Load compensator for height adjustable table

A telescoping assembly, the assembly comprising:

• a first member having a length dimension along an extension axis;
• a threaded shaft linked to and stationary with respect to the first member and aligned substantially along the extension axis;
• a nut mounted to the threaded shaft for movement there along, the nut forming a first frusto-conically shaped engaging surface proximate one end;
• a locking member forming a second frusto-conically shaped engaging surface proximate the first engaging surface, the locking member moveable between a locking position with the second surface contacting the first surface and restricting rotation of the nut and an unlocking position with the second surface separated from the first surface;
• a second member supported by the first member for movement along the extension axis, the second member also supported by the nut for movement therewith;
• and
• a biaser biasing the locking member toward the nut and biasing the second engaging surface toward the first engaging surface.

A support assembly, the assembly comprising:

• a first member having a length dimension parallel to a substantially vertical extension axis;
• a second member supported by the first member for sliding motion along the extension axis between at least an extended position and a retracted position;
• a spring that generates a variable spring force that depends at least in part on the degree of spring loading, the spring having first and second ends where the first end is supported by and stationary with respect to the second member;
• an equalizer assembly including a first end linked to the second end of the spring and a second end linked to the first member, the force equalizer assembly and spring applying a force between the first and second members tending to drive the members into the extended position wherein the applied force is substantially constant irrespective of the position of the second member with respect to the first member;
• a locking mechanism including at least a first locking member supported by at least one of the first and second members, the first locking member moveable between a locked position wherein the locking member substantially minimizes movement of the second member with respect to the first member and an unlocked position wherein the first locking member allows movement of the second member with respect to the first member;
• and
• a velocity limiting means for limiting the velocity of second member with respect to the first member.

A support assembly, the assembly comprising:

• a first member having a length dimension parallel to a substantially vertical extension axis;
• a second member supported by the first member for sliding motion along the extension axis between at least an extended position and a retracted position;
• a spring that generates a variable spring force that depends at least in part on the degree of spring loading, the spring having first and second ends where the first end is supported by and stationary with respect to the second member;
• an equalizer assembly including a first end linked to the second end of the spring and a second end linked to the first member, the force equalizer assembly and spring applying a force between the first and second members tending to drive the members into the extended position wherein the applied force is substantially constant irrespective of the position of the second member with respect to the first member;
• a locking mechanism including at least a first locking member supported by at least one of the first and second members, the first locking member moveable between a locked position wherein the locking member substantially minimizes movement of the second member with respect to the first member and an unlocked position wherein the first locking member allows movement of the second member with respect to the first member;
• wherein the spring is a coil spring and is aligned generally parallel to the vertical extension axis.

A telescoping assembly, the assembly comprising:

• a first member having a length dimension along an extension axis;
• a second member supported by the first member for movement along the extension axis;
• a threaded shaft linked to and stationary with respect to the first member and aligned substantially along the extension axis;
• a housing forming a first stop surface and a first bearing surface, the housing linked to the second member for movement therewith, a first space located adjacent the first stop member;
• a nut mounted to the threaded shaft for movement there along and located within the first space adjacent the first stop surface;
• a locking means for restricting and allowing rotation of the nut with respect to the threaded shaft;
• a biaser mounted between the first bearing surface and the nut, the biaser tending to bias the nut away from the first stop surface wherein, with the locking means restricting rotation of the nut, when a force within a first range is applied to the second member along a first trajectory tending to move the first stop surface toward the nut, the first bearing surface and the nut compress the biaser so that the nut contacts the first stop surface and the first stop surface tends to separately restrict movement of the nut.