WO1999046146A1 - Foldable assembly for supporting an article - Google Patents

Foldable assembly for supporting an article Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999046146A1
WO1999046146A1 PCT/AU1999/000158 AU9900158W WO9946146A1 WO 1999046146 A1 WO1999046146 A1 WO 1999046146A1 AU 9900158 W AU9900158 W AU 9900158W WO 9946146 A1 WO9946146 A1 WO 9946146A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
support
assembly
struts
assembly according
folded
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU1999/000158
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ian Thomas
Alan Commins
Original Assignee
Digital Audio Processing Pty. Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Digital Audio Processing Pty. Ltd. filed Critical Digital Audio Processing Pty. Ltd.
Priority to AU29129/99A priority Critical patent/AU2912999A/en
Publication of WO1999046146A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999046146A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R11/02—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R11/02—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
    • B60R11/0252—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof for personal computers, e.g. laptops, notebooks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R2011/0001—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position
    • B60R2011/0003—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position inside the vehicle
    • B60R2011/0029—Floor, e.g. side sills, fire wall
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R2011/0042—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
    • B60R2011/008—Adjustable or movable supports
    • B60R2011/0082—Adjustable or movable supports collapsible, e.g. for storing after use

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to demountable and foldable support assemblies for receiving and supporting an article thereon and more particularly relates to support assemblies for use in relatively confined spaces such as in the cabin of a vehicle.
  • the present invention seeks to ameliorate or eliminate the aforesaid problems by providing a demountable or foldable assembly for supporting an article and which is capable of use in a vehicle and which is particularly suitable for use in confined spaces.
  • the present invention comprises: a foldable support assembly for use in a confined space such as in a vehicle and which is capable of supporting an article; wherein the assembly comprises; a primary support which fastens said assembly to a structure in or on which said assembly is to be located; a first support means which engages said primary support and which is capable of movement relative thereto; a second support means which engages said first support means and which is capable of movement relative thereto; wherein, the assembly moves between a working unfolded configuration in which said first and second support means are arranged to facilitate support of an article on the assembly and a folded
  • the first support means includes first and second ends wherein said first end engages said primary support and said second end engages a first end of said second support means and wherein, the first end of said support means is in pivotal engagement with the primary support and the second end is in pivotal engagement with said first end of second support means.
  • the first and second support means lie in planes which are normal or substantially normal to each other and wherein, when the assembly moves from the working unfolded configuration to said non working folded configuration, the first support means generally rotates in a first plane of rotation and the second support means initially rotates in a plane normal or substantially normal to the plane of rotation of said first support means following which it moves between multiple planes until it intercepts the plane of rotation of said first support means whereupon it rotates in the same plane of rotation as the first support means until the assembly is folded or fully collapsed.
  • the first and second support means rotate in different directions.
  • the second support means includes a free end which has integrally attached or detachably fixed thereto a platform on which said article is supported.
  • said first support means comprises first and second struts and said second support means comprises first and second cantilever members such that said first strut pivotally engages said first cantilever member and said second strut engages said second cantilever member and wherein the first and second struts pivotally engage said primary support.
  • Each strut includes an elbow formation at one end which engages a corresponding elbow
  • the present invention comprises: a demountable assembly for supporting an article and which moves between a mounted unfolded configuration in which the assembly supports the article and a de mounted folded configuration in which structural elements of the assembly nest together; said assembly comprising ; a floor or ground engaging primary support assembly which receives and retains a first set of pivotally engaged support members; a second set of ancillary support members each having first and second ends wherein the second ends of each support member of said second set engage free ends of a corresponding free end of said members of said first set of support members; wherein when said assembly assumes the unfolded working configuration the assembly is capable of supporting said article.
  • the present invention comprises; a collapsable support assembly for vehicle use and which is capable of supporting an article thereon, wherein the assembly comprises; a mounting assembly which attaches to the floor or centre console of a vehicle, a pair of struts each of which pivotally engage said mounting assembly, a pair of cantilever members each of which pivotally engage an end of said struts such that said cantilever members are free to rotate relative to said struts; wherein said assembly is capable of movement between a folded non working configuration in which said struts and cantilever members are nested together adjacent or near said support assembly and a working unfolded configuration in which said struts and said cantilever members co operate to allow said assembly to support an article thereon.
  • the struts rotate in unison in a first plane of rotation and the cantilever members initially rotate in unison in a plane normal or substantially normal to the plane of rotation of said struts following which said cantilever members move through multiple planes until they intercept the plane of rotation of said struts whereupon the cantilever members rotate in the same plane of rotation as the struts until the assembly is folded or fully collapsed.
  • the struts and cantilever members rotate in different directions.
  • the struts each include a free end which have integrally attached or detachably fixed thereto a platform on which said article is supported wherein said article supported by said platform is a computer.
  • Figure 1 shows a support assembly according to a preferred embodiment in the unfolded working configuration
  • Figure 2 shows the assembly of figure 1 in the partially collapsed configuration
  • Figure 3 shows the assembly of figure 1 in the fully folded non working configuration
  • Figure 4 shows a support assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 5. shows a side elevation view of the assembly of figure 4 in the unfolded working configuration
  • Figure 6. shows the assembly of figure 4 in the folded non working configuration
  • Figure 7 shows the assembly of figure fitted to the inside of a vehicle.
  • a support assembly 1 in an
  • Assembly 1 comprises a primary ground or floor engaging support assembly 2 which is fixedly attached to a structure to which the assembly is to be fitted.
  • Support assembly 2 as shown, includes a receptacle 3 which receives and retains first and second struts 4 and 5 via pivot pins 6 and 7 respectively.
  • Struts 4 and 5 are free to rotate about pivot pins 6 and 7 respectively in the general direction of arrow 8.
  • Struts 4 and 5 each terminate in elbow formations 9 and 10 respectively.
  • Assembly 1 further comprises cantilever members 11 and 12 which terminate at one end in respective elbow formations 13 and 14.
  • Elbow formations 13 and 14 correspond to elbow formations 9and 10.
  • elbows 9 and 13 of strut 4 and cantilever member 1 1 cooperate and engage via pivot pin 15 which allows cantilever member 1 1 to move relative to strut 4 during folding and unfolding of assembly 1.
  • elbows 10 and 14 of strut 5 and cantilever member 12 respectively, cooperate to allow relative rotation between strut 5 and cantilever member 12 about pivot pin connection 16 such that during folding of the assembly, members 1 1 and 12 rotate in unison in the same plane.
  • Figure 2 shows the assembly of figure 1 intermediate the unfolded working configuration and folded non working configuration.
  • assembly 1 When assembly 1 is to be folded away from its work configuration a user preferably applies a generally lateral force in the direction of arrow 17 whereupon cantilever members 1 1 and 12 rotate in unison initially in a plane normal to the plane in which struts 4 and 5 are disposed. Rotation of members 1 1 and 12 through their initial plane of rotation has the effect of causing strut members 4 and 5 to rotate in unison in a generally vertical
  • Struts 4 and 5 maintain rotation in the one vertical plane whilst cantilever members rotate through multiple planes until they intercept the plane of rotation of struts 4 and 5 whereupon continued rotation in that plane will eventually result in full folding of the assembly such that struts 4 and 5 and cantilever members 1 1 and 12 nest together.
  • Figure 3 shows assembly 1 in the fully folded configuration wherein the strut and cantilever members are nested in receptacle 3.
  • Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a support assembly 20 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.
  • the embodiment of figure 4 includes a ground or floor engaging primary support structure 21 which attaches assembly 20 to a structure to which assembly 20 is to be fitted.
  • Support structure 21 also comprises a recess 22 which receives the members of assembly 20 when fully folded and a bracket assembly 23 which receives and retains respective ends 24 and 25 of struts 26 and 27.
  • Coupling between struts 26 and 27 is via respective pivot pins 28 and 29 which allow for rotation of struts 26 and 27 about bracket assembly 23.
  • Struts 26 and 27 engage ends 29 and 30 of cantilever members 31 and 32 via respective ends 33 and 34.
  • Coupling between respective struts and cantilever members is via pin connections which allow cantilever members 31 and 32 to rotate relative to struts 26 and 27.
  • Struts 26 and 27 are joined by bridge member 35 to impart rigidity to and maintain separation of the struts.
  • Bridge member 35 is joined to struts 26 and 27 via pin connections 36 and 37 respectively allowing free movement of bridge member 35 during folding of assembly 20.
  • Cantilever members 30 and 31 terminate at free ends 38 and 39 and engage a gripping handle 40 via pin connections 41 and 42 respectively. This pin engagement allows free rotation of members 30 and 31 during folding of assembly 20.
  • Handle 40 allows the user to conveniently urge the assembly into the folding regime previously described with reference to the embodiment of figure 1 in that the handle enables the assembly to be easily released from the folded configuration and an object on which an initiating lateral force
  • support assembly 21 further comprises a hydraulic ram 44 fixed at one end to support assembly 21 via pin coupling 45 and at its opposite end to strut 26 via pin connection 46.
  • Figure 5 shows a side elevation view of the assembly 20 of figure 4 coupled together and in the unfolded working configuration.
  • Figure 5 is numbered in accordance with the corresponding parts in figure 4.
  • Figure 6 shows assembly 20 of figure 4 in the folded non working configuration.
  • Figure 6 is numbered in accordance with the corresponding parts in figure 4 and demonstrates how compactly the assembly may be folded ensuring space economy especially in tight and confined spaces.
  • To unfold the assembly a user simply applies an upward force to handle 40 which is assisted by hydraulic ram 44.
  • Figure 7 shows a typical support assembly according to a preferred embodiment fitted to the interior of a vehicle.

Abstract

A foldable support assembly (1) for use in a confined space such as in a vehicle and which is capable of supporting an article, wherein the assembly (1) comprises, a primary support (2) which fastens the assembly (1) to a structure in or on which the assembly (1) is to be located, first support means (4, 5) which engage the primary support (2) and which is capable of movement relative thereto, second support means (11, 12) which engage the first support means (4, 5) and which is capable of movement relative thereto, the assembly (1) moves between a working unfolded configuration in which first and second support means (4, 5, 11, 12) are arranged to facilitate support of an article on the assembly (1) and a folded or collapsed non working configuration in which the second support means (11, 12) is folded or collapsed against or near the first support means (4, 5).

Description

FOLDABLE ASSEMBLY FOR SUPPORTING AN ARTICLE BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to demountable and foldable support assemblies for receiving and supporting an article thereon and more particularly relates to support assemblies for use in relatively confined spaces such as in the cabin of a vehicle. Although the invention will be described with reference to a preferred embodiment adapted for vehicle use it will be appreciated that this aplication is not to bew construed as limiting of the application to which the invention may be put. PRIOR ART
The development of laptop portable computers has seen an increase in their field applications. This use of portable computers in the field has allowed users wide flexibility in many industries and professions for on site use to the point where many industries now as a matter of routine employ a mobile field force which may use computers in the field where immediate access to a data base for reading or inputting is required. Examples of this use occurr in engineering, land surveying, local government and the construction industries.
In local government for instance, personnel such as engineers, inspectors, overseers etc and the like require access to information concerning site works. As a portable computer requires support during use it may often be difficult or inconvenient to to find a suitable place to operate the computer and inevitably it is the officers motor vehicle which is the best compromise. However there presently exists nowhere suitable in a vehicle to support the computer during use. This problem not only applies to use of computers in vehicles but also to support of other articles in vehicles such as food, books, paper articles and the like.
In many occupations such as police work, taxi driving, travelling sales, couriers and the like many hours are spent in vehicles which means that much of the business conducted by those in vehicle oriented activities will take place in the vehicle.
The problem arises in the internal design of vehicles in that there is no adequate provision for effective support of a wide variety of articles which might be used in a vehicle and which may require support.
Vehicle manufacturers have not yet included design features which provide adequate support for a variety of articles such as books, newspapers, food containers and the like, nor do they appear to have recognised in design features the extensive use of a vehicle as a mobile office and the increased use of laptop computers in vehicles. At present these are usually supported on the user's knee INVENTION
The present invention seeks to ameliorate or eliminate the aforesaid problems by providing a demountable or foldable assembly for supporting an article and which is capable of use in a vehicle and which is particularly suitable for use in confined spaces.
In its broadest form the present invention comprises: a foldable support assembly for use in a confined space such as in a vehicle and which is capable of supporting an article; wherein the assembly comprises; a primary support which fastens said assembly to a structure in or on which said assembly is to be located; a first support means which engages said primary support and which is capable of movement relative thereto; a second support means which engages said first support means and which is capable of movement relative thereto; wherein, the assembly moves between a working unfolded configuration in which said first and second support means are arranged to facilitate support of an article on the assembly and a folded
2 or collapsed non working configuration in which said second support means is folded or collapsed against or near said first support means. According to one embodiment, the first support means includes first and second ends wherein said first end engages said primary support and said second end engages a first end of said second support means and wherein, the first end of said support means is in pivotal engagement with the primary support and the second end is in pivotal engagement with said first end of second support means.
Preferably, in the unfolded configuration, the first and second support means lie in planes which are normal or substantially normal to each other and wherein, when the assembly moves from the working unfolded configuration to said non working folded configuration, the first support means generally rotates in a first plane of rotation and the second support means initially rotates in a plane normal or substantially normal to the plane of rotation of said first support means following which it moves between multiple planes until it intercepts the plane of rotation of said first support means whereupon it rotates in the same plane of rotation as the first support means until the assembly is folded or fully collapsed.
Preferably, when the assembly moves between the unfolded and folded configurations the first and second support means rotate in different directions.
The second support means includes a free end which has integrally attached or detachably fixed thereto a platform on which said article is supported.
According to a preferred embodiment, said first support means comprises first and second struts and said second support means comprises first and second cantilever members such that said first strut pivotally engages said first cantilever member and said second strut engages said second cantilever member and wherein the first and second struts pivotally engage said primary support. Each strut includes an elbow formation at one end which engages a corresponding elbow
3 formation at a corresponding end of the cantilever members such that the elbow formations co-operate to form a pivotal coupling between the struts and the cantilever members. In another broad form the present invention comprises: a demountable assembly for supporting an article and which moves between a mounted unfolded configuration in which the assembly supports the article and a de mounted folded configuration in which structural elements of the assembly nest together; said assembly comprising ; a floor or ground engaging primary support assembly which receives and retains a first set of pivotally engaged support members; a second set of ancillary support members each having first and second ends wherein the second ends of each support member of said second set engage free ends of a corresponding free end of said members of said first set of support members; wherein when said assembly assumes the unfolded working configuration the assembly is capable of supporting said article. In a further broad form the present invention comprises; a collapsable support assembly for vehicle use and which is capable of supporting an article thereon, wherein the assembly comprises; a mounting assembly which attaches to the floor or centre console of a vehicle, a pair of struts each of which pivotally engage said mounting assembly, a pair of cantilever members each of which pivotally engage an end of said struts such that said cantilever members are free to rotate relative to said struts; wherein said assembly is capable of movement between a folded non working configuration in which said struts and cantilever members are nested together adjacent or near said support assembly and a working unfolded configuration in which said struts and said cantilever members co operate to allow said assembly to support an article thereon.
4 According to one embodiment, when the assembly moves from the working unfolded configuration to said non working folded configuration, the struts rotate in unison in a first plane of rotation and the cantilever members initially rotate in unison in a plane normal or substantially normal to the plane of rotation of said struts following which said cantilever members move through multiple planes until they intercept the plane of rotation of said struts whereupon the cantilever members rotate in the same plane of rotation as the struts until the assembly is folded or fully collapsed.
Preferably, when the assembly moves between the unfolded and folded configurations the struts and cantilever members rotate in different directions.
The struts each include a free end which have integrally attached or detachably fixed thereto a platform on which said article is supported wherein said article supported by said platform is a computer.
The present invention will now be described in more detail according to preferred but non limiting embodiments and with reference to the accompanying illustrations, wherein,
Figure 1 : shows a support assembly according to a preferred embodiment in the unfolded working configuration; Figure 2 shows the assembly of figure 1 in the partially collapsed configuration,
Figure 3 shows the assembly of figure 1 in the fully folded non working configuration,
Figure 4 shows a support assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention
Figure 5. shows a side elevation view of the assembly of figure 4 in the unfolded working configuration, Figure 6. shows the assembly of figure 4 in the folded non working configuration; and
Figure 7 shows the assembly of figure fitted to the inside of a vehicle.
Refering to figure 1 there is shown according to one embodiment, a support assembly 1 in an
5 unfolded working configuration. Assembly 1 comprises a primary ground or floor engaging support assembly 2 which is fixedly attached to a structure to which the assembly is to be fitted. Support assembly 2 as shown, includes a receptacle 3 which receives and retains first and second struts 4 and 5 via pivot pins 6 and 7 respectively. Struts 4 and 5 are free to rotate about pivot pins 6 and 7 respectively in the general direction of arrow 8. Struts 4 and 5 each terminate in elbow formations 9 and 10 respectively. Assembly 1 further comprises cantilever members 11 and 12 which terminate at one end in respective elbow formations 13 and 14. Elbow formations 13 and 14 correspond to elbow formations 9and 10. The respective elbow formations 9 and 13 of strut 4 and cantilever member 1 1 cooperate and engage via pivot pin 15 which allows cantilever member 1 1 to move relative to strut 4 during folding and unfolding of assembly 1. Similarly, elbows 10 and 14 of strut 5 and cantilever member 12 respectively, cooperate to allow relative rotation between strut 5 and cantilever member 12 about pivot pin connection 16 such that during folding of the assembly, members 1 1 and 12 rotate in unison in the same plane. As shown in figure 1, when assembly 1 is fully unfolded, the longitudinal axes of struts 4 and cantilever member 1 1 and strut 5 and cantilever member 12 intersect in the same vertical or substantially vertical plane such that in use, cantilever members 1 1 and 12 are substantially at right angles to respective struts 4 and 5. Members 11 and 12 receive and support a platform 16 on which an article supported by said assembly is held.
Figure 2 shows the assembly of figure 1 intermediate the unfolded working configuration and folded non working configuration. When assembly 1 is to be folded away from its work configuration a user preferably applies a generally lateral force in the direction of arrow 17 whereupon cantilever members 1 1 and 12 rotate in unison initially in a plane normal to the plane in which struts 4 and 5 are disposed. Rotation of members 1 1 and 12 through their initial plane of rotation has the effect of causing strut members 4 and 5 to rotate in unison in a generally vertical
6 plane. Struts 4 and 5 maintain rotation in the one vertical plane whilst cantilever members rotate through multiple planes until they intercept the plane of rotation of struts 4 and 5 whereupon continued rotation in that plane will eventually result in full folding of the assembly such that struts 4 and 5 and cantilever members 1 1 and 12 nest together.
Figure 3 shows assembly 1 in the fully folded configuration wherein the strut and cantilever members are nested in receptacle 3.
Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a support assembly 20 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The embodiment of figure 4 includes a ground or floor engaging primary support structure 21 which attaches assembly 20 to a structure to which assembly 20 is to be fitted. Support structure 21 also comprises a recess 22 which receives the members of assembly 20 when fully folded and a bracket assembly 23 which receives and retains respective ends 24 and 25 of struts 26 and 27. Coupling between struts 26 and 27 is via respective pivot pins 28 and 29 which allow for rotation of struts 26 and 27 about bracket assembly 23. Struts 26 and 27 engage ends 29 and 30 of cantilever members 31 and 32 via respective ends 33 and 34. Coupling between respective struts and cantilever members is via pin connections which allow cantilever members 31 and 32 to rotate relative to struts 26 and 27. Struts 26 and 27 are joined by bridge member 35 to impart rigidity to and maintain separation of the struts. Bridge member 35 is joined to struts 26 and 27 via pin connections 36 and 37 respectively allowing free movement of bridge member 35 during folding of assembly 20. Cantilever members 30 and 31 terminate at free ends 38 and 39 and engage a gripping handle 40 via pin connections 41 and 42 respectively. This pin engagement allows free rotation of members 30 and 31 during folding of assembly 20. Handle 40 allows the user to conveniently urge the assembly into the folding regime previously described with reference to the embodiment of figure 1 in that the handle enables the assembly to be easily released from the folded configuration and an object on which an initiating lateral force
7 shown by arrow 43 may be applied. To facilitate smooth folding and unfolding operation of assembly 20 support assembly 21 further comprises a hydraulic ram 44 fixed at one end to suport assembly 21 via pin coupling 45 and at its opposite end to strut 26 via pin connection 46. Figure 5 shows a side elevation view of the assembly 20 of figure 4 coupled together and in the unfolded working configuration. Figure 5 is numbered in accordance with the corresponding parts in figure 4. Figure 6 shows assembly 20 of figure 4 in the folded non working configuration. Figure 6 is numbered in accordance with the corresponding parts in figure 4 and demonstrates how compactly the assembly may be folded ensuring space economy especially in tight and confined spaces. To unfold the assembly a user simply applies an upward force to handle 40 which is assisted by hydraulic ram 44.
Figure 7 shows a typical support assembly according to a preferred embodiment fitted to the interior of a vehicle.
It will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the invention as broadly described herein without departing from the overall spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1 A foldable support assembly for use in a confined space such as in a vehicle and which is capable of supporting an article; wherein the assembly comprises; a primary support which fastens said assembly to a structure in or on which said assembly is to be located; first support means which engage said primary support and which is capable of movement relative thereto; second support means which engage said first support means and which is capable of movement relative thereto; wherein, the assembly moves between a working unfolded configuration in which said first and second support means are arranged to facilitate support of an article on the assembly and a folded or collapsed non working configuration in which said second support means is folded or collapsed against or near said first support means.
2 A support assembly according to claim 1 wherein the first support means includes first and second ends wherein said first end engages said primary support and said second end engages a first end of said second support means.
3. A support assembly according to claim 2 wherein, the first end of said support means is in pivotal engagement with the primary support and the second end is in pivotal engagement with said first end of second support means.
4. A support assembly according to claim 3, wherein, in the unfolded configuration, the first and second support means lie in planes which are normal or substantially normal to each other.
5. A support assembly according to claim 4 wherein, when the assembly moves from the working unfolded configuration to said non working folded configuration, the first support
9 means generally rotates in a first plane of rotation and the second support means initially rotates in a plane normal or substantially normal to the plane of rotation of said first support means following which it moves between multiple planes until it either intercepts the plane of rotation of said first support means or lies in a plane adjacent the plane of rotation of said support means whereupon it rotates in that plane until the assembly is folded or fully collapsed.
6. A support assembly according to claim 5 wherein when the assembly moves between the unfolded and folded configurations the first and second support means rotate in different directions.
7. A support assembly according to claim 6 wherein the second support means includes a free end which has integrally attached or detachably fixed thereto a platform on which said article is supported.
8. A support assembly according to claim 7 wherein, said first support means comprises first and second struts and said second support means comprises first and second cantilever members such that said first strut pivotally engages said first cantilever member and said second strut pivotally engages said second cantilever member.
9. A support assembly according to claim 8 wherein said first and second struts pivotally engage said primary support.
10. A support assembly according to claim 9 wherein, each said struts include an elbow formation at one end which engages a corresponding elbow formation at a corresponding end of each said cantilever members such that said elbow formations co-operate to form a pivotal coupling between said struts and said cantilever members said elbow formations relatively rotating during folding of said assembly
11. A support assembly according to claim 10 wherein, the engagement between said strut and said corresponding cantilever members are such that the longitudinal axes of said first and
10 second struts and corresponding said first and second cantilever members intersect in the same plane.
12. A support assembly according to claim 11 wherein, said struts and said cantilever members are spaced apart the same distance.
13. A support assembly according to claim 12 wherein, when the assembly is in the folded configuration the struts and cantilever members are substantially free of the space they occupy when in the unfolded configuration.
14. A support assembly according to claim 13 wherein, when the assembly moves between the unfolded and folded or folded and unfolded configurations said struts rotate in unison in the same plane and said cantilever members rotate in unison in the same planes.
15. A support assembly according to claim 14 wherein, said struts are connected to said primary support via pivot pins.
16. A support assembly according to claim 15 wherein, said struts and said cantilever members are connected via pivot pins.
17. A support assembly according to claim 16 wherein, said platform includes retaining means to secure said article thereon.
18. A support assembly according to claim 17 wherein, the article supported by said assembly is a portable computer.
19. A support assembly according to claim 18 wherein, said primary support includes a bracket secured to the floor or centre console of a vehicle.
20. A support assembly according to claim 19 wherein, when the assembly is to be folded, an operator applies a lateral force to said platform whereupon the struts and cantilever members commence relative rotation.
21. A support assembly according to claim 20 wherein, the primary support further includes
11 a receptacle into which the folded assembly locates.
22. A support assembly according to claim 21 further comprising a bridging member pivotally connected to each strut and which maintains said struts in spaced apart relationship.
23. A support assembly according to claim 22 further comprising a handle pivotally connected to each said cantilever members.
24. A demountable assembly for supporting an article and which moves between a mounted unfolded configuration in which the assembly supports the article and a de mounted folded configuration in which structural elements of the assembly nest together; said assembly comprising ; a floor or ground engaging primary support assembly which receives and retains a first set of pivotally engaged support members; a second set of ancillary support members each having first and second ends wherein one said ends of each support member of said second set engages a free end of a corresponding free end of said members of said first set of support members; wherein, when said assembly assumes the unfolded working configuration the assembly is capable of supporting said article.
25. A collapsable support assembly for vehicle use and which is capable of supporting an article thereon, the assembly comprising; a mounting assembly which attaches to the floor or centre console of a vehicle, a pair of struts each of which pivotally engage said mounting assembly, a pair of cantilever members each of which pivotally engage a corresponding end of said struts such that said cantilever members are free to rotate relative to said struts; wherein said assembly is capable of movement between a folded non working configuration in which said struts and cantilever members are nested together adjacent or near said support assembly and a working unfolded configuration in which said struts and said cantilever members
12 co operate to allow said assembly to support an article thereon.
26 A support assembly according to claim 23 wherein, wherein when the assembly moves from the working unfolded configuration to said non working folded configuration, the struts rotate in unison in a first plane of rotation and the cantilever members initially rotate in unison in a plane normal or substantially normal to the plane of rotation of said struts following which said cantilever members move through multiple planes until they intercept the plane of rotation of said struts whereupon the cantilever members rotate in the same plane of rotation as the struts until the assembly is folded or fully collapsed.
27. A support assembly according to claim 24, wherein when the assembly moves between the unfolded and folded configurations the struts and cantilever members rotate in different directions.
28 A support assembly according to claim 27, wherein each said strut has an elbow formation which co-operates with and pivotally engages a corresponding elbow formation in each said cantilever members.
29. A support assembly according to claim 25, wherein the struts each include a free end which have integrally attached or detachably fixed thereto a platform on which said article is supported.
30 A support assembly according to claim 26 wherein said article suported by said platform is a computer.
13
PCT/AU1999/000158 1998-03-11 1999-03-11 Foldable assembly for supporting an article WO1999046146A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU29129/99A AU2912999A (en) 1998-03-11 1999-03-11 Foldable assembly for supporting an article

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPP2292A AUPP229298A0 (en) 1998-03-11 1998-03-11 Foldable support stand for vehicle use
AUPP2292 1998-03-20

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999046146A1 true WO1999046146A1 (en) 1999-09-16

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ID=3806556

Family Applications (1)

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10031700A1 (en) * 2000-06-29 2002-01-17 Daimler Chrysler Ag Folding table for fitment to vehicle seats
EP1302368A2 (en) * 2001-10-12 2003-04-16 Tempus Computers Limited Mounting and containment system for portable computers
WO2004098996A2 (en) * 2003-04-30 2004-11-18 Northrop Grumman Corporation Computer workstation for use in aircraft
JP2015214240A (en) * 2014-05-09 2015-12-03 トヨタ紡織株式会社 Vehicular table

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2501132A1 (en) * 1981-03-09 1982-09-10 Jaco Michel Attache case support for vehicles - is mounted on telescopic legs with suction feet and allows folding work surface in case to rest on steering wheel
US4558902A (en) * 1982-01-21 1985-12-17 Messrs. Willibald Grammer Travel seat
FR2617697A1 (en) * 1987-07-08 1989-01-13 Chabiland Michel Device for hinging an individual flat seat
US4946120A (en) * 1988-08-09 1990-08-07 Posting Equipment Corporation Support
US5076524A (en) * 1990-12-27 1991-12-31 Sony Trans Com, Inc. TV/LCD pop-up stowage retraction means
DE4237855C1 (en) * 1992-11-10 1994-04-07 Daimler Benz Ag Foldaway table for commercial vehicle use - has vertical slides and console for support, folds into console when not in use
US5374104A (en) * 1992-05-21 1994-12-20 Weber Aircraft, Inc. Armrest with video deployment system
WO1996005081A1 (en) * 1994-08-15 1996-02-22 Innovation Selling Group Oy, Isg Oy A collapsible holder for a portable computer used in a car
US5547248A (en) * 1993-05-26 1996-08-20 Societe Industrielle Et Commerciale De Materiel Aeronautique Passenger seat for a public transport vehicle, the seat including a video display which can be retracted into an armrest
US5673628A (en) * 1995-12-12 1997-10-07 Boos; Shane M. Table for supporting and securing a portable computer in a vehicle

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2501132A1 (en) * 1981-03-09 1982-09-10 Jaco Michel Attache case support for vehicles - is mounted on telescopic legs with suction feet and allows folding work surface in case to rest on steering wheel
US4558902A (en) * 1982-01-21 1985-12-17 Messrs. Willibald Grammer Travel seat
FR2617697A1 (en) * 1987-07-08 1989-01-13 Chabiland Michel Device for hinging an individual flat seat
US4946120A (en) * 1988-08-09 1990-08-07 Posting Equipment Corporation Support
US5076524A (en) * 1990-12-27 1991-12-31 Sony Trans Com, Inc. TV/LCD pop-up stowage retraction means
US5374104A (en) * 1992-05-21 1994-12-20 Weber Aircraft, Inc. Armrest with video deployment system
DE4237855C1 (en) * 1992-11-10 1994-04-07 Daimler Benz Ag Foldaway table for commercial vehicle use - has vertical slides and console for support, folds into console when not in use
US5547248A (en) * 1993-05-26 1996-08-20 Societe Industrielle Et Commerciale De Materiel Aeronautique Passenger seat for a public transport vehicle, the seat including a video display which can be retracted into an armrest
WO1996005081A1 (en) * 1994-08-15 1996-02-22 Innovation Selling Group Oy, Isg Oy A collapsible holder for a portable computer used in a car
US5673628A (en) * 1995-12-12 1997-10-07 Boos; Shane M. Table for supporting and securing a portable computer in a vehicle

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10031700A1 (en) * 2000-06-29 2002-01-17 Daimler Chrysler Ag Folding table for fitment to vehicle seats
EP1302368A2 (en) * 2001-10-12 2003-04-16 Tempus Computers Limited Mounting and containment system for portable computers
EP1302368A3 (en) * 2001-10-12 2004-11-03 Tempus Computers Limited Mounting and containment system for portable computers
WO2004098996A2 (en) * 2003-04-30 2004-11-18 Northrop Grumman Corporation Computer workstation for use in aircraft
WO2004098996A3 (en) * 2003-04-30 2004-12-29 Northrop Grumman Corp Computer workstation for use in aircraft
JP2015214240A (en) * 2014-05-09 2015-12-03 トヨタ紡織株式会社 Vehicular table

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