WO2000059344A1

WO2000059344A1 - Self stabilising system

Info

Publication number: WO2000059344A1
Application number: PCT/AU2000/000273
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Gwynneth
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-04-01
Filing date: 2000-03-31
Publication date: 2000-10-12
Anticipated expiration: 2001-10-01
Also published as: EP1121038A4; EP1121038A1

Abstract

A levelling and/or stabilising assembly for levelling and/or stabilising an apparatus supported on an uneven surface on a plurality of supports, the assembly including: an adjustable member (1) on one of the supports, the adjustable member adopting a position in contact with the surface when the apparatus is supported thereon; locking means (3) for locking the adjustable member against movement relative to the one support, and a trigger member (2) on another of the supports, the trigger member effecting locking of the locking means when actuated upon contact with the surface when the apparatus is supported thereon.

Description

SELF STABILISING SYSTEM

Technical Field

This mvennon relates to a self-stabihsmg system It has particular but not exclusive apphcatton to a self-stabihsmg and self-locking mechanism for an assembly supported on a surface by a four-based structure of legs or feet It has particular but not exclusive apphcatton to self-stabihsmg mechanisms for tables, ladders, stools, trestles, and numerous other four-footed structures, includmg. but not limited to, all others further identtfied in this document

Background of Invention

Tables and four-footed structures m general are often subject to uneven floors or various uneven supporting surfaces, causing them to wobble to some degree Too often the solution involves placmg cardboard or some form of shim under one of the feet This is an annoyance and only a temporary solutton This is a problem that has needed an effective means of correcting it

Numerous inventions have attempted to solve this problem, including Winters US Patent No 5.690.303

Humphreys US Patent No 467.811 , Henderson US Patent No 3,204,906,

Junkunc US Patent No 3,117.392,

Whitman US Patent No. 2,787,087,

Price Australian Patent No AU-A-36001/89

The above have proposed soluttons for table wobble but m practice, from a stability point of view, these operate similar to a three footed structure, as pressure placed from the top down on the corner of the table, on the side with the adjustable piece, can cause the table to become unbalance J. and there is no satisfactory locking mechanism These proposed solutions can not achieve the desired stability and the ease of automatic self-adjustment

Others have proposed solunons including Derby US Patent No. 2,890.824, Balcar US Patent No 2.835.427 Forπstall US Patent No 4.095.671

These are all ladder-leveling systems with respectn e fπctton binding methods, and can not be applied effecttvely to four footed structures as they have two adjustable legs, requiring two locking mechanisms While the ladder-type construction may work well for two footed applications they are not suitable for four footed structures One disadvantage is that one locking mechanism will generally engage before the other thus creating an imbalance in the final settlement of the four footed structure

SUBSTITUTE SHEET Others have proposed solutions, including Basile US Patent No 3 878.918. Husted US Patent No 2.555.036

These do not solve the problem as they are ladder-type constructions that have to be manually locked or unlocked, and generally are not useable on four footed structures

The proposed solution by Robinson Austialian Patent No AU-A-2371 1/97 is another ladder type construcnon The locking mechanism releases if one leg is lifted off the ground and further it is unsatisfactory for a four footed structure

Further proposed solutions of ladder type constructs are by Hopfeld US Patent No 3.102.606.

Cook. Sr US Patent No 4.128.139,

Studer US Patent No 4.627,516

These also fall short of the desired solution, as thev aie ladder types, and because their locking systems are incremental m nature thev will alwavs have a slight degree of wobble if applied to a four footed structure

The last solution considered here is a proposed improvement to a four legged table, by Hickman, Australian Patent No AU-A-24881/95 His proposed solution involves two identical leg assemblies that rotate in opposite directions While this is another fine proposal m theory, it is evidently impractical m real applications

The new self-stabihsmg system explained in this document proposes a solution that is effective in all aspects of operation in four footed structures This new invention is a built in. self-stabilising system that allows automatic adjustment and locking, ensuring all four feet are firmly maintained on the surface The advantages and benefits of the self-stabihsmg system are evident in the unique action of the trigger foot and the adjustable foot The adiustable foot, once locked into position, will remain locked providing that either the adjustable foot or the trigger foot remain weighted This enables the self-stabilising system to behave the same as a πgid four footed structure even if the table is tilted This feature also makes the self-stabihsmg system suitable for ladders ensuring that the system stays locked even if weight is removed from either of the two feet It has been effectively demonstrated that the self-stabilising system solves the problem of wobble m four footed structures The proto-types operate well in providing table stability, ease of use. and effectiveness Additional benefits, features and aspects of this invention are further descπbed m this document

SUBSTITUTE SHEET Objectives

The objectives of this invention are as follows

1 to establish a unique self-stabihsmg system for four footed structures that will adapt itself to even or uneven surface contours.

2 to provide a system of self-stabilisation utilising a completely new technique consisting of a tπgger foot, an adjustable foot, and a locking mechanism whereby the trigger foot initiates the locking action upon the adjustable foot,

3 to provide a self-stabilising system applicable to numerous four footed devices of vaπable size, shape, dimension and function.

4 to provide a means whereby the locking mechanism can be adapted to, and concealed withm. a wide vaπety of conventional support apparatus.

5 to provide a self-stabihsmg system where the tπgger foot and the adjustable foot can have two different methods of operation telescopic or pivoting,

6 to provide two types of locking aperture mechanisms that can be applied to different needs and styles of manufactuπng the binding arm with aperture and the tπgger foot with aperture.

7 to provide a self-stabihsmg system that can be constructed as an internal mechanism or an external mechanism.

8 to provide a self-stabihsmg system that can be applied to a support structure m which the tπgger leg. adjustable leg, and two fixed legs are elongated,

9 to provide a self-stabilising system in which there are feet that adjust the structure and which exist within the support structure at the point of contact with the support surface,

10 to provide a self-stabihsmg system that produces an effectively πgid four footed structure.

1 1 to provide a self-stabilising system that locks the adjustable foot m precise position relative to the exact degree of adjustment required,

12 to provide a trestle stabilising system that is robust and easy to manufacture.

13 to provide a self-stabihsmg system that offers numerous alternatives and methods of manufacture.

14 to provide the public with a greater choice of alternatives to meet vaπous needs, both household and commercial,

15 to provide a self-stabihsmg system that may also be applied to two footed structures,

16 to provide a self-stabilising system with greater performance than the previous adjustable levelling devises,

17 to provide greater safety to the public

Beyond the numerous applications which is a tremendous feature, the present invention has other benefits It is exceptionally easy to use with the tπgger foot and the adiustable foot operating automatically For this example we will use a basic cafe table to illustrate the supeπor qualities of the tπgger foot system When placed on a surface, the adjustable foot will extend or retract bevond the height

SUBSTITUTE SHEET of the fixed feet, and the tπgger foot, in contacting the surface will retract the small amount needed to initiate the locking of the adjustable foot The mechanism is designed such that the final retraction of the tπgger foot equals that of the adjustable foot after locking has been initiated and both fixed feet are already in contact with the surface The tngger foot always retracts to the same height as the fixed feet A benefit of this self-stabihsmg system is that once the feet are locked into position it effectively behaves the same as a rigid four footed structure A benefit and dynamic aspect of this self-stabihsmg system is that if the table is bumped, dragged, pushed or inadvertently moved, the self-stabihsmg system more often than not automatically adapts itself to any vaπation of surface contour within the range of the adjustable foot The only vaπable bemg that a slight rocking action mav have to be applied for the adjustable foot to release its position and re-adjust

Previous systems do not have the unique combination of tπgger foot, adjustable foot, and a locking mechanism initiated by the trigger foot This self-stabihsmg system can be arranged in numerous ways, creating a vaπetv of options and uses These and other objectives features, advantages, and benefits of the invention will be more fullv evident from the descπptions of the embodiments and the accompanying drawmgs

Brief Description of Drawings

With the objectives included, further reference to is made to the accompanying drawmgs, illustrating the numerous arrangements, combmations and methods of construction and applications of the invention, and including illustrations of preferred embodiments, wherein

FIG 1 A is the basic pπnciple of support arrangement on a four footed structure,

FIG IB is the basic principle of support arrangement on a four footed structure where two sets of self stabilising systems are utilised

FIGs 2 A & 2B illustrate the self binding principle

FIGs 3 A & 3B illustrate the two self binding positions.

FIGs 4 A through 4H are schematic diagrams illustrating the vaπous arrangements of the crank operated binding arm mechanism,

FIGs 5 A through 5H are schematic diagrams illustrating additional arrangements of the crank operated binding arm mechanism.

FIGs 6 A through 6H are schematic diagrams illustrating the vaπous arrangements of the slot operated binding arm mechanism,

FIG 7A is a sectioned elevation view thiough the centre and adjustable foot portion of a standard pedestal

FIG 7B is a plan view of the underside of a standard pedestal.

FIG 7C is a sectioned elevation view through the tπgger foot portion of a standard pedestal

FIG 7D is a perspective view of a bracket utilised m the standard pedestal.

FIG 8 A is a sectioned elevation view through the centre and adjustable foot portion of a slim pedestal

4

SUBSTITUTE SHEET FIG 8B is a plan view of the underside of a slim pedestal.

FIG 8C is a sectioned elevation view through the tπgger foot portion of a slim pedestal.

FIG 8D is a sectioned elevation view through the centre and tπgger foot portion of a slnn pedestal.

FIG 8E illustrates the slotted actuation bar utilised m a slim pedestal,

FIG 9A is a sectioned elevation view through the centre and adjustable foot portion of a elongated footed pedestal,

FIG 9B is a sectioned elevation view through the tπgger foot portion of a elongated footed pedestal,

FIG 9C is a plan view of the underside of a elongated legged pedestal.

FIG 10A illustrates the slotted actuation bar utilised in a corner legged table,

FIG 1 OB is a sectioned elevation view through two legs and cross frame of a corner legged table.

FIG IOC is a perspective view of a corner legged table.

FIG 11A is a perspective view of a folding table.

FIG 1 IB is a sectioned elevation view through two legs and cross frame of a folding table.

FIG 12A is an elevation view illustrating the lower portion of the legs on one side of a builder's trestle

FIG 12B is a schematic perspective view of a builder's tresde

FIG 13A is an elevation view illustrating the system with parallel feet pivots,

FIG 13B is a perspective view of a table with an ' inverted T base" utilising the parallel feet pivot system.

FIG 14 A is a sectioned elevation view through the centre and adjustable foot portion of a tπgger foot with aperture pedestal,

FIG 14B is a plan view of the underside of a tπgger foot with aperture pedestal,

FIG 14C is a sectioned elevation view through the tπgger foot portion of a tπgger foot with aperture;

FIG 14D is a perspective view of a pedestal base table.

FIG 14E through 14H are schematic diagrams illustrating the possible arrangements of the adjustable foot and tπgger foot where the foot pivots are at 90 degrees to each other.

Basic Support Principle for Four Footed Structure

FIG 1 A is a plan view schematic diagram illustrating the principle arrangement of the supports on a four footed structure The adjustable foot I and the tπgger foot 2 are located on the same side of the structure This applies to all applications of the self-stabilising system in a four footed structure Foot 3 and foot 4 are both fixed relative to the strucmre This system provides stabilisation only

Basic Support Principle for Two Sets of Self Stabilising Systems

FIG IB is a plan view schematic diagram illustrating the pπnciple arrangement where two sets of self-stabihsmg systems are utilised The locking of adjustable foot 1 is mitiated by tπgger foot 2. while the lockmg of adjustable foot 3 is imtiated by tπgger foot 4 Two sets allow the angle of the strucmre. relative to the surface it resides upon, to be altered

HEE Self Binding Principle

FIG 2 A & 2B depict the crank-arm version of three basic mechanism arrangements to illustrate the method of friction bmdmg employed to lock the adjustable foot The bmdmg arm 1 is attached to the structure, not shown, by pivot pm 2 A locking rod 3 connects with the adjustable foot, not shown, and passes through the aperture 4 m the binding arm The locking rod is free to slide through the aperture, as indicated by arrow 5 when the axis of the aperture and the locking rod are aligned Retraction of the tπgger foot, not shown, causes the tπgger rod 6 to move in the direction of arrow 7. slightly rotating the binding arm about pm 2 This causes the axis of the aperture to become non-aligned with the axis of the locking rod and creates the binding action required to prevent movement of the locking rod in direction of arrow 8

Binding on Extension & Binding on Retraction

FIG 3A & 3B depict the actuation bar version of three basic mechanism arrangements to illustrate the utilisation of the two bmdmg positions of the binding arm The binding ami 1 is attached to the strucmre. not shown, by pin 2 The actuation bar 3 is linked to the tπgger foot not shown, and limited to linear motion by p 2 passing through the elongated hole 4 Movement of the acmation bar in direction of arrow 5 will cause the binding arm to slightly rotate to one of the binding positions and preventing movement of the locking rod 6 in direction of arrow 7 Movement of the acmation bar m the direction of arrow 8 will prevent movement of the locking rod direction of arrow 9 These two bmdmg positions can be utilised to provide bmdmg on extension as well as bmdmg on retraction of the adjustable foot

Crank Actuated Binding Arm Arrangements

FIGs 4A through 4H and FIGs 5A through 5H are schematic diagrams showing vaπous ways the crank actuated bmdmg arm. lockmg rod. and tπgger foot rod can be arranged The linear and curved arrows indicate the direction the components move m when the structure is being placed The preferred arrangement for the standard pedestal is that depicted m FIG 4C however, this patent also claims the πghts to all the arrangements detailed

Slot Actuated Binding Arm Arrangements

FIGs 6A through 6H are schematic diagrams showing vaπous ways the slot actuated binding arm. locking rod. and tπgger foot bar can be laved out The linear and curved arrows mdicate the direction the components move m when the strucmre is being placed The preferred arrangement for the slim pedestal is that depicted in FIG 6D. however, this patent also claims the πghts to all the arrangements detailed

Standard Pedestal Base

The preferred mechanism for a standard pedestal base utilises a crank operated binding arm of the type depicted m schematic FIG 4C and is here descπbed with reference to FIGs 7A to 7D FIG 7A is a sectioned elevation showing the pedestal centre and adjustable foot hous g FIG 7B is a plan view of the

SUBSTITUTE SHEET underneath side of the pedestal base FIG 7C is a sectioned elevation of the tπgger foot housmg FIG 7D is a three dimensional view of a bracket The adjustable foot 1 pivots on pm 2 which is located m the pedestal base by the mounting block 3 The locking rod 4 engages with the adjustable foot 1. passes through a hole 18 in a bracket 5. and then through the aperture 6 which is located in the binding arm 8 The adjustable foot 1 is biased to extend by spring 7 which is located on the lockmg rod 4 The bmdmg arm 8 pivots on bolt 9 which is located m the body of the pedestal base The tπgger foot 10 pivots on pin 1 1 which is located m the pedestal base bv the mountmg block 12 The acmation rod 13 engages with the tπgger foot 10 and has a reduced diameter at one end for location in the bmdmg arm 8 Spπng 14. which is located at one end by a tab 19 on bracket 5 and bv the portion of the acmation rod 13 which protrudes through the binding arm 8. biases the binding arm to rotate away from the binding-on-retraction position and to extend the tπgger foot 10 Bracket 5 is secured to the pedestal base by the bolt 9 passing through hole 15 and the pedestal post attachment bolt 16 passing through hole 17 Hole 18 is for the lockmg rod to pass through The fixed feet have not been shown m either FIG 7A or FIG 7B

Slim Pedestal Base

The preferred mechanism for a slim pedestal base utilises a binding arm activated by a slotted actuation bar as depicted in schematic FIG 6D and is here descπbed with reference to FIGs 8A to 8E FIG 8A is a sectioned elevation view through the pedestal base showing detail of the locking mechanism and the adjustable foot FIG 8B is a plan view showing the underside of the base FIG 8C & 8D are sectioned elevation views through the tπgger foot housmg Figure 8E shows the actuation bar by itself The adjustable foot 1 is mounted to the structure by the bracket 2 which contains pivot pm 3 The locking rod 4 is attached to the adjustable foot 1 by pm 5 which is welded onto the top of the lockmg rod 4 The locking rod passes through the aperture 6 located in the bmdmg arm 7 The binding arm pivots on bolt 8 which is located m the body of the pedestal base A p 9 is attached to the other end of the binding arm 7 and this pin engages with the angled slot 16 m the acmation bar 10 The actuation bar is located at one end by the binding arm pivot bolt 8 which passes through slot 1 1 The other end of the actuation bar attaches to the tπgger foot 12 by pin 13 which is part of the actuation bar The tπgger foot 12 has one round hole and one slotted hole for pin 13 to reside The slotted hole is for assembly reasons only and in operation p 13 remains at the bottom of the slot The two spπngs. one above the adjustable foot and one above the tπgger foot, bias the feet to extend when free to do so The tπgger-foot is mounted to the strucmre by the bracket 14 which has pivot pm 15 welded to it The fixed feet have not been shown either FIG 8 A or FIG 8B

Pedestal with Elongated Feet

The preferred mechanism for a pedestal with elongated feet utilises a tπgger leg with binding aperture system and is illustrated FIGs 9A to 9C With the elongated feet design, the adjustable leg and the tπgger leg pivot on p s close to the centre of the pedestal FIG 9A is a sectioned elevation view

7

SUBSTITUTE SHEET through the centre of the pedestal and the adjustable leg 1 FIG 9B is a sectioned elevation view through the centre of the pedestal and the tπgger leg 2 FIG 9C is a plan view of the centre of the pedestal from underneath Continuing with reference to all these views, the adjustable leg pivots on pm 3 located the base side flanges 14 of the base A linkage rod 4 connects between the adjustable leg 1 and the bell-crank

5 by pivots 6 and 7 The bell-crank is attached to the pedestal base 8 by pivot bolt 9 The lockmg rod 10 is attached to the bell-crank 5 by pin 1 1 and passes through the aperture piece 12 which is secured to the tπgger leg The tπgger leg pivots on pm 13 located m the base side flanges The adjustable leg is free to move when the axis 14 of the aperture 12 located on the tπgger leg. is aligned with the axis of the lockmg rod Bmdmg between the tπgger leg aperture 12 and the lockmg rod locks the adjustable leg This is designed to lock when the tπgger leg is at the same angle as the fixed legs relative to the pedestal stem

Telescopic Legged Table

The preferred mechanism for a four legged table, as depicted in FIG IOC. utilises a b dmg arm which is actuated by a slotted bar as illustrated m FIGs 10A & 10B The adjustable foot 1 and the tπgger foot 2 both move Iongitudmallv relative to their respective legs 3 and 4 The locking rod 5 is attached to or part of. the adjustable foot and concealed within the leg 3 A tπgger foot rod 6 is attached to. or part of, the tπgger foot 2 and concealed within leg 4 The binding arm 7 attached to the frame by pivot 8. contains an aperture for the locking rod 5 to pass through A pm 10 engages the binding arm with the acmation bar 9 via slot 15 Another pm 13 engages the lever 1 1 with the acmation bar 9 via slot 14 The lever 1 1 is attached to the frame by pivot 12 and connects with the tπgger foot rod 6 The actuation bar is located in the frame by pivot 8 and pivot 12 passing through the hoπzontal slots Movement of the tπgger leg rotates lever 1 1 and m turn causes linear motion of the actuation bar This linear motion of the actuation bar 9 is then transformed back to rotational motion of the bmdmg arm 7 The rotation of the binding arm is limited by the two binding positions of the locking rod in the aperture, locking on extension and locking on retraction

Alternatively, the bmdmg arm 7 and the lever 11 could both contain crank arms connected with a linkage rod as utilised in the telescopic foldmg table example listed below

Telescopic Folding Table

The preferred mechanism for a telescopic folding table, as depicted in FIG 1 1 A. is illustrated in FIG 1 IB The adjustable leg 1 and the tπgger leg 2 move longitudmally relative to the strucmre 's legs The locking rod 3 is attached at the bottom of the adjustable leg and the tπgger rod 4 similarly attached to the tπgger leg The bmdmg arm 5 is attached to the frame by pivot 6. and lever 7 is attached to the frame by pivot 8 The bindmg arm and the lever are connected by linkage rod 9

Builder's Trestle

The preferred mechanism for a builder's trestle is a telescopic system with an external mechanism as detailed in FIG 12A. which is an elevation view of the lower portion of the trestle showing the self-

8

SUBSTITUTE SHEET locking-system m detail for one set of the trestle^'s telescopic legs In this arrangement the adjustable leg 1. shown at near full extension, also acts as the locking rod The adjustable leg is a stepped tube, the larger upper section being free to slide inside the tube of the trestle frame 2. and the smaller lower section being free to slide through the aperture of the bmdmg arm 3 when then" axis are aligned The larger upper diameter serves to limit the extension of the adjustable leg 1 The bmdmg arm 3 is mounted to the trestle frame by pivot 4 and is connect to lever 5 by linkage rod 6 Lever 5 is mounted to the trestle frame by pivot 7 and engages with the tπgger leg 8 by having the end of the lever located through a hole in the side of the tπgger leg 8 The tπgger-leg is free to slide mside the tube of the trestle frame When the trestle is placed the adjustable leg 1 retracts until the tπgger leg 8 also makes contact with the surface A small retraction of the tπgger leg causes the bmdmg arm 3 to slightly rotate and initiate friction bmdmg of the adjustable leg 1 When lifting the trestle above a surface, a small extension of the tπgger leg 8 moves the lockmg mechanism to the binding on extension position and thus producing a friction locking in the other direction for the adjustable leg 1 and preventing it from dropping down

The svstem mav be applied to one or two sets of the trestle's legs Applied to one set of legs provides stabilisation only while applied to two sets of legs allows the level of the trestle to be adjusted relative to the surface it is placed upon In both applications the lockmg of the adjustable leg is automatic FIG 12B is a sketch of a trestle showing the position of two sets of self locking systems The lower ends of all four legs are telescopic Leg 9 triggers the lockmg of adjustable leg 10. while leg 11 triggers the locking of adjustable leg 12

Parallel feet pivots with Trigger Foot Aperture

This version of the self stabilising system has the locking aperture and tπgger foot combined, and the adjustable foot pivot is parallel with the tπgger foot pivot It has a wide range of applications, but for ease of descπption. the 'mverted-T-style' table base. FIGs 13A & 13B. is utilised to illustrate the mechanism arrangement The adjustable foot 1 is attached to the strucmre by pivot 2 The locking rod 3. connected to the adjustable foot by pivot 4. passes through the lockmg aperture 5 in the tπgger foot 6 The tπgger foot is attached to the structure by pivot 7 Gravity or spπngs 8 and 9 may be utilised to bias both the adjustable foot and the tπgger foot to extend when free to do so Free from a surface the tπgger extends until the lockmg mechanism is in the bindmg on extension position When being placed upon a surface the tπgger foot 6 retracts until the locking mechanism moves to the bmdmg on retraction position Between these two locking positions the locking rod 3 is free to pass through the aperture 5, permitting the adjustable foot 1 to extend if necessary The adjustable foot can extend much further than the tπgger foot the latter s rotation being limited to a relatively small amount by the clearance between the locking rod and the aperture

The same mechanism layout, but placed in a different structure, may be applied for stabilising vaπous structures or appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators

SUBSTITUTE SHEET Trigger Foot Aperture with Feet Pivots at 90 Degrees

The preferred mechanism for a pedestal base with tπgger foot aperture is detailed with reference to FIGs 14 A to 14C This arrangement utilises the configuration of tπgger foot and adjustable foot as depicted m FIG 14E FIG 14A is a sectioned elevation showing the pedestal centre and adjustable foot housmg FIG 14B is a plan view of the underneath side of the pedestal base FIG 14C is a sectioned elevation of the tπgger foot housmg The adjustable foot 1 pivots on p 2 which is located in the pedestal base by the mounting block 3 The linkage rod 4 connects the adjustable foot with the bell-crank 5 located near the centre of the pedestal base by pivot bolt 6 The lockmg rod 7 connects to the bell-crank 5 and passes through the locking aperture 8 which is part of the tπgger foot 9 The tπgger-foot is mounted to the structure by the bracket 10 which has pivot pm 11 welded to it Two spπngs. one above the adjustable foot and one above the tπgger foot, bias the feet to extend when free to do so The fixed feet have not been shown in any of these figures FIGs 14F through 14H are alternative ways which the tπgger foot and adjustable foot can be arranged and are claimed by this invention

Scope of Invention

The scope of this invention applies generallv to all types of embodiments which could be devised and operable as or within anv four-footed structure employing the self stabilismg system mcludmg but not limited to tables and benches, washing machines and dryers, refrigerators and freezers, trestles and scaffoldmg, filing cabinets and floor cabinets, ladders and any indoor or outdoor apparatus

Summary

This invention provides an alternative and an improvement to known systems and methods for self-stabilising tables, trestles, and any four footed structure employing this self-stabilising system The invention exists as a stabilising assembly and when placed on any surface, even or uneven, it is self- adjusting and self-stabilising It can be built into a plurality of supports, meaning two out of four legs/feet m a typical table, or most four legged structures In a four footed strucmre. it has two fixed feet, an adjustable foot, and a tπgger foot Its uniqueness is a result of the principle of its action, consisting of an adjustable foot a means of lockmg the adjustable foot, and a tπgger foot that initiates the locking action upon the adjustable foot

The lockmg action, in general, occurs when the axis of the lockmg rod and the axis of the aperture arm become non-parallel to each other, creating a fπction-bindmg action

w

SUBSTITUTE SHEET In operation, the four-footed structure settles onto the two fixed feet first and then the adjustable foot will extend or retract bevond the height of the fixed feet, and the tπgger foot, m contacting the surface, will retract the small amount needed to initiate the locking of the adjustable foot The mechamsm is designed such that the final retraction of the tπgger foot equals that of the adjustable foot after lockmg has been imtiated and both fixed feet are already in contact with the surface The tπgger foot always retracts to the same height as the fixed feet A benefit of this self-stabilising system is that once the feet are locked into position it effectively behaves the same as a πgid four footed structure

In addition, to summanse in greater detail the ratio of leverage on the lockmg mechamsm by the adjustable foot m relation to that of the tπgger foot, is designed such that the final retraction of the adjustable foot equals that of the tπgger foot, beginning when the locking action commences and the structure (table) is be g secured m place, with the two fixed feet already firmly in contact with the surface This is further claπfied m the descπption section of this document

11

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows

Claim 1. A self stabilismg system, as an assembly operating within or as any four footed structure, consisting of an adjustable foot, a means of lockmg the adjustable foot, and a tπgger foot that initiates the lockmg action of the adjustable foot, and where both the adjustable foot and the tπgger foot are existing on one side of the four footed structure, and where the two fixed feet are existing on the other side of the four footed structure, and further, the ratio of leverage on the lockmg mechamsm by the adjustable foot m relation to the tπgger foot, is designed such that the final retraction of the adjustable foot equals that of the tπgger foot, beginning when the lockmg action commences and the structure (table, for example) is bemg secured in place, with the two fixed feet already firmly m contact with the surface, thereby when placed on a surface, the adjustable foot will extend or retract beyond the height of the fixed feet, and the tπgger foot, in contacting the surface, will retract the small amount needed to initiate the lockmg of the adjustable foot, and further, the tπgger foot always retracts to the same height as the fixed feet.

Claim 2. A self stabilismg system according to claim 1 wherem a binding aπn with aperture is the differentiating component that in connection with the locking rod forms the locking mechamsm of said self stabilismg system.

Claim 3. A self stabilismg system according to claim 1. wherein a tπgger foot with aperture is the differentiating component that m connection with the lockmg rod forms the locking mechamsm of said self stabilismg system,

Claim 4. A self stabilising system according to clanns 1 and 2. wherein a pivotmg action of the adjustable foot and the tπgger foot are at 90 degrees to each odier is the differentiating component.

Claim 5. A self stabilismg system accordmg to claims 1 and 2. wherein a telescopic action of the adjustable foot and the tπgger foot is the differentiating component,

Claim 6. A self stabilismg system accordmg to claims 1. 2. and 4, wherem an internal bmdmg arm and feet are the differentiating components,

Claim 7. A self stabilismg system according to claims 1, 2. and 4. wherem an external bmdmg arm and feet are the differentiating components.

Claim 8. A self stabilismg system accordmg to claims 1. 2. and 5 wherein an internal bmdmg arm and feet are the differentiating components.

Claim 9. A self stabilising system according to claims 1. 2. and 5 wherem an external bmdmg arm is the differentiating component,

12

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

Claim 10. A self stabilising system accordmg to claims 1. 2, 4. and 6. wherein a slot-activated bmdmg arm in a slim pedestal base is the differentiating component.

Claim 11. A self stabilising system accordmg to claims 1. 2. 4. and 6 wherem a crank-activated bmdmg arm m a standard pedestal base is the differentiating component.

Claim 12. A self stabilismg system accordmg to claims 1. 2. 4. and 7 wherein a slot-activated bmdmg arm. an elongated external tπgger foot, an elongated external adjustable foot, and two elongated fixed feet are the differentiating components.

Claim 13. A self stabilising system accordmg to claims 1. 2 4. and 7 wherem a crank-activated bmdmg arm. an elongated external tngger foot, an elongated external adjustable foot, and two elongated fixed feet are the differentiating components,

Claim 14. A self stabilismg system according to claims 1. 2. 5. and 8. wherein a slot-activated bmdmg arm in a comer legged table is the differentiating component.

Claim 15. A self stabilismg svstem accordmg to claims 1. 2. 5. and 8 wherein a crank-activated bmdmg arm in a comer legged table is the differentiating component.

Claim 16. A self stabilising system accordmg to claims 1, 2, 5, and 8. wherem a slot-activated binding arm m a foldmg table is the differentiating component,

Claim 17. A self stabilising system accordmg to claims 1, 2. 5, and 8. wherein a crank-activated bmdmg arm a foldmg table is the differentiating component.

Claim 18. A self stabilismg system according to claims 1, 2. 5. and 9 where an external crank-activated binding arm in a builder's trestle is the differentiating component.

Claim 19. A self stabilismg system accordmg to claims 1 and 3. wherein the tπgger foot pivot, parallel with the adjustable foot pivot, is the differentiating component.

Claim 20. A self stabilismg system accordmg to claims 1 and 3. wherem a pivoting action of the adjustable foot and the tπgger foot are at 90 degrees to each other is the differentiating component.

Claim 21. A self stabilising system according to claims 1 3. and 19. wherein the tπgger foot with aperture and the adjustable foot aie internal is the differentiating component.

Claim 22. A self stabilising system accordmg to claims 1. 3. and 20. wherem the tπgger foot with aperture and the adjustable foot are internal is the differentiating component.

ι:

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

Claim 23. A self stabilismg system accordmg to claims 1. 3. and 20. wherem the elongated external tπgger foot, an elongated external adjustable foot, and two elongated external fixed feet is the differentiating component.

Claim 24. As m claims 1 through 23. substantially as here descnbed with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention, all possible vaπations of lockmg mechanism^'s actions shown in the accompanying draw gs as in figures 4A through 4H. figures 5A through 5H. figures 6A through 6H. and figures 14E through 14H

14

SUBSTITUTE SHEET AMENDED CLAIMS

[received by the International Bureau on 19 July 2000 (19.07.00) ; original claims 1-24 replaced by new claims 1-6 (1 pages)] The claims defining the l ention are as follows

Claim 1. A self stabilising system, as an assembly operating within oi as anv four tooted strucmre. consisting of an adjustable foot, a means of locking the adjustable foot, and a tπgger toot that initiates the locking action of the adjustable foot, and where both the adjustable foot and the tπgger foot are existing on one side of the four footed strucmre. and where the two fixed feet are existing on the other side of the four footed structure, and further, the ratio of leverage on the locking mechanism by the adjustable foot m relation to the tπgger foot, is designed such that the final retraction of the adjustable foot equals that of the tπgger foot, beginning when the locking action commences and the strucmre (table, for example) is bemg secured in place, with the two fixed feet already firmly in contact with the surface, thereby when placed on a surface, the adjustable foot will extend or retract beyond the height of the fixed feet, and the tπgger foot. in contacting the surface, will retract the small amount needed to in ate the locking of the adjustable foot. and further, the tngger foot always retracts to the same height as the fixed feet.

Claim 2. A self stabilising system accordmg to claim 1. where a pivoting adjustable foot with a locking rod (of circular, rectangular, or some other cross-sectional shape) connected to it. the locking of the adjustable foot achieved by friction binding of the locking rod m an aperture contained in a pivoting binding piece, and this binding piece being connected to a pivoting tπgger foot being the differentiating components.

Claim 3. A self stabilising system according to claim 1, wherein a pivoting adjustable foot with a locking rod (of circular, rectangular, or some other cross-sectional shape) connected to it and the lockmg of the adjustable foot achieved by fπction binding of the locking rod in an aperture contained in a pivoting tπgger foot being the differentiating components

Claim 4. A self stabilising system according to claim 1. wherein a telescopic adjustable foot and the locking rod (of circular, rectangular, or some other cross-sectional shape) being either a part of the adjustable foot or the adjustable foot itself, the locking of the adjustable foot achieved bv fπction binding of the locking rod in an aperture contained in a pivoting binding piece, and this binding piece being connected to a telescopic tπgger foot being the differentiating components

Claim 5. A self stabilising system according to claim 1. wherein a telescopic adjustable foot and the lockmg rod (of circular, rectangular, or some other cross-sectional shape) being either a part of the adjustable foot or the adjustable foot itself, the locking of the adjustable foot achieved by fπction binding of the locking rod m an aperture contained in a pivoting binding piece, and this binding piece being connected to a pivoting tngger foot being the differentiating components

Claim 6. As in claims 1 through 5. substantially as herein descπbed with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention, all possible vaπations of lockmg mechanism s actions shown in the accompanying drawings as in figures2A and 3A. figures 4A through 4H. figures 5A through 5H. figures

6 A through 6H. and figures 14E through 14H