WO2008154311A2

WO2008154311A2 - Mounting and stowage apparatus for an electronic display device

Info

Publication number: WO2008154311A2
Application number: PCT/US2008/065974
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gary S. Grommet; Eric R. Nulsen
Original assignee: Hawker Beechcraft Corporation
Priority date: 2007-06-06
Filing date: 2008-06-05
Publication date: 2008-12-18
Also published as: WO2008154311A3

Abstract

An electronic display device mounting and stowage apparatus is provided which is releasably mountable in the operating compartment of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a containment member for securing the electronic display device, a mounting member for securing the apparatus to a preselected portion of the vehicle, for example, a seat assembly, and a positioning mechanism and locking lever to position the electronic display device in either a secure stowed position or in a secure viewable position during operation of the vehicle.

Description

MOUNTING AND STOWAGE APPARATUS FOR AN ELECTRONIC DISPLAY

DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic display device mounting and stowage apparatus and, in particular, to an electronic display device mounting and stowage apparatus for mounting and stowing electronic devices for use during operation of a vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electronic display mounting and stowage apparatus for electronic devices used in the cockpit of an airplane that will permit the safe stowage of an electronic display device during critical flight operations such as take-off and landing and convenient deployment of the device to a readily observable position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.

60/942,325, filed June 6, 2007, entitled "Electronic Flight Bag Stowage Clamp", which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Historically, in the transportation industry, whether the means of transport was by air, land or water, automobile and truck drivers and marine and airline pilots and navigators relied upon roadmaps, navigation and weather charts and other paper data sources for travel-related information. Recent innovations in computer technology and advances in electronic navigation, communication and G PS-based systems have all but eliminated traditional maps, navigational and weather charts and the like in paper form. What was formerly contained on paper documents is now totally contained in portable electronic devices.

[0004] More particularly, in the aviation industry, pilots carried what was known as a "flight bag", which was essentially a brief case containing all of the navigational charts, communication information, landing pattern data for specific air fields, and so forth that the pilot might require for a specific flight. The flight bag was typically placed on the floor of the cockpit within convenient reach of the pilot, who would access its contents as needed during the course of the flight.

[0005] Electronic flight bags have replaced the traditional flight bag described above. They are essentially small hand-held or laptop computers having visual displays that may be selectively accessed by a pilot during flight operations. Often, a pilot may simply place the electronic flight bag in his or her lap for convenient reference or stow it on the floor of the cockpit for ready access when needed. However, FAA regulations require that such devices be stowed securely yet be readily observable during critical phases of flight such as take-off and landing. Moreover, the typically confined space limitations in most aircraft cockpits place limitations on stowage and stabile mounting options for such devices.

[0006] One such mounting device is disclosed in U.S. Patent No.

6,588,719 issued to Dirk Tubach on July 8, 2003. The 719 Patent discloses a mounting bracket for a piece of electronic equipment which is mounted to the exterior frame of the aircraft, typically near the window, and includes adjustments for moving and securing the device in a readily observable location as determined by the pilot. However, the apparatus disclosed by Tubach is complicated and expensive to manufacture and limited in its positionability within the cockpit.

[0007] Another electronic display mount is disclosed in U.S. Patent

Publication No. 2007/0170328 published by Fortes et al., July 26, 2007. The mount of the Fortes et al. disclosure includes a relatively large number of elements, most of which require precise machining operations in order for them to interact and function effectively with one another.

[0008] Accordingly, a need exists for a relatively simple, easy to use electronic display device mounting and stowing apparatus which is inexpensive to manufacture and which may be conveniently mounted within the confined space of a vehicle operating compartment, and, in particular, within the confines of an aircraft cockpit and in compliance with FAA regulations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A mounting and stowage apparatus for an electronic display device which may be installed in the operating compartment of a vehicle, by way of example, a motor, marine or airborne vehicle, to securely and conveniently position and stow the display device. More particularly, in an embodiment, the mounting and stowage apparatus includes a containment feature for securely holding the display device, a mounting element connected to the containment feature which may be releasably mounted to a portion of a vehicle, and a pivot connection which interconnects the containment portion and the mounting element to permit convenient stowage and positioning of the display device during non-use and during critical vehicle phases of vehicle operation, such as take-off and landing of an aircraft. The mounting and stowage device includes features which permit the user to remove the display device from the mounting apparatus for hand-held use or for positioning at other locations within the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the mounting and stowage apparatus of the present invention depicting an electronic display device positioned to be readily observable in operation;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the mounting and stowage apparatus of the present invention illustrating an electronic display device in a stowed position;

Figure 3 is an end view of the mounting and stowage apparatus of the present invention illustrating an electronic display device in a stowed position; and

Figure 4 is an end view of the mounting and stowage apparatus of the present invention illustrating an electronic display device positioned to be readily observable in operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00010] The present invention is more particularly described in the following exemplary embodiments which are intended to be illustrative only and by way of example, not by limitation. The concepts presented herein are not limited to use or application with one particular type of electronic display device or in any particular type of vehicle. Thus, although the instrumentalities described herein are for the convenience of explanation, shown and described with respect to exemplary embodiments, the principles presented may be equally applied to other types of electronic display mounting and stowage devices.

[00011] Referring to Fig. 1 , an electronic display device 100 is shown deployed for operation, by way of example, in the cockpit of an airplane 110. While an aircraft cockpit is shown for convenience of illustration, it is to be understood that the mounting and stowage apparatus of the instant invention may also be employed in the operation of any vehicle such as an automobile, truck or boat without departing from the scope of the invention. In the embodiment shown, the electronic display device comprises an electronic flight bag; however, other electronic display devices such as laptop computers or GPS systems may be mounted and stowed by the apparatus of the present invention, as well. The display device includes a display screen 102 and various controls 104 which may be employed by the operator, (in this embodiment, the airplane pilot or copilot) for selecting and/or manipulating the information to be displayed on the screen, and a housing 105. [00012] The mounting and stowage apparatus of the present invention is shown generally at 115 and includes a containment member or pocket 1 16 in the form of a generally rectangular-shaped box structure or frame assembly 118 adapted to releasably receive and secure an electronic display device. In the embodiment shown, the frame assembly comprises three generally C-shaped channel sections 120, 121 , and 122 formed of aluminum and welded together to form the box structure; although, other materials, configurations and manufacturing methods could be employed to form the frame assembly, as well. One end 124 of the containment member is left open to receive the electronic display device, and retaining member, which by way of example is shown in the form of a pliable leather flap or closure 126, is releasably positioned over the open end 124 by means of suitable fasteners 128 to secure the electronic display device in the frame assembly. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 , the fasteners include a pair of snaps, one positioned at each end of the retaining member 126; however, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that other fastening means, including but not limited to Velcro closures, zippers, rivets, buttons, or screws, may be employed with equal efficacy without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[00013] Referring now to Figs. 2 and 3, means 130 for releasably securing the mounting and stowage apparatus 115 to a portion of a vehicle is shown in greater detail. As discussed above, for purposes of illustration, in an embodiment, the vehicle depicted is an airplane, and the mounting and stowage apparatus is shown installed inside the cockpit and releasably attached to a crew member's seat assembly 132. However, it is to be understood that the mounting and stowage apparatus may also be installed in other vehicles and operating environments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The mounting means includes a C-shaped channel section 134 having a first side member or plate 136 positioned adjacent the seat assembly and second and third spaced apart side members or plates 138, 140 extending in a substantially parallel direction from the first plate 136, each side plate having a proximate end 142 secured to the first plate 136 and a distal end 144. Each distal end includes an aperture formed therein (not shown) adapted to receive a pivot pin 146 for pivotally connecting the containment member to the channel section 134, thereby forming an articulated joint 149 there between for positioning the containment member and the electronic display device secured by it in either a stowed or in a viewing position. The mounting means further includes a bottom plate 141 which is attached to each of the first, second and third side members to provide additional strength and rigidity to the mount.

[00014] As shown in Fig. 2, the mounting and stowage apparatus 115 is releasably secured to a rail portion 148 of the seat assembly 132 by at least one threaded fastener 150. In the embodiment shown, a pair of fasteners is employed; however, more or fewer may be used and other forms of fasteners, including but not limited to clamps, hooks, or Velcro, by way of example, could also be employed for this purpose without departing from the scope of the present invention. Each of the fasteners has a knurled knob 152 attached to one end thereof to facilitate installation of the mounting and stowing apparatus and a T-nut (not shown) at a second end adapted to be received by a channel 154 formed in the rail 148. Each of the fasteners passes through an aperture (not shown) formed in the first plate 136; the fasteners, the third plate, the T-nuts and the rail channel being structured and arranged to cooperatively lock the mounting and stowing apparatus into location adjacent the seat assembly 132.

[00015] As best shown in Fig. 2, a pair of mounting brackets 158 are secured to a rear portion or panel 160 of the containment member 116 and extend outwardly therefrom is a direction substantially parallel to and of the same lateral spacing as the side members 138, 140 of the C-shaped channel section 134. An aperture 162 is formed in each bracket, and each aperture is structured and arranged to overlay the corresponding aperture formed in the distal ends 144 of the side members 138 and 140 and cooperates therewith to receive the pivot pin 146 to form the articulated joint 149. The pivot pin is held in place by suitable retaining means 147, which, by way of example, may include a lock nut, snap ring or cotter pin. A releasable locking lever 164 is mounted on the rear panel 160 of the containment member by a bracket 166. The lever includes an elongated body portion 168 having first and second ends 170, and 172, the body portion being slideably disposed in the apertures 162 and extending through the brackets 158. A handle 174 is attached to the first end 170 for manipulation by a user of the apparatus to releasably position the electronic display device in either a fully stowed position or in a secure deployed position, as will be described in greater detail below. The second end 172 is adapted to be slideably received in apertures (not shown) formed at predetermined locations in the plate 138 of C-channel 134 and cooperates therewith to retain the apparatus in position.

[00016] Fig. 4 depicts the electronic display device 100, in this embodiment, an electronic flight bag, in a secure deployed position for monitoring during flight. To move the device from the stowed position shown in Fig. 3 to the deployed position of Fig. 4 and back again, the crew member manipulates the handle 174 (Fig. 2) to extract the second end of the locking lever from one of the apertures in the C-channel, rotates the device upwardly to the deployed position, and manipulates the handle to insert the second end of the lever into a different aperture in the C-channel, thereby securing the device in position. While typically the electronic display device would be used in the substantially horizontal position shown in Figures 1 and 4, other non-horizontal positions could also be set by simply placing additional apertures at other preselected locations in the C-channel.

[00017] Changes may be made in the above devices, structures and procedures without departing from the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that the matter contained in the above description and/or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the device, structure and method, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A mounting and stowage apparatus for an electronic display device comprising: a containment member for releasably securing the electronic display device to the mounting and stowage apparatus; a mounting member adapted to be releasably secured to a portion of a vehicle; means for releasably securing the mounting member to the portion of a vehicle; and positioning means for selectively positioning the electronic display device in either a first stowed position or in one of a plurality of second viewing positions.

2. The mounting and stowage apparatus of claim 1 wherein the containment member comprises a rectangular box structure adapted to receive the electronic display device.

3. The mounting and stowage apparatus of claim 2 wherein the rectangular box structure includes at least one open end for receiving the electronic display device and a retaining member positioned on the open end to secure the electronic display device in the box structure.

4. The mounting and stowage apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for releasably securing the mounting member comprises at least one threaded fastener having a first end and a second end, the first end being structured and arranged to be received in a mating aperture formed in the portion of the vehicle.

5. The mounting and stowage apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first end is configured in the shape of a T-profile nut.

6. The mounting and stowage apparatus of claim 5 wherein the T-profile nut is positioned in a slot formed in the portion of the vehicle.

7. The mounting and stowage apparatus of claim 6 wherein the portion of the vehicle comprises a seat assembly.

8. The mounting and stowage apparatus of claim 4 wherein the second end is configured in the shape of a knurled knob.

9. The mounting and stowage apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mounting member comprises a C-shaped channel section having a first side positioned adjacent the portion of the vehicle and second and third spaced apart sides, each having a distal end and a proximate end, the sides extending substantially parallel from the first side and secured thereto.

10. The mounting and stowage apparatus of claim 1 wherein the positioning means comprises an articulated joint disposed intermediate the containment member and the mounting member.

11. The mounting and stowage apparatus of claim 9 wherein the distal ends of each of the second and third sides include an aperture formed therein.

12. The mounting and stowage apparatus of claim 11 wherein the positioning means includes a pivot pin positioned in the apertures formed in the distal ends of the second and third sides of the channel section and means for pivotally connecting the pivot pin to the containment member.

13. The mounting and stowage apparatus of claim 12 wherein the connecting means includes at least one bracket connected to the containment member and having an aperture formed therein, the aperture being adapted to pivotally receive the pivot pin.

14. The mounting an stowage apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for selectively positioning includes a locking lever for releasably locking the containment member and the electronic display device in either a first stowed position or in one of a plurality of second viewing positions.

15. The mounting and stowage apparatus of claim 1 wherein the vehicle comprises a land-operated motor vehicle.

16. The mounting and stowage apparatus of claim 15 wherein the portion of the vehicle comprises a seat assembly.

17. The mounting and stowage apparatus of claim 1 wherein the vehicle comprises a water -borne vehicle.

18. The mounting and stowage apparatus of claim 17 wherein the portion of the vehicle comprises a seat assembly.

19. The mounting and stowage apparatus of claim 1 wherein the portion of the vehicle comprises an airborne vehicle.

20. The mounting and stowage apparatus of claim 19 wherein the portion of the vehicle comprises a seat assembly.