Radial-scissor lift table and method

Abstract

A radial-scissor lift assembly for a table top comprising an upper support member, a lower support member, and at least three scissor assemblies coupled to the upper and lower support members. Each scissor assembly includes a table-scissor member rotatably supporting a table wheel adapted for contacting an unattached table. Each scissor assembly further includes a floor-scissor member rotatably supporting a floor wheel adapted for contacting a surface supporting the radial-scissor lift assembly. The radial-scissor lift assembly has an actuator assembly coupled to the lower support member and to the upper support member for moving the scissor assemblies. A method for lowering a table top comprising disposing a table top on at least three table rollers, and rolling the table rollers along the bottom on the table top and away from the center of the table top to cause the table top to be lowered.

Claims

1. A radial-scissor lift assembly for a table top comprising: an upper support member; a lower support member; a table top having a bottom; at least three scissor assemblies coupled to the upper and lower support members; an actuator assembly coupled to the lower support member and to the upper support member for moving the scissor assemblies; each scissor assembly including a table-scissor member rotatably supporting a table wheel, each said table wheel contacts the bottom of the table top for supporting the table top and for radially moving on the bottom of the table top towards or away from the upper support member; and each scissor assembly further including a floor-scissor member rotatably supporting a floor wheel, each said floor wheel contacts a surface supporting the radial-scissor lift assembly and is adapted for radially moving on the surface towards or away from the lower support member.

2. The radial-scissor lift assembly of claim 1 wherein said table top is disposed on said table wheels and remain continually spaced from the upper support member when the actuator assembly moves the table wheels and floor wheels relative to each other.

3. The radial-scissor lift assembly of claim 1 wherein the upper support member and the lower support member are vertically aligned; said upper support member comprises a structure defining at least three upper protruding lugs, and the lower support member comprises a structure defining at least three lower protruding lugs, and said three scissor assemblies are pivotally coupled to the upper lugs and to the lower lugs.

4. The radial-scissor lift assembly of claim 1 wherein said three scissor assemblies comprises a first scissor assembly, a second scissor assembly and a third assembly, and the angle between the first and second assemblies, and the angle between the second and third assemblies, and the angle between the third and first table assemblies are essentially equal.

5. (canceled)

6. The radial-scissor lift assembly of claim 1 herein the table scissor member is pivotally connected to the floor-scissor member.

7. The radial-scissor lift assembly of claim 3 wherein said table scissor members are pivotally connected the lower protruding lugs, and said floor scissor members are pivotally connected to the upper protruding lugs.

8. The radial-scissor lift assembly of claim 1 wherein said actuator assembly moves the lower support member away from or toward the upper support member.

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. The radial-scissor lift assembly of claim 1 additionally comprising a conduit member affixed to the upper support member and includes an internal cylindrical surface.

13. The radial-scissor lift assembly of claim 12 wherein said actuator assembly comprises a shaft that engages the internal cylindrical surface of the conduit member and is adapted for moving linearly therein.

14. The radial-scissor lift assembly of claim 8 additionally comprising a conduit member affixed to the upper support member and includes an internal cylindrical surface.

15. The radial-scissor lift assembly of claim 14 wherein said actuator assembly comprises a shaft that engages the internal cylindrical surface of the conduit member and is adapted for moving linearly therein, and movement of the upper and lower support members towards each other is caused by clockwise rotation of the shaft.

16. The radial-scissor lift assembly of claim 1 wherein each table wheel includes a table-wheel hub, each floor wheel includes a floor-wheel hub, and said table-wheel hubs and floor-wheel hubs are vertically aligned and remain vertically aligned as said table wheels and floor wheels radially move.

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the radial-scissor lift assembly for an unattached table top.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the radial-scissor lift assembly for an unattached table top.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a partial vertical sectional view of an embodiment of a radial-scissor lift assembly having an actuator assembly which has positioned an unattached table in a lower position;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a partial vertical sectional view of an embodiment of a radial-scissor lift assembly having an actuator assembly which has positioned an unattached table in an elevated position;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a partial vertical sectional view of the tubular nut member threadably engaged to the threaded motor shaft which is rotated by the motor for operating the scissor lift assemblies to raise or lower an unattached table.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an unattached transparent (e.g. glass) table top supported by rotatable table wheels of table-scissor members of the radial-scissor lift assembly;

[0014] FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken in direction of the arrows 7-7 in FIG. 6 of the radial-scissor lift assembly supporting an unattached transparent table top in a lowered position.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an unattached transparent (e.g. glass) table top supported by rotatable table wheels mounted to the table-scissor members of the radial-scissor lift assembly with arrows pointing in the direction of travel for raising the unattached table top into an elevated position.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the table assembly of FIG. 8 with horizontal arrows indicating the direction of travel of the rotatable table wheel members and the rotatable floor wheel members, and the vertical arrow indicating the direction of travel for the unattached table top, when the table assembly is to be placed in an elevated position by the actuator assembly.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an unattached transparent (e.g. glass) table top supported by the radial-scissor lift assembly in an elevated position.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken in direction of the arrows 11-11 in FIG. 10 of the radial-scissor lift assembly supporting the unattached transparent table top in an elevated position.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of an unattached transparent (e.g. glass) table top supported by rotatable table wheels mounted to the table-scissor members of the radial-scissor lift assembly with arrows pointing in the direction of travel for lowering the unattached table top into a lowered position.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the table assembly of FIG. 12 with horizontal arrows indicating the direction of travel of the rotatable table wheel members and the rotatable floor wheel members, and the vertical arrow indicating the direction of travel for the unattached table top, when the table assembly is to be placed in a lowered position by the actuator assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In the description herein for embodiments of the present invention, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] Referring in detail now to the drawings, there is seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 embodiments of a scissor-lift assembly, generally illustrated as 10, for elevating and lowering an unattached table top 8 (see FIGS. 10 and 11). The unattached table top 8 may possess any geometric shape (e.g., square or circular) and may be made of any material (e.g., wood, metal or glass). For purposes of explaining the present invention, the table top 8 is transparent (e.g. glass) and possesses a circular shape. The combination of the scissor-lift assembly 10 and the unattached table top 8 forms a table 6, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11.

[0023] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the scissor-lift assembly 10 respectively has three (3) and four (4) scissor assemblies, each generally illustrated as 14. It is to be understood that the scissor-lift assembly 10 may have any number of scissor assemblies 14. However, preferably at least three (3) scissor assemblies 14 are employed so the table 6 is stable.

[0024] The scissor-lift assembly 10 also comprises an upper support member 18 and a lower support member 22. The upper and lower support members 18 and 22 respectively include radially protruding lugs 26 and 30. The number of lugs formed with support members 18 and 22 depend on the number of scissor assemblies 14 to be employed. For the embodiment of the scissor-lift assembly 10 in FIG. 1, because three scissor assemblies 14 (each more specifically identified as 14a, 14b and 14c) are used, upper support member 18 has three lugs 26 (each more specifically identified as lugs 26a, 26b and 26c); and lower support member 22 likewise has three lugs 30, each more specifically identified as lugs 30a, 30b and 30c). As shown in FIG. 1, the scissor assemblies 14a, 14b and 14c are pivotally coupled to the upper and lower support members 18 and 22 in a polar array. The radially extensions and dispositions of the scissor assemblies 14a, 14b and 14c with respect to each other, are equiangular; that is, the angles between scissor assemblies 14a, 14b, between scissor assemblies 14b, 14c, and between scissor assemblies 14c, 14a are essentially equal.

[0025] The embodiment of the scissor-lift assembly 10 in FIG. 2 uses four scissor assemblies 14, each more specifically identified as 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d. Thus, upper support member 18 is formed with four lugs 26 (each more specifically identified as lugs 26a, 26b, 26c and 26d), and lower support member 22 likewise has four lugs 30, each more specifically identified as lugs 30a, 30b, 30c and 30d. As shown in FIG. 2, the scissor assemblies 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d are pivotally coupled to the upper and lower support members 18 and 22 in a polar array. As seen for the scissor assemblies 14a, 14b and 14c in FIG. 1, the radially extensions and dispositions of the scissor assemblies 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d with respect to each other, in FIG. 2 are also equiangular. More specifically, the angles between scissor assemblies 14a, 14b, between scissor assemblies 14b, 14c, and between scissor assemblies 14c, 14d, and between scissor assemblies 14d, 14a are essentially equal.

[0026] The scissor-lift assembly 10 further comprises an actuator assembly, generally illustrated as 36, which is coupled to the upper and lower support members 18 and 22. The actuator assembly 36 for purposes of embodiments of the present invention may be any suitable mechanism or system that is capable of moving (e.g., raising and lowing) or controlling the movement of unattached table top 8.

[0027] Typically, actuator assemblies are operated by a control system that transforms circular or rotary motion into linear motion. The transformation may be any suitable converting mechanisms, such as electrical, mechanical (e.g. rack and pinion), hydraulic or pneumatic, or any other type of converting system. Activation of the control system may be by any suitable means, such as by remote control of the type which remotely turns on or off a television or other electronic device.

[0028] As known to those possessing ordinary skill in the art, a hydraulic actuator consists of a cylinder or fluid motor that uses hydraulic power to facilitate mechanical operation whose output may be linear, rotary or oscillatory motion. A pneumatic actuator converts energy formed by vacuum or compressed air at high pressure into either linear or rotary motion. Motors are commonly employed when circular or rotary motions are needed for transformation into a linear motion.

[0029] For purposes of describing the present invention, the actuator assembly 36 includes a mechanism which generates a linear motion from a circular motion created by a conventional electric motor 40 that receives power through a cord 42 (see FIG. 1). However, the actuator assembly 36 is not to be limited to such an actuator assembly. The spirit and scope of the present invention is to include any type of actuator assembly which is capable of raising or lowering unattached table top 8.

[0030] The motor 40 is supported by the lower support member 22 (see FIG. 3 by way of example) and includes a stator 44 and a rotor 48. A threaded shaft 52 is coupled to the motor 40 and rotates when the motor 40 is energized. Bearings 41-41 are conveniently positioned as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The threaded shaft 52 has threads 56 that mesh with threads 60 of a nut member 64 (see FIG. 5) which connects or is bound to terminal end 57 (see FIG. 4) of a conduit 68 which houses the threaded shaft 52 as it linearly moves, Conduit 68 and nut member 64 form a tubular nut assembly.

[0031] Conduit 68 also has a terminal end 72 which is stationarly affixed to the upper support member 18 When motor 40 rotates treaded shaft 52 clockwise in direction of arrow D (see FIG. 5), shaft 52 commences to linearly move in direction of the arrow A, causing the conduit 68 to begin linearly accepting the shaft 52 as it linearly travels internally within conduit 68 in direction of the arrow B. As threaded shaft 52 linearly moves in direction of the arrow A, the motor 40 appended to and associated with the shaft 52 linearly moves with the shaft 52, causing the lower support member 22 attached to the motor 40 to follow the motor 40 towards nut member 64.

[0032] Simultaneously with clockwise rotation of threaded shaft 52, and the linear movement of the shaft 52 in direction of the arrow B within conduit 68, there is a secondary dynamic force moving conduit 68 in direction of the arrow C (see FIG. 5) and towards motor 40. Any friction or resistance in movement of the motor 40 towards nut member 64 would cause the nut member 64, along with the conduit 68 and upper support member 18 secured to the terminal end 72 of the conduit 68, to travel in direction of the arrow C in FIG. 5. In the event motor 40 and the lower support member 22 coupled to the motor 40, remained stationary, nut member 64 and conduit 68 (and attached upper support member 18) would solely move in direction of arrow C in FIG. 5 as shaft 52 rotates. Typically, motor 40 and lower support member 22, do not remain stationary. Thus, rotating shaft 52 causes a dual dynamic force; one forcing the motor 40 and lower support member 22 to move in direction of the arrow A (see FIG. 5); the other forcing the nut member 64, the conduit 68 connected to the nut member 64, and the upper support member 18 coupled to the conduit 68, to move in direction of the arrow C. Thus, upper and lower support members 18 and 22 movement towards each other caused by the clockwise rotating shaft 52, produces dual dynamic forces. As will be further explained hereafter, rotation of shaft 52 clockwise (in direction of the arrow D) by the motor 40 causes the scissor-lift assembly 10 to be placed in the collapsed or lowered position illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, which concomitantly postures the unattached table 8 in a lowered position.

[0033] As will also be further explained hereafter, reversing the entire foregoing procedure would cause the scissor-lift assembly 10 to be positioned in an expanded or elevated state, as illustrated in FIG. 11. More specifically, reversing the procedure entails inter alia causing motor 40 to rotate shaft 52 counter-clockwise (i.e., in direction of arrow E in FIG. 5). This causes shaft 52 to linearly move in direction of the arrow F, and conduit 68 to move oppositely; that is, in direction of arrow G (see FIG. 5 again). Movement of the shaft 52 and conduit 68 accordingly, results in upper and lower support members 18 and 22 moving away from each other, causing the scissor-lift assembly 10 to be eventually disposed in an elevated position, such as that shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. This places unattached table 8 in an elevated or raised position as also shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. It is to be understood that the present invention is not to restrict or limit the placement of unattached table 8 in only two positions, i.e., the positions shown in FIGS. 9 and 11. By controlling the operation of the motor 40, unattached table 8 may be postured in any position between the lowermost shown in FIG. 9 and the uppermost shown in FIG. 11.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, scissor assemblies 14a, 14b, and 14c respectively have table-scissor members 74, 78 and 82, and floor-scissor members 86, 90 and 94. Table-scissor members 74, 78 and 82 rotatably support table wheels 98, 102 and 106 at respective upper extremities 110, 116 and 118. Points 112, 114, and 120 are pivot points for table-scissor members 74, 78 and 82, against floor-scissor members 86, 90 and 94 so when table-scissor members 74, 78 and 82 simultaneously move relative to each other at points 112, 114 and 120, movement is in a scissor-like fashion. As best shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, table wheels 98, 102 and 106 support unattached table top 8.

[0035] Lower extremities 126, 130 and 134 of table-scissor members 74, 78 and 82 couple to lugs 30a, 30b and 30c of lower support member 22 at pivot points 338, 342 and 346. Upper extremities 138, 142 and 146 of floor-scissor members 86, 90 and 94 couple to lugs 26a, 26b and 30c at pivot points 150, 154 and 158. As best shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, floor-scissor members 86, 90 and 94 rotatably support floor wheels 162, 166 and 170, at respective lower extremities 174, 178 and 182. Floor wheels 162, 166 and 170 roll on a floor 168 for supporting the table 6.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 2, in addition to the scissor assemblies of 14a, 14b and 14c, there is seen scissor assembly 14d having table-scissor member 200 and floor-scissor member 204. Table-scissor member 200 rotatably supports table wheel 208 at upper extremity 212. The pivot point where table-scissor member 200 pivots against floor-scissor member 204 for moving table-scissor member 200 and floor-scissor member 204 relative to each other in a scissor-like fashion is not shown. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, table wheel 208 supports unattached table top 8. Lower extremity 220 of table-scissor member 200 couples to lug 30d at pivot point 280 and the upper extremity 240 of floor-scissor member 204 couples to lug 26d at pivot point 288. The lower extremity 250 of floor-scissor member 204 rotatably supports floor wheel 254 which rolls on the floor 168 for supporting the table 6.

[0037] Referring now to the drawings for operation of the scissor lift assembly 10 of the present invention, the three wheel scissor assemblies 14a, 14b and 14c will be employed to explain the operation; however, it is to be understood that the four wheel scissor assemblies 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d operate similarly or identically to the three wheel scissor assemblies 14a, 14b and 14c with the exception that the three wheel scissor assemblies 14a, 14b, and 14c excludes the additionally scissor assembly 14d.

[0038] There is seen in FIGS. 3 and 7 scissor-lift assembly 10 in the lowered position, supporting unattached table 8 on table wheels 98, 102 and 106. In order to elevate the unattached table 8 to the elevated position illustrated in FIG. 11, motor 40 is turned on and then activated, causing treaded shaft 52 to commence rotating counter-clockwise in direction of arrow E (see FIG. 5). As shaft 52 rotates counter-clockwise, it begins to move in the linear direction represented by arrow F in FIG. 5, withdrawing from within conduit 68 and causing motor 40, and the lower support member 22 attached to the motor 40, to travel away from conduit 68 and the upper support member 18 secured to conduit 68. As conduit 68 and the upper support member 18 move away from motor 40 and the lower support member 22, the scissor assemblies 14a, 14b and 14c begin opening, and table wheels 98, 102 and 106 and floor wheels 162, 166 and 170 to respectively move in direction of arrows H and arrows J, and unattached table 8 to move indirection of arrow K (see FIG. 9).

[0039] When scissor assemblies 14a, 14b and 14c are opening, table-scissor members 74, 78 and 82 (and their respective associated table wheels 98, 102 and 106) and floor-scissor members 86, 90 and 94 (and their respective associated floor wheels 162, 166 and 170) pivot about pivot points 112, 114 and 120 and are moving away from each other. Simultaneously, lower extremities 126, 130 and 134 of table-scissor members 74, 78 and 82 pivot on lugs 30a, 30b and 30c of lower support member 22 at pivot points 338, 342 and 346; and upper extremities 138, 142 and 146 of floor-scissor member members 86, 90 and 94 pivot on lugs 26a, 26b and 26c at pivot points 150, 154 and 158. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as the scissor assemblies 14a, 14b and 14c move towards the open position, table rollers 98, 102 and 106 are rolling along the bottom of unattached table 8 towards centrally disposed actuator assembly 36, and unattached table 8 is moving upwardly in direction of the arrow K. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, as table wheels 98, 102 and 106 move respectively away from floor wheels 162, 166 and 170, the hubs of the wheels remain in generally vertically aligned along the dashed-lined arrows 210 and 216, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and FIG. 4. Movements continue until unattached table 8 reaches the elevated position illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. Motor 40 then automatically turns off and deactivated, or motor 40 may be manually turned off.

[0040] Continuing to refer to the drawings for reversing the procedure to lower the unattached table 8 from the elevated position illustrated in FIG. 11 to the collapsed or lowered position illustrated in FIG. 7, motor 40 is turned on and then activated to cause treaded shaft 52 to commence rotating clockwise in direction of arrow D (see FIG. 5). As shaft 52 rotates clockwise, it begins to move in the linear direction represented by arrow F in FIG. 5, gradually entering conduit 68 and causing motor 40, and the lower support member 22 attached to the motor 40, to travel towards the lower support member 22 supporting motor 40. As conduit 68 and the upper support member 18 towards motor 40 and the lower support member 22, the scissor assemblies 14a, 14b and 14c begin closing, and table wheels 98, 102 and 106 and floor wheels 162, 166 and 170 to respectively move in direction of arrows M and arrows P, and unattached table to move indirection of arrow R (see FIG. 12).

[0041] When scissor assemblies 14a, 14b and 14c are closing, table-scissor members 74, 78 and 82 (and their respective associated table wheels 98, 102 and 106) and floor-scissor members 86, 90 and 94 (and their respective associated floor wheels 162, 166 and 170) pivot about pivot points 112, 114 and 120 and are moving towards from each other. Simultaneously, lower extremities 126, 130 and 134 of table-scissor members 74, 78 and 82 pivot on lugs 30a, 30b and 30c of lower support member 22 at pivot points 338, 342 and 346; and upper extremities 138, 142 and 146 of floor-scissor members 86, 90 and 94 pivot on lugs 26a, 26b and 30c at pivot points 150, 154 and 158. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as the scissor assemblies 14a, 14b and 14c move towards the closed position, table rollers 98, 102 and 106 are rolling along the bottom of unattached table 8 away from centrally disposed actuator assembly 36, and unattached table 8 is moving downwardly in direction of the arrow R. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as table wheels 98, 102 and 106 move respectively toward floor wheels 162, 166 and 170, the hubs of the wheels remain in generally vertically aligned along the dashed-lined arrows 210 and 216, as best shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. Movements continue until unattached table 8 reaches the lowered position illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 9. Motor 40 then either automatically (or is manually) turned off.

[0042] Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment, an embodiment, or a specific embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and not necessarily in all embodiments. Thus, respective appearances of the phrases in one embodiment, in an embodiment, or in a specific embodiment in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any specific embodiment of the present invention may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other embodiments. It is to be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0043] Additionally, any directional arrows in the drawings/Figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically noted. Furthermore, the term or as used herein is generally intended to mean and/or unless otherwise indicated. Combinations of components or steps will also be considered as being noted, where terminology is foreseen as rendering the ability to separate or combine is unclear.

[0044] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, a, an, and the includes plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of in includes in and on unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0045] The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed herein. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made to the present invention in light of the foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0046] Thus, while the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances some features of embodiments of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the present invention. It is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular terms used in following claims and/or to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims.