U.S. patent application number 12/054288 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-24 for adjustable support pedestal.
Invention is credited to Andrew D. Rose.
Application Number | 20090236479 12/054288 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41087917 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090236479 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rose; Andrew D. |
September 24, 2009 |
ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT PEDESTAL
Abstract
A unique pedestal designed for placement beneath an object such
as a flowerpot. The pedestal includes multiple legs that are
preferably attached to each other via a central pivot structure.
Each of the legs is preferably adjustable in length and features a
support foot adapted to contact a bottom surface of the object
being supported. The pivot structure, in combination with the
ability to adjust the length of each leg, enables a user to
optimally position the pedestal's support feet to provide maximum
stability and support for the object located atop the pedestal.
Inventors: |
Rose; Andrew D.;
(Scottsdale, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GUBERNICK ASSOCIATES;FRANKLIN L GUBERNICK
2540 N RISING STAR TR
TUCSON
AZ
85745
US
|
Family ID: |
41087917 |
Appl. No.: |
12/054288 |
Filed: |
March 24, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/188.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 97/00 20130101;
A47G 7/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/188.7 |
International
Class: |
A47B 91/00 20060101
A47B091/00 |
Claims
1. An adjustable pedestal designed for placement beneath an object
whereby said pedestal will function to support said object, said
pedestal comprising: a first elongated member having first and
second opposite end portions; a second elongated member having
first and second opposite end portions; a pivot structure that
connects said first elongated member to said second elongated
member and enables said first elongated member to pivot relative to
said second elongated member; wherein a first foot structure is
attached to said first end portion of said first elongated member
by a first length-adjusting structure, wherein said foot structure
has a top surface that is spaced from said pivot structure by a
first distance, and wherein said length-adjusting structure enables
a user to change said first distance; wherein a second foot
structure is attached to said second end portion of said first
elongated member by a second length-adjusting structure, wherein
said second foot structure has a top surface that is spaced from
said pivot structure by a second distance, and wherein said second
length-adjusting structure enables a user to change said second
distance; and wherein a third foot structure is attached to said
first end portion of said second elongated member by a third
length-adjusting structure, wherein said third foot structure has a
top surface that is spaced from said pivot structure by a third
distance, and wherein said third length-adjusting structure enables
a user to change said third distance.
2. The pedestal of claim 1 wherein a fourth foot structure is
attached to said second end portion of said second elongated member
by a fourth length-adjusting structure, wherein said fourth foot
structure has a top surface that is spaced from said pivot
structure by a fourth distance, and wherein said fourth
length-adjusting structure enables a user to change said fourth
distance.
3. The pedestal of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said pivot
structure is located in a center portion of said first elongated
member.
4. The pedestal of claim 3 wherein at least a portion of said pivot
structure is located in a center portion of said second elongated
member.
5. The pedestal of claim 1 wherein said pivot structure comprises
an elongated pivot bolt that has a longitudinal axis that extends
through said first elongated member and said second elongated
member.
6. The pedestal of claim 1 wherein said first foot structure
includes a base portion in the form of a significant portion of a
sphere.
7. The pedestal of claim 1 wherein the top surface of each of said
foot structures is made from a non-slip material.
8. The pedestal of claim 1 wherein a base portion of said first
foot structure is transparent.
9. The pedestal of claim 1 wherein the length-adjusting structure
that is employed to attach said first end portion of said first
elongated member to said first foot structure comprises an
elongated rod member.
10. The pedestal of claim 9 wherein said rod member extends into a
hollow interior area of the first elongated member.
11. The pedestal of claim 10 wherein said rod member and a sidewall
that defines said hollow interior area of the first elongated
member have structures that in combination form detents that can
releasably stop longitudinal movement of said rod member.
12. The pedestal of claim 11 wherein said sidewall that defines
said hollow interior area of the first elongated member includes a
plurality of ridges that extend toward a longitudinal center axis
of said hollow interior area and that can contact a portion of said
rod member.
13. The pedestal of claim 1 wherein said first and second elongated
members are structurally identical to each other.
14. The pedestal of claim 1 wherein said first foot structure
includes a substantially cone-shaped base portion.
15. The pedestal of claim 1 wherein said first foot structure
includes a bottom surface made of a non-slip material.
16. The pedestal of claim 1 wherein said first foot structure
includes a smooth, curved bottom surface made of a hard material
capable of sliding on a hard, smooth surface.
17. The pedestal of claim 1 wherein said pivot structure allows
said third foot structure to be moved relative to the first foot
structure.
18. The pedestal of claim 1 wherein when an object having a
substantially planar bottom surface sized to overlay said pedestal
is placed upon said pedestal in a manner whereby said bottom
surface of said object contacts said top surface of said first,
second and third foot structures, the object will then at least
partially be supported by said foot structures.
19. The pedestal of claim 1 wherein when said pedestal is placed on
a flat, level surface, a nadir surface of a center portion of said
pedestal will be spaced from said level surface and wherein said
pedestal is capable of flexing in a manner whereby said center
portion moves downwardly toward said level surface.
20. The pedestal of claim 1 wherein there are significant open
spaces between the pedestal's foot structures whereby air can flow
through said pedestal.
21. An adjustable pedestal comprising: a first cross member
assembly having first and second opposite end portions; a second
cross member assembly having first and second opposite end
portions; a pivot structure that connects said first cross member
assembly to said second cross member assembly and enables said
first cross member assembly to pivot relative to said second cross
member assembly; wherein said first end portion of said first cross
member assembly includes a first foot structure; wherein said
second end portion of said first cross member assembly includes a
second foot structure; wherein said first end portion of said
second cross member assembly includes a third foot structure; and
wherein when an object is placed atop said pedestal and said object
has a bottom surface sized and shaped whereby all of said foot
structures can be located directly beneath said surface and contact
said surface, the object will directly contact a top surface of
each of said foot structures.
22. An adjustable pedestal comprising: a first cross member
assembly having first and second opposite end portions, wherein
said first end portion includes an adjustably connected first foot
structure, wherein said second end portion includes an adjustably
connected second foot structure, wherein said first and second foot
structures are separated by a first distance, and wherein a user
can adjust said foot structures in a manner that changes said
distance; a second cross member assembly having first and second
opposite end portions, and wherein said first end portion of said
second cross member assembly includes an adjustably connected third
foot structure that is spaced from said second end portion of said
second cross member assembly by a second distance, and wherein a
user can adjust said third foot structure in a manner that changes
said second distance; a connecting structure that connects said
first cross member assembly to said second cross member assembly;
and wherein when an object is placed atop said pedestal and said
object has a bottom surface sized and shaped whereby all of said
foot structures can be located directly beneath said surface and
contact said surface, the foot structures will directly support
said object.
23. An adjustable pedestal comprising: first, second and third
elongated legs; a pivot structure that pivotally connects together
a first end of each of said first, second and third legs, and
wherein said pivot structure allows said legs to pivot relative to
each other; wherein a second end of each of said first, second and
third legs includes a foot structure; and wherein when an object is
placed atop said pedestal and said object has a bottom surface
sized and shaped whereby all of the pedestal's foot structures can
be located directly beneath said surface and contact said surface,
the object will be directly supported by said foot structures.
24. The pedestal of claim 23 wherein at least one of said foot
structure includes a hemispherical base portion.
25. The pedestal of claim 23 wherein at least one of said foot
structures is attached to an associated one of said legs by a
length-adjusting structure that enables a user to change a length
dimension of said associated one of said legs.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention is in the field of support structures. More
particularly, the invention is a pedestal that is ideally suited
for placement beneath a flowerpot. A pedestal in accordance with
the invention comprises multiple legs and a central pivot structure
that enables a user to adjust the position of said legs. Each of
said legs is also preferably adjustable in length and features a
unique support foot proximate its distal end. The pivot structure,
in combination with the ability to adjust the length of each leg,
enables a user to optimally position said support feet whereby they
can engage a bottom surface of the object being supported.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Flowerpots are used both indoors and out and may be of
various shapes and sizes. A flowerpot may sometimes be directly
placed on a support surface, such as a floor, tabletop or
windowsill, or placed atop a pot support structure. Typical pot
support structures include jardinieres and concave catch pans, both
of which function to catch water spillage and/or fallen plant
matter. Some flowerpots and pot support structures feature
depending foot-like structures that contact the underlying support
surface.
[0003] A common problem associated with using flowerpots is that
the support surface located beneath the bottom portion of the
flowerpot, or pot support structure, if used, can become damaged.
This can occur due to water spillage that stains said surface, or
from the formation of mold, mildew and/or rot that results from
water spillage and/or high levels of humidity in the area between
the flowerpot or pot support structure, and the underlying support
surface. Furthermore, sharp edges of the flowerpot's and/or pot
support structure's bottom surface can scratch the support surface
if the flowerpot is moved without lifting it away from said support
surface.
[0004] Another common problem associated with the use of flowerpots
is that it can be very difficult for a user to move the flowerpot,
should the need arise. The bottom surface of the pot, or if used,
the catch pan, is normally not designed for sliding on the
underlying support surface. As a result, moving a flowerpot often
requires a user to vertically lift the flowerpot.
[0005] Furthermore, it can be problematic to support a flowerpot in
a stable manner. A pot support structure, such as a catch pan, is
sometimes specifically designed for use with a particular flowerpot
whereby it is shaped and structured to adequately support the
flowerpot at predetermined locations on said pot. However, if the
underlying support surface is not level, or does not provide
uniform support, an unbalanced upward force will be applied to the
bottom of the flowerpot. This may lead to instability of the pot
and/or cracking of the pot due to unevenly distributed forces. Also
leading to unevenly distributed forces on the pot is the use of a
catch pan that does not properly match the shape of the bottom of
the flowerpot. The latter situation is actually quite common since
many users will place a dinner plate, or a similar structure not
designed for use with flowerpots, beneath a flowerpot.
[0006] An additional problem encountered with flowerpots and
flowerpot support structures is that the bottom surface of the
flowerpot, or support structure, may not be ideally suited for the
type of surface upon which it rests. For example, some flowerpots
and catch pans employ a number of widely-spaced small feet that
provide very adequate and stable support when they are resting on a
hard surface. However, when a thick carpet is the underlying
support surface, the flowerpot may lean to one side and/or the feet
may damage the carpet. Alternatively, when a pot or support
structure designed for resting on a carpeted surface is placed on a
hard surface, damage to said surface may result.
[0007] In many cases, a user will wish to employ a flowerpot
support structure that supports the flowerpot in a raised position
above the underlying support surface. Since flowerpots come in many
shapes and sizes, a user may not be able to easily procure a
suitable support structure to place beneath any particular
flowerpot. In addition, even when a properly sized support
structure is available, the design of said support structure may be
such that there will be inadequate ventilation beneath said
structure, resulting in the formation of mold, mildew or rot on the
underlying support surface. Furthermore, to satisfy user
aesthetics, it is sometimes desirable that a support structure
located beneath a flowerpot not be noticeable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention is a support structure in the form of a
pedestal having multiple legs. Located proximate each leg's distal
end is a foot having a unique shape and structure. While the
preferred usage of the invention is for supporting a flowerpot in
an optimum manner atop a support surface, the invention may be used
to support other types of objects. In its preferred manner of use,
the invention provides numerous distributed points of support for a
flowerpot, or for a structure located directly beneath a flowerpot,
such as a catch pan. The invention also enables sufficient airflow
beneath the flowerpot or catch pan to prevent humidity build-up
that can lead to damage of an underlying support surface.
Furthermore, different embodiments of the invention can be employed
to optimize the invention for use on different types of underlying
surfaces and/or to enable the invention to easily slide on a
support surface.
[0009] A pedestal in accordance with the invention can be adjusted
in a number of different ways to enable its use beneath a wide
range of shapes and sizes of flowerpots, catch pans, or other
objects. The pedestal's adjustability is accomplished through the
use of multiple length-adjustable legs attached to each other via a
central pivot structure that enables pivotal movement of the legs.
The pivot structure, in combination with the adjustable length
legs, allows a user to optimally position the pedestal's feet
whereby a top-located portion of each foot contacts a proper
support point on a bottom surface of the object being supported.
This maximizes both the stability of the support, and the even
distribution of transmitted support forces.
[0010] Various designs may be employed to enable the pedestal's
legs to vary in length. In the preferred embodiment, each leg
includes a length-adjusting structure in the form of an elongated
rod member that is telescopically engaged to a hollow end portion
of an elongated cross member. The engagement may further include
structures that create detents that facilitate a controlled,
user-discernible movement of said rod member.
[0011] The foot located at the distal end of each of the pedestal's
legs features a top surface that is preferably adapted to achieve a
non-slip engagement to the bottom surface of the object being
supported. The shape, structure and bottom surface of the foot is
preferably adapted for the surface on which it will rest. For
example, if the pedestal will be used on a hard flat surface, the
pedestal can feature feet that are in the form of a significant
portion of a sphere, preferably a hemisphere. Alternatively, if the
pedestal is to be used on a carpeted surface, the pedestal will
preferably feature feet that are substantially cone-shaped. In
addition, if the pedestal is be to used in an environment where the
pedestal should not be able to slide, the pedestal will preferably
feature feet that are made from, or covered with, a non-slip
material. If instead, a user desires a pedestal that will readily
slide on an underlying hard surface, the pedestal will preferably
feature hemispherical feet that are made from a hard, smooth
material, such as a hard plastic, or that are covered with a low
friction material, such as TEFLON.
[0012] In the preferred embodiment, the pedestal's legs are movable
by virtue of a pivot connection engaged to each of the pedestal's
cross members. The pivot connection may be a pivot pin or other
conventional pivot structure, including interlocking structures
that are formed in, or attached to, the two cross members.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a pedestal in accordance with
the invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of the pedestal shown in FIG. 1, and
wherein a flowerpot resting atop the pedestal, as well as a support
surface, are shown in phantom.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a top view of the pedestal shown in FIG. 1 and
wherein a portion of the pedestal's internal structure is shown in
phantom, as well as a flowerpot resting atop the pedestal.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a detailed side view of an end portion of one of
the legs of the pedestal shown in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a detailed side view of an alternate embodiment of
an end portion of a leg for the pedestal shown in FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of a
pedestal in accordance with the invention and wherein a portion of
the pedestal's internal structure is shown in phantom.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a side view of the pedestal shown in FIG. 6, and
wherein a portion of the pedestal's internal structure is shown in
phantom.
[0020] FIG. 8 provides a cross-sectional side view of an alternate
embodiment of a pivot structure for a pedestal in accordance with
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Looking now to the drawings in greater detail, wherein like
reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several
figures, there is indicated by the numeral 1 a pedestal in
accordance with the invention. A preferred manner of usage for said
pedestal is to support a flowerpot, catch pan, or the like.
[0022] The pedestal 1 preferably comprises a first cross member
assembly 2 and a second cross member assembly 4. The two cross
member assemblies are connected together via a central pivot
structure 6.
[0023] While cross member assemblies 2 and 4 are preferably
assembled from identical components, they differ in the orientation
of some of said components. Each of said cross member assemblies
includes an elongated member/body member 8, two rod members 10 and
a foot structure 12 located at the distal end of each rod
member.
[0024] The elongated member 8 of each cross member assembly is
preferably made of a rigid material such as plastic, wood or metal.
Located at its center is a relatively thin, flat portion 14. The
member's opposite end portions 16 are preferably hollow.
[0025] The center-located flat portion 14 of each elongated member
8 preferably includes planar first and second surfaces, 20 and 21
respectively. Said portion preferably includes a thru-hole 22
located at its center. The thru-hole has a center axis
perpendicular to surfaces 20 and 21.
[0026] The end portion 16 of each elongated member 8 has an
elongated interior open area 24 (note FIG. 3) that is bounded by a
sidewall 26. While said area is shown as being substantially
rectangular in cross-section, the area may instead be formed to
have other cross-sectional shapes. Sidewall 26 preferably features
a plurality of spaced-apart ridges 28.
[0027] Fitting into each of the elongated member's end portions 16
is a portion 30 of an associated elongated rod member 10. Said rod
member is preferably made of a rigid material such as plastic, wood
or metal. To enable a user to adjust a pedestal to match the bottom
surface of an object to be supported, each of the cross member
assemblies preferably includes length-adjusting structure. In the
embodiment shown, the length-adjusting structure comprises a
portion 30 of the rod member movably received within area 24.
[0028] To control the movement of the rod member, each of the cross
member assembly preferably includes a plurality of structures that
form detents. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, each rod member
has a tip portion 32 that is arrow-shaped in cross-section. As a
result, detents are created when the side edges 34 of said tip
portion 32 contact the ridges 28 whenever a user tries to slide the
rod member in, or out, of area 24. Preferably, flexibility in the
material of the rod member and/or the material of the ridges, or a
minimal clearance, allows the rod member's tip portion to move past
a ridge 28 when a user applies longitudinally-directed force on the
rod member. Whenever the side edges of the tip portion bump into a
ridge, a detent occurs that positionally locks the rod member in
place when the user stops applying force to the rod member.
[0029] It should be noted that other means may be employed to
enable the passage of the rod member's tip portion past a ridge.
For example, the rod member's tip portion may include a movable
structure, such as an outwardly biased and extending spring-loaded
ball that can move inwardly to enable the passage of the tip
portion past a ridge 28.
[0030] It should also be noted that the area 24 may include no
ridges 28. In that case, it would be preferred that the opening 36
through which the rod member passes into area 24 has a shape or
size whereby once the rod member is inserted into area 24, it will
be difficult to completely withdraw the rod member from said area.
When no ridges are employed, the side edges of the rod member's tip
portion are preferably a relatively tight fit in area 24. While an
arrow-shaped tip portion 28 of the rod member has been disclosed,
said tip portion may have a different shape that is either
complementary to, or non-complementary to, the interior sidewall 26
of area 24.
[0031] Secured to an outer end of each rod member 10 is a foot
structure 12. The foot structure is also herein referred to as a
foot. As will be discussed, the foot structure may take a number of
forms. A preferred embodiment of the foot structure is shown in
detail in FIG. 4.
[0032] The foot structure 12 preferably includes a top-located disk
38 made of a rubber, vinyl, polyurethane or some other non-slip
material. A non-slip material is herein defined as a material that
tends not to slide on a smooth, hard surface in the same manner as
rubber.
[0033] Disk 38 is designed to contact the bottom surface of
whatever object is resting directly atop the pedestal 1. If it is
desired for the pedestal to be a permanent, or semi-permanent,
attachment to whatever object it will be supporting, both of the
disk's top and bottom surfaces, 40 and 42 respectively, can be
coated with an adhesive. In such a situation, the disk can be
formed from a portion of double-stick tape. While a non-slip
material is preferred, the disk can be made of other materials. It
should be noted that while disk 38 will normally enhance the use of
the invention, it is not required, and is therefore optional.
[0034] Located below disk 38, and forming a part of the foot
structure, is a semicircular connecting portion 44 of the foot
structure that is located at, and secured to, the end of the rod
member 10. Even though portion 44 is considered as being a part of
the foot structure, it may be a formed section of the rod member,
as shown, or it may be a separate member, or other portion of the
foot structure, that is secured to the rod member. The disk 38 is
preferably attached to an adjacent surface of portion 44 by an
adhesive. Located at the center of portion 44 is a thru-hole
48.
[0035] Located directly beneath portion 44 is the base 50 of the
foot structure. Said base is preferably in the shape of a
hemisphere, or at least a significant portion of a sphere, wherein
a top-located flat surface 52 of the base 50 faces upwardly and
contacts the adjacent bottom surface of portion 44. The curved
outer surface of the base predominantly faces downwardly, whereby
the extreme bottom portion 56 of said surface will contact whatever
support surface underlies the foot structure. Portion 56 is shown
as being a curved surface, since it is the base of a hemisphere.
However, portion 56 may alternatively have a flat contour to
increase the contact area between the base and an underlying
surface.
[0036] In the preferred embodiment, base 50 has a height in the
range of approximately one-quarter of an inch to two inches and may
be made of any of a number of different materials, including wood,
metal, plastic, rubber and/or a composite of said materials or
other materials. If the pedestal 1 is to be placed on a surface
where any sliding of the pedestal is undesirable, base 50 would
preferably be made of a non-slip material such as rubber or
polyurethane. If instead, a user wishes to have the ability to
slide the pedestal 1 on the underlying surface, the base would
preferably be made out of a hard, smooth material such as a hard
plastic. For most uses, a transparent polycarbonate material would
be employed. While not shown, it is possible to employ a base 50
made out of a hard material and to include a complementary boot
made of a non-slip material that a user can fit over the exterior
of the base. The addition of a non-slidable rubber boot to the base
will increase the force required to cause the foot structure to
slide on the underlying surface. If it is instead desired to
increase the ability of the foot structure to slide on an
underlying surface, a TEFLON boot, or coating, may be added to the
bottom of the foot structure's base.
[0037] By providing the base with an outer configuration of a
significant portion of a sphere, the base has a significant
structural strength, while at the same time, the base's small,
curved bottom surface will tend not to mark or penetrate an
underlying support surface. When the pedestal 1 is employed to
support a heavy flowerpot, proper choice of a base 50 for the
pedestal's feet 12 will enable a user to slide/glide the pedestal
and flowerpot across a smooth, flat support surface such as a
wooden floor or tabletop.
[0038] The attachment method employed for securing the base 50 to
portion 44 is preferably of a type that enables easy changing of
the base 50. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, a screw 60
extends through hole 48 in portion 44 in a manner whereby the head
62 of the screw cannot pass through the hole and the body of the
screw threads into a center hole 64 in the base 50. Preferably, the
adhesive used to secure the disk 38 is of a type that allows
removal of the disk should it become necessary to remove the base
50.
[0039] It should be noted that instead of a screw, other types of
fasteners may be employed to accomplish the securement of the base
50. For example, the disk 38 may include a prong that has exterior
bumps and that fits through hole 48 and can become locked into a
complementary hole in the base. Alternatively, portion 44 can have
a depending prong that can be secured into, or on, the base 50. In
addition, the base 50 may instead include an upwardly-extending
prong or fastener that can engage the sidewall of hole 48, a part
of portion 44, or the disk 38. Furthermore, other well-known
securement methods, such as adhesives and hook and loop fastener
strips, can be employed in addition to, or in place of, the
previously noted securement methods described for securing the base
50 to the pedestal 1.
[0040] The pivot structure 6 that connects together the two cross
member assemblies may take any of a number of forms. In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the pivot structure makes use of an
elongated pivot bolt 66 that extends through the hole 22 in portion
14 of the elongated member 8 of both of the cross member
assemblies. The pivot bolt also extends through the center of an
optional washer 68 sandwiched between the two portions 14. Located
at the top of the pivot bolt is a hex-shaped head 70. The head of
the pivot bolt may alternatively have other shapes, as long as the
pivot bolt can be secured in place.
[0041] The other end of the pivot bolt preferably features exterior
threads onto which is threadedly engaged a locknut 72. The locknut
functions to maintain the pivot bolt in place whereby the pivot
bolt allows relative movement of the two cross members. Washers 74,
each larger in diameter than the adjacent hole 22, are shown
directly above the locknut and directly beneath the head of the
pivot bolt. The washers enable a smoother pivot motion and also
eliminate any need for the locknut and/or bolt head to be larger
than hole 22.
[0042] It should be noted that by locating the pivot structure at
the center of the pedestal, two features of the pedestal are
enhanced. Firstly, the central location of the pivot structure
maximizes the pedestal's flexibility since each leg has an equally
long moment arm. Secondly, the central location of the pivot
structure enables a maximum adjustability of the position of each
foot structure 12.
[0043] In FIGS. 2 and 3, the pedestal 1 is shown atop a support
surface 76 (shown in phantom) supporting a conventional flowerpot
78 (shown in phantom). Support surface 76 may be a floor, tabletop,
windowsill or any other surface upon which a flowerpot is commonly
placed. A generic flowerpot is shown.
[0044] To properly support the flowerpot, the legs of the pedestal
1 are arranged by the user so that each of the pedestal's foot
structures 12 underlies a portion of the flowerpot's bottom surface
80 proximate the outer perimeter 82 of said bottom surface. In this
manner, each foot structure can be responsible for supporting
approximately one-quarter of the total weight of the flowerpot. It
should be noted that locating the pedestal's feet in this manner
also provides a wide support base that maximizes the stability of
the support. The adjustability of the legs can allow a user to
provide a high level of support to most any size or shape of
flowerpot, no matter whether the flowerpot is round, oval, or even
square or rectangular.
[0045] FIG. 2 should additionally be noted for its showing of gaps
85 located between the bottom surface 80 of the flowerpot and the
flat support surface 76 that underlies the pedestal 1. The gaps
help to prevent any accumulation of moisture beneath the
flowerpot.
[0046] It should also be noted in FIG. 2 that the bottom/nadir of
the pivot structure is located above the bottom of the feet. In
this manner, when the pedestal is in use, there will preferably be
a space 85 between the bottom of the pivot structure and the
underlying support surface 76. As a result, when the bottom surface
of the object being supported is uneven, and/or the underlying
support surface is not flat, said space allows the pedestal 1 to
flex at its center. This flexing action enables the pedestal's feet
to move up or down to thereby accommodate and match said uneven
surface(s).
[0047] FIG. 5 shows an alternate embodiment of a foot structure 86
that may be employed in lieu of the foot structure 12. Also in the
figure, an alternate rod member 88 is employed in lieu of a rod
member 10.
[0048] Foot structure 86 features a base 90 that is substantially
cone-shaped and includes a narrow, cylindrical tip portion 92. When
all of the pedestal's feet employ a base 90, the long, narrow shape
of said bases will enable the pedestal 1 to have a firm footing
when said pedestal is placed on a non-flat surface, such as a thick
carpet. The narrow tip portion 92 of a base 90 will pass through
the fibers of a carpet and find stable support on the carpet's base
layer, or on the support surface underlying the carpet. In this
embodiment, one of the previously described alternate attachment
methods for a base of a foot structure is employed. As shown, a
cylindrical member 94 is adhesively attached to the end of the rod
member 88 and includes a downwardly-extending prong 96 that is
screwed into a hole 98 in the base.
[0049] It should be noted that the pedestal 1 shown in FIGS. 1-3
may be considered to have four legs. Each leg comprises one-half of
one of the cross member assemblies and effectively has an end point
at the pivot structure 6.
[0050] While a pedestal 1 having two equal length cross member
assemblies is shown, a pedestal in accordance with the invention
may instead have a greater, or fewer, number of such "full-length"
cross member assemblies. In addition, a pedestal in accordance with
the invention may employ one, or more, "half-length" cross member
assemblies. While a full-length cross member assembly forms two
legs of the pedestal, a half-length cross member assembly would
basically be formed by half of either of the cross member
assemblies shown, whereby it would form a single leg of the
pedestal. Such a half-length cross member assembly would have one
end pivotally connected to the pivot structure 6, and its other end
would include a foot structure, such as foot structure 12. A
pedestal having one full-length cross member assembly and one
half-length cross member assembly would have three legs. A pedestal
in accordance with the invention can therefore have from three legs
to any greater number of legs, depending on the total number of
full-length and half-length cross member assemblies employed.
[0051] FIGS. 6 and 7 provide two views of another embodiment of a
pedestal 100 in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment,
the pedestal comprises three cross member assemblies 102, 104 and
106 that are pivotally attached to each other via a central pivot
structure 108 that extends through one end of each assembly.
Located at the distal end of each cross member assembly is a foot
structure 12.
[0052] While the figures show the pedestal 100 having three
different cross member assemblies, most likely a mass-produced
pedestal in accordance with the invention would have identical
cross member assemblies. The pedestal shown provides the reader
with examples of different constructions that may be employed in
forming a leg of a pedestal in accordance with the invention.
[0053] In cross member assembly 102, the foot structure 12 is
connected to a rod member 10 that is adjustably received within an
area 114 of a main body/elongated member 116 of the assembly. Said
rod member is preferably secured to the main body 116 in the same
manner as employed in pedestal 1 to secure rod member 10 to an
elongated member/main body 8. This allows a user to move the rod
member 10 longitudinally to change the distance between the
associated foot structure 12 and the pedestal's pivot structure
108. The shown cross member assembly is essentially a "half-length"
cross member assembly, as described previously as being employable
in the first embodiment of the invention.
[0054] In cross member assembly 104, the foot structure 12 is
connected to a rod member 118 that is adjustably received within an
area 120 of a main body/elongated member 122 of said assembly. Said
rod member is preferably secured in a manner wherein a user can
move the rod member longitudinally to change the distance between
the associated foot structure 12 and the pedestal's pivot structure
108. The assembly includes detent structure comprising an end 124
of the rod member having a depending tab 126 (note FIG. 7) and the
bottom surface 128 of area 120 having a plurality of bumps 130 and
an end wall 132. The tab is designed so that to enter area 120, a
person forces the tab past wall 132, and thereafter said wall will
prevent the rod member from coming fully out of area 120. While the
bumps 130 provide intermittent resistance points to movement of the
tab, they do not prevent such movement. As the tab moves past each
bump, any contact between the tab and a bump will cause a slight
interference to movement that can be felt, and possibly heard, by
the user to thereby indicate to the user that said tab has
contacted a bump. This facilitates a user being able to tell that
the foot is located at a particular distance from the pivot
structure. Should pedestal 100 have multiple cross member
assemblies identical to cross member assembly 104, this arrangement
facilitates a user being able to set all of the pedestal's legs to
the same length. Alternatively, the bottom of the main body 122 may
have a groove or slot complementary in width to tab 126 and through
which the tab may slidingly travel.
[0055] In cross member assembly 106, the foot structure 12 includes
an extension portion 134 of the main body/elongated member 136 of
said assembly. In this manner, the foot structure is at a fixed
distance away from the pedestal's pivot structure 108.
[0056] The pedestal's pivot structure 108 preferably employs a
grommet 140 that passes through complementary holes 142 in the end
of each of the cross member assemblies 102, 104 and 106. The
grommet's top and bottom portions, 144 and 146 respectively, have
larger diameters than said holes 142 to thereby pivotally secure
together the cross member assemblies. It should be noted that other
conventional securement methods and/or structures can be
alternatively employed to pivotally connect the cross member
assemblies. One such structure is a circular ring that would pass
through the holes 142 in the cross member assemblies, thereby
giving the unit a resemblance to a key chain. When a ring is
employed as a pivot structure, none of the holes 142 would normally
be collinear when the unit is in use.
[0057] FIG. 8 provides a cross-sectional view of an alternate
embodiment of a pivot structure 148 that may be employed in any of
the previously described embodiments of the invention. The cross
member assemblies 150 and 152 may be substantially identical to any
of the previously described cross member assemblies, but are formed
to have structures that enable one cross member assembly to become
pivotally interlocked with the other cross member assembly. Cross
member assembly 150 includes a pair of upwardly-extending hooks
154, while cross member assembly 152 includes a large circular hole
156 through which the hooks extend. The hook's prongs 158 catch on
the top edge 160 of the hole, thereby securing together the
assemblies. The ability for one cross member assembly to pivot
relative to the other cross member assembly is obtained by the
ability of the prongs to slide on edge 160 of the hole.
[0058] It should be noted that a pedestal in accordance with the
invention, such as pedestals 1 and 100, can be used to provide
support to many types of objects. For example, a stereo speaker or
vase can be placed atop either of pedestals 1 or 100.
[0059] Furthermore, a pedestal in accordance with the invention may
not employ a central pivot structure or have legs that are
adjustable in length. While these features are preferred, they are
not required.
[0060] Lastly, it should be noted that when the base of any of the
taught foot structures is made out of a transparent material, the
pedestal will be almost undetectable. This can provide an unusual
and desirable appearance.
[0061] The preferred embodiments of the invention disclosed herein
have been discussed for the purpose of familiarizing the reader
with the novel aspects of the invention. Although preferred
embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, many
changes, modifications and substitutions may be made by one having
ordinary skill in the art without necessarily departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following
claims.
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