PALMQUIST, Mark, Steven (20 S. Bentz Street, Frederick, MD, 21701, US)
WETZEL, Shelley, Anne (5670 Wade Court, #cFrederick, MD, 21703, US)
PALMQUIST, Mark, Steven (20 S. Bentz Street, Frederick, MD, 21701, US)
| CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A multi-positional stand for a tablet computer, the stand comprising: (a) a base member having a front end and a bottom surface; (b) a mounting plate for temporarily joining to the back of a tablet computer; (cj means for joining the mounting plate to a back surface of the tablet computer whereby a user can easily detach or re-attach said tablet computer to or from said mounting plate; (d) a hinge member having a top portion and a bottom portion, (e) means for rotationally joining the mounting plate to the top portion of the hinge member ; (f) a hinge pin about which the hinge member can rotate for pivotably connecting the bottom portion of the hinge member to the front end of said base member ; and (g) a cam-actuated handle coupled to the hinge member for locking and unlocking the position of the hinge member with respect to the base member within a range of motion of the hinge member by the selective actuation the cam-actuated handle. 2. The multi-positional stand of claim 1 further comprising a base mount having a top edge and a bottom surface and a means for fixedly attaching the top edge of the base mount to a surface. 3. The multi-positional stand of claims 1 and 2 wherein the mounting plate is round and has a front surface and a back surface and further comprises a threaded stud which is fixedly attached to and centered on the back surface of the mounting plate and defines a central axis of the threaded stud perpendicular to the back surface of the mounting plate whereby the mounting plate can rotate around the central axis of the threaded stud. 4. The multi-positional stand of any one of the above claims wherein the hinge member has an elongated "U" shape and has flat inside and outside surfaces wherein the bent portion of said elongated "U" shape defines a top portion of the hinge member while the ends of said "U" shape form the bottom portion of the hinge member and the hinge member further comprises: (a) a flat face which is fixedly attached to and substantially flush with the front edge of the top portion of the hinge member; (b) a hole which passes through the center of the flat face of the hinge member; and (c) two hinge pin holes located on sides of the bottom portion of the hinge member so that the two hinge pin holes have the same central axis and can receive and rotate around the hinge pin. 5. The multi-positional stand of any one of the above claims wherein the base member comprises a raised front area, suhstantially flat middle and back areas, and a rounded back edge and substantially matches the outline of the base member allowing the hinge member to fold on the base member. 6. The multi-positional stand of claim 5 wherein the base member further comprises: (a) a horizontally extending hole, oriented side to side through the raised front area of the base member and having the hinge pin passing there through; (b) flat, parallel surfaces on the sides of the raised front area which are perpendicular to the axis running through the horizontally extending hole of the base member; (c) a slot oriented depth-wise and piercing through and centered on the top and bottom surfaces of the middle area of the base member and defining an axis, the axis of the slot being perpendicular to the top and bottom faces of the base member; and (d) a pad of semi-circular shape attached to the back end of the bottom surface of the base member and located distal to the rounded back edge whereby the pad protects a horizontal surface from scratches and assists in holding the stand in place by creating additional friction between the stand and a surface. 7. The multi-positional stand of claims 3 through 5 wherein the hinge pin is cylindrical in shape and comprises: fa) two rounded ends; and (b) two through holes, each located near one of the two rounded ends of the hinge pin, each hold extending vertically through and oriented perpendicular to and intersecting with an axis running through the length of the hinge pin whereby the middle, non-threaded portion of the partially-threaded locking pins can fit inside the two through holes of the hinge pin allowing for rotation between the hinge pin and the partially-threaded locking pins. 8. The multi-positional stand of claims 3 through 5 wherein the cam-actuated handles are of solid, cast or machined material each further comprising: (a) a cam surface; (b) a partially-threaded through hole, which is vertically oriented and receives the partially-threaded locking pins around which the cam-actuated handles can pivot; and (c) an handle which can be grasped and manipulated by a user. 9. The multi-positional stand of claim 2 wherein the base mount comprises and injection molded material and is cup-shaped and has an open top, a top edge, a side wall and further comprises. a central sleeve which passes from the center of the bottom surface of the base mount and extends up to and level with said top edge of the base mount, the central sleeve further comprising a hollow cavity for receiving a fastener. 10. The multi-positional stand of any of the above claims wherein the means for joining the mounting plate to the center of the back surface of the tablet computer further comprises: (a) a hook side of a two-part, hook and loop, fastening material, adhered to the front surface of the mounting plate; and (1)) a loop side of a two-part hook and loop, fastening material, for attachment to the center of the back of the tablet computer whereby the tablet computer can be repeatedly attached and unattached to the front of the mounting plate. 11. The multi-positional stand of claims 2 and 3 wherein the means for rotationally joining the mounting plate to the front of the top portion of the hinge member further comprises: (a) a washer which has a hole and is sandwiched between said back surface of said mounting plate and said flat face of said hinge member whereby said threaded stud of said mounting plate passes through said hole of said washer, and through said hole of said flat face of said hinge member; and (b) a locknut which can be cylindrical in shape and which threads onto and stays in a fixed position with the end of said threaded stud of said mounting plate whereby said mounting plate can freely rotate about said flat face of said hinge member with limited friction and without wobbling or falling off, and without becoming loose. 12. The multi-positional stand of claims 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 wherein the means for pivotably connecting the bottom portion of the hinge member to the front end of said base member wherein: (a) said hinge pin passes through the horizontally running hole of the base member; (b) the hinge pin further passes through the hinge pin holes of the hinge member; (c) the partially-threaded through holes of the cam-actuated handles align with the through holes of the hinge pin; (d) the partially-threaded locking pins screw into the partially threaded through holes of the cam-actuated handles, passing through the hinge pin holes of the hinge pin allowing the cam-actuated handles to pivot within a 90 ° range around the axis running through the length of the partially-threaded locking pins; (e) when the cam-actuated handles are rotated from perpendicular with to parallel with the axis running through the length of the hinge pin, the cam surface of the cam- actuated handles gradually engage with the outside flat surface of the bottom portion of the hinge member whereby urging the bottom portion of the hinge member onto the lock washers and further urging on to the flat, parallel surfaces on the sides of the raised front area of the base member whereby, when both cam- actuated handles are fully parallel with the axis running through the length of the hinge pin, then the, angular position of the hinge.member and the base member is locked; (f) when the cam-actuated handles are fully parallel with the axis running through the length of the hinge pin and are in a locked position, then the cam-actuated handles stabilize the base member when the base member is resting on a horizontal flat surface such as a table or a counter; (g) when the cam-actuated handles are rotated 90° perpendicular to the axis running through the center of the hinge pin, and thereby the front faces of the cam-actuated handles are parallel with the sides of the base member, then the angular position of the hinge member and the base member is unlocked; (h) when the cam-actuated handles are in the unlocked position, the hinge member and the base member can be rotated on top of each other facilitating a compact, portable orientation; and (i) when at least one of the cam-actuated handles are in the unlocked position then the angular position of the hinge member and the base member can travel in any one of an infinite number of angular positions with respect to each other within an angular range from 0° to at least 180°. 13. The multi-positional stand of any of the above claims wherein the means for joining the mounting plate to the center of the back surface of the tablet computer comprises a suction cup device. |
COMPUTER
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001 ] This application claims priority to United States Patent Application No. 1 2/919.306. filed January 1 3. 201 I . entitled Multi-positional Stand and Under Cabinet Mount for a Tablet Computer, to Wetzel et al, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a device for holding, positioning and using a tablet computer. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a universal, multi- positional, portable stand device that can be used for holding, positioning and using a tablet computer in a variety of environments.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Generally, tablet computers and similar devices are known but there continue to be accelerating recent innovations regarding such devices as well as device for making such computers more user friendly. A few known tablet mounting systems relate to computer monitors. television screens, cel l phones. DVD players and GPS units. For example, one such known device is disclosed in U .S. Pat. No. 6,340. 146, by Tzeng. which relates to a swing-down mounting system for an LCD screen in which the screen can lock in one of a series of angular positions. U .S. Pat. No. 7,028,961 , by Dittmer et al.. discloses a mounting system for a flat screen which is designed to attach to a wall and allows the screen to be pivoted both horizontally and vertically within a range. However, the disclosed device is not designed to be portable or sit on a horizontal surface. U.S. Pat. No. 6,962,314, by Hsu, is a multifunctional holder designed to clamp securely to surface, but does not specify screen rotation. U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,6 1 by Silverman et al. is a collapsible desk stand for a portable computer, but does not mount under a cabinet or allow for limitless screen rotation. U.S. Pat. No. 6.361 .01 2. by Chang, is a television mount for a vehicle that allows the television to pivot down and pivot left or right, but docs not allow for screen rotation and is not designed to be used on a desktop. U.S. Pat. No. 7,317,61 1 . by Dittmer, is designed to mount under a cabinet and pivot from an extended position to a folded position and relies on friction to remain in a static position, however, the mount does not allow for screen rotation and is not intended for use on a desk top. U.S. Pat. No. 6, J 86,459, by Ma, is an angle- and direction adjustable display device but is not designed to be portable. U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,812 B2, by Kutzehr et a!., is a mount assembly for a screen that pivots and turns, but is not portable.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Portable tablet computers that allow users to connect to the, Internet and to access e- mail and to view the screen in both a landscape (horizontal) and portrait (vertical) orientation are a recent development. Software developed for these tablet computers often function by having the user actively tilt or rotate the screen at varying degrees and speeds which interact with a built in acceieromeier. Although these computers are designed to be hand held, there are times when it is desirable to be able to view and rotate or tilt the tablet computer without the use having to holding it up with his or 'her arms. There are several new stands that have been designed to hold these new tablet computers. Some of them sit on a horizontal surface and are designed to be portable and collapsible, but don't allow for screen rotation by touch. Some of these new stands allow the tablet computer to tilt and allow the screen ιο rotate bin do not allow means for the. stand ro b mounted to the bottom of a shelf or cabinet. Some of these new stands are designed to mount the tablet computer to a fixed vertical surface, such as a wal l, or under a horizontal surface, such as a cabinet or shel f, but arc not portable. Some of these new stands can be incrementally ti lted backwards or fixed in a specified number of reclined positions, but don 't al low the recline angle to be locked in all possible angular positions between fully vertical and fully horizontal.
[0005] There is a need for one tablet stand and mount that performs all of the following functions: I ) supports a tablet computer on a horizontal surface in any number of reclined positions between flat and upright; 2) allows the tablet computer to be rotated from a portrait to a landscape orientation and all positions in between: 3) easily and quickly folds flat enough to fit in a purse or handbag without requiring disassembly; 4) provides means for attaching a tablet computer to a vertical surface, such as a wall, and provides means for attaching a tablet computer on or bejow a horizontal surface such as the bottom of a cabinet or shelf. Furthermore, many existing stands and mounts attach to the edges or corners of the tablet computers where there are often burtons and jacks. There is a need for a stand and mount that attaches to the center of the back surface of a tablet computer so that the mount or stand does not interfere with the placement of the buttons and jacks on the edges of the tablet computer. Also, there is a need for a stand and mount that attaches to the center of the back surface of a tablet computer so that it can be used with tablet computers of di ffering dimensions and proportions without the need for an adapter surface designed specifically for a particular tablet computer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Γ00 6 " ] In one exemplary embodiment, a multi-positional stand and under cabinet mount for a tablet computer is described herein and is designed to meet the need for a stand that can sit on a flai. -horizontal surface and allows for a tablet computer to be temporarily attached to it while allowing full rotation of the tablet computer about an axis running centered on the ( ace of and perpendicular to its fate, therefore, allowing the tablet computer to be positioned in either a portrait (vertical) or a landscape (horizontal ) position, mid in every position in between. The stand is designed to mount (upside down ) to the bottom of a cabinet or shelf so that the attached tablet computer can be viewed, touched and manipulated in a kitchen or office without using counter space. In a further exemplary embodiment, while mounted to the bottom of a cabinet or shelf, the stand can till back and up so that it is parallel with and close to the bottom surface of the cabinet so that counter space directly below the stand is fully accessible by the user. The stand mounts to the bottom (or top) of a shelf or other fixed horizontal surface so that the attached tablet computer is viewable, touchable and may be manipulated in an office or in a workroom without obstructing desk or work table space below. When useful, the stand and mount may also be attached to the side of a cabinet, or to a wall, or to the top of a rolling cart or other moveable surface.
[00071 In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the stand according to the present invention provides means for attaching the back center surface of the tablet computer to a mounting plate with a two-part hook-and-loop fastener material or a two-part mushroom- type fastener material, or any other known or appropriate material, so that the computer can be repeatedly removed and then re-attached to the mounting plate manually and without the use of tools. In another exemplary embodiment, the stand according to the present invention the means for attaching the back center surface of the tablet computer to a mounting plate includes a suction device having one side attached to the stand and a suction cup for generating a negative force between the back of the back surface of the tablet computer and the suction device so the tablet computer can be repeatedly removed arid then re-attached to the mounting plate manually and without the use of tools.
[0008] In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting plate is provided with the stand and may be rotationaJly attached to the top portion of the front surface of a hinge member. The bottom portion of the hinge member is furthermore pi otally attached to the front of the base member. In one embodiment, the angular position of the hinge member and bas member can be locked or unlocked in any one of an essentially infinite number of angular positions within a range by the manual rotation of 2 cam-actuated handles. The cam-actuated handles are manually pivoted and aligned to be pointed away from the base member such that the cam surfaces on the cam-actuated handles squeeze the surfaces of the hinge member and base member together and therefore lock the position. In a second embodiment, the angular position of the hinge member and base member can. be locked or unlocked in any one of a predetermined number of incremental positions between vertical, 90 degrees and reclined, 0 degrees. In one embodiment, the invention provides for lock washers between rhe contacting surfaces of the hinge member and the base member to help create more friction and a stronger lock so that the tablet computer, being attached to the stand, can be poked with a user ' s fingers without causing a change in the angular position of the hinge member with respect to the base member. Furthermore, the cam-actuated handles are designed so that when they are manually pivoted towards (parallel to) the base member the cam surfaces on the cam-actuated handles move away from the surfaces of the hinge member and base member and allow for the hinge member and base member to freely pivot with respect to each other. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the angular position of the base member and the hinge member can be locked or unlocked by mean of a locking gear. Instead of cam levers, the base member is fitted with left and right stabilizer cylinders which have a gear surface, and a mooth surface. When the user applies a squeezing pressure on the outsides of the lower hinge member area, the hinge member slips off of the gear surface and onto the smooth surface allowing it to rotate with respect to the base member. The hinge member may then be repositioned. When the user stops applying the squeezing pressure, then the hinge member springs back from the smooth surface onto the gear urface and re- locks. The number of lockable positions is determined by the number of teeth on the gear surface. [0009] In one embodiment, the invention provides for a hinge pin and two partially-threaded locking pins thai fix the distance between the two cam-actuated handles about their centers of pivot. The hinge pin goes through holes in the sides of the bottom ends of the hinge member and through a hole in the sides of the front portion of the base member. The cam-actuated handles provide the secondary purpose of stabilizing the stand when they are extended and in a locked position.
[0010] In the embodiments, a base mount has a top surface that can be attached to a flat horizontal or vertical surface with screws, and has a bottom surface to which the underside of the base member can be temporarily attached. A slot may be cut through the central portion of the. base member, running top to bottom and orientated depth wise. In one embodiment, the base mount may have a hex-head screw affixed to and extending out from its outer surface. The hex head screw can pass through the slot on the. base member. In one embodiment, the stand may be temporarily attached to the base mount with a threaded attachment knob which threads onto the base mount ' s hex-head screw, therefore, sandwiching the base member in place. In one embodiment, the device provides for rotation between the bottom surface of the base member and the bottom surface of the base mount about an axis that passes through the length of the hex-head screw so that the screen of the tablet computer can turn sideways when the user is not standing directly in front of the cabinet or shelf under which the stand is attached. In one embodiment, there is provided front to back translation between the bottom surface of the base member and the bottom surface of the base mount through a length determined by the length of the slot on the base member.
[0011 ] In one embodiment, the hinge member may fold down on top of the base member (rotating about the hinge pin) and the first embodiment provides for the cam-actuated handles to fold in beside the hinge member (rotating about the partial ly-threaded locki ng pins ) for a compact and portable configuration. In another embodiment, an attachment device is provided for attaching the stand to a car seat includes a fabric or flexible strap which loops around the left and right stabilizer cylinders and buckles around the car seat's headrest posts allowing the stand's base to rest against the back of the car seat and allowing the hinge member to be angled up so that the screen of an attached tablet computer faces toward the rear seat of the vehicle.
[0012] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within the description and the scope of the invention protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The present disclosure and invention can be understood with reference to the following figures. The components in the figures are. not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
[0014] ΠΟ. 1 illustrates a perspective front view of an exemplary embodiment of the stand with an attached tablet computer in a portrait (vertical ) orientation and locked in a slightly backward leaning position.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective rear view of an exemplary embodiment of the stand shown with an attached tablet computer in a portrait (vertical) orientation and locked in a slightly backward leaning position.
[001 ίί] FIG. 3 illustrates an orthographic front view with an attached tablet computer in a landscape (horizontal ) orienfai ion and locked in a slightly backward leaning posiiion.
[0017] FIG. 4 i llustrates an orthographic iron; view of the stand with an attached tablet computer in a portrait (vertical) orientation and locked in a slightly backward leaning position with dashed lines showing the screen rotaied half way between a portrait (vertical) and a landscape (horizontal) orientation.
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates an orthographic top view with an attached tablet computer in a landscape (horizontal) orientation and locked in a slightly backward leaning position.
|G01 | FIG. 6 illustrates an orthographic bottom view of the stand with an attached tablet computer in a landscape (horizontal ) orientation and locked i n a slightly backward leaning position.
[0020] FIG. 7 il lustrates an orthographic side view showing the stand mounted to the bottom of a cabinet: in this view the angle between the hinge member and the base member is greater than 90 degrees and the cam-actuated handles are in the locked/extended position. There are dashed lines showing the stand locked into a partially retracted and a fully retracted position.
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates an orthographic side view with an attached tablet computer in a landscape (horizontal) orientation showing the hinge member slightly backwards and locked in position. There are dashed lines showing the hinge member in a more reclined and locked posiiion. [0022] FIG. 9 illustrates an orthographic side view with an attached tablet computer in a landscape (horizontal) orientation with the hinge member is shown fully reclined and locked.
[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates an orthographic lop view of the stand without an attached tablet computer show ing the hing member assembly tilted down.
[0024] FIG. 1 1 illustrates an orthographic top view of the stand without an attached tablet computer. The cam-actuated handles are shown folded inward in an unlocked position.
[0025] FIG. 12 illustrates a close up view of the lower left corner of FIG. 10.
[0026] FIG. 13 illustrates a close up view of the lower left corner of FIG. 1 1 .
[0027] FIG. 14 illustrates and orthographic back view of an exemplary embodiment of the stand shown with an attached tablet computer in a landscape (horizontal ) orientation and locked in a sl ightly backward leaning position.
[0028] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the stand mounted to the bottom of a cabinet; in this view the angle between the hinge member and the base member is greater than 90 degrees and the cam-actuated handles are in the locked/extended position.
[0029] FIG. 16 illustrates a partially exploded perspective view, taken from the same vantage point as FfG. 15. showing the lower portion of the stand and the components of the base mount.
[0030] FIG. 1 7 ill ustrates a partial ly exploded perspective view, taken from the same vantage point as FIG. 1 , showing ifie upper port ion of the stand and a tablet computer.
[0031] FIG. I S illustrates a partially exploded view of the base mount assembly.
[0032] FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective front view of an alternate embodiment of the stand with an . attached tablet computer in a portrait (vertical) orientation and locked in a slightly backward leaning position.
[0033] FrG. 20 il lustrates a partially exploded perspective view, taken from a lower front corner, showing the second embodiment of the stand.
[0034] FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective front view of the second embodiment of the stand shown resting on a horizontal surface in with the hinge member in a resting or locked position.
[0035] FIG. 22 illustrates a close-up view of FIG. 21.
[0036] FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective front view of an alternate embodiment of the stand with the hinge member being moved into an unlocked position.
[0037] FIG.24 illustrates a close-up view of FIG. 23.
[00381 FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of the stand attached to a car seat.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] Referri ng general ly to the drawings and initially, in particular to perspective drawings in FIGs. I . 2 and 1 5. and to exploded FfGs. 1 - I S. a multi-positional stand I and under cabinet mount for holding a tablet computer in accordance, with the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a base member 36, a hinge member 32, a mounting plate 20. two cam-actuated handles 48 and 50. a hinge pin 46, two partially-threaded locking pins 56 and 58, and a ba.se mount 60. Base member 36 can be solid and substantially flat and approximately four (4) times as deep as il is wide. The sides of base member 36 are parallel near the front. The front area of base member 36 has a raised front area 37 that is cylindrical in shape and is oriented with its center axis going side to side. The raised front area 37 can flow smoothly into the flat .shape of base member 36 and is oriented so that the bottom most point of thick area 37 and the bottom of base member 36 are on the same plane. Raised front area 37 of bas member 36 has a through hole 40 that passes horizontal ly (and left to right) through base member 36. Raised front area 37 can be the same width as the. rest of base member 36. The back edge of base member 36 can be rounded. The left and right sides of thick area 37 must be Oat and parallel with each other. Base member 36 has a slot 42 that cuts through its top and bottom surfaces. Slot 42 is approximately 5 times as long as it is wide and runs lengthwise on the top and bottom surface of base member 36. Slot 42 is located in the middle third of the top/bottom surface of base member 36 and is exactly centered left to right on base member 36. Base member 36 has a soft pad 44 that is attached to the back end of its bottom surface. Soft pad 44 is designed to separate and protect a horizontal work surface from being scratched by base member 36 when the stand is sitting on said surface. The stand 1 and its constituent parts as set forth herein may be made of any solid material and may be made of cast, injected, formed or machined materials such as a thermoplastic or a metal such as aluminum or magnesium or any alloy thereof.
[0040] Hinge member 32 can be a solid bar that is bent, formed, or molded into a "U" shape. Tlie bent portion of said i- LP shape forms the top portion of hinge member 32. The ends of said "U" shape form the bottom portion of hinge member 32. Hinge member 32 has flat, parallel inside and outside surfaces that are designed to interface with (Fit around) the side and back edges of base member 36. The bottom most inside and outside surfaces of hinge member 32 must be flat and parallel and are as wide as the left and right side surfaces of raised front area 37 of base member 36. The left and right bottom portions of hinge member 32 have hinge pin holes 32a and 32b that cut through the outer and inner surfaces of hinge member 32 and are cut about the same axis that is centered front to back on hinge member 32. The bottom edges of hinge member 32 can be rounded. Hinge pin 46 is solid and cylindrical in ' shape and can have rounded ends. When hinge pin 46 is passed through hinge pin hole 32a of hinge member 32 and into hole 40 of base member 36 and through hinge pin hole 32b of hinge member 32, then hinge member 32 can pivot about hinge pin 46 and base member 36. The ends of hinge pin 46 extend out of hinge pin holes 32a and 32b of hinge member 32 and can pivotally couple to cam-actuated handles 48 and 50. Hinge pin 46 has 2 holes 46a and 46b located close to each end of hinge pin 46. The holes 46a and 46b cut through hinge pin 46 perpendicular to (and through) an axis that runs lengthwise, through the center of hinge pin 46. Furthermore, the central axis of holes 46a and 46b, of hinge pin 46. are parallel.
[0041] Cam-actuated handles 48 and 50 pivot about partially-threaded locking pins 56 and 58 respectively, which pass through partially threaded holes 48a and 50a in cam-actuated handles 48 and 50 respectively. The holes 4Sa and 50b can be partiall y-threaded and, l ikewise, the locking pins 56 and 5S can be partial ly threaded correspondingly. One end of both partially-threaded locking pins 56 and 5S can have, a hexagonal socket head for insertion or removal into partially-threaded holes 48a and 50a of cam-actuated handles 48 and 50 with a hex wrench as is known in the prior art. The ends of hinge pin 46 fit into cut out sections 48b and 50b of cam-actuated handles 48 and 50 which allow cam-actuated handles 48 and 50 to freely rotate 90 degrees about, and without binding with, hinge pin 46. Cam-actuated handles 48 and 50 have cam surfaces that engage with the outside surfaces of the bottom portion of hinge member 32.
[00421 FIG. 12 shows cam-actuated handle 48 rotated towards hinge member 32 and illustrates an unlocked position whereby there is a small space 74 between cam-actuated handle 48 and hinge member 32. FIG. 13 shows cam-actuated handle 48 rotated away from (perpendicular to) hinge member 32 and illustrates a locked position whereby there is no space between cam-actuated handle 48 and hinge member 32 and there is sufficient pressure applied so that hinge member 32 is locked into a static position with respect to base member 36. It should be noted that if only one cam-actuated handle- is in a locked position there should still exist the possibility of rotation between hinge member 32 and base member 36. Hinge, member 32 and base member 36 should be locked into position with respect to each other when both cam-actuated handles are in a locked position. Pivot handles 4S and 50 can have soft caps .52 and 54 located toward their outer handle area (the ends farthest away from the center of pivot ).
[0043] Referring to FIG. 17, hinge member 32 can have a flat face 30 located towards its top end. The front of flat face 30 can be flush with the front edge of hinge member 32. Flat face 30 ha a hole 30a that is centered left to right on flat face 30 and can coincide, with the center of curvature of the bend at the top of hinge member 32. Mounting plate 20 can be flat, or almost flat, and solid and larger than flat face 30, but smaller than the back surface of a tablet computer of prior art. The shape of the face of mounting plate 20 may be round and may alternatively have other known or appropriate shapes. Mounting plate 20 has a front surface to which the hook side 22 of a liook-a d-loop type fastener material can be applied. Mounting plate 20 can have a threaded stud 2 1 sol idly attached to. and centered on, its back- surface Threaded stud 21 can pass through hole 30a on flat face 30 and be captured with a lock nut 34. Lock nut 34 can be fastened to threaded stud 21 so that it allows mounting plate 20 to still rotate with respect to flat face 30 of hinge member 32: Lock nut 34 can be a standard hexagonal lock-nut of prior art, or, a cylindrical blind lock cap a shown in FIG. 1 7. To reduce friction, a washer 28 can be placed in between mounting plate 20 and flat face 30 and be captured by threaded stud 21. The loop side 24 of a hook-aiid-loop type fastener material of prior art can be applied to the center of the back of a tablet computer 26. " The loop side 24 can mount to the hook side 22 therefore allowing a tablet computer 26 to be attached to and centered on mounting plate 20. Furthermore, when the tablet computer 26 is mounted in this way. tablet computer 26 can be rotated by the user. Lock nut 34 can be tightened to the point that it easily turns by hand pressure, but is not too loose that it allows an attached tablet computer to continue rotating after being released. Since the tablet computer 26 is mounted at the center of its back (assuming this is the center of gravity), it should only rotate when a user manipulates tablet computer 26 and then table computer 26 should stay in position after the user is finished manipu lating it.
10044] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a means for attaching the stand I to the back surface of the tablet computer includes the hook and loop fastener material. In an alternative embodiment, the means for attaching the stand 1 to the back surface of the tablet computer includes a suction device having one side attached to the stand and an actuable suction cup for generating a negati ve force between the back surface of the tablet computer and the suction device so the tablet computer can be repeatedly attached and removed to the mounting plate without the use of tools.
[0045] Referring to FIGs 7, 15. 16 and 18. there is a base mount 60 which may be of an injection-molded material or other known or appropriate material, having a cup-IU e shape and have a top edge 77 and a bottom surface 7 1. Base mount 60 is slightly taller than a standard front edge 81 on the bottom of a cabinet 80 and approximately as wide as base member 36. Base mount 60 is shown with three counter sunk through holes 72. 74 and 76 which pass through the three sleeves 72a. 74a, and 76a respectively Base mount 60 can be attached to a flat surface SO wit h the three screws 64. 66 and 68 which pass through holes 72, 74, and 76 and into flat surface SO. Located in the center of base mount 60 is a central sleeve 75 having a through hole 70 tha passes all the way through central sleeve 75. There is a recessed area 75a at the top of sleeve 75 that is designed to surround the hexagonal head of bolt 62. The head of bolt 62 fits into recessed area 75a and the threaded stud of bolt 62 (lis into and protrudes from hole 70 on bottom surface 7 1 . There can be webbing 78 connecting sleeves 76a, 76b, and 76c to the outer surface of 60 and to sleeve. 75 to add strength. When base mount 60 is attached to the bottom surface of cabinet SO. bolt 62 cannot move or rotate with respect to base mount 60. In order to mount the stand upside down and on the underside of a c abinet or .shelf, t he bottom surface of base member 36 can interface with and be held against bottom surface 7 1 of base mount 60 with a threaded attachment knob 69 which screws onto the end of bolt 62 which passes through slot 42 on base member 36. Threaded attachment knob 69 has a female threaded hole 69a that can thread onto bolt 62. Threaded attachment knob 69 is of large enough diameter so that it can be turned and tightened by the user without the user requiring a tool. Threaded attachment knob 69 can have a knurled surface to assist the user in turning it. The stand, when mounted to the base mount, can be rotated with respect to the base mount about the axis that runs through bolt 62: furthermore, the user can lock the stand into a preferred position by manually tightening threaded attachment knob 69. When bolt 62 of base mount 60 passes through slot 42 of base member 36, then base member 36 can be. manually pulled forward or pushed back within the travel range of slot 42 and locked into place by manually tightening threaded attachment knob 69. When base mount 60 is attached to the bottom of a cabinet or surface and the stand is attached to base mount 60 and a tablet computer 26 is attached to the stand, then the tablet computer can be viewed, touched, manipulated, rotated, turned, pulled forwards or backwards, swung forward or swung' backwards, or retracted by hand without hitting wall 72 of FIG. 7.
[0046] Referring to FIGs 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention, there are two stabilizer cylinders S3 which extend left and right of the left and right sides of said raised front area 37 o base member 36. Said 2 stabilizer cylinders 83 share the same axis that runs horizontally through the center of said raised front area 37. The two stabilizer cylinders 83 include an outer cylindrical area, a gear surface 86 and an inner c yl indrical surface 85. In the present embodiment herein, gear surface 86 is shown with 16 equally spaced teeth, however, i t may be advantageous to have more, or less teeth. The left and right bottom portions of hinge member 32 have a gear shaped hole 94 which interfaces around said gear surface S6 on said 2 stabilizer cyl inders 83 so that when said gear surface 86 is inside of said gear shaped hole 94, said hinge member 32 cannot pivot backwards or forwards. Base member 36 has two cylindrical cavities 1 on the left and risht sides of said raised front area 37. Inner cylindrical surface 85 of stabilizer cylinders S3 fit into said cylindrical cavities 1 with a thin section of inner cyl indrical surface 85 till outside of said cylindrical cavities 91 . The bottom surfaces of said inner cylindrical surface 85 have a threaded hole 87. The. raised front area 37 of base member 36 has two holes 90 through which two threaded set screws S8 pass. The two threaded set screws 88 pass through the two holes 90 and screw into said threaded holes 87 on the inner cylindrical surface 85. The two stabilizer cylinders 83 have two cavities 91 that are shaped to register two soft pads 84. The soft pads 84 protrude out of the bottom of said two stabilizer cylinders 83 by approximately 1 -2 millimeters. Soft pad 44 adheres to the bottom back surface of the base member 36 and is 1 -2 mi llimeters in height. Two soft hand grips 82 adhere to the outer left and right faces of hmge member 32. Hinge member 32 can have punched holes 93 to regisier nubs 92 of the two soft hand grips 82.
[0047] Referring to FIGs 2 1 and 22. in a rest or locked position, the two gear shaped holes 94 of the hinge member 32 align on top of and around the gear surfaces 86 on said two stabilizer cylinders 83. Referring to FIGs 23 and 24, with respect to the embodiment shown, in order to change the angle between base member 36 and hinge member 32 the user applies inward pressure on both soft hand grips 82, such as by using the thumb on one of the soft hand grip 82 and the other fingers of the same hand on the other of the soft hand grip 82. This allows the two gear shaped holes 94 of the hinge member 32 to sl ip off of the gear surface 86 and onto said inner cylindrical surface 85 on the two stabi l izer cyl inders 83 allowing aid hinge member 32 to freely rotate with respect to base member 36. When the inward pressure is released by the user, the sides of hinge member 32 will spring or move outward forcing the two gear shaped holes 94 of the hinge member 32 back on top of and around the gear surfaces 86 on the two stabilizer cylinders 83 to relock the hinge, member 32 and the base member 36 together and. more preferable, in position. If the gear surface 86 has sixteen ( 16) teeth, a.s shown in the disclosed embodiment, then the angle, between the base member 36 and the hinge member 32 can be locked in 22.5 degree increments or at 0. 22.5. 45. 67.5, 90. 1 1 2.5, 1 35, etc. degrees. Increasing the number of teeth on the gear surface 86 will increase the number of possible locka le positions of the stand 1. While the current disclosed embodiment shows the gear surface 86 with 16 equally spaced teeth, it should be understood that there b more or less than 16 spaced teeth.
[GG4S] Referring to FIG. 25 the invention provides an attachment device, for attaching the stand 1 of the present disclosure to the back of a car seat 95. The attachment des'ice includes a fabric or flexible strap 98 which is shown looped around the left and l ight stabi lizer cylinders 83 and is then secured around the car seat 's head rest posts 97 with a buckle or other removable securing or fastening device 100 allowing the- base member 36 to rest against the back of the car seat 95 and allowing the hinge member to be angled so that tablet computer 26 faces toward the rear seat of the vehicle. The fabric or flexible strap 98 can have a cross member 99 to ensure that the stand does not slip off of the fabric or flexible strap 98. The length of the fabric or flexible smip 98 may be made adjustable to allow a user to increase or decrease the relative height of the stand I and the attached tablet computer.
[0049] Any numerical val ues reci ted herein or in the figures are intended to include all values from the lower value to th upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher val ue. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component or a value of a process variable such as, for example, temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 9.0. preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended thai values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51 , 30 to 32 etc. are expressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are less than one. one unit is considered to be 0 0001 . 0.001 . 0.01 or 0. 1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this appl ication in a similar manner. As can be seen, the teaching of amounts expressed as "parts by weight" herein also contemplates the same ranges expressed in terms of percent by weight. Thus, an expression in the Detailed Description of the Invention of a range in terms of at "" parts by weight of the, resulting polymeric blend composition" also contemplates a teaching of ranges of same recited amount of "x" in percent by weight of the resulting polymeric blend composition."
(0050] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of "about" r "approxi mately" in connection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, "about 20 to 30" is intended to cover "about 20 to about 30". inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.
[0051] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term "consisting essential ly of-' to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms "comprising" or "including" to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of the elements, ingredients, components or steps. By use of the term ''may" herein, it is intended that any described attributes that "may" be included arc optional.
[0052] Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively, a single integrated clement, ingredient, component or step might be divided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps. The disclosure of "a" or "one" to describe an element, ingredient, component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components or steps.
[0053] It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as many applications besides the. examples provided will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the ful l scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in the fol lowing claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subjeci matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventi e subject matter.
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