WO2013138641A1

WO2013138641A1 - Mounting system for tablet computer

Info

Publication number: WO2013138641A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/031580
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nick Stanek; Joseph Vail
Original assignee: Milestone Av Technologies Llc
Priority date: 2012-03-16
Filing date: 2013-03-14
Publication date: 2013-09-19

Abstract

A mounting system for a tablet computer includes a base, and a tablet computer interface. The tablet computer interface includes a body portion for receiving the tablet computer thereon and a magnet, the base having a magnetic interface. The magnet of the tablet computer interface received on the magnetic interface of the base to detachably couple the tablet computer interface to the base. The magnetic interface may be coupled to the base with a ball-and-socket connection so that the tablet computer interface is selectively shiftable relative to the base on the ball-and-socket connection.

Description

MOUNTING SYSTEM AND INTERFACE FOR TABLET COMPUTER

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/61 1,571, entitled MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR TABLET COMPUTER, filed March 16, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/623,832, entitled MOUNTING SYSTEM AND INTERFACE FOR TABLET COMPUTER, filed April 13, 2012, both of said applications being hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to tablet computers, and more particularly to systems for receiving and mounting tablet computers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tablet computers such as the Apple® iPad® have become increasingly popular in recent years. A drawback of tablet computers, however, is that typically there is no provision on the device for receiving a user's fingers so it is easy for the user to grip and hold the computer with one hand while using the other hand to interact with the screen of the computer.

Also, while tablet computers are typically intended to be handheld by a user, it is sometimes desirable for the computer to be supported from a fixed structure while in use. For example, it may be desirable for the computer to be supported above a work surface or from a wall so that the computer can be viewed and used while the user also performs other tasks. Prior mounting solutions have not fully addressed these drawbacks. Consequently, what is needed in the industry is a mounting system for a tablet computer that addresses these drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the need in the industry for a mounting system for tablet computer that addresses the drawbacks of prior systems.

In an embodiment, a mounting system for a tablet computer includes a base, and a tablet computer interface, the tablet computer interface comprising a body portion for receiving the tablet computer thereon and a magnet, the base having a magnetic interface, the magnet of the tablet computer interface received on the magnetic interface of the base to detachably couple the tablet computer interface to the base.

In embodiments of the invention, the magnetic interface is coupled to the base with a ball-and-socket connection so that the tablet computer interface is selectively shiftable relative to the base on the ball-and-socket connection. The base can include a surface contacting base portion and an arm operably coupled to the base portion, the arm selectively positionable to shift the tablet computer interface relative to the base portion. The arm may include a first arm portion pivotally coupled to the base portion, and a second arm portion pivotally coupled to the first arm portion, the tablet computer interface being coupled to the second arm portion. A friction mechanism may be operably coupled to the first arm portion and/or operably coupled between the first arm portion and the second arm portion. In embodiments of the invention the arm is pivotally coupled to the base so as to be pivotable in two different rotational directions. In embodiments of the invention the connection of the magnet of the tablet computer interface and the magnetic interface of the base provides a charging connection between a tablet computer received on the tablet computer interface and an external power source. In other embodiments, the connection of the magnet of the tablet computer interface and the magnetic interface of the base provides a USB connection between a tablet computer received on the tablet computer interface and an external computer.

In embodiments of the invention the magnetic interface is coupled to the base with a ball- and-socket connection so that the tablet computer interface is selectively shiftable relative to the base on the ball-and-socket connection, the ball-and socket connection including a ball operably coupled to the base with the magnetic interface defining a semi-spherical recess for slidably receiving the ball therein.

In other embodiments, the base includes a surface contacting base portion and a detachable portion secured thereto, the detachable portion adapted for attaching to a wall when detached from the surface contacting base portion.

In a further embodiment, a tablet computer system includes a tablet computer, and a mount for holding the tablet computer, the mount including a base, and a tablet computer interface, the tablet computer interface comprising a body portion receiving the tablet computer thereon and a magnet, the base having a magnetic interface, the magnet of the tablet computer interface received on the magnetic interface of the base to detachably couple the tablet computer interface to the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The embodiments of the present invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a rear isometric view of a mounting system for tablet computer according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1 a is a front isometric view of a mounting system for tablet computer according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, and in which the depiction shows an Apple® iPad2® received in the mount;

Figure lb is a front isometric view of the mounting system of Figure la without the iPad2®;

Figure 2 is a front isometric view of the system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a rear partially exploded view of the system of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an exploded view of the arm portion of the system of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a rear isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a mounting system for tablet computer;

Figure 6 is a rear isometric view of another alternative embodiment of a mounting system for tablet computer;

Figure 7 is an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of a mounting system for tablet computer in which the system can be rested on a horizontal surface;

Figure 8 is an isometric view of the connection between the computer interface and the arm of the system of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a rear isometric view of a mounting system for tablet computer according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 is a rear isometric view of the mounting system of Figure 9 in an extended position;

Figure 1 1 is a fragementary rear isometric view of the mounting system of Figure 9, depicting the arm tilted relative to the base of the device;

Figure 12 is a partial exploded view of a portion of the mounting system of Figure 9, depicting the pivoting connection of the arm to the base of the device;

Figure 13 is a partial exploded view of a portion of the mounting system of Figure 9, depicting the lower friction arm assembly of the device;

Figure 14 is a partial exploded view of a portion of the mounting system of Figure 9, depicting the pivoting connection of the arm assembly to the base of the device;

Figure 15 is a fragementary isometric view of upper friction arm of the mounting system of Figure 9;

Figure 16 is an exploded view of the mounting system of Figure 9, depicting the connection of the computer interface to the arm; and

Figure 17 is a fragmentary isometic view of the mounting system of Figure 9, depicting the ball portion of the connection of the computer interface to the arm.

While the present invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the present invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In Figures 1-4 there is depicted a mounting system 10 for tablet computers according to a first embodiment of the invention. System 10 generally includes computer interface 12 and arm assembly 14. Computer interface 12 generally includes molded receiving portion 16 and magnetic disk 18. Molded receiving portion 16 may be molded in a single piece from suitable polymer material such polycarbonate according to methods commonly known in the art, or may alternatively be formed from metal, or any other suitably durable material. It will be appreciated that molded receiving portion may be transparent, translucent, or opaque as may be desired for aesthetic purposes. According to an embodiment of the invention, ridges 20 separated by valleys 22 may be molded into back side 24 of receiving portion 16 as depicted in Figures 1-3 so as to form finger grips, making it easier for a user to grip receiving portion 16, and a tablet computer received in it, with one hand.

At each of corners 26 of receiving portion 16, there is provided a receiving structure 28 for securing a tablet computer (not depicted) on front side 30 of receiving portion 16. Each receiving structure 28 generally includes inwardly extending lip 32, positioned so as to engage and wrap-around the front side of the tablet computer, when the tablet computer is received on front side 30, such that the tablet computer is securely retained. It will be appreciated that receiving structures 28 and front side 30 may be dimensioned so as to fit a desired tablet computer such as an Apple® iPad2®, iPad3®, iPad4®, or similar device. Magnetic disk 18, which may be made from neodymium alloy material, is secured in aperture 32. Arm assembly 14 generally includes inner segment 34, middle segment 36, outer segment 38 and wall interface 40. Inner segment 34 defines ball 42 with pivot flange 44 at an opposite end. Middle segment 36 is formed by half-segments 46, 48, which are secured together with fasteners 50. Each of half-segments 46, 48, define wire channel 52 on an inner surface. Pivot receiving structures 54 are defined at both ends of each of half-segments 46, 48, so as to pivotably receive and hold pivot flange 44 of inner segment 34 and pivot flange 56 of outer segment 38. Outer segment 38 generally includes half-segments 58, 60, which are secured together with fasteners 62. Each of half-segments 58, 60, define wire channel 64.

Wall interface 40 defines pivot pin 66, with interface surface 68 on the rear side. Fastener apertures 70 are provided to receive fasteners (not depicted) to secure arm assembly 14 to a wall or other fixed structure.

Arm assembly 14 is assembled with pivot pin 66 through bore portion 72, which is defined at one end of outer segment 38, such that outer segment 38 is pivotable about pivot pin 66. Pivot flange 56 is received in pivot retaining structure 54 at one end of middle segment 36, while pivot flange 44 is received in pivot retaining structure 54 at the other end of middle segment 36, such that middle segment 36 is pivotable with respect to both outer segment 38 and inner segment 34.

Magnetic interface 78 defines pocket 80, which is conformingly shaped to ball 42. Flanges 82 are secured to magnetic interface 78 with fasteners 84, holding ball 42 in pocket 80 so as to form a ball-and-socket joint coupling computer interface 12 to arm assembly 14.

The wire channels 52, 64, in cooperation with a similar wire channel in inner segment 34 form a continuous cavity in which wires may be concealed, enabling such wires to extend from the wall to near the computer without being exposed to view. It will be appreciated that magnetic disk 18 is magnetically attracted to magnetic interface 78, thereby securing computer interface 12 to arm assembly 14. Advantageously, this magnetic connection enables easy detachment of computer interface 12 from arm assembly 14 when a user desires to use the tablet computer in a handheld mode. The computer can then be easily reattached to arm assembly 14 by simply engaging magnetic disk 18 with magnetic interface 78. Further, when computer interface 12 is coupled to arm assembly 14, the magnetic coupling of the two portions enables the computer interface to be freely rotated about axis "Z", so that the tablet computer can be oriented between a portrait and a landscape orientation.

In Figure 5, there is depicted an alternative embodiment of a mounting system 100 for a tablet computer in which computer interface 12 is attached to an arm assembly 102 having a different configuration. Arm assembly 102 generally includes wall interface 104, inner arm 106, outer arm 108, and interface assembly 1 10. Wall interface 104, inner arm 106, outer arm 108 and interface assembly 110 are all vertically pivotally coupled to each other. Inner arm 104 and outer arm 106 may include wire channels for concealing conductors as described above. Interface assembly 110 generally includes ball 112. Magnetic interface 78 defines a pocket (not depicted) as described for the embodiment of Figures 1-4, which is conformingly shaped to ball 112. Flanges 82 are secured to magnetic interface 78 with fasteners 84, holding ball 1 12 in pocket 80 so as to form a ball-and-socket joint coupling computer interface 12 to arm assembly 102. Again, computer interface 12 is magnetically coupled to arm assembly 102 as described for the embodiment of Figures 1-4.

In Figure 6, there is depicted another embodiment of a mounting system 150 for a tablet computer in which computer interface 12 is attached to an arm assembly 152 having a yet another different configuration. In the depicted embodiment arm assembly 152 includes wall interface portion 154, middle ring 156, and interface portion 158 which defines ball 160. Middle ring 156 is vertically pivotable with respect to wall interface portion 154 and interface portion 158. Computer interface 12 is magnetically attached to arm assembly 152 as described above.

In Figures 7 and 8, there is depicted another embodiment of a mounting system 200 for tablet computers. Mounting system 200 generally includes computer interface 12 and stand/wall interface 202. Stand/wall interface 202 generally includes base portion 204, base/wall interface 206, lower arm 208, upper arm 210, and magnetic interface/ball joint 212. In this embodiment, base portion 204 can be rested on a desk or other horizontal surface. Base/wall interface 206 is removably secured to base portion 204 with fasteners 214. If desired, base/wall interface 206 can be detached from base portion 204 and affixed to a wall or other vertical surface. Hence, mounting system 200 is easily adaptable to both horizontal and vertical surfaces.

Lower arm 208 is pivotally attached to base/wall interface 206 at pivot 220. Friction mechanism 222 provides friction so that lower arm 208 may be positioned at any desired angle relative to base/wall interface 206. Upper arm 210 is pivotally attached to lower arm 208 at pivot 224, and although not depicted, a friction mechanism may be provided in association with this pivot as well to enable upper arm 210 to be maintained in a desired position relative to lower arm 208. Upper arm 210 defines ball 226 at its upper end. As depicted, the same detachable magnetic and swiveling ball-joint connection as described above for the embodiments of Figures 1-6 is also provided for this embodiment.

In Figures la and lb is depicted an embodiment in which a wired interface for the tablet computer is provided in the mount. In Figure la, Apple® iPad2® 400 is received in molded receiving portion 16, which is the same as for the embodiment depicted in Figure 1, with the exception of molded ears 402, 404, on opposing lateral edges of receiving portion 16. Ear 404 receives Apple® iPad® interface connector 406, which can be plugged into the interface connector of iPod2® 400 as is known in the art. Interface connector 406 is communicatively coupled by a wire (not depicted) extending through receiving portion 16 to standard USB male interface connector 408 concealed in ear 402. Interface connector 406, USB interface connector 408, and the wire connecting them can be simply the stock component supplied with Apple® iPad® products for use in connecting with personal computer or for charging of the device. USB interface connector 408 is coupled with female USB interface connector 410, which is in turn coupled via USB cable (not depicted) to electrical connections extending through magnetic disk 18 and magnetic interface 78, and from there through a USB cable concealed in the wire channels of inner arm 104 and outer arm 106 to a personal computer, if data connectivity is desired, or simply a power supply for charging if only power supply is desired. The USB connectivity for connecting the iPad® to a personal computer, which may be an Apple® computer or any other make, is provided entirely through the magnetic connection and the various wired connections as described.

In Figures 9-17, there is depicted another embodiment of a mounting system 500 for tablet computers. Mounting system 500 generally includes computer interface 12 and stand/wall interface 502. Stand/wall interface 502 generally includes base portion 504, base/wall interface 506, lower arm 508, upper arm 510, and magnetic interface/ball joint 512. In this embodiment, base portion 504 can be rested on a desk or other horizontal surface. Base/wall interface 506 is removably secured to base portion 504 with fasteners 514. If desired, base/wall interface 506 can be detached from base portion 504 and affixed to a wall or other vertical surface. Hence, mounting system 500 is easily adaptable to both horizontal and vertical surfaces. As depicted in Figures 9, 10 and 14, lower arm 508 is pivotally attached to base/wall interface 506 with pivot pins 520 extending through apertures 522 in lower arm 508 and into apertures 524 in pivot block 526. In turn, as depicted in Figure 12, pivot block 526 is coupled to friction arm pivot block 528 with pin 530 extending through aperture 532 in pivot block 526, aperture 534 in end wall 536 of base/wall interface 506 and into friction arm pivot block 528. As such, lower arm 508 can pivot from side -to-side relative to base portion 504 as depicted in Figure 11. Hence, the pivotal connection of lower arm 508 at pivot pins 520 and the pivotal connection at pin 530 enable lower arm 508 to pivot in two different rotational directions relative to base/wall interface 506.

As depicted in Figures 9, 10, and 13, friction mechanism 540 generally includes friction arm 542 and friction sliders 544. Friction arm 542 is pivotally coupled to friction sliders 544 with fastener 546 extending through apertures 548 in friction sliders 544 and aperture 550 in friction arm 542. Lower end 552 of friction arm 542 is pivotally coupled to friction arm pivot block 528 with pin 554 extending through apertures 556 in friction arm pivot block 528 and aperture 558 in friction arm 542. Friction sliders 544 are disposed in friction slot 560 in lower arm 508. Hence, friction arm 542 provides friction so that lower arm 508 may be positioned at any desired angle relative to base/wall interface 506, and will stay in the set position.

As depicted in Figures 9, 10, and 15, upper arm 510 is pivotally attached to lower arm 508 at pivot 562. A friction mechanism 564, similar to friction mechanism 540 is provided in association with pivot 562 as well to enable upper arm 510 to be maintained in a desired position relative to lower arm 508. Friction arm 566 is pivotally coupled to upper arm 510 at pivot 568. Friction sliders 570 ride in friction slot 572 in lower arm 508 to provide the friction. As depicted in Figures 9 and 16, magnetic interface/ball joint 512 generally includes magnetic interface 574 defining semi-spherical recess 576, ball 578, securing flanges 580, 582, and magnet 584. Magnet 584 is received and retained in a conforming pocket 586 of computer interface 12. Cover 588 may be provided to conceal magnet 584 from view. Ball 578 is slidably received in semi-spherical recess 576 and is secured in place with flanges 580, 582, held to magnetic interface 574 with fasteners 590. Ball 578 and semi-spherical pocket 576 form a ball- and-socket joint coupling computer interface 12 to stand/wall interface 502, and enabling computer interface to be swiveled and pivoted in any direction as desired.

As with the previous embodiments, it will be appreciated that magnet 584 is magnetically attracted to magnetic interface 574, thereby securing computer interface 12 to stand/wall interface 502. Advantageously, this magnetic connection enables easy detachment of computer interface 12 from stand/wall interface 502 when a user desires to use the tablet computer in a handheld mode. The tablet computer can then be easily reattached to stand/wall interface 502 by simply engaging magnet 584 with magnetic interface 574. Further, when computer interface 12 is coupled to stand/wall interface 502, the magnetic coupling of the two portions enables the computer interface to be freely rotated about axis "Z", so that the tablet computer can be oriented between a portrait and a landscape orientation.

As with the embodiments of Figures la and lb, although not depicted, a wired interface for the tablet computer can be provided in the mount. An interface connector can be plugged into the interface connector of the tablet computer as is known in the art. The interface connector can be communicatively coupled by a wire (not depicted) extending through the mount to a standard USB interface connector 408. Alternatively, a USB connection can be provided through magnet 584 with magnetic interface 574, and from there through a USB cable concealed in wire channels in stand/wall interface 502 to an external personal computer, if data connectivity is desired, or simply an external power supply for charging if only power supply is desired. The USB connectivity for connecting the tablet computer to a personal computer, which may be an Apple® computer or any other make, is provided entirely through the magnetic connection and the various wired connections as described.

The foregoing descriptions present numerous specific details that provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various embodiments, having been disclosed herein, may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, components as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail herein in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments are set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of various embodiments, this disclosure is illustrative only. Other embodiments may be constructed that nevertheless employ the principles and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the invention.

For purposes of interpreting the claims for the present invention, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms "means for" or "step for" are recited in a claim.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A mounting system for a tablet computer, comprising:

a base; and

a tablet computer interface, the tablet computer interface comprising a body portion for receiving the tablet computer thereon and a magnet, the base having a magnetic interface, the magnet of the tablet computer interface received on the magnetic interface of the base to detachably couple the tablet computer interface to the base.

2. The mounting system of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic interface is coupled to the base with a ball-and-socket connection so that the tablet computer interface is selectively shiftable relative to the base on the ball-and-socket connection.

3. The mounting system of claim 1 , wherein the base includes a surface contacting base portion and an arm operably coupled to the base portion, the arm selectively positionable to shift the tablet computer interface relative to the base portion.

4. The mounting system of claim 3, wherein the arm includes a first arm portion pivotally coupled to the base portion, and a second arm portion pivotally coupled to the first arm portion, the tablet computer interface being coupled to the second arm portion.

5. The mounting system of claim 4, further comprising a friction mechanism operably coupled to the first arm portion.

6. The mounting system of claim 4, further comprising a friction mechanism operably coupled between the first arm portion and the second arm portion.

7. The mounting system of claim 4, wherein the arm is pivotally coupled to the base so as to be pivotable in two different rotational directions.

8. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the connection of the magnet of the tablet computer interface and the magnetic interface of the base provides a charging connection between a tablet computer received on the tablet computer interface and an external power source.

9. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the connection of the magnet of the tablet computer interface and the magnetic interface of the base provides a USB connection between a tablet computer received on the tablet computer interface and an external computer.

10. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic interface is coupled to the base with a ball-and-socket connection so that the tablet computer interface is selectively shiftable relative to the base on the ball-and-socket connection, the ball-and socket connection including a ball operably coupled to the base with the magnetic interface defining a semi-spherical recess for slidably receiving the ball therein.

11. The mounting system of claim 1 , wherein the base includes a surface contacting base portion and a detachable portion secured thereto, the detachable portion adapted for attaching to a wall when detached from the surface contacting base portion.

12. A tablet computer system, comprising:

a tablet computer; and

a mount for holding the tablet computer, the mount comprising:

a base; and

a tablet computer interface, the tablet computer interface comprising a body portion receiving the tablet computer thereon and a magnet, the base having a magnetic interface, the magnet of the tablet computer interface received on the magnetic interface of the base to detachably couple the tablet computer interface to the base.

13. The tablet computer system of claim 12, wherein the magnetic interface is coupled to the base with a ball-and-socket connection so that the tablet computer interface is selectively shiftable relative to the base on the ball-and-socket connection.

14. The tablet computer system of claim 12, wherein the base includes a surface contacting base portion and an arm operably coupled to the base portion, the arm selectively positionable to shift the tablet computer interface relative to the base portion.

15. The tablet computer system of claim 14, wherein the arm includes a first arm portion pivotally coupled to the base portion, and a second arm portion pivotally coupled to the first arm portion, the tablet computer interface being coupled to the second arm portion.

16. The tablet computer system of claim 15, further comprising a friction mechanism operably coupled to the first arm portion.

17. The tablet computer system of claim 15, further comprising a friction mechanism operably coupled between the first arm portion and the second arm portion.

18. The tablet computer system of claim 15, wherein the arm is pivotally coupled to the base so as to be pivotable in two different rotational directions.

19. The tablet computer system of claim 12, wherein the connection of the magnet of the tablet computer interface and the magnetic interface of the base provides a charging connection between a tablet computer received on the tablet computer interface and an external power source.

20. The tablet computer system of claim 12, wherein the connection of the magnet of the tablet computer interface and the magnetic interface of the base provides a USB connection between a tablet computer received on the tablet computer interface and an external computer.

21. The tablet computer system of claim 12, wherein the magnetic interface is coupled to the base with a ball-and-socket connection so that the tablet computer interface is selectively shiftable relative to the base on the ball-and-socket connection, the ball-and socket connection including a ball operably coupled to the base with the magnetic interface defining a semi- spherical recess for slidably receiving the ball therein.

22. The tablet computer system of claim 12, wherein the base includes a surface contacting base portion and a detachable portion secured thereto, the detachable portion adapted for attaching to a wall when detached from the surface contacting base portion.