Universal stand for electronic tablets

Abstract

The invention relates to a universal support (100) for holding a portable electronic device (PED), in particular an electronic tablet, in a substantially vertical position. The support comprises a base (10) and a receptacle (11) extending longitudinally from the base. The receptacle (11) is grooved and has sufficient length and width to accommodate different tablet sizes. The support further comprises at least one self-tilting arm (20, 20) articulated on the receptacle (11) and comprising a hook (21) and a support lever (23). The support lever, when one side of the tablet is pressed, tilts the hook until it secures an adjacent side. (See Figure 1 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: Universal stand for electronic tablets technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of supports for portable electronic devices, in particular electronic tablets, smartphones and the like. It relates more particularly to a universal support with self-tilting arms that adapts to different tablet sizes.

[0002] The invention finds a direct, but not exclusive, application in passenger seats of transport vehicles such as airplanes or trains. State of the art

[0003] With the rise of portable electronic devices (PEDs) such as tablets and their widespread adoption, particularly on airplanes for passenger entertainment or work, the demand for reliable and universal mounting solutions has increased considerably. Passengers are looking for practical ways to use their devices in flight without sacrificing comfort or safety. However, despite the numerous devices developed for this purpose, several limitations remain.

[0004] Historically, onboard aircraft electronic device holders have evolved from simple retractable dining tables, which passengers use to place their laptops, to more sophisticated holders specifically designed for tablets. Initially designed for laptops, these holders were not suited to the specific needs of tablets, which are generally non-folding, lighter, and come in various sizes.

[0005] Some modern solutions incorporate clamp systems allowing for adjustable tablet positioning, similar to the mounts installed on bicycles or in cars to provide access to GPS, for example. These devices offer a degree of flexibility but often have major drawbacks. Indeed, the clamp mechanisms can be complex and tedious to adjust, and the clamps are not always universal, making them incompatible with certain tablet sizes or models. Furthermore, these systems can lack stability and / or damage the device, which can lead to an unpleasant user experience.

[0006] Another commonly used approach involves supports attached by suction cups combined with clamps. These devices allow the tablet to be fixed to the back of the seat in front, offering positioning flexibility. However, these supports suffer from the same compatibility problems with different tablet sizes and do not always guarantee optimal stability under varying flight conditions.

[0007] A more recent example on the market is the TRIPFLIX (registered trademark) universal roll-up holder, which is presented as an innovative and versatile solution. This holder uses a roll-up system that can be attached to various types of aircraft seats. Although this device is compatible with a wide range of tablets and is designed to be easily transportable, it also has limitations. In fact, the stability of the tablet depends largely on the tension and adjustment of the roll-up system, which may not provide a sufficiently robust hold during severe turbulence or sudden movements.

[0008] Current devices on the market tend to be specific to certain brands or models of tablets, thus limiting their universality. They often lack robustness, which can lead to unwanted tablet movement, compromising user comfort and safety. Furthermore, the complexity of some adjustment mechanisms can discourage users from installing or using them correctly.

[0009] However, there are avenues for improvement.

[0010] Document DE102015105618A1 describes a support called a PED holder, configured to support a mobile electronic device on the passenger seat table module in an operational position. The PED holder includes at least one retaining element that is pivotally mounted on the table module, a bearing unit allowing the retaining element to be pivoted through more than 180 degrees. The retaining element is configured, in a first position, to be pivoted through an angle between 5 degrees and 180 degrees and, in a second position, to be pivoted through an angle between 181 degrees and 360 degrees. This solution thus offers maximum orientation capability, which is not often necessary to obtain a suitable viewing angle on the tablet, and also provides rudimentary stabilization means such as a curved support element at the base of the holder to secure the tablet from below.

[0011] A similar solution is described, for example, in document CN208253132U, which describes a PED support for aircraft seats, comprising a support cushion and a support plate connected by a hinged horizontal bar. One end of the support cushion is hinged to one end of the support plate, the other end of the plate being curved upwards to form a mounting groove. Each hinge is equipped with a damping mechanism, allowing the cushion and support plate to remain at any angle of oscillation. The cushion and support plate can be folded and stored between the tray table and the seat back when the tray table is folded, thus providing an adequate working height, compatibility with PEDs of varying sizes, and not affecting the normal use of the tray table when stored.

[0012] However, this solution has certain limitations. The articulated design and damping mechanism can lead to increased complexity, making the device more susceptible to mechanical failures. Furthermore, although the mount is compatible with PEDs of different sizes, it may not offer sufficient stability during in-flight turbulence due to the flexible nature of the articulated connection. Finally, the integrated storage system between the tray table and the seat back could limit the space available for other uses and make deploying the mount less convenient for passengers.

[0013] Document EP2746158A1 describes a support that improves tablet stability by providing support from both below and above using a pivoting element that rests against the upper edge of the tablet. This solution is not suitable for tablets of varying sizes, as one dimension of the tablet may not be sufficient to reach the pivoting locking element from above. In particular, this solution is completely unsuitable for smartphones. Furthermore, the lateral stability provided by this support appears to be very limited and could prove problematic in the event of turbulence or strong vibrations in the cabin.

[0014] In summary, despite the various solutions developed for supporting electronic tablets in airplanes, there remains an unmet need for a device that is both universal and stable. The ability to adapt to different tablet sizes remains a major problem, and current solutions fail to provide adequate stability during flight and to allow for practical and intuitive use by passengers. Summary of the invention

[0015] The present invention aims to overcome all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art described above, by offering a solution that is easy to use and adapts to different sizes of tablets and other devices, including smartphones, while ensuring better stability.

[0016] To this end, the present invention relates to a support for holding a portable electronic device, in particular an electronic tablet, in a substantially vertical position. The support comprises a base and a receptacle extending longitudinally from the base. The receptacle has a groove of sufficient length and width to accommodate different tablet sizes. This support is notable in that it comprises at least one self-tilting arm, articulated on the receptacle around a tilting axis and comprising a hook and a support lever. The support lever, when pressed on a first side of the tablet, tilts the hook until it engages with a second side of the tablet adjacent to the first.

[0017] The support thus ensures a stable and secure hold of the tablet in a position of use, and adapts to different tablet sizes thanks to the automatic tilting mechanism of the arms.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the support comprises two self-tilting arms, placed symmetrically on the receptacle to grip two opposite sides of a shelf placed in said receptacle.

[0019] The addition of a second symmetrical arm improves the lateral stability of the tablet, distributing the holding force evenly over two opposite sides.

[0020] According to an advantageous aspect, each arm is configured to fold into the receptacle in the absence of a tablet and to deploy out of the receptacle in the presence of a tablet.

[0021] This allows for compact and protected storage of the arms when not in use, reducing clutter and the risk of damage.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the receptacle has at least one impression conforming to the shape of an arm and into which said arm fits automatically in the absence of a tablet.

[0023] The indentation in the receptacle allows the arms to be secured and concealed when not in use, providing better protection and a cleaner aesthetic.

[0024] According to a particularly advantageous aspect, the hook is further from the tilting axis than the support lever, so that the arm falls back under its own weight in the absence of a tablet.

[0025] This configuration ensures that the arms automatically return to their resting position under the effect of gravity, facilitating their storage without manual intervention.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the hook includes a return allowing the tablet to be blocked from the front to ensure front stability of said tablet.

[0027] The return on the hook prevents front movements of the tablet, thus ensuring additional stability and preventing the tablet from falling forward.

[0028] According to one embodiment, at least one arm slides along the receptacle or base to accommodate smaller sizes of portable electronic devices such as smartphones.

[0029] The sliding capability of the arms allows the support to be easily adjusted to hold smaller devices, thus increasing the versatility of the support.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the receptacle is rotatably mounted in the base around its longitudinal axis, thus allowing adjustment of the viewing angle of a tablet placed on said support. Alternatively, the viewing angle of the tablet can be adjusted by the arms independently of the receptacle, said arms being able to be fixed to the receptacle via a finger-joint type connection, for example.

[0031] According to an advantageous aspect, each arm has a C-shaped form whose branches are formed by the hook and the support lever and whose hollow part allows the passage of a tablet when it is positioned in the receptacle.

[0032] The fundamental concepts of the invention having been set out above in their most elementary form, other details and features will become clearer from the reading of the following description and with regard to the attached drawings, giving by way of non-limiting example an embodiment of a support for electronic tablets, in accordance with the principles of the invention. Presentation of the drawings

[0033] The figures are given for illustrative purposes only to facilitate a better understanding of the invention without limiting its scope. The various elements may be represented schematically and are not necessarily to scale. Throughout the figures, identical or equivalent elements are identified by the same numerical reference.

[0034] It is thus illustrated in:

[0035] [Fig-1]: a perspective view of a stand for an electronic tablet according to a embodiment of the invention, with the self-tilting arms deployed;

[0036] [Fig.2]: another perspective view of the support;

[0037] [Fig.3]: a front view of the support;

[0038] [Fig.4]: the support with the arms in the rest position and in the deployed position;

[0039] [Fig.5a]: the support just before the insertion of a tablet, the arms being at rest;

[0040] [Fig.5b]: the support after the tablet has been inserted, with the arms extended;

[0041] [Fig.6]: the support receiving a first wide shelf;

[0042] [Fig.7]: the support receiving a second narrow shelf;

[0043] [Fig.8]: the support adapting to a small device such as a smartphone, thanks to the sliding of the articulated arms;

[0044] [Fig.9a]: the support installed in an aircraft seat environment, according to a first storage orientation;

[0045] [Fig.9b]: the support of [Fig.9a] according to a second functional orientation. Detailed description of implementation methods

[0046] It should be noted that certain technical elements well known to those skilled in the art are recalled here to avoid any insufficiency or ambiguity in the understanding of the present invention.

[0047] In the embodiment described below, reference is made to a holder for electronic tablets, primarily intended for use on a passenger seat in an aircraft. This non-limiting example is given for a better understanding of the invention and does not preclude the use of the medium as such in any other environment.

[0048] In the context of the invention, the term "electronic tablet," or simply "tablet," refers by extension to any portable electronic device (PED), provided that it is equipped with a display screen and has a flat shape suitable for the support according to the invention. This includes, in particular, smartphones with a modern design.

[0049] Fig. 1 represents a support 100 comprising a base 10, a receptacle 11 having a groove 111 for receiving a first side of a shelf, and two self-tilting arms 20 articulated on the receptacle 11 and each having a hook 21, so as to hold the two sides of the shelf, adjacent to the first side, when said arms are deployed as in Fig. 1.

[0050] The support 100 allows the user to place a tablet on the receptacle 11 by inserting one of its edges into the groove 111, according to the orientation chosen by the user for viewing the tablet screen. The inserted tablet causes the arms 20 to tilt until their hooks 21 engage around the lateral sides of the tablet, the opening angle of the arms depending on the size of the tablet. This has the effect of laterally stabilizing the tablet in the support 100.

[0051] The 100 support is thus designed to offer a universal and stable solution for fixing electronic tablets of different sizes in a usage environment such as an airplane seat.

[0052] The support 100 can be used in a completely autonomous manner, in which case it can simply be placed via its base 10 on any horizontal surface (table, desk, etc.), or by being integrated into a special environment, in which case it can be fixed to the environment via its base or directly manufactured in the environment.

[0053] The base 10 constitutes the basic structure of the support 100. According to the illustrated example, it is designed to be securely fixed in the environment of use.

[0054] The base 10 can also be designed to rest directly on a horizontal surface without being fixed to it. For example, it can be weighted to prevent it from tipping over under the weight of a tablet placed on the support 100, and have a non-slip membrane on its underside.

[0055] The base 10 is surmounted by the receptacle 11 which is attached to it, the two preferably being in one piece, forming a monolithic structure to offer increased robustness.

[0056] The receptacle 11 is intended to receive in its groove 111 any side of the tablet, which in fact becomes the lower side, and for this purpose has an elongated shape which extends along a longitudinal axis of the base 10.

[0057] The groove 111, as illustrated, has a slightly rounded profile that diverges upwards to accommodate different tablet thicknesses, thus ensuring a firm grip without damaging the device. The groove 111 may be lined with a soft material, such as rubber or silicone, to protect the tablet surfaces and dampen vibrations.

[0058] The groove 111 forms the template of the support 100 and has useful dimensions adapted to the most common tablets on the market.

[0059] Still with reference to [Fig.1], the groove 111 has a useful length L and a useful width E, sufficient to suit respectively the sides and the thickness of the shelves.

[0060] The length L is sufficient to cover the lengths of the most common large tablets on the market, and if a very large tablet were to exceed its length (in landscape mode), it can still be inserted by its width (in portrait mode).

[0061] Thickness E, on the other hand, is more advantageous insofar as the tablets are increasingly thinner.

[0062] Unlike some prior art solutions, the depth of the groove 111 alone does not provide all the stability when holding the tablet. This stability is primarily provided by the self-tilting arms 20. Therefore, the groove 111 can be as thin as possible to simply position the tablet without obscuring any part of the screen.

[0063] The self-tilting arms 20, according to the illustrated example, are mounted symmetrically at both ends of the receptacle 11 to grip a shelf on its two lateral sides when the latter is correctly placed on the support 100.

[0064] Each arm 20 is articulated around an axis A, via a hinge 22, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the groove 111, and includes a support lever 23 at an end opposite to the end having the hook 21.

[0065] The support lever 23 allows the arm 20 to tilt under the effect of a tablet that rests against it. For this purpose, it is offset towards the front of the articulated part of the arm 20 and is located in the groove 111 on the passage of the tablet.

[0066] The arms 20, being mounted opposite each other, pivot around their respective axes A in opposite directions when a tablet is inserted into the groove 111 of the receptacle 11. The tablet, by pressing on the support levers 23 of the arms 20, causes them to tilt, thus allowing the hooks 21 to move to engage on the lateral sides of the tablet which are adjacent to the lower side placed in the groove 111.

[0067] The hooks 21 are adapted to grip the lateral edges of the tablet and thus stabilize it laterally. They are profiled to fit the thickness of the tablets, and include a return 211 ensuring that the front of the tablet is locked in place. The material of the hooks 21 may include a non-slip surface to prevent the tablet from moving once in position.

[0068] The hooks 21 can be rigid and have an opening substantially the same size as the width E of the groove 111.

[0069] However, the opening of the hooks 21 can be adjusted by deformation or by sliding the return 211 to best adapt to the different thicknesses of shelves.

[0070] The presence of the hook 21 and the support lever 23 at both ends of an arm 20, and their forward offset, gives the arm a C-shaped form whose hollow interior provides a clear area for inserting the tablet into the receptacle 11.

[0071] In addition, the receptacle 11 has impressions 12 shaped to receive the arms 20 in the absence of a tablet, the latter then being in a rest position.

[0072] The shape of the impressions 12 perfectly matches that of the arms 20, so that said arms blend into the contour of the receptacle 11 and leave only their support levers 23 as an obstacle in the groove 111 to cause tilting when a tablet is placed on it.

[0073] This resting position reduces bulk and protects the arms 20 when no tablet is inserted.

[0074] Figures 2 and 3 represent the support 100 from another perspective angle and in front view, with the arms 20 in the deployed position.

[0075] It should be noted that in order to adjust the front tilt of the tablet, and therefore the user's viewing angle, the receptacle 11 can be mounted to rotate around its own axis, in other words around a longitudinal axis of the base 10. Alternatively, the receptacle 11 can be fixed and the arms 20 can rotate around its longitudinal axis by means of a finger ball joint, for example.

[0076] Figure 4 illustrates the support 100 in two distinct configurations: the folded position of the arms 20, shown in solid lines, and the extended position of the arms 20, shown in dashed lines. This figure highlights how the arms 20 fit perfectly into the receptacle 11 when in their resting position and how they extend to hold an electronic tablet.

[0077] In the rest position, the arms 20 perfectly fit the contours of the receptacle 11 by fitting into the recesses 12 provided for this purpose, thus blending into the general structure of the support 100.

[0078] In this configuration, only the support levers 23 protrude from the contour of the receptacle 11, being at the level of the upper opening of the groove 111. These support levers 23 are therefore advantageously positioned to allow direct support of a tablet and the immediate deployment of the 20 arms, greatly facilitating implementation by the user.

[0079] The support levers 23 have an angular range of motion which extends between their raised position (arm rest) and their folded position at the bottom of the groove 111 (maximum arm deployment), which allows the arms 20 to deploy at different angles to grasp the lateral sides of shelves of different sizes.

[0080] Furthermore, the configuration of the support levers 23, which are closer to the hinge 22 than the hooks 21, is such that, in the absence of a shelf, the arms 20 fall back under their own weight concentrated at the hooks with a greater "lever arm," and thus automatically return to their rest position. This feature ensures that the arms 20 do not remain unnecessarily extended, thereby reducing wear and the risk of accidental damage to the arms 20.

[0081] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate the operation of the support 100 when an electronic tablet is inserted and the deployment of the arms 20 to ensure that the tablet is held.

[0082] Fig. 5a shows the tablet being inserted into the support 100. The tablet is positioned so that one of its sides is inserted into the groove 111 of the receptacle 11. At this stage, the arms 20 are in the rest position, integrated into the recesses 12 of the receptacle 11.

[0083] The thick arrows under the tablet indicate the direction in which the tablet rests on the support levers 23 of the arms 20. By pressing on the support levers 23, the tablet causes the arms 20 to tilt around their pivot axes. The support levers 23, located near the pivot axis of the arms 20, are designed to initiate this tilting movement when a force is applied.

[0084] Fig. 5b illustrates the support 100 with the tablet in position after the arms 20 have been tilted. Following the support of the tablet on the support levers 23, the arms 20 have deployed around their articulation axes, moving from the rest position to the deployed position.

[0085] In the deployed position, the hooks 21 of the arms 20 engage around the lateral sides of the tablet, thus ensuring a firm and stable grip. Deploying the arms 20 allows them to grasp the edges of the tablet, stabilizing it in the support 100. The hooks 21, with their returns 211, lock the tablet from the front, preventing any unwanted lateral or frontal movement.

[0086] The described operation shows how the self-tilting arms 20 automatically move from the rest position to the deployed position under the effect of the tablet, thus ensuring a secure and suitable hold for different sizes of electronic tablets.

[0087] Figures 6, 7 and 8 illustrate the adaptability of the support 100 to portable electronic devices of different sizes, showing how the support can adjust to tablets of varying lengths as well as smaller devices such as smartphones.

[0088] Figure 6 shows a tablet of length Li inserted into the support 100. In this configuration, the arms 20 open at an angle ai to firmly hold the tablet. The opening angle ai is determined by the length Li of the tablet. The longer the tablet, the smaller the opening angle of the arms 20 to grip the lateral sides of the tablet.

[0089] Figure 7 illustrates the support 100 with an electronic tablet of length L2, shorter than Lb. In this configuration, the arms 20 open at an angle a2, greater than ah. This difference in angle allows the arms 20 to adapt to the reduced length of the tablet, while still ensuring a stable and secure grip on the tablet's sides. Adjusting the opening angle of the arms 20 demonstrates the support 100's ability to adapt to tablets of varying sizes, maintaining optimal stability thanks to the movable hooks 21.

[0090] Figure 8 shows the adaptability of the support 100 to smaller portable electronic devices, such as smartphones. In this case, the arms 20 can move closer together to grasp the sides of the smaller device. To allow this movement, the arms 20 can be designed to slide. For example, the arms 20 can be slightly raised to free themselves from the footprints 12 before they are slid into place. The arms can then move along the receptacle 11 to adjust to the reduced size of the smartphone.

[0091] Alternatively, the arms 20 can be brought together by other means. For example, the receptacle 11 could be designed in two parts that slide into one another, thus eliminating the need to raise the arms before they slide. This configuration would allow for quick and easy adjustment for different devices without requiring complex modifications. Another alternative could be a telescopic arm mechanism, where each arm 20 can extend or retract depending on the size of the electronic device. This solution would offer additional flexibility.

[0092] These different configurations show the versatility of the 100 support, capable of adapting to a wide range of portable electronic devices, from the largest tablets to the smallest smartphones.

[0093] The articulated mechanism of the arms 20 and, consequently, of the hooks 21, allows for maximum flexibility. The arms 20 can be adjusted in length and angle to It adapts to a wide range of tablet sizes. Once the tablet is positioned, the hooks lock into place to ensure optimal stability.

[0094] The tilting hinges 22 ensure smooth movement of the arms 20. These hinges allow the arms to fold or unfold easily, thus facilitating the insertion and removal of the tablet.

[0095] Finally, the support 100 is designed in its entirety to be compact and lightweight, while offering sufficient robustness to withstand the stresses of use in aircraft. The materials used and the design of the components guarantee a long service life and minimal maintenance.

[0096] Figures 9a and 9b illustrate the support 100 installed in an aircraft seat environment.

[0097] Figure 9a shows the support 100 mounted on a hinge in an aircraft seat, with an electronic tablet inserted. The support 100 is designed to be adjustable according to the passenger's preferences, allowing easy adjustment of the tablet's viewing angle. This hinge allows the support to pivot and, if necessary, tilt.

[0098] Figure 9b shows the support 100 in another position oriented by the passenger. Thanks to the stability provided by the support 100, the tablet remains securely in place, even when the support is adjusted to different positions. This stability is ensured by the arms of the support (not shown in these figures), which firmly hold the sides of the tablet, preventing any unwanted movement.

[0099] The 100 support, thanks to its robust and stable design, allows passengers to position their electronic tablet at the desired angle without fear of it moving or falling, thus improving the passenger experience.

[0100] As described above, the 100 holder is therefore adaptable to various portable electronic devices and is particularly suited to environments such as airplane seats. This holder securely supports tablets of different sizes thanks to an automatic tilting mechanism of the articulated arms, ensuring a stable and secure grip. The holder's design offers great flexibility, allowing it to adapt to a variety of devices, including smartphones.

[0101] Thanks to its robust design, the support effectively stabilizes tablets, even on board a moving vehicle such as an airplane.

[0102] It is important to note that certain elements of the support, such as the tilting mechanisms or the materials used, can be modified or replaced without departing from the scope of the invention. These modifications can be made to meet specific requirements or to further improve the adaptability and functionality of the support, while respecting the basic principles described in this document.

Claims

Demands

1. Support (100) for holding a portable electronic device (PED), in particular an electronic tablet, in a substantially vertical position, said support comprising a base (10) and a receptacle (11) extending longitudinally from the base, the receptacle (11) comprising a groove (111) of sufficient length and width to receive different tablet sizes, said support being characterized in that it comprises at least one self-tilting arm (20) articulated on the receptacle (11) about a tilting axis (A) and comprising a hook (21) and a support lever (23), said support lever enabling, under the effect of the pressure of a first side of the tablet, the hook to be tilted until it engages in a second side of said tablet adjacent to the first.

2. Support according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two self-tilting arms (20), placed symmetrically on the receptacle (11) to grip two opposite sides of a shelf placed in said receptacle.

3. Support according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each arm (20) is configured to fold into the receptacle (11) in the absence of a tablet and to deploy out of the receptacle in the presence of a tablet.

4. Support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (11) has at least one impression (12) conforming to the shape of an arm (20) and into which said arm automatically fits in the absence of a tablet.

5. Support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hook (21) is further from the tilting axis (A) than the support lever (23), so that the arm (20) falls back under its own weight in the absence of a shelf.

6. Support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hook (21) has a return (211) allowing the tablet to be locked from the front to ensure front stability of said tablet.

7. Support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one arm (20) slides along the base (10) to fit into smaller sizes of portable electronic devices such as smartphones.

8. Support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (11) is rotatably mounted in the base (10) about its longitudinal axis, thus allowing adjustment of a viewing angle of a tablet placed on said support.

9. Support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each arm (20) has a C-shaped form whose branches are formed by the hook (21) and the support lever (23) and whose hollow part allows the passage of a tablet when it is positioned in the receptacle (11).

Images