Abstract:
A system and method for mounting an interactive technology device on one side of a surface that has a transparent portion. The system includes a flange bracket assembly and a mounting tray assembly to be secured under the surface, generally aligned with the transparent portion, with the flange bracket assembly and/or mounting tray assembly movable and/or pivotable to provide access to an interactive technology device positioned within the mounting tray assembly. The flange bracket assembly and mounting tray assembly protect the interactive technology device from environmental conditions and use of the interactive technology device does not interfere with the intended use of the surface. The method includes attaching a mounting system relative to the surface.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/597,518 filed Feb. 10, 2012 the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Workstations for computers are known as are keyboard drawers that allow the location of a keyboard to be adjusted for the convenience of the user. Devices other than keyboards that allow a user to interact with electronic equipment are also known. Typical non-limiting examples of prior devices are illustrated in the following documents: U.S. Patent Application Publication US2006/0189365 to Crawford, III et al, published Aug. 24, 2006; U.S. Patent Application Publication US2010/0056287 to Chung, published Mar. 4, 2010; U.S. Patent Application Publication US2009/0315715 to Larsen, published Dec. 24, 2009; U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2010/0307382 to Mammana et al, published Dec. 9, 2010; U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2005/0029910 to Woods published Feb. 10, 2005; U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,866 to Kirchhoff, issued Sep. 6, 2005; U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,422 to Welborn, Jr. et al, issued Apr. 14, 1998; U.S. Patent Application Publication 2002/0020329 to Kowalski, published Feb. 21, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,428 to Huang, issued Jan. 21, 1997, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,616 to Chang et al, issued Jan. 22, 1991. The entireties of each of the foregoing are hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0003]    The implementation of the prior art identified above results in numerous limitations. For example, many of the prior art devices described in the above documents are intended to be attached to a work surface but actually interfere with the use of the work surface. Other prior art devices described in the above documents will extend beyond a work surface and thus expose the device to environmental conditions that limit the ability of the devices to provide suitable interaction. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The system described below provides an interactive system mounted relative to a surface that, in general terms, does not interfere with the use of the surface and, at the same time, protects the interactive system from adverse environmental conditions. The foregoing will be explained in greater detail and other benefits of the present system will also be explained in greater detail. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify corresponding components: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of two interactive visual portal systems illustrated as being on opposite ends of a table for exemplary purposes only; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of an interactive visual portal system flange bracket assembly; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of an interactive visual portal system flange bracket assembly; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is an elevation view of one side of an interactive visual portal system flange bracket privacy side assembly; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is an elevation view of another side of an interactive visual portal system flange bracket privacy side assembly; 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a partial elevation view of one side of an interactive visual portal system flange bracket assembly of  FIG. 4  including a partial section view as seen in the direction of arrow  1  in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of an interactive visual portal system mounting tray assembly; 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of an interactive visual portal system mounting tray assembly; 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is an elevation view of one side of an interactive visual portal system mounting tray privacy side assembly; 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  is an elevation view of another side of an interactive visual portal system mounting tray privacy side assembly; 
           [0016]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of an interactive visual portal system flange bracket assembly and mounting tray assembly; 
           [0017]      FIG. 12  is an elevation view of a slider assembly; 
           [0018]      FIG. 13  is an elevation view of a slider assembly; 
           [0019]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view of a slider assembly; 
           [0020]      FIG. 15  is an elevation view of one side of an interactive visual portal system assembly with the flange bracket assembly and mounting tray assembled together; 
           [0021]      FIG. 16  is an elevation view of an interactive visual portal system assembly as viewed from the front; 
           [0022]      FIG. 17  is a partial isometric view of a support surface; 
           [0023]      FIG. 18  is a partial isometric view of a support surface with an interactive visual portal system in position for use; 
           [0024]      FIG. 19  is a plan view of two interactive visual portal system assemblies illustrated as mounted below a surface; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 20  is a side elevation view of two interactive visual portal system assemblies illustrated as mounted below a surface. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    In the following description, it should be appreciated that terms are being used, and examples are being provided, for assistance in understanding the subject matter and are to be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of two interactive visual portal systems illustrated in connection with a table 1. Positioned on the table are two cups  2  that illustrate that the portals may be used in conjunction with and concurrently with a surface such as the top of a table without interfering with the normal use of the table surface. A portion or area  3  at the edge of the table indicates one potential position for an interactive visual portal system transparent viewable area. Above the area  3  the table is provided with a transparent portion  4  which may be, for example, glass or plastic. Of course the entire table top surface may be transparent if desired.  FIG. 1  includes a representation of the arm/hand  5  of the user of the portal. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of an interactive visual portal system flange bracket assembly that is provided such that the portal may be mounted relative to the surface of the table. The flange bracket assembly may be a generally U-shaped flanged bracket having first, second and third legs which may be separate parts, separate parts joined together, or a single part in which is bent of formed into three legs. A first generally flat leg  6  of the bracket includes an upper flange  7  extending outwardly at approximately 90 degrees with the flange preferably but not necessarily extending the entire length of the leg  6 . The flange  7  includes a top surface  8  to be secured to one side of the surface  1 . When the surface  1  is part of a table, the top surface  8  of the flange is to be attached to the underside of the table. It should be understood that if the surface  1  is a vertical surface, then the flange can be attached behind or in front of the surface. The bracket flange  8  includes a generally preferably flat area that can be used for fastening with various methods such as apertures or mounting holes  9 ,  10  through which suitable fasteners (not shown) can, if desired, extend to fasten the flange to the underside of the surface  1 . The mounting holes  10  may be elongated to provide for adjusting the position of the bracket. 
         [0029]    The generally U-shaped bracket includes a second leg  12  preferably at a right angle to the first leg  6  with the intersection of the first and second legs indicated by the reference numeral  11 . The second generally flat leg  12  of the bracket includes an upper flange  14  extending outwardly at approximately 90 degrees with the flange preferably but not necessarily extending the entire length of the leg  12 . The bracket flange  14  includes a general area in which can be used for fastening with various methods and apertures or mounting holes  15  through which suitable fasteners (not shown) can, if desired, extend to fasten the flange to the underside of the surface  1 . The mounting holes  15  may be elongated to provide for adjusting the position of the bracket. 
         [0030]    The generally U-shaped bracket includes a third leg  17  preferably at a right angle to the second leg  12  and parallel to the first leg  6  with the intersection of the second and third legs indicated by the reference numeral  16 . The third leg  17  is generally flat and includes a flange  19  at the top, the flange extending outwardly at approximately 90 degrees with the flange preferably but not necessarily extending the entire length of the leg  17 . The bracket flange  19  includes a general area in which can be used for fastening with various methods and apertures or mounting holes  20 ,  21  through which suitable fasteners (not shown) can, if desired, extend to fasten the flange to the underside of the surface  1 . The mounting holes  21  may be elongated to provide for adjusting the position of the bracket. The use of elongated mounting holes  10  and  21  in the flanges of the first and third legs, respectively, allows for adjustment of the position of the bracket relative to the underside of the surface to which it is attached. The flange surfaces or attachment surfaces of the three flanges are not required to be but are preferably in the same plane. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3 , as noted above, is a plan view of an interactive visual portal system flange bracket assembly. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 4-6  illustrate additional features of the flange bracket assembly with  FIG. 6  being a view as seen in the direction of arrow  1  (reference numeral  22 ) in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 4-5  are elevation views of the sides of an interactive visual portal system flange bracket privacy side assemblies. Each of the side legs  6 ,  17  may be tapered on the edge farthest from the flange with the taper extending such that the rear of the leg, i.e., the portion of the leg closest to the center leg  12 , is shorter than the front of the leg, i.e., the portion of the leg most remote from the center leg. Each of the side legs includes an aperture to receive a pin or other structure for pivoting. The apertures  23 ,  27  are positioned adjacent the rear of the side legs. Each of the side legs includes, at the front, a downwardly extending tab  24 ,  28 , and each tab is provided with an aperture  25 ,  29  respectively. The lower edge  26 ,  30  of each side leg extend between the front and rear of the leg thus providing the aforementioned taper. 
         [0034]      FIG. 6  illustrates a fastener extending through an aperture in the flange surface  14  such that the flange (and thus the bracket) is secured to the underside of the surface  31 . 
         [0035]    Referring next to  FIGS. 7-11 , various details of an interactive visual portal system mounting tray assembly tray will be explained.  FIG. 9  is an elevation view of one side of an interactive visual portal system mounting tray privacy side assembly and  FIG. 10  is an elevation view of another side of an interactive visual portal system mounting tray privacy side assembly. The mounting tray assembly may optionally be considered as part of a mounting system. Typically the mounting tray assembly will be rectangular or square but the mounting tray assembly may be of suitable configuration to accommodate the interactive device. For explanatory purposes only, the mounting tray assembly will be described in general terms and includes a horizontal surface with opposed, upwardly extending vertical side walls  32  and  46 . Side wall  32  extends from a front edge  33  toward the rear and terminates in an upwardly extending tab  34  having an aperture  35  therethrough. The side wall  32  includes an elongated, preferably arcuate slot  36  at the front and a lower edger  37 . 
         [0036]    The mounting tray assembly includes a generally flat base  38  which may include one or more series of mounting apertures  39  therethrough. The mounting tray assembly includes an upwardly extending rear wall  40  having a top surface  41 . The mounting tray assembly includes a side wall  45  which includes a lower edge  46 , an upper edge  37 , an upwardly extending tab  48  at the rear with an aperture  49  therethrough, and an arcuate slot  50  adjacent the front of the side wall. 
         [0037]    Finally, the front  42  of the mounting tray assembly has an upwardly extending wall  43  and a handle  44 . 
         [0038]    The mounting tray assembly may be formed from a single piece of material (metal, plastic) bent or molded into the desired configuration, or from a series of parts secured together. 
         [0039]    The size and shape of the mounting tray assembly may be configured to the VESA Flat Display Mounting Interface Standard and/or can be customized to house any number of locations and holes with which to allow for attaching any type of interactive technology device or assembly such as mobile wireless devices, PDA&#39;s, Tablets, PC&#39;s, and E-Readers, the foregoing list being understood to be merely non-limiting examples. 
         [0040]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of an interactive visual portal system flange bracket assembly and a mounting tray assembly that together may be considered a mounting system. In  FIG. 11  the mounting system is illustrated as would be seen, for example, from the rear looking outwardly toward the handle  44 . The assembly has an open front area  53 , generally extending from side to side, and extending downwardly  54  from the top toward the bottom of the mounting tray assembly. An access opening  55  is provided at the rear of the assembly, the access area for power cables or other connectors. An exemplary interactive device  56  is indicated as positioned within the mounting system and preferably within the mounting tray assembly. The interactive device may be of any desired type such as a keyboard, interactive touch screen, thin film technology, controller, wireless or wired device, etc. 
         [0041]    The combination of the mounting tray assembly and flange bracket assembly will now be explained in general terms. The mounting tray assembly and flange bracket assembly are configured relative to each other such that the mounting tray assembly is received within the flange bracket assembly. The flanges of the mounting tray assembly are connected to the underside of the table. Connecting or pivot pins at the rear of the mounting tray assembly and the rear of the flange bracket assembly provide for hinged or pivoting movement of the two parts relative to each other and thus relative to the underside of the table surface. Connecting pins at the front of the flange bracket assembly and the arcuate or curved slots in the front of the mounting tray assembly limit the degree of pivoting movement of the mounting tray assembly. The connecting pins may be threaded connectors with suitable washers and wing nuts such that the degree of pivoting may be adjusted. 
         [0042]    The components of the flange bracket assembly and mounting tray assembly are such to preferably provide privacy in that someone adjacent to but not directly in front of the handle  44  will not be able to observe the interactive device  56  thus allowing privacy as a user enters a PIN or password or otherwise use the device. The components of the mounting tray assembly and flange bracket assembly are such to preferably environmentally shield the interactive device  56  such that moisture will not affect the interactive device and sunlight will not interfere with the user observing the content on the screen of the interactive device. 
         [0043]    Additional details of the assembly and use of the present system will now be explained.  FIGS. 12-15  illustrate that the system may be used with a conventional two-part slider assembly  57 ,  58 , one of the parts to be attached to the outside of the flange bracket assembly and the other part attached to the underside of the surface to which the assembly is to be mounted. The two-part slider assembly as thus attached allows the entire interactive visual portal system to slide inwardly and outwardly relative to the surface. This type of slide assembly is well known and one such slide assembly is used on each side of the tray. Two-part slide assemblies of the type described are conventionally utilized for desk drawers, file cabinet drawers, etc. 
         [0044]      FIG. 15  illustrates that with a suitable pivot pin  59  at the rear of the assembly and a guide in  60  at the front of the assembly and through the arcuate slot, the tray may be moved laterally via the slider assembly  57 ,  58  in the direction of arrow  61 , and arcuately up and down in the direction of arrow  62 , e.g., a tilting of the tray relative to the horizontal surface. 
         [0045]      FIG. 16  illustrates a mounting system such as a mounting tray assembly and flange bracket assembly, along with sliders and interactive device  56  secured to the underside of the table 1 in position to be used as contemplated herein. Specifically, the mounting system is illustrated relative to a mounting surface  31 . As indicated previously the mounting surface  31  may be horizontal, vertical (or even at an angle) and when the system is used in connection with a table, the mounting surface  31  would be the underside of the top of the table. As described above there may be two different two-part slider assemblies, one on each side of mounting system. Each of the slider assemblies has one part secured to the underside of the surface  31  at  63 ,  64  respectively and the second part of each two-part slider assembly secured to the mounting system at  65 ,  66 , respectively. In  FIG. 16 , the flange bracket assembly legs are identified by reference numerals  67  and  68 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 17  illustrates in partial isometric view a support surface and  FIG. 18  illustrates in partial isometric view a support surface with an interactive visual portal system assembly in position for use. In  FIGS. 17 and 18  a cup  2  is illustrated to demonstrate concurrent use of the table top and the interactive visual portal system.  FIG. 18  also shows the interactive visual portal system relative to the table top, the edge  3  of the table and the viewing area  4 . In this regard it should be noted that the interactive device is attached to the floor of the mounting tray assembly and thus has a natural or native tilt or inclination for the ergonometric benefit of ease of view and ease of use. It should be further noted, with reference back to  FIG. 7 , that the base  38  of the mounting tray assembly is inclined and provided with suitable attachment apertures  39  such that the interactive device may be attached to the mounting tray assembly if desired. 
         [0047]      FIG. 19  illustrates a surface below or behind which two interactive visual portal systems are positioned and  FIG. 20  illustrates the two interactive visual portal systems in which one system has been pivoted downwardly as seen in the direction of arrow  62  while the other mounting system has been pivoted or tilted downwardly as seen in the direction of arrow  62  and moved outwardly as seen in the direction of arrow  61 . In  FIG. 20 , reference numeral  4  indicates that the interactive device or screen may be viewed looking through a transparent portion in the top of the surface with the entire viewing area generally identified as  71 . Reference numeral  70  indicates that the mounting system has been extended outwardly thus increasing the viewing area  72 , with the user viewing the interactive screen with or without looking through the transparent portion of the top of the surface. 
         [0048]    The interactive visual system to be mounted to a surface has numerous applications. By way of non-limiting example, the system allows the user to view, interact, mount, house, position and/or incorporate interactive technology, mobile technology, mobile interactive devices, interactive film technology, interactive displays, interactive all-in-one computer technology, single touch or multi touch technology. The system may be configured and attached to consumer, household, commercial, industrial and/or retail furnishings or surfaces while preferably allowing for full, simultaneous, non obtrusive use of the top of the mounting surface. The system has applications such as allowing access to e-mails, social media, advertising, gaming, video and audio conferencing, and numerous other applications through the use of interactive technology both indoors and out-of-doors. The system has applications via cloud-based storage, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. 
         [0049]    The foregoing is a complete but exemplary description. Many changes and modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill upon reading the foregoing without departing from the spirit and scope of the above description.