Support system having telescoping columns
OwnerB. Thomas Jonesinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A support system has an array of telescoping columns that are each extended by a means such as a spring. The ends of the extended columns define a plane of support for a body resting on the array of columns. The columns move perpendicular to the plane of support, and independently, in response to the weight of a body resting upon them. The means for keeping the columns extended may be passive or active, and the columns may be moved independently by actuators connected to them. The columns may be assembled into modules, which can in turn be assembled into support systems of arbitrary size and shape.
Claims17
A support system comprising:
- a plurality of columns;
- the columns having first and second ends;
- the columns further comprising:
- at least two telescoping sections slidably engaging one another;
- where one of the telescoping sections is an upper section, and a second telescoping section is a lower section, and further comprising:
- a push rod internal to the upper section and disposed coaxially therein;
- the push rod extending into the lower section;
- an auxiliary spring disposed inside the lower section;
- the auxiliary spring engaging the push rod when the actuator is sufficiently compressed;
- and,
- at least one actuator disposed between the telescoping sections;
- the
- actuator urging the first and second ends of the columns apart;
- the
- actuator having a limit of extension;
- a base;
- the columns connected to the base at their first ends;
- the second ends of the columns defining a plane of support when the actuator is at the limit of its extension;
- and,
- the second ends of the columns moveable perpendicular to the plans of support independently of one another.
A support system comprising an array of detachable modules, each module further comprising:
- a plurality of columns;
- the columns having first and second ends;
- the columns further comprising:
- at least two telescoping sections slidably engaging one another;
- at least one means for extension disposed between the telescoping sections;
- the means for extension urging the first and second ends of the columns apart;
- the means for extension having a limit of extension;
- a base;
- the columns connected to the base at their first ends;
- the second ends of the columns defining a plane of support when the means for extension are at the limit of their extension;
- and,
- the second ends of the columns moveable perpendicular to the plane of support independently of one another.
A support system comprising:
- a plurality of columns;
- the columns having first and second ends;
- the columns further comprising:
- at least two telescoping sections slidably engaging one another;
- at least one means for extension disposed between the telescoping sections;
- the means for extension urging the first and second ends of the columns apart the means for extension having a limit of extension;
- the means for extension further comprising:
- an actuator rod;
- the actuator rod connected to the first end of the column;
- an actuator;
- the actuator operable to move the actuator rod relative to the second end of the column;
- and,
- a base;
- the columns connected to the base at their first ends;
- the second ends of the columns defining a plane of support when the means for extension are at the limit of their extension;
- and,
- the second ends of the columns moveable perpendicular to the plane of support independently of one another.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.