Patent Abstract:
The present disclosure concerns a tablet holder securing a tablet to a stroller, chair, table, or the like. The tablet holder involves a multiple adjustable mechanisms to accommodate different size of the tablet and viewing angles. The tablet holder provides a secure platform for the user to interact with the tablet, and it is conveniently foldable and can be disassembled while not in use.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority to non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/910,571 filed on Jun. 5, 2013, which in turn claims the benefit to Provisional Application No. 61/721,578 filed on Nov. 2, 2012. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates in general to a tablet holder. More particularly, the holder of the present invention is particularly adapted for use with a stroller, carriage or other mobile apparatus. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     There are a variety of different electronic tablets and the like that may be used by people of all ages. This includes instructional computers or tablets for young children. These typically are used in a stationary manner and for educational purposes. 
     One of the advantages of using such electronic tablets is its mobility. Electronic tablets are built to be light and easily accessible for using them while traveling. Electronic tablets can provide an entertaining or educational use for children when parents are traveling with them. Such use of electronic tablets can be very helpful when parents need their children to be occupied while attending to other matters. However, using electronic tablets while traveling increases the chance of damaging them which commonly occurs due to unforeseen accidents. When electronic tablets are operated by children while traveling, the chance of damaging them is even higher. 
     While there are many holsters for electronic tablets exist to protect the electronic tablets from being damaged in case of an accidental drop or the like, such holsters do not provide a stable platform to hold the electronic tablets in place while a child interacts with them. 
     Therefore, a need exists for a tablet holder that can be mounted to a stroller to prevent damages that may occur to electronic tablets when a child operates them while in motion. A need also exists for a tablet holder that can be easily adjustable while providing a stable platform. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter of this application may involve, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide such a tablet associated with a stroller, carriage or other mobile apparatus. 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a detachable tablet holder that may be removably attached to a stroller, carriage or the like mobile apparatus and which is provided with a number of different adjustments. In this way, a viewing screen of the tablet can be disposed at a convenient location for viewing by the child, particularly while the child is seated within the stroller. When not in use, the tablet holder may be removed from the stroller in a relatively simple manner leaving a portion of the device attached to the stroller and pivotal on either side of the seat of the stroller. The tablet holder may be pivoted between a stowed or rest position and a usable position. 
     In one aspect, a detachable tablet holder for a stroller is provided. The detachable tablet holder may comprise a support frame, a plate member, a plurality of upright legs, a platform, and a plurality of support legs. The support frame may be configured to receive the tablet and hold it within the support frame. A locking lever is formed at a back of the support frame placing the support frame in a fixed position when the locking lever is engaged. 
     A plate member may be pivotally mounted at the back of the support frame where a securing knob may be placed to tighten the support frame and the plate member in place. A plurality of upright legs may be pivotally attached at a bottom of the plate member. The plurality of upright legs may share a pivot axis extending perpendicular to each of the plurality of upright legs. Such pivot connections among the support frame, the plate member, and the plurality of upright legs allow the tablet therein to be adjustable. 
     A platform may provide a flat surface where the plurality of uprights legs may be affixed. The platform may have a plurality of support legs extending downwardly therefrom. Each of the plurality of support legs may be extendable and/or retractable along their length, allowing height adjustment of the platform. Finally, the plurality of support legs may be pivotally attached to the stroller. 
     In another aspect, a stroller receiving the detachable tablet holder is provided. The stroller may comprise a handle at a top of the holder enabling it to be maneuvered. A plurality of rails may extend at an angle towards a bottom of the stroller where the plurality of support legs may be pivotally attached. The stroller may comprise a seated area where a child may be placed. The detachable tablet holder may be adjustable to a convenient location for viewing by the child placed in the seated area. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       It should be understood that the drawings are provided for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to define the limits of the disclosure. In the drawings depicting the present invention, all dimensions are to scale. The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the embodiments described herein will become apparent with reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the tablet display holder as mounted on a children&#39;s stroller; 
         FIG. 2  is a fragmentary view illustrating a portion of the holder and the associated tablet display; 
         FIG. 3  is a fragmentary view of a portion of the holder; 
         FIG. 4  is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating one of the adjustment features of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a fragmentary exploded view illustrating the manner in which the apparatus may be separated and removed; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing further details of the portion of the apparatus that remains attached to the stroller but that is pivotal relative to the stroller; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates the stroller attached portion of the support apparatus in a stowed position; 
         FIG. 8  is a fragmentary view of a portion of another embodiment of the holder; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective of an embodiment of the tablet computer holder configured to attach to various devices; and 
         FIG. 10  is a fragmentary view of a portion of another embodiment of the holder. 
         FIG. 11  is a fragmentary view of a portion of another embodiment of the holder. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference is now made to the perspective view of  FIG. 1  that illustrates, what may be considered a conventional stroller at  10 . The stroller  10  has a seated area. In  FIG. 1  the child is illustrated in the seated area at  12 . The stroller typically also includes a support wheels  14  and a handle  16 . As a variety of different types of strollers may be used with the apparatus of the present invention, the construction of the stroller itself is not discussed herein in any great detail. The stroller may be one that does not fold up or it may be a stroller of the folding-up type.  FIG. 1  also shows opposite side rails  18  that extend from the handle  16  to the bottom of the stroller  10 .  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate a portion of the apparatus of the present invention attached at the very base of the support rails  18 . 
     The tablet contemplated herein may include, but is not limited to mobile computers, tablet computers, laptops, handheld computers, smart phones, electronic readers, and similar display device. 
       FIG. 1  also illustrates the novel apparatus of the present invention at  20  which supports a tablet  22  in proper viewing position to a child. This may also enable the child to interact with the tablet  22  depending upon the particular tablet construction. 
     In  FIG. 1  a detachable tablet holder  20  may be considered as comprised of support legs  24  that is pivotally attached at the base of the rails  18 , on the left and right of the stroller, and a removable portion  26  that is for the main support of the tablet  22 . 
     Reference is now made to further details of the detachable tablet holder  20  depicted in  FIGS. 2-7 .  FIG. 2  is a fragmentary view illustrating a portion of the holder and the associated tablet display. 
     In the embodiments shown, the tablet holder device is shown connected to a stroller, but it should be understood that it may be configured to not only attach to a stroller, but can also attach to any other device such as a wheelchair, a standard chair, a table, stool, desk, and the like. 
     Portions of the platform  28  are depicted in  FIGS. 2-5 .  FIGS. 4 and 5 , in particular, depict the end of the platform  28  and the connector  30  having an externally threaded base  31  (see  FIG. 5 ). The connector  30  forms an essentially right angle joint connected directly to the platform  28 .  FIG. 5  also illustrates a top end of the support legs  24  having an internally threaded collar  32  that is free to rotate and removably mate with a threaded section  31  of the connector  30 . The height of the support legs  24  may also be adjusted by means of a locking ring  34  that can be rotated in the direction of arrow  35 . In this regard, refer to  FIG. 4  and the arrows  35 . By rotating the ring  34  in one direction or the other, the post  36 , a portion of the support legs  24 , may be moved up or down for adjusting the overall height of the support legs  24 . This height adjustment is illustrated in  FIG. 4  by the arrows  37 . When the locking ring  34  is rotated in one particular direction, it can lock the post  36  in the particular desired height position. 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the platform  28  may be affixed at the bottom of upright legs  52  by a mounting member. The mounting member may connect the upright legs  52  and the platform  28 . In one embodiment, the mounting member may comprise a suction cup  70 . In this embodiment, a frame  40  may comprise of three side pieces  42  fixed to the platform  28 , and a pivotal piece  44 . The frame  40  is for retaining a base of the suction cup  50  that supports the upright legs  52 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , a second securing knob  54  may be provided at a top of the upright legs  52 . The second securing knob  54  can be tightened and loosened to allow pivoting of the plate member  56  about a one pivot axis  57 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , a top of the plate member  56  further comprises a securing knob  60  that allows for a manipulation and adjustment of the tablet  22  in the direction of double headed arrow  62 . The securing knob  60  may be placed at a pivot point between the support frame  64  and the plate member  56 . The plate member  56  connects to a support frame  64 . The support frame  64 , as depicted in  FIG. 2 , may be slid in the direction of arrow  65  so that the opening between the opposed sides of the support frame  64  can be changed to accommodate tablets of different length. The support frame  64  may also be provided with a locking lever  66  for locking a one side end  67  of the support frame  64  in a proper position for securely holding the tablet  22  in place. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the pivotal piece  44  swung to an open position. This enables the base of the suction cup  50  of the detachable tablet holder  20  to be inserted into the frame  40 . To secure the base of the suction cup  50  in place, there may be provided a suction cup  70  that can be operated by means of the lock  72  to force, by a suction action, the suction cup  70  against a flat base piece  74 . The pivotal piece  44  may be opened in the direction of arrow  75  and may be locked to one of the side pieces  42  by means of the locking pin  76 . 
     In one embodiment, an aperture may be formed on one of the side pieces  42 . The aperture may be placed to receive the locking pin  76 , thereby securing the pivotal piece  44  from opening when received. In a further embodiment, the aperture may have an elongated shape. A bar may protrude out transversely at the end of the locking pin  76  where the bar is sized to fit through the aperture. The locking pin  76  may be rotated to align the bar with the aperture having the elongated shape, thereby allowing the locking pin  76  to escape out of the aperture. On the other hand, the pivotal piece  44  may be at a locked position, when the locking pin  76  is received by the aperture and rotated further to misalign the bar about the aperture. 
     As indicated previously, the detachable tablet holder  20  apparatus of the present invention includes fixed but pivotal support legs  24 . Reference may now be made to further fragmentary views of  FIGS. 6 and 7  showing the base of the support legs  24 .  FIG. 6  illustrates the support legs  24  in a locked upright position, while  FIG. 7  shows the support legs  24  disengaged and pivoted to a stowed position wherein the support legs  24  extends substantially alongside of the stroller rails  18 . The arrow  77  in  FIG. 7  illustrates the direction of pivoting. The support legs  24  include a base end  80  and a pivot arm  82 .  FIGS. 6 and 7  also illustrate a pivot stop  84 . The pivot stop  84 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , has a pad  85  that engages the base  80  and a disengageable pad  86  that is locked under the pivot arm  82 . The pivot arm  82  may be attached to the rail  80  at a pivot location  87 . The pivot stop  84  is supported in a pivotal manner at  88 . There is also included a slide ring  89  attached to the pivot arm  82 . In  FIG. 6  the slide ring  89  is shown at its uppermost position with the pivot arm  82  pivoted and locked in position so that the support legs  24  are in an upright position such as the position illustrated also in  FIG. 1 . 
     In order to pivot the support legs  24  to a downward position, reference may now be made to  FIG. 7 . For that purpose, the pad  86  may be screwed down so as to disengage from the pivot arm  82  allowing the pivot arm  82  to pivot. This causes the slide ring  89  to slide along the base  80  to its lowermost position as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . This pivoting action in the direction of arrow  77  stows the support legs  24  to a position directly adjacent to the stroller rail  18 . The adjustment illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  can be made with respect to both of the oppositely disposed support legs  24  which are meant to be supported in the same position depending upon whether in the operative position or in the stowed position. 
       FIG. 5 , in particular, illustrates the manner in which the platform  28  of the detachable tablet holder  20  may be disengaged from the support legs  24 . This disengagement is illustrated by means of the arrow  92  in  FIG. 5 . The removable portion  26  may then be totally removed on both sides of the platform  28  so that access is had to the seated area of the stroller  10 . This enables the child to be seated or removed from the seated area. After the child is in place, then the platform  28  may be secured at the support legs  24  such as in the position illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Adjustment and height of the platform  28  is possible by means of the locking ring  34  rotated in the direction of arrow  35  as depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
     Turning back to  FIG. 2 , an embodiment describing an assembly of the tablet  22  and the support frame  64  is shown. The tablet  22  may comprise a left edge, a right edge opposite to the left edge, a front face, and a back face opposite to the front face. In one embodiment, the support frame  64  may comprise the one side end  67  contacting the tablet  22  at an upper portion of the left edge, forming a first end structure. The one side end may be urged against the upper portion of the left edge when the support frame  64  is at a fixed position. The one side end may further contact the tablet  22  at a lower portion of the left edge, forming a second end structure, which may be urged against the one side end  67  when the support frame  64  is at the fixed position. The first end structure and the second end structure may further extend towards the right edge over the front face, forming L-shape end structures, which may prevent the tablet  22  from escaping away from the support frame  64 . 
     In another embodiment, the support frame  64  may comprise an arm extending from the back of the support frame  64  away from the one side end  67  and towards the right edge. The arm may contact the right edge, forming a third end structure, which may be urged against the right edge when the support frame  64  is at the fixed position. The third end structures may further extend towards the left edge over the front face, causing the plurality of third end structures to appear L-shape, which may prevent the tablet  22  from escaping away from the support frame  64 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8  a view of an underside of an embodiment of a platform  128  is provided. The platform is connected to support legs  103  by 90 degree connectors  101  (or similar angled joint connector) to cross-bar  102 . Cross bar supports the platform  128  to whatever the platform is connected to. A pair of U-joints  104  may connect cross-bar  102  directly to the platform  128 , though it should be understood that any connection may be employed. Cross-bar  102  is shown here as a two part bar slideably inserted into a central tube. This central tube comprises a plurality of apertures  105 —in this case, three rows of non-aligned apertures  105 . Spring loaded pins  106  extend from each side end of the cross bars  102 . These pins  106  are configured to engage with the apertures  105  at varying positions, to allow support legs  103  to be angled and spaced to a variety of positions. As such, the support legs may be parallel or not, may be positioned at the same lateral position, or not, and further, this configuration allows platform  128  to have its angle adjusted forward or backward, depending on desired configuration. In this embodiment, the tablet holder support legs  102  may be configured to not only attach to a stroller, but can also attach to any other device such as a wheelchair, a standard chair, a table, stool, desk, and the like. 
       FIGS. 9 ,  10  and  11 , show another embodiment of the tablet holder. This embodiment is configured to attach not only to a stroller but to any other device, including, but not limited to a wheelchair, a standard chair, a table, stool, desk, and the like. Platform  128  has cross-bar or bars  102  connected to its bottom. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the underside of platform  128  may be configured as shown in  FIG. 8 . Cross bars  102  are connected at each end to joint  107 . Which may be adjustable to change the angle between cross bar  102  and support leg  103 . A connector assembly is comprised of a slideable and pivotable connector  111 . A slide bar  108  connects bar  110  to another connector  111 , creating a triangular and adjustable base for connector  109 . Slide bar  108  comprises a channel along its length with a peg movable along the channel. This peg is connected to bar  110  which is pivotally connected to leg  103  via connector  111 . As such, clamp connector  109  may be moved and rotated to any number of different positions and orientations allowing for its connection to many different surfaces or structures. It should be understood that platform  128 , in most embodiments may further comprise the tablet and connector structure as discussed above and shown in  FIG. 2 ,  3 , and other figures. 
     Further shown in  FIG. 9  is the platform  128  having a generally U shaped receiving slot formed as a protrusion from the top face of the platform, having a reduced diameter through a channel, and increased diameter at the receiving section. The channel is configured to slideably receive the frame, such that the frame is removable by sliding out of the channel, and held securely in place when within the channel. This structure allows the frame and its connected structure to be removable from the platform, and securely attachable to the platform. The receiving slot further comprises two portions along its height, the first portion having a width large enough to receive the frame, and the second portion above the first portion having a width smaller than the width of the frame, such that the frame cannot pass upward through the channel, and can only slide outward on the open end of the U-shaped channel. 
     Having now described a limited number of embodiments of the present invention, it should now be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous other embodiments and modifications thereof are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5