U.S. patent application number 12/577186 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-15 for one piece fold flat easel.
Invention is credited to Bradley William Corrion.
Application Number | 20100090085 12/577186 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42098017 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100090085 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Corrion; Bradley William |
April 15, 2010 |
ONE PIECE FOLD FLAT EASEL
Abstract
In some embodiments a fold flat easel for the display of a
device folds open from a flat piece of plastic into an upright
standing position. Multiple position notches in the rear of a base
accept a kickstand and a foot and varies the resting angle of a
backrest. The backrest together with an arresting lip on the base
secures the device on the easel. The backrest is attached to the
kickstand and the base with flexible and durable living hinges. The
entire stand, including hinges, can be easily and cost effectively
fabricated from a single piece of plastic. Other embodiments are
described and claimed.
Inventors: |
Corrion; Bradley William;
(Chandler, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Bradley W Corrion
1256 E. Carob Pl.
Chandler
AZ
85286
US
|
Family ID: |
42098017 |
Appl. No.: |
12/577186 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61104262 |
Oct 10, 2008 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/459 ;
248/441.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 11/38 20130101;
F16M 13/00 20130101; F16M 11/10 20130101; A47B 23/043 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/459 ;
248/441.1 |
International
Class: |
A47B 97/08 20060101
A47B097/08; A47B 97/04 20060101 A47B097/04 |
Claims
1. A machine, comprising: a base sheet of rigid material of
predetermined size, said base sheet having a front edge and a top
surface; and at least one lip protruding above the top surface of
said base sheet positioned at a predetermined distance from and
parallel to the front edge of said base sheet; and a backrest
portion of said base delineated by a flexible joint running
parallel to the lip of said base sheet at a predetermined distance
from said lip; and at least one elongated kickstand portion of said
backrest portion delineated by a second flexible joint running
parallel to the lip of said base sheet and located at an end of
said kickstand portion; and a plurality of indentations located on
the top surface of said base sheet; whereby said backrest portion
may be raised rotationally while pivoting at said flexible joint,
said elongated kickstand portion may be rotated under said backrest
portion by pivoting at said second joint, said elongated kickstand
may rest in one of said plurality of indentations, securing said
elongated kickstand and supporting said backrest portion so that an
object may be propped up stably by said backrest portion, the top
surface of said base sheet, and at least one lip of said base
sheet.
2. The machine of claim 1 wherein said base sheet of rigid material
is composed of polypropylene plastic.
3. The machine of claim 1 wherein said base sheet of rigid material
is composed of polyethylene plastic.
4. The machine of claim 1 wherein said base sheet of rigid material
is manufactured with a single injection molding of plastic.
5. The machine of claim 4 wherein said flexible joint and said
second flexible joint are living hinges.
6. The machine of claim 1 wherein said base sheet of rigid material
is manufactured with a die-cut pressing of a sheet of plastic.
7. The machine of claim 6 wherein said flexible joint and said
second flexible joint are folded under pressure to induce a crease
line.
8. The machine of claim 1 wherein said base sheet, said backrest
portion and said kickstand portion lay flat in the same plain.
9. The machine of claim 1 wherein said kickstand incorporates a
foot to assist in aligning with said indentations.
10. The machine in claim 9 wherein said foot is cylindrical in
cross section; and said indentations are half cylindrical; whereby
said foot mates smoothly with said indentations at any angle of
said kickstand.
11. The machine in claim 9 wherein said foot is rectangular in
cross section; and said indentations are half rectangular.
12. The machine in claim 1 wherein whereby said foot mates with
said indentations at any angle of said kickstand by catching at
least one edge of said foot on at least one surface of said
indentation.
13. A machine, comprising: a base sheet of rigid material of
predetermined size, said base sheet having a front edge and a top
surface; and at least one lip protruding above the top surface of
said base sheet positioned at a predetermined distance from and
parallel to the front edge of said base sheet; and a backrest
portion of said base delineated by a flexible joint running
parallel to the lip of said base sheet at a predetermined distance
from said lip; and at least one elongated kickstand portion of said
base delineated by a second flexible joint running parallel to the
lip of said base sheet and located at an end of said kickstand
portion; and a plurality of indentations located on the bottom
surface of said backrest portion; whereby said backrest portion may
be raised rotationally while pivoting at said flexible joint, said
elongated kickstand portion may be rotated under said backrest
portion by pivoting at said second joint, said elongated kickstand
may rest in one of said plurality of indentations, securing said
elongated kickstand and supporting said backrest portion so that an
object may be propped up stably by said backrest portion, the top
surface of said base sheet, and at least one lip of said base
sheet.
14. The machine of claim 13 wherein said base sheet, said backrest
portion and said kickstand portion lay flat in the same plain.
15. The machine of claim 13 wherein said kickstand incorporates a
foot to assist in aligning with said indentations.
16. The machine of claim 13 wherein said base sheet of rigid
material is manufactured with a single piece of plastic.
17. A method of supporting a device at various viewing angles,
comprising: (a) providing a folding stand of the type comprising a
flat body of material having at least one vertically oriented lip
on one edge thereof, a backrest material subset of said body of
material attached via a folding seam, a support leg material subset
of said backrest attached via a folding seam, and a plurality of
resting wells on the top surface of the flat body of material; and
(b) placing said flat body of material on a stable surface; and (c)
folding said backrest material vertically; and (d) folding said
support leg away from said backrest; and (e) aligning said support
leg with one of said resting wells; and (f) lowering said backrest
until said support leg rests securely in one of said resting wells;
and (g) placing said viewing device so that the rear of said device
lays against said backrest, the bottom of said device lays on said
flat body of material, and the bottom front of said device lays
adjacent to said lip of said body of material; whereby the display
angle of said device can be easily adjusted by varying the position
of said backrest by moving said support leg among said plurality of
resting wells.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein said folding stand is composed
of polypropylene.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein said folding stand is composed
of polyethylene.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein said folding stand can be opened
from a flat, closed position and said folding stand can be closed
flat from an open position.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent
application Ser. No. 61/104,262, filed 2008 Oct. 10 by the present
inventor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] This invention generally relates to easels and display
stands.
[0004] 2. Prior Art
[0005] Easels and display stands are commonly used to display
artwork and signage but the recent rise in popularity of portable
electronics has created a new need for support stands. Users
require their devices to be supported upright on table tops and
desks as well as at various angles for the viewing of media
entertainment, monitoring email, or other functions of the
devices.
[0006] The traditional art easel, while recognized for its
simplicity in both three and four legged varieties, does not scale
down to a size appropriate for personal devices. Their typical
design includes a number of pieces that have to be assembled,
increasing cost and complexity. Easels designed with an eye for
portability often include additional pieces such as folding trays
and telescopic legs which increase complexity and frailty, and are
cumbersome at small scales.
[0007] Historically decorative plate stands have served a similar
purpose, and come in two forms. One is a bent wire stand that
creates a base, support arms, and a back from a single piece of
wire, but does not fold compactly for travel and normally has
limited, if any, display positioning angles. The other common form
is a symmetrically cut, flat hinged board that opens like a book.
When partially opened, the two sides create a base as well as a
cradle to support the device. While it folds flat they are limited
in the variety of devices they can support as well as the number of
positioning angles.
[0008] Kickstands represent another common form of support, which
is a leg that folds out from a stored position to provide a stable
base. This device props up horizontal object such as signage or a
photo frame. While the leg can fold flush to the object, the simple
nature of the kickstand means that typically a kickstand is
integrated into the device, there is no variability in the display
angle, and they occasionally require a piece of strapping to
prevent the kickstand from opening too widely and letting the
device fall.
[0009] The market for portable easels and display stands is a
competitive market and a number of variants of the above
traditional machines exist. There exist variants of both versions
of the plate holder: wire frame device stands with fixed viewing
angles and the folding book style with limited ability to support a
wide array of devices and viewing angles. Protective cases for the
portable devices may also integrate dedicated kickstands similar to
the photo frame kickstand, with all of its limitations as well.
Nevertheless, all of the portable stands heretofore known suffer
from a number of disadvantages: [0010] (a) Their design limits the
number of available viewing angles, impacting the flexibility for
the user [0011] (b) Their manufacture requires multiple separate
pieces to be molded and assembled, adding cost and complexity to
their production. Additionally the complexity can lead to
reliability and durability concerns. [0012] (c) The stands don't
collapse easily or efficiently. Some of the portable stands do not
collapse at all, which creates difficulty storing the product. Some
require physical assembly and disassembly which adds complexity to
its use and delay during setup and teardown. [0013] (d) The size is
so small that they don't offer a stable platform for the device. In
order to provide storage efficiencies, the devices compromise on
the number of support points and overall stability for larger
devices. [0014] (e) Multiple pieces to lose. Some the stands are
comprised of multiple loose pieces which require assembly and
disassembly for each use. Loose pieces can be lost and the assembly
of the pieces can be frustrating. [0015] (f) Their design
necessitates large arresting bumpers. The stands require large
bumpers or hooks to keep the product from slipping off of the
stand. These bumpers can be large and unwieldy to store
efficiently.
SUMMARY
[0016] In accordance with one embodiment a fold flat easel
comprises of a single piece of plastic with the following features:
a base, a backrest, a kickstand to support the backrest, an
arresting lip, a series of positioning notches, and hinges to
connect the primary components.
DRAWINGS
Figures
[0017] The inventions will be understood more fully from the
detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings
of some embodiments of the inventions which, however, should not be
taken to limit the inventions to the specific embodiments
described, but are for explanation and understanding only.
[0018] FIGS. 1A to 1C show various characteristics of an easel in
its open position both with and without a portable media device in
accordance with one embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 1D shows how the first embodiment easel can be
manufactured out of a single piece of plastic and fold flat.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows an easel where the kickstand is attached to the
base in another embodiment.
[0021] FIGS. 3A and 3B shows an asymmetrical easel with an
alternative kickstand foot in another embodiment
REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0022] 101 representative media player [0023] 102 arresting lip
[0024] 103 backrest [0025] 104 multiple position notches [0026] 105
kickstand [0027] 106 base [0028] 107 base to backrest hinge [0029]
108 backrest to kickstand hinge [0030] 109 kick stand foot [0031]
202 arresting lip [0032] 203 backrest [0033] 204 multiple position
notches [0034] 205 kickstand leg [0035] 206 base [0036] 207 base to
backrest hinge [0037] 209 kickstand bar [0038] 213 base to
kickstand hinge [0039] 302 arresting lip [0040] 303 backrest [0041]
304 square multiple position notches [0042] 305 kickstand leg
[0043] 306 base with rear support spreader [0044] 307 base to
backrest hinge [0045] 309 spade kickstand foot [0046] 313 base to
kickstand hinge
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
First Embodiment--FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1D
[0047] One embodiment of the easel stand is illustrated in FIG. 1A
(perspective view). A representative cell phone, media player, or
portable entertainment device 101 is resting on the base 106 of the
stand, secured by a bumper, stop, or arresting lip 102, which is
typically 0.10 in. in height, 0.10 in. in depth, and may run the
width of the stand. The rear of the entertainment device 101 leans
or rests on a supporting backrest 103. The bottom of the
entertainment device 101 rests or sits on the base 106, which is
attached to the arresting lip 102. The base is approximately 3 in.
wide by 4 in. long, and from above loosely approximates the capital
letter "T".
[0048] In FIG. 1B one embodiment is shown in perspective without
the entertainment device 101 (FIG. 1A). The base 106 attaches to
the backrest 103 via a pair of living hinges 107. The living hinge
is formed during the injection molding of the polypropylene or
polyethylene material of the stand. At the location of the hinge,
the mold cavity is shrunk to create a reduction nozzle. As the
plastic polymer is forced through the nozzle, the lower pressure
behind the nozzle forces the polymers through the nozzle at a high
rate of speed, aligning to create a strong, thin, flexible hinge.
Thus the entire stand can be molded, hinges and all, in a single
injection of molten plastic. The base 106 extends to the rear of
the stand, between the two living hinges 107, as two prongs to
provide greater stability and prevent the stand from tipping to the
back. The backrest 103 has the general appearance of an upside down
capital letter "U" so that when molded it can lie flat and clear
the rear protruding prongs of base 106. From the living hinge 107
to the top, the backrest is approximately 3.5 in. in length. As the
base 106 extends to the rear, two symmetrical sets of half
cylindrical notches 104 are molded on the top of the protruding
prongs. The notches 104 offer multiple resting positions for a
kickstand foot 109. The kickstand foot 109 is attached to the
bottom of a kickstand leg 105, which is attached to the backrest
103 via a living hinge 108. The living hinge is constructed in the
same way as living hinge 107. The kickstand leg 105 is
approximately 2 in. in length, and the kickstand foot 109 is
approximately 5/8 in. in width, wide enough to span over both sets
of notches 104. The kickstand leg 105 is narrow enough to lie flat
between the rear prongs of base 106, so that the kickstand leg 105
can be molded in its flat closed position.
[0049] FIG. 1D (perspective view), illustrates the position of one
embodiment while it is being molded as well as its closed position.
The figure shows how the backrest 103 is attached to the base 106
via living hinges 107, and wraps around the base 106 like an upside
down capital letter "U". The two prongs of base 106 are shown with
the multiple position notches 104 sandwiching the kickstand leg
105. The kickstand leg 105 is narrower than the kickstand foot 109,
so that the leg can be molded between the two prongs of base 106
and so that the kickstand foot 109 spans the two sets of notches
104. The gap between the rear prongs of base 106 widens as it nears
the living hinge 107 so that the kickstand foot 109 clears the base
and may easily lie flat. FIG. 1D also shows how the living hinge
107 and the living hinge 108 are oriented in opposite vertical
directions. This is so that the freedom of motion afforded by the
hinge orientation favors the required pivot of the hinge.
[0050] FIG. 1D illustrates that in one embodiment the kickstand
foot 109 is cylindrical in nature, which allows it to easily mate
with the half-cylinder shape of the multi position notches 104. The
cylinder foot 109 mates cleanly with the notches at any angle and
provides a simpler design free of surface mating calculations that
could be required from other potential shapes.
OPERATION
First Embodiment--FIGS. 1B, 1C, 1D
[0051] The manner of using one embodiment is to start with the
stand in its folded flat position as shown in FIG. 1D. The backrest
103 is rotated up by flexing the living hinge 107, but not
typically beyond 90 degrees from horizontal. As shown in FIG. 1C,
the kickstand leg 105 is then rotated back from the backrest 103.
As the backrest 103 is slightly rotated back towards the closed
position, the kickstand foot 109 comes to rest in one of the
multiple position notches 104 (FIG. 1B), providing a stable
backrest 103. Repeating this motion and varying the angle of
rotation of the backrest 103 and the kickstand leg 105 to align
with each positioning notch 104, allows the backrest 103 to sit at
various viewing angles. To close the stand the previous steps are
followed in reverse to return it to a flat closed position (FIG.
1D). By allowing the entire stand to lie flat, the piece can be
molded without complexity and in a single injection molding
operation.
[0052] In one embodiment FIG. 1C illustrates how the arresting lip
102 works with the backrest 103 and base 106 to provide a universal
support for a device 101, such as an entertainment device, portable
media player, cell phone, as well as signage, e-book, calculator or
other similarly sized device. Gravity acting upon the device 101
pulls the device downward. The rear of the device 101 rests on the
backrest 103. The natural gravitational pull on the device would
tend to make the device slide down and to the left as oriented in
FIG. 1C. The arresting lip 102 catches the lateral edge of the
device 101 and prevents it from sliding further, and in the act,
secures the device into the stand. The arresting lip 102 can remain
small as shown in this embodiment and still accommodate the device
101 with various sizes and shapes, at various angles of the
backrest 103, because the lip 102 only has to stop the lateral
slide of the device 101 instead of the full downward slide that
many easels and stands require.
[0053] FIG. 1C illustrates how in one embodiment the living hinge
107 is thinner than either the base 106 or backrest 103, and allows
the two sections to easily pivot around the hinge 107.
[0054] In one embodiment, by remaining small the lip 102 enables
the efficient storage of the stand in its closed position, which
except for the lip 102 is completely flat. In this embodiment the
distance from the living hinge 107 to the lip 102 is approximately
0.5 in. which provides adequate play to support most devices of a
personal nature. The width and depth of the stand provides a stable
platform with little tendency to tip forward, rearward, or to
either side.
DESCRIPTION
Alternative Embodiments--FIGS. 2, 3A
[0055] An additional embodiment is shown in FIG. 2; in this case
some of the familiar structures of the first embodiment are
repositioned and reconfigured. A base 206 attaches to an arresting
lip 202, and the two rearward prongs are moved to the opposite
lateral edges of the stand. The base 206 attaches to a backrest 203
via a single living hinge 14. The backrest 203 has a rectangular
shape instead of the "U" shape of the backrest 103 (FIG. 1B). A set
of multiple position notches 204 are shown on the bottom side of
the backrest 203 and are physically similar to the notches 104
(FIG. 1B). The rearward prongs of base 206 attach to a pair of
kickstand legs 205 (FIG. 2) via a living hinge 213. The legs 205
are connected horizontally by a tubular kickstand bar 209. The
arresting lip 202, attached to the base 206, is physically similar
to the first embodiment's lip 102 (FIG. 1A).
[0056] An additional embodiment is shown in FIG. 3A; in this case
using an asymmetrical structure. A base 306 attaches to an
arresting lip 302, and a single lateral rearward prong has a
support spreader that spans the width of the base. The base 306
attaches to a backrest 303 via a single living hinge 307. The
backrest 303 has a rectangular shape instead of the "U" shape of
the backrest 103 (FIG. 1B). A set of multiple position notches 304
(FIG. 3A) are shown on the rear of the bottom side of backrest 303
and are constructed as square notches instead of the cylindrical
notches 104 (FIG. 1B). The rearward prong of base 306 (FIG. 3A)
attaches to a single kickstand leg 305 via a living hinge 313. The
kickstand leg 305 terminates in a flat rectangle shaped kickstand
foot 309. An arresting lip 302 is physically similar to the first
embodiment and is attached to the base 306.
OPERATION
Alternative Embodiment--FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B
[0057] The manner of using the stand in the second embodiment is to
start in its folded flat position. The backrest 203 (FIG. 2) is
rotated up, pivoting on the living hinge 207, but not typically
beyond 90 degrees from horizontal. As shown in FIG. 2, the
kickstand legs 205 are then rotated back from the base 206,
pivoting at the living hinge 213. As the backrest 203 is slightly
rotated back towards the closed position, the kickstand bar 209
comes to rest in one of the multiple position notches 204,
providing a stable backrest 203. Repeating this motion and varying
the angle of rotation of the backrest 203 and the kickstand legs
205 to align with each positioning notch 204, allows the backrest
203 to sit at various viewing angles. To close the stand the
previous steps are followed in reverse to return it to a flat
closed position. In the closed position the kickstand legs 205 and
kickstand bar 209 follow the perimeter of the backrest 203, both
for aesthetic and functional reasons. By allowing the entire stand
to lie flat, the piece can be molded with a single ejection
direction and in a single injection molding operation. In the open
position the backrest 203, the base 206, and the arresting lip 202
work together to secure the device in the same way as the first
embodiment shown in FIG. 1C.
[0058] The manner of using the third embodiment is to start in its
folded flat position as shown in FIG. 3B. The backrest 303 is
rotated up, pivoting on the living hinge 307, but not typically
beyond 90 degrees from horizontal. As shown in FIG. 3A, the
kickstand leg 305 is then rotated back from the base 306, pivoting
at the living hinge 313. As the backrest 303 is slightly rotated
back towards the closed position, the kickstand foot 309 comes to
rest in one of the square multiple position notches 304, providing
a stable backrest 303. The square notches 304 provide a secure
catch for the edge of the square shape of the kickstand foot 309 as
shown in FIG. 3A. Repeating this motion and varying the angle of
rotation of the backrest 303 and the kickstand leg 305 to align
with each positioning notch 304, allows the backrest 303 to sit at
various viewing angles. To close the stand the previous steps are
followed in reverse to return it to a flat closed position. In the
closed position the kickstand leg 305 and kickstand foot 309 follow
the perimeter of the base 306, whose spreader follows the perimeter
of the backrest 303, both for aesthetic and functional reasons. By
allowing the entire stand to lie flat, the piece can be molded with
a single ejection direction and in a single injection molding
operation. In the open position the backrest 303, the base 306, and
the arresting lip 302 work together to secure the device in the
same way as the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1C.
Advantages
[0059] From the description above, a number of advantages of some
embodiments of a one piece fold flat easel stand become
evident:
[0060] (a) An adjustable kickstand with several positioning notches
provides a variety of viewing angles for devices on the stand.
Users will be able to accommodate the stand in a wider variety of
locations and comfortable positions than fixed stands.
[0061] (b) The single piece, flat design will save cost during
design and manufacture. A shallow draft and single axis of ejection
simplifies mold design and construction. A single manufactured
piece reduces cost by eliminating the need for multiple molds or
mold cavities as well as part assembly.
[0062] (c) The stand is easy to set up and tear down. Two
permanently attached appendages pivot around two hinges. Parts
don't have to be assembled, disassembled, snugged, loosened,
pushed, or popped by the user. The stand can be folded open and
closed with a single hand.
[0063] (d) While it stows efficiently for storage, when open the
stand provides a substantial footprint for overall stability.
[0064] (e) There are no loose pieces which can be lost or
misplaced.
[0065] (f) The arresting lip can be small because of its
interaction with the base and backrest. Unlike stands which require
prominent lips or folding bumper attachments to stop the supported
device from sliding downward, the lip only has to stop the lateral
slide of the device. As a result, the lip can be permanent fixture
with negligible impact on storage bulk.
CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
[0066] Accordingly the reader will see that, according to the
various embodiments of the invention, the stand can be efficiently
stored in flat locations such as a pocket, can be opened quickly
and easily, can be adjusted to a variety of viewing angles, and can
support a variety of devices. In addition it can be manufactured
cost effectively from a single piece of plastic.
[0067] While the above description contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any
embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presently preferred
embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are
possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. For
example, the overall design can be done symmetrically or
asymmetrically, the number of adjustable positions can be varied,
the shape of the kickstand foot and notches can be varied, the
location where the kickstand attaches can be changed, the lip's
form and location can be adjusted, and non-skid materials could be
added, etc.
[0068] An embodiment is an implementation or example of the
inventions. Reference in the specification to "an embodiment," "one
embodiment," "some embodiments," or "other embodiments" means that
a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in
connection with the embodiments is included in at least some
embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the
inventions. The various appearances "an embodiment," "one
embodiment," or "some embodiments" are not necessarily all
referring to the same embodiments.
[0069] Not all components, features, structures, characteristics,
etc. described and illustrated herein need be included in a
particular embodiment or embodiments. If the specification states a
component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may", "might",
"can" or "could" be included, for example, that particular
component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to
be included. If the specification or claim refers to "a" or "an"
element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If
the specification or claims refer to "an additional" element, that
does not preclude there being more than one of the additional
element.
[0070] The inventions are not restricted to the particular details
listed herein. Indeed, those skilled in the art having the benefit
of this disclosure will appreciate that many other variations from
the foregoing description and drawings may be made within the scope
of the present inventions. Accordingly, it is the following claims
including any amendments thereto that define the scope of the
inventions.
* * * * *