Holder, Flat Pattern and Method For the Making Thereof

Abstract

A foldable holder fabricated from a material layer, consisting of panels that together form an essentially triangular profiled tube for supporting, for example, documents or a laptop.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This patent application is a U.S. National Phase of International Application No. PCT/NL2006/050109, filed May 3, 2006, which claims priority to Netherlands Patent Application No. 1028976, filed May 4, 2005, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to holders made of a foldable material layer. The present invention also relates to a flat pattern for such a holder and a method for making the flat pattern.

BACKGROUND

Holders are known, for example, through the U.S. Pat. No. 3,410,516, in the name of Criswell, in which a book rest is described. A similar holder is made of a thin sheet material, such as cardboard, which is sturdy enough to carry a document such as a book. This patent describes a book rest where adjoining panels are joined with tape-reinforced hingeable folds. The support section (6 in FIG. 1) is a groove formed by making several folds in a part of the flat pattern (FIG. 3) between the support panel (9) and the base panel (1 and 13), whereby the document has to fit into the formed groove (FIG. 2). Furthermore a strip can be folded out of the support panel (9) and joined to the rear panel (11) by means of a tongue 24.

A disadvantage of the known holder is that the book rest has a relatively low carrying capacity. Another disadvantage is that the book rest is only suitable for documents of a limited thickness. Furthermore, the making of the holder requires a relatively large amount of material.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, some of which is discussed below.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a holder fabricated from a foldable material layer, comprising a) a base panel for resting on a surface; b) a support panel joined to the base panel arranged for supporting a document at a sloping angle with the base panel wherein a support section abutting onto the support panel is arranged for supporting the underside of the document; and, c) a rear panel joining the support panel and the base panel, wherein the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel together form an essentially triangular profiled tube, wherein the holder features at least one reinforcement panel formed out of the material layer that is arranged to attach to at least two panels selected from the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel, wherein the reinforcement panel extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the profiled tube.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a flat pattern for a holder fabricated from a foldable material layer, comprising a) a base panel for resting on a surface; b) a support panel joined to the base panel arranged for supporting a document at a sloping angle with the base panel wherein a support section abutting onto the support panel is arranged for supporting the underside of the document; and, c) a rear panel joining the support panel and the base panel, wherein the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel together form an essentially triangular profiled tube, wherein the holder features at least one reinforcement panel formed out of the material layer that is arranged to attach to at least two panels selected from the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel, wherein the reinforcement panel extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the profiled tube.

A further aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for the fabrication of a flat pattern, comprising a) fabricating a base panel, a support panel, a support section and a rear panel from one material layer, wherein the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel are connected; and b) forming at least one reinforcement panel from the material layer.

The present disclosure provides a holder comprising at least one reinforcement panel formed from the material layer that is arranged to attach to at least two panels selected from the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel, whereby the reinforcement panel extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the profiled tube. Such a holder is sturdier than the known holders. Exceptionally, such a reinforcement panel gives an improved mechanical strength to the holder against side forces parallel to the longitudinal axis of the profiled tube. At the same time, such a reinforcement panel offers improved mechanical strength against forces directed inward on the profiled tube. Holders of the present disclosure are especially suitable for supporting essentially flat objects, such as books or other documents, or, for example, a laptop.

The material layer can be any suitable foldable material, such as cardboard, plastic, or thin foldable metal sheet. Preferably the material layer is made essentially of a thermoplastic. Such plastic is easily workable and moreover recyclable. Examples of suitable thermoplastics include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene and the like. The foldability can be an intrinsic property of the material, but can also be introduced by adding a hinge-able joint, such as a fold line, indentation or other local weakening. The material layer has a thickness preferably between 0.5-10 mm, or more preferably between 0.5 and 3.5 mm. The foldability of a material layer of such thickness is simply brought about. It is advantageous if the average density of the material layer is less than 2 kg/m2. Such a holder is comfortably transportable.

The material layer can comprise of more material layer parts, but is preferably in one piece. The base panel is preferably arranged for support on a flat surface, such as a table. The support panel serves to support one side of a document, such as, for example, the cover of a book. The sloping angle of the support panel to the base panel lies preferably between 30 and 85 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the sloping angle between the support panel and the base panel lies between 50 and 70 degrees. A document at such an angle on the holder is easily readable, while the document is also supported on the holder with sufficient stability. In another exemplary embodiment, the sloping angle between the support panel and the base panel lies between 30 and 50 degrees. A holder with such an angle is especially suitable as a holder for a laptop computer.

The support section that is arranged to support the underside of a document abuts onto the support panel preferably at an angle between 80 and 90 degrees. At such an angle between the support panel and the support section a document, such as a book, is supported with exceptional stability on the holder.

The essentially triangular profiled tube is formed by the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel, and forms an exceptionally stable load-bearing structure. The support section abuts onto the outside of the triangular profiled tube.

The reinforcement panel can, for example, be formed by cutting out or punching out of the material layer, after which the reinforcement panel can be folded out into the required position. The attachment of a reinforcement panel to another panel can be, for example, by means of mutual support, a tongue-and-groove connection, or a fold connection.

The longitudinal axis of the profiled tube is defined as the direction of the vector that is perpendicular to the surface that is perpendicular to the three surfaces traced by the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel.

A holder according to the present disclosure is especially suitable for holding objects, especially essentially flat objects such as documents, sheet music, books, or a laptop computer.

In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement panel is arranged to attach to a recess from at least one panel selected from the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel. Such an attachment provides improved mechanical strength for the holder. Preferably the recess is arranged for the attachment of the reinforcement panel in at least one essentially perpendicular direction to the panel. Such an attachment gives the holder exceptional sturdiness.

It is advantageous if the reinforcement panel is provided with one side arranged for mutual support with at least one panel selected from the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel. Such a side gives the holder good mechanical load-bearing ability for forces directed inwards on the profiled tube. This load-bearing ability is especially large by essentially perpendicular support. Preferably, the slope of the side arranged for supporting the panel should essentially match the slope of the panel. In such a configuration, the mechanical load-bearing ability is exceptionally large.

It is preferable when the reinforcement panel is at least partially formed out of one panel selected from the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel, and the reinforcement panel is provided with a hinge joint with that panel. In this way, the material layer is used efficiently, which also allows the holder a low weight. The reinforcement panel can be formed out of the panel by, for example, punching, cutting and/or folding.

It is advantageous if at least one reinforcement panel is formed out of the base panel, whereby the reinforcement panel is arranged for attaching to at least the support panel. In so doing, exceptionally high load bearing ability by the support panel is obtained in a simple manner. Even more sturdiness is obtained when the reinforcement panel that is formed from the base panel also attaches to at least one recess in the rear panel.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment, at least one reinforcement panel is formed out of the support panel, and the reinforcement panel is arranged for attaching to at least one recess in the rear panel. In so doing, exceptionally good mechanical load bearing ability by the holder is obtained in a simple manner.

It is preferable when the reinforcement panel that is formed out of the support panel is arranged for the opening out of a primary recess in the central part of the support panel in a configuration in which the reinforcement panel attaches to the rear panel, and the primary recess is dimensioned to admit a part of the spine of a document. Such a recess makes possible the exceptionally stable positioning on the holder of documents with a spine, especially books or folders. Furthermore, tension-free positioning of books is possible, thereby reducing wear on books, while at the same time the unwanted turning of pages of the book influenced by tension is countered. Acceptable dimensions for the admission of a spine are a depth of the recess of at least 0.5-2 cm in relation to the surface traced by the support panel, and a width of at least 1.5-10 cm. Preferably the recess runs vertically from at least the support section. Preferably the primary recess in the central part is combined with a support section that abuts onto the support panel at an angle between 80 and 90 degrees to the support panel. Such a combination produces better stabilization of a book placed on the holder.

Preferably the rear panel is provided with a secondary recess that aligns with the primary recess. Such a secondary recess makes possible the stable support of documents of which the spine extends vertically beyond the support panel.

It is preferable if the holder features more than one reinforcement panel. In this way, the holder is provided with improved mechanical load bearing ability. An optimal sturdiness is achieved when each panel of the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel features a reinforcement panel connecting with at least one other panel.

Preferably, the reinforcement panels are essentially symmetrical in relation to a central surface divided over the longitudinal axis of the profiled tube. In this way, an optimal distribution of mechanical load bearing by the holder is achieved.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment, a part of the support section penetrates the profiled tube, and at least one of the strengthening panels formed from the base panel is arranged to attach to the part of the support section that penetrates the profiled tube. In so doing, the position of the support section is fixed in a simple way. Moreover, such a construction produces improved load bearing by the holder.

It is preferable when the holder features at least one undoable fastener between two panels selected from the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel. In so doing, the holder is simple to fold. The undoable fastener can, for example, be comprised of a fabric hook-and-loop fastening, a snap fastener and/or press fastener.

It is preferable when the undoable fastener comprises at least one attaching element made from one panel, arranged to function with a recess in another panel. In so doing, such a fastener can be realized in a simple manner with efficient use of material. A hook-hole fastening or a tongue-recess fastening comes to mind, as an example. Preferably such a fastening comprises more than one co-functioning attaching element and recess. In so doing, a reliable undoable fastening is simply obtained.

It is preferable when the support section features at least one peg hole dimensioned for at least partial insertion of a pen. Thus the holder has an additional function as pen holder. Preferably the holder features more than one peg hole so that more pens, pencils and other bureau accessories can be inserted. More preferably, the holder features more than one peg hole, and the peg holes lie at least at a distance from the central part of the support section. This provides the possibility to prevent unwanted page turning from a book placed on the holder by placing a pen in a peg hole. Most preferably, the peg holes are positioned at various distances in the width and at various distances from the support panel, in such a way that unwanted page turning of various widths and thicknesses can be blocked by placing a pen in a peg hole at an appropriate place.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the material layer consists essentially of a relatively rigid material, and fold lines are formed in the material layer by local weakening. In so doing, a holder is produced with good load-bearing ability and durability. For example, the material can be cardboard, where the weakening is formed by scoring, which determines the fold lines.

It is preferable when the material layer is a laminate, consisting of at least a top layer and an under layer, whereby the top layer is made out of a relatively rigid material and the under layer is made out of a relatively flexible material, and the local weakening is obtained by local removal of the top layer. In so doing, many design opportunities in choosing the top layer are obtained. Preferably, a flexible and tough plastic, such as a thermoplastic, should be chosen for the under layer, whereby the fold lines have a high durability.

Examples of a suitable thermoplastic include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene and the like. The top layer consists preferably of a hard metal or metal alloy, for example, based on aluminium or stainless steel. Such a top layer has a high scratch resilience. Also other hard materials compared to plastic come to mind, such as wood, ceramic or fiber-reinforced plastic.

More preferably, the laminate consists of three layers, comprising an under layer surrounded on both sides by a top layer, whereby local weakening is obtained by local removal of the top layer on opposite sides of the under layer. Such a laminate provides an improved durability and sturdiness for the holder. Also the design opportunities are again increased in that different materials can be chosen for the opposite sides comprising the two top layers.

The present disclosure also provides a flat pattern for the holder. Such a pattern can be easily folded into a holder complying with the present disclosure.

Moreover a flat pattern is compactly transportable and stackable.

In an especially preferred exemplary embodiment, the flat pattern has an essentially rectangular surface, whereby the surface is divided by two fold lines into three essentially equal panels, and the fold lines are designed for the mutual overlapping of the panels so as to form a portfolio. The portfolio can be used for the crease-free carrying of documents. In addition, the flat pattern itself is compactly transportable. Preferably at least one of the fold lines coincides with a fold line between two panels of the holder. It can be possible that at least one fold line specifically serves to form the portfolio, but has no further function in the folding of the holder according to the present disclosure. Such a fold line will generally be positioned in the plane of the base panel, the support panel or the rear panel.

The present disclosure provides a method for the fabrication of a flat pattern comprising the steps of fabricating a base panel, a support panel, a support section and a rear panel from one material layer, wherein the base panel the support panel and the rear panel are connected and forming at least one reinforcement panel from the material layer. In this manner, a flat pattern for the fabrication of a holder according to the present disclosure is simply obtained. The fabrication of the panels can be brought about by, for example, punching, scoring, cutting and/or folding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be explained on the basis of the following non-limiting preferred embodiments.

FIG. 1a shows one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1b shows a side view of the holder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1c shows a flat pattern for the fabrication of the holder of FIGS. 1a and 1b;

FIG. 1d shows a portfolio folded out of the flat pattern of FIG. 1c;

FIG. 2a shows the use of fold lines in the case of the material layer being a laminate; and

FIG. 2b shows the bending of the material of FIG. 2a on the fold lines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1a shows a holder 1 fabricated from one foldable material layer according to the present disclosure consisting of a base panel 2 for support on a flat surface, and a support panel 3 joined at a sloping angle to the base panel 2 for supporting a book or a laptop, for example, and a support section 4 abutting onto the support panel 3 is arranged to support the underside of the document. The support section 4 subtends an angle of less than 90 degrees to the support panel 3, whereby a book or laptop is stabilized on the holder. The support panel 3 and the base panel 2 are joined together by a rear panel 5, and the base-panel, the support panel and the rear panel together form an essentially triangular profiled tube. The holder is consolidated by two symmetrically positioned reinforcement panels 6 punched out of the base panel 2, which are hinge joined to base panel 2, by means of fold line 7. The support panel 3 is supported by a side 8 of the reinforcement panel 6, while an opposite side 9 of the reinforcement panel 6 attaches to a groove shaped recess 10 in the rear panel 5. The triangular profiled tube may be regarded as two adjoined triangular profiled tube parts located on opposite sides of the recess 10. The reinforcement panel 6 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the profiled tube according to arrow A. Two reinforcement ribs 11 that are folded away from the central part of the support panel 3 attach to groove shaped recesses 12 in the rear panel 5. The folded away reinforcement ribs 11 leave free a central recess 13 in which the spine of a book, for example, fits for stable positioning of the book on the holder. The central recess aligns with a second recess 14 in the rear panel 5, by which books having a spine longer than the height of the central recess from the support section 4 can be placed in stability.

Hook elements 15 formed out of the material layer, together with groove shaped recesses 16 in the support section 4, form an undoable fastening between the support panel 3 and the base panel 2, which is simple to open and close for folding-up the book-rest. Also, circular peg holes 17, which can be used as penholders, are placed in the support section. Furthermore, a pen placed in a peg hole 17 can prevent unwanted page turning of books placed on the holder 1. Because more peg holes 17 are positioned in extending rows parallel to support panel 3 and at various distances from the surface traced out by support panel 3, the blocking of unwanted page turning of books of varying format and thickness by placing a pen in a peg hole 17 can be applied. The reinforcement panels 6, 11 are divided symmetrically over the breadth of the holder 1 in the direction according to arrow A, whereby an optimal division of the load on the holder is brought about. It is possible to use a relatively light material for the material layer such as cardboard or plastic.

FIG. 1b shows the holder 1 from FIG. 1a numbered correspondingly, in a side-view in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the essentially triangular profiled tube formed by the base panel 2, the support panel 3 and the rear panel 5. In this view it can be seen how a side 8 of the reinforcement panel 6 props up the inside of the support panel 3. Also shown is a part 20 of the support section 4 penetrating the profiled tube, whereby the reinforcement panel 6 formed out of the base panel attaches to the part 20 of the support section 4 penetrating the profiled tube. A book 21 is positioned on the document holder 1, whereby the support panel 3 and support section 4 carry the book. Also it can be seen how the spine 22 of the book 21 lays in the recess 13 (see FIG. 1a) which is opened up in the support panel 3 by the folding away of the reinforcement ribs 11.

FIG. 1c shows a flat pattern 30 for the fabrication of document holder 1 shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, with corresponding numbering. Dotted lines denote the local weakening in the material layer, which determine the fold lines. The fold lines 7, 31 for the reinforcement panels 6, are sufficiently hinge-able to make folds perpendicular to the surface of the pattern possible. The flat pattern 30 shows the lines along which the reinforcement panels 6 and the reinforcement ribs 11 are punched out of the material layer. Further, the hook shaped ends 32 of the reinforcement panels 6, which are arranged to attach to the openings 33 in support section 4, can be clearly seen.

Two fold lines 34 positioned at a short distance from each other make an acute angle possible between support panel 3 and rear panel 5. For the angle between rear panel 5 and base panel 2, a single fold line 35 is sufficient. An intermediary panel 36 bound by two fold lines 37, 38 joins the base panel to the support section 4.

The double fold line 39 that is formed in the base panel 2 has no function in the folding of the book-rest as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b. The double fold lines 34, 39 essentially divide the rectangular pattern 30 into three essentially equal parts, whereby folding-up the pattern 30 into a portfolio as shown in FIG. 1d is possible.

FIG. 1d shows a portfolio 40 folded out of a flat pattern 30 as shown in FIG. 1c, with corresponding numbering. The double fold line 39 formed in the base panel 2 hereby forms the first long side of the portfolio 40. The other double fold line 34 which forms the hinged join between support panel 3 and the rear panel 5 forms the opposite side. In the closed configuration of the portfolio 40 the three essentially rectangular parts determined by the double fold lines 34, 39 are stacked. The holder as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b can be compactly transported as portfolio 40, whereby portfolio 40 offers space to comfortably transport documents crease free. Furthermore, such a portfolio is simple to carry in a bag together with a laptop computer.

FIG. 2a shows an enlargement of a material layer 50 in the form of a laminate built up of a layer of plastic 51 protected on opposite sides by a metal top layer 52. The material layer can be, for example, the material commercially available under the name Hylite, in which the plastic layer 51 consists essentially of polypropylene and the top layer 52 out of aluminium. This material has an average density of 1.8 kg/m2. However, it is conceivable to use another suitable plastic for the plastic layer, such as polyethylene or ABS (a co-polymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene). Also other materials could be used for the material for the top layer 52, especially metals or alloys such as stainless steel or titanium. In the material layer, a weakened zone 53 is brought out by selective removal of the relatively rigid aluminium layer 52 along a straight fold line. The weakening can be brought about, for example, by milling, grinding, cutting and/or etching the top layer, depending on the type of material. The remaining plastic layer forms a hinge joint between the parts 54, 55 of the material layer 50 bound by the fold line 50. Such a weakened zone 53 can be utilized as a fold line for a holder as shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d.

The bending of the material layer on the fold line 53 is shown in FIG. 2b. A large variable angle is available, as indicated by arrow A, between the two adjoining hinged panels 54, 55 formed by the weakening.

It should be clear that many alternative embodiments of the invention are conceivable for an expert in the field.

All patents, patent applications and publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A holder fabricated from a foldable material layer, comprising:

a) a base panel for resting on a surface;

b) a support panel joined to the base panel arranged for supporting a document at a sloping angle with the base panel wherein a support section abutting onto the support panel is arranged for supporting the underside of the document; and

c) a rear panel joining the support panel and the base panel, wherein the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel together form an essentially triangular profiled tube,

wherein the holder features at least one reinforcement panel formed out of the material layer that is arranged to attach to at least two panels selected from the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel,

wherein the reinforcement panel extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the profiled tube.

2. The holder of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement panel is attached to a recess selected from at least one panel selected from the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel.

3. The holder of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement panel further comprises a side arranged for mutual support with at least one panel selected from the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel.

4. The holder of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement panel is at least partially formed out of one panel selected from the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel, wherein the reinforcement panel is provided with a hinge-joint with the one panel.

5. The holder of claim 4, wherein at least one reinforcement panel is formed out of the base panel and the reinforcement panel is arranged to attach to at least the support panel.

6. The holder of claim 4, wherein at least one reinforcement panel is formed out of the support panel and the reinforcement panel is arranged to attach to at least one recess in the rear panel.

7. The holder of claim 6, wherein the reinforcement panel formed from the support panel is arranged for the opening up of a primary recess in the central part of the support panel in a configuration wherein the reinforcement panel attaches to the rear panel and the primary recess is dimensioned to admit a part of the spine of a document.

8. The holder of claim 7, wherein the rear panel is provided with a secondary recess that aligns with the primary recess.

9. The holder of claim 1, wherein the holder includes more than one reinforcement panel.

10. The holder of claim 9, wherein the reinforcement panels are essentially symmetrically divided over the longitudinal axis of the profiled tube with respect to a central surface.

11. The holder of claim 1, wherein a part of the support section penetrates the profiled tube and at least one of the reinforcement panels formed out of the base panel is arranged to attach to the part of the support section that penetrates the profiled tube.

12. The holder of claim 1, wherein the holder comprises at least one undoable fastener between two panels selected out of the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel.

13. The holder of claim 12, wherein the undoable fastener comprises at least one attaching element formed out of the one panel, arranged for working together with a recess in the other panel.

14. The holder of claim 1, wherein the support section comprises at least one peg-hole dimensioned for at least partial insertion of a pen

15. The holder of claim 1, wherein the material layer is at least one essentially comprising a relatively rigid material, wherein fold lines are formed in the material layer by local weakening.

16. The holder of claim 15, wherein the material layer is a laminate, comprising at least a top layer and an under layer, the top layer is made of comprises a relatively rigid material, and the under layer comprises a relatively flexible material, wherein the local weakening is obtained by local removal of the top layer.

17. The holder of claim 16, wherein the laminate consists of three layers, including an under layer that is surrounded on opposite sides by a top layer, wherein the local weakening is obtained by local removal of the top layer on opposite sides of the under layer.

18. A flat pattern for a holder fabricated from a foldable material layer, comprising:

a) a base panel for resting on a surface;

b) a support panel joined to the base panel arranged for supporting a document at a sloping angle with the base panel wherein a support section abutting onto the support panel is arranged for supporting the underside of the document; and

c) a rear panel joining the support panel and the base panel, wherein the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel together form an essentially triangular profiled tube,

wherein the holder features at least one reinforcement panel formed out of the material layer that is arranged to attach to at least two panels selected from the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel

wherein the reinforcement panel extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the profiled tube.

19. The flat pattern of claim 18, further comprising an essentially rectangular surface, wherein the surface is divided by two fold lines into three essentially equally-shaped panels and the fold lines are arranged for the mutually overlapped folding of the panels for the formation of a portfolio.

20. A method for the fabrication of a flat pattern, comprising:

a) fabricating a base panel, a support panel, a support section and a rear panel from one material layer, wherein the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel are connected; and

b) forming at least one reinforcement panel from the material layer.

21. The holder of claim 2, wherein the reinforcement panel further comprises a side arranged for mutual support with at least one panel selected from the base panel, the support panel and the rear panel.

22. The holder of claim 5, wherein at least one reinforcement panel is formed out of the support panel and the reinforcement panel is arranged to attach to at least one recess in the rear panel.