Patent Application
20140083005
Not Applicable.
This invention relates to support bench frames and improvements to more easily provide an efficient workspace, support a large weight load, quickly adjust a bench's center of gravity, and maintain portability.
Support bench frames have been used by craftsmen as a means to hang tools and articles such as paint cans, to mount large platforms such as a model train landscapes or art canvases, or to support or hang heavy items such as plant trays for suspension above a ground surface. However, it is also currently burdensome to adjust or move large heavy articles placed on a support bench such as full plant trays, works of art currently in progress, exhibits, architectural models, or model train landscapes because most benches do not have wheels or a means to easily transport the item or adjust the angle at which it is placed.
Support benches exist that sustain large weight loads, but benches in the prior art are neither vertically adjustable nor are they very portable. To transport a fully loaded support bench, one must first disassemble or remove the platform(s) or items from the frame component. Disassembly of a support bench and removal of the items therefrom is a burdensome activity that requires significant time and resources. As a result, there is a need for an improved support bench that can sustain heavy weight loads, has an adjustable center of gravity, and remain portable. Even during shipping and transport, support benches can pose a problem as far as logistics compared to other items given their large size.
U.S. Pat. No. 866,088 by Templin describes an improved means to fully propagate and grow early vegetable and flower plants. The invention is also adapted for use as an indoor plant stand whereby plants may be placed and maintained in a healthy growing condition. This apparatus includes a plurality of legs, a lower platform section and an upper platform section, both oriented perpendicular to the placement of the legs. The upper tray platform component also includes both a pan and a tray having a perforated bottom for water to drain that fits in the pan. The invention by Templin includes both upper and lower platform frames but only provides a single continuous surface. The bench legs are also located at the edges of the upper platform section, which is substantially different from the location of the legs disclosed in your invention. Finally, unlike the present invention neither platform level of the apparatus to Templin can be vertically adjusted.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,506 to Powell Jr. describes one or more plant growing trays that are supported via a tubular support frame constructed of PVC pipe providing a support system for plant-growing trays and a storage chamber for fluid growing solution. The apparatus to Powell Jr. also includes a timing mechanism so that air pressure can regulate when growing solution is distributed throughout the trays. This invention includes a plurality of modular tubing and joints to create a single support platform for one or more plant trays, but does not provide improved adjustability or portability to the user.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,119 to Chabot discloses a base support apparatus for seed trays. The invention to Chabot discloses a tray including a flat frame with a plurality of compartments, each having an opened bottom that would support a plant tray, and retractable supporting components that move between a stored position and an standing position where they are placed in a configuration describing an angle of more than 90 degrees to the stored position, thereby leaving a space below the frame to allow air to circulate or a water reservoir component to be placed underneath. The invention to Chabot is an improved apparatus to support only seed trays. Moreover, it is not vertically adjustable, nor is it designed to sustain a large amount of weight.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,853 to Harman discloses a portable plant-growing cart that can accommodate a plurality of trays. The invention is a growing cart constructed of a plurality of interconnected rigid frames secured via hinges that support one or more plant trays thereon with legs and wheels. A moveable light source is also supported from the frames above one tray to provide a light source, which can be reflected back toward the plants via a reflective shroud. Although this wheel cart is portable, it does not provide several levels of storage nor is it vertically adjustable.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,511 to Holtkamp Jr. discloses an apparatus for indoor horticulture that includes a multi-platform self-watering tray system for supporting a plurality of plants, which can also be watered from a continuous water reservoir in the bottom of the system via capillary action so that water can circulate upwards throughout the system. This system applies mostly to potted plants and the plant support platforms are not intended to be adjustable upward or downward. The trays allow for improved circulation of water and do so through angling the pots so that water will drain accordingly. However, the invention to Holtkamp does not provide a portable solution without having to disassemble and remove the components, reducing its utility.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,564 to Stragnola claims a plant growing station having a growing tray on a watering bench, the tray adapted to expose a pumping compartment within the lowermost portion of the watering bench, the tray also adapted to filter and collect water that has been sprayed thereon. The invention by Stragnola features a watering bench sized to fit a planting tray and a water-pumping component in the bench's lowermost portion, which is also connected to a spraying mechanism via a tube from the lower portion to the top portion of the apparatus. A water pump moves water from the lower portion of the water collection area through the tube to the spraying mechanism wherein water is provided to the plants within the apparatus. Although this invention provides a self-sustaining means to grow plants indoors, the invention does not provide portability or adjustability.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,812 to Knell discloses a plant stand system for growing plants on plant trays from seedlings via multiple T-shaped platforms and L-shaped light arms wherein the lights can be adjusted in height via one or more flexible chain members. The invention to Knell is an all-in-one adjustable indoor plant stand system, but it is distinct from your invention for several reasons. First, Knell's invention has a higher center of gravity and is more likely to fall over than the invention disclosed herein. Because the weight on the invention disclosed herein is more evenly distributed along a single axis, it is better balanced and less likely to fall over during use in comparison to the multi-platform system claimed by Knell. Next, Knell's invention fails to be as expandable or as customizable as the present invention. The platform components on Knell's invention can be adjusted upward or downward along the y-axis but cannot be adjusted outward or inward to support specific plant trays.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,385,899 to Treganza discloses a decorative plant stand with integrated drainage and rotation features. Treganza's invention enhances the growth of indoor plants by providing portability and improved drainage. Specifically, the invention provides a platform and support component with internal drainage water collection and storage subsystem with wheels so that the apparatus could be utilized or rotated by the user. The invention by Treganza also includes a drainage system with shut-off valve, a water storage system, and a single support component where the drainage and water storage system pass within. Although this invention improves portability and facilitates drainage, it fails to help more than the simple hobbyist. Commercial or larger scale indoor horticulturalists require a system that is simple, useful for a large number and variety of plants, modular, and easily portable. A simplified device such as the present invention can accomplish the same utility achieved by this invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,303,228 by Thomas discloses a foldable bench designed for use in any number of fields. The bench disclosed by Thomas is adjustable and can be used to support large weight loads on the flat surface of the bench. However, the bench to Thomas fails to be vertically adjustable by the user. The bench to Thomas also does not improve portability nor does the positioning of the legs allow the bench to accommodate larger weight loads.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,654,036 to Shouse and Reck discloses a rack or stand for growing plants that is designed and configured to be convertible into various sizes that also support various light sources. Unlike other racks in the art, the rack disclosed by Shouse and Reck allows a user to configure and modify the rack so that it can support plant trays of various sizes. Although Shouse and Reck attempt to overcome the customization and expandability issue by increasing the use of 2′×4′s, it does not include a variety of elements disclosed by the present invention. First, there is no use of metal casters along the distal ends of the legs to help make the rack more transportable. Moreover, there is no lower or secondary storage platform to provide an additional support level.
U.S. patent application US200910077876 by Eghbal and Golfo discloses an expandable plant growing frame tray and pots. Eghbal and Golfo disclose unique tubular joiners that work with standard tubing to expand a frame and accommodate plants of different sizes and at different stages of development. The frame disclosed by Eghbal and Golfo allows a user to expand the area of the platform support component, but does not allow the user to adjust the platform vertically. Unlike the invention disclosed herein, Eghbal's invention also fails to be portable when supporting large weight loads.
U.S. Patent application US2010/0107489 by Silver discloses an adjustable plant growing stand, a mounting clip for attaching a lighting fixture to an adjustable plant growing stand, and a method for lighting plants. The stand includes a frame with a plurality of substantially parallel legs, an upper fixed shelf affixed to the legs, and a lower adjustable shelf coupled to the legs via a sliding means. The lower shelf can include attachments configured to fix the vertical height of the lower section relative to the upper section. Although both the present invention disclosed and the invention applied for by Silver provide open frame-like upper and lower sections without a flat platform surface that are vertically adjustable as well as a plurality of legs, Silver's invention fails to be portable when supporting large weight loads.
Therefore, there is a need for an improved support bench frame that is modular, maintains portability while sustaining a large weight load, and has the capability to adjust the table legs vertically in order to place the frame at an angle between 0 and 25 degrees to the surface plane. There is also a need for a support bench that can support a large weight load but can also be easily and inexpensively shipped from a manufacturer to a user. The present invention accomplishes these objectives and more.
The present device is a support bench that is lightweight, and can sustain large weight loads while remaining portable.
As will be discussed in more detail, the focus of the present invention is to provide a support bench that is an improvement over support benches in the prior art. The disclosed apparatus can support any number of surfaces so long as they are within the size and weight limits of the support bench.
One goal of the present invention is to provide a lightweight support bench that can support several plant trays, platforms, canvases, meshes, or a series of items or articles while still remaining easily portable.
Another goal of the present invention is to provide a support bench wherein a surface can be vertically adjusted at either or both ends of the frame. The modular support bench assembly also allows a user to interchange any number of surfaces or trays along the supporting portion of the frame.
It is another goal of the present invention to provide a support bench that can be quickly disassembled or stored by a user.
It is another goal of the present invention to provide a support bench that includes a hollow, rigid, tubular frame and hollow, rigid, tubular leg components.
Another goal of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional work surface where space may be limited and constant scrutiny or surveillance over the workspace and goods may be required.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below in the accompanying Figures. The following detailed description provides detailed schematics for a thorough understanding of and an enabling description for these embodiments. One having ordinary skill in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without certain details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.
Also, it is noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms, “a,” “and,” “said,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly states to the contrary. Conversely, it is also contemplated that the claims disclosed herein may be drafted as to require singular elements or exclude any optional element indicated to be so here in the accompanying text or drawings. This statement is to serve as an antecedent basis for the use of exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and similar terms in connection with the recitation of claims elements or the use of a “negative” claim limitation(s).
Further, it must be clarified that, for clarification purposes, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the terms “bench,” “frame,” “support component,” “vertex joint,” and “surface” are used to provide a basic understanding of the operation of the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this invention. Thus, the terms “bench,” “frame,” “support component,” “vertex joint,” and “surface” should not be construed as limiting in any way the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this invention.
Shown throughout the Figures, the instant invention is generally directed toward benches used to store plant trays, and general plant storage, but it can also be used for any number of tasks.
The frame component 10 includes a plurality of legs 14 arranged vertically to the plane of the ground with proximal ends 16 and distal ends 17, one or more three-way vertex joints 60, one or more lower level elongated pipes 11, one or more secondary support pipes 12, and one or more end components 19 placed at the distal end 17 of each leg 14 of the frame component 10. The various leg end components 19 discussed herein are again mentioned in the claims as the ground support means.
The legs 14 of the frame component 10 comprise an outer pipe 13 and a telescoping inner metal tube 15 designed to allow the height of a leg 14 to be adjustable as desired with end components 19 at the distal end 17 of a leg 14. The legs 14 are oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis and are perpendicular to the ground. Each outer pipe 13 and telescoping inner metal tube 15 also includes a plurality of spaced ports 18 designed to receive a securing pin 21 to lock the telescoping inner metal tube 15 and the outer pipe 13 component to a specific height desired by the user. Fitted vertically around the legs 14 are a plurality of three-way vertex joints 60 arranged equally spaced from one another to interconnect the ends of one or more lower level elongated pipes 11 and secondary support pipes 12 together to create a lower level rectangular perimeter and supporting surface around the legs 14.
The leg end component fits concentrically around the distal end of the telescoping inner metal tube 15 of the leg 14 component. Leg end components contemplated by the inventor include stem swivel caster wheels 90 with one or more washers 94 to the swivel joint 93 to reduce possible flutter and/or rubber leg end pieces to prevent horizontal movement of the bench. The casters wheels 90 are contemplated to be able to pivot along a three hundred sixty (360°) degree axis from the floor and include locking mechanisms 92 to secure a wheel 90 when the bench reaches a desired space. Use of the removable swivel casters 90 substantially increases the portability of the bench when supporting large weight loads. Use of rubber leg end pieces as an alternative leg end component 19 is beneficial when the bench will be at a single location for an extended period of time and will not need to be moved. It is possible that any combination of caster wheels 90 and/or rubber leg end pieces at the distal 17 ends of the leg 14 components may be used to practice the invention.
Once placed around a pipe component, a three-way vertex joint 60 can be rotated around a pipe component and be secured via the locking ports 66 located along the cylindrical surface 63 of the joint. Ideally, a three-way vertex joint 60 will be placed concentrically around a pipe component so that the third joint opening can receive the proximal 51 end of a leg 14, the end of an upper- or lower-elongated pipe or the end of a secondary support pipe arranged perpendicular to an upper- or lower-elongated pipe to create a supporting surface that can undergird one or more objects. Any number of materials may be used to manufacture the three-way vertex joint 60 component including poly-vinyl chloride, acrylo-nitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), other plastics, composites, wood, metal, alloys, and combinations thereof. Possible fasteners for securing a three-way vertex joint 60 to a leg, upper, or lower elongated pipe include screws or bolts, and combinations thereof.
The two-way vertex joint 50 is necessary to combine the secondary support pipes 12 to the upper-level elongated pipes 23 and create the outer perimeter of the upper surface support component 20. Any number of materials can be used to manufacture the two-way vertex joint component 50 including poly-vinyl chloride, acrylo-nitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), other plastics, composites, wood, metal, alloys, and combinations thereof.
The completed upper surface support component 20 is placed perpendicular to the proximal ends 16 of the legs 14 at the top of the frame 10 and connects to each leg 14 via one or more three-way vertex joints 60 placed along the upper-level elongated pipes 23.
Based on the intended needs, any number of secondary support pipes 12 may be added or removed by placing or removing one or more three-way vertex joints 60 placed around the upper-level elongated pipes 23 to adjust space for plant trays of varying sizes, depths, or other articles to be placed on the upper surface support component 20. Because plant trays and other surfaces come in varying sizes that may not necessarily fit the bench's dimensions for normal use, it is important that the bench maintain the maximum flexibility to be useful to horticulturists or hobbyists of all types.
It is contemplated that a user may substitute four-way vertex joints 80 in place of three-way vertex joints 60 at the leg 14 intersection to allow a user to quickly interchange and add-on accessories to provide additional functionality to the bench. This embodiment is explored further below in
One embodiment contemplated by the inventor for horticultural purposes includes using the arrangement of the elongated 23 and secondary support pipes 12 along the upper surface support component 20 to undergird one or more plant trays. The bench as disclosed herein can support the weight of one or more plant or flood trays complete with water and or soil. The upper sections of plant trays can be rested on and fit along the upper surface support component 20 via the elongated pipes 23 and secondary support pipes 12, creating a peripheral support ledge The two-way 50 vertex joints fit into the ends of the elongated pipes 23 and the three-way vertex 60 joints fit concentrically around the elongated pipes and into the ends of a secondary support pipe. A plurality of three-way vertex joints 60 are also fitted concentrically around the lower level elongated pipe 11 creating the lower-level support frame 10. Once the proximal 16 ends of the lower-level support frame 10 legs 14 are attached to a three-way vertex joint 60 fitted along the upper level elongated pipe 23, the upper and lower components are connected. The resulting structure can then support multiple platforms, trays, textiles, and accessories, in any number of combinations using the various support pipes and/or vertex joints as a modular system. Each table leg is supported by stem swivel caster wheels 90, a swivel joint 93, one or more washers 94, and a locking mechanism 92 to reduce possible flutter and/or rubber leg end pieces to prevent horizontal movement of the bench.
For horticultural usage, it is contemplated that the frame component 10 be used to load a water or nutrient tray to hydrate plants kept in one or more trays located above along the upper surface support component 20. Water or nutrients can then be delivered and cycled to plant trays on the upper surface support component 20 via one or more pump systems placed along the frame component 10.
The support platform was conceived based on the need to store and/or move heavy items using a light weight and easy to assemble system, ranging from storing multiple gallons or liters of various liquids other substantial items such as full plant trays or large platforms in excess of 8′×4′. In the preferred embodiment, the support bench disclosed herein can support weights of up to four-hundred (400) pounds or one hundred-eighty (180) kilograms if distributed along the platform. The ideal embodiment of the bench system weighs under thirty (30) pounds or thirteen (13) kilograms, making it a desirable choice for projects that require assembling and moving of a large or heavy item(s).
Based on the user's needs the legs 14 of the support bench may be adjusted vertically upwards or downwards.
One embodiment contemplated by the inventor includes using the assembled bench to support a heavy flat or contoured platform such as that used by a toy train enthusiast, set designer, arts and craftsperson, or an architect for a building project. Enthusiasts or set builders can easily create, quickly modify, and move scale representations of scenery and environments on the bench. The heavy weight loads that can be sustained by the platform allows for any number of items or model environments to be placed, stored, modified, and/or moved when supported by the bench. The portable nature of the bench allows the set or the project to be easily moved while still on the bench.
Another embodiment contemplated by the inventor includes using several four-way vertex joints that allow a user to add accessories to the bench such as a light stand, magnifying lens, or hydration system via the vertex joints in place of three-way vertex joints 60. The upper surface support component 20 ideally features a plurality of two-way vertex joints 50, three-way vertex joints 60, a plurality of upper level elongated pipes 23, and a plurality of secondary support pipes 12. The ratio for the length of the upper level elongated pipes 23 compared to that of the secondary support pipes 12 that a:b is preferably 2:1.
To secure lighting components at a desired height, the securing pin 21 may be placed between the telescoping inner metal tube 45 and outer cylinder 49 of the light holder stand 43 via a port 48. The proximal 46 end of each light holder stand 43 connects to the bench via a four-way vertex joint 80 fitted along the upper-level elongated pipes 23. Once the proximal 47 end of each light holder stand 43 is fitted into a corresponding three-way vertex joint 60, a two-way vertex joint 50 is placed at the distal end 47 of each light holder stand 43. A secondary support pipe 12 is connected perpendicular to the light holder stands 43 via one or more two-way vertex joints 50 at the distal 46 ends of the light holder stand 43.
The light stand and accompanying accessories may be used for any number of purposes. A set designer building a scale model may require placement of a light at a specific height or angle. A horticulturalist may require light at a certain height or angle for only a few weeks or hours at a time. The present embodiment accomplishes these goals because the component supporting a lighting device may be moved along both a horizontal and vertical axis. The result is a light stand that provides maximum flexibility for the user based on the adjustability of the components.
The power source 75 is preferably placed between and parallel to two bench legs and as part of the frame component 10 that is attached to the power source platform 76. The preferred location for the power source 75 and platform 76 on the bench is ideal because the available surface area on the bench for use is maintained and the power source 75 is minimally exposed to any liquids that might cause damage. The power source 75 is contemplated to attach to the frame component 10 via one or more ports on the power source 75 that align with leg ports 18 placed that fasten via a securing means. The inventor also contemplates protecting the power source 75 from liquids that could cause damage such as water by encasing the power source in rubber or other materials that would prevent liquids from damaging the power source if exposed.
When adding hangars 71 and accessories to the upper surface support component 20, users can add functionality to the upper surface support component 20, act as a net receptacle 74 to receive one or more objects, act as a mesh screen 72, or other semi-permeable barrier to filter unwanted impurities, and combinations thereof via the hangar 71 accessories. Hanging items from the support bench allows a user to easily and quickly access or spray paint an article while the portable nature of the bench allows a user to perform the task with minimal exposure to an already clean environment. One or more rubber stoppers 95 are added to the distal end of the leg components to prevent unnecessary movement of the bench.
One embodiment of the invention contemplated by the inventor in
While a particular embodiment of the invention has been described and disclosed in the present application, it is clear that any number of permutations, modifications, or embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of this invention. Accordingly, it is not the inventor's intention to limit this invention in this application, except as by the appended claims.
Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.
The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiment or form disclosed herein or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.
All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.
In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under the claims.
In light of the above “Detailed Description,” Inventor may make changes to the invention. While the detailed description outlines possible embodiments of the invention and discloses the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention may be practiced in a myriad of ways. Thus, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the spirit of the invention as disclosed by the inventor. As discussed herein, specific terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated.
While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention.
