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WO2013096752A1 - Flexible support for tablet-style computers - Google Patents

Flexible support for tablet-style computers Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2013096752A1
WO2013096752A1 PCT/US2012/071210 US2012071210W WO2013096752A1 WO 2013096752 A1 WO2013096752 A1 WO 2013096752A1 US 2012071210 W US2012071210 W US 2012071210W WO 2013096752 A1 WO2013096752 A1 WO 2013096752A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
base
tablet
support
arm
style
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2012/071210
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Meir Avganim
Original Assignee
Noble Security, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US13/722,344 external-priority patent/US20130181101A1/en
Application filed by Noble Security, Inc. filed Critical Noble Security, Inc.
Priority to CN201280051374.5A priority Critical patent/CN103907074A/en
Publication of WO2013096752A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013096752A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45CPURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C13/00Details; Accessories
    • A45C13/005Hinges
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45CPURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C13/00Details; Accessories
    • A45C13/34Stays or supports for holding lids or covers open
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45FTRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F3/00Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
    • A45F3/04Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of two straps passing over the two shoulders
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45FTRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F5/00Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
    • A45F5/1525Holders or carriers for portable computing devices, e.g. laptops, tablets or calculators
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45CPURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C13/00Details; Accessories
    • A45C13/10Arrangement of fasteners
    • A45C13/1076Arrangement of fasteners with a snap action
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45CPURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C2200/00Details not otherwise provided for in A45C
    • A45C2200/15Articles convertible into a stand, e.g. for displaying purposes

Definitions

  • the present invention is generally directed to a support system for computer devices and, more particularly, to a flexible support for tablet-style computer which allows it to be supported to any stable object or to a wall or even to a person on the move.
  • Handheld devices particularly tablet-style personal electronic devices
  • These devices often require the use of both hands, particularly when trying to enter data and manipulate screens. It is difficult to hold these devices in both hands, particularly for prolonged periods. Also, for people on the go, it is desirable to be able to quickly shift between using the hands for different tasks and then use the tablet-style personal computer while moving around one's home, office or the like.
  • a support system for computer devices such as tablet-style computers which comprises a base that can be screwed or bolted to a stationary object or which can be attached to a person's body with straps.
  • the base provides a hinged, extendable arm which supports a base to which the tablet- style computer can be affixed, either immovably or rotatably.
  • the hinged arm can be pivoted between angles from 0 to greater than 180° and allows a user of the support system to use the tablet without having to hold it in one's hands and with having the hands free for quickly switching between use of the computer and other tasks.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective of the invention showing the device in use in an extended position.
  • FIG. 2 is another perspective showing the tablet in a less extended position.
  • FIG. 3 is a third perspective of the invention showing the tablet at a different angle and with shoulder and body straps attached to its base.
  • Fig. 4 shows the perspective of Fig. 3 with the tablet in an extended position.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective of the tablet-style computer support system showing the tablet in a stowed position.
  • Fig. 6 is another perspective, similar to Fig. 5.
  • Fig. 7 shows the tablet support system in a landscape embodiment.
  • the tablet support 10 comprises a base 12 with screw or bolt openings 14 defined therein by which it can be affixed to a stationary object such as a desk, a wall or the like.
  • the base is flanked by left and right side walls 13.
  • a hinge mechanism 16 with a knob 18 which allows the supporting arm 26 to pivot between a closed position, at which the arm is substantially parallel to the base 12 and an open position, the angle of which can be adjusted at various angles, at least from 0 to 180° and even at greater angles.
  • Ridging 24 provided inside the hinge 16 allows the angular position of the arm to be firmly supported.
  • a slide 28 extends in the trough 26a of the arm 26 and is slidable inside said trough toward and away from the base 12.
  • the slide 28 supports a tablet base or platform 22 which can be affixed by a Velcro® connection to the tablet-style computer 20 or by a centrally located pivot that allows the tablet 30 to rotate clockwise and counter-clockwise about a center of the tablet base 22.
  • a locking tab 38 on the tablet 20 engages a lock 42 located near the top of the base 12, which has a pin 44 that engages an opening in the tab 38.
  • Fig. 2 the tablet 20 is shown in a position where it is slid closer to the base 12.
  • the sliding position of the tablet can be affixed by operating the lock 30 which has a pivotable lever 32 that is hinged at the pivot 34 and which is provided with a cam 36, which bears against the slide 28 to fix its sliding position.
  • the tablet-style computer 20 has been pivoted at an angle greater than 90°, which might be very comfortable for a situation where the support 12 is mounted to a wall or to a desk.
  • the slotted flanges 15 at the four corners of the base 12 can be threaded with straps 40.
  • the straps 40 include upper straps 46a and 46b and lower straps 52a and 52b.
  • the lower straps have female car seat-style locks 54a, 54b which receive corresponding male locks 48a and 48b, enabling the base 12 and supported tablet- style computer to be strapped to a person's body in an easily recognizable manner.
  • Fig. 4 is similar to Fig. 3, except that it shows the tablet 20 in a further extended location.
  • Fig. 5 shows the stowed position with the securing lever untightened, whereas Fig.6 shows the securing lever 30 in the tightened position.
  • the base 12 has been formed similar to the previously described embodiments, but in a landscape position, so that it is a shorter in height, but with somewhat greater width in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • the arm 26 (in Fig. 1) can be made to have a telescopic construction, so that it can provide an even greater degree of extendibility.

Landscapes

  • Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

A support system for computer devices such as tablet-style computers, comprises a base that can be screwed or bolted to a stationary object or which can be attached to a person's body with straps. The base provides a hinge, and extendible arm which supports the base to which the tablet-style computer is affixed, either immovably or rotatably. The support system allows a person to use a tablet-style computer without having to hold it in one's hand and with the hands being free for quickly switching between use of the computer and other tasks.

Description

FLEXIBLE SUPPORT FOR TABLET-STYLE COMPUTERS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/579,848 filed on December 23, 2011 ; which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is generally directed to a support system for computer devices and, more particularly, to a flexible support for tablet-style computer which allows it to be supported to any stable object or to a wall or even to a person on the move.
[0003] Handheld devices, particularly tablet-style personal electronic devices, have become very popular. These devices often require the use of both hands, particularly when trying to enter data and manipulate screens. It is difficult to hold these devices in both hands, particularly for prolonged periods. Also, for people on the go, it is desirable to be able to quickly shift between using the hands for different tasks and then use the tablet-style personal computer while moving around one's home, office or the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a support for tablet-style or similar electronic devices which is capable of supporting the electronic device flexibly and with great versatility.
[0005] The foregoing and other objects of the invention are realized with a support system for computer devices such as tablet-style computers which comprises a base that can be screwed or bolted to a stationary object or which can be attached to a person's body with straps. The base provides a hinged, extendable arm which supports a base to which the tablet- style computer can be affixed, either immovably or rotatably. The hinged arm can be pivoted between angles from 0 to greater than 180° and allows a user of the support system to use the tablet without having to hold it in one's hands and with having the hands free for quickly switching between use of the computer and other tasks.
[0006] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Fig. 1 is a perspective of the invention showing the device in use in an extended position.
[0008] Fig. 2 is another perspective showing the tablet in a less extended position.
[0009] Fig. 3 is a third perspective of the invention showing the tablet at a different angle and with shoulder and body straps attached to its base.
[0010] Fig. 4 shows the perspective of Fig. 3 with the tablet in an extended position.
[0011] Fig. 5 is a perspective of the tablet-style computer support system showing the tablet in a stowed position.
[0012] Fig. 6 is another perspective, similar to Fig. 5.
[0013] Fig. 7 shows the tablet support system in a landscape embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Referring to Fig. 1, the tablet support 10 comprises a base 12 with screw or bolt openings 14 defined therein by which it can be affixed to a stationary object such as a desk, a wall or the like. The base is flanked by left and right side walls 13. [0015] At the bottom or one side of the support base 12 is a hinge mechanism 16 with a knob 18 which allows the supporting arm 26 to pivot between a closed position, at which the arm is substantially parallel to the base 12 and an open position, the angle of which can be adjusted at various angles, at least from 0 to 180° and even at greater angles. Ridging 24 provided inside the hinge 16 allows the angular position of the arm to be firmly supported. A slide 28 extends in the trough 26a of the arm 26 and is slidable inside said trough toward and away from the base 12. The slide 28 supports a tablet base or platform 22 which can be affixed by a Velcro® connection to the tablet-style computer 20 or by a centrally located pivot that allows the tablet 30 to rotate clockwise and counter-clockwise about a center of the tablet base 22.
[0016] In the stowed position shown in Fig. 5, a locking tab 38 on the tablet 20 engages a lock 42 located near the top of the base 12, which has a pin 44 that engages an opening in the tab 38.
[0017] In Fig. 2, the tablet 20 is shown in a position where it is slid closer to the base 12. In Fig. 1, the sliding position of the tablet can be affixed by operating the lock 30 which has a pivotable lever 32 that is hinged at the pivot 34 and which is provided with a cam 36, which bears against the slide 28 to fix its sliding position.
[0018] In Fig. 3, the tablet-style computer 20 has been pivoted at an angle greater than 90°, which might be very comfortable for a situation where the support 12 is mounted to a wall or to a desk. However, as shown in Fig. 3, the slotted flanges 15 at the four corners of the base 12 can be threaded with straps 40. The straps 40 include upper straps 46a and 46b and lower straps 52a and 52b. The lower straps have female car seat-style locks 54a, 54b which receive corresponding male locks 48a and 48b, enabling the base 12 and supported tablet- style computer to be strapped to a person's body in an easily recognizable manner. The two straps 46a and 46b can be crossed to prevent rotation of the support 10 about a person's body. [0019] Fig. 4 is similar to Fig. 3, except that it shows the tablet 20 in a further extended location. Fig. 5 shows the stowed position with the securing lever untightened, whereas Fig.6 shows the securing lever 30 in the tightened position.
[0020] In Fig. 7, the base 12 has been formed similar to the previously described embodiments, but in a landscape position, so that it is a shorter in height, but with somewhat greater width in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0021] Although not shown, the arm 26 (in Fig. 1) can be made to have a telescopic construction, so that it can provide an even greater degree of extendibility.
[0022] Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flexible support for tablet-style computers, the support comprising:
a base;
a strap system attached to the base and configured to allow the base to be worn against the chest of a person with the strap extending at least partially around the back of the person; a hinge mechanism attached to the base;
a supporting arm attached to the hinge mechanism of the base and pivotable between a closed position, at which the arm extends substantially parallel to the base, and an open position, at which arm extends at an adjustable angle relative to the base; and
a tablet platform supported on the supporting arm and configured to hold a tablet-style computer.
2. The support of claim 1, wherein the arm is adjustable at angle from about 0° to 180° relative to the base.
3. The support of claim 1, including ridging provided inside the hinge mechanism to allow the angular position of the arm to be firmly supported.
4. The support of claim 1, including a slide associated with the arm and the tablet platform being coupled with the slide to enable the tablet platform to move closer and further away from the hinge mechanism.
5. The support of claim 1, including a hook and loop connection for attaching the tablet-style computer to the tablet platform.
6. The support of claim 1, further including a locking tab for securing the tablet to tablet platform.
7. The support of claim 1, including a fastening mechanism that enables fastening of the base to a piece of furniture.
8. The support of claim 1, wherein the strap system includes lower straps and upper straps.
9. The support of claim 1, wherein the base has height and width dimensions and the width dimension is greater than the height dimension.
10. The support of claim 1, wherein the base has height and width dimensions and the width dimension is smaller than the height dimension.
PCT/US2012/071210 2011-12-23 2012-12-21 Flexible support for tablet-style computers WO2013096752A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201280051374.5A CN103907074A (en) 2011-12-23 2012-12-21 Flexible Stand for Tablet Computers

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161579848P 2011-12-23 2011-12-23
US61/579,848 2011-12-23
US13/722,344 2012-12-20
US13/722,344 US20130181101A1 (en) 2011-12-23 2012-12-20 Flexible support for tablet-style computers

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013096752A1 true WO2013096752A1 (en) 2013-06-27

Family

ID=48669531

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2012/071210 WO2013096752A1 (en) 2011-12-23 2012-12-21 Flexible support for tablet-style computers

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2013096752A1 (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
RU2003105151A (en) * 2000-04-28 2004-06-20 Ивер ХАНСЕН (NO) TRANSMITTER TRANSMITTER POSITIONING SYSTEM ON THE BREAST OF THE WIDESCREEN DISPLAY
EP1880630A2 (en) * 2006-07-19 2008-01-23 Arc'Teryx Equipment Inc. Adjustable positioning mechanism and a bag or pack, such as a backpack or other article, having such mechanism
US20090272779A1 (en) * 2008-05-01 2009-11-05 Phuong Dinh Vu Foldable portable universal laptop computer holder and harness
US20100195278A1 (en) * 2009-01-31 2010-08-05 Eran Wilkenfeld Electronic Device Support System

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
RU2003105151A (en) * 2000-04-28 2004-06-20 Ивер ХАНСЕН (NO) TRANSMITTER TRANSMITTER POSITIONING SYSTEM ON THE BREAST OF THE WIDESCREEN DISPLAY
EP1880630A2 (en) * 2006-07-19 2008-01-23 Arc'Teryx Equipment Inc. Adjustable positioning mechanism and a bag or pack, such as a backpack or other article, having such mechanism
US20090272779A1 (en) * 2008-05-01 2009-11-05 Phuong Dinh Vu Foldable portable universal laptop computer holder and harness
US20100195278A1 (en) * 2009-01-31 2010-08-05 Eran Wilkenfeld Electronic Device Support System

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