U.S. patent application number 10/225634 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-27 for mounting and containment system for portable computers.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tempus Computers Limited. Invention is credited to Holmes, William John, Mann, Terence John, Warby, Andrew John.
Application Number | 20030057340 10/225634 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 9923723 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030057340 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mann, Terence John ; et
al. |
March 27, 2003 |
Mounting and containment system for portable computers
Abstract
A mounting system for a portable computer suitable for use in a
vehicle comprising a support member and an adjustable area, wherein
the adjustable arm is attached to the body of the vehicle and also
to the support member.
Inventors: |
Mann, Terence John; (Sutton,
GB) ; Warby, Andrew John; (Worcestershire, GB)
; Holmes, William John; (Worcestershire, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY HOAG, LLP
PATENT GROUP, WORLD TRADE CENTER WEST
155 SEAPORT BLVD
BOSTON
MA
02110
US
|
Assignee: |
Tempus Computers Limited
Birmingham
GB
|
Family ID: |
9923723 |
Appl. No.: |
10/225634 |
Filed: |
August 22, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/274.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 2011/0084 20130101;
B60R 11/02 20130101; B60R 2011/0075 20130101; B60R 11/0252
20130101; B60R 2011/0085 20130101; B60R 2011/0096 20130101; B60R
2011/0082 20130101; B60R 2011/0012 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/274.1 |
International
Class: |
E04G 003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 24, 2001 |
GB |
GB0124539.8 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A mounting system for a portable computer comprising a support
member, adapted to hold a portable computer, and an adjustable arm
attached to the support member, wherein the arm is connectable to
the body of a vehicle.
2. A. mounting system according to claim 1 wherein the arm is
pivotably connected, at a point proximal a first end of the arm, to
a housing.
3. A mounting system according to claim 2 wherein the second end of
the arm is pivotably connected to the support member
4. A mounting system according claim 1 wherein at least one of the
arm and the support member may be stowed within a housing.
5. A mounting system according to claim 2 wherein a biasing means
is applied between the arm or pivotable connection and the housing
in order to counterbalance the mass of the support member and
portable computer.
6. A mounting system according to claim 5 wherein the biasing means
comprises a spring, a gas strut or similar hydraulic means, or an
electromagnetic means.
7. A mounting system according to claim 5 wherein the biasing means
exerts a downward force on the arm or pivotable connection.
8. A mounting system according to claim 4 wherein as the arm is
moved from a closed or storage position to an open or in-use
position wherein the supporting member is automatically tilted,
rotated, or tilted and rotated in a pre-determined direction and/or
extent towards a user.
9. A mounting system according to claim 2 wherein as the arm and
support member are retracted from the housing a mechanism
automatically adjusts an angle a defined as the acute angle formed
between the plane of the outer face of the support member and the
longitudinal axis of the arm.
10. A mounting system according to claim 9 wherein the angle a
varies between 30 and 60.degree. when the system is closed and
between 0 and 30.degree. when the system is fully open.
11. A mounting system according to claim 1 wherein a docking
station is mounted for sliding movement upon the support
member.
12. A mounting system according to claim 11 wherein the docking
station slides in a directions generally orthogonal to the
longitudinal axis of the arm.
13. A mounting system according to claim 11 wherein the docking
station slides a distance of 50 to 150 mm.
14. A mounting system according to claim 4 wherein during the final
stages of closure further biasing means partially restrains
closure, in order to reduce any impact between the support member
and housing on closure.
15. A mounting system according to claim 14 wherein the further
biasing means comprises a fluid filled strut.
16. A mounting system according to claim 1 wherein means are
provided to assist a user to open and close the system while in a
normal seated position within the vehicle; and thus help avoid
strain injury.
17. A mounting system according to claim 16 wherein the assisting
means comprises a hand operated lever mechanically connected to an
arm raising and lowering mechanism.
18. A mounting system according to claim 17 wherein the hand
operated lever has a slidably extending portion, to allow a user
greater leverage when fully extended.
19. A mounting system according to claims 4 wherein the housing has
a "dog-leg" configuration.
20. A mounting system according to claim 4 wherein during movement
of the support member away from the housing the pivotable
connection moves in a upward direction relative to a housing for
the arm and/or support member.
21. A mounting system according to claim 4 wherein the pivotable
connection may move along a guide track attached to the
housing.
22. A mounting system according to claim 21 wherein a wheel or
roller engages the guide track to assist movement of the pivotal
connection there along.
23. A mounting system according to claim 4 wherein the housing is
lockable.
24. A mounting system for a portable computer comprising a support
member, adapted to hold a portable computer, and means for
extending and retracting the support member from and to a lockable
housing connectable to the body of a vehicle.
25. A mounting system for a portable computer comprising a support
member, that allows a portable computer to be readily repositioned
for use by either of two users.
26. A mounting system for a portable computer comprising a support
member that may be positioned to a users preference and that can be
moved from a closed position to an open position, wherein in the
closed position the support member is securely stowed in a fixed
enclosure.
27. A mounting system for a portable computer according to claim 26
wherein the support member is automatically rotated or tilted.
28. A mounting system for a portable computer comprising a support
member, adapted to bold a portable computer, an adjustable arm
attached to the support member, and a housing for the arm and/or
support member wherein during movement of the support member away
from the housing one end of the arm moves vertically in an opposite
direction to the support member.
29. A mounting system for a portable computer comprising a support
member, adapted to hold a portable computer, an adjustable arm
attached to the support member, and a housing for the arm and/or
support member wherein during movement of the support member away
from the housing the support member moves relative to the arm.
30. A. mounting system according to claim 29 wherein the support
member moves about a pivot connecting the support member either
directly or indirectly to the arm.
31. A mounting system for a portable computer comprising a support
member, adapted to hold a portable computer, and an extendable arm
attached to the support member, wherein the arm is connectable to
the body of a vehicle such that when the arm is extended to allow
access to the computer it hinders or prevents a driver using the
vehicle.
32. A mounting system for a portable computer substantially as
described by reference to FIGS. 1 to 21.
33. A vehicle with a mounting system for a portable computer
according to claim 1.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to means of adjustably
supporting and stowing portable computers and the like,
particularly in vehicles.
[0002] Laptop computer supports, for attachment to domestic and
commercial furniture, are known. However, portable computers such
as laptop and notebook PCs are widely used by people as they travel
in land, sea, and airborne vehicles.
[0003] Use of portable computers in vehicles raises special
problems; for example, it is highly desirable to securely fix such
equipment during travel, especially in boats. Rigid fixing of such
portable computers is very important in the event of a crash; for
example, in such circumstances unsecured items of this type can
cause severe personal injury to occupants of road vehicle as they
decelerate following impact. Such fixing often means that the
computer is not ideally positioned from an ergonomic standpoint. In
addition, loss of or damage to a portable computer may have other
safety implications; for example, when it is being used as part of
a navigation system.
[0004] In ground vehicles trays that can be attached to a steering
wheel are known. However, the latter are generally only usable by
the driver of the vehicle, provide little or no position adjustment
facilities, and offer little or no security against theft.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide an
improved mounting and/or containment system for portable computers
and the like, particularly when used within vehicles. Another
object is to provide a system that automatically presents a mounted
portable computer to a user in an ergonomic way, thereby minimizing
the likelihood of personal injury to the user through having to
stretch or bend etc., in order to position or use such equipment.
Another object is to provide a system that either readily allows or
provides automatic adjustment of the position of portable computer
relative to the user within a vehicle. A further object is to
provide a system that allows a portable computer to be securely
stowed within a vehicle, preferably in an unobtrusive manner. This
greatly reduces the likelihood of theft. Another object is to
provide a system that allows a portable computer to be readily
repositioned for use by either of two users. Yet another object is
to provide a system that allows a portable computer to be supported
on a mount that can be readily adjusted to suit various users and
can be moved from an open position to a closed position, in which
the mount and computer are securely stowed in an enclosure.
[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention there is
provided a mounting system for a portable computer comprising a
support member, adapted to hold a portable computer, and an
adjustable arm attached to the support member, wherein the arm is
connectable to the body of a vehicle.
[0007] According to a second aspect of the invention there is
provided a mounting system for a portable computer comprising a
support member, adapted to hold a portable computer, and an
extendable arm attached to the support member, wherein the arm is
connectable to the body of a vehicle such that when the arm is
extended to allow access to the computer it prevents or hinders a
driver using the vehicle.
[0008] According to a third aspect of the invention there is
provided a mounting system for a portable computer comprising a
support member, adapted to hold a portable computer, and means for
extending and retracting the support member from and to a lockable
housing connectable to the body of a vehicle.
[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is
provided a mounting system for a portable computer comprising a
support member, that allows a portable computer to be readily
repositioned for use by either of two users.
[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is
provided a mounting system for a portable computer comprising a
support member that may be automatically tilted to a users
preference as it is moved from a closed position to an open
position.
[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is
provided a vehicle with a mounting system for a portable computer
comprising a mounting member and an adjustable arm, wherein the
adjustable arm is attached to the body of the vehicle and also to
the support member.
[0012] According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is
provided a mounting system for a portable computer comprising a
support member, adapted to hold a portable computer, an adjustable
arm attached to the support member, and a housing for the arm
and/or support member wherein. during movement of the support
member away from the housing one end of the arm moves vertically in
an opposite direction to the support member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described
by reference to the following diagrammatic drawings in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a first embodiment of the
system in a closed position,
[0015] FIG. 2 is a plan elevation corresponding to FIG. 1,
[0016] FIG. 3 is an underside elevation corresponding to FIG.
1,
[0017] FIG. 4 is an enlarged version of FIG. 3,
[0018] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the system of FIG. 1 in a
closed position,
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the system of FIG. 1 in an
open position,
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 6,
[0021] FIG. 8 is a side elevation of part of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 6,
[0022] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the arm and mounting means in its
tilted position,
[0023] FIG. 10 shows the biasing arm in three positions,
[0024] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the support member pivoting
mechanism,
[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective view the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to
11 fitted between front seats of a land vehicle,
[0026] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
system in an opera position,
[0027] FIG. 14 is a side elevation of the tray and arm assembly of
FIG. 13,
[0028] FIG. 15 is a plan elevation corresponding to FIG. 1.4,
[0029] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a support member
having a slidingly mounted docking port,
[0030] FIG. 17 is a partial rear perspective view of the support
member and docking port of FIG. 16,
[0031] FIG. 18 shows how the mounting system in a partially open
position,
[0032] FIG. 19 shows schematically a hand operated lever mechanism
for opening and closing the enclosure,
[0033] FIG. 20 shows schematically further means for aiding a user
to open and close the mounting system, and
[0034] FIG. 21 shoes schematically the travel of the arm and tray
during opening/closing relative to the roof and floor of a
vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0035] A first embodiment of the invention 8 illustrated in FIGS. 1
to 12 comprises a support member 10, adjustable arm 12, housing for
the arm 14 and lockable housing 16 for the support member 10.
[0036] The support member 10 comprises a flat generally rectangular
tray 20 upon which a laptop or notebook portable computer etc., may
rest. Tray 20 provides a rectangular aperture within which is
located electrical interface or docking means 22 and also
detachable side walls 24 adapted to secure the portable computer.
Normally side walls 24 will be adapted to engage the external case
of a specific laptop or notebook PC. The interface means 22 allow a
power supply, signal input and/or output cables to be connected
between the portable computer and the vehicle. The underside of the
tray 20 houses a high security combination lock 18 or the like,
optionally with a master key system facility and an anti drill
spinner guard. The lock 18 includes a four point latch mechanism
comprising four latch bolts 28 located near each corner of the tray
that engage four latch bolt holes 30 located within housing 16. A
front face 26 with curved side, is attached to the underside of
tray 20 and the lock 18 and interface means 22 are enclosed between
this cover and the underside of the tray 20.
[0037] Adjustable arm 12 comprises a main arm 40 and a U-shaped
bracket 48 located a short distance from a first end of the main
arm 40. Bracket 48 is connected by pivots 46 to a the first end of
a secondary arm 50. The second end of the secondary arm 50 is
connected by pivots 44 to a further U-shaped bracket 42 attached to
a rear wall 34 of the housing for the arm 14. Proximal the first
end of arm 40 are a pair of rollers 54 mounted on bail bearings
that engage a pair of parallel tracks 52 one mounted on the inside
of each side wall 36 of the housing for the arm 14. Tracks 52
extend approximately half way up side walls 36.
[0038] FIG. 6 shows how arm 40 may be folded upwardly into the
housing for the arm 14. During this notion rollers 54, and hence
the first end of arm 40, descend along tracks 52 and secondary arm
50 pivots about pivots 44 and 46 as arm 40 folds inwardly. This
combination of movement results in the first end of main arm 40
moving downwardly as it pivots towards housing 14. Thus, on
withdrawal of the arm 40, the action is reversed and support member
10 is withdrawn from the housings 14 and 16, and the first end of
the arm 40 moves upwardly as it extends outwardly. This allows the
arm to be approximately horizontal when the system is open and at
the same time allows both the arm 40 and support member 10 to be a
short distance above the gear lever and/or hand-brake of the
vehicle. This stakes it difficult to drive the vehicle when the
system is connected to a land vehicle, is open and in use. Biasing
means (not shown) may be located between a roller 54 or arm 40 in
order to counterbalance the effect of the bending moment exerted by
the mass of the support member 10, portable computer and adjustable
arm 12 about the roller 54 pivot. This bending moment will tend to
move the first end of arm 40 and rollers 54 in an upward direction.
Hence the biasing means may be located between rollers 54 or arm 40
and the housing for the arm 14 to exert a downward force on the
first end of the arm 40. A, spring, in particular a helical spring
may provide the desired bias. Alternatively the biasing means may
comprise an elastic member, a gas strut or similar hydraulic means,
or an electromagnetic means such as a electric motor or an
electromagnet.
[0039] The system includes means that automatically tilt the
support means 10 through an angle of typically 40.degree. towards
either the driver of the vehicle or a passenger sat beside the
driver as the adjustable arm 12 is withdrawn. to its open position.
FIGS. 6, 7, 9 and 12 show the support member 10 tilted towards the
driver. This tilt mechanism comprises a spring loaded bias arm 70
(see FIG. 10) and pivotable member 72 (see FIG. 11).
[0040] The spring bias arm 70 is elongate and comprises a main rod
68, cylindrical element 78 piston 84 and piston rod 86 and springs
80 and 82. In addition it has bearings 74, 76 at each end to allow
it to be pivotably attached at a first end to secondary arms 50 and
at the other to pivotable member 72. Cylindrical element 78 is
attached to stain rod 88 and houses the first spring 80 and a
second spring 82. Springs 80 and 82 act upon opposite sides of the
piston 84 which is also located within the cylindrical element 78.
Member 84 is connected by rod 86 to second end bearing 76. As shown
in FIG. 10, the spring bias arm has two extreme positions
(compression and tension) and a normal position. In the normal
position both springs 90 and 82 exert equal and opposite forces on
piston member 84. In the compression position first spring 80 is
near or fully compressed and second spring 82 in near or fully
uncompressed. In the tension position the states of the springs 80
and 82 are reversed. The spring bias arm 70 is pivotably attached
at one end to the pivotable member 72 (see below) and is pivotably
attached at the other end to secondary arm 50 via a U-shaped
bracket (not shown).
[0041] Pivotable member 72 comprises a first plate 90 that is
pivotably attached to bearing 74 of bias arm 70. The first plate is
also attached to tray 20 of support member 10. The first plate 90
is pivotably mounted on castellated shaft 92 of a knob 30 by means
of a castellated central aperture 94. Shaft 92 also passes through
circular aperture 96 in a second plate 98 and a circular aperture
100 in a third plate 102. A pair of annular "Glacier Du" washers
104 are located between the second plate 98 and the third plate
102. The floor 38 of main aria 40 is sandwiched between the annular
washers 104 and the second and third plates 98 and 102. Four bolts
106 secure plates 98 and 102 either side: of floor 38, each bolt
passing through a bore 108 in the third plate 102 and engaging a
thread 110 in the second plate. Thus, in use support member 10 may
pivot relative to arm 12, the pivotal movement being about shaft
92. Knob 30 is spring loaded and has means to limit rotation
thereof to an angle of approximately 180.degree.. Thus in use, when
arm 40 is opened to the position as shown in FIG. 8, spring bias
arm 70 is momentarily in its "normal" position (see FIG. 10B).
However, fast spring 84 then exerts a force on rod 86 that extends
bias arm 70 to its "tension" position (see FIG. 10C). This
extension of the bias arm 70 results in the first plate 90 rotating
by approximately 40.degree. either towards or away from the driver
according to the setting of Knob 30. Thus, on opening the system
the support member is automatically aligned either towards the
driver or a passenger according to the pre-set position of knob
30.
[0042] When the support member 10 and adjustable arm 12 are folded
within housings 14 and 16 (see FIG. 5) the maim arm 70 is pushed
into the compression position (see FIG. 10A).
[0043] FIG. 12 shows a system according to the invention connected
to the body of a vehicle by securing members 66 and 68. FIG. 12
shows that in its open position the support member 10 presents
ergonomic means of supporting a laptop PC (not shown) for use by a
person occupying the drivers seat of the vehicle. When retracted
the support member and a computer mounted thereon are stowed
securely in an unobtrusive manner.
[0044] In another aspect supporting member 10 may be connected to
adjustable arm 12 by a universal joint rather than pivotable member
70, thereby allowing adjustment of tray 20 such that, for example,
it may be inclined at varying angles to the plane of the floor of
the vehicle. In addition, such adjustment means may be combined
with automatic tilting as described above.
[0045] The upward movement of the end of the arm 40 proximal to the
housing 14 during opening of the system is preferred; nevertheless
a simple hinge or the like may be used when prevention of operating
the vehicle when the system is open and in use is not a prime
issue.
[0046] A second embodiment of the invention 208 illustrated in
FIGS. 13 to 21 comprises a support member 210, adjustable arm 212,
housing for the arm 214 and lockable housing 216 for the support
member 210.
[0047] The support member 210 comprises a flat generally
rectangular tray 220 upon which a laptop or notebook portable
computer etc., may rest; either directly or in a docking means
attached to tray 220 (see below). Tray 220 provides an aperture
within which is located electrical interface 222 adapted to accept
a laptop PC directly or docking means attached thereto. Tray 220
may also have detachable side walls 224 adapted to secure a laptop
PC. Normally side walls 224 will be adapted to engage the external
case of a specific laptop or notebook PC. The interface means 222
allow a power supply, signal input and/or output cables to be
connected between the portable computer and the vehicle. The
underside of the tray 220 houses a high security combination lock
218 or the like, optionally with a master key system facility and
an anti drill spinner guard. The lock 218 includes a four point
latch mechanism comprising four latch bolts 228 located near each
corner of, the tray that engage four latch bolt holes 230 located
within housing 216. A front face 226 is attached to the underside
of tray 220 and the lock 218 and interface means 222 are enclosed
between this cover 226 and the underside of the tray 220.
[0048] FIGS. 16 and 17 show docking means 430 mounted on tray 420
which again has a front face 426 and four latch bolts 428. Tray 430
is slidingly mounted on tray 420. For example, the tray may slide
on rails with a race and ball bearing system 432. FIG. 16 shows a
docking station 430 (without a laptop PC) that has been slided
sideways relative to the tray 420 and also in a position where the
tray 420 is angled with respect to the main arm 440. This
advantageously allows a laptop PC mounted on tray 420 to be slid
sideways towards a user; thus further enhancing the ergonomic
features of the system. The docking station 430 may typically slide
along a track that is 100 mm long and may be locked at either end
of the track or at intermediate positions by a spring loaded latch
436 that may be moved to engage or disengage apertures 434 provided
at suitable intervals along the inner upper edge of the tray 420.
The front upper edge of the docking station has an enclosure 444
which may be trapezoid in cross section. Enclosure 444 houses a
locking system for engaging a specific laptop PC. Thus, in use, a
laptop PC (L) may be placed on top of the docking port 430 so that
slots in the rear of the PC engage lugs 446 provided on the rear
upper face of the docking station and also such that appropriate
electrical connections are made by interface means 422 and 424. A
Pull ring mechanism 438 is then pulled in an outward direction and
this results in further lugs 442 provided on the inner wall of
enclosure 444 also engaging slots in the body of the PC. The
engaged lugs 446 and 442 may be locked in this position by
depressing a lock button 448 provided on the top face of enclosure
444. A key (not shown) may be inserted in lock button 448 to unlock
the mechanism, thereby allowing pull ring 438 to be pushed inwardly
and so release moveable lugs 446 and 442 froth their engagement
with the PC:
[0049] The housing for the arm 214 has a "dog-leg" shape as viewed
from a side (see FIGS. 13 and 14) and comprises an upper portion
280 and a lower portion 282 the transition between the portions
forming an angle of approximately 135.degree..
[0050] A first end of the main arm 240 is connected to at a first
end lower portion 282 of housing 214 by pivots 300. FIG. 14 shows
main arm 240 in a fully lowered position and the support member
inclined at an angle of approximately 10.degree. to the horizontal.
While it is not essential that the support member is inclined; it
allows the computer to be presented to the user in an ergonomic
manner. Consequently, additional means (not shown) may be provided
to allow the angle of inclination of the support member to be
adjusted either manually or otherwise; for example my motor
means.
[0051] The second end of the main arm 240 is connected to an arm
portion 322 of a swivel mount 320 by a first pivot 324. Support
member 210 is pivotably connected to the swivel mount 370 by a
second pivot 326. Thus, when the apparatus is in the position shown
in FIG. 14, this allows the support member 210 to be rotated about
the generally vertical second pivot 326 either manually or by other
means (not shown), such as motorized means. In use, the mounting
means will typically be turned through an angle of 40.degree.
either towards or away from the driver of the vehicle.
[0052] When the adjustable arm 212 and support member 210 are
retracted towards the housings 214, 216 it is necessary that the
support member 210 pivots relative to the arm about the first pivot
324. This is achieved by a rod 328 connected at one end to a third
pivot 330 in swivel mount 320. The other end of rod 328 is
pivotably connected 306 to a slotted arm, 302. Arm 302 is also
connected to main arm 240 by pivots 304 and has an elongate slot
308 that slides about a bolt 310 or the like fixed to the lower
portion 282 of housing 214 by a "U-shaped" bracket 312 (see FIG.
15). Thus, as the adjustable arm 212 and support member 210 are
moved about pivot 300 from the open to retracted position slotted
arm 302 moves in such a way as to push rod 328 towards the support
member 210 and make it hinge or pivot about 324 such that the arm
212 and support member 710 are no longer in generally linear
disposition when viewed from the side (see FIG. 14) but have a
"dog-leg" configuration approximately corresponding to the housing
214. This allows the front face 226 of tray 220 to be flush with
the front face of housing 216 when the apparatus is ill a closed
position. The "dog-leg" shape also allows housing 216 to be mounted
flush with a rear wall in the vehicle cabin while avoiding the need
to also recess the majority of the housing. 214.
[0053] FIG. 18 shows a side perspective view of a mounting system
according to one aspect of the invention in a partially open
position. The angle a, defined as the acute angle between the plane
of the underside of support member 510 and the underside of main
arm 540, varies during opening and closure of the mounting system.
When closed a is typically about 40-50.degree. and preferably about
45.degree.. When fully open a is typically about 0 to 20.degree.
and preferably about 10.degree..
[0054] FIG. 21 shoes schematically the travel of the main arm 640
and tray 610 during opening/closing relative to the roof R and
floor F of a vehicle. Thus, the continuous outline shows the
position of the arm 640 and tray 610 when the mounting system is
closed, and the broken lanes show their position when the system is
fully open. The second end of the arm 640 travels through the are A
to A' so that in the open position the tray 640 is positioned in an
ideal position for use by a driver or passenger (not shown). It is
clear that if a simple single member arm and tray were used
(indicated by the line B-C, and pivotally mounted at C) to present
a tray in the same position that on closure the upper end of the
assembly B' would be above the roof level of the vehicle. Thus, the
"dog-leg" arrangement, combined with the mechanism that varies the
angle .alpha. advantageously allows a mounting system to be used in
vehicles with relatively low roots; such as commercial vans and the
like.
[0055] As the main arm 240 and support member 210 are moved about
pivot 300 from the closed position to the open position (as shown
in FIG. 14) restraining means are provided to limit opening of the
mounting system beyond the position shown in FIG. 14. Thus, a
threaded pin 316 holds a bush 318 on each outer side wall of the
arm and these bushes are positioned so that they abut against a
pair of stop blocks 314; each stop block 314 being fixed by rivets
or the like to an inner side wall 282 of the lower portion of the
housing.
[0056] FIG. 19 shows optional assisting means that comprises a hand
operated lever 340 with a head section 342 pivotally mounted 346 to
the lower portion 282 of the "dog-leg" housing and a generally
cylindrically shaped 344 handle section with a sleeve 338 that
allows the lever to be telescopically extended, in order to allow a
user to exert greater leverage. The head section 342 of lever 340
and the first end of main arm 240 are pivotally linked 350, 352 by
at least one rod or arm 348; the pivot 352 being located at the end
of arm 240 such that as the lever is raised by pivoting about 346
the maim arm 240 pivots upwardly about pivot 300; thereby assisting
stowing of the arias and support member in the housing. Preferably,
a pair of parallel rods 348 with associated pivots are employed. In
moving from the stowed position to the `open` position, lever 340
generates approximately 135 degrees of rotation of main arm 240,
via pair of rods or linkages 348. If lever 340 also had to travel
through this angle, then it is possible in some vehicles the lever
340 may collide with the floor of the vehicle. To minimize the
angle through which lever 340 travels, its pivot point 346 is
suitably offset from main arm pivot point 300 and linkage pivot
points 350 and 352 resulting in a reduction in rotation of
approximately 25% to generate the correct amount of rotation of
main arm 240. This offset feature advantageously allows the lever
340 to be pivotally mounted at point 346 nearer the floor of the
vehicle than would otherwise be possible. The assisting means
allows a user to open and close the system without having to endure
an element of body twisting and thereby helps to avoid strain
injury of the user. The assisting means may include an electric
motor for opening and closing the system. Thus, using such motor
means the hand operated lever described above may be omitted.
[0057] FIG. 20 shows optional biasing means. A first biasing means
exerts an upward force on the arm 240 and may comprise a gas filled
strut 360 that is pivotably connected 362, 364 to the first end of
main arm 240 and to a post 366 that is mounted so that it may slide
along an elongate slot (AA--not shown) that extends typically a
distance of about 20 mm in a vertical direction up the rear lower
wall 368 of the "dog-leg" housing. FIG. 20 shows post 366 at the
lower extremity of the elongate slot. Thus, as the arm and support
means are stowed gas filled strut 360 exerts an upward force upon
the arm, that decreases progressively: thereby largely balancing
the weight force of the arm, support means and laptop PC (not
shown). This effect continues until the center of gravity of the
arm, support means and laptop is vertically above arm pivot 300 and
this corresponds, in the absence of any biasing means, to a point
of unstable equilibrium. Closing beyond this point takes place with
no biasing force being exerted by the strut 360 as its upper end is
free to traverse slot AA during this portion of the closure
process.
[0058] A second biasing means (see FIG. 20) exerts a restraining
force during the last portion of the closure process; that is
closing beyond the point of unstable equilibrium. Thus, an oil
filled strut 370 is at its lower end pivotally mounted 372 to the
first end of the main arm 240 and is at its upper end pivotally
mounted 374 to a further post 376 that is again mounted so that it
may slide along an elongate slot (BB--not shown) that extends
typically a distance of about 100 mm along the inclined rear wall
of the "dog-leg" housing 214; that is the wall that is inclined at
about 45.degree. to the vertical. Thus, during closure, the
restraining biasing force only starts to operate between the point
of stable equilibrium and the point of full closure. The
co-operation of post 376 with slot BB ensures that the strut exerts
a progressively increasing force as the arm, support means and
laptop PC are stowed during the last stage of closure of the
system. This ensures that the laptop PC is not unduly jolted during
the final stages of closure, and thus helps prevent damage to
components that are sensitive to impact forces; such as bard discs
within the PC
[0059] The tray locking system may take various forms and need not
be a four point latch. Thus, one or more latches may be employed
and the locking mechanism may, for example, be a simple key
operated mechanical device or a simple electrical lock operated
from a vehicle control panel. However, high security locks such as
a mechanical combination lock or an electromechanical lock operated
by an infra-red key-fob device, or similar, are greatly preferred
as such locks afford significant protection against theft of the
portable computer. The locking system preferably includes an
additional high security key operated lock that can be used to open
the apparatus in the event of the main locking system failing in
the closed position. This additional lock may, for example, turn
shaft 332 (see FIG. 14) of the locking mechanism.
[0060] The system of the present invention has ergonomic advantages
over the prior art. It is particularly suitable for use by service
engineers and the like traveling in vans. In such circumstances the
user ideally needs to access and stow the portable computer many
times during a working day, for example corresponding to individual
visits to customers. This raises the possibility of repeated strain
injury (RSI). The system, of the present invention reduces the
likelihood of such injury by presenting the portable computer up to
the user in an ergonomic fashion, minimizing any effort to lift or
position the tray 20 and supported computer on opening for use.
While the above embodiment describes a system that after release of
the lock is opened manually an electric motor may be used to extend
the support means towards the user. The tray 20 may have detachable
or adjustable side-walls in order to readily allow secure support
of various sized computers. The ergonomic and security aspects of
the system of the invention make it suitable for use outside of
vehicles, for example in internet cafes.
[0061] In this specification the "body of the vehicle" is intended
to relate to a fixed item within a vehicle such as a floor or side
panel and not to moveable items such as a steering wheel. Further,
the expression "connectable to the body of a vehicle" does not
merely include direct connection but is also intended to refer to
arrangements where the connection is indirect, via an intermediate
member, provided that the intermediate member does not normally
move relative to the body of the vehicle when the vehicle is
moving.
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