U.S. patent application number 09/847480 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-07 for support device.
Invention is credited to Hardy, Suzan.
Application Number | 20020162935 09/847480 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25300728 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020162935 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hardy, Suzan |
November 7, 2002 |
Support device
Abstract
A portable, light-weight, foldable, support device for papers,
portable computers, bingo cards and the like, the device formed
from lightweight, plastic, planar, spaced upper and lower parallel
sheets separated by integrally-formed, spaced, parallel ribs
laterally extending between said sheets from one side edge of the
said sheets to an opposite side edge, the upper sheet having a
plurality of linear cuts, each cut running through the upper sheet
from the one side edge of the said upper sheet to the opposite,
each cut being between a different adjacent pair of the said ribs
to permit the folding of the device about a corresponding fold line
in the lower sheet formed between those same ribs, the cuts and
corresponding fold lines being of a number and spaced so as to
form, in the device, in sequence, a working surface panel, an
elevation panel, a support panel, and a lip panel, these panels
foldable, about the fold lines in the lower sheet, in one direction
out of the plane of the sheets, into an operative configuration of
the device so that said working surface panel is upwardly and
rearwardly inclined with respect to a horizontal working surface on
which the device may rest, and the said working surface panel is
supported at a lower front edge of the said working surface panel
on said horizontal support surface, and at its upper rear edge by
the other panels, said panels provided with securing means for
reasonably holding the said panels in the operative
configuration.
Inventors: |
Hardy, Suzan; (Calgary,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIKOLAI & MERSEREAU, P.A.
900 SECOND AVENUE SOUTH
SUITE 820
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
25300728 |
Appl. No.: |
09/847480 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/460 ;
248/459 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 13/00 20130101;
A47B 23/044 20130101; F16M 11/38 20130101; F16M 11/041
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/460 ;
248/459 |
International
Class: |
A47B 097/04 |
Claims
What I claim as my invention:
1. A portable, light-weight, foldable, support device for papers,
portable computers, bingo cards and the like, the device formed
from lightweight, plastic, planar, spaced upper and lower parallel
sheets separated by integrally-formed, spaced, parallel ribs
laterally extending between said sheets from one side edge of the
said sheets to an opposite side edge, the upper sheet having a
plurality of linear cuts, each cut running through the upper sheet
from the one side edge of the said upper sheet to the opposite,
each cut being between a different adjacent pair of the said ribs
to permit the folding of the device about a corresponding fold line
in the lower sheet formed between those same ribs, the cuts and
corresponding fold lines being of a number and spaced so as to
form, in the device, in sequence, a working surface panel, an
elevation panel, a support panel, and a lip panel, these panels
foldable, about the fold lines in the lower sheet, in one direction
out of the plane of the sheets, into an operative configuration of
the device so that said working surface panel is upwardly and
rearwardly inclined with respect to a horizontal working surface on
which the device may rest, and the said working surface panel is
supported at a lower front edge of the said working surface panel
on said horizontal support surface, and at its upper rear edge by
the other panels, said panels provided with securing means for
reasonably holding the said panels in the operative
configuration.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the upper sheet of the
working surface panel is provided near its rear edge with clip
means for releasably securing the activity sheets in position on
said working surface panel.
3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device is constructed
so as to be supported on a horizontal support surface at a lower
front edge of the working surface panel, and along the edge of the
support panel near the juncture of the elevation panel and said
support panel.
4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the lip panel, the
elevation panel, and the support panel are constructed so as to be
foldable, in one plane, about the fold line separating the working
surface panel and said elevation panel into a flat, storable and
carrying orientation.
5. A device according to claim 1, when, in the operative
configuration, the panels are constructed so as to be folded, in a
triangular fashion, so that a portion of the upper sheet of the lip
panel confronts and is releasably secured to a mid portion of the
lower sheet of the working surface panel so as to lend support to
the integrity of the working surface panel.
6. A device according to claim 5, wherein releasable securing means
are positioned on one or both of the confronting surfaces of the
lip panel and working surface panel to secure, releasably, the lip
and working surface panels in the operable configuration.
7. A device according to claim 6, wherein said securing means
comprise hook and pile fasteners located at confronting locations
on the confronting surfaces of the working surface panel and of the
lip panel.
8. A device according to claim 1, wherein the panels are of
rectangular shape and of the same size along one side and along the
other side of the panels; the support panel is of a smaller size
that the working surface panel; the elevation panel is of a smaller
size than the said support panel; and the lip panel is of the
smallest size.
9. A device according to claim 3, wherein friction means are
affixed to portions of the lower sheet of the working surface panel
near the lower front edge of the same, and to supporting surfaces
of the other panels of the device to encourage immobility of the
device when resting on a support surface.
10. A device according to claim 2, wherein the clip means comprise
one or more pairs of jaws, each having an upper jaw movable in a
hinge-like manner so as to close and to interconnect, releasably,
with a bottom jaw affixed to the working surface panel to hold
activity sheets.
11. A device according to claim 4, wherein the lower sheet of the
support panel, when in the carrying orientation, confronts the
lower sheet of the working surface panel.
12. A device according to claim 11, wherein releasable securing
means are positioned on the lower sheet of the support panel so as
to confront releasable securing means positioned on the lower sheet
of the working surface panel, said releasable securing means
holding said support panel and said working surface panel together
when in flat, storable and carrying orientation.
13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the securing means
comprise hook and pile fasteners.
14. A device according to claim 6, wherein the releasable securing
means positioned on the lower sheet of the working surface panel
are disposed so as to meet the releasable securing means positioned
on upper sheet of the lip panel when in operable position, and to
meet the releasable securing means positioned on the lower sheet of
the support panel when in the carrying orientation.
15. A device according to claim 12, wherein the releasable securing
means positioned on the lower sheet of the working surface panel
are disposed so as to meet the releasable securing means positioned
on upper sheet of the lip panel when in operable position, and to
meet the releasable securing means positioned on the lower sheet of
the support panel when in the carrying orientation.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a support device, usable for
holding papers, portable computers, and activity sheets such as
Bingo cards and the like, which device can be conveniently folded
after use for storage and for transport.
[0002] Games such as Bingo are usually played with cards or sheets
lying flat on horizontal support surfaces--i.e., tables--which in
turn requires players to hunch over the table in an effort to view
and to mark their playing cards. Such a configuration is both
uncomfortable and tiring, especially for the elderly. Indeed, the
same may be said of support surfaces for portable computers and for
sheet-like materials of any kind. What is more, the viewing of
reference materials that lie horizontal is exceptionally difficult
for the visually impaired due to the distance of the materials from
the viewer, to paper glare, and to the angle at which users of
bifocal lenses must crane their necks to view the materials through
the bifocal lense channel.
[0003] Collapsible devices providing portable, angled working
surfaces made of foldable sheet material are known. It is generally
found, however, that these devices are wanting in terms of
convenience, sturdiness, and economy given their construction and
the materials required therefor. Examples of such devices include
Aquino U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,817 issued Aug. 26, 1986, which
discloses a collapsible podium, but lacks adequate support for its
working surface, making the use of activity sheets on the podium
difficult; Mardak U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,895 issued Dec. 1, 1987 which
teaches a portable viewing stand which exhibits a common problem
found in the securing means for holding devices of this nature in
their operable positions--the securing means being in the form of
cumbersome stop elements that add to the expense of the invention
and tend to discourage mobility of the device in its operable
position; Writ et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,658 issued Mar. 5, 1985
which discloses a collapsible retainer for Bingo sheets, and
Marker, which retainer manifests still another common problem as it
folds in a manner that results in a bulky or awkward collapsed
device which, in turn, taxes transport.
[0004] Also of background interest is Guenther U.S. Pat. No.
3,794,284 issued Feb. 26, 1974 and Wyatt Canadian Industrial Design
55400, registered Dec. 17, 1985.
[0005] It is therefore evident that a need is present for a
portable, foldable support device that has universal utility;
provides a solid and sturdy working surface when in use; is
light-weight and inexpensive; is easily foldable into an operative
configuration; and is easily foldable into a compact, convenient
carrying and storage orientation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is a primary object of this invention to provide a
portable, foldable support device for activity sheets and the like
that manifests stability and accessability while in an operative
configuration, but folds simply and easily for transport and for
storage.
[0007] These and other objects of the invention will become
apparent throughout the specification.
[0008] The present invention relates to a portable, foldable,
support device comprising planar, parallel, upper and lower sheets
separated by integrally-formed, spaced, parallel ribs laterally
extending between the sheets from one side edge of the sheets to an
opposite side edge. The upper sheet has a plurality of linear cuts
running through it from the one side edge to the opposite one, each
cut being between a different adjacent pair of the ribs to permit
the folding of the device about a corresponding fold line in the
lower sheet formed between those same ribs. The cuts and
corresponding fold lines are of a number and spaced so as to form,
in sequence, a working surface panel, an elevation panel, a support
panel, and a lip panel. The panels are foldable about the fold
lines in the lower sheet, in one direction out of the plane of the
sheets, into an operative configuration so that the working surface
panel is upwardly and rearwardly inclined with respect to a
horizontal support surface, with the working surface panel being
supported at a lower front edge of the working surface panel on a
horizontal support surface and at its upper rear edge by the other
panels. The panels are held in an operable configuration by
releasable securing means.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the upper sheet of the working
surface panel is further provided near its rear edge with clip
means for reasonably securing activity sheets in position on the
working surface panel. the releasable securing means are located on
confronting surfaces of the upper sheet of the lip panel and the
lower sheet of the working surface panel. The connection between
the lip and support panel lends further support to the integrity of
the working surface panel by absorbing pressure and shock at
approximately the midpoint of the working surface panel and
transferring much of the force through the support panel to the
point where the support panel meets the horizontal working
surface.
[0010] This device is preferably constructed so that the panels are
foldable into a flat, storable and carrying orientation by folding
the elevation panel, the support panel, and the lip panel, in one
plane, about the fold line separating the working surface panel and
the elevation panel. The lower sheet of the support panel then
confronts the lower sheet of the working surface panel, and
releasable securing means positioned at the confronting positions
indicated releasably hold the support panel and the working surface
panel together, thereby configuring the device in a storage and
carrying orientation.
[0011] Friction means may also be affixed to portions of the lower
sheet of the working surface panel near the lower front edge of the
same and to supporting surfaces of the other panels to encourage
immobility of the device when resting on a horizontal support
surface.
[0012] The device herein described in its operable position
provides elevated support for all manner of reference materials,
books, portable computers, activity sheets and the like, while
further affording stable and firm positioning for such material
objects.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] These and other advantages of the invention will become
apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon
referring to the drawings in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the support device in its
operable configuration;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the device of FIG. 1 in
operable orientation;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the upper sheet device in an
unfolded position;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lower sheet of the
device in an unfolded position;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of the device in the storable and
carrying orientation.
[0019] While the invention will be described in conjunction with
illustrated embodiments, it will be understood that it is not
intended to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the
contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications
and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of
the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] In the drawings, similar features have been given similar
reference numerals.
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a portable,
foldable support device 10 according to the present invention set
up in the operable position. The device is formed from two, spaced,
parallel, generally rectangular sheets of thin plastic-like
material, an upper sheet 11 and a lower sheet 12. Each sheet is
circumscribed by longitudinal side edges 13, a front edge 14 and a
back edge 15.
[0022] The upper sheet 11 and the lower sheet 12 are separated by
parallel spaced, linear ribs 16 laterally extending between
opposite side edges 13. As can be seen in FIG. 3, cuts 17, 18, and
19 extend through the upper sheet 11 between the side edges 13 and
between an adjacent pairs of ribs 16 to permit folding of the
device respectively about fold lines 20, 21, and 22 in the lower
sheet 12 to permit the folding of the device 10 into operable
position.
[0023] These cuts and fold lines form a working surface panel 23,
an elevation panel 24, a support panel 25, and a lip panel 26. As
can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the device is folded into its
operable position by folding the device about the fold lines 20,
21, 22 in one direction, so that the working surface panel 23 is
upwardly and rearwardly inclined with respect to a horizontal
support surface 27. In this position, the device 10 is elevated by
the elevation panel 24 and supported by support panel 25. Support
panel 25 is angled with respect to the support surface 27 and abuts
lip panel 26 which is folded so its upper sheet 11 confronts and is
releasably secured to the lower sheet 12 of the working surface
panel 23 at approximately the latter's midpoint, from one side edge
13 of the working surface panel 23 to the other side edge 13 of the
same. This construction lends support to the integrity of the
working surface panel 23 by absorbing physical pressure and shock
at approximately the midpoint of the said working surface panel 23
and transferring much of the generated energy through the support
panel 25 to the point where the said support panel 25 meets a
horizontal support surface 27, as can be seen in FIG. 2. To
encourage immobility of the device when it rests on a horizontal
support surface 27, friction pads 28 are affixed to rear portions
of the upper sheet 11 of the support panel 25, and to portions of
the lower sheet 12 of the working surface panel 23 near the front
edge 14.
[0024] Releasable securing means, such as hook and pile fasteners
29, are positioned on confronting portions of the lower sheet 12 of
the working surface panel 23, at approximately the midpoint, and of
the upper sheet 11 of the lip panel 26 to secure, releasably, the
device 10 in its operable position.
[0025] A plurality of clips 30 are affixed as illustrated to the
upper sheet 11 of the working surface panel 23 near the back edge
15 for holding activity sheets 32 such as bingo playing cards in
position on the working surface panel 23. The clips 30 may be of
any construction appropriate for releasably gripping the activity
sheet 32, and in the illustrated embodiment, as illustrated in FIG.
1, each has an upper jaw 33 with a plurality of teeth-like rows
which interact with corresponding teeth-like rows jutting from the
bottom jaw 34 to hold in position a Bingo card or the like when the
clips are closed. The upper jaw 33 is movable in a hinge-like
manner so as to close and to lock, releasably, with the bottom jaw
34 so as to hold the activity sheets 32 in position on the upper
surface 11 of working surface panel 23.
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates the support device 10 secured in the
storage and carrying orientation. To achieve this orientation, lip
panel 26, elevation panel 24, and support panel 25 are folded, in
one plane, about the fold line 20 separating the working surface
panel 23 and the elevation panel 24 so that the lower sheets 12 of
lip panel 26, elevation panel 24, and support panel 25 confront the
lower sheet 12 of the working surface panel 23. Releasable securing
means, such as hook and pile fasteners 29 are correspondingly
positioned on the lower sheet 12 of the support panel 25 and on the
lower sheet 12 of the working surface panel 23 matably to secure to
each other to hold the support device 10 in the storage and
carrying orientation as shown in FIG. 5.
[0027] Materials employed in constructing the support device 10
should be of sufficient structural rigidity so as to permit the use
of activity cards 32 such as bingo cards atop the working surface
panel 23 and insofar as lower sheet 12 is concerned, of sufficient
flexibility to enable its folding along the fold lines 20, 21, 22
without splitting. Sheets 11 and 12, and ribs 16 may preferably be
integrally formed from a suitable plastic.
[0028] From the foregoing detailed description it will be apparent
that there has been disclosed a portable and foldable device that
provides an elevated working surface able to hold a wide variety of
items such as reference materials, books, portable computers,
newspapers, drawing or sketching tablets, textiles, activity sheets
and the like, the device is light-weight and easy to carry and to
store, promotes enhanced vision and stability of objects on it, and
is inexpensive. It can be used in a variety of environments for a
variety of applications including: as a laptop desk which
conveniently folds flat; as a Bingo Card holder (various sizes are
possible to hold, for example, from 6 to 24 cards); for reading
newspapers (may be sized for newspapers); for writing or reading;
for secretarial use (holds papers that may be pulled off
one-at-a-time); teachers' aid (may be used as a desktop podium);
for artists (may be used as a drawing board and portable sketching
table); for knitters/crochet (patten holder); for truck drivers
(may be used for holding trip logs, maps, manifests); for
accountants (may be used for holding data holders); and for the
vision-impaired who may use this device as a visionary aid.
[0029] In addition, the versatility of the device is enhanced by
the fact that, in its operable position, the device may be placed
to rest on its elevation panel and used as a typing or viewing
stand with the working surface panel facing the user and the clips
then at the bottom of the panel, the clips then allowing paper and
like material to be held in place for greater ease of
reference.
[0030] While the above description describes a preferred
embodiment, it is to be understood that this description is meant
to be illustrative and not limiting, and that the scope of the
invention is defined by the claims as follows.
* * * * *