Abstract:
A stand or support for a planar or tablet computing device, comprising: a base, the base may define a slot; wherein the slot is of sufficient length and width, which may be adjustable, for receiving a side of the planar or tablet computing device for supporting the same in a vertical position or at angle with respect to vertical; a ball-shaped shaft support removably disposed within a socket defined by the base; a support shaft removably secured to the ball-shaped shaft support; and a support plate for supporting the planar or tablet computing device; wherein the support plate is removably attachable to the support shaft and the position of the support plate may be adjusted so that a side or upper surface of the support plate contacts the planar or tablet computing device disposed in the slot to provide additional support for the planar or tablet computing device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims benefit and priority from U.S. provisional application 61/387,258 entitled “Stand and/or Support for Planar or Tablet Computing Device,” filed on Sep. 28, 2010, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for supporting planar or tablet computing devices such as iPads and other tablet computers and iPhones and other smart cellular telephones and the like. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Conventional designs and constructions for supporting planar or tablet computing devices all have drawbacks, especially that they are not very versatile in function. While they may be able to support a tablet computer in one orientation or for one purpose, such as orienting the tablet computer in a comfortable position for typing or word processing, they are limited in such functions. 
     Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a stand or support for a planar or tablet computing device which is multi-functional and portable. 
     In addition, it would be desirable to provide a stand or support for a planar or tablet computing device which may be used on a table or other surface, as well as being removably attachable to a user&#39;s body. 
     Further, it would be desirable to provide a stand or support for a planar or tablet computing device which is specially designed to enhance the gaming capabilities of such computing device. 
     In addition, it would be desirable to provide a stand or support which allows for numerous different orientations of a planar or tablet computing device. 
     These and other advantages of the invention will be appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiment(s) that follow. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first aspect, the present invention comprises a stand or support for a planar or tablet computing device, comprising: a base; a ball-shaped shaft support removably disposed within a socket defined by the base; a support shaft removably secured to the ball-shaped shaft support; and a support plate for supporting the planar or tablet computing device; wherein the support plate is removably attachable to the support shaft. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the stand or support for a planar or tablet computing device, the base has a convex upper surface and a concave underside. 
     In yet another aspect of the stand or support, the underside of the base and/or a perimeter of the base comprises a non-slip material, an adhesive material or a temporary fixation material. 
     In yet an additional aspect, the stand or support further comprises means for removably attaching the base to a limb of a user or other generally cylindrical object. 
     In yet another aspect of the stand or support, the ball-shaped shaft support is rotatably disposed within the socket. 
     In another aspect of the stand or support, the ball-shaped shaft support is removably retained within the socket by a threaded retainer ring that can be tightened onto a cylindrical column defined by the base; wherein the cylindrical column defines the socket and has a threaded outer surface on which the threaded retainer ring may be removably secured. 
     In yet a further aspect of the stand or support, the retainer ring may be tightened onto the cylindrical column to varying degrees to allow for rotational movement of the ball-shaped shaft support within the socket and also for temporary immobilization of the ball-shaped shaft support within the socket. 
     In yet another aspect of the stand or support, the support plate comprises a non-slip upper surface. In another aspect of the stand or support, the support plate comprises a tacky upper surface. 
     In yet an additional aspect, the stand or support further comprises a non-slip cover for covering the tacky upper surface. 
     In yet another aspect of the stand or support, the support plate comprises an upper surface comprising an adhesive material, a tacky material or a temporary fixation material. 
     In yet a further aspect of the stand or support, the support plate comprises an upper surface comprising a polyurethane material. 
     In yet another aspect of the stand or support, the support plate comprises an upper surface comprising a thermoplastic elastomer, a silicone, a rubber, an acrylic, an acrylic foam or an acrylic adhesive. 
     In yet an additional aspect, the stand or support further comprises a suction cup disposed on the support plate; wherein the suction cup is used for removably attaching the planar or tablet computing device to the support plate. 
     In another aspect, the stand or support further comprises a hook and loop fastener for removably fastening the planar or tablet computing device to the support plate. 
     In yet another aspect of the stand or support, the base comprises a central body and first and second side members, wherein the central body defines the socket and each of the first and second side members articulates with the central body. 
     In another aspect of the stand or support, the each of the first and second side members may be folded underneath the central body. 
     In yet a further aspect of the stand or support, the support shaft comprises external threading and the ball-shaped shaft support comprises a generally spherical body and a cylindrical neck portion having a threaded bore for receiving the support shaft. 
     In an additional aspect of the stand or support, the base defines a slot; wherein the slot is of sufficient length and width for receiving a side of the planar or tablet computing device for supporting the same in a vertical position or at angle with respect to vertical. In a further aspect of the stand or support, the width of the slot is adjustable. 
     In yet another aspect of the stand or support, the base and the first and second side members collectively define a slot. 
     In another aspect of the stand or support, the slot is of sufficient length and width for receiving a side of the planar or tablet computing device for supporting the same in a vertical position or at angle with respect to vertical. In a further aspect of the stand or support, the width of the slot is adjustable. 
     In another aspect of the stand or support, the slot has an open top, an open bottom and one open side, in-whole or in-part. 
     In another aspect, the stand or support further comprises means for removably attaching the planar or tablet computing device to the support plate. 
     In another aspect, the present invention comprises a stand or support for a planar or tablet computing device, comprising: a base; a slot defined by the base, wherein the slot is of sufficient length and width for receiving a side of the planar or tablet computing device for supporting the same in a vertical position or at angle with respect to vertical; and a ridge slidably disposed on the base, wherein the planar or tablet computing device may be supported against the ridge when the planar or tablet computing device is disposed in the slot. 
     In yet a further aspect, the present invention comprises a stand or support for a planar or tablet computing device, comprising: a base; and means for removably attaching the planar or tablet computing device to the base. 
     In yet another aspect, the present invention comprises a method for supporting a planar or tablet computing device, comprising: providing a stand or support for a planar or tablet computing device, comprising a base; a ball-shaped shaft support removably disposed within a socket defined by the base, a support shaft integral with or secured to the ball-shaped shaft support; and a support plate integral with or secured to the support shaft; wherein the base defines a slot and the slot is of sufficient length and width for receiving a side of the planar or tablet computing device; wherein the ball-shaped shaft support is removably retained within the socket by a threaded retainer ring that can be tightened onto a cylindrical column defined by the base; and wherein the retainer ring may be tightened onto the cylindrical column to varying degrees to allow for rotational movement of the ball-shaped shaft support within the socket and also for temporary immobilization of the ball-shaped shaft support within the socket; inserting a side of the planar or tablet computing device into the slot; and adjusting the position of the support plate so that a side or upper surface of the support plate contacts the planar or tablet computing device disposed in the slot. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       For the present disclosure to be easily understood and readily practiced, the present disclosure will now be described for purposes of illustration and not limitation in connection with the following figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a stand or support for a planar or tablet computing device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the stand or support of  FIG. 1  showing a planar or tablet computing device supported for use thereon; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing the stand or support of  FIG. 1  removably attached to a user of the planar or tablet computing device supported by the stand or support; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view showing the folding of the stand or support of  FIG. 1  for stowage; 
         FIG. 4B  is a perspective view showing the stand or support of  FIG. 1  folded for stowage; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the base of the stand or support of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded, perspective view of the stand or support of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a stand or support for a planar or tablet computing device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial, cross-sectional view of the stand or support of  FIG. 7  partially folded for stowage; 
         FIG. 9  is a series of elevational views of a preferred embodiment of a support plate having a dual-sided support pad having a non-slip side and a hi-tack or adhesive side for use with the stand or support of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10A  is a cross-sectional view a preferred embodiment of a dual-sided support pad having a non-slip side and a hi-tack or adhesive side for use with a stand or support of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10B  is a cross-sectional view another preferred embodiment of a dual-sided support pad having a non-slip side and a hi-tack or adhesive side and an embedded magnet for use with a stand or support of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a harness useful as part of a means for removably attaching a planar or tablet computing device to a stand or support of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a bracket useful as part of a means for removably attaching a planar or tablet computing device to a stand or support of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a bracket useful as part of a means for removably attaching a planar or tablet computing device to a stand or support of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a harness useful as part of a means for removably attaching a planar or tablet computing device to a stand or support of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a cover with an aperture useful as part of a means for removably attaching a planar or tablet computing device to a stand or support of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a cover or bracket with a support shaft useful as part of a means for removably attaching a planar or tablet computing device to a stand or support of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a rear perspective view of the cover or bracket with a support shaft of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a cover or bracket useful as part of a means for removably attaching a planar or tablet computing device to a stand or support of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a stand or support for a planar or tablet computing device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying examples and figures that form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the inventive subject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice them, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matter. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to, individually and/or collectively, herein by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. 
     The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limited sense, and the scope of the inventive subject matter is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a preferred embodiment of a stand or support  10  for a planar or tablet computing device  20  of the present invention comprising a base  12  having an outer perimeter  14  and defining slot  19 . As shown in the figures, base  12  preferably has a convex upper surface  8  and a concave underside  9 . The concave underside  9  preferably conforms to a substantially cylindrical article, such as a user&#39;s thigh  32 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , to provide added support for the stand  10  and computing device  20  while in use. An optional tether strap  36  hooked onto tether prongs  21  in tether openings  18  defined by base  12  may be used to further secure stand  10  to the leg  32  of a user  30  as also shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Preferably, perimeter  14  of base  12 , including the perimeter  14  defining slot  19 , as well as the underside  9  of base  12 , all comprise a layer of non-slip or adhesive material thereon. As shown in the figures, base  12  defines an annular shoulder  11  surrounding a threaded cylindrical column  13  surrounding aperture  31  (see  FIG. 5 ). Cylindrical column  13  defines a socket  38  which receives ball shaft support  22  having neck  25  and a bore (not shown) preferably extending completely through ball shaft support  22  and neck  25 . Threaded support shaft  15  may be removably engaged to both the ball shaft support  22  and support plate  16 . Both the perimeter  17  and upper surface of support plate  16  are preferably made from a non-slip, tacky, adhesive or temporary fixation material. A thin dust cover of non-slip sheet material preferably is used to cover the upper surface of support plate  16  when the latter is made from a hi-tack, adhesive or temporary fixation material to keep dust and dirt off of such hi-tack, adhesive or temporary fixation material layer to prolong the effective life thereof. Such dust cover would also provide a non-slip surface on which computing device could be disposed on when a less aggressive gripping surface is desired. 
     Threaded retainer ring  24  may be removably secured onto the threaded cylindrical column  13  and over annular shoulder  11  to retain ball shaft support  22  in socket  38 . The degree to which retainer ring  24  is tightened onto the cylindrical column  13  will provide various amounts of rotational freedom of the ball shaft support  22  in socket  38 . If the retainer ring  24  is only loosely tightened on cylindrical column  13 , ball shaft support  22  will be able to rotate freely to position support plate  16 , as well as the computing device  20  disposed thereon or supported thereby, in positions desired by user  30 . Then, retainer ring  24  can be securely tightened onto cylindrical column  13  to temporarily immobilize the support plate  16 , along with the computing device  20  disposed thereon or supported thereby, is such desired positions, such as the positions shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     As used herein, non-slip materials preferably include polyurethane material and thermoplastic elastomer materials, and polyester films. Hi-tack and adhesive materials preferably include Regabond-S non-slip and temporary fixation material and cushion foam, silicone, rubber, acrylic, acrylic foam, micro-suction materials and/or acrylic adhesive materials. Base  12  and other components of stand  10  are preferably made from an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or other suitable material. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 2 , stand  10  may be used to hold a planar computing device  20 , such as an iPad or iPhone, vertically (true 90°) or at an angle from vertical, in slot  19  with support plate  16  positioned such that its upper surface and/or perimeter  17  adds further support to the computing device  20 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the long side of the computing device  20  has been inserted into slot  19 . However, if long enough so that computing device  20  would maintain a level orientation, the short side of computing device  20  may also be inserted into slot  19 . 
       FIG. 3  shows stand  10  being used by user  30  wherein the concave underside  9  of stand  10  has been fitted over the leg  32  of user  30 . An optional tether strap  36  hooked onto tether prongs  21  in tether openings  18  defined by base  12  may be used to further secure stand  10  to the leg  32  of user  30 . 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  show stand  10  in a partially stowed and fully stowed configurations, respectively.  FIG. 4  is a prospective view of the concave underside of base  12  showing hinges  29  that allow each of the right side member  27  and the left side member  28  to articulate or fold with respect to the central body  26  of base  12 . As also shown, support plate  16  has been removed from the convex upper surface  8  of base  12  and has been removably installed against the concave underside  9  of base  12 . This is accomplished by unscrewing support shaft  15  from ball shaft support  22 , loosening retainer ring  24 , and then screwing the threaded support shaft  15  with support plate  16  attached thereto into the central bore in the ball shaft support  22  from the concave underside  9  of base  12 . Retainer ring  24  is then tightened onto cylindrical column  13  to bring support plate  16  as close as possible to the underside of base  12  whereupon side members  27  and  28  may be folded over support plate  16  to configure the stand  10  in its fully stowed position as shown in  FIG. 4B . The tether strap  36  may be wrapped around the stowed stand  10 , preferably around the side members  27  and  28  where they define slot  19 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates stand  10  without retainer ring  24 , ball shaft support  22 , support shaft  15  and support plate  16  to clearly show annular shoulder  11 , cylindrical column  13 , central aperture  31  and socket  38  defined by base  12 . 
       FIG. 6  provides an exploded, perspective view of stand  10  including base  12  and its three sections, the central body  26  and side members  27  and  28  hingedly connected to central body  26  by hinges  29 . Here, retainer ring  24  is shown disposed below ball shaft support  22 , but the diameter of the opening in retainer ring  24  is preferably smaller than the diameter of the ball portion of ball shaft support  22  which must necessarily be inserted into socket  38  prior to retainer ring  24  being screwed onto cylindrical column  13 . 
       FIG. 7  shows an exploded, perspective view of another preferred embodiment of stand  10  of the present invention wherein support shaft supports and is removably connected to connector plate  33  having a suction cup  34  and a Velcro (hook and loop) fastening ring  35  disposed thereon. The complementary component of the Velcro ring preferably would be attached to the computing device  20  to be removably attached to this embodiment of stand  10  via connector plate  33  and suction cup  34 . In this way, both the suction cup  34  and Velcro ring  34  would act as part of the means for removably securing computing device  20  to connector plate  33  and thus also to stand  10 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates in a partial, cross-sectional view of the stand  10  of  FIG. 7  partially folded for stowage with side member  28  partially folded under central body  26 . Also shown is how ball shaft support  22  is inverted in socket  38  in the stowage configuration of stand  10 , with connector plate  33  and suction cup  34  disposed adjacent to the concave underside  9  of base  12 . Retainer ring  24  has been tightened onto cylindrical body  13  to bring connector plate  33  as close as possible to the concave underside  9  of base  12 . 
       FIG. 9  comprises a series of elevational views of a preferred embodiment of a support plate  40  having a dual-sided support pad  46  having a non-slip side  47  and a hi-tack or adhesive side  49  (shown in  FIG. 10A ) for use with the stand  10  of the present invention. Additionally, the support plate  40  comprises an articulating clip or clasp  42  and a fixed catch  44  for removably securing dual-sided pad  46  or dual-sided pad  50  ( FIG. 10B ) to support plate  40  and thus to stand  10 . 
       FIG. 10B  shows a cross-sectional view another preferred embodiment of a dual-sided support pad  50  having a non-slip side  54  and a hi-tack or adhesive side  53  and an embedded magnet  52  for use with a stand  10  wherein the magnet  52  provides additional attraction forces to keep a computing device  20  having a ferromagnetic case or outer shell removably attached to support plate  16  or  40  of the stand  10  of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a harness  56  useful as part of a means for removably attaching a planar or tablet computing device  20  to a stand  10  of the present invention. 
       FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a bracket  58  useful as part of a means for removably attaching a planar or tablet computing device  20  to a stand  10  of the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a bracket  60  useful as part of a means for removably attaching a planar or tablet computing device  20  to a stand  10  of the present invention. 
       FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a harness or bracket  62  useful as part of a means for removably attaching a planar or tablet computing device  20  to a stand  10  of the present invention. 
       FIG. 15  displays a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a cover  64  with an aperture  65  useful as part of a means for removably attaching a planar or tablet computing device  20  to a stand  10  of the present invention. 
       FIG. 16  shows a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a cover or bracket  66  with a support shaft  68  useful as part of a means for removably attaching a planar or tablet computing device  20  to a stand  10  of the present invention.  FIG. 17  illustrates a rear perspective view of the cover or bracket  66  with a support shaft  68 . 
       FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a cover or bracket  70  useful as part of a means for removably attaching a planar or tablet computing device  20  to a stand  10  of the present invention. 
       FIG. 19  shows a perspective view of a stand or support  67  for a planar or tablet computing device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention comprising a base  12  having a non-slip ridge  70  and a protrusion  76  for sliding non-slip ridge  70  to different positions in channels  74 . Base  12  defines slot  19  and may be comprise joints  72  such that left side member  28  and/or right side member  27  may be folded under base  12  for stowage. Base  12  may also comprise a singe joint only for folding base  12  upon itself for stowage as well. Again, base  12  preferably has a convex upper surface  8  and a concave underside  9 . In this preferred embodiment, a computing device (not shown) could be supported in slot  19  and rest against non-slip ridge  70  either vertically (90°) or at various angles from vertical depending upon where non-slip ridge  70  is positioned along channels  74 . 
     In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment to streamline the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments of the invention require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.