STRUCTURE FOR TRANSPORTING AND USING PORTABLE EQUIPMENT COMPRISING IN PARTICULAR ELEMENTS THAT CAN BE INTERCONNECTED USING WIRED CONNECTIONS, SUCH AS PORTABLE MULTIMEDIA EQUIPMENT

Abstract

The structure allows portable equipment having elements which can be preferably, although do not have to be, interconnected using one or more wired connections to be carried around and used, the structure including: two platforms each of which having a bottom intended to support one or more parts of the equipment, a lid, means of connecting the lid to the platforms, it being possible for the structure to be configured into at least three configurations, namely a so-called transport configuration, a so-called intermediate configuration, and a so-called configuration of use. The structure further allows, in all three configurations, at least one wired connection to be led out from one platform to the other so as to connect at least one item supported by the internal face of the bottom of a platform to at least one other element supported by the internal face of the bottom of the other platform.

Description

The invention relates to a new structure that is adapted for transporting and using portable equipment, such as portable multimedia equipment, and more particularly, but not exclusively, portable equipment comprising elements that can be interconnected using wired connections.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of transporting and using portable equipment comprising elements that are preferably, but not necessarily, interconnected by wired connections making it possible to transport information or energy from one element to the other, such as in particular electrically conducting connecting cables, optical fibers, etc. More particularly, the invention concerns the transport and use of portable multimedia equipment, and more particularly interconnected multimedia elements making it possible to broadcast and monitor audiovisual information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the conference context, in the business, teaching, or training fields, display means are commonly used to make the subject matter of the presentation more comprehensible, and to increase interest in it.

These display means can be included in the audiovisual room, where the conference takes place, and often correspond to a projector and audio material such as a microphone and speakers.

These display means can also relate to portable projection devices comprising speakers, used by the lecturer.

In both of these cases, the lecturer must take the time to install the device, by performing various actions such as: removing the projection device from its bag, removing the cover from the lens, connecting his laptop computer to the equipment, adjusting the height of the projection device, connecting the projection device and his laptop to a power supply, and lastly starting up both elements.

Another problem then arises, for the lecturer, of having equipment allowing the latter to benefit from a simple and flexible mechanism meeting his needs in the configuration and the interconnection of the multimedia elements, so as to be able to make his presentation under good conditions.

To offset these drawbacks, known from the prior art is French patent document FR 2,827,729 describing portable audiovisual equipment comprising multimedia elements making it possible to broadcast images and/or videos, and audio documents. This portable audiovisual equipment comprises a suitcase separated into stages that contain a laptop computer, a projection device, equipment for broadcasting audio documents, a microphone, and transformers connected to cables for electrical power.

The drawback of this solution lies in the fact that this equipment proposes a rigid structure, the suitcase, that does not make it possible to replace a defective multimedia element with an element that is similar, but has a different size or shape. This equipment being made up of multimedia elements that belong to a rapidly evolving technical field, it can quickly become obsolete.

The improvement of such a solution consists of using very high-quality multimedia elements that would be able to guarantee greater longevity of the equipment over time. But such elements are expensive and would cause an increase in the cost of producing such equipment.

Furthermore, in this document, the arrangement in rows of the different elements making up this equipment does not allow the lecturer to have immediate access, upon opening the equipment, to all of the elements.

Indeed, the elements placed in the lower levels must be removed, which increases the time the lecturer needs to install the equipment.

It is also normal to transport multimedia equipment, such as a laptop computer, in a carrying bag. This type of carrying bag includes two open compartments that can be folded against each other, so as to form a single closed housing in which the multimedia equipment is placed. Most often, the two compartments are secured to each other in the closed position by a closure system, for example a slide closure system.

If a person tries to use this type of bag to transport several interconnectable multimedia elements, he is forced to house part of the multimedia elements in one of the open compartments, and the other part in the other open compartment. When the bag is closed by folding the two compartments against each other, the multimedia elements of the two compartments are in direct contact with each other. Thus, with this type of carrying bag, in the event of impacts on the bag, for example during transport, there is a significant and harmful risk of deterioration of the multimedia elements, which can knock together. This transport solution is therefore not satisfactory.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to improve the transport and use of portable equipment including several elements which, during operation, are preferably, but do not have to be, interconnected by wired connections in particular making it possible to transport information or energy from one element to the other, such as, for example, electrically conducting connector cables, optical fibers, and more particularly, transporting and using portable equipment for broadcasting multimedia information.

The invention proposes a new structure, which makes it possible to transport such equipment with improved protection from impacts, and that makes using the equipment easier.

More specifically, the invention relates to a structure for transporting and using portable equipment including several elements, said structure including:

• • two platforms, each of which comprises a bottom intended to support one or more parts of the equipment, each bottom comprising an outer face and an inner face that is intended to be oriented towards said elements,
  • a lid,
  • means of connecting the lid to said platforms,
    it being possible for said structure to be configured into at least three configurations, i.e.:
  • a so-called transport configuration, in which the lid is secured to the two platforms and covers each inner face of each platform, so as to form, with at least each inner face of each platform, at least two housings that are able to contain the elements of said equipment, and which are in position folded against each other, with the bottoms of the platforms positioned opposite each other,
  • a so-called intermediate configuration, in which the lid is secured to the two platforms and forms, with each platform, the same two housings as in the transport configuration, but in which the platforms are positioned relative to each other so that the external faces of the bottoms of the platforms can be placed on a same planar support, and
  • a so-called configuration of use, in which the platforms are in the same position as for the intermediate configuration, and in which the lid is at least partially separated from the two platforms, such that the inner faces of the bottoms of the platforms are uncovered and directly accessible.

The structure also allows, in all three configurations, at least one wired connection to be led out from one platform to the other so as to connect at least one item supported by the internal face of the bottom of a platform to at least one other element supported by the internal face of the bottom of the other platform.

Optionally, the inventive structure can comprise the following additional technical features, considered alone or in combination:

• • the external faces of the bottoms of the platforms are opposite each other when the structure is in the transport configuration,
  • the two platforms are rotationally mobile around an axis and the transition from the transport configuration to the intermediate configuration, and vice versa, is obtained by simple rotation of the two platforms around said axis, without detaching the lid;
  • said lid connects the two platforms to each other in the transport configuration and in the intermediate configuration, and allows the two platforms to rotate around said axis, in order to allow the transition from the transport configuration to the intermediate configuration, and vice versa, without detaching the lid;
  • the platforms are connected using a flexible connector in all three configurations;
  • said flexible connecting means makes it possible, in the use configuration, to adjust the orientation in a same plane as the bottoms of the two platforms relative to each other;
  • said flexible connecting means makes it possible to guide at least one wired connection from one platform to the other;
  • said flexible connecting means makes it possible to guide at least one wired connection from one platform to the other, such that once the element(s) of a platform are connected, using said wired connection(s), with one or more elements of the other platform, said elements stay connected to each other during the transition from the transport configuration to the intermediate configuration, and vice versa, as well as during the transition from the intermediate configuration to the configuration of use, and vice versa;
  • the flexible connecting means forms a flexible sheath, both ends of which are open, and which can be passed through by one or several wired connections;
  • each platform also includes at least one lateral rebate on the periphery of its bottom, the housings of the structure in the transport configuration and in the intermediate configuration being delimited by the lid, the internal face of the bottom of each platform, and the lateral rebates of each platform;
  • a platform includes a lateral rebate, which is positioned opposite a lateral rebate of the other platform (2) when the structure is in the intermediate configuration and in the configuration of use, and each of said rebates includes a cutout allowing at least one wired configuration to be led out from one platform to the other in all three configurations of the structure;
  • at least one of the lateral rebates of one of the platforms includes two parts: a fixed part including an indentation provided for a video projection means-type element, and a part forming a mobile rebate that makes it possible to cover the indentation in the transport and intermediate configurations, and to release the indentation in the configuration of use;
  • each platform also includes one or several lateral rebates on the periphery of its bottom, said housings of the structure in the transport configuration and in the intermediate configuration being delimited by the lid, the internal face of the bottom of each platform, and the lateral rebates of each platform; said flexible connecting means is arranged above two lateral rebates on the two platforms, which are opposite each other when the structure is in the intermediate configuration and in the configuration of use, and thus makes it possible to guide at least one wired connection above said lateral rebates;
  • the two ends of the flexible connecting means are respectively fixed on the upper edge of the two lateral rebates that are opposite each other in the intermediate configuration and in the configuration of use;
  • each platform includes fixing means making it possible to removably fasten elements of a piece of equipment on the internal face of the bottom of the platform;
  • the fixing means can be repositioned, and are preferably of the type with loops or hooks;
  • the fixing means include strips having different adhesion capacities; said strips are for example self-gripping.
  • the structure includes a handle fixed on the lid or on at least one of the platforms;
  • the lid can be made from a flexible material;
  • the structure includes one or several pouches that can be removably fastened on the internal face of the bottom of each platform, each removable pouch including at least one opening on the bottom for at least one wired connection to be led out, and at least one opening on the top so that an equipment element can be inserted into the pouch;
  • the bottom of one of the two platforms is provided with integrated lifting means;
  • the integrated lifting means include an inflatable pouch pressed against the external face of the bottom of the platform;
  • the lifting means include an inflating bulb connected to the pouch by a hose that is passed through the bottom of the platform;
  • the platforms can be made from a rigid material;
  • the connecting means making it possible to secure the lid to the platforms comprise one or several slide closures;
  • the connecting means making it possible to secure the lid to the platforms include one or several closures with self-gripping means.
  • the structure can include elastic stretchers that allow the elements of a piece of equipment and/or the wired connections connecting the elements of a piece of equipment to be fastened to the inner face of the bottom of the platforms.

The invention also relates to an assembly including the aforementioned structure and a piece of portable equipment including at least two elements, one or more elements of the equipment being positioned in one of the housings of the structure in the transport or intermediate configuration, and one or more other elements of the equipment being positioned in the other housing of the structure in the transport or intermediate configuration.

More particularly, in one particular alternative embodiment, at least certain elements of the equipment can be interconnected using one or more wired connections.

Still more particularly, one or more elements of a housing are connected, using one or several wired connections, with one or more elements of the other housing, said elements staying connected to each other during the transition from the transport configuration to the intermediate configuration and vice versa, as well as during the transition from the intermediate configuration to the configuration of use, and vice versa.

According to one optional feature, when the structure includes the aforementioned flexible connecting means, the wired connection(s) are led out from one housing to the other while being guided by the flexible connecting means of the structure.

The equipment is for example a piece of portable multimedia equipment, and more particularly can include a video projector contained in one housing of the structure and a terminal contained in the other housing of the structure. The equipment can also include a printer and a terminal.

The wired connections for example include electrically conducting connector cables.

According to one optional feature, the assembly can include energy distribution means, which on one hand comprise several connectors that can be connected respectively to elements of the equipment that require energy to operate, and on the other hand a power connector that is connected to said connectors, and that can be connected to a power source so as to supply all of the connectors with energy, said source being able to be positioned inside or outside the structure.

More particularly, the energy distribution means for example comprises an electrical power cable, one end of which is electrically connected to the outlet, and which comprises several strands, the ends of which are electrically connected to said connectors, respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from reading the following detailed description of particular alternative embodiments, the description being done, as a non-limiting and non-exhaustive example of the invention, and in reference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a view of an assembly formed by a piece of portable multimedia equipment housed in a structure according to one particular alternative embodiment of the invention, said structure being in the configuration of use;

FIG. 2 is a view of the assembly (equipment/structure), with the structure in the transport configuration;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the bottom of one of the platforms of the structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view of the assembly (equipment/structure) with the structure in the intermediate configuration;

FIG. 5 is another view of the assembly (equipment/structure) with the structure in the intermediate configuration;

FIG. 6A illustrates an open removable pouch according to the invention;

FIG. 6B illustrates a closed removable pouch according to the invention, and

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of another embodiment of one of the platforms of the structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of an electrical power cable making it possible to distribute electrical energy and including a single power connector connected to several end connectors;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic top view of the assembly (equipment/structure) of FIG. 1, in the configuration of use, said top view making it possible to show the interconnection of certain elements of the equipment and the electrical power supply of certain elements of the equipment using the power cable of FIG. 8.

For more clarity, identical or similar elements are referenced using identical reference signs in all of the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly 31 made up of portable multimedia equipment that is housed in a structure according to the invention allowing the transport and use of that equipment.

The portable multimedia equipment includes computer/audio/video broadcasting means in the form of elements interconnected by electrical connector cables 9.

More particularly, in the illustrated embodiment, these broadcasting means comprise, non-exhaustively and non-limitingly, a digitization device (scanner), a video projector 15, speakers 18, a micro-viewer 7, a mobile interactive board 17, 16, a battery charger, a wireless microphone system (base and lapel mike), a mobile digital tablet 10, a surge protector, a portable terminal 14 (central processing unit) with its current transformer 14a (FIG. 9).

This terminal 14 is for example made up of a notebook or sub-notebook computer.

In another alternative, the equipment could also include a printer, for example in place of the video projector 15.

The structure in which the parts of the equipment are housed includes:

• • two platforms 1, 2,
  • a lid 3,
  • connecting means 19, 19′ for connecting the lid 3 with said platforms 1, 2.

This structure can be configured in at least three configurations: a configuration of use illustrated in FIG. 1; a transport configuration illustrated in FIG. 2; an intermediate configuration [between the configuration of use and the transport configuration] illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

In reference to FIG. 1, each platform 1 (2, respectively) of the structure comprises a bottom 8 (32, respectively) whereof the inner face 8b (32b, respectively) serves as a support for the parts of the multimedia equipment. In the illustrated alternative embodiment, the terminal 14, the interactive board 16, 17 and a surge protector of the multimedia equipment are supported by the inner face 8b of the bottom 8 of the platform 1, and are preferably removably attached to said inner face 8b; the micro-viewer 7, the microphone, the video projector 15, the battery charger, the mobile digital tablet 10, and the speakers 18 of the multimedia equipment are supported by the inner face 32b of the bottom 32 of the platform 2, and are preferably removably attached to that inner face 32b.

Certain elements of that platform 2, such as the video projector, or the battery charger, are connected, using cables 9, to the surge protector of the first platform 1. To start that equipment, one need only connect the power cable of the surge protector to an outlet so as to power all of the parts of the equipment pre-connected to the surge protector.

In the illustrated alternative embodiment, the platform 1 also includes, on the periphery of its bottom 8, lateral rebates 12, 5, 5′, which are rigid and fixed relative to the bottom 8. The platform 2 comprises, on the periphery of its bottom 32, lateral rebates 13, 6′, 6″ that are rigid and fixed relative to the bottom 32, and a lateral rebate 6 in two pieces 6a, 6b. The height of the lateral rebate 6″ decreases substantially linearly from the lateral rebate 6′ to the fixed part 6a of the lateral rebate 6.

More particularly, the part 6a of the rebate 6 is rigid and fixed relative to the bottom 32, and it comprises an indentation 11 making it possible to broadcast the projection beam coming from the video projector 15. The other part 6b forms a mobile rebate that makes it possible to cover the indentation 11 in the transport configuration and in the intermediate configuration, and to free the indentation 11 in the configuration of use. The rebate 5 of the platform 1 also comprises an indentation 11′ in order to facilitate access to the terminal 14 and in particular the keyboard of that terminal. In another embodiment, either of these indentations 11, 11′ may not be provided.

Preferably, certain parts of the multimedia equipment are pre-connected to each other via cables 9, which thus allows quick installation without losing time for the specific connection of these elements to each other.

These elements stay interconnected regardless of the configuration (transport, intermediate or use) of the structure. The power supply for certain parts is for example ensured by deploying ad connecting a single power cable of the equipment, such as the cable 25 of FIG. 8, to a charge port, when the structure containing that equipment is in the configuration of use.

In reference to FIG. 8, this power cable 25 includes, at one end, a power connector 26a, and at the other end several strands 26c each ending with a connector 26b. The connectors 26b can have identical structures or different structures. The power connector 26a is electrically connected to all of the connectors 26c, which makes it possible to distribute electrical energy from said power connector 26a towards all of these connectors 26b.

During operation (FIG. 9), the connectors 26b are respectively connected to certain parts of the equipment, i.e. in the specific example of FIG. 9, to the video projector 15, the battery charger 10′, and the current transformer 14a of the terminal 14. It then suffices to connect the power connector 26a to a power source, such as the sector, to power all of the equipment connected to the power cable 25 in parallel. Said power source can be outside the structure of the invention or can be housed in the inventive structure.

In the alternative embodiment illustrated in the figures, the cables 9 are led out from one platform 1 to the other 2 via a flexible connecting means 4, which connects the two platforms 1, 2, regardless of the configuration of the structure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible connecting means 4 forms a tubular flexible sheath whereof both ends are open. The cables 9 are introduced through this flexible sheath. More particularly, the two lateral rebates 12, 13, which are situated opposite each other when the structure is in the configuration of use (FIG. 1), each include a cutout 23 at their upper edge (FIG. 3) for the introduction of the flexible connecting means 4, and thus for leading the cables 9 out from one platform 1 to the other 2. The flexible connecting means 4 is fixed at both ends to the rebates 12, 13 at said cutouts 23.

More particularly, the flexible connecting means 4 allows the cables to be led from one platform 1 to the other 2 without any tension being exerted on those cables, regardless of the configuration (use/intermediate/transport) of the structure containing the equipment, and regardless of the orientation of the platforms 1, 2 relative to each other in a same plane in the configuration of use.

The lid 3 is for example made from a flexible material.

In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, one of the ends of the lid 3 is permanently fixed, by an irremovable connection, to the bottom 32 of the platform 2, at the lateral rebate 6″. This irremovable connection is made using any suitable means, and is for example obtained by sewing the lid on the bottom 32.

As illustrated by FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5, the two platforms 1, 2 comprise connecting means 19′ and the lid 3 includes, on its periphery, connecting means 19 that can cooperate with said connecting means 19′ to temporarily secure the lid 3 to the platforms 1, 2 in the intermediate configuration (FIG. 4) and in the transport configuration (FIG. 2) of the structure.

These connecting means 19, 19′ are for example formed by slide closures, or by self-gripping strips having a hook/loop structure of the Velcro® type.

When the structure is in the use configuration of FIG. 1, the temporary connecting means 19, 19′ are separated and the lid 3 is thus completely separated from the platform 1 and partially separated from the platform 2, while being connected only by one of its ends to the bottom 32 of the platform 2. In this configuration, the inner faces 8b, 32b of the bottoms 8, 32 of the platforms 1, 2 are completely uncovered and directly accessible, and the accessibility of the content of the two platforms 1, 2 is thus maximal.

In this configuration of use, the two platforms 1, 2 are connected only by the flexible connector 4, and are positioned relative to each other such that the outer faces 8a, 32a of the bottoms 8, 32 of the platforms 1, 2 are substantially coplanar, i.e. can be placed on a same planar support, such as a table for example.

In this configuration of use (FIG. 1), the flexible connecting means 4 connects the two platforms 1, 2 so as to make them easy to orient in a same plane, without hindering the connection between these different parts, and so as to position them to best meet the user's needs.

Moreover, the cables 9 connecting the elements of one platform 1 to the other 2 are guided by the flexible connecting means 4 and pass above the lateral rebates 12, 13 that are opposite each other, without undergoing tension. Thus, the user can modify the orientation of one platform relative to the other, without disconnecting the elements of the equipment.

To go from the configuration of use illustrated in FIG. 1 to the intermediate configuration of FIG. 4 or 5, the user need only fold the lid 3 down above the platforms 1, 2, so as to completely cover the inner faces 8b, 32b of the bottoms 8, 32 of the two platforms 1, 2, and secure the lid 3 to the lateral rebates of the platforms 1, 2 using connecting means 19, 19′. In this intermediate configuration, the lid 3 forms, with each inner face 8b, 32b of each platform 1, 2 and with the lateral rebates 12, 5, 5′, 13, 6, 6′, 6″ of each platform, two separate housings L1, L2, which each contain part of the elements of said equipment. These two housings L1, L2 form two bags and are arranged in the same plane (plane supporting the two platforms 1, 2). The housing L1 contains the aforementioned elements of the multimedia equipment supported by the platform 1, and the housing L2 contains the aforementioned elements of the multimedia equipment supported by the platform 2.

These two housings L1 and L2 are closed, but allow, owing to their respective cutouts 23 in the rebates 12 and 13, the cables 9 to be led out from one housing L1 to the other L2, with guiding of the cables between the two housings L1, L2 using the flexible connector 4. Thus, the transition from the configuration of use to the intermediate configuration (and vice versa) can advantageously be done without disconnecting the elements of the equipment.

To go from the intermediate configuration of FIG. 4 or of FIG. 5 to the transport configuration of FIG. 2, the user need only rotatably pivot the two platforms 1, 2 around an axis A, without detaching the lid 3, and so as to fold the two housings L1, L2 towards each other, with the bottoms 8, 32 of the platforms 1, 2 positioned opposite each other.

More particularly, in the illustrated embodiment, when the two housings L1, L2 are folded against each other, the bottoms 8, 32 of the platforms 1, 2 are positioned opposite each other, so that the two outer faces 8a, 32a of the bottoms 8, 32 of the platforms 1, 2 are opposite each other, and preferably against each other as illustrated in FIG. 2. In this particular configuration, the bottoms 8, 32 of the platforms make it possible to avoid direct contact between the elements contained in one housing L1 and the elements contained in the other housing L2. In this particular configuration, the two outer faces 8a, 32a of the bottoms 8, 32 of the platforms 1, 2 opposite each other are not necessarily in contact against each other, but can be close to and far from each other, the distance separating the bottoms 8, 32 of the platforms in this case being small and smaller than the largest dimension of the platforms.

In the alternative illustrated in FIG. 2, the two bottoms 8, 32 have substantially the same geometry and the same dimensions. This feature is not, however, limiting on the invention. In another alternative embodiment, the geometry and/or dimensions of the bottom 8 could be different from those of the bottom 32. Moreover, in this particular embodiment of FIG. 2, the entire surface of the bottom 8 is substantially opposite the entire surface of the other bottom 32. This feature is not, however, limiting on the invention, and in another alternative both housings L1, L2 can be folded against each other in the transport configuration, with the bottoms 8, 32 of the platforms 1, 2 positioned opposite each other while being offset relative to each other so that only part of one of the bottoms is opposite the other bottom or part of the other bottom.

In the particular alternative of FIG. 2, when the two housings L1, L2 are folded down towards each other with the bottoms 8, 32 of the platforms 1, 2 positioned opposite each other (transport configuration), said bottoms 8, 32 are positioned in different and parallel planes. This feature is not, however, limiting on the invention, and in another alternative the bottoms 8 and 32 could, in the transport configuration, not be positioned parallel to each other, but rather slightly inclined relative to each other.

In another alternative embodiment, the transport configuration can also be obtained by folding the two housings L1, L2 down towards each other around the axis A, such that the bottoms 8, 32 of the platforms 1, 2 are positioned opposite each other, but with the inner faces 8b, 32b (and no longer outer faces) of the bottoms of the platforms 1, 2 opposite each other, the lid 3 in this case being folded on itself and inserted between said inner faces 8b, 32b. In this alternative, in the transport configuration, the lid 3 makes it possible to prevent direct contact between the elements contained in one housing L1 and the elements contained in the other housing L2.

In this alternative embodiment illustrated in the figures, the lid 3, which connects the two platforms 1, 2 in the intermediate configuration and in the transport configuration, allows this rotational mobility of the two platforms 1, 2 around the axis A.

In the transport configuration, the curvature of the cables 9 follows the curvature of the flexible connection 4 and passes above the two lateral rebates 12, 13. This guiding of the cables 9 advantageously makes it possible to reduce their bulk, compared to a solution in which the cables are not guided by a flexible connection between the two housings L1 and L2 or a solution in which the cables are guided by a flexible connection positioned at the bottoms of the platforms and not above the lateral rebates. Moreover, in the transport configuration, the flexible connection 4 allows guiding of the cables 9, without exerting tension on the cables 9. Thus, the transition from the intermediate configuration to the transport configuration (and vice versa) can advantageously be done without disconnecting the elements of the equipment.

In the transport configuration, we see the same two housings L1, L2 as in the intermediate configuration, but with different orientations. Moreover, in the transport configuration illustrated in FIG. 2, the elements of the equipment contained in the housing L1 are not in direct contact with the elements of the equipment contained in the other housing L2, but are separated by the two bottoms 8 and 32 of the platforms 1, 2. This advantageously results in better protection of these elements from impacts during transport.

According to an additional and optional feature of the invention, the bottom 32 of the second platform 2, illustrated in FIG. 3, includes integrated lifting means 24. These lifting means 24 include an inflatable pouch 24, which is housed in a cavity formed in the outer face 32a of the bottom 32 of the platform 2, and which makes it possible to lift and/or tilt the bottom 32 of this second platform 2 without a mechanical part, so as to adjust the height and/or incline of said bottom 32. When the bottom 32 of the platform 2 supports a video projector 15, this inflatable pouch also makes it possible to adjust the height of the video projector 15.

More particularly, this pouch 24a, which is situated under the platform 2, is connected to manual inflating means including a hose that passes through the platform 2, which is connected at one end to the pouch 24a, and which ends at its other end with an inflating bulb accessible at the inner face 32b of the bottom of the platform 2. Said pouch 24a can thus be more or less filled with air by actuating the bulb, so as to increase or decrease the amount of pressurized air in the pouch 24a. Inflating said pouch 24a makes it possible to raise and/or tilt the platform 2 in its configuration of use relative to the planar support on which the platform 2 is placed.

The structure for transporting and using the multimedia equipment comprises a gripping member such as a handle 20 to make it easier to handle and transport. In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, this handle 20 is fixed on the outer face 3a of the lid 3, at an intermediate area of the lid between the two platforms 1, 2. The outer face 3a of the lid is the face that is opposite the inner face 3b (FIG. 1), this inner face 3b is the face oriented towards the inner faces 8b, 32b of the bottoms 8, 32 of the platforms 1, 2, when the structure is in the transport configuration or in the intermediate configuration.

In another alternative embodiment, the handle 20 may not be fixed to the lid 3, but the gripping member 20 can for example be formed by at least one handle fixed to one of the platforms 1, 2. Still more particularly, the gripping member 20 can comprise two handles fixed on the outer faces of the rebates 12, 13 of the platforms 1, 2, respectively, and that pass through an opening formed in the lid 3, when the structure is in the intermediate configuration or in the transport configuration.

In reference to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, and optionally, the rebates of the platforms 1, 2 comprise additional closing means 21, 22 making it possible to strengthen the closure of the structure in its transport configuration.

According to one additional feature of the invention, each platform 1, 2 includes fixing means making it possible to removably fasten parts of a piece of equipment on the inner face 8b, 32b of the bottom 8, 32 of the platforms 1, 2. The inventive structure thus allows a modular arrangement and offers the possibility of modifying the arrangement of the parts of the equipment inside the platforms.

These fixing means can be repositioned, and preferably have a loop/hook structure, of the VELCRO® type. These fixing means are for example formed by auto-gripping strips 27, 27′ or equivalent means (FIG. 1) having a loop-type structure (hook type structure, respectively) fixed on the inner face 8b, 32b of the bottom 8, 32 of each platform 1, 2, and which can cooperate with the hooking elements 27″ that have a hook-type structure (loop-type structure, respectively) and which are fixed under the parts of the equipment one wishes to hook on the bottom of a platform.

More particularly, the two platforms 1, 2 comprise, on their inner surface and in particular on the inner faces 8b, 32b of their bottoms 8, 32, a mix of at least two categories of self-gripping strips 27, 27′ differing by their adhesion capacity. These strips 27, 27′ make it possible to removably attach all of the elements contained in these platforms to the inner face 8b, 32b of their respective bottom 8, 32, regardless of the configuration of the structure (use/intermediate/transport).

The elements can thus be fixed to the platforms 1, 2 with different strengths depending on their weight and the anticipated use.

Moreover these elements, whatever they may be, can be organized, gripped and cabled, regardless of the configuration of the structure (use/intermediate/transport), as long as the surface of the elements stays smaller than the surface of the bottom of the platforms.

These strips 27, 27′ have both a good capacity to fasten these elements and a good ability to detach them so that these elements can be easily removed from the equipment 31.

The strips 27′ having a strong adhesion capacity for example have an average width of 3 centimeters, making it possible to very solidly attach elements that do not need to be removed regularly, such as the video projector 15.

The strips 27 having a lower adhesion capacity for example have an average width of 5 centimeters, making it possible conversely to fasten elements that are regularly taken out of the equipment 31.

Thus, the elements are fastened directly to the inner surface of the platforms via these strips.

The elements can also be indirectly fastened to the inner surface of these platforms from removable pouches 33 provided with self-gripping bottoms. Such pouches 33 more particularly have an opening 33b through the top (FIG. 6A) to be able to easily introduce the material therein. Optionally, a pouch 33 can also include an opening 33a on the bottom, in order to allow the passage of one or several cables 9, so that an element of the equipment can be stored in the pouch while being pre-cabled. A pouch can have a rigid structure, if applicable with compartments, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, or can be made up of a flexible bag whereof the top opening can for example be closed using a slide closure or equivalent means.

The elements of the equipment can also be fastened to the self-gripping bottoms 32 using any other self-gripping means. Non-exhaustively, the self-gripping means can include elastic stretchers provided with self-gripping ends, and intended to maintain the elements in the position of use, for example for the battery charger 18, so that the element is directly in the position of use when the structure is in the configuration of use of FIG. 1, without any removal of the element being necessary; the self-gripping means can also include cable guides provided with a self-gripping end to guide the cables within the platforms, or self-adhesive self-gripping strips adhered under the elements, such as, for example, the strip 27″ adhered under the video projector 15 in FIG. 1. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a specific removable pouch 33 in the open and closed positions, respectively. This pouch 33 is intended to be placed “behind” one or both of the platforms and can contain cables or any other tools or means that can be used with the terminal, or as a parcel tray. This storage pouch 33 is provided with one or several slits 33a so as to be able to be used to cable the broadcasting means. It has a lateral opening to allow the cables to go towards the flexible connection 4 between the platforms. It also comprises opening/closing means 30 to be able to easily include the different elements there, and a self-gripping bottom.

The module 28 of this pouch comprises a self-gripping strip 29 that can adhere with another strip for closure thereof. The pouch 33 can be flexible or rigid and comprise, on the outer surface of its bottom, self-gripping strips intended to adhere to the self-gripping strips 27, 27′ of the bottom of the platforms 1, 2.

Other types of pouches provided with a self-gripping bottom can be included in the equipment. These pouches comprise an opening making it possible to insert an element therein and a slit in the bottom for the passage of the cables relative to said element. In particular, these pouches comprise a slit on the bottom and can be open on the top.

The platforms 1, 2 are preferably made from a rigid and light material imparting a minimal weight to the equipment for optimal solidity.

The inside of the two platforms 1, 2 can be thermoformed or made from a rubbery material of the double-bond type. These platforms comprise compartments including opening/closing means, as well as retaining means such as stretchers comprising a self-gripping strip at the end thereof, intended to attach/detach the elements. The cables and/or the elements comprised in the equipment are attached from pouches, elastic stretchers, cable guides, self-adhesive strips of the Velcro™ type.

The portable equipment just described includes a modular functionality making it possible to obtain all possible arrangements of the elements, as long as the sum of the surfaces of these different elements is smaller than the available area in the platforms. This modular functionality makes it possible, in production, to design a single general model of a structure for transporting and using a piece of equipment, said structure being adaptable to all types of equipment, which creates a number of advantages in the context of its assembly production and makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of said structure.

The invention is not limited to the particular structure illustrated in the appended figures, but rather covers any structure within the scope of protection of the appended claims. In particular, and non-exhaustively, in other alternative embodiments of the invention, the two platforms 1, 2 can be independent and not be connected by a flexible connection 4; the lid 3 can be completely removable relative to the platforms 1, 2; one platform 1 or 2 may not include lateral rebates but be made up only of a bottom 8 or 32.

The invention is advantageously applicable to transporting and using portable multimedia equipment in particular comprising computer/audio/video broadcasting means, such as a video projector, a portable terminal, . . . , which can be interconnected using power cables 9. The invention is not, however, limited to only this type of portable equipment, but can more generally be used to transport and use any equipment comprising elements able to be interconnected using wired connections that make it possible in particular to transport information or energy from one element to the other, e.g. electrically conducting connector cables, optical fibers, etc. The inventive structure can also be used to transport and use portable equipment whereof the elements are not necessarily interconnected, but rather can be used independently without a wired connection.

Claims

1. A structure for transporting and using portable equipment including several elements, said structure including: it being possible for said structure to be configured into at least three configurations, i.e.: said structure also allowing, in all three configurations, at least one wired connection to be led out from one platform to the other so as to connect at least one item supported by the internal face of the bottom of a platform to at least one other element supported by the internal face of the bottom of the other platform.

two platforms, each of which comprises a bottom intended to support one or more parts of the equipment, each bottom comprising an outer face and an inner face that is intended to be oriented towards said elements,

a lid,

means for connecting the lid to said platforms,

a so-called transport configuration, in which the lid is secured to the two platforms and covers each inner face of each platform, so as to form, with at least each inner face of each platform, at least two housings that are able to contain the elements of said equipment, and which are in position folded against each other, with the bottoms of the platforms positioned opposite each other,

a so-called intermediate configuration, in which the lid is secured to the two platforms and forms, with each platform, the same two housings as in the transport configuration, but in which the platforms are positioned relative to each other so that the external faces of the bottoms of the platforms can be placed on a same planar support, and

a so-called configuration of use, in which the platforms are in the same position as for the intermediate configuration, and in which the lid is at least partially separated from the two platforms, such that the inner faces of the bottoms of the platforms are uncovered and directly accessible,

2. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the external faces of the bottoms of the platforms are opposite each other when the structure is in the transport configuration.

3. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the two platforms are rotationally mobile around an axis and the transition from the transport configuration to the intermediate configuration, and vice versa, is obtained by simple rotation of the two platforms around said axis, without detaching the lid.

4. The structure according to claim 3, wherein said lid connects the two platforms to each other in the transport configuration and in the intermediate configuration, and allows the two platforms to rotate around said axis, in order to allow the transition from the transport configuration to the intermediate configuration, and vice versa, without detaching the lid.

5. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the platforms are connected using a flexible connector in all three configurations.

6. The structure according to claim 5, wherein said flexible connecting means makes it possible, in the use configuration, to adjust the orientation in a same plane as the bottoms of the two platforms relative to each other.

7. The structure according to claim 5, wherein said flexible connecting means makes it possible to guide at least one wired connection from one platform to the other.

8. The structure according to claim 7, wherein said flexible connecting means makes it possible to guide at least one wired connection from one platform to the other, such that once the element(s) of a platform are connected, using said wired connection(s), with one or more elements of the other platform, said elements stay connected to each other during the transition from the transport configuration to the intermediate configuration, and vice versa, as well as during the transition from the intermediate configuration to the configuration of use, and vice versa.

9. The structure according to claim 7, wherein the flexible connecting means forms a flexible sheath, both ends of which are open, and which can be passed through by one or several wired connections.

10. The structure according to claim 1, wherein each platform also includes at least one lateral rebate on the periphery of its bottom, the housings of the structure in the transport configuration and in the intermediate configuration being delimited by the lid, the internal face of the bottom of each platform, and the lateral rebates of each platform.

11. The structure according to claim 10, wherein a platform includes a lateral rebate, which is positioned opposite a lateral rebate of the other platform when the structure is in the intermediate configuration and in the configuration of use, and in that each of said rebates includes a cutout allowing at least one wired configuration to be led out from one platform to the other in all three configurations of the structure.

12. The structure according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the lateral rebates of one of the platforms includes two parts: a fixed part including an indentation provided for a video projection means-type element, and a part forming a mobile rebate that makes it possible to cover the indentation in the transport and intermediate configurations, and to release the indentation in the configuration of use.

13. The structure according to claim 5, wherein each platform also includes one or several lateral rebates on the periphery of its bottom, said housings of the structure in the transport configuration and in the intermediate configuration being delimited by the lid, the internal face of the bottom of each platform, and the lateral rebates of each platform, in which structure said flexible connecting means is arranged above two lateral rebates on the two platforms, which are opposite each other when the structure is in the intermediate configuration and in the configuration of use, and thus makes it possible to guide at least one wired connection above said lateral rebates.

14. The structure according to claim 13, wherein the two ends of the flexible connecting means are respectively fixed on the upper edge of the two lateral rebates that are opposite each other in the intermediate configuration and in the configuration of use.

15. The structure according to claim 1, wherein each platform includes fixing means making it possible to removably fasten elements of a piece of equipment on the internal face of the bottom of the platform.

16. The structure according to claim 15, wherein the fixing means can be repositioned, and are preferably of the type with loops or hooks.

17. The structure according to claim 15, wherein the fixing means include strips having different adhesion capacities.

18. The structure according to claim 17, wherein the strips are self-gripping.

19. The structure according to claim 1, including a handle fixed on the lid or on at least one of the platforms.

20. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the lid is made from a flexible material.

21. The structure according to claim 1, including one or several pouches that can be removably fastened on the internal face of the bottom of each platform, each removable pouch including at least one opening on the bottom for at least one wired connection to be led out, and at least one opening on the top so that an equipment element can be inserted into the pouch.

22. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the bottom of one of the two platforms is provided with integrated lifting means.

23. The structure according to claim 22, wherein the integrated lifting means includes an inflatable pouch pressed against the external face of the bottom of the platform.

24. The structure according to claim 23, wherein the lifting means includes an inflating bulb connected to the pouch by a hose that is passed through the bottom of the platform.

25. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the platforms are made from a rigid material.

26. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the connecting means making it possible to secure the lid to the platforms comprise one or several slide closures.

27. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the connecting means making it possible to secure the lid to the platforms include one or several closures with self-gripping means.

28. The structure according to claim 1, also including elastic stretchers that allow the elements of a piece of equipment and/or the wired connections connecting the elements of a piece of equipment to be fastened to the inner face of the bottom of the platforms.

29. The structure according to claim 1, and portable equipment including at least two elements, one or more elements of the equipment being positioned in one of the housings of the structure in the transport or intermediate configuration, and one or more other elements of the equipment being positioned in the other housing of the structure in the transport or intermediate configuration.

30. The structure and equipment according to claim 29, wherein at least certain elements of the equipment can be interconnected using one or more wired connections.

31. The structure and equipment according to claim 30, wherein one or more elements of a housing are connected, using one or several wired connections, with one or more elements of the other housing, said elements staying connected to each other during the transition from the transport configuration to the intermediate configuration and vice versa, as well as during the transition from the intermediate configuration to the configuration of use, and vice versa.

32. The structure and equipment according to claim 31, wherein the wired connection(s) are led out from one housing to the other while being guided by the flexible connecting means of the structure.

33. The structure and equipment according to claim 29, wherein the equipment is portable multimedia equipment.

34. The structure and equipment according to claim 29, wherein the equipment includes a video projector contained in one housing of the structure and a terminal contained in the other housing of the structure.

35. The structure and equipment according to claim 29, wherein the equipment includes a printer and a terminal.

36. The structure and equipment according to claim 29, wherein the wired connections include electrically conducting connector cables.

37. The structure and equipment according to claim 29, also including energy distribution means, which on one hand comprise several connectors that can be connected respectively to elements of the equipment that require energy to operate, and on the other hand a power connector that is connected to said connectors, and that can be connected to a power source so as to supply all of the connectors with energy, said source being able to be positioned inside or outside the structure.

38. The structure and equipment according to claim 37, wherein the energy distribution means comprises an electrical power cable, one end of which is electrically connected to the outlet, and which comprises several strands, the ends of which are electrically connected to said connectors, respectively.