Modular Support Device

- WISTRON CORPORATION

A modular support device is adapted to support at least one article, and includes at least one base and two foot bases. The base includes a base body, and two slidable connecting members extending transversely and respectively in opposite directions from two opposite sides of the base body. The two foot bases are provided at the two opposite sides of the base body and are connectible respectively to the two slidable connecting members. Each foot base is slidable along the respective one of the slidable connecting members to adjust a distance with the base body. The foot bases and the base cooperatively support the at least one article. The number of the bases may be varied with the number of the articles without requiring additional foot bases, thereby providing an expansion mechanism. The combined space and width of the modular support device and the article can also be reduced.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority of Taiwanese Application No. 097205635, filed on Apr. 2, 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a modular support device, more particularly to a modular support device with an expansion mechanism for supporting different numbers of articles.

2. Description of the Related Art

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional support device 100 includes two foot bases 1 that are interconnected movably. Each of the foot bases 1 includes a base body 11, and a first slidable connecting member 12 and a second slidable connecting member 13 that extend transversely and respectively from an inner side of the base body 11 and that are spaced apart from each other. The first slidable connecting member 12 has two spaced-apart resilient arms 122 disposed on a top wall 121 thereof. Each of the resilient arms 122 has a first arm portion 123, a second arm portion 124, and a plurality of positioning teeth 125. The first arm portion 123 has one end connected to the top wall 121. The second arm portion 124 is connected to the other end of the first arm portion 123 and is adapted to be manipulated. The positioning teeth 125 are provided on and project from a top face of the first arm portion 123. The second slidable connecting member 13 has a plurality of positioning grooves 132, and a plurality of blocking portions 133 disposed proximate to a bottom end thereof. The positioning grooves 132 are formed in an inner wall surface of a top wall 131.

During assembly of the two foot bases 1, the first slidable connecting member 12 of the left foot base 1 is extended into the second slidable connecting member 13 of the right foot base 1, and the first slidable connecting member 12 of the right foot base 1 is extended into the second slidable connecting member 13 of the left foot base 1, so that the positioning teeth 125 of the resilient arm 122 of the first slidable connecting member 12 of each of the foot bases 1 engage the positioning grooves 132 in the second slidable connecting member 13 of the other of the foot bases 1, and the blocking portions 133 of the second slidable connecting member 13 of each of the foot bases 1 abut against a bottom end of the first slidable connecting member 12 of the other of the foot bases 1, thereby completing assembly of the two foot bases 1. When the support device 100 is in use, the base bodies 11 of the two foot bases 1 are pushed toward each other so as to shorten a distance between the two base bodies 11. Alternatively, the second arm portions 124 of the resilient arms 122 are manipulated respectively, so that the positioning teeth 125 of the resilient arms 122 respectively disengage from the positioning grooves 132 to permit outward pulling of the base bodies 11 of the two foot bases 1 in opposite directions, thereby lengthening the distance between the two base bodies 11.

With further reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a computer device 2 may be supported on a planar surface (not shown) using two support devices 100 that are arranged one in front of the other, with supporting portions 111 of the base bodies 11 supporting a bottom surface of the computer device 2, and with the computer device 2 sandwiched between limiting portions 112 of the base bodies 11 that flank left and right sides of the computer device 2. Thus, the support devices 100 are able to support the computer device 2 stably on the planar surface. However, if a plurality of computer devices 2 are arranged in juxtaposition and are supported by a plurality of the support devices 100 on a planar surface, a lot of space will be taken up. Moreover, a combined width (H) of the computer devices 2 and the support devices 100 will increase with the number of the computer devices 2 supported. In addition, in order to support one computer device 2, two support devices 100 (i.e., four foot bases 1) need to be used. Since the support device 100 is not provided with any expansion mechanism, the more the number of computer devices 2 to be supported, the more will be the number of foot bases 1 that are needed, thereby resulting in problems of increased manufacturing cost of the support devices 100, higher transport cost, and more inventory space.

Taiwanese Utility Model No. M315001 (Application No. 95222640) discloses a modular support device, which likewise does not have any expansion mechanism, and which will also entail such problems of increased manufacturing and transport costs, as well as considerable inventory space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a modular support device having an expansion mechanism.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular support device that does not occupy much space in use, and that permits a reduction in manufacturing cost.

The objects of the present invention and the solutions to the technical problems may be realized using the following technical means. The modular support device according to the present invention is adapted to support at least one article, and includes a base and two foot bases.

The base includes a base body, and two slidable connecting members extending transversely and respectively in opposite directions from two opposite sides of the base body. The foot bases are provided at the two opposite sides of the base body and are respectively connectible to the two slidable connecting members. Each of the foot bases is slidable along the respective one of the slidable connecting members to adjust a distance with the base body. The foot bases and the base body of the base cooperatively support the at least one article thereon.

The objects of the present invention and the solutions to the technical problems can be further realized using the following technical means.

In the aforesaid modular support device, the base body has a plate member that is disposed generally perpendicular to the slidable connecting members, and each of the foot bases includes a limiting member that is spaced apart from the plate member and that cooperates with the plate member for sandwiching the article therebetween.

In the aforesaid modular support device, the base has two first support members that are disposed at a level higher than that of the slidable connecting members. Each of the foot bases includes a second support member that is disposed at substantially the same level as the first support members. The first support members cooperate with the second support members for supporting the article thereon.

In the aforesaid modular support device, the two slidable connecting members are, respectively, an elongate first slidable connecting member and an elongate second slidable connecting member. One of the foot bases includes a first slidable connecting member connectible to the second slidable connecting member of the base. The other of the foot bases includes a second slidable connecting member connectible to the first slidable connecting member of the base.

In the aforesaid modular support device, each of the second slidable connecting members has a plurality of transversely extending positioning grooves. Each of the first slidable connecting members has a resilient arm. The resilient arm includes a positioning tooth for engaging one of the positioning grooves at a selected position.

In the aforesaid modular support device, each of the first slidable connecting members is extendible into the respective one of the second slidable connecting members. Each of the second slidable connecting members has a top plate, and a plurality of blocking portions for abutting against a bottom end of the respective one of the first slidable connecting members. The positioning grooves are formed in an inner surface of the top plate of each of the second slidable connecting members. Each of the first slidable connecting members has a top wall. The resilient arm includes a connecting portion and a press portion. The connecting portion has one end connected to the top wall. The positioning tooth is disposed on and projects from a top face of the connecting portion. The press portion extends downwardly from the other end of the connecting portion, and is capable of being manipulated to bring the connecting portion to move therewith so as to disengage the positioning tooth of the resilient arm from the positioning grooves.

In the aforesaid modular support device, each of the second slidable connecting members extends into the respective one of the first slidable connecting members. Each of the second slidable connecting members has a side plate. The positioning grooves are formed in an outer surface of the side plate. Each of the first slidable connecting members has a top wall, a sidewall connected to one side of the top wall, and a plurality of blocking portions for abutting against a bottom end of the respective one of the second slidable connecting members. The resilient arm includes a connecting portion and a press portion. The connecting portion has one end connected to the sidewall. The positioning tooth is disposed on and projects from an inner side face of the connecting portion. The press portion is connected pivotally to a bottom face of the top wall and is accessible from the sidewall. The press portion is capable of being manipulated to bring the connecting portion to move therewith so as to disengage the positioning tooth of the resilient arm from the positioning grooves.

In the modular support device according to the present invention, the arrangement of the base provides an expansion mechanism. The number of the bases of the modular support device can be varied with the number of the articles to be supported, without requiring additional foot bases. Thus, the combined space and width occupied by the modular support device and the articles in use, as well as the manufacturing cost, can be reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional support device;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the conventional support device;

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a plurality of the conventional support devices supporting a plurality of computer devices;

FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of a modular support device according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an exploded schematic bottom view of the first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the first preferred embodiment taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5 to illustrate how positioning teeth of a first slidable connecting member of a base engage positioning grooves in a second slidable connecting member of a foot base, and how positioning teeth of a first slidable connecting member of another foot base engage positioning grooves in a second slidable connecting member of the base;

FIG. 9 is a schematic top view of the first preferred embodiment when used to support a plurality of articles;

FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an exploded schematic top view of a modified form of the first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a partly exploded perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of a modular support device according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the second preferred embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a schematic top view of the second preferred embodiment when used to support articles;

FIG. 15 is a schematic front view of the second preferred embodiment when used to support articles;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of a modular support device according to the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary enlarged view of a base of the third preferred embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary schematic bottom view of the third preferred embodiment; and

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the third preferred embodiment.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Through a description of the preferred embodiments, the technical means employed by the present invention to achieve the intended objects, and the advantageous effects contemplated thereby, can be better understood and appreciated. It is noted that the accompanying drawings are for illustration and reference only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Before the present invention is described in greater detail, it should be noted that like elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first preferred embodiment of a modular support device 200 according to the present invention is adapted for supporting a plurality of articles 4 (see FIG. 9). The articles 4 may be electronic devices, such as computer devices or servers. The modular support device 200 includes a base 2 and two foot bases 3 connected to two opposite sides of the base 2.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the base 2 includes a base body 21, two first slidable connecting members 22 provided on opposite left and right sides of the base body 21, and two second slidable connecting members 23 provided on the opposite left and right sides of the base body 21. The base body 21 is adapted to be placed on a planar surface (not shown), and has a base portion 211, a plate member 212 extending upwardly from a top face of the base portion 211, and two pairs of first support members 213 provided on the top face of the base portion 211 and located on opposite left and right sides of the plate member 212. Each of the first support members 213 is formed from a rubber material and has a level higher than that of each of the first and second slidable connecting members 22, 23. Each of the first support members 213 is adapted to support the article 4 (see FIG. 9).

The first slidable connecting members 22 extend respectively and transversely in opposite directions from the opposite left and right sides of the base portion 211 of the base body 21. The second slidable connecting members 23 also extend respectively and transversely in opposite directions from the opposite left and right sides of the base portion 211 of the base body 21. Each of the first slidable connecting members 22 is arranged along a straight line with a corresponding one of the second slidable connecting members 23. In addition, each of the first and second slidable connecting members 22, 23 is generally elongated in shape. Each of the first slidable connecting members 22 has a top wall 221 and two resilient arms 222 provided on the top wall 221. Each of the resilient arms 222 includes a connecting portion 223, a press portion 224, and a plurality of positioning teeth 225. The connecting portion 223 has one end connected to the top wall 221. The positioning teeth 225 extend transversely and project from a top face of the connecting portion 223. The press portion 224 is generally L-shaped, and extends downwardly from the other end of the connecting portion 223. The press portion 224 is adapted to be manipulated so as to bring the connecting portion 223 and the positioning teeth 225 to displace downwardly. Each of the second slidable connecting members 23 has a top plate 231, two side plates 232 extending respectively and downwardly from two opposite sides of the top plate 231, a plurality of positioning grooves 233, and a plurality of blocking portions 234. The positioning grooves 233 are formed in an inner surface of the top plate 231 in two rows and extend transversely. The blocking portions 234 are formed at bottom ends of the side plates 232.

Each of the foot bases 3 includes a base body 31, and a first slidable connecting member 32 and a second slidable connecting member 33 that extend respectively and transversely inward from an inner side of the base body 31 and that are spaced apart from each other. The base body 31 is adapted to be placed on a planar surface, and has a generally L-shaped limiting member 311, and two second support members 312 provided on an inner side of the limiting member 311. Each of the second support members 312 is disposed at substantially the same level as the first support members 213 of the base 2, and is likewise used to support the article 4. The first slidable connecting member 32 of each of the foot bases 3 is identical to the first slidable connecting members 22 of the base 2 in structure, and is extendible into the corresponding second slidable connecting member 23 of the base 2. The blocking portions 234 of each of the second slidable connecting members 23 abut against a bottom end of the first slidable connecting member 32 of a respective one of the foot bases 3 so as to prevent downward disengagement of the first slidable connecting member 32 from the second slidable connecting member 23. The first slidable connecting member 32 has a top wall 321 and two resilient arms 322 provided on the top wall 321. Each of the resilient arms 322 includes a connecting portion 323 having one end connected to the top wall 321, a press portion 324 formed at the other end of the connecting portion 323, and a plurality of positioning teeth 325 provided on a top face of the connecting portion 323. The positioning teeth 325 of the resilient arms 322 of the first slidable connecting member 32 are engageable with the positioning grooves 233 in the corresponding second slidable connecting member 23 at a selected position to thereby limit sliding movement of the first slidable connecting member 32 relative to the second slidable connecting member 23.

The second slidable connecting member 33 of each of the foot bases 3 is identical to the second slidable connecting members 23 of the base 2 in structure, and permits extension of the corresponding first slidable connecting member 22 of the base 2 thereinto. The second slidable connecting member 33 has a top plate 331, two side plates 332 extending respectively downward from two opposite sides of the top plate 331, a plurality of positioning grooves 333, and a plurality of blocking portions 334. The positioning grooves 333 are formed in an inner surface of the top plate 331 in two rows and extend transversely. The blocking portions 334 of the second slidable connecting members 33 are formed at bottom ends of the side plates 332, and abut against a bottom end of the corresponding first slidable connecting member 22 so as to prevent downward disengagement of the first slidable connecting member 22 from the second slidable connecting member 33. The positioning teeth 225 of the resilient arms 222 of each of the first slidable connecting members 22 are engageable with the positioning grooves 333 in the corresponding second slidable connecting member 33 at a selected position to thereby limit sliding movement of the second slidable connecting member 33 relative to the first slidable connecting member 22.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, when assembling the modular support device 200 of the present invention, the first slidable connecting member 32 of one of the foot bases 3 is extended into the second slidable connecting member 23 on the left side of the base body 21 of the base 2, and the second slidable connecting member 33 of said one of the foot bases 3 is sleeved onto the first slidable connecting member 22 on the left side of the base body 21 of the base 2. Subsequently, the first slidable connecting member 32 of the other of the foot bases 3 is extended into the second slidable connecting member 23 on the right side of the base body 21, and the second slidable connecting member 33 of said other of the foot bases 3 is sleeved on the first slidable connecting member 22 on the right side of the base body 21, so that the positioning teeth 325 on the first slidable connecting member 32 of each of the foot bases 3 engage the positioning grooves 233 in the corresponding second slidable connecting member 23 of the base 2, and so that the positioning teeth 225 of each of the first slidable connecting members 22 of the base 2 engage the positioning grooves 333 in the second slidable connecting member 33 of the corresponding foot base 3. Thus, assembly of the modular support device 200 is completed.

Since each of the positioning teeth 225, 325 has an oblique face 226, 326, during the process of pushing the foot bases 3 toward the base body 21 of the base 2, the positioning teeth 225, 325 will displace downward under the pushing forces, so that the first and second slidable connecting members 32, 33 of each of the foot bases 3 are respectively slidable relative to the corresponding second and first slidable connecting members 23, 22. After the first and second slidable connecting members 32, 33 of each of the foot bases 3 are respectively slid to target positions, due to the resilient action of the resilient arms 322, 222, the positioning teeth 325, 225 will respectively engage the positioning grooves 233, 333 at the target positions, thereby locking the foot bases 3 with respect to the base 2. Thus, the distance between the base body 31 of each of the foot bases 3 and the base body 21 of the base 2 can be shortened. In addition, by manipulating the press portions 224, 324 of the resilient arms 222, 322 of the first slidable connecting members 22, 32 simultaneously to bring the positioning teeth 225, 325 of the resilient arms 222, 322 of the first slidable connecting members 22, 32 to disengage from the positioning grooves 333, 233 in the second slidable connecting members 33, 23, respectively, the foot bases 3 can be pulled outward so that the foot bases 3 are moved away from the base body 21 of the base 2. After the first and second slidable connecting members 32, 33 are slid to target positions, due to the resilient action of the resilient arms 322, 222, the positioning teeth 325, 225 will respectively engage the positioning grooves 233, 333 at the target positions, thereby locking the foot bases 3 with respect to the base 2. Thus, the distance between the base body 31 of each of the foot bases 3 and the base body 21 of the base 2 can be lengthened. Furthermore, since each of the positioning teeth 225, 325 is configured to have an upright face 227, 327 connected to the oblique face 226, 326 thereof, when the press portions 224, 324 of the resilient arms 222, 322 are not manipulated, the foot bases 3 can be prevented from being pulled away from the base body 21 of the base 2 and from being separated therefrom.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in this embodiment, two modular support devices 200 are arranged one in front of the other to support two articles 4 on a planar surface. Since the first and second slidable connecting members 32, 33 of each of the foot bases 3 are respectively slidable relative to the corresponding second and first slidable connecting members 23, 22 of the base 2 to adjust the distance between the base bodies 31, 21 thereof, the distance between the base body 31 of each of the foot bases 3 and the base body 21 of the base 2 may be varied depending on the width of the article 4 to be supported. Thus, the first support members 213 on one side of the plate member 212 of the base 2 and the second support members 312 of the foot base 3 on the same side as the first support members 213 may support a bottom side of one of the articles 4, with the plate member 212 of the base 2 and the limiting member 311 of the corresponding foot base 3 flanking opposite left and right sides of the article 4, whereby the article 4 can be steadily supported on the modular support device 200.

With the arrangement of the base 2 of the modular support device 200, two modular support devices 200 (i.e., four foot bases 3) will be sufficient for supporting two articles 4 in this embodiment. When it is desired to support more than two articles 4, it is merely necessary to increase the number of the bases 2 of the modular support devices 200. It is not necessary to increase the number of the foot bases 3 with the number of the articles 4 to be supported. Thus, the combined space and width occupied by the modular support device 200 and the articles 4 in use can be reduced. Moreover, the overall manufacturing cost of the modular support device 200, the inventory space required by the foot bases 3, as well as the transport cost of the foot bases 3, can be reduced.

Referring to FIG. 11, it is noted that, in this embodiment, the base 2 may have one first slidable connecting member 22 and one second slidable connecting member 23, one of the two foot bases 3 is provided with only one first slidable connecting member 32 for coupling with the second slidable connecting member 23 of the base 2, and the other of the foot bases 3 is provided with only one second slidable connecting member 33 for coupling with the first slidable connecting member 22 of the base 2. The foot bases 3 can be connected to and slid relative to the base 2 in the same manner. However, the provision of two first slidable connecting members 22 and two second slidable connecting members 23 on the base 2 and the provision of the first and second slidable connecting members 32, 33 on each of the foot bases 3 ensure better connection of the foot bases 3 with the base 2, and can also prevent rotation of the foot bases 3 relative to the base 2 due to external forces.

FIG. 12 illustrates the second preferred embodiment of a modular support device 210 according to the present invention. The modular support device 210 is substantially similar to that of the first preferred embodiment in overall structure, and differs therefrom mainly in that the modular support device 210 includes a plurality of bases 2 that are detachably interconnected, and the two foot bases 3 are respectively connected to the two bases 2 that are at two opposite distal ends of the interconnected bases 2.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, as well as FIG. 12, in each adjacent pair of the bases 2, the first and second slidable connecting members 22, 23 of one of the bases 2 are slidably and respectively connected to the second and first slidable connecting members 23, 22 of the other of the bases 2 such that each adjacent pair of the bases 2 are slidable relative to each other along the first and second slidable connecting members 22, 23 to adjust the distance between the base bodies 21 thereof. The foot bases 3 are slidable by means of the first slidable connecting members 32, 22 and the second slidable connecting members 33, 23 so as to adjust the distance with the base body 21 of the base 2 connected thereto. Thus, the articles 4 can be supported on the first support members 213 of each adjacent pair of the base bodies 21, and on the second support members 312 of each of the foot bases 3 together with the first support members 213 of the base body 21 adjacent thereto. Moreover, the articles 4 can be sandwiched between the plate members 212 of each adjacent pair of the seat bodies 21, and between the limiting member 311 of each foot base 3 and the plate member 212 of the base body 21 adjacent thereto. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, in this embodiment, under the condition that the number of the articles 4 is the same as the number of the computer devices 2 of the abovementioned prior art, due to the arrangement of the bases 2, the combined width (W) occupied by the articles 4 and the modular support device 210 in use is smaller than the width (H) (see FIG. 4). The space taken up thereby is also reduced. Furthermore, although the bases 2 are exemplified as three in number in this embodiment, the number of the bases 2 should not be limited thereto in other embodiments of the invention. The number of the bases 2 may be varied depending on the number of the articles 4 to be supported. In addition, if the modular support device 210 dispenses with the two foot bases 3, the plurality of interconnected bases 2 will still be able to support the articles 4.

FIGS. 16, 17, 18 and 19 illustrate the third preferred embodiment of a modular support device 220 according to the present invention. The modular support device 220 is substantially similar to that of the first preferred embodiment in structure, and differs therefrom mainly in the position and structure of the positioning mechanism between the first and second slidable connecting members 22, 23 of the base 2 and the second and first slidable connecting members 33, 32 of the foot bases 3.

In this embodiment, each of the first slidable connecting members 22 of the base 2 has two sidewalls 228 extending downwardly from two opposite sides of the top wall 221, and a plurality of blocking portions 229 provided on bottom ends of the sidewalls 228 and abutting against a bottom end of the second slidable connecting member 33 of the corresponding foot base 3. One end of the connecting portion 223′ of the resilient arm 222′ of the first slidable connecting member 22 is connected to an outer one of the sidewalls 228. The positioning teeth 225′ project from an inner side face of the connecting portion 223′. The press portion 224′ is connected pivotally to a bottom face of the top wall 221 and is accessible from the outer one of the sidewalls 228 for manipulation purposes. The positioning grooves 233′ in each of the second slidable connecting members 23 of the base 2 are formed in an outer surface of an outer one of the side plates 232.

The first slidable connecting member 32 of each of the foot bases 3 is disposed for extension of the corresponding second slidable connecting member 23 of the base 2 thereinto. The first slidable connecting member 32 of each of the foot bases 3 has two sidewalls 328 extending downwardly from two opposite sides of the top wall 321. One end of the connecting portion 323′ of the resilient arm 322′ of the first slidable connecting member 32 is connected to an outer one of the sidewalls 328. Blocking portions 329 of the first slidable connecting member 32 are provided on the bottom ends of the sidewalls 328 and abut against a bottom end of the corresponding second slidable connecting member 23. The positioning teeth 325′ project from the inner side face of the connecting portion 323′ and engage the positioning grooves 233′ in the corresponding second slidable connecting member 23. The press portion 324′ is connected pivotally to the bottom face of the top wall 321 and is accessible from the outer one of the sidewalls 328 for manipulation purposes. The second slidable connecting member 33 of each of the foot bases 3 is extendible into the corresponding first slidable connecting member 22 of the base 2. The positioning grooves 333′ in the second slidable connecting member 33 of each of the foot bases 3 are formed on an outer surface of an outer one of the side plates 332 for engaging the positioning teeth 225′ of the corresponding first slidable connecting member 22 of the base 2.

Pushing each of the foot bases 3 toward the base body 21 of the base 2 shortens the distance between the base body 31 of each of the foot bases 3 and the base body 21 of the base 2. In addition, manipulating the press portions 224′, 324′ of the resilient arms 222′, 322′ of the first slidable connecting members 22, 32 simultaneously causes the press portions 224′, 324′ to push the connecting portions 223′, 323′ to displace outwardly. When the positioning teeth 225′, 325′ of the resilient arms 222′, 322 are disengaged from the positioning grooves 333′, 233′ in the second slidable connecting members 33, 23, each of the foot bases 3 can be pulled outwardly away from the base body 21 of the base 2 to increase the distance between the base body 31 of each of the foot bases 3 and the base body 21 of the base 2.

In sum, with the arrangement of the base 2, the modular support device 200, 210, 220 according to the preferred embodiments provides an expansion mechanism. The modular support device 200, 210, 220 may include a variable number of the bases 2 depending on the number of the articles 4 to be supported, without needing to increase the number of the foot bases 3 with the number of the articles 4 to be supported. Thus, the combined space and width occupied by the modular support device 200, 210, 220 and the articles 4 in use can be reduced, and the overall manufacturing cost of the modular support device 200, 210, 220 can be lowered.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what are considered the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements. In addition, it should be appreciated that any of the embodiments of this invention or any of the claims as appended hereto does not necessarily have to achieve all of the objects, advantages or features disclosed herein. Moreover, the title of the invention and the abstract of the disclosure are provided herein to allow a searcher to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure of any patent issued on this application, and should not be relied upon to limit the scope of protection sought for this invention.

Claims

1. A modular support device adapted to support at least one article, said modular support device comprising:

a base including a base body and at least two slidable connecting members extending transversely and respectively in opposite directions from two opposite sides of said base body; and
two foot bases disposed on the two opposite sides of said base body and connectible respectively to said two slidable connecting members, each of said foot bases being slidable along the respective one of said slidable connecting members to adjust a distance with said base body, each of said foot bases cooperating with said base body of said base to support the article.

2. The modular support device according to claim 1, wherein said base body has a plate member that is disposed generally perpendicular to said slidable connecting members, each of said foot bases including a limiting member that is spaced apart from said plate member and that cooperates with said plate member for sandwiching the article therebetween.

3. The modular support device according to claim 1, wherein said base body has two first support members that are disposed at a level higher than that of said slidable connecting members, each of said foot bases including a second support member disposed at substantially the same level as said first support members, each of said first support members cooperating with said second support member of a respective one of said foot bases for supporting the article.

4. The modular support device according to claim 1, wherein said two slidable connecting members are, respectively, an elongate first slidable connecting member and an elongate second slidable connecting member, one of said two foot bases including a first slidable connecting member that is connectible to said second slidable connecting member of said base, the other of said two foot bases including a second slidable connecting member that is connectible to said first slidable connecting member of said base.

5. The modular support device according to claim 2, wherein said base body has two first support members that are disposed at a level higher than that of said slidable connecting members and on two opposite sides of said plate member, each of said foot bases including a second support member that is disposed at substantially the same level as said first support members, said first support members cooperating with said second support members of said foot bases for supporting the article.

6. The modular support device according to claim 5, wherein said two slidable connecting members are, respectively, an elongate first slidable connecting member and an elongate second slidable connecting member, one of said two foot bases including a first slidable connecting member that is connectible to said second slidable connecting member of said base, the other of said two foot bases including a second slidable connecting member that is connectible to said first slidable connecting member of said base.

7. The modular support device according to claim 6, wherein each of said second slidable connecting members has a plurality of transversely extending positioning grooves, each of said first slidable connecting members having a resilient arm, said resilient arm including a positioning tooth that is engageable with one of said positioning grooves at a selected position.

8. The modular support device according to claim 7, wherein each of said first slidable connecting members extends into the respective one of said second slidable connecting members, each of said second slidable connecting members having a top plate, and a plurality of blocking portions for abutting against a bottom end of the respective one of said first slidable connecting members, said positioning grooves being formed in an inner surface of said top plate of each of said second slidable connecting members, each of said first slidable connecting members having a top wall, said resilient arm including a connecting portion and a press portion, said connecting portion having one end connected to said top wall, said positioning tooth projecting from a top face of said connecting portion, said press portion extending downwardly from the other end of said connecting portion and being capable of being manipulated to bring said connecting portion to move therewith so as to disengage said positioning tooth of said resilient arm from said positioning grooves.

9. The modular support device according to claim 7, wherein each of said second slidable connecting members extends into the respective one of said first slidable connecting members, each of said second slidable connecting members having a side plate, said positioning grooves being formed in an outer surface of said side plate, each of said first slidable connecting members having a top wall, a sidewall connected to one side of said top wall, and a plurality of blocking portions for abutting against a bottom end of the respective one of said second slidable connecting members, said resilient arm including a connecting portion and a press portion, said connecting portion having one end connected to said sidewall, said positioning tooth projecting from an inner side face of said connecting portion, said press portion being connected pivotally to a bottom face of said top wall and being accessible from said sidewall, said press portion being capable of being manipulated to bring said connecting portion to move therewith so as to disengage said positioning tooth of said resilient arm from said positioning grooves.

10. The modular support device according to claim 1, wherein said base includes four of said slidable connecting members, which are substantially elongated and which are, respectively, two first slidable connecting members that are disposed at the two opposite sides of said base body, that extend transversely and respectively in opposite directions from the two opposite sides of said base body, and that are arranged along a straight line, and two second slidable connecting members that are disposed at the two opposite sides of said base body, that extend transversely in opposite directions from the two opposite sides of said base body, and that are arranged along another straight line, each of said foot bases including a first slidable connecting member that is connectible to a respective one of said second slidable connecting members of said base, and a second slidable connecting member that is connectible to a respective one of said first slidable connecting members of said base.

11. A modular support device adapted to support a plurality of articles, said modular support device comprising:

a plurality of interconnected bases, each of said bases including a base body, and a first slidable connecting member and a second slidable connecting member extending transversely and respectively in opposite directions from two opposite sides of said base body, said first slidable connecting member of one of said bases in each adjacent pair of said bases being connectible to said second slidable connecting member of the other of said bases in the respective adjacent pair of said bases, said bases in each adjacent pair being slidable relative to each other by means of said first and second slidable connecting members thereof so as to adjust a distance between said base bodies thereof, said base bodies of each adjacent pair of said bases being adapted to support one of the articles thereon.

12. A modular support device adapted to support a plurality of articles, said modular support device comprising:

a plurality of interconnected bases, each of said bases including a base body, and a first slidable connecting member and a second slidable connecting member extending transversely and respectively in opposite directions from two opposite sides of said base body, said first slidable connecting member of one of said bases in each adjacent pair of said bases being connectible to said second slidable connecting member of the other of said bases in the respective adjacent pair of said bases, said bases in each adjacent pair being slidable relative to each other along said first and second slidable connecting members thereof so as to adjust a distance between said base bodies thereof; and
two foot bases respectively connected to a distal pair of said bases that are disposed at two opposite distal ends of said plurality of interconnected bases, one of said foot bases being connected to said first slidable connecting member of one of said bases in said distal pair, the other of said foot bases being connected to said second slidable connecting member of the other of said bases in said distal pair, each of said foot bases being slidable along a corresponding one of said first and second slidable connecting members of the respective one of said bases in said distal pair so as to adjust a distance between each of said foot bases and said base body of the respective one of said bases in said distal pair, said foot bases and said base bodies of said bases being adapted to support the plurality of articles thereon.

13. The modular support device according to claim 12, wherein said bases in said distal pair and said foot bases are detachably connected to each other.

14. The modular support device according to claim 13, wherein said base body of each of said bases has a plate member that is disposed generally perpendicular to said first and second slidable connecting members, each of said foot bases including a limiting member spaced apart from said plate member of said base body of the respective one of said bases in said distal pair, said plate members of said base bodies of said bases and said limiting members of said foot bases being adapted to sandwich the plurality of articles thereamong.

15. The modular support device according to claim 14, wherein each of said base bodies has two first support members disposed at a level higher than that of said first and second slidable connecting members and on two opposite sides of said plate member thereof, each of said foot bases including a second support member disposed at substantially the same level as said first support members, said first support members of said base bodies and said second support members of said foot bases being adapted for supporting the plurality of articles.

16. The modular support device according to claim 15, wherein said one of said foot bases has a second slidable connecting member connected to said first slidable connecting member of said one of said bases in said distal pair, and said other of said foot bases has a first slidable connecting member connected to said second slidable connecting member of said other of said bases in said distal pair.

17. The modular support device according to claim 16, wherein each of said second slidable connecting members has a plurality of transversely extending positioning grooves, and each of said first slidable connecting members has a resilient arm, said resilient arm including a positioning tooth for engaging one of said positioning grooves at a selected position.

18. The modular support device according to claim 17, wherein each of said first slidable connecting members is extendible into the respective one of said second slidable connecting members, each of said second slidable connecting members having a top plate, and a plurality of blocking portions for abutting against a bottom end of the respective one of said first slidable connecting members, said positioning grooves being formed in an inner surface of said top plate of each of said second slidable connecting members, each of said first slidable connecting members having a top wall, said resilient arm including a connecting portion and a press portion, said connecting portion having one end connected to said top wall, said positioning tooth projecting from a top face of said connecting portion, said press portion extending downwardly from the other end of said connecting connection and being capable of being manipulated to bring said connecting portion to move therewith so as to disengage said positioning tooth of said resilient arm from said positioning grooves.

19. The modular support device according to claim 17, wherein each of said second slidable connecting members is extendible into the respective one of said first slidable connecting members, each of said second slidable connecting members having a side plate, said positioning grooves being formed in an outer surface of said side plate, each of said first slidable connecting members having a top wall, a sidewall connected to one side of said top wall, and a plurality of blocking portions for abutting against a bottom end of the respective one of said second slidable connecting members, said resilient arm including a connecting portion and a press portion, said connecting portion having one end connected to said sidewall, said positioning tooth projecting from an inner side face of said connecting portion, said press portion being pivotally connected to a bottom face of said top wall and being accessible from said sidewall, said press portion being capable of being manipulated to bring said connecting portion to move therewith so as to disengage said positioning tooth of said resilient arm from said positioning grooves.

20. The modular support device according to claim 12, wherein each of said bases includes four of said slidable connecting members, which are substantially elongated and which are, respectively, two first slidable connecting members that are disposed at the two opposite sides of said base body thereof, that extend transversely and respectively in opposite directions from the two opposite sides of said base body thereof, and that are arranged along a straight line, and two second slidable connecting members that are disposed at the two opposite sides of said base body thereof, that extend transversely in opposite directions from the two opposite sides of said base body thereof, and that are arranged along another straight line, each of said foot bases including first and second slidable connecting members that are connectible respectively to said second and first slidable connecting members of the corresponding one of said bases in said distal pair.

Patent History
Publication number: 20090250583
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 19, 2008
Publication Date: Oct 8, 2009
Applicant: WISTRON CORPORATION (Taipei Hsien)
Inventors: Chia-Hsin LIU (Hsichih), Ming-Hui KAO (Hsichih)
Application Number: 12/194,301
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Knockdown Or Collapsible (i.e., Reduced In Volume) (248/346.3)
International Classification: A47B 45/00 (20060101);