U.S. patent application number 10/437023 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-20 for surface embedded collapsible support.
Invention is credited to Gilbert, Jean.
Application Number | 20030213886 10/437023 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 4171162 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030213886 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gilbert, Jean |
November 20, 2003 |
Surface embedded collapsible support
Abstract
A collapsible support allowing tilting or elevating an object
and embedded into the object surface thus becoming an integral and
complementary part of it. The support which is characterized by its
thinness makes it appropriate for integration into small portable
objects such as calculators and personal digital assistant and to
objects having an articulated cover such as a ring binder or an
agenda, without affecting significantly the physical properties of
the objects such as its shape and its robustness nor its simplicity
or manufacturing cost. It is made up of a rigid mobile part, that
alternatively combines the roles of support and that of peripheral
structure, and of a flexible band that are attached together and to
the remainder of the peripheral structure of the object by three
articulations. The support may be formed as an integral one-piece,
one shot, injection molding of a plastics material.
Inventors: |
Gilbert, Jean; (Val-Belair,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JEAN GILBERT
1122 CALYPSO
VAL-BELAIR
QC
G3K2A7
CA
|
Family ID: |
4171162 |
Appl. No.: |
10/437023 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/454 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 2200/08 20130101;
A45F 5/00 20130101; A45C 11/00 20130101; A47B 23/044 20130101; F16M
13/005 20130101; F16M 11/10 20130101; A45C 2011/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/454 |
International
Class: |
A47G 001/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 15, 2002 |
CA |
2,385,223 |
Claims
What I claim as my invention is:
1. A collapsible support allowing tilting or elevating an object,
which is folded up and dissimulated into the surface of the object,
comprising: a rigid or semi-rigid generally plane and rectangular
mobile part that serves as support and which, when the support is
folded up, is embedded into the surface of the object to become
part of it; wherein the mobile part is attached to the object by an
articulation located between a linear section of the contour of the
mobile part and the corresponding linear section internal to the
framework formed by the region where the mobile part is embedded,
thus giving the mobile part a liberty of rotation around the
articulation axis; that rotation being limited in a direction by a
flexible band whose end is attached to the mobile part by another
articulation parallel to the preceding one, and whose other end is
attached to another linear section internal to the framework by a
third articulation parallel to the two preceding ones; and that
rotation being limited in the other direction by a physical
constraint on which the mobile part come up against, thus limiting
the rotation of the mobile part to an orientation making this
mobile part coplanar to the surface of the object.
2. The collapsible support as claimed in 1 wherein the flexible
band is made up of a flexible material.
3. The collapsible support as claimed in 1 wherein the flexible
band is made up of two rigid parts attached together by an
articulation parallel to the three other articulations described in
claim 1.
4. The collapsible support as claimed in 1 wherein the flexible
band is made up of a rigid part and of a flexible material part
attached together by an articulation parallel to the three other
articulations described in claim 1.
5. The collapsible support as claimed in 1 wherein the flexible
band is dissimulated flatly under the mobile part when the support
is folded.
6. The collapsible support as claimed in 1 wherein the mobile part
internal face includes a notch sized to fit the flexible band when
the support is folded.
7. The collapsible support as claimed in 1 wherein the flexible
band is folded back up to the back of the object surface to
maintain the collapsible support in its folded position.
8. The collapsible support as claimed in 7 wherein the back of the
object surface includes a cavity sized to fit the flexible
band.
9. The collapsible support as claimed in 1 integrated to the
surface, to the case or to the lid of a calculator, a pocket
computer, a portable audio device or a similar article.
10. The collapsible support as claimed in 1 integrated to the cover
of a ring binder, an album, a book, a portfolio or a similar
article having a rigid or semi-rigid articulated cover.
11. The collapsible support as claimed in 10 wherein the mobile
part integrates the continuation of one or all the articulations of
the cover.
12. The collapsible support as claimed in 11 wherein the flexible
band is split vertically in two parts over the folding region of
the cover.
13. The integration of a number of collapsible supports as claimed
in 1 to a single object.
14. The collapsible support as claimed in 10 wherein the mobile
part, the flexible band, its articulations and the object surface
to which they are integrated are formed as an integral plastics
molding.
15. The collapsible support as claimed in 14 wherein the plastics
material is selected from the group offering the necessary
flexibility and consisting of polypropylene and a copolymer of
butadiene and styrene.
16. The collapsible support as claimed in 1 wherein printing or
embossed information are displayed on the external surface of the
mobile part.
17. The collapsible support as claimed in 1 wherein a small pocket
being able to contain a paper sheet is attached to the external
surface of the mobile part.
18. A collapsible support allowing tilting or elevating an object
comprising: a rigid or semi-rigid generally plane and rectangular
mobile part that serves as support and which, when the support is
folded up, settle flatly on the surface of the object; wherein the
mobile part is attached to the object by an articulation located
between the mobile part and a generally rectangular extremity that
sticks to the object surface, thus giving the mobile part a liberty
of rotation around the articulation axis; that rotation being
limited in a direction by a flexible band whose end is attached to
the mobile part by another articulation parallel to the preceding
one, and whose other end is attached by a third articulation
parallel to the two preceding ones to another generally rectangular
extremity that sticks to the object surface; and that rotation
being limited in the other direction by the object surface.
19. The collapsible support as claimed in 18 wherein the flexible
band is made up of a flexible material.
20. The collapsible support as claimed in 18 wherein the flexible
band is made up of two rigid parts attached together by an
articulation parallel to the three other articulations described in
claim 18.
21. The collapsible support as claimed in 18 wherein the flexible
band is made up of a rigid part and of a flexible material part
attached together by an articulation parallel to the three other
articulations described in claim 18.
22. The collapsible support as claimed in 18 wherein the flexible
band is dissimulated flatly between the mobile part and the object
surface.
23. The collapsible support as claimed in 18 wherein the flexible
band is dissimulated flatly externally to mobile part.
24. The collapsible support as claimed in 18 wherein the mobile
part includes one or many articulations.
25. The collapsible support as claimed in 24 wherein the flexible
band the flexible band is split vertically in two parts over its
folding region.
26. The collapsible support as claimed in 18 wherein the mobile
part, the flexible band, its extremities and its articulations are
formed from a single plastics strip.
27. The collapsible support as claimed in 18 wherein the mobile
part, the flexible band, its extremities and its articulations are
formed as an integral plastics molding.
28. The collapsible support as claimed in 26 or 27 wherein the
plastics material is selected from the group offering the necessary
flexibility and consisting of polypropylene and a copolymer of
butadiene and styrene.
29. The collapsible support as claimed in 18 wherein printing or
embossed information are displayed on the external surface of the
mobile part.
30. The collapsible support as claimed in 18 wherein a small pocket
being able to contain a paper sheet is attached to the external
surface of the mobile part.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The object of this invention is to provide a collapsible
support that can be embedded into the surface of an object in order
to raise it, to tilt it or to hold it distant or at an angle with
another surface.
[0003] The collapsible support is preferably integrated into small
flat portable objects such as a calculator, a personal digital
assistant, a pocket computer, a test equipment or an audio device,
or into objects having an external rigid cover that may include
articulations such as a ring binder, a book or an album, and for
which it is desirable to dissimulate a support that is deployed
occasionally or folds up during the transportation, and for which
it is needed to integrate such a support without affecting
significantly the physical characteristics of the object such its
shape or its robustness nor its simplicity or its manufacturing
cost.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] The first objects group preferentially aimed by the
invention corresponds to portable articles such as calculator,
personal digital assistant, pocket computer, portable audio devices
or other similar articles.
[0006] These portable articles are designed to be compact and
easily transportable and for these reasons they are often designed
flat. Unfortunately these articles, particularly those that have a
liquid crystal display, become difficult to read and use because of
the vision angle caused by their flat shape when they are posed on
a working surface.
[0007] Some are conceived to improve the lack of readability by
offering the possibility to tilt the display, as for the U.S. Pat.
No. 4,703,160. However, in addition to requiring a certain assembly
complexity, this approach is not always appropriate. In certain
cases for example, the display occupies almost complete surface and
cannot be folded.
[0008] Various approaches were proposed to tilt the device itself
and thus to solve the problem.
[0009] The use of a distinct rigid support on which one deposits
the device is an effective solution allowing improving the vision
angle but which does not allow a great portability. The U.S. Pat.
No. 4,073,460 is an example of such a support.
[0010] The approach consisting in making such a support foldable
allows to decrease the size for transport or when tilting is not
necessary. Even when folded these supports occupy a relatively
small volume, but they still occupy a significant additional volume
compared to the size of the device alone. That approach requires in
addition to transport two objects, which is another disadvantage.
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,044,980 is an example of a distinct folding
support.
[0011] Folding supports made up of a rigid mobile planar section
permanently attached under the device were proposed. The U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,113,212 and 4,940,204 are two examples. In these approaches,
the locking of the rigid mobile support in the open position is
done at or near the hinge. It thus requires strong material to
counter the lever effect, which tends to fold up or to open wider
the support when pressure is applied. The necessary stability is
obtained by increasing the robustness of the hinge to the detriment
of overall dimension of the device. This is not satisfying when a
very small device is required.
[0012] Another approach consists in combining the function of
support with that of a protective case. This approach is used for
the U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,259,568 and 4,989,926. It is applicable when
the case surrounds completely the device, and thus when a
significant quantity of materials is used. Such overall protection
is not always necessary. For several type of device such as
calculator or pocket computer, it is possible to decrease the
quantity of materials and nevertheless to offer a good protection
by adding a protective lid only to the top of the computer, thus
protecting the keyboard and the display. Such protective lids are
described in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,530,234, 5,682,182 and
6,178,085.
[0013] A bump integrated into the lid of the first of these three
patents (U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,234) is used as a tilting support when
the lid is put under the computer by making it slip along groove up
to the back of the device. However this bump is permanent and does
not offer a sufficient tilting.
[0014] For the second patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,182), one uses
the lid on the top which when folded back constitutes one of the
two parts forming a support. The second part being embedded with
the back of the device. The lid, the embedded part and the device
itself form a rigid triangle that constitutes the support. This
approach is advantageous in that it does not increase the overall
size of the device. On the other hand it requires some assembly:
one has to insert one of the two mobile parts in the other.
Moreover, this approach is only applicable that for the articles
which have a lid.
[0015] In the third patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,178,085), a mobile lid
protecting the liquid crystal display on the front swivels to the
back to serve as a rigid support. Yet simple to use, this approach
however requires the assembly of many parts at manufacturing.
Moreover, the part constituting the swivel mechanism occupies a
considerable volume.
[0016] All these approaches generate either an increase in volume,
a substantial material addition, an increased assembly or usage
complexity, or a combination these elements. In addition, these
approaches generally impose significant constraints on the device
appearance.
[0017] The support of the present invention overcomes these
disadvantages.
[0018] A second objects group preferentially aimed by the invention
corresponds to objects made up of an articulated rigid cover such
as a ring binder or a book.
[0019] Various devices allowing tilting such objects so to
facilitate usage were proposed.
[0020] For examples, the U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,451,694, 2,778,153,
3,135,532, 3,224,792 and 4,576,497 propose the tilting of binders
by using a device that is attached to the area of the cover where
the binder assembly is located, thus leaving the front and back
covers free. The device is a narrow rigid structure that serves as
a back strut when the binder is put on a flat working surface and
tilted backwards. The bottom of the binder assembly and the bottom
of the front and rear covers, which remain open by gravity, provide
another support, rectilinear, in the front.
[0021] Because the back strut is relatively narrow and because the
front rectilinear support is constitute by the cover which is free
to fold up, this approach does not allow a great stability when all
the content is located on the same side or if pressure is applied
on one side as for writing for example. The U.S. Pat. No. 4,943,177
uses a similar approach in which a great stability is obtained, but
it is only applicable for very broad, multiple documents
binders.
[0022] The U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,883,209, 4,015,863, and 4,552,479
present another approach. It consists in using the higher part of
the cover, that is to say approximately the upper half, which when
folded up towards back becomes a strut. The narrow binder assembly,
which contains the rings, remains straight and become the only
upper support for the contents. The triangle formed by the higher
and lower parts of the cover is maintained to an acute angle with a
device attached to the binder assembly and is used as stop in
contact to the center of the higher part of the cover, preventing
it to unfold. This approach has the drawback of not offering a back
support to the contents in the upper corners areas. The paper sheet
contents can then bend if a light pressure is applied, unless some
additional stiff material sheets are added. Moreover, because the
angle between the upper and lower part of the folder cover are
maintain folded by a single centralized stop, the triangle tends to
open in its extremities if pressure is applied on the sides of the
contents.
[0023] The U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,334,920, 4,355,821, 4,609,206 and
5,709,549 present a similar approach in which the lower part of the
cover is folded up towards the back to constitute the support,
whereas the lower binder assembly remains straight and becomes the
front support.
[0024] Still here, the cover does not support a large area of the
contents when used as part of the support.
[0025] The U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,533 presents an interesting and
aesthetic approach, but which does not allow a complete opening of
the cover when the support is used. Stability is also not really
good.
[0026] The U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,767 shows a design for which a flat
member serving as a support is hinged on top of the cover and
maintained at a limited angle with flexible bands attached to the
bottom edge of the cover to form a triangular stand. Because that
member is folded flatly on top of the object cover, a displacement
due to material thickness occurs during cover folding. That
displacement requires a special rivet type hinge that has an
aesthetic impact, and causes the flexible band to torsion and to
not fold perfectly flat. In addition, this conception requires
additional material and makes the external member cumbersome.
[0027] The collapsible support of the present invention allows
tilting of an articulated hard cover article without requiring
substantial material addition while offering a great stability and
an adequate contents support. In addition it allows a neat visual
appearance, whether collapsed or not, similar to that of the
original articles.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The invention consists of a collapsible support made up of a
generally rectangular rigid part that serves as support, and of a
flexible band. These two parts are connected between them and to
the peripheral structure of an object (its case, its protective lid
or its cover for example), over their full width by three parallels
articulations. Deployed, the set forms a stable triangular support.
Folded up, the rigid part hides the flexible band and becomes a
complementary section of the object peripheral structure for which
it fills the same function, of protection for example.
[0029] The support can be integrated to objects having an
articulated rigid cover such as a ring binder.
[0030] In addition of being embedded into the object surface, the
collapsible support made up of a rigid mobile part, a flexible band
and the object external structure, may be formed as an integral
one-piece, one shot, injection molding of a plastics material such
as polypropylene or a copolymer of butadene and styrene.
[0031] An alternative of the invention consists of a self-adhesive
support that is applies to an article not originally equipped with
a support.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] In the drawings which illustrate the invention,
[0033] FIGS. 1 to 3 show the integration of the support to the case
of a pocket computer from various points of view, whereas the
support is deployed. FIG. 1 is a perspective front view, FIG. 2 is
a is a perspective back view and FIG. 3 shows a side view of the
pocket computer standing on a working surface;
[0034] FIGS. 4 and 5 present from a perspective view this same
pocket computer whereas the support is collapsing in the first
figure and completely folded up in the second;
[0035] FIGS. 6 to 9 show from various cross-sectional views details
of the support of the pocket computer. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal
cross-sectional view of the deployed support whereas FIG. 7
presents the same cross-section for the folded up support. FIG. 8
presents the support folded up from a cross-sectional view
perpendicular to the two preceding ones and which corresponds to
the top of the support, whereas FIG. 9 corresponds to bottom;
[0036] FIGS. 10 and 11 are respectively cross-sectional and inside
views of the same support presented in an arrangement allowing an
integral one-piece, one shot, injection molding;
[0037] FIGS. 12 to 14 show the integration of the support to a
wallet type calculator case. FIG. 12 shows a top view of the
calculator and its open case, whereas the collapsible support is
folded up. FIG. 13 shows the same from a side view whereas the case
is open and the support is deployed. FIG. 14 is also a side view,
but here the support is folded up and the case is closed;
[0038] FIGS. 15 to 17 show an alternative of the support, which is
here, integrated into a sliding protective lid of a calculator, and
whose alternative consists in using one of the components of the
support to maintain the support in collapsed state. FIG. 15 is a
side view of the calculator inserted in its protective lid in
protection mode, with its support folded up. FIG. 16 corresponds to
the same configuration with a view from the lower end of the
calculator. FIG. 17 shows the calculator inserted in its protective
lid, in a usage mode, whereas the support is deployed;
[0039] FIGS. 18 to 21 show from longitudinal cross-sectional views
of the same previous application how the support is deployed, and
how it is maintained in its collapsed state. FIG. 18 shows the
support completely deployed, FIG. 19 shows it when being folded,
FIG. 20 shows a component of the support in it phase to be folded
back under the surface of the lid and finally FIG. 21 shows how
this component is maintained by the calculator under the surface of
the lid;
[0040] FIG. 22 shows the side of a digital oscilloscope for which
two supports, shown here deployed, are combined in order to elevate
and to tilt the oscilloscope. FIG. 23 corresponds to the same
article from an underneath view and for which the front support is
shown folded up and the back support is shown deployed;
[0041] FIGS. 24 to 27 show from different views a ring binder
having a rigid cover and equipped with a collapsible support. FIG.
24 shows this article whereas its support is folded up and its
cover closed. FIG. 25 is a back view whereas its cover is opened
and its support folded up. FIG. 26 shows the article from a side
view laying on a working surface whereas its cover is opened and
its support deployed. FIG. 27 is a perspective view from beneath
whereas the cover is opened and the support deployed;
[0042] FIG. 28 is a perspective back view of a similar article but
for which a small pocket is added to the support, and for whom the
geometrical shape of one of the components of the support differs
slightly;
[0043] The FIG. 29A is a perspective back view of a collapsible
support, which is attached to the surface of a pocket computer. The
FIG. 29B shows the construction of this support from a flat plastic
strip.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] In contexts requiring tilting or elevating an object from
another surface or maintaining a spacing or an angle between two
surfaces, it can be desirable for various reasons to use a support
that is collapsible, simple, compact and robust without having to
significantly modify the design of the object nor to require a
substantial material addition.
[0045] The present invention fulfills these requirements.
[0046] The recommended approach consists of combining to a
generally flat, rectangular and rigid member both the function of
support and that of external structure of an object, that is to say
its case, its protective lid or its cover. These two functions
being ensured in alternation by the mobility of the rigid member
that is attached to the remainder of the object by an
articulation.
[0047] FIGS. 1 to 3 show from various points of view such a support
integrated into the case of an object, which is here a pocket
computer incorporating a liquid crystal display 2 and buttons 3. On
these figures the support is shown deployed. FIGS. 1 and 2 are
respectively front and rear perspective views of the pocket
computer and its support. FIG. 3 is a side view of the article
posed on a working surface 16 represented in a cross-sectional
view.
[0048] The support is made up of a mobile rigid part 4 attached to
the bottom of the case surface 8 with an articulation 5. This
articulation 5 is located between a linear section of contour of
the mobile part 4 and the corresponding linear section internal to
the framework 17 formed by the area where the mobile part is
embedded. The liberty of rotation of this mobile part 4 around the
articulation axe 5 is limited by a flexible band 6 which is
attached on one end near the other side of the mobile part 4 with
an articulation 7 and on the other end to the surface of case 8
along another linear section of contour internal to the framework
17 on the bottom of the article by another articulation 9.
[0049] The axes of the three articulations 5, 7 and 9 are parallel
between them and form a triangle in the plan that is perpendicular
to them. The shape of this triangle is clearly visible in FIG.
3.
[0050] The shape of this triangle and consequently the stability of
the inclination of the pocket computer laying on a working surface
16 are ensured by: the rigidity of the mobile part 4, the rigidity
of the bottom surface of the case 8, the resistance to elongation
of the flexible band 6, the gravitational force of the pocket
computer which causes the opening of the mobile part 4 which is in
contact with the working surface 16 and which also cause to tighten
the flexible band 6.
[0051] The distribution of the multiple forces over the width of
each component of the support provides a great robustness even when
very thin and easily dissimulated components are used. This is a
significant aspect of the invention.
[0052] The flexible band 6 consists of two sections 11 and 12
linked together by another articulation 10 parallel to the others
three.
[0053] All these articulations are in this case create by a
thinning along their axis of the plastic of which the support is
made up. A protective internal sheet 13 prevents external objects
to come in contact with the electronic components located inside
the pocket computer.
[0054] The strip 14 and the notch 15 into which it fits are
provided to grab and deploy the mobile section. This functionality
is more explicit from the figures that follow.
[0055] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate how the support is folded up and
embedded into the case surface 8.
[0056] FIG. 4 shows the support in its way to be collapsed. Thus,
the mobile part 4 started a rotation around the articulation 5
connecting it to the lower surface of case 8. The flexible band 6
started to fold along the articulation 10 connecting the two parts
11 and 12. One can initiate the folding of the support by pressing
the central area of the flexible band 6 in direction of the
articulation 5, and completing it by pressing directly on the
mobile part 4 toward the pocket computer.
[0057] The rigidity of parts 11 and 12 is sufficient for them to
dissimulate flatly between the mobile part 4 and the protective
internal sheet 13. These two parts 11 and 12 are preferably as thin
as resistance and rigidity allows it while allowing a flat fold. In
another preferential embodiment, one could combine a rigid part
with a flexible part, the first tightening the second when folding
up, or to combine two semi-rigid parts. In still another
preferential design, the flexible band 6 could be made up of
flexible material such as fabrics whose one end would be stuck to
the mobile part 4 and whose other end would be stuck to the surface
of case 8.
[0058] FIG. 5 shows the support completely folded up and
dissimulated within framework 17 of case surface 8 to become part
of it. The strip 14 fits into notch 15 practiced in the case
surface 8.
[0059] FIGS. 6 to 9 show the construction detail of the
support.
[0060] FIG. 6 shows from a cross-sectional view of the deployed
support the components mentioned previously and a notch 50 included
into the internal face of the mobile part 4. This notch sized to
fit parts 11 and 12 of the flexible band when the support is
folded.
[0061] FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 correspond to the folded support. FIGS. 7
and 9 show how parts 11 and 12 of the flexible band are placed one
face against the other inside notch 50.
[0062] FIGS. 8 and 9 are respectively cross-sectional views
perpendicular to those of FIG. 7 along the dotted lines A and B.
FIG. 9 shows the bevel edges 53 of the mobile part 4 and of border
54 of the case surface 8. The extremity edge 51 of the mobile part
4 and the corresponding edge 52 of the case surface 8 are also in
bevel. These edges in bevel 53, 54, 51 and 52 constitute a physical
constraint on which the mobile part come up against, thus limiting
the rotation of the mobile part 4 around the articulation axe 5 to
an orientation making this mobile part coplanar to surface 8. One
could prefer to use a different design for which the physical
constraint would come from edges which would be integrated into the
inside of the surface of case 8. In another design, various
internal parts to object could limit the penetration of the mobile
part of the support into the surface.
[0063] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken in the
center of the support and showing a particular arrangement of the
articulations allowing an integral one-piece, one shot, injection
molding of a plastics material such as polypropylene or a copolymer
of butadene and styrene. FIG. 11 is a view from the inside of the
support for this same arrangement.
[0064] Such a collapsible support could also be embedded on the
surface of a not perfectly plane object by having its mobile part
shape harmonized to the object external surface.
[0065] FIGS. 12 to 14 show the same support in a different
application. Here it is integrated into the protective case of a
booklet type calculator. As before, the collapsible support is used
for tilting purpose, but this time the support is used in an
inverted manner compared to preceding application.
[0066] FIG. 12 is a top view of the calculator 101 comprising a
display 102, buttons 103 and a protective case 125 that is showed
open. On this figure the collapsible support not deployed.
[0067] Case 125 is made up of vinyl 124 covering a paperboard 123.
The vinyl cover 124 is sealed on its edge and along its central
articulation 126 by heating.
[0068] FIG. 13 is a side view whereas the support is deployed and
the case is open. The support thus allows maintaining an angle
between the case surface 125 and the lower part of calculator
101.
[0069] As for the pocket computer describes previously, the support
is made up of a mobile part 104, a flexible band 106 which is
constitute of two parts 111 and 112 linked together by an
articulation 110, and articulations 105, 107 and 109. Articulations
105 and 109 respectively bind the mobile part 104 and the flexible
band 106 to a rigid planar section 108 into which it fits in when
the support is folded. It also includes a strip 114 and a notch
115. The rigid plane section 108 is inserted in cover 124 in which
an opening 127 is practiced allowing the deployment of the
support.
[0070] FIG. 14 is a side view of the calculator and its case. In
this figure the support is folded up and the case is closed.
[0071] These three figures also show the lower end of the
calculator that is connected to an edge 122 of the case with a
Velcro (trade mark) fastening 121. Two other Velcro fastenings 120
are attached under the calculator upper part and the corresponding
facing position on the case inside surface 125 in order to maintain
the computer in place when the support is folded up. During the
deployment of the support, the Velcro fastenings 120 separate, the
120A part remaining stuck to the calculator and the 120B part
remaining stuck to the case 125, as showed on FIG. 13.
[0072] For a slightly different application, an alternative to the
invention adds a significant additional functionality.
[0073] This alternative consists in using the flexible band to
maintain the support in its folded position. This alternative can
be applied whenever there is temporarily access to sufficient space
inside the object to allow folding back of the flexible band.
[0074] This is the case for the type of calculator illustrated in
FIGS. 15 to 21.
[0075] This calculator 201 has a removable protective lid 208.
Calculator 201 is provided with two grooves 260 along its sides
allowing the edges 261 of the lid 208 to slip into and thus to
maintain the lid attached to the calculator.
[0076] To obtain a protection, calculator 201 is inserted in its
lid 208, buttons 203 facing lid 208 as illustrated on the FIGS. 15
and 16 that are respectively side and end views. For these two
figures the collapsible support is folded up. Articulation 210 is
the only visible on FIG. 16.
[0077] To be usable, the calculator is inserted with its buttons
facing up as illustrated on FIG. 17, which shows calculator 201
with its collapsible support deployed. It is made up of: a mobile
part 204, a flexible band 206 which is constitute of the two parts
211 and 212 linked together by an articulation 210, and
articulations 205, 207, 209. Here still, the articulations are
built by a thinning of the plastic of which the support is made
up.
[0078] The deployment and the folding of the support are done
whereas the lid is withdrawn in order to allow the folding back of
the flexible band. FIGS. 18 to 20 illustrate from cross-sectional
views how it is done. It consists in folding back part 212 up to
the back of surface 208 of the protective lid inside of which a
cavity 275 is integrated to partly place the flexible band and to
make a thinner arrangement. In another preferential embodiment, one
could prefer not to use a cavity in order to maximize the
robustness of the lid.
[0079] FIG. 21 is cross-sectional view showing a section of
calculator 201 inserted in its lid 208 whereas its support is shown
folded up. Thus, it is no more possible to deploy the support,
which is blocked by the calculator. The rigidity of part 211 of the
flexible band ensures a firm maintain of part 204, which remains
embedded in lid 208.
[0080] FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate how two collapsible supports can
be combined to raise and incline a digital oscilloscope.
[0081] In this application, two collapsible supports are integrated
into the bottom surface 308 of a digital oscilloscope 301
comprising a liquid crystal display 302 and buttons 303.
[0082] In FIG. 22, the oscilloscope is shown from a side view, with
its supports deployed, and put on a working surface 316 shown from
a cross-sectional view. FIG. 23 is a bottom view showing the front
support folded up and the rear support deployed.
[0083] The front support is constitute of a mobile part 304A, a
flexible band made up of two rigid parts 311A and 312A linked
together by a hinge 310A, and the hinges 305A, 307A and 309A.
Similarly the back support is constitute of a mobile part 304B, a
flexible band made up of two rigid parts 311B and 312B linked
together by a hinge 310B, and the hinges 305B, 307B, 309B. The back
and rear supports are placed respectively in the cavities 317A and
317B located in surface 308 of the case.
[0084] For this application, piano type hinges was used. Trapezoids
shapes were given to the sections 311B and 312B to reduce the
quantity of material while keeping a good robustness of the
support. In the same way, it would be possible to subdivide the
sections 311B and 312B in distinct parts distributed along their
articulations. Several smaller collapsible supports could also be
used.
[0085] FIGS. 24 to 27 illustrate another significant aspect of the
invention and show the integration of the collapsible support in an
article having an articulated rigid cover. The article shown is a
ring binder having a foldable cover. This type of cover generally
consists of paperboard covered with a vinyl material or is entirely
made up of a plastic sheet material. Here, the figures illustrate a
ring binder made of plastic sheet material. The binder ring
assembly having a series of rings is of standard construction. This
is of particular interest of the invention regarding manufacturing
costs. The invention is compatible with other rigid or semi-rigid
material cover, and with other binder assembly such as clips
bonding, vertebrate spiral page retainer and conventional
bookbinding.
[0086] On FIG. 24 the cover is folded whereas for the three
following ones it is open. On FIGS. 26 and 27 the support is
deployed.
[0087] FIG. 25 shows the cover made of three sections which are: a
front cover 508A and a rear cover 508C which are respectively
connected to a side cover 508B by two vertically aligned hinges
pairs 526A and 526A', and 526B and 526B'. The central area of this
cover forms a rectangular framework 517 which is occupied by a
mobile part made up of three rigid sections 504A, 504B and 504C
connected between them by the vertical hinges 527A and 527B which
are the continuation of the vertical hinges of the cover. The three
sections 504A, 504B and 504C of this central part are respectively
connected to the sections 508A, 508B and 508C by a single
horizontal hinge 505.
[0088] This central part constitutes the mobile part of the
collapsible support. Its vertical hinges are thus integrating the
continuation of the cover hinges to allow folding, as illustrated
on FIG. 24. When this central part and the remainder of the cover
are flatly open, the support can be deployed by rotation around
hinge 505 until full extension of band 506, as illustrated on FIG.
26. In this figure, which is a side view of the ring binder having
its cover open, its support deployed and resting on a working
surface 516 that is shown in cross-section, it is possible to see
the binder ring assembly made of rings 522, rings opening levers
521A and 521B and spine bar 523. This ring binder assembly is
fastened near its ends to the side cover by rivets 520A and 520B,
which are apparent on FIGS. 24, 25 and 27.
[0089] FIG. 27 is perspective view from the bottom of the same
article showing a vertical separation in two parts of the flexible
band. On one part, sections 511A and 512A of the flexible band,
which are connected between them by a hinge 510A respectively,
connect the end of the section 504A to the section 508A of the
cover by the hinges 507A and 509A. On the other part, sections 511B
and 512B of the flexible band, which are connected between them by
a hinge 510B respectively, connect the end of the section 504B to
the section 508B of the cover by the hinges 507B and 509B.
[0090] The vertical splitting of the flexible band over a region
where the cover fold allows a better cover folding. Here this
region also corresponds to the binder assembly region. However the
collapsible support could also be integrated on binder having its
binder assembly attached to rear cover instead of side cover.
[0091] In another design, the flexible band could be folded back
under the cover to maintain the support folded up as previously
described.
[0092] The described hinges arrangement combined to an angle
between the mobile part 504 of the deployed support and surfaces
508 of the cover less than 90 degrees have the benefic effect of
maintaining the cover open when the support is deployed, thus
facilitating the binder handling. On the opposite the hinges
arrangement alone has the benefic effect of maintaining the support
folded up when the cover is close. However, in order to obtain a
firmness folding of support, a similar design could include Velcro
fasteners on surfaces parts 511A and 511B and on their counterpart
512A and 512B facing them. In another similar design, Velcro
fasteners could be fixed to the back of section 504B and to the
back of the binder ring assembly 523.
[0093] Because only a small part of the cover (which represent
approximately a sixth of total surface) is missing from the cover
when the support is deployed, the binder content is supported on a
large area located in periphery. This allows a good support to the
content. For a more rigid support, a design in which a thin sheet
is attached or superimposed on the cover from the inside can be
used. Well attached to the cover, this sheet, while thin,
nevertheless offers a good support because stresses will be applied
as tension as for the skin of a drum. This sheet could be attached
to the rings of the binder instead or located between the binder
ring assembly and the cover and fixed in place by the rivets 520A
and 520B.
[0094] FIG. 28 shows a cross-sectional rear view of a ring binder
similar to the one of the previous figures, but which has a small
transparent pocket 530 attached to its support and into which a
sheet of paper 531 is inserted. This pocket can be used to display
a document title or relevant information to an audience facing a
speaker for example. The rounded corner support also differs in
shape from the previous rectangular one.
[0095] Printing or embossing information displayed on the external
surface of the mobile part of the support is also possible.
[0096] The integration of the collapsible support to an articulated
cover may not always involve the continuation of all of the cover
hinges on the mobile part of the support. This is the case for a
portfolio having a paper clip on its back cover upper border. In
that case, the weight of the contents is always kept in the
vertical axe of the back cover, and thus it is not necessary to
extend the support beyond to the back cover. No continuation of the
cover hinges will be necessary in this case. As another example, a
ring binder having its side cover so wide that the mass center of
the content would be always located somewhere over the side and
rear cover will requires the integration of only one hinge of the
cover.
[0097] FIGS. 29A and 29B show a collapsible support which is
attached to surface 708 of a pocket computer 701 by two
self-adhesive bands 727A and 727B.
[0098] This support is manufactured from a single polypropylene
strip 750 having a thickness of 0.5 mm, which is shown flat on FIG.
29B. The support is made up of: a mobile section 704 which serves
as support, the sections 711 and 712 which are folded up under the
first section when the support is folded up, and extremities 726A
and 726B which sticks to surface 708 with the self-adhesive bands
727A and 727B. Hinges 705, 707, 710 and 709 ensure the folding and
the deployment of the support as illustrated on FIG. 29A. Thinning
of material creates these hinges.
[0099] The support is handled using tab 714. The tab is attached to
section 704 by a hinge 707 and is made up from a part of section
711. Under this tab there is the first part 720A of a Velcro
fastener that is attached to the second part 720B. This second part
is stuck on the section 726B. This fastener is used to maintain the
support folded up.
[0100] A self-adhesive rubber band 728 is fixed in the lower part
of surface 708 to prevent the pocket computer from slipping to a
working surface.
[0101] In an alternative preferential design, the opposite face of
any of the two sections 726A and 726B could be stuck to surface
708, by folding up these sections under the support and not towards
the ends of the pocket computer. Section 726B being thus folded up,
the 720B part of Velcro fastener would be stuck directly on surface
708.
[0102] In the same way, in an alternative preferential design,
sections 711 and 712 could be folded up towards lower of the pocket
computer when the support is fold up, and not under section 704. In
this design, the 720A parts and 720B of the Velcro fasteners would
be stuck respectively on sections 712 and 708.
[0103] Similar self-adhesive support having vertical hinges can be
used to tilt articulated cover such as ring binders. These support
comprised vertical hinges having spacing corresponding to the
binder thickness. In an alternate conception a multitude of hinges
are integrated in order to accommodate binders of various
thickness. Here again, the flexible band may be vertically split to
facilitate folding of the cover.
* * * * *