STAND ASSEMBLY

Abstract: A stand assembly (10) which comprises: (a) a base (11) to which is attached rotatably, (b) a framework (21) for a set of stand platforms, and (c) a location member (10, 25) for positioning the framework at selected angles, wherein each platform is rotatably attached to the framework in such a manner that the rotatably attached framework produces a stable level condition in each of the platforms.

Description: STAND ASSEMBLY FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a stand assembly and in one preferred aspect relates to a stand assembly suitable for displaying and holding trays or shelves for supporting plants, wine botdes, books, store merchandise etc. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Numerous types of display assemblies have been proposed for merchandise. However, in the case of stands for plants, particularly display stands, the plants should be displayed in such a way that the different tiers of plants receive adequate lighting. Furthermore, it is important that the stand may be easily moved from place to place and that it can fit through narrow openings if it is necessary to move the stand around a premises or plant nursery. Thus it is preferable that the stand be foldable to ensure that its dimensions can be compressed in order to allow it to be moved through narrow apertures. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention provides a stand assembly, which comprises: (a) a base to which is attached rotatably (b) a framework for a set of stand platforms; and (c) a location member for positioning the framework at selected angles, wherein each platform is rotatably attached to the framework in such a manner that the rotatably attached framework produces a stable level condition in each of the platforms. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which: • Figure 1 is a perspective view from one side and to the rear of the stand assembly according to the invention; • Figure 2 is a front view of the stand assembly shown in Figure 1. • Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E show differing platform and how they fit to the stand assembly; and • Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E correspond to Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E (in part). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferably the base comprises a square or rectangular base frame, for example, a substantially flat 4-sided frame preferably supported by castors. Preferably near one side of the base frame, for example, a longer side, is located an upwardly extending framework adapted to rotate from a substantially upright position to a substantially squat position. The framework is preferably constructed from a frontward (as seen in use) strut and a substantially parallel rearward strut. The struts are preferably joined by a plurality of substantially parallel, substantially horizontal supports, each support being attached rotatably to its corresponding strut The framework is preferably supported by a prop member which preferably extends downwardly to the base frame and may be altered in position with respect to the base frame, whereby the angular presentation of the framework may be selected. Preferably the rotatable attachment of each rearward strut to the base frame is by means of a slot in the base frame allowing the framework sufficient slop in its movement to simplify rotation at other attachment points. The trays may be shaped to hold objects of various shapes, for example, they may be provided with depressions to accommodate pot plants. Two advantages of the stand assembly according to the inventor are: • Firstly it will fold substantially flat for ease of transport; and • Secondly, the tilt positions of the various shelves may be selected. Turning to the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 and 2, a stand assembly 10 comprises a base frame 11, which itself comprises base girders 12, 13, 14 and 15 arranged in the form of a rectangle. The base frame 11 is supported by castors 16',16", 17', 17" at each corner of the rectangle. Plates 18 and 19 extend upwardly from girders 12 and 13 respectively. Two corresponding series of indents such as 20' 20", 20'" etc are let into the upper portions of each plate 18 and 19. Str An upwardly extending framework 21 comprises two forwardly mounted (as viewed in use) struts 22' and 22" and two rearwardly mounted struts 23' and 23" both rotatably attached to plates 18 and 19 respectively. Note that struts 23' and 23" are joined by horizontal (as viewed in use) supports 28', 28 " • 28 ' ", as are struts 22 " and 23" by other supports (unnumbered). A U-shaped stay 25, 26, 27 is pivotally attached to struts 22' and 22" and fits into the correspnding series of indents 20', 20", 20"' etc. Finally, a pivot member provided with a wheel 29 is shown projecting through a slotted groove 30 in plate 18 to provide the requisite amount of slop to allow the framework to move smoothly. The corresponding strut 13 "is also supplied with a pivot member which fits into the corresponding plate 19. Struts 23' and 23" may be adjustable in length so that the angle of tilt of the platforms may be adjusted; one clip 40 is shown on strut 23" . This clip is used to maintain the strut in position. The corresponding clip on the strut 23' has not been shown. Figure 2 shows the relationship of platforms 31 , 31 " and 32 " . In Figures 3 A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E, various types of platform are shown. Thus, platform 40 has a generally rectangular framework 41 with slots 42' and 42" at opposite ends. Numeral 43 indicates one of a series of pot holders. Platform 44 and 45 have different series of pot holders. Platform 46 has a flat bottom 47. Platform 31 ' has a mesh bottom 47. Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E correspnd to Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E (in part).

Claims: THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. A stand assembly, which comprises: (a) a base to which is attached rotatably (b) a framework for a set of stand platforms; and (c) a location member for positioning the framework at selected angles, wherein each platform is rotatably attached to the framework in such a manner that the rotatably attached framework produces a stable level condition in each of the platforms. 2. A stand assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a square or rectangular base frame. 3. A stand assembly as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2, wherein near one side of the base frame, is located an upwardly extending framework adapted to rotate from a substantially upright position to a substantially squat position. 4. A stand assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the framework is preferably constructed from a frontward (as seen in use) strut and a substantially parallel rearward strut. 5. A stand assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the struts arc preferably joined by a plurality of substantially parallel, substantially horizontal supports, each support being attached rotatably to its corresponding strut A stand assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the framework is supported by a prop member which preferably extends downwardly to the base frame and may be altered in position with respect to the base frame, whereby the angular presentation of the framework may be selected. A stand assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rotatable attachment of each rearward strut to the base frame is by means of a slot in the base frame allowing the framework sufficient slop in its movement to simplify rotation at other attachment points.

Inventors: HAISMA ROMKA, HAISMA, ROMKA
Applicants: HAISMA ROMKA, HAISMA, ROMKA
Application year: 1997
Main classification: A47F5
IPC codes: A47F5, A47F7