Patent Publication Number: US-2013240704-A1

Title: Apparatus and method for using a tablet computer

Description:
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for using a “tablet computer”. In the context of this specification, a tablet computer is a computing device that is used primarily by interaction with a touch screen that covers a large part of a generally flat computing device. While a tablet computer will generally not have a physical keyboard connected to it, some tablet computers have a keyboard that can be deployed or connected to allow it to be used as a notebook computer. Moreover, the term “tablet computer” is not intended to be limited to any particular configuration, operating system, processor or architecture. 
     At the present time, tablet computers are increasing in both popularity and computing power. The latter of these means that users of such computers wish to use them to perform an ever-increasing range of functions. It is well-known to provide an external keyboard that can be connected to a tablet computer to enable it to be used like a laptop computer, this negates some of the most attractive features of a tablet computer: that it is small, light and self-contained. 
     A tablet computer will typically have a virtual keyboard—that is, a representation of a keyboard presented to a user on the display of the tablet computer, with each “key” being activated by a user tapping a specific area of the display in which a key symbol is displayed. However, the inherent nature of a tablet computer makes a virtual keyboard difficult to use, in that it requires a user to place his or her wrists at an awkward angle to reach the keys. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRIOR ART 
     GB-A-2 304 642, US-A-2010/0 213 330 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,929 disclose stands that can support a laptop computer in use. However, they do not provide an optimal support for a tablet computer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An aim of this invention is to provide for easier and more effective access to a virtual keyboard and touch screen to enable a user to use it more effectively. Its further aim is to raise the screen to a more comfortable viewing height, thereby reducing the need for a user to adopt a crouched posture. 
     To this end, the invention provides a stand for a tablet computer comprising: 
     a base that can be supported upon a support surface; 
     a support that can be folded between a compact position in which it closely overlies the base, and at least one raised position in which a part of the support is retained in a sloping disposition above the base; 
     a rest that can be placed in an operative position spaced from the support; whereby an edge portion of a tablet computer can be placed between an edge portion of the rest and the support for use; and 
     at least one stop arrangement is provided to limit the distance that the edge portion of the tablet computer can pass between the base and the rest, whereby at least a part of the rest extends beyond the stop towards the base forms a support for the wrists of a user of a tablet that is supported by the stand. 
     Such a stand can position a tablet in a convenient position for use with a users wrists supported on the rest and in a more neutral position. In this position, the users fingers are correctly placed for operation of a virtual keyboard, and the screen is raised to a position in which it is presented towards a user. The tablet computer can be supported in this way in either landscape or portrait orientation. 
     The stand may be configured such that tablet computer makes direct contact with the rest when it is in use. Alternatively, there may be an intermediate component between the rest and the tablet computer. 
     Typically, the rest is connected to the support by an intermediate component that allows it to be displaced to the operative position for use. Alternatively, the rest may be capable of being deflected to the operative position, for example, by flexing, stretching or bending it. 
     The or each stop arrangement is preferably configured such that when the tablet computer is against the stop arrangement or stop arrangements, its display is not obscured by the rest. Preferably, the base is larger than the rest. 
     The rest is typically substantially parallel to the support. Alternatively, it may be slightly closer to the support remote from its edge portion than it is at the edge portion—that is to say, the space between the rest and the support may be tapered, so creating a tapering space into which the edge of a tablet computer can be inserted. Such a taper can limit the distance that a tablet computer can extend into the space between the rest and the support, so constituting a stop arrangement. 
     The base may include one or more upstanding projections, disposed such that a tablet computer can be placed upon the base, surrounded by the projections. The or each projection may be in the form of a flange and may be at the periphery of the base. In such embodiments, the support may be pivotally connected to one of the projections, such that when it is folded to overlie the base, it is spaced from the base by a distance sufficient to contain a tablet computer. 
     In preferred embodiments of the invention, the support can be retained in one of a plurality of sloping dispositions above the base. This allows a user to select from a variety of position at which a tablet computer is to be supported. A plurality of spaced stop arrangements may be provided to allow a tablet computer to be supported in different alternative configurations, such as a raised configuration suitable for use as a presentation display or with an external keyboard. 
     Typical embodiments of the invention are formed from one or more sheets of metal/polymer composite sandwich sheet material. Other embodiments of the invention are formed of plastic material, or of fabric with rigid regions. Surfaces that make contact with a tablet computer when it is being used or stored are preferably covered by a comparatively soft material, such as foamed plastic. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings:  FIGS. 1 and 2  are front and rear views of a first panel being a component of a first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a view of a front surface of a second panel being a component of a first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a view of the assembled first embodiment of the invention in an opened-out configuration; 
         FIG. 5  is a view of the assembled first embodiment of the invention in a folded configuration; 
         FIG. 6  shows the first embodiment of the invention holding a tablet computer for use; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the first embodiment of the invention holding a tablet computer for use in two alternative configurations; 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of a first panel being a component of a second embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  shows the second embodiment with a tablet computer stored within it; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view corresponding to that of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  shows an alternative use of an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 13  shows a third embodiment of the invention in a flat folded configuration; 
         FIGS. 14 ,  15  and  16  are a base, a brace and a support component of the embodiment of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 17  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 13  in a folded storage condition; 
         FIGS. 18 to 21  show steps of transforming the embodiment of  FIG. 13  from the folded storage condition to a first operative condition; 
         FIG. 22  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 13  in use in the first operative condition; 
         FIG. 23  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 13  in use in a second operative condition; 
         FIG. 24  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 13  in use in the second operative condition; and 
         FIG. 25  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 13  in the second operative condition in a second mode of use. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In these embodiments, the items described as “panels” are formed as three-layer composite structures, comprising two thin outer layers of aluminium sheet bonded to an intermediate layer of tough, flexible plastic material. These can be formed by milling. Where required, a rectilinear strip about 1 mm in width can be removed by milling from each aluminium sheet on opposite sides of the intermediate layer, thereby completely removing the metal, leaving only the flexible intermediate layer. This forms a fold line about which the panel can be folded by user. Each part of a panel that can be folded with respect to another will be called a “region”. 
     The composite structure described above is particularly suitable for relatively small-scale production. Alternatively, the panels may be formed from a flat plastic sheet, with fold lines being formed by thin lines within the material or within interconnecting moulding sections. Many other constrictions could be used to form the panels. In the interest of clarity, in the drawings, edges of a panel are shown in solid lines while each fold line is shown as a single broken line. 
     Parts of the surfaces of the panels are covered with a dense foam adhered to one of the aluminium outer layers. These regions serve to provide a support surface that will not scratch an item placed on it, and which provide a relatively high frictional surface to resist motion of such an item across the panel. In the drawings, these are shown as stippled regions. Foam is also placed on parts of the surface with which a user makes contact during use of the stand to improve the user&#39;s comfort. 
     With reference to the drawings, a first embodiment of the invention is intended to provide a support for a tablet computer during its use. This embodiment comprises two panels a first panel  10  that will be called the main panel and a second panel  12  that will be called the rest. 
     The main panel  10  is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . It is shaped as a rectangle with rounded corners, having a long axis of symmetry that is of length somewhat less than twice that of a short axis of symmetry. 
     A narrow spacing region  20  extends along the short axis of symmetry between first and second fold lines  22 ,  24 . The spacing region  20  is approximately 1 mm in length along the long axis. (Alternatively, a single hinge line might be used.) To one side of the main panel is a base region  26  and to the other side is a support region  28 . Each of the base region  26  and the support region  28  are rectangles, having two rounded corners remote from the spacing region  20  and two square corners adjacent to the spacing region  20 . 
     The base region  26  has several support feet  30 , one adjacent to each corner and more along the long axis of the main panel  10 . Several slots  32  are formed through the base region  26 . Each slot extends for approximately 22 mm in length and 5 mm in width, the length extending normally to and symmetrically about the long axis of the main panel  10 . 
     A third fold line  38  extends parallel to the short axis of the main panel  10 . The third fold line extends symmetrically about the long axis of the main panel  10  approximately one quarter of the way to the long edges of the main panel  10 . A prop region  40  extends from the third fold line  38  part way towards the spacing region  20  symmetrically about the long axis of the main panel  10 . The prop region  40  tapers away from the third fold line  38  where it ends in a transverse edge from which a tongue  42  projects. 
     A displaceable region  44  surrounds the tongue  42 . The displaceable region  44  is connected to the spacing region  20  by a first connection region  48 , and to the support region  28  by second and third connection regions  50 . Each of the connection regions  48 ,  50  have the same dimension parallel to the long axis of the main panel  10 . 
     Part of the front of the support region  28  remote from the spacing region  20 , surrounding part of the displaceable region  44  is covered by foam, as described above. The rear surfaces of the second and third connection regions  50  and part of the rear surface of the displaceable region  44  are also covered by foam. 
     The rest  12  has a peripheral shape that is generally a rounded rectangle. In this embodiment, upper corners of the rectangle have a radius that is greater than that of the lower corners. An upper edge interconnects the upper corners, there being a notch  54  extending into the rest from the upper edge. The longer dimension of the rest (which will be called the width) is substantially equal to the dimension of the main panel  10  along its short axis. 
     All but for a small, peripheral border region, the front surface of the rest  12  is covered by foam on the outside face only. However may have foam on the inside if contact is to be made with the tablet. 
     The stand is assembled in manufacture by fixing a rear surface of the rest to the front surface of the displaceable region  44  of the main panel  10 , such that the width of the rest is parallel with the short axis of the main panel  10 , and such that the rest does not substantially project beyond either long edge of the main panel  10 . In this embodiment, fixing is achieved by bonding. Further alternative embodiments may have the rest integrally formed with a displaceable region. 
     When the stand is not being used, it can be folded to a configuration shown in  FIG. 5 . In this configuration, the main panel  10  is folded such that rear surfaces of the base region  26  and the support region  28  are in contact with one another. The spacing region  20  accommodates the thickness of the regions  26 ,  28 , allowing them to lie flat. This could also be achieved with a single hinge. 
     For normal use, the stand is placed on a support surface with the base region  26  facing towards the support surface so that it is supported on its support feet  30 . The support region  28  is then lifted up, pivoting around the spacing region  20  to a desired height. The prop region  40  is then pushed downwards, and the tongue  42  is guided into one of the slots  32 . This maintains the support region  28  in its raised position. The angle at which the support region  28  extends above the base region  26  is chosen be selecting which one of the slots  32  is chosen by the user in this step. Many alternative arrangements for locating the prop may be provided in alternative embodiments, such as placing hook-and-eye fastening material on the prop region  40  and the base region  26 . 
     The rest  12  is then pulled away from the support region  28 . This is possible because the connection regions  48 ,  50  pivot with respect to the support region  28  and the displaceable region  44 . Because all of the connection regions  48 ,  50  are substantially the same length, the displaceable region  44 , and the rest attached to it, remain substantially parallel to the support region  28 . 
     An edge of a tablet computer  60  is then inserted between the rest  12  and the support region  28  until its further movement is prevented when it makes contact with the second and third connection regions  50  (which are, at this stage, upstanding from the support region  28 ). In this configuration the connection regions  50  serve as stops to limit the maximum distance that the edge region of the computer can pass between the rest  12  and the support region  28 . (In configurations in which the space between the rest  12  and the support region  28  is tapered, the taper may limit the maximum distance that the edge region of the computer can pass between the rest  12  and the support region  28 .) The lengths of the connection regions  48 ,  50  are selected such that the maximum distance between the support region  28  and the displaceable region  44  such that a tablet computer with which the stand is intended for use is a close, but not tight, sliding fit. It will be noted that every surface that makes direct contact with the tablet computer  60  is covered with foam to prevent damage to the tablet computer  60 , although this is not strictly necessary for the stand to work. 
     The distance between the upper edge  62  of the displaceable region  44  and the stops formed by the second and third connection regions  50  determines how far the tablet computer  60  can slide under the rest  12 . This distance (which is the length of a part of the rest that overlaps the tablet computer  60 ) is normally small as compared with the total length of the rest  12  or the tablet computer may be positioned such that there is no overlap. The overlapping region, along with the remaining part of the rest serves as a support for a user&#39;s wrists or palms. This distance is selected to provide for sufficiently secure retention of the tablet computer while ensuring that the operative part of the display of the tablet computer  60  remains unobstructed by the rest  12 . In cases where the tablet computer  60  has a hardware button  64  on its front surface, the notch  54  allows access to it. Access to ports and switches on the edges of the tablet computer can be accessed while the tablet computer in place on the stand. 
     When the tablet computer  60  is performing a task that allows a user to enter text, a virtual keyboard  66  is displayed in a lower region of the screen. A user can conveniently use this by placing his or her wrists on the rest  12 , which will result in the keyboard being optimally positioned under the users fingertips. The pressure of the user&#39;s wrists on the rest  12  pushes it against the front surface of the tablet computer  60  which acts to steady it. The foam covering of the rest  12  acts as a cushion for the users wrists. Irrespective of the angle at which the support region  28  is disposed (as determined by which one of the slots is used to receive the tongue  42  of the prop region  40 ), the rest is always substantially parallel to the front surface of the tablet computer  60 , so maintaining an optimal relation between the user&#39;s wrists and the virtual keyboard  66 . Note also that the tablet computer  60  can be used in portrait mode, as shown in  FIG. 6 , or rotated by 90° for use in landscape mode. 
     In an optional variation, the first connection region is slightly shorter in the direction of the long axis of the main panel  10  than the other two connection regions  50 , such that the space into which the tablet computer  60  is inserted is slightly tapered. This can help to steady the tablet computer  60 , especially those that taper peripherally. 
     The second embodiment of the invention can be considered to be a modification of the first embodiment. Corresponding components will be given the same number as used in the description of the first embodiment with the addition of  100 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the base region  126  in this embodiment has four flange regions that are upstanding from each of its four edges. Each flange extends for part of the length of the corresponding edge, and may be discontinuous to allow access to operative components on the periphery of a table computer. The support region  128  is connected to a first flange region  170 , a second flange region  172  extends from the opposite long edge. Third and fourth flange regions  174 ,  176  extend from the short edges of the base region  126 . 
     The second flange region has a central projecting tab  178  that extends over and parallel to the base region  126 . A corresponding notch  180  is formed in the support region  128  in its edge remote from the base region. The tab  178  ensures that the tablet computer  60  cannot be removed until the cover  128  is fully open. This stops the tablet computer  60  from falling out if the lid  128  is just partially open. 
     The upper surface of the main panel  110  has substantially the same coverage of foam as that of the first embodiment, while the lower surface is almost entirely covered by foam. 
     A tablet computer  60  can be supported for use on the support region  128 , raised on the prop region  140 , under the rest  112 , in much the same manner as in the first embodiment. When it is not in use, the tablet computer  60  can be placed on the base region  126  where it is surrounded by the flanges  170 ,  172 ,  174 ,  176  with the tab  178  overlapping an edge of the tablet computer  60 . The support region  126  is then folded to cover the tablet computer  60 . In this position, the support region  126  is supported by the flange regions  170  . . .  176 . The tab  178  enters the notch  180  to allow the support region  128  to lie flat. All of the surfaces of the main panel  110  that come into contact with the tablet computer are covered with foam to prevent it from being scratched by the metal of the main panel  10 . 
     Each of the flanges  170 ,  172 ,  174 ,  176  are sized to allow access to sockets, switches, and so forth on edge surfaces of the tablet computer. This allows the tablet computer  60  to be used when it is in place in the case. 
     A magnet and ferromagnetic patch may be provided on the prop region  140  and a corresponding part of the rest  112  to retain the prop region  140  flush with the support region  128 . 
     Embodiments of the invention can be used in other ways. One example is shown in  FIG. 12  in which a tablet computer  60  is supported upright on a support surface, with the support region  128  being partly folded out from the base region  126 . Either of the above embodiments can be used in this way. 
     The support region  128  can be folded completely around to lie on top of the base region  126  to allow the tablet computer  60  to be used with the stand supported on a user&#39;s lap. 
     A further embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 13 to 25 . This embodiment comprises three components: a base  210 , a brace  212  and a support  214 , each formed from sheets of laminar material. 
     The base  210  comprises a base region  216  and a wrist support region  218 . The base region  216  and the support region  218  are interconnected along a fold line  220  such that they can fold with respect to one another about a transverse axis. 
     The brace  212  comprises a fixing region  230 . A forward support region  232  and a rear support region  234  are each connected respective parallel fold lines  236 ,  238  to the fixing region  230 . The fixing region  230  is secured to the base region  216  of the base  210  with its fold lines  236 ,  238  parallel to the fold line  220  of the base  210 . 
     The support  214  has a central fixing region  244  connected to two support regions  246  by respective fold lines  248 . The support  214  is symmetrical about a central axis that is parallel to the fold lines  248 . The fixing region  244  is secured to the wrist support region  218  of the base  210  such that the fold lines  248  are at right angles to the fold line  220  of the base  210 . Centrally of an edge opposite the fold line  248 , a notch  222  is formed in the wrist support region  218 . 
     Each support region  246  has a main support surface  260  that is constituted by an edge of the material from which the support  214  is formed. A stop surface  268  extends between the main support surface  260  and the fixing region  244 . 
     Immediately adjacent to the fixing region  244 , the stop surface  268  has a length that extends at right angles to the fold line  248 . Remote from the fixing region  244 , the stop surface  268  has a length that extends at an angle between the fold line  248  and the support surface  260 . The main support surface  260  extends generally parallel to the fold lines  248  in this embodiment, although it could extend at another angle if required to support a computer at a desired orientation. In addition, each support region  246  has an auxiliary support surface  262 , also constituted by an edge of the material from which the support  214  is formed, that is parallel to the main support surface  260 . Again, the auxiliary support surface  262  is not necessarily parallel to the main support surface  260 . A retaining surface  264  faces the auxiliary support surface  262 , spaced from it and parallel to it. An auxiliary stop surface  266  connects the auxiliary support surface  262  and the retaining surface  264 . 
     Each support region  246  has a support edge  270  that extends from the fold line  248  at an angle, in this embodiment, of approximately 26° to the fold line  248 . This angle together with the shape and configureatio of the brace  212  determines the slope at which a tablet computer will be supported, and may be altered as required for convenience, comfort, or to meet regulatory requirements. A plurality of notches  272  extend into the support edge  270 . The notches  272  furthest from the fold line  248  are larger than the others. 
     The forward support region  232  of the base  212  has a pair of slots  278  formed into an edge that is opposite the fold line  238  and a central notch  280 . The slots  278  extend towards the fold line  238 . The rear support region  234  has a pair of slots  282  formed into an edge that is opposite the fold line  236 , the slots  282  extending towards the fold line  236 . 
     In a compact, storage condition, shown in  FIG. 17 , the support regions  246  are folded to lie flat upon the base region  216  and the wrist support region  218  is folded to lie upon the support regions  246 . 
     To prepare the stand for use, the base region  216  is placed on a surface and the wrist support region  218  is first lifted up, by pivoting about the fold line  220  ( FIG. 18 ). The support regions  246  are pivoted generally downwardly about their respective fold lines  248  until they are perpendicular to the surface ( FIG. 19 ). The rear support region  234  is then raised by pivoting about its fold line  238  ( FIG. 20 ) and the wrist support region  218  is lowered. The slots  282  in the rear support region  234  enter the largest of the notches  272  on the support edge  270  of the support region  246  thereby retaining the support regions  246  upright, and thereby supporting the wrist support region  218  above the base region  216  ( FIG. 21 ). 
     With the stand prepared as described above, a tablet computer  280  can now be placed on the stand. The tablet  280  is placed with a rear surface placed on the main support surfaces  260  of the support regions  246 . The tablet  280  can slide down the main support surfaces  260  until a lower edge of the tablet  280  makes contact with the stop surfaces  268 . Depending upon the thickness of the tablet  280 , it may make contact with the right-angled part of the stop surfaces  268  adjacent to the fixing region  244  (in the case of a thinner tablet  280 ) or the angled part, which acts as a taper that grips the edge of the tablet  280 . In this position, a small part of the wrist support region  218  may cover the front surface of the tablet  280 , typically such that it overlies a surrounding bezel or frame, while leaving the operative screen of the tablet  280  exposed. Thus, the operative part of the tablet  280  projects beyond the wrist support region  234  in a plane that is generally parallel to it. The notch  222  in the wrist support region  218  allows access to a central operating button of the tablet  280 . 
       FIG. 23  shows an alternative configuration of the stand in use. This configuration is intended to present the tablet computer  280  in a position in which its screen can be easily viewed, for example to make a presentation to a number of people, or where the tablet computer  280  is to be used in connection with an external physical keyboard. In this configuration, the support regions  246  are more steeply raised up and are supported on the forward support region  232 , with the slots  278  of the forward support region  232  engaging with the notches  272  on the support edge  270  of the support region  246 . The particular notches  272  on the support edge  270  of the support region  246  with which the forward support region  232  engages determines the angle of the support surfaces  260  and the wrist support region  218 . 
     In this configuration, the tablet computer  280  can be supported on the main support surfaces  260  of the support regions  246  and the stop surfaces  268 , as in the condition discussed above, as shown in  FIG. 24 . Alternatively, the tablet  280  can be supported on the stop surface  266  between the auxiliary support surface  262  and the retaining surface  264 , as shown in  FIG. 25 . 
     In both configurations, the tablet  280  can be placed on the stand in either a portrait or a landscape orientation. 
     As with the first embodiment, any surface that it intended to make contact with a tablet computer may be covered by a material that serves to protect the tablet against scratching and which may enhance the grip upon the tablet. 
     In general, the wrist rest of embodiments of the invention will be disposed generally parallel to a support formation for a tablet computer. Spacing between the support formation and the wrist rest is selected to be sufficient to be close to a tablet computer placed between them. The spacing may be variable, such that when a user placed his or her wrists on the wrist rest, the spacing to the support formation is reduced, thereby enhancing the grip on the tablet. Alternatively or additionally the spacing to the support formation may be tapered to enhance the grip on the tablet. In general, only a small portion of the wrist rest overlies the tablet and the remainder of it extends from an edge of the tablet towards the base. A stop or a taper limits the distance that the tablet can extend into the space between the support member and the wrist rest.