool stand  10  is in the collapsed position, and a second position spaced from the base frame  30  when the foldable tool stand  10  is in the supporting position. 
     If it is desired to relocate the tool supported on the foldable tool stand  10 , the entire stand can be manipulated to the collapsed, storage position shown in  FIG. 8 . Alternatively, the leg support  40  can be collapsed to the storage position so that the foldable tool stand  10  can be maneuvered using the wheels  38 , which form the only points of contact between the foldable tool stand  10  and the supporting surface when the leg support  40  is retained against the base frame  30  by the retaining device  326 . 
     Another feature of the embodiment of the foldable tool stand  10  shown in  FIG. 1  is the use of a driving device  70 , which cooperates with a pair of follower sets  60  and positioning devices  80 , in order to shift and lock the platform  20  between the collapsed storage position and the extended supporting position, in a manner to be more fully discussed below. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-5  and  7 , the driving device  70  includes an actuating pedal bar  72  extending transversely between two side bars  74 , which are respectively pivotally connected to the second pivot holders  324 ,  344  of the support rods  32 ,  34  of the base frame  30 . The side bars  74  are connected to the second pivot holders  324 ,  344  by using the same pivot connection (shaft) as the respective links  50 , such that the side bars  74  are also pivotally connected to the links  50 . 
     The side bars  74  are fixedly connected to the actuating pedal bar  72  at the distal ends thereof, and as just discussed, have the top ends thereof pivotally connected with the links  50 . 
     A distance as measured between the top ends of the side bars  74  and the second pivot holders  324 ,  344  of the base frame  30  is shorter than a distance as measured between the distal ends of the side bars  74  and the second pivot holders  324 ,  344  of the base frame, thus providing a lever configuration having a mechanical advantage. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , each side bar  74  has a recessed portion  742  formed at the top ends thereof for receiving the protruding rod  52  of the link  50  associated with the respective side bar  74 . The protruding rods  52  of the links  50  cooperate with the top ends of the side bars  74 , and the recessed portions  742 , such that movement of the driving device  70  can assist with extending the platform  20  to the supporting position, or collapsing the platform  20  to the storage position. 
     In order to selectively lock the foldable stand  10 , in particular the platform  20 , in the extended supporting position or the collapsed storage position, a pair of follower sets  60  and positioning devices  80  are provided, which cooperate with the driving device  70  in the manner discussed below. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 ,  5 , and  7 , each follower set  60  includes a pivot shaft  61  that passes through the respective second pivot holder  324 ,  344  of the support rods  32 ,  34  of the base frame  30 . A follower member  62 , a sleeve  63 , a torsional spring  64 , and a bushing  65  are all rotatably or pivotally provided on the pivot shaft  61 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  5 , the follower member  62  is pivotally connected to a first end of the pivot shaft  61 , and includes a first locating portion  66 , a follower protruding portion  67  adjacent to and abutting the a first locating portion  66 , and a stop portion  68  positioned on a side of the follower member  62  generally opposed to the first locating portion  66  and follower protruding portion  67 . The first locating portion  66  can include a slanted surface that is canted towards the follower protruding portion  67 , which can be in the form of a generally circular surface. 
     As seen in  FIG. 2 , the sleeve  63  is rotatably arranged on the pivot shaft  61 . The torsional spring  64  is wound around the sleeve  63  and has one end thereof connected to the follower member  62 . Alternatively, the torsional spring  64  can be wound directly around the pivot shaft  61  without the use of the sleeve  63 . The bushing  65  is arranged at a second end of the pivot shaft  61  between the sleeve  63  and a flange of the respective second pivot holder  324 ,  344 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  5 , each side bar  74  of the driving device  70  has a second locating portion  744  formed near the top end thereof, and configured for selective engagement with the first locating portion  66  of the associated follower member  62 . 
     Further, as best seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , each side bar  74  of the driving device  70  also has a driving protrusion  746  formed near the top end thereof, and configured for selective engagement with the follower protruding portion  67  of the associated follower member  62 . The cooperative relationship between the a second locating portions  744  and the first locating portions  66 , and the driving protrusions  746  and the follower protruding portions  67  is discussed in more detail below. 
     In order to aid with selectively locking the platform  20  in the extended supporting position or the collapsed storage position, a positioning device  80  is provided with each follower set  60 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 ,  5 , and  7 , each positioning device  80  includes a locating block  82  attached to a flange of the respective second pivot holder  324 ,  344  at the same side thereof as the follower member  62  of the follower set  60 . 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , each locating block  82  includes a receptacle  822  for receiving a spring member  84  therein. A positioning rod  86  is supported on the spring member  84 , and is biased out of the receptacle  822  and into engagement with the respective follower member  62  of the follower set  60 . As will be discussed in more detail below, the positioning rod  86  cooperates with the stop portion  68  of the follower member  62  to aid with selectively locking the platform  20  in the extended supporting position or the collapsed storage position. 
     Turning to the operation of the foldable tool stand  10 , the following steps can be used to collapse the foldable tool stand  10  from the extended supporting position to the collapsed storage position. When the foldable tool stand  10  is in the extended supporting position shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , a user can place their foot on the actuating pedal  72  of the driving device  70 , and apply a downward force thereto in order to move the driving device into the initiating position P 1  ( FIG. 5 ) to collapse the foldable tool stand  10 . 
     As shown between  FIGS. 4 and 5 , with the motion of the driving device  70  that is supplied by the application of downward force on the actuating pedal  72 , the driving protrusions  746  of the driving device  70  cooperate to push the follower protruding portions  67  of the follower members  62  of the follower sets  60  in order to move the follower members  62  from the position shown in  FIG. 4  to the position shown in  FIG. 5 . In the position shown in  FIG. 5 , the first locating portions  66  of the follower members  62  are disengaged from the second locating portions  744  of the driving device  70 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , a first stop face  682  of the stop portions  68  of the follower members  62  cooperates with the respective positioning rod  86 , which is biased into contact with the first stop face  682  in order to aid with locking the platform  20  in the extended position. The frictional engagement between the first stop face  682  of the stop portions  68  and the respective positioning rod  86  provides an inertial force that must be overcome, by applying a downward force to the actuating pedal  72  of the driving device  70 , before the follower member  62  can move to allow the platform  20  to be moved between extended and collapsed positions. 
     As the follower members  62  are moved from the position shown in  FIG. 4  to the position shown in  FIG. 5 , the stop portions  68  engage the respective positioning rod  86 , and push the positioning rod  86  against the biasing force of the spring member  84  into the receptacle  822  until the stop member passes over the positioning rod  86 . At this time, a second stop face  684  of the stop portions  68  of the follower members  62  cooperates with the respective positioning rod  86 . As shown in the Figures, the first and second stop faces  682 ,  684  are formed on opposed sides of a protrusion that defines the stop portion  68 . 
     Further, during the movement of the follower members  62  from the position shown in  FIG. 4  to the position shown in  FIG. 5 , the follower members  62  rotate against the end of the torsional springs  64  connected thereto, thus causing the torsional springs  64  to store torsional energy/spring force. 
     Once the follower members  62  are moved to the position shown in  FIG. 5 , the engagement of the second stop face  684  of the stop portions  68  of the follower members  62  with the respective positioning rod  86  prevents the movement of the follower members  62  (by way of the stored spring force in the torsional springs  64 ) towards the driving device  70 . 
     Further, when the follower members  62  are moved to the position shown in  FIG. 5 , the second side  24  of the platform  20  can be lowered along the support rods  32 ,  34  of the base frame  30  to the collapsed position adjacent the base frame  30 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8 , by way of the cooperation of the links  50  with the side bars  74  of the driving device  70 . This can be accomplished by the user maintaining a downward force on the actuating pedal  72  of the driving device  70  that offsets the weight of the platform  20  and the tool supported thereon. 
     The user can incrementally reduce the amount of the downward force applied to the actuating pedal  72  by gently lifting their foot, such that the downward shift in the center of gravity of the platform  20  and the tool supported thereon causes the actuating pedal  72  of the driving device  70  to move to the position shown in  FIG. 6 . In this manner, the links  50  guide the platform  20  to move towards the base frame  30 , thus lowering the center of gravity of the whole foldable tool stand  10  in order to set the platform  20  in the collapsed position. This thus facilitates a smooth and safe collapse of the platform  20  to the collapsed position shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     During the collapse of the platform  20  to the collapsed position shown in  FIG. 6 , as the second side  24  of the platform  20  approaches the base frame  30 , the bottom ends of the links  50  contact the torsional springs  64  of the follower sets  60  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ), which further causes the torsional springs  64  to bias the follower members  62  towards the driving device  70 . Thus, the stop portions  68  of the follower members  62  are disengaged from the respective positioning rods  86  of the positioning devices  80 , such that the follower members  62  can be moved towards the driving device  70  until the follower members  62  come into contact with the side bars  74  of the driving device (as shown in  FIG. 7 ). 
     Once the platform  20  has been collapsed against the base frame  30 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , the user can tilt the foldable tool stand  10  slightly, about the wheels  38 , by lifting upwards on the transverse handle  302  in order to take the weight of the foldable tool stand  10  off of the leg support  40 . Thereafter, the user can move the two legs  40   a ,  40   b  of the leg support  40  towards the base frame  30  by rotating the legs  40   a ,  40   b  about the first pivot holders  322 ,  342  until at least one of the legs (as illustrated,  40   a ) comes into engagement with the retaining device  326  (as shown in  FIG. 8 ). 
     At this time, the foldable tool stand  10  is completely collapsed to the storage position, and the user can relocate the stand to a storage area, or to a new operating position, by pushing or pulling the transverse handle  302  of the foldable tool stand  10  such that wheels  38  of the foldable tool stand  10  rotate on the supporting surface. 
     In order to extend the foldable tool stand  10  to the supporting position from the collapsed, storage position, the user can grasp the transverse rod  44  and pull the leg support  40  away from the base frame  30 . When this is done, the leg (as illustrated,  40   a ) of the leg support  40  that is retained by the retaining device  326  will disengage from the retaining device  326 . 
     Once the foldable tool stand  10  is supported on the floor by the wheels  38  and the legs of the leg support  40 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , the user can place their foot on the actuating pedal  72  of the driving device  70  and apply a downward force thereto in order to raise the platform  20  into the extended position, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
     This is accomplished by the transference of the downward force on the actuating pedal  72  to the side bars  74  of the driving device  70 , such that the links  50 , which are connected with the side bars  74 , are rotated about the first pivot holders  322 ,  342  such that the second side  24  of the platform  20  is moved away from the base frame  30 , and the first side  22  of the platform  20  is raised by sliding movement of the sleeves  36  on the support rods  32 ,  34 . 
     In particular, when the driving device is moved from the collapsed position shown in  FIGS. 6-8  to the extended position P 2 , shown in  FIG. 4 , the links  50  are released from engagement with the torsional springs  64  of the follower sets  60 , and the follower members  62  are then biased by the torsional springs  64  such that the first locating portions  66  of the follower members  62  are moved into engagement with the second locating portions  744  of the side bars  74  of the locating device  70  in order to retain the driving device  70  in the extended position P 2  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The interaction between the stop portions  68  of the follower members  62  with the respective positioning rod  86  of the positioning devices  80  is as previously described. 
     At this time, as previously discussed for the extended supporting position, the second side  24  of the platform  20  is maintained spaced from the base frame  30 , and is supported on the links  50  at a predetermined elevation, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the protruding rods  52  of the links  50  are respectively received in the recessed portions  742  at the upper ends of the side bars  74  of the driving device, which also helps to prevent accidental unwanted movement of the platform from the extended position to the collapsed position. 
     Thus, in accordance with the present disclosure, the foldable tool stand provides a stable support, and is easy to manipulate between the collapsed and extended positions, simply by applying a downward force to the actuating pedal of the driving device. Therefore, the foldable tool stand is very easy to use. 
     B. Conclusion 
     It will be recognized that the foldable tool stand and components thereof can be made from any suitable materials. 
     Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 
     The skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeability of various disclosed features and variations. In addition to variations described herein, other known equivalents for each feature can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in this art to construct a foldable tool stand in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
     Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of exemplary embodiments and examples, it therefore will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.