Davidson Berquist Jackson & Gowdey LLP

Customer Number 42624

This is a:

O Provisional Application π Regular Utility Application

O Continuing Application π The contents of the parent are incorporated by reference IEI PCT Application

0 Design Application

1 I Reissue Application [HI Plant Application Axial Twist Hinge and Document Holder

CROSS-REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS

The present invention is related to U.S. Patent No. 7,048,245.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] It is desirable to have a document holder that can be comprised, for example, of a panel assembly that can be mounted onto the outside of a lap top cover, slidably mounted within a lap top cover or within a monitor by being contained within a rear casing of a monitor, or slidably mounted on or within another device on a way that permits it to be moved between stored and use positions relative the device on which the document holder is mounted. The document holder can also be attached to a device by straps, but being snap fit in place, by magnets or even by using Velcro. The panel assembly can also be slid completely out of the mounting structure on the device to which the document holder is mounted for use as a stand alone document holder. The panel assembly needs to be constructed or held together in a way that permits such sliding action yet also permits the panel assembly, once moved into a use position, to have a portion that will articulate or move one relative to the other or remaining portion, or to have one portion moved to an acute or obtuse angle relative to another portion and then have the moved portion of the panel assembly held at the moved position. It is also desirable that the moved portion can subsequently be bent or moved back to an original position, for example where the panel assembly is again placed back in a single plane or in a flat condition so that the panel assembly can then be slid back into the mounting structure and thereby re-stowed.

[0002] One example of such a document holder is where documents are to be held by a device that has been mounted onto or inside of a cover of a lap top computer, monitor or other device where the document holder is comprised, for example, of two panels that will slide sideways within a slide or channel assembly or other mounting structure so that one panel of the two is exposed or extends outwardly past an edge of the lap top cover while the other panel or portion of a panel assembly remains held by the mounting structure. Then, the now exposed panel can be bent or moved toward the user and be able to hold documents so that they are supported and held to be readily viewable when using the computer.

[0003] A document holder that can slide into a use position from a stored position so that one of two parts or panels is exposed or outboard of the document holder mounting structure and then part can be bent or moved into a convenient use angle relative to the other part which remains held and relative to the lap top cover or the device to which or within which the document holder is mounted will be most useful when a hinge structure is used between the parts of the panel assembly, for example between two individual panels that will allow the movement yet hold the moved part or panel in the moved position. As noted previously it might also be desirable to use the panel assembly by itself so that when bent into an angled relationship it will also hold documents.

[0004] This disclosure relates to a document holder, its mounting structure and to a hinge assembly for effectively connecting together the parts of the panel assembly and, for example the two individual panels of such a document holder. Such a hinge assembly will need to function and be shaped in a way that is easy to construct, permits the panel assembly or, for example, the two panels to be easily mounted in place and which permits the panel assembly to be moved or slid sideways out of a stowed location in the mounting structure to its use position and also permits movement or bending of one part relative to another part of the panel assembly and then held in that position allowing items to be held thereon and conveniently viewed by a user and then for the panel assembly to again be placed back into a re-stowed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0005] The invention is better understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. l is a rear view of a lap top document holder with two panels that slide within channels mounted to the lap top and where the two panels have been slid sideways and one panel has been bent or moved toward a user by operation of an axial twist hinge;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of two panels held together by axial twist hinge assemblies;

Fig. 3 is a partial exploded perspective view of the inside of the top hinge in Fig. 1 showing sections of two panels of a document holder and the axial twist hinge;

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the hinge; Fig. 5 is a partial top plan view of the hinge mount;

Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of the hinge mount in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is an elevational view showing use of a single hinge;

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic perspective view of another exemplary lap top document holder system;

Fig. 9 is a is a diagrammatic perspective view of an exemplary monitor or display with a document holder system;

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a lap top document holder in the form of outer shells that can fit on or over a computer base and/or screen; and

Fig. 11 is a partial perspective of an enlarged portion of a shell structure of a computer document holder.

DESCRIPTION OF PRESENTLY PREFERRED EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Fig. 1 shows use of two panel sections 10 and 12 of a document holder 11 that can be mounted on or in a variety of devices, for example, lap top computers, monitors, or even for use as a separate, stand alone holder. Document holder 11 can be held, mounted or retained in a number of ways. For example, one approach includes using two channel members 17 and 19 that can be adhesively mounted onto an outside surface 60 of a lap top cover 62 of a computer 64 all shown in phantom. These channel members could also be mounted by straps, by snap fit devices, by magnetic strips and Velcro connections as mentioned above. The top and bottom edges, 64 and 66, respectively, of panels 10 and 12 will slidingly fit into the respective channel members 17 and 19 so that the document holder 11 will be able to slide sideways in either direction across and relative to surface 60 or totally out from the channel members 17/19 or the mounting structure. Thus, when slid sideways one panel or the other will be moved to a position outboard of or beyond a side of the lap top 62 and be available for use and the other part of panel would continue to be held within channel members 17/19 or the mounting structure. This same mounting technique can be used to mount the document holder 11 onto a monitor or other device that preferably has a relatively flat or straight rear portion.

[0007] As another example, the parts of the document holder 11, for example a panel assembly or the panels 10/12, could also be slidingly housed internally within cover 62, as shown in phantom at 66, with the document holder 11 being in a mounting structure, for example in the form of two opposing U-shaped channels, to thus be slidable into and out of cover 62and from either side thereof. [0008] Document holder 11 has the two panels 10/12 held adjacent one another by two hinge assemblies 13 and 15 and one of those hinges is shown in more detail in Figs. 3 and 4 with each hinge 13 and 15 having the same construction. Each hinge assembly 13 and 15 includes two hinge mounts 14 and 16 as shown in Fig. 1 that can be held together in a number of ways, for example, by an axial twist hinge mechanism 20. While two sets of hinge mounts like the one described below are preferred, thereby producing a pair of spaced apart hinges adjacent the outer portions of the center portion of the document holder 11, it would be possible to use more than a pair of hinges as well as a single hinge could extend along a majority of the height of the adjacent edges, shown at 70 and 72, or there could be a smaller hinge 80 that is located centrally of the interior and two opposing edges 70/72 of a document holder 82 having panels 84 and 86. [0009] What is important is to hold the portions of a panel assembly, for example the two panels, of the document holder together in a way that permits relative movement there between, a hinge that will hold the set position of one part relative to the other and to the user and a hinge that permits and does not hamper the sliding movement.

[00010] It should be understood that each panel 10 and 12 are preferably identical in so far as the hinge mounts 14 and .16 are concerned, with one panel being the reverse of the other. Thus, hinge assemblies 13 and 15 each include hinge mounts 14 and 16. But because the panels are flipped for their connection, each panel 10 and 12 includes an outboard mount 14 and an inboard mount 16 which are preferably integrally formed with panels 10/12. Consequently, as formed the two hinge mounts 14 and 16 will mate with one another to form the two opposed hinge assemblies 13 and 15.

[00011] Panels 10/12 are preferably molded parts and can be made from a variety of materials including, for example, plastics including thermoplastics, thermo set plastics, polycarbonate, and other like materials, metals, combinations of materials and reinforced materials. If molded, injection molding is preferred but other molding techniques can be used as well. [00012] As noted above, hinge mounts 14 are preferably located outside hinge mounts 16. For orientation purposes it should be understood that Fig. 3 shows an outside view of the bottom hinge 15 while Fig. 4 shows an inside view of the upper hinge assembly 13.

[00013] Fig. 3 also shows use of one form of a suitable hinge, for example, an axial twist hinge in the form of a pin 20 that will be mounted to and between hinge mounts 14/16 to hold them together yet provide the desired amount of relative articulating movement of panels 10/12. Pin 20 can, for example, be a straight pin or, alternatively, it could be comprised of a U-shaped bent end 22 having a short section 23, an elongated central shank portion 24 and an opposite end 26 that will be shaped following insertion into an L-shaped end. Thus, both the U-shaped end 22 and the L-shaped end 26 will be fixed or held in a mounted condition.

[00014] Hinge mount 14 on each panel 10 and 12 preferably comprises an extension of the main body of the panels 10 and 12 and includes an enclosed tubular through bore 30 that is formed or made within an outer cylindrical portion 32 and a connecting portion or web 34 that joins cylindrical portions 32 to the panel. On what will be the outer end of hinge mount 14 is a second shorter bore 36, for example having a length of about half that of bore 30 so that it extends partially into connecting portion or web 34 and is positioned inwardly or toward the main panel from bore 30.

[00015] Hinge mount 16, the inner one on each panel 10 and 12, also includes a connecting portion or web 40 that supports an outer cylindrical section 42 through which extends an enclosed tubular bore 44 that can be formed or otherwise made therein. Positioned at ninety degrees to cylindrical section 42 and at the interior end of bore 44 is a capturing structure 46 for end 26 of pin 20 that extends inwardly form the inner end of bore 44 and is defined by a bore 48 having a generally C-shaped cross section that includes an outwardly opening slot extending along the inner most side thereof and into which the L-shaped end 26 of pin 20 will be received. Since hinge mount 16 is the inboard mount, as between mounts 14 and 16, the open side of bore 48 faces the interior of holder 11. [00016] Installation of the axial twist hinge pin into the hinge mounts 14 and 16 can include the following steps. It is preferred that the U-shaped end 22 will have been formed as the pin 20 is cut to size or immediately following such cutting. However, end 26, the L-shaped end 26 will not yet have been formed and remains straight at this point. Insertion of the axial twist hinge pin 20 into the hinge mounts can then proceed as follows. Since end 26 will still be in the form of a straight section it can be easily inserted into and through bore 30, then thorough bore 44. As pin 20 is slid into bores 30 and 44 the short portion 23 of U-shaped end 22 will also be slid or friction fitted into bore 36 thus fully inserting hinge pin 20 into hinge mount 14. At that point end 26 will extend beyond the inner end of bore 44. End 26 can then be bent into the L-shape configuration and into the open side of C-shaped bore 48 where it is preferably frictionally fit or it may be snap fit therein. If desired epoxy or other adhesive could also be used to fix the L-shaped end 26 into bore 48. This completes the installation of axial twist hinge pin 20 in the hinge assemblies. [00017] Axial twist hinge pin 20 can be formed from a variety of materials including steel, aluminum, alloys of aluminum, steel, copper, other metals as well as man made materials including plastics, thermoplastics, and other materials that can be both shaped into the desired shape as be twisted axially repeatedly so as to thereby act as a hinge supporting the two panels of a document holder. [00018] As noted above, the panels 10 and 12 can be formed a rigid plastic material, from metal or from a softer more pliable plastic material and can include separate document holding devices such as integrally formed clips 90 and openings 92 at the outer ends can act as a type of handle or grip to assist in sliding the panels within channel members 17and 19. The document holding devices can be of a variety of types and includes those that can be moved, swung, snap fit or stretched into place to hold documents on the panels of the document holder when in a moved use position.

[00019] As the document holder 11 and the panels 10 and 12 are subsequently used, pin 20 and its U-shaped end 22 and the L-shaped end 26 will each be held in place by bores 30, 36, 44 and 48, respectively, and will provide a dynamic hinge that will allow panels 10/12 to be moved into angular positions one to the other and after use allows the panels to again be bent back into an unmoved original or a flat or planar condition and so that the panels 10 and 12 can then be slid back into channel members 17 and 19. When document holder 11 is slid within channel members 17 and 19 and moved relative to a surface on which the document holder 11 is mounted, for example 60 in Fig. 1 , one panel, for example 10 in Fig. 1, will be exposed outwardly of the computer lid while the other panel 12 will continue to be held by channel members 17 and 19. If the panels 10 and 12 were slid in an opposite direction, as shown in Fig. 1, then panel 12 would be moved outwardly away from the other side of the lap top cover. [00020] With panel 10 moved into a use position, as in Fig. 1, panel 10 can then be bent forwardly toward a user into the position shown. As that happens, since the U-shaped end 22 and the L-shaped end 26 are each restrained and held in place, the length of the central shank portion 24 of pin 20 will be twisted along its length and thereby provide a hinged rotation joint between hinge mounts 14 and 16.

[00021] The preferred hinge is held together by the pin 20 as described herein. However, what is important is that the hinge assembly only be as thick as panels 10 and 12, that the hinge can be operated repeatedly without breaking, that one panel can, once the document holder 11 is slid to one side or the other of the device on which it is mounted, be exposed beyond the outer side edge of the device and then be bendable or movable to an angle relative to the other panel, and that the moved panel be held in that moved position yet be moved back in a flat condition.

[00022] Alternatives are also contemplated herein. For example, only a straight pin like the central shank 24 of pin 20 could be retained in place within bores 30 and 44 by an adhesive such as epoxy, or the cylindrical portions surrounding bores 30 and 44 could be heat pressed onto and hold pin 20. A barrel hinge could be used within hinge mounts 14 and 16 along with suitable friction members, such as rubber gaskets that would hold the barrel hinge in a moved position. Further, a wratchet type of hinge mechanism could also be used along with hinge mounts 14 and 16 and provide a way to incrementally move one panel relative to the other. Also, the hinge could be formed of two portions 82 and 84, shown in phantom in Fig. 7, with interleaved portions 85 and 87 that could also be retained by a pin 89.

[00023] In another form, the document holder shown at 100 in Fig. 8 can comprise a series of planar members 102, 104 and 106, built into the casing of the computer, such as, for example, the top 108 portion of a lap top computer 110 with each being movable between stowed and extended or use positions, with or while another portion of the planar members being retained within the casing. Each of the planar members 102-106 may be of the same of different sizes and each is incorporated into the top 108 so as to be able to move either by pivoting from a stowed position to an extended or use position or to slide horizontally and vertically beyond the outer peripheral edges 112, 114 and 116 of the top structure 108. Planar members 102-106 will preferably be movable, once placed in the use position, to a desired angular orientation for example by using the axial twist hinge described above.

[00024] The cover structure of lap top covers 108 frequently are formed as a molded plastic outer structure that will have been designed to inter-fit with an underlying structure and a base that will, in most cases, include a frame 122 in which the computer's screen will be housed.

[00025] Each planar member 102-106 can be incorporated within the molded structure of the outer case of top 108 or more or fewer can be used if desired, especially where different size members are used. Further each holder 102-106 will be a separate item that will be movably retained independently of any other document holder built into the same case or housing that encloses a computer screen or diaplay. As shown in Fig. 8, members 102-106 can slide horizontally, as for holders 102 and 106, or vertically as for 104, outwardly from one or more edges 112-116 of the body of the top structure 108. Members 102- 106 could also pivot outwardly from the case and snap-fit into an open position; for example, if member 102 were pivotally attached at a pivot hinge 118 located at the upper right corner, then member 102 would move along the arc shown by the dotted arrow at 120 between open and stowed positions. Here, a hinge structure could be built into the pivot connection to hold the exposed portion to a portion that continues to be retained within the computer case. [00026] A lap top 110 could also be provided with pivoting document holding arms 124 and 126 that can be pivotally connected to either the top edge 114 or to either or both side edges 112 and 116. It is preferred that each document holder 124/126 be built-in in a manner that, for example, permits members 124/126 to be received in a formed recess or slot positioned in the mounting edge or side. For example, a portion of the casing can be undercut or molded to permit members 124/126 to be stowed in a flush manner yet be easily grasped and pulled out into an open position as shown. A spring (not shown) could be used to hold document holders 124/126 closed, and opened, or alternatively, a friction bearing could be used as well as a snap-open mechanism that would snap into a recess when opened and would permit closing when released. Each document holder 124/126 can pivot outwardly through an arc of from 0 degrees to 180 degrees or even to about 270 degrees. [00027] Fig. 9 shows a similar arrangement of built-in, slide out document holders 130, 132 and 134 that slide out from stored positions within a monitor or display 140 and specifically from adjacent the sides 144, 146 and 148, respectively, and theses holders 130-134 can be movably retained within the case of housing of display 140 that also encloses the computer screen. Alternatively, the monitor or display 140 could also have built-in document holders 150 and/or 152 that could be built-in and stored within either the top edge 146 or to a side edge 144 or 148 and then pivoted from a stored position into a use position, for example, as shown in Fig. 9 adjacent the upper corners of monitor 140 and be built-in in a manner similar for that described above for holders 124 and 126 in Fig. 8. Here again, the casing for monitor 140 can be formed with suitable recesses or a molded slot designed to receive the holders and in which such holders 150 and 152 could be stored when not in use, and these holders can also be designed to move through an arc of from 0 degrees to 180 degrees or even to about 270 degrees.

[00028] It is also possible to have document holder built into a separate structure that can itself fit on or over at least a top portion of a lap top computer or alternatively be fit on, snap-fit to or placed on a lap top computer or onto any computer screen or display, such as stand alone displays, or onto a separate stand or device that could be placed adjacent a lap top or any standard computer screen display. While such a document holder assembly can have a variety of designs and/or styles, Fig. 10 shows a shell device 170 that can be formed from two pieces or sections in the form of a top shell 172. If desired for color coordination, protection or other reasons, a bottom shell 14 could also be provided, but the bottom shell is not necessary. In addition, the shell 170 could have molded therein as well a set of the channels like those discussed above at 17/19 that could also receive a document holder therein. These shell sections 172 and 174 can be joined together by a hinge (not shown) or they could simply be separate structures. Each shell section 172 and/or 174 can fit on the computer in one of several ways. For example, top shell 172 can have side edges 178 that can be flexible enough to snap fit over the sides of a lap top cover. It should be understood that only the top portion 172 can be used and that the bottom shell structure, while esthetically pleasing and protective, could be omitted. [00029] The shell device 170 can include a built in or otherwise attached document holder. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the top shell 172 could include one or more slide out holders with three being shown at 180, 182 and 184, respectively, that can slide into and out of position from where each would be movably retained within shell 172, each one relative to each of the others. Document holders 180-184 can move out from the sides or the top of the casing structure 170, depending upon where they are located, for example, as shown. It should be understood that while three document holders are shown, one, two or more than three could be used as well.

[00030] Each shell section 172 and 174 could be formed so as to be fitted to a particular lap top, or to a particular individual screen or display, including stand alone screens and displays. Further, the shell sections 172 and 174 could be formed from a deformable material, such as, for example, a soft, yieldable or stretchable, plastic that would fit over or on, snap-fit on or otherwise extend over, around or be attachable to at least a portion of a lap top's cover or over a display or to the outer casing of either. Such a shell might also have tabs or a form of a connector mechanism or structure that would fit over, snap-fit over, or provide a connection to opposing edges of the computer or display casing or over two opposing corners, or opposing sides of the shell could fit over or around the casing of a lap top, any display or screen, or a portion thereof. All that is required is that the shell be held onto the computer case or the outer case of a separate screen or display.

[00031] Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 11, a shell 200 could be formed with at least side frames 202 and 204, a top frame 206 and a rear connecting piece 208. Side frames 202 and 204 can each be formed from front pieces 210 and 212, respectively, side pieces 214 and 216, respectively, which connect to what will become the interconnecting rear piece 208. Top frame 206 can be formed from a front piece 218 and a top edge 220 which will attach along its length to rear piece 208. Two document holders 222 and 224 are shown as being attached to an upper part of frames 202 and 204 and they are each partially moved, as is indicated by the dotted arrows associated with each, from a stored position in side frames 202 and 204, respectively, toward a use position. Frame 200 could also include sliding or pivoting panels, one being shown in phantom at 230, that would be similar to those previously described and thus further description thereof is not believed t be needed.

[00032] The dimensions between the front pieces 210 and 212 and the rear piece 208 can vary to accommodate varying thicknesses of computer screens, including both lap top cover structures as well as the outer frames or cases used for stand alone computer screens or displays used with non-lap top computers. Likewise, the length of the adjoining top frame 206 can vary in length again to accommodate varying lengths of lap top covers or stand alone computer screens, which are collectively referred to herein as computer screens. [00033] The shell 200 can be formed to slide over or around the outer case of a computer screen or display, a lap top case or a stand alone display or screen. It can, for example, be formed from a yieldable or stretchable plastic and snap fit there over as noted previously, or formed with a mechanical connector that can suitably fit on or over the casing of a lap top, a display or a screen. It is contemplated that the shell will fit onto the computer screen and it can either be removable or it can be affixed more permanently.

[00034] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.