WO2005084491A1

WO2005084491A1 - Self stabilising support system

Info

Publication number: WO2005084491A1
Application number: PCT/AU2005/000326
Authority: WO
Inventors: Malcolm Douglas Hickman
Original assignee: Roc-Loc Design Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2004-03-09
Filing date: 2005-03-08
Publication date: 2005-09-15
Also published as: TW200536496A

Abstract

An automatically adjustable self stabilising supporting system for a central pedestal or column table (2) is described in which two leg sub assemblies (8a, 8b) are pivotally connected to each other so as to allow relative movement of one sub assembly (10a, 10b) with respect to the other so that when one leg of one leg assembly (10a, 10b) is located in a high or low spot on an uneven floor, the leg assembly pivots so as to cause corresponding pivoting movement of the other leg assembly in the opposite direction so as to support the table evenly on its four legs. The two leg assemblies (10a, 10b) are pivotally interconnected together and are provided with a link member for transferring movement of one leg assembly to the other leg assembly.

Description

SELF STABILISING SUPPORT SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a self stabilising support system for supporting an object or item such as for example, a table, on an uneven surface, such as for example on an uneven floor or other surface or substrate, particularly of the type encountered when dining out of doors. In particular, the present invention relates to a self stabilising support system for automatically maintaining all of the legs of a table, particularly a single central support column table in contact with the surface upon which the table is supported, particularly when using such a table for dining, when the floor, courtyard or paving or other surface on which the table is resting is uneven.

Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to one form of the self stabilising support system and with respect to one application of the self stabilising support system, it is to be noted that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiment but rather the scope of the present invention is more extensive so as to include other arrangements and variations of the self stabilising support system and the use of the support system in applications other than for a single central support column table . Accordingly, the present invention has wide application in a variety of uses for a variety of purposes . Background of the Invention

The floors of many buildings, particularly old buildings are often uneven so that when tables , such as dining tables are placed on an uneven floor, the tables are not stable and rock from one side to another owing to the legs of the table being located on a high point or low point on the uneven surface of the floor. Additionally, when dining out of doors such as for example, in a paved courtyard, on cobblestones or other irregular surface or uneven substrate, the table rocks from side to side owing to one leg being located on a high point on the uneven surface . This is both annoying to the diners and potentially dangerous as hot food or drink can be spilled upon diners causing injury.

Previous attempts to alleviate the instability of tables supported on an uneven surface or floor have not been entirely satisfactory for one reason or another. Therefore, there is still a need to provide an effective way of stabilising tables on uneven floors .

Previous attempts to stabilise the dining table have included putting multiple thicknesses of paper or card in the form of wedges or shims under one or more of the legs of the table in an attempt to balance the table so as to prevent it from rocking. However, such solutions are at best only temporary since after a short period of time the layers of card or paper are compacted or degrade owing to wear thus allowing the problem to return. Additionally, it is often time consuming and tedious to attempt to balance all of the legs of the table simultaneously so as to prevent rocking. Further, the solution of using wedges or shims or the like is only applicable to a table when in a single location only, owing to the particular profile of the floor in that location. As soon as the table is moved to a different location, it requires readjustment which can only be done manually by reinserting a replacement set of wedges , usually of different thicknesses . Therefore balancing of the table must commence afresh.

The problem of instability or rocking tables is particularly manifest when the table is a pedestal type table having a single central support in the form of a column or similar with a number of legs radiating outwardly from the base of the central supporting column. As all of the legs are fixedly connected to one another and to the central column, movement of one leg causes displacement of all other legs so that it is extremely difficult to balance the table by locating the table legs at the required height on the uneven floor .

Although, in the past attempts have been made to provide adjustable feet at the end of the legs supporting the table, such as for example by having screw feet adjustments or the like threadingly engaging the end of the legs , the individually adjustable feet are not entirely satisfactory as each requires individual adjustment manually for the precise location of the table which is usually applicable only for a single location. If the table has to be moved from one position to another position, the feet require manual readjustment which is both time consuming and annoying both to diners and the proprietor of the eating establishment, particularly during rush periods or peak periods of use of the tables within a restaurant or the like. Also, if a table is inadvertently bumped or moved during use, usually all of the feet require manual readjustment which cannot be done effectively whilst diners are seated at the table.

Therefore, individually manually adjustable feet located at or towards the end of table legs are not entirely satisfactory for balancing or stabilising a table .

Although there have been previous attempts to provide a stabilising mechanism for tables, such mechanisms have not been entirely satisfactory for one or more reasons . One such reason is the precision with which each individual component of such mechanisms were required to be manufactured in order for the mechanism to operate satisfactorily, particularly as only small movements or deflections are required to balance or stabilise the table. If the tolerance or clearance between individual components was too great, the mechanisms would not work and the table would still be unstable and would rock. To be sure that the correct tolerance existed between the various components, it was necessary to be more precise in the manufacture of the components which added considerably to the cost of producing the components and assembling the components to form the table. Increased cost makes many of the available mechanisms not commercially viable . Furthermore, increasing the precision and manufacture of the components also caused higher assembly costs further adding to the poor commercial viability of such products .

Many existing self-stabilising mechanisms are unnecessarily complex further adding to their high cost and poor operation since there are a greater number of engaging components that are subject to free play and to wear. If there was excessive free play between the various components , the mechanisms would not work as the small adjustments needed to balance or stabilise the table would not allow the various components of the mechanism to cooperate with each other but rather movement of one of the components would not result in corresponding movement of another component. This excessive free play or clearance between the various components increased with the increase in complexity of the components and also increased during wear of the mechanisms and in many instances contributed substantially to the instability of the table .

Thus, there is a need for a relatively simple self stabilising support system for a table, particularly a table having a single central leg support column with radially extending legs so that the table can be stabilised and/or balanced quickly and easily even when placed on an uneven floor .

There is also a need to provide a self stabilising support system that can be readily and quickly adjusted when a table is moved from one location to another location.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a self stabilising support system for stably supporting an object or item on an uneven surface of a substrate comprising a first sub assembly having at least one support element for contacting a first point on the uneven surface to adopt a first position and a second sub assembly having a least one support element for contacting a second point on the uneven surface to adopt a second position, said first and second points being at different levels, said first and second sub assemblies be movably interconnected together by an interconnection element allowing relative movement of the first and second sub assemblies with respect to each other, said sub assemblies being arranged with respect to each other such that said second sub assembly is capable of moving to the second position in response to the first sub assembly adopting the first position wherein said second position of the second sub assembly balances the first position of the first sub assembly so that the object or item is stably supported by the self stabilising support system on the uneven surface thereby preventing unwanted movement of the object or item.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a self stabilising support system for stably supporting an object on an uneven surface comprising a first sub assembly having at least one support element for contacting at least one point on the uneven surface and a control arm such that the first sub assembly moves to a first position in response to location of the at least one support element on one point of the uneven surface and a second sub assembly having at least one support element for contacting another point on the uneven surface and a control arm wherein the first and second sub assemblies are interconnected together to allow relative movement of one sub assembly with respect to the other so that the second sub assembly moves in response to movement of the first sub assembly to adopt a balanced position in which the object or item is prevented from undergoing unwanted movement.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a self stabilising support system for supporting an item on an uneven surface comprising two substantially identical leg assemblies, each leg assembly comprising a substantially L-shaped or T-shaped member having two floor contacting leg portions and a control arm extending substantially from the leg portions, said two leg assemblies pivotally connected to each other and a link interconnecting the control arms to each other, said link allowing one leg assembly to move in response to corresponding movement of the other leg assembly to adopt a position whereby the two leg assemblies are in balance with each other by remaining in contact with the surface upon which the leg assemblies are resting.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of stabilising an item or object when placed on an uneven surface or a substrate including the steps of locating the item or object on the uneven surface such that a part of the item or object contacts a part of the uneven surface such that in response to a force applied to the item or object, a further part of the item or object moves so as to balance or stabilise the position of the item or object.

Details Description of the Invention

Typically, the object or item is a table, typically a table with multiple legs, more typically a table having four table legs . More typically each leg is provided with a foot. More typically, when using the support system of the present invention, all of the legs and or feet of the table are in contact with the floor or substrate upon which the table is supported even when the floor or substrate is uneven and/or even when one of the legs and/or feet rest upon a high spot or low spot on the surface of the floor .

Typically, the table is a single central support column table. More typically, the central column is supported by legs and/or feet. Even more typically, there are three, four or more legs radially outwardly extending from the central column located at the centre of the table or along the centre line or central axis of the table .

Typically, the self stabilising support system is a self compensating system, more typically an automatically adjustable self stabilising system that compensates for movement of part of the support system by allowing corresponding movement by a further part of the support system. More typically, the corresponding movement of the first part of the system is in a different direction to the movement of the second part of the system.

Typically, there are two movable sub assemblies. More typically, the sub assemblies are pivotally connected to each other, preferably by a hinge pin. More typically, the hinge pin is located at or towards the lower end or part of the central column. Even more typically, the sub assemblies move in substantially opposite directions to one another. Even more typically, the sub assemblies pivot or rotate with respect to each other in opposite directions, typically in opposite directions about a horizontal pivot axis, in order to balance or stabilise the table. Even more typically, the sub assemblies both rotate and pivot with respect to each other to balance or stabilise the table. Typically, the two assemblies pivot in opposite directions about a horizontal axis and rotate in the same direction about a vertical axis .

Typically, the or each sub assembly includes two legs each leg having a foot portion. More typically, the feet portions are attached to the leg assembly. Even more typically the two legs of each sub assembly are arranged to extend at about 90° to each other.

Typically, there is a space or gap between the central column and the floor or substrate on which the table feet or legs rest. More typically, there is a space or gap between the lower edge of the central support column or substrate allowing axial movement of the central column to assist in stabilising of the table.

Typically, the table is stabilised by downward movement of the table and/or support system. More typically, the downwardly directed movement is caused by an external force being applied to the table, typically, the top of the table. Even more typically, the downwardly directed force is applied by the weight of the table and/or the table top or by leaning or pushing on the table or table top. Even more typically, the downwardly directed force is transmitted to the leg assemblies by the table support, such as the central column, pedestal or the like. More typically, movement of each sub assembly with respect to the other sub assembly is pivotal movement. More typically, the movement is rotational movement. Even more typically, the movement is a combination of a rotational and pivotal movement. Even more typically, the rotation of the two sub assemblies is in the same direction in a horizontal plane about a substantially vertical axis or substantially spaced apart parallel vertical axes whereas pivoting of the sub assemblies is in opposite directions in a vertical plane about a substantially horizontal axis.

Typically, the self stabilising support system of the present invention provides for movement of up to about 40mm, preferably up to about 25mm, more preferably up to about 22mm, at the end of the leg for the leg assemblies to move whilst still being able to stabilise the table.

Typically, the or each sub assembly comprises a pair of legs and a control arm. Typically the control arm extends outwardly from the feet, typically outwardly from the plane containing the two legs , and more typically, upwardly from the web joining the two legs.

More typically the control arm extends in a generally vertical direction from the substantially horizontal plane containing the legs. Even more typically, the control arm is obliquely inclined to the vertical extending from the horizontal plane containing the legs. Typically, the angle of inclination of the central arm is up to about 15D from the vertical, preferably up to about 10D, more preferably about 4D to 6D. More typically, the maximum pivoting movement of the control arm is up to about 4D. More typically, the ratio of the central arm to the leg is from about 1:1.5 or the like .

Typically, there is a link member. More typically the control arms are connected to each other by the link member. Typically, the link member is in two parts.

Typically, the two parts are complementary to each other . Even more typically, the two parts are substantially identical to each other, but arranged as mirror images to one another . Even more typically, the two parts engagingly cooperate with each other in which one part drives the other part to rotate and/or pivot. Typically the link member is a control disc comprised of two semi discs. Even more typically, the two parts or semi discs cooperatively engage with one another when one rotates or pivots or rotates and pivots. Even more typically, the control disc has a bearing or reaction surface . Even more typically, each semi disc has a bearing or reaction surface which cooperatively engage with each other . More typically, the bearing surface or reaction surface is a slide bearing surface or a surface that is slidable with respect to another surface. Even more typically, the bearing surfaces are located on the respective inner edges of the semi discs. Typically, the two control discs rotate in the same direction during use .

Typically, the or each semi disc is displaced from the horizontal plane when stabilising the table. More typically, the semi disc is tilted out of the horizontal plane to adopt an oblique position during stabilising of the table in response to movement of the sub assembly. Even more typically, the semi disc tilts from the horizontal as it rotates. Even more typically, the two semi discs tilt in opposite directions as they rotate. More typically, the direction of tilt corresponds to the direction of pivoting of the leg assemblies .

Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :

Figure 1 is a top isometric view of one form of a table having one form of the self stabilising support system of the present invention,

Figure 2 is a top side isometric view of one form of one sub assembly of one form of the self stabilising support system of the present invention,

Figure 3 is a top side isometric view of one form of one part of the control disc located at the top of the control arm of one leg sub assembly,

Figure 4 is side view of the lower part of one leg sub assembly showing one form of the pivot pin interconnecting two substantially identical leg sub assemblies together allowing relative pivoting movement,

Figure 5 is a side elevation view of two leg sub assemblies in back to back relationship prior to being squeezed together so as to be received within the central column,

Figure 6 is a side elevation view showing the oblique inclination of the control arm to the plane containing the upright of the leg sub assembly and the hinge pin,

Figure 7 is a top side isometric view of two assemblies in back to back relationship located within the lower part of a central column shown in phantom when the table is on an even floor,

Figure 8a is a top perspective view showing the relationship of the two parts of the control disc when the table is on a level floor as shown in Figure 7,

Figure 8b is a top side isometric view of the top of the control arms showing the two semi discs in the one horizontal plane when the table is in the position shown in Figure 7,

Figure 9 is a top side isometric view similar to Figure 7 but showing the table in a different configuration on the uneven floor in which one leg is resting on a high point on the floor,

Figure 10a is a view similar to Figure 8a but corresponding to when the table is in the position as shown in Figure 9 showing the relative movement between the two leg sub assemblies,

Figure 10b is a view similar to Figure 8b but showing the two semi discs tilted in opposite directions out of the common horizontal plane of Figure 8b,

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 9 but with the leg sub assemblies pivoted in the opposite direction caused by one of the legs of the other sub assembly resting on a high spot on the uneven floor,

Figure 12a is a view similar to Figure 8a but showing the top of the control arms rotated from the normal even position,

Figure 12b is a view similar to Figure 10b but showing the two semi discs tilted out of the common plane in the opposite direction to that shown in Figure 10a, and

Figure 13 is a further view showing the arrangement of the control arms within the central column .

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

In Figure 1 there is shown one form of a table to which the self stabilising support system of the present invention is particularly applicable.

This form of the table, generally denoted as 2 is a four legged table having a single central support column from which four legs extend radially outwardly in a regularly spaced apart relationship to one another to form a more or less stable base for the table and to allow diners to sit comfortably around the table .

Table 2 , in one form has a generally circular table top 4 which is supported by a hollow centrally located tube 6 that at one end, the upper end, is fixedly attached to the underside of table top 4 by any suitable fitting. It is to be noted that table top 4 and central column 6 can take any suitable shape or form in accordance with the requirements of the table and/or diners . Column 6 at the other end, the lower end, is provided with a bore 7 through a diameter of the tube located at or towards the lower end of tube 6 for receiving a pivot pin. A pair of leg sub assemblies 8, are arranged in back to back relationship to each other to form the space for supporting the table as shown particularly in Figures 5 and 13. Each sub assembly 8 has two legs 10, which are arranged to outwardly extend substantially at right angles to each other. Each sub assembly is located such that the two legs of one sub assembly are arranged substantially at right angles to the two legs of the other sub assembly to form a stable base of four regularly spaced apart legs . The two sub assemblies 8 are movably received within the lower open end of central tube 6. In one form, the leg assemblies are pivotally connected to each other.

However, in other forms of the present invention, the two sub assemblies may be movably connected to each other in any suitable manner and by any suitable means, including at any suitable location such as for example at or towards the top of column 6. The two leg sub assemblies 8 are capable of movement with respect to each other to compensate for the table being located on an uneven floor as will be described in more detail later in this specification. Although the movement will be described as pivoting and rotational movement, other forms of movement are possible including any combination of movement or the like.

Each table leg 10 is provided with a fixed foot 12 located at or towards the distal end of each leg. Foot 12 may be adjustable or may be fixed. Foot 12 can take any form. Briefly, in operation the self stabilising system of the present invention is operated by applying some vertical downward force to the top of table top 4 to produce relative movement, typically pivoting movement, of one sub assembly 8 with respect to the other sub assembly to move legs 10 and feet 12 with respect to each other so that the table adopts a stable position irrespective of the unevenness of the floor or substrate upon which the table rests .

One form of the leg sub assembly 8 will now be described in detail. It is to be noted that as the two sub assemblies are substantially identical to each other, it is only necessary to describe one sub assembly in detail .

However, operation of the self stabilising system of the present invention will be described with reference to both sub assemblies since they cooperatively interact with each other to stabilise the table by pivoting in opposite directions .

The two identical sub assemblies 8 are arranged in back to back relationship with each other and are partially located internally within the lower end of central tube 6 to form the self stabilising support system of the present invention as shown more particularly in Figures 7, 9, 11 and 13.

In one form, leg sub assembly 8 is provided with two legs 10 located substantially at right angles to each other. Feet 12 are located at the distal ends of each leg 10. Leg 10 and foot 12 can take any suitable form as the shape, profile, length and size of each leg 10 is in accordance with requirements as is the size, shape, type of each foot 12. Sub assembly 8 is provided with a substantially triangular shaped elongate central web 14 arranged to extend upwardly to which the legs 10 are fixedly connected to extend outwardly. The side 15 of the triangular web 14, not having a leg 10, abuts in back to back relationship with the same side 15 of a similar triangular shaped web 14 from another leg assembly 8 when the two webs are upright so that the two sub assemblies 8 can be located in back to back relationship with each other with their respective flat surfaces 15 abutting against each other. A bore 16 is provided through the triangular web 14, particularly extending from the apex of the triangle formed from the sides of the web having legs 10 attached thereto through the triangular web 14 to the side 15 not having a leg on the opposite side of the triangular web. A pivot pin 17 is received within bore 16 and through bore 7 of column 6. A substantially planar elongate control arm 18 extends upwardly from triangular web 14 as a continuation of the side 15 of the triangle not having a leg. Control arm 18 is provided with a pair of spaced apart notches on either side at a location intermediate the ends of the control arm as shown more particularly in Figure 2.

Control arm 18 is angularly inclined to the vertical at an angle denoted by A°. It is to be noted that angle A° can range up to about 15°, preferably up to about 10°, more preferably from about 4° to about 8°, most preferably about 6°. Pin axle 22 extends outwardly from the distal end of control arm 18 in a generally vertical direction and is fixedly connected thereto. It is to be noted that pin axle 22 is angularly inclined to the plane of the control arm 18 so as to be substantially parallel to the plane containing the side 15 of triangular web 14 not having a leg as shown more particularly in Figure 6. A part of the linking member in the form of a generally semi circular disc 24 of a two part control disc generally denoted as 28 forming the link member is rotationally connected to the upper end of pin axle 22 and is free to rotate thereabout during use in accordance with pivotal movement of leg assembly 8. Disc 24 is retained on axle 22 by any suitable fastener or fastening means such as for example a retainer in the form of a ring or similar such as a circlip, washer or the like received in a groove located on the surface of pin axle 22 or similar. Further, it is to be noted that the linking member can be of any convenient or suitable form, such as for example, pins, slots, posts, balls, cups, springs, sockets or similar arrangement allowing differential movement of the two leg sub assemblies with respect to each other.

Turning now to semi disc 24 of the control disc 28, the outer edge or circumference of semi disc 24 is substantially circular 32. However, a part of the outer edge is straight so that there is a flattened section of the outer edge for providing clearance between semi disc 24 and the internal wall of tube 6. The inner edge of semi disc 24 is a substantially zig zag or deformed z shape having three straight parts 36, 38, 40 joined together by curved radiused portions located between each adjacent straight part. There is an intermediate portion 36 centrally located between two end portions 38, 40. In use, the inner edge of the semi disc of the one leg assembly engages with the inner edge of the semi disc of the other leg assembly to rotate the disc so as to to cause the leg assemblies 8 to pivotally move in opposite directions with respect to each other to adjust the support system in order to stabilise or balance table 2 as shown more particularly in Figures 8, 10 and 12.

Assembly of the table will now be described.

Two leg sub assemblies 8 , are located in abutting back to back relationship such that the flat surfaces 15 of the triangular webs 14 not having legs extending therefrom abut against one another in use so that the two control arms 18 are arranged such that their upper ends having the semi discs 24 diverge from one another so as to be spaced apart from each other as shown in particular in Figure 5.

During assembly, the tops of upper parts of divergent control arms 18 are squeezed closer to each other so that they are more or less parallel to each and to the back sides of the triangular webs so that the two semi circular control discs 24 slidably and rotatably engage with one another so that their respective straight inner surfaces 36, 38, 40 abut against one another along a centre line. In this position, the lower end of central hollow tube 6 is able to be fitted over the upper distal ends of control arms 18 containing semi discs 24 and the control arms and semi discs inserted to a distance within the length of the hollow tube 6 so that the aperture 7 provided in the lower end of tube 6 is in alignment with bores 16 of the aligned back to back webs 14 and leg assemblies 8 so as to receive pivot pin 17 therethrough to interconnect the two leg assemblies 8 to each other and to the central column 6 whilst allowing the two leg assemblies 8 to pivot with respect to each other to compensate for being placed on an uneven surface , thereby forming the support for table 2. Table 2 in this form is ready for use as will be described below .

When table 2 is placed on an even surface, the table adopts a stable or balanced position which is referred to as the 'even position' . This even position is shown in Figures 7 , 8a and 8b . With particular reference to Figures 7 , 8a and 8b which show the base of the table on a perfectly flat surface in the even position, it can be seen that the two semi discs 24a, b of the control disc 28 forming the linking member are generally located in abutting relationship with each other, particularly inner edges 38a and 38b in contact with each other and edges 40a, 40b in contact with each other. Edges 36a, 36b may be in contact with each other or may be slightly spaced apart from each other by being radially outwardly biased by the angle A° of the control arm so that the respective inner edges are slidably and rotatably in contact with each other . In this configuration the circular outer edge 32 of both discs 24a, b abut against the inner diameter of the hollow tube 6 and are retained in this position against further radially outward movement by the wall of hollow tube 6. As the control arms 18 are resiliently inclined and are biased to a divergent position, the tension within the control arm maintains the circular outer edges of the respective semi discs 24 in contact with the respective inner surfaces of the hollow tube . This orientation allows the self stabilising support of the present invention to operate effectively by causing rotation of semi discs 24. It is to be noted that when the table is in the even position, pin axles 22a, 22b are aligned along a centre line 42 as shown in Figure 8a. Further, it is to be noted that when the table is in the even position both semi discs 24a, 24b are in the same substantially horizontal plane with pin axles 22a, 22b extending substantially vertically along vertical axes 44a, 44b as shown in Figure 8b.

Operation of the self stabilising support system of the present invention will now be described. When table 2 is located in the desired position, if the floor is uneven, the table can be readily made stable by merely applying some downward force to the top surface 4 of table 2. Applying the downwardly directed force causes the self stabilising system to operate to stabilise the table by pivoting one of the leg assemblies to an equal and opposite amount to the amount that the leg on the other leg assembly resting on the high spot is raised above the even surface.

With particular reference to Figures 9, 10a and 10b, it can be seen that when one of the legs 10a or feet 12a are located on a high point 62 in an uneven floor 60, leg 10a moves upwardly as indicated by arrow A of Figure 9 and the leg assembly 8a containing leg 10a pivots in the direction of arrow B about pivot pin 17 with respect to the other leg assembly 8b such that the control arm 18a pivots accordingly, so as to slightly displace pin 22a in the direction of arrow C of Figure 10a. As semi disc 24a is movably connected to the pivot pin 22a, when control arm 18a pivots, pin 22a also pivots forcing disc 24a to attempt to move in the direction of arrow C . This movement causes disc 24a to be displaced out of the horizontal plane that it formerly adopted when the table was on an even floor. However, as the outer edge 32a of disc 24a is in abutting relationship with the internal wall of tube 6, disc 24a cannot pivot in accordance with the pivoting movement of pin 22a without also rotating slightly because there is no gap or space to allow disc to be displaced sideways. Instead disc 24a is forced to rotate in the direction of arrow D of Figure 10a simultaneously with moving in the direction of arrow C. Thus, disc 24a undergoes the combined movement of simultaneously pivoting and rotating. Pivoting of disc 24a causes the plane of the disc to be deflected from the usual horizontal position adopted by the disc when both sub assemblies are resting on even ground. The slightly deflected or tilted orientation is shown in Figure 10b. As semi disc 24a rotates and deflects out of the horizontal plane, part of its inner edge being end 38a of the inner edge engages the corresponding part of the inner edge of disc 24b being end 38b, of the other semi disc 24b which forces corresponding movement of the other semi disc 24b in the direction of arrow F since the disc is constrained within tube 6 so that outer edge 32b slides along the inner wall of tube 6. As disc 24b rotates in the direction of arrow F, pin 22b is displaced in the direction of arrow E so that the two' pins 22a, 22b are not aligned along centre line 42 but rather are offset from this line so as to be located off centre along line 46 which is displaced to one side of line 42 as shown in Figure 10a. The rotation of semi disc 24b causes it to deflect from the horizontal plane so that pins 22a, 22b are not vertically aligned along axes 44a, 44b but rather are aligned along inclined axes 48a, 48b corresponding to the amount of tilt of discs 24a, 24b out of the common horizontal plane, as shown in Figure 10b. The deflection of semi disc 24b from the horizontal is in the opposite direction to the direction of deflection of semi disc 24a to displace pin 22b in the direction of arrow Ξ of Figure 10a so as to simultaneously pivot pin 22b and control arm 18b which in turn causes the leg assembly 8b to pivot about pivot pin 17 in the direction of arrow G of Figure 9. As the leg assembly 18b correspondingly pivots about pivot pin 17 in the direction of arrow G, the legs and feet attached to the leg assembly 18b pivot also to adopt a new position that balances the position of the other leg assembly 8a so that all four legs/feet of the table are in contact with the uneven surface so that the legs form a stable base for the table. It is to be noted that the leg assembly 8b rotates or pivots to about an equal amount in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of leg assembly 8a caused by one of the legs resting on the high spot. This equal but opposite direction of movement allows all four legs to be in contact with the surface, thereby preventing rocking of the table .

With particular reference to Figures 11, 12a and 12b, when leg 10a of leg assembly 8a rests on a high spot 64 of floor 60 as shown in Figure 11, leg 10a moves upwardly in the direction of arrow J of Figure 11 so that leg assembly 8a pivots in the direction of arrow K of Figure 11. In turn pin 22a moves in the direction of arrow L displacing the end of disc 24a also in the direction of arrow L to move the end 40 of disc 24a which contacts the end 40b of disc 24b to rotate disc 24b in the direction of arrow M by sliding it against the inner wall of tube 6 to displace pin 22b in the direction of arrow N. In this position pins 22a, 22b are aligned on line 50 which is displaced to one side of centre line 42 as shown in Figure 12a. As semi discs 24a and 24b rotate, they deflect from the horizontal position to adopt oppositely tilted positions out of the common horizontal plane. Additionally, pins 22a, b are moved to align along inclined axes 52a, 52b as shown in Figure 12b. As pin 22b is displaced so also is control arm 18b which in turn pivots leg assembly 8b to an equal and opposite amount as the movement of leg assembly 8a thereby stabilising table 2.

Owing to the shape of the link member, movement of either leg when contacting a high spot can be accommodated by the sliding inner surfaces of the semi discs to produce an opposite and corresponding movement in the other semi disc which is transmitted through the control arm to the other leg assembly thus allowing the table to always be stable.

It is to be noted that the lowermost edge of the central column and the web intermediate each leg, i.e. the central part of the leg assemblies, do not rest upon the uneven surface but rather there is a gap between the end of the column and/or triangular web and the floor to allow the height of the web at the centre of the leg assembly to axially move thereby allowing each leg assembly to pivot to balance the table . If the column or triangular web rested upon the uneven surface, the leg assembly would not be able to pivot and thus would not be able to compensate or self stabilise in response to the downward force applied to the top of the table surface.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the control arms may be arranged to extend substantially vertical and the semi discs attached to posts extending in the axis of the arms to freely rotate about the posts. In this embodiment there is a spring, typically a compression spring, located between the semi discs to bias the outer edges against the inner walls of tube 6. In another embodiment the linking member is a single disc of about the same diameter as the internal diameter of the central tube. The single disc is provided with a ball bearing located in a radial slot within the disc and biased against the inner wall by a suitable compression spring. The underneath surface of the disc is provided with a pair of cup like sockets for receiving a pair of spaced apart posts having a spherical head or top allowing rotary movement of the disc. The posts are connected to the top of the control arms .

Each component of the system can be made in a variety of different shapes, sizes and configurations.

The control arm can take any number of forms .

In other embodiments of the present invention, the self stabilising system may be used to raise or to move objects from or over an uneven surface such as uneven ground or the like in which the object is raised more or less substantially horizontally even though the lifting mechanism is located on an uneven surface. In this embodiment, the self stabilising system is either incorporated into the lifting apparatus or is inserted between the lifting apparatus and the object.

In another embodiment, the self stabilising system may be used to lift and/or transport irregularly shaped objects by allowing the lifting or transporting mechanism to remain in contact with the uneven object despite the surface of the object being irregular or uneven. In this application, the object is stabilised so that it can be more readily and safely raised and/or moved.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country .

The advantages of the present invention include a simple low cost self stabilising support system for use in supporting a variety of objects.

Advantages of the present invention include that the table will maintain its balanced and stable position until moved, when it can be easily and quickly readjusted.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as

"comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention .

It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A self stabilising support system for stably supporting an object or item on an uneven surface of a substrate comprising a first sub assembly having a least one support element for contacting a first point on the uneven surface to adopt a first position and a second sub assembly having at least one support element for contacting a second point on the uneven surface to adopt a second position wherein said first and second points of the uneven surface are at different levels characterised in that the first and second sub assemblies are movably interconnected together by an interconnection element allowing relative movement of the first and second sub assemblies with respect to each other wherein said sub assemblies are arranged with respect to each other such that the second sub assembly is capable of moving to the second position in response to the first sub assembly adopting the first position wherein said second position of the second sub assembly balances the first position of the first sub assembly so that the object or item is stably supported by the self stabilising support system on the uneven surface thereby preventing unwanted movement of the object or item.

2. A self stabilising support system for stably supporting an object on an uneven surface comprising a first sub assembly having a least one support element for contacting at least one point on an uneven surface and a second sub assembly having at least one support element for contacting another point on the uneven surface characterised in that the first point of the uneven surface and the second point of the uneven surface are at different levels, in that the first sub assembly has a control arm and the second sub assembly has a control arm such that the control arm of the first sub assembly moves to a first position in response to location of the at least one support element on the one point of the uneven surface and in that the control arm of the second sub assembly moves to a second position in response to movement of the first control arm as the first sub assembly is movably interconnected to the second sub assembly so as to allow relative movement of one sub assembly with respect to the other to adopt a balanced position in which the object or item is prevented from undergoing unwanted movement.

3. A self stabilising support system for supporting an item on an uneven surface comprising two substantially identical leg assemblies characterised in that each leg assembly comprises a substantially L-shaped member having two floor contacting leg portions and a control arm extending substantially from the leg portions, said two leg assemblies being pivotally connected to one another to allow relative movement of one sub assembly with respect to the other, and a link interconnecting the control arms to each other wherein the link allows one leg assembly to move in response to corresponding movement of the other leg assembly to adopt a position whereby the two leg assemblies are in contact with the substrate upon which the leg assemblies are resting thereby balancing the object or item and preventing unwanted movement.

4. A method of stabilising an item or object when placed on an uneven surface or substrate including the steps of locating the item or object on the uneven surface such that a part of the item or object contacts a part of the uneven surface characterised in that in response to a force applied to the item or object, a part of the item or object moves so as to balance or stabilise the position or item.

5. An apparatus or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the object or item is a table having a multitude of legs , preferably a table having a single central support column from which the multitude of legs extend radially outwardly.

6. An apparatus or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the self stabilising support system is a self compensating support system or automatically adjusting system that compensates for movement of part of the support system by allowing for corresponding movement by a further part of the support system to ensure that all of the table legs are in contact with the uneven surface.

7. An apparatus or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the corresponding movement of the first part of the system is in a different direction to movement of the second part of the system.

8. An apparatus or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the first and second sub assemblies are pivotally connected to one another, preferably by a pivot pin.

9. An apparatus or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the first and second sub assemblies move in substantially opposite directions to one another .

10. An apparatus or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the two sub assemblies pivot or rotate with respect to each other in opposite directions, about a horizontal pivot axis in order to balance or stabilise the table.

11. An apparatus or method according to any preceding claim in which the two sub assemblies rotate and pivot with respect to each other in which the two assemblies pivot in opposite directions about a horizontal axis and rotate in the same direction about vertical axis .

12. An apparatus or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that there is a clearance between the lower end of the central part of the support system for the table and the substrate upon which the legs of the table are supported allowing axial movement of the central column to assist in stabilising of the table.

13. A method or apparatus according to any preceding claim characterised in that the self stabilising system allows for a movement of up to about 40mm, preferably up to about 25mm, more preferably up to about 22mm at the end of the leg .

14. An apparatus or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the control arm of the leg assembly is angularly inclined to the vertical .

15. An apparatus or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the angle of inclination of the control arm is up to about 15° from the vertical, preferably up to about 10, more preferably about 4 - 6°.

16. An apparatus or method according to any preceding claim in which the link member is a control disc.

17. An apparatus or method according to any preceding claim in which the control disc comprises two part discs cooperatively arranged to interact with each other so that rotation of one disc causes rotation of the other disc.

18. An apparatus or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the part discs are movably connected to the control arm.

19. An apparatus or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the respective inner edges of the part discs cooperatively interact with each other so as to move the control arms .

20. An apparatus or method according to any preceding claim substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings .