GB2409016A

GB2409016A - A portable support platform anchored by a users weight

Info

Publication number: GB2409016A
Application number: GB0416662A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Raymond Martin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-12-11
Filing date: 2004-07-27
Publication date: 2005-06-15
Also published as: GB0416662D0

Abstract

A portable platform has a planar base 5 which is anchored in use by the weight of a sitting user, and a platform 6 for securely supporting a user operable device. The base 5 may be beneath a chair cushion on which the user is sitting. The pitch of the platform 6 can be adjusted by a lockable hinge 3 attached to a neck 16 of the base 5 or a supporting brace, and may also be adjusted in a second direction. The dive may be mounted with suckers (9, fig 5) or a bracket (10, fig 5). The platform may be collapsed for store or transport by a hinge (18, fig 6), or formed from separate parts (figs 7-10). Cut out regions 14 allow for griping the platform. The device may be a computer or games joystick or steering wheel; an embroidery or tapestry frame; or a craft work table.

Description

1 2409016 Improvements in, or Relating to, Working Supports The present

invention relates to a working support, in particular a portable adjustable platform adapted to support a work surface, tool support, a control device associated with a games console, or the like, anchored by the user's own body weight when in use.

By a control device for a games console is meant a device for controlling a PC game, or video game played on a television set, or other VDU. Such control devices may include a joystick, or steering wheel, together with other hand and/or foot controls. A game played on a games console with an associated control device mounted on a platform offers more realism to a player playing the game than on an unmounted control device by placing the user in a more ergonomically authentic position.

However, most platforms are relatively expensive. Moreover, the locations in which they can be used are limited by their physical design.

The application of the present invention is not, however, limited to a control device associated with a games console. It may also be used to mount working devices such as an embroidery frame, tapestry frame, or worktable.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable platform for securely supporting a device operable by a user, the platform comprising: i) a substantially planar securing means adapted, in use, to be anchored by being located under a body part of the user when in a sitting position; and ii) a support means adapted to support securely the device.

Advantageously, the device can be secured to the portable platform. The portable platform can be anchored by the user sitting on a part of it. The platform thus enables the device to be securely held in place relative to the user while the user uses the device.

The securing means, when in use, can be placed between an external support member and the user.

Preferably, the external support member is a seat. Advantageously, the platform can be used with a chair, sofa or other form of seat. Furthermore, a cushion can be placed between the part of a seat and the part of a person, providing comfort to the user.

The securing means preferably tapers towards the support means. Advantageously, the securing means has a shape which allows the free movement of the user's legs providing comfort to the user when operating a device as well as a more realistic and ergonomically practical position. The securing means thereby avoids interference with the user's legs.

The support means preferably has a flat mountable surface adapted for supporting the device.

The arrangement of the platform is such that the support means can be located above the user's legs.

The platform can comprise a connecting means attaching the securing means and the support means together.

The connecting means may be substantially curved. Advantageously, the connecting means and at least one of the support means or securing means can be made of a single piece of material which is bent and shaped into the required form.

The connecting means preferably comprises at least an adj ustment means, the adjustment means permitting the adjustable and securable location of the support means relative to the securing means. The platform can thus advantageously be adjusted so that the location of the device can be altered to allow the user to operate the device in a comfortable, ergonomically practical position.

Preferably, the adjustment means in a hinge permitting the support means to pitch relative to the securing means.

The hinge can be either a self locking hinge or a freely movable hinge with a supporting brace. Advantageously, the hinge can be locked, providing a secure location of the support means relative to the securing means. s

The connecting means is, preferably, attached to the support means by a central pivot, the central pivot located substantially midway along the length of the support means, the support means thereby in use being pitchable relative to the user.

The connecting means may comprise a collapsible pivot, whereby the securing means and the support means can be pivoted towards each other to provide a collapsed configuration of the platform.

The platform may further comprise at least one grip. Advantageously, each grip facilitates the movement of the platform by a user and the adjustment of the position of the platform, and the device, relative to the user and the external support member.

The securing means, and the device, may be provided with at least one grip.

The platform can comprise at least two detachable components.

Preferably, the device is one of a control device associated with a games console, an embroidery frame, a tapestry frame, or a craft working table. Advantageously, the platform is versatile, having a plurality of different intended applications.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable, adjustable platform, adapted to be anchored when in use by the user's own body weight, and further adapted to carry a games console, or other device, comprising a shaped platform for insertion under the posterior of a person when in a sitting position, and a mounting surface for connection to said gamesconsole, or other device, arranged so that said games console, or other device, is retained in a position operable by said person.

Said games console, or other device, may be a control device associated with a games console.

Alternatively, said games console, or other device may be an embroidery frame. s

Alternatively, said games console, or other device may be a tapestry frame.

Alternatively, said games console, or other device may be a craft working table.

The platform can be used in co-operation with a chair, or settee.

Said shaped platform may have attached thereto, or integral therewith, an upper section comprising a flat mountable platform adapted to locate above the user's legs.

The flat mountable platform may be attached to said shaped platform by lockable hinge means so that flat mountable platform's orientation may be adjusted relative to said shaped platform.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1A is a perspective view from the securing means of the portable platform; Figure 1 B is a perspective view from the support means of the portable platform; Figure 2 is a schematic view of the platform in one form of use; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the support means and the front of the securing means showing the contoured shape of the platform; Figure 4 is a side view in profile showing the adjustability of the platform and its mounting features; Figure 5 is a profile view from the side of the platform showing in profile a typical games controller, a steering wheel device mounted to the platform; Figure 6 is a side view in profile showing a second embodiment of the platform having a pivoting hinge in its neck; Figure 7 is a side view in profile showing a third embodiment of the platform; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the portable platform; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a locking hinge assembly for use in the third embodiment; and Figure 10 is a flat mounting platform for use in the third embodiment. s

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1A and 1B show a platform 1 that comprises a shaped rigid base 5, an adjustable mounting platform 6, a lockable hinge device 3, a neck 16 and a flat mounting portion 8. The base S is planar and is comprised of a single component. The adjustable mounting platform 6 has a flat surface. The mounting platform pitches relative to the rigid base 5 by way of the hinged device 3. The pitch of the mounting device 6 relative to the base can thereby be adjusted and secured in a position by way of the locking of the lockable hinge 3. The neck 16 attaches the hinge 3 to the base S. The platform 1 also comprises cut-out regions 13, 14 which provide means to grip and securely hold the platform 1.

In use, the base 5 is placed between a user and a mounting surface. Typically the user is in a sitting position, sitting on a seat such as a settee as shown in Figure 2. For comfort, the base 5 is anchored between the seat and a cushion. The user, in turn, sits on the cushion. The adjustment of the platform is facilitated by the use of the cut-away regions 13, 14. Instead of a settee, the platform that can be used is any sort of seat with a mounting surface, such as a hard chair. As shown in Figure 2, in any configuration of use, the weight of the user anchors the platform in position for use. To achieve the maximum anchoring, there is an optimum length, or proportion of length, of the base from the end of the base 5 furthest from the neck 16, on which the user should position his/her weight. This region is shown by the arrow 7.

The platform 1 is shaped to maximise the comfort for the user. Thus, the platform is practical to use. As shown in Figure 3, the base tapers towards the neck 16. The narrowest part of the base 5 is the tapered region 15, at the base of the neck 16. The tapered region 15 allows a user to rest his legs either side of the platform. Where an operable pedal device is required to be used, such as with one form of device 11, a games controller, the pedal device can be used without the user's movement effecting the use of the device 11.

The neck 16 curves around so that the mounting platform 6 lies above the user's legs.

The platform 1 thus provides a comfortable, ergonomically realistic or practical position for the user to operate a device 11 mounted on the mounting platform 6, as shown in Figure 2.

The platform is intended for securely mounting a device 1 I to the mounting platform 6.

The device is usually secured to the mounting platform 6 by way of suckers 9. The device 11 shown in Figure 2 and Figure 5 is a game controller steering device. Figure 5 shows the games controller 11 affixed to the mounting platform 6 by way of suckers 9 and to the mounting portion 8 by way of a fixing bracket 10. Once the device 11 is secured to the platform 1, it is secured in a position that is comfortable for use by a user.

The angle of pitch of the device 11 relative to the user can be adjusted by raising and lowering the adjustable platform 6 to a suitable position as shown in Figure 4, by way of pitching the locking hinge through an angle displacement represented by the arrow 12.

In a modification, the hinge 3 can be freely movable with a lockable supporting brace.

In a second embodiment of a platform 20, the further hinge 18 can be located in any position on the neck 16 between the base 5 and the mounting platform 6 so that the mounting platform pitches relative to the base to form a collapsed configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the platform 20 is easier to transport and store. Figure 2 shows the platform 20 having the hinge 18 positioned part way along the neck 16, the platform being shown in its collapsed configuration.

In yet another modification, the platform comprises at least two separate parts. Such a modified platform is easier to transport and store, as each component can be transported separately and individual components are less bulky than the whole platform. Figures 7 and 8 show a third embodiment of the platform 21 comprising four components: a flat base 22, a rigid, curved support section 24, a locking hinge assembly 26 and a flat mounting platform 28. In use, the platform 21 functions in the same manner as the platform 1 shown in Figures 1 to 5. Figures 9 and 10 each show respectively the locking hinge assembly 26 and the flat mounting platform 28.

The base 22 has a channel for accepting a first end 30 of the curved support section 24.

To assemble the platform 21, this first end 30 is inserted into the channel. The base 22 is attachably secured to the curved support section 24 by securing means such as a latch or some screws. The other end 32 of the curved support section 24 is adapted for attachment to the locking hinge assembly 26. In turn, the locking hinge assembly 26 and the mounting platform 28 are adapted for mutual attachment.

The base 22 is substantially rigid with little flex, the rigidity being provided by reinforcing ribbing. The support section 24 is tubular with flattened ends for insertion into the channel and for attaching to the locking hinge assembly 26, respectively.

Alternatively, the support section 24 is made of a flattened strip.

The locking hinge assembly 26 having two triangular sides each with an aperture. T he outer face of each aperture is ribbed or ratcheted. The mounting platform 28 also has two attachment means for connection to the hinge assembly 26. These each comprise an aperture with ribbed surfaces. The apertures on the mounting platform 28 each marry with the similar aperture on the locking hinge assembly 26. This arrangement enables a nonslip locking capability between the locking hinge assembly and the mounting platform 28 when connected together.

The attachment means are mounted towards the centre of the length of the platform 28 so that the platform centrally pivots relative to the hinge assembly 26 and, in use, pitches relative to an operator.

The components of the third embodiment can all be made of metal, such as steel or a rigid plastic.

In further modifications, the handles, that are the cut-away regions, are in any position on the platform in addition, or instead of, the cut-away regions 13, 14 shown in the Figures 1 to 5. Further hinges can be fitted so that the mounting platform can also yaw as well as pitch relative to the base 5, 22. The mounting platform 6, 28 and the mounting portion 8 can be adapted to accept any type of device used with the platform.

For example, the mounting portion 8 can be a raised surface. The pivoting of the mounting platform relative to the rest of the platform can be at any point along the length of the mounting platform.

The device 11 for which the platform is intended for use can be a control device for use with a games console. It can also be an embroidery frame, a tapestry frame, a craft working table or any other type of electronic or mechanical or craft related device.

Claims

Claims 1. A portable platform for securely supporting a device operable by

a user, the platform comprising: i) a substantially planar securing means adapted, in use, to be anchored by being located under a body part of the user when in a sitting position; and ii) a support means adapted to support securely the device.
2. A platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein the securing means, when in use, is placed between an external support member and the user.
3. A platform as claimed in claim I or claim 2, wherein the securing means tapers towards the support means.
4. A platform as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support means has a flat mountable surface is adapted for supporting the device.
5. A platform as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arrangement of the platform being such that the support means can be located above the user's legs.
6. A platform as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform comprises a connecting means attaching the securing means and the support means together.
7. A platform as claimed in claim 6, wherein the connecting means is substantially curved.
8. A platform as claimed in either claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the connecting means comprises at least an adjustment means, the adjustment means permitting the adjustable and securable location of the support means relative to the securing means.
9. A platform as claimed in claim 8, wherein the adjustment means is a hinge permitting the support means to pitch relative to the securing means.
10. A platform as claimed in claim 9, wherein the hinge is either a self locking hinge or a freely movable hinge with a supporting brace.
1 1. A platform as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the connecting means is attached to the support means by a central pivots the central pivot located substantially midway along the length of the support means, the support means thereby in use being pitchable relative to the user.
12. A platform as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the connecting means comprises a collapsible pivot, whereby the securing means and the support means can be pivoted towards each other to provide a collapsed configuration of the 1 5 platform.
13. A platform as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform further comprises at least one grip.
14. A platform as claimed in claim 13, wherein the securing means is provided with at least one grip.
15. A platform as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is one of a control device associated with a games console, an embroidery frame, a tapestry frame, or a craft working table.
16. A platform as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform comprises at least attachable components.
17. A portable platform substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 1 to 10.