Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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INTEGRATED PORTABLE STAND, POWER SUPPLY, AND CONTROL
PANEL
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present inventions relate to stands for supporting items in an
elevated position with respect to the surroundings, and more specifically
relates to
stands that are portable, easy to set up for use at a site, easy to collapse
for
storage and transport, and that do not require connection of parts at a site
of use
to function nor disconnection of any parts after use in order to collapse the
stand
for storage and transport.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Reference is made to copending U.S. Patent Publication Serial
Number 20090284963, published November 19, 2009, entitled COLLAPSIBLE
PORTABLE STAND WITH TELESCOPING SUPPORT AND INTEGRAL
STORAGE CASE, which details relevant background regarding the ubiquitous
need for temporary stands to support items, such as functional devices, at an
elevated position with respect to their surroundings, and provides embodiments
of
solutions therefore. While the new stands disclosed in the aforementioned
patent
application have many benefits over the prior art, there is a need for a stand
that
comprises an integrated power supply and controls, that is robust, easy to set
up
and collapse, is self-contained, and yet can be made more economically and/or
with fewer parts. It is desired to have the power supply and controls
contained
inside of a housing of the stand that remains closed during transportation,
set-up,
use, and removal for subsequent transport. Further, it is desired that no
parts
have to be connected together at a site of use for a functional device
attached to
the stand to be operated.
[0003] The need for temporary stands to support items at an elevated
position with respect to their surroundings is ubiquitous. For example,
temporary
lighting is a common functional device that is required for dark and remote
job
sites. However, if there are multiple parts that need to be connected in the
dark
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in order to set up the platform, work will be delayed, injuries can occur and
parts
can be lost and/or not available at all. Even if there is a light, a stand
that is not
self contained and that requires connection of parts to erect for use causes a
delay in starting work at the job site while parts are located, if not lost,
and
connected together. Microphones, podium platforms, loudspeakers, cameras,
sensors, and surveying equipment are only a few of the functional devices that
require support by a stand and that would benefit if the stand can be set up
quickly and collapsed for storage and transport. Further, a portable stand for
different functional devices may be required for use at various locations over
time. The user generally needs the stand along with numerous other items to
meet particular needs. For example, a road crew that works at night may need
to use a light stand and many other pieces of equipment. So, a stand of small
size, low weight, and that is simple to set up and collapse for storage is
desired.
The stand must also be robust for repetitive use, rough handling, and
corrosive
environments. For use in dangerous environments, the stand and its
components should be intrinsically safe. When deployed, the stand should be
stable under expected conditions of use. For example, a stand holding a work
light should not tip over when set up in a location where there are strong
winds
and/or where it may be jostled by surrounding people and equipment. Job sites
that have explosive, fire or other safety hazards also require equipment to be
intrinsically safe.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS
[0004] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown an exemplary stand
of
the present invention from different views. The stand of the present
inventions
comprises a main housing for holding a power supply and controller. A leg
assembly is attached to the housing, shown in collapsed form in Figures 1 to
4,
and shown in an extended configuration in Figure 5. The legs of the leg
assembly can be extended outward from the housing to increase stability of the
stand. A telescoping mast is attached to the housing, and includes a mount for
a
functional device at the top thereof. Electric power and control signals can
be
transmitted from inside of the housing to the functional device by at least
one
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cord that is coiled to reduce bulk. The power and control conduit is contained
in
a protective sleeve from which it can be extended when the telescoping arm is
extended and into which the bias of the coil and gravity permit retraction
into the
sleeve when the telescoping art is retracted. Mounted on the top of the
telescoping arm is a fitting for mounting a functional device, the functional
device
being show in the Figures being a light. The fitting includes a housing that
enables electrical power and signals from the control conduit to be connected
to
the functional device, while also maintaining a weather tight seal. The
fitting
provides at least 2 directions of adjustment (also referred to as degrees of
freedom), so that the functional device can be rotated about the axis of the
telescoping arm and pointed up or down. Further details of exemplary
embodiments of the present invention are provided below after a brief summary
of the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Figures 1 to 4 are, respectively, a front top perspective view
of the
stand with the telescoping arm assembly in the foreground, a front top
perspective view of the stand with the collapsed or retracted leg assembly in
the
foreground, a rear top perspective view of the stand with the collapsed leg
assembly in the foreground, and a side elevation view with the telescoping
assembly in the foreground.
[0006] Figure 5 is a front top perspective view of the stand with the
leg
assembly extended and in the foreground.
[0007] Figures 6 and 7 are, respectively, a top side perspective view
of the
isolated leg assembly in an extended configuration and in a collapsed
configuration.
[0008] Figure 8 is an exploded view of the leg assembly and its
components.
[0009] Figure 9 is a front top perspective view of the isolated
telescoping
arm assembly with a functional device fitting, including a variation of the
height
adjustment hardware.
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[0010] Figure 10 is a bottom front perspective view of the isolated
telescoping assembly of Figure 9.
[0011] Figure 11 is an exploded view of the functional device fitting
showing how multiple functional devices, in this case lights in cube shaped
housings, can be mounted thereto along with a wiring diagram. A single or
double light can be pivotally mounted between the legs of an h-shaped bracket,
with the opposite end of the h-shaped bracket being pivotally mounted to the
main body of the fitting; in this way a light in one bracket can be pivoted up
and
down while the h-shaped bracket can rotate about its connection to the main
body of the fitting.
FURTHER DETAILS OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0012] The following provides further details of the present
inventions as
summarized above and illustrated in the drawings. Part numbers in the
description correlated to one or more parts indicated in the drawings, but to
focus attention on the features of the invention, not all parts are numbered
or
shown in detail. Referring to Figures 1 to 4, an exemplary, non-limiting
embodiment of a stand 100 the present inventions is illustrated. A main
housing
110 preferably contains a power supply and control panel. Access plugs for
recharging and/or connecting the stand to a power supply are provided. In a
preferred embodiment, a rechargeable battery is contained within the housing.
In
an embodiment, a 12 volt power port is provided on the main housing. The
battery is preferably connected to a battery fitting to maintain it securely
fixed in
the housing and free from the environment. Preferably, the battery or other
power supply is connected to electrical connections within the housing, and at
least one power cord leads from the interior of the main housing through a
sealed port to provide an external source of power for functional devices from
the internal power supply.
[0013] Main housing 110 is preferably formed of a robust and durable
plastic material, and includes a grip for ease of carrying. A power cord 130
provides power for functional attachments that can be connected to a mast
assembly 150. A leg assembly 200 is also provided on the main housing to
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provide stability for the stand 100. In Figures 1 to 4, leg assembly 200 is
retracted,
which is a preferred configuration for transport and storage. As shown in
Figure 5,
the leg assembly can be extended to increase stability for the stand. The leg
assembly 200 is engaged with a cord wrap projection 215 on the housing in the
5 Figures. While the embodiment showing in the Figures uses a preexisting
commercially available housing for a power supply that includes power cord
wrap
projections 215 on opposite sides of the main housing 110, the leg assembly
can
be attached to the stand other than as shown. An exemplary housing and power
supply can be obtained from Clore Automotive of Lenexa, Kansas, U.S.A., for
example a Jump-N-Carry model JNC950 or JNC660.
[0014] Extendable mast assembly 150 is mounted near to and/or
engaged
with a second cord wrap projection on the main housing. The second cord wrap
projection may be eliminated in other embodiments and the mast assembly may
project upwards from the main housing 110 from a suitable integral cavity
formed
therein. One of more brackets 152 are used to mount the telescoping assembly
to
the housing via mounting holes 153. The mast assembly 150 includes an
extendable mast 160 and a cord protection sleeve 162, both of which are engage
by brackets 152 to securely hold them to the main housing 110. A functional
device mount 300 is mounted to the top of the telescoping mast 160. Lights 400
and 401 are shown mounted to the mount 300, and have electrical sockets 410
for
connection to the power cord 130. Other types of functional device can be
mounted to the mast. Further, the mast may include more than one mount, such
as mount 300, for greater flexibility of use. Further details of the
functional device
mount are provided with the subsequently in reference to Figures 10 and 11.
[0015] Referring to Figures 6 to 8, the leg assembly 200 is shown in
isolated form in its extended formation in Figure 6, in its retracted
formation in
Figure 7, and in an exploded view of its parts in Figure 8. A main panel 202
has
two branches 203 that extend downward in order for the panel 202 to fit over
the
cord wrap protrusion 215 on the housing. Extending vertically in both branches
203 are elongated channels 204; first and second legs 205 are pivotally and
slidably connected to the panel 202 via bolts 206 that pass through the
channels
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204 to connect to upper mount holes 207 in each leg. Bolts 206 and others are
shown as shoulder bolts, wherein the wide top portion cannot pass through a
hole
into which the threaded portion is inserted. First and second struts 210 are
pivotally mounted to panel 202 via bolts 211 that pass through mount holes 212
in
panel 202 and mount holes 213 on the inner portion of each strut 210. Each
strut
210 is pivotally connected at its outer end 214 to a flange 216 on one of legs
205;
struts 210 are connected to flanges 216 by bolts 218 and nuts 219. Elongated
channels 204 permit the inner portions of legs 205 to slide up and down, while
struts 210 limit the travel of the outer portions of the leg outward from the
panel
202. When legs 205 are completely retracted so that the inner portion of each
leg
is near the top of the panel 202 and the lower portion is adjacent the panel,
the
outer portion of each strut is vertically aligned above the inner portion of
each strut
(the inner and lower portions of each strut being pivotally mounted to
mounting
holes 212 in panel 202).
[0016] In order for the leg assembly to be locked into an open or retracted
configuration, a biased push button mechanism is provided. Each leg 205 has a
T-
slot 230 in which is mounted a spring 232 which has a button 233. Screws 234
are
used to mount the springs to the legs 205. Detents, such as detent 240 on the
panel 202 engage with button 233 to maintain the legs in the retracted
position,
while a lower detent in panel 202 locks the legs in the extended position. By
simply pressing on the spring with a finger, the legs will either retract or
extend
depending on the direction the legs are pushed. Bolts used may be of metal or
other suitable material, while spring steel is recommended for spring 232. The
leg
assembly can be made of a durable and robust plastic, similar or identical to
that
used in the main housing. A suitable spring for constructing a stand of size
and
robustness to hold a light 8 feet above ground is available from VALCO, of
Ohio,
part number F-224. Preferably the spring snap button has a J-shape or other
configuration that will permit a finger to grasp it and pull it so that the
button can
be pulled free of a corresponding upper detent or lower detent in the mounting
board, thereby permitting movement of the legs from being in a locked
collapsed
or locked extended configuration.
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[0017] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, an isolated view of a mast
assembly
150 is shown from upper and lower perspectives. A telescoping mast 160 is
mounted adjacent to a cord protection sleeve 162. The mast can be formed of
aluminum, and a variety of masts are commercially available. Shown in Figures,
wingnut assemblies 164 are shown that can be used to loosen and tighten
connections between mast sections, however other adjustment mechanisms will
also work. A preferred mast is extendable to 8 feet, while the legs can be
extended to a total width of about 30 inches. The main housing forms a third
legs of a tripod for supporting the mast. Extensions of the legs are
envisioned
are alternative extendable leg assemblies; for example, legs may retract into
cavities in the housing, and the housing may include an outer shape that will
fit
around a functional device when retracted to protect the functional device.
[0018] Referring to Figure 11, functional devices can be attached to
mount
300 by attachment to h-shaped brackets 304. The h-shaped brackets 304 can
be pivotally mounted to mount 300 via mounting holes 305 and 307. Mount 300
includes an upper housing 301, a lower housing 302, and includes a fitting 306
for attachment to the top of a mast. Fitting 306 may be extended through the
top
of mount 300 in an alternative embodiment to support a mast extension and
other functional devices mounted thereon. Figure 11 is taken from drawings
used for manufacturing, assembly and use, and includes extraneous part
numbers that are not part of the disclosure, and may be ignored (specifically
part
numbers between 1 and 9 shown in circles). Figure 11 demonstrates how
multiple lights can be mounted to the mast, for example LED lights that
provide
significant light while using less power. Preferably, a stand in accordance
with
the present invention will weigh less than 50 pounds, more preferably less
than
40 pounds, while providing adequate portable power to supply lights meeting
various road safety requirements (e.g., for road flaggers) and/or industrial
requirements. Preferably the lights can be stably mounted at least 8 feet
above
the surface upon which the stand is set. For example, an 800 lumen LED light
can provide overhead illumination for highway flaggers up to 200 yards or
more.
Further, with a charge source, the unit can be continuously charged at 115 VAC
and light operations can continue while charging, for example an embodiment
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includes a 12 Volt power port for quick charge applications. Preferred LED
Cube
lights and bar lights are commercially available, and can be operated for at
least
8 hours from the battery, with specifications set forth in Air Systems AIR
LIGHT
specifications, available from AIR SYSTEMS, INC., of Chesapeake, Virginia
USA.
[0019] The stabilizing base or main housing can be formed of
polyethylene
or other suitable robust material, while the housing for the power supply,
control
panel and mast mount can be of the same or other materials as are customary
for such devices used in a variety of rigorous circumstances, for example,
road
lighting at night in construction zones, etc. In fact, in some circumstances,
it is
desired, if not required that lights be set up at a specific height to light
traffic
flaggers. The devices of the present inventions attached are ideally suited
for
holding lights at a height of at least about 8 feet from the ground, yet are
light
weight, durable, and easy to set up and collapse, making it an ideal lower
cost
yet robust portable platform for functional devices. Functional device can
include
for example a light, a microphone, a still camera, an audio output, a visual
output, a laser, a weapon, a video camera, a transmitter, a receiver, a
weather
monitoring device, a solar panel, a surveying device, a motion sensing device,
a
chemical sensor, a thermal sensor, an alarm, a wind power generator, and a
GPS device.
[0020] The details of certain embodiments of the present inventions
have
been described, which are provided as illustrative examples so as to enable
those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the inventions. The description
provided is not meant to limit the scope of the present inventions, but to be
exemplary. The inventions are capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced and carried out in various ways, and as such, those skilled in the
art
will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may
readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other methods and systems
for
carrying out the several purposes of the present inventions. Where certain
elements of the present inventions can be partially or fully implemented using
known components, only those portions of such known components that are
necessary for an understanding of the present invention are described, and
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detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components are omitted
so
as to avoid obscuring the invention. Further, the present invention
encompasses
present and future known equivalents to the components referred to herein.
