WO2013181735A1

WO2013181735A1 - A device for holding a planar article

Info

Publication number: WO2013181735A1
Application number: PCT/CA2012/000565
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian George BRISBIN
Original assignee: Bybstudio Inc.
Priority date: 2012-06-08
Filing date: 2012-06-08
Publication date: 2013-12-12

Abstract

A stand-like device for retaining a planar article, preferably an electronic display device such as an Ipad, in a desired angled upright position on a supporting surface the device having a first elongate member having a first member first portion and a first member second portion; a second elongate member having a second member first portion and a second member second portion; connecting means connecting the first member first portion with the second member first portion in engagement as to provide angular separation of the first member from the second member; first member second portion comprising article retaining means for holding the article at an article first portion and the second member second portion having article-retaining means for holding the article at an article second portion, as to operably retain the article in the desired angled upright position. Preferably, the stand has a rotatable connection which allows for the device to be folded.

Description

A DEVICE FOR HOLDING A PLANAR ARTICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a device, particularly a stand, for holding a planar article, particularly an electronic display article, such as an IPad, tablet computer or the like, on a supporting surface, such as a desk, table or the like, at a selected, desired angle to the horizontal. The angle provides for ease of visual and manual operation of the electronic display article.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of smaller and lighter electronic devices is becoming more prevalent with current computer users. These include thin, flat screen devices tablet computers, such as the IPad (TM), or the like, but also includes a variety of other similar devices. Commonly, these are used as handheld devices, or are laid flat on a surface, or on a users' lap.

Accordingly, use and viewing of the electronic display article, is not always optimal.

As such, there is a need for a device that acts as a stand to hold articles, particularly, planar articles, such as electronic display articles, for example, tablet computers, IPads and the like on a supporting surface such as a desk, table or the like, at a selected, desired angle to the horizontal, for ease of visual and manual operation. Such a device will obviate the need for the article to be manually hand-held or rested on a surface or lap.

The present invention provides such a device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a principal advantage of the present invention to provide a device capable of holding an electronic display article, at a selected angle, while preferably resting on a surface. The advantages set out hereinabove, as well as other objects and goals inherent thereto, are at least partially or fully provided by the device of the present invention, as set out herein below. Thus, in one broad aspect, the present invention provides a device for retaining a planar article in a desired angled upright position on a supporting surface, said device comprising:

(a) a first elongate member having a first member first portion and a first member second portion;

(b) a second elongate member having a second member first portion and a second member second portion;

(c) connecting means connecting said first member first portion with said second member first portion in engagement as to provide angular separation of said first member from said second member;

(d) said first member second portion comprising article-retaining means for holding said article at an article first portion and said second member second portion comprising article-retaining means for holding said article at an article second portion, as to operably retain said article in said desired angled upright position.

Preferably, the article first portion and second portion are on vertical opposing sides of the article.

In one embodiment the first member first portion is integrally formed with the second member first portion, wherein the connecting means simply comprises an integrally formed connection between the first and second members.

In further embodiments the first member first portion is integrally formed with the second member first portion intermittent the lengths of the first member and the second member as to constitute an X-shaped relationship.

In yet further embodiments the first member first portion is integrally formed with the second member first portion and said first member first position is a terminal portion of the first member and the second member first portion is a terminal portion of the second member as to constitute a V-shaped relationship. In more preferred embodiments the connecting means allows of adjustable engagement to provide desired angular separation of the first and second members. Further, this allows of a foldable, collapsible article which is of particular value due to its ease of storage and carrying.

In more preferred embodiments, the device as hereinabove defined, includes a first member second portion which comprises a first member terminal second portion; and more preferably the second member second portion comprises a second member terminal second portion.

Preferably, the connecting means comprises a lower surface abutable with the supporting surface; which lower surface is more preferably curved, for example being defined by a portion of a sphere, cone or ellipsoid. The lower surface preferably comprises a non-slip and/or textured surface for resting of a surface..

Preferably, the first member second portion article-retaining means comprises a portion defining an article-receiving recess having a pair of opposing article abutable surfaces, and, more preferably, also the second member second portion article-retaining means comprises a portion defining an article-receiving recess having a pair of opposing article abutable surfaces. These act as "hands" to hold the article.

Most preferably, at least one of the article-abutable surfaces of the first member is sufficiently non-smooth as to prevent non-manual movement of the article; while also more preferably, at least one of the article-abutable surfaces of the second member is non-smooth as to prevent non-manual movement of the article.

In most preferred embodiments, the device as hereinabove defined has connecting means comprising a three component sphere having

(i) a first spherical segment end section having an inner portion defining an axial cylindrical cavity;

(ii) a second spherical segment end section having an axial cylindrical member protruding from said second section; and

(iii) a zone of a sphere having an inner axial cylindrical cavity extending through said zone located between said first end section and said second end section, and wherein said cylindrical member protrudes through said cylindrical cavity of said zone and said sphere and into said cylindrical cavity of said first end section, and such that said first section and said zone of a sphere are in abutment with said cylindrical member as to allow radial rotation of said first end section relative to said zone of a sphere; and wherein said first member first portion is connected to said first end section; and said second member first portion is connected to said zone of a sphere, whereby in operation said radial rotation of said first end section relative to said zone of a sphere effects desired said angular separation of said first member from said second member.

The first elongate member terminal first portion and said second elongate member terminal first portion have portions having curved surfaces so shaped as to slide over and around its adjacent zone of a sphere or end segment to allow of said radial motion.

In preferred embodiments the device as hereinabove defined has at least one of (a) said first member first portion is integrally formed with said first end section, or (b) said second member first portion is integrally formed with said zone of a sphere.

In alternative preferred embodiments the device has at least one of (a) said first member first portion adhered to said first end section, or (b) said second member first portion integrally formed with said zone of a sphere.

In alternative preferred devices comprising a multi -component spherical connecting means, the connecting means comprises a two-component sphere having

(ii) a second spherical segment end section having an axial cylindrical member protracting from said second section; and into said axial cylindrical cavity to effect abutment of said first and second end sections; and as to allow radial rotation of said first end section relative to said second end section to effect desired said separation of said first member from said second member. Preferably at least one of (a) said first member first portion is integrally formed with said first end section, or (b) said second member first portion is integrally formed with said zone of a sphere; or at least one of (a) said first member first portion is adhered to said first end section, or (b) said second member first portion is integrally formed with said zone of a sphere.

In most preferred embodiments, the device as hereinabove defined is capable of having a desired angular separation of less than 10°.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a combination comprising a planar article and a device as hereinabove defined adapted to retain said article.

Preferably, the planar article is an electronic display device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be better understood, preferred embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a device according to the invention retaining a planar article;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective top view of a device according to the invention;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view, in part, of a hand of an arm of a device according to the invention holding a portion of an article;

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic exploded view of a device according to the invention;

Figs. 5 and 6 show an alternative embodiment of a connecting means;

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a collapsible device according to the invention;

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic perspective view, in part, partly exploded, of the device according to the invention; and

Figs. 9 and 10 show diagrammatic longitudinal sectional views of alternative, integrally formed embodiments, according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example only. In the drawings, like reference numerals depict like elements.

It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. Also, unless otherwise specifically noted, all of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

With reference to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows generally as 10 a stand retaining a tablet computer, such as an IPad, 12 in a desired angled upright position on a supporting surface (not shown). A view of stand 10, without tablet computer 12, is shown in Figure 2. Stand 10 is formed of a plastics material and has a pair of elongate arms 14, 16, each having at a terminal portion a "hand" 18, 20, respectively, as seen in Fig. 3.

Each of arms 18, 20 at its other terminal portion 22, 24, respectively, is adhered to an essentially spherical three-component member 26 as hereinbelow further described, and as seen in detail in Figure 4.

With reference to Fig. 4, spherical member 26 is an essentially three-component sphere which when assembled constitutes connecting means by which arms 14 and 16 are maintained at a desired angle (a) alpha⁰ , as shown in Fig, 2, from each other which angle may be varied by relative radial rotation of the sphere components as herein below described. Alpha⁰ may be reduced to 0° to provide a fully collapsed, folded article.

Connecting means 26 comprises a three component sphere having

(i) a first spherical segment end section 28 having an inner portion defining an axial cylindrical cavity 30; (ii) a second spherical segment end section 32 having an axial cylindrical member 34 protruding from second section 32;

(iii) a zone of a sphere 36 having an inner axial cylinder cavity 38 extending through zone 36 located between first end section 38 and second end section 32, and wherein cylindrical member 34 protrudes through cylindrical cavity 38 of zone 36 and into cylindrical cavity 30 of first end section 28, and such that first section 28 and zone 36 are in abutment with cylindrical member 34 as to allow radial rotation of first end section 28 relative to zone 36; and wherein second member first portion 24 is connected to first end section 28; and second member first portion 22 is connected to zone of a sphere 36, whereby in operation radial rotation of first end section 28 relative to zone of a sphere 36 effects desired angular separation alpha⁰ of first member 14 from second member 16.

In the embodiment shown, second member first portion 24 is integrally formed with first end section 28 and said first member first portion 22 is integrally fonried with zone of a sphere 36.

Other arrangements are also possible, however, and in one alternative embodiment (not shown) first member first portion 22 is adhered to zone of a sphere 36 and first end section 28, is adhered to second member first portion 24.

Terminal portions 18, 20 define article-retaining recesses 40, 42, respectively, each recess having a pair of opposing article-abutable surfaces 44, 46, respectively. At least one of each surface 44, 46, respectively, being sufficiently rough as to prevent unwanted non-manual slippage or movement of retained article 12.

Alternatively, Figs. 5 and 6 show an alternative embodiment wherein end section 35 is attached to cylindrical member 37, which has at one end, a thread section 43 adapted to be fitted within a corresponding threaded section 41 , on second member 16A. On member 37, a raised compression cam 39 is shown, which is compressed with zone 38, or sphere 36 (not shown) of first member 14. Cam 39 acts to hold member 14 in place.

Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate, generally, as 50 a device having a two-component essentially spherical connecting means 52 formed of a pair of hemispheres 54, 56 to which arms 58 and 60, respectively, are either integrally formed with or adhered to wherein first elongate member terminal first portion 62 has a curved surface 64 so shaped as to rotatably slide around hemisphere 56, and, similarly, second elongate member terminal first portion 66 has a curved surface 68 so shaped as to rotatably slide around hemisphere 54.

Hemisphere 56 has an inner axial cylindrical cavity 70 which received protruding axial cylindrical member 72 of hemisphere 54 in intimate engagement as to allow radial rotation of hemisphere 54 relative to hemisphere 56 to effect variable separation of arms 58 and 62.

In a further embodiment, Fig 9 shows generally as 80, a device having a non- collapsible or foldable structure and thus, of fixed angular separation (β°) of first elongate member 82 integrally formed with second elongate member 84. Device 80 constitutes an essentially V-shaped structure.

In a still further embodiment, Fig 10 shows an integrally-formed device 90 wherein the connecting means is constituted as an integrally-formed connection intermittent of the lengths of elongate members 92 and 94, as to constitute an X-shaped stand.

Clearly though, other shapes are possible, in keeping with the teachings of the present invention.

Moreover, although this disclosure has described and illustrated certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to those particular embodiments. Rather, the invention includes all embodiments which are functional or mechanical equivalence of the specific embodiments and features that have been described and illustrated.

In particular, it is to be noted that the present invention has been described with particular reference to the electronic display industry. However, the skilled artisan would be aware that the present application is equally applicable in other display applications, including for example, picture frames, or the like.

Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a device which fully satisfies the goals, objects, and advantages set forth hereinbefore. Therefore, having described specific embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that alternatives, modifications and variations thereof may be suggested to those skilled in the art, and that it is intended that the present specification embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Additionally, for clarity and unless otherwise stated, the word "comprise" and variations of the word such as "comprising" and "comprises", when used in the description and claims of the present specification, is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Further, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

Moreover, words such as "substantially" or "essentially", when used with an adjective or adverb is intended to enhance the scope of the particular characteristic; e.g., substantially planar is intended to mean planar, nearly planar and/or exhibiting characteristics associated with a planar element.

Also, while this discussion has addressed prior art known to the inventor, it is not an admission that all art discussed is citable against the present application.

Claims

1. A device for retaining a planar article in a desired angled upright position on a

supporting surface said device comprising

a first elongate member having a first member first portion and a first member second portion;

a second elongate member having a second member first portion and a second member second portion;

connecting means connecting said first member first portion with said second member first portion in engagement as to provide angular separation of said first member from said second member;

said first member second portion comprising article retaining means for holding said article at an article first portion and said second member second portion comprising article retaining means for holding said article at an article second portion, as to operably retain said article in said desired angled upright position.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first member first portion is integrally formed with said second member first portion.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said first member first portion is integrally formed with said second member first portion intermittent the lengths of said first member and said second member as to constitute an X-shaped relationship.

4. A device as claimed in claim 2 and wherein said first member first portion is integrally formed with said second member first portion and said first member first portion is a terminal portion of said first member and said second member first portion is a terminal portion of said second member as to constitute a V-shaped relationship.

5. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said connecting means allows of adjustable engagement to provide desired angular separation of said first and second members.

6. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said first member second portion comprises a first member terminal second portion.

7. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said second member second portion comprises a second member terminal second portion.

8. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 , 2 and 4 to 7, wherein said connecting means comprises a lower surface operably abutable with said supporting surface.

9. A device as claimed in claim 8 wherein said lower surface is curved.

10. A device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said curved surface is defined by a

portion of a sphere, cone, or ellipsoid.

1 1. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein said first member

second portion article-retaining means comprises a portion defining an article- receiving recess having a pair of opposing article-abutable surfaces.

12. A device as claimed in claim 1 1 wherein said second member second portion article-retaining means comprises a portion defining an article-receiving recess having a pair of opposing article-abutable surfaces.

13. A device as claimed in claim 1 1 wherein at least one of said article-abutable surfaces is sufficiently non-smooth as to prevent non-manual movement of said article.

14. A device as claimed in claim 12 wherein at least one of said article-abutable surfaces is sufficiently non-smooth as to prevent non-manual movement of said article.

15. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 adapted to operably retain said article at a desired angled upright position selected from 40° to 90° from the horizontal plane.

16. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 and 5 to 15 wherein said connecting means comprises a three component sphere having

(j) a first spherical segment end section having an inner portion defining an axial cylindrical cavity;

A device as claimed in claim 16 wherein at least one of (a) said first member first portion is integrally formed with said first end section, or (b) said second member first portion is integrally formed with said zone of a sphere.

A device as claimed in claim 16 wherein at least one of (a) said first member first portion is adhered to said first end section, or (b) said second member first portion is integrally formed with said zone of a sphere.

A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 and 5 to 15 wherein said connecting means comprises a two-component sphere having

(ii) a second spherical segment end section having an axial cylindrical member protracting from said second section, into said axial cylindrical cavity to effect abutment of said first and second end section, and as to allow radial rotation of said first end section relative to said second end section to effect desired said separation of said first member from said second member.

A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 and 5 to 19 wherein said desired angular separation is less than 10°.

A combination comprising a planar article and a device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20 adapted to retain said article.

A combination as claimed in claim 21 wherein said planar article is an electronic display device.