TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a surface system, and more particularly to a surface components and connectors that may be detachably coupled to safety rails or legs.
BACKGROUND ART
Safety rails are commonly used in temporary structures for events and other gatherings. Various components may be attached to the safety rails onto which attendees may place items, such as food and drink. In existing systems, holes (or other structural alterations) are required to be drilled in the safety rails or legs to enable the components to be attached, such as using screws and bolts. The holes must also be positioned to accommodate the specific requirements of the components used and may not be suitable for use with other components. If a component is to be moved, new holes may need to be drilled. The installation and removal of the components are thus burdensome and may result in undesirable modifications to the structure of the safety rails or legs.
SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS
In accordance with one embodiment, a surface system includes a straight surface component and a connector, wherein the straight surface component is detachably coupled to the connector. The connector includes a coupling mechanisms coupled to a middle tube for coupling the connector to a safety rail or a leg. The connector further includes a first tube and a second tube coupled to the middle tube. Ends of the first tube and the second tube reside within channels residing beneath a bottom surface of a main plate of the straight surface component.
In accordance with another embodiment, the straight surface component includes: a first main plate including a first top surface and a first bottom surface opposite the top surface; a front L-shaped plate coupled to a front edge of the first main plate, forming a first front channel residing beneath the first bottom surface of the first main plate; and a first back L-shaped plate coupled to the back edge of the first main plate, forming a first back channel residing beneath the first bottom surface of the first main plate. The first back L-shaped plate includes a first portion extending beyond the first top surface of the first main plate.
In accordance with another embodiment, the connector includes: a first tube comprising a first left end and a first right end; a second tube comprising a second left end and a second right end; and a first middle tube. The first middle tube including: a front end coupled to a side of the first tube between the first left end of the first tube and the first right end of the first tube; and a back end coupled to a side of the second tube between the second left end of the second tube and the second right end of the second tube. The connector further includes: a first coupling plate coupled to the first middle tube on a left side of the first middle tube, where a first space exists between the first coupling plate and the first tube; a second coupling plate coupled to the first middle tube on a right side of the first middle tube, where a second space exists between the second coupling plate, and the second tube; and a coupling mechanism coupled to a surface of the first middle tube for coupling the connector to a safety rail or a leg. The straight surface component is detachably coupled to the connector, including: the first left end of the first tube resides in the first front channel; a bent portion of the front L-shaped plate resides within the first space; and the second left end of the second tube resides within the first back channel.
According to another embodiment, the coupling mechanism of the connector includes: a U-shaped rod coupled to the surface of the first middle tube and positioned substantially perpendicular to the surface of the first middle tube; and a bracket removably coupled to the U-shaped rod, wherein a top tube of a safety rail resides between a U-shape of the U-shaped rod and the bracket.
According to another embodiment, the coupling mechanism of the connector includes: a mounting tube coupled to the surface of the first middle tube, where an end opening of the mounting tube faces away from the surface of the first middle tube, where an end of a leg may reside within the end opening of the mounting tube.
According to another embodiment, the surface system includes a corner surface component detachably coupled to the straight surface component.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing features of embodiments will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description, taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a top front perspective view of a surface system according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom front perspective view of the surface system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 illustrates a back perspective view of an example safety rail.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of bottom of straight surface component.
FIG. 5 illustrates a left side view of straight surface rail.
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the bottom of a surface component with an approximately 90° angle.
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of bottom of a safety rail connector.
FIGS. 8-13 illustrates a bottom, top, front, right, back, and left views, respectively, of the safety rail connector.
FIG. 14 illustrates a top front perspective view of surface system according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 15 illustrates a bottom front perspective view of surface system according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of an example leg.
FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a bottom of a corner surface component with an approximately 45° angle.
FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a bottom of a leg connector.
FIGS. 19-24 illustrate a bottom, top, back, left, front, and right views, respectively, of the leg connector.
FIG. 25 illustrates a top perspective view of the straight surface component.
FIGS. 26-31 illustrate a left, right, back, front, bottom, and top views, respectively, of the straight surface component.
FIG. 32 illustrates a top perspective view of the 90° surface component.
FIGS. 33-38 illustrate a front, back left, right, top, and bottom views, respectively, of the 90° surface component.
FIG. 39 illustrates a top perspective view of the 45° surface component.
FIGS. 40-45 illustrate a right, left, back, front, top, and bottom views, respectively, of the 45° surface component.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
The embodiments described herein includes a surface system with connector. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the embodiments and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the disclosure herein is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
Reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or “a preferred embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments. In general, features described in one embodiment might be suitable for use in other embodiments as would be apparent to those skilled in the art.
References to “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” and “bottom” are used herein to indicate relative orientation for ease of description only and are not to be limiting as absolute positions of components.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The Figures use the following reference numerals:
- 100 first embodiment of a surface system with safety rail connector
- 101 straight surface component
- 101a first straight surface component
- 101b second straight surface component
- 102 90° corner surface component
- 103 safety rail
- 201 safety rail connector
- 301 horizontal bar of safety rail 103
- 302 vertical bars of safety rail 103
- 303 feet of safety rail 103
- 401 main plate of straight surface component 101
- 402 top surface of main plate 401
- 403 bottom surface of main plate 401
- 404 front L-shaped plate of main plate 401
- 405 front channel of front L-shaped plate 404
- 406 back L-shaped plate of main plate 401
- 407 portion of back L-shaped plate 406
- 408 back channel of back L-shaped plate 406
- 601 main plate of 90° corner surface component 102
- 602 top surface of main plate 601
- 603 bottom surface of main plate 601
- 604 back L-shaped plate of main plate 601
- 605 left L-shaped plate of main plate 601
- 606 back tube of back L-shaped plate 604
- 607 left tube of left L-shaped plate 605
- 608a first L-shaped corner plate of main plate 601
- 608b second L-shaped corner plate of main plate 601
- 609 first corner tube of first L-shaped corner plate 608a
- 610 second corner tube of second L-shaped corner plate 608b
- 611 back coupling plate of back tube 606
- 612 back screw of back tube 606
- 613 left coupling plate of left tube 607
- 614 left screw of left screw plate 613
- 615 first front coupling plate of first corner tube 609
- 616 first front screw of first front coupling plate 615
- 617 second front coupling plate of second corner tube 610
- 618 second front screw of second front coupling plate 617
- 619 center tube of 90° corner surface component 102
- 701 first tube of safety rail connector 201
- 702 second tube of safety rail connector 201
- 703 middle tube of safety rail connector 201
- 704 first coupling plate of middle tube 703
- 705 first screw of first coupling plate 704
- 706 second coupling plate of middle tube 703
- 707 second screw of second coupling plate 706
- 708 U-shaped rod of safety rail connector 201
- 709 bracket of safety rail connector 201
- 710 bolts of U-shaped rod 708 and bracket 709
- 720 left end of first tube 701
- 721 right end of first tube 701
- 730 left end of second tube 702
- 731 right end of second tube 702
- 1400 second embodiment of a surface system with leg connector
- 1401 45° corner surface component
- 1402 leg
- 1501 leg connector
- 1601 outer tube of leg 1402
- 1602 inner tube of leg 1402
- 1603 feet of leg 1402
- 1701 main plate of 45° corner surface component 1401
- 1702 top surface of main plate 1701
- 1703 bottom surface of main plate 1701
- 1704 right back L-shaped plate of main plate 1701
- 1705 left back L-shaped plate of main plate 1701
- 1706a right front L-shaped corner plate of main plate 1701
- 1706b left front L-shaped corner plate of main plate 1701
- 1707 right back tube of right back L-shaped plate 1704
- 1708 left back tube of left back L-shaped plate 1704
- 1709 right front corner tube of right corner plate 1706a
- 1710 left front corner tube of left corner plate 1706b
- 1711 center tube of 45° corner surface component 1401
- 1712 right back screw plate of right back tube 1707
- 1713 right back screw of right back screw plate 1712
- 1714 left back screw plate of left back tube 1708
- 1715 left back screw of left back screw plate 1712
- 1801 first tube of leg connector 1501
- 1802 second tube of leg connector 1501
- 1803 middle tube of leg connector 1501
- 1804 first coupling plate of middle tube 1803
- 1805 first screw of first coupling plate 1804
- 1806 second coupling plate of middle tube 1803
- 1807 second screw of second coupling plate 1806
- 1808 mounting tube of middle tube 703
- 1809 mounting tube screw of mounting tube 1808
- 1820 left end of first tube 1801
- 1821 right end of first tube 1801
- 1830 left end of second tube 1802
- 1831 right end of second tube 1802
FIG. 1 illustrates a top front perspective view of a surface system 100 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom front perspective view of the surface system 100 according to the first embodiment. The surface system 100 includes a safety rail connector 201 and one or more straight surface components 101, e.g., a first straight surface component 101a and a second straight surface component 101b illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The straight surface component 101a/101b is described further below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The surface system 100 may further include a corner surface component, e.g., 90° corner surface component 102, described further below with reference to FIG. 6. The straight surface component 101a/101b may be detachably coupled to a safety rail 103 via the safety rail connector 201. The safety rail 103 is described further below with reference to FIG. 3. The safety rail connector 201 is described further below with reference to FIGS. 7-13.
The first and second straight surface components 101a, 101b, coupled to the safety rail connector 201, form a continuous top surface. The 90° corner surface component 102 coupled to one of the straight surface components 101a, 101b adds a corner for the continuous top surface. For example, as shown in to FIGS. 1 and 2, a 90° corner surface component 102 may be coupled to abut the left edge of the first straight surface component 101a. Similarly, a 90° corner surface component 102 may be coupled to abut the right edge of the second straight surface component 101b.
FIG. 3 illustrates a back perspective view of an example safety rail 103. The safety rail 103 includes a horizontal bar 301, vertical bars 302, and feet 303. The safety rail 103, illustrated in FIG. 3, is presented as an example, and other types of safety rails may be detachably coupled to the safety rail 103 via the safety rail connector 201.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a bottom of a straight surface component 101. FIG. 5 illustrates a left side view of a straight surface component 101. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the straight surface component 101a/101b includes a main plate 401 with a top surface 402 (see FIG. 1) and a bottom surface 403 (see also FIG. 2) opposite the top surface 402. A front L-shaped plate 404 may be coupled to a front edge of the main plate 401, forming a front channel 405, such that the front channel 405 resides beneath the bottom surface 403 and proximate to front edge of main plate 401. A back L-shaped plate 406 may be coupled to a back edge of the main plate 401, with a portion 407 of back L-shaped plate 406 extending beyond the top surface 402. A back channel 408 is formed from the back L-shaped plate 406, such that the back channel 408 resides beneath the bottom surface 403 and proximate to a back edge of the main plate 401. The front L-shaped plate 404 may be created by bending a front edge portion of main plate 401 or by attaching a separate plate to form the front channel 405. The back L-shaped plate 406 may be created by attaching a separate plate to form the portion 407 and the back channel 408. Alternatively, the straight surface component 101a/101b may be created as a single extruded piece.
FIG. 25 illustrates a top perspective view of the straight surface component 101. FIGS. 26-31 illustrate a left, right, back, front, bottom, and top views, respectively, of the straight surface component 101.
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the bottom of a corner surface component 102 with an approximately 90° angle. The 90° corner surface component 102 includes a main plate 601 with a top surface 602 (see FIG. 1) and a bottom surface 603 (see also FIG. 2) opposite the top surface 602. The 90° corner surface component 102 may include a back L-shaped plate 604 coupled to a back edge of main plate 601, which may include a first portion that extends beyond the top surface 602 and a second portion that forms a back channel that resides beneath the bottom surface 603 and proximate to the back edge of the main plate 601. The 90° corner surface component 102 may further include a left L-shaped plate 605 coupled to a left edge of the main plate 601, which may include a first portion that extends beyond the top surface 602 and a second portion that forms a left channel that resides beneath the bottom surface 603 and proximate to the left edge of main plate 601. A back tube 606 may reside within the back channel formed by the back L-shaped plate 604, with an end of the back tube 606 extending beyond the back channel. A left tube 607 may reside within the left channel formed by the left L-shaped plate 605, with an end of the left tube 607 extending beyond the left channel. A first L-shaped corner plate 608a may be coupled to a front right corner of the main plate 601, forming a first corner channel with a first opening residing proximate to the right edge of the main plate 601. A second L-shaped corner plate 608b may be coupled to a front left corner of the main plate 601, forming a second corner channel with a second opening residing proximate to the front edge of the main plate 601. A first corner tube 609 may reside within the first corner channel formed by the first L-shaped corner plate 608a, with an end of the first corner tube 609 extending beyond the first corner channel. A second corner tube 610 may reside within the second corner channel formed by the second L-shaped corner plate 608b, with an end of the second corner tube 610 extending beyond the second corner channel. A back coupling plate 611 may be coupled to the back tube 606 with a space between the back screw plate 611 and the back tube 606. The back coupling plate 611 may include a threaded hole through which a back screw 612 is able to traverse. A left coupling plate 613 may be coupled to the left tube 607 with a space between the left coupling plate 613 and the left tube 607. The left coupling plate 613 may include a threaded hole through which a left screw 614 is able to traverse. The coupling plates 611, 613 may be located elsewhere on the tubes 606, 607 to form spaces between the coupling plates 611, 613 and the tubes 606, 607, respectively. A first front coupling plate 615 may be coupled to the first corner tube 609 with a space between the first front coupling plate 615 and the first corner tube 609. The first front coupling plate 615 may include a threaded hole through which a first front screw 616 may traverse. A second front coupling plate 617 may be coupled to the second corner tube 610 with a space between the second front coupling plate 617 and the second corner tube 610. The second front coupling plate 617 may include a threaded hole through which a second front screw 618 may traverse. The coupling plates 615, 617 may be located elsewhere on the tubes 609, 610 to form spaces between the coupling plates 615, 617 and the tubes 609, 610, respectively. The 90° corner surface component 102 may further include a center tube 619 coupled to the bottom surface 603 and traversing from the back corner to the front corner of the main plate 601 to serve as support for the main plate 601.
FIG. 32 illustrates a top perspective view of the 90° surface component 102. FIGS. 33-38 illustrate a front, back left, right, top, and bottom views, respectively, of the 90° surface component 102.
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the bottom of the safety rail connector 201. FIGS. 8-13 illustrates a bottom, top, front, right, back, and left views, respectively, of the safety rail connector 201. Referring to FIGS. 7-13, in combination with FIGS. 1 and 2, the safety rail connector 201 may include a first tube 701 with a left end 720 and a right end 721, a second tube 702 with a left end 730 and a right end 731, and a middle tube 703. The middle tube 703 may include a front end coupled to a side of the first tube 701 at a location between the left and right ends 720, 721 of first tube 701. The middle tube 703 may further include a back end coupled to a side of the second tube 702 at a location between the left and right ends 730, 731 of second tube 702, forming an H-shape. A first screw plate 704 may be coupled to the middle tube 703 on a left side of the middle tube 703 and proximate to the first tube 701, with a space between first coupling plate 704 and first tube 701. The first coupling plate 704 may include a threaded hole through which a first screw 705 may traverse. A second coupling plate 706 may be coupled to the middle tube 703 on a right side of the middle tube 703 and proximate to the second tube 702, with a space between the second coupling plate 706 and the second tube 702. The second coupling plate 706 may include a threaded hole through which a second screw 707 may traverse. A U-shaped rod 708 may be coupled to a surface of the middle tube 703. Each end of the U-shaped rod 708 being threaded. The shape of the rod 708 may be such that the U-shape can reside on the outside diameter of the horizontal bar 301 of the safety rail 103. The U-shaped rod 708 may be positioned substantially perpendicularly to the surface of the middle tube 703, with the threaded ends of the U-shaped rod 708 traversing away from the middle tube surface. Unless otherwise indicated, “substantially” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a length, a distance, and the like, also encompasses variations from the specified value, as appropriate in the context of the systems, devices, methods, and other implementations described herein. A bracket 709 may be removably coupled to the U-shaped rod 708. The bracket 709 may include holes that correspond to the ends of the U-shaped rod 708. Bolts 710 may be used to removably couple the bracket 709 to the U-shaped rod 708.
The safety rail connector 201 may be used to detachably couple a surface component (e.g., first straight surface component 101a) to a safety rail 103. The safety rail connector 201 may be coupled to the safety rail 103 by placing the U-shaped rod 708 on top of the horizontal bar 301 of the safety rail 103 such that the horizontal bar 301 resides within the “U” of the U-shaped rod 708. The bolts 710 may be removed, which allows the bracket 709 to be removed. The U-shaped rod 708 may then be placed on top of horizontal bar 301 of the safety rail 103. The bracket 709 may then be placed onto the U-shaped rod 708 by placing the ends of the U-shaped rod 708 through the holes in the bracket 709, such that bracket 709 engages the bottom of the horizontal bar 301. The safety rail connector 201 may be secured to the horizontal bar 301 of the safety rail 103 by placing and tightening the bolts 710 onto the ends of the U-shaped rod 708. When secured, the top horizontal bar 301 of the safety rail 103 reside between the U-shaped rod 708 and the bracket 709.
The first straight surface component 101a may be detachably coupled to the safety rail connector 201 by inserting the left end 720 of the first tube 701 of the safety rail connector 201 into the front channel 405 of the first straight surface component 101a. The bent portion of the front L-shaped plate 404 on the first straight surface component 101a may reside within the space between first tube 701 and first coupling plate 704 of the safety rail connector 201 (see FIG. 2). The left end 720 may be inserted into the front channel 405 of the first straight surface component 101a until the first screw 705 is able to engage the front L-shaped plate 404 of the first straight surface component 101a by traversing through the threaded hole in the first coupling plate 704. The left end 730 of the second tube 702 of the safety rail connector 201 may be inserted into the back channel 408 of the first straight surface component 101a.
The second straight surface component 101b may be coupled to the safety rail connector 201 by inserting the right end 731 of the second tube 702 into the back channel 408 of the second straight surface component 101b, until the left edge of second straight surface component 101b abuts the right edge of first straight surface component 101a. The bent portion of the back L-shaped plate 406 of the second straight surface component 101b may reside within the space between second tube 702 and second coupling plate 706 of the safety rail connector 201. The right end 731 of the second tube 702 may be inserted into the back channel 408 of the second straight surface component 101b until the second screw 707 is able to engage the back L-shaped plate 406 on second straight surface component 101b by traversing the threaded hole in the second coupling plate 706. The right end 721 of the first tube 701 of the safety rail connector 201 may be inserted into the front channel 405 of the second straight surface component 101b. The coupling plates 704, 706 may be located elsewhere on the tubes 701, 702 to form spaces between the coupling plates 704, 706 and the tubes 701, 702.
Although the first and second straight surface components 101a, 101b are described with the front channel 405 of the first straight surface component 101a engaging the first screw 705 of the safety rail connector 201 and the back channel 408 of the second straight surface component 101b engaging the second screw 707 of the safety rail connector 201, the engagement with the first and second screws 705, 707 may be reversed. For example, the coupling plates 704, 706 and screws 705, 707 of the safety rail connector 201 may be positioned such that the back channel 408 of the first straight surface component 101a engages the first screw 705 of the safety rail connector 201 and the front channel 405 of the second straight surface component 101b engages the second screw 707 of the safety rail connector 201. Although the safety rail connector 201 is described with screws 705 and 707, other coupling means may be used.
Referring to FIG. 6, in combination with FIGS. 1 and 2, the 90° surface component 102 is coupled to the first straight surface component 101a by inserting the back tube 606 of the 90° corner surface component 102 into the back channel 408 of the first straight surface component 101a (see also FIG. 2). The bent portion of back L-shaped plate 406 of the first straight surface component 101a resides within the space between back coupling plate 611 and the back tube 606 such that the back screw 612 is able to engage the back L-shaped plate 406 of the first straight surface component 101a by traversing the threaded hole in back coupling plate 611. The back tube 606 is inserted into the back channel 408 of the first straight surface component 101a until right edge of the 90° corner surface component 102 abuts left edge of straight surface component 101a. The first corner tube 609 of the 90° corner surface component 102 may be inserted into the front channel 405 of the first straight surface component 101a. The bent portion of the front L-shaped plate 404 of the first straight surface component 101a resides within the space between first corner tube 609 and first front coupling plate 615 such that the first front screw 616 is able to engage the front L-shaped plate 404 of the first straight surface component 101a by traversing the threaded hole in the first front coupling plate 615. The first corner tube 609 may be inserted into the front channel 405 of the first straight surface component 101a until the right edge of the 90° corner surface component 102 abuts the left edge of straight surface component 101a.
Another straight surface component (not shown) can then be coupled to the front side of 90° corner surface component 102 by inserting the left tube 607 into a back channel (similar to 408) of the other straight surface component and inserting the second corner tube 610 into a front channel (similar to 405) of the other straight surface component. A bent portion of a front L-shaped plate (similar to 404) of the other straight surface component resides within the space between second corner tube 610 and second front coupling plate 617. The second corner tube 610 may be inserted into a front channel (similar to 405) of the other straight surface component until the front edge of the 90° corner surface component 102 abuts a right edge of the other straight surface component. This other straight surface component may be coupled to another safety rail 103 via another safety rail connector 201 in the same manner as described above. A continuous top surface that “turns” a 90° corner may be provided. Although the use of a 90° corner surface component 102 is described above, a corner surface component of a different angle, between zero and 90° or between 90° and 180°, may be used in a similar manner. For example, the corner surface component may include a 45° corner surface component described below.
FIG. 14 illustrates a top front perspective view of surface system 1400 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 15 illustrates a bottom front perspective view of surface system 1400 according to the second embodiment. The surface system 1400 includes a leg connector 1501 and at least one straight surface component 101, with the first straight surface component 101a and the second straight surface component 101b illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. The surface system 1400 may further include a corner surface component, e.g., 45° corner surface component 1401, described further below with reference to FIG. 17. The straight surface component 101a/101b may be detachably coupled to a leg 1402 via the leg connector 1501. The leg 1402 is described further below with reference to FIG. 16. The leg connector 1501 is described further below with reference to FIGS. 18-24.
FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of an example leg 1402. The leg 1402 includes an outer tube 1601, an inner tube 1602 coupled to the outer tube 1601, and feet 1603. The inner tube 1602 may reside partially or wholly within the outer tube 1601. By adjusting the amount that the inner tube 1602 extends beyond the outer tube 1601, the height of the leg 1402 may be adjusted.
FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a bottom of a corner surface component 1401 with an approximately 45° angle. The surface component 1401 may include a main plate 1701 with a right back edge and a left back edge forming a 45 degree angle. The 45° surface component 1401 includes a main plate 1701 with a top surface 1702 (see FIG. 14) and a bottom surface 1703 (see also FIG. 15) opposite the top surface 1702. The 45° surface component 1401 further includes a right back L-shaped plate 1704 coupled to a right back edge of the main plate 1701. The right back L-shaped plate 1704 may include a first portion that extends beyond the top surface 1702 and a second portion that forms a right back channel that resides beneath the bottom surface 1703 and proximate to the right back edge of main plate 1701. The main plate 1701 may further include a left back L-shaped plate 1705 coupled to a left back edge of main plate 1701. The left back L-shaped plate 1705 may include a first portion that extends beyond the top surface 1702 and a second portion that forms a left back channel that resides beneath the bottom surface 1703 and proximate to the left back edge of main plate 1701. The main plate 1701 may further include a right front L-shaped corner plate 1706a coupled to right front edge of main plate 1701, forming a right front channel that resides beneath bottom surface 1703. The main plate 1701 may further include a left front L-shaped corner plate 1706b coupled to left front edge of main plate 1701, forming a left front channel that resides beneath bottom surface 1703. A right back tube 1707 may reside within the right back channel formed by right back L-shaped plate 1704, with an end of the right back tube 1707 extending beyond the right back channel. A left back tube 1708 may reside within the left back channel formed by left back L-shaped plate 1705, with an end of the left back tube 1708 extending beyond the left back channel. A right front corner tube 1709 may reside within the right channel formed by right front corner plate 1706a, with an end of the right front corner tube 1709 extending beyond the right front channel. A space exists between the right front corner plate 1706a and the right front corner tube 1709. A left front corner tube 1710 may reside within the left channel formed by left front corner plate 1706b, with an end of the left front corner tube 1710 extending beyond the left front channel. A space exists between the left front corner plate 1706b and the left front corner tube 1710. A tube 1711 may be coupled to the bottom surface 1703 and traverse from the back corner to the front corner of the 45° surface component 1401. A right back coupling plate 1712 may be coupled to the right back tube 1707, with a space between the right back tube 1707 and a right back coupling plate 1712. The right back coupling plate 1712 may include a threaded hole through which a right back screw 1713 may traverse. A left back coupling plate 1714 may be coupled to the left back tube 1708, with a space between the left back tube 1708 and a left back coupling plate 1714. The left back coupling plate 1714 may include a threaded hole through which a left back screw 1715 may traverse. The coupling plates 1712, 1714 may be located elsewhere on the tubes 1707, 1708 to form spaces between the coupling plates 1712, 1714 and the tubes 1707, 1708, respectively.
FIG. 39 illustrates a top perspective view of the 45° surface component 1401. FIGS. 40-45 illustrate a right, left, back, front, top, and bottom views, respectively, of the 45° surface component 1401.
FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a bottom of a leg connector 1501. FIGS. 19-24 illustrate a bottom, top, back, left, front, and right views, respectively, of the leg connector. Referring to FIGS. 18-24, the leg connector 1501 may include a first tube 1801 with a left end 1820 and a right end 1821, a second tube 1802 with a left end 1830 and a right end 1831, and a middle tube 1803. The middle tube 1803 may include a front end coupled to a side of the first tube 1801 at a location between the left 1820 end and the right end 1821 of the first tube 1801. The middle tube 1803 also may include a back end coupled to a side of the second tube 1802 at a location between the left end 1830 and the right end 1831 of the second tube 1802. The middle tube 1803 forms an H-shape with first tube 1801 and second tube 1802. The leg connector 1501 further includes a first coupling plate 1804 coupled to the middle tube 1803 on the left side, with a space between the first tube 1801 and the first coupling plate 1804 at the bottom side of the leg connector 1501. The first coupling plate 1804 may include a threaded hole through which a first screw 1805 may traverse. The leg connector 1501 further includes a second coupling plate 1806 coupled to the middle tube 1803 on the right side, with a space between the second tube 1802 and the second coupling plate 1806 at the bottom side of the leg connector 1501. The second coupling plate 1806 may include a threaded hole through which a second screw 1807 may traverse. The coupling plates 1804, 1806 may be located elsewhere on the tubes 1801, 1802 to form spaces between the coupling plates 1804, 1806 and the tubes 1801, 1802. A mounting tube 1808 may be coupled to a bottom surface of the middle tube 1803, with an end opening facing away from the surface of the middle tube 1803. A mounting tube screw 1809 may be coupled to a side of the mounting tube 1808.
The leg connector 1501 may be used to detachably couple a surface component (e.g., first straight surface component 101a) to the leg 1402. The leg connector 1501 may be coupled to the inner tube 1602 of the leg 1402 by inserting an end of the inner tube 1602 into the open end of the mounting tube 1808. The mounting tube screw 1809 may be turned to secure the leg connector 1501 to the inner tube 1602 of the leg 1402.
The first straight surface component 101a may be detachably coupled to the leg connector 1402 by inserting the left end 1820 of first tube 1801 into the front channel 405 of the first straight surface component 101a. The bent portion of the front L-shaped plate 404 of the first straight surface component 101a may reside within the space between the first tube 1801 and the first coupling plate 1804. The left end 1820 may be inserted into the front channel 405 of the first straight surface component 101a such that the first screw 1805 may engage the front L-shaped plate 404 of the first straight surface component 101a. The first screw 1805 may be turned to secure the first straight surface component 101a to the leg connector 1402. The left end 1830 of the second tube 1802 may be inserted into the back channel 408 of the first straight surface component 101a.
The second straight surface component 101b may be coupled to the leg connector 1402 by inserting the right end 1831 of second tube 1802 into the back channel 408 of the second straight surface component 101b, until the left edge of the second straight surface component 101b abuts the right edge of the first straight surface component 101a. The bent portion of the back L-shaped plate 406 of the second straight surface component 101b may reside within the space between second tube 1802 and the second coupling plate 1806. The right end 1831 of the second tube 1802 may be inserted into the back channel 408 of the second straight surface fail 101b until the second screw 1807 may engage the back L-shaped plate 406 of the second straight surface component 101b. The second screw 1807 may be turned to secure the second straight surface component 101b to the leg connector 1402. The right end 1821 of the first tube 1802 may be inserted into the front channel 405 of the second straight surface component 101b until the left edge of the second straight surface component 101b abuts the right edge of the first straight surface component 101a.
Although the first and second straight surface components 101a, 101b are described with the front channel 405 of the first straight surface component 101a engaging the first screw 1805 of the leg connector 1501 and the back channel 408 of the second straight surface component 101b engaging the second screw 1807 of the leg connector 1501, the engagement with the first and second screws 1805, 1807 may be reversed. For example, the coupling plates 1804, 1806 and screws 1805, 1807 of the leg connector 1501 may be positioned such that the back channel 408 of the first straight surface component 101a engages the first screw 1805 of the leg connector 1501 and the front channel 405 of the second straight surface component 101b engages the second screw 1507 of the leg connector 1501. Although the leg connector 1501 is described with screws 1805 and 1807, other coupling means may be used.
When the first and second straight surface components 101a, 101b are coupled to the leg connector 1501 in the manner described above, a continuous top surface is formed. To add a corner for this continuous top surface, the 90° corner surface component 102 may be coupled to one of the straight surface components 101a, 101b in the manner described above (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Similarly, a corner surface component of a different degree may be used. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the 45° corner surface component 1401 may be used.
Referring to FIG. 17, in combination with FIGS. 15 and 16, the 45° corner surface component 1401 may be coupled to the first straight surface component 101a by inserting a right back tube 1707 into the back channel 408 of the first straight surface component 101a. A bent portion of the back L-shaped plate 406 may reside within the space between the right back coupling plate 1712 and the right back tube 1707. The right back tube 1707 may be inserted into the back channel 408 of the first straight surface component 101a until the right edge of 45° corner surface component 1401 abuts the left edge of straight surface component 101a. The right back screw 1713 may be turned to engage and secure the 45° corner surface component 1401 to the back L-shaped plate 406. Further, a right front corner tube 1709 may be inserted into the front channel 405 of first straight surface component 101a. A bent portion of the front L-shaped plate 404 of the first straight surface component 101a may reside within a space between the right front corner tube 1709 and the right front L-shaped corner plate 1706a. The right front corner tube 1709 may be inserted into the front channel 405 of the first straight surface component 101a until the right edge of the 45° corner surface component 1401 abuts the left edge of the first straight surface component 101a.
Another straight surface component (not shown) can then be coupled to other side of 45° corner surface component 1401 by inserting the left back tube 1708 into the back channel (similar to 408) of another straight surface component and inserting the left front corner tube 1710 into a front channel (similar to 405) of another straight surface component until the left edge of the 45° corner surface component abuts a right edge of the other straight surface component. This other straight surface component may be coupled to another leg 1402 using another leg connector 1501 in the same manner as described above. A continuous top surface that “turns” a 45° corner may be provided. Although the use of a 45° corner surface component 102 is described above, a corner surface component of a different degree may be used in a similar manner.
Through the use of the safety rail connector 201 and/or the leg connector 1501, in the manners set forth above, a continuous surface, with or without corners, may be detachably coupled to existing safety rails and/or legs without requiring the safety rails or legs to be modified. The surface may be oriented such that items, such as drinks, may be placed on the surface. The surface rails may be decoupled and removed from the safety rails or legs with greater ease.
It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodiment should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. While one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from their spirit and scope.
Although the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and those variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Various embodiments of the present invention may be characterized by the potential claims listed in the paragraphs following this paragraph (and before the actual claims provided at the end of this application). These potential claims form a part of the written description of this application. Accordingly, subject matter of the following potential claims may be presented as actual claims in later proceedings involving this application or any application claiming priority based on this application. Inclusion of such potential claims should not be construed to mean that the actual claims do not cover the subject matter of the potential claims. Thus, a decision to not present these potential claims in later proceedings should not be construed as a donation of the subject matter to the public.
Without limitation, potential subject matter that may be claimed (prefaced with the letter “P” so as to avoid confusion with the actual claims presented below) includes:
P1. A connector, comprising:
- a first tube (701, 1801) comprising a left end (720, 1820) and a right end (721, 1821);
- a second tube (702, 1802) comprising a left end (730, 1830) and a right end (731, 1831);
- a middle tube (703, 1803) comprising:
- a front end coupled to a side of the first tube (701, 1801) between the left end (720, 1820) of the first tube (701, 1801) and the right end (721, 1821) of the first tube (701, 1801); and
- a back end coupled to a side of the second tube (702, 1802) between the left end (730, 1830) of the second tube (702, 1802) and the right end (731, 1831) of the second tube (702, 1802);
- a first coupling plate (704, 1804) coupled to the middle tube (703, 1803) on a left side of the middle tube (703, 1803), wherein a first space exists between the first coupling plate (704, 1804) and the first tube (701, 1801);
- a second coupling plate (706, 1806) coupled to the middle tube (703, 1803) on a right side of the middle tube (703, 1803), wherein a second space exits between the second coupling plate (706), 1806) and the second tube (702, 1802); and
- a coupling mechanism coupled to a surface of the middle tube (703) for coupling the connector to a safety rail or a leg.
P2. The connector of claim P1, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises:
- a U-shaped rod (708) coupled to the surface of the middle tube (703) and positioned substantially perpendicular to the surface of the middle tube (703); and
- a bracket (709) removably coupled to the U-shaped rod (708).
P3. The connector of claim P2, wherein a top tube of the safety rail resides between a U-shape of the U-shaped rod (708) and the bracket (709).
P4. The connector of claim P1, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises: a mounting tube (1808) coupled to the surface of the middle tube (1803), wherein an end opening of the mounting tube (1808) faces away from the surface of the middle tube (1803).
P5. The connector of claim P4, wherein an end of the leg may reside within the end opening of the mounting tube (1808).
P6. A surface component, comprising:
- a main plate (401) comprising a top surface (402) and a bottom surface (403) opposite the top surface (402);
- a front L-shaped plate (404) coupled to a front edge of the main plate (401), forming a front channel (405) residing beneath the bottom surface (403) of the main plate (401); and
- a back L-shaped plate (406) coupled to a back edge of the main plate (401), forming a back channel (408) residing beneath the bottom surface (403) of the main plate (401), the back L-shaped plate (406) comprising a portion (407) extending beyond the top surface (402) of the main plate (401).
P7. A surface component, comprising:
- a main plate (601) comprising a top surface (602), a bottom surface (603) opposite the top surface (602);
- a back L-shaped plate (604) coupled to a back edge of the main plate (601), comprising:
- a first portion of the back L-shaped plate (604) extending beyond the top surface (602) of the main plate (601), and
- a second portion of the back L-shaped plate (604) forming a back channel residing beneath the bottom surface (603) of the main plate (601);
- a left L-shaped plate (605) coupled to a left edge of the main plate (601), comprising:
- a first portion of the left L-shaped plate (605) extending beyond the top surface (602) of the main plate (601), and
- a second portion of the left L-shaped plate (605) forming a left channel residing beneath the bottom surface (603) of the main plate (601);
- a back tube (606) residing within the back channel, wherein an end of the back tube (606) extends beyond the back channel;
- a left tube (607) residing within the left channel, wherein an end of the left tube (607) extends beyond the left channel;
- a first L-shaped corner plate (608a) coupled to a front right corner of the main plate (601), forming a first corner channel with a first opening residing proximate to the right edge of the main plate (601);
- a second L-shaped corner plate (608b) coupled to a front left corner of the main plate (601), forming a second corner channel with a second opening residing proximate to the front edge of the main plate (601);
- a first corner tube (609) residing within the first corner channel, wherein an end of the first corner tube (609) extends beyond the first corner channel;
- a second corner tube (610) residing within the second corner channel, wherein an end of the second corner tube (610) extends beyond the second corner channel;
- a back coupling plate (611) coupled to the back tube (606), wherein a first space exists between the back coupling plate (611) and the back tube (606);
- a left coupling plate (613) coupled to the left tube (607), wherein a second space exists between the left coupling plate (613) and the left tube (607);
- a first front coupling plate (615) coupled to the first corner tube (609), wherein a third space exists between the first front coupling plate (615) and the first corner tube (609);
- a second front coupling plate (617) coupled to the second corner tube (610), wherein a fourth space exists between the second front coupling plate (617) and the second corner tube (610); and
- a center tube (619) coupled to the bottom surface (603) of the main plate (601) and traverses from a back corner of the main plate (601) to the front corner of the main plate (601).
P8. The surface component of P7, wherein the back L-shaped plate (604) and the left L-shaped plate (605) form an approximately 90° angle.
P9. A surface component, comprising:
- a main plate (1701) comprising a top surface (1702), a bottom surface (1703) opposite the top surface (1702);
- a right back L-shaped plate (1704) coupled to a right back edge of the main plate (1701), comprising:
- a first portion of the right back L-shaped plate (1704) extending beyond the top surface (1702) of the main plate (1701), and
- a second portion of the right back L-shaped plate (1704) forming a right back channel residing beneath the bottom surface (1703) of the main plate (1701);
- a left back L-shaped plate (1705) coupled to a left back edge of the main plate (1701), comprising:
- a first portion of the left back L-shaped plate (1705) extending beyond the top surface (1702) of the main plate (1701), and
- a second portion of the left back L-shaped plate (1705) forming a left back channel residing beneath the bottom surface (1703) of the main plate (1701);
- a right front L-shaped corner plate (1706a) coupled to a right front edge of the main plate (1701), forming a right front channel residing beneath the bottom surface (1703) of the main plate (1701);
- a left front L-shaped corner plate (1706b) coupled to a left front edge of the main plate (1701), forming a left front channel residing beneath the bottom surface (1703) of the main plate (1701);
- a right back tube (1707) residing within the right back channel, wherein an end of the right back tube (1707) extends beyond the right back channel;
- a left back tube (1708) residing within the left back channel, wherein an end of the left back tube (1708) extends beyond the left back channel;
- a right front corner tube (1709) residing within the right front channel, wherein an end of the right front corner tube (1709) extends beyond the right front channel, wherein a first space exists between the right front L-shaped corner plate (1706a) and the right front corner tube (1709);
- a left front corner tube (1710) residing within the left front channel, wherein an end of the left front corner tube (1710) extends beyond the left front channel, wherein a second space exists between the left front corner plate (1706b) and the left front corner tube (1710);
- a center tube (1711) coupled to the bottom surface (1703) of the main plate (1701) and traversing from a back corner of the main plate (1701) to a front corner of the main plate (1701);
- a right back coupling plate (1712) coupled to the right back tube (1707), wherein a third space exists between the right back coupling plate (1712) and the right back tube (1707); and
- a left back coupling plate (1714) coupled to the left back tube (1708), wherein a fourth space exists between the left back coupling plate (1714) and the left back tube (1708).
P10. The surface component of P9, wherein the right back L-shaped plate (1704) and the left back L-shaped plate (1705) form an angle between zero and 90 degrees.
P11. A surface system, comprising:
- a straight surface component (101), comprising:
- a first main plate (401) comprising a first top surface (402) and a first bottom surface (403) opposite the top surface (402);
- a front L-shaped plate (404) coupled to a front edge of the first main plate (401), forming a first front channel (405) residing beneath the first bottom surface (403) of the first main plate (401); and
- a first back L-shaped plate (406) coupled to the back edge of the first main plate (401), forming a first back channel (408) residing beneath the first bottom surface (403) of the first main plate (401), the first back L-shaped plate (406) comprising a first portion (407) extending beyond the first top surface (402) of the first main plate (401); and
- a connector, comprising:
- a first tube (701, 1801) comprising a first left end (720, 1820) and a first right end (721, 1821);
- a second tube (702, 1802) comprising a second left end (730, 1830) and a second right end (731, 1831);
- a first middle tube (703, 1803) comprising:
- a front end coupled to a side of the first tube (701, 1801) between the first left end (720, 1820) of the first tube (701, 1801) and the first right end (721, 1821) of the first tube (701, 1801); and
- a back end coupled to a side of the second tube (702, 1802) between the second left end (730, 1830) of the second tube (702, 1802) and the second right end (731, 1831) of the second tube (702, 1802);
- a first coupling plate (704, 1804) coupled to the first middle tube (703, 1803) on a left side of the first middle tube (703, 1803), wherein a first space exists between the first coupling plate (704, 1804) and the first tube (701, 1801);
- a second coupling plate (706, 1806) coupled to the first middle tube (703, 1803) on a right side of the first middle tube (703, 1803), wherein a second space exists between the second coupling plate (706), 1806) and the second tube (702, 1802); and a coupling mechanism coupled to a surface of the first middle tube (703) for coupling the connector to a safety rail or a leg,
- wherein the straight surface component is detachably coupled to the connector, comprising:
- the first left end (720) of the first tube (701) resides in the first front channel (405);
- a bent portion of the front L-shaped plate (404) resides within the first space; and
- the second left end (730) of the second tube (702) resides within the first back channel (408).
P12. The system of claim P11, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises:
- a U-shaped rod (708) coupled to the surface of the first middle tube (703) and positioned substantially perpendicular to the surface of the first middle tube (703); and
- a bracket (709) removably coupled to the U-shaped rod (708), wherein a top tube of a safety rail resides between a U-shape of the U-shaped rod (708) and the bracket (709).
P13. The system of claim P11, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises:
- a mounting tube (1808) coupled to the surface of the first middle tube (1803), wherein an end opening of the mounting tube (1808) faces away from the surface of the first middle tube (1803), wherein an end of a leg may reside within the end opening of the mounting tube (1808).
P14. The system of P11, further comprising a corner surface component, comprising:
- a second main plate (601) comprising a second top surface (602) and a second bottom surface (603) opposite the second top surface (602);
- a first back L-shaped plate (604) coupled to a back edge of the second main plate (601), comprising:
- a first portion of the first back L-shaped plate (604) extending beyond the second top surface (602) of the second main plate (601); and
- a second portion of the first back L-shaped plate (604) forming a second back channel residing beneath the second bottom surface (603) of the second main plate (601);
- a left L-shaped plate (605) coupled to a left edge of the second main plate (601), comprising:
- a first portion of the left L-shaped plate (605) extending beyond the second top surface (602) of the second main plate (601); and
- a second portion of the left L-shaped plate (605) forming a first left channel residing beneath the second bottom surface (603) of the second main plate (601);
- a back tube (606) residing within the second back channel, wherein an end of the back tube (606) extending beyond the second back channel;
- a left tube (607) residing within the first left channel, wherein an end of the left tube (607) extending beyond the first left channel;
- a first L-shaped corner plate (608a) coupled to a front right corner of the second main plate (601), forming a first corner channel with a first opening residing proximate to a right edge of the second main plate (601);
- a second L-shaped corner plate (608b) coupled to a front left corner of the second main plate (601), forming a second corner channel with a second opening residing proximate to a front edge of the second main plate (601);
- a first corner tube (609) residing within the first corner channel, wherein an end of the first corner tube (609) extends beyond the first corner channel;
- a second corner tube (610) residing within the second corner channel, wherein an end of the second corner tube (610) extends beyond the second corner channel;
- a back coupling plate (611) coupled to the back tube (606), wherein a first space exists between the back coupling plate (611) and the back tube (606);
- a left coupling plate (613) coupled to the left tube (607), wherein a second space exists between the left coupling plate (613) and the left tube (607);
- a first front coupling plate (615) coupled to the first corner tube (609), wherein a third space exists between the first front coupling plate (615) and the first corner tube (609);
- a second front coupling plate (617) coupled to the second corner tube (610), wherein a fourth space exists between the second front coupling plate (617) and the second corner tube (610); and
- a first center tube (619) coupled to the second bottom surface (603) of the second main plate (601) and traverses from a back corner of the second main plate (601) to the front corner of the second main plate (601),
- wherein the corner surface component is detachably coupled to the surface component, comprising:
- the back tube (606) residing in the first back channel (408);
- a bent portion of the first back L-shaped plate (406) residing within the first space;
- the first corner tube (609) resides within the first front channel (405); and
- a bent portion of the front L-shaped plate (404) resides within the third space,
- wherein a right edge of the corner surface component (102) abuts a left edge of the straight surface component (101).
P15. The system of claim P11, further comprising a corner surface component, comprising:
- a third main plate (1701) comprising a third top surface (1702) and a third bottom surface (1703) opposite the third top surface (1702);
- a right back L-shaped plate (1704) coupled to a right back edge of the third main plate (1701), comprising:
- a first portion of the right back L-shaped plate (1704) extending beyond the third top surface (1702) of the third main plate (1701); and
- a second portion of the right back L-shaped plate (1704) forming a right back channel residing beneath the third bottom surface (1703) of the third main plate (1701);
- a left back L-shaped plate (1705) coupled to a left back edge of the main plate (1701), comprising:
- a first portion of the left back L-shaped plate (1705) extending beyond the third top surface (1702) of the third main plate (1701); and
- a second portion of the left back L-shaped plate (1705) forming a left back channel residing beneath the third bottom surface (1703) of the third main plate (1701);
- a right front L-shaped corner plate (1706a) coupled to a right front edge of the third main plate (1701), forming a right front channel residing beneath the third bottom surface (1703) of the third main plate (1701);
- a left front L-shaped corner plate (1706b) coupled to a left front edge of the third main plate (1701), forming a left front channel residing beneath the third bottom surface (1703) of the third main plate (1701);
- a right back tube (1707) residing within the right back channel, wherein an end of the right back tube (1707) extends beyond the right back channel;
- a left back tube (1708) residing within the left back channel, wherein an end of the left back tube (1708) extends beyond the left back channel;
- a right front corner tube (1709) residing within the right front channel, wherein an end of the right front corner tube (1709) extends beyond the right front channel, wherein a fourth space exists between the right front L-shaped corner plate (1706a) and the right front corner tube (1709);
- a left front corner tube (1710) residing within the left front channel, wherein an end of the left front corner tube (1710) extends beyond the left front channel, wherein a fifth space exists between the left front L-shaped corner plate (1706b) and the left front corner tube (1710);
- a second center tube (1711) coupled to the third bottom surface (1703) of the third main plate (1701) and traverses from a back corner of the third main plate (1701) to a front corner of the third main plate (1701);
- a right back coupling plate (1712) coupled to the right back tube (1707), wherein a sixth space exists between the right back coupling plate (1712) and the right back tube (1707); and
- a left back coupling plate (1714) coupled to the left back tube (1708), wherein a seventh space exists between the left back coupling plate (1714) and the left back tube (1708),
- wherein the corner surface component is detachably coupled to the surface component, comprising:
- the right back tube (1707) resides in the first back channel (408);
- a bent portion of the first back L-shaped plate (406) resides within the sixth space;
- the right front corner tube (1709) residing within the first front channel (405); and
- a bent portion of the front L-shaped plate (404) resides within the seventh space,
- wherein a right edge of the corner surface component abuts a left edge of the straight surface component.
Patent Application
20250107620
