Support device for countertops

Abstract

The present invention relates to a ‘prop up’ or support device for supporting counters or sinks during renovation, restoration, mitigation, or other similar situations. More specifically, the prop up device is a rectilinear shaped telescoping device having telescoping arms that can extend to different heights to support kitchen counters, bars, or sinks of different heights, and ensures the kitchen remains functional during repairs, renovations, or the like. The prop up device enables the telescoping arms to easily collapse, fold, and store when the support device is in the storage orientation (i.e. not in use).

Claims

1. A support brace for a countertop or sink, wherein the support brace is collapsible and foldable and comprises: a first telescoping arm; a second telescoping arm; a lateral top support member; a lateral base member; a first longitudinal upper arm pivotally connected to said lateral top support member at a top end, wherein said first longitudinal upper arm is hingedly connected to said first telescoping arm at a bottom end; said first telescoping arm is configured to extend and retract from a first telescoping sleeve, wherein said first telescoping sleeve is pivotally fastened to said lateral base member; a second longitudinal upper arm pivotally connected to said lateral top support member at the top end, wherein said second longitudinal upper arm is hingedly connected to said second telescoping arm at the bottom end; said second telescoping arm is configured to extend and retract from a second telescoping sleeve, wherein said second telescoping sleeve is pivotally fastened to said lateral base member; said first and second longitudinal upper arms and said first and second telescoping arms are configured to selectively fold whereby said lateral top support member is positioned proximal to and aligned with said base member when said support brace is in a folded orientation; wherein said support brace consisting of a first adjuster knob for retaining said first telescoping arm in said first telescoping sleeve at a selectable extension therein, and a second adjuster knob for retaining said second telescoping arm in said second telescoping sleeve at said selectable extension therein; and further wherein said selectable extension extends said support brace to a pre-existing height of the countertop.

2. The support brace of claim 1, wherein each of said first longitudinal upper arm and said second longitudinal upper arm are laterally received within said lateral top support member when said support brace is in the folded orientation.

3. The support brace of claim 2, wherein said first telescoping arm and said second telescoping arm are laterally received within said base member when said support brace is in the folded orientation.

4. The support brace of claim 1, wherein said first telescoping arm aligns with and supports said first longitudinal upper arm when said support brace is in an extended orientation.

5. The support brace of claim 4, wherein said second telescoping arm aligns with and supports said second longitudinal upper arm when said support brace is in the extended orientation.

6. The support brace of claim 5, wherein said first longitudinal upper arm is hingedly connected to said first telescoping arm and includes a range of rotation, and said second longitudinal upper arm is hingedly connected to said second telescoping arm and includes the range of rotation, and further wherein said range of rotation is generally about 180 degrees.

7. The support brace of claim 6, wherein said first longitudinal upper arm rotates generally 90 degrees from said extended orientation to said folded orientation.

8. The support brace of claim 7, wherein said second longitudinal upper arm rotates generally 90 degrees from said extended orientation to said folded orientation.

9. The support brace of claim 8, wherein said first telescoping sleeve rotates generally 90 degrees from said extended orientation to said folded orientation.

10. The support brace of claim 9, wherein said second telescoping sleeve rotates generally 90 degrees from said extended orientation to said folded orientation.

11. A support brace for a counter or a sink, the support brace being both collapsible and foldable and consisting of: a first and a second telescoping arm; a top support member; a base member; a first upper arm pivotally connected to said top support member at a top end; said first upper arm is hingedly connected to said first telescoping arm at a bottom end including a range of rotation therebetween; said first telescoping arm is configured to extend and retract from a first telescoping sleeve; said first telescoping sleeve is pivotally fastened to said base member; a second upper arm pivotally connected to said top support member at the top end; said second upper arm is hingedly connected to said second telescoping arm at the bottom end including said range of rotation therebetween; said range of rotation is generally about 180 degrees; said second telescoping arm is configured to extend and retract from a second telescoping sleeve; said second telescoping sleeve is pivotally fastened to said base member; said first and second upper arms and said first and second telescoping arms are configured to selectively fold whereby said top support member is positioned proximal to and aligned with said base member when said support brace is in a folded orientation; wherein said support brace consisting of a first adjuster knob for retaining said first telescoping arm in said first telescoping sleeve at a selectable extension therein, and a second adjuster knob for retaining said second telescoping arm in said second telescoping sleeve at said selectable extension therein; and further wherein said selectable extension extends said support brace to a pre-existing height of the counter.

12. The support brace of claim 11, wherein said first upper arm and said second upper arm are laterally received within said top support member when said support brace is in the folded orientation.

13. The support brace of claim 12, wherein said first telescoping arm and said second telescoping arm are laterally received within said base member when said support brace is in the folded orientation.

14. The support brace of claim 13, wherein said first telescoping arm aligns with and supports said first upper arm when said support brace is in an extended orientation.

15. The support brace of claim 14, wherein said second telescoping arm aligns with and supports said second upper arm when said support brace is in the extended orientation.

16. The support brace of claim 15, wherein said first upper arm rotates generally 90 degrees from said extended orientation to said folded orientation.

17. The support brace of claim 16, wherein said second upper arm rotates generally 90 degrees from said extended orientation to said folded orientation.

18. A collapsible and foldable support brace for a counter or a sink, the collapsible and foldable support brace comprising: a first and a second telescoping arm; a top support member; a base member; a first upper arm pivotally connected to said top support member at a top end; said first upper arm is hingedly connected to said first telescoping arm at a bottom end including a range of rotation therebetween; said first telescoping arm is configured to extend and retract from a first telescoping sleeve; said first telescoping sleeve is pivotally fastened to said base member; a second longitudinal upper arm pivotally connected to said top support member at the top end; said second upper arm is hingedly connected to said second telescoping arm at the bottom end including said range of rotation therebetween; said range of rotation is generally about 180 degrees; said second telescoping arm is configured to extend and retract from a second telescoping sleeve; said second telescoping sleeve is pivotally fastened to said base member; wherein said foldable support brace consisting of a first adjuster knob for retaining said first telescoping arm in said first telescoping sleeve at a selectable extension therein and a second adjuster knob for retaining said second telescoping arm in said second telescoping sleeve at said selectable extension therein; and further wherein said selectable extension extends said foldable support brace to a pre-existing height of the counter.

19. The collapsible and foldable support brace of claim 18, wherein said first upper arm and said second upper arm are laterally received within said top support member when said support brace is in the folded orientation, and further wherein said first telescoping arm and said second telescoping arm are laterally received within said base member when said support brace is in the folded orientation.

20. The collapsible and foldable support brace of claim 19, wherein said first upper arm rotates generally 90 degrees from said extended orientation to said folded orientation, and further wherein said second upper arm rotates generally 90 degrees from said extended orientation to said folded orientation.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a kitchen counter collapsible support device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the kitchen counter collapsible support device of the present invention in an extended orientation and supporting a kitchen counter in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing how one potential embodiment of the kitchen counter collapsible support device of the present invention is collapsible using the hinged joints in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the kitchen counter collapsible support device of the present invention in a collapsed and folded orientation in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up view showing an adjuster knob used in one potential embodiment of the kitchen counter collapsible support device of the present invention in a collapsed orientation in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

(7) The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

(8) As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a device for supporting kitchen counters or sinks during repairs, renovation, restoration, or other similar situations. There is also a long felt need in the art for a prop-up device for kitchen counters or sinks that is adjustable in height and can easily support kitchen counters of different heights. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a prop up device that eliminates the need to shift the kitchen to another room or to move out of the home when the kitchen in nonfunctional during renovation or repairs. There is a long felt need in the art for a support bracket for supporting kitchen counters that does not add to the expenses of the users and provides a cleaner and more professional look. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a prop up device for kitchen counters that ensures the kitchen counters or sinks remain functional during renovation, remediation or restoration, and for a support or bracket device that is reliable and does not slip out. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a prop-up device that remains stable while standing in the place of lower cabinets under kitchen counters or sinks and does not cause injuries to the users. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a prop-up device that can be easily used by professionals and nonprofessionals to support kitchen counters/sinks during renovation, remediation, mitigation, or other similar situations.

(9) The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, comprises a foldable support device for supporting surfaces such as kitchen counters. The device includes a pair of arms secured to a lateral top member of the device such that the top end of each arm of the pair of arms is pivotably-connected to the top member. A bottom end of each arm is pivotably-connected to a telescoping arm through a hinge. The hinge pivots the arm and the telescoping arm from a first longitudinal position which is essentially coplanar to a second position where the arm and the telescoping arm align with each other. The telescoping arm extends or retracts from a sleeve that is pivotably-connected to a base member. In a folded position, the top member accommodates the pair of arms and the base member accommodates the sleeves having enclosed telescoping arms and the top member overlays the base member.

(10) Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a kitchen counter collapsible support device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The collapsible support device 100 of the present invention is configured to support counters and sinks when cabinet boxes, doors, frames, and faces are removed during mitigation, remediation, or renovation. The device 100 can be made from hard plastic, aluminum, or other suitable material that can withstand the weight of countertops and kitchen sinks. The device 100 includes telescoping arms to adjust for various counter heights. The device 100 can be used for supporting other types of counters or surfaces in order to prevent same from falling.

(11) The components comprising the device 100 are generally square or rectilinear in structure. The device 100 includes a pair of upper arms having a left upper arm 102 and a right upper arm 104. The left upper arm 102 is connected to a left telescoping arm 106 through a first hinged joint 110. The right upper arm 104 is connected to a right telescoping arm 108 through a second hinged joint 112. The left telescoping arm 106 is configured to extend and retract from a left telescoping sleeve 114. The left telescoping sleeve 114 receives the left telescoping arm 106 through telescoping means and allows control of the extension and retraction therefrom using a first knob 116. The first knob 116 can be loosened to allow the left telescoping arm 106 to extend from the left sleeve 114 and when a desired height is reached, the first knob 116 is tightened by turning in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction to lock the left telescoping arm 106 at the desired selectable height.

(12) The right telescoping arm 108 is configured to extend and retract from a right telescoping sleeve 118. The right telescoping sleeve 118 receives the right telescoping arm 108 through telescoping means and allows control of the extension and retraction therefrom using a second knob 120. The second knob 120 can be loosened to allow the right telescoping arm 108 to extend from the right sleeve 118 and when a desired height is reached, the second knob 120 is tightened by turning in clockwise or counter-clockwise direction to lock the right telescoping arm 108.

(13) The left upper arm 102 and the right upper arm 104 are connected to a top supporting member 122 using mechanical fasteners. The top supporting member 122 is used for supporting a counter surface thereon. The left sleeve 114 and the right sleeve 118 are connected to a base 124 using mechanical fasteners. The base 124 is placed on a surface such as a floor or ground thereby allowing the device 100 to remain stable and erect.

(14) Using the telescoping arms 106, 108, the height of the collapsible support device 100 can be customized to support surfaces of different heights. The hinged joint 110 allows the pivot movement of the upper left arm 102 and the left telescoping arm 106 allowing both the upper left arm 102 and the left telescoping arm 106 to remain in a vertical orientation and aligned to each other. Similarly, using the second hinged joint 112 allows the pivot movement of the upper right arm 104 and the right telescoping arm 108 allowing both the upper right arm 104 and the right telescoping arm 108 to remain in a vertical orientation and aligned to each other. When both the hinges 110, 112 are used for pivoting, the support device 100 can be collapsed to a folded condition (see e.g., FIG. 3). The support device 100 of the present invention provides a collapsible and foldable brace for counters that leave an occupant with a working kitchen during mitigation, remediation or renovation. The support brace 100 is aesthetically appealing, portable, lightweight, economical, sturdy and offers a cleaner and more professional look than lumber currently used in the field.

(15) The top member 122 and the base member 124 are hollow and dimensioned to accommodate the upper arms 102, 104 and the sleeves 114, 118 with enclosed telescoping arms 106, 108 respectively. In one potential embodiment, the length of each of the upper arms 102, 104, telescoping arms 106, 108, and the sleeves 114, 118 are the same and are of half of the length of the top member 122 and the base member 124. All the arm members of the device are pivotably connected, or slidingly engaged, to each other through a hinge or other mechanism allowing smooth movement for adjusting vertical height and folding the device into a collapsed state.

(16) FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of kitchen counter collapsible support device of the present invention in an extended form supporting a kitchen counter in accordance with the disclosed architecture. To support a kitchen counter 202 at a greater height, the support device 100 is extended and the height of the device 100 is increased using the built-in telescoping mechanism. The telescoping arms 106, 108 are extended from the sleeves 114, 118 respectively, to increase the height of the device 100. The top supporting member 122 makes contact with an underside of the kitchen counter 202 in the support position, while the base 124 is placed on a floor surface 204.

(17) The left upper arm 102 is permanently and hingedly-connected to the telescoping arm 106 through the hinged joint 110. Similarly, the right upper arm 104 is permanently and hingedly-connected to the telescoping arm 108 through the hinged joint 112. In retracted form, the length of the telescoping arms 106, 108 are enclosed within the telescoping sleeves 114, 118, respectively. The hinged joints 110, 112 remain accessible and allow hinged movement between the upper arms 102, 104 and telescoping arms 106, 108 to enable collapsing of the support device 100 in a folded condition. In an extended form, the telescoping arms 106, 108 extend longitudinally from the sleeves 114, 118 allowing the total longitudinal height of the device 100 to selectively increase. The telescoping arms 106, 108 can be locked at a desired height to securely support the counter 202 during renovation, remediation, mitigation or other similar situations.

(18) The telescoping arm 106 can have a plurality of holes with which the knob 116 can be telescopically-engaged to lock the telescoping arm 106 at a desired height. Similarly, the right telescoping arm 108 can have a plurality of holes with which the knob 120 can be telescopically-engaged to lock the telescoping arm 108 at a desired height.

(19) In the extended form, the height of the support device 100 from the base 124 to the top supporting member 122 can be up to four feet. In the retracted form, the height of the support device 100 from the base 124 to the top supporting member 122 can be up to two feet. The base 124 provides a stable and secure footing for the support device 100 when supporting the kitchen counter 202 or sink. It is to be appreciated that the range of extension enables the support device to provide support to counters, sinks, or bars that are at typical counter, bar and café heights.

(20) FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing how the support device of the present invention is collapsed using the hinged joints in accordance with the disclosed architecture. To collapse the support device 100 of the present invention, the telescoping arms 106, 108 are retracted such that the hinged joints 110, 112 are accessible just above the top end of the sleeves 114, 118. A small force can be applied at the hinge connections 110, 112 from the outer side toward the inner side. The hinged joint 110 pivots accordingly inward such that the upper left arm 102 and the sleeve 114 with enclosed telescoping arm 106 symmetrically move in a pivot manner. Simultaneously, the hinged joint 112 pivots inward such that the upper right arm 104 and the sleeve 118 with enclosed telescoping arm 108 symmetrically move in a pivot manner.

(21) The first upper arm 102 hingedly-connected to the first telescoping arm 106 includes a range of rotation, and the second upper arm 104 hingedly-connected to the second telescoping arm 108 includes a range of rotation, and the range of rotation is generally about 180 degrees. It is to be appreciated that the first upper arm 102 rotates generally 90 degrees from the extended orientation to the folded orientation. Similarly, the second upper arm 104 rotates generally 90 degrees from the extended orientation to the folded orientation.

(22) The base 124 and the top supporting member 122 of the support device 100 includes a hollow space to accommodate the arms, while the device 100 is in the folded condition. During the pivot movement of the arms 102, 104 and the sleeves 114, 118, the top supporting member 122 moves vertically downwards allowing the arms 102, 104 to be received therein. Similarly, the sleeves 114, 118 can be accommodated and received in a hollow space inside the base 124 when the support device 100 is in the collapsed orientation. The sleeves 114, 118 rotate generally 90 degrees from the extended orientation to the folded orientation

(23) The fasteners 302, 306 enable the pivot movements of arms 102, 104 and allow the downward movement of the top supporting member 122. Fasteners 304, 308 enable the pivot movements of sleeves 114, 118 and allow the sleeves 114, 118 to pivot into the hollow space of the base 124.

(24) FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the kitchen counter collapsible support device of the present invention in a collapsible form in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The support device 100 can be collapsed such that the upper arms and the sleeves with telescoping arms are completely folded and received in the hollow space within the base 124 and top supporting member 122. The fasteners 302, 306 allow downward movement of the top supporting member 122 and also allow the upper arms 102, 104 to be accommodated and received into the hollow space of the top supporting member 122.

(25) The fasteners 304, 308 allow the sleeves with enclosed telescoping arms to be accommodated and received into the hollow space of the base 124. In the folded condition, the upper arms and the sleeves align with each other between the top surface 122 and the base 124, and allow the support device 100 to be portable and stowable in a very compact configuration. In the folded position, the upper arms 102, 104 overlay the sleeves 114, 118 (not illustrated) between the top member 122 and the base member 124. Further, the top member 122 overlays the bottom member 124 in the folded position.

(26) FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up perspective view of an adjuster knob used in one potential embodiment of the kitchen counter collapsible support device of the present invention in a collapsible form in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The adjuster knob 116 is used for controlling the length of extension or retraction of the telescoping arm 106 of the support device. The adjuster knob 116 is present on the sleeve 114 and can be engaged to one of the holes in the telescoping arm 106. The adjuster knob 116 can position and lock the telescoping arm 106 at a desired longitudinal height. As shown, selectable holes 1060, 1062 are visible on the telescoping arm 106. It should be noted that any other telescoping means can be used to extend or retract the telescoping arms 106, 108 used in the device of the present invention. In a completely retracted position, the telescoping arm 106 is retracted such that the hinged joint 110 is visible and allows the device to collapse easily. The adjuster knob 116 can be rotated in a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction to engage and disengage, respectively, with a select one of the holes or openings.

(27) The support device 100 of the present invention provides a new lightweight and portable support device for kitchen counters, bars, tables, and other types of surface, and is compatible with a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then compatible with low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such collapsible support device economically available to the buying public.

(28) Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “kitchen counter collapsible support device”, “collapsible support device”, “support device”, “collapsible and foldable brace”, “device”, “prop up device for kitchen counters”, “prop up device” and “kitchen counter bracket” are interchangeable and refer to the kitchen counter collapsible support device 100 of the present invention.

(29) Notwithstanding the forgoing, the kitchen counter collapsible support device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the kitchen counter collapsible support device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the kitchen counter collapsible support device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the kitchen counter collapsible support device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the kitchen counter collapsible support device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

(30) Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

(31) What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.