WO2000043708A1

WO2000043708A1 - Collapsible support

Info

Publication number: WO2000043708A1
Application number: PCT/GB2000/000131
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stanley Hogarth
Original assignee: Stanley Hogarth
Priority date: 1999-01-20
Filing date: 2000-01-20
Publication date: 2000-07-27
Also published as: GB0117877D0; GB2363066A; GB9901126D0; GB2363066B; AU2115100A

Abstract

A collapsible support (140) movable between a transport configuration and a support configuration comprises, in one embodiment of the invention, a structural member (144), three legs (14, 16, 18) pivotally coupled at an upper end to a coupling (26) which is movable relative to the structural member (144), and a step (142) coupled between two of the legs (14, 16) and which, when the support (140) is in the support configuration, serves as a raised platform for an operator to stand upon. A means for extending the legs comprises a lower collar (28), fixed to the member (144), and three spacers (30, 32, 34), each pivotably coupled to a respective leg (14, 16, 18) and to the collar (28), for moving the support (140) between the transport and support configurations.

Description

COLLAPSIBLE SUPPORT

The present invention relates to a collapsible support. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a collapsible support movable between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration in which the support provides a raised platform on which a user may stand or sit.

Collapsible supports such as stepladders are well known. However, such supports do not lend themselves to being readily transported between different locations as they are relatively bulky, even in a collapsed state.

Furthermore, such supports often require the operator to perform several different steps in order to make the support ready for use in an extended configuration, which may be time consuming. Also, it is often necessary to alter the position of the support in order to obtain a safe, stable raised platform for use, for example, when the support is to be used on uneven ground. It is amongst the objects of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one of the foregoing disadvantages .

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collapsible support movable between a transport configuration and a support configuration, the support comprising: a structural member; at least three legs pivotally coupled at an upper end to the structural member, for movement between the transport configuration, where the legs are disposed substantially parallel to the structural member, and the support configuration, where the legs are disposed at an angle from the structural member and extend therefrom; and a step coupled to at least one of the legs and which, when the support is in the support configuration, serves as a raised platform for an operator to stand upon.

Preferably, the collapsible support further comprises a coupling which is movable relative to the structural member, and each leg may be coupled at the upper end thereof to the coupling. The collapsible support may further comprise means for controlling movement of the legs from the transport configuration to the support configuration.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collapsible support movable between a transport configuration and a support configuration, the support comprising: a structural member; at least three legs pivotally coupled at an upper end to a coupling which is movable relative to the structural member; means for controlling movement of the legs from the transport configuration, where the legs are disposed substantially parallel to the structural member, to the support configuration, where the legs are disposed at an angle from the structural member and extend therefrom, whereby the legs are movable between the transport configuration and the support configuration on movement of the coupling relative to the structural member; and a step which, when the support is in the support configuration, serves as a raised platform for an operator to stand upon.

Preferably the coupling comprises a collar which slidably engages the structural member. The coupling may further comprise a bracing tube coupled to the collar. Alternatively, the coupling may comprise a collar which engages the structural member via a rack and pinion assembly. In a further alternative, the structural member may define a groove or other form of track on the outer surface of the member, and the coupling may comprise a tongue or other profile engage able in the groove.

Conveniently, the upper ends of the legs are coupled to the coupling by respective pivot pins. Conveniently also, the means for controlling movement of the legs comprises a spacing arm for each leg, each spacing arm pivotally connected to a leg. Preferably, the means for controlling movement of the legs further comprises a collar connected to the structural member, and each spacing arm is coupled at a first end to the collar and at a second end to a leg. Thus when the support is moved to the support configuration, the legs are displaced to lie at an angle to the structural member by the spacing arms.

Alternatively, the means for controlling movement of the legs may comprise a gear assembly. The gear assembly may comprise a pinion formed at the upper end of each leg, the pinion being engaged in a rack formed on the outer surface of the structural member, and wherein the upper ends of the legs are coupled to the coupling by a pivot pin, such that the legs are extended when the coupling moves relative to the structural member. The means for controlling movement of the legs from the transport configuration to the support configuration may also retract the legs from the support configuration to the transport configuration.

Conveniently, the step locks the support in the support configuration. The step is preferably coupled between two legs of the support . The step may be pivotably coupled at a first end to a first leg and at a second opposite end to a second leg, and may be collapsible to allow the support to move between the support configuration and the transport configuration. The step may comprise a first step portion pivotably coupled to the first leg and a second step portion pivotably coupled to the second leg, and the first step portion may be pivotably coupled to the second step portion to allow the step to collapse and move between the support configuration and the transport configuration. Conveniently, the step automatically locks the support in the support configuration by an interaction between the first and second step portions. Adjacent end faces of the first and second step portions may be brought into abutment when the support is moved to the support configuration, to restrain the legs from further movement beyond the support configuration and lock the support in the support configuration. Preferably, the first and second step portions are pivotably coupled via a hinge. Alternatively, the support may further comprise means for locking the support in the support configuration. Preferably the locking means comprises a locking arm connected at a first end to one of the legs and adapted to releasably lock the legs in the support configuration. The locking arm may have a support surface which, when the support is in the support configuration, is disposed substantially horizontally such that the locking arm may serve as a raised step for the operator to stand upon. The locking arm may be connected at the first end to a first leg and may be releasably securable at a second end to a second leg such that it releasably locks the legs when the support is in the support configuration. Conveniently, the locking arm comprises first and second arm portions, the first arm portion being pivotally connected at a first end to a first leg and releasably securable at a second end to a second leg, and the second arm portion being pivotally connected at a first end to the second leg and at a second end to the first arm portion, to form a hinge facilitating movement of the locking arm from the transport configuration to the support configuration.

Alternatively, the locking means may comprise a latch formed in the structural member which is releasably engaged in the coupling. The latch may alternatively be formed in the coupling. In a further alternative, the means for extending the legs may be adapted to lock the support in the support configuration.

The support may be moved from the transport configuration to the support configuration by a user grasping the structural member and lifting it upwards. This causes the upper ends of the legs to move downwards relative to the structural member, enabled by the coupling, whilst the legs are simultaneously extended by the leg extending means.

Preferably the support is movable between the transport configuration and the support configuration by execution of a single action or movement by a user. The collapsible support may be moved between the support configuration and the transport configuration by a user first collapsing the step, before executing a single action to move the collapsible support to the transport configuration .

Preferably, the collapsible support is adapted to be disposed in one of at least two support configurations. In the first support configuration, the structural member may provide a seat for a user. In the second support configuration, the structural member may provide a table for a user. The structural member may include a collapsible element at an upper end thereof which defines the seat or table. Conveniently, the collapsible element is adapted to be gripped by a user standing on the step, to provide additional support to the user. The structural member may comprise a first tubular element and a second tubular element slidably engaged in the first tubular element. Furthermore, the structural member may further comprise locating means for locating the second tubular element in the first tubular element . The locating means may comprise a cam slot formed in one of the first and second tubular elements, and a follower pin formed in the other of the first and second tubular elements, which may be adapted to engage the cam slot. Conveniently, the cam slot defines at least two rest positions, for allowing the collapsible support to be disposed in one of the at least two support configurations.

Conveniently, the structural member, which may comprise a tube, has an upper end adapted to engage a handle portion, a seat portion or a table portion. The handle portion may comprise a shaft locatable in a hollow end of the structural member and a handle formed at an upper end of the shaft. Conveniently, the seat portion is adapted to serve also as a table . The seat or table portion may comprise a support shaft locatable in the structural member and a seat or table formed at an upper end of the support shaft . The seat or table portion may be collapsible and may include carry handles by which the support may be transported. The support may include latching means for locking the support in the transport configuration. The carry handles may also facilitate transportation of the seat or table portion separately from the support. The seat or table portion may further comprise a latch which releasably engages a window in the structural member for locking the seat or table portion in the structural member. Alternatively, the seat or table portion may engage a leg of the support. Conveniently, the carry handles are shaped to receive and support a fluids container. The fluids container may be a cup, can or the like.

The collapsible support may further comprise a collapsible support element engageable in the structural member for supporting photographic or video apparatus, a gun rest or the like. The collapsible element may comprise first and second members pivotably coupled to an upper end of the structural member, and movable between a deployed position for defining the seat or table, and a collapsed position. A restraint may be provided for restraining the first and second members in the collapsed position. The restraint may comprise a removable catch adapted to restrain the first and second members. A table may be provided which is engageable on the first and second members when in the deployed position.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible support in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, shown in a support configuration;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the support of Fig. 1 shown in a transport configuration, with a leg of the support removed for clarity;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the support of Fig. 1 incorporating a seat in a first seat position;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the support of Fig. 1 incorporating a seat in a second seat position,-

Fig. 5A is a side view of a portion of an alternative seat ;

Figs . 5B and 5C are front and perspective views respectively of a hinge forming part of the seat portion of Fig. 5A;

Fig. 5D is a front view of a seat plate forming part of the seat portion of Fig. 5A;

Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C are side views of the support of Fig. 1 incorporating the alternative seat of Fig. 5A, shown in a number of seat positions;

Fig. 7 is a side view of the support of Fig. 1 incorporating a leg extension assembly;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of the leg extension assembly of Fig. 7 ; Fig. 9 is a front view of a collapsible support in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, shown in a support configuration, with a leg of the support removed for clarity;

Figs. 10A to 10D are perspective views of the support of Fig. 9 in a transport configuration, and in various support configurations, respectively;

Figs. 11A to 11C are views of part of a structural member of the collapsible support of Fig. 9; Fig. 12 is a view of a further part of the structural support of Fig. 9;

Figs. 13A to 13C and 14A to 14C are front, plan and side views respectively of first and second step portions forming a step of the collapsible support of Fig. 9;

Figs. 15A, 15B, 16 and 17 are front views of collapsible supports in accordance with further alternative embodiments of the present invention with a leg of each support removed, for clarity; Fig. 15C is a front view of a mounting forming part of the supports of Figs. 15A and 15B;

Figs. 18A and 18B are enlarged views of parts of the collapsible supports shown in Figs. 15A and 15B respectively; Fig. 19 is an enlarged view of part of the collapsible supports of Figs. 15A, 15B and 17;

Figs. 19A to 19C are front, plan and side views respectively of a restraint shown in Fig. 19;

Figs. 20A to 20C are front, bottom and plan views, respectively, of a foot forming part of a collapsible in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 21 is a front view of an adjustable foot assembly forming part of a collapsible support in accordance with a further alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Referring firstly to Fig. 1, there is shown a collapsible support in a support configuration, the support indicated generally by reference numeral 10. The support 10 comprises a central tube 12, legs 14,

16 and 18, a locking arm indicated generally by reference numeral 20 and a leg positioning assembly for controlling movement of the legs, indicated generally by reference numeral 22.

Fig. 2 shows the support 10 in a transport configuration, with rear leg 18 removed for clarity.

The legs 14, 16 and 18 engage the central tube 12 via sliding upper collar 26, which slides over the central tube 12. The leg positioning assembly 22 includes a lower collar 28 connected to the central tube 12, and three arms

30, 32 and 34 pivotally connected at one end to legs 14, 16 and 18 respectively, and at another end to the fixed lower collar 28. The support 10 is extended to the support configuration by grasping a handle 24, which is located in central tube 12, and pulling the handle upwards. Upper collar 26 freely slides over the central tube 12, thus the weight of the upper collar 26 and the legs 14, 16 and 18 causes them to move over tube 12 (viewing Fig.l) towards the lower collar 28. This in turn causes the arms 30, 32 and 34 to pivot outwards, to extend the legs to an angle from the central tube 12, as shown in Fig.l. When the legs reach a predetermined extended position, locking arm 20 locks the legs in this extended position, and the locking arm 20 functions as a step upon which the operator may stand.

There follows a more detailed description of the support 10 and its component parts. The handle 24 includes a tube (not shown) which is located within the central tube 12. The central tube 12 includes a slot 36 which engages a latch on the handle tube to retain the handle 24. The latch protrudes through slot 36, and the handle 24 is released from the central tube 12 by depressing the latch. The handle 24 may then be removed from the tube 12.

The sliding upper collar 26 has an inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the central tube 12, such that the upper collar 26 freely slides over the surface of tube 12. The collar 28 is of similar dimensions to the sliding upper collar 26, but is fixed to the tube 12. A carry strap 38 is connected to the sliding upper collar 26, and facilitates collapse of the support to the collapsed position shown in Fig. 2, as will be described in detail below. Strap 38 also aides transportation of the support 10 by the user.

The legs 14, 16 and 18 are generally -shaped in cross-section, and are each connected at an upper end 40 to the sliding upper collar 26 via a pivot pin (not shown) . This enables the legs to pivot from the position shown in Fig. 2, to the position shown in Fig. 1. Each end 44 of the legs 14, 16 and 18 includes a ground engaging foot portion 42. Each foot portion 42 includes a foot plate 46 and a disc-shaped foot 48 which engages the ground to spread the load in use .

The legs 14 and 16 are strengthened in the region where the locking arm 20 is connected to the legs 14 and 16 by welding or bolting a further L-shaped section 50 on to the inner surface 52 of the legs, to form a box-section.

The locking arm 20 comprises a first arm portion 21 and a second arm portion 23. The first arm portion 21 is connected at an end 54 to the leg 14 via a plate 56. The plate 56 is welded or bolted to the leg 14, and the arm 20 is connected to the plate 56 via a pivot pin 58. The second arm portion 23 is connected at one end 60 to a plate 62 via a pivot pin 64, and at a second end 66 to the first arm portion 21 via a pivot pin 68, to form a hinge between the first and second arm portions. The first arm portion 21 has an engaging recess 70 which engages plate 62 or pivot pin 64 on leg 16 when the arm is in the engaged position as also shown in Fig. 1. In this position, the locking arm 20 functions as a step upon which the operator may stand.

The leg positioning assembly 22 comprises three arms 30, 32 and 34 which are generally L-shaped in cross- section. These arms are connected at their ends 72, 74 and 76 respectively to the legs 14, 16 and 18 via pivot pins

(not shown) , and at their opposite ends to the fixed lower collar 28 on the tube 12 via pivot pins (not shown) . This enables the spacing arms to fold from the transportation configuration where they lie substantially parallel to the central tube 12, to the support configuration where they lie at an angle from the tube 12.

In use, the user grasps the handle 24 and pulls the handle upwards (viewing Fig. 2), as discussed above. The weight of the collar 26 and the legs 14, 16 and 18 causes the sliding upper collar 26 to slide over central tube 12 towards fixed lower collar 28. Simultaneously, spacing arms 30, 32 and 34 fold from the transportation configuration shown in Fig. 2 to the support configuration shown in Fig. 1, thereby forcing the legs 14, 16 and 18 to the angle from the central tube 12. Also, the locking arm 20 moves from the transportation configuration shown in Fig. 2 to the support configuration shown in Fig. 1. When the legs reach the position shown in Fig. 1, the recess 70 engages the pivot pin 64 or plate 62 of the second arm portion and prevents further movement of upper collar 26 and the legs 14, 16 and 18. The support 10 is then in the support configuration and is ready for use. The support may now be placed upon the ground and the user may stand upon the locking arm 20.

When the user desires to collapse the support 10 to the transport configuration shown in Fig. 2, he first releases the locking arm 20 by pulling the first arm portion 21 upwards. This releases engaging recess 70 and enables the arm portions 21 and 23 to fold towards the transport configuration. The support 10 is then collapsed by lifting the support using the carry strap 38, which moves the sliding upper collar 26 over central tube 12 away from fixed lower collar 28. This in turn moves the legs 14, 16 and 18 towards the transport configuration where they lie substantially parallel to the central tube 12. The support 10 may then be transported to a further location and may then be extended and subsequently collapsed as required.

Referring now to Fig. 3, the support 10 is shown with a seat portion 78 located in the central tube 12. The seat portion 78 includes a shaft (not shown) located in the tube 12, and a latch which engages the slot 36 in tube 12. The seat portion 78 comprises first and second seat plates 80 and 82, a hinge 84, support tube 86, support springs 88, seat strap 90 and handles formed by apertures 92. The seat plates 80 and 82 are connected via hinge 84 and are pivotable from the extended position shown in Fig. 3, to a collapsed position where the seat plates lie substantially parallel to each other. In this position, the support 10 may be carried by the operator using handles 92. The seat plates 80 and 82 are braced by support springs 88 and seat strap 90 which is fixed to the upper surfaces of the seat plates 80 and 82 using bolts, rivets, or screws 96. In the position shown in Fig. 3, the seat 78 may alternatively act as a hand support for a user standing upon the locking arm 20. Furthermore, the seat portion 78 may be used as a table for use by the operator to support articles such as food or fluids containers, magazines, radios etc. as desired. The apertures 92 include a circular profile 93 which may receive and engage a fluids container such as a cup or can, to help prevent spillage.

Referring now to Fig. 4, the seat portion 78 is shown in a second position, where the seat plates 80 and 82 are releasably connected to the legs 14 and 16 via sliding locating bolts (not shown) which are extendable from the seat 78 to engage locating holes 98 and 100 (shown in Fig. 3) in the legs 14 and 16. The bolts are located on the lower surfaces of seat plates 80 and 82. The seat portion 78 also includes a foot 94 which may be attached to the seat 78 to stabilise the seat 78 in use. The foot 94 may be removed from the seat 78 and stored on the support 10, using a locating hook or bolt (not shown) .

Referring now to Figs 5A to 5C, there is shown an alternative seat plate, indicated generally by reference numeral 102.

The seat plate 102 includes a handle formed by aperture 110, having a circular profile 112 which may receive and engage a fluids container, and a lip 114 which is rounded to prevent injury to the operator, as shown in Fig. 5D. A sliding locating bolt 116 passes through the plate 102, and may be extended to engage the support 10 as shown in Fig . 4 and described above .

The seat plate 102 is connected to a hinge 104, which includes a groove 106 in which the plate 102 is located. Locating holes 108 pass through the hinge 104 and the plate 102, enabling the plate 102 to be fixed to the hinge 104 with screws, rivets, nuts and bolts or the like (not shown) . The hinge 104 includes a hole 118 through which a pivot pin (not shown) passes, enabling the seat plate 102 to be connected to a bracket (not shown) on the support shaft of the seat portion (not shown) . Together with a second seat plate (not shown) of similar structure and the mirror image of the seat plate 102, an alternative seat portion is provided, as shown in Figs. 6A to 6C.

Referring now to Figs. 6A to 6C, there is shown an alternative seat portion 122 in a number of support positions of varying height. The seat portion 122 includes a support shaft 124 having a spring loaded latch 126. The central tube 12 of the support 10 has three, spaced engaging recesses (not shown) through which the latch 126 protrudes to lock the seat portion 122 in the desired position. The seat portion 122 includes seat plates such as that shown in Figs. 5A to 5D and described above.

Referring now to Figs. 7 and 8 there is shown a leg extension assembly indicated generally by reference numeral 128, for providing a more stable support when a user stands upon the support 10, for example, on uneven ground.

The leg extension assembly 128 comprises a leg extension 130, a foot plate 132, a pivot pin 134, torsion spring 135 and a stop pin 136. The leg extension 130 includes two leg plates 137 and 139 which surround the end 44 of rear leg 18 of the support assembly 10. The leg extension 130 is coupled to the rear leg 18 via the pivot pin 134, which is located in a hole (not shown) passing through the end 44 of leg 18 (which in this embodiment is box-shaped in cross-section) and pivotally engages the leg plates 137 and 139. The torsion spring 135 applies a force upon the leg extension 130 in the direction of the arrow B. The leg extension 130 is retained in the position shown in Figs. 7 and 8 by the stop pin 136 on the leg 18, acting against the force of the torsion spring 135, and in this position, the foot 132 engages the ground. When the support 10 is used, for example, as a table with a table portion located in the central tube 12, the leg extension assembly 128 remains in the extended position shown in Figs. 7 and 8. However, under load of a user standing upon the locking arm 20, the leg extension assembly 128 rotates about pivot pin 134 in the direction of the arrow A, against the force of the torsion spring 135, to move from the extended position to a folded position, such that the foot 42 engages the ground. In this way, the support 10 tilts, and the position of the locking arm 20 which supports the user is moved in a direction towards the rear leg 18. This has the effect of moving the centre of gravity of the support 10 under load, making the support more stable. When the user steps off the support, the torsion spring 135 returns the leg extension 130 in the direction of arrow B, to the extended position. Referring now to Fig. 9, there is shown a front view of a collapsible support in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, indicated generally by reference numeral 140, with a rear leg of the support 140 removed for clarity. Like parts of the support 140 share the same reference numerals as the support 10 of Fig. 1. The support 140 includes a step 142 which, when the support 140 is in the support configuration shown in Fig. 9, serves as a raised platform for an operator to stand upon. The step 142 is of a different construction from the locking arm 20, as will be described in more detail below. Also, the upper coupling 26 includes a bracing tube 151, which braces the support 140. Furthermore, the support 140 includes a structural member 144 which differs from the central tube 12 of the support 10 of Fig. 1, as will again be described in more detail below.

Figs. 10A to 10D are perspective views of the support 140 of Fig. 9 shown in a transport configuration in Fig. 10A, and in support configurations in Figs. 10B to 10D. It will be noted that in the transport configuration of Fig. 10A, the support 140 is collapsed to an easily portable configuration. Fig. 10B shows the support 140 in a first support configuration where a collapsible seat/table element 145 is folded and in a collapsed state, to provide a support which may be gripped by a user when standing upon the step 142. It will be appreciated that a user standing upon the step 142 is raised above ground level and thus obtains an improved viewpoint.

In Fig. 10C, the support 140 is shown in a second support configuration in which the collapsible element 145 has been moved to a deployed position, defining a table. The collapsible element 145 comprises first and second members 146 and 148, which are pivotably coupled to the structural number 144 by an upper coupling 150. A seat 152 extends between the first and second members 146 and 148 and includes cup holders 154 for holding, for example, a drinks cup .

Fig. 10D shows the support 140 in a further support configuration in which the collapsible element 145 defines a seat on which the user may sit. It will be noted that in the further support configuration of Fig. 10D, the collapsible element 145 has been rotated through 90° and lowered to be closer to the ground, to allow a user to sit with his/her feet upon the step 142. This is enabled by the structural member 144. The structural member 144 comprises a first tubular element shown in the views of Figs. 11A to 11C and indicated by reference numeral 154, and a second tubular element shown in the view of Fig. 12 and indicated by reference numeral 156. The first and second tubular elements 154 and 156 include locating means by which the second element 156 may be engaged within the first element 154, for slidable movement within the first element 154. The locating means includes a generally elongate "J" shaped cam slot 158 formed in a wall 160 of the first element 154, and a follower pin 162 which is secured to the second element 156 when it has been engaged in the first element 154. It will be appreciated that the outer diameter of the second element 156 is just less than the inner diameter of the first element 154, to provide a good sliding fit therein. The follower pin 162 allows the second element 156 to be moved axially with respect to the first element 154 to an end 164 of the slot 158, where further axial movement is prevented. However, the second element 156 may then by rotated through 90° with respect to the first element 154 following the slot 158, and may be located in a rest position 166. When the second tubular element 156 has been located in the rest position 166, the support 140 is in one of the configurations shown in Figs. 10B and IOC. The support 140 may be moved to the support configuration shown in Fig. 10D by lifting the collapsible element 145 such that the pin 162 comes to the end 164 of slot 158; rotating the second element 156 through 90° and allowing the element 156 to fall under gravity until the pin 162 comes to rest at a second rest position 168.

Figs. 13A to 13C and 14A to 14C are front, plan and side views respectively, of first and second step portions 170 and 172, which together form the step 142 of support 140. The portions 170 and 172 include hinge elements 174 and 176, which together form a hinge and allow the step portions 170 and 172 to be coupled together using a suitable bolt or pin. Furthermore, the step portions 170 and 172 includes coupling 178 and 180 which engage corresponding couplings of respective legs 14 and 16 of the support 140, again via suitable bolts or pins.

The hinge elements 174 and 176, and the couplings 178 and 180, together allow the step 142 to be moved between the support configurations of Figs. 10B to 10D, and the transport configuration of Fig. 10A, where the step 142 is "broken" about the hinge, and the step portions 170 and 172 lie substantially parallel to the structural member 144, as shown in Fig. 10A. When the support 140 is in one of the support configurations of Figs. 10B to 10D, faces 171 and 173 of the step portions 170 and 172 are in abutment, as shown in Fig. 9, to lock the support 140 in the support configuration . Each of the portions 170 and 172 includes an angled surface 182 on which the user may stand. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the step may be increased in dimension to provide a more stable platform for the user. Each surface 182 includes treads 184 to improve grip.

Referring now to Figs. 15A and 15B, there are shown alternative embodiments of a collapsible support in accordance with the present invention. Referring firstly to Fig. 15A, there is shown the support 140 of Fig. 9 in a support configuration, similar to that shown in Fig. 10B and with a support element in the form of a spindle 186 engaged in the second tubular element 156 of structural member 144. The spindle 186 is coupled to the tubular element 156 by a threaded connection, and allows a camera 188 or the like to be mounted and supported as shown in Fig. 15A.

Fig. 15B shows a support similar to that shown in Fig. 15A, and which includes a camera support assembly 206, which will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 18B. The assembly of Fig. 15B allows the camera 188 to be spaced laterally from the structural member 144.

Referring now to Fig. 15C, there is shown a typical mounting 190, which may be coupled to an upper end of the spindle 186 for mounting the camera 188. The mounting 190 includes a movable ball joint 192 of a type known in the art .

Referring now to Fig. 16, there is shown a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, where the support 140 of Fig. 9 includes a table 194, which is engageable upon the collapsible element 145, when the support 140 is in a support configuration. The table 194 includes a hinge 196 which allows the table 194 to be folded for transport, and includes couplings 198 by which the table 194 is coupled to the first and second members 146 and 148 of the collapsible element 145.

Fig. 17 shows a still further alternative embodiment of the present invention, where the support 140 of Fig. 9 includes a gun mount 200 coupled to the structural member 144, in a similar fashion to the spindle 186 of Fig. 15A.

The spindle 186 is shown in more detail in the view of Fig. 18A, and it will be noted that the spindle 186 is threaded at the upper end 202 thereof, and includes circumferentially extending grooves 204, for engaging a spring-loaded latch (not shown) in the sliding collar 26, the first tubular element 154, or in a clamp 220 shown in Figs. 19A to 19C. This allows height adjustment of any apparatus, such as the camera 188, coupled to the spindle 186.

Turning to Fig. 18B, the camera support assembly 206 of Fig. 15B is shown in more detail. The assembly 206 includes a spring-loaded clamp 208, coupled to a tube 210 by a connecting rod 212. The clamp 208 allows the assembly 206 to be coupled to the second tubular element 156 of support 140. Furthermore, a second connecting rod 214 is provided, with a thumb screw 216 at an end thereof, for securing the assembly 206 to a central spindle 218 shown in Fig. 15B.

Fig. 19 is an enlarged view of the upper end of the supports 140 shown in Figs. 15A, 15B and Fig. 17. It will be noted that the first and second members 146 and 148 of the collapsible element 145 are folded up and restrained by a clamp 220. The clamp 220 is shown in more detail in Figs. 19A to 19C, and includes two spring-loaded clips 222, which engage the first and second members 146 and 148, to retain them in the position shown in Fig. 19. The clamp 220 includes a central hole 224 through which a spindle or the like may pass. Also, a spring-loaded clip 226 is provided which may engage the grooves 204 on the spindle 186 of Fig. 18A to provide height adjustment.

Referring now to Figs. 20A to 20C, there is shown a front, bottom and plan view of a foot portion 228 of an alternative collapsible support (not shown) , similar to the support 140. The foot portion 228 includes a socket 230 for coupling the foot portion 228 to a leg of the support 140, and a foot 232. The foot 232 is angled as shown in Fig. 20A, for engaging the ground when the support 140 is in the support configuration. As shown in the bottom view of Fig. 20B, the foot portion 228 is ribbed for better engagement with the ground. Referring now to Fig. 21, there is shown an adjustable foot assembly 234 incorporating the foot portion 228 of Figs. 20A to 20C. An end 44 of a leg 14 of the support 140 is shown, and includes bores 236 extending therethrough and spaced 180° apart. The foot assembly 234 includes a short tube 238 with pairs of axially spaced bores 240, which selectively align with the bores 236 of the leg 14. The tube 238 engages and surrounds the lower end 44 of leg 14, and restraining pins are inserted through a pair of the bores 240, when aligned with bores 236, to provide some length adjustment of the leg 14.

The skilled reader will immediately understand that alternative embodiments of the collapsible support are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the support may include four or more legs. Alternatively, the support may include only two legs, and the central tube of the support may act as a third leg of the support . The legs and other component parts of the support may be tubular in cross-section, box- shaped or of any other convenient form.

Furthermore, the support may readily be used not only to provide a raised platform for an operator, but may be used to support photographic equipment, surveying equipment and the like. Also, the support may be used as a structural support for scaffolding, platforms and the like. The support may include retractable or hinged wheels to facilitate movement when used as a structural support.

The support may be provided only as a seat with a seat portion provided integrally with the support. An alternative table portion may be provided which may fold from a storage configuration where the table portion lies substantially vertically, to a support configuration where it lies substantially horizontally. The table portion may be coupled to the support via a hinge to facilitate this movement, and may include hinged leaves to provide a larger surface area table portion.

The central tube may have a number of teeth in its outer surface forming a rack, and the coupling may have a pinion which engages the rack. Alternatively, each end of the legs may have a pinion which engages the rack, such that as the upper collar moves over the central tube, the legs are moved between the transport configuration and the support configuration. In a further alternative, the central tube may have a longitudinally extending groove or track, and the upper collar or each end of the legs may have a tongue or profile which engages the groove.

The support may be locked in the transport configuration and in the support configuration via a latch formed in the central tube which engages the upper collar. The latch may be spring loaded and may be disengaged by the operator. Alternatively, the latch may be formed in the upper collar to engage the central tube . In a further alternative, the spacing arms of the support may lock the support in the support configuration, and may include a latch or other suitable means for this purpose.

Claims

1. A collapsible support movable between a transport configuration and a support configuration, the support comprising: a structural member; at least three legs pivotally coupled at an upper end to the structural member, for movement between the transport configuration, where the legs are disposed substantially parallel to the structural member, and the support configuration, where the legs are disposed at an angle from the structural member and extend therefrom; and a step coupled to at least one of the legs and which, when the support is in the support configuration, serves as a raised platform for an operator to stand upon.

2. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collapsible support further comprises a coupling which is movable relative to the structural member, and where each leg is coupled at the upper end thereof to the coupling .

3. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 2, wherein the collapsible support further comprises means for controlling movement of the legs from the transport configuration to the support configuration.

4. A collapsible support movable between a transport configuration and a support configuration, the support comprising : a structural member; at least three legs pivotally coupled at an upper end to a coupling which is movable relative to the structural member; means for controlling movement of the legs from the transport configuration, where the legs are disposed substantially parallel to the structural member, to the support configuration, where the legs are disposed at an angle from the structural member and extend therefrom, whereby the legs are movable between the transport configuration and the support configuration on movement of the coupling relative to the structural member; and a step which, when the support is in the support configuration, serves as a raised platform for an operator to stand upon.

5. A collapsible support as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the coupling comprises a collar which slidably engages the structural member.

6. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 5 wherein the coupling further comprises a bracing tube coupled to the collar.

7. A collapsible support as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the coupling comprises a collar which engages the structural member via a rack and pinion assembly.

8. A collapsible support as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the structural member defines a groove or other form of track on the outer surface of the member, and the coupling comprises a tongue or other profile engage able in the groove .

9. A collapsible support as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8 wherein the upper ends of the legs are coupled to the coupling by respective pivot pins.

10. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 3, claim 4 or any one of claims 5 to 9 when dependent upon either of claims 3 or 4 , wherein the means for controlling movement of the legs comprises a collar connected to the structural member and a spacing arm for each leg, each spacing arm pivotally connected at a first end to the collar and at a second end to a leg.

11. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 3, claim 4 or any one of claims 5 to 9 when dependent upon either of claims 3 or 4 , wherein the means for controlling the movement of the legs comprises a gear assembly.

12. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 11, wherein the gear assembly comprises a pinion formed at the upper end of each leg, the pinion being engaged in a rack formed on the outer surface of the structural member, and wherein the upper ends of the legs are coupled to the coupling by a pivot pin, such that the legs are extended when the coupling moves relative to the structural member.

13. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 3, claim 4 or any one of claims 5 to 12 when dependent upon either of claims 3 or 4 , wherein the means for controlling movement of the legs from the transport configuration to the support configuration also retract the legs from the support configuration to the transport configuration.

14. A collapsible support as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the step locks the support in the support configuration .

15. A collapsible support as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the step is coupled between two legs of the support.

16. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 15, wherein the step is pivotably coupled at a first end to a first leg and at a second opposite end to a second leg, and is collapsible to allow the support to move between the support configuration and the transport configuration.

17. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 16, wherein the step comprises a first step portion pivotably coupled to the first leg and a second step portion pivotably coupled to the second leg, and wherein the first step portion is pivotably coupled to the second step portion to allow the step to collapse and move between the support configuration and the transport configuration.

18. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 17, wherein the step automatically locks the support in the support configuration by an interaction between the first and second step portions.

19. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 18 wherein adjacent end faces of the first and second step portions are brought into abutment when the support is moved to the support configuration, to restrain the legs from further movement beyond the support configuration and lock the support in the support configuration.

20. A collapsible support as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the first and second step portions are pivotably coupled via a hinge.

21. A collapsible support as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the support further comprises means for locking the support in the support configuration.

22. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 21 wherein the locking means comprises a locking arm connected at a first end to one of the legs and adapted to releasably lock the legs in the support configuration.

23. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 22, wherein the locking arm has a support surface which, when the support is in the support configuration, is disposed substantially horizontally such that the locking arm may serve as a raised step for the operator to stand upon.

24. A collapsible support as claimed in either of claims 22 or 23, wherein the locking arm is connected at the first end to a first leg and is releasably securable at a second end to a second leg such that it releasably locks the legs when the support is in the support configuration.

25. A collapsible support as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the locking arm comprises first and second arm portions, the first arm portion being pivotally connected at a first end to a first leg and releasably securable at a second end to a second leg, and the second arm portion being pivotally connected at a first end to the second leg and at a second end to the first arm portion, to form a hinge facilitating movement of the locking arm from the transport configuration to the support configuration.

26. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 21, wherein the locking means comprises a latch formed in the structural member which is releasably engaged in the coupling.

27. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 26 when dependent upon claim 2 or claim 4, wherein the locking means comprises a latch formed in the coupling which is releasably engaged in the structural member.

28. A collapsible support as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support is movable from the transport configuration to the support configuration by a user grasping the structural member and lifting it upwards.

29. A collapsible support as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support is movable between the transport configuration and the support configuration by execution of a single action or movement by a user.

30. A collapsible support as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the collapsible support is movable between the support configuration and the transport configuration by a user first collapsing the step before executing a single action to move the collapsible support to the transport configuration.

31. A collapsible support as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the collapsible support is adapted to be disposed in one of at least two support configurations.

32. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 31, wherein in a first support configuration, the structural member provides a seat for a user.

33. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 31, wherein in a second support configuration, the structural member provides a table for a user.

34. A collapsible support as claimed in either of claims 32 or 33, wherein the structural member includes a collapsible element at an upper end thereof which defines a seat or table .

35. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 34, wherein the collapsible element is adapted to be gripped by a user standing on the step, to provide additional support to the user .

36. A collapsible support as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the structural member comprises a first tubular element and a second tubular element slidably engaged in the first tubular element.

37. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 36, wherein the structural member further comprises locating means for locating the second tubular element in the first tubular element .

38. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 37, wherein the locating means comprises a cam slot formed in one of the first and second tubular elements, and a follower pin formed in the other of the first and second tubular elements, adapted to engage the cam slot.

39. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 38, wherein the cam slot defines at least two rest positions, for allowing the collapsible support to be disposed in one of the at least two support configurations.

40. A collapsible support as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the structural member comprises a tube which is adapted to engage an upper end of at least one of a handle portion, a seat portion or a table portion.

41. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 40, wherein a handle portion comprises a shaft locatable in a hollow end of the structural member and a handle formed at an upper end of the shaft.

42. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 40, wherein a seat portion is adapted to serve also as a table.

43. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 40, wherein a seat or table portion comprises a support shaft locatable in the structural member and a seat or table formed at an upper end of the support shaft .

44. A collapsible support as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 43, wherein the seat or table portion is collapsible and includes carry handles by which the support may be transported.

45. A collapsible support as claimed in claim 44, wherein the support includes latching means for locking the support in the transport configuration.

46. A collapsible support as claimed in either of claims 44 or 45, wherein the carry handles facilitate transportation of the seat or table portion separately from the support .

47. A collapsible support as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 46, wherein the seat or table portion further comprises a latch which releasably engages a window in the structural member for locking the seat or table portion in the structural member.

48. A collapsible support as claimed in any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the carry handles are shaped to receive and support a fluids container.