GB2546083A

GB2546083A - Holder for a tablet computer and a method of holding

Info

Publication number: GB2546083A
Application number: GB1600250.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Norman Kevin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-01-06
Filing date: 2016-01-06
Publication date: 2017-07-12
Anticipated expiration: 2036-01-06
Also published as: GB2546083B; GB201600250D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a holder 100 for a tablet computer 200 and particularly to a holder suitable for holding a tablet computer on a user's legs while the user is seated on a chair (fig. 7). The holder comprises a main body 112 for resting on the user's legs and an engaging arm 120 for extending downwardly between the user's legs and resting against a seat portion of the chair (404). The main body is configured to oppose a force acting on the holder due to the tablet computer's weight. The engaging arm is configured to oppose a torque acting on the holder due to the tablet computer's weight. The position of the arm relative to the main body can be rotated in a plane perpendicular to the main body and it may be locked or unlocked using a screw (124 fig. 9). The arm may be detachably connected to the main body and the body and arm may form a symmetric T-shape. The main body may comprise a first support portion 116, 118 and a middle portion 114 where the support portion may move relative to the middle portion to adjust the length of the main body.

Description

HOLDER FOR A TABLET COMPUTER AND A METHOD OF HOLDING

FIELD

[01] The present disclosure relates in general to a holder which in use is suitable for holding a tablet computer, and to a method of holding.

BACKGROUND

[02] A tablet computer is generally a small and lightweight computing device, typically having a flat rectangular touch-screen mounted in a relatively thin housing. Most tablet computers are intended to be portable and hand-held while in use. However, many users eventually experience physical discomfort when holding a tablet computer for an extended period of time. In addition, holding the tablet computer in at least one hand may cause inconvenience to a user, who may instead desire to have both their hands free for other tasks.

[03] It is known to provide a holder as a device for supporting a tablet computer while in use. Most holders are designed to be placed on a table or similar rigid surface while comfortably viewing and operating the tablet computer. Attempting to use the tablet holder on other surfaces, however, may be unsuccessful. In particular, a difficulty arises to safely and securely balance such a tablet holder on a user’s lap, e.g. whilst the user is in a seated position, for example on a chair or in a bed.

[04] Therefore, it is now desired to provide a holder for a tablet computer as an alternative to previously available designs. The example embodiments have been provided with a view to addressing at least some of the difficulties that are encountered with current holders, whether those difficulties have been specifically mentioned above or will otherwise be appreciated from the discussion herein.

SUMMARY

[05] According to the present invention there is provided a holder according to claim 1 and a method of holding according to claim 8. Other, optional, features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[06] There now follows a summary of various aspects and advantages according to embodiments of the invention. This summary is provided as an introduction to assist those skilled in the art to more rapidly assimilate the detailed discussion herein and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims that are appended hereto.

[07] In one example, a holder for a tablet computer is described. The holder has a main body configured to receive the tablet computer and an engaging arm projecting from the main body. The main body is configurable to rest, in use, on a user’s legs. The engaging arm is locatable, in use, between the user’s legs and is configurable to rest against a seat portion on which the user is seated. The main body is arranged to oppose a force acting on the holder. The engaging arm is arranged to oppose a torque acting on the holder.

[08] A relative position of the engaging arm with respect to the main body may be lockable and unlockable, wherein the engaging arm is rotatable in a plane that is perpendicular to the main body when the relative position is unlocked.

[09] The engaging arm may be uni-directionally rotatable when the relative position is locked.

[10] The engaging arm may be detachably connected to the main body.

[11] The main body may further comprise a first support portion and a middle portion, wherein the first support portion is moveably arranged on the middle portion to thereby adjust the length of the main body.

[12] The main body and the engaging arm may be arranged into a symmetric T-shape.

[13] The holder and the tablet computer may be readily separable.

[14] In one example there is described a method of using a holder for a tablet computer by a user seated on a chair. The method comprises locating a main body of the holder across a lap of the user. The method further comprises locating an engaging arm of the holder between the legs of the user, wherein the engaging arm extends along a downwards direction. The method further comprises receiving the tablet computer by the main body. The method further comprises rotating the holder, wherein the engaging arm engages the chair; and retaining the tablet computer.

[15] The method may comprise adjusting the length of the main body by moving a first support portion slidably arranged on a middle portion.

[16] The method may comprise attaching the engaging arm to the main body.

[17] The method may comprise unlocking a relative position of the engaging arm with respect to the main body.

[18] The method may comprise rotating the engaging arm in a plane that is perpendicular to the main body.

[19] The method may comprise locking the engaging arm in a new relative position after rotating the engaging arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[20] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how example embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: [21] Figure 1 shows a front view of a holder for a tablet computer and, separate from the holder, a tablet computer.

[22] Figure 2 shows a front view of the holder and the tablet computer, wherein the tablet computer rests in the holder.

[23] Figure 3 shows a front view of the holder.

[24] Figure 4 shows a side view of the holder.

[25] Figure 5 shows a front view of a holder with retracted main body.

[26] Figure 6 shows a front view of the holder, wherein an engaging arm has been detached.

[27] Figure 7 shows a side view of a user seated on a chair and a tablet computer placed in a holder resting on a user’s lap.

[28] Figure 8 shows a side view of a user seated on a floor and a tablet computer placed in a holder resting on a user’s lap.

[29] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional side view of the holder, wherein the engaging arm is in a first configuration.

[30] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional side view of the holder, wherein the engaging arm is in a second configuration.

[31] Figure 11 shows a method for holding the tablet computer.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[32] At least some of the following example embodiments provide an improved device for holding a tablet computer. The example device is simple and convenient for the user. At least some examples may be lightweight and readily portable. Many other advantages and improvements will be discussed in more detail herein.

[33] Figure 1 shows a front view of one example of a holder 100 as considered herein and, separately, one example of a tablet computer 200. In this example, the holder 100 and the tablet computer 200 are arranged to be readily separable by the user. Alternatively, the holder 100 may be formed integrally with a casing of the tablet computer 200 so that holder 100 and tablet computer 200 are not readily separable. Alternatively, elements of the operating method of the holder 100 may be formed integrally with the body of the tablet computer.

[34] [35] In this example, the holder 100 is configured to receive and retain the tablet computer 200 in a desired position. The holder 100 may be configured to hold the tablet computer 200 so that the tablet computer 200 is directed upwardly above the holder in a generally vertical orientation. In some example, the tablet 200 may be set at a viewing angle which is convenient for the user. Advantageously, the viewing angle may be user adjustable. Thereby a user may select a particular viewing angle in order to, for example, avoid a reflexion of a light source in a display of the tablet computer 200, commonly known as glare. Conveniently, the viewing angle is selectable from a wide range of possible viewing angles.

[36] In one example, the holder 100 is configured to receive and engage in use a portion of the tablet computer 200. Conveniently, the holder 100 includes a main body 110. In this example, the main body 110 forms a channel 112 that is configured to receive an edge 212 of the tablet computer 200. Suitably, the channel 112 is wide enough so that the edge portion 212 can be received therein, and is deep enough for a sufficiently large portion of the tablet computer 200 to be mechanically engaged by the main body 110. Conveniently, the channel 112 may be suitable for receiving a tablet computer 200 which is provided with a protective case. Suitably, in some examples the channel 112 is V-shaped or generally tapered to allow for receiving and engaging a range of tablet computers which may have different thicknesses or may be provided with a protective case.

[37] The holder 100 and the tablet computer 200 may be arranged to couple magnetically. In another example, holder 100 may be arranged to magnetically couple to a portion of the tablet computer 200. Conveniently, the main body 110 may include a magnetic portion. The magnetic portion may be configured to exert an attractive force on the tablet computer 200 to thereby couple to a magnetic or ferromagnetic portion of the tablet computer 200. Alternatively, a magnetic portion of the tablet computer 200 may be configured to couple to a magnetic or ferromagnetic portion of the holder 100. Alternatively or additionally, the protective case, which may be fitted around the tablet computer 200, may have a magnetic or ferromagnetic portion.

[38] In this example, the holder 100 mechanically engages the tablet computer 200 in the channel 112 and additionally retains the tablet computer 200 in the channel 112 magnetically.

Thereby the tablet computer 200 may be secured in the tablet computer yet the tablet computer 200 may be easily separable by a user.

[39] A protective layer may be provided in the channel 112 in order to reduce a risk of damage to the tablet computer 200 when inserting or removing the edge 212 into the channel 112. For instance, a layer of felt or foam may be provided in the channel 112.

[40] In this example, the holder 100 is T-shaped and here is depicted in an upright configuration. That is, in the illustrated configuration, the main body 110 of the holder 100 extends generally horizontally, while an engaging arm 120 of the holder 100 projects generally downwardly away from the main body 110.

[41] In this example, the engaging arm 120 may be arranged generally perpendicular to the main body 110 to give a T-shaped arrangement as depicted in Figure 1. In this example, the T-shape may be substantially symmetric. That is, the engaging arm 120 extends from a laterally central location of the main body 110 with the main body 100 extending to a similar extent each side of the arm 120. Alternatively, the engaging arm 120 may extend from the main body 110 at a location that is laterally offset either left or right from such a central point.

[42] In this example, the channel 112 defines an opening in the main body 110 pointing into an upwards direction, so that the tablet computer 200 can be inserted into and removed from the holder 100 along a generally upwards direction. The channel 112 is arranged to retain, in use, the tablet computer at a generally upwards inclination. The engaging arm 120 is configurable to preserve an inclination of the tablet computer 200. Interestingly, at least in some examples the engaging arm 120 may be arranged to rest, in use, against a chair or some other object to thereby inhibit rotation of the main body 110.

[43] Figure 2 shows the tablet computer 200 in use when received by the holder 100.

[44] In Figure 2, the tablet computer 200 rests in the holder 100. In this example, the holder 100 is shown in an upright configuration such that the tablet computer 200 extends along a generally upwards direction away from the holder 100. By contrast, the engaging arm 120 extends in a generally downwards direction. The holder 100 is configured such that, in use, the tablet computer 200 and the engaging arm 120 extend away from the main body 110 along generally opposite directions.

[45] In use, the tablet computer 200 may be inserted into the opening defined by the channel 112 such that the edge 212 rests upon a bottom portion of the channel 112, or is gripped by the V or tapered shape of the channel 112 without resting on the bottom portion. Thereby the tablet computer 200 may rest in the channel 112 and be held at a generally upwards inclination.

[46] In this example, the tablet computer 200 comprises two long sides and two short sides. The holder 100 suitably receives the tablet at least one of a landscape or a portrait orientation, and may in some examples allow the tablet to be positioned in either of these orientations. In one example, the channel 112 formed by the holder 100 may be open-ended, so that the edge 212 of the tablet 200 may extend, if appropriate, beyond the open ends of the channel 112. Alternatively, the ends of the channel 112 may be closed, such as to enhance a secure grip on the edge of the tablet when inserted into the closed-ended channel with matching dimensions.

[47] Figure 3 shows a front view of the holder 100.

[48] In this example, the holder 100 comprises the main body 110 which is configurable to support a weight of the tablet 200 in use, and the engaging arm 120 is configurable to inhibit rotation of the holder 100 in response to the weight of the tablet 200.

[49] The main body 110 in use may be configured to rest on an appropriate supporting object. In some examples the holder is intended to rest in use arranged transversely across the user’s legs or lap. In this example, the main body 110 comprises a first support portion 116 and a second support portion 118. A middle portion 114 extends between the first and second support portions 116, 118.

[50] The first and second support portions 116, 118 may be rested, in use, on the supporting object in order to support the holder 100. The first and second support portions 116,118 may be provided with suitable non-slip surfaces to prevent accidental displacement of the holder 100 with respect to the first object. The non-slip surfaces may be provided on the entire first and second support portions 116, 118 or may be provided on a section of each. The non-slip surfaces may, for instance, be rubber or foam.

[51] The engaging arm 120 may engage, in use, a second object in order to inhibit rotation of the holder 100. In this example, an end portion 122 provided on a distal end of the engaging arm 120 is configured to engage the second object. The end portion 122 may comprise a resiliently deformable material in order to be adapted for engaging the second object. For instance, the end portion 122 may be configured to prevent, in use, accidental slippage of the end portion 122 with respect to the second object. The end portion 122 may be made from rubber or foam. A distal end of the first or second support portion 116,118 may be provided with a similar end portion.

[52] Alternatively, the second object may be engaged by other portions of the engaging arm 120. Therefore the engaging arm 120 may additionally or alternatively have the non-slip surface that may be provided on the first and second support portions 116, 118. The non-slip surface may be provided on the entire engaging arm 120 or a section thereof.

[53] Figure 4 shows a side view of the holder 100. The side view of the holder 100 shows the main body 110, the engaging arm 120 and a connector portion 130.

[54] In this example, the engaging arm 120 is generally rotationally symmetric about a vertical axis passing through the engaging arm 120. Thus the side view of the engaging arm 120 is similar to the front view of the engaging arm. By contrast, the main body 110 is not rotationally symmetric about the vertical axis. Figure 4 shows a side view of the second support portion 118 and the channel 112.

[55] In this example, a relative location of the engaging arm 120 with respect to the main body 110 is determined by a connector portion 130. In at least one example configuration, the connector portion 130 allows the engaging arm 120 to extend substantially perpendicularly to the main body 110 in a downwards direction. In this example, the connector portion 130 is provided on the rear of the main body 110 and may be formed integrally with the main body 110.

[56] Figure 5 shows a front view of the holder 100.

[57] In this example, the main body 110 may be configurable into a shorter configuration with reduced length. Thereby, portability of the holder 100 may be improved. In one example, the first and second support portions 116, 118 may be telescopically mounted on the middle portion 114. For example, the first and second support portions 116, 118 may be formed as hollow tubular members which are slideably arranged on the middle portion 114. Thereby the main body 110 may be provided with a continuously adjustable length or, alternatively, with a discretely adjustable length, by appropriately extending one or both of the first and second support portions 116, 118, as desired by the user. Conveniently, the main body 110 may be extendable to a length such that when resting the holder on both legs of a user, the user is not required to strictly keep both legs together but may place them apart. Thereby additional comfort may be achieved, particularly when being seated for a longer period of time.

[58] In some examples, the main body 110 is configured to retain the support portion 116, 118 in the shorter configuration. Thereby transportability of the holder 100 may be improved. Conveniently, the main body 110 is arranged to retain the support portion 116,118 such that a user may easily extend the support portion 116, 118. Suitably, the main body 110 and the support portion 116, 118 are arranged to couple magnetically when the support portion 116, 118 is in the shorter configuration. In one example, when the support portion 116, 118 is in the shorter configuration a magnetic portion of the main body 110 is arranged to magnetically couple to a pin provided on the support portion 116,118.

[59] In this example, a minimum length of the main body 110 is defined by a configuration in which the first support portion 116 is arranged to meet the second support portion 118 such that the middle portion 114. In this example, the middle portion 114 is not visible when lying inside the support portions 116,118.

[60] In some examples, the holder may be readily assembled and disassembled, such as by removing the first and second support portion 116, 118, in order to improve transportability of the holder 100. In other examples, the second support portion 116, 118 is extendable without being readily removable from the main body 110. Conveniently, accidental removal of the support portion 116, 118 may thereby be prevented. Suitably, the support portion 116, 118 is arrangeable to a maximally extended configuration. Any suitable means for retaining the support portion 116, 118 in the maximally extended configuration may be used, but in some examples the support portion 116, 118 may be retained mechanically. Suitably, the main body 110 is arranged to catch the pin provided on the support portion 116, 118 when the support portion 116, 118 is extended. Thereby the main body 110 may be arranged to retain the support portion 116, 118 in a maximally extended configuration.

[61] Figure 6 shows another front view of the holder 100. In this example, the engaging arm 120 is detached from the main body 110, and the main body 110 is depicted without the engaging arm 120.

[62] A detachable engaging arm 120 may be advantageous for providing a holder 100 that may be disassembled and packed into a relatively compact volume. The engaging arm 120 may be removably secured relative to the main body 110, for example, mechanically or magnetically. In some examples, the engaging arm 120 and the main body 110 may be brought into a storage configuration. Conveniently, the storage configuration is arranged to ease storage and transportation of the holder 100. Suitably, the engaging arm 120 may be securely fastened to the main body 110 in the storage configuration such that the engaging arm 120 extends along the main body 110 rather than projects from the main body 110. In one example, the engaging arm 120 is magnetically securable to the main body 110 in the storage configuration. Suitably, the main body 110 and the engaging arm 120 comprise portions arranged to engage magnetically and secure the engaging arm 120 to the main body 110 in the storage configuration. In one example, a steel ring located inside the engaging arm 120 is arranged to engage a magnetic portion of the main body 110 in the storage configuration.

[63] Alternatively or additionally, the engaging arm 120 may be telescopic in order to provide an adjustable length.

[64] Figure 7 shows a user 300 who is seated on a chair 400 using the tablet computer 200 with the holder 100. In a different example, the user 300 may be seated on a different element, object or in a different position, for example in a bed.

[65] The user 300 is seated on the chair 400. Here, the user 300 has their thighs or lap arranged generally horizontally. In this example, the holder 100 rests in the lap of the user 300 and supports the tablet computer 200 to face the user 300 at the viewing angle convenient to the user 300. Conveniently the user 300 is not required to manually hold the tablet computer 100, as the tablet computer 100 is retained by the holder 100. The user 300 may operate the tablet computer 200 hands-free when retained in the holder 100.

[66] A force and a torque are exerted on the holder 100 due to the weight of the tablet computer 200. The force acts along a downwards direction and is opposed by the main body 110 that is arranged to rest on the lap of the user 300. The torque acts so as to rotate the main body 110 on the lap of the user 300 and is opposed by the engaging arm 120 that is arranged to rest against a seat portion 402 of the chair 400. Thereby the tablet computer 200 may be retained in a location and at an inclination determined by arranging the holder 100 in the lap of the user 300, who is seated on the chair 400.

[67] The tablet computer 200 is held at an inclination with respect to a horizontal plane that is determined through placement of the holder 100 in the lap of the user. In this example, resting the holder 100 in the lap at a location closer to a lower body end of the thighs results in a reduced inclination, while resting the holder 100 at a location closer to an upper body end of the thighs results in an increased inclination.

[68] As shown in Figure 7, the main body 100 of the holder 100 extends, in use, across the thighs of the user 300. The first support portion 116 rests on a first thigh and the second support portion 118 rests on a second thigh. Thereby the main body 100 may be balanced on the thighs of the user 300 and may be arranged to support the weight of the tablet computer 200 on the lap of the user 300.

[69] In this example, the engaging arm 120 of the holder 100 is located between the thighs of the user 300 and extends along a generally downwards direction such that the engaging arm 120 rests against the chair 400. The end portion 122 of the engaging arm 120 may engage a front section 404 of the seat portion 402. Thereby, rotational motion of the holder 100 may be inhibited by the engaging arm 120. In this example, the engaging arm 120 of the holder 100 engages, in use, a front portion 404 of the seat portion 402.

[70] Figure 8 shows a further example in which a user 500 is seated on a floor 600 while using the tablet computer 200 with the holder 100.

[71] The user 500 is seated on the floor 600 with outstretched legs and uses the tablet computer 200 with the holder 100. In this example, the holder 100 supports the tablet computer 200 on the outstretched legs of the user 500, such that a screen of the tablet computer 200 is directed towards the user 500. The user 500 may operate the tablet computer 200 held by the holder 100 hands-free.

[72] In this example, a force and a torque are exerted on the holder 100 due to the weight of the tablet computer 200. The force acts along a downwards direction and is opposed by the main body 110 that is arranged to rest on the outstretched legs of the user 500. The torque urges the main body 110 to rotate on the outstretched legs of the user 500 and is opposed by the engaging arm 120 that is arranged to rest against the floor 600. Thereby the tablet computer 200 may be retained in a location and at an inclination determined by the holder 100.

[73] In this example, the main body 110 is placed across the outstretched legs of the user 500 such that the first support portion 116 rests on a first leg and the second support portion 118 rests on a second leg. The main body 110 may be placed at any suitable location on the legs of the user 500.

[74] The engaging arm 120 extends towards the floor 600 in a generally downwards direction. In this example, the engaging arm 120 extends from the main body 110 along a direction which, in use, is generally perpendicular to the screen of the tablet computer 200. Thereby the engaging arm 120 may rest against the floor 600 and the end portion 122 of the engaging arm 120 may engage the floor 600.

[75] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional side view of the holder 100, including the connector portion 130. In this example, the connector portion 130 is integrally formed with the main body 110. The connector portion 130 secures the engaging arm 120 relative to the main body 110. Suitably, the connector portion 130 is operable to rotate the engaging arm 120 about the main body 110. In this example, the connector portion 130 is provided with a cam and the engaging arm 120 is configurable to follow the cam. In other examples, the connector portion 130 may comprise a ratchet or a torsion spring or any other means suitable for securing the engaging arm 120 in a chosen relative position with respect to the main body 110.

[76] Conveniently, an orientation of the engaging arm 120 with respect to the main body 110 is user adjustable. The viewing angle may be adjustable continuously by rotating the engaging arm 120 about the main body 110. Alternatively, the viewing angle may be adjustable discretely by rotating the engaging arm 120 to an indexed position provided on the connector portion 130. Conveniently, the viewing angle is selectable from a wide range of viewing angles. In this example, the orientation of the engaging arm 120 is adjustable in a plane that is perpendicular with respect to the main body 110. Suitably, the orientation of the engaging arm 120 may be determined by tightening the engaging arm 120 on a screw 134 that fastens the engaging arm 120 against a cylinder cam 132. The screw 134 is pivotably mounted inside the cylinder cam 132 and extends out of a vertical slot formed by the cylinder cam 132. In use, the user may loosen the engaging arm 120 with respect to the screw 134, rotate the engaging arm 120 along the vertical slot into a new orientation with respect to the connector portion 130, and again tighten the engaging arm 120 against the cylinder cam 132.

[77] During normal use of the holder 100 it may happen that the engaging arm 120 is slightly loosened with respect to the screw 134 unintentionally. In this example, the orientation of the engaging arm 120 is substantially unaffected by a slightly loosened engaging arm 120. Suitably, the screw 134 is pivotably mounted with respect to a pivot point that is downwardly offset in the cam cylinder 132. Thereby, further loosening of the engaging arm 120 is required for further upwards rotation of the engaging 120. That is, when the engaging arm 120 is unintentionally loosened during normal use, further upwards rotation of the engaging 120 is prevented because of interference of the engaging arm 120 and the cam cylinder 132.

[78] In this example, the engaging arm 120 has a relative position with respect to the connector portion 130 in which the engaging arm 120 extends from the connector portion 130 vertically downwards. The relative position of the engaging arm 120 may be lockable and unlockable. That is, the relative position of the engaging arm 120 depicted in Figure 9 may be unlocked, so that the engaging arm 120 becomes rotatable about the connector portion 130. The engaging arm 120 may then be locked in a new position with respect to the connector portion 130. Unlocking of the engaging arm 120 may cause the engaging arm 120 to be rotatable about the connector portion 130 in a plane that is perpendicular to the main body 110.

[79] In this example, the connector portion 130 comprises a cam cylinder 132 and a screw 134. The cam cylinder 132 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. As shown in Figure 9, the curved surface of the cam cylinder 132 may be arranged to project along the same direction as the main body 110. The screw 134 may be pivotably mounted in a cavity 136 formed by the cam cylinder 132, and may extend from the cam cylinder 132 in a vertical slot formed by the cam cylinder 132. That is, the screw 134 may be rotatable about the cam cylinder 132 in a plane that is perpendicular to the main body 110 whilst moving the screw 134 along the vertical slot provided in the cam cylinder 132.

[80] The screw 134 may be received in a tapped hole 124 provided in the engaging arm 120. In this example, tightening the screw 134 in the tapped hole 124 may correspond to locking of the relative position of the engaging arm 120, while loosening the screw 134 in the tapped hole 124 may correspond to unlocking the engaging arm 120. Completely removing the engaging arm 120 from the screw 134 may correspond to detaching the engaging arm 120 from the main body 110.

[81] In this example, the cavity 136 is provided at a location which is not equally distant to the surface of the cam cylinder 132 in all directions. The cavity 136 is offset such that the distance from the cavity 136 to the surface of the cam cylinder 132 varies. In this example, the distance from the cavity 136 to the surface of the cam cylinder 132 is minimal along a vertically downwards direction. The distance between the cavity 136 and the surface of the cam cylinder 132 is maximal along a vertically upwards direction.

[82] The engaging arm 120 is configured to receive the screw 134 in a tapped hole 124 provided in a second end portion 126 of the engaging arm 120. The tapped hole 124 is provided with threading that matches the screw 134.

[83] As shown in Figure 9, the engaging arm 120 is in a downwards configuration and the second end portion 126 abuts the curved surface of the cam cylinder 132. The engaging arm 120 is not pivotable about the connector portion 130 in the depicted arrangement, because the second end portion 126 would interfere with the cam cylinder 132.

[84] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional side view of the holder, including the connector portion 130. The engaging arm 120 is locked in a relative position with respect to the connector portion 130 such that the engaging arm 120 extends from the main body 110 along a generally horizontal direction.

[85] In the relative position depicted in Figure 10, the engaging arm 120 is not rotatable upwards along direction A as the engaging arm 120 and the cam cylinder 132 would interfere. The configuration of the engaging arm 120 shown in Figure 10 corresponds to an arrangement in which the engaging arm 120 is rotated upwards maximally. With respect to an upwards rotation, the connector portion 130 is self-locking due to interference of the engaging arm 120 and the cam cylinder 132. The support 120 is rotatable downwards along direction B, because the cavity 136 is offset in a downwardly direction. Therefore the engaging arm 120 and the cam cylinder 132 do not interfere when rotating the engaging arm 120 downwardly about the connector portion 130. In this example, the engaging arm 120 is uni-directionally rotatable when locked.

[86] The relative position of the engaging arm 120 depicted in Figure 10 may be suitable when placing the holder 100 on a table, a bed or other planar surface. In this example, the main body 100 and the engaging arm 120 may be placed on the table, bed or other planar surface, without the engaging arm 120 extending between the user’s legs, so that the holder 100 holds the tablet computer 200.

[87] In one example, there is provided a method for holding the tablet computer 200 by the user 300 seated in a chair 400. The method comprises locating the main body 110 of the holder 100 across the lap of the user 300 in step S700. The method may further comprise securing the engaging arm 120 to the main body 110 magnetically or mechanically. The method further comprises locating the engaging arm 120 of the holder 100 between legs of the user 300, wherein the engaging arm 120 extends along a downwards direction in step S702. The method further comprises receiving the tablet computer 200 by the main body 110 in step S704. The method may further comprise fitting the tablet computer 200 with a protective case before receiving the tablet computer 200 by the main body 110. The method further comprises rotating the holder, wherein the engaging arm 120 engages the chair 300 in step S706. The method further comprises retaining the tablet computer 200 in step S708. The method may further comprise rotating the engaging arm 120 with respect to the main body 110 and subsequently securing the engaging arm 120 to the main body 110, thereby adjusting a current viewing angle at which the tablet computer 200 is retained.

[88] In summary, an exemplary embodiment of a holder for a tablet computer has been described. The holder is suitable for holding a tablet computer when a user is seated on an object or a structure, for instance on a chair or on a floor. The holder may be placed on a user’s legs in order to support the tablet computer, while an engaging arm engages the object or structure, as the case may be, in order to prevent rotation of the holder and to fix the tablet in position.

[89] The holder may be manufactured industrially. An industrial application of the example embodiments will be clear from the discussion herein.

[90] Although a few preferred embodiment(s) have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[91] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[92] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[93] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[94] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A holder for a tablet computer, comprising: a main body configured to receive the tablet computer, and an engaging arm projecting from the main body; wherein the main body is configurable to rest, in use, on a user’s legs, and wherein the engaging arm is locatable, in use, between the user’s legs and configurable to rest against a seat portion on which the user is seated; wherein the main body is arranged to oppose a force acting on the holder, and wherein the engaging arm is arranged to oppose a torque acting on the holder.

2. The holder according to claim 1, wherein a relative position of the engaging arm with respect to the main body is lockable and unlockable, wherein the engaging arm is rotatable in a plane that is perpendicular to the main body when the relative position is unlocked.

3. The holder according to claim 1, wherein the engaging arm is uni-directionally rotatable when the relative position is locked.

4. The holder according to claim 1, wherein the engaging arm is detachably connected to the main body.

5. The holder according to claim 1, wherein the main body further comprises a first support portion and a middle portion, wherein the first support portion is moveably arranged on the middle portion to thereby adjust the length of the main body.

6. The holder according to claim 1, wherein the main body and the engaging arm are arranged into a symmetric T-shape.

7. The holder according to claim 1, wherein the holder and the tablet computer are readily separable.

8. A method of using a holder for a tablet computer by a user seated on a chair, comprising: locating a main body of the holder across a lap of the user; locating an engaging arm of the holder between legs of the user, wherein the engaging arm extends along a downwards direction; receiving the tablet computer by the main body; rotating the holder, wherein the engaging arm engages the chair; and retaining the tablet computer.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising adjusting the length of the main body by moving a first support portion slidably arranged on a middle portion.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising attaching the engaging arm to the main body.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising unlocking a relative position of the engaging arm with respect to the main body.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising rotating the engaging arm in a plane that is perpendicular to the main body.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising locking the engaging arm in a new relative position after rotating the engaging arm.

14. A holder substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

15. A method of holding a tablet computer, substantially as hereinbefore described.