GB2517942A

GB2517942A - Support frames

Info

Publication number: GB2517942A
Application number: GB1315806.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Marius Andresen; Olivier Butstraen
Original assignee: K8 INDUSTRUDESIGN AS
Current assignee: K8 INDUSTRUDESIGN AS
Priority date: 2013-09-05
Filing date: 2013-09-05
Publication date: 2015-03-11
Anticipated expiration: 2033-09-05
Also published as: GB2517942B; EP3042114A1; GB201315806D0; CN105745484A; WO2015032929A1; CN105745484B

Abstract

A unitary support stand comprises a frame 2 formed from a continuous piece of rigid material. The frame is reversibly convertible or resiliently deformable between a substantially flat configuration and a three-dimensional supporting configuration for an object 8. In its three-dimensional supporting configuration, the frame 2 is resiliently deformable so that a pair of arms 6a,6b stand out of the plane of a base portion 4 to support an object connected to the arms 6a,6b. The continuous piece of rigid material is biased to return the frame to its flat configuration when an object is not connected to the arms. The frame is preferably not made of metal but is instead fabricated from a plastics material such as class reinforced plastic (GRP) or ABS plastic. The object may be a clock, a viewing screen, an electronic device, a solar powered lamp or a like device. In use, the frame may be placed on a surface or hung from a wall fixture 10.

Description

Support Frames The present invention relates to frames for supporting an object, in particular S to frames that are reversibly convertible between a substantially flat configuration and a three-dimensional supporting configuration for an object.

In various situations it is desirable for a frame to support an object in one or more chosen positions so that it is available for hands-free use. For example, a frame may be used to support a clock or a screen for viewing purposes. In another example, a frame may be used to adjustably position an object such as a mirror or lamp. Often a portable object may require a supporting frame that is not in constant use. In such situations, it can be desirable for the frame to also be portable and potentially convertible to a more compact configuration when not in use. For example, it is known for a supporting frame for a mirror or alarm clock to be hinged so that it can be folded away when not in use. However, a hinged frame may suffer from mechanical failure. Also the three-dimensional configuration of the frame may be limited by the angular movement of the hinge. Typically such frames are only designed to be used with a specific object of a given size. The size and/or weight of a frame is always a consideration, especially when designing a portable product.

The present invention seeks to provide improvements in support frames.

According to the present invention there is provided a frame formed from a continuous piece of rigid material and reversibly convertible between a substantially flat configuration and a three-dimensional supporting configuration for an object, the frame comprising a base portion and a pair of arms extending in the same plane as the base portion in the flat configuration, and the frame being resiliently deformable so that the arms stand out of the plane of the base portion to support an object connected to the arms in the three-dimensional supporting configuration, wherein the continuous piece of rigid material automatically returns the frame to its substantially flat configuration when an object is not connected to the arms to provide a counter-force holding the frame in the three-dimensional supporting configuration.

It will be appreciated that a frame according to the present invention has the advantage of a mechanical memory that returns the frame to its substantially flat configuration when the arms are not held away from the plane of the base portion in the three-dimensional supporting configuration. As the frame is resiliently deformable, when the arms are moved out of the plane of the base portion there is exerted a spring force tending to return the arms into the flat configuration of the frame, but when an object is connected to the arms its presence can counteract the resilient forces so that the frame is self-standing in its three-dimensional S configuration. The resilience of the frame may result from various factors including the choice of material, frame thickness and/or profile, manufacturing process, etc. The base portion defines a footprint for the frame in its three-dimensional supporting configuration. The base portion may provide one or more surface-engaging portions that act to transmit the weight of an object being supported. The base portion may take any suitable form as long as it provides stability for the three-dimensional supporting configuration. For example, the base portion may comprise an arcuate or ring-shaped portion of the rigid material. The base portion may define a footprint having any suitable shape, for example circular, semi-circular, rectangular, etc. The geometry of the footprint may be chosen so that the frame is relatively compact as well as being stable. The cross-sectional shape of the frame may also be chosen to give it a low profile in its substantially flat configuration. For example, the frame preferably has a thin rectangular cross-section rather than a circular cross-section. Preferably the frame is generally planar in its substantially flat configuration.

In a preferred set of embodiments the base portion comprises a pair of legs meeting atan angle, where 0< <1800, such that the legs define a triangular footprint. Such an arrangement may increase the stability of the base portion. The arms may be arranged to bend away from the legs at a point distal from the meeting angle. In the substantially flat configuration, the arms may lie generally parallel to the legs e.g. in a V-shape. However it may be preferable for the arms to lie non-parallel to the legs e.g. in a triangular shape. This can help a user to recognise the triangular footprint of the base portion. It will be appreciated that the triangle may not be equilateral depending on the meeting angle. Preferably the two legs have substantially the same length, although one leg may be slightly longer than the other if the arms are to extend side-by-side when the frame is in its substantially flat configuration. Further preferably frame has an increased cross-section where the legs meet, e.g. the width and/or thickness of the legs may increase towards their meeting point. This can increase the stiffness of the base portion at the meeting point, which is preferably furthest away from the arms. A thicker portion where the legs meet can also act to resist any torsional forces so that the base portion remains untwisted at least in the vicinity of the meeting point.

Closer to the arms, the legs may undergo some twisting so as to accommodate the resilient deformation of the frame.

The Applicant has recognised that it may be particularly advantageous for S the frame, and preferably the base portion, to provide a tripod-like support for an object in its three-dimensional configuration. In a preferred set of embodiments the frame is bent and/or twisted in the three-dimensional supporting configuration so as to define three distinct contact portions in the form of a tripod. Thus! in the three-dimensional supporting configuration of the frame, the frame only contacts a supporting surface at these three contact portions with the frame not touching the supporting surface in between the contact portions. A supporting base in the form of a tripod can be more stable than other configurations. This may be assisted by torsional forces that tend to twist the frame between the contact portions. When the frame is resiliently deformable so as to bend and/or twist out of the plane of the base portion, there may automatically be defined three distinct contact portions.

The three contact portions keep the frame stable even if it is placed on an uneven surface. The frame is therefore able to adopt a stable position without rocking from side to side. Preferably the base portion comprises three contact points spaced apart to form the tripod. Two of the contact points may be formed where the arms extend away from the base portion to form the three-dimensional supporting configuration. In embodiments where the base portion has a triangular footprint, preferably one of the contact points is formed where the legs meet.

The frame may be resiliently deformable so that the arms stand out of the plane of the base portion to support an object at any suitable angle. The position of an object connected to the arms may depend on the length and/or angle of the upstanding arms. In one set of embodiments, the arms have a length, relative to base portion, chosen such that the arms can support an object with its centre of gravity passing through the footprint of the base portion. By ensuring that the centre of gravity of an object being supported is aligned with the footprint of the base portion, the frame has self-stability and will not be prone to tipping over even if the object is knocked. Further preferably the length of the arms is chosen, relative to the base portion, such that the arms can support an object with its centre of gravity passing substantially centrally through the footprint of the base portion. In one example, this may be achieved by the frame being resiliently deformable so that the arms are angled relative to the base portion to extend across the footprint of the base portion. As the arms extend across the footprint of the base portion, the aims aie preferably at a non-veitical angle in the three-dimensional configuration.

The i-ange of angles of the aims relative to the base portion may be dictated by the stiffness of the frame and magnitude of resilient forces that counteract conversion S into the three-dimensional configuration.

When the frame is converted between its substantially flat configuration and its three-dimensional supporting configuration, the arms may simply bend away from the base portion so as to stand out of its plane. The frame may have a thinner cross-section where the arms extend away from the base portion in the three-dimensional suppoiting configuration, to assist the mobility of the arms. Howevei, pure bending may be difficult to achieve when the frame is reversibly deformable.

Rather it is preferable that the frame undergoes torsion when it is converted from the substantially flat configuration to the three-dimensional supporting configuration.

Preferably the arms undergo torsion so that they are twisted when they stand out of the plane of the base portion. Because the arms twist at the same time as bending out of the plane of the base portion, the torsion can distribute forces along the arms so that there is less tendency foi them to break, as compared to bending at a single point. Furthermore, the twisted aims prefeiably apply a spring foice to an object connected to the arms. The spring force may be a combination of torsional forces and linear forces due to resilient deformation of the frame. At least part of the frame forming the base portion may also twist when it is converted from the substantially flat configuration to the three-dimensional suppoiting configuration. As is mentioned above, the torsion may cause a change in the footprint of the base poition which can be arranged to make the base portion more stable.

It will be appreciated that the base portion may be used not only to stand the frame on a supporting surface. In some situations the frame may be used to support an object in a hanging arrangement. For example, the base portion may act as a hanger that can be suspended from a suitable fixture. A base portion comprising a pair of angled legs may be well-suited as a hanger. In addition, oi alternatively, the base portion may include one or more hanging apertures. Where the base portion is formed of two legs, such aperture(s) may be provided where the legs are thickened and/or widened e.g. towards their meeting point. It is beneficial that the frame is formed from a continuous piece of rigid material, as this means that the integral structure can be stronger and better able to bear the weight of an object without the arms disconnecting from the base portion. Preferably the frame does not include any mechanical hinge or joint.

The frame may be integrally formed from any suitable material allowing for resilient deformation. Preferably the deformation is elastic, rather than plastic, so that the frame can be reversibly converted between its configurations without causing permanent damage. The frame may be formed from a metal, composite, wood and/or plastics material. Preferably the frame is not formed from metal, e.g. metal wire, but is formed from a plastics material. Suitable plastics materials may include e.g. acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide (e.g. nylon) etc. The plastics material may comprise a composite material such as glass-reinforced plastic (GRP).

When an object is connected to the arms, for example mounted in between the arms, there are resilient forces pressing on each side of the object because the arms want to relax back into the frame's substantially flat configuration. These forces are counteracted by the presence of the object, resulting in a steady state in which the forces are balanced and the object is supported in place on the frame.

However the object may still be rotated relative to the arms, for example to adjust its angular orientation. Preferably the arms support an object while allowing for rotation of the object relative to the arms. The arms may be configured to allow for rotation of an object by up to 3600. This may be assisted by the design of the supporting interface. Preferably the arms provide a friction fit to support an object in use.

In one set of embodiments the arms comprise end portions that extend towards one another to rotatably support an object. The end portions may be arranged to extend into corresponding recesses in the sides of an object.

Alternatively the end portions may themselves comprise recesses that receive part of an object being supported. In both cases, rotation relative to the recesses can allow the object to be angled while being supported by the frame. The frame may further comprise an adaptor connected to an end of one or more of the arms so as to support a particular object. Each adaptor or set of adaptors may be shaped to connect a particular object to the arms. Preferably the adaptor(s) is/are releasably connected to the arm(s). This means that different adaptors may be used to connect different objects to the arms. The invention extends to a kit comprising a frame as disclosed herein and one or more adaptors that can be connected to the arm(s) so that different objects can be supported by the frame. In such a kit, each adaptor or set of adaptors may be shaped to connect a particular object to the arms. In addition, or alternatively, the one or more adaptors may be releasably connectable to the arms of the frame.

S It will be appreciated that a frame as described above may be used to support a wide range of different objects. In one set of examples, the object is a portable product such as a lamp, fan, heater, mobile phone, music player, etc. The frame can be scaled up or down to suit an object of any size.

Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figs. 1 a to 1 d show a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention being converted between a substantially flat configuration and a three-dimensional supporting configuration for a solar-powered lamp; Fig. 2 shows the frame of Fig. 1 being used to support the solar-powered lamp in a hanging arrangement; Fig. 3 shows a frame according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 provides a back view of the frame of Fig. 1 in its three-dimensional supporting configuration; Figs. 5a-5e show a solar-powered lamp and support frame according to another embodiment of the present invention; and Figs 6a-6c show the frame of Fig. 1 being used in combination with adapters to connect a mobile phone, for example, instead of a solar-powered lamp.

There is seen in Fig. 1 a a plan view of a frame 2 made from a continuous piece of rigid e.g. plastics material when it is laid in a substantially flat configuration that is its natural i.e. relaxed state. In this example, the frame 2 comprises a base portion 4 made up of a pair of angled legs 4a, 4b, with a pair of arms 6a, Gb extending towards one another from the ends of the two legs 4a, 4b to form a triangular configuration.

As is seen from Figs lb to ld, the frame is resiliently deformable so as to be converted from the substantially flat configuration of Fig. 1 a into a three-dimensional supporting configuration for an object, shown here as a solar-powered lamp 8. The frame 2 can be deformed by moving the arms Ga, 6b out of the plane of the base portion 4 so that they are angled upwardly. The frame 2 would automatically return to its flat configuration, due to the resilient forces, except that the lamp 8 is connected between the arms 6a, Gb so that they are prevented from springing back down into the plane of the base portion 4. The presence of the lamp 8 counteracts the spring forces that would otherwise tend to return the arms Ba, Gb, so that the frame 2 is self-supporting in its three-dimensional configuration. It may S further be seen from Figs. lc and ld that the lamps is rotatably mounted to the arms Ga, Sb and its angle of illumination can be adjusted without changing the configuration of the frame 2.

It is seen from Fig. 2 that the frame 2 may be used not only to support the lamp 8 on a generally horizontal surface but may instead be used as a hanger. In this example the frame 2 is used to suspend the lamp 8 by hanging it on a wall fixture 10.

Fig. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a frame 2' which is almost identical to that already described, except that the frame 2' includes a hanging aperture 12.

Fig. 4 is a back view showing how the arms Ga, 6b of the frame 2 may include end portions 1 4a, 1 4b that extend towards one another when the frame 2 is in its three dimensional supporting configuration. In this example the end portions 14a, 14b connect into corresponding recesses in the sides of the lamp or other object 8. The lamp B is therefore rotatably mounted on an axle formed by the pair of end portions 1 4a, 1 4b. The lamp 8 can be swivelled around by up to 3600.

An alternative connection arrangement is seen in Figs. 5a to 5e. Figs. 5a and 5b provide perspective and side views of a solar-powered lamp (or other object) 108 that has pins 11 Ga, 11Gb extending out from its body for connection to a frame 102. As is seen from Fig. Sc, the frame 102 has arms 106a, 106b that are provided with recesses or through-holes 114a, 114b at their ends. Figs. 5d and 5e provide perspective and side views of the through-holes 11 4a, 11 4b at the end of the arms 1 06a, 10Gb. The frame 102 supports the solar-powered lamp 108 when the corresponding pins liSa, 11 Sb connect into the recesses 11 4a, 11 4b. Again, the lamp 108 is rotatably mounted to the frame 102.

Figs. Ba and Sb show front and back views of an adaptor 20 for use with a frame 2, 2' as seen in any of Figs. 1-4. A pair of adaptors 20 may be provided in a kit including a frame 2, the adaptors 20 enabling a mobile phone 22, for example, to be connected to the arms Ba, Sb in place of a lamp 8, as is seen in Fig. Sc. Of course the adaptors 20 may be shaped to connect any desired object to the arms Ga, Gb. The adapters 20 fit onto the end portions 1 4a, 1 4b of the arms 6a, Gb and are held in place by friction. Of course, the adapters 20 may be attached by any suitable means, for example a screw thread or bayonet fitting for added security.

The adapters 20 are configured so as to grip onto the sides of the mobile phone 22.

Although the adapters 20 do not move relative to the mobile phone 22, they can be S rotated relative to the arms 6a, 6b so as to enable the angle of the phone 22 to be adjusted. It will be appreciated that the adaptors 20 can have any suitable form, for example being shaped to fit into the recesses or through-holes 114a, 114b of the arms 1 06a, 10Gb seen in Figs. 5c-5e for connection to another frame 102 instead.

The foregoing description is purely exemplary in nature and it will be appreciated that many different objects can be supported by the frames described herein. A frame made according to the present invention may be scaled up or down in size depending on the type of object that is to be supported. Furthermore, one or more adapters may optionally be provided to enable objects of different sizes and/or shapes to be connected to the arms of the frame.

Claims

Claims 1. A frame formed from a continuous piece of rigid material and reversibly convertible between a substantially flat configuration and a three-dimensional S supporting configuration for an object, the frame comprising a base portion and a pair of arms extending in the same plane as the base portion in the substantially flat configuration, and the frame being resiliently deformable so that the arms stand out of the plane of the base portion to support an object connected to the arms in the three-dimensional supporting configuration, wherein the continuous piece of rigid material automatically returns to the flat configuration when an object is not connected to the arms to provide a counter-force holding them in the three-dimensional supporting configuration.
2. A frame according to claim 1, wherein the arms have a length, relative to the base portion, chosen such that the arms can support an object with its centre of gravity passing through the footprint of the base portion.
3. A frame according to claim 2, wherein the arms can support an object with its centre of gravity passing substantially centrally through the footprint of the base portion.
4. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame is resiliently deformable so that the arms are angled relative to the base portion to extend across the footprint of the base portion in the three-dimensional supporting configuration.
5. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame undergoes torsion when it is converted from the substantially flat configuration to the three-dimensional supporting configuration.
6. A frame according to claim 5, wherein the arms undergo torsion so that they are twisted when they stand out of the plane of the base portion.
7. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame is resiliently deformable so that the arms are at a non-vertical angle to the base portion in the three-dimensional configuration.
8. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame is bent and/or twisted in the three-dimensional supporting configuration so as to define three distinct contact portions in the form of a tripod.
9. A frame according to claim 8, wherein the base portion comprises three contact points spaced apart to form the tripod.
10. A frame according to claim 9, wherein two of the contact points are formed where the arms extend away from the base portion to form the three-dimensional supporting configuration.
11. A frame according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the base portion comprises a pair of legs and one of the contact points is formed where the legs meet.
12. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the base portion comprises a pair of legs meeting at an angle, where 0 c 4' c 1800, such that the legs define a triangular footprint.
13. A frame according to claim 12, wherein the arms are arranged to bend away from the legs at a point distal from the meeting angle.
14. A frame according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the frame has an increased cross-section where the legs meet.
15. A frame according to claim 14, wherein the increased cross-section includes a wider portion where the legs meet and the wider portion includes a hanging aperture.
16. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the arms support an object while allowing for rotation of the object relative to the arms.
17. A frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the arms comprise end portions that extend towards one another to rotatably support an object.
18. A frame according to any preceding claim, further comprising an adaptor S connected to an end of one or more of the arms so as to support a particular object.
19. A frame according to claim 18, wherein the adaptor(s) is/are shaped to connect a particular object to the arm(s).
20. A frame according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the adaptor(s) is/are releasably connected to the arm(s).
21. A kit comprising a frame according to any preceding claim and one or more adaptors that can be connected to the arm(s) so that different objects can be supported by the frame.
22. A kit according to claim 21, wherein each adaptor or set of adaptors is shaped to connect a particular object to the arm(s).
23. A kit according to claim 21 or 22, wherein each adaptor or set of adaptors is releasably connectable to the arm(s).
24. A frame or a kit according to any preceding claim, wherein the object is a portable product such as a lamp, fan, heater, mobile phone, music player, etc.