GB2503749A

GB2503749A - Tablet computer and smartphone holder that can rotate relative to the mount

Info

Publication number: GB2503749A
Application number: GB201212259A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Bartlett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-07-07
Filing date: 2012-07-07
Publication date: 2014-01-08
Also published as: GB201212259D0

Abstract

Disclosed is a personal computing device, such as smartphones and tablets, display unit. The unit has an attachment means for attaching to a separate structure, a device holder and holder mount, such that the holder can rotate 90 degrees with respect to the structure. The holder may hold the periphery or edge of the computing device and have holes or cut outs for the devices controls. The unit may have a waterproof casing for the computing device and the attachment means may be suction cups.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION

OF

DANIEL BARTLETT

FOR

A PERSONAL COMPUTING DEVICE DISPLAY UNIT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a personal computing device display unit, typically for touchscreen tablets or smartphones.

Backciround Improvements in technology have spread to many, and increasing numbers of users are wedded to computers, feeling a constant requirement to be in use or close to use of computers at all times.

In particular touch screen computing devices such as smartphones and tablets have increasingly ardent users, which users tend towards all-encompassing use of such devices, for example wherein the device is used for sending emails, searching the World Wide Web, listening to audio and watching video.

Such devices as a mailer course include an accelerometer so that the device is enabled to react to changes in orientation and produce different effects for different purposes according to software or user preference.

Accordingly smaller devices are frequently continually carried by users in bags or pockets, whereas larger devices can be difficult to accommodate and transport or store.

In particular these larger devices such as tablets can become misplaced or damaged when not in use or even when in use in certain environments, for example kitchens when being used for following a recipe.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Chinese utility model CN201868103 CHEN discloses a motion hard disk, including the motion hard disk main body, it also includes at least sucker, the sucker place that behind sucker that states is equipped with fixes on motion hard disk main body sidewall that in stated On this motion hard disk main body's sidewall is equipped with the sucker, this, using the sucker may moving hard disk direct suspension or computer table the sidewall at the back of notebook's display monitor, both has saved the laying aside space, and facilitates to take to put, simultaneously may prevent to forget.

Chinese patent application CN 102 062 283 (ZHOUSHAN) discloses a fixed tablet PC's sucker structure, its characteristic lies, including sucker main body, outside restricting and magnet, the sucker main body is an iron plate, its among is a thread through hole, but also establishes to have many scoop channels of even arrangement in thread through hole all around sucker main body surface, the magnet establishes in the scoop channel, but outside restricting gable and magnet outside surface in sucker main body, and outside protects the collar compound magnet one side and tablet PC contact. This invention through establishing establishes the magnet on sucker main body, but establishes the iron sheet in tablet PC's back, but the tablet PC adsorption on the sucker main body, causes fast the installment and disassemblage of tablet PC is convenient, has saved the manpower and physical resource. Moreover, because outside the sucker main body's outside also gable has the restricting, effectively has avoided the sucker main body and magnet and other back the attrition to tablet PC, lengthened its service lift Chinese utility model CN 201 827 607 (DONG) discloses a notebook sucker attachment system, it including the notebook radiation foundation, states the notebook radiation foundation establishment to have the sucker, available sucker attracts in the glass and other on the superficial hard and smooth objects, makes its fixed, states the notebook radiation foundation also to be equipped with the front plate, back end plate and foundation hole, its both sides establishments have the extension tongue lock, such available bolt through notebook radiation foundation's foundation hole and tabletop connection and fixed, simultaneously available extension tongue locks the notebook locks on the radiation foundation, this serves the fixed notebook's purpose, this model utility is for the purpose of providing one kind of structure simply, Easy to process makes and facilitates practical, the cost low notebook sucker attachment system.

Chinese utility model CN 201 689 365 (YUAN) discloses a kind of notebook bottom surface structure. Is equipped with the sphere scoop channel in the notebook rear two rubber pivots' positions, the scoop channel in-line enters the hoop and enables the hoop to be possible in the scoop channel to roll freely; The notebook front two rubber pivots' positions are equipped with the sucker This model utility realizes using sucker's constancy and hoop's removability in its original rubber bearings' foundation performs to improve, achieves the best effect by the lowest cost.

German patent application DE 202 010 009 595 (HERMANN) discloses a mounting plate for a Tablet computer, comprehensively: -a mounting plate, which to an aligner of a mounting plate element be fastened can, and -a majority of support rails, which are in such a manner trained that a Tablet computer can be inserted along a module direction into the support rails.

German patent application DE 202 010 004 528 (HERZOG) discloses a universal mounting plate, preferably for Tablet computers, with (wedging) a suction cup and a magnet and a second (wedging) suction cup by a metal disk/ring, by it marked that a Tablet computer can be e.g. fastened surely to different objects and easily into each direction of the portrait format into the landscape format and/or in reverse swivelling is and can easily with a hand be removed and/or attached, in with the connection of the two retaining components centered engaging" takes place.

In contrast the present invention provides a means of providing use of a larger computing device such as a tablet, safely and reliably in a plurality of locations.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a personal computing device display unit, comprising of: an attachment means for attaching to a separate structure, a device holder and holder mount; characterised in that the holder may rotate at least 90 degrees with respect to the structure.

In this way a device's integrated accelerometer is able to be operated by a user simply turning, rotating or spinning the device in the unit from horizontal orientation to vertical orientation or vice versa.

In some embodiments the attachment means and mount are combined, so that in use the device is inserted into the holder and the holder connected to the mount.

In other embodiments the holder and mount are combined, so that the device is inserted into the holder and mount and the mount is connected to the attachment means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention the holder provides a holding system about a device periphery, wherein the device's front is entirely unobstructed and wherein the periphery holder includes lacunae corresponding to the device controls.

In preferred embodiments the mount and/or holder include a transparent portion, centrally located so that the device screen is visible at all time the device is inserted into the mount; wherein the mount is formed at least in part of polycarbonate or other plastics, more particularly the portion being formed in lightweight transparent plastics -such as polythene or plasticized polyvinyl chloride.

In this way such embodiments of the unit according to a third aspect of the present invention are enabled to provide a waterproof casing for the device. The unit is therefore well suited to kitchens, wet-rooms or bathrooms, where a higher level of humidity risks damage to the device but the user may still require the device's functionality.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention the attachment means includes at least one suction cup.

According to some embodiments including a single cup for example the means includes a spring-loaded suction cup assembly, including a rigid cover formed to fit upon the cup, and an arm pivotally coupled to the assembly and movable upon the cover to selectively urge the assembly into sealing contact with a wall or other structure.

In preferred the means includes a plurality of cups, each providing independent suction characteristics, so that in use the user would wet the cups and push the unit or means against the wall to create a plurality of vacuums in the cups, sufficient to ensure that the unit does not fall from the wall or structure.

In preferred embodiments and according to a fifth aspect of the present invention a plurality of means are available for use with the unit, allowing a modular format, or in the alternative or addition to the suction cup or cups. For example but not exclusively, this includes a clip or clamping means, wherein the user may select a means for use in relation to a particular location. This modular format for the unit allows the mount or holder to be more expensive and customised, and additionally or in the alternative allows the unit or more particularly the means to be used for a plurality of devices, with a plurality of appropriate mounts and/or holders.

To enable this aspect the mount or unit includes facility to detach from the attachment means so that the means may be changed For example the mount and means may include screwthreaded pads. Yet further embodiments may include magnetic pads to form a connection.

Wherein the holder is detachable from the mount and may be used independently as a case.

Wherein the holder may be slid into the mount in a manner allowing easy connection, and wherein there is provided a resiliently deformable catch mechanism which prevents the holder being slid out again.

Wherein a stop is incorporated between the mount and means, wherein for example spinning of the device may be prevented and/or allowed by depression of the device and mount into the means.

In some further embodiments in addition the mount may be sprung from the means or otherwise provided with a resiliently deformable mounting so that pressure on the device screen or otherwise on the unit gives tactile feedback or is likewise facilitated In other embodiments the cup or cups may facilitate this.

Including bearings to facilitate easy spinning of the device, such bearings for example being either included in the means or situate between the mount and means. Wherein spinning of the device is free and does not lead to detachment or disconnection in any way.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the unit from reverse; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the embodiment; Figures 3 show side views of the embodiment; and Figure 4 shows a reverse view of the embodiment.

Detailed Description of Figures

The pictured and preferred embodiment provides a suction cup for devices such as tablets enabling the tablets to be fixed to smooth surfaces such as tiles, windows and glass surfaces.

The embodiment comes in two sizes to accommodate both smartphones and devices and can be rotated to be vie*ed in both portrait and landscape formats, allowing versatile viewing for a number of different applications.

Ideally according to a modular format the suction cup and rotating components that form the mount can be removed for transportation when the tablet or smartphone is not in use or its user is on the move. In this way further mounts may be used such as magnets or clamps or mounts to allow to attach to the back of a car headrest.

In the pictured embodiment five readily available suction cups are used to securely fasten the embodiment to smooth surfaces such as kitchen tiles or glass.

The rotatable component is injection moulded and self-lubricating copolymer and allows free movement and rotation of 90 degrees.

An outer sleeve and inner sleeve of injection moulded polymer protect the device from knocks and allows the component to glide effectively.

All the device's features are available through the outer sleeve so not compromising

the tablet features.

In the pictured embodiment in use the user would: Slide open inner sleeve or holder Place the tablet, smartphone or device into the holder Slide the holder into the mount Stick the mount to a surface Rotate the device to desired orientation All concept variations can rotate at least 900 for both landscape and portrait viewing and all elements of the mount are completely hidden by the screen 5 large suction cups are placed on the mount to spread load of the device evenly.

The mount can also be designed with more suction cups for extra suction surface area and therefore is more secure.

Removable compartment with ergonomic grip to ensure the device cannot slip out when rotated.

The design maximises three large suction cups which are on circular base which allows the device to be moved with ease to either landscape or portrait positions Further embodiments may include a spring loaded clamp to provide a self-adjusting clamp mechanism for the holder about the device to secure the device as well as minimising the amount of the unit visible. Such clamp mechanism may include a twist dial for manual use.

Claims

Claims 1. A personal computing device display unit, comprising of: an attachment means for attaching to a separate structure, a device holder and holder mount; characterised in that the holder may rotate at least 90 degrees with respect to the structure.
2. A unit according to claim 1 wherein the holder provides a holding system about a device periphery, wherein the device's front is entirely unobstructed and wherein the periphery holder includes lacunae corresponding to the device controls.
3. A unit according to claim 1 or 2 providing a waterproof casing for the device.
4. A unit according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the attachment means includes at least one suction cup.
5. A unit according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein a plurality of means are available for use with the unit, allowing a modular format.
6. A method of forming a unit for mounting a personal computing device according to any preceding claim or with reference to the figures.