ELECTRONIC TABLET TRANSPORT AND RETAINING APPARATUS
A case for retaining and transporting an electronic tablet includes means for coupling the case to a swivel of a mounting system. The case also includes a tablet retaining portion and a flap movable between an open position wherein the display screen is viewable and a closed position wherein a portion of the flap covers the display. The means for coupling the case to the swivel include a reinforcing plate forming part of, or retained by, the tablet retaining portion of the case. In addition, the means for coupling the swivel to the case can include a threaded aperture defined by the reinforcing plate or a member attached to the reinforcing plate. The threaded aperture is configured to threadably receive a threaded stud forming part of the swivel.
1 . A case for holding and transporting an electronic tablet, the case comprising:
a bottom defined by a surface;
a top defining a surface having a cut out portion through which the electronic tablet can be accessed, the surface defining the top being coupled to the surface defining the bottom by a plurality of members located along the edges of the surfaces defining the top and the bottom;
a cover coupled to the top portion and movable between an open position wherein the electronic tablet is viewable and a closed position wherein a portion of the cover covers the electronic tablet; and
a receiving plate located at the surface defining the bottom;
wherein the receiving plate is configured to be coupled to a system for mounting the electronic tablet.
2 . The case of claim 1 , wherein the receiving plate is configured to threadedly receive the system for mounting the electronic tablet.
3 . The case of claim 1 , wherein the receiving plate is fastened to the surface defining the bottom.
4 . The case of claim 1 , wherein the receiving plate is at least one of internal to and integral with the surface defining the bottom.
5 . A system for mounting an electronic tablet, the system comprising:
a mounting bar configured to be coupled to a support;
a mounting post coupled to the mounting bar;
a socket located on the mounting post;
an attachment mechanism cooperably associated with the socket; and
a receiving plate coupled to the attachment mechanism;
wherein the electronic tablet is configured to be coupled to the receiving plate.
6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the mounting bar comprises,
a mounting slot located in a body portion of the mounting bar, the mounting slot being defined by a first radius extending through the body portion, a bottom surface substantially tangent to the first radius, the bottom surface extending toward an end of the body portion, and a second radius extending from the bottom surface to an outside surface of the body portion; and
a clamping mechanism received in the end of the body portion proximate the mounting slot;
wherein the clamping mechanism is operable to engage a tubing member positioned in the mounting slot, thereby urging the tubing member against the first radius to releasably retain the mounting bar on the tubing member.
7 . The system of claim 6 , wherein the mounting bar further comprises,
a through hole located proximate the second end of the body portion, and
a second clamping mechanism received in an end of the body portion proximate the through hole.
8 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the socket is coupled to an upper end of the mounting post.
9 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the socket is non-rotatably coupled to the upper end of the mounting post.
10 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the attachment mechanism comprises,
a ball retained in the socket,
a stud extending from the ball such that the receiving plate can be coupled to the stud, and
a third clamping mechanism received in the socket and configured to clamp the ball in the socket.
11 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the stud comprises an upper portion threadedly receivable in the receiving plate.
12 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the stud comprises a ring located therearound, the ring being configured to facilitate the turning of the stud to couple the receiving plate thereto.
13 . The system of claim 5 , further comprising a sleeve in which the electronic tablet is mounted, the sleeve being coupled to the receiving plate.
14 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the mounting post is integrally coupled to the mounting bar.
15 . A kit for mounting an electronic tablet to a support, the kit comprising:
a mounting bar configured to be coupled to the support;
a mounting post; and
a socket having an attachment mechanism cooperably associated therewith;
wherein the electronic tablet is configured to be coupled to the attachment mechanism.
16 . The kit of claim 15 , wherein the mounting bar comprises,
a mounting slot located in a body portion of the mounting bar, the mounting slot being defined by a first radius extending through the body portion, a bottom surface substantially tangent to the first radius, the bottom surface extending toward an end of the body portion, and a second radius extending from the bottom surface to an outside surface of the body portion; and
a first clamping mechanism received in the end of the body portion proximate the mounting slot;
wherein upon engagement of the clamping mechanism and a tubing member positioned in the mounting slot, the tubing member positioned in the mounting slot is pushed against the first radius.
17 . The kit of claim 16 , wherein the mounting bar further comprises,
a through hole located proximate the second end of the body portion, and
a second clamping mechanism located in the second end proximate the through hole.
18 . The kit of claim 15 , further comprising a receiving plate on which the electronic tablet is mounted, and wherein the receiving plate is mountable to the attachment mechanism.
19 . The kit of claim 18 , wherein the attachment mechanism cooperably associated with the socket comprises,
a ball located in the socket, and
a stud coupled to the ball,
wherein the receiving plate is mountable to the stud.
20 . The kit of claim 19 , wherein the stud comprises an upper portion rotatably connected to a lower portion, the receiving plate being mountable to the stud at the upper portion, and the lower portion being fixed to the ball.
21 . The kit of claim 15 , further comprising a sleeve in which the electronic tablet is mountable, the sleeve being configured to be coupled to the attachment mechanism.