WO2023173278A1

WO2023173278A1 - Modular rail systems and related methods

Info

Publication number: WO2023173278A1
Application number: PCT/CN2022/080902
Authority: WO
Inventors: Huang Yu CHANG; Melanie FRIAR; Ronald Wong; Peng Chun CHIEH
Original assignee: Promethean Limited
Priority date: 2022-03-15
Filing date: 2022-03-15
Publication date: 2023-09-21

Abstract

A modular rail (150) comprises a first flange (312) defining a first modular rail connection channel (300) and a second flange (322) defining a second modular rail connection channel (400) that is spaced apart from the first modular rail connection channel (300). The modular rail (150) defines a modular rail outer face portion (152, 154, 156) that extends between the first modular rail connection channel (300) and the second modular rail connection channel (400). The first modular rail connection channel (300) is configured to receive a corresponding first modular rail engagement protrusion (710) of an attachment (700) when the attachment (700) is at least partially disposed in the modular rail (150). The second modular rail connection channel (400) is configured to receive a corresponding second modular rail engagement protrusion (730) of the attachment (700) when the attachment (700) is at least partially disposed in the modular rail (150). The first flange (312) and the second flange (322) are configured to cooperate to maintain the attachment (700) adjacent the modular rail outer face portion (152, 154, 156).

Description

MODULAR RAIL SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS

BACKGROUND

Interactive touch-screen display devices may include accessories and other add-ons that are removeable and/or replaceable. Additionally, users of an interactive touch-screen display device may opt to change out or otherwise upgrade or modify accessories from time to time. Accordingly, there is a need for systems and methods enable an efficient and cost effective modification of accessories for interactive touch-screen display devices and other devices and display boards.

SUMMARY

A modular rail assembly, in various embodiments, comprises a modular rail comprising a first flange defining a first modular rail connection channel and a second flange defining a second modular rail connection channel that is spaced apart from the first modular rail connection channel, wherein the modular rail defines a modular rail outer face portion that extends between the first modular rail connection channel and the second modular rail connection channel, wherein: (1) the first modular rail connection channel is configured to receive a corresponding first modular rail engagement protrusion of a modular rail attachment when the modular rail attachment is at least partially disposed in the modular rail; (2) the second modular rail connection channel is configured to receive a corresponding second modular rail engagement protrusion of the modular rail attachment when the modular rail attachment is at least partially disposed in the modular rail; and (3) the first flange and the second flange are configured to cooperate to maintain the modular rail attachment adjacent the modular rail outer face portion.

In some embodiments, the modular rail is integrally formed with a bezel configured to receive an interactive touch surface. In particular embodiments, the modular rail attachment comprising: (1) the first modular rail engagement protrusion configured to engage the first flange and cooperate with the first flange to maintain the first modular rail engagement protrusion adjacent the first modular rail connection channel while the modular rail attachment is at least partially disposed in the modular rail; and (2) the second modular rail engagement protrusion configured to engage the second flange and cooperate with the second flange to maintain the second modular rail engagement protrusion adjacent the second modular rail connection channel when the modular rail attachment is at least partially disposed in the modular rail, wherein the modular rail attachment defines a modular rail attachment inner face portion that extends between the first modular rail engagement protrusion and the second modular rail engagement protrusion, wherein at least a portion of the modular rail outer face portion engages and is co-facing with at least a portion of the modular rail attachment inner face portion when the modular rail attachment is at least partially disposed in the modular rail.

In some embodiments: (1) the modular rail further comprises a third flange; (2) the first flange and the third flange define a first modular rail attachment receiving cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the first modular rail engagement protrusion; (3) the first flange defines a first recess; (4) the third flange defines a second recess; (5) the first modular rail engagement protrusion comprises a first engagement flange dimensioned to correspond to the first recess and a second engagement flange dimensioned to correspond to the second recess. In some embodiments, the first flange and the third flange are configured to maintain the first modular rail engagement protrusion within the first modular rail attachment receiving cavity while the modular rail attachment is inserted into the modular rail.

In some embodiments, the second modular rail engagement protrusion defines a flange engaging recess, wherein the flange engaging recess is dimensioned to correspond with the second flange, and configured to receive the second flange when the modular rail attachment is inserted into the modular rail. In other embodiments, the modular rail attachment is configured to be slideably inserted into an open end of the modular rail. In particular embodiments, the first modular rail engagement protrusion comprises a first tab portion and a second tab portion coupled to the first tab portion via a biasing joint. In various embodiments, the first tab portion comprises a tab clip portion configured to engage the first flange and cooperate with the first flange to maintain the first modular rail attachment adjacent the first modular rail connection channel when the tab clip portion is disposed within the first modular rail connection channel. In some embodiments, the biasing joint is configured to bias the tab clip portion against the first flange when the tab clip portion is disposed within the first modular rail connection channel. In various embodiments, the modular rail further defines a third modular rail connection channel disposed between the first modular rail connection channel and the second modular rail connection channel. In other embodiments, the modular rail attachment further comprises a third modular rail engagement protrusion having geometry that corresponds to the third modular rail connection channel, wherein the third modular rail connection channel is configured to receive the third modular rail engagement protrusion while the modular rail attachment is inserted into the modular rail.

In a particular embodiment, the modular rail is disposed adjacent an outer portion of at least one of an interactive touch screen display, a whiteboard, a blackboard, and a display screen. In some embodiments, the modular rail attachment is configured for at least temporarily coupling one or more accessories adjacent the modular rail. In other embodiments, the one or more accessories may comprise a shelf, a speaker, a cable management channel and/or a pen tray.

A method for at least temporarily coupling an accessory adjacent a display board, in various embodiments, comprises: (1) providing the display board defining a modular rail extending along at least a portion of a length of an outer face of the display board, the modular rail comprising a first flange defining a first modular rail connection channel and a second flange defining a second modular rail connection channel, wherein the modular rail defines a modular rail outer face portion that extends between the first modular rail connection channel and the second modular rail connection channel: (2) providing the accessory comprising at least one modular rail attachment comprising: (A) a first modular rail engagement protrusion configured to engage the first flange and cooperate with the first flange to maintain the first modular rail engagement protrusion adjacent the first modular rail connection channel while the at least one modular rail attachment is at least partially disposed in the modular rail; and (B) a second modular rail engagement protrusion configured to engage the second flange and cooperate with the second flange to maintain the second modular rail engagement protrusion adjacent the second modular rail connection channel when the at least one modular rail attachment is at least partially disposed in the modular rail, wherein the at least one modular rail attachment defines a modular rail attachment inner face portion that extends between the first modular rail engagement protrusion and the second modular rail engagement protrusion; (3) coupling the accessory to the display board by inserting the first modular rail engagement protrusion into the first modular rail connection channel and the second modular rail engagement protrusion into the second modular rail connection channel such that: (A) at least a portion of the first modular rail engagement protrusion engages the first flange and cooperates with the first flange to maintain the first modular rail engagement protrusion within the first modular rail connection channel; (B) at least a portion of the second modular rail engagement protrusion engages the second flange and cooperates with the second flange to maintain the second modular rail engagement protrusion within the second modular rail connection channel; and (C) at least a portion of the modular rail outer face portion engages and is co-facing with at least a portion of the modular rail attachment inner face portion.

In some embodiments, the modular rail further comprises a third flange, the first flange and the third flange define a first modular rail attachment receiving cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the first modular rail engagement protrusion, the first flange defines a first recess, and the third flange defines a second recess. In some embodiments, the first modular rail engagement protrusion comprises a first engagement flange dimensioned to correspond to the first recess and a second engagement flange dimensioned to correspond to the second recess. In such embodiments, the first flange and the third flange may be configured to maintain the first modular rail engagement protrusion within the first modular rail attachment receiving cavity while the at least one modular rail attachment is inserted into the modular rail. In other embodiments, the method comprises coupling the accessory to the display board by inserting the first modular rail engagement protrusion into the first modular rail connection channel comprises slidably inserting the first modular rail engagement protrusion into the first modular rail connection channel adjacent an open and of the modular rail.

In particular embodiments, the second modular rail engagement protrusion defines a flange engaging recess, wherein the flange engaging recess is dimensioned to correspond with the second flange, and configured to receive the second flange when the at least one modular rail attachment is inserted into the modular rail. In some embodiments, the first modular rail engagement protrusion comprises a first tab portion and a second tab portion coupled to the first tab portion via a biasing joint. In such embodiments, the first tab portion may comprise a tab clip portion configured to engage the first flange and cooperate with the first flange to maintain the first modular rail attachment protrusion adjacent the first modular rail connection channel when the tab clip portion is disposed within the first modular rail connection channel.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: (1) inserting the second modular rail engagement protrusion into the second modular rail connection channel such that the second flange engages the flange receiving recess; (2) pivoting the at least one modular rail attachment about the second flange while biasing the biasing joint such that the tab clip portion passes into the first modular rail connection channel; and (3) ceasing biasing the biasing joint such that the tab clip portion engages the first flange to maintain the tab clip portion in the first modular rail connection channel. In particular embodiments, the biasing joint is configured to bias the tab clip portion against the first flange when the tab clip portion is disposed within the first modular rail connection channel. In various embodiments, the at least one modular rail attachment comprises a plurality of modular rail attachments disposed on the accessory such that each of the plurality of modular rail attachments are configured to at least temporarily couple to respective portions of the modular rail. In particular embodiments, the plurality of modular rail attachments are laterally and evenly spaced apart along a length of the accessory.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of a modular rail system are described below. In the course of this description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an interactive touch-screen display device according to various embodiments of the present system;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a modular rail system disposed adjacent a base portion of an interactive touch-screen display;

FIG. 3 depicts a side cutaway view of a modular rail according to a particular embodiment;

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the modular rail of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 depicts a side cutaway view of the modular rail of FIG. 3, with a modular rail attachment disposed thereon;

FIG. 6 depicts a side cutaway view of the modular rail attachment of FIG. 5 adjacent the modular rail of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 depicts a side cutaway view of a method for inserting the modular rail attachment of FIG. 5 into the modular rail of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the modular rail of FIG. 3 with the modular rail attachment of FIG. 5 disposed thereon;

FIG. 9 depicts a side cutaway view of the modular rail attachment of according to yet another embodiment adjacent the modular rail of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 depicts the modular rail attachment of FIG. 9 disposed within the modular rail;

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of the modular rail attachment of FIG. 9 disposed within the modular rail; and

FIGS. 12-23 depict additional views of an interactive touch-screen display device and modular rail system according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

As may be understood from Figure 1, an interactive touch-screen display device 100 (which may, for example, include any suitable interactive display device (e.g., such as any suitable Promethean ActivPanel display) , according to particular embodiments, comprises: (1) an interactive display device touch surface 110; and (2) an interactive display device bezel 200 (which may, for example, form a substantially rectangular frame about a perimeter of the interactive display device touch surface 110) . In some embodiments, the interactive touch-screen display device 100 is configured to display data (e.g., video data, image data, etc. ) . In particular embodiments, the interactive touch-screen display device 100 is configured to receive inputs at the interactive display device touch surface 110.

In various embodiments of the interactive touch-screen display device 100, the interactive touch-screen display device 100 may comprise any suitable touch screen device configured to receive input via contact on the display device (e.g., via a user’s finger or other body part, via a stylus or other pen-like device, etc. ) . For example, in various embodiments, the interactive touch-screen display device 100 comprises an infrared (e.g., or other electromagnetic wave) touch screen display (e.g., which may, for example, include a plurality of infrared emitters and detectors (e.g., one or more suitable phot receptors) at least partially embedded in the interactive display device bezel 200 of the one interactive touch-screen display device 100) , or any other suitable touch screen display. In particular embodiments, the interactive touch-screen display device 100 comprises one or more processors (e.g., or other computing hardware) and memory. In such embodiments, the interactive touch-screen display device 100 may comprise a stand-alone computing device such as a wall-mounted display device (e.g., such as a touch-enabled computerized LED and/or LCD displays) , etc.

In particular embodiments, the interactive touch-screen display device 100 is configured to detect a touch input at the interactive display device touch surface 110 in response to detecting a break in a light grid defined by the plurality of infrared emitters and detectors. In still other embodiments, the interactive touch-screen display device 100 is configured to detect a plurality of simultaneous inputs (e.g., from a plurality of users) . In various embodiments, the interactive touch-screen display device 100 is configured to enable a user to interact with one or more displayed images as the user would interact with any other computing display device (e.g., by drawing on the one or more projected images) , etc. In still other embodiments, the interactive touch-screen display device 100 includes one or more computing components (e.g., one or more processors and memory) such that the one or more interactive display devices interactive display device touch surface 110 embodies a stand-alone computing device.

In particular embodiments, the interactive touch-screen display device 100 is configured to run software locally on the interactive touch-screen display device 100. For example, in one embodiment of the interactive touch-screen display device 100, the interactive touch-screen display device 100 may store software applications on local memory associated with the interactive touch-screen display device 100, execute software instructions from the interactive overlay software application using one or more local processors associated with the interactive touch-screen display device 100, detect inputs locally using any suitable input detection technique for the interactive touch-screen display device 100, etc. In particular embodiments, the software applications native to the one or more interactive display devices may include, for example, any suitable software such as: (1) one or more word processing applications; (2) one or more pieces of annotation software; (3) one or more video applications; (4) one or more whiteboard simulating software applications; and/or (5) any other suitable software application.

As shown in Figure 1, the interactive touch-screen display device 100 may further comprise one or more control panels 130 or other suitable input mechanisms for providing input to the interactive touch-screen display device 100. In various embodiments, the one or more control panels 130 may be disposed adjacent a base portion of the interactive touch-screen display device 100. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the interactive touch-screen display device 100 further comprises a tray 120 (e.g., a pen tray, accessory tray, or other suitable tray, shelf, etc. ) disposed adjacent the base of the interactive touch-screen display device 100. In various embodiments, the one or more control panels 130 may be at least partially disposed within, on, and/or adjacent to the tray 120. In particular embodiments, the interactive touch-screen display device 100 further comprises and/or defines a modular rail 150. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the modular rail 150 is disposed adjacent a base of the tray 120. In other embodiments, the modular rail 150 may be disposed adjacent any suitable portion of the interactive touch-screen display device 100. For example, in particular embodiments the modular rail 150 may be at least partially disposed within and/or disposed adjacent any suitable portion of the outer face of the interactive display device bezel 200 (e.g., a base portion of the interactive display device bezel 200, an upper portion of the interactive display device bezel 200, a left or ride side of the interactive display device bezel 200, etc.. As may be understood in light of this disclosure, the modular rail 150 may be configured to receive one or more modular rail attachments, which may, for example, be configured to cooperate with the modular rail to maintain one or more accessories (i.e., one or more accessories comprising the one or more modular rail attachments) adjacent the interactive touch-screen display device 100. The one or more accessories may, for example, include: (1) one or more trays; (2) one or more shelves; (3) one or more soundbars; (4) one or more cable management features; (5) one or more brackets; (6) one or more pen caddies; and/or (7) any other suitable accessory which a user may desire to attach adjacent the interactive touch-screen display device 100.

Figure 2 depicts a side view of the modular rail 150 integrated into the base portion of an interactive touch-screen display device 100 (e.g., a base portion of the tray 120) . As may be understood from Figure 2, the tray 120 defines the modular rail 150 adjacent the base of the interactive touch-screen display device 100. As may be understood based on the side view of the modular rail 150 depicted in Figure 2, the modular rail 150 may, in various embodiments, extend along an entire length of the base of the tray 120 (e.g., the base of the interactive display device bezel 200, the base of the interactive touch-screen display device 100, etc. ) .

Figure 3 depicts a side cutaway view of the modular rail 150 according to various embodiments. As may be understood from Figure 2, the modular rail 150 is disposed adjacent a base portion of the tray 120 (i.e., such that the modular rail 150 forms a substantially continuous (e.g., continuous) set of channels configured for receiving one or more modular rail attachments (e.g., any suitable modular rail attachment described herein) . As may be understood from Figure 3, the modular rail 150 is made up of one or more modular rail connection channels configured to engage with a corresponding respective geometry of one or more modular rail attachments. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the modular rail 150 includes a first modular rail connection channel 300, a second modular rail connection channel 400, and a third modular rail connection channel 500. As may be understood from Figure 3, the first modular rail connection channel 300 comprises a first flange 312, a second flange 322, and an inner face 320. In various embodiments, the first flange 312 and the inner face 320 define a first recess 314. In particular embodiments, the second flange 322 and the inner face 320 define a second recess 324. In various embodiments, the first flange 312, the second flange 322 and the inner face 320 define a first modular rail attachment receiving cavity 310. In various embodiments, the first modular rail attachment receiving cavity 310 is configured to receive at least a portion of a modular rail attachment and cooperate with the at least a portion of the modular rail attachment to maintain the modular rail attachment adjacent the modular rail 150.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the second modular rail connection channel 400 defines a second modular rail attachment receiving cavity 410 defined by a second modular rail connection point flange 412. As may be understood by Figure 3, the second modular rail attachment receiving cavity 410 is defined by a curved interior surface 415 that extends between the second modular rail connection point flange 412 and a tray base portion 122 disposed on an underside of the tray 120. In various embodiments, the second modular rail attachment receiving cavity 410 is configured to receive a corresponding respective geometry of one or more modular rail attachments. In various embodiments, the second modular rail connection point flange 412 is configured to engage with a corresponding respective geometry of the one or more modular rail attachments to cooperate to maintain the one or more modular rail attachments adjacent the modular rail 150.

Returning to Figure 3, the modular rail 150 further includes a third modular rail connection channel 500 disposed between the first modular rail attachment receiving cavity 310 and the second modular rail connection channel 400. As shown in this figure, the third modular rail connection channel 500 defines a third modular rail attachment receiving cavity 510 defined by a first, angled face 512, a curved interior surface 515, and a second face 517. As shown in this figure, the third modular rail connection channel 500 is substantially triangular and comprises the first, angled face 512 that extends at an angle as a hypotenuse from a rear of the modular rail 150 toward the front portion of the modular rail 150, and intersects the second face 517 at the curved interior surface 515. In various embodiments, the third modular rail connection channel 500 is configured to engage and at least partially mate with a corresponding respective geometry of one or more modular rail attachments

In particular embodiments, the modular rail 150 defines a modular rail outer face third portion 152, a modular rail outer face second portion 154, and a modular rail outer face first portion 156. In various embodiments, the modular rail outer face third portion 152, the modular rail outer face second portion 154, and the modular rail outer face first portion 156 are substantially parallel (e.g., and co-linear) and cooperate to form a substantially flat (e.g., flat) outer surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the modular rail 150. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3: (1) the modular rail outer face third portion 152 extends between a rear portion of the modular rail 150 and the first modular rail connection channel first modular rail attachment receiving cavity 310; (2) the modular rail outer face second portion 154 extends between the first modular rail attachment receiving cavity 310 and the third modular rail connection channel 500; and (3) the modular rail outer face first portion 156 extends between the third modular rail connection channel 500 and the second modular rail connection channel 400.

Turning to Figure 4, as may be understood from this figure, the first modular rail connection channel 300, second modular rail connection channel 400, and third modular rail connection channel 500, in various embodiments, extend along the full length of the base portion of the tray 120 (i.e., such that the modular rail 150 extends substantially along an entire length of a side of the interactive touch-screen display device 100) , providing an attachment point for one or more modular rail attachments (e.g., for at least temporarily coupling one or more accessories adjacent the interactive touch-screen display device 100) at any desired position adjacent the interactive touch-screen display device 100.

Figure 5 depicts a side cutaway view of the modular rail 150 with a modular rail attachment 600 disposed thereon (e.g., at least partially therein) . As may be understood from Figure 5, the modular rail attachment 600 comprises a tab clip portion 612 configured to engage with the first flange 312 of the modular rail 150 in order to maintain the modular rail attachment 600 in the modular rail 150. As shown in Figure 5, the modular rail attachment 600 further comprises a third modular rail engagement protrusion 620 and a second modular rail engagement protrusion 630, each of which are configured to engage corresponding geometry of the modular rail 150 to maintain the modular rail attachment 600 adjacent the modular rail 150. Figure 6 depicts a side cutaway view of the modular rail attachment 600 separate from the modular rail 150. As may be understood from Figure 6, the modular rail attachment 600 comprises a body with a second tab portion 617 extending from the body and connected to a first tab portion 610 by a biasing joint 615. In various embodiments, the biasing joint 615 is configured for biasing the first tab portion 610 relative to the second tab portion 617 and returning the first tab portion 610 to and maintaining the first tab portion 610 in a neutral position (e.g., the position shown in Figure 6) relative to the second tab portion 617. The first tab portion 610 further comprises a tab clip portion 612 adjacent a first end of the modular rail attachment 600 that extends from an end of the first tab portion 610, and is configured to engage with the first flange 312 when the modular rail attachment 600 is disposed in the modular rail 150.

In the embodiment of the modular rail attachment 600 shown in Figure 6, the modular rail attachment 600 further comprises a second modular rail engagement protrusion 630 disposed adjacent a second end of the modular rail attachment 600 that extends upward and rearward from an upper portion of the modular rail attachment 600. In various embodiments, the second modular rail engagement protrusion 630 defines a flange engaging recess 632 that is dimensioned to correspond to the second modular rail connection point flange 412 and configured to engage and at least temporarily mate with the second modular rail connection point flange 412 when the modular rail attachment 600 is disposed in the modular rail 150. The second modular rail engagement protrusion 630 may further define a second modular rail engagement protrusion outer face 635 that forms a substantially circular outer face of the second modular rail engagement protrusion 630 and corresponds to the curved interior surface 415 of the second modular rail attachment receiving cavity 410.

In particular embodiments, the modular rail attachment 600 further comprises a third modular rail engagement protrusion 620 disposed between the second modular rail engagement protrusion 630 and the tab clip portion 612. As shown in Figure 6, the third modular rail engagement protrusion 620 is dimensioned to correspond to the third modular rail connection channel 500 (e.g., the third modular rail attachment receiving cavity 510) . In various embodiments, the third modular rail engagement protrusion 620 is substantially triangular and extends from an upper face of the modular rail attachment 600. In particular embodiments, the third modular rail engagement protrusion 620 comprises a first, angled surface 622 that extends at an angle as a hypotenuse and forms the substantially triangular (e.g., triangular) third modular rail engagement protrusion 620 along with the second surface 627. In particular embodiments, the modular rail attachment 600 further defines a modular rail attachment inner face second portion 654 and a modular rail attachment inner face first portion 656. As shown in this figure, the modular rail attachment inner face second portion 654 and the modular rail attachment inner face first portion 656 are substantially co-linear (e.g., co-linear) .

Figure 7 depicts a method for inserting the modular rail attachment 600 into the modular rail 150 (e.g., a method for clipping the modular rail attachment 600 into the modular rail 150) . As may be understood from this figure, when inserting the modular rail attachment 600 into the modular rail 150, a user may first (1) insert the second modular rail engagement protrusion 630 into the second modular rail attachment receiving cavity 410 such that the second modular rail engagement protrusion outer face 635 engages the curved interior surface 415 and the second modular rail connection point flange 412 engages the flange engaging recess 632. Once the second modular rail engagement protrusion 630 has been inserted in the second modular rail attachment receiving cavity 410, the user may pivot the modular rail attachment 600 about the flange engaging recess 632 while biasing (2) the first tab portion 610 toward the second tab portion 617 about the biasing joint 615 (e.g., by squeezing the first tab portion 610 and the second tab portion 617 together) . The user may then lift and insert the tab clip portion 612 into the first modular rail attachment receiving cavity 310 until the tab clip portion 612 passes the first flange 312. The user may then cease biasing the first tab portion 610 toward the second tab portion 617 such that the biasing joint 615 returns the first tab portion 610 to a neutral position (e.g., biasing the first tab portion 610 toward a neutral position) , resulting in the tab clip portion 612 engaging the first flange 312 (e.g., as shown in Figure 6) . In this way, the second modular rail engagement protrusion 630 may engage the second modular rail attachment receiving cavity 410 and the tab clip portion 612 may engage the first flange 312 such that the tab clip portion 612 and the second modular rail engagement protrusion 630 cooperate to maintain the modular rail attachment 600 adjacent the modular rail 150. When the modular rail attachment 600 is disposed adjacent the modular rail 150, the modular rail outer face second portion 154 is co-facing with and at least partially in contact with the modular rail attachment inner face second portion 654. Similarly, the modular rail outer face first portion 156 is co-facing and at least partially in contact with the modular rail attachment inner face first portion 656 such that the modular rail attachment 600 is at least temporality and securely affixed against the modular rail 150. In this way, the modular rail attachment 600 may provide a substantially secure (e.g., secure) , stable attachment of one or more accessories that may be coupled to the modular rail attachment 600.

Figure 8 depicts a modular rail attachment 600 disposed in the modular rail 150. As may be understood from this figure, the modular rail attachment 600 may engage any suitable portion of the modular rail 150 in order to at least temporarily couple an accessory that comprises the modular rail attachment 600 to the modular rail 150. In various embodiments, an accessory may comprise a plurality of modular rail attachments 600 disposed along a length of the accessory (e.g., spaced apart laterally) to provide a plurality of coupling points between the accessory and the modular rail 150. In particular embodiments, the accessory may comprise any suitable number of modular rail attachments 600. In still other embodiments, the accessory may comprise a single modular rail attachment 600 that extends substantially an entire length of the modular rail 150.

Figure 9 depicts a modular rail attachment 700 according to yet another embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the modular rail attachment 700 comprises a first modular rail engagement protrusion 710 that extends from a top surface of the modular rail attachment 700. The first modular rail engagement protrusion 710 further comprise a first flange 712 and a second flange 714 that extend co-linearly in opposing directions from the first flange 712. The first modular rail engagement protrusion 710 further defines an outer face 716. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the first modular rail engagement protrusion 710 is dimensioned to correspond to the first modular rail attachment receiving cavity 310. As shown in Figure 9, the first flange 712 is dimensioned to correspond to the first recess 314, and the second flange 714 is dimensioned to correspond to the second recess 324. In this way, the first modular rail engagement protrusion 710 is configured for insertion into the first modular rail attachment receiving cavity 310 such that the first modular rail engagement protrusion 710 sits sufficiently snuggly in the first modular rail attachment receiving cavity 310 to maintain the modular rail attachment 700 adjacent the modular rail 150, while providing a stable coupling of the modular rail attachment 700 to the modular rail 150 (e.g., such that the first modular rail engagement protrusion 710 fits sufficiently snuggly in the first modular rail attachment receiving cavity 310 to at least partially prevent any movement of the modular rail attachment 700 with respect to the modular rail 150 while the modular rail attachment 700 is disposed in or otherwise coupled to the modular rail 150) .

The modular rail attachment 700 further comprises a second modular rail engagement protrusion 730 disposed adjacent a second end of the modular rail attachment 700 that extends upward and rearward from an upper portion of the modular rail attachment 700. In various embodiments, the 6second modular rail engagement protrusion 730 defines a flange engaging recess 732 that is dimensioned to correspond to the second modular rail connection point flange 412 and configured to engage and at least temporarily mate with the second modular rail connection point flange 412 when the modular rail attachment 700 is disposed in the modular rail 150. The second modular rail engagement protrusion 730 may further define a second modular rail engagement protrusion outer face 735 that forms a substantially circular outer face of the second modular rail engagement protrusion 730 and corresponds to the curved interior surface 415.

In particular embodiments, the modular rail attachment 700 further comprises a third modular rail engagement protrusion 720 disposed between the second modular rail engagement protrusion 730 and the first modular rail engagement protrusion 710. As shown in Figure 9, the third modular rail engagement protrusion 720 is dimensioned to correspond to the third modular rail connection channel 500 (e.g., the third modular rail attachment receiving cavity 510) . In various embodiments, the third modular rail engagement protrusion 720 is substantially triangular and extends from an upper face of the modular rail attachment 700. In particular embodiments, the third modular rail engagement protrusion 720 comprises a first, angled surface 722 that extends at an angle as a hypotenuse and forms the substantially triangular (e.g., triangular) third modular rail engagement protrusion 720 along with the second surface 727. In particular embodiments, the modular rail attachment 700 further defines a modular rail attachment inner face second portion 754 and a modular rail attachment inner face first portion 756. As shown in this figure, the modular rail attachment inner face second portion 754 and the modular rail attachment inner face first portion 756 are substantially co-linear (e.g., co-linear) .

Figure 10 depicts the modular rail attachment 700 disposed in the modular rail 150. As may be understood from Figure 10, when the modular rail attachment 700 is coupled to the modular rail 150, the first modular rail engagement protrusion 710 is disposed within the first modular rail attachment receiving cavity 310, the third modular rail engagement protrusion 720 is disposed within the third modular rail attachment receiving cavity 510, and the second modular rail engagement protrusion 730 is disposed in the second modular rail attachment receiving cavity 410. As may be further understood from Figure 10, the first flange 712 engages the first flange 312 and the second flange 714 engages the second flange 322 to maintain the modular rail attachment 700 adjacent the modular rail 150 and at least temporarily couple the modular rail attachment 700 to the modular rail 150. The second modular rail engagement protrusion 730, in various embodiments engages the second modular rail attachment receiving cavity 410 such that the second modular rail engagement protrusion outer face 735 engages the curved interior surface 415 and the second modular rail connection point flange 412 engages the flange engaging recess 732.

Figure 11 depicts the modular rail attachment 700 coupled to the modular rail 150. As may be understood from this figure, the modular rail attachment 700 may engage any suitable portion of the modular rail 150 in order to at least temporarily couple an accessory that comprises the modular rail attachment 700 to the modular rail 150. In various embodiments, an accessory may comprise a plurality of modular rail attachment 700s disposed along a length of the accessory (e.g., spaced apart laterally) to provide a plurality of coupling points between the accessory and the modular rail 150. In particular embodiments, the accessory may comprise any suitable number of modular rail attachment 700s. In still other embodiments, the accessory may comprise a single modular rail attachment 700 that extends substantially an entire length of the modular rail 150.

As may be further understood from Figure 11, the modular rail attachment 700 is configured for slideably insertion into the modular rail 150 (e.g., such that the first modular rail engagement protrusion 710 slideably inserts into the first modular rail attachment receiving cavity 310, the third modular rail engagement protrusion 720 slideably inserts into the third modular rail attachment receiving cavity 510, and the second modular rail engagement protrusion 730 slideably inserts into the second modular rail attachment receiving cavity 410. In this way, a user may insert the modular rail attachment 700 adjacent an open end of the modular rail 150, and slide the modular rail attachment 700 along the modular rail 150 until the modular rail attachment 700 is in a desired location.

Although embodiments are described generally in the context of an interactive touch-screen display device 100, it should be understood that other embodiments of a modular rail described herein may be incorporated into any other suitable device and/or structure. For example, in various embodiments, a modular rail may be incorporated into a whiteboard (e.g., on a white board pen tray) ; chalkboard (e.g., on a chalk tray or suitable base or other portion of the board) ; other suitable display device (e.g., a non-touch-enabled display) , or other suitable device or object of manufacture.

CONCLUSION

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. While this specification contains many specific embodiment details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation.

Claims

A modular rail assembly comprising:

a modular rail comprising:

a first flange defining a first modular rail connection channel and a second flange defining a second modular rail connection channel that is spaced apart from the first modular rail connection channel, wherein the modular rail defines a modular rail outer face portion that extends between the first modular rail connection channel and the second modular rail connection channel, wherein:

the first modular rail connection channel is configured to receive a corresponding first modular rail engagement protrusion of a modular rail attachment when the modular rail attachment is at least partially disposed in the modular rail;

the second modular rail connection channel is configured to receive a corresponding second modular rail engagement protrusion of the modular rail attachment when the modular rail attachment is at least partially disposed in the modular rail; and

the first flange and the second flange are configured to cooperate to maintain the modular rail attachment adjacent the modular rail outer face portion.
The modular rail assembly of Claim 1, wherein the modular rail is integrally formed with a bezel configured to receive an interactive touch surface.
The modular rail assembly of Claim 1, further comprising:

the modular rail attachment comprising:

the first modular rail engagement protrusion configured to engage the first flange and cooperate with the first flange to maintain the first modular rail engagement protrusion adjacent the first modular rail connection channel while the modular rail attachment is at least partially disposed in the modular rail; and

the second modular rail engagement protrusion configured to engage the second flange and cooperate with the second flange to maintain the second modular rail engagement protrusion adjacent the second modular rail connection channel when the modular rail attachment is at least partially disposed in the modular rail, wherein the modular rail attachment defines:

a modular rail attachment inner face portion that extends between the first modular rail engagement protrusion and the second modular rail engagement protrusion, wherein at least a portion of the modular rail outer face portion engages and is co-facing with at least a portion of the modular rail attachment inner face portion when the modular rail attachment is at least partially disposed in the modular rail.
The modular rail assembly of Claim 1, wherein:

the modular rail further comprises a third flange;

the first flange and the third flange define a first modular rail attachment receiving cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the first modular rail engagement protrusion;

the first flange defines a first recess;

the third flange defines a second recess;

the first modular rail engagement protrusion comprises:

a first engagement flange dimensioned to correspond to the first recess; and

a second engagement flange dimensioned to correspond to the second recess, wherein:

the first flange and the third flange are configured to maintain the first modular rail engagement protrusion within the first modular rail attachment receiving cavity while the modular rail attachment is inserted into the modular rail.
The modular rail assembly of Claim 4, wherein the second modular rail engagement protrusion defines a flange engaging recess, wherein the flange engaging recess is dimensioned to correspond with the second flange, and configured to receive the second flange when the modular rail attachment is inserted into the modular rail.
The modular rail assembly of Claim 5, wherein the modular rail attachment is configured to be slideably inserted into an open end of the modular rail.
The modular rail assembly of Claim 3, wherein:

the first modular rail engagement protrusion comprises:

a first tab portion; and

a second tab portion coupled to the first tab portion via a biasing joint;

the first tab portion comprises a tab clip portion configured to engage the first flange and cooperate with the first flange to maintain the first modular rail attachment adjacent the first modular rail connection channel when the tab clip portion is disposed within the first modular rail connection channel.
The modular rail assembly of Claim 7, wherein the biasing joint is configured to bias the tab clip portion against the first flange when the tab clip portion is disposed within the first modular rail connection channel.
The modular rail assembly of Claim 8, wherein:

the modular rail further defines a third modular rail connection channel disposed between the first modular rail connection channel and the second modular rail connection channel; and

the modular rail attachment further comprises a third modular rail engagement protrusion having geometry that corresponds to the third modular rail connection channel, wherein the third modular rail connection channel is configured to receive the third modular rail engagement protrusion while the modular rail attachment is inserted into the modular rail.
The modular rail assembly of Claim 3, wherein the modular rail is disposed adjacent an outer portion of at least one of an interactive touch screen display, a whiteboard, a blackboard, and a display screen.
The modular rail assembly of Claim 3, wherein:

the modular rail attachment is configured for at least temporarily coupling one or more accessories adjacent the modular rail; and

the one or more accessories comprise at least one of:

at least one shelf;

at least one speaker;

at least one cable management channel; and

at least one pen tray.
A method for at least temporarily coupling an accessory adjacent a display board, the method comprising:

providing the display board defining a modular rail extending along at least a portion of a length of an outer face of the display board, the modular rail comprising:

a first flange defining a first modular rail connection channel and a second flange defining a second modular rail connection channel, wherein the modular rail defines a modular rail outer face portion that extends between the first modular rail connection channel and the second modular rail connection channel

providing the accessory comprising at least one modular rail attachment comprising:

a first modular rail engagement protrusion configured to engage the first flange and cooperate with the first flange to maintain the first modular rail engagement protrusion adjacent the first modular rail connection channel while the at least one modular rail attachment is at least partially disposed in the modular rail; and

a second modular rail engagement protrusion configured to engage the second flange and cooperate with the second flange to maintain the second modular rail engagement protrusion adjacent the second modular rail connection channel when the at least one modular rail attachment is at least partially disposed in the modular rail, wherein the at least one modular rail attachment defines a modular rail attachment inner face portion that extends between the first modular rail engagement protrusion and the second modular rail engagement protrusion

coupling the accessory to the display board by inserting the first modular rail engagement protrusion into the first modular rail connection channel and the second modular rail engagement protrusion into the second modular rail connection channel such that:

at least a portion of the first modular rail engagement protrusion engages the first flange and cooperates with the first flange to maintain the first modular rail engagement protrusion within the first modular rail connection channel;

at least a portion of the second modular rail engagement protrusion engages the second flange and cooperates with the second flange to maintain the second modular rail engagement protrusion within the second modular rail connection channel; and

at least a portion of the modular rail outer face portion engages and is co-facing with at least a portion of the modular rail attachment inner face portion.
The method of Claim 12, wherein:

the modular rail further comprises a third flange;

the first flange and the third flange define a first modular rail attachment receiving cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the first modular rail engagement protrusion;

the first flange defines a first recess;

the third flange defines a second recess;

the first modular rail engagement protrusion comprises:

a first engagement flange dimensioned to correspond to the first recess; and

a second engagement flange dimensioned to correspond to the second recess, wherein:

the first flange and the third flange are configured to maintain the first modular rail engagement protrusion within the first modular rail attachment receiving cavity while the at least one modular rail attachment is inserted into the modular rail; and

coupling the accessory to the display board by inserting the first modular rail engagement protrusion into the first modular rail connection channel comprises slidably inserting the first modular rail engagement protrusion into the first modular rail connection channel adjacent an open and of the modular rail.
The method of Claim 13, wherein the second modular rail engagement protrusion defines a flange engaging recess, wherein the flange engaging recess is dimensioned to correspond with the second flange, and configured to receive the second flange when the at least one modular rail attachment is inserted into the modular rail.
The method of Claim 14, wherein:

the first modular rail engagement protrusion comprises:

a first tab portion; and

a second tab portion coupled to the first tab portion via a biasing joint;

the first tab portion comprises a tab clip portion configured to engage the first flange and cooperate with the first flange to maintain the first modular rail attachment protrusion adjacent the first modular rail connection channel when the tab clip portion is disposed within the first modular rail connection channel.
The method of Claim 15, wherein coupling the accessory to the display board further comprises:

inserting the second modular rail engagement protrusion into the second modular rail connection channel such that the second flange engages the flange receiving recess;

pivoting the at least one modular rail attachment about the second flange while biasing the biasing joint such that the tab clip portion passes into the first modular rail connection channel; and

ceasing biasing the biasing joint such that the tab clip portion engages the first flange to maintain the tab clip portion in the first modular rail connection channel.
The method of Claim 16, wherein the biasing joint is configured to bias the tab clip portion against the first flange when the tab clip portion is disposed within the first modular rail connection channel.
The method of Claim 12, wherein the at least one modular rail attachment comprises a plurality of modular rail attachments disposed on the accessory such that each of the plurality of modular rail attachments are configured to at least temporarily couple to respective portions of the modular rail.
The method of Claim 18, wherein the plurality of modular rail attachments are laterally and evenly spaced apart along a length of the accessory.
The method of Claim 12, wherein:

the modular rail further defines a third modular rail connection channel disposed between the first modular rail connection channel and the second modular rail connection channel; and

the at least one modular rail attachment further comprises a third modular rail engagement protrusion having geometry that corresponds to the third modular rail connection channel, wherein the third modular rail connection channel is configured to receive the third modular rail engagement protrusion while the at least one modular rail attachment is inserted into the modular rail
The method of Claim 12, wherein the display board comprises at least one of an interactive touch screen display, a whiteboard, a blackboard, and a display screen.
The method of Claim 12, wherein the accessory comprises at least one of:

at least one shelf;

at least one speaker;

at least one cable management channel; and

at least one pen tray.