Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
ADJUSTABLE DESK PLATFORM
Technical Field:
[0001] This application relates generally to ergonomic workplace
environments,
and more particularly, to an adjustable desk platform or desk.
Background:
[0002] Sitting for long periods of time during the work day is generally
not good
for one's health and wellness. Medical studies show that sitting increases the
rate of all-
cause mortality, especially from cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity,
for
example. People who sit for most of the day are 50 percent more likely to die
of heart
attacks. Even if you exercise, the longer you sit the greater the chances you
will die.
Sitting shuts down the circulation of the fat-absorbing enzyme lipase, while
standing up
engages muscles and promotes the distribution of lipase, which prompts the
body to
process fat and cholesterol, independent of the amount of time spent
exercising.
[0003] There are desks available to be used while standing, and even
desks
adapted for use while a user is on a treadmill. However, standing for very
long periods
of time to work is more tiring, dramatically increases the risks of carotid
atherosclerosis
because of the additional load on the circulatory system, and increases the
risks of
varicose veins.
[0004] Taking regular breaks from sitting for prolonged periods of time
can have
several positive outcomes. For example, standing can provide more energy
during the
work day. In addition, because standing burns more calories than sitting,
standing can
also result in weight loss without changes in diet or exercise. It is also
harder to become
more tired or lose focus when standing.
[0005] Because regular breaks from sitting are beneficial, and because
many
people during the work day want to remain productive while taking breaks from
sitting,
and because everyone will sit and stand for different lengths of time at
different times
during the day, there exists a need to create a work environment that is
ergonomic for
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-26
someone standing as well as sitting, and allows the transition to be easy,
quick, and
simple.
SUMMARY:
[0006] According to an embodiment, an adjustable desk platform comprises:
an
upper platform defining a first substantially planar work surface; a lower
platform
defining a second substantially planar work surface; at least one set of pivot
arms
connecting the lower platform and the upper platform, the set of pivot arms
comprising a
primary pivot arm and a secondary pivot arm, wherein the set of pivot arms is
adapted
to move the upper platform substantially in parallel with the lower platform
between a
fully raised position and a fully lowered position; and a locking mechanism
associated
with the set of pivot arms, the locking mechanism comprising: a plurality of
perforations
located in the primary pivot arm or the secondary pivot arm, a locking set
fixed with
respect to the upper platform or the lower platform, the locking set including
at least one
anchor adapted to selectively engage at least one of the plurality of
perforations, and a
handle connected to the anchor by a linkage, the handle adapted to selectively
move
the anchor into engagement with at least one of the plurality of perforations.
[0007] According to another embodiment, an adjustable desk platform
comprises:
an upper platform defining a substantially planar work surface; a lower
platform located
beneath the upper platform; at least one set of pivot arms connecting the
lower platform
and the upper platform, the set of pivot arms comprising a primary pivot arm
and a
secondary pivot arm, wherein the set of pivot arms is adapted to move the
upper
platform substantially in parallel with the lower platform between a fully
raised position
and a fully lowered position; a locking mechanism associated with the set of
pivot arms,
the locking mechanism adapted to releasably lock the upper platform in the
fully raised
position and in the fully lowered position; and a keyboard tray suspended
below the
upper platform, the keyboard tray adapted to support a computer keyboard.
[0008] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the
following
description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by
way of
illustration and example, embodiments of the invention are disclosed.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
[0009] The features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from
the
following description, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein
like reference
numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or
structurally similar
elements.
[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable
desk
platform.
[0011] Figure 2 is another perspective view of the adjustable desk
platform of
Figure 1.
[0012] Figure 3 is a side view of the adjustable desk platform of Figure
1.
[0013] Figure 4 is front view of the adjustable desk platform of Figure
1.
[0014] Figure 5 is perspective view of parts of an embodiment of a
locking
mechanism of the adjustable desk platform of Figure 1.
[0015] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the locking mechanism of Figure 5.
[0016] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a biasing
mechanism
of the adjustable desk platform of Figure 1.
[0017] Figure 8 is a side view of an embodiment of the locking mechanism
of the
adjustable desk platform of Figure 1, showing the handle in the locked
position.
[0018] Figure 9 is a side view of the locking mechanism of Figure 8
showing the
handle in the un-locked position.
[0019] Figure 10 is a side view of the adjustable desk platform of Figure
1
showing an example of directional movement of the upper platform relative to
the lower
platform and the pivot arms.
[0020] Figure 11 is a side view of an embodiment of the biasing
mechanism.
[0021] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the adjustable
desk
platform, showing the tray.
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[0022] Figure 13 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the adjustable desk
platform showing the tray and counter weights.
[0023] Figure 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the adjustable
desk
platform including a keyboard tray.
[0024] Figure 15 is an enlarged, perspective view of the pivot arms of an
embodiment of the adjustable desk platform.
[0025] Figure 16 is perspective view of an embodiment of the adjustable
desk
platform including legs.
[0026] Figure 17 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the
adjustable desk
platform with legs of Figure 16.
[0027] Figure 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
adjustable
desk platform, shown in a fully lowered position.
[0028] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the adjustable desk platform of
Figure
18, shown in a fully raised position.
[0029] Figure 20 is a side view of the adjustable desk platform of Figure
18,
shown in the fully lowered position.
[0030] Figure 21 is a side view of the adjustable desk platform of Figure
18,
shown in the fully raised position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
[0031] Embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below. In
describing
embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity.
However, the
invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so
selected. While
specific embodiments are discussed, it should be understood that this is done
for
illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will
recognize that other
components and configurations can be used without departing from the spirit
and scope
of the invention.
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[0032] Embodiments of the adjustable desk platform described herein can
transition between a lower operating position and an upper operating position
quickly,
easily, and simply. This may be useful, for example, to provide height
adjustability to
conventional, fixed desktop workspaces. Alternatively, embodiments of the
adjustable
desk platform can include their own support legs.
[0033] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the adjustable desk platform can
generally
include an upper platform 10, a lower platform 20, and left and right pivot
arm sets 30,
which can connect the upper platform 10 and lower platform 20. According to
embodiments, the upper platform 10 and/or the lower platform 20 can include a
substantially planar top surface that can serve as a working surface for the
user, for
example, to support reading materials, papers, computers, other electronic
devices, and
the like. The adjustable desk platform can include one or more locking
mechanisms 40,
for example, one associated with each of the left and right pivot arm sets 30.
The
adjustable desk platform can also include one or more biasing mechanisms 50
(see
Figure 3), for example, each associated with the left and right pivot arm sets
30. The
adjustable desk platform can also include a reinforcement member 60, visible
in Figures
2 and 4.
[0034] Referring to Figure 2 and Figures 4 to 6, lower mounting brackets
11 can
be located on upper platform 10, for example, secured thereto, or formed
integrally
therewith. As shown in the figures, two lower mounting brackets 11 can be
secured to
the underside of the upper platform 10 at opposite sides of the upper platform
10. As
shown in Figures 2 to Figure 4, lower platform 20 is located below the upper
platform
10, and the pivot arm sets selectively adjust the height of the upper platform
10 with
respect the lower platform 20, for example, with the upper platform 10 and the
lower
platform 20 remaining substantially parallel to one another during movement.
[0035] Lower platform 20 can include two upper mounting brackets 21, for
example, one located near each side of the lower platform 20. The upper
mounting
brackets can be formed integrally with the lower platform 20, or
alternatively, secured
thereto using fasteners or other means known in the art. Lower platform 20 can
also
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-26
include one or more counter weights 22, and a housing 23 near each upper
mounting
bracket 21.
[0036] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the upper mounting brackets 21 can
be
located on the top surface of the lower platform 20, for example, at opposite
sides
thereof, and the lower mounting brackets 11 can be located on the bottom
surface of
the upper platform 10, for example, in registry with the upper mounting
brackets 21.
Each upper mounting bracket 21 can include an arc slot 211, shown in Figures 1
and 3.
One of the housings 23 can be located adjacent the outer side of each of the
upper
mounting brackets 21. As shown in Figure 2, one or more counter weight(s) 22
can be
located on the bottom surface of lower platform 20.
[0037] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, each pivot arm set 30 is connected to
the
respective lower mounting bracket 11 on the upper platform 10 and to the
respective
upper mounting bracket 21 on the lower platform 20. As shown, each pivot arm
set 30
can include a main pivot arm 31 and secondary pivot arm 32. The pivot arms 31,
32 can
be pivotably connected to the lower mounting bracket 11 at one end, and to
upper
mounting bracket 21 at the other end using, for example, rivets, fasteners, or
other
structures known in the art. The main pivot arm 31 and secondary pivot arm 32
can be
connected to the lower mounting bracket 11 and upper mounting bracket 21 at
different
locations, as shown in the figures. The pivot arm sets 30 can be connected to
the upper
mounting bracket 21 at the opposite side of the respective housing 23. For
example, the
pivot arm sets 30 can connect to the interior side of the upper mounting
brackets 21,
while the housings 23 can connect to the exterior sides of the upper mounting
brackets
21.
[0038] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the upper end of each primary pivot
arm 31
can include a locking part 311 including a plurality of perforations 3111. The
plurality of
perforations 3111 can include at least one perforation that is selectively
movable into
alignment with a hole 111 in the respective lower mounting bracket 11.
Referring to
Figures 3 and 7, each secondary pivot arm 32 can include a boss 321 that
slides within
the arc slot 211 of the respective upper mounting bracket 21.
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[0039] Referring to Figures 2, 4, and 8, one or more locking sets 40 can
be
located on the bottom of the upper platform 10. For example, each locking set
40 can
be fixed on the respective lower mounting bracket 11, however other locations
are
possible. Referring to Figure 6, each locking set 40 can include anchors 41.
Each
anchor 41 can selectively engage one of the perforations 3111 of locking part
311, and
can also engage through the hole 111 of lower mounting bracket 11, thereby
fixing the
main pivot arm 31 in position with respect to the respective lower mounting
bracket 11.
Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 8, each locking set 40 can include a
handle 42
and a linkage mechanism 43.
[0040] Referring to Figures 5, 6, and 8, each linkage set 43 can include
a first
linkage 431, a second linkage 432, and a third linkage 433, which, according
to an
embodiment, are pivotably connected to one another in sequence. Each first
linkage
431 can be located underneath the bottom of the upper platform 10, and can
have a
pivot joint with handle 42. Each third linkage 433 can be connected with the
respective
anchor 41, for example, by rivets, pins, or other structures extending through
the third
linkage 433 and anchor(s) 41 as shown in Figures 9 and 10. Each locking set 40
can
contain a spring 44, adapting piece 45, and housing 46. Each adapting piece 45
of
locking set 40 can be secured on the bottom of upper platform 10, and can
include a
pivot joint with second linkage 432. One end of spring 44 can be connected
with
adapting piece 45 and the other end of spring 44 can be connected with second
linkage
432 in proximity to the first linkage 431. Each locking set 40 can include a
housing 46
that can cover at least the second linkage 432, third linkage 433, spring 44,
adapting
piece 45, and anchor 41. The housing 46 can be connected to the underside of
the
upper platform 10.
[0041] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, each biasing mechanism 50 can be
located
on lower platform 20, and can be connected with pivot arm sets 30 to assist
the upper
platform 10 in raising/lowering with respect to the lower platform 20. Each
biasing
mechanism 50 can include a spring 51, a support 52, a booster spring 53, and a
pivot
point 54. One side of spring 51 can be connected with the support 52 and the
other side
can form a pivot joint with the secondary arm 32, for example, by attaching to
the boss
321. Each support 52 and booster spring 53 of biasing mechanism 50 can be
connected
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with lower platform 20. Arc slot 211 can be selectively connected with the
respective
secondary pivot arm 32 on the other side of the respective upper mounting
bracket 21.
Pivot point 54 can be located against the bottom side of booster spring 53.
Each biasing
mechanism 50 can be located between the respective upper mounting bracket 21
and
housing 23, thereby concealing the biasing mechanism 50.
[0042] As shown in Figure 4, reinforcement member 60 may extend between
the
left and right pivot arm sets 30. According to an embodiment, reinforcement
member
may include a supporting rod 61 and a separate reinforcement 62, however,
other
single-member and multi-member embodiments are possible. According to an
embodiment, supporting rod 61 can be connected with the primary pivot arm 31
of each
pivot arm set 30, and reinforcement 62 can be connected with the secondary
pivot arm
32 of each pivot arm set 30. According to embodiments, the reinforcement
member can
fix the side-to-side distance between the pivot arms and add stability,
avoiding side-to-
side movement when lifting or lowering upper platform 10 from lower platform
20, and
can make the adjustable platform operate smoothly.
[0043] When in use, the user can place the adjustable desk platform on to
a
desktop, and may place items on the upper platform 10 as desired, such as,
without
limitation, a computer, documents, desk lamps, instruments, and supplies. The
user can
adjust the height between the upper platform 10 and the lower platform 20
according to
their working posture and/or other needs.
[0044] Figure 3 depicts the adjustable desk platform in a fully raised
position. Referring
to Figures 3, 8-10, and 12, in order to lower the adjustable desk platform,
the user can
pull handle 42, which in turn displaces the first linkage 431, second linkage
432, and
third linkage 433. This can, in turn, retract the anchor 41 and cause the
anchor to
withdrawal from the perforation(s) 3111 of the primary pivot arm 31. As a
result, the
pivot arm 31 is released from a substantially fixed position, allowing primary
pivot arm
31 and secondary pivot arm 32 to move, consequently allowing the upper
platform 10 to
move with respect to the lower platform 20. Accordingly, the distance between
upper
platform 10 and lower platform 20 can be reduced, for example, to the fully
lowered
position shown in Figure 11, or to some position between the fully raised
position and
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the fully lowered position. This allows the distance between the upper
platform 10 and
lower platform 20 to be easily set and adjusted.
[0045] As shown In Figures 3 and 8-11, when the user moves the upper
platform
and lower platform 20 to a desired height relative to each other, the user can
release
the handle(s) of locking set(s) 40. As a result, the retraction force of
springs 44 of each
locking set 40 can move the second linkage 432, causing first linkage 431 and
third
linkage 433 to move sequentially, thereby causing anchors 41 to lock through
the hole
111 of the lower mounting bracket and the corresponding perforations 3111 on
primary
pivot arm 31. This, in turn, locks the position of the upper platform 20
relative to the
lower platform 10.
[0046] As shown in Figures 3, 10, and 11, as the primary and secondary
pivot
arms 31, 32 pivot with respect to the respective upper mounting bracket 21,
the boss
321 slides within arc slot 211 of the upper mounting bracket 21, and
accordingly,
stretches or relaxes the compression spring 51 of the corresponding biasing
mechanism
50. Referring to Figure 11, since pivot point 54 leans against the bottom side
of booster
spring 53, when upper platform 10 and lower platform 20 are moved toward the
fully
lowered position, boss 321 can press laterally against the booster springs 53,
thereby
causing booster spring 53 to bend. Thus, in embodiments, the booster springs
53 can
provide additional upward bias when the upper platform 10 is in or near the
fully lowered
position.
[0047] As shown in Figures 3, 8, 9, when the user desires to increase the
distance between the lower platform 20 and the upper platform 10, the user can
pull the
handle(s) of the locking set(s) 40 to impact locking set 40, springs 44, and
anchors 41,
causing anchors 41 to retract from the perforation 3111 and hole 111,
releasing the
primary and secondary pivot arms 31, 32 so the spacing between the upper
platform 10
and the lower platform 20 can be increased.
[0048] As shown in Figures 3, 10, and 11, lowering the upper platform 10
causes
the pivot arm sets 30 to pivot with respect to the upper mounting brackets 21.
The
resultant rotation of the secondary pivot arms 32 causes the respective bosses
321 to
slide within the respective arc slots 211, thereby stretching the respective
compression
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springs 51 of the biasing mechanisms 50, providing a measure of resistance
against
lowering of the upper platform 10. When the distance between the upper
platform 10
and the lower platform 20 is gradually increased from the fully lowered
position, bosses
321 slowly pull away from the respective booster springs 53, and allows the
booster
springs 53 to retract to their natural, unbent state.
[0049] Increasing the weight on upper platform 10 (e.g., by placing an
item on the
upper platform 10) can increase the difficulty of raising the upper platform
10 from the
lower platform 20. Due to the configuration of the biasing mechanism 50,
booster spring
53, and pivot point 54, when upper platform 10 is raised from the lower
platform 20, the
elastic force of booster spring 53 and spring 51 can influence the boss 321 of
each
secondary pivot arm 32, causing secondary pivot arm 32 to generate an upward
lifting
force, reducing the amount of effort required from the user to raise the upper
platform
10.
[0050] When lifting upper platform 10, the overall center of gravity of
the
adjustable desk platform can shift between lower platform 20 and upper
platform 10,
especially when various items are placed on top of upper platform 10. Because
items
located on the upper platform create additional weight, the overall center of
gravity of
the adjustable desk platform will quickly shift to the upper platform 10, and
potentially
make the adjustable desk platform unstable. Accordingly, the counterweight(s)
22 can
increase the weight of lower platform 20, thereby helping to counterbalance
the weight
of the upper platform 10 when in the raised position and/or when weighted with
items.
[0051] According to embodiments, the housings 23 of upper platform 10 and
the
housings 46 of locking set 40 can help protect the user's fingers or other
foreign matter
from being caught in the locking sets 40, the pivot arm sets 30, and/or inside
of the
biasing mechanisms 50. Housings 23 and housings 46 can also add to the
aesthetic
appearance of the adjustable desk platform.
[0052] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the adjustable desk platform can
include a
keyboard tray 70. The keyboard tray 70 can be detachably connected with lower
platform 20. Keyboard tray 70 includes a tray portion 71 and one or more
releasable
joint component(s) 72. According to an embodiment, two joint components 72 can
be
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-26
connected on opposed sides of tray portion 71. The joint components 72 can be
slidably
mounted on the lower platform 20. Additionally or alternatively, the joint
components 72
can be drilled in the housing 23 of lower platform 20. The joint components
are not
limited to the embodiments show, and other connectors known in the art can be
used as
alternatives.
[0053] When desired, the keyboard tray 70 can be attached to lower
platform 20,
and items can be placed on it, such as a keyboard. According to embodiments,
tray 70
can be located at an adjustable distance from the lower platform 20.
[0054] Referring to an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 14, the
keyboard
tray 70A can be attached to the bottom side of the upper platform 10. For
example, a
joint component 72A can connect the tray portion 71A to the underside of the
lower
platform 10. When in use, keyboard tray 70A may move up and down with upper
platform 10, thereby making it more convenient to access items placed on
keyboard tray
70, such as a keyboard.
[0055] Referring to Figure 15, the main pivot arm 31 and/or secondary
pivot arm
32 can be cladded with a protector 80. According to an embodiment, the
protector 80 is
made with EVA foam (ethylene - vinyl acetate copolymer), however other
materials are
possible. Protector 80 can help prevent jammed fingers due to an operator
reaching
between pivot arm sets 30 and upper mounting brackets 21.
[0056] Referring to Figures 16 and 17, embodiments of the adjustable desk
platform can include legs that support the adjustable desk platform above the
ground.
For example, the adjustable desk platform can include four legs 90 extending
from its
corners, as shown, however, more or less than four legs are possible. The legs
90 can
be fixed in length, or alternatively, can be adjustable in length using
structures known in
the art. The legs 90 can allow the adjustable desk platform to be self-
supported above
the ground. Except for the provision of legs and the related structures,
embodiments of
the adjustable desk platform shown in Figures 16 and 17 can be substantially
the same
as described in connection with Figures 1-15.
[0057] Referring to Figure 17, the adjustable desk platform can include a
frame
member 91 that attaches, for example, to the upper mounting brackets 21, lower
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platform (not shown), or other part of the adjustable desk platform. For
example,
fasteners such as bolts or rivets, welding, bonding, or other attachment
techniques can
be used. The legs 90 can in turn be attached to the frame member 91, for
example,
using fasteners such as bolts or rivets, welding, bonding, or other attachment
techniques. As shown in Figure 17, an embodiment can include end caps 92 that
extend into open ends of the frame member 91, however, other configurations
are
possible. Referring back to Figure 16, embodiments can include a cover portion
93 that
extends over and conceals all or a portion of the frame member 91, thereby
improving
the safety and/or appearance of the adjustable desk platform. Although not
shown,
lateral supports can extend between one more pairs of the legs 90.
[0058] Referring to Figures 18-21, another embodiment of the adjustable
desk
platform is shown. The embodiment of Figures 18-21 is substantially the same
as
shown and described in connection with Figures 1-15. For example, the
adjustable desk
platform of Figures 18-21 can include the same or similar pivot arm sets 30,
locking
set(s) 40, biasing mechanism(s) 50, reinforcement member(s) 60, counterweight,
legs,
and/or other features of previously-described embodiments. Accordingly, only
additions
or differences from previous embodiments are described below.
[0059] Generally similar to the embodiment of Figure 14, the adjustable
desk
platform of Figures 18-21 can include a keyboard tray 70A suspended below the
upper
platform 10. The keyboard tray 70A can be adapted to support a computer
keyboard,
mouse, tablet computer, or other device. For example, the keyboard tray 70A
can be
substantially planar, and can have a size equal to, or greater than, a
conventional
computer keyboard. According to an embodiment, the surface area of the
keyboard tray
70A is between about one half and about one quarter of the surface area of the
upper
platform. According to an embodiment, the surface area of the keyboard tray
70A is
about one third of the surface area of the upper platform 10. In order to
provide
sufficient space for the keyboard tray 70A, according to embodiments, the
pivot arm
sets 30 can be lengthened as compared to embodiments without the keyboard
tray, for
example, to increase distance between the upper platform 10 and lower platform
20.
For example, the pivot arms sets 30 may be increased lengthwise by between
about 2"
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and about 5" as compared to embodiments without the tray, more specifically,
by about
3" to about 4".
[0060] As best seen in Figures 18 and 19, the keyboard tray 70A can be
generally "T"-shaped, in that it can define a relatively narrow portion 100
joined to a
relatively wide portion 102 to define a "T" shape. The narrow portion 100 and
wide
portion 102 are shown separated by an imaginary dashed line in Figure 18 for
illustration purposes only. The edge of the upper platform 10 adjacent the
keyboard tray
70A can also define a recess 104, such as a generally "U" shaped recess. The
width of
the recess 104 can be the same or similar to the width of the narrow portion
100 of the
keyboard tray 70A. As a result, the narrow portion 100 of the keyboard tray
70A can be
positioned generally in registry with the recess 104, for example, for
ergonomic reasons.
[0061] Referring to Figures 18 and 21, first and second support members
106,
108 can connect the keyboard tray 70A to the upper platform 10. According to
embodiments, the first and second support members 106, 108 can be located
adjacent
opposite sides of the generally U-shaped recess 104. Additionally or
alternatively, the
first and second support members 106, 108 can be located adjacent opposite
ends of
the narrow portion 100 of the T-shaped keyboard tray 70A. According to this
embodiment, the narrow portion 100 of the keyboard tray 70A can fit the
keyboard, and
the wide portion 102 of the keyboard tray 70A can provide additional support
for the
user's hands or wrists, however, other uses are possible. One of ordinary
skill in the art
will understand based on this disclosure that the upper platform 10 and
keyboard tray
70A are not limited to the specific shapes and appearances shown in Figures 18-
21.
[0062] Still referring to Figures 18 and 21, the support members 106, 108
can
comprise metal brackets, such as stamped metal brackets, that are connected to
the
keyboard tray 70A and to the upper platform 10 on opposite ends, for example,
using
fasteners such as screws, nails, rivets, or bonding or other techniques known
in the art.
Alternatively, all or a part of the support members 106, 108 can be integral
(e.g.,
monolithic) with the upper platform 10 and/or keyboard tray 70A. According to
the
embodiment shown, the support members 106, 108 can have cutouts, e.g., forming
an
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X-shape, in order to decrease weight and material, however, other
configurations are
possible.
[0063] The embodiments illustrated and discussed in this specification
are
intended only to teach those skilled in the art the best way known to the
inventors to
make and use the invention. Nothing in this specification should be considered
as
limiting the scope of the present invention. For example, the arrangement of
features
with respect to the upper platform and the lower platform, such as, e.g., the
locking
mechanism, can be reversed. All examples presented are representative and non-
limiting. The above-described embodiments of the invention may be modified or
varied,
without departing from the invention, as appreciated by those skilled in the
art in light of
the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope
of the claims
and their equivalents, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically
described.
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