U.S. patent application number 12/194301 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-08 for modular support device.
This patent application is currently assigned to WISTRON CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Ming-Hui KAO, Chia-Hsin LIU.
Application Number | 20090250583 12/194301 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41132385 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090250583 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LIU; Chia-Hsin ; et
al. |
October 8, 2009 |
Modular Support Device
Abstract
A modular support device is adapted to support at least one
article, and includes at least one base and two foot bases. The
base includes a base body, and two slidable connecting members
extending transversely and respectively in opposite directions from
two opposite sides of the base body. The two foot bases are
provided at the two opposite sides of the base body and are
connectible respectively to the two slidable connecting members.
Each foot base is slidable along the respective one of the slidable
connecting members to adjust a distance with the base body. The
foot bases and the base cooperatively support the at least one
article. The number of the bases may be varied with the number of
the articles without requiring additional foot bases, thereby
providing an expansion mechanism. The combined space and width of
the modular support device and the article can also be reduced.
Inventors: |
LIU; Chia-Hsin; (Hsichih,
TW) ; KAO; Ming-Hui; (Hsichih, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OVERHAUSER LAW OFFICES, LLC;DOCKETING DEPARTMENT
737 W. GREEN MEADOWS DRIVE, SUITE 300
GREENFIELD
IN
46140
US
|
Assignee: |
WISTRON CORPORATION
Taipei Hsien
TW
|
Family ID: |
41132385 |
Appl. No.: |
12/194301 |
Filed: |
August 19, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/346.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/181 20130101;
A47B 45/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/346.3 |
International
Class: |
A47B 45/00 20060101
A47B045/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 2, 2008 |
TW |
097205635 |
Claims
1. A modular support device adapted to support at least one
article, said modular support device comprising: a base including a
base body and at least two slidable connecting members extending
transversely and respectively in opposite directions from two
opposite sides of said base body; and two foot bases disposed on
the two opposite sides of said base body and connectible
respectively to said two slidable connecting members, each of said
foot bases being slidable along the respective one of said slidable
connecting members to adjust a distance with said base body, each
of said foot bases cooperating with said base body of said base to
support the article.
2. The modular support device according to claim 1, wherein said
base body has a plate member that is disposed generally
perpendicular to said slidable connecting members, each of said
foot bases including a limiting member that is spaced apart from
said plate member and that cooperates with said plate member for
sandwiching the article therebetween.
3. The modular support device according to claim 1, wherein said
base body has two first support members that are disposed at a
level higher than that of said slidable connecting members, each of
said foot bases including a second support member disposed at
substantially the same level as said first support members, each of
said first support members cooperating with said second support
member of a respective one of said foot bases for supporting the
article.
4. The modular support device according to claim 1, wherein said
two slidable connecting members are, respectively, an elongate
first slidable connecting member and an elongate second slidable
connecting member, one of said two foot bases including a first
slidable connecting member that is connectible to said second
slidable connecting member of said base, the other of said two foot
bases including a second slidable connecting member that is
connectible to said first slidable connecting member of said
base.
5. The modular support device according to claim 2, wherein said
base body has two first support members that are disposed at a
level higher than that of said slidable connecting members and on
two opposite sides of said plate member, each of said foot bases
including a second support member that is disposed at substantially
the same level as said first support members, said first support
members cooperating with said second support members of said foot
bases for supporting the article.
6. The modular support device according to claim 5, wherein said
two slidable connecting members are, respectively, an elongate
first slidable connecting member and an elongate second slidable
connecting member, one of said two foot bases including a first
slidable connecting member that is connectible to said second
slidable connecting member of said base, the other of said two foot
bases including a second slidable connecting member that is
connectible to said first slidable connecting member of said
base.
7. The modular support device according to claim 6, wherein each of
said second slidable connecting members has a plurality of
transversely extending positioning grooves, each of said first
slidable connecting members having a resilient arm, said resilient
arm including a positioning tooth that is engageable with one of
said positioning grooves at a selected position.
8. The modular support device according to claim 7, wherein each of
said first slidable connecting members extends into the respective
one of said second slidable connecting members, each of said second
slidable connecting members having a top plate, and a plurality of
blocking portions for abutting against a bottom end of the
respective one of said first slidable connecting members, said
positioning grooves being formed in an inner surface of said top
plate of each of said second slidable connecting members, each of
said first slidable connecting members having a top wall, said
resilient arm including a connecting portion and a press portion,
said connecting portion having one end connected to said top wall,
said positioning tooth projecting from a top face of said
connecting portion, said press portion extending downwardly from
the other end of said connecting portion and being capable of being
manipulated to bring said connecting portion to move therewith so
as to disengage said positioning tooth of said resilient arm from
said positioning grooves.
9. The modular support device according to claim 7, wherein each of
said second slidable connecting members extends into the respective
one of said first slidable connecting members, each of said second
slidable connecting members having a side plate, said positioning
grooves being formed in an outer surface of said side plate, each
of said first slidable connecting members having a top wall, a
sidewall connected to one side of said top wall, and a plurality of
blocking portions for abutting against a bottom end of the
respective one of said second slidable connecting members, said
resilient arm including a connecting portion and a press portion,
said connecting portion having one end connected to said sidewall,
said positioning tooth projecting from an inner side face of said
connecting portion, said press portion being connected pivotally to
a bottom face of said top wall and being accessible from said
sidewall, said press portion being capable of being manipulated to
bring said connecting portion to move therewith so as to disengage
said positioning tooth of said resilient arm from said positioning
grooves.
10. The modular support device according to claim 1, wherein said
base includes four of said slidable connecting members, which are
substantially elongated and which are, respectively, two first
slidable connecting members that are disposed at the two opposite
sides of said base body, that extend transversely and respectively
in opposite directions from the two opposite sides of said base
body, and that are arranged along a straight line, and two second
slidable connecting members that are disposed at the two opposite
sides of said base body, that extend transversely in opposite
directions from the two opposite sides of said base body, and that
are arranged along another straight line, each of said foot bases
including a first slidable connecting member that is connectible to
a respective one of said second slidable connecting members of said
base, and a second slidable connecting member that is connectible
to a respective one of said first slidable connecting members of
said base.
11. A modular support device adapted to support a plurality of
articles, said modular support device comprising: a plurality of
interconnected bases, each of said bases including a base body, and
a first slidable connecting member and a second slidable connecting
member extending transversely and respectively in opposite
directions from two opposite sides of said base body, said first
slidable connecting member of one of said bases in each adjacent
pair of said bases being connectible to said second slidable
connecting member of the other of said bases in the respective
adjacent pair of said bases, said bases in each adjacent pair being
slidable relative to each other by means of said first and second
slidable connecting members thereof so as to adjust a distance
between said base bodies thereof, said base bodies of each adjacent
pair of said bases being adapted to support one of the articles
thereon.
12. A modular support device adapted to support a plurality of
articles, said modular support device comprising: a plurality of
interconnected bases, each of said bases including a base body, and
a first slidable connecting member and a second slidable connecting
member extending transversely and respectively in opposite
directions from two opposite sides of said base body, said first
slidable connecting member of one of said bases in each adjacent
pair of said bases being connectible to said second slidable
connecting member of the other of said bases in the respective
adjacent pair of said bases, said bases in each adjacent pair being
slidable relative to each other along said first and second
slidable connecting members thereof so as to adjust a distance
between said base bodies thereof; and two foot bases respectively
connected to a distal pair of said bases that are disposed at two
opposite distal ends of said plurality of interconnected bases, one
of said foot bases being connected to said first slidable
connecting member of one of said bases in said distal pair, the
other of said foot bases being connected to said second slidable
connecting member of the other of said bases in said distal pair,
each of said foot bases being slidable along a corresponding one of
said first and second slidable connecting members of the respective
one of said bases in said distal pair so as to adjust a distance
between each of said foot bases and said base body of the
respective one of said bases in said distal pair, said foot bases
and said base bodies of said bases being adapted to support the
plurality of articles thereon.
13. The modular support device according to claim 12, wherein said
bases in said distal pair and said foot bases are detachably
connected to each other.
14. The modular support device according to claim 13, wherein said
base body of each of said bases has a plate member that is disposed
generally perpendicular to said first and second slidable
connecting members, each of said foot bases including a limiting
member spaced apart from said plate member of said base body of the
respective one of said bases in said distal pair, said plate
members of said base bodies of said bases and said limiting members
of said foot bases being adapted to sandwich the plurality of
articles thereamong.
15. The modular support device according to claim 14, wherein each
of said base bodies has two first support members disposed at a
level higher than that of said first and second slidable connecting
members and on two opposite sides of said plate member thereof,
each of said foot bases including a second support member disposed
at substantially the same level as said first support members, said
first support members of said base bodies and said second support
members of said foot bases being adapted for supporting the
plurality of articles.
16. The modular support device according to claim 15, wherein said
one of said foot bases has a second slidable connecting member
connected to said first slidable connecting member of said one of
said bases in said distal pair, and said other of said foot bases
has a first slidable connecting member connected to said second
slidable connecting member of said other of said bases in said
distal pair.
17. The modular support device according to claim 16, wherein each
of said second slidable connecting members has a plurality of
transversely extending positioning grooves, and each of said first
slidable connecting members has a resilient arm, said resilient arm
including a positioning tooth for engaging one of said positioning
grooves at a selected position.
18. The modular support device according to claim 17, wherein each
of said first slidable connecting members is extendible into the
respective one of said second slidable connecting members, each of
said second slidable connecting members having a top plate, and a
plurality of blocking portions for abutting against a bottom end of
the respective one of said first slidable connecting members, said
positioning grooves being formed in an inner surface of said top
plate of each of said second slidable connecting members, each of
said first slidable connecting members having a top wall, said
resilient arm including a connecting portion and a press portion,
said connecting portion having one end connected to said top wall,
said positioning tooth projecting from a top face of said
connecting portion, said press portion extending downwardly from
the other end of said connecting connection and being capable of
being manipulated to bring said connecting portion to move
therewith so as to disengage said positioning tooth of said
resilient arm from said positioning grooves.
19. The modular support device according to claim 17, wherein each
of said second slidable connecting members is extendible into the
respective one of said first slidable connecting members, each of
said second slidable connecting members having a side plate, said
positioning grooves being formed in an outer surface of said side
plate, each of said first slidable connecting members having a top
wall, a sidewall connected to one side of said top wall, and a
plurality of blocking portions for abutting against a bottom end of
the respective one of said second slidable connecting members, said
resilient arm including a connecting portion and a press portion,
said connecting portion having one end connected to said sidewall,
said positioning tooth projecting from an inner side face of said
connecting portion, said press portion being pivotally connected to
a bottom face of said top wall and being accessible from said
sidewall, said press portion being capable of being manipulated to
bring said connecting portion to move therewith so as to disengage
said positioning tooth of said resilient arm from said positioning
grooves.
20. The modular support device according to claim 12, wherein each
of said bases includes four of said slidable connecting members,
which are substantially elongated and which are, respectively, two
first slidable connecting members that are disposed at the two
opposite sides of said base body thereof, that extend transversely
and respectively in opposite directions from the two opposite sides
of said base body thereof, and that are arranged along a straight
line, and two second slidable connecting members that are disposed
at the two opposite sides of said base body thereof, that extend
transversely in opposite directions from the two opposite sides of
said base body thereof, and that are arranged along another
straight line, each of said foot bases including first and second
slidable connecting members that are connectible respectively to
said second and first slidable connecting members of the
corresponding one of said bases in said distal pair.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority of Taiwanese Application
No. 097205635, filed on Apr. 2, 2008.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a modular support device, more
particularly to a modular support device with an expansion
mechanism for supporting different numbers of articles.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional support device
100 includes two foot bases 1 that are interconnected movably. Each
of the foot bases 1 includes a base body 11, and a first slidable
connecting member 12 and a second slidable connecting member 13
that extend transversely and respectively from an inner side of the
base body 11 and that are spaced apart from each other. The first
slidable connecting member 12 has two spaced-apart resilient arms
122 disposed on a top wall 121 thereof. Each of the resilient arms
122 has a first arm portion 123, a second arm portion 124, and a
plurality of positioning teeth 125. The first arm portion 123 has
one end connected to the top wall 121. The second arm portion 124
is connected to the other end of the first arm portion 123 and is
adapted to be manipulated. The positioning teeth 125 are provided
on and project from a top face of the first arm portion 123. The
second slidable connecting member 13 has a plurality of positioning
grooves 132, and a plurality of blocking portions 133 disposed
proximate to a bottom end thereof. The positioning grooves 132 are
formed in an inner wall surface of a top wall 131.
[0006] During assembly of the two foot bases 1, the first slidable
connecting member 12 of the left foot base 1 is extended into the
second slidable connecting member 13 of the right foot base 1, and
the first slidable connecting member 12 of the right foot base 1 is
extended into the second slidable connecting member 13 of the left
foot base 1, so that the positioning teeth 125 of the resilient arm
122 of the first slidable connecting member 12 of each of the foot
bases 1 engage the positioning grooves 132 in the second slidable
connecting member 13 of the other of the foot bases 1, and the
blocking portions 133 of the second slidable connecting member 13
of each of the foot bases 1 abut against a bottom end of the first
slidable connecting member 12 of the other of the foot bases 1,
thereby completing assembly of the two foot bases 1. When the
support device 100 is in use, the base bodies 11 of the two foot
bases 1 are pushed toward each other so as to shorten a distance
between the two base bodies 11. Alternatively, the second arm
portions 124 of the resilient arms 122 are manipulated
respectively, so that the positioning teeth 125 of the resilient
arms 122 respectively disengage from the positioning grooves 132 to
permit outward pulling of the base bodies 11 of the two foot bases
1 in opposite directions, thereby lengthening the distance between
the two base bodies 11.
[0007] With further reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a computer device 2
may be supported on a planar surface (not shown) using two support
devices 100 that are arranged one in front of the other, with
supporting portions 111 of the base bodies 11 supporting a bottom
surface of the computer device 2, and with the computer device 2
sandwiched between limiting portions 112 of the base bodies 11 that
flank left and right sides of the computer device 2. Thus, the
support devices 100 are able to support the computer device 2
stably on the planar surface. However, if a plurality of computer
devices 2 are arranged in juxtaposition and are supported by a
plurality of the support devices 100 on a planar surface, a lot of
space will be taken up. Moreover, a combined width (H) of the
computer devices 2 and the support devices 100 will increase with
the number of the computer devices 2 supported. In addition, in
order to support one computer device 2, two support devices 100
(i.e., four foot bases 1) need to be used. Since the support device
100 is not provided with any expansion mechanism, the more the
number of computer devices 2 to be supported, the more will be the
number of foot bases 1 that are needed, thereby resulting in
problems of increased manufacturing cost of the support devices
100, higher transport cost, and more inventory space.
[0008] Taiwanese Utility Model No. M315001 (Application No.
95222640) discloses a modular support device, which likewise does
not have any expansion mechanism, and which will also entail such
problems of increased manufacturing and transport costs, as well as
considerable inventory space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a modular support device having an expansion mechanism.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
modular support device that does not occupy much space in use, and
that permits a reduction in manufacturing cost.
[0011] The objects of the present invention and the solutions to
the technical problems may be realized using the following
technical means. The modular support device according to the
present invention is adapted to support at least one article, and
includes a base and two foot bases.
[0012] The base includes a base body, and two slidable connecting
members extending transversely and respectively in opposite
directions from two opposite sides of the base body. The foot bases
are provided at the two opposite sides of the base body and are
respectively connectible to the two slidable connecting members.
Each of the foot bases is slidable along the respective one of the
slidable connecting members to adjust a distance with the base
body. The foot bases and the base body of the base cooperatively
support the at least one article thereon.
[0013] The objects of the present invention and the solutions to
the technical problems can be further realized using the following
technical means.
[0014] In the aforesaid modular support device, the base body has a
plate member that is disposed generally perpendicular to the
slidable connecting members, and each of the foot bases includes a
limiting member that is spaced apart from the plate member and that
cooperates with the plate member for sandwiching the article
therebetween.
[0015] In the aforesaid modular support device, the base has two
first support members that are disposed at a level higher than that
of the slidable connecting members. Each of the foot bases includes
a second support member that is disposed at substantially the same
level as the first support members. The first support members
cooperate with the second support members for supporting the
article thereon.
[0016] In the aforesaid modular support device, the two slidable
connecting members are, respectively, an elongate first slidable
connecting member and an elongate second slidable connecting
member. One of the foot bases includes a first slidable connecting
member connectible to the second slidable connecting member of the
base. The other of the foot bases includes a second slidable
connecting member connectible to the first slidable connecting
member of the base.
[0017] In the aforesaid modular support device, each of the second
slidable connecting members has a plurality of transversely
extending positioning grooves. Each of the first slidable
connecting members has a resilient arm. The resilient arm includes
a positioning tooth for engaging one of the positioning grooves at
a selected position.
[0018] In the aforesaid modular support device, each of the first
slidable connecting members is extendible into the respective one
of the second slidable connecting members. Each of the second
slidable connecting members has a top plate, and a plurality of
blocking portions for abutting against a bottom end of the
respective one of the first slidable connecting members. The
positioning grooves are formed in an inner surface of the top plate
of each of the second slidable connecting members. Each of the
first slidable connecting members has a top wall. The resilient arm
includes a connecting portion and a press portion. The connecting
portion has one end connected to the top wall. The positioning
tooth is disposed on and projects from a top face of the connecting
portion. The press portion extends downwardly from the other end of
the connecting portion, and is capable of being manipulated to
bring the connecting portion to move therewith so as to disengage
the positioning tooth of the resilient arm from the positioning
grooves.
[0019] In the aforesaid modular support device, each of the second
slidable connecting members extends into the respective one of the
first slidable connecting members. Each of the second slidable
connecting members has a side plate. The positioning grooves are
formed in an outer surface of the side plate. Each of the first
slidable connecting members has a top wall, a sidewall connected to
one side of the top wall, and a plurality of blocking portions for
abutting against a bottom end of the respective one of the second
slidable connecting members. The resilient arm includes a
connecting portion and a press portion. The connecting portion has
one end connected to the sidewall. The positioning tooth is
disposed on and projects from an inner side face of the connecting
portion. The press portion is connected pivotally to a bottom face
of the top wall and is accessible from the sidewall. The press
portion is capable of being manipulated to bring the connecting
portion to move therewith so as to disengage the positioning tooth
of the resilient arm from the positioning grooves.
[0020] In the modular support device according to the present
invention, the arrangement of the base provides an expansion
mechanism. The number of the bases of the modular support device
can be varied with the number of the articles to be supported,
without requiring additional foot bases. Thus, the combined space
and width occupied by the modular support device and the articles
in use, as well as the manufacturing cost, can be reduced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent in the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings,
of which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional
support device;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the conventional support
device;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a plurality of the
conventional support devices supporting a plurality of computer
devices;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of FIG. 3;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first preferred
embodiment of a modular support device according to the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the first
preferred embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 7 is an exploded schematic bottom view of the first
preferred embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the first preferred embodiment
taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5 to illustrate how positioning teeth
of a first slidable connecting member of a base engage positioning
grooves in a second slidable connecting member of a foot base, and
how positioning teeth of a first slidable connecting member of
another foot base engage positioning grooves in a second slidable
connecting member of the base;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a schematic top view of the first preferred
embodiment when used to support a plurality of articles;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of FIG. 9;
[0032] FIG. 11 is an exploded schematic top view of a modified form
of the first preferred embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a partly exploded perspective view of the second
preferred embodiment of a modular support device according to the
present invention;
[0034] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the second preferred
embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 14 is a schematic top view of the second preferred
embodiment when used to support articles;
[0036] FIG. 15 is a schematic front view of the second preferred
embodiment when used to support articles;
[0037] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the third
preferred embodiment of a modular support device according to the
present invention;
[0038] FIG. 17 is a fragmentary enlarged view of a base of the
third preferred embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 18 is a fragmentary schematic bottom view of the third
preferred embodiment; and
[0040] FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the third preferred
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Through a description of the preferred embodiments, the
technical means employed by the present invention to achieve the
intended objects, and the advantageous effects contemplated
thereby, can be better understood and appreciated. It is noted that
the accompanying drawings are for illustration and reference only,
and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
invention.
[0042] Before the present invention is described in greater detail,
it should be noted that like elements are denoted by the same
reference numerals throughout the disclosure.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first preferred embodiment
of a modular support device 200 according to the present invention
is adapted for supporting a plurality of articles 4 (see FIG. 9).
The articles 4 may be electronic devices, such as computer devices
or servers. The modular support device 200 includes a base 2 and
two foot bases 3 connected to two opposite sides of the base 2.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the base 2 includes a base
body 21, two first slidable connecting members 22 provided on
opposite left and right sides of the base body 21, and two second
slidable connecting members 23 provided on the opposite left and
right sides of the base body 21. The base body 21 is adapted to be
placed on a planar surface (not shown), and has a base portion 211,
a plate member 212 extending upwardly from a top face of the base
portion 211, and two pairs of first support members 213 provided on
the top face of the base portion 211 and located on opposite left
and right sides of the plate member 212. Each of the first support
members 213 is formed from a rubber material and has a level higher
than that of each of the first and second slidable connecting
members 22, 23. Each of the first support members 213 is adapted to
support the article 4 (see FIG. 9).
[0045] The first slidable connecting members 22 extend respectively
and transversely in opposite directions from the opposite left and
right sides of the base portion 211 of the base body 21. The second
slidable connecting members 23 also extend respectively and
transversely in opposite directions from the opposite left and
right sides of the base portion 211 of the base body 21. Each of
the first slidable connecting members 22 is arranged along a
straight line with a corresponding one of the second slidable
connecting members 23. In addition, each of the first and second
slidable connecting members 22, 23 is generally elongated in shape.
Each of the first slidable connecting members 22 has a top wall 221
and two resilient arms 222 provided on the top wall 221. Each of
the resilient arms 222 includes a connecting portion 223, a press
portion 224, and a plurality of positioning teeth 225. The
connecting portion 223 has one end connected to the top wall 221.
The positioning teeth 225 extend transversely and project from a
top face of the connecting portion 223. The press portion 224 is
generally L-shaped, and extends downwardly from the other end of
the connecting portion 223. The press portion 224 is adapted to be
manipulated so as to bring the connecting portion 223 and the
positioning teeth 225 to displace downwardly. Each of the second
slidable connecting members 23 has a top plate 231, two side plates
232 extending respectively and downwardly from two opposite sides
of the top plate 231, a plurality of positioning grooves 233, and a
plurality of blocking portions 234. The positioning grooves 233 are
formed in an inner surface of the top plate 231 in two rows and
extend transversely. The blocking portions 234 are formed at bottom
ends of the side plates 232.
[0046] Each of the foot bases 3 includes a base body 31, and a
first slidable connecting member 32 and a second slidable
connecting member 33 that extend respectively and transversely
inward from an inner side of the base body 31 and that are spaced
apart from each other. The base body 31 is adapted to be placed on
a planar surface, and has a generally L-shaped limiting member 311,
and two second support members 312 provided on an inner side of the
limiting member 311. Each of the second support members 312 is
disposed at substantially the same level as the first support
members 213 of the base 2, and is likewise used to support the
article 4. The first slidable connecting member 32 of each of the
foot bases 3 is identical to the first slidable connecting members
22 of the base 2 in structure, and is extendible into the
corresponding second slidable connecting member 23 of the base 2.
The blocking portions 234 of each of the second slidable connecting
members 23 abut against a bottom end of the first slidable
connecting member 32 of a respective one of the foot bases 3 so as
to prevent downward disengagement of the first slidable connecting
member 32 from the second slidable connecting member 23. The first
slidable connecting member 32 has a top wall 321 and two resilient
arms 322 provided on the top wall 321. Each of the resilient arms
322 includes a connecting portion 323 having one end connected to
the top wall 321, a press portion 324 formed at the other end of
the connecting portion 323, and a plurality of positioning teeth
325 provided on a top face of the connecting portion 323. The
positioning teeth 325 of the resilient arms 322 of the first
slidable connecting member 32 are engageable with the positioning
grooves 233 in the corresponding second slidable connecting member
23 at a selected position to thereby limit sliding movement of the
first slidable connecting member 32 relative to the second slidable
connecting member 23.
[0047] The second slidable connecting member 33 of each of the foot
bases 3 is identical to the second slidable connecting members 23
of the base 2 in structure, and permits extension of the
corresponding first slidable connecting member 22 of the base 2
thereinto. The second slidable connecting member 33 has a top plate
331, two side plates 332 extending respectively downward from two
opposite sides of the top plate 331, a plurality of positioning
grooves 333, and a plurality of blocking portions 334. The
positioning grooves 333 are formed in an inner surface of the top
plate 331 in two rows and extend transversely. The blocking
portions 334 of the second slidable connecting members 33 are
formed at bottom ends of the side plates 332, and abut against a
bottom end of the corresponding first slidable connecting member 22
so as to prevent downward disengagement of the first slidable
connecting member 22 from the second slidable connecting member 33.
The positioning teeth 225 of the resilient arms 222 of each of the
first slidable connecting members 22 are engageable with the
positioning grooves 333 in the corresponding second slidable
connecting member 33 at a selected position to thereby limit
sliding movement of the second slidable connecting member 33
relative to the first slidable connecting member 22.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, when assembling the modular
support device 200 of the present invention, the first slidable
connecting member 32 of one of the foot bases 3 is extended into
the second slidable connecting member 23 on the left side of the
base body 21 of the base 2, and the second slidable connecting
member 33 of said one of the foot bases 3 is sleeved onto the first
slidable connecting member 22 on the left side of the base body 21
of the base 2. Subsequently, the first slidable connecting member
32 of the other of the foot bases 3 is extended into the second
slidable connecting member 23 on the right side of the base body
21, and the second slidable connecting member 33 of said other of
the foot bases 3 is sleeved on the first slidable connecting member
22 on the right side of the base body 21, so that the positioning
teeth 325 on the first slidable connecting member 32 of each of the
foot bases 3 engage the positioning grooves 233 in the
corresponding second slidable connecting member 23 of the base 2,
and so that the positioning teeth 225 of each of the first slidable
connecting members 22 of the base 2 engage the positioning grooves
333 in the second slidable connecting member 33 of the
corresponding foot base 3. Thus, assembly of the modular support
device 200 is completed.
[0049] Since each of the positioning teeth 225, 325 has an oblique
face 226, 326, during the process of pushing the foot bases 3
toward the base body 21 of the base 2, the positioning teeth 225,
325 will displace downward under the pushing forces, so that the
first and second slidable connecting members 32, 33 of each of the
foot bases 3 are respectively slidable relative to the
corresponding second and first slidable connecting members 23, 22.
After the first and second slidable connecting members 32, 33 of
each of the foot bases 3 are respectively slid to target positions,
due to the resilient action of the resilient arms 322, 222, the
positioning teeth 325, 225 will respectively engage the positioning
grooves 233, 333 at the target positions, thereby locking the foot
bases 3 with respect to the base 2. Thus, the distance between the
base body 31 of each of the foot bases 3 and the base body 21 of
the base 2 can be shortened. In addition, by manipulating the press
portions 224, 324 of the resilient arms 222, 322 of the first
slidable connecting members 22, 32 simultaneously to bring the
positioning teeth 225, 325 of the resilient arms 222, 322 of the
first slidable connecting members 22, 32 to disengage from the
positioning grooves 333, 233 in the second slidable connecting
members 33, 23, respectively, the foot bases 3 can be pulled
outward so that the foot bases 3 are moved away from the base body
21 of the base 2. After the first and second slidable connecting
members 32, 33 are slid to target positions, due to the resilient
action of the resilient arms 322, 222, the positioning teeth 325,
225 will respectively engage the positioning grooves 233, 333 at
the target positions, thereby locking the foot bases 3 with respect
to the base 2. Thus, the distance between the base body 31 of each
of the foot bases 3 and the base body 21 of the base 2 can be
lengthened. Furthermore, since each of the positioning teeth 225,
325 is configured to have an upright face 227, 327 connected to the
oblique face 226, 326 thereof, when the press portions 224, 324 of
the resilient arms 222, 322 are not manipulated, the foot bases 3
can be prevented from being pulled away from the base body 21 of
the base 2 and from being separated therefrom.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in this embodiment, two modular
support devices 200 are arranged one in front of the other to
support two articles 4 on a planar surface. Since the first and
second slidable connecting members 32, 33 of each of the foot bases
3 are respectively slidable relative to the corresponding second
and first slidable connecting members 23, 22 of the base 2 to
adjust the distance between the base bodies 31, 21 thereof, the
distance between the base body 31 of each of the foot bases 3 and
the base body 21 of the base 2 may be varied depending on the width
of the article 4 to be supported. Thus, the first support members
213 on one side of the plate member 212 of the base 2 and the
second support members 312 of the foot base 3 on the same side as
the first support members 213 may support a bottom side of one of
the articles 4, with the plate member 212 of the base 2 and the
limiting member 311 of the corresponding foot base 3 flanking
opposite left and right sides of the article 4, whereby the article
4 can be steadily supported on the modular support device 200.
[0051] With the arrangement of the base 2 of the modular support
device 200, two modular support devices 200 (i.e., four foot bases
3) will be sufficient for supporting two articles 4 in this
embodiment. When it is desired to support more than two articles 4,
it is merely necessary to increase the number of the bases 2 of the
modular support devices 200. It is not necessary to increase the
number of the foot bases 3 with the number of the articles 4 to be
supported. Thus, the combined space and width occupied by the
modular support device 200 and the articles 4 in use can be
reduced. Moreover, the overall manufacturing cost of the modular
support device 200, the inventory space required by the foot bases
3, as well as the transport cost of the foot bases 3, can be
reduced.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 11, it is noted that, in this embodiment,
the base 2 may have one first slidable connecting member 22 and one
second slidable connecting member 23, one of the two foot bases 3
is provided with only one first slidable connecting member 32 for
coupling with the second slidable connecting member 23 of the base
2, and the other of the foot bases 3 is provided with only one
second slidable connecting member 33 for coupling with the first
slidable connecting member 22 of the base 2. The foot bases 3 can
be connected to and slid relative to the base 2 in the same manner.
However, the provision of two first slidable connecting members 22
and two second slidable connecting members 23 on the base 2 and the
provision of the first and second slidable connecting members 32,
33 on each of the foot bases 3 ensure better connection of the foot
bases 3 with the base 2, and can also prevent rotation of the foot
bases 3 relative to the base 2 due to external forces.
[0053] FIG. 12 illustrates the second preferred embodiment of a
modular support device 210 according to the present invention. The
modular support device 210 is substantially similar to that of the
first preferred embodiment in overall structure, and differs
therefrom mainly in that the modular support device 210 includes a
plurality of bases 2 that are detachably interconnected, and the
two foot bases 3 are respectively connected to the two bases 2 that
are at two opposite distal ends of the interconnected bases 2.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, as well as FIG. 12, in each
adjacent pair of the bases 2, the first and second slidable
connecting members 22, 23 of one of the bases 2 are slidably and
respectively connected to the second and first slidable connecting
members 23, 22 of the other of the bases 2 such that each adjacent
pair of the bases 2 are slidable relative to each other along the
first and second slidable connecting members 22, 23 to adjust the
distance between the base bodies 21 thereof. The foot bases 3 are
slidable by means of the first slidable connecting members 32, 22
and the second slidable connecting members 33, 23 so as to adjust
the distance with the base body 21 of the base 2 connected thereto.
Thus, the articles 4 can be supported on the first support members
213 of each adjacent pair of the base bodies 21, and on the second
support members 312 of each of the foot bases 3 together with the
first support members 213 of the base body 21 adjacent thereto.
Moreover, the articles 4 can be sandwiched between the plate
members 212 of each adjacent pair of the seat bodies 21, and
between the limiting member 311 of each foot base 3 and the plate
member 212 of the base body 21 adjacent thereto. Referring to FIGS.
14 and 15, in this embodiment, under the condition that the number
of the articles 4 is the same as the number of the computer devices
2 of the abovementioned prior art, due to the arrangement of the
bases 2, the combined width (W) occupied by the articles 4 and the
modular support device 210 in use is smaller than the width (H)
(see FIG. 4). The space taken up thereby is also reduced.
Furthermore, although the bases 2 are exemplified as three in
number in this embodiment, the number of the bases 2 should not be
limited thereto in other embodiments of the invention. The number
of the bases 2 may be varied depending on the number of the
articles 4 to be supported. In addition, if the modular support
device 210 dispenses with the two foot bases 3, the plurality of
interconnected bases 2 will still be able to support the articles
4.
[0055] FIGS. 16, 17, 18 and 19 illustrate the third preferred
embodiment of a modular support device 220 according to the present
invention. The modular support device 220 is substantially similar
to that of the first preferred embodiment in structure, and differs
therefrom mainly in the position and structure of the positioning
mechanism between the first and second slidable connecting members
22, 23 of the base 2 and the second and first slidable connecting
members 33, 32 of the foot bases 3.
[0056] In this embodiment, each of the first slidable connecting
members 22 of the base 2 has two sidewalls 228 extending downwardly
from two opposite sides of the top wall 221, and a plurality of
blocking portions 229 provided on bottom ends of the sidewalls 228
and abutting against a bottom end of the second slidable connecting
member 33 of the corresponding foot base 3. One end of the
connecting portion 223' of the resilient arm 222' of the first
slidable connecting member 22 is connected to an outer one of the
sidewalls 228. The positioning teeth 225' project from an inner
side face of the connecting portion 223'. The press portion 224' is
connected pivotally to a bottom face of the top wall 221 and is
accessible from the outer one of the sidewalls 228 for manipulation
purposes. The positioning grooves 233' in each of the second
slidable connecting members 23 of the base 2 are formed in an outer
surface of an outer one of the side plates 232.
[0057] The first slidable connecting member 32 of each of the foot
bases 3 is disposed for extension of the corresponding second
slidable connecting member 23 of the base 2 thereinto. The first
slidable connecting member 32 of each of the foot bases 3 has two
sidewalls 328 extending downwardly from two opposite sides of the
top wall 321. One end of the connecting portion 323' of the
resilient arm 322' of the first slidable connecting member 32 is
connected to an outer one of the sidewalls 328. Blocking portions
329 of the first slidable connecting member 32 are provided on the
bottom ends of the sidewalls 328 and abut against a bottom end of
the corresponding second slidable connecting member 23. The
positioning teeth 325' project from the inner side face of the
connecting portion 323' and engage the positioning grooves 233' in
the corresponding second slidable connecting member 23. The press
portion 324' is connected pivotally to the bottom face of the top
wall 321 and is accessible from the outer one of the sidewalls 328
for manipulation purposes. The second slidable connecting member 33
of each of the foot bases 3 is extendible into the corresponding
first slidable connecting member 22 of the base 2. The positioning
grooves 333' in the second slidable connecting member 33 of each of
the foot bases 3 are formed on an outer surface of an outer one of
the side plates 332 for engaging the positioning teeth 225' of the
corresponding first slidable connecting member 22 of the base
2.
[0058] Pushing each of the foot bases 3 toward the base body 21 of
the base 2 shortens the distance between the base body 31 of each
of the foot bases 3 and the base body 21 of the base 2. In
addition, manipulating the press portions 224', 324' of the
resilient arms 222', 322' of the first slidable connecting members
22, 32 simultaneously causes the press portions 224', 324' to push
the connecting portions 223', 323' to displace outwardly. When the
positioning teeth 225', 325' of the resilient arms 222', 322 are
disengaged from the positioning grooves 333', 233' in the second
slidable connecting members 33, 23, each of the foot bases 3 can be
pulled outwardly away from the base body 21 of the base 2 to
increase the distance between the base body 31 of each of the foot
bases 3 and the base body 21 of the base 2.
[0059] In sum, with the arrangement of the base 2, the modular
support device 200, 210, 220 according to the preferred embodiments
provides an expansion mechanism. The modular support device 200,
210, 220 may include a variable number of the bases 2 depending on
the number of the articles 4 to be supported, without needing to
increase the number of the foot bases 3 with the number of the
articles 4 to be supported. Thus, the combined space and width
occupied by the modular support device 200, 210, 220 and the
articles 4 in use can be reduced, and the overall manufacturing
cost of the modular support device 200, 210, 220 can be
lowered.
[0060] While the present invention has been described in connection
with what are considered the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is understood that this invention is not limited to
the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various
arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest
interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and
equivalent arrangements. In addition, it should be appreciated that
any of the embodiments of this invention or any of the claims as
appended hereto does not necessarily have to achieve all of the
objects, advantages or features disclosed herein. Moreover, the
title of the invention and the abstract of the disclosure are
provided herein to allow a searcher to quickly ascertain the
subject matter of the technical disclosure of any patent issued on
this application, and should not be relied upon to limit the scope
of protection sought for this invention.
* * * * *