U.S. patent application number 15/701501 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-07 for collapsible stand.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rexon Industrial Corp., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Hung Jung CHIANG, Thing-Tai CHOU, Chia-Wei LIN.
Application Number | 20180154511 15/701501 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61023005 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180154511 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHOU; Thing-Tai ; et
al. |
June 7, 2018 |
COLLAPSIBLE STAND
Abstract
A collapsible stand mainly includes a support unit including two
stand legs pivotally connected together in a crossed manner and a
support arm set pivotally connected to one stand leg, a positioning
unit including an abutment member and a bearing member respectively
mounted at one stand leg and the support art set and so configured
that when the collapsible is extended out or collapsed, the
abutment member is engaged with a different part of the bearing
member, and a control unit mounted at one stand leg and operable to
bias the abutment member, moving the abutment member into
engagement or away from the bearing member. Thus, the collapsible
stand has a simple structure, facilitates operation and ensures a
high level of operational safety and structural stability.
Inventors: |
CHOU; Thing-Tai; (Taichung,
TW) ; CHIANG; Hung Jung; (Taichung, TW) ; LIN;
Chia-Wei; (Taichung, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rexon Industrial Corp., Ltd. |
Taichung |
|
TW |
|
|
Family ID: |
61023005 |
Appl. No.: |
15/701501 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25H 1/0042 20130101;
F16M 11/42 20130101; F16M 2200/06 20130101; B25H 1/06 20130101;
F16M 11/38 20130101; B25H 1/0035 20130101; F16M 3/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B25H 1/00 20060101
B25H001/00; B25H 1/06 20060101 B25H001/06; F16M 11/38 20060101
F16M011/38; F16M 11/42 20060101 F16M011/42 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 6, 2016 |
TW |
105140278 |
Claims
1. A collapsible stand, comprising: a support unit comprising a
first stand leg, a second stand leg and a support arm set, said
first stand leg and said second stand leg being crossed and
pivotally connected with each other such that said first stand leg
and said second stand leg are movable between an extended position
and a folded position, said support arm set being pivotally
connected to said first stand leg; a positioning unit comprising a
mounting member, an abutment member, an elastic member, and a
bearing member, said mounting member fixedly mounted at said first
stand leg, said abutment member pivotally connected to said
mounting member and comprising an abutment end portion, said
elastic member having two opposite ends thereof respectively
abutted against said mounting member and said abutment member, said
bearing member mounted at said support arm set and comprising a
first engagement structure and a second engagement structure; and a
control unit comprising a pedal pivotally connected to said first
stand leg, said pedal connected to said abutment member and
operable to bias said abutment member toward said bearing member;
wherein when said first stand leg and said second stand leg are set
in said extended position, said abutment end portion is engaged
with said first engagement structure and when said first stand leg
and said second stand leg are set in said folded position, said
abutment end portion is engaged with said second engagement
structure.
2. The collapsible stand as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
support arm set comprising a first support arm and a second support
arm respectively pivotally connected to said first stand leg and
spaced from each other at a distance, said second support arm
comprising a top connection end portion and an opposing bottom
connection end portion, said bearing member mounted at said bottom
connection end portion.
3. The collapsible stand as claimed in claim 2, wherein said bottom
connection end portion of said second support arm is a tubular
member defining a virtual axis; said bearing member is a L-shaped
member comprising a horizontal end portion and a vertical end
portion, said horizontal end portion extending in a substantially
parallel manner relative to said virtual axis of said bottom
connection end portion of said second support arm, said vertical
end portion extending substantially perpendicular to said virtual
axis of said bottom connection end portion of said second support
arm; said first engagement structure is mounted at said vertical
end portion of said bearing member; said second engagement
structure is mounted at said horizontal end portion of said bearing
member.
4. The collapsible stand as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second
engagement structure is a retaining groove.
5. The collapsible stand as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
mounting member comprises an upright wall, and a first rod located
at said upright wall; said abutment member comprises a second rod
facing toward said first rod; said elastic member has the two
opposite ends thereof respectively attached on said first rod and
said second rod.
6. The collapsible stand as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
abutment member further comprises an elongated slot; said
positioning unit further comprises a screw inserted through said
elongated slot of said abutment member and fastened to said
mounting member.
7. The collapsible stand as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
control unit further comprises a link, said link having two
opposite ends thereof respectively pivotally connected to said
abutment member and said pedal.
8. The collapsible stand as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
control unit further comprises a holder block and a torsion spring,
said holder block fixedly mounted at said first stand leg, said
pedal and said torsion spring pivotally connected to said holder
block by means of a pivot axle.
9. The collapsible stand as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first
stand leg comprises two rollers bilaterally and pivotally mounted
at a bottom end thereof.
10. A collapsible stand, comprising: a support unit comprising a
first stand leg, a second stand leg and a support arm set, said
first stand leg and said second stand leg being crossed and
pivotally connected with each other such that said first stand leg
and said second stand leg are movable between an extended position
and a folded position, said support arm set pivotally connected to
said first stand leg; a positioning unit comprising a mounting
member, an abutment member, an elastic member and a bearing member,
said mounting member fixedly mounted at said first stand leg, said
abutment member pivotally connected to said mounting member and
comprising an abutment end portion, said elastic member having two
opposite ends thereof respectively abutted against said mounting
member and said abutment member, said bearing member mounted at
said support arm set and comprising a first engagement structure
and a second engagement structure; and a control unit comprising a
holder block, a torsion spring, a pedal and a link, said holder
block fixedly mounted at said first stand leg, said pedal and said
torsion spring pivotally connected to said holder block by a pivot
axle, said link having two opposite ends thereof respectively
pivotally connected to said abutment member and said pedal such
that when said pedal is biased by an external force, said pedal
drives said abutment member to bias toward said bearing member;
wherein when said first stand leg and said second stand leg are set
in said extended position, said abutment end portion is engaged
with said first engagement structure and when said first stand leg
and said second stand leg are set in said folded position, said
abutment end portion is engaged with said second engagement
structure.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to cutting tool stands, and
more particularly to a collapsible stand.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0002] In order to facilitate delivery between different
workplaces, machine tool stands for regular small-scale machine
tools commonly have a folding design so that the stands can be
alternatively set between an extended position and a folded
position.
[0003] Various machine tool stands are known. For example, Taiwan
Patent I289101 teaches the use of a pedal to move four links, where
these four links are forced to carry one respective wheel seat when
lifting the base from the floor. The wheel seats must have enough
structural strength so that the expected effects can be achieved.
Further, U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,015 discloses a foldable worktable.
This foldable worktable is functional; however, it is still not
convenient for use because the legs of this foldable worktable are
not equipped with rollers for convenient movement with the machine
tool when the foldable worktable is folded up. Further, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,942,229 discloses a collapsible stand for a bench-top power
tool. This design of collapsible stand has a pair of wheels
rotatably connected to the base thereof for transporting the stand
and power tool thereupon. However, when in use, the stand must be
converted to a position perpendicular to the floor in order to
collapse the support legs; where due to the weight of the machine
tool supported thereon it is much heavier than the stand itself.
Therefore, when biasing the stand, it is likely to be dangerous to
the operator.
[0004] Further, Taiwan Patent Application No. 103143928 discloses a
foldable stand, which uses a first pedal and a second pedal to
control a first link and a second link respectively, allowing the
stand to be conveniently and rapidly set between an extended
position and a folded position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention has been accomplished in view of the
aforementioned circumstances. It is therefore one of the main
objects of the present invention to provide a collapsible stand,
which has a simple structure, facilitates operation and ensures a
high level of operational safety and structural stability.
[0006] To achieve this and other objects of the present invention,
a collapsible stand comprises a support unit, a positioning unit,
and a control unit. The support unit comprises a first stand leg
and a second stand leg. The first stand leg and the second stand
leg are crossed and pivotally connected with each other so that the
first stand leg and the second stand leg can be moved between an
extended position and a folded position. The support unit further
comprises a support arm set pivotally connected to the first stand
leg for supporting a tool. The positioning unit comprises a
mounting member, an abutment member, an elastic member and a
bearing member. The mounting member is fixedly mounted at the first
stand leg. The abutment member is pivotally connected to the
mounting member, comprising an abutment end portion. The elastic
member has two opposite ends thereof respectively abutted against
the mounting member and the abutment member. The bearing member is
mounted at the support arm set, comprising a first engagement
structure and a second engagement structure. The control unit
comprises a pedal pivotally connected to the first stand leg. The
pedal is connected to the abutment member and operable to bias the
abutment member toward the bearing member. When the first stand leg
and the second stand leg are set in the extended position, the
abutment end portion is engaged with the first engagement
structure. On the contrary, when the first stand leg and the second
stand leg are set in the collapsed position, the abutment end
portion is engaged with the second engagement structure.
[0007] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as
follows: When collapsing the collapsible stand, the user simply
needs to step on the pedal, which biases the abutment member away
from the bearing member, thus, when the support arm set is forced
by its weight due to gravity to bias backwards, the user can easily
push the first stand leg to collapse the collapsible stand. Thus,
the operation of the collapsible stand is very simple with a low
amount of effort. Further, when extending out the collapsible
stand, the abutment member is moved to abut against the bearing
member, allowing the processing tool to be steadily mounted on the
support arm set, thus, the collapsible stand ensures a high level
of operational safety and structural stability.
[0008] Other advantages and features of the present invention will
be fully understood by reference to the following specification in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference
signs denote like components of structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is an oblique top elevational view of a collapsible
stand in an extended position in accordance with the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is enlarged view of a part of the collapsible stand
shown in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a part of the collapsible
stand shown in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of a part of the collapsible
stand in accordance with the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a top view of a part of the collapsible stand in
accordance with the present invention, illustrating the abutment
member abutted against the first engagement structure.
[0014] FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5, illustrating the abutment
member disengaged from the first engagement structure.
[0015] FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 4, illustrating the biasing action
of the support arm set.
[0016] FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 5, illustrating the abutment
member engaged with the first engagement structure.
[0017] FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 1, illustrating the collapsible
stand in a collapsed or folded position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Referring to the annexed drawings in detail, a collapsible
stand 1 in accordance with the present invention is shown. For
convenience of explanation, the following embodiment uses the rear
end of the first stand leg 11 at which the rollers 17 are located
as a directional reference (as shown in FIG. 1). As illustrated,
the collapsible stand 1 comprises a support 10, a positioning unit
20, and a control unit 30.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the support unit 10
comprises a first stand leg 11, a second stand leg 13 and a support
arm set 15. The first stand leg 11 and the second stand leg 13 are
crossed and pivotally connected with each other so that the first
stand leg 11 and the second stand leg 13 are movable between an
extended position and a folded position. The first stand leg 11
comprises a left leg shaft 111, a right leg shaft 112, and a front
transverse bar 113 and a rear transverse bar 114 respectively and
transversely connected between opposite front and rear ends of the
left and right leg shafts 111, 112. The support arm set 15
comprises a first support arm 151 and a second support arm 152. The
first and second support arms 151, 152 are respectively pivotally
connected to the left leg shaft 111 and the right leg shaft 112
near the front transverse bar 113. The second support arm 152
comprises a top connection end portion 153 and an opposing bottom
connection end portion 154. The bottom connection end portion 154
is a tubular member comprising a virtual axis A. The second support
arm 152 is pivotally connected to the right leg shaft 112 by means
of the bottom connection end portion 154. The support unit 10
further comprises a carrier platform 16, two rollers 17 and two
foot pads 18. The carrier platform 16 is a hollow rectangular frame
adapted for supporting a cutting tool (not shown), comprising four
corner ends 161a, 161b. The two rear corner ends 161b are
respectively pivotally connected to the top end of the first stand
leg 11 and the top end of the second stand leg 13. The two front
corner ends 161a are movable with the carrier platform 16 relative
to the second stand leg 13 and supportable on the first and second
support arms 151, 152. The two rollers 17 are bilaterally and
pivotally mounted at the bottom end of the first stand leg 11 for
moving the support unit 10. The two foot pads 18 are mounted at the
bottom end of the second stand leg 13 for direct contact with the
floor.
[0020] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the positioning unit 20 comprises a
mounting member 21, an abutment member 23, an elastic member 25 and
a bearing member 27.
[0021] The mounting member 21 is fixedly connected to the right leg
shaft 112 of the first stand leg 11, comprising an upright wall
211, a first rod 212 and two through holes 213a, 213b defined
therein. The first rod 212 in this embodiment is a screw S1 mounted
at the upright wall 211. The through holes 213a, 213b are adapted
for allowing the respective screws S2, S3 to pass therethrough
[0022] The abutment member 23 is mounted at a top side of the
mounting member 21, comprising an abutment end portion 231, a
second rod 234, a through hole 232, an elongated slot 233 defined
therein. The abutment end portion 231 is located at one side of the
abutment member 23 for abutment against the bearing member 27. The
through hole 232 and the elongated slot 233 are respectively
located corresponding to the two through holes 213a, 213b of the
mounting member 21 so that the abutment member 23 can be pivotally
connected to the top side of the mounting member 21 by the screw
S2, and the screw S3 can be inserted through the elongated slot 233
to limit the biasing angle of the abutment member 23. The second
rod 234 is located at the abutment member 23 opposite to the
abutment end portion 231 to face toward the first rod 212.
[0023] The elastic member 25 in the present preferred embodiment is
a compression spring with two opposite ends respectively sleeved
onto the first rod 212 of the mounting member 21 and the second rod
234 of the abutment member 23 for constantly pushing the abutment
member 23 toward the bearing member 27.
[0024] The bearing member 27 is mounted at the bottom connection
end portion 154 of the second support arm 152. The bearing member
27 is substantially L-shaped, comprising a horizontal end portion
271 and a vertical end portion 272. The horizontal end portion 271
extends in parallel to the axis A of the bottom connection end
portion 154, and the vertical end portion 272 extends perpendicular
to the axis A of the bottom connection end portion 154. The bearing
member 27 further comprises a first engagement structure 273 and a
second engagement structure 274 (see FIG. 4). The first engagement
structure 273 is located at the vertical end portion 272. The first
engagement structure 273 is substantially an end edge of the
bearing member 27. The second engagement structure 274 is located
at the horizontal end portion 271. In this embodiment, the second
engagement structure 274 is a retaining groove.
[0025] The control unit 30 comprises a holder block 31, a pedal 33,
a torsion spring 35 and a link 37. The holder block 31 is fixedly
mounted at the right leg shaft 112 of the first stand leg 11. The
pedal 33 and the torsion spring 35 are pivotally connected to the
holder block 31 by a pivot axle 311 (a screw bolt) so that the
pedal 33 can be alternatively turned upwards and downwards about
the pivot axle 311. The link 37 has two opposite ends thereof
respectively and pivotally connected to the abutment member 23 and
the pedal 33. When the pedal 33 is biased by an external force, it
drives the abutment member 23 to turn toward or away from (leftward
or rightward) relative to the bearing member 27, further
controlling the abutment end portion 231 to selectively abut
against the bearing member 27.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 4-9, from the structure
described above, it can be clearly seen that as a user first steps
on the pedal 33 to bias the pedal 33 in order to convert the first
and second stand legs 11, 13 from the extended position (see FIG.
1) to the collapsed or folded position (see FIG. 9), when the pedal
33 is biased, the link 37 is driven by the pedal 33 to trigger
movement of the abutment member 23, causing the abutment end
portion 231 of the abutment member 23 to compress the elastic
member 25 and to bias from the position in abutment against the
first engagement structure 273 (see FIG. 5) in a direction away
from the bearing member 27 until the abutment member 23 is
disengaged from the first engagement structure 273 of the bearing
member 27 (see FIG. 6). At this time, the support arm set 15 is
forced by gravity and its weight to bias backwardly downwards (see
FIG. 7), allowing the user to keep biasing the pedal 33 and moving
the first stand leg 11 and the rollers 17 forward. As soon as the
first and second stand legs 11, 13 are received closely together,
the user can then release the pedal 33, allowing the abutment
member 23 to be forced by the elastic restoring energy of the
elastic member 25 to be biased toward the bearing member 27 and to
further move into engagement with the second engagement structure
274 of the bearing member 27 (see FIG. 8 and FIG. 9), and thus, the
collapsible stand 1 is in a collapsed or folded position (see FIG.
9).
[0027] Referring to FIG. 9, when wishing to convert the collapsible
stand 1 from the collapsed or folded position (see FIG. 9) to the
extended position (see FIG. 1), the user steps on the pedal 33 to
bias the abutment member 23 away from the second engagement
structure 274 of the bearing member 27. Then pressure is given
continuously to the pedal 33 to further move the first stand leg
11, so that the first and second stand legs 11, 13 are extended
out, and the first engagement structure 273 of the bearing member
27 is biased toward the abutment end portion 231 (see FIG. 6). As
soon as the user releases the pedal 33, the abutment end portion
231 is abutted against the first engagement structure 273 (see FIG.
5), and the collapsible stand 1 is in a fully extended out position
(see FIG. 1). The user can then mount the tool on the collapsible
stand 1 for operation.
[0028] In conclusion, the collapsible stand 1 uses the control unit
30 to control engagement between the abutment member 23 of the
positioning unit 20 and the bearing member 27, allowing the first
and second stand legs 11, 13 to be selectively moved or converted
between the extended position and the collapsed or folded position.
When compared to the prior art collapsible stand design, the
invention simplifies the structure and facilitates extending and
folding of the collapsible stand 1 with less effort. Further, the
structure of the collapsible stand 1 is highly stable, so that the
tool can be stably supported on the collapsible stand 1. Thus, the
collapsible stand 1 ensures a high level of operational safety and
structural stability.
* * * * *