Abstract:
An apparatus is disclosed for supporting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or an e-reader when travelling on a train or other public transportation. The apparatus is designed to fold into a portable, compact unit when not being used. The apparatus may be hung from a peg in the seatback in front of the user and is capable of folding out into an open position capable of supporting the electronic device. The device includes a seat bracket and two arms which open into a vee in order to support the electronic device. In one embodiment, the arms are telescopic in order to support electronic devices of differing sizes. In another embodiment, the arms have one or more rises which permits the electronic device to be support in a substantially upright position.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure generally relates to apparatuses which are adapted to hang on the peg of a seatback and to support an electronic device. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    As background, many people travel with their electronic devices, such as laptop computers, tablet computers, e-readers, smartphones, and the like. People often take advantage of the time they are travelling by using their electronic devices for work and/or for pleasure. During use, the user may hold the electronic device in his hands in order to achieve a suitable viewing angle. However, this may lead to fatigue or pain in the user&#39;s arms or hands. Alternatively, the user may rest the electronic device in his lap. But this can cause the user to angle his head at an awkward position in order to view the electronic device and may lead to pain in the user&#39;s neck or back. Thus, a solution is needed for people who want to comfortably use their electronic device while travelling. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    An apparatus is disclosed for supporting an electronic device, the apparatus comprising a hanging mechanism, a seat bracket, a first telescoping arm, and a second telescoping arm, wherein: the hanging mechanism is mechanically coupled to the seat bracket and is adapted to be removably affixed to a peg in a seatback such that, when the hanging mechanism is affixed to the peg, the apparatus hangs down from the peg; the first telescoping arm and second telescoping arm are each adjustable to telescope between a retracted position and an extended position; and the first telescoping arm and the second telescoping arm are pivotally coupled to the seat bracket such that the first telescoping arm and the second telescoping arm are adapted to move between an open position and a closed position, wherein: when in the closed position, the first telescoping arm and the second telescoping arm are substantially parallel to and substantially proximate to the seat bracket; and when in the open position and when the apparatus hangs down from the peg: the first telescoping arm and the second telescoping arm are each adapted to pivot away from the seat bracket and to stop at a fixed angle with respect to the seat bracket; and the first telescoping arm and the second telescoping arm are adapted to move with respect to each other so as to form a vee adapted to support the electronic device. 
         [0004]    In another embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed for supporting an electronic device, the apparatus comprising a hanging mechanism, a seat bracket, a first arm, and a second arm, wherein: the hanging mechanism is mechanically coupled to the seat bracket and is adapted to be removably affixed to a peg in a seatback such that, when the hanging mechanism is affixed to the peg, the apparatus hangs down from the peg; the first arm and the second arm are pivotally coupled to the seat bracket such that the first arm and the second arm are adapted to move between an open position and a closed position, wherein: when in the closed position, the first arm and the second arm are substantially parallel to and substantially proximate to the seat bracket; and when in the open position and when the apparatus hangs down from the peg: the first arm and the second arm are each adapted to pivot away from the seat bracket and to stop at a fixed angle with respect to the seat bracket; the first arm and the second arm are adapted to move with respect to each other so as to form a vee adapted to support the electronic device; and the first arm and second arm each comprise one or more risers mechanically coupled thereto, wherein the risers are each adapted to form an edge to support the electronic device in a substantially upright position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the inventions defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference characters and in which: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  depicts an apparatus for supporting an electronic device according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  illustrates an apparatus supporting an electronic device according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  shows an apparatus for supporting an electronic device in a substantially upright position according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  depicts an apparatus for supporting an electronic device in a substantially upright position according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
           [0010]      FIGS. 5 ,  6   a , and  6   b  illustrate hanging mechanisms according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  shows a side view of an apparatus for supporting an electronic device according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  depicts a top view of an apparatus for supporting an electronic device according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  shows an apparatus for supporting an electronic device in the closed position according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    The embodiments described herein generally relate to apparatuses for supporting an electronic device. The apparatus may be adapted to hang down from a peg in a seatback. The user may move the apparatus between an open position, in which it hangs down from the peg and supports the electronic device, and a closed position, in which the apparatus may be relatively compact and portable. 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  shows one embodiment of an apparatus  10  which is adapted to support an electronic device (not shown). The apparatus  10  may comprise a hanging mechanism  12 , a seat bracket  14 , a first telescoping arm  20 , and a second telescoping arm  22 . The hanging mechanism  12  may be mechanically coupled to the seat bracket  14  and may be adapted to be removably affixed to a peg (not shown) in a seatback such that, when the hanging mechanism  12  is affixed to the peg, the apparatus  10  hangs down from the peg. The first telescoping arm  20  and second telescoping arm  22  may be each adjustable to telescope between a retracted position and an extended position. The first telescoping arm  20  and the second telescoping arm  22  may be pivotally coupled to the seat bracket  14  such that the first telescoping arm  20  and the second telescoping  22  arm are adapted to move between an open position and a closed position. For the purposes of this disclosure, “pivotally coupled” is defined as being mechanically coupled so as to permit angular movement around more than one axis. When in the closed position, the first telescoping arm  20  and the second telescoping arm  22  may be substantially parallel to and substantially proximate to the seat bracket  14 . When in the open position, as shown in  FIG. 1 , and when the apparatus  10  hangs down from the peg, the first telescoping arm  20  and the second telescoping arm  22  may each be adapted to pivot away from the seat bracket  14  and to stop at a fixed angle with respect to the seat bracket  14 . Also when in the open position, the first telescoping arm  20  and the second telescoping arm  22  are adapted to move with respect to each other so as to form a vee adapted to support the electronic device (not shown). 
         [0016]    The hanging mechanism  12  may include numerous embodiments which permit the apparatus  10  to be affixed to the peg, and the hanging mechanism  12  depicted in  FIG. 1  merely illustrates one exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the seat bracket  14  may comprise a slot  16 , wherein the slot  16  may comprise a central slot  16   c  and a plurality of side slots  16   a.  The central slot  16   c  may be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis  14   a  of the seat bracket  14 . For the purposes of this disclosure, a “longitudinal axis” is defined as an axis that is substantially parallel to the longest side of an elongated object. Each of the side slots  16   a  may comprise a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end of each of the plurality of side slots  16   a  may be contiguously coupled to the central slot  16   c.  Likewise, the distal end of each of the plurality of side slots  16   a  may be disposed at a plurality of locations proximate to the longitudinal axis  14   a  of the seat bracket  14 . The central slot  16   c  and the plurality of side slots  16   a  may form a contiguous channel within the seat bracket  14  which, as described herein, may permit the apparatus  10  to be adjusted to various heights with respect to the peg on which it hangs. This may permit the user to adjust the viewing distance of the electronic device to suit his preference. 
         [0017]    The hanging mechanism  12  may comprise a cord  12   a  mechanically coupled to at least one slider  12   b,    12   c.  The at least one slider  12   b,    12   c  may be slidingly coupled to the slot  16  such that the at least one slider  12   b,    12   c  are captured by the slot  16  and are capable of sliding within the slot  16 . The at least one slider  12   b,    12   c  may be captured by the slot  16  in a way that allows it to slide along the central slot  16   c  and into any of the plurality of side slots  16   a  while preventing it from being removed from the slot  16 . Accordingly, the at least one slider  12   b,    12   c  may have a groove or other suitable means which permits it to be captured by the slot  16 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the at least one slider  12   b,    12   c  is shown at the distal ends of two side slots  16   a . In this embodiment, the user may slide the at least one slider  12   b,    12   c  to the distal end of any of the side slots  16   a  in order adjust the height (i.e., distance) of the electronic device with respect to the peg. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment, the hanging mechanism  12  may comprise only a single slider which is mechanically coupled to a cord which may have an eyelet suitable to be looped around the peg. This single slider may be slidingly moved along the slot  16  and may be disposed at the distal end of one of the side slots in order to adjust the height of the apparatus  10  with respect to the peg. However, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the hanging mechanism  12  comprises two sliders  12   b,    12   c  which are mechanically coupled to a cord  12   a  such that each slider  12   b,    12   c  may be independently moved to the distal end of any of the side slots  16   a  in order to adjust the height of the apparatus  10  with respect to the peg. It is contemplated that other such means may also be used to adjust the height of the apparatus  10  as is known in the art. 
         [0019]    The cord  12   a  may be constructed of metal, plastic, cloth, or other suitable material. The cord  12   a  may be flexible so as to permit it to be affixed to the peg by looping it around the peg in order to support the apparatus  10 . In some instances, the peg may be recessed in the seatback so that the cord  12   a  may have to extend out from the seat bracket  14  in order for it to be affixed to the peg. 
         [0020]    The seat bracket  14  may be constructed of metal, plastic, metal alloy, or any other suitable material. In one embodiment, the seat bracket  14  may be constructed of aluminum which may facilitate the inclusion of the slot  16 . When the apparatus  10  hangs down from the peg, the seat bracket  14  may also hang down such that the longitudinal axis  14   a  of the seat bracket  14  is substantially parallel to the surface of the seatback. 
         [0021]    The first telescoping arm  20  and the second telescoping arm  22  may be pivotally coupled to the seat bracket  14  such that the first telescoping arm  20  and the second telescoping arm  22  are adapted to move between an open position and a closed position.  FIG. 1  depicts one embodiment in which the first telescoping arm  20  and the second telescoping arm  22  are pivotally coupled to the seat bracket  14  via a yoke  18 . The yoke  18  may be hingedly coupled to the seat bracket  14  at a first axis  18   a  which permits the yoke  18  to hinge such that, when in the closed position, the first telescoping arm  20  and the second telescoping arm  22  are substantially parallel to and substantially proximate to the seat bracket  14 . The yoke  18  and the seat bracket  14  may be mechanically coupled in such a way that the first telescoping arm  20  and the second telescoping arm  22  stop at a fixed angle with respect to the seat bracket  14  when in the open position. For the purposes of this disclosure, “hingedly coupled” is defined as being mechanically coupled so as to permit angular movement around one axis. 
         [0022]    The first telescoping arm  20  may be hingedly coupled to the yoke  18  at a second axis  20   a,  and the second telescoping arm  22  may be hingedly coupled to the yoke  18  at a third axis  22   a  such that the first telescoping arm  20  and the second telescoping arm  22  are able to form a vee capable of supporting the electronic device. The second axis  20   a  and the third axis  22   a  may be substantially parallel so that the first telescoping arm  20  and the second telescoping arm  22  move with respect to each other in the same plane. The combined yoke  18 , first axis  18   a,  second axis  20   a,  and third axis  22   a  may permit the first telescoping arm  20  and the second telescoping arm  22  to pivot between the open position and the closed position. Although this embodiment includes a yoke  18 , it is contemplated that other techniques may be used to pivotally couple the first telescoping arm  20  and the second telescoping arm  22  to the seat bracket  14 . 
         [0023]    The first telescoping arm  20  may comprise an inner tube  20   i  and an outer tube  20   o,  which may be concentric and mechanically coupled to each other such that inner tube  20   i  slides inside the outer tube  20   o  when moving the first telescoping arm  20  between the retracted position and the extended position. The first telescoping arm  20  may also comprise a tube stop (not shown) which may prevent the inner tube  20   i  from sliding out of the outer tube  20   o.  The second telescoping arm  22  may likewise comprise an inner tube  22   i  and an outer tube  22   o,  and these may have the same features and operation as described herein for the first telescoping arm  20 . 
         [0024]    The first telescoping arm  20  may also comprise an end cap  20   e  mechanically coupled to a distal end thereof such that the end cap  20   e  is adapted to support the electronic device. Likewise, the second telescoping arm  22  may comprise an end cap  22   e  mechanically coupled to a distal end thereof. The end caps  20   e,    22   e  may, in addition to supporting the electronic device, permit the user to easily extend the first telescoping arm  20  and the second telescoping arm by allowing the user to grasp the end caps  20   e,    22   e  and pull. The end caps  20   e ,  22   e  may also provide a positive stop when the user fully retracts the first telescoping arm  20  and the second telescoping arm  22 . 
         [0025]    Continuing to refer to  FIG. 1 , the first telescoping arm  20  and the second telescoping arm  22  may each comprise one or more risers  24  mechanically coupled thereto, wherein the risers  24  may each be adapted to form an edge to support the electronic device in a substantially upright position. In this position, bottom edge of the electronic device may rest against the edge of two of the risers  24 , and the top of the electronic device may lean against the seat bracket  14 . The risers  24  may be paired so that they are disposed at approximately the same position on each the first telescoping arm  20  and the second telescoping arm  22 . In this fashion, when the apparatus  10  is in the open position, the electronic device, when in a substantially upright position, may rest on one riser  24  on the first telescoping arm  20  and the corresponding riser  24  on the second telescoping arm  22 . The multiple risers  24  may permit the user to adjust the angle of the electronic device to suit his viewing preference. If the risers  24  are elongated, as shown in  FIG. 1 , they may be disposed at an angle so that their elongated side is substantially parallel to the bottom edge of the electronic device when the apparatus is in the open position. 
         [0026]    The risers  24  may also support the electronic device in a substantially flat position. As such, the risers  24  may comprise a kind of material which may reduce the likelihood of the electronic device from sliding around on the first telescoping arm  20  and the second telescoping arm  22  when the electronic device and the apparatus  10  are exposed to the normal vibrations and motions produced by the vehicle (e.g., a train car as it travels along its track). The top of the end caps  20   e,    22   e  and the tops of the risers  24  may be adapted so as to form a plane to support the electronic device in a substantially flat position. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , one embodiment of the apparatus  40  for supporting an electronic device  36  is illustrated in the open position while hanging on a peg  32  in a seatback  30   b.  The seatback  30   b  may be part of a seat  30  in a train car, bus, or other type of vehicle. The user of the apparatus  40  may be disposed in another seat (not shown) that is behind the seat  30  and its associated seatback  30   b.  The user may affix the apparatus  40  to the peg  32  in the seatback  30   b  and may configure the apparatus  40  in the open position, as shown in  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment of the apparatus  40 , the arms may be telescopic such that they may extend from a refracted position to an extended position. As such, the telescopic arms may permit the electronic device  36  to be supported by the apparatus  40  in a substantially flat position. As used in this disclosure, the phrase “substantially flat position” defines the position of the electronic device when it lay on the arms, as depicted in  FIG. 2 . This may also include electronic devices which have a hinged display, such as laptop computers. 
         [0028]    The apparatus  40  may also comprise one or more braces  38  which may be hingedly coupled to the seat bracket as depicted in  FIG. 2 . The one or more braces  38  may be adapted to move between a first position and a second position, wherein: when in the first position, the one or more braces  38  are substantially parallel to and substantially proximate to the seat bracket; and when in the second position, the one or more braces  38  are substantially perpendicular to the seat bracket and are adapted to engage the seatback  30   b  so as to reduce the likelihood of movement of the electronic device  36  with respect to the seatback  30   b.  Such movement may arise from the normal vibrations and motions produced by the vehicle (e.g., a train car as it travels along its track). The one or more braces  38  may be moved to the first position when the apparatus  40  is moved to its closed position so as to make the apparatus  40  as compact as possible. Likewise, the one or more braces  38  may be moved to the second position when the apparatus  40  is moved to its open position, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus  50  capable of supporting an electronic device (not shown). The apparatus  50  may comprise a hanging mechanism  52 , a seat bracket  54 , a first arm  60 , and a second arm  60 . The hanging mechanism  52  may be mechanically coupled to the seat bracket  54  and may be adapted to be removably affixed to a peg (not shown) in a seatback such that, when the hanging mechanism  52  is affixed to the peg, the apparatus  50  hangs down from the peg. The first arm  60  and the second arm  62  may be pivotally coupled to the seat bracket  54  such that the first arm  60  and the second arm  62  are adapted to move between an open position and a closed position. When in the closed position, the first arm  60  and the second arm  62  may be substantially parallel to and substantially proximate to the seat bracket  54 . When in the open position and when the apparatus  50  hangs down from the peg, the first arm  60  and the second arm  62  may each be adapted to pivot away from the seat bracket  54  and to stop at a fixed angle with respect to the seat bracket  54 . The first arm  60  and the second arm  62  may be adapted to move with respect to each other so as to form a vee adapted to support the electronic device. The first arm  60  and second arm  62  may each comprise one or more risers  64  mechanically coupled thereto, wherein the risers  64  are each adapted to form an edge to support the electronic device in a substantially upright position. 
         [0030]    The seat bracket  54  may include a slot  56  which may comprise a central slot  56   c  and a plurality of side slots  56   a.  The central slot  56   c  and the plurality of side slots  56   a  may form a contiguous channel. The hanging mechanism  52  may comprise a cord  52   a  mechanically coupled to at least one slider  52   b,    52   c.  The at least one slider  52   b,    52   c  may be slidingly coupled to the slot  56  such that the at least one slider  52   b,    52   c  are captured by the slot  56  and are capable of sliding within the slot  56 . This may permit the user to adjust the height of the electronic device with respect to the peg as discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 1 . 
         [0031]    The apparatus embodied in  FIG. 3  may also comprise a yoke  58  which may be hingedly coupled to the seat bracket  54  at a first axis  58   a.  The first arm  60  may be hingedly coupled to the yoke  58  at a second axis  60   a,  and the second arm  62  may be hingedly coupled to the yoke  58  at a third axis  62   a.  The yoke  58  may permit the first arm  60  and the second arm  62  to be pivotally coupled to the seat bracket  54  in a similar fashion to the yoke, first telescoping arm, and second telescoping arm discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 1 . 
         [0032]    Turning now to  FIG. 4 , one embodiment of the apparatus  80  is illustrated in the open position while hanging on a peg  72  in a seatback  70   b.  The seatback  70   b  may be part of a seat  70  in a train car, bus, or other type of vehicle. The user of the apparatus  80  may be disposed in another seat (not shown) that is behind the seat  70  and its associated seatback  70   b.  The user may affix the apparatus  80  to the peg  72  in the seatback  70   b  and may configure the apparatus  80  in the open position, as shown in  FIG. 4 . In this embodiment of the apparatus  80 , the arms may comprise risers which permit the electronic device  76  to be supported by the apparatus  80  in a substantially upright position. As used in this disclosure, the phrase “substantially upright position” defines the position of the electronic device when the bottom of the electronic device is supported by the risers on the arms, and the top of the electronic device leans against the seat bracket, as depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0033]    The risers on the arms may be paired so that, when in the open position, each pair of risers provides an edge against which the bottom edge of the electronic device  76  may rest. As shown in  FIG. 4 , each pair of risers may be disposed on the arms at multiple locations along the length of the arms so as to accommodate electronic devices of different sizes. Also, the multiple pairs of risers permit the user to adjust the angle of the electronic device  76  to suit his viewing angle. A cushion (not shown) may be disposed on the front side of the seat bracket such that the top of electronic device, when in the substantially upright position, rests against the cushion. This cushion may provide a relatively soft surface on which the electronic device may rest in order to reduce the effects of vibration and/or shock. Also, the cushion may also comprise a type of material with a relatively high degree of friction which may reduce the likelihood of the electronic device  76  from moving around when being used. 
         [0034]    One embodiment of a hanging mechanism  92  is shown in  FIG. 5 . In this figure, the remaining parts of the apparatus are omitted for clarity. In this embodiment, the seat bracket  90  may comprise a slot  96  which may comprise a central slot  96   c  and a plurality of side slots  96   a . The central slot  96   c  may be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis  90   a  of the seat bracket  90 . Each of the plurality of side slots  96   a  may comprise a proximate end and a distal end, wherein the proximate end of each of the plurality of side slots  96   a  is contiguously coupled to the central slot  96   c.  The distal ends of each of the plurality of side slots  96   a  may be disposed at a plurality of locations proximate to the longitudinal axis  90   a  of the seat bracket  90 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the distal ends of the side slots  16   a  may be angled upward. The side slots  96   a  may be substantially straight (as shown), they may be arced, or they may assume any other suitable geometry. 
         [0035]    Continuing to refer to  FIG. 5 , the hanging mechanism  92  may comprise a cord  92   a  mechanically coupled to at least one slider  92   b,    92   c,  wherein the at least one slider  92   b,    92   c  is slidingly coupled to the slot  96  such that, when the apparatus is in the open position, the height of the electronic device with respect to the peg is adjusted by sliding the at least one slider  92   b ,  92   c  to the distal end of at least one of the plurality of side slots  96   a.  In the embodiment shown, there are two sliders  92   b,    92   c,  each of which may be slid independent in the slot  96 . The user may move the sliders  92   b,    92   c  to the distal end of the side slots  96   a  in order to adjust the height of the apparatus with respect to the peg. As shown, the sliders  92   b,    92   c  are disposed in the topmost side slots  96   a  so that the height of the apparatus (and the corresponding electronic device supported by the apparatus) is at the lowest point with respect to the peg.  FIG. 5  also illustrates the hanging mechanism  94  when it is adjusted to a different height. Here, the sliders  94   b,    94   c  are disposed in the distal end of another set of sliders  96   a  which adjusts the height of the apparatus to its next-to-lowest point with respect to the peg. 
         [0036]    The side slots  96   a  may be paired, as depicted in  FIG. 5 , so that each pair of side slots  96   a  may be contiguously coupled to the central slot  96   c  at substantially the same location. In this embodiment, the central slot  96   c  may be disposed near the actual physical center of the seat bracket  90 , and the side slots  96   a  (or pairs of side slots  96   a ) may disposed on each side of the central slot  96   c.  However, other embodiments of this type of hanging mechanism are contemplated. For example, the hanging mechanism may only comprise one slider mechanically coupled to a cord which may be in the shape of a loop. In this example, the central slot may be disposed near the edge of the seat bracket  90 , and the distal ends of the side slots may be disposed near the center of the seat bracket  90 . In this fashion, the single slider may be moved to the distal end of one of the side slots in order to adjust the height of the apparatus with respect to the peg. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  show two alternative embodiments for the hanging mechanism. In these figures, the remaining parts of the apparatus are omitted for clarity. In  FIG. 6   a , the hanging mechanism  102  comprises a hanging bracket  102  having a hole  102   a.  The hanging bracket  102  may be mechanically coupled to the seat bracket  100  and may protrude from the seat bracket  100  so that it may be affixed to a peg (not shown) which may be recessed in the seatback. The hole  102   a  may be of sufficient size so that the peg may be inserted through it when affixing the apparatus to the peg. Also the hole  102   a  may be circular (as shown) or may be elongated, tapered, or any other suitable shape. The hanging bracket  102  may be constructed of metal, alloy, plastic, or another other suitable material. The hanging bracket  102  may also be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. The hanging bracket  102  may be mechanically coupled to the seat bracket  100  by welding, gluing, or any other appropriate method, including using various types of fasteners (e.g., screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, etc.) The hanging bracket  102  may be mechanically coupled to the back of the seat bracket  100  as shown. 
         [0038]    In another embodiment, the seat bracket  100  itself may be designed so that the hanging mechanism is formed directly from the seat bracket  100 . For example, the top portion of seat bracket may be angled toward the peg so that this angled portion of the seat bracket becomes the hanging mechanism. This angled portion of the seat bracket may comprise a hole through which the peg may be inserted when affixing the apparatus to the peg. This may be a relatively simple to manufacturer since the angled portion of the seat bracket may be formed when the seat bracket is fabricated. Although this may be relatively simple to implement, this embodiment may not afford the user the possibility of adjusting the height of the apparatus to accommodate people of different sizes and different peg locations in the seatback. 
         [0039]      FIG. 6   b  depicts yet another embodiment of the hanging mechanism  106 , which may comprise a cord  106   a  mechanically coupled to the seat bracket  104  in one or more locations. As shown in  FIG. 6   b , the cord  106   a  may be mechanically coupled to the seat bracket at locations  106   b,    106   c.  The cord  106   a  may be welded, glued, or otherwise affixed to the seat bracket  104  at these locations  106   b,    106   c.  The cord  106   a  may be constructed of metal, plastic, cloth, or any other suitable material, and it may be flexible or semi-flexible. The locations  106   b ,  106   c  at which the cord  106   a  is mechanically coupled to the seat bracket  104  may be disposed on the back side of the seat bracket  104 . Like the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6   a , the embodiment of the hanging mechanism  106  shown in  FIG. 6   b  may be relatively simple to manufacture, but it may not afford the user the possibility of adjusting the height of the apparatus with respect to the peg. 
         [0040]    Turning to  FIG. 7 , a side view of the apparatus  110  is shown. The apparatus  110  may comprise a hanging mechanism  112 , a seat bracket  114 , a yoke  116 , and two arms  118   a ,  118   b.  The yoke  116  may be hingedly coupled to the seat bracket  114  at a first axis  116   a  so that the arms  118   a,    118   b  are adapted to move between an open position and a closed position. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the arms  118   a,    118   b  are in the open position. The angle a may indicate the angle between the seat bracket  114  and the arms  118   a,    118   b.  When in the closed position, a may be substantially zero, and the arms  118   a,    118   b  may be substantially parallel to and proximate to the seat bracket  114 . When in the open position, a may be limited to a fixed angle. This may permit the arms  118   a,    118   b  to assume a relatively fixed position with respect to the seat bracket  114  so as to support the electronic device. 
         [0041]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a may be limited to a fixed angle by the way the yoke  116  is hingedly coupled to the seat bracket  114 . As shown, the first axis  116   a  may be disposed in such a way to create a yoke stop  116   s.  This may be accomplished by placing the location of the first axis  116   a  above the center line of the yoke  116 . In this fashion, the mechanical interference of the yoke  116  and the seat bracket  114  creates a yoke stop  116   s  when a reaches a predetermined fixed angle. This fixed angle may be any suitable value such as, for example, between 60 degrees and 120 degrees. The design of the seat bracket  114  and the yoke  116  may establish this fixed angle. It should be understood that a may be limited to a fixed angle via any number of suitable techniques, as is known in the arts. 
         [0042]    The optimal value of a may depend on the angle of the seatback. Accordingly, the fixed angle of the arms  118   a,    118   b  with respect to the seat bracket  114  when in the open position may depend on the specific type of vehicle (e.g., train car). As an example, for Bombardier MultiLevel Coach trains (see www.bomardier.com), the fixed angle may be about 70 degrees. For other types of trains, the fixed angle may be more or less. The selection of a fixed angle for a may also be adjustable by the user. For example, a screw (not shown) may be inserted through the seat bracket  114  at the yoke stop  116   s  which may be adjustable by the user. The arms  118   a ,  118   b  may or may not be retractable and extendable. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , a top view of the apparatus for supporting an electronic device is depicted, showing a vee stop and an arm synchronizer according to one embodiment of the invention. In  FIG. 8 , only the yoke  120 , a portion of the seat bracket  122 , the first arm  124 , and the second arm  128  are shown. The other parts of the apparatus are omitted for clarity. The yoke  120  may be hingedly coupled to the seat bracket  122  at the first axis  120   a.  The first arm  124  may be hingedly coupled to the yoke  120  at a second axis  124   a.  The first arm  124  may hinge about the second axis  124   a  when moving between the open position and the closed position. Likewise, the second arm  128  may be hingedly coupled to the yoke  120  at a third axis  128   a.  The second arm  128  may hinge about the third axis  128   a  when moving between the open position and the closed position. In this figure, the view is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the seat bracket  122 , the portion of which shown that is pivotally coupled to the yoke  120 . The yoke  120  may hinge with respect to the seat bracket  122  at the first pivot axis  120   a.    
         [0044]    The first arm  124  and the second arm  128  may form a vee when in the open position, and the angle between the first arm  124  and the second arm  128  may be denoted β, as shown in  FIG. 8 . The value of β may be substantially zero when in the closed position, and may range between about 25 to 90 degrees when in the open position. In one embodiment, the value of β may be about 60 degrees. It may be advantageous to limit β when in the open position. For example, if β became too large, the first arm  124  and the second arm  128  may be too far apart to adequately support the electronic device. Also, if β was limited to a fixed angle, the risers disposed on the first arm  124  and the second arm  128  may substantially align in order to support the electronic device in a substantially upright position. Accordingly, the apparatus may include a vee stop which may limit β to a fixed angle. 
         [0045]    In  FIG. 8 , the vee stop comprises a stop  124   s  mechanically coupled to the first arm  124  and a stop  128   s  mechanically coupled to the second arm  128 . The stops  124   s,    128   s  may provide a mechanical interference such that the first arm  124  and the second arm  128  are limited to a fixed angle when in the open position. That is, when the first arm  124  and the second arm  128  are opened to the fixed angle, the stops  124   s,    128   s  may come in contact and prevent β from exceeding the fixed angle. In one embodiment, the fixed angle may be about 30 degrees. Other fixed angles may be utilized as well. Other techniques may be used to implement the vee stop, as is known in the art. 
         [0046]      FIG. 8  also shows an arm synchronizer according to one embodiment of the inventions. The arm synchronizer may comprise a first gear  124   g  mechanically coupled to the first arm  124  and a second gear  128   g  mechanically coupled to the second arm  128 . The first gear  124   g  may be concentric with the second axis  124   a  of the first arm  124 , and the second gear  128   g  may be concentric with the third axis  128   a  of the second arm  128 . The first gear  124   g  may comprise one or more teeth  124   t,  and the second gear  128   g  may also comprise one or more teeth  128   t.  The teeth  124   t,    128   t  may be mechanically coupled to each other such that the first arm  124  and the second arm  128  synchronously hinge about their respective axes. That is, when moving from the closed position (in which β may be substantially zero) to the open position (in which β may be a fixed angle), the first arm  124  and the second arm  128  may move angularly in a synchronous manner. 
         [0047]    The arm synchronizer may permit the user to move the arms  124 ,  128  of the apparatus from the closed position to the open position in a consistent fashion. Without the arm synchronizer, the first arm  124  and the second arm  128  may move independently of each other. Accordingly, it may require the user to consciously observe whether the first arm  124  and the second arm  128  are open to a sufficient degree necessary to support the electronic device. Synchronizing the movement of the arms  124 ,  128 , along with a vee stop (described herein) may allow the user to simply open either the first arm  124  or the second arm  128  until it reaches the angular limit (as defined by the vee stop) to recognize that the apparatus is in the fully open position. As such, this may provide a convenient way for the user to configure the apparatus to the open position. The arm synchronizer shown in  FIG. 8  is only one possible embodiment; it is contemplated that other techniques may be used to coordinate the movement of the first arm  124  with respect to the second arm  128 . 
         [0048]    Turning to  FIG. 9 , an apparatus  140  for supporting an electronic device is shown comprising a hanging mechanism  142 , a seat bracket  144 , a yoke  146 , a first arm  148  and a second arm  150 . In this figure, the first arm  148  and the second arm  150  are shown in the closed position, in which the first arm  148  and the second arm  150  are substantially parallel to and substantially proximate to the seat bracket  144 . When in the closed position, the apparatus  140  may assume a relatively compact shape so as to make it portable. As such, the apparatus  140  may be easily stowed in a purse, handbag, suitcase, or other similar device. 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the first arm  148  and second arm  150  may be telescoping arms or may be non-telescoping arms, as described herein. If the arms are telescoping, the first arm  148  and the second arm  150  may be moved to the retracted position so as to make the apparatus  140  as small as possible in the closed position. The apparatus  140  may also include a strap or elastic band (not shown) to secure the first arm  148  and the second arm  150  in the closed position. As an alternative, the apparatus  140  may comprise one or more magnets which secure the first arm  148  and the second arm  150  in the closed position. As yet another alternative, the three hinging axes on the yoke  146  may have sufficient friction so that the first arm  148  and the second arm  150  remain in the closed position after the user has configured the apparatus  140  in this position. It is contemplated that other methods may be used, as is known in the art, to secure the first arm  148  and the second arm  150  in the closed position. It should also be noted that the apparatus  140  does not necessarily require a mechanism to insure that it remain in the closed position. 
         [0050]    The user may configure the apparatus  140  move from the open position (e.g., as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , for example) to the closed position as depicted in  FIG. 9 . When in the open position, the apparatus  140  may be affixed to a peg in a seatback so as to support an electronic device, either in a substantially flat position (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) or in a substantially upright position (as shown in  FIG. 4 ). When the user has finished using the apparatus  140 , he may remove the electronic device, remove the apparatus  140  from the peg, and move the first arm  148  and the second arm  150  to the closed position, as shown in  FIG. 9 . The user may do this by moving the first arm  148  and the second arm  150  to the refracted position if they are telescoping arms. The user may then move the first arm  148  and the second arm  150  to the closed position, so that they are substantially parallel to and proximate to the seat bracket  144 . When in the closed position, the apparatus  140  may be relatively compact and portable, and the user may be able to stow the apparatus  140  in a purse or handbag. 
         [0051]    Likewise, the user may configure the apparatus  140  to move from the closed position, as shown in  FIG. 9 , to the open position (e.g., as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , for example). In doing so, the user may pull the apparatus  140  from the purse, handbag, briefcase, etc., in which the apparatus  140  has been stowed in the closed position. The user may then move the first arm  148  and the second arm  150  to the open position. If the arms are telescoping, the user may move the first arm  148  and the second arm  150  to any position between the retracted position and the open position, inclusive. The user may do this to adjust the first arm  148  and the second arm  150  to accommodate the size of the electronic device. The user may then affix the hanging mechanism  142  to the peg in the seatback so that the peg supports the apparatus  140 . The user may then place the electronic device on the apparatus  140  so that the apparatus  140  supports the electronic device. The electronic device may be placed on the first arm  148  and the second arm  150  either in a substantially flat position or a substantially upright position, as discussed herein. The user may then turn on the electronic device and begin using it. 
         [0052]    While particular embodiments and aspects of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, although various inventive aspects have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.