GB2526344A

GB2526344A - A media support stand

Info

Publication number: GB2526344A
Application number: GB1409134.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ayinde Oluseye Adetunji
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-22
Filing date: 2014-05-22
Publication date: 2015-11-25
Also published as: GB2528366A; GB2528366B; GB201508724D0; GB201409134D0

Abstract

Media object support stand 1 having mounting base 2, adjustable extension means / arm 3 pivotally connected at a first end to mounting base 2 for relative rotation, extension, and retraction, and media object (e.g. book / newspaper / magazine / tablet) viewing holder 4, connected at a second end of arm 3. Holder 4 may be stored adjacent to mounting base 2. Arm 3 may have two or more pivotally connected sections 3a, 3b, connecting at opposing ends to holder 4 and base 2 via friction pivots. Holder 4 and base 2 may be flat, and arranged for folding with arm 3. Holder 4 may have rear support panel 7 and base support ledge 8 for supporting a media object. Holder 4 may have adjustably extendable side supports 9, possibly folding inwards. A retaining clip, situated in a vertical channel, may hold media in place. Spring and gas strut 6 may connect arm 3 and base 2. Stand 1 may have reading light and cup holder.

Description

A media support stand

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a stand for supporting a media object. More particularly, the present invention relates to a stand for supporting a media object so that the position of the media object can be adjusted, the stand foldable into a storage position when not in use.

Background

It is increasingly common for people to want to consume media when in bed. This can be for recreational purposes, or if they are convalescing or in long-term care.

The media can be printed, for example books or magazines, or can be audiovisual, delivered by way of a tablet or similar. For example, many users like to watch films or television programmes on their tablets via a streaming or download service.

Media stands such as are known in the art can be bulky and have components that extend into the user's space, which can be inconvenient or annoying. Many are also formed for use with a single type of media object, and cannot be easily adapted or used with other forms, for example if a user wishes to consume both printed media such as a book or magazine, and also wishes to consume electronic audiovisual media by way of a tablet or similar.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: EP2615601 describes and shows a viewing object retention device that allows a viewing object to be arranged at an optimum position and enables an angle of the object to be adjusted so as to accord with a direction of a face of a viewer. The device has a fixed base part, an arm part, one end portion of which is turnably joined to the base part, and the other end portion of which extends along an axis line from this joining point toward a space above the viewer. A viewing object retention part is located at the other end portion of the arm part to retain the object.

U320060273231 describes and shows a support arm for a monitor that comprises a main support arm, an extension arm pivotally connected to the rear end of the main support arm, a monitor mount pivotally connected to the front end of the extension arm, and an extension arm mount pivotally connected to the rear end of the extension arm for securing the extension arm on a wall. The main support arm is provided with a spring and a link rod for adjusting the support force thereon. The main support arm further includes a wire groove for receiving a power coil and signal wires running thereon. The support arm can be used with monitors of different weights, the wire groove protecting the power coil and signal wires.

US6764055 describes and shows a book holder for releasably retaining a book or document thereon, having a base with a vertical support arm that extends from the base. The vertical support arm includes a channel extending substantially along a length thereof. A pivoting support arm pivotally connects to the vertical support arm.

The pivoting support arm includes a channel extending substantially along a length thereof. The book holder further includes a locking wheel for releasably securing the pivoting support arm to the vertical support arm. A book platform is moveably connected to an end of the pivoting support arm for selectively retaining the book or document thereon in a position able to be easily viewed by a user. Upon releasing the locking wheel, the pivoting support arm is moveable along the length of the channel of the vertical support arm and pivotable about the locking wheel to extend at any desired angle from the vertical support arm and thereby maintain the book platform at a desired position and, upon securing the locking wheel, the pivoting support arm is held in position.

In contrast the present invention provides a media object support stand that can be easily mounted in the required position, which can easily be adjusted to the required location, and which can be easily and discretely stored when not in use.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a media object support stand comprising: a mounting base configured for connection to a surface; an adjustable extension means configured to pivotally connect at a first point to the mounting base so that the position of the adjustable extension means relative to the mounting base can be altered, and in which the adjustable extension means is further configured for extension and retraction from the mounting base; and a media object holder configured to hold a media object in a viewable orientation, and further configured for connection to the adjustable extension means at a second point remote from the first point.

The mounting base may allow the support stand to be fixed or mounted in position, and the adjustable extension means may allow the position of a media object on the holder to be altered relative to the fixed base for movement to a convenient viewing location.

The mounting base, adjustable extension means and media object holder may be configured so that the media holder can be moved to a storage position directly adjacent to the mounting base. This allows the support stand to be folded into a storage configuration when not in use so that it is out of the way of a user.

The adjustable extension means may comprise an arm comprising two or more pivotally connected sections, configured for pivotal connection to the media object holder and mounting base at opposed ends of the arm. This provides a simple and robust mechanism that allows for a large range of adjustment.

The pivotally connected sections may be configured for frictional engagement so that the arm sections remain in their relative position unless moved by a user. This allows a user to adjust the support stand to the required location with the stand remaining in position after adjustment.

The mounting base and media object holder may be substantially flat and can be folded against one another. This allows the support stand to be discretely and compactly stored when not in use.

The mounting base, media holder and arm may be configured such that the arm can be folded between the mounting base and media object holder when folded against one anothel. This allows the arm to be stored discretely and compactly between the base and media holder when not in use.

Ideally the arm and base have an articulated mounting, for example a ball-joint, which allows relative movement in plural planes.

The media object holder may comprise a rear support panel and a base support ledge extending from a lower part of the rear support panel, configured so that the bottom face or edge of a media object on the media object holder is supported by the base support ledge, the rear face of the media object supported by the rear support panel. This provides a simple and robust structure for supporting a media object.

The media object holder may further comprise side supports, adjustably extendable from each side of the rear support panel, and configured to position against and extend around the side edges of a media object supported by the media object holder. This allows the sides of a media object to be supported and helps to prevent the media object from sliding from side-to-side in use.

The sides of the rear support panel may be foldable inwards against the front face of the rear support panel. This allows the rear support panel to be compacted for storage.

The media object support stand may further comprise at least one retaining clip extending from the front face of the rear support panel, the clip configured to extend over the top surface or edge of a media object in use, the rear support panel and clip configured so that the vertical position of the clip on the panel can be adjusted. This helps to retain a media object in the required position, and allows for the use of media objects of different heights.

The rear support panel may further comprise a substantially vertically aligned channel, the clip mounted in and extending from the channel, and movable along the length of the channel. This provides a simple mechanism by which the position of the clip can be adjusted.

The rear face of the rear support panel may be configured as a picture frame. This allows the stand to have the second or dual use of displaying a picture such as a photograph when folded for storage.

The outer end of the arm may be pivotally connected to the upper side of the media object holder, the media object holder vertically rotatable through substantially 180 degrees around the connection. This provides a configuration where the arm extends above a user in use and so is substantially out of their way.

The media object support stand may further comprise a spring connecting between the arm and the mounting base and configured to retain the arm and mounting base in a set relative position in use. This helps to retain the stand in the required position when extended to exert leverage.

The media object support stand may further comprise a gas strut connecting between the arm and the mounting base and configured to retain the arm and mounting base in a set relative position in use. This helps to retain the stand in the required position when extended to exert leverage.

The media object support stand may further comprise a reading light mounted on the arm. This allows a media object or other item to be illuminated.

Advantageously, the reading light is directionally adjustable. This allows a user to point the light where required.

The media object support stand may further comprise an ambient light source mounted in one or both of the media object holder and mounting base configured to provide ambient lighting. This provides another use for the stand when it is not being used for supporting a media object.

The media object support stand may further comprise a cup holder mounted on and extending from the media object holder or elsewhere, for example on the base or arm. This allows a user to store a beverage simply and easily when using the stand.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a perspective view from above and to a users left of an embodiment of the media object support stand of the present invention, the support stand having a mounting base connected to a vertical wall behind a user, an adjustable extension arm pivotally connecting to the base and able to extend and retract from the mounting base over the head of a user lying in bed below the arm, and a rear support panel that acts as a media object holder for holding a media object pivotally connected to the other or outer end of the arm.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view from below and to a user's left of the media object support stand of figure 1, a support lip shown extending from the lower edge of the rear support panel towards a user to assist with supporting a media object.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view from above and to a user's left of the media object support stand of figures 1 and 2, showing detail of the sides of the support stand, which are formed as side supports, and which are adjustably extendable from each side of the rear support panel, to position against and extend around the side edges of a media object supported by the media object holder.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view from above and to a user's left of the media object support stand of figures ito 3, with the sides of the rear support panel folded inwards against the front face of the rear support panel, so that the media support stand forms a discrete and non-intrusive item for folding flat against the mounting base when not in use.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view looking towards the media object support stand from the right of a user with the media support stand extend ready for use, showing detail of a pair of retention clips on the inner or front surface of the rear support panel.

Figures 6 show an embodiment of the stand with a cup-holder.

Figure 7A shows an isometric view of the stand in a retracted arrangement.

Figure 7B shows a side view of the stand in a retracted arrangement.

Detailed Description of Figures

An embodiment of the media object support stand of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures.

The media object support stand 1 has three main parts: a mounting base 2, an arm 3, and a media object holder 4. These parts and their inter-relationship are described in detail below.

The mounting base 2 is a generally flat panel or plate, a number of apertures 5 formed through the plate so that the base 2 can be mounted on a wall or a similar surface by inserting screws or similar into the wall via the apertures 5. The mounting base 2 can also receive a power cable or similar (not shown) to provide power to auxiliary items on the support stand 1 such as lights or power sockets for tablets or similar.

The arm 3 is formed from two sections: an inner section 3a and an outer section 3b.

Section 3a is pivotally connected to the base 2 so that it can pivot fin relation to the (fixed) base 2. Section 3b is pivotally connected at its inner end to the outer end of the inner section 3a so that it can pivot up and down. A gas strut 6 is connected between the top of the inner section 3a and the base 2 above the pivot connection, the gas strut 6 retaining the arm 3 in a user-set position in use, the gas strut reacting against the leverage force exerted by the weight of the arm 3 and anything connected to the outer end of the arm 3. A spring could be used as well as or in place of the gas strut. The arms can be folded up, pivoting around the connection between the inner and outer sections 3a, 3b, and folded against the base 2, pivoting around the pivotal connection between the base 2 and the inner arm 3a.

The media object holder 4 is formed so that when extended for use, it has a flat rear support panel 7 and a base support ledge 8 that extends from the lower edge of the rear support panel 7. In use, the bottom face or edge of a media object such as a book, magazine, or tablet rests on and is supported by the upper surface of the ledge 8, the book, magazine, or tablet leaning backwards' so that the rear is supported by the inner face (towards a user) of the rear support panel 7. The media object holder 4 is pivotally connected to the outer end of the arm outer section 3b at the top edge of the rear support panel 7, at the mid point. This pivotal connection is made such that the media object holder 4 can be vertically rotated or flipped' downwards through 180 degrees around the connection so that it goes from facing upwards (as it is aligned for storage), to extending downwards from the end of the arm 3. This helps to provide an in use' configuration where the arm 3 extends above a user in use and so is substantially out of their way.

In use, a user lies or sits on a bed with their head against or next to the wall below the base 2. The media object holder 4 is pulled forward over their head via the arm 3, which extends over their head. The pivot points between the arm sections 3a, 3b and the ends of the arm 3 and the base 2 and rear support panel 7 allow the position and orientation of the media object holder 4 to be adjusted to suit the user lying or sitting on the bed. The pivotally connected sections are configured for frictional engagement so that when placed in position, the section will remain in position and not move under their own weight or the weight of a book or other supported media object, and will remain in their relative position unless moved by a user pushing or pulling on them. This allows a user to adjust the support stand to the required location with the stand remaining in position after adjustment. A book, magazine or tablet, or other media object is placed on the media object holder 4, supported by the lip 8 and rear support panel 7 so that a user can view it as desired.

When not in use, the arm 3 can be folded or retracted against the base 2 with the media object holder 4 directly adjacent to the base 2 or flat against the base 2, the arm 3 sandwiched between the media object holder 4 and base 2. The mounting base 2 and media object holder 4 are substantially flat, and in this storage position, or storage configuration, the media object support stand 1 is folded or located discretely against the wall in a low profile so that it does not intrude on or interfere with other activities that the bedroom might be used for.

In this embodiment, the media object holder 4 has sides that both extend and fold inwards to help with supporting a media object and storage when not in use, as described below.

The rear support panel 7 has side supports 9, one on each side of the panel 7, that extend and retract outwards from each side of the rear support panel 7 in the plane of the rear support panel 7. These have lips 10 that extend inwards towards a user and which have an inner edge that is angled inwards towards the other side support 9 on the opposite side of the rear support panel 7. These can be moved inwards once a book or magazine is positioned on the rear support panel 7 to hold it open, the lips 10 wrapping around the page edges. Alternatively, these help to hold a tablet or other electronic device in position. This helps to prevent sliding from side-to-side in use.

Each side of the rear support panel 7 folds inwards against the front face of the rear support panel 7 so that it's width is significantly decreased. This allows the rear support panel 7 to be compacted so that when it is moved against the base 2 for storage it is low profile in both width and depth (from the wall).

As show in figure 5, a pair of retaining clips 11 extend from the front face of the rear support panel 7, towards a user. These can be extended over the top of the pages of a book or magazine, or over the top edge or surface of a tablet or similar supported by the media object holder 4, to help hold the pages open, or to hold the tablet in position. The clips 11 are located one each in a pair of corresponding substantially vertically aligned channels, extending out of the channel and movable along the height/length of the channel to alter the vertical position of the clip 11, allowing the clips 11 to be used for books, magazines or tablets of different heights.

In this embodiment, the media object support stand 1 has several secondary features of use to a user, as detailed below.

A reading light 12 is mounted on the arm 3 to shine downwards from the arm 3. This allows a media object or other item either on the rear support panel 7 or in the user's hands or lap to be illuminated. It is preferred that the reading light is directionally adjustable at least to pivot towards and away from the rear support panel 7, so that the light 12 can be adjusted -a user pointing the light 12 where it is required -to compensate for a user sitting in different positions, or a user varying the way they position the media object support stand 1.

The cup holder (shown in Figures 6) is mounted in use displaceably on the base support ledge 8 but can be mounted on and extend from the rear support panel 7, either on the bottom edge or one of the side edges. This allows a user to store a cup of tea or coffee, or a can of drink, or similar beverage simply and easily when they are using the stand 1. The cup-holder Is formed in plastics and comprises an annular ring 13 for surrounding and maintaining the cup, flared upwards, and a stem 14 for engagement of the ledge ata dock 15.

As outlined above, when folded up for storage, the rear support panel 7 lies against or directly adjacent to the base 2. The central part of the outer face of the rear support panel 7 faces into the bedroom. This can be used in one or more secondary ways. For example, this part of the face could be structured so that it acts as a picture frame, a user placing a photograph or similar in the frame to decorate their bedroom. Alternatively, an ambient light source can be mounted in one or both of the media object holder 4 and/or the mounting base 2 to provide ambient lighting.

The media object holder 4 can be retracted into a compact arrangement so as to be substantially flat (Figures 7A and 7B). The reading light 12 may be activated so that the media object holder 4 serves to provide ambient light whilst in the compact arrangement.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A media object support stand, comprising: a mounting base configured for connection to a surface; an adjustable extension means configured to pivotally connect at a first point to the mounting base so that the position of the adjustable extension means relative to the mounting base can be altered, and in which the adjustable extension means is further configured for extension and retraction from the mounting base; and a media object holder configured to hold a media object in a viewable orientation, and further configured for connection to the adjustable extension means at a second point remote from the first point.
2. A media object support stand as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mounting base, adjustable extension means and media object holder are configured so that the media holder can be moved to a storage position directly adjacent to the mounting base.
3. A media object support stand as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the adjustable extension means comprises an arm comprising two or more pivotally connected sections, configured for pivotal connection to the media object holder and mounting base at opposed ends of the arm.
4. A media object support stand as claimed in claim 3 wherein the pivotally connected sections are configured for frictional engagement so that the arm sections remain in their relative position unless moved by a user.
5. A media object support stand as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the mounting base and media object holder are substantially flat and are arranged so as to be folded against one another.
6. A media object support stand as claimed in claim 5 wherein the mounting base, media holder and arm are configured such that the arm is foldable between the mounting base and media object holder when folded against one another.
7. A media object support stand as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein the media object holder comprises a rear support panel and a base support ledge extending from a lower part of the rear support panel, configured so that the bottom face or edge of a media object on the media object holder is supported by the base support ledge, the rear face of the media object supported by the rear support panel.
8. A media object support stand as claimed in claim 7 wherein the media object holder further comprises side supports, adjustably extendable from each side of the rear support panel, and configured to position against and extend around the side edges of a media object supported by the media object holder.
9. A media object support stand as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the sides of the rear support panel are foldable inwards against the front face of the rear support panel.
10. A media object support stand as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 further comprising at least one retaining clip extending from the front face of the rear support panel, the clip configured to extend over the top surface or edge of a media object in use, the rear support panel and clip configured so that the vertical position of the clip on the panel can be adjusted.
11. A media object support stand as claimed in claim 10 wherein the rear support panel further comprises a substantially vertically aligned channel, the clip mounted in and extending from the channel, and movable along the length of the channel.
12. A media object support stand as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11 wherein the rear face of the rear support panel is configured as a picture frame.
13. A media object support stand as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 12 wherein the outer end of the arm is pivotally connected to the upper side of the media object holder, the media object holder vertically rotatable through substantially 180 degrees around the connection.
14. A media object support stand as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 13 further comprising a spring connecting between the arm and the mounting base and configured to retain the arm and mounting base in a set relative position in use.
15. A media object support stand as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 13 further comprising a gas strut connecting between the arm and the mounting base and configured to retain the arm and mounting base in a set relative position in use.
16. A media object support stand as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 15 further comprising a reading light mounted on the arm.
17. A media object support stand as claimed in claim 16 wherein the reading light is directionally adjustable.
18. A media object support stand as claimed in any one of claims ito 17 further comprising an ambient light source mounted in one or both of the media object holder and mounting base configured to provide ambient lighting.
19. A media object support stand as claimed in any one of claims ito 18 further comprising a cup holder mounted on and extending from the media object holder.
20. A media object support stand substantially as herein described with reference to the figures.