Adjustable extension assembly
OwnerGregory F. Butkeinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An extension assembly increases the safety of bench or table-type machines without significantly reducing the mobility of the machines. The extension assembly includes an extension table, rigidly connected to a support surface of the machine, and a longitudinally adjustable support element connecting the extension table to the body of the machine. A self-adjust mechanism is provided which facilitates adjustment of the extension table of the extension assembly upon adjustment of the support surface. The self-adjust mechanism preferably includes a spring biasing inner and outer telescoping tubes of the extension assembly. Leveling assemblies may be mounted on the machine to increase its stability.
Claims19
An apparatus comprising:
- (A) a machine including a frame, a base provided on said frame, a tool located above said base and connected to said frame, and a generally planar support surface located proximate said tool, said support surface being vertically adjustable;
- (B) a horizontally adjustable bracket connected to said base;
- (C) vertically adjustable leveling assemblies connected to said base;
- and
- (D) an extension assembly which includes
- (i) an extension table having opposed ends and a generally planar surface,
- (ii) a connector rigidly connecting one of said opposed ends of said extension table to said support surface such that said extension table extends generally coplanar with said support surface,
- (iii) a longitudinally adjustable support element having a first end pivotally connected to said bracket, a second end pivotally connected to said extension table between said opposed ends thereof, and a locking device which is actuatable to permit longitudinal adjustment of said support element upon motion of said support surface, and
- (iv) a self-adjust mechanism which is connected to said support element and which supports at least a portion of the weight of said extension table during adjustment of said support surface.
An extension assembly for increasing the effective length of an adjustable support surface of a machine including a frame, a base provided on said frame, a tool located above said base and connected to said frame, and said support surface, said extension assembly comprising:
- (A) an extension table having opposed ends and a generally planar surface;
- (B) a connector rigidly connecting one of said opposed ends of said extension table to said support surface such that said extension table extends generally coplanar with said support surface;
- (C) a longitudinally adjustable support element having a first end connected to said base of said frame and a second end connected to said extension table between said first and second opposed ends thereof;
- and
- (D) a self-adjust mechanism which is connected to said support element and which supports at least a portion of the weight of said extension table during adjustment of said support element.
A method of adjusting the height of a support surface of a machine, said machine including a frame, a base provided on said frame, a tool located above said base and fixed to said frame, and said support surface, said method comprising the steps of:
- (A) loosening a locking device connecting mating sections of a longitudinally adjustable support element, said support element having a first end pivotally connected to said base and a second end pivotally connected to an extension table having opposed ends and a generally planar surface, one of said opposed ends of said extension table being rigidly connected to said support surface such that said extension table extends generally coplanar with said support surface;
- (B) supporting at least a portion of the weight of said extension table on a self-adjust mechanism connected to said support table;
- (C) adjusting the height of said support surface;
- and then
- (D) tightening said locking device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.