Support apparatus

Abstract

The present invention is a support apparatus or side table that includes an insert portion retractably connected to a shelf portion. The insert portion being removably engaged with an object to provide support to the shelf portion for resting items thereon. The insert portion includes a retractable mechanism to facilitate nesting of the insert portion within the shelf portion. In operation, the insert portion is removably engaged with the object to facilitate resting of objects on or within the shelf portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 982,351 filed Oct. 24, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to a support apparatus and, in particular, a support apparatus that engages an object for support. More specifically, the present invention relates to a new and unique support apparatus or side table which has an insert portion including a retractable mechanism to facilitate easy storage, transportation, and adjustability of the length of the insert portion.[0003]In the prior art, various types of tables and supporting structures are very well known. For example, a typical table has three or four legs that emanate downwardly from a supporting table apparatus. The legs of the table rest on the floor of the room to provide the support apparatus in the desired location.[0004]However, tables of the p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention provides a solution to the problems associated with prior art support apparatus. As shown in the attached FIGS. 7-11, the present invention includes a new and novel support apparatus or side table that has an insert portion including a retractable mechanism which facilitates easy storage, transportation, and adjustability of the length of the insert portion.

[0008]The present invention is a support apparatus that includes an insert portion that is removably engaged with an object and a shelf portion for resting objects. The shelf portion may be integrally formed or attached to the insert portion. The support apparatus is designed with an overall dimension for supporting weight on the shelf portion. The support apparatus of the present invention reduces or eliminates the need for nearby floor space or wall support.

[0009]In a preferred embodiment, the support apparatus contains an insert portion having a retractable mechanism. The insert portion has a retractable mechanism that contains at least one, preferably two, members designed for extension and contraction within the shelf portion. The members, in one embodiment, are elongated tubes that slidably retract within elongated cylinders attached to a bottom surface of the shelf portion. In an alternative embodiment, the elongated tubes slidably retract within an interior of the shelf portion which may or may not include elongated cylinders. Furthermore, a handle is attached to the distal end of the two members to facilitate the extension and contraction of the two members within the shelf portion.

Problems solved by technology

However, tables of the prior art suffer from the disadvantage that they must rest on the surface of a floor.

If floor space is not available, it will be very difficult if not impossible to place the table in its desired location.

A problematic environment is where no floor space is available near the bed and wall space cannot be damaged.

There is a need for a shelf, table or support apparatus for the top bunk of the bed but there is no room on the floor for shelving or a side table and the neighboring wall is not available because modification of the walls is not permitted.

Free-standing shelving suffers from the same disadvantages of tables in that free floor space is required for placement of the unit.

Therefore, known structures for providing a supporting apparatus require floor space or some type of alteration to a nearby supporting wall apparatus.

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