GB2120315A

GB2120315A - Pivotal mount and stand incorporating such a mount

Info

Publication number: GB2120315A
Application number: GB08306585A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Herbert Chinn; Brian Gale Macdonald
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1982-05-06
Filing date: 1983-03-10
Publication date: 1983-11-30
Also published as: GB2120315B; GB8306585D0

Abstract

A stand (10) for a suntan system has a base (13) with two horizontal legs (14) at right angles, and an upright mounting member (15) extending from the base (13) but facing at an angle of 221 DIVIDED 2 DEG to the centre-line bisecting the angle between the legs. The top end of the mounting member (15) forms a face portion, inclined downwardly at 221 DIVIDED 2 DEG , and carrying a pivotal mount (12) for an arm (17), which in turn carries a panel (11) of ultraviolet lamps. A pivot pin (20) (Figure 4) on the arm (17) is inclined at 221 DIVIDED 2 DEG to the arm axis. In use, the angles between the parts are additive in some positions and cancel out in other positions. The arm can therefore have two limit positions, one directly above the centre-line of the base (13) and the other directly above one leg (14) for compact storage in the corner of a room. In each limit position, the arm is horizontal, but movement from one to the other causes a rotation about the axis of the arm, bringing the panel (11) from the horizontal position when the arm is central, to the vertical position when the arm is folded above the leg for storage. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Pivotal rnount and stand incorporating such a mount This invention relates to a pivotal mount, and to a stand incorporating such a mount.

The invention was devised for mounting a panel of ultra-violet light-emitting lamps on a stand but it could be applied to mounts for other purposes.

The popularity of ultraviolet suntan treatment has led to a desire to produce an inexpensive and compact treatment apparatus (herein called a "suntan system") which is suitable for home use for example. Ultraviolet lamps may comprise elongate tubes and, to achieve whole-body tanning, these tubes are mounted in a panel about 2 metres by 2 a meter. In use, the panel is usually required to be horizontal, suspended over a bed or couch on which the user lies.

It has hitherto proved difficult to store such a large apparatus, and it is one object of the present invention to provide a pivotal mount, use of which may permit a suntan system to be stored in a compact form. It is a further object of the invention to provide a stand primarily for a suntan system and incorporating such a pivotal mount.

According to the invention there is provided a pivotal mount comprising a mounting member, an arm member intended to be pivoted relative to the mounting member, and pivot means interposed between the mounting and arm members, the axis of rotation of the pivot means being inclined at an angle to the axis of the arm.

Said angle may be such that a 900 rotation of the arm member about its own axis displaces the arm member by an angle of between 300 and 60C relative to the mounting member.

The mounting member and arm member may be hollow and the pivot means may be disposed wholly within these hollow members in use.

The pivot means may comprise a pivot pin secured at a suitable angle to the end portion of the arm member and extending into the mounting member, friction generating means being provided to prevent unintentional movement of the arm member relative to the mounting member.

The pin may pass through an aperture into the mounting member and spring means may be provided between the border of the aperture and an abutment on the pin to afford the friction generating means.

The abutment may comprise a nut screwed onto an externally threaded portion of the pivot pin.

A limit means may be provided to limit the amount of rotation of the arm member relative to the mounting member.

The limit means may comprise a formation which rotates in unison with the arm member and projects through a limited opening into the mounting member.

The formation may further be located within a cutout of an element mounted on the pivot pin adjacent the nut and between the nut and the spring means, to discourage unscrewing of the nut on repeated pivotal movement of the arm.

According to the invention there is also provided a stand for a suntan system, the stand comprising a base, a mounting member extending upwardly from the base, an arm member intended to be pivoted relative to the mounting member, and pivot means interposed between the mounting and arm members, the axis of rotation of the pivot means being inclined at an angle to the axis of the arm member.

The arm member may be arranged to have a limited degree of movement between two limit positions, in each of which the axis of the arm member is horizontal, but between which the arm member rotates through 900 about its axis and swings laterally through an angle relative to the mounting member as considered in plan.

The arm member may swing through an angle X between 300 and 600 as considered in plan, between its two limit positions.

The base member may have a horizontal centre-line and the arm member may be disposed vertically above the centre-line in one of its limit positions and at an angle X between 300 and 60'~ to the centre-line in the other limit position.

Preferably, the mounting member is offset so as to face in a direction at an angle of X/2 to the centre-line.

The mounting member may have a face portion at its upper end which may be inclined forwardly at an angle of X/2 in the direction in which the mounting member faces, the pivot means being disposed at said face portion.

The angle X may be between 400 and 500 and is preferably 450.

The base may comprise a pair of horizontally disposed legs meeting at a right angle. (In this case, the centre-line will be at 450 to each leg and the arm will swing from a first limit position over the centre-line to a second limit position aligned with one leg.) A suntan system embodying the invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which::~ FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a stand having a pivotally mounted arm, shown in a first limit position with a horizontally mounted ultraviolet lamp panel shown in outline; FIGURE 2 is a view similar to that of Figure 1, with the arm shown in a second limit position; FIGURE 3 is a diagrammatic plan view of the base of the stand and a mounting member positioned thereon; FIGURE 4 is an enlarged part-sectional view of a pivotal mount embodying the invention; FIGURE 5 and FIGURE 6 are scrap elevational views of the arm member in its limit positions, with the axis of rotation of the pivot remaining the same in each view, and a base shown in chaindotted outline.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, a suntan system comprises a stand 10 on which a panel 11 of ultraviolet tubular lamps is mounted at a mount generally indicated at 12. In Figure 1, the panel 11 is shown in its usual position ready for use, lying horizontally and spaced above the base 13 of the stand 10, so that the base can be introduced under a bed or couch on which the user lies. The panel overlies the user and is symmetrically disposed with respect to the legs 14 of the base, for best weight distribution.

The stand 10 also includes an upright column or mounting member 15, fixed to the base 13. At the top of this mounting member, there is a forwardly-inclined face portion 16, at which an arm 17 is pivotally mounted by mounting means shown in more detail in Figure 4. The arm 17 carries the panel 11.

The views of Figures 1 and 2 are taken from a place midway between the legs 14 of the base, looking along a centre-line 1 8 of the base. In Figure 1 , the arm 17 is aligned directly vertically above this centre-line 18, so that the panel is symmetrically disposed above the base, as previously mentioned. In Figure 2, the arm is disposed vertically above one of the legs 14, with the panel 11 vertical. In this condition, the whole apparatus can be stored in minimum space, with the legs arranged against the walls of a room, and with the mounting member 15 standing in a corner. The panel 11 then lies against one wall, out of the way.

To achieve this very advantageous arrangement, the pivotal mount by which the arm is connected to the mounting member takes the form shown in Figure 4. In addition, the mounting member itself is arranged somewhat offset from the centre-line of the base, so as to face at an angle of preferably about 2230 from the centerline. This offset can be seen in Figures 1 and 2 and, more clearly, in the plan view of Figure 3.

Turning to Figure 4, the top of the column forming the mounting member 15 is shown. The inclined face portion 16 is forwardly inclined, again preferably at 22+0, and carries the pivotal mount generally indicated at 19. A pivot pin 20 is fixed to the end of the arm 17, together with a disc 21, carrying an offset projection 22, forming part of a rotation limiting arrangement. The pivot pin is not aligned with the axis of the arm 17, but is inclined at an angle to the axis. This angle is preferably 2230.

Figures 5 and 6 show the arm in its two limit positions with a rotation of 900 about the axis of the arm, but with the axis of the pivot pin being shown in the same alignment in each Figure.

Comparison of these two Figures indicates the way in which the pivot pin axis is angled with respect to that of the arm, and shows the position relative to the legs 14.

The pivot pin passes through an aperture in the face portion 16 of the mounting member 1 5. The projection 22 passes through a limited slot or cutout, arranged to limit the degree of rotation of the arm 17 to 900 about its axis. Inside the hollow mounting member 1 5, the pivot pin 20 is secured by a nut 23, engaged with a threaded portion of the pivot pin (not illustrated). The nut is tightened against a disc element 24, which has a cutout receiving the projection 22 so as to rotate with the arm. This reduces the tendency for the nut to become unscrewed by repeated rotation of the arm.

The disc element abuts some Belleville washers, which apply a resilient force to the inner face of the mounting member, tending to generate friction in the pivotal movement of the arm. This prevents the arm from moving unless it is moved intentionally by the user.

To understand the operation of the mount, it should be noted that the arm is required to move laterally through an angle of 450 from a position over the centre-line of the base in Figure 1 , to a position over the leg 14 in Figure 2. At the same time, its limit positions should both be horizontal, that is, there should be no nett angular difference considered in side elevation. The axis of rotation of the mounting pin remains the same throughout, since the mounting does not move. The mounting member is so shaped and positioned on the base as to co-operate with the offset pivot of the arm to create the correct geometry for the arm movement. In some positions, angles are added and in other positions, they cancel each other out.

For example, considering an elevation of the apparatus such as that shown in Figure 4, the pivot pin 20 is disposed at an angle of 22+0 with respect to the axis of the arm 1 7 and tilts upwardly. It is mounted in the face portion 16 of the mounting member 15, which tilts downwardly at an angle of 2230. The two angles cancel each other out so that the arm is horizontal.

In plan, the mounting member is at 22+0 to the centre-line of the base. The pivot pin 20 must then lie at 22+0 to the arm, in plan, to permit the arm to overlie the centre-line in the Figure 1 limit position. The two angles again cancel.

When the arm is rotated to the Figure 2 position, the angles add together so that the total angular displacement of the arm from the centreline position is 450 (22+0 attributable to the offset of the pivot pin axis from the axis of the arm and 22+0 attributable to the position of the mounting member on the base.) The arm itself has rotated through 900 considered about its own axis, bringing the panel 11 from a vertical to a horizontal configuration.

The example of the invention described above is not to be taken as limiting the invention to the particular configuration described, or to the angle set out. The principle of compounding angles so that they are additive or cancel can be applied to other geometric configurations or to provide different angular movements. For instance, one could arrange for the arm to move laterally through an angle of, say, 900 rather than 450 by correct selection of the angles used for the pivot pin axis and the mounting member. The 900 movement might be more convenient for a different shape of base.

It will be appreciated that one single movement is involved combining the displacement laterally of the arm and its rotation about its own axis to rotate the panel. Conventionally, there would be separate means for effecting these two components of movement, requiring separate operation by the user. The controlled friction between the moving parts also assists the user to position the panel with ease, bearing in mind its substantial size and inertia. These factors, together with the facility for storing the suntan system compactly, make it particularly suitable for home use. It will be noted that the moving parts of the pivotal mount are inaccessible, being hidden inside the hollow mounting member and the arm, for added safety.

Since the friction in the arm is controlled, the panel can be positioned by the user at a position intermediate the horizontal and vertical positions shown in Figures 1 and 2 respectively, for example for tanning in a seated position.

In a modification, not shown, the panel 11 may be supported directly from the pivot without a separate arm being provided or with the arm 17 being concealed within the panel 11.

The principle of the invention can be applied to an apparatus other than a suntan system, for example to a drawing board.

Claims

1. A pivotal mount comprising a mounting member, an arm member intended to be pivoted relative to the mounting member and pivot means interposed between the mounting and arm members, the axis of rotation of the pivot,means being inclined at an angle to the axis of the arm member.

2. A mount according to claim 1 wherein the angle is such that a 900 rotation of the arm member about its own axis displaces the arm member by 450 relative to the mounting member.

3. According to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the mounting member and arm member are hollow and the pivot means are disposed wholly within these hollow members in use.

4. A mount according to claim 3 wherein the pivot means comprise a pivot pin secured at a suitable angle to the end portion of the arm member and extending into the mounting member, friction generating means being provided to prevent unintentional movement of the arm member relative to the mounting member.

5. A mount according to claim 4 wherein the pin passes through an aperture into the mounting member and spring means are provided between the border of the aperture and an abutment on the pin to afford the friction generating means.

6. A mount according to claim 5 wherein the abutment comprises a nut screwed onto an externally threaded portion of the pivot pin.

7. A mount according to any preceding claim wherein a limit means is provided to limit the amount of rotation of the arm member relative to the mounting member.

8. A mount according to claim 7 wherein the limit means comprises a formation which rotates in unison with the arm member and projects through a limited opening into the mounting member.

9. A mount according to claim 8 when appendant to claim 6, wherein the formation is further located within a cutout of an element mounted on the pivot pin adjacent the nut and between it and the spring means.

10. A stand for a suntan system comprising a base; a mounting member extending upwardly from the base; an arm member intended to be pivoted relative to the mounting member; and pivot means interposed between the mounting and arm members, the axis of rotation of the pivot means being inclined at an angle to the axis of the arm member.

1 1. A stand according to claim 10 wherein the arm member is arranged to have a limited degree of movement between two limit positions, in each of which the axis of the arm member is horizontal, but between which the arm member rotates through 900 about its axis and swings laterally through an angle X between 300 and 600 relative to the mounting member as considered in plan.

12. A stand according to claim 1 1 wherein the base has a horizontal centre-line and the arm member is disposed vertically above the centreline in one of its limit positions and at an angle X to the centre-line in the other limit position.

13. A stand according to claim 12 wherein the mounting member is offset so as to face in a direction at an angle of X/2 to the centre-line of the base.

14. A stand according to any one of claims 10 to 13 wherein the mounting member has a face portion at its upper end which is inclined forwardly at an angle of X/2 in the direction in which the mounting member faces, the pivot means being disposed at said face portion.

15. A stand according to any one of claims 10 to 14 wherein the angle X is between 400 and 500.

16. A stand according to claim 15 wherien the angle X is 450.

17. A stand according to any one of claims 9 to 16 wherein the base comprises a pair of horizontally-disposed legs meeting at a right angle.

18. A stand comprising a base and a pivotal mount according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

19. A pivotal mount substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

20. A stand for a suntan system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.