Patent Publication Number: US-10327569-B2

Title: Portable stand

Description:
The present invention relates to a portable stand, in particular a portable stand which may be used to provide display surfaces for information and also provides storage for multiple items. It is for example suitable for storing safety items such as safety equipment and displaying safety information for an indoor or outdoor work place. 
     In work places such as construction sites and other high-risk environments (such as factories or oil rigs) there is an obligation to display certain safety information, and to provide certain safety equipment such as first aid kits and fire extinguishers. On a large construction site it may be necessary to provide such information displays at multiple locations, both indoor and outdoor, and to provide the safety equipment at multiple locations. The information displays may for example provide not only general safety information, but also important daily information messages, for example about high risk areas of operations. During the course of a building project it may then be necessary to move the displays and equipment to different areas as the work progresses; and when the building project is complete the displays and equipment would be removed. In many cases currently the display stands are put together from materials that are available on site, such as timber offcuts or plywood panels, and the stands are thrown away when the building project is complete. The need for safety information and safety equipment arises in many other contexts, such as mining, sports facilities, and public events. A readily portable stand that would not only provide display surfaces but also provide storage for safety items, and which could be readily transported and reused, would be advantageous. 
     According to the present invention there is provided a portable stand comprising elements that define an open-topped box-like container, the elements comprising a back wall, a base element, and two opposed end plates between which the back wall and the base element extend, wherein the portable stand also comprises: 
     (a) legs that are connected to the base element so they be moved between a first position adjacent to the base element and a second position projecting away from the base element; 
     (b) support arms with a pivotal connection near one end to the box-like container so each support arm can be moved between a first position adjacent to the back wall, and a second position projecting upward from the back wall; 
     (c) a front panel, and a first hinge connecting the front panel to the base element so the front panel can be swung between a position forming a front wall of the box-like container, and a position extending below the base element; 
     (d) a top panel, and a second hinge connecting the top panel to the back wall so the top panel can be swung between a position forming a lid to the box-like container, and a position extending above the back wall; and 
     (e) at least one display chamber within the box-like container. 
     When the front panel is in the position forming a front wall of the box-like container, and the top panel is in the position forming a lid to the box-like container, then all the display chambers are enclosed within the box-like container, and if the legs are in their first position adjacent the base element, the portable stand can be readily transported. This may be referred to as the closed state of the portable stand. In one embodiment the end plates define at least two projections extending below their bottom edges, and at least two mating recesses along their top edges; alternatively the recesses may be defined in the bottom edges, and the projections defined in the top edges. The provision of such projections and mating recesses ensures that portable stands in their closed state can be readily stacked, with the projections of one portable stand locating in the recesses of the adjacent portable stand. The portable stands, in their closed position, therefore can be stacked on top of each other, and engagement between the projections and the recesses holds the stacked display stands in alignment in the stack; the recesses are shaped so as to prevent relative movement in the horizontal plane between adjacent portable stands in the stack. For example a stack of portable stands may be transported within a vehicle such as a van. 
     Each end plate may also include a handle, for example a handle that can be swung out, to make it easier to carry the portable stand, particularly when in its closed state. 
     When a portable stand, in its closed state, has been carried or transported to a location where it is to be used, the legs can then be swung into the second position, projecting downward to support the box-like container above the ground at an appropriate level. The legs may be linked together as rigid pairs, with such pair at each end of the portable stand, and may be connected by hinges to the base element. The connection to the base element may include a clip or a folding link to ensure that the legs are secure in the second position; such a clip or a folding link is commonly used to secure legs of trestle tables. At least some of the legs may also be provided with height-adjustable feet, so the portable stand can be set up on a surface that is not horizontal and flat. 
     In use, the portable stand would normally be set up with its legs in the second position, but in some cases (depending on location and environment) it may be more convenient to place the portable stand on a pre-existing table or support, and so not use the legs. 
     The portable stand can then be opened up into its open state. This involves swinging the front panel into the position extending below the base element; raising the support arms into the second position, extending upward; and swinging the top panel into the position extending above the back wall. The front panel may consist of a plurality of panels joined edge to edge by a hinge mechanism, for example to provide a larger surface area extending below the base element. Similarly the top panel may consist of a plurality of panels joined edge to edge by a hinge mechanism, to provide a larger surface area extending above the back wall. The top panel, having been opened up, would then be secured to the support arms. 
     When the portable stand is in its open state, the exposed surface area of the front panel provides a display area, and similarly the exposed surface area of the top panel provides a display area. It will be appreciated that the display area extending below the base element is defined by surfaces of the front panel that are enclosed within the box-like container when the portable stand is in the closed state; and similarly the display area extending above the back wall is defined by surfaces of the top panel that are enclosed within the box-like container when the portable stand is in the closed state. 
     The displayed information may for example be in the form of written instructions, essential safety briefings and current environmental operational briefings, maps, plans, diagrams or drawings. The display area may be provided with at least one transparent sleeve to contain and display information. Indeed the display area provided by the exposed surface area of the top panel may include multiple transparent sleeves, and may for example include transparent sleeves of different sizes to display information on different-sized pieces of paper, for example at least one transparent sleeve for A3-sized paper and at least one transparent sleeve for A4-sized paper. In an alternative, at least some of the display area may be provided by an electronic display in the form of a flat screen, which may display information, and may be user-interactive. 
     There are preferably multiple display chambers within the box-like container, and at least some of the display chambers may also be tipped up so their contents are more clearly visible. For example the portable stand may include at least one support bar that can be pivoted around a hinge to raise the display chambers adjacent to the back wall, so as to tilt the display chambers forwards. This improves visibility of the display chambers, and provides easier access to the contents. The number of display chambers depends on the number of items to be displayed. In the context of a safety display, the number of display chambers may for example be between 2 and 20, more typically between 3 and 10, for example between 4 and 8. 
     The pivotal connection between the support arm and the box-like container may include a spring-loaded rotary cam or dog clutch to ensure that the support arm is stable in the first position, adjacent to the back wall, and also in the second position, projecting upward. This may for example comprise a spring-loaded shaft which defines a cross-shaped portion that locates in a cross-shaped hole (or recess). The support arm can be pivoted only if a user displaces the spring-loaded shaft axially so the cross-shaped portion comes out of engagement with the cross-shaped hole; and when the support arm has been swung through 90° into the second position, the shaft would shift back into engagement with the cross-shaped hole, because of the spring, so the support arm is again stable. 
     As mentioned above, the first hinge connects the front panel to the base element; and the front panel itself may consist of a plurality of panels joined edge to edge by hinges. Each hinge may consist of a plurality of short hinges that are spaced apart, or a single long hinge of the type sometimes referred to as a piano hinge. In both these cases the hinge is a conventional, mechanical hinge, with a plurality of tube portions connected alternately to the two parts, held in alignment by a pin. Instead of a mechanical hinge, it will also be appreciated that at least one hinge may be provided by a flexible strip or sheet. Indeed such a flexible hinge-like strip or sheet may be integral with adjacent panels, for example being of a polymer material, the panels being for example laminated so as to be substantially rigid, while the linking portion of the sheet is thinner and flexible to act as the hinge. 
    
    
     
       The invention will now be further and more particularly described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a portable stand in its closed state; 
         FIG. 2  shows a sectional view on the plane  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  shows a front perspective view of the portable stand of  FIG. 1  with its legs in use; 
         FIG. 4  shows a back perspective view of the portable stand as shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4 a    shows a sectional view of part of a pivot mechanism for a support arm of the portable stand; 
         FIG. 5  shows a back perspective view of the portable stand with the support arms raised; 
         FIG. 6  shows a front perspective view of the portable stand in a partly-opened state; 
         FIG. 7  shows a front perspective view of the portable stand in its open state; and 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective sectional view of the portable stand in its open state. 
     
    
    
     Referring to  FIG. 1  there is shown a portable stand  10  in its closed state, forming a box. The box consists of a back wall  12  and a base element  14  (which are both shown in  FIGS. 2 and 8 ) which extend between end plates  16  and are joined to the end plates  16  to form an open-topped tray-like structure; the box is completed by a front panel  20  which is connected by a hinge  21  to the base element  14 , and by a top panel  22  which is connected by a hinge  23  to the back wall  12 . In the closed state it will be appreciated that the front panel  20  forms the front wall of the box, while the top panel  22  forms a lid of the box. A mechanical latch  25  on each end plate  16  holds the front panel  20  and the top panel  22  in this closed position. In this example the portable stand  10  is for displaying statutory information and specific information and equipment concerning safety, and the top surface of the top panel  22  is marked with bold yellow bars  26  to indicate this. 
     Each end plate  16  defines two projecting protrusions  30  on its lower edge, and defines two recesses  32  on its top edge, each protrusion  30  and each recess  32  being about half the thickness of the end plate  16 . A number of portable stands  10  can be stacked on top of each other, with the protrusions  30  on one stand  10  locating in the recesses  32  on the next stand. The engagement between the protrusions  30  and the recesses  32  on adjacent stands in the stack prevents any relative movement in the horizontal plane, so the stack is stable for example during transport in a vehicle. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , this shows a sectional view in which the back wall  12  and the base element  14  are seen in section, and part of one end plate  16  is seen in elevation. The back wall  12  consists of two steel plates arranged to form an inverted trough. The front panel  20  and the top panel  22 , and their respective hinges  21  and  23  are also shown in section. It will be appreciated that the protrusions  30  form projecting feet for the portable stand  10  in its closed state. The base element  14  is shaped as an inverted tray, so it defines a recess between the front panel  20  and the back wall  12 . Two pairs of legs  35  (only one of which is shown in  FIG. 2 ) are folded up into this recess. Other features that are shown in  FIG. 2  are described in more detail below. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , each end plate  16  also includes a handle  34  which can be swung out from the end plate  16  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) to make it easier to carry the portable stand  10 . Hence the portable stand  10  can be carried into a position where it is to be set up. The two pairs of legs  35  which are pivotally connected to opposite ends of the base element  14  can be swung down into the projecting position shown in  FIG. 3 . A spring latch  37  (indicated in  FIG. 2 ) ensures that the pairs of legs  35  are secure in this projecting position, in which they carry the weight of the portable stand  10 . At least some of the legs  35  may be provided with height-adjustable feet  36 , so the portable stand  10  can be stable even on a surface that is not flat and horizontal. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , which shows a perspective rear view, a bracket  38  projects from the back wall  12 , and two support arms  40  rest on the bracket  38  in the closed state of the portable stand  10 . Each support arm  40  is connected by a pivot mechanism  42  to the back wall  12 , one at each end of the back wall  12 . The pivot mechanism  42  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 4 a   , to which reference is now made, this showing a sectional view through the pivot mechanism  42 . A pivot shaft  43  projects from the support arm  40  through a guide  44  mounted in the back wall  12  and extending between the two steel sheets that form the back wall  12 . A compression spring  45  surrounds the pivot shaft  43  between the support arm  40  and the outer face of the back wall  12 . The inner end of the pivot shaft  43  has four equally-spaced radially-projecting fins  46 , so it is cross-shaped. This inner end locates as shown in a similar cross-shaped recess  48  in the inner end of the guide  44 . The support arm  40  is therefore not free to turn around the pivot mechanism  42  until it is pushed in against the force of the compression spring  45 , to free the radially-projecting fins  46  from the cross-shaped recess  48 . When the support arm  40  has been turned through 90°, the compression spring  45  will cause the fins  46  to re-engage with the cross-shaped recess  48 , so the support arm  40  will again be held securely, until it is again pushed in against the force of the compression spring  45 . 
     Hence, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the support arms  40  can then be swung into an upright position, in which they are stable. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , by releasing the latches  25 , the front panel  20  can then be swung around the hinge  21  to hang below the base element  14 . In this example the front panel  20  consists of two display panels  50  joined edge-to-edge by a hinge  52 , and the lower display panel  50  is then clipped onto an adjacent leg  35  by a spring clip  53  (shown in elevation in  FIG. 2 ). Similarly, the top panel  22  can be swung around the hinge  23  to project above the back wall  12 , up against the support arms  40 . In this example the top panel  22  consists of two display panels  54  joined edge-to-edge by a hinge  56 , and the upper display panel  54  is then secured to the support arms  40  by a clip  58 . 
     Although in  FIG. 6  the hinges  52  and  56  are indicated as single hinges, as shown in  FIG. 2  it will be appreciated that they are actually two closely-spaced parallel hinges, to allow the display panels  50  or  54  to lie parallel to each other in the closed state. 
     The display panels  50  in this example display safety information on their front surfaces, as indicated by the rectangles  60 . In the closed state (as described above) the front surfaces of the display panels  50  are folded against each other about the hinge  52 , to form the front panel  20 , and so in the closed state the front surfaces are not exposed. Similarly the display panels  54  display safety information on their front surfaces, as indicated by the rectangles  64 . In the closed state, as described above and as shown in  FIG. 2 , the front surfaces of the display panels  54  are folded against each other about the hinge  56  to form the top panel  22 , and so in the closed state the front surfaces are not exposed. 
     The display panels  50  and  54  may be provided with information printed directly onto the display panels  50  and  54 . In this example this is the case for the display panels  50 . In this example the rectangles  64  on the display panels  54  indicate transparent plastic sleeves that are fixed to the display panels  54 , and are of such a size that paper with safety information can be displayed within the plastic sleeves, for example site-specific safety information. In this example there are nine plastic sleeves suitable for taking A4 sheets of paper, and one plastic sleeve for taking a larger sheet of paper, for example A3. The displayed information may for example be in the form of written instructions, maps, plans, diagrams or drawings; and in the present example is primarily concerned with safety. 
     Opening up the front panel  20  and the top panel  22  in this way discloses the contents of the open-topped tray-like structure formed by the back wall  12 , the base element  14  and the end plates  16 . Within this tray-like structure, in this example, are four interconnected display boxes  66 , each with a label  67  on the front and with a transparent cover  68  with a hinge  69  at the back (see  FIGS. 2 and 8 ). The display boxes  66 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , are mounted on a base plate  63  which is connected by a hinge  64  to the front of the base element  14 , and which rests on the top of the base element  14  in the closed state. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 , the display boxes  66  are then tilted forward by raising a strut  70 . In the closed state, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the strut  70  extends upward from a hinge  71  at the rear edge of the base plate  63 , so the strut  70  can be used as a handle to raise the base plate  63  with the display boxes  66  on it. The strut  70  is then swung into position below the base plate  63 , and as shown in  FIG. 8 , in this example it locates onto a projecting tab  72  in an aperture in the back wall  12 . The portable stand  10  is then in its open state, in which the information displayed on the display panels  50  and  54  is clearly visible, and the safety equipment in the display boxes  66  is also clearly visible and accessible. By way of example the four display boxes  66  might contain a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher  74 , an eye-wash bottle, and a battery-powered alarm, respectively. 
     It will be appreciated that the transparent lids  68  ensure that the safety items can be seen, so it is easy to check the items are present, while keeping dust off the safety items, and the hinges  69  provide easy access when a safety item is required. Each lid  68  may be provided with a breakable tag, so it is easy to see if the lid  68  has been opened. Hence a simple visual inspection can assess if a safety item has been used or damaged, or requires replacement. 
     It will be appreciated that the information displayed on the display panels  50  and  54 , and indeed the safety items in the display boxes  66 , would be selected as required in accordance with the site where the portable stand  10  is to be used. However, if the portable stand  10  is used on construction sites, much of the information will be the same in each case, and the safety items may also be the same in each case. 
     In any event it will be appreciated that the stand  10  can be readily erected as described above; and when it is no longer required in a particular location, the portable stand  10  can be readily returned to its closed state, in which state it can be carried or transported to a new place where it is required. The sequence of steps is merely the reverse of those described above: the strut  70  is lowered so the display boxes  66  lie flat (as shown in  FIG. 6 ); the display panels  54  are disconnected from the support arms  40 , and folded up to form the top panel  22 , and the display panels  50  are disconnected from the legs  35  and folded up to form the front panel  20 , and the latches  25  are secured, so as to reach the state shown in  FIG. 5 ; the support arms  40  are then swung back to rest in the bracket  38 , and the legs  35  are swung back up against the base element  14 , so the portable stand  10  is in the closed state shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Although the portable stand  10  has been described particularly in relation to safety information and safety equipment, it will be appreciated it may be used for other purposes where both information and items are to be displayed. 
     It will be appreciated that the components of the portable stand  10  may be made of a variety of different materials, and that the choice of materials will depend at least in part upon the situation in which the portable stand  10  is intended to be used. For example in some cases a robust structure will be required; while in other cases weight reduction will be a more significant consideration. Many of the components may be made of sheet steel, or of aluminium. The sheet elements such as the display panels  50  and the display panels  54  and the display boxes  66  may be made of a metal sheet or a polymer sheet, or a fibre reinforced polymer sheet, or of a wood-based sheet material such as plywood, or a composite material for example consisting of a honeycomb structure sandwiched between two polymer sheets (such as that sold under the trade mark Nidaplast). For example the use of carbon fibre reinforcement can enhance rigidity; while the use of a sandwiched polymer honeycomb structure can lead to a reduction in weight.