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US 9,004,433 B2Granted
Folding travel support device and method for using the same
OwnerJohn A. Kriegerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A folding support device and methods for constructing and using the same are provided by the present invention. A foldable support member contains a series of hinge sections and support and stress limiting members. Construction is provided enabling the device to safely collapse and stow while traveling, but to unfold and provide a gripping tension on both a support member and a support device in a reliable manner. Force analysis is provided securing the item in an upright way via a force transfer generated by the supported weight itself.
Claims8
A folding travel support device, operably securable to an external fixed member, the device comprising:
- a) a substantially flat, rigid backing panel;
- b) a top panel fixed hingedly to the backing panel;
- c) a first limiting mechanism which prevents a hinge between the backing panel and the top panel from opening beyond a certain angle;
- d) a main panel fixed hingedly to the top panel;
- e) a flexible member fixed to the backing panel and the main panel such that a force provided by the fixed member will pull the backing panel toward the main panel;
- f) a bottom panel fixed hingedly to the main panel;
- g) a facing panel fixed hingedly to the bottom panel;
- and
- h) a flexible member fixed to the facing panel and the main panel such that a force provided by an item to be held will pull the facing panel toward the main panel, thereby trapping the item to be held.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.