Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a collapsible support apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a collapsible apparatus which may be used to provide a temporary support or working surface.

Background of the Invention

When using a laptop computer whilst in transit, such as at airports, conferences, and meetings it is often difficult to find an available table or other suitable support surface. Whist the laptop may be supported on a seated users legs, this is often uncomfortable, and does not provide a support surface which readily enables third parties to view the screen during presentations or meetings.

A further disadvantage of using laptop computers in transit is that the user must unpack and subsequently repack the laptop after each use. This may be time consuming, especially if the laptop has auxiliary drives and devices which need to be connected before each use and subsequently disconnected. In addition, supporting a laptop computer on certain surfaces or materials may not permit adequate airflow to the cooling system of the laptop, which can result in overheating, and reduced CPU performance.

During travel, the portability of laptop computers is often compromised when the user is carrying a large volume of ancillary items such as power packs, network cables, and additional luggage in general.

In laboratories, workshops and other such environments, it is often desirable to temporarily install a laptop which can be used as an interface with other equipment for maintenance or diagnosis purposes. Again, a suitable support surface is often not readily available.

In confined living spaces, such as studios and small apartments, the placement and overall size of furniture may directly impact on the quality of life on account of the reduction in available space. Whilst tables and chairs are advantageous for meals and entertainment, a disadvantage of many existing tables and chairs is that they occupy a significant footprint of usable space whilst not in use. Televisions and desktop computers are generally mounted on wails or other flat surfaces or cabinets. Such mounting of televisions does not enable the television to be readily moved to other locations such as another room in a house, or alternatively into storage when not in use.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a collapsible support apparatus comprising: a first mechanism including; a frame linkage; a support linkage having a proximal end pivotally connected to an upper region of the frame linkage and an opposing distal support end, supportable on a surface; a primary linkage having a leading end pivotally connected to an intermediate region of the support linkage between the proximal and distal ends, the primary linkage also having an opposing trailing end; a secondary linkage having a pivot end pivotally connected to the upper region of the frame linkage, and an opposing free end; a tertiary linkage having an intermediate region pivotally connected to the frame linkage, a tertiary linkage first end which is pivotally connected to the primary linkage trailing end, and an opposing tertiary linkage second end; and drive means adapted to exert a force on two of the linkages of the first mechanism; wherein when a product support extends between the secondary linkage free end and the tertiary linkage second end, actuation of the drive means results in the product support moving from a generally vertical position to a generally horizontal position.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides collapsible support apparatus comprising: a first mechanism including; a frame linkage; a support linkage having a proximal end pivotally connected to an upper region of the frame linkage and an opposing distal support end, supportable on a surface; a primary linkage having a leading end pivotally connected to an intermediate region of the support linkage between the proximal and distal ends, the primary linkage also having an opposing trailing end; a secondary linkage having a pivot end pivotally connected to the trailing end of the primary linkage, and an opposing free end; a tertiary linkage having a first end pivotally connected to the frame and an opposing second end, wherein an intermediate region of the tertiary linkage between the first and second ends is pivotally connected to an intermediate region of the primary linkage between the leading and trailing ends; and drive means adapted to exert a force on two of the linkages of the first mechanism; wherein when a product support extends between the secondary linkage free end and the tertiary linkage second end, actuation of the drive means results in the product support moving from a generally vertical position to a generally horizontal position.

The support apparatus preferably includes a second mechanism having a corresponding linkage connected to each linkage of the first mechanism.

Preferably each linkage of the first mechanism is connected to the corresponding linkage of the second mechanism with one or more generally perpendicularly extending cross ties.

The frame linkage and the support linkage are preferably mounted on wheels.

The product support may be a table top.

The drive means preferably includes a shaft supported by the frame, the shaft being rotationally driven by a motor, the drive means further includes a flexible element having a first end wound around the shaft and a second end connected to one of the secondary linkage, or the tertiary linkage, such that operation of the motor to reduce the length of the flexible element draws the free end of the secondary linkage toward the shaft.

The support apparatus preferably further includes a stopper adapted to limit the range of movement of the distal support end relative to the frame linkage.

The support apparatus is preferably located generally within a case which is adapted to expand in shape when the first and second mechanisms are expanded or collapsed.

The drive means preferably includes one or more springs.

The drive means preferably includes a shaft supported by the frame, the shaft being rotationally driven by a torsion spring, the drive means further includes a string having a first end wound around the shaft and a second end connected to the secondary linkage, such that operation of the torsion spring draws the free end of the secondary linkage toward the shaft.

The support apparatus preferably comprises a bracket extending between the tertiary linkage first end and the primary linkage trailing end, the bracket extending generally perpendicular relative to the tertiary linkage.

The support apparatus further preferably comprises a laptop opening mechanism having an opening mechanism first end connectable with a laptop lid when the laptop extends between the secondary linkage free end and the tertiary linkage second end, and an opening mechanism second end connected to a drive motor.

The drive mechanism preferably includes a threaded bar extending between the frame linkage and one of the support linkage or the tertiary linkage, the threaded bar coupled with a motor and a threaded engagement formation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of specific example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible support apparatus of a first embodiment in an expanded position;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 including a product support surface;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 2 shown in a collapsed position;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the apparatus of fig. 1 used as a laptop support; Rg. 5 is a schematic view showing the product support surface in a vertical position;

Hg. 6 is a schematic view showing the product support surface in a horizontal position;

Rg. 7 is a side view of a collapsible support apparatus of a second embodiment in a collapsed position; Rg. 8 is a side view of the collapsible support apparatus of Hg. 7 is a raised position;

Fig. 9 is a side view of the collapsible support apparatus of Rg. 7 is an intermediate position;

Fig. 10 is a side view of a collapsible support apparatus of a third embodiment in a collapsed position; Rg. 11 is a side view of the collapsible support apparatus of Fig. 10 in an intermediate position;

Hg. 12 is a side view of the collapsible support apparatus of Rg. 10 with a lap top opening mechanism in a closed position;

Hg. 13 is a side view of the collapsible support apparatus of Rg. 12 with the lap top opening mechanism in an open position;

Rg. 14 depicts the collapsible support apparatus of Hg. 12 in a collapsed position;

Rg. 15 depicts the collapsible support apparatus of Rg. 14 in a raised position;

Fig. 16 is a side view of the collapsible support apparatus of Hg. 10 with a keyboard support mechanism closed; Rg. 17 is a side view of the collapsible support apparatus of Fig. 10 with a keyboard support mechanism open;

Hg. 18 depicts a drive mechanism for the collapsible support apparatus of Hg. 7;

Rg. 19 also depicts the drive mechanism for the collapsible support apparatus of Rg.

7; Rg. 20 depicts a drive mechanism for the collapsible support apparatus of Hg. 10;

Rg. 21 also depicts the drive mechanism for the collapsible support apparatus of Rg. 10;

Hg. 22 depicts an alternative drive mechanism for the collapsible support apparatus of Fig. 7; Hg. 23 depicts the drive mechanism for the collapsible support apparatus of Hg. 22 open;

Hg. 24 depicts a further alternative drive mechanism for the collapsible support apparatus of Rg. 7; and Rg. 25 depicts the drive mechanism for the collapsible support apparatus of Fig 24 open.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments A collapsible support apparatus 10 is disclosed in the drawings. As shown in the first embodiment of Figs. 1 to 6, the support apparatus 10 can be used to provide a mobile and collapsible working surface. The fields of application for the support apparatus include but are not limited to portable laptop tables, televisions, work benches, hospital beds, chairs and stools etc. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the apparatus 10 may be used in any situation where a temporary working surface or support surface is desired.

The apparatus 10 includes a frame linkage 12. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the frame linkage 12 includes a generally vertical bar. However, depending on the application of the apparatus 10, the frame linkage 12 may be embodied in alternative shapes, or as part of another structure. In practice, the frame linkage 12 is either mounted on wheels, or supported by another structure such as a trolley or a wall. When wheel mounted, the wheels may be electrically or otherwise drive, and controlled by remote control or manual means.

The apparatus 10 includes a first mechanism 14. The first mechanism 14 is made up of a plurality of linkages which are all generally located in the same plane (or immediately adjacent to that plane) during all ranges of motion of the apparatus 10. The first mechanism 14 includes a support linkage 16 which has a proximal end 18 pivotally connected to an upper region of the frame 12 and an opposing distal support end 20. The support end 20 is supportable on a ground surface 22.

The first mechanism 14 includes a primary linkage 30 which has a leading end 32 pivotally connected to an intermediate region of the support linkage 16 between the proximal and distal ends 18, 20. The primary linkage 30 also has an opposing trailing end 34.

The first mechanism 14 also includes a secondary linkage 40 having a pivot end 42 pivotally connected to the trailing end 34 of the primary linkage 30, and an opposing free end 44.

The first mechanism 14 further includes a tertiary linkage 50 having a first end 52 pivotally connected to the frame 12 and an opposing second end 54, wherein an intermediate region of the tertiary linkage 50 between the first and second ends 52, 54 is pivotally connected to an intermediate region of the primary linkage 30 between the leading and trailing ends 32, 34.

The apparatus 10 includes a second mechanism 80. The second mechanism 80 is identical to the first mechanism 14, and the two mechanisms are connected to each other with generally parallel tie bars 82, 84, 86, 88, which project perpendicular to the two mechanisms 14, 80. The tie bars 82, 84, 86, 88 enable the two mechanisms 14, 80 to operate together, simultaneously. The second mechanism 80 operates in a parallel plane to the first mechanism 14.

As shown in Fig. 2, a product support 60 such as a table top extends between the secondary linkage 40 free end 44 and the tertiary linkage second end 54. The product support member 60 can be embodied as a table, seat, laptop computer case or another such generally product. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the product support member 60 has been omitted for the purpose of clarity of displaying the mechanism 14.

The apparatus 10 includes a drive means 70 extending between the frame 12 and the secondary linkage 40. The drive means 70, can be used to mechanically drive the mechanism 14 through either an "expanding" or alternatively a "collapsing" range of motion.

The drive means 70 may be a cable, string or chain which is driven by an electric motor 72.

Actuation of the drive means 70 during expansion results in pivoting of the tertiary linkage 50 about the first end 52 which causes translating movement of the support linkage 16 distal support end 20 away from the frame 12. As the distal support end 20 moves horizontally away from the frame 12, the footprint of the apparatus 10 increases, which increases the overall stability of the apparatus 10.

Hg. 3 shows the apparatus 10 in a collapsed position, with the product support 60 being generally vertical. In this configuration, the apparatus 10 occupies a minimal footprint, and this represents the apparatus 10 during a non-use, or transit mode. During expansion of the apparatus 10, the product support 60 moves from a generally vertical position (depicted in Rg. 3) to generally horizontal position (as depicted in Rg. 2).

In the embodiment of Rgs 1 to 6, the drive means 70 includes a drive motor 72 connected to a shaft 74. The shaft 74 has a string or cable wound around it, and the string or cable 76 is in turn connected to the tie bar 88 which connects the secondary linkages 40. Accordingly, by driving the motor 72, the string or cable 76 is wound onto the shaft 74, and when the string or cable 76 is sufficiently tensioned, the secondary linkage 40 is forced to pivot around the pivot end 42, and the primary linkage 30 is also driven.

The drive motor 72 may be remotely controlled to enable a user to operate the apparatus 10 from a distance. The drive motor 72 may also have multiple speed and power settings, which allows the apparatus to be used to lift items having differing masses, and at different speeds.

In an embodiment not shown in the drawings, the drive means 70 may be a torsion spring which is wound around the shaft 74.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 10 includes a stopper (not shown) which is located near the ground level 22. The stopper limits the range of movement of the distal support end 20 relative to the frame 12. Accordingly, the stopper acts as a marker to define the final position the two mechanisms 14, 80 when the apparatus 10 is expanded, and the support surface 60 has arrived at the generally horizontal configuration shown in Hg. 2.

In one embodiment not shown in the drawings, the apparatus 10 may be housed within a flexible bag or case which is able to expand or contract with the device 10. The bag may be used to house accessories such as network cables, power adaptors or general luggage.

Alternatively, in the embodiment of Rg. 4, the laptop case may define the product support, and the users laptop is housed within the case, such that it is shrouded when not in use, but also accessible by unzipping or otherwise opening the case.

In the embodiment of Rg. 4, the laptop is connected directly to the apparatus 10. The laptop can be mounted securely to prevent theft, and as such this embodiment could have applications in public facilities, such as libraries and schools.

Rgs. 5 and 6 show the apparatus 10 configured to be used as temporary table or work bench. This embodiment could be used as a mobile work station, or in locations where there is limited floor space.

The apparatus 10 may include a manual safeguard which prevents the product support member 60 from collapsing in the event of a failure of the drive means 70.

An advantage of the apparatus 10 is that it is speedily expanded or collapsed in both height and width.

A further advantage of the apparatus 10 is that it can be used as a security device, when a laptop is locked to it. This prevents a thief from readily stealing the laptop, as the thief would need to take the entire laptop and apparatus 10.

Figs 7 to 9 show a second embodiment of the apparatus 10. In the second embodiment, the apparatus 10 also includes a frame 12. In the second embodiment, the connectivity of the respective linkages varies slightly relative to the first embedment.

The first mechanism 14 includes a support linkage 16 which has a proximal end 18 pivotally connected to an upper region of the frame 12 and an opposing distal support end 20. The support end 20 is supportable on a ground surface 22 or a wheel.

The first mechanism 14 includes a primary linkage 30 which has a leading end 32 pivotally connected to an intermediate region of the support linkage 16 between the proximal and distal ends 18, 20. The primary linkage 30 also has an opposing trailing end 34.

The first mechanism 14 also includes a secondary linkage 40 having a pivot end 42 pivotally connected to the proximal end 18 of the frame, and an opposing free end 44.

The first mechanism 14 further includes a tertiary linkage 50 having a first end 52 pivotally connected to the frame 12 and an opposing second end 54, wherein an intermediate region of the tertiary linkage 50 between the first and second ends 52, 54 is pivotally connected to an end 34 of the primary linkage 30 with a short interconnecting bracket 35. The interconnecting bracket 35 is rigidly connected to the tertiary linkage 50, and pivotally connected to the primary linkage 30.

Rg. 7 shows the apparatus 10 in a generally collapsed configuration, and Rg. 8 shows the apparatus 10 is a generally raised configuration. As shown in Rg 7, the second end 54 of the tertiary linkage 50 is long, and this provides a lever which is used as the drive point to expand and collapse the apparatus 10. This provides a mechanical advantage, and reduces the amount of power required to expand the apparatus 10. Rg. 8 shows the apparatus of Rg. 7, with the support platform 60 approaching a horizontal position.

A third embodiment of the apparatus is shown in Rgs. 10 and 11. This embodiment, is in practice similar to the second embodiment, however, the primary difference is that the secondary linkage 40 is provided as the longer, drive linkage which is used to drive the apparatus 10 to expand or contract.

Figs. 12 and 13 show the apparatus of Rg 10 including a laptop opening mechanism 100. The lap top opening mechanism 100 is provided as a two bar linkage which is connected to the top of the laptop 102 at one end, and to the top of the support linkage 16. As shown in Fig. 12, a motor 104 is provided which drives the lap top opening mechanism to open the laptop 102. Figs. 14 and 15 show the apparatus 10 of Fig. 10 in both expanded and contracted configurations.

Figs. 16 and 17 show the apparatus of Fig 10 including a keyboard opening and support mechanism 110, which is suitable for use with desktop personal computers. As the apparatus 10 expands, the keyboard opening and support mechanism 110 opens to present the keyboard to the user.

Figs. 18 and 19 show the apparatus of the second embodiment in expanded and contracted configurations. This figure depicts the string or cable 76 of the drive means 70.

Figs. 20 and 21 show the apparatus of the third embodiment in expanded and contracted configurations. This figure also depicts the string or cable 76 of the drive means 70.

Figs. 22 and 23 depict an alternative drive means 70. In this embodiment, the drive means 70 includes an electric motor 72, and nut 78, and a threaded bar 79 extending between the nut 78 and the motor 72. The motor 72 is mounted to the support 16, and the nut 78 is mounted to the frame 12. By operating the motor 72, the support 16 and the frame 12 can be driven together or apart, which cause the apparatus 10 to expand or contract.

The drive means 70 may be a handle mounted on one of the linkages which a use can manually pull to expand or contract the apparatus 10.

The configuration shown in Figs. 24 and 25 is similar to Fig. 22, however, the nut 78 is mounted on the tertiary linkage 50, and the motor is mounted on the frame 12. Operating the motor 72 causes the tertiary linkage 50 and the frame 12 to be driven together or apart, which cause the apparatus 10 to expand or contract. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.