US20150001122A1 - Ergonomic tablet holder, stand, packaging - Google Patents
Ergonomic tablet holder, stand, packaging Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150001122A1 US20150001122A1 US13/928,683 US201313928683A US2015001122A1 US 20150001122 A1 US20150001122 A1 US 20150001122A1 US 201313928683 A US201313928683 A US 201313928683A US 2015001122 A1 US2015001122 A1 US 2015001122A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- illustrates
- holder
- riser
- tablet
- dimensions
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
- A45C5/02—Materials therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
- B65D81/022—Containers made of shock-absorbing material
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C2011/003—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 for portable computing devices, e.g. laptop, tablet, netbook, game boy, navigation system, calculator
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C2200/00—Details not otherwise provided for in A45C
- A45C2200/15—Articles convertible into a stand, e.g. for displaying purposes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F2200/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F1/04 - G06F1/32
- G06F2200/16—Indexing scheme relating to G06F1/16 - G06F1/18
- G06F2200/163—Indexing scheme relating to constructional details of the computer
- G06F2200/1633—Protecting arrangement for the entire housing of the computer
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to ergonomic protective holders for tablets such as the Apple iPad or iPhone or the Samsung Galaxy tablet or phone.
- Tablets such as the Apple's iPad or the Barnes and Noble Nook, or the Amazon Kimble or the recently announced MicroSoft Surface are generally thin and lightweight, and can be slippery and are prone to damage.
- covers and tablet holders available that offer varying degrees of protection. With the proliferation of tablet computers in different environments there is a need to provide different types of protection for the devices in some of these environments.
- Another example would be the use of tablets and laptop computers that are used by people with disabilities and the elderly.
- the design described above is also helpful in these situations as it protects the tablet but allows the users to have a better grasp of the device if they have limited mobility or in the case of wheelchair users the device has a nonslip surfaces that prevents the device from falling from their laps.
- the small bezels on these devices and available cases can also make it more difficult for not just children and the disabled to use the tablet without interfering with the display screen of the tablet—particularly those with touch screens.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a holder with a tablet in place
- FIG. 2 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 with an insert in place
- FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment FIG. 2 with no tablet in place and the insert removed;
- FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment with functional cutout sections
- FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view along cut line A in FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view along cut line B in FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view along cut line C in FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 8 illustrates a cross sectional view along cut line D in FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional view along cut line E in FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 10 illustrates a cross sectional view along cut line F in FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 11 illustrates a further embodiment of the embodiment of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 12 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 11 with the wrist rest removed
- FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the wrist rest of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 14 illustrates a riser
- FIG. 15 illustrates a back view of an embodiment which accepts a removable riser
- FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of an embodiment with a wrist rest and the wrist rest used as a riser
- FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment with a wrist rest and a wrist rest used as a riser with a taller riser
- FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment where the insert is used as a stand
- FIG. 19 illustrates a side view construction of an embodiment
- FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of an alternative construction
- FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of an alternative construction
- FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of construction of an embodiment of the connector mechanism for the wrist rest and/or riser
- FIG. 23 illustrates a tablet holder configuration
- FIG. 24 illustrates a laptop computer desk configuration
- FIG. 25 illustrates a laptop computer desk configuration
- FIG. 26 illustrates a laptop computer desk configuration
- FIG. 27 illustrates an alternative embodiment with extended tabs
- FIG. 28 illustrates a cross sectional view along cut line G of FIG. 27 with no tablet in place
- FIG. 29 illustrates a cross sectional view along cut line G of FIG. 27 with a tablet in place
- FIG. 30 illustrates a cross sectional view along cut line G of FIG. 27 with a tablet in place and an insert in place;
- FIG. 31 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a riser
- FIG. 32 illustrates the riser embodiment of FIG. 31 is a landscape stand configuration
- FIG. 33 illustrates a back view of the holder with the riser illustrated in FIG. 31 ;
- FIG. 34 illustrates the riser embodiment of FIG. 31 is a portrait stand configuration
- FIG. 35 illustrates the riser embodiment of FIG. 31 is a portrait stand configuration
- FIG. 36 illustrates a further embodiment of the riser embodiment of FIG. 31 with a slot for receiving the cover insert
- FIG. 37 the embodiment of FIG. 36 with the cover insert stowed in the receiving slot
- FIG. 38 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a connection mechanism for risers and/or wrist rests
- FIG. 39 illustrates an embodiment of a holder employing the connection mechanism of FIG. 38 ;
- FIG. 40 illustrates a side view of a holder of FIG. 39 with a riser of FIG. 38 in place
- FIG. 41 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the one illustrated in FIG. 40 ;
- FIG. 42 illustrates an alternative embodiment with a slot in the rest for holding the holder in a vertical position
- FIG. 43 illustrates a further embodiment of the one illustrated in FIG. 42 ;
- FIG. 44 illustrates an alternative embodiment with a slot in the rest for holding the holder in a vertical position and a second slot for holding the holder at an angle;
- FIG. 45 illustrates a further embodiment of the one illustrated in FIG. 44 .
- FIGS. 46-48 illustrate top and side views of a further embodiment of the holder.
- FIGS. 1 illustrates an embodiment of and improved ergonomic holder system 10 for a mobile tablet device 12 such as an iPad with a display 14 held in a foam frame.
- the frame is constructed from sheets of high-density foam with textured surface treatments.
- Suitable materials include but are not limited to EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate.
- the weight percent vinyl acetate usually varies from 10 to 40%, with the remainder being ethylene. It is a polymer that approaches elastomeric materials in softness and flexibility, yet can be processed like other thermoplastics.
- the material has good clarity and gloss, barrier properties, low-temperature toughness, stress-crack resistance, hot-melt adhesive waterproof properties, and resistance to UV radiation.
- EVA has little or no odor and is competitive with rubber and vinyl products in many electrical applications.
- EVA is one of the materials popularly known as expanded rubber or foam rubber.
- EVA foam is used as padding in equipment for various sports such as ski boots, hockey, boxing, mixed martial arts, wakeboard boots, waterski boots, fishing rods and fishing reel handles. It is typically used as a shock absorber in sport shoes, for example. It is used for the manufacture of floats for commercial fishing gear such as purse seine and gillnets. In addition, because of its buoyancy, EVA has made its way into nontraditional products such as floating eyewear. EVA slippers and sandals are currently very popular because of their properties like light weight, easy to mold, odorless, glossy finish, and cheaper compared to natural rubber. In fishing rods, it is used to construct handles on the rod-butt end.
- Closed cell water resistant materials are desirable as are materials that are bacteria resistant and that are easily cleaned and resistant to picking up lint and loose small particles of other types.
- Other advantages of the materials are that the tools necessary to obtain the desired configuration form multiple layers are sheets of the material are relatively inexpensive and easily modified.
- FIG. 2 illustrates the holder 10 with a removable insert 18 .
- the top surface of the holder 10 is essentially planar (ignoring any textured surface treatment (not shown).
- FIG. 3 illustrates The holder 10 with the insert 18 removed in a manner so that it can be reinserted in cut out 22 .
- This cut out section 22 is designed to receive a particular mobile display device (not shown) such as an iPad.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment holder 50 where the cutout section 54 includes additional functional processes.
- the processes are comprised of additional cut out areas and slots for user interface with the mobile device.
- functional process 56 and 58 make space for a USB power/data connector and cable (not shown) respectively.
- Process 60 is shaped to channel sound from the mobile device's speaker(s) (not shown).
- Processes 62 and 64 make space for a 1 ⁇ 8 inch headphone jack and cable (not shown) respectively.
- Processes 66 and 68 make space for access to other user input controls.
- FIG. 5 , FIG. 6 , FIG. 7 , FIG. 8 , FIG. 9 , FIG. 10 illustrate various cross-sectional views along cut lines identified in FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate an embodiment of the side edge profile 72 of the cut out 54 along cut line A and cut line B respectively.
- the cutout can be sized so that holding the mobile device depends on a force fit between the foam frame 52 .
- the edge profile 72 is also slanted inward at the top edge 71 . The objective is to more securely hold the mobile device (not shown) in the holder 50 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section of holder 52 along cut line C.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a chamber 65 for receiving a headphone cable (not shown). The cable enters and is removed from the chamber through slot 64 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section of holder 52 along cut line D. This cross section illustrates profiles for the process cutouts 62 and 66 for the 18 /headphone jack (not shown) and finger access to use controls respectively.
- FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section of holder 52 along cut line E.
- This cross section illustrates profiles for the USB connector slot 56 and for the speaker sound channel 60 .
- the profile 61 of the sound channel process is tapered. The purpose of the profile shape is to maximize channeling of the sound from the speakers toward the user.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-section of holder 52 along cut line F.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a chamber 59 for receiving a USB cable (not shown). The cable enters and is removed from the chamber through slot 58 .
- FIG. 11 illustrates a further embodiment 50 of the holder illustrated in FIG. 4 .
- This embodiment employs a raised section 70 for a wrist rest.
- the wrist wrest may be a permanent fixture.
- the wrist rest 70 is removable.
- FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment where the wrist rest is held in place with force fit plugs 72 made of the same material as the wrist rest 70 and/or holder frame 52 .
- FIG. 12 illustrates the embodiment of the holder 50 of FIG. 11 with the wrist rest removed showing the connection orifices 74 .
- FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the wrist rest 70 . Where the force fit plugs 72 are either permanent fixtures or are removable 76 .
- FIG. 14 illustrates a multipositional riser 80 for mounting on the backside 51 of the holder 50 .
- forcefit plugs 82 are employed in other positions forcefit plugs 84 are employed.
- FIG. 15 illustrates the backside 51 of an embodiment of a holder with orifices 86 , 88 , 90 for receiving a riser(s).
- the orifices are configured in some embodiments so that the wrist rest from previous illustrations can be employed as a riser.
- FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of the holder 50 with a wrist rest 70 and a riser 80 in the higher slot position.
- FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of the holder 50 with a wrist rest 70 and the riser 80 in the higher slot position in the higher riser configuration and a second riser 81 in a lower slot position.
- FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of the holder 50 in a stand configuration with the insert 18 used in conjunction with the riser 80 to prop up the holder in a stand configuration.
- FIG. 19 illustrates one construction embodiment of the holder 50 .
- This construction employs two sheets of foam 100 and 102 cut and then affixed to each other by like flat sides 110 and 112 .
- the bottom 51 and top 52 surfaces have a pronounced texture.
- FIG. 20 illustrates another construction embodiment of the holder 50 .
- This construction employs a resilient sheet 104 between the two sheets of foam 100 and 102 .
- the resilient sheet provides more stability of the holder. Another advantages of the resilient sheet is better sound channeling.
- FIG. 21 illustrates the construction of FIG. 20 with different pronounced textures on the top surface 52 and the bottom surface 51 .
- FIG. 22 illustrates an embodiment of a connecting mechanism for a riser or wrist rest.
- a force fit plug 124 holds together the holder 50 and riser 80 (or wrist rest) via orifices 126 and 128 respectively.
- FIG. 23 illustrates a configuration where the holder 50 is used to hold a mobile device 12 such as an iPad.
- FIG. 24 illustrates a configuration where the holder 50 is used as resting surface for a laptop computer 13 .
- FIG. 25 illustrates and embodiment of the holder 200 for two devices.
- Insert 202 can be removed to create a space 206 for one device such as an iPad.
- Insert 204 can be removed to make space 208 for a second device such as an iPhone. If the holder 200 is use to receive a laptop (not shown) then the insert 204 can be flipped and reinserted in space 208 to serve as a mouse pad.
- FIG. 26 illustrates how the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 25 can be flipped so that the mouse pad surface is on the left side rather than the right side.
- FIG. 27 illustrates an alternative embodiment 250 of the holder constructed of three layers of sheet foam.
- the top layer 270 has extended tabs 252 and 254 which further ensure secure holding of the mobile device.
- FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of the holder of FIG. 27 along cut line G.
- This figure illustrates a three sheet foam layer construction 270 , 272 and 274 . It also illustrates perforations 258 which allow airflow and heat transfer through the back of the holder 252 .
- FIG. 29 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 27 with a mobile device 12 in place.
- FIG. 30 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 27 with a mobile device 12 in place and also with a cover insert 260 covering the mobile device 12 when not in use.
- FIG. 31 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a holder 300 with a riser stand 304 .
- the riser bottom surface 306 is angled so that it rests flat on a flat surface.
- the side 312 of the sheet foam and side 314 of the riser 304 have an offset angle 310 (such as about 15 degrees).
- FIG. 32 illustrates the purpose of the offset angle 310 .
- the riser can also be used as a stand in a landscape configuration.
- FIG. 33 , FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 illustrate the riser 304 being used as a stand in a portrait configuration.
- FIG. 33 illustrates an embodiment where the riser 304 can be moved to interface with a more central set of orifices 322 as illustrated in FIG. 35 .
- FIG. 34 illustrates an offset angle 330 (such as about 10 degrees) of the end 316 of the riser and of the shorter sides 311 of the sheet foam of the holder 300 .
- FIG. 36 illustrates and embodiment of the riser 304 with a storage slot 340 for holding the insert 11 as illustrated in FIG. 37 .
- FIG. 38 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a connection mechanism for risers and/or wrist rests.
- This embodiment employs magnets 412 . Which are matched with respective magnets 422 in the holder illustrated in FIG. 39 .
- the magnets are oriented so that the riser 410 can be placed on different locations on the holder. For example the magnets 422 at the bottom of the holder; or magnets 424 on the side of the holder or magnets 426 at the middle of the holder or magnets 428 at the top of the holder.
- FIG. 38 illustrates another function of the riser which can be employed on this or other embodiments. Specifically the receiving holes 414 and 416 . These holes can be shaped to receive such objects such as charging blocks (not shown) cables (not shown) earbuds (not shown) or other accessories of the device being held.
- FIG. 40 illustrates a side view of a holder of FIG. 39 with a riser of FIG. 38 in place in the bottom position on the holder.
- the riser 410 is held in place by the attraction of its magnet 412 with the magnet 422 in the holder 420 .
- FIG. 41 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the one illustrated in FIG. 40 .
- the riser 410 is held in place by the attraction of its magnet 412 with the magnet 422 in the holder 420 .
- the magnets 412 and 422 are recessed.
- the magnets may protrude or may either be recessed flush or protrude in various combinations. The most important feature is that the magnets are positioned to attract each other with sufficient force to hold the riser in place during use.
- FIG. 42 illustrates an alternative embodiment 500 with a slot in the rest for holding the holder in a vertical position.
- the tablet holder 512 fits in a slot 516 of a rest 514 which holds the tablet and its holder 512 in a vertical position.
- the rest 514 may be a single piece as illustrated in FIG. 42 or multiple pieces 524 and 525 as illustrated as embodiment 520 in FIG. 43 .
- FIG. 44 and FIG. 45 illustrates an alternative embodiment 530 with a slot 517 in the rests 534 and 535 for holding the tablet holder 533 in a vertical position and a second slot 516 for holding the tablet holder 532 at an angle.
- the rest may be a single piece 534 as seen in FIG. 44 rather than two pieces 534 and 535 as illustrated in FIG. 45 .
Abstract
A high-density foam tablet holder provides protection for the tablet as part of a packaging solution and provides an ergonomic holding interface for the user when held by hand or in a plurality of stand positions. In larger configurations the holder can also provide a desktop or laptop surface for a laptop computer.
Description
- This application is a utility application claiming priority of U.S. provisional application with the same title Ser. No. 61/665,244 filed on 27 Jun. 2012.
- The present invention generally relates to ergonomic protective holders for tablets such as the Apple iPad or iPhone or the Samsung Galaxy tablet or phone.
- Tablets such as the Apple's iPad or the Barnes and Noble Nook, or the Amazon Kimble or the recently announced MicroSoft Surface are generally thin and lightweight, and can be slippery and are prone to damage. There are a number of covers and tablet holders available that offer varying degrees of protection. With the proliferation of tablet computers in different environments there is a need to provide different types of protection for the devices in some of these environments.
- For example, relatively expensive tablet computers are being by used by children at home and in schools. The current selection of covers offers very little protection in the case of an accidental or careless drop or spill. When dropped the screen can easily crack or break or the corners of the tablet can be dented causing a crack on the glass screen.
- Another example would be the use of tablets and laptop computers that are used by people with disabilities and the elderly. The design described above is also helpful in these situations as it protects the tablet but allows the users to have a better grasp of the device if they have limited mobility or in the case of wheelchair users the device has a nonslip surfaces that prevents the device from falling from their laps.
- The small bezels on these devices and available cases can also make it more difficult for not just children and the disabled to use the tablet without interfering with the display screen of the tablet—particularly those with touch screens.
- A lightweight water resistant bacteria resistant easily cleanable easy manufacturable and customizable multifunctional packaging for tablet computers, effectively eliminating waste and allowing for a smaller carbon footprint is also needed.
- There is a need for ergonomic holders for mobile devices which provide inexpensive shipping protection, which also provide ergonomic holding interfaces for such mobile devices.
- For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate like features and wherein:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a holder with a tablet in place; -
FIG. 2 illustrates the embodiment ofFIG. 1 with an insert in place; -
FIG. 3 illustrates one embodimentFIG. 2 with no tablet in place and the insert removed; -
FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment with functional cutout sections; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view along cut line A inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view along cut line B inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view along cut line C inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 8 illustrates a cross sectional view along cut line D inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional view along cut line E inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 10 illustrates a cross sectional view along cut line F inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 11 illustrates a further embodiment of the embodiment ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 12 illustrates the embodiment ofFIG. 11 with the wrist rest removed; -
FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the wrist rest ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 14 illustrates a riser; -
FIG. 15 illustrates a back view of an embodiment which accepts a removable riser; -
FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of an embodiment with a wrist rest and the wrist rest used as a riser; -
FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment with a wrist rest and a wrist rest used as a riser with a taller riser; -
FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment where the insert is used as a stand; -
FIG. 19 illustrates a side view construction of an embodiment; -
FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of an alternative construction; -
FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of an alternative construction; -
FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of construction of an embodiment of the connector mechanism for the wrist rest and/or riser; -
FIG. 23 illustrates a tablet holder configuration; -
FIG. 24 illustrates a laptop computer desk configuration; -
FIG. 25 illustrates a laptop computer desk configuration; -
FIG. 26 illustrates a laptop computer desk configuration; -
FIG. 27 illustrates an alternative embodiment with extended tabs; -
FIG. 28 illustrates a cross sectional view along cut line G ofFIG. 27 with no tablet in place; -
FIG. 29 illustrates a cross sectional view along cut line G ofFIG. 27 with a tablet in place; -
FIG. 30 illustrates a cross sectional view along cut line G ofFIG. 27 with a tablet in place and an insert in place; -
FIG. 31 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a riser; -
FIG. 32 illustrates the riser embodiment ofFIG. 31 is a landscape stand configuration; -
FIG. 33 illustrates a back view of the holder with the riser illustrated inFIG. 31 ; -
FIG. 34 illustrates the riser embodiment ofFIG. 31 is a portrait stand configuration; -
FIG. 35 illustrates the riser embodiment ofFIG. 31 is a portrait stand configuration; -
FIG. 36 illustrates a further embodiment of the riser embodiment ofFIG. 31 with a slot for receiving the cover insert; -
FIG. 37 the embodiment ofFIG. 36 with the cover insert stowed in the receiving slot; -
FIG. 38 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a connection mechanism for risers and/or wrist rests; -
FIG. 39 illustrates an embodiment of a holder employing the connection mechanism ofFIG. 38 ; -
FIG. 40 illustrates a side view of a holder ofFIG. 39 with a riser ofFIG. 38 in place; -
FIG. 41 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the one illustrated inFIG. 40 ; -
FIG. 42 illustrates an alternative embodiment with a slot in the rest for holding the holder in a vertical position; -
FIG. 43 illustrates a further embodiment of the one illustrated inFIG. 42 ; -
FIG. 44 illustrates an alternative embodiment with a slot in the rest for holding the holder in a vertical position and a second slot for holding the holder at an angle; -
FIG. 45 illustrates a further embodiment of the one illustrated inFIG. 44 ; and -
FIGS. 46-48 illustrate top and side views of a further embodiment of the holder. - Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated in the FIGUREs, like numerals being used to refer to like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.
-
FIGS. 1 illustrates an embodiment of and improvedergonomic holder system 10 for amobile tablet device 12 such as an iPad with adisplay 14 held in a foam frame. In the embodiment shown the frame is constructed from sheets of high-density foam with textured surface treatments. Suitable materials include but are not limited to EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate. The weight percent vinyl acetate usually varies from 10 to 40%, with the remainder being ethylene. It is a polymer that approaches elastomeric materials in softness and flexibility, yet can be processed like other thermoplastics. The material has good clarity and gloss, barrier properties, low-temperature toughness, stress-crack resistance, hot-melt adhesive waterproof properties, and resistance to UV radiation. EVA has little or no odor and is competitive with rubber and vinyl products in many electrical applications. - EVA is one of the materials popularly known as expanded rubber or foam rubber. EVA foam is used as padding in equipment for various sports such as ski boots, hockey, boxing, mixed martial arts, wakeboard boots, waterski boots, fishing rods and fishing reel handles. It is typically used as a shock absorber in sport shoes, for example. It is used for the manufacture of floats for commercial fishing gear such as purse seine and gillnets. In addition, because of its buoyancy, EVA has made its way into nontraditional products such as floating eyewear. EVA slippers and sandals are currently very popular because of their properties like light weight, easy to mold, odorless, glossy finish, and cheaper compared to natural rubber. In fishing rods, it is used to construct handles on the rod-butt end. Closed cell water resistant materials are desirable as are materials that are bacteria resistant and that are easily cleaned and resistant to picking up lint and loose small particles of other types. Other advantages of the materials are that the tools necessary to obtain the desired configuration form multiple layers are sheets of the material are relatively inexpensive and easily modified.
- Other materials of similar characteristics are also available and possible and in some instances may be preferable.
-
FIG. 2 illustrates theholder 10 with aremovable insert 18. With theinsert 18 in place the top surface of theholder 10 is essentially planar (ignoring any textured surface treatment (not shown). -
FIG. 3 illustrates Theholder 10 with theinsert 18 removed in a manner so that it can be reinserted in cut out 22. This cut outsection 22 is designed to receive a particular mobile display device (not shown) such as an iPad. -
FIG. 4 illustrates analternative embodiment holder 50 where thecutout section 54 includes additional functional processes. The processes are comprised of additional cut out areas and slots for user interface with the mobile device. For examplefunctional process Process 60 is shaped to channel sound from the mobile device's speaker(s) (not shown).Processes Processes -
FIG. 5 ,FIG. 6 ,FIG. 7 ,FIG. 8 ,FIG. 9 ,FIG. 10 illustrate various cross-sectional views along cut lines identified inFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 5 andFIG. 6 illustrate an embodiment of theside edge profile 72 of the cut out 54 along cut line A and cut line B respectively. In some embodiments, the cutout can be sized so that holding the mobile device depends on a force fit between thefoam frame 52. In the illustrated embodiment theedge profile 72 is also slanted inward at thetop edge 71. The objective is to more securely hold the mobile device (not shown) in theholder 50. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section ofholder 52 along cut line C. In figure illustrates achamber 65 for receiving a headphone cable (not shown). The cable enters and is removed from the chamber throughslot 64. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section ofholder 52 along cut line D. This cross section illustrates profiles for the process cutouts 62 and 66 for the 18/headphone jack (not shown) and finger access to use controls respectively. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section ofholder 52 along cut line E. This cross section illustrates profiles for theUSB connector slot 56 and for thespeaker sound channel 60. Note that theprofile 61 of the sound channel process is tapered. The purpose of the profile shape is to maximize channeling of the sound from the speakers toward the user. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-section ofholder 52 along cut line F. In figure illustrates achamber 59 for receiving a USB cable (not shown). The cable enters and is removed from the chamber throughslot 58. -
FIG. 11 illustrates afurther embodiment 50 of the holder illustrated inFIG. 4 . This embodiment employs a raisedsection 70 for a wrist rest. In some embodiments the wrist wrest may be a permanent fixture. In other embodiments like the one shown thewrist rest 70 is removable.FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment where the wrist rest is held in place with force fit plugs 72 made of the same material as thewrist rest 70 and/orholder frame 52. -
FIG. 12 illustrates the embodiment of theholder 50 ofFIG. 11 with the wrist rest removed showing theconnection orifices 74.FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of thewrist rest 70. Where the force fit plugs 72 are either permanent fixtures or are removable 76. -
FIG. 14 illustrates amultipositional riser 80 for mounting on thebackside 51 of theholder 50. In some positions forcefit plugs 82 are employed in other positions forcefit plugs 84 are employed. -
FIG. 15 illustrates thebackside 51 of an embodiment of a holder withorifices -
FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of theholder 50 with awrist rest 70 and ariser 80 in the higher slot position. -
FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of theholder 50 with awrist rest 70 and theriser 80 in the higher slot position in the higher riser configuration and asecond riser 81 in a lower slot position. -
FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of theholder 50 in a stand configuration with theinsert 18 used in conjunction with theriser 80 to prop up the holder in a stand configuration. -
FIG. 19 illustrates one construction embodiment of theholder 50. This construction employs two sheets offoam flat sides -
FIG. 20 illustrates another construction embodiment of theholder 50. This construction employs aresilient sheet 104 between the two sheets offoam -
FIG. 21 illustrates the construction ofFIG. 20 with different pronounced textures on thetop surface 52 and thebottom surface 51. -
FIG. 22 illustrates an embodiment of a connecting mechanism for a riser or wrist rest. In this embodiment a forcefit plug 124 holds together theholder 50 and riser 80 (or wrist rest) viaorifices -
FIG. 23 illustrates a configuration where theholder 50 is used to hold amobile device 12 such as an iPad.FIG. 24 illustrates a configuration where theholder 50 is used as resting surface for alaptop computer 13. -
FIG. 25 illustrates and embodiment of theholder 200 for two devices.Insert 202 can be removed to create aspace 206 for one device such as an iPad.Insert 204 can be removed to makespace 208 for a second device such as an iPhone. If theholder 200 is use to receive a laptop (not shown) then theinsert 204 can be flipped and reinserted inspace 208 to serve as a mouse pad. -
FIG. 26 illustrates how the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 25 can be flipped so that the mouse pad surface is on the left side rather than the right side. -
FIG. 27 illustrates analternative embodiment 250 of the holder constructed of three layers of sheet foam. In thisembodiment 250 thetop layer 270 has extendedtabs -
FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of the holder ofFIG. 27 along cut line G. This figure illustrates a three sheetfoam layer construction perforations 258 which allow airflow and heat transfer through the back of theholder 252. -
FIG. 29 illustrates the embodiment ofFIG. 27 with amobile device 12 in place. -
FIG. 30 illustrates the embodiment ofFIG. 27 with amobile device 12 in place and also with acover insert 260 covering themobile device 12 when not in use. -
FIG. 31 illustrates an alternative embodiment of aholder 300 with ariser stand 304. In the embodiment shown, theriser bottom surface 306 is angled so that it rests flat on a flat surface. Additionally theside 312 of the sheet foam andside 314 of theriser 304 have an offset angle 310 (such as about 15 degrees). -
FIG. 32 illustrates the purpose of the offsetangle 310. The riser can also be used as a stand in a landscape configuration. -
FIG. 33 ,FIG. 34 andFIG. 35 illustrate theriser 304 being used as a stand in a portrait configuration.FIG. 33 illustrates an embodiment where theriser 304 can be moved to interface with a more central set oforifices 322 as illustrated inFIG. 35 .FIG. 34 illustrates an offset angle 330 (such as about 10 degrees) of theend 316 of the riser and of theshorter sides 311 of the sheet foam of theholder 300.FIG. 3 -
FIG. 36 illustrates and embodiment of theriser 304 with astorage slot 340 for holding theinsert 11 as illustrated inFIG. 37 . -
FIG. 38 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a connection mechanism for risers and/or wrist rests. This embodiment employsmagnets 412. Which are matched withrespective magnets 422 in the holder illustrated inFIG. 39 . The magnets are oriented so that theriser 410 can be placed on different locations on the holder. For example themagnets 422 at the bottom of the holder; ormagnets 424 on the side of the holder ormagnets 426 at the middle of the holder ormagnets 428 at the top of the holder. -
FIG. 38 illustrates another function of the riser which can be employed on this or other embodiments. Specifically the receivingholes -
FIG. 40 illustrates a side view of a holder ofFIG. 39 with a riser ofFIG. 38 in place in the bottom position on the holder. Theriser 410 is held in place by the attraction of itsmagnet 412 with themagnet 422 in theholder 420. -
FIG. 41 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the one illustrated inFIG. 40 . Theriser 410 is held in place by the attraction of itsmagnet 412 with themagnet 422 in theholder 420. However in this embodiment themagnets -
FIG. 42 illustrates analternative embodiment 500 with a slot in the rest for holding the holder in a vertical position. Thetablet holder 512 fits in aslot 516 of arest 514 which holds the tablet and itsholder 512 in a vertical position. Therest 514 may be a single piece as illustrated inFIG. 42 ormultiple pieces embodiment 520 inFIG. 43 . -
FIG. 44 andFIG. 45 illustrates analternative embodiment 530 with aslot 517 in the rests 534 and 535 for holding thetablet holder 533 in a vertical position and asecond slot 516 for holding thetablet holder 532 at an angle. In alternative embodiments the rest may be asingle piece 534 as seen inFIG. 44 rather than twopieces FIG. 45 . - Although the figures and description herein describe an embodiment utilizing a round circuit board that separates into four sub-boards, the disclosure is not so limited and any shape of circuit board with any number of sub-boards may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.
- While the disclosure has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as disclosed herein. The disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
Claims (4)
1. A protective casing for a tablet computer comprising:
a foam frame comprised of three affixed layers of high-density foam
a first bottom layer with dimensions exceeding the dimensions of the tablet computing device;
a second middle layer about the thickness of the computing device with a central receiving orifice for accepting the dimensions of the computing device, and
a third top layer with dimensions exceeding the dimensions of the tablet computing device and an orifice with dimensions smaller than the dimensions of the tablet computing in order to resist the removal of the tablet computer from the receiving orifice.
2. The casing of claim 1 where at least one of the layers comprising of ethylene vinyl acetate.
3. The casing of claim 1 where the at least one of the layers comprising of ethylene vinyl acetate is about 10 to 40 percent vinyl acetate.
4. The casing of claim 1 where the at least one of the layers comprising of a material that has protective properties of ethylene vinyl acetate with about 10 to 40 percent vinyl acetate.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/928,683 US20150001122A1 (en) | 2013-06-27 | 2013-06-27 | Ergonomic tablet holder, stand, packaging |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/928,683 US20150001122A1 (en) | 2013-06-27 | 2013-06-27 | Ergonomic tablet holder, stand, packaging |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150001122A1 true US20150001122A1 (en) | 2015-01-01 |
Family
ID=52114553
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/928,683 Abandoned US20150001122A1 (en) | 2013-06-27 | 2013-06-27 | Ergonomic tablet holder, stand, packaging |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20150001122A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD756366S1 (en) | 2015-01-09 | 2016-05-17 | Engineered Network Systems, Llc | Tablet computer holder and stand |
US20180132158A1 (en) * | 2016-11-04 | 2018-05-10 | Mediatek Inc. | Uplink-Assisted Mobility Procedure In Millimeter Wave Communication Systems |
US11073865B1 (en) | 2018-02-12 | 2021-07-27 | Jonathan Lens-Rosal | Apparatuses and methods for ergonomically holding handheld electronics |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6279738B1 (en) * | 2000-06-17 | 2001-08-28 | Cryovac, Inc. | Foam packaging tray and packaging method using same |
US20110297578A1 (en) * | 2010-06-04 | 2011-12-08 | Kurt Stiehl | Ring-Shaped Cover for Portable Electronic Device |
-
2013
- 2013-06-27 US US13/928,683 patent/US20150001122A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6279738B1 (en) * | 2000-06-17 | 2001-08-28 | Cryovac, Inc. | Foam packaging tray and packaging method using same |
US20110297578A1 (en) * | 2010-06-04 | 2011-12-08 | Kurt Stiehl | Ring-Shaped Cover for Portable Electronic Device |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD756366S1 (en) | 2015-01-09 | 2016-05-17 | Engineered Network Systems, Llc | Tablet computer holder and stand |
US20180132158A1 (en) * | 2016-11-04 | 2018-05-10 | Mediatek Inc. | Uplink-Assisted Mobility Procedure In Millimeter Wave Communication Systems |
US11073865B1 (en) | 2018-02-12 | 2021-07-27 | Jonathan Lens-Rosal | Apparatuses and methods for ergonomically holding handheld electronics |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CN107426930B (en) | Protective housing | |
USD762640S1 (en) | Portable information terminal | |
USD759010S1 (en) | Portable information terminal | |
TW201100149A (en) | Removable instruction-inputting pads and kit for a portable electronic device with touch screen | |
CA2827491C (en) | Holder for a flat plate such as a tablet computer | |
US20110192510A1 (en) | Protective casing portable handheld electronic device | |
USD610128S1 (en) | Stand | |
USD829204S1 (en) | Portable information terminal | |
US9408446B2 (en) | Case for a portable electronic device | |
US20150001122A1 (en) | Ergonomic tablet holder, stand, packaging | |
WO2016007343A1 (en) | Case for a portable electronic device | |
US20160270526A1 (en) | Portable, foldable work table | |
US20160026218A1 (en) | Foldable tablet covers | |
TWI586564B (en) | Charge cart and storage frame thereof | |
US20140061069A1 (en) | Universal portable electronic device protector | |
US20160149608A1 (en) | Protective case for electronic device | |
TWM439833U (en) | Protective sheath | |
WO2018148133A1 (en) | A low profile auxiliary component mounting article | |
US9915393B2 (en) | Mobile device support with finger clearance | |
WO2020185802A3 (en) | Portable exercise support platform | |
CN102506281A (en) | Support structure for flat panel display equipment | |
CN203561919U (en) | An electronic apparatus | |
US20130154451A1 (en) | Technology kitchen surface | |
CN202361026U (en) | Support structure of flat panel display device | |
WO2010151233A2 (en) | Audio, display & storage box for electronic devices |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |