Support apparatus, mechanisms and methods for operating the same
US9169958B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 29, 2012 |
| Grant date | Oct 27, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49826
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base member and at least one support member. The base member includes an outer side surface and at least one support-member-receiving channel formed in the outer side surface. The at least one support member is pivotably-coupled to the base member for selective arrangement relative the base member in one of a stowed orientation and a deployed orientation. The at least one support member includes a surface geometry dimension that corresponds to a spatial dimension of the at least one support-member-receiving channel such that: upon arrangement of the at least one support member in the stowed orientation, an outer surface of the at least one support member is aligned with the outer side surface of the base member, and upon arrangement of the at least one support member in the deployed orientation, the base member in combination with the at least one support member forms a pod. A method is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.