2) United States Patent Royden et al. (54) EXPANDABLE PODIUM (75) Inventors: James Reyden, Arsta (SE); Jerk Thomsgard, Stockholm (SE) (93) Assignee: KG SPENNARE AB, Nacka (SP) (4) Notice: Subjoct to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended ot adjusted under 35 US. 154(b) by 29 days, (21) Appl. Nos 14n23,162 (22) PCT Filed: Jan. 23, 2012 (86) PCTNo: — PETISE2012/050057 S371 (0K), (2),(4)Date: Now. 29, 2013, (87) PCT Pub, Nos WO2012/166037 PCT Pub, Date: Dec. 6, 2012 6s) Prior Publication Data US 20140130715 AL May 15,2014 G0) Foreign Application Priority Data May 30,2011 (SE) 1150500 GI) Ineo. ANB 96/18 (2006.01) ‘ATR 85/00 (2006.01) (Continued) (2) US.CL CPC AS7B 85/00 (2013.01); AS7B 1902 (013.01): 447B 1928 2013.01), AATF 5/40 (2013.01); A47F 900 (2013.01), 4478 222010072 2013.01) (58) Fleld of Classification Search CPC oo. AATB 45/00; A47B 85/00: AS7B 4800; A47B 69100: AATB 19102; AS7B 19108; AATE 5/10 'US009215928B2 US 9,215,928 B2 Dec. 22, 2015 (10) Patent No. 4s) Date of Patent: usre ee application fie for complete 31211402, 205 arch history, 66) References Cited US. PATENT DOCUMENTS L9se097 A #411014 Hottad 2538616 A * 121980 Metin (Continved) 10863 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS i103 A ios Continved) OTHER PUBLICATIONS Intemational Search Report, dated Sep 4, 2012, from coresponding PCT application. (Continued) Primary Examiner — Matthew lng Assistant Examiner — Timothy M Ayees (14) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Young & Thompson on ABSTRACT An expandable podium bas a fist part (2) which includes a supporting base panel (7) and a rear pane (8) rising from the ‘base panel, a second part (3) which includes a top panel (9) and front panel (10) depending from the top panel, wherein in expanded mode of the podium « lower hinge (6) links & bottom corner (10) ofthe front panel to the nearest forward corner ofthe base panel and an upper hinge links a top comer (8) ofthe rear pane to the nearest earward comer ofthe top ‘panel, cach the upper and lower hinges formingan elongate clement the ends of whieh are connected pivotally to the appertaining bose, top. front and rear panels abet resp Live pivot axis. The pivot axes extend at comersing direetions that intersect in a common point of intersection, beyond the rear panel 14 Claims, 4 Drawing SheetsUS 9,215,928 B2 eas mec, ee ee Fredy Fe Amiga asso Gales ges oe G ) 20110083910 AL 22011 Ceballos-Godefroy ‘ieim —Exosot ‘irom —— Grosar FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS 66) erences Ce 7 ao ee ee oa tus PATENT DOCUMENTS Pe coma cee 31140.133 A ¢ 7/1964 Kraft 312140.2 Aaah he ses AS ee 3.588.209 A * 61971 3121402 sponding EP epplication.US 9,215,928 B2 Sheet 1 of 4 Dee. 22, 2015, US. PatentU.S. Patent Dee. 22, 2015 Sheet 2 of 4 US 9,215,928 B2U.S. Patent Dee. 22, 2015 Sheet 3 of 4 US 9,215,928 B2 779, GU.S. Patent Dee. 22, 2015 Sheet 4 of 4 US 9,215,928 B2US 9,215,928 B2 1 EXPANDABLE PODIUM, ‘TECHNICAL Fu LD OF THE INVENTION ‘The present invention refers o a podium which is expand able with respect to its wid, The podium is adaptod for use as a speaker's podium, as a display counter or presentation podium, 2, BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART “The podium is an article that is frequently used at exhii= tions, trade fairs and other similar events, wherein the posivan provides top and front surfaces onto which display id pre- entation material can be attached and supported. podium or hese purposes inthis contextoften aso named s counter, Js typically made pivotally foldable about a vertical axis in fonder to foclitate transportation while still providing adequate display surfaces i the un-folded expanded mode of the podim. The podium is often mobile on wheels which ean be integrated in bottom region ofthe structure, or separately provided and attachable tothe base ofthe podium, ‘At exhibition, wade fats and other events its a general desire to have access oa large and noticeable display format, without unnecessarily inewasing Weight and dimension of the podium in transportation mode, and without unnecessar- ‘ly complicating the foldinganfolding procedure. Existing foldable podium products are however imited to ‘maximum expansion of approximately tw times the width tnd display area ofthe poditim in folded condition SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Ic is thus an object ofthe present invention fo provide a podium which can be expanded above the double wich of the podium ia non-expandes! mode, without adding the srve- tural weight or dimensions ofthe podium. Another object of the present invention is to provide a podium which can be shifted between expanded and non- ‘expanded modes through a simple, manvalshiing manoew- The objects are met in a podium, a frst part of which ‘comprises a supporting base panel and a rear panel rising Jom the base panel, second part of which comprises top panel and front pace depending fromthe tp panel wherein expanded mode ofthe podium a lower hinge links a bottom ‘comer ofthe front pane! tothe nearest forwanl comer ofthe base pane! and an upper hinge links atop corner of the rear panel othe nearest rearward comer ofthe top pane! each oF the upper and Iower hinges forming an elongate element the ‘ends of which are connected pivotally to the appertaining base, top, front and rear panels about a respective pivot ax ‘and further wherein the pivot axes extend at comerging direc tions that intersect in a common point of intersection, beyond the rear panel In ther words, the socond portion ofthe podium is mov- fable in a spherical path of movement relative tothe fist portion. The arangement of a spherical linkage not only minimizes the risk of hinges jamming, but ensures aso a smooth motion and a natural manual handling as well Ia ‘expanded mode, the podium provides a width and a frontal splay area substantially oqualng three times the width and {rot area ofthe podium in non-expanded mode, "As consequence of linking the separate parts of the podium through the spherical Tinkage, the frst and second parts will be laterally separated and angularly spaced om @ ‘ircularare in the expanded mode ofthe podium. Thisis also o 2 a characterizing feature of the invention which provides a ‘Simplified! manu manoeuvre involving a sight wist ofthe ‘operator's body but requires no other shifting of bodily posi- tion. In addition, the curved font of the expanded podium ‘addsto the esthetial appearance the product. andimproves the exposure of display material that has heen attached to the {ront ofthe podium. Ina preferred embodiment, the first and second parts of the podium each comprises a side panel adjoining a longitudinal edge of the front and rear panels respectively, the first and sevondl pars ofthe podium in non-expanded mode together Torming a closed cabinet, The embodiment provides for safe storage of display material and other articles inside the podium, ‘The basics of the presented solution can be applicd in ferent embodiments ofthe invention. Inaltematve to the above configuration, wherein the base and rear panels are ‘connected 1 form a fst part of the podium and the top and ‘roat panels are connected to foam the other part, the panels may be otherwise combined, Accontingly used herein, the attributed definitions front and rear shall be understood merely as indicative of a viewing direction, and ean be mutu- ally exchanged without changing the scope of invention ‘which is not limited to the language that is applied for the purposes of explanation and understanding ‘Bearing the above ssid in mind, a prefered embodiment foresees that, in expanded mode, the lower hinge links a bottom corner ofthe front pane! to the nearest forward comer of the base panel. The same prefered embodiment foresees ‘thatthe upper hinge links a top comer af the rear pel to the nearest rearward comer of the top panel, in the expanded ‘mode ofthe podium, "A smoothly eurved and highly esthetical font surface for supporting of display material caa he achieved wien, aceord- ing to a preferred embodiment, the foot pane is made eon- vvexo-concave in horizontal section, In athee words, the for ‘ward fae of the front panel is convex, and the ear face a the {ont panel is concave. “The lower hinge may advantageously be curved in confor: nity with the convexo-coneave seetion of the front panel. Ia son-expanded mode, the lower hinge lies concealed inside the closed cabinet, following a forward edge of the base panel Inthe endsof the lowerhinge, the lowerhinge isang configured for mounting the lower hinge pivotally abou converging pivot axes According o one preferred embodiment of the invention 3 Jengthof the upper hinge projects outside the rear panel inthe son-expanded mode of Use podium, ssi length of the upper hinge following at a small distance a rearward edge ofthe lop panel so as to provide an accessible handle for tninsportation bf the closed cabinet This duplicate function ean be achieved since the upper hinge comprises a handle portion, in each ‘opposite end adjoining a mounting bracket which extends ‘orwanlly offset rom thehandle portion, the mounting brack- fs angled and configured for mounting the upper hinge piv= ctlly about conversing pivot axes ‘Among other advantageous features to be mentioned in ‘connection with prefered embodiments ar, eg: wheels for transportation which are journaled inthe base panels handles {or gripping formed in the top panel and used by the operator ‘or shifting the podium botwoon expanded and closed modes, aswell as fixtures arranged inside the frst and/or second part fof the podium for suppor of one oF more insets adapted for holding accessories, presentation material, ete nd theUS 9,215,928 B2 3 SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS ‘The invention will be futher explained below with refer- ‘ence made to the accompanying driwvings, schematically ‘ustrating embodiments of thenew podium. Inthedmiwings FIGS. 1a-1/ilasratein six snapshots the motion by which the non-expanded podium (FIG. 1a) is shifted into the fully ‘expanded mode (FIG. 1} FIG. 2 isan exploded throe-imensional view showing the separate elements ofa podium according to the invention IG. 3 is atop view showing the podium in fully expanded mode, and FIG. 4 is a side view and vertical soction through the podium in non-expanded mode and, in dash-dot lines, atthe peak of a swinging motion between expanded and non-ex- panded mets. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1a shows the podium 1 innoz-expanded mode, est- ing with its base onto a oor ‘in FIG. 1h one part ofthe podium 1 is fed up andl sepa rated from another part which remains standing onthe floor. > Inthe rest ofthe disclosure, the remaining partis named first part 2, and the movable part is named second part 3 In FIG. Lethe second part 3 is further lifted and separated som the fist part 2, the movable part 3 approaching. peak of ‘swinging motion which is controlled through upper and lower hinges 4 and § respectively, pivotally linking the sec- ‘ond part 3 to the frst part 2 of the podium 1. In FIG. Id the swinging motion has passed is highest Point, andthe second pat 3 is mvering towards the aor. In FIG. Lethe expansion is almost finished InFIG. /the fully expanded podium iscompleted through supplementary frontcoveranda tabletop whichis puttorest ‘onthe top ofthe expanded podium. ‘The series of snapshots through FIGS. 1a to 1fillutates the transformation from a non-expanded format adapted for transportation in FIG. 1a to the expanded format of FIG. 17 resulting in a substantial inerease othe width and area which ‘can be use for presentation pumposes. Upon comparing FIG. ot FIG- itis readily seen that the useful width andrea of the expanded podium is more than double and elose to three times the width and area of the podium in non-expanded mode, “The Separate elements which ae built nto the structare of the new podium are now tobe explained with reference made also to FIGS, 2-4 of the drawings. ‘The first pocium part 2 comprises a supporting base panel 7a rearward edge of which is connected to the lower edge of rear patel 8 which rises from the base panel. The second podium part 3 comprises a top panel 9, a forward edge of “which connects to the upper edge of font panel 10, depend= ng/hanging down from the top pane. The podium parts and ‘each comprisesa side panel 1 and 12, respectively, adjoin- ‘opposite Forward and rearward vertical edges of the rear and font panels. Thus inthe non-expanded mode the podium ‘takes the shape ofa closed eabinet. “The first and second parts are movably linked though the upper and lower hinges 4 and 5, As is best seen in FIG. Leto FIG. te, theupperand lower hinges are in each respective end Tinked to the first and second parts of the podium. More precisely, the upper hinge 4 links a top corner 8 of the ear pane] 8 to the nearest rearward comer 9 ofthe top panel 9 o 4 Correspondingly, the lower hinge 5 links a bottom comer 10 ofthe fat panel 10 to the nearest forward corner 7 of the base panel 7, "The upper and lower hinges 4 and are in each end jour nalledto swing abouta pivot, respectively that Tinks the hinge pivotally tothe respective panel of the podium 1. Naturally, {he pivot connection between hinge anda podium panel can be realized in alternative ways. For example, «pivot pin 34 may be fixedly arranged in the end ofthe top or lower hinge to be received for rotation in a corresponding bore formed in the podium panel. Altematively, pivot pins may be mounted fn the poditin panels, and inthe panels positioned aad or ented 1 be received for rotation in corresponding. bores ormed inthe ends ofthe upper and lower hinges. The joints between the upper and lower hinges and each podium part or panel are in each ease configured sich thatthe upper and lower hinges are journaled o swing about non-parallel pivot ‘More presisely, the upper and lower hinges are journaled to swing about pivot axes which extend at converging dirwe- ‘ions that nterset in a common, imaginary point of intrscc- ‘ion IP at a distance beyond the rear panel of the padi. la IG. 1e,theextensions of the four pivot axes are ilestrated.as {our lines of direction D1, D2, D3 and D4. The upper and Jowerhinges 4 and 5thus form 2linkageby which the second part 3of the podium is movable ina spherical path of move- ‘ment relative tothe first pant 2 In expanded mod the second part 3 willbe laterally separate anc angularly spaced from the first part 2 on a circa are A whose cente is the point of intersection between the pivot axes” extensions DI to D4 FIG. 3 is a view from above showing the podiam in its expanded mode, illustrating also the converging pivot axes DI and D2 which pivotally connect the upper hinge 4 to the part ofthe podium In FIG. 3, the pivot axes D3 and Dt the lowerhinge 8 run vertically underneath the pivot axes D1, D2 ‘and are thus hidden inthe top view. FIG. 4 is a side view and vereal section through the podium, shoving the orientation ofthe pivot axes DI-D4 ina vertical plane. Only the pivot axes D2 and D4 are visible in FIG. 4 whereas the pivot axes DI and D3 are cut away, however, these wil have the same inclination with respec! to the horizontal has the illustrated pivot axes D2, Ds (in non- expanded and fully expanded modes, ie). In a prelerred embodiment of the invention the pivot axes D1 10 D4 are ‘oriented such thatthe pont of intersection between the pivot axes lies ata level thats higher above the flooe than the top of ‘the podium 1, In result, the movable poium par 3 will move slightly inclined from the vertical though the peak of the Swinging motion between non-expanded and expanded ‘modes. The inclined postion atthe peak of the swinging ‘motion illustrated through dash-dotted lines in FIG. 4. This embodiment facilitates separation of the podium part and roves for expansion of the podium trough a sooth and frgonomie maniaal manoeuvre ‘Naturally, the angular distances between the pivot axes DI-D4 will depend on the actual dimensions ofthe podium I tnd the desired curvature of the podium in expanded! mode The following appeoximative data is therefore merely to be ‘understood as indications intended for guiding the skilled person, and shall not be interpreted 36 limitations to the present invention, Thus, ina podium having a height of about 1000 mma width of about 6O0 mm anda depth dimension of | about 400 mm, the intermediate angle a between pivot axes 1 and D2 (and between pivot axes D3 and D4, respectively) ‘may amount 1 approximately 9-10° in ahorizotal view (see FIG. 3) resulting na corresponding angularspacing between the first and second podium parts in expanded mode. In aUS 9,215,928 B2 5 vertical view, see FIG. 4, the pivot axes DL and D2 may be farranged at a sloping angle fof about 1-2° relative to the horizon, {rom the point of intersection through the pivots of the upper hinged. Ontheotherhand, thepivt axes D8 and D4 may be arranged ata sloping angle of about 15-18° relative to the horizon h from the point or intersection through the pivots of the lower hinge 8. Given these circumstances, the Point of intersection IP will be located at a distance of about 3200-3500 behind the rear panel & of the podium, ‘Manual separation of the two podium pars is facilitated through handles 13, 14 for gripping by the operator's hands ‘ranged inthe top pane 9 of tie movable podium par 3 (see FIG.2) ‘Transportation of the podium 1 is facilitated through ‘wheels 15 arranged ina bottom region of the podivm. Inthe ‘ustrated embodiment, wheel houses 16 are Tormed at the angular connection between the base pane andthe rear panel, inthe wo rearward comers of the base anc 7 Also for the purpose of facilitating transportation, the upper hinge 4 is shaped to project outside the rear panel 8 a the non-expanded mode ofthe podium. The upper hinge 4 ‘comprises 4 handle portion 17 which in each opposite end fears mounting brocket 18 and 19, respectively. The mounting brackets 18, 19 extend forwardly offbet and at an angle from the ends of the handle portion, the mounting brackets configured with bores 20 for mounting the upper hinge pivotally about pivot pins dt are oriented on the con- verging pivot axes DY and D2. Tn non-expanded mode, the rearward offset handle portion 17 is received ina pocket 21 formed inthe upper edge of the rear panel 8. clearance 22 in the rearward edge ofthe top pane! provides aeces othe handle portion 17 for transpor- In non-expanded mode the lower hinge $ lies concealed Jnsde the podium. In a prefered and appealing design, the front panel 10 is curved with a converd-concave sectional profile. The lower hinge § and the forward edge of the base pane] 7 are curved accordingly, the lower hinge in non-ex- panded mode closely following inside a curved rim 23 rising From the Forward edge of the base panel 7 (Soe FIG. 4), This ‘embodiment provides a support surface which is adapted for an esthetical presentation ofa poster ora pocium cover 24 (see FIG. 1, spanning atleast the gap between the separated podium parts thus covering the open interior ofthe stationary part 2. The lower hinge S comprises in each end ajoumal 25 ‘and 26, respectively, for mounting the ower hinge to pivot pins that are oriented on the converging pivotaxesD3 and Ds. ‘The lower hinge 5 may advantageously be formed with 3 shoulder or slot 27 that provides support forthe lower edge of the posteror cover. The posteror cover may be provided inthe omof roll-out custsin that is housed in the forward vertical Post 28 ofthe stationary podium part 2 ‘The podium pars 2 and 3 may be manufactured and assembled from moulded plastic components, whereas the ‘upper and lower hinges may be produced from metal or ‘combinations of metal an synthetic material. Seats or sock ‘ets adapted for mounting of metal pivot pins may be formed sltectly inthe moulded components, or provided 2s separate Jonmal bearing details which are moustable to the poxivm pars. The interiors ofthe fist andr second podium parts may be formed with ftings for attachment of inserts for ‘organization and storage of presentation material and per- sonal elfets, eg. sueh as indicated in the drawings by & ttensils tray 29. The podium top 6 (see FIG. 1f) may be provided asa light-weight plastic component that is foldable [ice fr storage inside the closed cabinet 0 o 1. An expandable podium, comprising ‘fit part (2), which includes a supporting base panel (7) ‘anda rear pane! (8) rising from the base panel; and sasecond part (3), which includes atop panel @) anda foot ‘panel (10) depending from the top panel, ‘whervin, in an expanded mode of the podium, a lower hinge 8) links bottom corner (40 o the font panel 0 2 forward comer (7) of the base panel, and an upper hinge (4) links a top comer (8) ofthe rear pane! 10 searward comer (9° ofthe top panel, each ofthe upper and lower hinges forming an elongate element, ends of ‘which being connected pivotally to the appertaining base, top, font, and rear panels about respective pivot axis (DI, D2, D3, Dd), and ‘wherein the pivot axes (DI, D2, D3 and D4) extend at ‘converging directions that intersect in common imagi~ nary point of intersection (IP), beyond the rear panel 2. The podium according t elaim 1, wherein the frst and second parts of the podium each comprises aside panel (11, 12) adjoining a longitudinal edge ofthe front and rear panels respectively; the frst and second parts of the podium in non- expanded mode together forming closed cabinet (1), 3. The podium according to claim 1, wherein in expanded smd the fist snd second parts are Isterally separates and angularly space! on a circular ae, 4. The podium aeconding to claim 1, wherein in non-ex- ‘panded mode the lower hinge is concealed inside the closed cabinet, following a forward edge (23) ofthe base panel '. The podium according to claim 1, wherein the Feat panel (10) is convexo-concave in horizontal section 6. The podium according to claim 8, wherein the lower hinge (6) is curved in conformity withthe eonvexo-concave section ofthe front panel (10). 7. The podium according to claim 6, wherein the ends 28, 26) ofthe lower hinge are configured for mounting the lower hinge pivotally about converging pivot axes (D3, D4). 8. The podium aeconding to claim 1, wherein in non-ex- panded mode a length of the upper hinge 4) projects outside the rearpane!, ollowinga rearward edge (22) the top panel, Torming a handle (17) for transportation ofthe closed cabinet. 9. The podium according t claim 8, wherein the upper hinge (4) comprises a handle portion in each opposite end adjoining mounting bracket (18, 19) which extends for ‘wardly offset from the handle portion (17), the mounting brackets angled and configured (20) for mounting the upper hinge pivotally about conversing pivot axes (D1, D2) 10, The podium according to claim 1, wherein the second portion of te podium is movable in aspherical path of move- rent relative to the first portion, between expanded and closed modes. 11. The podium of claim 1, further comprising ‘wheels (1) for transportation joumalle inthe base panel. 12. The podium of claim 1, further comprising handles (13, 14) for manual gripping formed in the top ‘panel (9) for sifting the podium between expanded and closed modes 13. The podium of claim 1, furthor comprising an insert (29) supported inside the frst andor inside the sccond part ofthe podius, 14, The podium of elaim 1, further comprising: a separate poli top (6) twice fldable for storage is podius