Patent ID: 12245691

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed.

The present disclosure addresses the shortcomings and technical disadvantages of traditional sofa connectors and/or connector assembly, which may compromise easement during production of the connectors, easement during the alignment and/or assembly process, and stability, strength of the connections and the sofa.

Disclosed herein are various examples of sofa connectors and/or connector assembly that are improved on easement during production of the connectors, easement during the alignment and/or assembly process, and stability, strength of the connections and the sofa.

Whenever the term “at least,” “greater than,” or “greater than or equal to” precedes the first numerical value in a series of two or more numerical values, the term “at least,” “greater than” or “greater than or equal to” applies to each of the numerical values in that series of numerical values. For example, greater than or equal to 1, 2, or 3 is equivalent to greater than or equal to 1, greater than or equal to 2, or greater than or equal to 3.

Whenever the term “no more than,” “less than,” or “less than or equal to” precedes the first numerical value in a series of two or more numerical values, the term “no more than,” “less than,” or “less than or equal to” applies to each of the numerical values in that series of numerical values. For example, less than or equal to 3, 2, or 1 is equivalent to less than or equal to 3, less than or equal to 2, or less than or equal to 1.

FIG.1schematically illustrates a perspective view of a connector1of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.1, the connector1may comprise a middle board11, one or more arms13, and one or more slots12. The sofa connector1in some embodiments of the present disclosure provides a way to connect two adjacent support legs2of two or more sofas and/or two or more sofa components to form a double or multi-person sofa. The connector1may comprise two slots12that are spaced apart by the middle board11and is designed to engage with two support legs2that are adjacent to each other. To use the connector1, the two sofa components and/or frames are placed together (i.e., side by side) and the openings12aof the two slots12are aligned with the two adjacent support legs2(not shown inFIG.1). The slots12may be engaged with the support legs2by sliding them along the outside surface of the support legs2. This makes it easy to assemble the sofa with only one person and saves time and effort.

In some embodiments, to ensure the reliability of the connection between the sofa connector1and the support legs2, the shape of the slot12may be adapted to the shape of the location where the support legs2are fitted into the slots12. That is, the slot12can be tightly fitted at the position where the support legs2are fitted into the slots12. For example, anti-slip rings may be installed in the position where the support legs2are fitted into the slots, and/or the fitted location of the support legs2may be designed with steps, wherein the steps may provide sufficient traction between the connector1and the support legs2to secure them in a locked position.

As shown inFIG.1, the arm13may comprise a curved portion131, wherein the corresponding side of the middle board11and the curved portion131may form the slot12. In some embodiments, the slot12may have a substantially round inner shape, with an opening12ato receive one or more supporting elements (e.g., legs) of the sofa components. In some embodiments, the slot12is in a perfect circle shape with an opening12a. In some embodiments, the slot12is arched, such as it has a partially round ring shape. The legs2(not shown inFIG.1) of the sofa or sofa component may be mostly designed as cylindrical. That is, the support legs2can be smoothly fitted into the arched slot12, further simplifying the assembly of the sofa.

In some embodiments, the arm13may comprise the curved portion131and a flanging tip132, as shown inFIG.1. In some embodiments, one end of the arm13may be connected to the bottom of middle board11and the other end is bent upward to form the flanging tip132, with the arm13forms a slot12(additionally or alternatively, together with middle board11). That is, in some embodiments, the slot12is formed by one side of middle board11and arm13. The curved portion131may provide the slot12with an arched shape, allowing it to fit surrounding the support legs2.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.1, the flanging tip132may be configured to be bent outward from the curved portion131at the opening12aof slot12. In some embodiments, the flanging tip132may provide a handle when assembling and/or dissembling the connector1to and/or from a sofa component, and therefore facilitate easy use of the connector1. For example, as shown inFIG.1, when assembling and/or dissembling the connector1to and/or from a sofa component, one may apply force to the flanging tip132along the applied force direction to enlarge the opening12aso to allow easy connection and/or disconnection.

In some examples, the top surface of middle board11may have two inclined surfaces, with the incline direction of the two inclined surfaces opposite to each other and both inclined upward towards the center line of middle board11. The two inclined surfaces may be connected by an arc transition. That is, in some embodiments, the middle board11can be smoothly inserted between the two support legs2through the inclined surfaces, because the inclined surfaces may provide a guiding path function.

FIG.2Aschematically illustrates a perspective view of a connector assembly of the present disclosure in an intermediate stage of the assembling process. As shown inFIG.2A, in some embodiments, the legs2of one or more sofa components may have a cylinder shape with a round shape cross-section. When assembling the sofa components with the connector1, one may align the slot12with two legs, and push inward. In some embodiments, the connector1is made of elastic material, which is a material that may undergo deformation under stress and returns to its original shape after the stress is removed. In some embodiments, the elastic material may possess sufficient stiffness and resistance to deformation that may provide a stable connection when assembled. In some embodiments, the elastic material may have an elasticity of 50-2000 MPa. In some embodiments, the elastic material may have an elasticity of 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1500, 2000 MPa. In some embodiments, depending on the configurations of the sofa assembly (e.g., weight, size, etc.), the connector1may be made from higher or lower elasticity materials to provide sufficient stability. In some embodiments, the elastic material may comprise plastic, shape-memory alloys, or metals. This elasticity may facilitate easy assembly of the sofa components. For example, as discussed elsewhere herein, the elasticity may allow a temporary deformation when forces are applied to the flanging tips132(reference number is not shown inFIG.2A, please refer toFIG.1) so to enlarge the opening12a(reference number is not shown inFIG.2A, please refer toFIG.1) to allow insertion of the legs2.

FIG.2Bschematically illustrates a perspective view of a connector assembly of the present disclosure in a final stage (i.e., locked state) of the assembling process. Once the connector1is pushed to surround the legs2, as shown inFIG.2A, one may push the connector1upward into a locking position. As shown inFIG.2B, the top portion of the leg2may comprise an indented neck, wherein the indented neck may have a smaller size than the leg2(i.e., a smaller perimeter than the leg2, a smaller cross-section area than the leg2). In some embodiments, the indented neck may have a perimeter that is the same or slightly smaller than the inner perimeter of the slot12. In some embodiments, the leg2may have a perimeter that is slightly greater than the inner perimeter of the slot12and therefore may produce an outward force when the connector1is configured to surround the leg2. When the connector1is pushed up to the indented neck, because of the removal of the outward force, the connector1may return to its original shape, and thereby lock with the indented neck of the legs2.

FIG.3schematically illustrates a perspective view of a connector assembly of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.3, the connector assembly may comprise the connector1, and at least 2 legs of different sofa components, respectively. In some embodiments, a support block3may be placed on top of the leg2. In some embodiments, the support block3is part of the leg2, i.e., the leg2comprises a support block3. In the present disclosure, this support block3may be referred to as an indented neck. In some embodiments, the support block3may be part of the leg2. As discussed, the support block3may have a smaller cross-sectional area compared to the mainbody of the leg2. The difference in area between the support blocks3and the support legs2may create a step between the top surface of the support legs2and the support block3, allowing the slot12to slide up from the outer surface of the support legs2and fit surrounding the support block3after insertion. The formed step further ensures that the slot12is tightly fitted to the support block3. This may allow the connector1to be locked in position once pushed to surround the support block3. As described herein elsewhere, the sofa connector1of the present disclosure may be made of plastic. The plastic material may allow for easy insertion into the gap between two support legs2due to the tension of the plastic, making assembly and disassembly convenient. Additionally, the strength of the plastic sofa connector1is sufficient for securing the sofa components together.

Therefore, when using the connector1, the two sofa components and/or frames may be placed together side by side, the support blocks3may be placed on the support legs2, and the two slot openings12amay be configured to face the two support legs2. In some embodiments, subsequently, the slots12may be fitted to surround the support legs2along the outer surface of the support legs2and then fastened to the support block3(e.g., by being pushed upward). In this way, the use of the connector makes it easy to assemble the sofa, can be operated by one person only, and saves time and effort without requiring lifting up one sofa component.

As described herein elsewhere, the connector1may be made from elastic materials. For example, the sofa connector1may be an elastic component and the openings12aof each slot12can be switched between a supported open state and a reset state. In other words, the openings12aof the slots12may be opened by an external force to be fitted surrounding the supporting legs2and reset to be tightly clamped on the support block3(indented neck) when reaching the position of the support block3.

FIG.4schematically illustrates a perspective view of a connector assembly of the present disclosure in a locked state.FIG.5schematically illustrates a perspective view of a connector assembly of the present disclosure in a locked state from an angle that is different than inFIG.4. As shown inFIG.4andFIG.5, once the connector assembly is in a locked state, the slots of connector1may surround the support block3that is on the top of the legs2. The connector1may therefore secure the two legs2(e.g., one each that is fixed to two sofa components, respectively) together, and thereby secure the two sofa components together. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.5, when dissembling the connector1from sofa components, one may apply force along the applied force directions, which may cause a deformation of the elastic connector1, and thereby dissemble the connector assembly from a locked state. Although elastic-material-made connector1is described herein, in some embodiments, the connector1may be made from rigid materials, which is described in further details herein elsewhere.

FIGS.6A and6Bschematically illustrate top views of a connector assembly of the present disclosure. As shown inFIGS.6A and6B, the connector assembly may comprise a support block3. In some embodiments, the support block3is placed on support legs2, and slot12of the sofa connector1is suitable for being clamped on cushion block3. In some embodiments, by setting the support blocks3on the legs2, respectively, the slot12of the sofa connector1can be clamped on support blocks3to connect two support legs2, where the setting of support block3can make the slot12tightly surround the support block3and ensure the reliability of sofa assembly.

In some embodiments, the connector1may be a rigid member and the support block3has a first width edge and a second width edge, as shown inFIGS.6A and6B. In some embodiments, the width of the first width edge is greater than the width of the second width edge. In some embodiments, the support block3is set on the top surface of support legs2. In some embodiments, during installation, the slot12of the sofa connector1may be inserted from the second width edge of the support block3, then support legs2may be rotated to make the first width edge clamp the slot12. That is, through the cooperation of the first width edge and the second width edge of support block3, the rigid sofa connector1can be inserted via the second width edge to surround the support block3, and then rotated and clamped to the first width edge of the support block3.

As shown inFIGS.6A and6B, in some embodiments, the first width edge may be two symmetrical arc edges, and the second width edge may be two symmetrical straight line edges. In some embodiments, the support block3is placed on the top surface of support leg2and during installation, the slot12of the sofa connector1may be inserted with the opening12afacing the two straight line edges, and then support leg2may be rotated to make the two arc edges clamp the inner wall of slot12. It may be understood that the support block3may be two symmetrical positions cut out of a circular shape with two straight line edges. In some embodiments, if the sofa connector1is made from rigid materials, no tension is generated when inserted to surround the support leg2. Therefore, by configuring the support block3as the example shown inFIGS.6A and6B, when slot12is inserted to surround the support block3, by rotating the support leg2, the arc edge of the support block3can be transferred from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction, which can clamp the slot12. In addition, the configuration of support block3can produce a difference in area with support leg2(e.g., smaller area than the cross-section area of the leg2), forming a step on the top surface of support leg2and support block3, further ensuring that slot12is clamped to support block3(i.e., no up-and-down movement once clamped into a locked position).

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the sofa connector1may be a metal hardware with sufficient strength and no risk of fracture. Additionally or alternatively, the support block3and the support leg2may be integrated, and the insertion of the slot12to surround the support block3may be understood as the insertion of the leg2into the slot12.

Therefore, when using this connector1, two or more sofa components, frames, and/or portions may be assembled together. In some embodiments, the support block3may be placed on the support leg2, and the two opening12aof the two slots12are inserted to surround the two support blocks3on two closely adjacently-placed support legs2(and by extension, the sofa components that they are fixed to) of the sofa. In some embodiments, the support leg2may be then rotated to tighten the slot12within the support block3. The use of this connector1makes it easy to assemble the sofa with only one person, saving time and effort, and the support block3is easy to tighten within the slot12.

Therefore, when using this connector1, two sofa frames are assembled together, the support block3is placed on the support leg2, and the two open ends12aof the two slots12are inserted into two support blocks3on two closely adjacent support legs2of the sofa, and the support leg2is then rotated to tighten the slot12into the support block3. The use of this connector1makes it easy to assemble the sofa with only one person, saving time and effort, and the support block3is easy to tighten with the slot12.

FIGS.7-8schematically illustrate a perspective view of a connector of the present disclosure, from different angles. As shown inFIG.7, the connector1may comprise a middle board11, one or more arms13, and one or more slots12. In some embodiments, the arm13may comprise a curved portion, wherein the corresponding side of the middle board11and the curved portion131may form the slot12. In some embodiments, the middle board11may have an inward indentation (as shown inFIG.7, “indented portion”). This may save the amount of material needed to manufacture a connector1. Additionally, because of this indented portion, the connector1is not easily visible after installation, which may improve the aesthetics appearance of the sofa. That is, the presence of an indented portion enhances the aesthetic appeal of the sofa by making the connector1less noticeable after installation. This may result in a cleaner and sleeker appearance, as the connector may blend seamlessly into the overall design of the sofa.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.7, on the opposite side of the inward indentation, the middle board11may have a carved portion. This may help save the amount of material required to manufacture a connector1. As shown inFIGS.7-8, the connector1may have a rim80on the outer edge of the arms13and the middle board11. The rim80may have a width that is greater than the width of the arms13and the middle board11. In some embodiments, the width of the rim80may be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm greater than the width of the arms13and the middle board11. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.7, the rim80may comprise a wider portion81. In some embodiments, the wider portion81may be configured to be opposite to the opening12aof the slot12. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.7, the wider portion81may have a width of Width2, and the rest of the rim80may have a width of Width1. In some embodiments, Width2may be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, or 15 mm greater than the Width1. In some embodiments, the Width1may be 10 mm, and the Width2may be 15 mm, and the width of the arms13and the middle board11may be 5 mm. The design of the wider portion81has been optimized to enhance the ease of use of the connector1, while also ensuring that the user's finger is protected from being pinched. The wider configuration81of the rim80has been carefully crafted to provide a more comfortable and safe user experience. This is achieved by allowing for a more ergonomic grip when utilizing the connector1, and by reducing the risk of any accidental pinching that may occur. By taking these measures, the design aims to provide users with a smooth and worry-free experience when using the device.

FIGS.9A and9Bschematically illustrates a perspective view of the legs2and support block3to be fixed to a sofa component as support member of the sofa component. As shown inFIG.9A, the support block3may comprise a lid31and a neck32. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.9A, the neck32may comprise a top portion321that has smaller dimension than the bottom portion322of the neck32. For example, the top portion321may have a smaller cross-section area than the bottom portion322. In some embodiments, the top portion321of the neck32may have a substantially-circle shape cross-section area. In some embodiments, the top portion321of the next 32 may have a perfect circle shape cross-section area. In some embodiments, the top portion321of the neck32may have a shape that is corresponding to the shape of slot12of the connector1. For example, the top portion321of the neck32may have a dimension that is slightly smaller than the slot12. In some embodiments, the gap between the slot12and the top portion321, after installation, may be less than 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, etc. In some embodiments, the top portion321of the neck32may have a height that is correspond with the width of the arm13and middle board11of the connector1. For example, the height of the top portion321may be slightly smaller than the width of the arm13and the middle board11of the connector1. In some embodiments, the distance between the lid31and the bottom portion322of the neck32(i.e., the height of the top portion321) may be 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm greater than the width of the arm13and the middle board11of the connector1.

FIG.10schematically illustrates a perspective view of a connector assembly of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.10, the lid31and the bottom portion322may have same cross-section shape, for example, substantially-circle shape. In some embodiments, the lid31and the bottom portion322may have same cross-section area, for example, same perimeter. In some embodiments, the lid31and the bottom portion322may have different cross-section shape. In some embodiments, the lid31and the bottom portion322may have different cross-section area. In some embodiments, the cross-section area of the slot12may be smaller than the smaller one of the lid31and the bottom portion322, so to allow for a locked state being formed among the lid31, bottom portion322, top portion321and the arm13around the top portion321. With this configuration of a smaller cross-section area of the slot12compared to the smaller one of the lid31and the bottom portion322, the connector assembly may provide secure locking when the locked state created between the lid31, bottom portion322, top portion321, and arm13around the top portion321, which may help ensure that the arm13remains securely in place between lid31and the bottom portion322after installation, preventing any unintended openings or detachments. This configuration may also add stability to the overall system, making it less likely to be impacted by external forces that could cause it to move or become unaligned.

FIG.11schematically illustrates a perspective view of a connector assembly of the present disclosure in a locked state.FIG.12schematically illustrates a perspective view of a connector assembly of the present disclosure in a locked state from an angle that is different than the angle inFIG.11. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.11andFIG.12, the connector1may have an inward indentation (as shown inFIG.7, “indented portion”). This may save the amount of material needed to manufacture a connector1. Additionally, because of this indented portion, the connector1is not easily visible after installation, which may improve the aesthetics appearance of the sofa. That is, the presence of an indented portion enhances the aesthetic appeal of the sofa by making the connector1less noticeable after installation. This may result in a cleaner and sleeker appearance, as the connector may blend seamlessly into the overall design of the sofa. In some embodiments, on the opposite side of the inward indentation, the middle board11may have a carved portion (as shown inFIG.7, “carved portion”). With this configuration of the connector1, the amount of material required to manufacture the connector1can be reduced, resulting in lower costs and a more efficient manufacturing process. The low weight of the connector1may also result in lower shipping costs. Additionally, the carved portion can also improve the overall performance of the connector1, as it helps to minimize the weight and bulk of the product without sacrificing its strength and durability. This carved portion may also contribute to a more aesthetically pleasing design, creating a sleek and modern look that appeals to a wide range of consumers.

FIG.13schematically illustrates a perspective view of a sofa50with sofa components51and52connected by connector of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.13, sofa component51may comprise multiple legs2, wherein a leg2amay be a to-be-connected leg. Sofa component52may comprise multiple legs2, wherein a leg2bmay be a to-be connected leg. As shown inFIG.13, the two sofa components51and52may be placed side-by-side, with leg2aand leg2badjacent to each other. In some embodiments, the connector1may be utilized to connect the two legs, as described elsewhere herein. This configuration may eliminate the need to lift up one of the sofa components in order to connect them, which may eliminate the lifting and maneuvering heavy parts, making the process easier and less physically demanding.

FIG.14schematically illustrates a perspective view of a connector7of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.14, the connector7may comprise a first middle board71, a second middle board72, one or more arms73, and one or more slots74. The connector7, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, provides a way to connect three adjacent support legs2of three or more sofas and/or three or more sofa components to form a double or multi-person sofa. The connector7may comprise three slots74that are spaced apart by the first middle board71and the second middle board72. In some embodiment, the connector7is defined to engage with three support legs2that are adjacent to one another. As shown inFIG.14, the arm73may comprise a curved portion733, wherein the curved portion733may form the slot74. In some embodiments, the slot74may have a substantially round inner shape, with an opening74ato receive one or more supporting elements (e.g., legs) of the sofa components. In some embodiments, the slot74is in a perfect circle shape with an opening74a. In some embodiments, the opening74amay serve as a receiving path for a leg of the sofa component to fit into the slot74. In some embodiments, the slot74is arched, such as it has a partially round ring shape. The legs2(not shown inFIG.1) of the sofa or sofa component may be mostly designed as cylindrical. That is, the support legs2can be smoothly fitted into the arched slot74, further simplifying the assembly of the sofa.

In some embodiments, one or more of the arms73may comprise the curved portion and an additional flanging tip732, as shown inFIG.14. In some embodiments, one end of the arm73may be connected to one of the middle boards71and72, and the other end is bended upward to form the flanging tip732. The slot74is formed by the curved portion733of the arm73(additionally or alternatively, together with middle board71or72). That is, in some embodiments, the slot74is formed by one side of middle board (e.g., middle board71) and arm73. The curved portion733may provide the slot74with an arched shape, allowing it to fit surrounding the support legs2.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.14, the flanging tip732may be configured to be bent outward from the curved portion733at the opening74aof slot74. In some embodiments, the flanging tip732may provide a handle when assembling and/or dissembling the connector7to and/or from a sofa component, and therefore facilitate easy use of the connector7. For example, as shown inFIG.14, when assembling and/or dissembling the connector7to and/or from a sofa component, one may apply force to the flanging tip132along the applied force direction to enlarge the opening74aso to allow easy connection and/or disconnection.

As shown inFIG.14, the three slots74may have openings facing different directions. For example, opening74amay face a direction that is 90 degree or close to 90 degrees away from opening74b. In some embodiments, the opening74bmay face a direction that is 90 degree or close to 90 degrees away from opening74c. In some embodiments, the opening74amay face the opposite direction compared to opening74c. This configures of the connector7with openings facing directions that are substantially 90 degrees from one another may allow for multiple connection options, providing greater flexibility and versatility in the assembly process. Additionally, by being able to connect the sofa components in different orientations, the stability of the overall assembly can be improved, reducing the risk of tipping or instability.

FIG.15schematically illustrates a perspective view of a connector assembly of the present disclosure in a locked state.FIG.16schematically illustrates a perspective view of a connector assembly of the present disclosure in a locked state from an angle that is different than the angle inFIG.15. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.15andFIG.16, the connector7may secure three legs together to form a connected assembly, and thereby providing greater flexibility and versatility in the assembly process. As shown inFIG.15, the connector7may comprise a rim70on the outer edge of the arms73. In some embodiments, the connector7may have a rim80on the outer edge of the arms73and the middle board71. The rim80may have a width that is greater than the width of the arms73and the middle board71. In some embodiments, the width of the rim80may be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, or 5 mm greater than the width of the arms73and the middle board71. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.15, the rim80may comprise a wider portion81. In some embodiments, the wider portion81may be configured to be opposite to the opening74aof the slot74. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.15, the wider portion81may have a width of Width2, and the rest of the rim80may have a width of Width1. In some embodiments, Width1may be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, or 5 mm greater than the Width1. The design of the wider portion81has been optimized to enhance the ease of use of the connector7, while also ensuring that the user's finger is protected from being pinched. The wider configuration81of the rim80has been carefully crafted to provide a more comfortable and safe user experience. This is achieved by allowing for a more ergonomic grip when utilizing the connector7, and by reducing the risk of any accidental pinching that may occur. By taking these measures, the design aims to provide users with a smooth and worry-free experience when using the device.

FIG.17schematically illustrates a bottom view of a sofa90with sofa components91,92, and93connected by connector of the present disclosure, three sofa components91,92, and93may be placed adjacent to one another. To use the connector7, the three sofa components and/or sofa frames91,92, and93are placed side by side with respect to one another as shown inFIG.17. The slots74of the connector7may be aligned to fit surrounding the legs of the sofa components91,92, and93. In some embodiments, to ensure the reliability of the connection between the sofa connector7and the support legs2, the shape of the slot74may be adapted to the shape of the location where the support legs2are fitted into the slots74. That is, the slot74can be tightly fitted at the position where the support legs2are fitted into the slots74. For example, anti-slip rings may be installed in the position where the support legs2are fitted into the slots, and/or the fitted location of the support legs2may be designed with steps, wherein the steps may provide sufficient traction between the connector7and the support legs2to secure them in a locked position.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. It is not intended that the invention be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the invention has been described with reference to the aforementioned specification, the descriptions and illustrations of the embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the invention shall also cover any such alternatives, modifications, variations or equivalents. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.