Multiposition portable device holder

Abstract

A universal support structure for a portable electronic device having front and rear device surfaces, the support structure comprising an elongated channel forming insert member received within a worktop slot, the insert member extending along an insert length dimension between first and second ends, the channel forming member including a floor surface, an internal front surface and an internal rear surface that together define an upwardly opening channel, the floor surface, front surface and rear surface defining at least first and second sets of device supporting surfaces that are abutted by front, rear, and edge bearing surfaces to hold the device in at least first and second positions wherein the display surface is angled at first and second positions with respect to a vertical plane, respectively.

Description

MULTIPOSITION PORTABLE DEVICE HOLDERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSUREThe field of the disclosure is portable device holders and more specifically slot type holders for holding flat panel portable devices at various angles for viewing.

[0003] Portable electronic devices have become ubiquitous including, for instance, laptop computers, smart phone devices, and tablet type computing devices, where each device includes front and rear surfaces defined by a housing structure on the rear surface and, among other components, a flat panel display screen forming a viewable front surface on which digital content is displayed for a user to observe. While portable devices can often be held by a user at a suitable viewing angle, where a user interacts with the device for more than a few minutes at a time, it is advantageous to be able to position the portable device in a supported viewing position. In many cases, it is desirable to be able to change the supporting viewing angle of a device to meet a user’s current viewing needs. For instance, some users may want to position a portable device with the display screen in an essentially vertical orientation while others may prefer the screen be angled rearward from a bottom end toward an upper end. A user may prefer different angled positions based on environment (e.g., glare from a window), a level of privacy needed / desired for content being viewed, an optimal device angle for capturing video of the user during a teleconferencing session, etc.

[0004] Various assemblies for portable device support have been developed, many of which sit on top of a worksurface or the like and can be adjusted to change viewing angles. While these support assembly types are useful, the need the device to sit atop a worksurface or the like often resulting in a cluttered work area. In addition, many of these types of support assemblies have several components which move with respectto each other to change portable device positions and therefore are relatively expensive to manufacture and can be damaged relatively easily during use. Furthermore, these devices are often designed to only support a single portable electronic device and therefore, in cases where a user uses two or more portable devices, it is necessary to obtain a separate support assembly for each of the portable devices which increases the level of clutter in a user’s workspace. In addition, when these types of support assemblies are not being used, they have to be stored somewhere or they continue to clutter a work area. In many cases where these support devices are not attached to a worktop, they can be removed from a work area and in those cases other users using the work area cannot use the support devices. In many cases users are forces to carry their own support devices along with their portable devices in order to ensure that they have a way to support their portable device for extended use.

[0005] What is needed is a portable device support structure that is integrated into a user’s work are so that the structure cannot be removed and where the structure is designed to support two or more portable devices at the same time. It would also be advantageous if the support structure is designed to have a low profile, not having to be positioned on a worktop or other similar stable type structure and if the support structure is designed to have no moving parts so that the resulting structure is robust.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] At least some embodiments of the present disclosure include a universal support structure for a portable electronic device having front and rear device surfaces and an edge bearing surface along a peripheral portion of a lower end of the device between the front and rear device surfaces, the front device surface including a front bearing surface adjacent the bottom device edge and the rear device surface including a rear bearing portion spaced from the bottom device edge, the support structure comprising a worktop member that forms an elongated slot that opens between upper and lower surfaces of the worktop member, the upper surface of the worktop member also forming a recess about the upper edge of the slot, an elongated channel forming insert member that extends along an insert length dimension between first and second ends, the channel forming member having a bottom wall and front and rear walls thatextend upward from spaced apart locations on the bottom wall so that the front, rear and bottom walls form an upwardly opening channel, internal surfaces of the front, rear, and bottom walls forming front, rear, and floor surfaces of the channel, respectively, the insert member received within the elongated slot, wherein, the floor surface angles upward from a lower end adjacent a lower end of the rear surface toward an upper end adjacent a lower end of the front surface, wherein, the front surface forms a plurality of substantially flat surfaces that extend along the insert length dimension and that face the inside of the channel, the plurality of surfaces including first and second riser surfaces and a first tread surface, the first riser surface adjacent the floor surface and extending upward and rearward toward the rear surface from the upper end of the floor surface and forming a substantially 90 degree angle with the floor surface, the first tread surface adjacent the first riser surface and extending upward and forward away from the rear surface from an upper end of the first riser surface and forming a reflex angle with the first riser surface, the second riser surface adjacent the first tread surface and extending upward and rearward toward the rear surface from the upper end of the first tread surface and forming a substantially 90 degree angle with the first tread surface, wherein, the rear surface forms a plurality of substantially flat surfaces that extend along the insert length dimension between the first and second ends, the plurality of surfaces formed by the rear surface including a first rear surface and second rear surface, the first rear surface adjacent the floor surface and extending upward and rearward from the lower end of the floor surface, the second rear surface adjacent the first rear surface and extending upward and rearward from an upper end of the first rear surface, wherein a lower end of the portable device is supportable within the channel in at least first and second positions, when in the first position, the edge bearing surface abutting the floor surface, the front bearing surface abutting the first riser surface, and the rear bearing surface abutting the first rear surface so that the display surface forms a first angle with a vertical plane and, when in the second position, the edge bearing surface abutting the first tread surface, the front bearing surface abutting the second riser surface, and the rear bearing surface abutting the second rear surface so that the display surface forms a second angle with the vertical plane that is different than the first angle.

[0007] In some embodiments the first rear surface forms a substantially 90 degree angle with the floor surface. In some embodiments the second riser surface resides in a first plane and the second rear surface resides in a second plane which is substantially parallel to the first plane. In some embodiments the portable device has a thickness dimension between the device front and rear surfaces and wherein a dimension between the first riser surface and the first rear surface is substantially the same as the thickness dimension.

[0008] In some embodiments a dimension between the first and second planes is substantially the same as the thickness dimension. In some embodiments the front surface further includes a second tread surface and a third riser surface, the second tread surface adjacent the second riser surface and extending upward and forward away from the upper end of the second riser surface and forming a reflex angle with the second riser surface, the third riser surface adjacent the second tread surface and extending upward and rearward toward the rear surface form an upper end of the second tread surface, wherein a lower end of the portable device is supportable within the channel in at a third position wherein the edge bearing surface abuts the second tread surface, the front bearing surface abuts the third riser surface, and the rear bearing surface abuts another portion of the rear surface so that the display surface forms a third angle with the vertical plane that is different than the first and second angles.

[0009] In some embodiments the third riser surface forms a substantially 90 degree angle with the second tread surface. In some embodiments the another portion of the rear surface includes an upper edge of the rear surface. In some embodiments the third riser surface resides within a third plane and wherein a dimension between the third plane and the upper edge of the rear surface is substantially the same as the thickness dimension. In some embodiments the electronic device has a length dimension and wherein the insert length dimension is at least twice the length dimension of the electronic device.

[0010] In some embodiments the second riser surface resides in a first plane and the second rear surface resides in a second plane which is substantially parallel to the first plane. In some embodiments the portable device has a thickness dimension betweenthe device front and rear surfaces and wherein a dimension between the first and second planes is substantially the same as the thickness dimension. In some embodiments the portable device has a thickness dimension between the front and rear device surfaces and wherein the floor surface has a width dimension perpendicular to the insert length dimension that is substantially equal to the thickness dimension.

[0011] In some embodiments the first tread surface has a width dimension perpendicular to the insert length dimension and wherein the width dimension of the first tread surface is less than the thickness dimension. In some embodiments the front surface further includes a second tread surface and a third riser surface, the second tread surface adjacent the second riser surface and extending upward and forward away from the upper end of the second riser surface and forming a reflex angle with the second riser surface, the third riser surface adjacent the second tread surface and extending upward and rearward toward the rear surface form an upper end of the second tread surface, wherein a lower end of the portable device is supportable within the channel in at a third position wherein the edge bearing surface abuts the second tread surface, the front bearing surface abuts the third riser surface, and the rear bearing surface abuts another portion of the rear surface so that the display surface forms a third angle with the vertical plane that is different than the first and second angles.

[0012] In some embodiments the first angle is within a range between 2 and 10 degrees, the second angle is within a range between 25 and 50 degrees, and the third angle is within a range between 40 and 65 degrees. In some embodiments the first angle is approximately 6 degrees, the second angle is approximately 36 degrees, and the third angle is approximately 55 degrees. In some embodiments the insert includes a laterally extending circumferential lip member that extends laterally from upper ends of the front and rear walls, the worktop member has a thickness dimension between the upper and lower surface of the worktop member, the lip member limits insertion of the insert into the slot and wherein a lower portion of the insert extends below the lower surface of the worktop member after installation.

[0013] Other embodiments include a universal support structure for a portable electronic device having front and rear device surfaces and an edge bearing surfacealong a peripheral portion of a lower end of the device between the front and rear device surfaces, the front device surface including a front bearing surface adjacent the bottom device edge and the rear device surface including a rear bearing portion spaced from the bottom device edge, the support structure comprising a worktop member that forms an elongated slot that opens between upper and lower surfaces of the worktop member, the upper surface of the worktop member also forming a recess about the upper edge of the slot, an elongated channel forming insert member that extends along an insert length dimension between first and second ends, the channel forming member having a bottom wall and front and rear walls that extend upward from spaced apart locations on the bottom wall so that the front, rear and bottom walls form an upwardly opening channel, internal surfaces of the front, rear, and bottom walls forming front, rear, and floor surfaces of the channel, respectively, the insert member received within the elongated slot, wherein, the front surface forms a plurality of substantially flat surfaces that extend along the insert length dimension and that face the inside of the channel, the plurality of surfaces including first and second substantially flat riser surfaces, the first riser surface extending upward and rearward toward the rear surface from a lower end toward an upper end and forming a first angle with a vertical plane, the second riser surface extending upward and rearward toward the rear surface from a lower end toward an upper end and forming a second angle with a vertical plane that is steeper than the first angle, wherein, the rear surface forms a plurality of substantially flat surfaces that extend along the insert length dimension between the first and second ends, the plurality of surfaces formed by the rear surface including a first rear surface and second rear surface, the first rear surface extending upward and rearward and parallel to and spaced apart from the first riser surface, the second rear surface extending upward and rearward and parallel to and spaced apart from the second riser surface, wherein a lower end of the portable device is supportable within the channel in at least first and second positions when in the first position, the front bearing surface abutting the first riser surface, and the rear bearing surface abutting the first rear surface and when in the second position, the front bearing surface abutting the second riser surface, and the rear bearing surface abutting the second rear surface.

[0014] Still other embodiments consistent with at least some aspects of the present disclosure include a universal support structure for a portable electronic device having front and rear device surfaces and an edge bearing surface along a peripheral portion of a lower end of the device between the front and rear device surfaces, the front device surface including a front bearing surface adjacent the bottom device edge and the rear device surface including a rear bearing portion spaced from the bottom device edge, the support structure comprising a worktop member that forms an elongated slot that opens between upper and lower surfaces of the worktop member, the upper surface of the worktop member also forming a recess about the upper edge of the slot, an elongated channel forming insert member that extends along an insert length dimension between first and second ends, the channel forming member having a bottom wall and front and rear walls that extend upward from spaced apart locations on the bottom wall so that the front, rear and bottom walls form an upwardly opening channel, internal surfaces of the front, rear, and bottom walls forming front, rear, and floor surfaces of the channel, respectively, the insert member received within the elongated slot, wherein, the front surface forms first and second riser surfaces, the first riser surface extending upward and rearward toward the rear surface from a lower end toward an upper end and forming a first angle with a vertical plane, the second riser surface extending upward and rearward toward the rear surface from a lower end toward an upper end and forming a second angle with a vertical plane that is steeper than the first angle, wherein, the rear surface forms a first rear surface and second rear surface, the first rear surface extending upward and rearward and spaced apart from the first riser surface, the second rear surface extending upward and rearward and spaced apart from the second riser surface, wherein, at least one of the first riser surface and the first rear surface is substantially flat and resides within a first plane wherein a second plane parallel to the first plane includes the part of the other of the first riser surface and the first rear surface that is closest to the first plane, wherein, at least one of the second riser surface and the second rear surface is substantially flat and resides within a third plane wherein a fourth plane parallel to the first plane includes the part of the other of the second riser surface and the second rear surface that is closest to the third plane, wherein a lower end of the portable device is supportable within the channel in at least first and second positionswhen in the first position, the front bearing surface abutting the first riser surface, and the rear bearing surface abutting the first rear surface and when in the second position, the front bearing surface abutting the second riser surface, and the rear bearing surface abutting the second rear surface.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a partial front and top perspective view of support insert assembly installed in a worktop surface that is supporting a flat panel portable electronic device that is consistent with at least some aspects of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a a view similar to FIG. 1 , albeit from a different perspective of the installed insert assembly and where there is no device supported by the insert;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the insert assembly installed in a worktop surface;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the insert of FIG. 1 and also shows three cross sectional views of the insert taken along lines A-A, B-B and C-C of the top plan view;

[0019] FIG. 5 is the cross sectional view along A-A in FIG. 4 with various angles with respect to a vertical plane indicated;

[0020] FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5, albeit with dimensions indicated;

[0021] FIG. 7A is a side view of the insert of FIG. 4;

[0022] FIG. 7B is a bottom view of the insert of FIG. 4;

[0023] FIG. 8A is a bottom view of a bracket shown in FIG. 3 that is consistent with at least some aspects of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 8B is an end view of the bracket in FIG. 8A;

[0025] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an insert assembly that is consistent with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 10A is shows a bracket and an insert and relative locations of different features of those components that are consistent with at least some aspects of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 10B shows the bracket in an interim assembly position with respect to the insert;

[0028] FIG. 10C is similar to FIG. 10B, albeit where the bracket has been slid into a locking position with respect to the insert;

[0029] FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 9, albeit where the components are in installed use positions;

[0030] FIG. 12 is similar to FIG., 22, albeit where the insert is shown in cross section;

[0031] FIG. 13 is similar to FIG. 12, albeit where a portable device is supported by the insert in a first position;

[0032] FIG. 14 is similar to FIG. 12, albeit where a portable device is supported by the insert in a second position;

[0033] FIG. 15 is similar to FIG. 12, albeit where a portable device is supported by the insert in a third position;

[0034] FIG. 16 is similar to FIG. 12, albeit where a portable device is shown in the third position in solid lines and also in the second and first positions in phantom lines;

[0035] FIG. 17 replicates the FIG. 11 image and also includes another insert assembly image in partial exploded view to highlight differences between the FIG. 11 insert assembly and the exploded assembly shown; and

[0036] FIG. 18 is similar to FIG. 5, albeit showing similarity between different insert dimensions.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0037] The various aspects of the subject disclosure are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals correspond to similar elements throughout the several views. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description hereafter relating thereto are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter to the particular form disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0038] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice thedisclosure. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating examples of embodiments of the disclosure, are given by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. From this disclosure, various substitutions, modifications, additions rearrangements, or combinations thereof within the scope of the disclosure may be made and will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0039] In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. The illustrations presented herein are not meant to be actual views of any particular method, device, or system, but are merely idealized representations that are employed to describe various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or method. In addition, like reference numerals may be used to denote like features throughout the specification and figures.

[0040] Information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof. Some drawings may illustrate signals as a single signal for clarity of presentation and description. It will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that the signal may represent a bus of signals, wherein the bus may have a variety of bit widths and the disclosure may be implemented on any number of data signals including a single data signal.

[0041] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm acts described in connection with embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and acts are described generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon theparticular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the embodiments of the disclosure described herein.

[0042] In addition, it is noted that the embodiments may be described in terms of a process that is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe operational acts as a sequential process, many of these acts can be performed in another sequence, in parallel, or substantially concurrently. In addition, the order of the acts may be re-arranged. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. Furthermore, the methods disclosed herein may be implemented in hardware, software, or both. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another.

[0043] It should be understood that any reference to an element herein using a designation such as “first,” “second,” and so forth does not limit the quantity or order of those elements, unless such limitation is explicitly stated. Rather, these designations may be used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to first and second elements does not mean that only two elements may be employed there or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner. Also, unless stated otherwise a set of elements may comprise one or more elements.

[0044] As used herein, the terms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and / or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computer and the computer can be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and / or thread of execution and acomponent may be localized on one computer and / or distributed between two or more computers or processors.

[0045] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

[0046] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals correspond to similar elements throughout the several views and, more specifically, referring to FIG. 1 , the present disclosure will be described in the context of an exemplary device support assembly 11 that is integrated into a worktop member 70 for supporting one or more flat panel portable electronic devices, one of which is labelled 200 throughout this specification. Assembly 11 is shown generally in many of the figures installed into a slot formed in worktop member 70 near a rear edge 76 thereof with a “rear” end of assembly 11 proximate rear edge 76 and a front end of assembly 11 on a side of the rear end opposite rear edge 76. In the interest of simplifying this explanation, unless indicated otherwise, the term “rearward” will be used to refer to a trajectory extending from insert assembly 11 toward the rear edge 76 and the term “forward” will be used to refer to a trajectory extending in the direction opposite the rearward trajectory.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 2, insert assembly 11 has a length dimension L1 that is parallel to rear edge 76 upon installation. The term “cross sectional dimension” will be used in this specification to refer to surface dimensions that is measured perpendicular to length dimension L1. For instance, in FIG. 6 that illustrates a cross sectional view of an insert member 10 that forms part of assembly 11 , label D1 is used to reference a cross sectional dimension of a surface 28, label D2 is used to reference a cross sectional dimension of a surface 34, and so on.

[0048] Exemplary portable electronic device 200 is shown as a smart phone but other portable devices are contemplated that have general shape characteristics similar to the smart phone device including a thin profile between front and rear substantially parallel surfaces 206 and 208, respectively, a thickness dimension (not labelled) between the front and rear surface, and a lower end 202 which includes, among other surfaces, a lower portion 201 of the front surface adjacent a lower edge of device 200, a bottomdevice surface 204 (see also FIG. 13) that forms a bottom edge of device 200, and a portion 209 of the rear surface that is somewhat spaced apart from the bottom edge of the device. Unless indicated otherwise, the lower portion 201 of the front device surface adjacent the lower edge of the device will be referred to hereinafter as the “front bearing surface 201”, the portion 209 of the rear device surface spaced apart from the bottom edge of the device will be referred to as the “rear bearing surface 209”, and the surface that forms the bottom edge of the device will be referred to as the “edge bearing surface 204”. In at least some cases device 200 has an essentially constant thickness around its entire edge that is identical to the thickness of the edge bearing surface 204 or at least similar thereto, which allows the device 200 to be supported by the support assembly 10 in different orientations, with a different edge portion received within the support assembly to position device 200 in different orientations. For instance, device 200 may be positioned in the portrait orientation as shown in FIG. 1 or in a landscape orientation which is not illustrated in the figures but should be understood by anyone familiar with modern smart phones, tablets, etc. Unless indicated otherwise hereafter, the present invention will be described in the context of supporting device 200 in portrait orientations, albeit at different angles with respect to a vertical plane.

[0049] Referring again to FIG. 1 and to FIGS. 2 and 3, worktop member 70 is a rigid planar member having substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces 72 and 74, respectively, where the upper surface 72 forms a worktop surface, also referred to herein with the number 72, and member 70 includes a rear edge 76. Referring also to FIG. 9, member 70 has a thickness dimension DO between the upper and lower surfaces 72 and 74, respectively, and forms an elongated slot 80 that is spaced from rear edge 76 and that extends substantially parallel to rear edge 76 between first and second ends. Slot 80 extends through the thickness DO of member 70. As best seen in FIG. 9, a recessed shelf surface 84 is formed all the way around the upper edge of slot 80. The shelf surface 84 is dimensioned and has a depth to receive a lower surface 48 of a circumferential lip member 46 (FIG. 4) that is integrally formed as part of insert assembly 11 so that an upper surface of the assembly 11 is substantially flush with the upper surface 72 of worktop member 70 as described in greater detail hereafter.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, 9 and 10, insert assembly 11 includes support insert member or insert 10, a bracket 100, and four screws, two of which are labelled 160 throughout the figures. Support insert 10 is an integrally formed member that includes a plurality of wall members that form a slot with several internal surfaces where the internal surfaces are dimensioned and juxtaposed with respect to each other to support one or more portable electronic devices like device 200 in a plurality of different viewing positions. The insert is formed of a plastic material that, in at least some embodiments, is molded into the illustrated shape out of a material that will give a user the impression that when an edge of a portable device is inserted into the slot and contacts the insert, the device will not be scratched or otherwise damaged. For instance, in some embodiments the insert is formed from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material that is soft and flexible with a shore hardness of 90 class A.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, insert 10 includes a rear wall 22, a front wall 24, and a lower or bottom wall 26 that extend along essentially the entire length L1 of insert member 10 (but for end walls and the insert lip 46 (FIG. 4)) and which together form an elongated upwardly opening slot or channel 16. Bottom wall 26 has a front edge at 56 and a rear edge 54 and forms an undersurface 14 and an upper inner surface which is also referred to as a bottom slot surface or floor surface 28 that angles forward from a lower end to an upper end to form an angle with a vertical plane VP that is slightly less than 90 degrees. For instance, in some cases the angle with vertical is between 80 and 90 degrees and, in some cases, the angle with vertical is approximately 84 degrees when insert 10 is installed in the worktop slot 80.

[0052] Referring specifically to FIG. 6, the cross-sectional dimension D1 of bottom slot or channel floor surface 28 is sized to be similar to a width dimension of the largest thickness of the edge of a portable device that is expected to be used with the insert 10. For instance, where the largest thickness of the edge of a device to be supported by insert is 20mm, dimension D1 would be just greater than 20mm. In the illustrated embodiment, dimension D1 is within a range between 10 and 20mm and, in a particularly advantageous embodiment dimension D1 is approximately 14mm, given current portable device thickness dimensions.

[0053] Rear wall 22 extends generally upward from the bottom wall 26 proximate but spaced from rear edge 54 and forms an internal lower rear surface 30 adjacent bottom wall 26 as well as an internal upper rear surface 32 above surface 30. Referring to FIG.5, lower rear surface 30 forms a substantially right angle with bottom slot surface 28 and forms an approximately 6o angle with vertical plane VP, angling from a lower end upward and rearward. The cross-sectional dimension of surface 30 from lower to upper edges in the illustrated embodiment is approximately 25mm in the case where dimension D1 of bottom slot surface 28 is approximately 14mm.

[0054] Upper rear surface 32 extends upward from an upper edge of internal lower rear surface 30 to top insert surface 12 and forms an approximately 36o angle with vertical plane VP, angling upward and rearward from a lower edge to an upper edge. The cross-sectional dimension of surface 32 from lower to upper edges in the illustrated embodiment is approximately 9mm and therefore is approximately one third the cross sectional dimension of the lower rear surface.

[0055] Front wall 22 extends generally upward from the bottom wall 26 proximate but spaced from front edge 56 and forms a lower step configuration, an intermediate step configuration, and an upper step configuration 44. The lower step configuration includes a first riser surface 34 and a first tread surface 36, the intermediate step configuration includes a second riser surface 38 and a second tread surface 40, and the upper step configuration 44 includes a third riser surface 42.

[0056] First riser surface 34 extends upward and rearward from a front end of bottom slot surface 28 forming a right angle with surface 28 and forming an approximately 6o angle with vertical plane VP, is spaced from and parallel to lower rear surface 30, and forms a cross sectional dimension D2 that is within a range between 4mm and 12mm and, in the illustrated embodiment, that is approximately 7mm in the case where dimension D1 of bottom slot surface 28 is approximately 14mm. Floor surface 28 and first riser surface 34 together form a lower or first groove for receiving a lower from edge portion of a device supported within slot or channel 16.

[0057] First tread surface 36 extends upward and forward from an upper end of first riser surface 34 forming an angle with vertical plane VP that is within a range between 50 and 60o and that forms an approximately 54o agnel with vertical plane VP asillustrated so that surface 36 is substantially parallel to upper rear surface 32, and has a cross-sectional dimension that is within a range between 7 and 14mm. The illustrated surface 36 has a cross-sectional dimension that is approximately 10mm in the case where dimension D1 of bottom slot surface 28 is approximately 14mm.

[0058] Second riser surface 38 extends upward and rearward from an upper end of tread surface 36 forming a substantially right angle with surface 36, an approximately 36o angle with vertical plane VP, is substantially parallel to upper rear surface 32, and forms a cross sectional dimension D4 that is within a range between 3mm and 10mm and, in the illustrated embodiment, that is approximately 5mm. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a cross-sectional dimension D3 perpendicular to each of surfaces 32 and 38 and between first and second planes in which surfaces 38 and 32 reside is substantially identical to cross-sectional dimension D1 of bottom slot surface 28. Thus, for instance, in cases where cross-sectional dimension D1 of bottom slot surface 28 is 14mm, dimension D3 perpendicular to and between the planes occupied by surfaces 32 and 38 is also approximately 14mm. First tread surface 36 and second riser surface 38 together form an intermediate or second groove for receiving the lower from edge portion of a device supported within slot or channel 16.

[0059] Second tread surface 40 extends upward and forward from an upper end of second riser surface 38 forming an angle with vertical plane VP that is within a range between 30 and 40o degrees and that forms an approximately 35o agnel with vertical plane VP as illustrated, and has a cross-sectional dimension that is within a range between 6 and 10mm. Illustrated surface 40 has a cross-sectional dimension that is approximately 8mm in the case where dimension D1 of bottom slot surface 28 is approximately 14mm.

[0060] Referring still to FIGS. 5 and 6, upper step configuration 44 comprises a lip member that extends from an inner edge of front wall 24 toward the rear wall 22 having an upper surface that is coplanar with upper surface 12 of insert 10 and a lower surface that forms the third riser surface 42. Riser surface 42 extends upward and rearward from an upper end of second read surface 40, forms a substantially right angle with second tread surface 40, forms an angle with vertical plane VP that is within a range between 50 and 60o, and has a cross-sectional dimension D5 between 3 and 10mm. Inthe illustrated embodiment dimension D5 is approximately 5mm in the case where dimension D1 of bottom slot surface 28 is approximately 14mm. Second tread surface 40 and third riser surface 42 together form an upper or third groove for receiving the lower from edge portion of a device supported within slot or channel 16.

[0061] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, third riser surface 42 resides in a third plane and a cross-sectional dimension D6 perpendicular to the third plane and a plane that is tangent to the upper edge of upper rear surface 32 which is also parallel to the third plane is substantially identical to cross-sectional dimension D1 of bottom slot surface 28 and substantially identical to the cross-sectional dimension D3 perpendicular to and between the planes occupied by surfaces 32 and 38. Thus, where dimensions D1 and D3 are approximately 14mm, dimension D6 is also approximately 14mm in advantageous embodiments. Where dimensions D12, D3 and D6 are similar, a portable device can be supported in a similarly secure fashion in any of three different angled positions with a front lower edge fully supported by and restricted by adjacent riser surfaces and tread surfaces or the bottom slot surface and a rear edge abutting a portion of the rear wall internal surfaces as described in greater detail hereafter.

[0062] Referring again to FIG. 6, other advantageous insert member dimensions given current typical portable computing device dimensions include a maximum slot depth dimension D7 between 20 and 40mm, an insert width dimension D8 between 40 and 60mm, a slot opening width dimension D9 within a range between 22 and 32mm. In a particularly advantageous embodiment where dimension D1 is approximately 14mm, the relative dimensions D7, D8 and D9 in FIG. 6 would be approximately 30mm, 50mm, and 27mm, respectively.

[0063] Referring again to FIG. 4, distal ends 54 and 56 of bottom wall 26 form laterally extending lower ribs (also referred to herein via labels 54 and 56, respectively) which, in some embodiments, contact internal surfaces of the slot 80 in which insert 10 is received upon installation. In addition, in at least some cases upper ribs 50 and 52 extend from external surfaces of the rear wall 22 and the front wall 24 along the length L1 of insert 10 which, similar to ribs 54 and 56, contact an inner surface of the worktop member slot 80 to help stabilize insert 10 upon installation (see FIG. 12).

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, first and second posts 20 are integrally formed with and extend from undersurface 1 of insert 10 at spaced apart locations along length dimension L1. Each post 20 is similarly constructed and operates in a similar fashion and therefore only one of the posts is described here in any detail. Post 20 includes a stem 38 which extends downward and perpendicular to surface 14 and includes a distal disc member 39 which extends laterally from a distal end of stem 38 to form a flat disc shaped member that forms a locking surface 60 on the surface which faces bottom surface 14. Stem 38 defines a first diameter dimension DD1 which is smaller than a second diameter dimension DD2 formed by disc 39 and facing surfaces 14 and 60 define a lock gap dimension LG as labelled.

[0065] Referring yet again to FIGS. 3 and 4 and also to FIG. 7B, bottom wall 26 forms three spaced apart elongated slots 62, 64 and 66 that extend from channel 16 through the bottom wall 26 to open downwardly. The slots 62, 64 and 66 can be used in at least a couple different ways. First, each slot 62, 64 and 66 can be used to accommodate a power connector and an adjacent portion of a power cable when the cable is fed from above insert assembly 11 down into the assembly channel 16 to connect to a portable device power port in a lower edge of the portable device. In this case, to enable a lower edge of the portable device to rest in a fully supported position within channel 16 while connected to the power cable, the portion of the cable adjacent the power connector as well as at least the lower portion of the connector extend through one of the slots 62, 64 or 66. More specifically, as seen best in FIG. 3, a portion of a cable 275 adjacent a connector 276 extends doen through exemplary slot 64 and loops back upward toward the connector 276 which passes back up through the slot 64 so that its distal end can connect to a portable device power port there above.

[0066] Second, in at least some embodiments a cable connector 276 and adjacent portion of a cable 275 may extend upward through one of the slots (see cable 275 in FIG. 1 extending upward through slot 66) for connection to a portable device port.Here, also, at least the lower portion of the connector 276 may extend downward through the slot from the portable device when the device is fully supported within the channel 16.

[0067] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 7B, in at least some embodiments a first post 20 is located between first and second cable slots 62 and 64 and a second post 20 is located between the second slot 64 and a third slot 66.

[0068] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 8Aand 8B, bracket 100 is an elongated bent sheet metal member that extends between first and second ends and forms a uniform cross-sectional shape along its entire length. In end view (and in cross section), bracket 100 includes a flat shoulder member 102 having first and second lateral edges, intermediate arm members 103 and 105 that extend in the same direction and parallel to each other from the first and second lateral edges of shoulder member 102, and first and second distal members 104 and 106, that extend from distal ends of the arm members 103 and 105 opposite shoulder member 102 in opposite directions and in a simple plane. Shoulder member 102 forms parallel upper surface 118 and lower surface 120. Shoulder member forms two locking keyhole slots 114 and 116, each of which has a similar shape. Slot 114 has a circular wide portion and a thinner lateral extending portion that extends along a portion of the length dimension of bracket 100 as illustrated. The circular wide portion has a diameter dimension DD3 which is larger than the diameter dimension DD2 of disc 39 (see again FIG. 4) so that disc 39 can be slipped through the circular portion. The thinner lateral extending portion of slot 114 has a width dimension which is greater than diameter dimension DD1 of stem 38 but smaller than dimension DD2. Bracket 100 has a thickness dimension TD1 (FIG. 8B) which is similar to the locking gap dimension LG defined by the bottom insert surface 14 and the facing disc surface 60 (see again FIG. 4). Referring also to FIG. 10C, slots are spaced with respect to each other a distance that is similar to the dimension defined by posts 20 so that the circular portions of slots 114 and 116 can simultaneously align with posts 20 during an assembly installation process.

[0069] Referring again to FIGS. 8A and 8B, shoulder member 102 also forms three cable passing slots 108, 110 and 112 which are spaced apart from each other and which each extends along a portion of the length of bracket 100. Cable passing slots 108, 110 and 112 have length and width dimensions which are slightly larger than similar dimensions of slots 62, 64 and 66 formed by insert 10 and are similarly spaced to slots 62, 64 and 66 so that when bracket 100 is used to secure insert 10 in a worktopslot, slots 108, 110 and 112 are generally aligned with slots 62, 64 and 66, respectively as best illustrated in FIG. 10C. By making slots 108, 110 and 112 longer and wider than slots 62, 64 and 66, the edges formed by the smaller “soft” material slots eliminate contact between cables and the metal edges of slots 108, 110 and 112 thereby eliminating a possible source of cable damage.

[0070] Referring again to FIG. 10A, distal members 104 and 106 form mounting holes 115, four of which are illustrated, for securing bracket 100 to an underside of worktop 70 as described hereafter.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 9, to install assembly 11, insert 10 is positioned above the worktop slot 10 and is slid down into the slop as indicated by movement “1” until the undersurface 48 of the lip member abuts shelf surface 84 as shown in FIG. 11. In this position the lip member stops the insert from dropping further into and through the top member slot 80 and edges of the lip as well as distal ends of the ribs 50 and 52 snuggly abut inside surfaces of slot 80 to restrict any forward and rearward or lengthwise movement of insert 10 within slot 80.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, worktop member 70 has a thickness which is less than the depth dimension of insert 10 so that a bottom portion of insert 10 extends below the undersurface 74 of top member 70. In this position, distal ends of the upper ribs 50 and 52 abut internal surfaces of slot 80 and help stabilize insert 10 within the slot (see FIG. 12).

[0073] Referring again to FIG. 9, next, bracket 100 is positioned below slot 80 with the wide ends of locking slots 114 and 116 aligned with posts 20 as shown in FIG. 10B and bracket 100 is moved upward (see movement 2 in FIG. 9) so the disc portions of posts 20 pass through slots 114 and 116 and until upper surfaces of distal members 104 and 106 abut the undersurface of top 70. At this point, as illustrated in FIG. 10B, the insert slots cable slots and bracket cable slots are misaligned to a degree. Continuing, bracket 100 is slid lengthwise along the length of insert 10 so that the stem portions of posts 20 slide into the narrower portions of the locking slots 114 and 116. At this point the disc portions of posts 20 lock the insert into the top slot 80 so that the insert cannot be pulled upward and out of slot 80 and the bracket slots 108,110 and 112 are aligned with the insert cable slots 62, 64 and 66 so that cables can be passed there through ifdesired. Screws 160 are fed through the holes formed by distal members 104 and 106 to lock bracket 100 to the underside of top member 70 (see FIGS. 3, 11, 12).

[0074] In some embodiments bracket 100 will press up against undersurface 14 of insert 10 to tightly hold the insert in place. In other embodiments the bracket 100 will only place minimal pressure on the insert undersurface 14 but will nevertheless stop insert 10 from being pulled out of slot 80 once installed.

[0075] In operation, one or more power cords or cables 275 (FIG. 1) can be threaded up through one of the cable slots formed in the bottom wall of the insert 10 to be plugged into a portable device. In this regard, see again FIG. 1 where cable 350 is threaded through slot 66 and pulled up above the upper surface of worktop 70 to be connected to a portable device. Excess cable can either be pulled back down through the slot or can be bunched up within insert channel 16. In the alternative, a portion of cable 275 adjacent a power connector 276 can be fed down from above into channel 16 and through one of the slots (e.g., 64 in FIG. 3) and then looped back up through the slot to connect to a portable device supported within the channel 16.

[0076] A portable device connected to cable or that is just operating on its own battery power can be supported by assembly 11 in any of first, second and third different positions which are labelled “P1 ”, “P2” and “P3”, respectively. Referring specifically to FIG. 13, in a first relatively upright position, the lower end 202 of device 200 is positioned within channel 16 such that front bearing surface 201 abuts first riser surface 34, edge bearing surface 204 abuts floor surface 28 and rear bearing surface 209 abuts lower rear surface 30 to restrict device 200 movement. In this first position P1 , the display or front surface 206 of device 200 is angled rearward from the bottom end toward the top end at approximately 6o.

[0077] Thus, here, a first surface set for supporting portable device 200 includes floor surface 28, first riser surface 34 and first rear surface 30, the first riser surface forming a substantially right angle with the floor surface and the first rear surface 30 substantially parallel to the first riser surface. Here the lower front edge portion of the portable device 200 is effectively wedged into a groove formed by surfaces 28 and 34 with the device cantilevered over the first rear surface portion 30. Because the floor, riser surfaces and rear surfaces are flat, the area of contact between the device bearing surfaces and theinsert surfaces is relatively large and therefore minimal pressure is applied to any one point on device 200 which reduces the likelihood of device damage.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 14, a second or intermediate angled position P2 is illustrated where the lower edge or end of device 200 is positioned within channel 16 such that front bearing surface 201 abuts second riser surface 38, edge bearing surface 204 abuts first tread surface 36 and rear bearing surface 209 abuts upper or second rear surface 32 to restrict device 200 movement. In this second position P2, the display or front surface 206 of device 200 is angled rearward from the bottom end toward the top end at approximately 36o with respect to the vertical plane.

[0079] Thus, here, a second surface set for supporting portable device 200 includes first tread surface 36, second riser surface 38 and second rear surface 32, the second riser surface forming a substantially right angle with the first tread surface and the second rear surface substantially parallel to the second riser surface. Here the lower front edge portion of the portable device 200 is effectively wedged into the groove formed by surfaces 36 and 28 with the device cantilevered over the second rear surface 32.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 15, a third or most angled position P3 is illustrated where the lower edge or end of device 200 is positioned within channel 16 such that front bearing surface 201 abuts third riser surface 42, edge bearing surface 204 abuts second tread surface 40 and rear bearing surface 209 abuts an apex between a rear part of the insert’s upper surface 12 and the upper rear surface 32 to restrict device 200 movement. In this third position P3, the display or front surface 206 of device 200 is angled rearward from the bottom end toward the top end at approximately 55o.

[0081] Thus, here, a third surface set for supporting a portable device includes second tread surface 40, third riser surface 40 and the apex surface between surfaces 12 and 32, the third riser surface forming a substantially right angle with the second tread surface and the apex spaced and positioned with respect to the third riser surface such that the front bearing surface contacts the front bearing surface along a relatively large area. Here the lower front edge portion of portable device 200 is effectively wedged into the groove formed by surfaces 40 and 42 with the device cantilevered over the surface apex surface 12-32.

[0082] FIG. 16 shows device 200 in the third position P3 in solid line and in each of positions P1 and P2 in phantom lines so that the differently angled positions can be readily appreciated.

[0083] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, support insert 10 length dimension L1 is, in some cases, two times, three times, or more, longer than the longest edge dimension of one of the portable devices supported thereby so that two or more of the portable devices can be received within channel 16 at the same time. If preferred, a user can support first and second portable devices at different support angles within channel 16 simultaneously and / or can support one device in portrait orientation and the other in landscape.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 17, where insert 10 is used with a relatively thinner worktop, in at least some cases it is contemplated that a bracket with longer arm members extending from the shoulder member can be used to compensate for the different thickness. In this regard, see the embodiment to the right in FIG. 17 compared to the prior described embodiment shown to the left in that figure. As illustrated, top 70a is thinner between upper and lower surfaces 72a and 74a but bracket 100a has longer arm members to compensate for the reduced thickness top.

[0085] While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. For example, in some embodiments where portions of front and rear surfaces form the channel 16 cooperate to support a portable device, it may be that only one of the front or the rear surface portions is flat and the other has some other surface shape. Here, it is still advantageous for the dimensions between cooperating surfaces associated with the different device support angles define dimensions similar to the thickness dimension of a typical devices used with the insert 10. In this regard, for instance, referring to FIG.18, see that where first riser surface 34 and first rear surface 30 are flat and reside in first and second planes, the planes define a dimension D1 that is similar to a thickness of a device to be supported thereby. In a case where only one of surfaces 34 and 30 is flat, a similar supporting result, even if less effective, occurs where the flat surface is ina first plane and a second plane parallel to the first plane includes the part of the other of the first riser surface and the first rear surface that is closest to the first plane.Similarly, in a case where only one of surfaces 38 and 32 is flat, similar supporting result, even if less effective, occurs where the flat surface is in a third plane and a fourth plane parallel to the third plane includes the part of the other of the second riser surface and the second rear surface that is closest to the third plane, and where the third and fourth planes also define dimension D1. See in FIG. 18 that third riser surface 42 is flat and resides in a fifth plane where a sixth plane parallel to the fifth plane includes the rear surface upper apex, and where the fifth and sixth planes also define dimension D1.

[0086]

[0087] Thus, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.

[0088] To apprise the public of the scope of this invention, the following claims are made:

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A universal support structure for a portable electronic device having front and rear device surfaces and an edge bearing surface along a peripheral portion of a lower end of the device between the front and rear device surfaces, the front device surface including a front bearing surface adjacent the bottom device edge and the rear device surface including a rear bearing portion spaced from the bottom device edge, the support structure comprising:a worktop member that forms an elongated slot that opens between upper and lower surfaces of the worktop member, the upper surface of the worktop member also forming a recess about the upper edge of the slot;an elongated channel forming insert member that extends along an insert length dimension between first and second ends, the channel forming member having a bottom wall and front and rear walls that extend upward from spaced apart locations on the bottom wall so that the front, rear and bottom walls form an upwardly opening channel, internal surfaces of the front, rear, and bottom walls forming front, rear, and floor surfaces of the channel, respectively, the insert member received within the elongated slot;wherein, the floor surface angles upward from a lower end adjacent a lower end of the rear surface toward an upper end adjacent a lower end of the front surface;wherein, the front surface forms a plurality of substantially flat surfaces that extend along the insert length dimension and that face the inside of the channel, the plurality of surfaces including first and second riser surfaces and a first tread surface, the first riser surface adjacent the floor surface and extending upward and rearward toward the rear surface from the upper end of the floor surface and forming a substantially 90 degree angle with the floor surface, the first tread surface adjacent the first riser surface and extending upward and forward away from the rear surface from an upper end of the first riser surface and forming a reflex angle with the first riser surface, the second riser surface adjacent the first tread surface and extending upward and rearward toward the rear surface from the upper end of the first tread surface and forming a substantially 90 degree angle with the first tread surface;wherein, the rear surface forms a plurality of substantially flat surfaces that extend along the insert length dimension between the first and second ends, the plurality of surfaces formed by the rear surface including a first rear surface and second rear surface, the first rear surface adjacent the floor surface and extending upward and rearward from the lower end of the floor surface, the second rear surface adjacent the first rear surface and extending upward and rearward from an upper end of the first rear surface;wherein a lower end of the portable device is supportable within the channel in at least first and second positions:when in the first position, the edge bearing surface abutting the floor surface, the front bearing surface abutting the first riser surface, and the rear bearing surface abutting the first rear surface so that the display surface forms a first angle with a vertical plane; andwhen in the second position, the edge bearing surface abutting the first tread surface, the front bearing surface abutting the second riser surface, and the rear bearing surface abutting the second rear surface so that the display surface forms a second angle with the vertical plane that is different than the first angle.

2. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the first rear surface forms a substantially 90 degree angle with the floor surface.

3. The support structure of claim 2 wherein the second riser surface resides in a first plane and the second rear surface resides in a second plane which is substantially parallel to the first plane.

4. The support structure of claim 3 wherein the portable device has a thickness dimension between the device front and rear surfaces and wherein a dimension between the first riser surface and the first rear surface is substantially the same as the thickness dimension.

5. The support structure of claim 3 wherein a dimension between the first and second planes is substantially the same as the thickness dimension.

6. The support structure of claim 5 wherein the front surface further includes a second tread surface and a third riser surface, the second tread surface adjacent the second riser surface and extending upward and forward away from the upper end of the second riser surface and forming a reflex angle with the second riser surface, the third riser surface adjacent the second tread surface and extending upward and rearward toward the rear surface form an upper end of the second tread surface, wherein a lower end of the portable device is supportable within the channel in at a third position wherein the edge bearing surface abuts the second tread surface, the front bearing surface abuts the third riser surface, and the rear bearing surface abuts another portion of the rear surface so that the display surface forms a third angle with the vertical plane that is different than the first and second angles.

7. The support structure of claim 6 wherein the third riser surface forms a substantially 90 degree angle with the second tread surface.

8. The support structure of claim 7 wherein the another portion of the rear surface includes an upper edge of the rear surface.

9. The support structure of claim 8 wherein the third riser surface resides within a third plane and wherein a dimension between the third plane and the upper edge of the rear surface is substantially the same as the thickness dimension.

10. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the electronic device has a length dimension and wherein the insert length dimension is at least twice the length dimension of the electronic device.

11. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the second riser surface resides in a first plane and the second rear surface resides in a second plane which is substantially parallel to the first plane.

12. The support structure of claim 11 wherein the portable device has a thickness dimension between the device front and rear surfaces and wherein adimension between the first and second planes is substantially the same as the thickness dimension.

13. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the portable device has a thickness dimension between the front and rear device surfaces and wherein the floor surface has a width dimension perpendicular to the insert length dimension that is substantially equal to the thickness dimension.

14. The support structure of claim 13 wherein the first tread surface has a width dimension perpendicular to the insert length dimension and wherein the width dimension of the first tread surface is less than the thickness dimension.

15. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the front surface further includes a second tread surface and a third riser surface, the second tread surface adjacent the second riser surface and extending upward and forward away from the upper end of the second riser surface and forming a reflex angle with the second riser surface, the third riser surface adjacent the second tread surface and extending upward and rearward toward the rear surface form an upper end of the second tread surface, wherein a lower end of the portable device is supportable within the channel in at a third position wherein the edge bearing surface abuts the second tread surface, the front bearing surface abuts the third riser surface, and the rear bearing surface abuts another portion of the rear surface so that the display surface forms a third angle with the vertical plane that is different than the first and second angles.

16. The support structure of claim 15 wherein the first angle is within a range between 2 and 10 degrees, the second angle is within a range between 25 and 50 degrees, and the third angle is within a range between 40 and 65 degrees.

17. The support structure of claim 16 wherein the first angle is approximately 6 degrees, the second angle is approximately 36 degrees, and the third angle is approximately 55 degrees.

18. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the insert includes a laterally extending circumferential lip member that extends laterally from upper ends of the front and rear walls, the worktop member has a thickness dimension between the upper and lower surface of the worktop member, the lip member limits insertion of the insert into the slot and wherein a lower portion of the insert extends below the lower surface of the worktop member after installation.

19. A universal support structure for a portable electronic device having front and rear device surfaces and an edge bearing surface along a peripheral portion of a lower end of the device between the front and rear device surfaces, the front device surface including a front bearing surface adjacent the bottom device edge and the rear device surface including a rear bearing portion spaced from the bottom device edge, the support structure comprising:a worktop member that forms an elongated slot that opens between upper and lower surfaces of the worktop member, the upper surface of the worktop member also forming a recess about the upper edge of the slot;an elongated channel forming insert member that extends along an insert length dimension between first and second ends, the channel forming member having a bottom wall and front and rear walls that extend upward from spaced apart locations on the bottom wall so that the front, rear and bottom walls form an upwardly opening channel, internal surfaces of the front, rear, and bottom walls forming front, rear, and floor surfaces of the channel, respectively, the insert member received within the elongated slot;wherein, the front surface forms a plurality of substantially flat surfaces that extend along the insert length dimension and that face the inside of the channel, the plurality of surfaces including first and second substantially flat riser surfaces, the first riser surface extending upward and rearward toward the rear surface from a lower end toward an upper end and forming a first angle with a vertical plane, the second riser surface extending upward and rearward toward the rear surface from a lower end toward an upper end and forming a second angle with a vertical plane that is steeper than the first angle;wherein, the rear surface forms a plurality of substantially flat surfaces that extend along the insert length dimension between the first and second ends, the plurality of surfaces formed by the rear surface including a first rear surface and second rear surface, the first rear surface extending upward and rearward and parallel to and spaced apart from the first riser surface, the second rear surface extending upward and rearward and parallel to and spaced apart from the second riser surface;wherein a lower end of the portable device is supportable within the channel in at least first and second positions:when in the first position, the front bearing surface abutting the first riser surface, and the rear bearing surface abutting the first rear surface; andwhen in the second position, the front bearing surface abutting the second riser surface, and the rear bearing surface abutting the second rear surface.

20. A universal support structure for a portable electronic device having front and rear device surfaces and an edge bearing surface along a peripheral portion of a lower end of the device between the front and rear device surfaces, the front device surface including a front bearing surface adjacent the bottom device edge and the rear device surface including a rear bearing portion spaced from the bottom device edge, the support structure comprising:a worktop member that forms an elongated slot that opens between upper and lower surfaces of the worktop member, the upper surface of the worktop member also forming a recess about the upper edge of the slot;an elongated channel forming insert member that extends along an insert length dimension between first and second ends, the channel forming member having a bottom wall and front and rear walls that extend upward from spaced apart locations on the bottom wall so that the front, rear and bottom walls form an upwardly opening channel, internal surfaces of the front, rear, and bottom walls forming front, rear, and floor surfaces of the channel, respectively, the insert member received within the elongated slot;wherein, the front surface forms first and second riser surfaces, the first riser surface extending upward and rearward toward the rear surface from a lower endtoward an upper end and forming a first angle with a vertical plane, the second riser surface extending upward and rearward toward the rear surface from a lower end toward an upper end and forming a second angle with a vertical plane that is steeper than the first angle;wherein, the rear surface forms a first rear surface and second rear surface, the first rear surface extending upward and rearward and spaced apart from the first riser surface, the second rear surface extending upward and rearward and spaced apart from the second riserposition, the front bearing surface abutting the second riser surface, and the rear bearing surface abutting the second rear surface.

Images