A cradle for a tablet computer.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a cradle for a tablet computer (hereafter referred to as a tablet). A preferred form of the invention relates to a tablet cradle for fitting to a vehicle seat.

BACKGROUND

Vt is known to use a cradle to mount a personal electronics device to the back of a vehicle.

United States patent specification No. 2013/0037590 (Namsung) describes a device for holding a personal electronics device adjacent the front seat radio or CD player of a motor vehicle. However the device is unsuitable for attaching to a seat to hold a tablet for viewing by a back seat passenger.

United States patent specification No. 2012/0248833 (BE Aerospace) describes a holder for retaining a tablet behind an aircraft seat for inflight hands free viewing. While the holder enables the tablet to be viewed by a passenger behind the seat it does not have means to enable a live connection between the holder and tablet.

United States patent specification No. 2011/0278885 (Proctor) describes a cradle adapted to receive, for example, a tablet computer so that It can be viewed 'hands free' during a flight. The cradle has an inbuilt interface which allows an electronic connection between the tablet and the aircraft system. Proctor describes that a passenger may arrive at an airport and purchase a cradle specific for his or her personal electronic device. Different brands or generations of tablets tend to have a different electronic setup, and therefore need a tailored interface. In Proctor a different cradle is required for each different tablet, which means that a cradle, once purchased, may be unsuitable for use in the event that a consumer purchases a new generation tablet or a different brand of tablet. All of this can result in undesirable expense, both from a consumer and a manufacturer point of view. It is an object of a preferred form of the present invention to provide a novel cradle which can mount to a vehicle seat to enable convenient hands free use of a tablet and which Is able to be readily upgraded for use with different tablets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a cradle for a tablet, the cradle having:

·' retention means adapted to retain a tablet in the cradle;

• a seat connector adapted to enable the cradle to be connected to a vehicle seat so that when the tablet is retained in the cradle it can be viewed, hands free, behind the seat; and

• a modular adapter formed to enable operational connection between the tablet and the cradle, the adapter being readily detachable so that it can be removed and replaced with a different adapter to enable the cradle to function with an electronically and/or physically different tablet.

Physlcalfy different tablets may, for example, have external connections disposed in different locations. Optionally the adapter comprises a self-contained cartridge adapted for fitting to an external part of the cradle.

Optionally the cradle incorporates an external holder adapted for securely holding the cartridge.

Optionally the cradle has means adapted to receive operating power from a tablet when retained in the cradle.

Optionally the cradle incorporates power supply means adapted to direct power to a tablet when retained within the cradle.

Optionally the power supply means comprises a battery incorporated in the cradle and/or means to enable the cradle to connect to a power source of an automobile or other vehicle, for example a train or an aeroplane. Optionally the cradle has means to enable an audio signal from the tablet to be transmitted wlrelessly to headphones so that the tablet, when retained in the cradle, can be heard through such headphones.

Optionally the seat connector is adjustable so that it can be fitted to seats of a variety of vehicles.

Optionally the seat connector Is adapted for engaging one or more head rest posts of a vehicle seat, for example an automobile, train or plane seat.

Optionally the cradle has orientation adjustment means adapted to enable a tablet, when retained in the cradle, to be turned sideways (eg between portrait and landscape) and/or tilted forwards and/or backwards.

Optionally the cradle incorporates a microprocessor which Is adapted to receive a frequency selection by way of a software application on a tablet, to save that selection and then to communicate with headphones via such frequency. Alternatively the desired frequency may be selected via a mechanical or capacitive switch.

Optionally the cradle is adapted for use with an iPad™ tablet although in at least some embodiments It may be adapted for use with Samsung™, Google™ or Sony™ or other manufacturer's branded tablets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is an isometric front view of a substantially disassembled tablet cradle; Figure 2 is an isometric rear view of the substantially disassembled cradle;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the cradle when disassembled;

Figure 4 is a front face view of an envelope forming part of the cradle;

Figure 5 is an isometric view illustrating how the cradle engages the seat of an automobile; and is a flow diagram illustrating some of the electronics features of the cradle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The cradle 1 is for mounting to the rear of an automobile seat so that It can hold an iPad™ tablet for hand's free viewing. It has a mounting bracket 2 comprising two clamping hooks 2a , each of which releasably engages a respective one of the two pillars commonly used to hold a headrest to the backrest of an automobile seat (see figure 6). The bracket 2 is adjustable for use with a variety of vehicles.

The bracket is secured to a rectangular frame or sleeve 3. The sleeve has an open front face and is adapted for retaining the iPad™ tablet so that its screen and control switches are unobstructed. The sleeve 3 is able to rotate with respect to the bracket 2 so that the iPad™ tablet can be turned and held in any orientation between landscape and portrait. The sleeve 3 is also able to pivot forwards and backwards with respect to the bracket 2 so that the iPad™ tablet can be tilted correspondingly. The iPad™ tablet is preferably securely held to the sleeve 3 and can be readily released with moderate hand force. As shown in figure 1 , the rear of the sleeve has a channel 4 running just inside the peripheral edges.

The cradle also has a cartridge like electronic adapter 5 which releasably attaches, directly or via holder, to the bracket 2 behind the sleeve 3. The adapter 5 enables electronic communication between the cradle and the iPad™ tablet. If it is desired to use the cradle with a newer generation iPad™ tablet, or with a different brand of tablet altogether, the adapter 5 can be detached and replaced with one which enables communication with such other product. A consumer is therefore able to save expense as it is not necessary to purchase a new cradle each time one purchases a new tablet.

It is only necessary to purchase a replacement adapter. This arrangement also

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means that a manufacturer can avoid or reduce the expense of tooling-up for new or different tablets. In some embodiments of the invention the adapter 5 may be situated along a long edge of the cradle. When the cradle is in use it may be hooked to the front seat of an automobile seat so that It is generally behind the seat. Once there the cradle, and therefore the iPad™ therein, can be turned and tilted for optimal viewing by a passenger in the seat behind. The cradle may Incorporate a two channel infrared audio connection to a set of wireless headphones so that sound from the iPad™ tablet can be played, via such headphones, to the rear seat passenger. The cradle may also incorporate means to receive operating power from the iPad™ tablet, and in some embodiments the cradle may incorporate a battery adapted for delivering power to the iPad™ tablet. All or some of these features may be incorporated In the adapter, although this is not essential.

The cradle is preferably formed for energy dissipation in the event of an automobile crash, optionally with soft padding material, an energy absorbing mechanism, or a breakaway facility.

Referring to figure 6, the cradle preferably incorporates an electronic arrangement which involves a microprocessor 6 in two way communication with a tablet interface connector 7. The microprocessor 6 also communicates with a digital to analog interface 8 which in turn communicates with a vehicle interface connector 9. The vehicle interface connector 9 communicates with a headphone and tablet charging circuit 10. The headphone and tablet charging circuit in turn communicates with a headphone charging connector 11 and also with the tablet interface connector 7. Further, the digital to analog interface 8 communicates with an infrared transmitter 12 to enable audio signals to be sent to wireless headphones.

In preferred embodiments a user of the cradle Is able to select between at least two infrared frequencies for communication between the cradle and wireless headphones. The selection is preferably achieved using a software application in the tablet which communicates the selection to the microprocessor 6 via a USB connection. The microprocessor 6 saves the selected frequency in non-volatile memory. [In alternative embodiments selection of frequency may be achieved by way of a mechanical or capacitive switch]. While the detailed description refers to the cradle in association with an iPad™ tablet it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular brand of tablet and can be used with a variety of tablet brands and types.

While some preferred embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example it should be appreciated that modifications and Improvements can occur without departing from the scope of the following claims. References In the claims to a tablet are to assist in conveying the features of the cradle, and should not be interpreted to mean the claims are limited to a cradle when In use with a tablet.