Trivet

Abstract

A collapsible trivet comprises a first support section, a second support section, and a connecting member, the first support section being mounted to one end of the connecting member by a first axle and the second support section being mounted to the other end of the connecting member by a second axle, the first and second support sections being pivotable relative to the connecting member and the first support section including two support arms.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A collapsible trivet comprising:
 a first support section;   a second support section; and   a connecting member, the first support section including two support arms and being pivotally mounted to one end of the connecting member, and the second support section being pivotally mounted to the other end of the connecting member, the collapsible trivet being positionable to an open position where the first support member, the second support member, and the connecting member lie substantially flat in the same plane allowing a dish to be placed across the collapsible trivet.   
     
     
         2 . The collapsible trivet as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the second support section includes two support arms. 
     
     
         3 . The collapsible trivet as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the collapsible trivet is positionable to a second open position where the first support member and the second support member are disposed at least one of substantially perpendicular to the connecting member or at acute angles to the connecting member, and the first support member and the second support member face each other. 
     
     
         4 . The collapsible trivet as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the collapsible trivet is positionable to a collapsed position where the first support member is substantially adjacent to and parallel with the second support member, and the connecting member is at an acute angle with respect to each of the first support member and the second support member. 
     
     
         5 . The collapsible trivet as recited in  claim 1 , wherein a first axle pivotally mounts the first support section to the connecting member, and a second axle pivotally mounts the second support section to the connecting member. 
     
     
         6 . The collapsible trivet as recited in  claim 5 , wherein a retractable bolt extends from the connecting member for engaging with a slot in at least one of the first axle or the second axle, locking at least one of the first support section or the second support section in a locked position and preventing pivoting of the at least one of the first support section or the second support section. 
     
     
         7 . The collapsible trivet as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the retractable bolt is operable by a moveable operating member configured to move in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the connecting member. 
     
     
         8 . The collapsible trivet as recited in  claim 6 , wherein multiple slots are provided in at least one of the first axle or the second axle, for locking at least one of the first support section or the second support section in at least two different positions. 
     
     
         9 . The collapsible trivet as recited in  claim 6 , wherein retractable bolts are provided at each end of the connecting member for locking both the first support section and the second support section in locked positions and preventing pivoting of the first support section and the second support section. 
     
     
         10 . The collapsible trivet as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the retractable bolts are simultaneously operable by a moveable operating member. 
     
     
         11 . The collapsible trivet as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the moveable operating member extends from a side of the connecting member, and is movable in a direction perpendicular to an elongate extent of the connecting member. 
     
     
         12 . The collapsible trivet as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the moveable operating member is movable to a locked position where the moveable operating member is further from a central axis of the connecting member and the bolts are extended, and an unlocked position where the moveable operating member is closer to the central axis of the connecting member and the bolts are retracted. 
     
     
         13 . The collapsible trivet as recited in  claim 12 , wherein a biasing member is provided for biasing the moveable operating member into the locked position. 
     
     
         14 . The collapsible trivet as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the biasing member comprises at least one spring acting to provide an outward force on the moveable operating member and urge the moveable operating member away from the connecting member. 
     
     
         15 . The collapsible trivet as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the support arms are at least one of made from a heat-resistant material or covered with a heat-resistant material. 
     
     
         16 . The collapsible trivet as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the connecting member is at least one of made from a heat-resistance material or covered with a heat-resistant material. 
     
     
         17 . A collapsible trivet comprising:
 a first support section;   a second support section; and   a connecting member, the first support section including two support arms and being pivotally mounted to one end of the connecting member, and the second support section being pivotally mounted to the other end of the connecting member, the collapsible trivet being positionable to an open position where the first support member is generally parallel to and spaced apart from the second support member.