foldable bookends

Abstract

The present application discloses a foldable bookend comprising an upright plate and a bottom plate, the upright plate being provided with a first pivotal connecting portion, the bottom plate being provided with a second pivotal connecting portion that matches the first pivotal connecting portion, the upright plate and the bottom plate being rotatably unfolded or folded when the first pivotal connecting portion and the second pivotal connecting portion are joined together, the first pivotal connecting portion being provided with an elastic locking member, the second pivotal connecting portion being provided with a stopper groove that matches the elastic locking member, the upright plate and the bottom plate being rotatably locked in the unfolded position or the folded position when the elastic locking member is fitted into the stopper groove, the foldable bookend being able to achieve a rotation lock when rotated to the unfolded position or the stored state, preventing it from being accidentally folded when in use or accidentally unfolded when stored, and having a simple structure and high reliability in use.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority from a patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on June 14, 2023, bearing application number 2023215139933 and entitled "Foldable Bookend."

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of stationery items, more precisely to foldable bookends. [Background technology]

[0003] Bookends are used to support books so that they can stand upright stably, and are generally L-shaped. By using bookends to store books, it is possible to prevent books from tilting or falling over, and to prevent the corners of books from being bent, twisted, or damaged, and it is also possible to store different types of books in a categorized manner.

[0004] However, most of the bookends currently in use have a fixed shape, making them inconvenient to carry and occupying a large storage space when not in use, making them less practical.

[0005] For example, the utility model application with publication number CN202567088U discloses a foldable bookend including a bottom plate, to which a standing plate is hingedly connected via a pin, the pin having a stopper protrusion block, and a pin provided between the standing plate and the bottom plate, which can facilitate folding of the bookend, and the provision of a stopper protrusion block on the pin can ensure the stability of the bookend during use.

[0006] According to this aspect, the provision of an axle pin allows the bookend to be folded and stored, saving storage space when the bookend is not in use, but this bookend cannot be locked in rotation whether in use or stored, and is therefore not yet sufficiently reliable when actually used. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present application is to provide a foldable bookend that can achieve a rotation lock when rotated to the unfolded position and the stored state, can prevent erroneous folding during use, and can prevent erroneous unfolding during storage, has a simple structure, and is highly reliable in use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present application provides a foldable bookend including an upright plate and a bottom plate, wherein the upright plate is provided with a first pivotal connecting portion, the bottom plate is provided with a second pivotal connecting portion that matches the first pivotal connecting portion, the first pivotal connecting portion and the second pivotal connecting portion are joined together so that the upright plate and the bottom plate can be rotatably unfolded or folded, the first pivotal connecting portion is provided with an elastic locking member, and the second pivotal connecting portion is provided with a stopper groove that matches the elastic locking member, and the elastic locking member fits into the stopper groove, thereby locking the upright plate and the bottom plate in a pivotable position or a folded position.

[0009] In this embodiment, the upright plate and the bottom plate are pivotally connected via a first pivotal connection portion and a second pivotal connection portion, and the upright plate and the bottom plate are unfolded and folded by rotating relative to each other.

[0010] By providing an elastic locking member at the first pivotal connection and a stopper groove at the second pivotal connection, the standing plate and the bottom plate are locked in rotation by engagement between the elastic locking member and the stopper groove, which prevents the plate from being folded incorrectly when in use or unfolded incorrectly when stored, improving reliability in use.

[0011] Furthermore, since the elastic locking member is elastic, when the user continues to rotate the standing plate and the bottom plate, the elastic locking member will elastically deform and come out of the stopper groove, thereby realizing the release of the rotation lock, thereby reducing the labor required for use.

[0012] As an improvement, the stopper groove includes a first stopper groove and a second stopper groove arranged along the circumferential direction, the first stopper groove and the second stopper groove are spaced apart by an angle of 90 degrees, and when the elastic locking member is engaged with the first stopper groove, the standing plate becomes perpendicular to the bottom plate and is locked in the unfolded position, and when the elastic locking member is engaged with the second stopper groove, the standing plate becomes parallel to the bottom plate and is locked in the folded position.

[0013] In this aspect, at least two types of stopper grooves are provided: first stopper grooves and second stopper grooves, which are arranged circumferentially at an interval of 90 degrees. When it is necessary to use the bookends, the user rotates the standing plate and the bottom plate to the unfolded position, so that the standing plate becomes perpendicular to the bottom plate. At this time, the elastic locking member fits snugly into the first stopper groove and abuts against the first stopper groove, maintaining the rotation lock between the standing plate and the bottom plate and preventing the standing plate and the bottom plate from rotating and folding during use.

[0014] Furthermore, when the bookend needs to be stored, the user applies force to the upright plate or the bottom plate, which causes the elastic locking member to elastically deform and come out of the first stopper groove, causing the upright plate and the bottom plate to rotate and unlock, allowing the upright plate and the bottom plate to rotate relative to each other to the folded position, with the upright plate becoming parallel to the bottom plate.

[0015] At this time, the elastic locking member fits snugly into the second stopper groove, and as the elastic locking member abuts against the second stopper groove, the standing plate and the bottom plate maintain a rotational lock, preventing the standing plate and the bottom plate from rotating and unfolding when stored, further improving reliability in use.

[0016] As an improvement, one end of the elastic locking member is provided with a first protrusion that fits into the stopper groove, and the elastic locking member fits into the stopper groove via the first protrusion. In this embodiment, by providing the first protrusion on the elastic locking member, the elastic locking member engages with the stopper groove via the first protrusion to achieve rotation lock. In addition, by providing the first protrusion, engagement efficiency is improved, and the protrusion structure is simple, making use more convenient and quick, and saving labor.

[0017] As an improvement, the elastic locking member has an elastic piece structure. In this embodiment, the elastic locking member is provided as an elastic piece structure having a protrusion at its end, and during rotation, the elastic piece structure can cause the first protrusion to enter or leave the stopper groove by elastic force, which is simple in structure and labor-saving in use.

[0018] As an improvement, the second rotational coupling part is provided with a rotational shaft, and the second rotational coupling part is rotationally coupled to the first rotational coupling part via the rotational shaft. In this aspect, the first rotational coupling part and the second rotational coupling part are rotationally coupled via the rotational shaft, which results in higher rotation efficiency and higher reliability.

[0019] As an improvement, the first pivotal connection part is provided with a fastener that fits the pivot shaft, and the pivot shaft is locked with the fastener, thereby pivotally connecting the first pivotal connection part and the second pivotal connection part. In this embodiment, the pivot shaft is locked with the fastener, preventing the first pivotal connection part and the second pivotal connection part from coming apart. Furthermore, the pin connection structure formed by the fastener and the pivot shaft improves the pivot efficiency, and the pin connection structure provides a force that prevents the upright board from being pushed outward by the book, making the use of the bookend more reliable.

[0020] As an improvement, a support surface is provided at the bottom of the first pivoting connector to support the standing plate so that it stands upright. In this embodiment, the first pivoting connector is provided on the standing plate, and by providing a support surface at the bottom of the first pivoting connector, when the bookend is in use, the standing plate is perpendicular to the bottom plate, and when the bottom plate is in close contact with the surface on which the bookend is placed, the standing plate is perpendicular to the surface on which the bookend is placed, and the standing plate is in close contact with the surface via the support surface. The support surface increases the contact area between the standing plate and the surface on which the bookend is placed, allowing the standing plate to stand more reliably and stably, preventing the bookend from falling over and making the bookend more reliable to use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a foldable bookend according to the present application in use; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the structure shown in FIG. 1 according to the present application. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a standing plate according to the present application. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a bottom plate according to the present application. [Figure 5] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG. 1 according to the present application. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic enlarged partial view of A in FIG. 5 according to the present application. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a foldable bookend according to the present application in a stored state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the structure shown in FIG. 7 according to the present application. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG. 7 according to the present application. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic enlarged partial view of B in FIG. 9 according to the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] For a better understanding of the present application, various aspects of the present application will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that these detailed descriptions are merely descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0023] In the drawings, thicknesses, sizes and shapes of objects are slightly exaggerated for illustrative purposes. The drawings are merely examples and are not drawn to exact scale.

[0024] It should also be understood that the terms "comprise," "comprise," "have," and "include," when used herein, refer to the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 to 10, the present application discloses a foldable bookend. This foldable bookend includes an upright plate 1 and a bottom plate 2. The upright plate 1 is provided with a first pivotable connector 11, and the bottom plate 2 is provided with a second pivotable connector 21 that fits the first pivotable connector 11, and the first pivotable connector 11 and the second pivotable connector 21 are pivotally connected to each other.

[0026] The upright plate 1 and the bottom plate 2 are pivotally connected via a first pivotal connection part 11 and a second pivotal connection part 21, and the upright plate 1 and the bottom plate 2 are unfolded and folded by rotating relative to each other.

[0027] An elastic locking member 12 is provided on the first pivotal connecting portion 11, and a stopper groove that fits the elastic locking member 12 is provided on the second pivotal connecting portion 21. The elastic locking member 12 fits into the stopper groove, thereby realizing a rotational lock between the standing plate 1 and the bottom plate 2, and the standing plate 1 and the bottom plate 2 are rotationally locked in the extended position (at which time the bookends are in use) or the folded position (at which time the bookends are in the stored position), thereby preventing the bookends from being accidentally folded when in use or accidentally deployed when stored, improving reliability in use.

[0028] Furthermore, since the elastic locking member 12 is elastic, when the user continues to rotate the standing plate 1 and the bottom plate 2, the elastic locking member 12 will elastically deform and come out of the stopper groove, thereby realizing the release of the rotation lock, thereby reducing the labor required for use.

[0029] 4, the stopper grooves include at least two types: first stopper grooves 22 and second stopper grooves 23. The first stopper grooves 22 and the second stopper grooves 23 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the second rotational connecting portion 21, and the first stopper grooves 22 and the second stopper grooves 23 are spaced apart by an angle of 90 degrees. When the elastic locking member 12 is fitted into the first stopper groove 22, the standing plate 1 becomes perpendicular to the bottom plate 2 and is locked in the unfolded position. When the elastic locking member 12 is fitted into the second stopper groove 23, the standing plate 1 becomes parallel to the bottom plate 2 and is locked in the folded position.

[0030] When it is necessary to use the bookends, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the user rotates the standing plate 1 and the bottom plate 2 to the expanded position, so that the standing plate 1 becomes perpendicular to the bottom plate 2. At this time, the elastic locking member 12 fits snugly into the first stopper groove 22, and the elastic locking member 12 abuts against the first stopper groove 22, maintaining the standing plate 1 and the bottom plate 2 in a rotationally locked state (i.e., preventing the standing plate 1 and the bottom plate 2 from rotating relative to each other), preventing the standing plate 1 and the bottom plate 2 from rotating and folding when in use.

[0031] 9 and 10, when the bookends need to be stored, the user applies force to the standing plate 1 or the bottom plate 2, causing the elastic locking member 12 to elastically deform under the force and disengage from the first stopper groove 22, causing the standing plate 1 and the bottom plate 2 to rotate and unlock, allowing the standing plate 1 and the bottom plate 2 to rotate relative to each other to the folded position, with the standing plate 1 becoming parallel to the bottom plate 2. At this time, the elastic locking member 12 fits snugly into the second stopper groove 23, and the elastic locking member 12 abuts against the second stopper groove 23, maintaining the rotation lock between the standing plate 1 and the bottom plate 2. This prevents the standing plate 1 and the bottom plate 2 from rotating and unfolding during storage, further improving reliability in use.

[0032] 3, one end of the elastic locking member 12 is provided with a first protrusion 121 that fits into the stopper groove, and the elastic locking member 12 fits into the stopper groove via the first protrusion 121. By providing the first protrusion 121 on the elastic locking member 12, the elastic locking member 12 engages with the stopper groove via the first protrusion 121 to achieve rotation locking. Furthermore, providing the first protrusion 121 improves engagement efficiency, and the simple protrusion structure makes use more convenient and quick, saving labor.

[0033] In addition, the elastic locking member 12 has an elastic piece structure with a protrusion at its end, and during rotation, the elastic piece structure can cause the first protrusion 121 to enter or leave the stopper groove by elastic force, making the structure simple and labor-saving to use.

[0034] 3, 4, and 8, a rotation shaft 211 is provided in the second rotation coupling part 21, and the second rotation coupling part 21 is rotationally coupled to the first rotation coupling part 11 via the rotation shaft 211. A fastener 111 that fits the rotation shaft 211 is provided in the first rotation coupling part 11, and the first rotation coupling part 11 and the second rotation coupling part 21 are rotationally coupled by locking the rotation shaft 211 to the fastener 111, and locking the rotation shaft 211 to the fastener 111 prevents the first rotation coupling part 11 and the second rotation coupling part 21 from coming apart.

[0035] Forming a pin connection structure between the fastener 111 and the pivot shaft 211 improves the rotation efficiency, and the pin connection structure provides a force that prevents the stand-up board 1 from being pushed outward by the book, making the bookend more reliable to use.

[0036] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, fastener 111 has a U-shaped groove structure in first pivot connection portion 11, and fastener 111 has two second protrusions 112 arranged one above the other. Rotation shaft 211 is inserted into fastener 111, and fastener 111 regulates the position of rotation shaft 211 by means of second protrusions 112, preventing rotation shaft 211 from coming off fastener 111. The structure is simple and installation is labor-saving.

[0037] As an improvement, as shown in Figures 3, 7 and 8, a support surface 13 is provided at the bottom of the first pivot connection part 11 to support the standing plate 1 so that when the bookend is in use, the standing plate 1 is perpendicular to the bottom plate 2, and when the bottom plate 2 comes into close contact with the surface on which the bookend is placed, the standing plate 1 becomes perpendicular to the surface on which the bookend is placed, and the standing plate 1 comes into close contact with the surface via the support surface 13. The support surface 13 increases the contact area between the standing plate 1 and the surface on which the bookend is placed, allowing the standing plate 1 to stand more reliably and stably, preventing the bookend from falling over and making the bookend more reliable to use.

[0038] The present application is not limited to the best embodiment described above, and anyone can derive various other forms of products based on the teachings of the present application, but regardless of any changes made to their shape or structure, all of them that have the same or similar aspects as the present application are included in the scope of protection of the present application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 1...standing plate, 11...first pivoting connection part, 111...fastener, 112...second protrusion, 12...elastic locking member, 121...first protrusion, 13...support surface, 2...bottom plate, 21...second pivoting connection part, 211...rotating shaft, 22...first stopper groove, 23...second stopper groove.

Claims

1. A foldable bookend including a standing plate (1) and a bottom plate (2), The upright plate (1) is provided with a first pivotal connection (11), and the bottom plate (2) is provided with a second pivotal connection (21) that fits the first pivotal connection (11). The first pivotal connecting portion (11) and the second pivotal connecting portion (21) are joined so that the upright plate (1) and the bottom plate (2) are pivotally provided, whereby the upright plate (1) and the bottom plate (2) have an unfolded position and a folded position; The first pivotal connecting portion (11) is provided with an elastic locking member (12), and the second pivotal connecting portion (21) is provided with a stopper groove that fits the elastic locking member (12), The foldable bookend is characterized in that the elastic locking member (12) fits into the stopper groove, thereby locking the upright plate (1) and the bottom plate (2) in rotation in the unfolded position or the folded position.

2. The stopper groove includes a first stopper groove (22) and a second stopper groove (23) arranged along the circumferential direction of the second rotation connecting portion (21), The arrangement interval angle between the first stopper groove (22) and the second stopper groove (23) is 90 degrees, When the elastic locking member (12) is fitted into the first stopper groove (22), the upright plate (1) becomes perpendicular to the bottom plate (2) and is locked in the deployed position; 2. The foldable bookend according to claim 1, wherein when the elastic locking member (12) is fitted into the second stopper groove (23), the upright plate (1) is locked in the folded position parallel to the bottom plate (2).

3. One end of the elastic locking member (12) is provided with a first protrusion (121) that fits into the stopper groove, 3. The foldable bookend according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic locking member (12) fits into the stopper groove via the first protrusion (121).

4. The foldable bookend according to claim 3, characterized in that the elastic locking member (12) is an elastic piece structure.

5. The second rotation connecting portion (21) is provided with a rotation shaft (211), 3. The foldable bookend according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second pivot connection (21) is pivotally connected to the first pivot connection (11) via the pivot shaft (211).

6. The first pivot connection portion (11) is provided with a fastener (111) that fits the pivot shaft (211), 6. The foldable bookend according to claim 5, wherein the first pivotal connection portion (11) and the second pivotal connection portion (21) are pivotally connected together by the pivot shaft (211) being engaged with the fastener (111).

7. 3. The foldable bookend according to claim 1, wherein a support surface (13) is provided at the bottom of the first pivotal connection portion (11) for supporting the upright plate (1) in an upright position.

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