Patent Application
20180236652
The present invention relates generally to industrial work tables and more particularly to a height adjustable finishing stand having a manual hand crank.
Industrial work tables are commonly used in the art for all types of work jobs and projects. However, adjusting the height of the table can be often be burdensome where the table can require disassembly. Even when tables are designed for height adjustment, movement of the table height with heavy weight on its top surface can be difficult in view of the lifting mechanism.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a height adjustable finishing stand with manual hand crank. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. It is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such mechanical components with minimal experimentation.
In use, a crank 209 and handle 213 are used to rotate the bearing mechanism. The bearing mechanism 207 includes a novel feature where the shaft holding the crank can be easily retracted. This allows the crank 209 to be pushed under the table's edge and out of the work space. The handle 213 connects to the crank 208 and is foldable so that it is substantially parallel with the crank to conceal it while it is not in use. Moreover, the table can also be raised or lowered by turning the manual crank by using an electric or air drill using a socket such as ⅝ inch or the like. The drill is connected to a center screw on the crank and turned in the manner a user would manually turn the crank using their own strength. This give the crank a power enhancement option enabling it to be quickly raised or lowered without manually turning the crank.
A bracket 323 is used to fasten the bearing assembly 300 under the table top. In use, the crank 311 can move in an extended or retracted position. The crank 311 moves on the sleeve 313 so that it can be pushed inwardly to a retracted position or move outwardly to its extended position. A user will turn the crank 311 using the handle 315 when in the extended position. Alternatively, an electric drill or air gun (not shown) can be attached to fastening screw 325 to turn the handle shaft 313 enabling the user to quickly move the table up or down.
Thus, embodiments of the invention are directed to a height adjustable work table and method of forming the table that include a table top supported by a base. One or more support leg are used and extend between the table top and base where each of the legs has a jack therein that is extendable in length. A bearing assembly is used for rotating the jack and the bearing mechanism is rotated with a crank having a collapsible handle such that a shaft connects to the crank and the crank is configurable between a retracted and extended position to conceal the crank under the table top when not in use.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
