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Title:
PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE HOLDER FOR A PASSENGER SEAT
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/151664
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A portable electronic device (PED) holder for a passenger seat, the PED holder including a body configured to couple the holder to the passenger seat, a pair of clamping elements disposed on a surface of the body, wherein the pair of clamping elements are configured to be movable relative to each other to vary a distance between the pair of clamping elements in a first direction along the surface of the body, and a support element disposed on the surface of the body, wherein the support element is configured such that a distal end thereof is moveable relative to the surface of the body in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Inventors:
TAN IVAN (SG)
FOONG HERNG HUEI (SG)
CHONG YONG QI (SG)
Application Number:
PCT/SG2017/050065
Publication Date:
August 23, 2018
Filing Date:
February 15, 2017
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
ST AEROSPACE AIRCRAFT SEATS PTE LTD (SG)
International Classes:
B60R11/00
Foreign References:
US20120235001A12012-09-20
DE20016005U12000-12-21
US20150246645A12015-09-03
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
VIERING, JENTSCHURA & PARTNER LLP (SG)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

1. A holder for a portable electronic device for a passenger seat, comprising: a body configured to couple the holder to the passenger seat;

a pair of clamping elements disposed on a surface of the body, wherein the pair of clamping elements are configured to be movable relative to each other to vary a distance between the pair of clamping elements in a first direction along the surface of the body; and

a support element disposed on the surface of the body, wherein the support element is configured such that a distal end thereof is moveable relative to the body in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

2. The portable electronic device holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of clamping elements and the support element are configured to hold a portable electronic device with the pair of clamping elements arranged to bear against two opposing sides of the portable electronic device and with the distal end of the support element movable relative to the surface of the body to receive a third side of the portable electronic device.

3. The portable electronic device holder as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the clamping element comprises a connecting portion configured to connect the clamping element to the surface of the body for moving the clamping element along the surface of the body.

4. The portable electronic device holder as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the clamping element further comprises a clamping engagement portion configured to receive the portable electronic device.

5. The portable electronic device holder as claimed in claim 4, wherein an edge of the clamping engagement portion is pivotably connected to the connecting portion of the clamping element.

6. The portable electronic device holder as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the clamping engagement portion comprises a holding pad connected to the clamping engagement portion.

7. The portable electronic device holder as claimed in claim 6, wherein the holding pad is configured to be rotatable with respect to the clamping engagement portion.

8. The portable electronic device holder as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the holding pad comprises a compressible material.

9. The portable electronic device holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the support element comprises an extension arm.

10. The portable electronic device holder as claimed in claim 9, wherein the support element further comprise a lip portion at the distal end.

11. The portable electronic device holder as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the extension arm is curved.

12. The portable electronic device holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the body comprises a panel.

13. The portable electronic device holder as claimed in claim 12, wherein the body further comprises a shell structure connected to the panel to form a pocket, wherein a cavity of the pocket is enclosed by the panel and the shell structure, and wherein a opening of the pocket is formed by an edge of the panel and a rim portion of the shell structure.

14. The portable electronic device holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the body comprises a track for receiving the pair of clamping elements.

15. The portable electronic device holder as claimed in claim 14, wherein the track and the pair of clamping elements are configured to releasably engage with each other for locking and unlocking the pair of clamping elements to the track.

16. The portable electronic device holder as claimed in claim 15, wherein each of the pair of the clamping elements comprises a compressible material for the locking engagement of each of the pair of clamping elements to the track.

17. A seat back for a passenger seat comprising:

a recessed portion in the seat back; and

a holder for a portable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 16 installed into the recessed portion.

18. The seat back as claimed in claim 17, wherein the recessed portion is configured to define a cavity for receiving the holder at a lower portion of the recessed portion and for accommodating a top end of the portable electronic device in an upper portion of the recessed portion when the portable electronic device is held at an inclined position on the holder.

19. A method of fabricating a holder for a portable electronic device for a passenger seat, the method comprising:

providing a body configured to couple the holder to the passenger seat;

providing a pair of clamping elements disposed on a surface of the body, wherein the pair of clamping elements are configured to be movable relative to each other to vary a distance between the pair of clamping elements in a first direction along the surface of the body; and

providing a support element disposed on the surface of the body, wherein the support element is configured such that a distal end thereof is moveable relative to the body in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

20. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the pair of clamping elements and the support element are configured to hold a portable electronic device with the pair of clamping elements arranged to bear against two opposing sides of the portable electronic device and with the distal end of the support element movable relative to the surface of the body to receive a third side of the portable electronic device.

21. The method as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein the clamping element comprises a connecting portion configured to connect the clamping element to the surface of the body for moving the clamping element along the surface of the body.

22. The method as claimed in any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the clamping element further comprises a clamping engagement portion configured to receive the portable electronic device.

23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein an edge of the clamping engagement portion is pivotably connected to the connecting portion of the clamping element.

24. The method as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein the clamping engagement portion comprises a holding pad connected to the clamping engagement portion.

25. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the holding pad is configured to be rotatable with respect to the clamping engagement portion.

26. The method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the support element comprises an extension arm.

27. The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the support element further comprise a lip portion at the distal end.

28. The method as claimed in claim 26 or 27, wherein the extension arm is curved.

29. The method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 28, wherein the body comprises a panel.

30. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the body further comprises a shell structure connected to the panel to form a pocket, wherein a cavity of the pocket is enclosed by the panel and the shell structure, and wherein a opening of the pocket is formed by an edge of the panel and a rim portion of the shell structure.

Description:
PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE HOLDER FOR A PASSENGER SEAT

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments relate generally to portable electronic device holder for a passenger seat.

Background

[0002] In recent years, passenger usage of personal electronics devices (PED), such as tablets and smart phones, in lieu of in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems is becoming more ubiquitous. For example, there is an increasing trend for the passengers to watch videos on their PEDs. However, most seats do not facilitate the use of PEDs. As a result, most PEDs are placed either on the tray table, where extended usage causes neck strain, or held in the hand, where prolonged usage induces muscle fatigue.

[0003] Currently in the market, several PED holders have been provided. However, these PED holders tend to cater to tablets of a specific size and shape. These PED holders are also typically catered for bigger tablets and are unable to hold smaller devices in a landscape position, such as smart phone.

[0004] For example, FIG. 1 shows an example of a PED holder 110, currently available in the market, provided on a seat back 108 of a passenger seat 100. The PED holder 110 includes a base support 112 and a top grip 114. As shown, a PED 102 is held by the base support 112 supporting a bottom of the PED 102 and the top grip 114 clamping the PED 102. In this example, the PED holder 110 may only hold a PED of a specific size or dimensions, such as a tablet- sized PED.

[0005] US2015/0246645 described a coupling assembly including a cradle with retaining elements formed thereon for holding a PED and an adaptor for coupling the cradle to the passenger seat, directly or via a deployment arm extending from the passenger seat. When installed in the passenger seat, the coupling assembly protrudes from the seat back of the passenger seat so as to allow for adjustments of the orientation of the cradle that is holding the PED. In this arrangement, the coupling assembly invades into the space of a passenger facing the seat back of the passenger seat on which the coupling assembly is installed, and may hinder the passenger from getting in and out of his/her seat. [0006] Accordingly, example embodiments seek to provide a PED holder for a passenger seat that address at least some of the issues identified above.

Summary

[0007] According to various embodiments, there is provided a holder for a portable electronic device for a passenger seat. The PED holder may include a body configured to couple to the passenger seat, a pair of clamping elements disposed on a surface of the body, wherein the pair of clamping elements are configured to be movable relative to each other to vary a distance between the pair of clamping elements in a first direction along the surface of the body, and a support element disposed on the surface of the body, wherein the support element is configured such that a distal end thereof is moveable relative to the surface of the body in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0008] According to various embodiments, there is provided a seat back for a passenger seat including a recessed portion in the seat back and a holder for a portable electronic device as described herein installed into the recessed portion.

[0009] According to various embodiments, there is provided a method of fabricating a holder for a portable electronic device for a passenger seat. The method including providing a body configured to couple the holder to the passenger seat, providing a pair of clamping elements disposed on a surface of the body wherein the pair of clamping elements are configured to be movable relative to each other to vary a distance between the pair of clamping elements in a first direction along the surface of the body, and providing a support element disposed on the surface of the body wherein the support element is configured such that a distal end thereof is moveable relative to the body in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Brief description of the drawings

[0010] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings, in which: FIG. 1 shows an example of a PED holder provided on a seat back of a passenger seat according to prior art;

FIG. 2 shows a PED holder provided on a seat back of a passenger seat according to various embodiments;

FIGs. 3A and 3C show a perspective view and a side view of a PED holder for a passenger seat according to various embodiments;

FIGs. 3B and 3D show a perspective view and a side view of the PED holder of FIG. 3 A holding a PED at an inclined position according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3E shows a front view of the PED holder of FIG. 3A according to various embodiments;

FIGs. 4A and 4C show a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view of the PED holder of FIG. 3A in a seat back of a passenger seat in a upright position according to various embodiments;

FIGs. 4B and 4D show a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view of the PED holder of FIG. 3A in a seat back of a passenger seat in an inclined position according to various embodiments;

FIGs. 4E and 4G show a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view of the PED holder of FIG. 3A in a seat back of a passenger seat in a upright position according to various embodiments;

FIGs. 4F and 4H show a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view of the PED holder of FIG. 3A in a seat back of a passenger seat in an inclined position according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5A shows a closed up perspective view of a cut-section of the PED holder of FIG. 3A according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional back perspective view of the PED holder of

FIG. 3A according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5C shows a cross-sectional side perspective view of the PED holder of FIG. 3A according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5D shows a cross-sectional side perspective view of the PED holder of FIG. 3A with the clamping element disassembled according to various embodiments;

FIGs. 5E & 5F show closed up views of a portion of the PED holder of FIG. 3 A according to various embodiments; FIGs. 6 A to 6C show a connecting portion and a track of a PED holder according to various embodiments; and

FIG. 7 shows a bottom perspective view of the PED holder of FIG. 3 A according to various embodiments.

Detailed description

[0011] Embodiments described below in context of the apparatus are analogously valid for the respective methods, and vice versa. Furthermore, it will be understood that the embodiments described below may be combined, for example, a part of one embodiment may be combined with a part of another embodiment.

[0012] It should be understood that the terms "on", "over", "top", "bottom", "down", "side", "back", "left", "right", "front", "lateral", "side", "up", "down" etc., when used in the following description are used for convenience and to aid understanding of relative positions or directions, and not intended to limit the orientation of any device, or structure or any part of any device or structure. In addition, the singular terms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word "or" is intended to include "and" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0013] According to various embodiments, there is provided a holder for a portable electronic device (PED) for a passenger seat. The PED holder may be a modular insert that may be installed on a seat back of the passenger seat. For example, the PED holder may be installed to a seat back of a passenger seat of a plane, a vehicle, a vessel, a train, etc. The PED holder may be installed into a new passenger seat manufactured and customized for receiving the PED holder, or vice versa.

[0014] According to various embodiments, the PED holder may be configured to allow for PEDs of various dimensions to be held in place at a height and angle that allows comfortable extended viewing. Accordingly, the PED holder may hold a PED regardless of its dimensions or size. The PED holder may also allow a user to adjust the viewing angle of the PED held by the PED holder on the seat back of the passenger seat. Advantageously, the user may adjust the PED holder to offset a reclination of the seat back of the passenger seat on which the PED holder is installed for comfortable and optimal viewing of the PED. [0015] According to various embodiments, the PED holder may include a pair of clamping elements, such as two hinged binders slidable along horizontal tracks, and a support element, such as an extendable support lip. Together, these three points of contact are able to hold a PED in position at eye-level relative to a passenger at desired angle in reference to vertical plane.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows examples of a PED holder 210 provided on a seat back 208 of a passenger seat 200 according to various embodiments. As shown, the PED holder 210 may be installed into a recessed portion 206 of the seat back 208 of the passenger seat 200. The PED holder 210 may only occupy the lower portion of the recessed portion 206 of the seat back 208. In this configuration, the PED holder 210 may not protrude from the seat back 208 of the passenger seat 200 and may minimize hindrance to a passenger getting in and out of a passenger seat facing the seat back 208 of the passenger seat 200.

[0017] The PED holder 210 may include a pair of clamping elements 220 and a support element 240. The PED holder 210 may hold PEDs of various sizes and dimensions. For example, the PED holder 210 may hold a tablet-sized PED 202 or a handphone-sized PED 204. The PEDs 202, 204 may be held with the pair of clamping elements 220 bearing against two opposing sides 201, 203 of the PEDs 202, 204, and with the support element 240 receiving a third side 205 of the PEDs 202, 204. Accordingly, the pair of clamping elements 220 and the support element 240 may provide three points contacts for holding the PEDs 202, 204.

[0018] According to various embodiments, the support element 240 may be extended outwards to protrude from the seat back 208 of the passenger seat 200 such that the PED may be held at an inclined angle with respect to the seat back 208. In this arrangement, the third side of the PED may be received on a distal end of the support element 240 and the pair of clamping elements 220 may still bear against the two opposing sides of the PED. Accordingly, the fourth side of the PED may invade into the space provided by the upper portion of the recessed portion 206 of the seat back 208 of the passenger seat 200. Thus, the recessed portion of the seat back may be configured such that the height of the recessed portion may accommodate PED held in an inclined position.

[0019] FIGs. 3A and 3C show a perspective view and a side view of a PED holder 210 for a passenger seat according to various embodiments. FIGs. 3B and 3D show a perspective view and a side of the PED holder 210 with the PED 204 such as a smart phone held in an inclined position according to various embodiments. As shown, the support element 240 may be extended outwards to protrude from a surface 252 of the PED holder 210 such that the PED 204 may be held at an inclined angle with respect to the surface 252 of the PED holder 210. In this arrangement, the third side 205 of the PED 204 may be received on a distal end of the support element 240 and the pair of clamping elements 220 may bear against the two opposing sides 201, 203 of the PED 204.

[0020] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of the PED holder 210 in the seat back 208 of the passenger seat 200 in the upright position. FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of the PED holder 210 in the seat back 208 of the passenger seat 200 in the inclined position. FIG. 4C shows a side cross-sectional view of the PED holder 210 in the seat back 208 of the passenger seat 200 in the upright position. FIG. 4D shows a side cross secional view of the PED holder 210 in the seat back 208 of the passenger seat 200 in the inclined position. As shown, the PED 202 such as a tablet may be held by the PED holder 210. When the passenger seat 200 is in the inclined position, the PED 202 may be held at an inclined angle with respect to the PED holder 210. Accordingly, the third side 205 of the PED 202 may be received on a distal end of the support element 240.

[0021] FIG. 4E shows a perspective view of the PED holder 210 in the seat back 208 of the passenger seat 200 in the upright position. FIG. 4F shows a perspective view of the PED holder 210 in the seat back 208 of the passenger seat 200 in the inclined position. FIG. 4G shows a side cross-sectional view of the PED holder 210 in the seat back 208 of the passenger seat 200 in the upright position. FIG. 4H shows a side cross secional view of the PED holder 210 in the seat back 208 of the passenger seat 200 in the inclined position. As shown, the PED 204 such as a smart phone may be held by the PED holder 210. When the passenger seat 200 is in the inclined position, the PED 204 may be held at an inclined angle with respect to the PED holder 210. Accordingly, the third side 205 of the PED 204 may be received on a distal end of the support element 240.

[0022] FIG. 3E shows a front view of the PED holder 210 according to various embodiments. As shown, the PED holder 210 may include a body 250. The body 250 may be configured to couple the PED holder 210 to a seat back of a passenger seat. The PED holder 210 may further include a pair of clamping elements 220 disposed on a surface 252 of the body 250. The pair of clamping elements 220 may be configured to be movable relative to each other to vary a distance between the pair of clamping elements 220 in a first direction along the surface 252 of the body 250. As shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B, both the clamping elements 220 may be movable such that each of them may be moved to vary the distance between the pair of clamping elements 220. Accordingly, the user may move either one or both the clamping elements 220 to vary the distance between the pair of clamping elements 220 such that the PED placed between the pair of clamping elements 220 may be clamped between the pair of clamping elements 220.

[0023] According to an alternative implementation (not shown), a PED holder may include one clamping element fixed to a body of the PED holder and another movable clamping element disposed on the body of the PED holder such that the movable clamping element may be moved with respect to the fixed clamping element to vary the distance between the pair of clamping elements for clamping a PED placed between the pair of clamping elements.

[0024] With reference to FIGs. 3A, 3B and 3E, according to various embodiments, the PED holder 210 may further include a support element 240. The support element 240 may be disposed on the surface 252 of the body 250. The support element 240 may be configured such that a distal end thereof may be moveable relative to the surface 252 of the body 250 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Accordingly, the support element 240 may be retractably extendable to protrude from the surface 252 of the body 250. The support element 240 may be extended or retracted in the second direction which may be substantially perpendicular to the surface 252 of the body 250 as well as the direction of relative movement between the pair of clamping elements 220. Accordingly, the support element 240 may be pulled out from the surface 252 of the body 250 to extend the support element 240 away from the surface 252 of the body 250 in a protruding manner such that an edge or a side of the PED may be received or supported on a top surface of the extended support element 240.

[0025] As shown in FIGs. 3A, 3B and 3E, the body 250 of the PED holder 210 may be provided with two narrow horizontal slots 254 on the front vertical surface 252 of the body 250 and a pair of guides 280 at the bottom of the body 250. The slots 254 may be configured to receive the pair of clamping elements 220 which may be movable relative to each other to vary a distance between the pair of clamping elements 220 in a first direction along the surface 252 of the body 250. The pair of guides 280 may be configured to receive the support element 240 such that a distal end of the support element 240 may be moveable relative to the surface 252 of the body 250 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0026] According to various embodiments, the pair of clamping elements 220 and the support element 240 may be configured to hold the PED with the pair of clamping elements 220 arranged to bear against two opposing sides of the PED and the distal end of the support element 240 moved relative to the surface 252 of the body 250 to receive a third side of the PED. In this manner, the pair of clamping elements 220 and the support element 240 may provide three points contacts for holding the PED.

[0027] FIG. 5A shows a front perspective view of a cut-section of the PED holder 210 according to various embodiments. FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional back perspective view of the PED holder 210 according to various embodiments. FIG. 5C shows a cross-sectional side perspective view of the PED holder 210 according to various embodiments. FIG. 5D shows a cross-sectional side perspective view of the PED holder 210 with the clamping element 220 disassembled according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the clamping element 220 may be moveable along the surface 252 of the body 250. As shown in FIGs. 5A to 5D, a pair of tracks 256 may be provided on the inner surface of the horizontal slots 254 on the surface 252 of the body 250. Accordingly, the movement mechanism for moving the clamping element 220 along the surface 252 of the body 250 may include a combination of a slot and a track mechanism. The surface 252 of the body 250 may be provided with the slot 254 and the inner surface of the slot 254 may be provided with the track 256. The clamping element 220 may be connected to the surface 252 of the body 250 such that the clamping element 220 may articulate along the aforementioned horizontal slots 254. The clamping element 220 may include a connecting portion 222 for interfacing with the slot 254 and the track 254 such that the connecting portion 222 may engage the track 254 for moving the clamping element 220 along the slot 254 and track 256. Accordingly, the connecting portion 222 of the clamping element 220 may be configured to be inserted into the slot 254 and be engaged with the track 256 for moving the clamping element 220 along the track 256 to a desired position along the track 256 such that the clamping element 220 may slide along the slot 254 on the surface 252 of the body 250. Further, with the tracks 256 provided on the inner surface of the slots 254, the connecting portion 222 of the clamping element 220 may also be configured to lock the clamping element 220 to the track 256 when the clamping element 220 is at the desired position along the track 256 such that the clamping element 220 may be fixed at a position along the slot 254 on the surface 252 of the body 250.

[0028] FIGs. 5E and 5F show closed up views of a portion of the PED holder 210 according to various embodiments. As shown, each clamping element 220 may include the connecting portion 222, a clamping engagement portion 224, a pivot joint 226 and a holding pad 228. The connecting portion 222 may be in the form of a mounting bracket. The clamping engagement portion 224 may be configured to receive the edge or the side of the PED and may be in the form of a flap or any other suitable features for receiving the PED. The pivot joint 226 may be in the form of a hinge.

[0029] In FIGs. 5E and 5F, the clamping engagement portion 222 of the clamping element 220 is shown as a flap. An edge of the clamping engagement portion 224 may be pivotably connected to the connecting portion 222 of the clamping element 220. As shown in FIG. 5E, the clamping engagement portion 224 may be pivoted to be placed flat on the surface 252 of the body 250. Further, as shown in FIG. 5F, the clamping engagement portion 224 may be pivoted such that the clamping engagement portion 224 may be perpendicular to the surface 252 of the body 250. The clamping engagement portion 224 may be pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the direction of movement of the clamping elements 220 and which is parallel to the surface 252 of the body 250. As shown, the pivot joint 226 in the form of a hinge may connect the clamping engagement portion 224 to the connecting portion 222. Accordingly, the clamping engagement portion 224 may be stowed flat when not in use (as shown in FIG. 5E). This arrangement may minimize protrusion and thus minimize hindrance to a passenger getting in and out of the passenger seat facing the PED holder 210. The clamping engagement portion 224 may also be easily opened up for use by pivoting the clamping engagement portion 224 about the hinge 226 (as shown in FIG. 5F).

[0030] According to various embodiments, the clamping engagement portion 224 may also include the holding pad 228 on a surface of the clamping engagement portion 224 which faces the other clamping element 220 when the clamping engagement portion 224 is orientated to be perpendicular to the surface 252 of the body 250. The holding pad 228 may be connected to the clamping engagement portion 224 via adhesive attachment, snapfit attachment or other suitable attachment means.

[0031] According to various embodiments, the holding pad 228 may include compressible material for bearing against the edge or the side of the PED such that the pair of clamping element may firmly clamp the PED as the compressible material is being compressed to grip the PED. By contacting the PED with the compressible holding pad, the clamping elements may also prevent scratches or damages to the PED held between the pair of clamping elements. Furthermore, the holding pad may also include non-slip material for contacting the edge or the side of the PED such that the PED holder may better hold onto the PED and may prevent the PED from slipping out from the pair of clamping elements. Accordingly, the holding pad 228 of the clamping element 220 may be profiled and with soft finishes to provide sitting and damping to the PED when the PED is clamped onto the clamping element 220.

[0032] According to various embodiments, the holding pad 228 may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the clamping engagement portion 224 of the clamping element 220 to accomodate PED that is placed at different angles in reference to vertical plane.

[0033] According to various embodiments, the connecting portion 222 of the clamping element 220 may be configured in such way that its shape may match that of the tracks 256 on the inner surface of the slot 254 of the body 250 to gain friction so that the PED will not move horizontally unless a substantial force is applied. This may prevent the PED held between the clamping elements 220 from moving horizontally without deliberate force being applied to move the clamping elements 220. FIG. 6A shows an example of the connecting portion 222 in engagement with the track 256. FIG. 6B shows an enlarged view of the connecting portion 222 in engagement with the track 256. FIG. 6C shows a cross sectional side view of the connecting portion 22 in engagement with the track 256. According to various embodiments, the connecting portion 222 may be made of rubberize materials, similar to materials used in anti-slip applications. The connecting portion 222 may include curved portions 621. The curved portions 621 may be received or seated inside corresponding grooves 655 in the track 256 when the connecting portion 222 is not moving relative to the track 256. The curved portions 621 may be configured such that its shape may match the shape of the corresponding grooves 655. When the connecting portion 222 is being moved relative to the track 256 for PED size adjustments, the curved portions 621, which is made of rubberize materials, may be squeezed and compressed to slide along the track 256. Accordingly, in this configuration, only a deliberate application of force to the connecting portion 222 may move the connecting portion 222 relative to the track 256. This may ensure safe securing of the PED when the connecting portion 222 is engaged to the track 256 at the desired position. Accordingly, the track 256 may be a profiled track to provide reasonable locking at desired portions with fine resolution when the clamping elements 220 are engaged.

[0034] With reference to FIGs. 5 A, 5C and 5D, according to various embodiments, the support element 240 may include an extension arm 242 configured to be received by the guide 280 of the body 250 positioned below the pair of clamping elements 220 on the surface 252 of the body 250. The extension arm 242 of the support element 240 may be configured to retract the support element 240 such that a perpendicular distance between a distal end 241 of the extension arm 242 and the surface 252 of the body 250 may be reduced. The extension arm 242 may also be configured to extend the support element 240 away from the surface 252 of the body 250 such that the perpendicular distance between the distal end 241 of the extension arm 242 and the surface 252 of the body 250 may be increased. Accordingly, the distal end 241 of the support element 240 may be moveable relative to the surface 252 of the body 250 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of relative movement between the pair of clamping elements 220.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows a bottom perspective view of the PED holder 210 according to various embodiments. As shown, the extension arm 242 of the support element 240 may be received in the guide 280. The guide 280 may include a pair of elongated slide 281 configured to receive the extension arm 242. The pair of elongated slide 281 may be perpendicular to the surface 252 of the PED holder 210. Further, the extension arm 242 may include an elongated slot 243 parallel to the direction of movement of the extension arm 242. The guide 280 may include a protrusion 283 for engaging with the elongated slot 243 of the extension arm. The engagement between the protrusion 283 and the elongated slot 243 may be similar to the engagement between the connecting portion 222 and the track 256 with reference to FIGs. 6A to 6C. Accordingly, the engagement between the protrusion 283 and the elongated slot 243 may lock the extension arm 242 to the guide 280, and may also allow the extension arm 242 to move relative to the guide 280 upon an application of a force.

[0036] According to various embodiments, the extension arm 242 may be curved. Accordingly, the curved extension arm 242 may facilitate tilting of the PED and better support PED for a range of seat back angles in reference to vertical plane.

[0037] With reference to FIGs. 5 A, 5C and 5D, according to various embodiments, the support element 240 may further include a lip portion 244 at the distal end 241 of the extension arm 242 of the support element 240. The lip portion 244 may include a plate at the distal end 241 of the extension arm 242. The dimension of the lip portion 244 may be larger than the cross-section dimension of the extension arm 242. Accordingly, the lip portion 244 may also act as a stopper to prevent the PED supported on the support element 240 from sliding out. The lip portion 244 may function as a limiter to prevent the support element 240 from being fully inserted into the guide 280 of the body 250. The lip portion 244 may also function as a handle for user to pull out the support element 240 from the body 250.

[0038] With reference to FIGs. 3 A, 3B and 3C, according to various embodiments, the PED holder 210 may include additional openings 270 in the surface

252 of the body 250. The additional openings 270 may be configured to accommodate electronic adaptors such as USB port, audio ports or other electronic interface ports.

[0039] According to various embodiments, the dimensions of the modular PED holder 210 may be dependent on the size of the seat back of the passenger seat. According to an implementation, the length of the PED holder may be between the range of 300mm to 360mm. The length of the slot may be between the range of 90mm to 130mm.

[0040] With reference to FIGs. 3A, 3B, 3C and 5A, according to various embodiments, the body 250 may include a panel 258. The panel 258 may be a flat wall, a plate, a sheet or the like. It may be appreciated that the panel 258 may be made up of two or more panels joined or connected together.

[0041] The panel 258 of the body 250 may be configured to receive the pair of clamping elements 220 and the support element 240. As described previously, the clamping element 220 may be movable along the surface 252 of the body 250. Thus, the panel 258 may be configured accordingly to receive the pair of clamping elements 220 such that the clamping element 220 may be movable along the surface 252 of the panel 258 of the body 250, such as providing slots 254 and tracks 256.

[0042] Further, the panel 258 may also be configured accordingly to receive the support element 240. As described previously, the support element 240 may include the extension arm 242 receivable in the guide 280. Accordingly, the panel 258 may be configured to interface with the guide 280 for receiving the extension arm 242

[0043] According to various embodiments, the body 250 may further include a shell structure 260 connected to the panel 258 to form a pocket 262. The cavity of the pocket 262 may be enclosed by the panel 258 and the shell structure 260. A main opening 264 of the pocket 262 may be formed by an edge 257 of the panel 258 and a rim portion 259 of the shell structure 260. The pocket 262 may function as stowage for the PED when the PED is not in use. The pocket 262 may also function as storage space for magazines, books, booklets, etc. Thus, the PED holder 210 may provide dual functions. The PED holder 210 may hold a PED with the clamping elements 220 and the support element 240 for viewing, and may provide storage with the pocket 262.

[0044] With reference to FIGs. 5 A, 5C, and 5D, according to various embodiments, the shell structure 260 may be configured to couple to the seat back of the passenger seat. The shell structure 260 may be shaped to be receivable in a corresponding shaped recess in the seat back of the passenger seat and may include a coupling element 282 for coupling the PED holder 210 to the seat back of the passenger seat. The coupling element 282 may be on the shell structure 260 of the body 250. As shown, the coupling element 282 may include hook-like attachments for snap-fitting into a corresponding receiving portion in the seat back of the passenger seat. It may be appreciated that other suitable coupling means may be possible.

[0045] In this manner, the modular PED holder 210 may be easily fitted into the seat back of the passenger seat with a corresponding recessed portion. The PED holder 210 may also be installed in the recessed portion of the seat back of the passenger seat such that the PED holder 210 may be substantially flush with the back surface of the seatback, so as to minimize hindrance to a passenger getting in and out of a passenger seat facing the seat back of the passenger seat. [0046] According to various embodiments, the shell structure 260 and the panel 258 may be integrally formed. According to various embodiments, the shell structure 258 and the panel 260 may also be separate pieces attached or joined together.

[0047] With reference to FIGs. 3A, 3B, 3C and 5A, according to various embodiments, the panel 260 may include an auxiliary opening 266 for accessing the cavity of the pocket 262. The auxiliary opening 266 may function as a secondary access to the pocket 262. The auxiliary opening 266 may be below the pair of clamping elements 220 and above the support element 240.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5A, the ledge 268 at the bottom of the auxiliary opening 266 of the panel 260 may prevent small objects from falling out of the pocket 262 from the auxiliary opening 266.

[0049] Advantageously, various embodiments have provided a PED holder for modular installation to a seat back of a passenger seat. The modular PED holder may hold PEDs of various dimensions. The PED holder may also allow a user to adjust the viewing angle of the PED held by the PED holder on the seat back of the passenger seat for comfortable and optimised viewing. The PED holder may also provide dual usage, including holding the PED and providing storage. The PED holder may be installed into the seat back of the passenger seat such that PED holder does not protrude from the seat back while still allowing adjustment of the PED orientation/inclination for optimized viewing.

[0050] Various embodiments may be defined by the following.

[0051] According to various embodiments, there may be provided a holder for a portable electronic device for a passenger seat. The holder may include a body configured to couple the holder to the passenger seat, a pair of clamping elements disposed on a surface of the body, and a support element disposed on the surface of the body. The pair of clamping elements may be configured to be movable relative to each other to vary a distance between the pair of clamping elements in a first direction along the surface of the body. The support element may be configured such that a distal end thereof is moveable relative to the body in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0052] According to various embodiments, there may be provided a method of fabricating a holder for a portable electronic device for a passenger seat. The method may include providing a body configured to couple the holder to the passenger seat; providing a pair of clamping elements disposed on a surface of the body, wherein the pair of clamping elements may be configured to be movable relative to each other to vary a distance between the pair of clamping elements in a first direction along the surface of the body; and providing a support element disposed on the surface of the body, wherein the support element may be configured such that a distal end thereof may be moveable relative to the body in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0053] According to various embodiments, the pair of clamping elements and the support element may be configured to hold a portable electronic device with the pair of clamping elements arranged to bear against two opposing sides of the portable electronic device and with the distal end of the support element movable relative to the surface of the body to receive a third side of the portable electronic device.

[0054] According to various embodiments, the clamping element may include a connecting portion configured to connect the clamping element to the surface of the body for moving the clamping element along the surface of the body.

[0055] According to various embodiments, the clamping element may further include a clamping engagement portion configured to receive the portable electronic device.

[0056] According to various embodiments, an edge of the clamping engagement portion may be pivotably connected to the connecting portion of the clamping element.

[0057] According to various embodiments, the clamping engagement portion may include a holding pad connected to the clamping engagement portion.

[0058] According to various embodiments, the holding pad may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the clamping engagement portion.

[0059] According to various embodiments, the holding pad may include a compressible material.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the support element may include an extension arm.

[0061] According to various embodiments, the support element may further include a lip portion at the distal end.

[0062] According to various embodiments, the extension arm may be curved.

[0063] According to various embodiments, the body may include a panel. [0064] According to various embodiments, the body may further include a shell structure connected to the panel to form a pocket, wherein a cavity of the pocket may be enclosed by the panel and the shell structure, and wherein a opening of the pocket may be formed by an edge of the panel and a rim portion of the shell structure.

[0065] According to various embodiments, the body may include a track for receiving the pair of clamping elements.

[0066] According to various embodiments, the track and the pair of clamping elements may be configured to releasably engage with each other for locking and unlocking the pair of clamping elements to the track.

[0067] According to various embodiments, each of the pair of the clamping elements may include a compressible material for the locking engagement of each of the pair of clamping elements to the track.

[0068] According to various embodiments, the track and the pair of clamping elements may be configured to engage with each other such that the engagement may be configured to lock the pair of clamping elements to the track and the engagement may be configured to allow the pair of clamping elements to move relative to the track upon an application of a force.

[0069] According to various embodiments, there may be provided a seat back for a passenger seat. The seat back may include a recessed portion in the seat back and a holder for a portable electronic device installed into the recessed portion.

[0070] According to various embodiments, the recessed portion may be configured to define a cavity for receiving the holder at a lower portion of the recessed portion and for accommodating a top end of the portable electronic device in an upper portion of the recessed portion when the portable electronic device is held at an inclined position on the holder.

[0071] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.