US20030213886A1 - Surface embedded collapsible support - Google Patents

Surface embedded collapsible support Download PDF

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Publication number
US20030213886A1
US20030213886A1 US10/437,023 US43702303A US2003213886A1 US 20030213886 A1 US20030213886 A1 US 20030213886A1 US 43702303 A US43702303 A US 43702303A US 2003213886 A1 US2003213886 A1 US 2003213886A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
support
mobile part
collapsible support
flexible band
rigid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/437,023
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English (en)
Inventor
Jean Gilbert
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication of US20030213886A1 publication Critical patent/US20030213886A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M13/00—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
    • F16M13/005—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles integral with the apparatus or articles to be supported
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B23/00—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else
    • A47B23/04—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else supported from table, floor or wall
    • A47B23/042—Book-rests or note-book holders resting on tables
    • A47B23/043—Book-rests or note-book holders resting on tables adjustable, foldable
    • A47B23/044—Book-rests or note-book holders resting on tables adjustable, foldable only foldable
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
    • F16M11/02—Heads
    • F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
    • F16M11/06—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting
    • F16M11/10—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a horizontal axis
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1601—Constructional details related to the housing of computer displays, e.g. of CRT monitors, of flat displays
    • G06F1/1607—Arrangements to support accessories mechanically attached to the display housing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1626—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1656—Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories
    • G06F1/166—Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories related to integrated arrangements for adjusting the position of the main body with respect to the supporting surface, e.g. legs for adjusting the tilt angle
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
    • A45C2011/002—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 for portable handheld communication devices, e.g. mobile phone, pager, beeper, PDA, smart phone
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M2200/00—Details of stands or supports
    • F16M2200/08—Foot or support base
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2200/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F1/04 - G06F1/32
    • G06F2200/16—Indexing scheme relating to G06F1/16 - G06F1/18
    • G06F2200/163—Indexing scheme relating to constructional details of the computer
    • G06F2200/1633—Protecting arrangement for the entire housing of the computer

Definitions

  • the object of this invention is to provide a collapsible support that can be embedded into the surface of an object in order to raise it, to tilt it or to hold it distant or at an angle with another surface.
  • the collapsible support is preferably integrated into small flat portable objects such as a calculator, a personal digital assistant, a pocket computer, a test equipment or an audio device, or into objects having an external rigid cover that may include articulations such as a ring binder, a book or an album, and for which it is desirable to dissimulate a support that is deployed occasionally or folds up during the transportation, and for which it is needed to integrate such a support without affecting significantly the physical characteristics of the object such its shape or its robustness nor its simplicity or its manufacturing cost.
  • the first objects group preferentially aimed by the invention corresponds to portable articles such as calculator, personal digital assistant, pocket computer, portable audio devices or other similar articles.
  • Another approach consists in combining the function of support with that of a protective case.
  • This approach is used for the U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,259,568 and 4,989,926. It is applicable when the case surrounds completely the device, and thus when a significant quantity of materials is used. Such overall protection is not always necessary.
  • a protective lid only to the top of the computer, thus protecting the keyboard and the display.
  • Such protective lids are described in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,530,234, 5,682,182 and 6,178,085.
  • a bump integrated into the lid of the first of these three patents (U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,234) is used as a tilting support when the lid is put under the computer by making it slip along groove up to the back of the device.
  • this bump is permanent and does not offer a sufficient tilting.
  • a second objects group preferentially aimed by the invention corresponds to objects made up of an articulated rigid cover such as a ring binder or a book.
  • the U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,451,694, 2,778,153, 3,135,532, 3,224,792 and 4,576,497 propose the tilting of binders by using a device that is attached to the area of the cover where the binder assembly is located, thus leaving the front and back covers free.
  • the device is a narrow rigid structure that serves as a back strut when the binder is put on a flat working surface and tilted backwards.
  • the paper sheet contents can then bend if a light pressure is applied, unless some additional stiff material sheets are added. Moreover, because the angle between the upper and lower part of the folder cover are maintain folded by a single centralized stop, the triangle tends to open in its extremities if pressure is applied on the sides of the contents.
  • the cover does not support a large area of the contents when used as part of the support.
  • the U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,767 shows a design for which a flat member serving as a support is hinged on top of the cover and maintained at a limited angle with flexible bands attached to the bottom edge of the cover to form a triangular stand. Because that member is folded flatly on top of the object cover, a displacement due to material thickness occurs during cover folding. That displacement requires a special rivet type hinge that has an aesthetic impact, and causes the flexible band to torsion and to not fold perfectly flat. In addition, this conception requires additional material and makes the external member cumbersome.
  • the collapsible support of the present invention allows tilting of an articulated hard cover article without requiring substantial material addition while offering a great stability and an adequate contents support. In addition it allows a neat visual appearance, whether collapsed or not, similar to that of the original articles.
  • the invention consists of a collapsible support made up of a generally rectangular rigid part that serves as support, and of a flexible band. These two parts are connected between them and to the peripheral structure of an object (its case, its protective lid or its cover for example), over their full width by three parallels articulations. Deployed, the set forms a stable triangular support. Folded up, the rigid part hides the flexible band and becomes a complementary section of the object peripheral structure for which it fills the same function, of protection for example.
  • the support can be integrated to objects having an articulated rigid cover such as a ring binder.
  • the collapsible support made up of a rigid mobile part, a flexible band and the object external structure, may be formed as an integral one-piece, one shot, injection molding of a plastics material such as polypropylene or a copolymer of butadene and styrene.
  • An alternative of the invention consists of a self-adhesive support that is applies to an article not originally equipped with a support.
  • FIGS. 1 to 3 show the integration of the support to the case of a pocket computer from various points of view, whereas the support is deployed.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective front view
  • FIG. 2 is a is a perspective back view
  • FIG. 3 shows a side view of the pocket computer standing on a working surface
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 present from a perspective view this same pocket computer whereas the support is collapsing in the first figure and completely folded up in the second;
  • FIGS. 6 to 9 show from various cross-sectional views details of the support of the pocket computer.
  • FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the deployed support whereas FIG. 7 presents the same cross-section for the folded up support.
  • FIG. 8 presents the support folded up from a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the two preceding ones and which corresponds to the top of the support, whereas FIG. 9 corresponds to bottom;
  • FIGS. 10 and 11 are respectively cross-sectional and inside views of the same support presented in an arrangement allowing an integral one-piece, one shot, injection molding;
  • FIGS. 12 to 14 show the integration of the support to a wallet type calculator case.
  • FIG. 12 shows a top view of the calculator and its open case, whereas the collapsible support is folded up.
  • FIG. 13 shows the same from a side view whereas the case is open and the support is deployed.
  • FIG. 14 is also a side view, but here the support is folded up and the case is closed;
  • FIGS. 15 to 17 show an alternative of the support, which is here, integrated into a sliding protective lid of a calculator, and whose alternative consists in using one of the components of the support to maintain the support in collapsed state.
  • FIG. 15 is a side view of the calculator inserted in its protective lid in protection mode, with its support folded up.
  • FIG. 16 corresponds to the same configuration with a view from the lower end of the calculator.
  • FIG. 17 shows the calculator inserted in its protective lid, in a usage mode, whereas the support is deployed;
  • FIGS. 18 to 21 show from longitudinal cross-sectional views of the same previous application how the support is deployed, and how it is maintained in its collapsed state.
  • FIG. 18 shows the support completely deployed
  • FIG. 19 shows it when being folded
  • FIG. 20 shows a component of the support in it phase to be folded back under the surface of the lid
  • FIG. 21 shows how this component is maintained by the calculator under the surface of the lid;
  • FIG. 22 shows the side of a digital oscilloscope for which two supports, shown here deployed, are combined in order to elevate and to tilt the oscilloscope.
  • FIG. 23 corresponds to the same article from an underneath view and for which the front support is shown folded up and the back support is shown deployed;
  • FIGS. 24 to 27 show from different views a ring binder having a rigid cover and equipped with a collapsible support.
  • FIG. 24 shows this article whereas its support is folded up and its cover closed.
  • FIG. 25 is a back view whereas its cover is opened and its support folded up.
  • FIG. 26 shows the article from a side view laying on a working surface whereas its cover is opened and its support deployed.
  • FIG. 27 is a perspective view from beneath whereas the cover is opened and the support deployed;
  • FIG. 28 is a perspective back view of a similar article but for which a small pocket is added to the support, and for whom the geometrical shape of one of the components of the support differs slightly;
  • FIG. 29A is a perspective back view of a collapsible support, which is attached to the surface of a pocket computer.
  • the FIG. 29B shows the construction of this support from a flat plastic strip.
  • the present invention fulfills these requirements.
  • the recommended approach consists of combining to a generally flat, rectangular and rigid member both the function of support and that of external structure of an object, that is to say its case, its protective lid or its cover. These two functions being ensured in alternation by the mobility of the rigid member that is attached to the remainder of the object by an articulation.
  • FIGS. 1 to 3 show from various points of view such a support integrated into the case of an object, which is here a pocket computer incorporating a liquid crystal display 2 and buttons 3 . On these figures the support is shown deployed.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 are respectively front and rear perspective views of the pocket computer and its support.
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of the article posed on a working surface 16 represented in a cross-sectional view.
  • the support is made up of a mobile rigid part 4 attached to the bottom of the case surface 8 with an articulation 5 .
  • This articulation 5 is located between a linear section of contour of the mobile part 4 and the corresponding linear section internal to the framework 17 formed by the area where the mobile part is embedded.
  • the liberty of rotation of this mobile part 4 around the articulation axe 5 is limited by a flexible band 6 which is attached on one end near the other side of the mobile part 4 with an articulation 7 and on the other end to the surface of case 8 along another linear section of contour internal to the framework 17 on the bottom of the article by another articulation 9 .
  • the flexible band 6 consists of two sections 11 and 12 linked together by another articulation 10 parallel to the others three.
  • All these articulations are in this case create by a thinning along their axis of the plastic of which the support is made up.
  • a protective internal sheet 13 prevents external objects to come in contact with the electronic components located inside the pocket computer.
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate how the support is folded up and embedded into the case surface 8 .
  • FIG. 4 shows the support in its way to be collapsed.
  • the mobile part 4 started a rotation around the articulation 5 connecting it to the lower surface of case 8 .
  • the flexible band 6 started to fold along the articulation 10 connecting the two parts 11 and 12 .
  • One can initiate the folding of the support by pressing the central area of the flexible band 6 in direction of the articulation 5 , and completing it by pressing directly on the mobile part 4 toward the pocket computer.
  • the rigidity of parts 11 and 12 is sufficient for them to dissimulate flatly between the mobile part 4 and the protective internal sheet 13 .
  • These two parts 11 and 12 are preferably as thin as resistance and rigidity allows it while allowing a flat fold.
  • the flexible band 6 could be made up of flexible material such as fabrics whose one end would be stuck to the mobile part 4 and whose other end would be stuck to the surface of case 8 .
  • FIG. 5 shows the support completely folded up and dissimulated within framework 17 of case surface 8 to become part of it.
  • the strip 14 fits into notch 15 practiced in the case surface 8 .
  • FIGS. 6 to 9 show the construction detail of the support.
  • FIG. 6 shows from a cross-sectional view of the deployed support the components mentioned previously and a notch 50 included into the internal face of the mobile part 4 . This notch sized to fit parts 11 and 12 of the flexible band when the support is folded.
  • FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 correspond to the folded support.
  • FIGS. 7 and 9 show how parts 11 and 12 of the flexible band are placed one face against the other inside notch 50 .
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 are respectively cross-sectional views perpendicular to those of FIG. 7 along the dotted lines A and B.
  • FIG. 9 shows the bevel edges 53 of the mobile part 4 and of border 54 of the case surface 8 .
  • the extremity edge 51 of the mobile part 4 and the corresponding edge 52 of the case surface 8 are also in bevel.
  • These edges in bevel 53 , 54 , 51 and 52 constitute a physical constraint on which the mobile part come up against, thus limiting the rotation of the mobile part 4 around the articulation axe 5 to an orientation making this mobile part coplanar to surface 8 .
  • various internal parts to object could limit the penetration of the mobile part of the support into the surface.
  • FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken in the center of the support and showing a particular arrangement of the articulations allowing an integral one-piece, one shot, injection molding of a plastics material such as polypropylene or a copolymer of butadene and styrene.
  • FIG. 11 is a view from the inside of the support for this same arrangement.
  • Such a collapsible support could also be embedded on the surface of a not perfectly plane object by having its mobile part shape harmonized to the object external surface.
  • FIGS. 12 to 14 show the same support in a different application. Here it is integrated into the protective case of a booklet type calculator. As before, the collapsible support is used for tilting purpose, but this time the support is used in an inverted manner compared to preceding application.
  • FIG. 12 is a top view of the calculator 101 comprising a display 102 , buttons 103 and a protective case 125 that is showed open. On this figure the collapsible support not deployed.
  • Case 125 is made up of vinyl 124 covering a paperboard 123 .
  • the vinyl cover 124 is sealed on its edge and along its central articulation 126 by heating.
  • FIG. 13 is a side view whereas the support is deployed and the case is open. The support thus allows maintaining an angle between the case surface 125 and the lower part of calculator 101 .
  • the support is made up of a mobile part 104 , a flexible band 106 which is constitute of two parts 111 and 112 linked together by an articulation 110 , and articulations 105 , 107 and 109 .
  • Articulations 105 and 109 respectively bind the mobile part 104 and the flexible band 106 to a rigid planar section 108 into which it fits in when the support is folded. It also includes a strip 114 and a notch 115 .
  • the rigid plane section 108 is inserted in cover 124 in which an opening 127 is practiced allowing the deployment of the support.
  • FIG. 14 is a side view of the calculator and its case. In this figure the support is folded up and the case is closed.
  • FIG. 13 These three figures also show the lower end of the calculator that is connected to an edge 122 of the case with a Velcro (trade mark) fastening 121 .
  • Velcro trademark
  • Two other Velcro fastenings 120 are attached under the calculator upper part and the corresponding facing position on the case inside surface 125 in order to maintain the computer in place when the support is folded up.
  • the Velcro fastenings 120 separate, the 120 A part remaining stuck to the calculator and the 120 B part remaining stuck to the case 125 , as showed on FIG. 13.
  • This alternative consists in using the flexible band to maintain the support in its folded position. This alternative can be applied whenever there is temporarily access to sufficient space inside the object to allow folding back of the flexible band.
  • This calculator 201 has a removable protective lid 208 .
  • Calculator 201 is provided with two grooves 260 along its sides allowing the edges 261 of the lid 208 to slip into and thus to maintain the lid attached to the calculator.
  • calculator 201 is inserted in its lid 208 , buttons 203 facing lid 208 as illustrated on the FIGS. 15 and 16 that are respectively side and end views.
  • FIGS. 15 and 16 are respectively side and end views.
  • Articulation 210 is the only visible on FIG. 16.
  • the calculator is inserted with its buttons facing up as illustrated on FIG. 17, which shows calculator 201 with its collapsible support deployed. It is made up of: a mobile part 204 , a flexible band 206 which is constitute of the two parts 211 and 212 linked together by an articulation 210 , and articulations 205 , 207 , 209 .
  • the articulations are built by a thinning of the plastic of which the support is made up.
  • FIGS. 18 to 20 illustrate from cross-sectional views how it is done. It consists in folding back part 212 up to the back of surface 208 of the protective lid inside of which a cavity 275 is integrated to partly place the flexible band and to make a thinner arrangement. In another preferential embodiment, one could prefer not to use a cavity in order to maximize the robustness of the lid.
  • FIG. 21 is cross-sectional view showing a section of calculator 201 inserted in its lid 208 whereas its support is shown folded up. Thus, it is no more possible to deploy the support, which is blocked by the calculator.
  • the rigidity of part 211 of the flexible band ensures a firm maintain of part 204 , which remains embedded in lid 208 .
  • FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate how two collapsible supports can be combined to raise and incline a digital oscilloscope.
  • two collapsible supports are integrated into the bottom surface 308 of a digital oscilloscope 301 comprising a liquid crystal display 302 and buttons 303 .
  • FIG. 22 the oscilloscope is shown from a side view, with its supports deployed, and put on a working surface 316 shown from a cross-sectional view.
  • FIG. 23 is a bottom view showing the front support folded up and the rear support deployed.
  • the front support is constitute of a mobile part 304 A, a flexible band made up of two rigid parts 311 A and 312 A linked together by a hinge 310 A, and the hinges 305 A, 307 A and 309 A.
  • the back support is constitute of a mobile part 304 B, a flexible band made up of two rigid parts 311 B and 312 B linked together by a hinge 310 B, and the hinges 305 B, 307 B, 309 B.
  • the back and rear supports are placed respectively in the cavities 317 A and 317 B located in surface 308 of the case.
  • FIGS. 24 to 27 illustrate another significant aspect of the invention and show the integration of the collapsible support in an article having an articulated rigid cover.
  • the article shown is a ring binder having a foldable cover.
  • This type of cover generally consists of paperboard covered with a vinyl material or is entirely made up of a plastic sheet material.
  • the figures illustrate a ring binder made of plastic sheet material.
  • the binder ring assembly having a series of rings is of standard construction. This is of particular interest of the invention regarding manufacturing costs.
  • the invention is compatible with other rigid or semi-rigid material cover, and with other binder assembly such as clips bonding, vertebrate spiral page retainer and conventional bookbinding.
  • FIG. 24 the cover is folded whereas for the three following ones it is open.
  • FIGS. 26 and 27 the support is deployed.
  • FIG. 25 shows the cover made of three sections which are: a front cover 508 A and a rear cover 508 C which are respectively connected to a side cover 508 B by two vertically aligned hinges pairs 526 A and 526 A′, and 526 B and 526 B′.
  • the central area of this cover forms a rectangular framework 517 which is occupied by a mobile part made up of three rigid sections 504 A, 504 B and 504 C connected between them by the vertical hinges 527 A and 527 B which are the continuation of the vertical hinges of the cover.
  • the three sections 504 A, 504 B and 504 C of this central part are respectively connected to the sections 508 A, 508 B and 508 C by a single horizontal hinge 505 .
  • This central part constitutes the mobile part of the collapsible support. Its vertical hinges are thus integrating the continuation of the cover hinges to allow folding, as illustrated on FIG. 24. When this central part and the remainder of the cover are flatly open, the support can be deployed by rotation around hinge 505 until full extension of band 506 , as illustrated on FIG. 26.
  • FIG. 26 which is a side view of the ring binder having its cover open, its support deployed and resting on a working surface 516 that is shown in cross-section, it is possible to see the binder ring assembly made of rings 522 , rings opening levers 521 A and 521 B and spine bar 523 . This ring binder assembly is fastened near its ends to the side cover by rivets 520 A and 520 B, which are apparent on FIGS. 24, 25 and 27 .
  • FIG. 27 is perspective view from the bottom of the same article showing a vertical separation in two parts of the flexible band.
  • sections 511 A and 512 A of the flexible band which are connected between them by a hinge 510 A respectively, connect the end of the section 504 A to the section 508 A of the cover by the hinges 507 A and 509 A.
  • sections 511 B and 512 B of the flexible band which are connected between them by a hinge 510 B respectively, connect the end of the section 504 B to the section 508 B of the cover by the hinges 507 B and 509 B.
  • the flexible band could be folded back under the cover to maintain the support folded up as previously described.
  • the binder content is supported on a large area located in periphery. This allows a good support to the content.
  • a design in which a thin sheet is attached or superimposed on the cover from the inside can be used.
  • this sheet while thin, nevertheless offers a good support because stresses will be applied as tension as for the skin of a drum.
  • This sheet could be attached to the rings of the binder instead or located between the binder ring assembly and the cover and fixed in place by the rivets 520 A and 520 B.
  • FIG. 28 shows a cross-sectional rear view of a ring binder similar to the one of the previous figures, but which has a small transparent pocket 530 attached to its support and into which a sheet of paper 531 is inserted.
  • This pocket can be used to display a document title or relevant information to an audience facing a speaker for example.
  • the rounded corner support also differs in shape from the previous rectangular one.
  • Printing or embossing information displayed on the external surface of the mobile part of the support is also possible.
  • the integration of the collapsible support to an articulated cover may not always involve the continuation of all of the cover hinges on the mobile part of the support. This is the case for a portfolio having a paper clip on its back cover upper border. In that case, the weight of the contents is always kept in the vertical axe of the back cover, and thus it is not necessary to extend the support beyond to the back cover. No continuation of the cover hinges will be necessary in this case.
  • a ring binder having its side cover so wide that the mass center of the content would be always located somewhere over the side and rear cover will requires the integration of only one hinge of the cover.
  • FIGS. 29A and 29B show a collapsible support which is attached to surface 708 of a pocket computer 701 by two self-adhesive bands 727 A and 727 B.
  • This support is manufactured from a single polypropylene strip 750 having a thickness of 0.5 mm, which is shown flat on FIG. 29B.
  • the support is made up of: a mobile section 704 which serves as support, the sections 711 and 712 which are folded up under the first section when the support is folded up, and extremities 726 A and 726 B which sticks to surface 708 with the self-adhesive bands 727 A and 727 B.
  • Hinges 705 , 707 , 710 and 709 ensure the folding and the deployment of the support as illustrated on FIG. 29A. Thinning of material creates these hinges.
  • the support is handled using tab 714 .
  • the tab is attached to section 704 by a hinge 707 and is made up from a part of section 711 .
  • Under this tab there is the first part 720 A of a Velcro fastener that is attached to the second part 720 B. This second part is stuck on the section 726 B. This fastener is used to maintain the support folded up.
  • a self-adhesive rubber band 728 is fixed in the lower part of surface 708 to prevent the pocket computer from slipping to a working surface.
  • any of the two sections 726 A and 726 B could be stuck to surface 708 , by folding up these sections under the support and not towards the ends of the pocket computer. Section 726 B being thus folded up, the 720 B part of Velcro fastener would be stuck directly on surface 708 .
  • sections 711 and 712 could be folded up towards lower of the pocket computer when the support is fold up, and not under section 704 .
  • the 720 A parts and 720 B of the Velcro fasteners would be stuck respectively on sections 712 and 708 .
  • Similar self-adhesive support having vertical hinges can be used to tilt articulated cover such as ring binders. These support comprised vertical hinges having spacing corresponding to the binder thickness. In an alternate conception a multitude of hinges are integrated in order to accommodate binders of various thickness. Here again, the flexible band may be vertically split to facilitate folding of the cover.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
US10/437,023 2002-05-15 2003-05-14 Surface embedded collapsible support Abandoned US20030213886A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2,385,223 2002-05-15
CA002385223A CA2385223C (fr) 2002-05-15 2002-05-15 Support escamotable encastrable en surface

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20030213886A1 true US20030213886A1 (en) 2003-11-20

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ID=4171162

Family Applications (1)

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US10/437,023 Abandoned US20030213886A1 (en) 2002-05-15 2003-05-14 Surface embedded collapsible support

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US (1) US20030213886A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2385223C (fr)

Cited By (44)

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US20040113036A1 (en) * 2002-10-07 2004-06-17 Jean Gilbert Surface embedded collapsible support
US20050139740A1 (en) * 2003-12-31 2005-06-30 Tatung Co., Ltd. Portable computer support structure
US20070164108A1 (en) * 2005-10-13 2007-07-19 Truly Electronics Manufacturing Limited Calculator
US20100059649A1 (en) * 2008-09-06 2010-03-11 Pierce Alfred Buxton Integrated Frame/Stand for Portable Electronic Devices
US20100222118A1 (en) * 2009-02-27 2010-09-02 Rich Interdanato Finger holder for handheld communication units
US20100308202A1 (en) * 2009-06-05 2010-12-09 Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. Electronic device with support
US20110134588A1 (en) * 2009-12-03 2011-06-09 Nokia Corporation Portable apparatus
US20120025039A1 (en) * 2010-07-28 2012-02-02 Segal Stanley H Cell Phone Holder and Stand
US20120042476A1 (en) * 2010-08-19 2012-02-23 Karmatz Michael Shayne Apparatus for gripping handheld devices
US20130161480A1 (en) * 2011-12-23 2013-06-27 Xander Arena Standoff assistant systems for portable communication devices
US8746448B1 (en) 2013-01-21 2014-06-10 Charles A. Bellace Electronic device case with finger retaining loop
US20150041607A1 (en) * 2013-08-08 2015-02-12 ACCO Brands Corporation Device with Slidable Retractable Stand
US20150173221A1 (en) * 2013-12-13 2015-06-18 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Protective cover for electronic device
US20150296946A1 (en) * 2014-04-17 2015-10-22 Kobo Incorporated Portable computing device case convertible to upright stand
US9185954B2 (en) * 2012-02-02 2015-11-17 Superior Communications, Inc. Shell with kickstand
US20150375894A1 (en) * 2014-06-27 2015-12-31 Targus Group International, Inc. Case for portable electronic devices with shutter stand
US9750321B2 (en) 2014-06-13 2017-09-05 Targus Group International, Inc. Case for portable electronic devices with internal support
US20180014630A1 (en) * 2016-07-18 2018-01-18 Brynne M. Watkins Cell phone case having an interchangeable bracelet
EP2951482B1 (fr) * 2013-02-04 2018-03-14 BakkerElkhuizen Innovations B.V. Support pour dispositif portable, doté d'un affichage d'interface utilisateur graphique
US9918545B2 (en) 2013-02-04 2018-03-20 Bakkerelkhuizen Innovations B.V. Stand for a portable device with a graphic user interface display
US10001242B2 (en) 2014-02-28 2018-06-19 Bakkerelkhuizen Innovations B.V. Stand for a portable device with a graphic user interface display
CN108240539A (zh) * 2016-12-23 2018-07-03 和硕联合科技股份有限公司 电子装置
US10139861B2 (en) 2010-06-07 2018-11-27 Targus Group International, Inc. Portable electronic device case accessories and related systems and methods
CN109005259A (zh) * 2018-07-25 2018-12-14 常州信息职业技术学院 便携式通信装置
CN109707966A (zh) * 2019-02-13 2019-05-03 湖北安心智能科技有限公司 一种桌面免开孔的台式会议设备
USD877154S1 (en) 2018-07-18 2020-03-03 Samsonite Ip Holdings S.Àr.L. Stand for mobile device
US10623543B2 (en) * 2018-07-18 2020-04-14 Samsonite Ip Holdings S.Àr.L. Stand for mobile device
USRE48041E1 (en) * 2014-01-30 2020-06-09 Senseage Co., Ltd. Supporting apparatus of housing
US20200208773A1 (en) * 2018-12-27 2020-07-02 Solution Expert 33 International Co., Ltd. Mobile device and computer device stand
USD894167S1 (en) 2019-01-29 2020-08-25 Nlu Products, L.L.C. Transparent case with adjustable strap for an electronic device
USD894889S1 (en) 2019-01-29 2020-09-01 Nlu Products, L.L.C. Case with adjustable strap for an electronic device
US10800024B2 (en) 2010-08-19 2020-10-13 Michael Shayne KARMATZ Compacting grip for handheld devices
USD909391S1 (en) 2019-12-02 2021-02-02 Fintie Llc Case for electronic device with multi-angle stand cover
USD921637S1 (en) 2019-11-22 2021-06-08 Fintie Llc Case for electronic device with pencil holder
USD922390S1 (en) 2020-01-27 2021-06-15 Fintie Llc Case for electronic device with multi-angle stand cover
USD922391S1 (en) 2020-01-27 2021-06-15 Fintie Llc Case for electronic device with detachable keyboard
USD923011S1 (en) 2020-02-19 2021-06-22 Fintie Llc Stand cover for electronic device
USD940723S1 (en) 2020-07-09 2022-01-11 Fintie Llc Case for electronic device with multi-angle stand
USD942982S1 (en) 2020-06-22 2022-02-08 Fintie Llc Case for electronic device with multi-angle rotatable stand
US11290585B2 (en) 2018-12-27 2022-03-29 Solution Expert 33 International Co., Ltd. Mobile device and computer device stand
US20220282828A1 (en) * 2021-03-05 2022-09-08 Mobile Pixels Inc. Auxiliary display kickstand
USD980225S1 (en) 2020-02-19 2023-03-07 Fintie Llc Protective case for electronic device
USD986251S1 (en) 2021-09-20 2023-05-16 Fintie Llc Stand cover for electronic device
USD991936S1 (en) 2020-08-31 2023-07-11 Fintie Llc Case for electronic device with flexible multi-configuration stand

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7318521B2 (en) * 2004-09-21 2008-01-15 Creative Technology Ltd Pouch with integrated stand
AT514182B1 (de) * 2013-03-21 2016-03-15 Mihidukulasuriya Antoney Jude Leonidas Fernando Prinzip eines integrierten Deckel-Ständers

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US1957039A (en) * 1933-03-20 1934-05-01 Wilson Jones Co Loose leaf binder
US2225830A (en) * 1938-01-10 1940-12-24 Ramsay L Harris Bookrest
US2211809A (en) * 1939-06-02 1940-08-20 Brewer James Arthur Portfolio
US3785605A (en) * 1972-01-20 1974-01-15 H Parekh Book prop
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Cited By (58)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040113036A1 (en) * 2002-10-07 2004-06-17 Jean Gilbert Surface embedded collapsible support
US20050139740A1 (en) * 2003-12-31 2005-06-30 Tatung Co., Ltd. Portable computer support structure
US7059576B2 (en) * 2003-12-31 2006-06-13 Tatung Co., Ltd. Portable computer support structure
US20070164108A1 (en) * 2005-10-13 2007-07-19 Truly Electronics Manufacturing Limited Calculator
US20100059649A1 (en) * 2008-09-06 2010-03-11 Pierce Alfred Buxton Integrated Frame/Stand for Portable Electronic Devices
US20100222118A1 (en) * 2009-02-27 2010-09-02 Rich Interdanato Finger holder for handheld communication units
US8374657B2 (en) * 2009-02-27 2013-02-12 Rich Interdonato Finger holder for handheld communication units
US8162282B2 (en) * 2009-06-05 2012-04-24 Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. Electronic device with support
US20100308202A1 (en) * 2009-06-05 2010-12-09 Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. Electronic device with support
US20110134588A1 (en) * 2009-12-03 2011-06-09 Nokia Corporation Portable apparatus
US11360513B2 (en) 2010-06-07 2022-06-14 Targus Internatonal Llc Portable electronic device case accessories and related systems and methods
US10139861B2 (en) 2010-06-07 2018-11-27 Targus Group International, Inc. Portable electronic device case accessories and related systems and methods
US20120025039A1 (en) * 2010-07-28 2012-02-02 Segal Stanley H Cell Phone Holder and Stand
US20120042476A1 (en) * 2010-08-19 2012-02-23 Karmatz Michael Shayne Apparatus for gripping handheld devices
US8844098B2 (en) * 2010-08-19 2014-09-30 Michael Shayne KARMATZ Apparatus for gripping handheld devices
US10800024B2 (en) 2010-08-19 2020-10-13 Michael Shayne KARMATZ Compacting grip for handheld devices
US20130161480A1 (en) * 2011-12-23 2013-06-27 Xander Arena Standoff assistant systems for portable communication devices
US9986073B2 (en) * 2011-12-23 2018-05-29 Xander Arena Standoff assistant systems for portable communication devices
US9185954B2 (en) * 2012-02-02 2015-11-17 Superior Communications, Inc. Shell with kickstand
US8746448B1 (en) 2013-01-21 2014-06-10 Charles A. Bellace Electronic device case with finger retaining loop
US9918545B2 (en) 2013-02-04 2018-03-20 Bakkerelkhuizen Innovations B.V. Stand for a portable device with a graphic user interface display
EP2951482B1 (fr) * 2013-02-04 2018-03-14 BakkerElkhuizen Innovations B.V. Support pour dispositif portable, doté d'un affichage d'interface utilisateur graphique
US10182649B2 (en) 2013-02-04 2019-01-22 Oahwip B.V. Stand for a portable device with a graphic user interface display
US9873284B2 (en) * 2013-08-08 2018-01-23 ACCO Brands Corporation Device with slidable retractable stand
US20150041607A1 (en) * 2013-08-08 2015-02-12 ACCO Brands Corporation Device with Slidable Retractable Stand
US20150173221A1 (en) * 2013-12-13 2015-06-18 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Protective cover for electronic device
US9854692B2 (en) * 2013-12-13 2017-12-26 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd Protective cover for electronic device
USRE48041E1 (en) * 2014-01-30 2020-06-09 Senseage Co., Ltd. Supporting apparatus of housing
US10001242B2 (en) 2014-02-28 2018-06-19 Bakkerelkhuizen Innovations B.V. Stand for a portable device with a graphic user interface display
US20150296946A1 (en) * 2014-04-17 2015-10-22 Kobo Incorporated Portable computing device case convertible to upright stand
US9451818B2 (en) * 2014-04-17 2016-09-27 Rakuten Kobo, Inc. Portable computing device case convertible to upright stand
US9750321B2 (en) 2014-06-13 2017-09-05 Targus Group International, Inc. Case for portable electronic devices with internal support
US9717314B2 (en) * 2014-06-27 2017-08-01 Targus International Llc Case for portable electronic devices with shutter stand
US20150375894A1 (en) * 2014-06-27 2015-12-31 Targus Group International, Inc. Case for portable electronic devices with shutter stand
US10441064B2 (en) * 2016-07-18 2019-10-15 Brynne M. Watkins Cell phone case having an interchangeable bracelet
US20180014630A1 (en) * 2016-07-18 2018-01-18 Brynne M. Watkins Cell phone case having an interchangeable bracelet
CN108240539A (zh) * 2016-12-23 2018-07-03 和硕联合科技股份有限公司 电子装置
USD877154S1 (en) 2018-07-18 2020-03-03 Samsonite Ip Holdings S.Àr.L. Stand for mobile device
US10623543B2 (en) * 2018-07-18 2020-04-14 Samsonite Ip Holdings S.Àr.L. Stand for mobile device
CN109005259A (zh) * 2018-07-25 2018-12-14 常州信息职业技术学院 便携式通信装置
US20200208773A1 (en) * 2018-12-27 2020-07-02 Solution Expert 33 International Co., Ltd. Mobile device and computer device stand
US10935182B2 (en) * 2018-12-27 2021-03-02 Solution Expert 33 International Co., Ltd. Mobile device and computer device stand
US11290585B2 (en) 2018-12-27 2022-03-29 Solution Expert 33 International Co., Ltd. Mobile device and computer device stand
USD894167S1 (en) 2019-01-29 2020-08-25 Nlu Products, L.L.C. Transparent case with adjustable strap for an electronic device
USD894889S1 (en) 2019-01-29 2020-09-01 Nlu Products, L.L.C. Case with adjustable strap for an electronic device
CN109707966A (zh) * 2019-02-13 2019-05-03 湖北安心智能科技有限公司 一种桌面免开孔的台式会议设备
USD921637S1 (en) 2019-11-22 2021-06-08 Fintie Llc Case for electronic device with pencil holder
USD909391S1 (en) 2019-12-02 2021-02-02 Fintie Llc Case for electronic device with multi-angle stand cover
USD922390S1 (en) 2020-01-27 2021-06-15 Fintie Llc Case for electronic device with multi-angle stand cover
USD922391S1 (en) 2020-01-27 2021-06-15 Fintie Llc Case for electronic device with detachable keyboard
USD980225S1 (en) 2020-02-19 2023-03-07 Fintie Llc Protective case for electronic device
USD923011S1 (en) 2020-02-19 2021-06-22 Fintie Llc Stand cover for electronic device
USD942982S1 (en) 2020-06-22 2022-02-08 Fintie Llc Case for electronic device with multi-angle rotatable stand
USD940723S1 (en) 2020-07-09 2022-01-11 Fintie Llc Case for electronic device with multi-angle stand
USD991936S1 (en) 2020-08-31 2023-07-11 Fintie Llc Case for electronic device with flexible multi-configuration stand
US20220282828A1 (en) * 2021-03-05 2022-09-08 Mobile Pixels Inc. Auxiliary display kickstand
US11774037B2 (en) * 2021-03-05 2023-10-03 Mobile Pixels Inc. Auxiliary display kickstand
USD986251S1 (en) 2021-09-20 2023-05-16 Fintie Llc Stand cover for electronic device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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CA2385223C (fr) 2003-04-08

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STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

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