IP Library Granted Patent US 8,749,963
Granted Patent B2
US 8,749,963 · App. 13/048,653 · Granted Jun 10, 2014

Housing for slate tablet computer

Inventors: Kai Staats (Loveland, CO); Leonard Roach (Morrisville, PA); Christopher Miller (Draper City, UT)
Assignee: Over the Sun, LLC
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,749,963
App. No.
13/048,653
Granted
Jun 10, 2014
Kind
B2
Abstract

A housing for a slate tablet computer is composed of a frame component and an input component. The frame component is removably attached to the input component. A support mechanism attached to the input component, wherein the support mechanism extends from the input component to oppose inadvertent rotating of the slate tablet computer housing around a hinge connecting the frame component and the input component. In an alternate implementation, a support mechanism attached to the frame component is used to prevent the inadvertent rotating of the slate tablet computer housing around a hinge connecting the frame component and the input component.

Claims (31)

1. A slate tablet computer housing, comprising a frame component to receive a slate tablet computer;

an input component connected with the frame component; and

a support mechanism attached to the input component, wherein the support mechanism extends from the input component to oppose rotating of the slate tablet computer housing around a hinge connecting the frame component and the input component,

wherein the frame component having an open side to receive the slate tablet computer, the open side being orthogonal to the hinge, and a clasp mechanism attached to a back surface, wherein the clasp mechanism secures the slate tablet computer in the frame component, and

wherein the support mechanism is a counterbalance armature that is retractable with respect to the input component and is at least partially housed within the input component when in a retracted position.

2. The slate tablet computer housing of claim 1 , wherein the frame component further comprises a connector side opposite the open side, the connector side including a connector to communicatively connect the slate tablet computer with the input component.

3. The slate tablet computer housing of claim 1 , wherein the input component further comprises a housing that defines two or more slots; and the counter balance armature further comprises two or more rails that are respectively received and housed within the two or more slots.

4. The slate tablet computer housing of claim 1 , wherein the input component further comprises an engagement structure in each of the two or more slots that engages the rails to prevent the counter balance armature from separating from the input component when fully extended.

5. The slate tablet computer housing of claim 2 , wherein the connector is wirelessly connected to the input component.

6. The slate tablet computer housing of claim 1 , wherein the counterbalance armature functions as a handle for the slate tablet computer housing.

7. The slate tablet computer housing of claim 1 , wherein the input component further comprises: one or more fixed tension hinges; and a rotating tension hinge rotationally engaged with the one or more fixed tension hinges.

8. The slate tablet computer housing of claim 7 , wherein the rotating tension hinge further comprises an interface tab; and the frame component further comprises a tab slot configured to releasably engage the interface tab.

9. The slate tablet computer housing of claim 8 , wherein the frame component is configured to attach to a wall mount.

10. The slate tablet computer housing of claim 8 , wherein the rotating tension hinge further comprises a first engagement surface; the counterbalance armature is retractable with respect to the input component and defines a second engagement surface; and when the counterbalance armature is at least partially housed within the input component, the first engagement surface interfaces with the second engagement surface and prevents the frame component from being manipulated from a closed position to the open position.

11. The slate tablet computer housing of claim 1 , wherein the counterbalance armature is forced to automatically extend from the input component as the frame component moves into an open position with respect to the input component.

12. The slate tablet computer housing of claim 11 , wherein the input component lies in a plane and the counterbalance armature extends along the plane of the input component.

13. The slate tablet computer housing of claim 1 , wherein the frame component further comprises a proprietary connector to communicatively connect to the slate tablet computer.

14. The slate tablet computer housing of claim 13 , wherein the proprietary connector is communicatively connected to the input component via a physical data link.

15. A slate tablet computer housing, comprising:

a frame component having an open side to insertably receive a slate tablet computer and a wireless connector to communicate with an input component, the open side being orthogonal to a hinge connecting the frame component and the input component;

the input component removably connected with the frame component; and

a support mechanism attached to the frame component, wherein one end of the support mechanism is attached to a back surface of the frame component and a second end of the support mechanism swings away from the frame component.

16. The slate tablet computer housing of claim 15 , wherein the support mechanism further comprises a clasp to secure the slate tablet computer from sliding out of the open side.

17. A method of using a slate tablet computer, the method comprising:

inserting the slate tablet computer into a frame component of a slate tablet computer housing through an open side of the frame component the open side being orthogonal to a hinge mechanism connected to the input component;

communicatively attaching the slate tablet computer to a connector located on a connector side of the frame component, wherein the connector is wirelessly connected to an input component;

attaching the frame component to the input component;

opening the frame component around the hinge mechanism connected to the input component; and

retracting a support mechanism away from the input component.

18. The method of claim 17 , wherein retracting the support mechanism away from the input component comprises automatically retracting the support mechanism as the frame component is opened.

19. The slate tablet computer housing of claim 15 , wherein the connector is located on a connector side of the frame opposite the open side, and wherein a bottom side between the connector side and the open side is configured to be removably connected to the input component.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 15, 2011
From: STAATS, KAI; ROACH, LEONARD; MILLER, CHRISTOPHER
To: OVER THE SUN, LLC
Reel/Frame 026454/0732 →
Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 61340351 · Mar 15, 2010
Related Publication 20110222238A1 · Sep 15, 2011