[0001] The present application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/130515, filed December 24, 2020, entitled “Object Immobilizer,” by Benjamin Jay Herman. The disclosure of this Provisional Patent Application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to methods and devices for a platform having adjustable immobilizers for objects placed on the platform.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0004] For sailors eating a meal aboard a ship while at sea, dowels were inserted straight into holes on a tabletop such that food bowls or plates were held stationary' by the dowels that surrounded the bowl. The dowels were not designed to have different effective heights, or to allow for angular movement, when inserted into the holes.

[0005] Holders for containers including a base and retaining rods extending upwardly from the base at spaced apart locations to define a container retention space bounded by the retaining rods for holding the containers. For example, the base may have positioning recesses for three retaining rods spaced apart arcuately a distance of one hundred twenty degrees centered on an outer concentric circle, with a second set of positioning recesses is provided in the base, also spaced apart arcuately a distance of one hundred twenty degrees and centered on an inner concentric circle. The plurality of sets of three arcuately spaced positioning recesses makes it possible to use the holder for containers and covers of different size diameters. The three retaining rods are manually removable, and can be seated in positioning recesses centered on a large diameter circle for holding and stacking a collection of empty containers having a large diameter, and in those centered on a small diameter circle for collection of empty containers having a small diameter.

[0006] The present invention addresses these limitations by providing for a novel method and device for adjustably immobilizing objects on a platform.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] The present invention provides methods and devices for a raised platform having adjustably positioned immobilizers.

[008] In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a platform having a top, a bottom, and a plurality of openings from the top through the bottom; a plurality of pegs, wherein each peg includes a first end, a second end, a shaft having a length between the first end and the second end, and at least one pair of nubs protruding from the shaft of each peg; wherein each of the openings are shaped to allow the first end of the shaft to pass therethrough but not the pair of nubs unless the peg is positioned so that the nubs are aligned with a notched portion of the opening, and when the nubs do not pass through the opening, the nubs act as a pivot axis where a portion of the peg remains above the platform such that the portions of the pegs above the platform define a confine for immobilizing an object on the platform.

[009] In another embodiment, a peg apparatus comprises a first end, a second end, and a shaft having a length between the first end and the second end, and at least one pair of nubs protruding from the shaft of each peg.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, a method of immobilizing an object on a platform, comprises the steps of placing a plurality of pegs in a platform having a top, a bottom, and a plurality of openings from the top through the bottom, wherein each peg includes a first end, a second end, and a shaft having a length between the first end and the second end, and at least one pair of nubs protruding from the shaft of each peg, such each of the openings are shaped to allow the first, end of the shaft to pass therethrough but not the pair of nubs unless the peg is positioned so that the nubs are aligned with a notched portion of the opening; and when the nubs do not pass through the opening, the nubs act as a pivot axis where a portion of the peg remains above the platform; positioning each of the pegs of the plurality of pegs in an opening where so that the nub of at least one of the pegs does not pass through the opening where a portion of the peg remains above the platform such that the portions of the pegs above the platform define a confine for immobilizing an object on the platform; and setting an object on the top of the platform wherein the object is immobilized by the plurality of pegs placed in the platform.

[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying exemplary drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a peg in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Fig. 2 i s a front elevation view of the peg.

[0014] Fig. 3 is a side elevation view of the peg.

[0015] Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view of the peg.

[0016] Fig. 5A is a partial perspective view of a peg inserted into a complementary' opening in a platform surface.

[0017] Fig. 5B is a perspective view of a plurality of pegs inserted into selected openings in a platform surface to immobilize an object on the platform.

[0018] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a platform in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,

[0019] Fig. 7 is a top view of the platform.

[0020] Fig. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the platform.

[0021] Fig. 9 is an bottom plan view of the platform.

[0022] Fig. 10 is a side view of the platform. [0023] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of another peg having triangular nubs in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Fig. 12 is a front elevation view of the peg.

[0025] Fig. 13 is a side elevation view of the peg.

[0026] Fig. 14 is a bottom plan view of the peg.

[0027] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of another peg having circular nubs in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Fig. 16 is a front elevation view of the peg.

[0029] Fig. 17 is a side elevation view of the peg.

[0030] Fig. 18 is a bottom plan view of the peg.

[0031] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of another peg having different pairs of nubs in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 20 is a front elevation view of the peg.

[0033] Fig. 21 is a side elevation view of the peg.

[0034] Fig. 22 is a bottom plan view of the peg.

[0035] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a headless peg having multiple nubs in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 24 i s a front elevation view' of the peg.

[0037] Fig. 25 is a side elevation view of the peg.

[0038] Fig. 26 is a bottom plan view of the peg.

[0039] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of a headless peg having spring-loaded nubs in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. [0040] Fig. 28 is a front elevation view of the peg.

[0041] Fig. 29 is a side elevation view of the peg.

[0042] Fig. 30 is a bottom plan view of the peg.

[0043] Fig. 31 is a perspective view of another peg having spring-loaded nubs in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 32 is a front elevation view of the peg.

[0045] Fig. 33 is a side elevation view of the peg.

[0046] Fig. 34 is a bottom plan view of the peg.

[0047] Fig. 35 is a perspective view of another platform in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Fig. 36 is a top plan view of the platform.

[0049] Fig. 37 is a bottom perspective view of the platform.

[0050] Fig. 38 is a bottom plan view of the platform.

[0051] Fig. 39 is a side view of the platform.

[0052] Fig. 40 is a perspective view of another platform in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Fig. 41 is a top plan view of the platform.

[0054] Fig. 42 is a bottom perspective view of the platform.

[0055] Fig. 43 is a bottom plan view of the platform.

[0056] Fig. 44 is a side view of the platform. [0057] Fig. 45 is a perspective view of another platform in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Fig. 46 is a top plan view of the platform.

[0059] Fig. 47 is a bottom perspective view of the platform.

[0060] Fig. 48 is a bottom plan view of the platform.

[0061] Fig. 49 is a front elevation view of the platform.

[0062] Fig. 50 is a rear elevation view of the platform.

[0063] Fig. 51 is a side elevation view of the platform.

[0064] Fig. 52 is a perspective view of another platform in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Fig. 53 is a top plan view of the platform.

[0066] Fig. 54 is a bottom perspective view of the platform.

[0067] Fig. 55 is a bottom plan view of the platform.

[0068] Fig. 56 is a front elevation view of the platform.

[0069] Fig. 57 is a rear elevation view of the platform.

[0070] Fig. 58 is a side elevation view of the platform.

[0071] Fig. 59 is a perspective view of another platform in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Fig. 60 is a top plan view of the platform.

[0073] Fig. 61 is a bottom perspective view of the platform.

[0074] Fig. 62 is a bottom plan view of the platform. [0075] Fig. 63 is a side elevation view of the platform.

[0076] Fig. 64 is a perspective view of another platform in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Fig. 65 is a side elevation view' of the platform.

[0078] Fig. 66 is a top plan view of the platform.

[0079] Fig. 67 is a perspective view of another platform in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Fig. 68 is a top plan view of the platform.

[0081] Fig. 69 is a perspective view of a shelf platform in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Fig. 70 is a top plan view of the platform.

[0083] Fig. 71 is a bottom perspective view of the platform.

[0084] Fig. 72 is a bottom plan view of the platform.

[0085] Fig. 73 is a front elevation view of the platform.

[0086] Fig. 74 is a rear elevation view of the platform.

[0087] Fig. 75 is a side elevation view of the platform.

[0088] Fig. 76 is a perspective view of a table platform in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Fig. 77 is a top plan view of the platform.

[0090] Fig. 78 is a bottom perspective view of the platform.

[0091] Fig. 79 is a bottom plan view of the platform. [0092] Fig. 80 is a perspective view of a platform in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Fig. 81 is a top plan view' of the platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0094] In various embodiments, the platform has a plurality of specialized openings shaped to accept specialized pegs to act as adjustable immobilizers for objects to be placed on the platform, where the pegs positioned in openings act to immobilize the object on the platform. Referring now to the drawings, like parts are designated by like reference characters throughout the several views.

[0095] The immobilizer is a device for securing a vessel, container, or other object, in place or on a surface to prevent it from becoming dislodged from the surface or falling or sliding off of the surface. In one embodiment, the immobilizer includes a surface capable of receiving at least one peg element in at least one location opening or slot. The surface may include a plurality of slots for receiving the peg elements to produce different configurations. A slot may have a complimenting shape with respect to the cross-sectional shape of a peg element.

[0096] As illustrated in Figures 1 through 4, one embodiment of the peg 10 includes a shaft 12 having two ends with an enlarged head 14 at the upper end. The peg 10 includes multiple pairs of trapezoidal nubs 16, where one side of the nubs has a shorter side than the opposite side along the length of the shaft 12. The asymmetrical shape of the trapezoidal nubs may have different orientations depending on where the nubs are located along the shaft. For example, the lower nubs 22 near the bottom of the peg may be orientated so that the shorter side of the nub is facing the low'er end of the shaft 12. This lower orientation facilitates passage of the nubs through the complementary opening or slot in the platform which will be discussed later. The pegs 10 are shown interacting with the openings or slots 32 in the platform 30 in Figures 5A and 5B. As shown in Figure 5B, the pegs pivot at the nubs where the pegs have been inserted into the openings in the platform, and a portion of the peg remains above the platform, to immobilize an object such as a bowl on the platform. Different height configurations for the pegs above the platform may be achieved depending on which nubs are allowed to pass through the opening. [0097] The upper nubs 24 near the end of the shaft 12 with the head 14 may be orientated so that the shorter side of the nub is facing the head of the shaft 12, and the longer side of the of the nub is facing the lower end of the shaft. This upper orientation does not facilitate passage of the nubs through the complementary' opening or slot in the platform in the same direction as the lower orientation. The upper orientation facilitates passage of the nubs through the keyed opening or slot in the platform in the opposite direction as the lower orientation. Where there are additional nubs between the lower nubs 22 and the upper nubs 24, those intermediate nubs may have the same or different orientations as the designer sees fit. In Figures 1 through 4, the intermediate nubs are shown as having the same orientation as the upper nubs 24, but other orientations and designs may be used if desired.

[0098] The nubs may be angled to make passage through the keyed surface hole easier in one direction, and more difficult in the other. The direction of nub angles can vary from pair to pair. Nubs may also be without angle to create equal passage difficulty in both directions.

[0099] As illustrated in Figures 6 through 9, one embodiment of a platform 30 for accepting the peg 10 includes openings or slots 32 configured with notches 34 or other keyed shapes complementary to the nubs 16 of the peg 10. The sidewalls 36 of the platform 30 sets the openings or slots 32 to occupy a raised position. Preferably the area bounded by the area below the bottom surface 38 and the sidewalls 36 is hollow to allow the lower portion of the peg 10 to move or pivot.

[00100] The diameter of the shaft 12 of the peg 10 is undersized relative to the main diameter of the holes in the surface of the platform 30. This allows for angular movement when the peg 10 is inserted into one of the holes 32. Maximum angle is when one side of the peg 10 is resting on the top edge of the hole 32, and the other side of the peg 10 on the bottom edge of the hole 32.

[00101] The nubs 16 of the peg 10, when aligned with the keyed portions 34 of the surface holes 32 of the platform 30, allow the pegs 10 to pass through. When not aligned, the span distance across the ends of the nubs is larger than the diameter of the main surface hole, preventing passage. As illustrated in Figure 10a, when the lower nubs are passed through the keyed slot 32, the peg 10 may be turned or rotated so that the upper nubs are not aligned with the keyed notches 34 so the remaining nubs 16 contact the side of the slot 32 and not the keyed notches 34, which will block further movement of the peg 10 through the slot 32. By this misalignment, the nubs of the peg 10 act as a pivot axis for the peg to change angle, and also serve to increase the effective height of the peg head 14 above the surface of the platform 30. If all of the nubs are passed through the keyed openings, then the enlarged head 14 of the peg can prevent further passage.

[00102] To immobilize an object on a platform, a plurality of pegs 10 and inserted into the openings 32 on the platform 30 the first end of the peg shaft 12 to pass therethrough but not the pair of nubs 16 unless the peg is oriented such that the nubs are aligned with a notched portion of the opening 32. When the nubs 16 do not pass through the opening 32, the nubs 16 act as a pivot axis where a portion of the peg 10 remains above the platform. Each of the plurality of pegs 10 are set into a selected opening 32 so that configuration of pegs 10 inserted into the platform 30 define a confine or boundary' for holding or immobilizing an object on the platform. The confine or boundary may be circular, rectangular, or irregularly shaped to conform to the periphery of the object so as to hold or immobilize the object on the platform. The object set on the platform is immobilized by the plurality of pegs placed in select slots in or around the object to thereby immobilize and secure the object on the platform in a customizable or adjustable manner. One example is illustrated in Figure 5B.

[00103] As illustrated in Figures 11 through 14, another embodiment of the peg 40 includes a shaft 42 having two ends with an enlarged cylindrical head 44 at the upper end. The peg 40 includes multiple pairs of triangular nubs 46 where the hypotenuse and longer leg of the triangular nub aligns with the longitudinal axis of the peg, and the shorter leg is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the peg. The lower nubs near the bottom of the peg may be orientated so that the shorter leg of the triangular nub is facing opposite to the lower end of the shaft 42. This lower orientation facilitates passage of the nubs through the complementary opening or slot in the platform. In this embodiment, all of the nubs share the same orientation, but other orientations and designs may be used if desired. For example, alternatively, the triangular nub may be spring- loaded so they can be pushed into the shaft which can facilitate pushing the peg down through the platform openings, while still preventing the peg from traversing in the opposite direction unless properly oriented to correspond with the keyed opening. [00104] As illustrated in Figures 15 through 18, another embodiment of the peg 50 includes a shaft 52 having two ends with an enlarged circular head 54 at the upper end. The peg 50 includes multiple pairs of circular nubs 56. The circular nubs may be fixed on the shaft. In the alternative, the circular nubs may be pushed into the shaft which can facilitate pushing the peg down through the platform openings.

[00105] As illustrated in Figures 19 through 22, another embodiment of the peg 60 includes a shaft 52 having two ends with an enlarged circular head 54 at the upper end. The peg 60 includes multiple pairs of different nubs including circular nubs 66 and trapezoidal nubs 68. The circular nubs 66 may be fixed. In the alternative, the circular nubs may be spring-loaded to be pushed into the shaft which can facilitate pushing the peg down through the platform openings. As shown in Figure 22, the apex of the circular nubs 66 preferably creates the same height away from the surface of the shaft as the longer side of the trapezoidal nubs 68 from the surface of the shaft,

[00106] As illustrated in Figures 23 through 26, another embodiment of the peg 70 includes a shaft 72 having two ends having the same size with no enlarged head at either end. The peg 70 includes multiple pairs of nubs 76 along the length of the shaft 72. The top and bottom have a similar appearance, so the view of the peg 70 in Figure 26 would look the same from the top as viewing from the bottom.

[00107] As illustrated in Figures 27 through 30, another embodiment of the peg 80 includes a shaft 82 having two ends having the same size with no enlarged head at either end. The peg 80 includes multiple pairs of circular nubs 86. The circular nubs may be fixed or spring-loaded to be pushed into the shaft 82 which can facilitate pushing the peg down through the platform openings. The top and bottom have a similar appearance, so the view of the peg 80 in Figure 30 would look the same from the top as viewing from the bottom.

[00108] As illustrated in Figures 31 through 34, another embodiment of the peg 90 includes a shaft 92 having two ends with an enlarged head 94 at the upper end. The peg 90 includes multiple pairs of circular nubs 96. The circular nubs may be fixed or spring-loaded to be pushed into the shaft 82 which can facilitate pushing the peg down through the platform openings. [00109] As illustrated in Figures 35 through 39, another embodiment of a circular platform 100 for accepting the peg includes keyed openings or slots 102 configured with notches 104 or other keyed shapes complementary to the nubs of the previously discussed embodiments of the peg. The openings or slots 102 are positioned to form a spiral pattern on the platform 100. The legs formed by the sidewalls 106 of the platform 100 sets the openings or slots 102 to occupy a raised position. Preferably the area bounded by the area below the bottom surface 108 and the sidewalls 106 is hollow to allow the lower portion of the peg to move or pivot.

[00110] As illustrated in Figures 40 through 44, another embodiment of a circular platform 110 for accepting the peg includes keyed openings or slots 112 configured with notches 1 14 or other keyed shapes complementary’ to the nubs of the previously discussed embodiments of the peg. The openings or slots 1 12 are positioned to form a grid pattern on the platform 1 10. The legs formed by the sidewalls 116 of the platform 110 sets the openings or slots 112 to occupy a raised position. Preferably the area bounded by the area below the bottom surface 118 and the sidewalls 116 is hollow’ to allow’ the lower portion of the peg to move or pivot.

[00111] As illustrated in Figures 45 through 51, another embodiment of a slanted rectangular platform 120 for accepting the peg includes keyed openings or slots 122 configured with notches 124 or other keyed shapes complementary to the nubs of the previously discussed embodiments of the peg. The openings or slots 122 are positioned to form a grid pattern on the platform 120. The sidewalls 126 of the platform 120 sets the openings or slots 122 to occupy a raised position. Preferably the area bounded by the area below the bottom surface 128 and the sidewalls 126 is hollow to allow the lower portion of the peg to move or pi vot.

[00112] As illustrated in Figures 52 through 58, another embodiment of a slanted rectangular platform 130 for accepting the peg includes keyed openings or slots 132 configured with notches 134 or other keyed shapes complementary to the nubs of the previously discussed embodiments of the peg. The openings or slots 132 are positioned to form a grid pattern on the platform 130. The sidewalls 136 of the platform 130 sets the openings or slots 132 to occupy a raised position. Preferably the area bounded by the area below the bottom surface 138 and the sidewalls 136 is hollow to allow- the lower portion of the peg to move or pivot. [00113] As illustrated in Figures 59 through 63, another embodiment of a squircle-shaped platform 140 for accepting the peg includes keyed openings or slots 142 configured with notches 144 or other keyed shapes complementary to the nubs of the previously discussed embodiments of the peg. The openings or slots 142 are positioned to form a grid pattern on the platform 140. The sidewalls 146 of the platform 140 sets the openings or slots 142 to occupy a raised position. As shown in Figures 61 and 62, the area beneath each of the openings or slots 142 is bounded by a hollow cyli nder 149 to allow the lower portion of the peg to move or pivot.

[00114] As illustrated in Figures 64 through 66, another embodiment of a square-shaped platform 150 for accepting the peg includes keyed openings or slots 152 configured with notches 154 or other keyed shapes complementary' to the nubs of the previously discussed embodiments of the peg. The openings or slots 152 form a Einstein-Rosen wormhole shape between the top and bottom planes of the platform 150. The openings or slots 152 are positioned on the platform 150 to form a grid pattern. The top and bottom have a similar appearance, so the view of the platform 150 in Figure 66 would look the same from the top as viewing from the bottom.

[00115] As illustrated in Figures 67 through 68, another embodiment of a rectangular platform plate 160 for accepting the peg includes keyed openings or slots 162 configured with notches 164 or other keyed shapes complementary to the nubs of the previously discussed embodiments of the peg. The openings or slots 162 are positioned on the platform 160 to form a grid pattern. The top and bottom have a similar appearance, so the view of the platform 160 in Figure 68 would look the same from the top as viewing from the bottom. The platform plate 160 may be used to form other structures.

[00116] As illustrated in Figures 69 through 75, another embodiment of a rectangular shelf platform 170 for accepting the peg includes keyed openings or slots 172 configured with notches 174 or other keyed shapes complementary to the nubs of the previously discussed embodiments of the peg. The openings or slots 172 are positioned on the platform 170 to form a grid pattern. Brackets 176 are placed on the bottom 178 of the platform 170.

[00117] As illustrated in Figures 76 through 79, another embodiment of a rectangular table platform 180 for accepting the peg includes keyed openings or slots 182 configured with notches 184 or other keyed shapes complementary ⁷ to the nubs of the previously discussed embodiments of the peg. The openings or slots 182 are positioned on the platform 180 to form a grid pattern. The table top portion of the platform 180 is supported by a pillar 186 and base 187.

[00118] As illustrated in Figures 80 through 81, another embodiment of a rectangular platform plate 190 for accepting the peg includes keyed openings or slots 192 configured with notches 194 or other keyed shapes complementary' to the nubs of the previously discussed embodiments of the peg. The openings or slots 192 are positioned on the platform 190 to form an offset grid pattern. The top and bottom have a similar appearance, so the view of the platform 190 in Figure 81 would look the same from the top as viewing from the bottom. The platform plate 190 may be used to form other structures.

[00119] In general, the height of the peg elements may be adjustable when engaged at the location or slot. The cross-sectional shape of the peg element may have protrusions along the length of the peg that will pass through the slot when in one orientation, and inhibit movement when rotated to have a different orientation. In different embodiments, depending on the orientation of the peg element after passing through the slot, the pegs may protrude from the top of the surface at different heights. The height of the protruding peg may be adjusted by the desired amount necessary to provide sufficient grip or securing force to immobilize the object on the surface. The shape of the protruding portion, may vary based on engineering or manufacturing considerations, with one embodiment including a spherical or bulbous shape formed at the protruding upper or distal end of the peg.

[00120] The object to be immobilized may be placed on the top of a platform surface and the one or more peg element may be inserted in select slots in or around the object to thereby immobilize and secure the object on the platform in a customizable or adjustable manner. The pegs may define a confine or boundary/ around the periphery of the object to hold or immobilize the object set on the platform.

[00121] In some embodiments the slots may be arranged in a predetermined shape or pattern. One pattern is a spiral pattern. In other embodiments the slots may be randomly placed. In yet another embodiment, the slots may be formed as openings or receptacles formed into the surface. [00122] Depending on whether the top surface has sufficient depth, the slots could be countersunk to accommodate the upper head of the peg element. All of the slots could be occupied by a peg element, whether captive or separable. And the desired number of pegs may be lifted above the surface to immobilize a vessel, container, or other object, in place or on the surface.

[00123] Further, the cross-sectional shape of the peg element may have protrusions along the length of the peg where each set of protrusions at a certain length of the peg are oriented or offset from other sets of protrusions at another certain length of the peg so that the peg would have to be rotated in order to again complement the shape of the slot and travel further down the slot to achieve a different height for the peg from the surface.

[00124] Although embodiments of the invention are described, it is understood that not every possible embodiment of the invention is shown and described herein. Unless specifically noted, the words and phrases in the specification and claims are intended to be given the ordinary and accustomed meanings to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art.