GB2382982A

GB2382982A - Mounting and containment system for a portable computer

Info

Publication number: GB2382982A
Application number: GB0219633A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Terence John Mann; Andrew John Warby; William John Holmes
Original assignee: Tempus Computers Ltd
Current assignee: Tempus Computers Ltd
Priority date: 2001-10-12
Filing date: 2002-08-22
Publication date: 2003-06-18
Also published as: US20030057340A1; GB0219633D0; GB0124539D0; GB2382982A8

Abstract

A mounting system for a portable computer suitable for use in a vehicle comprising a support member, 210, and an adjustable arm,212, wherein the adjustable arm is attached to the body of the vehicle and also to the support member. The arm can also be pivotally connected to a lockable housing,216, which can store the arm and support member. The pivotal connection is movable along a guide track,232, attached to the housing via the use of a roller. When the system is moved form the closed to the open position, the supporting member is automatically tilted/rotated towards the user. To counterbalance the mass of the computer equipment, a biasing means, 238, such as a spring or hydraulic means etc, can be applied between the housing and the arm/pivotal connection.

Description

a and Containment System door Portable Co nouters The present invention

relates to means of adjustably supporting aIld stowing portable computers and the like, particularly in vehicles.

Laptop computer supports, for attachment to domestic and commercial Inure, are letdown. However, portable computers such as laptop and notebook PCs are widely used by people as they ua 7 1 in And' sea, and =borne vehicles.

Use of portable computers in vehicles raises special problems; for example, it is highly desirable to securely fit; such equipment durmg Gavel, especially in boats. Rigid fixing 01 suclPponable computers is very important in the event of a crash; for example, in such circumstances unsecured items of this type can cause severe personal injury to occupants of road vehicle as Hey decelerate following impact. Such fixing often means that the copter is not ideally positioned Porn an ergonomic standpoint. In addition, loss of or Manage to a portable computer may have other safeW unplic:ions; for example, when it is being used as past of a navigation systerx.

in ground vehicles trays Bat can be atoned to steering wheel are known. However, the latter are generally only usable by the driver of the vehicle, provide little or no position adjustment facilines, and over little or no security against theft.

One object of the present invention is to provide improved nour ting and/or containment system for portable computers and the like, particularly when used within vehicles. Another object is to provide a system Hat automatically presents a mouMed portable computer to a user in an ergonomic way, thereby mmimistag the likelihood of personal injury to He user through having to stretch or bend etc., in order to position or use sucl1 equipment. Another object is to provide a system Hat either readily allows or provides automatic adjusunent of the position of portable computer relawe to the

user within a vehicle. A Archer object is to provide a systen1 that allows a portable completer to be securely stowed within vehicle, preferably in art unobtrusive manner.

Tl is greatly reduces the likelihood o:E theta. Another object is to provide a system that allows portable computer to be readily repositioned for use by either of two users.

Yet another object is to provide a system mat allows a portable computer to be supported on a mount thal; can be readily adjusted to suit venous users and can be Gloved Tom an open position to a closed position, in which the mount arid computer are securely stowed in an enclosure.

According to a idlest aspen of the invention Mere is provided a mounting system for a portable computer comprising a support member, adapted to hold a portable computer, and an acl; Stable arm attached to tile support members wherem the arm is connectable to the body of a vehicle.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a mounting system for - a po able computer co npris g a support member, adapted to hold a portable computer, and an extendable attached to He support member, wherein He arm is connectable to the body of a vehielc such that when the arm is extended to allow access to:he computer it prevents or hinders a driver using the Ye cle.

Accordi l to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a mounting system for a portable computer comprising a support member, adapted to hold a portable computer, and Gleans for extending and reuniting the support member Tom and to lockable housing connectable to the body of a vel cle.

Accordin;, to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a nour ting system Or a portable co nputer comprising a support members that allows a portable computer to be readily repositioned for use by either oftwo users.

According to a:ElDh aspect of Me invention there is provided a mounnn g system for a portable computer comprising a support: xnember that may be autom icallv tilted to a users preference as it is moved from a closed position to an open position.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a el cle win a Noun in system for a portable computer comprising a mounting member and an adjustable arm, wherein the adjustable arm is attached to Tic body of the vehicle Id also to the support member.

According to a sevens aspect of We invention there is provided a mounting system for a portable computer comprising a support member adapted to hold a portable computer, an adjustable arm attached to the support member, and a housing for the ann andfur support tnember wherein during movement of the support member away from the housing one end of Me amp moves vertically in an opposite direction to Me support member.

Preferred etubod ents of Me invention will now be described by reference to the following diagra Tunatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is a Font elevation of a first embodiment of the system a closed position' Figure is a plan elevation corresponding to Figure 1, Figure 3 is an underside elevation corresponding to Figure 1, Figure 4 is an enlarged version of Figure 3' Figure 5 is an isometric view of the system of Figure 1 in a closed position, Figure 6 is a side elevation of Me system of Figure 1 ire an open position, Figure 7 is a perspective view corresponding to Figure 6, Figure 8 is a side elevation of part of the embodiment shown in Figure 6 Figure 9 is a plan view of Me am and mounting means its tilted position, :Fig: re 10 shows the biasing aIm:n three positions, Figaro 1 is an isometric view of We support member pivoting mechanism'

Figure 19 is a perspective view the embodiment of Figures 1 to 11 bitted between Wont seals of land vehicle, figure 1 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the system in an open position, Figure l] is a side elevation of the tray Id ann assembly of Figure 13, Figure 15 is a plan elevation corresponding to Figure 14, Figure 16 is a front perspective view of a support newer having a slidingly mounted docking port Fi=, re 11 is a partial rear perspective view of the support member and dollying port of Figure;6, Figure 18 sloops how the mounting system in a partially open position, Figure 19 shows schematically a hand operand lever tnechanism for opening and closing the enclosures Figure 20 shows schematically fi rthcx means for aiding a user to open and close the mounting system, and igure 91 shoes schematically the travel of the atrn and tray during operung/closing relative to the roof Id floor of a vehicle.

first embodunent of the ir vention 8 illustrated in Figures 1 to l' comFnses a support member 10, adjustable aria 12, housing for the mn 14 and lockable housing 1G for the support member I0.

Tile support me nbcr 10 comprises a flat generally rectangular tray 20 upon which a laptop or notebook portable computer etc., may rest. Tray 20 provides a rectangular aperture Within which is located electrical interface or docking means 29 and also detachable side walls 24 adapted to secure e portable computer. Normally side walls 74 will be adapted to engage the external case of a specific laptop or notebook PC.

Lee interface means 72 allow a power supply, signal input and/or output cables to be connected between the portable computer and the vehicle. The underside of Me tray 20 houses a high security combination lock 18 or the like' optionally with a master key

system facility and an anti drill spinner p,uard. The lock 18 includes a four point latch mechanism co np ising four latch bolts 28 located new each corner vt Me tray that engage four latch bolt holes 30 located within housing 16 A fi om face 26 with curved sides is attached to the underside of May 20 and the lock 18 and interface Knees 22 are enclosed between this cover and We underside of the tray 20.

Adjustable arm 12 comprises a main ann 40 and a U-shaped bracket 48 located short: distance from first end of the main ann 40. Bracket 48 is connected by pivots 46 to the first end of a secondary arm 50. The second end of the secondary arm 50 is connected by pivots 44 to a further Ushaped bracket 42 attached to a rear wail 34 of the housin,,:lDor tile arm 14 Proximal the first end of arm 40 are a pa* of rollers 54 recounted on ball bearings Blat engage a pair of parallel tracks 52 one mounted on Me inside f each side wall 36 of the housing for tile am 14. Traclcs 52 extend approximately half way up side walls 36 Figure 6 shows how arm 40 my be folded upwardly into the housing for the arm 14.

Dming tots motion rollers 54, and hence the first end of arson 40, descend along Oracles 52 and secondary arm 50 pivots about pivots 44 and 46 as arm 40 folds inwardly. This combination of movement results in Me fast end of mam arm 40 moving downwardly as it: pivots towards housing 14. Thus, ore withdrawal of Me am 40, the action is reversed and support member 10 is withdrawn om Me housings 14 and 16, and the trust end of the arm 40 moves upwardly as it extends outwardly. This allows the and to be approximately horizontal when the system is open and at the same time allows both the aim 40 and support mealier 10 to be a short distance above the gear 1eN cr and/or hand- rake of ille vehicle. This makes it difficult to drive the vehicle when the system s co mected to a land vehicle, is open and in use. B iasing means (not shown) may be located between a roller 54 or arm 40 in order to counterbalance the effect of the bending moment exerted by the mass of the support member 10, portable computer and adjustable arm 12 about the roller 54 pivot. This bending nomer t will tend to move the first end of arm 40 Ad rollers 54 in art upward diction. Hence the biasing

means may be located between rollers 54 or arm 40 and the housing for Me arm 14 to exert downward force on the first end of the array 40. A spring, in particular a helical spring, may provide the desired bias. Alternatively the biasing means may comprise an elastic newer, a gas strut or similar hydraulic means' or an electromagnetic means such as a electric motor or an electromagnet.

Nile systen1 includes means that automatically tilt the support means 10 through an angle of typical Iy 40 towards either the driver of the vehicle or a passenger sat beside the driver as the adjustable mn 17 is withdrawn to its open position. Figures 6, 7 9 and 19 show the support November 10 tilted towards the driver. Tlus tilt mechanism co 1,urises a spring loaded bias arm 70 (see Figure lO) and pivotable member 72 (see I2i lre 1).

I he spry bias arm 70 is elongate and compuses a main rod 68' cylindrical element 78 piston 84 and piston rod 86 and springs 80 and 82. In addition it has bearings 74,76 each end to 3110W it to be pivotably arched at a fast end to second :0 and at the ocher to pivotable n en ber 72. Cylindrical element 78 is attached to main rod 88 and houses the first spring 80 and a second spring 82. Springs 80 and 82 act upon opposite sides of the piston 84 which is also located within the cylindrical element 78 Member 84 is connected by rod 86 to second end bearing 76. As shown in Figure iO, the spring bias awn has two extreme positions (compression and tension) and a normal position. In the normal position both sprigs 80 and 82 exert equal and opposite forces on piston member 84. In the compression position first spun" 80 is near or filly compressed and second spring 82 in near or Filly uncompressed. In the tension position the states of the sprigs 80 and 82 are reversed. The spring bias arm 70 is pivotably attached one end to the pivotable member 72 (see below) and is pivorably attached at flee other end to secondary arm 50 via U-shaped bracket (not shown).

Pivotable member 72 comprises a first plate DO bat is pivorably attached to beaning 74 of bias ann 70. The first plate is also attached to:ray 90 of SUppOrT member lO. The first plate gO is pivo1:abJy mounted on castellated shaft 92 of knob 30 by means of a castellated central aperture 94. Shaft 92 also passes through circular aperture 96 in a second plate 98 and a circular aperture 100 in a third plate lO2. A pair of annular 'Glacier Du" washers 104 arc located between the second plate 98 and Me Third plate 09. l he floor 3g of mam arm 40 is sandwiched between the annular washers 104 and the second Id third plates 98 Id 102. Four bolts 106 secure plates 98 and 102 either side of floor 38, each bolt passing through a bore 108 in the third plate 102 and engagin; a thread 110 in the second plate Thus, in use support member 10 may pivot relative to arm- l2, the pivotal movement being about shaft 92. Knob 30 is spring loaded and has mews to limit rotation thercofto an angle of approximately 180 . Thus In rise when arm 40 is opened to the position as shown in Figure 8, spring bias arm 70 is momentarily in its "nonnal" position (see Figure 1 OB). However, first spring 84 then c:;er:s force on rod 86 mat extends bias artn 70 to its 'tension" position (see Figure 10C'). This extension of the bias ann 70 results in We first plate 90 rotating by approximately 40 either towards or away Mom the driver according to the setting of Knob 30. "Itus, on opening the system the support member is automatically aligned either towards the driver or a passenger according to Me pre-set position of Mob 30.

When the support member 10 and adjustable In 12 are folded widen housings l] and 16 (see Figure S) the mam artn 70 is pushed into the compression positron (see Figure lOA). Figure 19 shows a syst n according to the invention connected to the loony of a vehicle by securing members 66 and 68. Figure 12 shows that in its open position the support member JO presents ergonomic means of supporting a lapto,? PC (not shown) for use by a person occupying the driveris seat of Me vehicle. When retracted Me support member and a computer mounted thereon are stowed securely in an unobtrusive manner.

em

in ai1otl1er aspect supposing member 1O may be connected to adjustable am 12 by a universal joist rather Han pivotable member 10' thereby allowing adjushnent of tray 90 such that, for example' it may be inclined at varying angles to the plane ofthe floor of the vehicle. In addition, such adjus mlent ineans may be combined with automatic tilting as describe] above.

The upward mo remen:t of the end of the arm 4Q proxLmal to the housing 14 during openin;, of the system is preferred' nevertheless a simple hinge or the like may be used when prever on of operating Me vehicle when idle system is open arid in use is not prime issue.

A second en bodin em of the invention 208 illustrated in Figures 13 to 21 condenses a support member 910, adjustable ann 212, housing for the ann 214 and lockable lousing Old for doe support mender 210 The support member 210 comprises a hat generally rectangular tray 220 upon which a laptop or notebook portable computer etc., may rest; either directly or in a doclcin=, means attached to tray 220 (see below). Tray 220 provides an aperture within which is located electrical interface 222 adapted to accept a laptop PC directly or docking means attached thereto. D Tray 2:20 may also have detachable side uralls 224 adapted to secure a laptop PC Normally side walls 224 will be adapted to engage the external case of' a specific laptop or notebook PC. The interface means 222 allow a power s 'ppJy. signal input andJor omen cables to be connected between the portable co nputer and the vehicle. The underside of the tray 220 houses a high security combination loci: 218 or the like, optionally with a master key system facility and an anti dull spinner guard. The lock 218 includes a four point latch mechanism comprising four latch bolts 228 located near each coiner of the tray that engage four Inch boll holes 230 located within housing 216. A Font face 226 is attached to He

underside of tray 290 and the lock 218 and interface means 222 are enclosed between this cover 226 and the underside of the tray 220.

I7ig res 16 and 17 show docking means 430 mounted on tray 420 which again has from; face 426 and four latch bolts 428. Tray 430 is slightly mounted on tray 490 For example, the tray ran slide on rails win race and ball bearing system 432. Figure 6 shows a docking station 430 (without a laptop PC) that has been elided sideways relative to Belle tray 470 and also in a position where the tray 420 is an,,led with respect to the main An 440 This advantageously allows a laptop PC mounted on tray 4 0 to be slid sideways towards a user; thus farther enhanculS the ergonomic features of e system. "l he loclong station 430 may typically slide along a track that is 100 nun long and may be locked either end of the track or at mtennediate positions by a spring loaded latch}36 Mat may be moved to engage or disengage apertures 434 provided at suitable intervals along the inner upper edge of the tray 420. The front upper edge of the docking station has an enclos e 444 which may lee trapezoid in cross section.

Enclosure 444 houses a locking system for engaging a specific laptop PC. Thus, in use, a laptop PC (it) may be placed on top of the docking port 430 so Bleat slots in the rear of the P(: engage lugs 446 provided on the rear upper face of the docking station and also SUCH Cat appropriate electrical Onions are made by interface mews 422 and 474. Pull ring n ecl anism 438 is then pulled an outward direction and his results in Archer lugs 442 provided on Me inner wall of enclosure 444 SQ =gaging slots in the body of the PC. The engaged lugs 446 and 442 may be locl ed in this position by depressing lock button 448 provided on the top face of enclosure 444. A key (not shown) nary be inserted lock button 448 to unlock the mechanisms; hereby allowing pull ring 438 to be pushed inwardly and so release moveable lugs 446 and 449 from their engagement him the PC.

The housing for the ann 214 has a "dog-leg' shape as viewed Mom a side (see Figures 1: and 14) and comprises an upper portion 280 and a lower portion 282 the transition between the portions Donning angle of approximately 135 .

A first end of the main airy 243 is connected to at a first end locker portion 282 of housing I by pivots 300. Figure 14 shows main 240 m a hilly lowered position and the support member inclined at angle of approximately 10 to the horizontal.

While it is not essential that the support; rne nber is inclined, it allows the computer to be presented to the user in ergonomic manner. Consequently, additional means (not shown) may be provided tG allow the male of inclination of Me support member to be adjusted either Annually or otherwise, for example my motor means.

bile second end of the mam alTn 240 is connected to an arm portion 322 of a swivel amount 390 by a first pivot 324. Support rnetober 210 is pivotably connected to the swivel anoint 320 by a second pivot 326. Thus, when the apparatus Is in the position shown in Figure l4, this allows the support member 210 to be rotated about the generally vertical second pivot 326 either manually or by other means (not shown), such as rrotorised knees. In use, tile mounting means will Wpically be turned through an angle o:l: 40 either towards or awl from the driver ofthe vehicle.

When the adjustable ann l: and support member 210 are retracted towards the lootings 914, 216 it is necessary Mat Me support member 210 pivots relative to the arm about the first pivot 324. This is achieved by a rod 328 connected at one end to a third pivot 330 in swivel mount 320. The other end of rod 328 is pivotably connected 306 to a slotted arm 307. Ann 302 is also connected to main anm 240 by pivots 304 and has an elongate slot 308 that slides about a bolt 310 or the like fixed to the lower portion:82 of l1ousing 214 by a '1-shaped' bracket 312 (see Figure 15). Thus, as the adjustable arm 212 and support merrier 210 see moved about pivot 300 from the open to retracted position slotted arm 302 moves in such a way as to push rod 328 towards the support member 910 and make it hinge or pivot about 324 such that Me ann 212 and support member 210 me no longer in generally linear disposition when viewed Mom the side (see Figure 14) but have a iIdog-leg configuration appro7mnately eo esponding to the housing 214. This allows the front face 226 of tray 220 to be

Lush with Me Wont face of housing 216 when the apparatus is in a closed position.

Flue " dog,-leg ' shape also allows housing 216 to be mounted Dush bin a rear wall in the vehicle cabin Allele avoiding the need to also recess the najorib of the housing.

214. Figure 18 shows side perspective view of mounting system according to one aspect: ol: the invention in a partially open position The angle defined as the acute angle between the plane of Me underside of support member S 10 and the underside of twain arm 540, varies during opening and closure of the mounting system. Whert closed a is typically about 43-50 and preferably about 45 . When fully open is typically about O to 20 and preferably about 10 .

Figure 21 shoes schematically the travel of Me main arm 640 and tray 610 during openingfeJosing relative to the roof R and floor F of a vehicle. Thus, the continuous outline shows i:hc position of the arm 640 and may 61Q when the mounting system is closed, stud the broken lmes show then position when the system is fully open. The second end of the ann 640 travels shroud the are A to A' so Mat in the open position the tray G40 is positioned in an ideal position for use by a driver or passenger (not shooing It is clear the,: if a simple single member arm and tray were used (indicated by the line B-C. and pivotally mounted at C) to present a tray in Me same position that on closure the upper end of the assembly B' would be above the roof level of the vehicle.

Th: s, the "dog-leg" arrange ner, combined win Me mechanism the varies the angle cr advantageously allows a mounting system to be used in vehicles Aim relatively low roofs; such as commercial vans and Me like.

As;hc main arm 240 and support member 210 are moved about pivot 300 Morn Me closed position to the open position (as shown in Figure 14) respiring means are provided to limit opening of the mounting system beyond the position shown in Figure 14. Callus' a threaded pin 316 holds a bush 318 on each outer side wall of Me arm and these bushes are positioned so that they abut agamst pair of stop Blacks 314; each

stop block 314 being fixed by rivets or the lilac to aI1 Ever side wall 287 of the lower portion of Me housing.

Figure 19 shows optional assisting nears that comprises a hand operated lever 340 with head section 342 pivotally mounted 346 to the lower portion 282 of' the do=-le " lousy and a generally cylindrically shaped 344 handle section Wit a sleeve 3 S hat- allows the lever to be telescopically extended, order to allow a user to exert greater leverage. The head section 342 of lever 340 and the first end of main arm 240 are pivotally lir k.ed 350,352 by at least one rod or ann 348; the pivot 352 being located at the end of am: 240 such that as the lever is raised by pivoting; about 346 e main arm 240 pivots upwardly about pivot 300; thereby assisting stowed of the aim and support member In the housing. Preferably, a pair of parallel rods 348 with associated pivots are employed. In moving; fiorn the stowed position to tl e open' position, lever 340 generates approximately 135 degrees of rotation of any arm ?40, via pair of rods ox linkages 348. If level 340 also tad to travel Trough this angle, then it is possible some vehicles the lever 340 may collide with the floor of the vehicle. To malaise the angle through which lever 340 travels, its pivot point 46 is suitably offset horn main ann pivot pow: 300 and l ka:,e pivot points 350 and 352 resulting, a reductiort in rotation of: approximately 25% t0 generate the correct amount of rotation of main arm 240. This offset feature a ntue,eously allows the lever 340 to be pivotally mounted point 346 nearer Me floor of the vehicle than would Otherwise be possible. The assisted means allows a user to open and close the system without: having to endure an element: of body twisting and thereby helps to avoid strain i JUIy of the user. The assisting means my include an electric motor for open, and closing the system. Thus, using such motor means the had operated lever described above may be matted.

inure 2() shows optional biasing means. A first biasing means exerts art upward force on the Ann 240 and my comprise a gas filled strut o60 that is pivotably connected 367,364 to the first end of main arm 240 and to a post 366 that is moated so that it

may slide along an elongate slot (AA - not shown) that extends typically a distance of almost 99 non in vertical direction up the rear lower wall 368 of Me "dog-leg'' housing. Figure 20 shows post 366 et the lower extremity of We elongate slot. Thus, the arson and support means are stowed gas filled strut 360 exerts an upward force upon the arm, that decreases progressively: thereby largely balancing the weight force of: the arm, support mearts and laptop PC (not shown). Ihis effect continues until Me curare of gravity of the arm, support means and laptop is vertically above arm pivot 300 and this corresponds, in the absence of any biasing means, to a point of unstable cquilib iu n. (73 5 1g beyond this poird takes place with no biasing force being exerted by the shut 360 as its upper end is bee to traveme slot dig this potion of Me closure process.

second biasing means (see Figure 20) exerts a res rainm4 force during Me last portion of the clos e process, that is closing beyond the poiM of unstable equilibrium. Thus, an oil filled strut 370 is at its lower end pivotally mounted 372 to the first end o:l: the main aIIn 240 and is at its upper end pivotally mounted 374 to a further post 376 is again mounted so that it may slide along art elongate slot (BB -

not shown) that extends typically a distance of about 100 mm along the inclined rear wall of the "dog-leg" housing 214; that is Me wall fiat ifs inclined at about 45 to the vertical. Thus, during closure, Me restraining biasing force only starts to operate between the point of stable equilibrium and the point of 11 clos e The co-oper on of post 3?6 with slot Bl3 ensures that the smut exerts a progressively increasing force as the arm, support rereads and laptop PC are stowed during Tie last stage of closure of the s)'stern. This ensures Mat Me laptop PC is nod: unduly jolted durmg the final stages of clos e, and thus helps prevent damage to components that are sensitive to unpact forces; such as hard discs within) the PC.

The tray locking system may take Various forlorn and need not be a four point latch.

Thus, one or more latches may be employed and the locking mecharism may, for example, be a simple lacy operated necharucal device or a simple electrical lock

operated frown a vehicle control panel. However, high security locks such as 1leehanical combination lock or an electromechanical lock operated by an impaired key-Fob device, or similar, are greatly preferred as sow loclcs afford significant protection amidst theft of the portable computer The locking system preferably includes an additional high security key operated loci; that can be used to open Me apparatus in the event of the my loclctng system fail, in the closed position. This additional lock may, for example, shaft 332 (see Figure 14) of tile locking mechanistic. The system of the present inven1: on has ergonomic advantages over the prior art. It is

particularly sui;al le for use by service engineers and the lilts avell g in vans. In such circ ullstances the user ideally needs to access and stow tl e portable computer navy tildes drunk a worlang day, for example corresponding to individual visits to customers. This raises the possibility Repeated strain injury (RSI). The system Tithe present invention reduces the likelihood of such injury by presenting the portable conspirer up to the user in an crgono c fashion, tnirtun sing any effort to lift or posu: oT' the tray 20 and supported computer on opens for use. While Me above embodiment describes a system that after release of the lock is opened manually an electric motor may be used to extend the support means towards the user The tray 20 may have detacl able or acljustat le side-walls in order to readily allow secure support ofvarious sized computers. Mile ergonomic and security aspect of the system of the invention make it suitable for use outside Vehicles, for example in internet cams.

In his specification the "body of the vehicle" is intended to relate to a fixed kern

within a vehicle such as a floor or side panel and not to moveable items such as a steeneg wheel.:Fur er, the expression "connectable to the goody of vehicle'' does not merely include direct connection but is also intended to refer to arrangelnents where the connection is indwelt, via an intermediate member, provided that the intermediate eD member does not nonnally move relative to He body of the vehicle when ache vehicle is moving

Claims

CI-AIMS

A mounting system for a portable computer coInprising a support member, adapted to hold a portable computer, and an adjustable awn attached to the support member, l ercin the arm is connectable to the body of a vehicle.
2. A mounting system for portable computer substantially as described by reference to Figures l to 71.

As,. A vehicle win a nountin=, system for a portable computer according to any preceding claim.

I lo

2. mounting system according to Clann 1 wherein the ann is pivotably connected at point proximal a first end otiose arm' to a housing.

3. A mountin;, system according to Claim 2 wherein the second end of the arm is

pivotabiy cor nected to Me support member mounting system according to any preceding claun wherein at least one of belle mn and the support November may be stowed within a housing.

5. A mounting= system according to any of C1aums to 4 wherein a biasing sneaks is applied between the akin or pivotable connection and the housing in order to counterbalance the mass of We support member and portable computer.

l 6. A mounting system according to Claim 5 wherein We biasing means comprises a spTing, a gas strut or similar hydraulic means, or an eIectrom netic means.

7. nounting system according to Claim 5 or 6 wherein the biasing means exerts a downward force on We and or pi rotable connection.

$. A mounting system according to any of C1airns 4 to 7 wherem as the ann is moved lrom a closed or storage position to an open or -USE position wherem the

supporting member is automatically tilted' rotated, or tilted and rotated in a prc-dete nined direction and/or extent towards a user.

9. A rnou' tin', system according to any of Clains 2 to 9 wherein as the arm and support l en;l oer are retracted Doris the housing a mechanism automatically adjusts an arable a deigned as Me acute angle fondled between the plane of the outer face of the support: member and the longitudinal axis of We am.

t 0. A mounting system according to Claim g wherein the angle a vanes between 30 and 60 when the system is closed and between O and 30 when Me system is folly open, I. mounting system according to any preceding clam wherein a docking station is mounted for sliding movement upon Me support member.

19. noting system according, to Clann 11 wherein the docking station slides in a directions generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis ofthe grin.

13. A mounting system according to Claims 11 or 12 wherein Me docking station slides a distance of 50 to L 50 rum.

1 1. A mounting system accox iI g to C1 4 wherein during Me final stages of closure farther biasing means partially restrains closam, in order to reduce any impact between the support member and housmg on closure.

5.A n ourltir g system according to Claim 14 wherein the Archer biasing means comprises a fluid filled stun: lo. A mounting system according to any preceding clann wherein means are provided to assist a user to open and close the system while in a normal seated position witllin the \tehicle; and thus help avoid strain injury.

7. mounting system according to claim 16 wherein the assisting means comprises a lured operated lever mechamcally connected to an arm raising arid lowering mechanism. e. I g,\ mounting system according to Claim 17 wherein Me hand operated lever has a slidably extending portion, to allow a user greater leverage when Filly extended 19. A mounting system according to any of Clmms to 18 wherein the housing has a "dog-leg" configura1:ion.

90. A mounting system according to any of Claims 4 to 19 wherein during movement of the support member away from Me housing the pivotable connection moves in a upward direction relative to a horsing for the arm andfor support member.

21.A r.ountino system according to any of (:laims 4 to 20 wherein tl1e pivotable connection:nay move along a guide Pack attached to Me housing 9? A mounting system according to Claim 21 wherem a wheel or roller engages Me guide tTack to assist movement of tile pivotal connection Mere along.

?3. A n our ting system according to any of Clauns 4 to 22 wherein the housing is lockable. 24. A mounting system for a portable computer comprising a support member, adapted to hold a portable computer, and means for extending, and retracting the support member:flom and to a lockable housing connectable to the body of a vehicle.

25. A mountin,, system for a portable computer composing a support member, allows a portable computer to be readily repositioned for lose by either of two users.

96. A mounting system for a portable computer comprising a support member that may be positioned to a users preference and that can be moved Mom a closed position to an open position, wherein in the closed position the support member is securely scoured in a fixed enclosure.

97. A mounting sys1;e n for a portable computer according to Claim 26 wherein the support member is a omabcally rotated or tilted 28. A mounting system for a portable computer comprising a support member, adapted to ho] d a portable computer, an adJus1:able ann attached to the support member, and a housing for the am andior support neater wherein during movement of the support member away front the housing one end of the ann moves vertically in an opposite direction to the support member.

:9. mounting system for a portable computer composing support member, adapted to hold a portable computer, adjustable In attached to the support member' and a housing for Me arm andJor support member wherein during nlove ent of the support member away from the housing the support member moves relative to the arm. 30. A mounting system according to Claim 29 wherem the suppOT1: member moves Clout a pivot connecting Me support member either directly or md rectly to the arm. ^,1. A mounting system for a portable computer comprising a support member' adapted r, hold a portable computer, and an exter dable arm attached to the support nember, wherein the mm is connectable to the body of a vehicle such that when the artn is extended to allow access to Me computer it hinders or prevents a driver losing the vehicle.