Field of the Invention.

The present invention relates to tablet computers and particularly to a device allowing a user to manipulate a tablet computer securely using one hand only.

Background Art.

Tablet computers (and the like) are becoming more and more popular for their ease of use and their functionality.

Two of the most famous tablet style computers are Apple's iPad® and the Kindle ^® made by Amazon.

The iPad is touch screen technology, and therefore having fingers on the screen as illustrated in Figure 1 , will effect screen transition/motion and possibly activate unwanted functions when touched inadvertently.

Similarly, user's of other tablet-style computers have found that it is difficult or unwieldy to operate a tablet unless it is placed on a surface (which in part defeats the portability of the device) or stabilised between a user's hand or arm and another body part.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Summary of the Invention.

The present invention is directed to a single-hand tablet computer manipulation device, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovemcntioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a single-hand computer manipulation device including an attachment portion to attach the device to a tablet-style computer and a manipulation portion to engage with a hand or arm of a user to allow single-hand manipulation of the tablet- style computer.

The present invention is adapted for use with any type of computer or electronic display means or portable device designed to be held, by a user in one hand and operated using the other hand including a tablet, slate, booklet, or hybrid computer. It is particularly well suited for devices that cannot be spanned from edge to edge by one hand, particularly touchscreens in which any contact with the front of the device can activate functions or at least obscure the screen and may actually damage the screen. It can alternatively be used for manipulation of non-touchscreen devices.

Computers of the type sold under trademarks iPad® and Kindle ^® , to which the present invention is particularly well suited, although designed for extreme portability and ease of use, are typically too large to be held in one hand and operated with the other hand with any degree of security and without accidentally activating unwanted functions.

The attachment portion of the present invention may be at least temporarily attachable to the tablet computer. The attachment portion may attach at or to any part of the tablet computer however, typically the attachment portion will attached to substantially opposed edges leaving the display surface substantially un- occluded or more preferably, to a substantially central location on the rear of the tablet computer.

Any attachment mechanism may be used including a substantially permanent attachment mechanism such as adhesive or the like or a removable attachment mechanism such as one or more clips or clamps.

According to the present invention two main alternatives are provided for the attachment portion depending on whether a permanent or removable attachment mechanism is desired.

According to the preferred permanent attachment mechanism, a substantially planar mounting plate is provided and preferably adhered directly to a rear surface of the tablet computer. Preferably, the mounting plate will be provided approximately centrally on or relative to the rear surface of the tablet computer.

The mounting plate will preferably be provided with an engagement or mounting portion in order to engage or mount the manipulation portion relative thereto.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the engagement or mounting portion will be located centrally or on the mounting plate. Preferably, the mounting portion will extend partially outwardly from the mounting plate surface. The mounting portion may be or include a male or female fitting, typically with the other of the male or female corresponding fitting is provided on the manipulation portion. The mounting portion is preferably adapted to provide a rotating or mounting of the manipulation portion relative to the attachment portion.

In a first embodiment in which the mounting portion includes a female mounting portion, the mounting portion preferably includes an opening defined by a number of separated lobes in order that the lobes can be partially deformed or displaced in order to allow passage of a male portion provided on the manipulation portion. Preferably, the central ends of the lobes allow passage of the male portion and prevent accidental but not determined removal.

In a second embodiment in which the mounting portion includes a male mounting portion, the mounting portion is preferably configured as, or includes, a plug or elongate upstand with a lateral extension or protrusion. In this embodiment, the upstand is typically provided with a circumferentially, outwardly extending shoulder. A frustoconical portion may be provided on top of a cylindrical upstand with the smaller diameter end of the frustocone located outermost to define a shoulder between the larger diameter end of the frustocone and the cylindrical upstand.

According to the removable attachment portion embodiment, a pair of clamps or clips may preferably be provided at either end of an elongate member which extends substantially across the rear surface of the tablet computer. Preferably the clips or clamps each engage with a side edge of the tablet computer leaving the front or display surface of the tablet computer substantially unobstructed. The clips or clamps may engage with the edge of the tablet computer and a mounting portion, similar to that described in relation to the more permanent attachment portion embodiment described above is typically provided approximately centrally along the elongate member in order to attach the manipulation portion.

It is preferred that the mounting portion provided be resilient but not brittle in order to reduce degradation or cracking of the amount between the manipulation portion and the attachment portion.

Typically, one of the male or female portions is provided on the attachment portion and the other is provided on the manipulation portion.

An alternative method of attachment is the provision of a substantially cylindrical pillar on the attachment portion, the pillar having a transverse opening therethrough adjacent the free end. The manipulation portion is preferably provided with an opening therein to receive at least a portion of the pillar, and a pin or similar can then be inserted through the transverse opening above the manipulation portion in order to attach the manipulation portion to the attachment portion.

Any type of pin may be used including a linchpin (preferably with an integral sprung retaining ring), a snap pin, a beta pin, cotter pin, split pin or the like.

It is preferred that the engagement used between the manipulation portion and the attachment portion allows at least rotation (preferably rotation parallel to one another) between the respective portions. Movement of the manipulation portion relative to the attachment portion in other directions may be provided but disengagement of the manipulation portion from the attachment portion should be according to the user's determined removal only rather than any accidental dislodgement or separation.

The manipulation portion of the present invention is preferably provided in order to attach to a user's hand or arm to allow the user to support and manipulate the tablet computer single-handedly. The manipulation portion may include one or more members depending upon its configuration.

In a first preferred embodiment, the manipulation portion will preferably include a pair of members which are each typically substantially planar disks. Preferably, a first or outer member is provided in order to attach to the user's hand or arm and a second or sandwich member is provided in order to releasably engage with the first member and also with the attachment portion.

Preferably, the first member will typically have at least one and normally a plurality of openings therein. The openings are preferably provided to receive a strap or similar in order to attach the device to the user's hand or arm. According to a more preferred embodiment, four openings will normally be provided. Each of the openings will preferably be slot openings. Preferably the openings will be parallel to one another.

The strap or other attachment mechanism will preferably be provided with a length adjustable means which may be as simple as a hook and loop fastener (one example of which is sold under the Velcro trademark), but which may include a friction lock, clasp, clamp, buckle or the like. These types of mechanisms allow a user to tighten strap about their hand, part of the hand or arm. Alternatively, the first member may include a gripping means which a user can grip/hold and which may not be attached to the user's hand or arm, but rather simply held within their grasp when required.

Preferably, an underside of the first member is preferably adapted as or provided with a releasable engagement mechanism or assembly in order to attach the first member releasably to the second member. According to a preferred embodiment, the attachment mechanism may be a hook and loop fastener (one example of which is sold under the Velcro trademark) with one portion of the hooks or loops attached to the first member and the other portion of the hooks or loops attached to the second member.

The second member is substantially similar to the first member in size and configuration. However, the second member will preferably be provided with a corresponding portion of the releasable engagement mechanism or assembly. The second member is also preferably provided with the other of the male or female portion in order to attach the attachment portion to the manipulation portion.

Typically, the upper side of the second member includes the engagement mechanism or assembly.

Preferably, the first and second members are attached or attachable to one another so that there is no relative movement therebetween but rotation is provided between the first and second members forming the preferred manipulation portion and the attachment portion.

According to a second preferred embodiment, only a single member may be used to form the manipulation portion. More than one member may be used however. Whether one or two members are provided, at least one of the members will typically have the slot opening configuration described above. At least one of the members will also preferably include a central opening through which the pillar can be inserted. Typically, the pillar is inserted through the central opening of one or more of the members provided and a linchpin is inserted through the transverse opening before the preferred integral sprung retaining ring is pivoted to surround the outer end of the pillar.

In this configuration, the attachment mechanism is preferably low profile such that an outer end _. of the pillar extends only a short distance (if at all) outwardly past the manipulation portion. If the outer end of the pillar does extend this far, it will typically abut the palm of the user so as not to cause discomfort.

Λ second member may be provided with the releasable engagement mechanism between it and the first member to allow disengagement of the first and second members. Typically, the second member will also include a central opening through which the pillar extends.

The device of the present invention can be formed from any material and any portion may be formed from any material in order to provide the required or desired characteristics.

The advantages of the present invention include:

1. Single-handed operation of a device;

2. Small, compact, and portable;

3. Minimal profile for storage;

4. Inversion of the tablet-style computer with security and without loss of function;

5. Assists with persons of limited manipulation ability;

6. Easy and rapid attachment and detachment;

7. Lightweight.

Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a view of a person holding a touchscreen tablet according to a conventional method.

Figure 2 is an exploded view of a device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a second exploded view of a device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a view from below a tablet computer showing a preferred form of attachment portion.

Figure 5 is a view from the side of the use of a device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention relative to a user's hand.

Figure 6 is a view from the front of the use of a device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention relative to a user's hand.

Figure 7 is a view from the rear of the use of a device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention relative to a user's hand.

Figure 8 is an exploded view of a device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a view from above of a device according to the second preferred embodiment with the manipulation portion attached to the attachment portion.

Figure 10 is a first axonometric view of a device according to the second preferred embodiment with the manipulation portion attached to the attachment portion.

Figure 1 1 is a second axonometric view of a device according to the second preferred embodiment with the manipulation portion attached to the attachment portion.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a single-hand computer manipulation device 10 is provided.

According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 -1 1 , the device includes an attachment portion to attach the device to a tablet- style computer 1 1 , as best illustrated in one form in Figure 4 and a manipulation portion to engage with a hand or arm of a user to allow single-hand manipulation of the tablet-style computer 1 1.

The attachment portion 12 of the illustrated embodiments is more or less permanently attachable to the tablet computer 1 1 at a substantially central location on the rear of the tablet computer 1 1 as illustrated in Figure 4.

According to the preferred permanent attachment mechanism illustrated, a substantially planar mounting plate 13 is provided and preferably adhered directly to a rear surface of the tablet computer 1 1 .

The mounting plate 13 is provided with a centrally located engagement or mounting portion in order to engage or mount the manipulation portion relative thereto. The mounting portion extends outwardly from the mounting plate surface and is adapted to provide a rotating or mounting of the manipulation portion relative to the attachment portion.

Three alternative embodiments are illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, Figure 4 and Figures 8-1 1 respectively.

In the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 4 in which the mounting portion includes a female mounting portion, the mounting portion includes an opening defined by a number of separated lobes in order that the lobes can be partially deformed or displaced in order to allow passage of a male portion provided on the manipulation portion during determined attachment and removal and prevent accidental but not determined removal.

In the second embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 and 3 in which the mounting portion includes a male mounting portion, the mounting portion is configured as, or includes, a plug or elongate upstand with a lateral extension or protrusion. In this embodiment, the upstand is provided with a frustoconi al portion top of a cylindrical upstand with the smaller diameter end of the frustocone located outermost to define a shoulder between the larger diameter end of the frustocone and the cylindrical upstand.

In both of these embodiments, the mounting portion provided is resilient but not brittle in order to reduce degradation or cracking of the mount between the manipulation portion and the attachment portion.

In the third embodiment illustrated in Figures 8 to 1 1 , a substantially cylindrical pillar is provided on the attachment portion, the pillar 14 having a transverse opening therethrough adjacent the free end. The manipulation portion is provided with an opening therein to receive at least a portion of the pillar, and a pin 15 can then be inserted through the transverse opening above the manipulation portion in order to attach the manipulation portion to the attachment portion.

Any type of pin may be used but the pin illustrated is a linchpin with an integral sprung retaining ring.

The engagement used between the manipulation portion and the attachment portion allows at least rotation preferably parallel to one another, between the respective portions.

The manipulation portion of the present invention is preferably provided in order to attach to a user's hand or arm to allow the user to support and manipulate the tablet computer single-handedly as illustrated in Figure5 to 7. The manipulation portion may include one or more members depending upon its configuration.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the manipulation portion includes a pair of members which are each typically substantially planar disks. A first or outer member 16 is provided in order to attach to the user's hand or arm and a second or sandwich member 17 is provided in order to releasably engage with the first member 16 and also with the attachment portion 12.

The first member illustrated has a plurality of slot openings 18 therein provided to receive a strap 19 or similar in order to attach the device to the user's hand or arm. Four openings 18 are provided parallel to one another.

The strap 1 is provided with a length adjustable means which may be as simple as a hook and loop fastener (one example of which is sold under the Velcro trademark), but which may include a friction lock, clasp, clamp, buckle or the like. These types of mechanisms allow a user to tighten strap about their hand, part of the hand or arm.

According to the illustrated embodiment, an underside of the first member 16 is provided with a releasable engagement mechanism in order to attach the first member 16 releasably to the second member 17. According to a preferred embodiment, the attachment mechanism is a hook and loop fastener, one example of which is sold under the Velcro trademark with one portion of the hooks or loops attached to the first member 16 and the other portion of the hooks or loops attached to the second member 17.

As illustrated, the second member 17 is substantially similar to the first member 16 in size and configuration. The second member 17 provided with a corresponding portion of the releasable engagement mechanism 20. The second member is also provided with an opening (second embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 and third embodiment in Figures 8- 1 1 ) or male portion (first embodiment illustrated in Figure 4) in order to attach the attachment portion 12 to the manipulation portion.

Preferably, the first 16 and second members 17 are attached or attachable to one another so that there is no relative movement therebetween but rotation is provided between the first 16 and second members 17 forming the preferred manipulation portion, and the attachment portion 12.

According to third embodiment illustrated in Figures 8-1 1 , the first member has the slot opening configuration described above as well as a central opening to receive the pillar 14. The second member also includes a central opening through which the pillar 14 can be inserted. The pillar is inserted through the central opening of the members provided and a linchpin 15 is inserted through the transverse opening before the integral sprung retaining ring is pivoted to surround the outer end of the pillar 14 as illustrated in Figures 9 to 1 1.

In this configuration, the attachment mechanism is low profile such that an outer end of the pillar 14 extends only a short distance outwardly past the manipulation portion. If the outer end of the pillar does extend this far, it will typically abut the palm of the user so as not to cause discomfort.

The device therefore allows a user to attach the tablet computer or other display device

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.