WO2012020406A1

WO2012020406A1 - A multipurpose platform device for supporting portable items

Info

Publication number: WO2012020406A1
Application number: PCT/IL2011/000645
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yosef Yefet; Sigal Yefet
Original assignee: Yosef Yefet; Sigal Yefet
Priority date: 2010-08-09
Filing date: 2011-08-09
Publication date: 2012-02-16

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a platform device adapted for carrying and deploying portable items comprising: a rigid surface plate adapted for placement of the portable items; and a support mechanism adapted for supporting said surface plate carrying said items in a static mode and/or in a portable mode, wherein in a portable mode said support mechanism is further attached to a body worn harness. The platform device maintains a substantially horizontal configuration when harness is worn by a user.

Description

A MULTIPURPOSE PLATFORM DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING PORTABLE

ITEMS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multipurpose platform device for supporting items in general, and to a multipurpose platform device adapted to be portable by being attached to a body-worn harness and also to be non portable in a detached, stand alone mode, according to a user need, in particular.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The term "item" in the text that follows refers to any portable device that is best described (but not exclusively so) as being a mechanical, electrical, electronic or medical device and is deployed in the course of work, leisure or health-care treatment. A few examples for such "items" include: lap top and tablet computers, DVD and-still pictures cameras, medical inhalation devices and field-used chemical analysis kits. The terms in the text that follows regarding the deployment or usage of portable items also, when relevant, refers to books, journals and manuscripts, thus, the term "portable item" also refers in accordance with variations of the present invention to a hard cover or soft cover portable book, a journal or a manuscript that may be readily transported from one location to another for reading or other uses.

While working with a lap top or tablet computer, reading a book, or while deploying many other portable items it is typically desired to have the support of a stable, substantially horizontal "support-platform" for the item dealt with. While engaging in activities such as (but not limited to): walking or standing or lying down in certain body-positions, when a support-platform is lacking and yet there is a need to deploy portable items, a need arises for a portable and stable support platform for personal use that can be adjusted to the conditions at hand. The required portable and stable support platform will facilitate the deployment of the portable items in a considerably more convenient manner and at times make the deployment at all possible. In dealing with utility items while standing or walking, it is preferable that the portable support platform will be in a carrying-mode ("attached mode"), preferably connected in some way to the body of a person (a user) dealing with the items at hand. In accordance with the present invention, the term "attached mode" when referred to the portable items dealt with means that these items are preferably positioned on the support platform at a comfortable operating or reading proximity. It is also desired that the support platform will not cause inconvenience to the person carrying it and that the support platform will be easy to both adjust to the attached mode and reversibly readjust to the detached mode.

In accordance with variations of the present invention, while being in a detached mode it is desired to have the option to adjust the slanting angle of the multifunctional support platform to a convenient angle for reading or operating the carried item.

Another desirable feature of the multipurpose platform provided herein, is the ability to fix-in-place, on the platform, the carried item while in use, in a manner that there will be little or no hand-support required to insure that the items will not fall off from the platform.

The present invention is a multipurpose support platform device for deploying and carrying items. The platform may be portable or non portable according to the user's need in a specific event and location. The platform device provided herein may be transformed from a portable to a non portable mode and vice versa in an easy and friendly manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is aimed to provide a multipurpose platform device adapted for carrying and deploying portable items. The device comprises a rigid surface plate adapted for placement of said portable items; and a support mechanism adapted for supporting said surface plate carrying the items in a static mode and/or in a portable mode, wherein in a portable mode said support mechanism is further attached to a body worn harness. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the present invention, and appreciate its practical applications, the following Figures are provided and referenced hereafter. It should be noted that the figures are given as examples only and in no way limit the scope of the invention. Similar components are denoted by similar reference numerals.

Figure 1 is a schematic side view illustration of a multipurpose portable platform device adapted for supporting items, in accordance with the present invention, in a mode suitable for being connected to a harness.

Figure 2 is a front view illustration of a harness adapted for being attached to a multipurpose portable platform device as illustrated in Figure 1 and to a body of a user.

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the murapurposeportable platform device illustrated in Figure 1 attached to a body of a user by the harness illustrated in figure 2. Figure 3 A - the device is carrying an opened screen, ready for use, lap-top computer. In such scenario the device is functionally attached to the body of a user (person) by the harness illustrated in Figure 2 and the computer is positioned perpendicular to the user's body. Figure 3B - the device is carrying the lap-top computer of Figure 3A while the screen is closed. In such scenario, the closed lap top computer is folded towards the carrying person.

Figure 4 is a schematic isometric illustration of a multipurpose platform device for supporting items in a "stand-alone" mode, with the platform at various positions relative to a reference plane; Figure 4A - platform at an approximate angle of 0 degrees relative to a reference plane; Figure 4B - platform at an approximate angle of 30 degrees relative to a reference plane; Figure 4C - platform device is positioned at a 60 degree angle relative to a reference plane.

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of different structural variations of hook- shaped plate 32 adapted to allow securing in place items that are placed on the multipurpose device provided herein at the upper side of the item.

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of other structural variations of hook-shaped plate 34 adapted to allow securing in place items that are placed on the multipurpose device provided herein. Figure 6A - a schematic illustration of one another variation of hook shaped plate 34 capable of being modified according to the thickness of the item being placed on the multipurpose device of the present invention. Figure 6B - a close up view on hook shaped plate 34 adapted to hold thin items; Figure 6C -a schematic illustration of one another variation of the invention allowing to modify the position of plate 34 according to the item dimensions along axis x (length of item).

Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of supporting leg 17 allowing fixation of plate 12 of device 10 in various angles according to the user's need.

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of one another variation of multipurpose platform device of the present invention comprising a hand grip. Figure 8A - a top view illustration; Figure 8B - a side view illustration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFFERED EMBODIMENTS

It should be clear that the description of the embodiments and attached Figures set forth in this specification serves only for a better understanding of the invention, without limiting its scope.

The multipurpose platform device for supporting portable items in accordance with the present invention is utilized for activities preformed in situations where no stable and substantially horizontal support platform is readily available. Three examples of a wide variety of activities are: carrying a book or a manuscript for reading while lying down sideways, supporting and deploying a lap top or a tablet computer while standing on the job in a construction site and carrying, and deploying a portable measuring device while participating in a scientific field experiment.

In accordance with the present invention, a platform device adapted for carrying and deploying portable items is provided. The platform device comprises (a) a rigid surface plate adapted for placement of said portable items; and (b) a support mechanism adapted for supporting said surface plate carrying said items in a static mode and/or in a portable mode, wherein in a portable mode the support mechanism is further attached to a body worn harness. The platform device mainly maintains a substantially horizontal configuration when harness is worn by a user. In accordance with variations of the invention, the support mechanism is reversibly connected to and detached from said harness. The support mechanism also comprises a mechanism allowing slanting said surface plate up to 110 degree angle above a reference plane when the surface plate is not attached to the harness.

The body worn harness is preferably reversibly attached to the platform device by connecting buckles comprised in the platform device to buckle-insertion units comprised in the harness. The harness further comprises a belt-like strap adapted to encircle a user's body.

The items carried by said device are secured to the surface plate by at least two hook shaped plates. The hook shaped plates are reversibly attached to the rigid surface plate allowing a user to adapt their position according to the carried item's dimensions. The supporting mechanism may further comprise a knee belt to further allow the user stabilize the device upon usage.

The platform device according to the present invention may further comprise a handle adapted to allow a user carrying the device in a folded position by one hand.

The portable item may be either one of a mechanical, electrical, electronic or medical device that is deployed in the course of work, leisure or health-care treatment For the purpose of explanation how the multipurpose platform device (also referred hereinafter interchangeably as "platform device") is constructed and utilized for supporting items in accordance with the present invention , an example of having a lap top computer positioned on the platform device is given with reference to figure 3 A and 3B. However, the present invention is in no way restricted to the use of carrying a lap top computer and, as was previously explained, can be utilized for carrying and supporting a wide variety of portable items.

Reference is now made to the Figures to explain the construction and to provide variations of the platform device in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a portable platform device 10 for supporting items. Platform device 10 is constructed from a surface plate 12, preferably but not necessarily shaped as a rectangular, and made of a rigid material such as but not limited to: metal, plastic or wood, on which a portable utility item may be positioned so as to be carried by device 10. Rectangular surface plate 12 can be of a solid plate or of a proliferated plate, as shown in the figure. Rectangular surface plate 12 is functionally connected to a support mechanism comprising at least: two parallel bars 14 positioned on the longitudinal edges of the bottom side of plate 12 and having at the end of both bars rotating wheels 18 that functionally rotate on hinges 19. Hinges 19 are connected to bars 14 and plate 12 is connected to wheels 18. Pins 16 run through both bars 14. When pushed into the bars pins 16 secure rotating wheels 18 from turning by being inserted into cavities in wheels 18. On withdrawing pins 16 from bars 14, the pins are further withdrawn from wheels 18, allowing surface plate 12 to rotate around bars 14 (shown in Figure 4A-4C). Bars 14 are connected by hinges 20 to two parallel bars 22. Hinges 20 enable changes in the angle between bars 14 and bars 22 from approximately 90 degrees to 0 degrees relative to a vertical plane. Two stabilizing bars 24 with grooves running through their length are connected by hinges 15 to parallel bars 14. Pins 26 are fixed-in- place to parallel bars 22 and run through the grooves in bars 24. The changing of position of pins 26 along grooves in bars 24 enable rotational movement and the change of the angle between bars 22 and 14. When at approximately 90 degrees angle between bars 14 and bars 22, and with pins 16 inserted in wheels 18, bars 24 support bars 14 and prevent bars 14 and 22 from performing further rotational movement, thus keeping surface plate 12 in a fixed, approximately horizontal, position.

Pin 26 runs along grove 27 in bar 24. When bar 14 and bar 22 are at an approximately 90 degrees angle between them, pin 26 is at the very top-end of grove 27 and when pin 26 is at the very top-end of grove 27 it slides into inlet 35 (not showing), thus reversibly locking the movement of pin 26 along grove 27. Only when pin 26 is withdrawn from inlet 33 by a push-movement, the free movement of pin 26 along grove 27 restored. When pin 26 is within inlet 35, bars 14 and bars 22 are reversibly locked in place, thus, surface plate 12 is stabilized at an approximate horizontal position and in so stabilizing the utility item placed on the surface plate (as shown in Figure 3 A).

In accordance with one variation of the present invention, portable platform device 10 illustrated in Figure 1 may also serve as a static platform if placed on parallel rods 22 that may serve as supporting legs, hi such scenario, plate 12 may be positioned at an approximate angle of 110 degrees relative to a reference plane. One another variation of usage of the platform device of the invention in a static, stand alone mode is illustrated with reference to Figure 4 below. Also shown in figure 1 are: a flexible fabric segment 28 adapted to connect between the end of both bars 22 and two buckles 30; Sheet-element 29 that is fixed in place in its upper part and is connected to fabric segment 28 (near buckle 30). Both, fabric segments 28 and sheet-element 29 may be made of a rigid material. In its lower part sheet-element 29 is left un-connected. In warring harness 36 (shown in Figure 2) belt-like strap 44 is inserted under sheet-element 29, thus stabilizing the connection between platform device 10 and harness 36 (shown in Figure 3B). On the upper section of both bars 22, at the edge near fabric segments 28 are extending hooks 33. Hooks 33 are functionally adapted to lock and reversibly secure in place surface plate 12 when the plate is in a vertical up-right position (as shown in Figure 3B). On the edges of the two upper and bottom facing side of platel2 are hook-shaped plates 32 and 34. These hook shaped plated are functionally adapted to allow securing in place items that are placed on plate 12. Plates 32 and 34 may be fixed to plate 12. Alternatively, plates 32 and 34 may be reversibly attached to plate 12, while the attachment point to plate 12 may vary according to the item's dimensions on both axis X and Y.

A fabric strap 58 functionally connects between two hinges 20 and is adapted to support platform device 10 around the navel area when platform device is attached to a harness 36 and is worn by a user 40 (shown in Figures3A and 3B. Fabric 58 is further adapted to serve as a knee strap, and provides a user an option to secure platform device 10 to its knee in certain positions. Hinges 20, that functionally connect between bars 14 and bars 22, are further connected to two surface-plate-support-bar 17 that rotate around the hinges and support surface plate 12 when platform device 10 is in a "standalone" mode, not connected to an harness (for clarification see the following explanations for Figure 7 and Figure 4A-4C).

Figure 2 schematically illustrates a stretched-out fabric-made harness 36 utilized for attaching the multipurpose portable, compact, platform device 10 illustrated in Figure 1 to a body of a user in accordance with one variation of the present invention. Harness 36 is reversibly attached to platform device 10 by connecting buckles 30 (shown in Figure 1) to two buckle-insertion units 38. Harness 36 comprises a belt-like strap 44 that encircles the user's body preferably at the chest area (shown in figure 3), and has a buckle 46 that reversibly locks with interlocking unit 48. Two parallel straps 50, are perpendicularly attached to strap 44 and are connected to two parallel shoulder straps 52. A strap parallel to strap 44 designated 54 is functionally connecting between two parallel straps 52. Two additional parallel straps 56 are connected to straps 52. Straps 56 each is terminated by reversibly buckle-insertion units 38.

Reference is now made to Figure 3. Figures 3A and 3B schematically illustrate how harness 36 is worn by a user 40 while deploying and carrying a lap-top computer 42 positioned on platform device 10 of figure 1.

Figure 3 A illustrates platform device 10 utilized for carrying an opened-screen, ready for use, lap-top computer 42 while platform device 10 is attached to the body of a user 40 by harness 36 illustrated in Figure 2. In such position, user 40 does not need to use his hands to secure the lap top computer from falling from the carrying platform. The lap top is kept in place by hook-shaped plates 32 and 34 (not shown in this figure) freeing the user's hands for typing or engaging in other activities. Lap top computer 42 is shown in a position where surface plate 12 is extended along bars 14 (as shown in Figure 1). Also shown in this figure are: supporting/knee strap 58, shoulder strap 52, and straps 44 and 56.

Figure 3B illustrates platform device 10 utilized for carrying a closed-screen, not deployed, lap-top computer 42 while platform device 10 is attached to the body of a user by harness 36 illustrated in Figure 2. As shown in the figure lap top computer 42 is conveniently maintained in a secured, approximately vertical up-right position, while being carried by user 40 close to his chest. User 40 does need not to use his hands to secure the lap top computer 42 from falling from the carrying surface platform 12 and is free to use his hands for activities of his choice. Also shown in this figure are: shoulder strap 52, straps 56, and sheet element 29.

In folding platform device 10 from its open-mode, shown in Figure 3 A to its closed-mode, shown in Figure 3B the screen-cover of lap top computer 42 is closed and pins 16 are withdrawn from wheels 18. Surface plate 12, with computer 42 attached to it by hook-shaped plates 32 and 34, is rotated by hinge 19 on wheels 18 around bars 14. Bars 14 are drawn towards bars 22, positioning surface plate 12 and computer 42 in an approximately vertical up-right position as shown in Figure 3B. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, harness 36 is worn with strap 44 encircling the chest and straps 52 resting the shoulders of the harness-user 40. Strap 54 runs between straps 52 under the lower neck of harness-user 40.

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of platform device 10 illustrated in Figure 1, in a "stand-alone" mode with surface plate 12 in various positions with reference to the surface on which platform device 10 is positioned on. Figure 4 A surface plate 12 is in an approximate parallel position to the surface on which platform device 10 is positioned (the surface not indicated in the figure); thus, surface plate 12 is at approximately 0 degrees angle relative to the plane on which platform device 10 is positioned. The surface on which platform device 10 is positioned is interchangeably referred to in the text from herein after as the "reference plane". Platform device 10 is shown not connected to harness 36 (thus; is in a stand-alone mode).

Starting in the attached mode, illustrated in Figure 1, with surface plate 12 extended along bars 22, platform device 10 is folded to the stand-alone mode by detaching buckles 30 from interlocking unit 48 (illustrated in Figure 2). Pins 16 are drawn out of wheels 18 and surface plate 12 is rotated on hinge 19 on wheels 18 around bars 14. Bars 22 are rotated towards bars 14, positioning the two sets of bars in parallel. In rotating bars 22 bars 24 also rotate to a parallel position to bars 22 and bars 14. With surface-plate-support-bar 17 kept in parallel to bar 22 (not rotated on hinge 20) surface plate 12 is positioned approximately in parallel to the reference plane.

Figure 4B is a schematic illustration of the platform device 10 in a "stand-alone" mode with surface plate 12 risen at an approximate 30 degrees angle above the reference plane (not indicated in the figure). In order for surface plate 12 to obtain an approximate 30 degrees angle above the reference plane, platform device 10 is first positioned in an approximate 0 degrees angle, as illustrated in Figure 4A. Surface plate 12 is lifted from its horizontal position (rotated by hinges 19). Surface-plate-support-bar 17 is rotated on hinge 20 to a position under surface plate 12. Surface plate 12 is lowered to connect surface-plate-support-bar 17 till the two meet and surface plate 12 is secured in place at a risen angle of approximately 30 degrees above the reference plane by supporting legs 17. Figure 4C is a schematic illustration of the multipurpose portable, platform device for supporting utility items illustrated in Figure 1, in a "stand-alone" mode with the platform at an angle of approximately 60 degrees above the reference plane (the plane is not indicated in the figure).

To position surface plate 12 in a "stand-alone mode" at angle of approximately 60 degrees, platform device 10 is initially given the configuration illustrated in Figure 1 (with buckles 30 not attached to buckle-insertion units 38). The configuration illustrated in Figure. 1 is changed by withdrawing pins 16 from bars 14 and rotating surface plate 12 on hinge 19 around wheel 18, positioning surface plate 12 on the side of bars 14 that were previously on the bottom side of the bars. Platform device 10 is now turned over with the bottom of bars 22 (the far side of bars 22, where buckles 30 are connected to the bars), becoming the back-side "supporting legs" for surface plate 12. Supporting legs 22 in such position allow fixation of plate 12 in approximately 60 degree angle above the reference plate. The breadth side of surface plate 12 serving as a front side support leg. Hook-shaped plates 34 and 32 are illustrated positioned on the breadth edges of surface plate 12 to keep in place utility items placed on the surface plate. Also shown in figures 4A-4C are: stabilizing bars 24, pins 26, flexible fabric segment 28, and sheet element 29.

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of different structural variations of hook- shaped plate 32 adapted to allow securing in place items that are placed on the portable device provided herein at their upper side. As illustrated in the figure, plate 32 may be shapes in various forms; some exemplifying forms are illustrated as 32a to 32g. It should be clear that variations 32a to 32g are only examples and any other variation suitable for such purpose may be applicable in accordance with the present invention, the variations illustrated in Figure 5 vary from each other by the length of the base plate 32 attached to plate 12 and by the shape and angle of the hooked shape perpendicular part with reference to the base and to plate 12. Hook shaped plate 32 may be fixed to plate 12 either reversibly, for example by screw, or permanently by being soldered or glued to plate 12.

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of other structural variations of hook-shaped plate 34 adapted to allow securing in place items that are placed on portable device 10 in accordance with variations of the present invention. Figure 6A is a schematic illustration of one another variation of hook shaped plate 34 capable of being modified according to the thickness of the item being placed on the portable device of the present invention. Plate 34 comprises element 67 that is functionally attached to plate 12. Preferably but not necessarily, element 67 comprises rubber 64 adapted to allow better holding and fixation of the item to the multipurpose platform device of the invention. Element 67 is reversibly connected to element 66 by screw 62 that may be opened and closed to adjust the dimensions of hook plate 34 to the item positioned on plate 12. Element 66 is functionally a handle that is capable to move upward and downward notch 69 according to the item's thickness. It may further flip as illustrated in figure 6B to allow securing of very thin items as well. Element 66 may also comprise rubber 64. Figure 6B is a close up view on hook shaped plate 34 adapted to hold thin items as element 66 is flipped in a manner that allows minimal space between element 66 and element 67; Figure 6C is a schematic illustration of one another variation of the invention allowing to modify the position of hook shaped plate 34 according to the item dimensions along axis x (length of item). In such variation, plate 34 positioned above hollow 68 according to the items length and reversibly attached to plate 12 by any mechanical means allowing reversible attachment of plate 34 to plate 12 (e.g. spring, screw).

Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of one another variation of supporting leg 17 illustrated in figure 4B that functionally allows fixation of plate 12 of device 10 at a stand alone mode, in various angles between 0 to 60 degrees, via supporting leg 17 according to the user's need. In accordance with the variation illustrated in figure 7 platform device 10 comprises two parallel supporting legs 17, each composed of two arms 94 and 96, wherein arm 94 comprises a groove in which arm 96 is inserted. Arm 96 may functionally move along the grove of arm 94, while in each point, leg 17 obtains different length. When arm 96 is fully threaded within arm 94, leg 17 is in a minimum length while maximum length of leg 17 is obtained when arm 96 is minimally threaded within arm 94. The angle of plate 12 is determined by the length of supporting legs 17. Fixation of the position of arm 96 within arm 94 is obtained by screw/spring 92 that functionally fixate the arms position. Also shown in Figure 7 are: bars 14, hinges 20, and hook like plate 32.

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of one another variation of multipurpose platform device 10 of the present invention comprising a handle 72 functionally attached to plate 12 either by hinges or by any other suitable means. Figure 8 A - top view illustration; Figure 8B - side view illustration of platform device 10 carried by the user's hand 82 holding handle 72.

It should also be clear that a person skilled in the art, after reading the present specification could make adjustments or amendments to the attached Figures and above described embodiments that would still be covered by the present invention.

Claims

1. A platform device adapted for carrying and deploying portable items comprising: a. a rigid surface plate adapted for placement of said portable items; and b. a support mechanism adapted for supporting said surface plate carrying said items in a static mode and/or in a portable mode, wherein in a portable mode said support mechanism is further attached to a body worn harness.

2. A platform device according to claim 1, wherein said platform device maintains a substantially horizontal configuration when harness is worn by a user.

3. A platform device according to claim 1, wherein said support mechanism is reversibly connected to and detached from said harness.

4. A platform device according to claim 1, wherein said support mechanism comprises a mechanism allowing to slant said surface plate up to 110 degree angle above a reference plane when the surface plate is not attached to said harness.

5. A platform device according to claim 1, wherein said body worn harness is reversibly attached to said platform device by connecting buckles comprised in said platform device to buckle-insertion units comprised in said harness, and wherein said harness further comprises a belt-like strap adapted to encircle a user's body.

6. A platform device according to claim 1, wherein said items carried by said device are secured to said surface plate by at least two hook shaped plates.

7. A platform device according to claim 6, wherein said hook shaped plates are reversibly attached to said rigid surface plate allowing a user to adapt their position according to the carried item's dimensions.

8. A platform device according to claim 1, wherein said supporting mechanism further comprises a knee belt to further allow the user stabilize the device upon usage.

9. A platform device according to claim 1, further comprising a handle adapted to allow a user carrying said device in a folded position by one hand.

10. A platform device according to claim 1, wherein said portable item is either one of a mechanical, electrical, electronic or medical device that is deployed in the course of work, leisure or health-care treatment.