ONE PIECE FOLD FLAT EASEL
In some embodiments a fold flat easel for the display of a device folds open from a flat piece of plastic into an upright standing position. Multiple position notches in the rear of a base accept a kickstand and a foot and varies the resting angle of a backrest. The backrest together with an arresting lip on the base secures the device on the easel. The backrest is attached to the kickstand and the base with flexible and durable living hinges. The entire stand, including hinges, can be easily and cost effectively fabricated from a single piece of plastic. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/104,262, filed 2008 Oct. 10 by the present inventor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field
This invention generally relates to easels and display stands.
2. Prior Art
Easels and display stands are commonly used to display artwork and signage but the recent rise in popularity of portable electronics has created a new need for support stands. Users require their devices to be supported upright on table tops and desks as well as at various angles for the viewing of media entertainment, monitoring email, or other functions of the devices.
The traditional art easel, while recognized for its simplicity in both three and four legged varieties, does not scale down to a size appropriate for personal devices. Their typical design includes a number of pieces that have to be assembled, increasing cost and complexity. Easels designed with an eye for portability often include additional pieces such as folding trays and telescopic legs which increase complexity and frailty, and are cumbersome at small scales.
Historically decorative plate stands have served a similar purpose, and come in two forms. One is a bent wire stand that creates a base, support arms, and a back from a single piece of wire, but does not fold compactly for travel and normally has limited, if any, display positioning angles. The other common form is a symmetrically cut, flat hinged board that opens like a book. When partially opened, the two sides create a base as well as a cradle to support the device. While it folds flat they are limited in the variety of devices they can support as well as the number of positioning angles.
Kickstands represent another common form of support, which is a leg that folds out from a stored position to provide a stable base. This device props up horizontal object such as signage or a photo frame. While the leg can fold flush to the object, the simple nature of the kickstand means that typically a kickstand is integrated into the device, there is no variability in the display angle, and they occasionally require a piece of strapping to prevent the kickstand from opening too widely and letting the device fall.
The market for portable easels and display stands is a competitive market and a number of variants of the above traditional machines exist. There exist variants of both versions of the plate holder: wire frame device stands with fixed viewing angles and the folding book style with limited ability to support a wide array of devices and viewing angles. Protective cases for the portable devices may also integrate dedicated kickstands similar to the photo frame kickstand, with all of its limitations as well. Nevertheless, all of the portable stands heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages:
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- (a) Their design limits the number of available viewing angles, impacting the flexibility for the user
- (b) Their manufacture requires multiple separate pieces to be molded and assembled, adding cost and complexity to their production. Additionally the complexity can lead to reliability and durability concerns.
- (c) The stands don't collapse easily or efficiently. Some of the portable stands do not collapse at all, which creates difficulty storing the product. Some require physical assembly and disassembly which adds complexity to its use and delay during setup and teardown.
- (d) The size is so small that they don't offer a stable platform for the device. In order to provide storage efficiencies, the devices compromise on the number of support points and overall stability for larger devices.
- (e) Multiple pieces to lose. Some the stands are comprised of multiple loose pieces which require assembly and disassembly for each use. Loose pieces can be lost and the assembly of the pieces can be frustrating.
- (f) Their design necessitates large arresting bumpers. The stands require large bumpers or hooks to keep the product from slipping off of the stand. These bumpers can be large and unwieldy to store efficiently.
In accordance with one embodiment a fold flat easel comprises of a single piece of plastic with the following features: a base, a backrest, a kickstand to support the backrest, an arresting lip, a series of positioning notches, and hinges to connect the primary components.
The inventions will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of some embodiments of the inventions which, however, should not be taken to limit the inventions to the specific embodiments described, but are for explanation and understanding only.
- 101 representative media player
- 102 arresting lip
- 103 backrest
- 104 multiple position notches
- 105 kickstand
- 106 base
- 107 base to backrest hinge
- 108 backrest to kickstand hinge
- 109 kick stand foot
- 202 arresting lip
- 203 backrest
- 204 multiple position notches
- 205 kickstand leg
- 206 base
- 207 base to backrest hinge
- 209 kickstand bar
- 213 base to kickstand hinge
- 302 arresting lip
- 303 backrest
- 304 square multiple position notches
- 305 kickstand leg
- 306 base with rear support spreader
- 307 base to backrest hinge
- 309 spade kickstand foot
- 313 base to kickstand hinge
One embodiment of the easel stand is illustrated in
In
The manner of using one embodiment is to start with the stand in its folded flat position as shown in
In one embodiment
In one embodiment, by remaining small the lip 102 enables the efficient storage of the stand in its closed position, which except for the lip 102 is completely flat. In this embodiment the distance from the living hinge 107 to the lip 102 is approximately 0.5 in. which provides adequate play to support most devices of a personal nature. The width and depth of the stand provides a stable platform with little tendency to tip forward, rearward, or to either side.
DESCRIPTION Alternative Embodiments—FIGS. 2, 3AAn additional embodiment is shown in
An additional embodiment is shown in
The manner of using the stand in the second embodiment is to start in its folded flat position. The backrest 203 (
The manner of using the third embodiment is to start in its folded flat position as shown in
From the description above, a number of advantages of some embodiments of a one piece fold flat easel stand become evident:
(a) An adjustable kickstand with several positioning notches provides a variety of viewing angles for devices on the stand. Users will be able to accommodate the stand in a wider variety of locations and comfortable positions than fixed stands.
(b) The single piece, flat design will save cost during design and manufacture. A shallow draft and single axis of ejection simplifies mold design and construction. A single manufactured piece reduces cost by eliminating the need for multiple molds or mold cavities as well as part assembly.
(c) The stand is easy to set up and tear down. Two permanently attached appendages pivot around two hinges. Parts don't have to be assembled, disassembled, snugged, loosened, pushed, or popped by the user. The stand can be folded open and closed with a single hand.
(d) While it stows efficiently for storage, when open the stand provides a substantial footprint for overall stability.
(e) There are no loose pieces which can be lost or misplaced.
(f) The arresting lip can be small because of its interaction with the base and backrest. Unlike stands which require prominent lips or folding bumper attachments to stop the supported device from sliding downward, the lip only has to stop the lateral slide of the device. As a result, the lip can be permanent fixture with negligible impact on storage bulk.
CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPEAccordingly the reader will see that, according to the various embodiments of the invention, the stand can be efficiently stored in flat locations such as a pocket, can be opened quickly and easily, can be adjusted to a variety of viewing angles, and can support a variety of devices. In addition it can be manufactured cost effectively from a single piece of plastic.
While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. For example, the overall design can be done symmetrically or asymmetrically, the number of adjustable positions can be varied, the shape of the kickstand foot and notches can be varied, the location where the kickstand attaches can be changed, the lip's form and location can be adjusted, and non-skid materials could be added, etc.
An embodiment is an implementation or example of the inventions. Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions. The various appearances “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or “some embodiments” are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments.
Not all components, features, structures, characteristics, etc. described and illustrated herein need be included in a particular embodiment or embodiments. If the specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, for example, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.
The inventions are not restricted to the particular details listed herein. Indeed, those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that many other variations from the foregoing description and drawings may be made within the scope of the present inventions. Accordingly, it is the following claims including any amendments thereto that define the scope of the inventions.
Claims
1. A machine, comprising:
- a base sheet of rigid material of predetermined size, said base sheet having a front edge and a top surface; and
- at least one lip protruding above the top surface of said base sheet positioned at a predetermined distance from and parallel to the front edge of said base sheet; and
- a backrest portion of said base delineated by a flexible joint running parallel to the lip of said base sheet at a predetermined distance from said lip; and
- at least one elongated kickstand portion of said backrest portion delineated by a second flexible joint running parallel to the lip of said base sheet and located at an end of said kickstand portion; and
- a plurality of indentations located on the top surface of said base sheet;
- whereby said backrest portion may be raised rotationally while pivoting at said flexible joint, said elongated kickstand portion may be rotated under said backrest portion by pivoting at said second joint, said elongated kickstand may rest in one of said plurality of indentations, securing said elongated kickstand and supporting said backrest portion so that an object may be propped up stably by said backrest portion, the top surface of said base sheet, and at least one lip of said base sheet.
2. The machine of claim 1 wherein said base sheet of rigid material is composed of polypropylene plastic.
3. The machine of claim 1 wherein said base sheet of rigid material is composed of polyethylene plastic.
4. The machine of claim 1 wherein said base sheet of rigid material is manufactured with a single injection molding of plastic.
5. The machine of claim 4 wherein said flexible joint and said second flexible joint are living hinges.
6. The machine of claim 1 wherein said base sheet of rigid material is manufactured with a die-cut pressing of a sheet of plastic.
7. The machine of claim 6 wherein said flexible joint and said second flexible joint are folded under pressure to induce a crease line.
8. The machine of claim 1 wherein said base sheet, said backrest portion and said kickstand portion lay flat in the same plain.
9. The machine of claim 1 wherein said kickstand incorporates a foot to assist in aligning with said indentations.
10. The machine in claim 9 wherein said foot is cylindrical in cross section; and
- said indentations are half cylindrical;
- whereby said foot mates smoothly with said indentations at any angle of said kickstand.
11. The machine in claim 9 wherein said foot is rectangular in cross section; and
- said indentations are half rectangular.
12. The machine in claim 1 wherein
- whereby said foot mates with said indentations at any angle of said kickstand by catching at least one edge of said foot on at least one surface of said indentation.
13. A machine, comprising:
- a base sheet of rigid material of predetermined size, said base sheet having a front edge and a top surface; and
- at least one lip protruding above the top surface of said base sheet positioned at a predetermined distance from and parallel to the front edge of said base sheet; and
- a backrest portion of said base delineated by a flexible joint running parallel to the lip of said base sheet at a predetermined distance from said lip; and
- at least one elongated kickstand portion of said base delineated by a second flexible joint running parallel to the lip of said base sheet and located at an end of said kickstand portion; and
- a plurality of indentations located on the bottom surface of said backrest portion; whereby said backrest portion may be raised rotationally while pivoting at said flexible joint, said elongated kickstand portion may be rotated under said backrest portion by pivoting at said second joint, said elongated kickstand may rest in one of said plurality of indentations, securing said elongated kickstand and supporting said backrest portion so that an object may be propped up stably by said backrest portion, the top surface of said base sheet, and at least one lip of said base sheet.
14. The machine of claim 13 wherein said base sheet, said backrest portion and said kickstand portion lay flat in the same plain.
15. The machine of claim 13 wherein said kickstand incorporates a foot to assist in aligning with said indentations.
16. The machine of claim 13 wherein said base sheet of rigid material is manufactured with a single piece of plastic.
17. A method of supporting a device at various viewing angles, comprising:
- (a) providing a folding stand of the type comprising a flat body of material having at least one vertically oriented lip on one edge thereof, a backrest material subset of said body of material attached via a folding seam, a support leg material subset of said backrest attached via a folding seam, and a plurality of resting wells on the top surface of the flat body of material; and
- (b) placing said flat body of material on a stable surface; and
- (c) folding said backrest material vertically; and
- (d) folding said support leg away from said backrest; and
- (e) aligning said support leg with one of said resting wells; and
- (f) lowering said backrest until said support leg rests securely in one of said resting wells; and
- (g) placing said viewing device so that the rear of said device lays against said backrest, the bottom of said device lays on said flat body of material, and the bottom front of said device lays adjacent to said lip of said body of material;
- whereby the display angle of said device can be easily adjusted by varying the position of said backrest by moving said support leg among said plurality of resting wells.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein said folding stand is composed of polypropylene.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein said folding stand is composed of polyethylene.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein said folding stand can be opened from a flat, closed position and said folding stand can be closed flat from an open position.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 11, 2009
Publication Date: Apr 15, 2010
Inventor: Bradley William Corrion (Chandler, AZ)
Application Number: 12/577,186
International Classification: A47B 97/08 (20060101); A47B 97/04 (20060101);