Patent Publication Number: US-6209465-B1

Title: Stabilizing arrangement

Description:
THIS INVENTION relates to a stabilising arrangement. More particularly, this invention relates to a stabilizing arrangement for use with a table. 
     It is often a problem with tables having four feet that the feet do not all contact a support surface. This results in the table rocking on the support surface. This can occur on a planar support surface, such as a floor if the feet do not have four points of contact that define a plane. Alternatively, the four points of contact could define a plane but the support surface could be uneven. A particular example would be a restaurant table on a hard floor such as that which is tiled. If one of the feet slips into a crack between two tiles, the table will rock resulting in user irritation. An attempt to solve the former problem has been to utilise articles having three feet. A problem with this, however, is that the table tends to be unstable, especially when the table is top heavy, and tilts too easily. This invention provides a means whereby rocking is, to a large extent, eliminated without sacrificing the stability of the table. 
     In this specification, the word “table” is to be understood to mean any article or device for bearing a load. 
     According to the invention, there is provided a stabilizing arrangement for use with a table, the arrangement including 
     a support structure, which is mountable to a table top being mountable on the support structure; 
     four feet which are mounted on the support structure so that a line drawn between a first pair of the feet intersects a line drawn between a second pair of the feet, the feet of each pair being fixed relative to each other with the pairs being linearly displaceable relative to each other; and 
     a displacement means arranged on the support structure which permits linear displacement of the pairs of feet relative to each other, when the feet are placed on an uneven support surface so that all four feet can bear against the support surface, in use; and 
     a displacement limiting means which is operatively arranged with respect to the support structure and the feet and which is automatically frictionally operable to limit linear displacement of the pairs of feet relative to each other when all four feet bear against the support surface. 
     The support structure may include a first and a second support member. The support members may be linearly displaceable with respect to each other. The first pair of feet may be fixed to the first support member and the second pair of feet may be fixed to the second support member. 
     The first support member may be hollow. The second support member may be received within the first support member. 
     The first support member may have covering elements extending therefrom to cover the second pair of feet. The covering elements may have an appearance similar to that of the first pair of feet. 
     The first support member may be fastenable to the table top. 
     A mass of the second support member may be such that contact of the second pair of feet with the support surface is facilitated. 
     The arrangement may include a spring mounting means to permit the second support member to be spring mounted with respect to the table top to bias the second support member away from the table top. 
     The displacement means may be in the form of a lever mechanism which is arranged between the support members. The lever mechanism may be configured so that, on movement of one of the support members towards the table top, the other support member is urged away from the table top, and vice versa, in use. 
     The lever mechanism may include a lever. The lever member may be pivotally arranged, at one end, with respect to the first support member, and, at an opposed end, pivotally arranged with respect to the second support member. The lever mechanism may also include a fulcrum which is fastenable to the table top and which bears against the lever member at a position intermediate the ends of the lever member. Thus, substantially an entire load carried by the table top bears on the lever member, in use. 
     One end of the first support member may define a tapered surface. One corresponding end of the second support member may also define a tapered surface. The tapered surfaces may be configured so that, when the ends of the members are adjacent each other, the surfaces together define a formation having a substantially “V”-shaped profile which opens towards an underneath surface of the table top, in use. 
     Instead, a least one urging member may be located in the formation. The, or each, urging member may be configured so that, when a load is carried by the table top, on upward movement of the first member, the urging member bears against the tapered surface of the second member to urge the second member downwardly, and vice versa. 
     One urging member, in the form of a split ring, may be received in the formation. 
     Instead, a pair of urging members in the form of a pair of diametrically opposed spheres may be located in the formation. 
     Further, one urging member in the form of a deformable member may be located between the upper ends of the member and the underneath surface of the table top, in use. 
     The displacement limiting means may include at least one frictional engaging member which may be arranged on one of the support members. The, or each, frictional engaging member may project from said one of the support members so that, when the support members tilt relative to each other, the, or each, engaging member frictionally engages the other support member to inhibit linear displacement of the support members relative to each other. 
     Instead, the displacement limiting means may include at least one pin, which is attached to, and extends between opposed positions on the first support member. A pin may be received in each of one or more formations defined in the second support member. The, or each, pin and its associated formation may be configured so that linear displacement of the support members relative to each other is permitted when the support members are positioned substantially parallel to each other, but is inhibited when one of the support members is angled relative to the other support member. 
     The displacement limiting means may include two, spaced pins, a pin being received in each of a pair of spaced slots defined in the second support member. 
     The invention extends to a table which includes the stabilizing arrangement as described above. 
    
    
     In the drawings, 
     FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectioned side view of a table having one embodiment of a stabilizing arrangement according to the invention; 
     FIG. 2 shows a schematic, sectioned side view of a table having another embodiment of a stabilizing arrangement according to the invention; 
     FIG. 3 shows a three dimensional view of a fulcrum of the stabilizing arrangement of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 shows a schematic, sectioned side view of a table having another embodiment of a stabilizing arrangement according to the invention; 
     FIG. 5 shows a schematic side view of part of another embodiment of a stabilizing arrangement according to the invention; 
     FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view of part of another embodiment of a stabilizing arrangement according to the invention; 
     FIG. 7 shows an urging member of the arrangement of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 8 shows a schematic side view of part of another embodiment of a stabilizing arrangement according to the invention; 
     FIG. 9 shows a schematic, side sectioned view of covering elements of a stabilizing arrangement according to the invention; 
     FIG. 10 shows a schematic, side sectioned view of a table having another embodiment of a stabilizing arrangement in accordance with the invention; and 
     FIG. 11 shows a schematic, side sectioned view of a table having another embodiment of a stabilizing arrangement in accordance with the invention. 
    
    
     In FIG. 1, reference numeral  10  generally indicates a table which has one embodiment  12  of a stabilizing arrangement according to the invention. 
     The arrangement  10  includes a support structure  14 . A table top  16  is mounted on the support structure  14 . 
     The arrangement  12  includes four feet  18  which are mounted on the support structure  14 . A line drawn between a first pair of feet  18 . 1  intersects a line drawn between a second pair of feet  18 . 2 . The feet  18  of each pair are fixed relative to each other while the pairs are linearly displaceable relative to each other. 
     The stabilizing arrangement  12  includes a displacement means or mechanism  20 . The mechanism  20  permits linear displacement of the pairs of feet  18  relative to each other. The mechanism  20  is operable when the feet  18  are placed on an uneven support surface (not shown) so that all four feet  18  can bear against the support surface. 
     The support structure  14  includes a first support member. The first support member is a sleeve  22 . The sleeve  22  has an open lower end  24  and an open upper end  26 . Each foot  18 . 1  is connected to the lower end  24  of the sleeve  22 , via an arm  28 . 
     The structure  14  includes a second support element. The second support element is a prop  30 . The prop  30  has an upper end  32  and a lower end  34 . Each foot  18 . 2  is connected to the prop  30  via an arm  36 . Each arm  36  extends through an opening  38  defined in the sleeve  22 . 
     A projection  40  extends from the upper end  32  of the prop  30 . A ledge  42  is defined by an inner surface  44  of the sleeve  22 . The position of the ledge  42  is diametrically opposed to the position of the projection  40 . 
     A lever member or lever  46  is supported, at one end  48 , on the projection  40 . An opposed end  50  of the lever  46  is supported on the ledge  42 . The projection  40  and the ledge  42  are positioned intermediate the lower and upper ends  24 ,  26  of the sleeve  22 . 
     The arrangement  12  includes a carrier  52 . The carrier  52  is fastened to an underneath surface  54  of the table top  16  via screws  56 . 
     The carrier  52  extends into the sleeve  22 . A fulcrum  58  is defined by a free end  60  of the carrier  52 . The fulcrum  58  bears against the lever  46  intermediate the ends  48 ,  50  of the lever  46 . A position of the lever  46  and a length of the carrier  52  are such that a gap  61  is provided between the upper end  26  of the sleeve  22  and the table top  16 . It follows that a weight of the table top  16  and any items placed on the table top  16  is exerted on the lever  46 . 
     In use, the table  10  is placed on the support surface. If one of the feet  18 . 1  is displaced upwardly as a result of a support surface being uneven, the sleeve  22  moves upwardly with respect to the prop  30 . This causes pivotal, clockwise movement of the lever  46 . Such movement results in a downward force being exerted on the prop  30  via the projection  40 . In this manner, the second pair of feet  18 . 2  are urged into contact with the support surface to inhibit rocking of the table  10 . Rocking resulting from upward displacement of one of the feet  18 . 2  is inhibited through pivotal, anti-clockwise movement of the lever  46 . 
     it is undesirable that further linear movement of the carrier  52  relative to the sleeve  22  occurs when all four feet  18  bear against the support surface. Thus, the table  10  includes a displacement limiting device in the form of frictional engaging formations in the form of protuberances  62  defined on the carrier  52 . The protuberances  62  are dimensioned and positioned on the carrier  52  so that angular relative movement of the carrier  52  and the sleeve  22  results in the protuberances  62  frictionally engaging an inner surface of the sleeve  22 . It is also undesirable that excessive relative linear movement of the prop  30  and the sleeve  22  occurs when all four feet  18  bear against the support surface. Thus, the prop  30  has frictional engaging formations in the form of protuberances  64  defined thereon. The protuberances  64  are positioned and dimensioned frictionally to engage the inner surface of the sleeve  22  upon angular movement of the prop  30  relative to the sleeve  22 . 
     The ends  24 ,  26  of the sleeve  22  each have an inwardly directed lip  66  defined thereon. When a user lifts the table  10  by gripping the table top  16 , the lips  66  bear against the protuberances  66 ,  64 , and inhibit dismantling of the table  10 . 
     In FIG. 2, reference numeral  70  generally indicates a table having another embodiment  72  of a stabilizing arrangement according to the invention. With reference to FIG. 1, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. 
     The prop  30  is hollow and has a cylindrical wall  31 . An end wall  71  closes the upper end  32 . An opening  73  is defined in the end wall  71 . 
     A rod  74  is connected to the fulcrum  58  and extends through an opening  82  defined in the lever  46 , which is in the form of a rocker-plate. The rod  74  also extends through the opening  73 . A free end  76  of the rod  74  is threaded. The threaded end  76  is received through a retaining nut  78 . The nut  78  is dimensioned to inhibit the rod  74  from being withdrawn through the openings  73 ,  82 . 
     Thus, dismantling of the table  70  is inhibited when the table  70  is lifted. 
     In FIG. 4, reference numeral  90  generally indicates another embodiment  92  of a stabilizing arrangement according to the invention. With reference to FIGS. 1 to  3 , like numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. 
     Instead of the carrier  52  and the prop  30 , the arrangement  92  has a weight  94  positioned within the sleeve  22 . The weight  94  comprises a hollow cylinder  96  and concrete  98  contained within the cylinder  96 . The arms  36  are connected to the cylinder  96 . 
     The table top  16  is fastened to a flange  100  defined by the upper end  26  of the sleeve  22 . A gap  102  is provided between an upper end  104  of the weight  94  and the underneath surface  54  of the table top  16 . The protuberances  64  are located on the cylinder  96  and operate in the manner described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, to inhibit relative linear movement of the sleeve  22  and the weighted member  94 , when all four feet  18  bear against the support surface. The weighted member  94  serves to assist in ensuring the feet  18 . 2  remain in contact with the support surface. This has a stabilizing effect on the table  70 . 
     In FIG. 5, reference numeral  110  generally indicates another embodiment of a stabilizing arrangement according to the invention. 
     The arrangement  110  includes the second support member which is in the form of a bar  112 . 
     The upper end  26  of the sleeve  22  has a chamfered inner edge  114 . An upper end  116  of the bar  112  has a chamfered edge  118 . The edges  114 ,  118  are positioned together to define a formation  120  having a “V”-shaped profile. The profile opens towards the underneath surface  54  of the table top  16 . 
     An urging member in the form of a split ring  122  (FIG. 7) is received in the formation  120 . The split ring  122  is dimensioned so that the underneath surface  54  of the table top  16  bears against the split ring  122 . Thus, when a load is carried by the table top  16 , upward movement of the sleeve  22  causes the split ring  122  to close and to bear against the edge  118  of the bar  112 . The bar  112  is thus urged downwardly. Upward movement of the bar  112  causes the ring  122  to open. The sleeve  22  is thus urged downwardly. The resultant relative displacement of the sleeve  22  and the bar  112  has a stabilising effect. 
     In FIG. 6, reference numeral  130  generally indicates another embodiment of a stabilizing arrangement according to the invention. With reference to FIGS. 1 to  5 , like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. 
     The arrangement  130  is substantially the same as the arrangement  110 . However, instead of the split ring  122 , the arrangement  130  has a fluid-filled, flexible bag  132  positioned above the end  26  of the sleeve  22  and the end  116  of the bar  112  and below the underneath surface  54  of the table top  16 . 
     In FIG. 8, reference numeral  140  generally indicates another embodiment of a stabilising arrangement according to the invention. With reference to FIGS. 1 to  7 , like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. 
     Instead of the split ring  122  or the fluid-filled bag  130 , the arrangement  140  has a pair of diametrically opposed spheres  142  positioned in the formation  120 . 
     In FIG. 9, reference numeral  150  indicates a cover, a pair of which is attached to the sleeve  22  of any of the previous embodiments. One cover  150  is shaped to cover each arm  36  and its associated foot  18 . 2 . Furthermore, the covers  150  are shaped to appear substantially the same as the arms  28  and feet  18 . 1 . Thus, the existence of the various arrangements described above will not be immediately apparent to a user. 
     In FIG. 10, reference numeral  160  generally indicates a table having another embodiment  162  of a stabilizing arrangement according to the invention. The arrangement  162  is substantially the same as the arrangement  92 . However, instead of the weight  94 , the second support element, indicated at  164 , is connected to the table top  16  via a spring  166 . The spring  166  is configured to urge the support member  164  and thus the feet  18 . 2  into contact with the support surface. The support member  164  can be the weight  94  or simply a cylinder. 
     The arrangement  162  is shown incorporating the covers  150 . As mentioned above, the covers  150  can be used with any of the previous embodiments. 
     Instead of protuberances  64 , the displacement limiting means of the arrangement  162  includes a collar  180 , which is fastened to an inner surface of the sleeve  22 . An upper end  182  of the collar  180  has a lip  184  extending inwardly therefrom. A lower end  186  of the collar  180  also has a lip  188  extending inwardly therefrom. The lips  184  and  188  serve the same purpose as the protuberances  64  described earlier. 
     In FIG. 11, reference numeral  170  generally indicates a table having another embodiment  172  of a stabilizing arrangement in accordance with the invention. 
     The arrangement  172  is similar to the arrangement  92  shown in FIG.  4 . The arrangement  172  does not, however, have the protruberances  64  to inhibit excessive relative linear displacement. 
     Instead, a first pin  178  and a second pin  190  are attached to, and extend between, opposed positions on the sleeve  22 . 
     An upper end  174  of the weighted member  94  has a slot  176  defined therein. The pin  178  is positioned in the slot  176 , by urging the pin  178  through diametrically opposed openings (not shown) defined in the sleeve  22  and through the slot  176 . A lower end  192  of the weighted member  94  has an opening  194  defined therein. The pin  190  is positioned in the opening  194  by urging the pin  190  through diametrically opposed openings (not shown) defined in the sleeve  22  and through the opening  194 . 
     As can be seen in FIG. 11, both the pins  178 ,  190 , the slot  176 , and the opening  194  have a rectangular cross section. The relative dimensions of the pin  178  and the slot  176 , and the pin  190  and the opening  194  are such that, while a pair of opposed sides of each pin  178 ,  190  is substantially parallel to a pair of opposed sides of its associated slot  176  and opening  194  relative linear movement of the weight member  94  and the pins  178 ,  190  is permitted. The relative dimensions are such that, when angular movement of the weighted member  94  relative to the pins  178 ,  190  occurs, the pins  178 ,  190  jam in their respective slot  176  and opening  194 , inhibiting linear movement. 
     It will readily be appreciated that, when all four feet  18  are on the support surface and a downward, off-center force is applied to the table top  16 , angular movement of the weight  94  relative to the pins  178 ,  190  causes the weighted member  94  to lock frictionally in position relative to the sleeve  22 . 
     The use of the pins  178 ,  190  facilitates manufacture of the arrangement  172  since accurate tolerancing is not required. Further, if the sleeve  22  is dented or otherwise damaged, the pins  178 ,  190  serve to retain the frictional engaging characteristics of the weight  94  and the sleeve  22  relative to each other. 
     It will readily be appreciated that the pins  178 ,  190 , the slot  176  and the opening  194  can replace the protruberances  62 ,  64  in the other embodiments shown in the drawings. 
     The invention provides a stabilizing arrangement which is of a low manufacturing cost compared to other known stabilising arrangements and is therefore particularly suited for mass production and high quantity use.