KIT FOR DESK SUPPORTS.

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kit for desk(top) supports which is particularly suitable to allow the creation of various support configurations and likewise to modify and transform the said configurations in order to adapt the said kit to multiple devices such as telephones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, etc. and allow precise and stable support thereof.

Background art

Nowadays, on desks in both offices and homes, there are various devices such as telephones, tablets, monitors, keyboards, and laptops present at the same time and often requiring a support in order to be used comfortably, sometimes even for several hours at a time, permitting the user to maintain a correct, ergonomic, and functional posture during use.

As is well known, a mobile phone support is now considered an essential item because a mobile phone support offers a decidedly priceless level of comfort. When looking at a smartphone screen during a video call or when watching a video lesson or video conference, etc. the smartphone can remain in a rigid, vertical position thanks to the presence of these practical supports and remain in sight, and not end up underneath various sheets or documents, as often happens.

There are currently many supports for different surfaces and desks on the market, to be used precisely when one needs to watch a video from on a mobile phone in a hands-free mode. Or if one wishes to watch a movie on a smartphone during a long train journey. A mobile phone support features a structure with small dimensions and may have various shapes depending on the model. As a rule, the said support is an object with a rectangular compartment inside which the mobile phone is anchored. Or the said support can be equipped with a clamp with which to hold and secure the smartphone in a rigid position. Al the other end, the support is formed of a base which can be either a suction cup, which is easily attachable to all surfaces, or a gripper. Some supports also simply have a platform at the base thereof which rests on fixed rigid surfaces. The aforesaid supports are generally made of plastic or metal.

While fulfilling the function thereof, the supports for mobile phones currently in circulation have highlighted problems which limit and restrict use thereof.

A first problem arises from the fact that the supports made of plastic, for example, are not very stable, as the said supports are rather light, and they do not accommodate all smartphone models, so upon changing mobile phone, one often has to change the corresponding support, with the consequence that one ends up collecting various types of support.

The metal supports are also often limited to accommodating specific models, with the result that upon changing mobile phone, one is consequently required to change the support.

Continuing the review of devices, there are supports for tablets, which are designed to be able to support the device solidly and, at the same time, allow use thereof without any stability problems.

Supports for tablets come in many shapes and for multiple uses and are one of the favourite accessories among users who wish to use their device comfortably and without necessarily having to hold the said device with their hands. A support for tablets must be able to hold the device securely and, at the same time, allow the said tablet to be used without any balance and stability problems. Desktop supports for tablet are the most common type on the market. These structures are capable of supporting the tablet and are generally placed on flat surfaces such as a desk or table. Some of these supports are structured so that the device is "resting" thereon and can be used in the same ways as a tablet stand, while others incorporate a semi-rigid arm and can be fixed to the edges of the desk with a particular clamp mechanism: this is the most convenient solution if one wishes to save desk space.

The information above about a tablet also applies to a monitor or a laptop computer.

It has also been found with these supports that, when the device is changed, very often the support must also be changed, in addition to the fact that many devices are engaged with the worktop and the use thereof is restricted.

In addition to the above, many supports are considered functional objects and therefore are not always aesthetically endowed so as to be special or elegant and fit into any environment or on any desk.

A need that is deeply felt by consumers is the need for supports for different devices that can be mutually or reciprocally coordinated in terms of style and aesthetics and are flexible and adaptable to the different models and sizes of devices, as well as having decidedly contained dimensions.

Disclosure of invention

The object of the present invention is essentially to solve the problems of the prior art by overcoming the aforesaid difficulties by means of a kit for desktop supports which allows management and organisation of the support of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, etc. in a quick, practical, and simple way resulting, at the same time, small in size and extremely functional and flexible.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a kit for desktop supports capable of having an aesthetic appearance that can be customised with various colour combinations and diverse materials so as to render the said desktop supports particularly attractive, elegant, and pleasing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a kit for desktop supports capable of being practical and functional, flexible and simple, so as to offer an optimal capacity for accommodating electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, monitors, smartwatches, etc.

A further object of the present invention is to create a kit for desktop supports which can be easily adapted to and fits into any kind of environment, has adequate dimensions to support the device, and is very practical and interchangeable.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a kit for desktop supports which can allow the creation of different support configurations in a simple, rapid, and efficient way.

A further but not final object of the present invention is to produce a kit for desktop supports which is easy to manufacture and works well.

These objects and others besides, which will better emerge over the course of the present description, are essentially achieved by means of a kit for desktop supports, as outlined in the claims below.

Brief description of drawings

Further characteristics and advantages will better emerge in the detailed description of a kit for desktop supports according to the present invention, provided in the form of a nonlimiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows, schematically and from a top-down perspective view, a first module of the kit for desktop supports according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows, schematically and from a bottom-up perspective view, the first module of the kit in Figure 1 : Figure 3 shows, schematically and from a side view, the first module of the kit in Figure 1 joined to other modules;

Figure 4 shows, schematically and from a top-down perspective view, a second module of the kit in question;

Figure 5 shows, schematically and from a bottom-up perspective view, the second module of the kit in Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows, schematically and from a side view, the module in Figure 5 joined to another module;

Figure 7 shows, schematically and from a top-down perspective view, a third module of the kit according to the present invention;

Figure 8 shows, schematically and from a bottom-up perspective view, the third module of the kit in Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows, schematically and from a side view, the module in Figure 7 joined to another module:

Figure 10 shows, schematically and from a top-down perspective view, a fourth module of the kit for supports in question;

Figure 11 shows, schematically and from a bottom-up perspective view, the fourth module of the kit in Figure 10;

Figure 12 shows, schematically and from a side view, the module in Figure 10 joined to other modules;

Figure 13 shows, schematically and from a top-down perspective view, a fifth module of the kit in question:

Figure 14 shows, schematically and from a bottom-up perspective view, a variant of the module in Figure 13: Figure 15 shows, schematically and from a side view, the module in Figure 13 joined to another module:

Figure 16 shows, schematically and from a top-down view, a method of use of the module in Figure 14, together with other modules;

Figure 17 shows, schematically and from a top-down perspective view, a joint module of the kit according to the present invention:

Figure 18 shows, from a schematic, partial section side view, the module in Figure 17;

Figure 19 shows, schematically and from a side view, the module in Figure 17;

Figure 20 shows, schematically and from a perspective view, a first assembly of the modules in question:

Figure 21 shows, schematically and from a side view, the first assembly of modules in Figure 20;

Figure 22 shows, schematically and from a top-down view, the modules comprising the assembly in Figure 20:

Figure 23 shows, schematically and from a side view, a variant of the assembly in

Figure 21 :

Figure 24 shows, schematically and from a side view, a second assembly of modules;

Figure 25 shows, schematically and from a perspective view, a fourth assembly of modules;

Figure 26 shows, schematically and from a side view, the assembly of modules in

Figure 25:

Figure 27 shows, schematically and from a side view, a variant of the assembly in Figure 25: Figure 28 shows, schematically and from a top-down view, the modules comprising the assembly in Figure 25:

Figure 29 shows, schematically and from a perspective view, a fifth assembly of modules;

Figure 30 shows, schematically and from a side view, the assembly of modules in

Figure 29:

Figure 31 shows, schematically and from a top-down view, the modules comprising the assembly in Figure 29:

Figure 32 shows, schematically and from a side view, a sixth assembly of modules;

Figure 33 shows, schematically and from a side view, a different assembly of modules:

Figure 34 shows, schematically and from a perspective view, a further assembly of modules:

Figure 35 shows, schematically and from a side view, the assembly of modules in

Figure 34:

Figure 36 shows, schematically and from a perspective view, a variant of the assembly of modules in Figure 34;

Figure 37 shows, schematically and from a perspective view, a still further assembly of modules;

Figure 38 shows, schematically and from a top-down view', the modules comprising the assembly in Figure 37.

With reference to the figures. 1 denotes, as a whole, a kit for desktop supports according to the present invention.

Best mode for carrying out the invention The kit for desktop supports 1 essentially consists of a series of modules which are envisaged to act as supports, fittings, constraining elements, and terminals when joined and combined with at least one joining/ support module according to the method of use and give rise to an innumerable series of structures suitable to support and accommodate devices 10 such as mobile phones, tablets, monitors, laptop computers, smartwatches, etc.

The kit in question comprises a first module, shown in Figure 1 , which is a base support 2 and which features a base plane 20 designed to rest on a surface, as shown in Figure 2. The base support 2 features, at the rear thereof, a first seat 21 which runs transversely through the entire support and. at the front, a second seat 22, positioned orthogonally to the first seat 21. which is bounded on three sides so as to be able to accommodate and secure a joining/support module 7 which will be described later.

On the top, the base support 2 features, at the rear thereof, a first hollow 23 which is orthogonal to the support surface and whose function will be better explained later on, a second hollow 24 which is inclined with respect to the support surface and is aligned with the first scat 21. as shown in Figure 2. and a niche 25 which is located between the two hollows 23 and 24 and whose walls are inclined in the same way as the second hollow 24.

In accordance with the present invention, the kit comprises a second module 3. shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5. which features, at the bottom thereof, a support base 30 designed to come into contact with a surface while featuring, at the top thereof, a cavity 31 bounded on three sides so as to be able to accommodate and secure the aforesaid joining/support module 7.

Furthermore, on the opposite side of the cavity, the second module 3 has a vertical rise 32 the free end of which is tapered with respect to the base. The second module with the rise 32 has the function of securing a device 10 such as a tablet or laptop computer, so that the said device does not slip and move when it is placed on the module 7 and used, as shown, for example, in Figures 26 and 30.

In addition to the above, the kit comprises a third module 4, shown in Figures 7 and 8, which has the function of a terminal and has the lower surface equipped with an end seat 40 configured so as to be bounded on three sides in order to be able to accommodate and retain a joining/support module 7. as shown in Figure 9, whose function will be described later.

On the top thereof, the third module has a surface which is flat in one portion 41 and rounded in the front portion 42.

In particular, the third module 4 is a second terminal, which serves as protection for the device 10 that will rest on the module 7 and as a protective member for the surface on which the composition of modules rests. In more detail, this module docs not create friction on the support surface of the composition, but prevents any scratches due to the metal component of the module 7.

In addition, the said module has the further function of concealing an engagement element 71 present in the module 7 which is envisaged to ensure the correct mutual seal between the two modules 4 and 7 when they are mutually engaged.

According to the present embodiment, the kit comprises a fourth module 5. shown in Figures 10 and 1 1. which has an L-shaped configuration wherein one arm of the L. the vertical arm, features a recess 50 while the other arm of the L features, at the bottom thereof, a through seat 51. which crosses the entire length of the fourth module, as shown in Figure 1 1.

In greater detail, the seat 51 is envisaged to accommodate a joining/support module 7 of the kit while the recess 50 is envisaged to engage a further joining/support module 7. as shown in Figure 12. In particular, the fourth module 5 is envisaged to provide a support base and to create support spaces, for example, for a tablet 10, as shown in Figure 35, or a monitor, or a laptop computer, etc. which may also be assembled in sequence, as shown in Figure 36. so as to configure an orderly and stable station for charging or stacking devices.

In addition, the kit comprises a fifth module 6 which, at the bottom thereof, features a through seat 60. as shown in Figure 14, a part of which features an arched inlet 61 .

In greater detail, the module 6 has the through seat 60 suitable to accommodate a module 7 so as to provide a clamping element to secure many models of charger 8 for smartwatches. Indeed, combining two modules located in mutually opposing positions, as shown in Figure 16, creates a seat to accommodate and hold a charger. Since the two modules 6 are able to slide along the module 7. a scat with different dimensions can be made.

In particular, the fifth module can feature a chamfer 61a located al the end of the arched area to allow a charging cable 80 to have a housing and a guide which accompanies the cable so that the charging device is well positioned so as to allow the smartwatch to be perfectly supported and level when placed on top of the charger, as shown in Figure 27.

All the modules described above are made of wood with different kinds of wood to give them different, particular aesthetic characteristics but can also be made of metal or even plastic.

As mentioned earlier, the kit comprises a joining/support module 7 which is composed of a bar 7 made of a metal material and. in particular, in the present embodiment, of aluminium. On one side the bar has at least one slot 70 suitable for housing an engagement element 71 which is constituted of at least one spring per side of the bar, as shown in Figure 17.

In detail, the engagement element serves to mutually secure any of the modules 2, 3. 4. 5, and 6 with the bar 7. One variant of the module 7 envisages that instead of the springs, magnets are envisaged which engage the module 7 with one of the other modules.

In accordance with the present embodiment, different lengths of the joining/support module 7 are envisaged to allow two other modules to be connected or supports of suitable length to be created to correctly support a device, resting thereon, such as a tablet or computer or monitor depending on the type of use to which the said module is being put. According to the present invention, the kit in question is composed of a series of modules which, on the basis of the method for joining and combining the elements, allow support and resting structures to be obtained and made for devices 10 such as smartphones, tablets, laptop computers . smartwatches, etc.

A first assembly example is shown in Figure 3. wherein a base support 2 accommodates, for example, two modules 7 of different lengths which are engaged respectively, one in the second seat 22 and the second in the hollow 24.

In greater detail, the module 7 fitted in the second seat 22 is envisaged to fulfil a stabilising function for the base support 2 and to prevent the said support from overturning when a large-sized device/smartphone is inserted, while the other module 7 is the support for the said device.

The arrangement illustrated is an example to highlight the constructive and operational possibilities that can be offered by combining the different modules in various ways, as will be explained below.

One example of a combination of the modules in the kit is shown in Figure 20. in which there arc two base supports 2 joined transversely by a joining module 7 with a second module 7 placed in the hollow 24.

This configuration is used to support and accommodate one or two mobile phones or a tablet or a monitor as shown in Figure 21. In more detail, when this configuration is used to support a monitor, it is necessary to insert a further module 7 in the second seat 22 to make the configuration more stable and prevent overturning, as shown in Figure 23.

One variant of the previous configuration is shown in Figure 24. This configuration is designed to accommodate, for example, two tablets or two monitors in mutually opposing positions.

The combination shown in Figure 25 features a support on which to rest a tablet or laptop computer and has a pair of modules 7. each one thereof having an end module 3 at one end and the other end (of each module 7) engaged in the seat 22 in a base support 2 wherein, inserted in the hollow- 23 is a second module 7. the free end of which is engaged by a module 4. The two base supports 2 are mutually joined by means of a third module 7 inserted in the first seat 21 in each support.

The configuration illustrated allows one to have an inclined surface, in order to be more comfortable when typing, while the configuration in Figure 27 is a variant. By moving the module 7 from the hollow 23 to the hollow 24 a more inclined support is obtained.

The configuration shown in Figure 29 relates to a workstation for a laptop computer. In particular, if a second base support 2 is inserted at the base of module 7 and the constituent elements are doubled, it is possible to obtain a second workstation for a laptop computer mirroring the first, as shown in Figure 32.

In addition to the above, with the kit in question it is possible to obtain a support for a laptop computer and a smartphone by simply inserting a second base support into the module 7 at the base, the said second base support featuring a second module 7 inserted into the hollow 24. which creates a support for the phone, as shown in Figure 33.

Figure 34 show's a configuration envisaged to accommodate a monitor or a laptop computer in order to keep the said device vertical or for charging. Figure 36 shows a variant of the configuration in Figure 34 in which there are several modules 5 aligned on a base module 7 to create a multiple device charging or storage station, with the addition of a base support 2 engaged in the base module 7 to complete and expand the charging station obtained with the components of the kit in question.

Again, in accordance with the present invention, Figure 37 illustrates a configuration suitable for charging a smartwatch. In more detail, the upper structure has the conformation shown in Figure 16. wherein a special housing is created to insert and secure a charger 8 and keep the said charger level in order to then be able to rest the smartwatch thereon. Furthermore, a base support 2 for accommodating a mobile phone is also engaged to the module 7 to act as a base.

After this predominantly structural description, the operation of the invention in question is described as follows.

When a user must, for example, keep their smartphone in an almost vertical position in order to be able to watch a video call or a lesson, all they have to do is insert the device in the niche 25 and resting the said device on the module 7 placed in the hollow 24.

If the user wants a support for a laptop computer or a storage station for several devices, all they have to do is combine the modules in the kit and create the structure they need or wish to obtain by simply joining the individual elements to create the desired structure. In this way. it is no longer necessary to change the support after changing a device, because one simply needs to change the shape of the support by moving and differently combining the individual modules.

Those combinations and arrangements described above are just some of those that can be obtained with the modules in the kit in question, but the possibilities for making other configurations are numerous. A user can compose supports in any way they prefer or need and can disassemble and modify the said supports at desired, without any difficulties, since no tools are needed for the assembly thereof since they are mutually secured due to the presence of the spring or magnets.

The present invention thus achieves the objects set.

The kit for desktop supports in question allows management and organisation of the support of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, etc. quickly, practically, and simply, without being bulky and in an extremely functional manner.

One advantage of the kit for desktop supports emerges from the fact that the supports have an aesthetic aspect that can be customised, with various colour combinations and different materials, so as to make the said supports particularly attractive and pleasing and adaptable to any kind of office or study and desk.

Furthermore, the kit in question is very practical and functional, it offers a good housing capacity for electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, monitors, etc. and allows the configuration to be changed as desired without having to change the support as was the case with those according to prior art where, when a device was changed, the support therefor also had to be changed.

In addition to the above, the assembly combinations which can be obtained with the kit according to the present invention allow the creation of supports that can also accommodate multiple devices simultaneously.

As previously mentioned, the kit for desktop supports is easily adaptable and can be inserted into any type of environment, is adequately sized to be able to support a device, and is very practical and flexible. Advantageously, the combination of different modules and of multiple modules allows the creation of different support configurations in a simple and effective way since no tools are required for assembly.

A further but not final advantage of the present invention is that the kit for desktop supports proves easy to make and works well.

Naturally, further modifications or variants may be applied to the present invention while remaining within the scope of the invention that characterises it.