U.S. patent application number 12/066817 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-20 for portable cot.
This patent application is currently assigned to Funtastic Limited. Invention is credited to Matthew Golias, John M. Nielsen, Jon Graham Seddon.
Application Number | 20080282468 12/066817 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37864574 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080282468 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Golias; Matthew ; et
al. |
November 20, 2008 |
Portable Cot
Abstract
A foldable cot (10) includes an upper peripheral frame (16) and
first and second supporting leg structures (20). The A foldable cot
(10) includes an upper peripheral frame (16) and first and second
supporting leg structures (20). The peripheral frame (16) comprises
a first U-shaped frame portion (20) and a second U-shaped frame
portion (20) wherein the first U-shaped frame portion and the
second U-shaped frame portion each have first and second ends (24,
26). The first ends (24) substantially meet at a first junction
(28) and the second ends (26) substantially meet at a second
junction (30) to thereby define a substantially closed loop
peripheral frame. The first and second U-shaped frames (20) are
pivotable relative to the first and second junctions (28, 30) to
adjust from an erected configuration to a folded configuration. The
first supporting leg structure (20) supports the peripheral frame
(16) at the first junction (28) and the second supporting leg
structure (20) support the peripheral frame (16) at the second
junction (30). Each of the first and second supporting leg
structures (20) comprise two support legs (32, 34) which are
pivotable relative to the associated junction (28, 30) to adjust
from a configuration whereby the two support legs (32, 34) diverge
in the downward direction at an included angle, to a collapsed
configuration with the support legs arranged at a lesser included
angle. The support legs (32, 34) are length adjustable. The length
adjustment of the two support legs (32, 34) may be operable in
unison in the collapsed configuration.
Inventors: |
Golias; Matthew; (Middle
Park, AU) ; Seddon; Jon Graham; (Surrey Hills,
AU) ; Nielsen; John M.; (Chadstone, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WORKMAN NYDEGGER
60 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE, 1000 EAGLE GATE TOWER
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Assignee: |
Funtastic Limited
Glen Waverley
AU
|
Family ID: |
37864574 |
Appl. No.: |
12/066817 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
September 15, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2006/001363 |
371 Date: |
March 13, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/111 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/063
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/111 |
International
Class: |
A47C 17/70 20060101
A47C017/70; A47C 17/76 20060101 A47C017/76 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 15, 2005 |
AU |
2005905102 |
Claims
1-19. (canceled)
20. A foldable cot comprising: a support frame having two spaced
supporting leg structures, each of which comprises two support legs
which are pivotable relative to one another between an angled
configuration whereby the support legs extend at an included angle,
and a collapsed configuration whereby the support legs extend at a
lesser included angle, wherein each of the support legs is length
adjustable with the length adjustment of the two support legs of
each support leg structure being operable in unison in the
collapsed configuration.
21. The foldable cot as claimed in claim 20 wherein each support
leg of each support leg structure includes a length adjustment
actuator, wherein the actuators are disposed to interact with each
other when in the collapsed configuration.
22. The foldable cot as claimed in claim 21 wherein the length
adjustment actuators are arranged on the respective support legs to
face each other and to hit against each other in the collapsed
configuration.
23. The foldable cot as claimed in claim 20 wherein the support
legs are telescopic to effect the length adjustment in unison.
24. The foldable cot as claimed in claim 20 including: an upper
peripheral frame comprising a first U-shaped frame portion and a
second U-shaped frame portion wherein the first U-shaped frame
portion and the second U-shaped frame portion each have first and
second ends, wherein the first ends substantially meet at a first
junction and the second ends substantially meet at a second
junction to thereby define a substantially closed loop peripheral
frame, the first and second U-shaped frames being pivotable
relative to the first and second junctions to adjust from an
erected configuration to a folded configuration; wherein the upper
peripheral frame is supported by the support frame.
25. The foldable cot as claimed in claim 24 wherein the support
legs are length adjustable between a shortened length and an
extended length, wherein the shortened length is commensurate with
the length of the U-shaped frame portions in their folded
configuration.
26. The foldable cot as claimed in claim 24 wherein the first
supporting leg structure is connected to the first junction and the
second supporting leg structure is connected to the second junction
wherein the pivotal mounting of the first ends at the first
junction is arranged in a plane which is offset from the plane of
the pivotal mounting of the support legs of the first supporting
leg structure and the pivotal mounting of the second ends at the
second junction is arranged in a plane which is offset from the
plane of the pivotal mounting of the support legs of the second
supporting leg structure such that the folding of the U-shaped
frame portions does not interfere with the folding of the support
legs.
27. The foldable cot as claimed in claim 24 further including
bracing mechanisms each of which extend between one of the support
legs and an adjacent part of the upper peripheral frame, each
bracing mechanism comprising two pivotally joined links which are
foldable between an aligned configuration wherein the two links are
substantially aligned with each other and a folded
configuration.
28. The foldable cot as claimed in claim 27 wherein each bracing
mechanism includes a lock mechanism which may be selectively
deactivated by a user actuator which is located at the join between
the two links.
29. The foldable cot as claimed in claim 28 wherein the user
actuator faces away from the inside of the cot.
30. The foldable cot as claimed in claim 20 further including a
lower frame supported at or adjacent each of its four corners from
the support legs.
31. The foldable cot as claimed in claim 30 wherein the lower frame
comprises two frame loops which are pivotally connected along a
transverse centre line of the cot and are foldable about this
transverse centre line.
32. The foldable cot as claimed in claim 31 wherein the pivotal
interconnection is in the form of the 4-bar linkage.
33. A foldable cot comprising a base comprising two frame portions
which are pivotally interconnected to be foldable from a co-planar
configuration to define a support for a mattress, to a folded
configuration, wherein the pivotal interconnection is in the form
of a 4-bar linkage.
34. The foldable cot as claimed in claim 33 wherein the two frame
portions comprise two loops which are pivotally interconnected
about a transverse centre line of the cot.
35. The foldable cot as claimed in claim 33 wherein the pivotal
interconnection between the two frame portions includes support
feet which in the co-planar configuration of the two frame portions
assist in supporting the base of the cot.
36. The foldable cot as claimed in claim 35 wherein the 4-bar
linkage comprises: two upper links, each of which is fixedly
connected to a part of a respective one of the frame portions; and
two lower links which are longer than the upper links and
incorporate respective support feet.
37. The foldable cot as claimed in claim 36 wherein the links
interfere with each other in the co-planar configuration to limit
movement beyond the co-planar configuration.
38. The foldable cot as claimed in claim 33 wherein the two frame
portions are pivotally mounted to the support legs of the cot.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a portable cot. In
particular, the invention relates to a cot which is foldable from
an erected operational configuration to a collapsed configuration
to make the cot more easily able to be stored and/or
transported.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Portable cots are known to generally have four upright poles
which define the four corner posts of the cot. Upper and lower bars
extend between the upright posts. Often, these bars are foldable or
collapsible so as to enable the four corner posts of the cot to
move closer together into a collapsed configuration. However, these
bars usually are covered with the fabric which forms the bassinet
or defines the outline of the cot. Therefore, the mechanisms which
enable the bars to collapse are generally hidden from the operator.
This renders the operating mechanism non-intuitive so that the user
may have difficulty erecting or collapsing the cot. Furthermore, in
some known cots, the collapsing of the bars needs to be done in a
particular order or the mechanism will jam or be damaged.
Furthermore, the concealment of the collapsing mechanism within the
fabric may therefore hide from the user whether or not the cot has
been properly erected. This could lead to the cot being improperly
used and subsequently collapsing in use.
[0003] It is therefore an objection of the present invention to
provide a foldable cot which addresses at least some of the
aforementioned disadvantages. An alternative object is to provide
the public with a useful choice.
[0004] The foregoing prior art discussion is not to be taken as an
admission of common general knowledge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention
there is provided a foldable cot including:
[0006] an upper peripheral frame comprising a first U-shaped frame
portion and a second U-shaped frame portion wherein the first
U-shaped frame portion and the second U-shaped frame portion each
have first and second ends, wherein the first ends substantially
meet at a first junction and the second ends substantially meet at
a second junction to thereby define a substantially closed loop
peripheral frame.sub.7 the first and second U-shaped frames being
pivotable relative to the first and second junctions to adjust from
an erected configuration to a folded configuration; and
[0007] a first supporting leg structure supporting the peripheral
frame at the first junction and a second supporting leg structure
supporting the peripheral frame at the second junction, each of the
first and second supporting leg structures comprising two support
legs which are pivotable relative to the associated junction to
adjust from a configuration whereby the two support legs diverge in
the downward direction at an included angle, to a collapsed
configuration with the support legs arranged at a lesser included
angle, wherein the support legs are length adjustable.
[0008] The support legs are preferably adjustable between a
shortened length and an extended length, wherein the shortened
length is commensurate with the length of the U-shaped frame
portions in the folded configuration. The support legs may be
telescopic.
[0009] Preferably in the folded configuration, the support legs of
each supporting leg structure are collapsible to a configuration
whereby they extend substantially parallel to one another. In a
most preferred form of the invention, when the support legs are in
their collapsed configuration, the support legs of each support leg
structure are arranged to be telescopic in unison. Each support leg
of each support leg structure may include a length adjustment
actuator, wherein the actuators are disposed to interact with each
other when in the collapsed configuration. In a most preferred form
of the invention, the length adjustment actuators are arranged on
the respective support legs to face each other and to hit against
each other in the collapsed configuration.
[0010] The support legs may each include a foot portion.
[0011] The folded cot may include first and second junction units.
The first ends of the U-shaped frame portions may be pivotally
connected to the first junction unit. The second ends of the
U-shaped framed portions may be pivotally connected to the second
junction unit. The first and second junction units may comprise a
plastic moulding.
[0012] The first supporting leg structure may be connected to the
first junction unit with both support legs thereof pivotally
mounted to the first junction unit. Likewise, the second supporting
leg structure may be connected to the second junction unit with
both of the support legs pivotally mounted to the second junction
unit. As each junction unit will be pivotally connected to the
U-shaped frame portions and associated support legs, it is
preferred that the pivotal mounting of the first ends in the first
junction unit is arranged in a plane which is offset from the plane
of the pivotal mounting of the support legs of the first supporting
leg structure. Likewise a similar arrangement is preferred for the
second junction unit. In this manner, the folding of the U-shaped
frame portions will not interfere with the folding of the support
legs. The folding of the U-shaped frame portions may be independent
of the folding of the support legs.
[0013] Preferably, the erected configuration of the U-shaped frame
portions and the support legs is held by a locking means. This may
be achieved by bracing which operates between the support legs and
the U-shaped frame portions. In a preferred form of the invention,
a bracing mechanism extends between each support leg and an
adjacent part of the peripheral frame. Accordingly, each U-shaped
frame portion will be supported by two bracing mechanisms. Each
bracing mechanism may comprise two pivotally joined links which are
foldable between an aligned configuration wherein the two links are
substantially aligned with each other and a folded configuration.
Preferably, the two links are locked into the aligned
configuration, which lock may be selectively deactivated by a user
actuator. Preferably, each user actuator is located at the join
between the two links with the user actuator facing outwardly of
the cot to reduce the likelihood of the child occupant of the cot
operating the actuator.
[0014] In the erected configuration, the upper peripheral frame
preferably defines a substantially planar rectangular loop. The
upper peripheral frame may support the bassinet fabric which is
preferably suspended therefrom. Suitably, the bassinet fabric
extends on the inside of the support legs and the bracing
mechanisms.
[0015] Additionally, the cot may include a lower frame. The lower
frame may assist in providing support to the fabric bassinet.
Preferably, the lower frame is supported at each of its four
corners from the support legs. Accordingly, the lower frame may be
foldable with the folding of the support legs. In a most preferred
form of the invention, the lower frame comprises two frame loops
which are pivotally connected along a transverse centre line of the
cot. Preferably, the two base frame loops fold about this
transverse centre line. The base frame loops may be pivotally
mounted to adjacent support legs. Furthermore, the lower frame may
incorporate feet portions which are preferably disposed along the
transverse centre line.
[0016] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention
there is provided a foldable cot including:
[0017] a support frame having two spaced supporting leg structures,
each of which comprises two support legs which are pivotable
relative to one another between an angled configuration whereby the
support legs extend at an included angle, and a collapsed
configuration whereby the support legs extend at a lesser included
angle, wherein each of the support legs is length adjustable with
the length adjustment of the two support legs of each support leg
structure being operable in unison in the collapsed
configuration.
[0018] The features described above in connection with the first
aspect of the invention may be applied to the second aspect
above.
[0019] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a foldable cot including a base comprising two
frame portions which are pivotally interconnected to be foldable
from a co-planar configuration to define a support for a mattress,
to a folded configuration, wherein the pivotal interconnection is
in the form of a 4-bar linkage.
[0020] The pivotal interconnection between the two frame halves may
include support feet which in the co-planar configuration assist in
supporting the base of the cot. The 4-bar linkage may comprise two
upper links, each of is fixedly connected to a part of a respective
one of the frame halves. Further, the 4-bar linkage may include two
lower links which are longer that the upper links and incorporate
respective support feet. The 4-bar linkage operates so that in the
co-planar configuration, the upper links may extend with their
length direction somewhat aligned with the plane of the frame
halves. In the folded configuration, the upper links and the lower
links extend preferably generally parallel to the frame halves to
reduce the folded bulk of the linkage. Furthermore, the links may
be designed so that in the co-planar configuration they interfere
with each other so as to preclude movement beyond the co-planar
configuration. The linkages therefore define a support for the
centre of the base. They also allow the frame halves of the base to
fold up and lie in a compact configuration alongside one another by
reconfiguring to a compact configuration in the folded
configuration.
[0021] Preferably, the arrangement of the two frame halves is such
that they fold along a transverse centreline of the cot. The two
frame halves preferably comprise closed rectangular frames. Each of
the frame halves may also be pivotally mounted to support legs of
the cot.
[0022] The foldable cot described above in accordance with the
third aspect of the invention may incorporate any of the features
described above in connection with the other aspects of the
invention.
[0023] As used herein, the term "comprise" and variations of the
term, such as "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised", are not
intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or
steps.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] In order that the invention may be more fully understood,
one embodiment will now be described by way of example with
reference to the drawings in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is perspective view showing the framework of a
portable cot according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 but with the
inclusion of the bassinet fabric;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a front view of the cot of FIG. 1 with the
bassinet fabric removed for clarity;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a front view, similar to FIG. 3, except shown in a
partially folded configuration;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a front view similar to FIG. 4 except shown in a
further folded configuration;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a front view similar to FIG. 5, except shown in a
fully folded configuration;
[0031] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the framework in the
fully folded configuration;
[0032] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a bracing
mechanism of the cot of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 9 is a front view of a pivotal interconnection of the
cot of FIG. 1, shown in an extended configuration;
[0034] FIG. 10 is the pivotal interconnection of FIG. 9 except
shown in a folded configuration;
[0035] FIG. 11 is a sectional view through a support leg of the cot
of FIG. 1, shown latched in the extended configuration;
[0036] FIG. 12 is a detail of FIG. 11; and
[0037] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the support leg of FIG. 13,
shown in the retracted configuration.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates the framework 10 for a cot 12 which is
fully shown in FIG. 2. The framework 10 supports a fabric bassinet
14 as shown. For clarity, the remaining figures will show the
framework 10 without the fabric bassinet 14.
[0039] Reverting to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the framework 10
includes an upper peripheral frame 16 and a lower frame 18 which
are supported by two leg supporting structures 20 on either side of
the framework 10. The upper peripheral frame 16 is made up of two
U-shaped frame portions 22 each of which has a first end 24 and a
second end 26. The first ends substantially meet and are pivotally
mounted to a first junction unit 28. The second ends 26 are
likewise pivotally mounted to a second junction unit 30. The first
and second junction units 28, 30 may be plastic mouldings and are
preferably identical.
[0040] Each supporting leg structure 20 comprises two support legs
32, 34 which are both pivotally mounted to the associated junction
unit 28, 30. Each of the support legs 32, 34 is length adjustable
and has support feet 36 at the lower end.
[0041] The base frame 18 is made up of two frame halves 40 which
are pivotally interconnected by two spaced 4-bar linkage mechanisms
42. The two 4-bar linkage mechanisms 42 are aligned. The frame
halves 40 are also pivotally mounted to the support legs 32, 34
through pivotal mounting 44.
[0042] Bracing mechanisms 46 extend between each support leg 32, 34
and an adjacent part of the upper peripheral frame 16. The bracing
mechanisms 46 include a press button actuator 48 which when
actuated enables the bracing mechanisms 46 to collapse and fold
inwardly.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 2 it can be seen that the fabric bassinet
14 is suspended to some extent from the upper peripheral frame 14.
Further, the fabric bassinet 14 may be supported on the base frame
18. The fabric extends inwardly of the support legs 32, 34 and the
bracing mechanisms 46 to reduce the likelihood of these parts being
accessed by an infant within the cot 12. Thus they can be easily
accessed externally by an adult operator.
[0044] The operation to fold the cot of FIG. 2 will now be
described in conjunction with FIGS. 3 to 7. In operation, the user
can commence folding the cot by depressing the two button actuators
48 provided on the two bracing mechanisms 46 which are disposed at
the same end of the cot, i.e. connected to the same U-shaped frame
portion 22. By depressing the button actuators 48, one with each
hand, the associated upper frame portion 22 can be folded about the
first and second junction units 28, 30 to the position shown in
FIG. 4. The user will be required to use both hands to depress both
actuators and collapse one of the U-shaped frame portions 22. The
user then moves to the other end of the cot 12 and depresses the
remaining two button actuators 48 to fold down the other U-shaped
frame portion 22. The partially folded configuration in FIG. 4 will
then be adopted.
[0045] In a further step, the user then grabs the centre of the
lower frame 18, e.g. adjacent the two 4-bar linkages 42 and pulls
upwardly. Where the fabric bassinet 14 covers the base frame, a
hand-pull may be provided to effect this operation. By pulling up
the centre of the lower frame 18, the two base frame halves 40 will
fold from the co-planar configuration shown in FIG. 1 to a position
where the two frame halves lie alongside each other. This can be
most clearly seen in FIG. 7. This operation also causes the
pivotable support legs 32, 34 to move from the erected
configuration shown in FIG. 1 to the folded configuration shown in
FIG. 5. In FIG. 5 the two leg portions 32, 34 on each side of the
cot 12 extend substantially parallel to one another.
[0046] Reverting to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the leg portion 32,
34 each have a length adjustment mechanism 110 which will be
described in greater detail in FIGS. 11 to 13. The length
adjustment mechanisms both include an actuator 119 which face each
other as shown. When the support legs 32, 34 are brought together
as shown in FIG. 5, the actuators 119 hit each other and thereby
effect operation of the each of the length adjustment mechanisms.
This may occur practically automatically as the two support legs
32, 34 are brought together. When the length adjustment mechanisms
are operated (see FIGS. 11 to 14 for further detail), the support
legs 32, 34 will be moved to the retracted position shown in FIG.
6.
[0047] FIG. 7 shows the fully folded and retracted framework 10 in
perspective. It can be seen that the fully folded and retracted
configuration still possesses the width of the erected cot but will
fold to a flat configuration which has a length approximately equal
to half the length of the framework 10. This presents a
substantially flat package which enables the cot to be stored in
certain locations such as under beds. Furthermore, because the
operating mechanism of the cot is visible from the outside of the
cot, this makes the folding operation more intuitive for the user
and thus makes the cot easier to erect and disassemble.
[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates the components of the bracing mechanism
46. The bracing mechanism 46 includes two links 60, 62. In the
fully erected configuration of the cot shown in FIG. 1, the two
links 60, 62 are substantially aligned. Each link 60, 62 has an
outer end. The outer end 64 of link 60 is pivotally connected to
the U-shaped frame 22. The outer end 66 of the link 62 is pivotally
mounted to the support leg 32/34.
[0049] The inner ends of the links 60, 62 each have respective
housing halves 68, 70 which provide a housing for an internal
toothed cog 72 and spring 74. The spring 74 biases the cog 72
towards the housing half 70. In this position, the tooth cog 72
will engage with mating recesses 76 provided in the housing half 68
and likewise will engage with mating recesses (not shown) provided
in the housing half 70, thus precluding relative movement of the
housing halves 68, 70. The button actuator 48 has a pair of arcuate
projections 78, only one of which is shown. These projections 78
extend through complementary recesses 80 provided in the housing
half 70. On depression of the button actuator 48, the toothed cog
72 will be moved out of alignment with the mating recesses provided
in the housing half 70, thereby permitting the link 62 to rotate
about central pin 82. The bracing mechanism 46 will then be
permitted to fold inwardly to adopt the configuration shown in FIG.
4, provided both button actuators 48 are depressed on opposite
sides of the cot.
[0050] FIGS. 9 and 10 show more clearly the nature of one of the
4-bar linkages 42 provided in the base frame 18. As previously
discussed in connection with FIG. 1, each 4-bar linkage 42
pivotally interconnects the two base frame halves 40. The two base
frame halves 40 are incorporated into first and second upper
linkages 90. The transversely extending bars of the frame halves 40
are riveted to respective upper linkages 90. The two linkages 90
are pivotally interconnected about central upper pivot 92.
[0051] The 4-bar linkage 42 further includes two lower linkages 94.
The lower linkages 94 are longer than the upper linkages 90. Each
of the lower linkages 94 are pivotally connected to the outer end
of a respective upper linkage 90 about pivot 96. Further, the lower
linkages 94 are pivotally interconnected at central lower pivot 98.
The lower linkages 94 are formed with lower lobes 100 which are
shaped such that in the extended configuration of FIG. 9, they form
a ground engaging foot to provide support to the lower frame 18.
The members of the linkage 42 are also designed such that they will
interfere to not move beyond the configuration shown in FIG. 9.
This provides for ease and control of folding. The configuration
will nevertheless be such that the foot rests on the ground and the
loading is transferred to the foot to avoid overstressing the
linkages 94 which are formed as mouldings. FIG. 9 corresponds to
the configuration of the base frame 18 shown in FIG. 3 where the
frame halves 40 extend substantially co-planar.
[0052] In FIG. 10, the 4-bar linkage 42 is shown in the
configuration as would be adopted in the folded configuration shown
in FIGS. 5 to 7. It can be seen that in this configuration, the
upper linkages 90 have the central upper pivot 92 disposed at the
top of the configuration with the upper linkages 90 extending in
line with the lower linkages 94. This provides for a more compact
arrangement of the 4-bar linkage 42 in the folded
configuration.
[0053] FIGS. 11 to 13 are cross-sections through leg 32 to show the
workings of the length adjustment mechanism. Leg 32 is made up of
two telescopic sections 104, 106. The upper section 104 is
pivotally mounted to the first junction unit 28 through pivot 108.
As shown most clearly in FIG. 12, at an intermediate location on
the extended support leg 32 is a length adjustment mechanism 110
which is housed within a length adjustment housing 112 on the lower
end of upper section 104. The lower section 106 slides within the
upper section 104. The lower section 106 may be U-shaped in
cross-section with a complementary opening 114 provided in the base
of the housing 112. The sections 104, 106 telescope between an
extended configuration shown in FIG. 11 and a retracted
configuration shown in FIG. 13. The lower section 106 has a pop
rivet 105. The length adjustment housing 112 includes a moulding
107 which is internal of the lower end of the upper section 104. As
the leg 32 is extended, the moulding 107 will abut against the pop
rivet 105 and thus the pop rivet acts as a stop preventing the two
sections 104, 106 from separating entirely.
[0054] A latch lever 119 is mounted on the housing 112 for pivotal
movement about pivot 118. The latch lever has a lower end 122 which
may be received within a detent 124 provided within the wall of the
lower section 106. The latch lever 119 has a spring 121 which
biases the lower end 122 into the detent 124. When the lower end
122 is engaged in the detent 124 the support leg 32 will be latched
in the extended configuration as shown in FIG. 11.
[0055] The length adjustment is effected by depressing latch lever
119 against the bias of spring 121. This releases the lower end 122
from within the detent 124. The support legs 32, 34 can then be
adjusted to the retracted configuration as shown in FIG. 13. In
this configuration, the lower end 122 of latch lever 119 is not
locked in the retracted position. Alternatively, as already
explained, the user need not depress the actuator 119 but rely on
the two actuators from the two legs 32, 24 cooperating by hitting
against each other as explained in connection with FIGS. 4 through
6.
[0056] The foregoing describes only one embodiment of the present
invention and modifications may be made thereto without departing
from the scope of the invention.
* * * * *