WO2014079026A1

WO2014079026A1 - Terminal supporting apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2014079026A1
Application number: PCT/CN2012/085079
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ke Zhang; Qi Zhang; Yang Liu
Original assignee: Thomson Licensing
Priority date: 2012-11-22
Filing date: 2012-11-22
Publication date: 2014-05-30

Abstract

A terminal supporting apparatus includes: an attachment member configured to be attached to a back of a terminal to be supported; a bottom end member coupled to the attachment member via a first pivot; an upper end member coupled to the attachment member via a second pivot; and an intermediate member coupled to the bottom end member and the upper end member via third and fourth pivots, respectively; a first magnet mechanism provided between the bottom end member and the intermediate member such that a magnetic force thereof releasably holds the bottom end member and at least a part of the intermediate member in a first plane; and a second magnet mechanism provided between the upper end member and the intermediate member such that a magnetic force thereof releasably holds the upper end member and at least a part of the intermediate member in a second plane.

Description

TERMINAL SUPPORTING APPARATUS

Technical Field

The disclosure relates to a terminal supporting apparatus.

Background Art

A terminal supporting apparatus is used to support a terminal, such as a tablet, a pad, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) , a mobile telephone or other computing devices with a display screen, on an object such as a table, a desk or the like. Patent Document 1 US 2012/0261304 Al discloses such a terminal supporting apparatus, which comprises a pair of panels with malleable spine and a strap. The panels are bendable over the spine and the strap to be supported in a predetermined position.

Known terminal supporting apparatuses have a disadvantage that they cannot support the terminal at variable angles. In other words, known terminal supporting apparatuses can only support the terminal at one fixed angle.

Therefore, an object of this disclosure is to provide a terminal supporting apparatus which can support a terminal at variable angles.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a terminal supporting apparatus for supporting a terminal with respect to an object is provided, which terminal supporting apparatus includes: an attachment member configured to be attached to a back of a terminal to be supported; a bottom end member coupled to the attachment member via a first pivot such that the bottom end member can rotate with respect to the attachment member, the bottom end member comes in contact with the object when the terminal is supported with respect to the object; an upper end member coupled to the attachment member via a second pivot such that the upper end member can rotate with respect to the attachment member, the second pivot being in parallel with the first pivot; an intermediate member coupled to the bottom end member and the upper end member via third and fourth pivots, respectively, such that the intermediate member can rotate with respect to the bottom end member and the upper end member, the third and fourth pivots being in parallel with the first pivot; a first magnet mechanism provided between the bottom end member and the intermediate member such that a magnetic force of the first magnet mechanism releasably holds the bottom end member and at least a part of the intermediate member in a first plane; and a second magnet mechanism provided between the upper end member and the intermediate member such that a magnetic force of the second magnet mechanism releasably holds the upper end member and at least a part of the intermediate member in a second plane.

According to the aspect of the disclosure, a terminal supporting apparatus can be obtained which can support a terminal at variable angles .

Brief Description of Drawings

Fig. 1A is a perspective view for schematically illustrating an example of a terminal supporting apparatus 10A which supports a terminal 1 at a first angle.

Fig. IB is a side view of the terminal supporting apparatus 10A illustrated in Fig. 1A .

Fig. 2A is a perspective view for schematically illustrating the terminal supporting apparatus 10A which supports the terminal 1 at a second angle.

Fig. 2B is a side view of the terminal supporting apparatus 10A illustrated in Fig. 2A.

Fig. 3A is a perspective view for schematically illustrating the terminal supporting apparatus 10A which supports the terminal 1 at a third angle.

Fig. 3B is a side view of the terminal supporting apparatus 10A illustrated in Fig. 3A.

Fig. 4 is a side view for schematically illustrating magnet mechanisms of the terminal supporting apparatus 10A.

Fig. 5A is an enlarged view of a portion Y in Fig. 4 and is a diagram for schematically illustrating a detached status where opposed end faces of neighboring hinged members are released.

Fig. 5B is a diagram for schematically illustrating an attached status where opposed end faces of neighboring hinged members are attracted to each other.

Fig. 6A is a perspective view for schematically illustrating a terminal supporting apparatus 10B according to another example in which the terminal supporting apparatus 10B supports a terminal 1 at a first angle.

Fig. 6B is a side view of the terminal supporting apparatus 10B illustrated in Fig. 6A.

Fig. 7A is a perspective view for schematically illustrating a status in which the terminal supporting apparatus 10B supports the terminal 1 at a second angle.

Fig. 7B is a side view of the terminal supporting apparatus 10B illustrated in Fig. 7A .

Fig. 8A is a perspective view for schematically illustrating a terminal supporting apparatus IOC according to yet another example in which the terminal supporting apparatus IOC supports a terminal 1 at a first angle.

Fig. 8B is a perspective view for schematically illustrating a status in which the terminal supporting apparatus IOC supports the terminal 1 at a second angle.

Fig. 8C is a perspective view for schematically illustrating a status in which the terminal supporting apparatus IOC supports the terminal 1 at a third angle.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

In the following, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figs. 1A, 2A and 3A are perspective views for schematically illustrating an example of a terminal supporting apparatus 10A which supports a terminal 1 at a first angle oil, a second angle a.2 and a third angle 3 , respectively. In Figs. 1A, 2A and 3A, the terminal supporting apparatus 10A is illustrated from a back side of the terminal 1. Figs. IB, 2B and 3B are side views of the terminal supporting apparatus 10A illustrated in Figs.lA, 2A and 3A, respectively. Fig. 4 is a side view for schematically illustrating magnet mechanisms of the terminal supporting apparatus 10A.

The terminal supporting apparatus 10A may be used to support a terminal 1 on an object 2. The terminal 1 may include a display screen (not illustrated) . The terminal 1 may be a tablet, a pad, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile telephone or other computing devices with a display screen. The object 2 may provide a surface on which the terminal 1 is supported via the terminal supporting apparatus 10A. The object 2 may depend on a circumstance in which a user uses the terminal 1. Typically, the object 2 may be a table, a desk or the like. Further, typically, the object 2 may provide a horizontal surface.

The terminal supporting apparatus 10A may include an attachment member 12, a bottom end member 14, an upper end member 16, an intermediate member 20, a first magnet mechanism 30, a second magnet mechanism 40 and a third magnet mechanism 50.

The attachment member 12 may be configured to be attached to a back of the terminal 1, as illustrated in Fig. 1A, etc. The attachment member 12 may be fixed to the back of the terminal 1. A way of fixing the attachment member 12 to the back of the terminal 1 may be arbitrary. For example, the attachment member 12 may be detachably fixed to the back of the terminal 1 by means of a fit (a snap fit, for example), a slide connection, a hook and a loop connection (Velcro (trademark) , for example) , or a magnet. Further, the attachment member 12 may be fixed to the back of the terminal 1 by means of a screw or a bolt. Alternatively, the attachment member 12 may merely contact with the back of the terminal 1.

The attachment member 12 may contact with the back of the terminal 1 with a surface contact a line contact or point contacts. An area of the terminal 1 which is supported by the attachment member 12 may include the center of gravity of the terminal 1.

The attachment member 12 may have a lower end around a bottom edge of the terminal 1. For example, the attachment member 12 may have the lower end at the same level as the bottom edge of the terminal 1. Alternatively, the attachment member 12 may have the lower end below the bottom edge of the terminal 1.

The attachment member 12 may have an upper end at any level. The attachment member 12 may have an upper end above the center of the height of the terminal 1.

The attachment member 12 may be attached around the center of the terminal 1 in an X direction (a lateral direction) . Further, the attachment member 12 may have any width in the X direction. Further, the attachment member 12 may be partially separated in the X direction.

The attachment member 12 may have a planer shape (plate- shaped member) . However, attachment member 12 may have any shape, depending on the shape of the back of the terminal 1.

The bottom end member 14 may be placed on the object 2 when the terminal 1 is supported by the terminal supporting apparatus 10A. The bottom end member 14 may come in contact with the object 2 when the terminal 1 is supported by the terminal supporting apparatus 10A. In this case, at least a part of the gravity of the terminal 1 may be transmitted to the object 2 via the bottom end member 14. The terminal 1 may come in contact with the object 2 when the terminal 1 is supported by the terminal supporting apparatus 10A. In this case, the gravity of the terminal 1 may be transmitted to the object 2 via the terminal 1 and the bottom end member 14.

The bottom end member 14 is coupled to the attachment member 12. The bottom end member 14 may be coupled to the lower end of the attachment member 12. The bottom end member 14 may be coupled to the attachment member 12 via a first pivot PI such that the bottom end member 14 can rotate with respect to the attachment member 12. The first pivot PI may extend in the X direction. The first pivot PI may be defined by a pivot pin. The pivot pin may be fixed to one of the bottom end member 14 and the attachment member 12 by means of a caulking.

The upper end member 16 is coupled to the attachment member 12. The upper end member 16 may be coupled to the upper end of the attachment member 12, as illustrated in Fig. 1A, etc. Alternatively, the upper end member 16 may be coupled to a portion between the lower end and the upper end of the attachment member 12.

The upper end member 16 may be coupled to the attachment member 12 via a second pivot P2 such that the upper end member 16 can rotate with respect to the attachment member 12. The second pivot P2 may extend in the X direction. The second pivot P2 may be defined by a pivot pin. The pivot pin may be fixed to one of the upper end member 16 and the attachment member 12 by means of a caulking.

The intermediate member 20 is coupled to the bottom end member 14 and the upper end member 16 In other words, the intermediate member 20 connects the bottom end member 14 and the upper end member 16 The intermediate member 20 may be coupled to the bottom end member 14 and the upper end member 16 via third and fourth pivots P3 and P4 , respectively, such that the intermediate member 20 can rotate with respect to the bottom end member 14 and the upper end member 16. The third and fourth pivots P3 and P4 may extend in the X direction. The third and fourth pivots P3 and P4 may be defined by pivot pins The pivot pin of the third pivot P3 may be fixed to one of the bottom end member 14 and the intermediate member 20 by means of a caulking. The pivot pin of the fourth pivot P4 may be fixed to one of the upper end member 16 and the intermediate member 20 by means of a caulking. Further, the third and fourth pivots P3 and P4 may be defined by folding lines. In other words, the rotation of the intermediate member 20 with respect to the bottom end member 14 and the upper end member 16 may be implemented by folding the intermediate member 20 along predetermined folding lines with respect to the bottom end member 14 and the upper end member 16. The folding lines may be weaken portions (thin portions) formed at boundaries between the intermediate member 20 and the bottom end member 14 and between the intermediate member 20 and the upper end member 16.

In the illustrated example, the intermediate member 20 includes a first intermediate portion 22 and a second intermediate portion 24. The first intermediate portion 22 is coupled to the bottom end member 14 via the third pivot P3. The second intermediate portion 24 is coupled to the upper end member 16 via the fourth pivot P4. Further, the first intermediate portion 22 and the second intermediate portion 24 are coupled to each other via a fifth pivot P5 such that the first intermediate portion 22 can rotate with respect to the second intermediate portion 24. The fifth pivot P5 may be defined by a pivot pin or a folding line, as is the case with the third and fourth pivots P3 and P4.

The first magnet mechanism 30 may be provided between the bottom end member 14 and the first intermediate portion 22 of the intermediate member 20, as illustrated in Fig. 4. The first magnet mechanism 30 may be configured such that the magnetic force of the first magnet mechanism 30 releasably holds the bottom end member 14 and the first intermediate portion 22 of the intermediate member 20 in the same plane (indicated as a first plane Rl) , as illustrated in Fig. 2B and Fig. 3B. Fig. IB illustrates the status in which the magnetic force of the first magnet mechanism 30 does not act and thus the bottom end member 14 and the first intermediate portion 22 are detached (released) from each other.

The second magnet mechanism 40 may be provided between the upper end member 16 and the second intermediate portion 24 of the intermediate member 20, as illustrated in Fig. 4. The second magnet mechanism 40 may be configured such that the magnetic force of the second magnet mechanism 40 releasably holds the upper end member 16 and the second intermediate portion 24 of the intermediate member 20 in the same plane (indicated as a second plane R2) , as illustrated in Fig. IB and Fig. 2B. Fig. 3B illustrates the status in which the magnetic force of the second magnet mechanism 40 does not act and thus the upper end member 16 and the second intermediate portion 24 are detached (released) from each other.

The third magnet mechanism 50 may be provided between the first intermediate portion 22 and the second intermediate portion 24, as illustrated in Fig. 4. The third magnet mechanism 50 may be configured such that the magnetic force of the third magnet mechanism 50 releasably holds the first intermediate portion 22 and the second intermediate portion 24 of the intermediate member 20 in the same plane, as illustrated in Fig. IB and Fig. 3B. Fig. 2B illustrates the status in which the magnetic force of the third magnet mechanism 50 does not act and thus the first intermediate portion 22 and the second intermediate portion 24 are detached (released) from each other.

Fig. 5A is an enlarged view of a portion Y in Fig. 4 and schematically illustrates a detached status. Fig. 5B is a diagram for schematically illustrating an attached status.

Here, an example of a configuration of the second magnet mechanism 40 is described with reference to Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B . However, the first and third magnet mechanism 30 and 50 may have the same configuration.

The second magnet mechanism 40 may include a pair of magnets 42 and 44.

The magnet 42 may be provided at an end of the second intermediate portion 24 of the intermediate member 20. The magnets 42 may be attached to an end face 24a of the second intermediate portion 24. Alternatively, the magnets 42 may be embedded in the end face 24a of the second intermediate portion 24.

The magnet 44 may be provided at an end of the upper end member 16. The magnet 44 may be attached to an end face 16a of the upper end member 16. Alternatively, the magnets 44 may be embedded in the end face 16a of the upper end member 16.

The end of the second intermediate portion 24 to which the magnet 42 is attached may be opposed to the end of the upper end member 16 to which the magnet 44 is attached. The magnets 42 and 44 are opposed to each other such that a magnetic attraction force generates between them. It is noted that the one of the magnets 42 and 44 may be replaced with a metal element or the like which is attracted to the magnet .

In the illustrated example, the fourth pivot P4 is provided at an inner end of the end face 16a and the end face 24a. In other words, the fourth pivot P4 is provided on the side of the attachment member 12. Thus, the end face 16a and the end face 24a are coupled to each other on the side of the attachment member 12 via the fourth pivot P4. The end face 16a and the end face 24a may be opened when the upper end member 16 rotates with respect to the second intermediate portion 24 in a counterclockwise direction (in the view of Fig. 4) around the fourth pivot P4. When a distance (or an angle) between the end face 16a and the end face 24a becomes smaller than a predetermined distance (or a predetermined angle) , the magnetic forces F may act to causes the end face 16a and the end face 24a to be closed as illustrated in Fig. 5B . It is noted that the attached status of the end face 16a and the end face 24a illustrated in Fig. 5B corresponds to the statuses illustrated in Fig. IB and Fig. 2B.

In this way, according to the illustrated example, the intermediate member 20 can be selectively integrated with the bottom end member 14 or the upper end member 16.

For example, when the intermediate member 20 is integrated with the upper end member 16 such that the intermediate member 20 and the upper end member 16 forms the second plane R2 , as illustrated in Fig. 1A and Fig. IB, the terminal supporting apparatus 10A can support the terminal 1 at the first angle l . In this status, the magnetic forces of the second magnet mechanism 40 and the third magnet mechanism 50 act to cause the intermediate member 20 and the upper end member 16 to be held in the second plane R2 , while the magnetic force of the first magnet mechanism 30 does not act due to a relatively great angle between the intermediate member 20 and the bottom end member 14. Among the intermediate member 20 and the bottom end member 14, only the bottom end member 14 comes in contact with the obj ect 2.

When the intermediate member 20 is integrated with the bottom end member 14 such that the intermediate member 20 and the bottom end member 14 forms the first plane Rl , as illustrated in Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, the terminal supporting apparatus 10A can support the terminal 1 at the third angle 3 In this status, the magnetic forces of the first magnet mechanism 30 and the third magnet mechanism 50 act to cause the intermediate member 20 and the bottom end member 14 to be held in the first plane Rl , while the magnetic force of the second magnet mechanism 40 does not act due to a relatively great angle between the intermediate member 20 and the upper end member 16. The intermediate member 20 and the bottom end member 14 come in contact with the obj ect 2.

When the first intermediate portion 22 of intermediate member 20 is integrated with the bottom end member 14 and the second intermediate portion 24 with the upper end member 16, as illustrated in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, the terminal supporting apparatus 10A can support the terminal 1 at the second angle a.2. In this status, the magnetic forces of the first magnet mechanism 30 and the second magnet mechanism 40 act to cause the intermediate member 20 and the bottom end member 14 to be held in the first plane Rl , while the magnetic force of the third magnet mechanism 50 does not act due to a relatively great angle between the first intermediate portion 22 and the second intermediate portion 24. The first intermediate portion 22 of the intermediate member 20 and the bottom end member 14 come in contact with the object 2.

Figs. 6A and 7A are perspective views for schematically illustrating a terminal supporting apparatus 10B according to another example which selectively supports the terminal 1 at a first angle 4 or a second angle 5. In Figs . 6A and 7A, the terminal supporting apparatus 10B is illustrated from a back side of the terminal 1. Figs. 6B and 7B are side views of the terminal supporting apparatus 10B illustrated in Figs. 6A and 7A, respectively.

The example illustrated in Fig. 6A, etc., may differ from the example described above and illustrated in Fig. 1A, etc., in that the intermediate member 20 does not include two portions. In other words, the intermediate member 20 is a single member. Thus, the example illustrated in Fig. 6A, etc., does not include the fifth pivot P5 and the third magnet mechanism 50. Other elements may have the same configuration as the corresponding elements of the example illustrated in Fig. 1A, etc. The first angle 4 may be the same as the angle l or different from the angle al . Similarly, the second angle a5 may be the same as the angle a3 or different from the angle a3.

In this way, the intermediate member 20 may include any number of the intermediate portions. In other words, the intermediate member 20 may include one or more intermediate portions. The number of the intermediate portions may determine the number of the angles at which the terminal 1 is supported with respect to the object 2. Thus, the number of the intermediate portions may be determined in terms of the demand for the number of the angles at which the terminal 1 is supported with respect to the object 2.

Figs. 8A, 8B and 8C are perspective views for schematically illustrating a terminal supporting apparatus IOC according to yet another example which supports a terminal 1 at a first angle α6 , a second angle al and a third angle 8 , respectively.

The example illustrated in Fig. 8A, etc., may differ from the example described above and illustrated in Fig. 1A, etc., in that a bottom end member 14C of the terminal supporting apparatus IOC includes feet 70. Other elements may have the same configuration as the corresponding elements of the example illustrated in Fig. 1A, etc. The angles 6, a! and 8 may be the same as the angles l, 2 and 3 , respectively, or different from the angle al, a2 and α3 , respectively.

The bottom end member 14 may include feet 70 on the opposite sides in the width direction (which corresponds to the direction illustrated in Fig. 1A) . In other words, the feet 70 may extend in the width direction. Further, the feet 70 may also extend in the depth direction in which the remaining portion of the bottom end member 14 extends. The feet 70 may come in contact with the object 2 when the terminal 1 is supported by the terminal supporting apparatus IOC. In this case, at least a part of the gravity of the terminal 1 may be transmitted to the object 2 via the feet 70 of the bottom end member 14. In this case, stability in supporting the terminal 1 may be increased. Thus, the feet 70 may be provided if better stability is required .

In the example illustrated in Fig. 8A, etc., the feet 70 may be formed integrally with the remaining portion of the bottom end member 14. Alternatively, the feet 70 may be may be formed separately from the remaining portion of the bottom end member 14 and then coupled to the remaining portion of the bottom end member 14 by means of any fixture such as bolts or screws. In any case, the feet 70 of the bottom end member 14 may be coupled to the attachment member 12 via the first pivot PI (see Fig. 1A, etc) such that the bottom end member 14 can rotate with respect to the attachment member 12. In other words, the attachment member 12 may be rotatably coupled to the feet 70 of the bottom end member 14.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions, nor does the organization of such examples in the specification relate to a showing of the superiority and inferiority of the invention. Although the embodiment ( s ) of the present inventions have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention .

Claims

1. A terminal supporting apparatus (10A) for supporting a terminal (1) with respect to an object (2), comprising:

an attachment member (12) configured to be attached to a back of a terminal (1) to be supported ;

a bottom end member (14) coupled to the attachment member via a first pivot (PI) such that the bottom end member (14) can rotate with respect to the attachment member (12), the bottom end member (14) comes in contact with the object (2) when the terminal (1) is supported with respect to the object;

an upper end member (16) coupled to the attachment member (12) via a second pivot (P2) such that the upper end member (16) can rotate with respect to the attachment member (12), the second pivot (P2) being in parallel with the first pivot (PI) ;

an intermediate member (20) coupled to the bottom end member and the upper end member via third and fourth pivots (P3,P4), respectively, such that the intermediate member (20) can rotate with respect to the bottom end member (14) and the upper end member (16), the third and fourth pivots (P3,P4) being in parallel with the first pivot (PI) ;

a first magnet mechanism (30) provided between the bottom end member (14) and the intermediate member (20) such that a magnetic force of the first magnet mechanism (30) releasably holds the bottom end member (14) and at least a part of the intermediate member (20) in a first plane; and a second magnet mechanism (40) provided between the upper end member (16) and the intermediate member (20) such that a magnetic force of the second magnet mechanism (40) releasably holds the upper end member (16) and at least a part of the intermediate member (20) in a second plane.

2. The terminal supporting apparatus (10A) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first magnet mechanism (30) includes a first pair of magnets such that one magnet of the first pair is provided at an end of the intermediate member (20) and another magnet of the first pair is provided at an end of the bottom end member (14) , the end of the intermediate member (20) and the end of the bottom end member (14) being opposed to each other.

3. The terminal supporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second magnet mechanism (40) includes a second pair of magnets such that one magnet of the second pair is provided at an end of the intermediate member (20) and another magnet of the second pair is provided at an end of the upper end member (16) , the end of the intermediate member (20) and the end of the upper end member (16) being opposed to each other.

4. The terminal supporting apparatus (10A) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a third magnet mechanism (50),

wherein the intermediate member (20) includes a first intermediate portion and a second intermediate portion, the first intermediate portion being coupled to the bottom end member (14) via the third pivot (P3), and the second intermediate portion being coupled to the upper end member (16) via the fourth pivot (P4),

the first intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion are coupled to each other via a fifth pivot (P5) such that the first intermediate portion can rotate with respect to the second intermediate portion, the fifth pivot (P5) being in parallel with the first pivot (PI) , and

the third magnet mechanism (50) is provided between the first intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion such that a magnetic force of the third magnet mechanism (50) releasably holds the first intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion in the first or second plane.

5. The terminal supporting apparatus (10A) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the third magnet mechanism (50) includes a third pair of magnets such that one magnet of the third pair is provided at a first end of the first intermediate portion and another magnet of the third pair is provided at a first end of the second intermediate portion, the first end of the first intermediate portion and the first end of the second intermediate portion being opposed to each other.

6. The terminal supporting apparatus (10A) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising two or more third magnet mechanisms,

wherein the intermediate member includes three or more intermediate portions, the lowermost intermediate portion being coupled to the bottom end member via the third pivot, and the uppermost intermediate portion being coupled to the upper end member via the fourth pivot,

each of the three or more intermediate portions is coupled to a corresponding neighboring intermediate portion via a corresponding pivot such that the intermediate portion can rotate with respect to the corresponding neighboring intermediate portion, the corresponding pivot being in parallel with the first pivot, and

each of the two or more third magnet mechanisms is provided between a corresponding pair of the two neighboring intermediate portions such that a magnetic force of the third magnet mechanism releasably holds the corresponding two neighboring intermediate portions in the same plane.