Patent ID: 7588295

Claim:
A support assembly comprising: a tension ring; at least first and second legs, each comprising an upper terminal end, a lower end and a middle portion generally positioned between the upper end and the lower end, said lower end configured to contact a lower support surface; and a frame positioned above the tension ring and the legs, said frame contacting each leg in at least a first location situated between the upper terminal end and the lower end of the leg; wherein, the tension ring is attached to each leg at a second location proximate to the upper end of each leg, the first location being between the lower end and the second location; wherein the frame is configured to transfer a force to the legs at the contacting locations; wherein a movement of the legs relative to the tension ring causes tensile forces to be exerted on the tension ring; and wherein the tension ring is configured to help prevent movement of the first leg relative to the second leg beyond a desired distance without the need for an additional support attached at the lower end or the middle portion of the legs.