U.S. patent application number 13/761681 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-15 for interactive visual portal system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Fazal MOHAMMED. Invention is credited to Fazal MOHAMMED.
Application Number | 20130206042 13/761681 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48944561 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130206042 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MOHAMMED; Fazal |
August 15, 2013 |
INTERACTIVE VISUAL PORTAL SYSTEM
Abstract
A system and method for mounting an interactive technology
device on one side of a surface that has a transparent portion. The
system includes a flange bracket assembly and a mounting tray
assembly to be secured under the surface, generally aligned with
the transparent portion, with the flange bracket assembly and/or
mounting tray assembly movable and/or pivotable to provide access
to an interactive technology device positioned within the mounting
tray assembly. The flange bracket assembly and mounting tray
assembly protect the interactive technology device from
environmental conditions and use of the interactive technology
device does not interfere with the intended use of the surface. The
method includes attaching a mounting system relative to the
surface.
Inventors: |
MOHAMMED; Fazal; (Coconut
Creek, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MOHAMMED; Fazal |
Coconut Creek |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48944561 |
Appl. No.: |
13/761681 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61597518 |
Feb 10, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/26 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 88/60 20170101;
A47B 21/0314 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115; A47B 21/007
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/26 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
A47B 21/007 20060101
A47B021/007 |
Claims
1. A system for mounting an interactive technology device to one
side of a surface, the surface having a transparent portion, the
mounting system comprising: a flange bracket assembly having at
least two sides to be secured to said one side of the surface; and
a mounting tray assembly positioned relative to the flange bracket
assembly for receiving the interactive technology device; the
interactive technology device being visible at least through said
transparent portion and being accessible at least from said one
side of the surface; the flange bracket assembly and mounting tray
assembly when secured to said one side of said surface providing at
least one of: (i) environmental protection of said interactive
technology device; and (ii) privacy protection of said interactive
technology device.
2. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the flange bracket
assembly and mounting tray assembly are discrete components.
3. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the flange bracket
assembly has three sides.
4. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the flange bracket
assembly is movable in a direction generally parallel to the
surface.
5. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the mounting tray
assembly is movable in a direction generally parallel to the
surface.
6. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the mounting tray
assembly is pivotable relative to said surface.
7. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the flange bracket
assembly has three legs of generally U-shaped configuration and
wherein each leg has a flange adapted to be mounted to the
surface.
8. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the mounting tray
assembly is movable laterally relative to the surface.
9. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein an interactive
technology device positioned within the mounting tray assembly is
visible through both the transparent surface and the mounting
system.
10. The mounting system of claim 1, including an access area
adapted to receive at least one connector to provide at least one
of (a) power and (b) communication.
11. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the interactive
technology device is accessible in the absence of movement of the
flange bracket assembly.
12. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the interactive
technology device is accessible in the absence of movement of the
mounting tray assembly.
13. A method of mounting an interactive technology display device
beneath a surface having a transparent portion comprising the steps
of: providing a flange bracket assembly having at least two sides;
providing a mounting tray assembly; securing the flange bracket
assembly to one side of said surface; and positioning said mounting
tray assembly relative to said flange bracket; wherein at least one
of said flange bracket assembly and said mounting tray assembly
being movable in at least one of: (i) laterally relative to said
surface, and (ii) pivotally relative to said surface.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein said mounting tray assembly is
indirectly connected to said surface.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein said flange bracket assembly is
connected to said surface.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein said surface is horizontal.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/597,518 filed Feb. 10, 2012 the entirety
of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Workstations for computers are known as are keyboard drawers
that allow the location of a keyboard to be adjusted for the
convenience of the user. Devices other than keyboards that allow a
user to interact with electronic equipment are also known. Typical
non-limiting examples of prior devices are illustrated in the
following documents: U.S. Patent Application Publication
US2006/0189365 to Crawford, III et al, published Aug. 24, 2006;
U.S. Patent Application Publication US2010/0056287 to Chung,
published Mar. 4, 2010; U.S. Patent Application Publication
US2009/0315715 to Larsen, published Dec. 24, 2009; U.S. Patent
Application Publication US 2010/0307382 to Mammana et al, published
Dec. 9, 2010; U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2005/0029910
to Woods published Feb. 10, 2005; U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,866 to
Kirchhoff, issued Sep. 6, 2005; U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,422 to Welborn,
Jr. et al, issued Apr. 14, 1998; U.S. Patent Application
Publication 2002/0020329 to Kowalski, published Feb. 21, 2002; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,595,428 to Huang, issued Jan. 21, 1997, and U.S. Pat.
No. 4,986,616 to Chang et al, issued Jan. 22, 1991. The entireties
of each of the foregoing are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0003] The implementation of the prior art identified above results
in numerous limitations. For example, many of the prior art devices
described in the above documents are intended to be attached to a
work surface but actually interfere with the use of the work
surface. Other prior art devices described in the above documents
will extend beyond a work surface and thus expose the device to
environmental conditions that limit the ability of the devices to
provide suitable interaction.
SUMMARY
[0004] The system described below provides an interactive system
mounted relative to a surface that, in general terms, does not
interfere with the use of the surface and, at the same time,
protects the interactive system from adverse environmental
conditions. The foregoing will be explained in greater detail and
other benefits of the present system will also be explained in
greater detail.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify
corresponding components:
[0006] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of two interactive visual portal
systems illustrated as being on opposite ends of a table for
exemplary purposes only;
[0007] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an interactive visual portal
system flange bracket assembly;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a plan view of an interactive visual portal system
flange bracket assembly;
[0009] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of one side of an interactive
visual portal system flange bracket privacy side assembly;
[0010] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of another side of an
interactive visual portal system flange bracket privacy side
assembly;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a partial elevation view of one side of an
interactive visual portal system flange bracket assembly of FIG. 4
including a partial section view as seen in the direction of arrow
1 in FIG. 3;
[0012] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an interactive visual portal
system mounting tray assembly;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a plan view of an interactive visual portal system
mounting tray assembly;
[0014] FIG. 9 is an elevation view of one side of an interactive
visual portal system mounting tray privacy side assembly;
[0015] FIG. 10 is an elevation view of another side of an
interactive visual portal system mounting tray privacy side
assembly;
[0016] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an interactive visual portal
system flange bracket assembly and mounting tray assembly;
[0017] FIG. 12 is an elevation view of a slider assembly;
[0018] FIG. 13 is an elevation view of a slider assembly;
[0019] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a slider assembly;
[0020] FIG. 15 is an elevation view of one side of an interactive
visual portal system assembly with the flange bracket assembly and
mounting tray assembled together;
[0021] FIG. 16 is an elevation view of an interactive visual portal
system assembly as viewed from the front;
[0022] FIG. 17 is a partial isometric view of a support
surface;
[0023] FIG. 18 is a partial isometric view of a support surface
with an interactive visual portal system in position for use;
[0024] FIG. 19 is a plan view of two interactive visual portal
system assemblies illustrated as mounted below a surface; and
[0025] FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of two interactive visual
portal system assemblies illustrated as mounted below a
surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] In the following description, it should be appreciated that
terms are being used, and examples are being provided, for
assistance in understanding the subject matter and are to be
interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting.
[0027] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of two interactive visual portal
systems illustrated in connection with a table 1. Positioned on the
table are two cups 2 that illustrate that the portals may be used
in conjunction with and concurrently with a surface such as the top
of a table without interfering with the normal use of the table
surface. A portion or area 3 at the edge of the table indicates one
potential position for an interactive visual portal system
transparent viewable area. Above the area 3 the table is provided
with a transparent portion 4 which may be, for example, glass or
plastic. Of course the entire table top surface may be transparent
if desired. FIG. 1 includes a representation of the arm/hand 5 of
the user of the portal.
[0028] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an interactive visual portal
system flange bracket assembly that is provided such that the
portal may be mounted relative to the surface of the table. The
flange bracket assembly may be a generally U-shaped flanged bracket
having first, second and third legs which may be separate parts,
separate parts joined together, or a single part in which is bent
of formed into three legs. A first generally flat leg 6 of the
bracket includes an upper flange 7 extending outwardly at
approximately 90 degrees with the flange preferably but not
necessarily extending the entire length of the leg 6. The flange 7
includes a top surface 8 to be secured to one side of the surface
1. When the surface 1 is part of a table, the top surface 8 of the
flange is to be attached to the underside of the table. It should
be understood that if the surface 1 is a vertical surface, then the
flange can be attached behind or in front of the surface. The
bracket flange 8 includes a generally preferably flat area that can
be used for fastening with various methods such as apertures or
mounting holes 9, 10 through which suitable fasteners (not shown)
can, if desired, extend to fasten the flange to the underside of
the surface 1. The mounting holes 10 may be elongated to provide
for adjusting the position of the bracket.
[0029] The generally U-shaped bracket includes a second leg 12
preferably at a right angle to the first leg 6 with the
intersection of the first and second legs indicated by the
reference numeral 11. The second generally flat leg 12 of the
bracket includes an upper flange 14 extending outwardly at
approximately 90 degrees with the flange preferably but not
necessarily extending the entire length of the leg 12. The bracket
flange 14 includes a general area in which can be used for
fastening with various methods and apertures or mounting holes 15
through which suitable fasteners (not shown) can, if desired,
extend to fasten the flange to the underside of the surface 1. The
mounting holes 15 may be elongated to provide for adjusting the
position of the bracket.
[0030] The generally U-shaped bracket includes a third leg 17
preferably at a right angle to the second leg 12 and parallel to
the first leg 6 with the intersection of the second and third legs
indicated by the reference numeral 16. The third leg 17 is
generally flat and includes a flange 19 at the top, the flange
extending outwardly at approximately 90 degrees with the flange
preferably but not necessarily extending the entire length of the
leg 17. The bracket flange 19 includes a general area in which can
be used for fastening with various methods and apertures or
mounting holes 20, 21 through which suitable fasteners (not shown)
can, if desired, extend to fasten the flange to the underside of
the surface 1. The mounting holes 21 may be elongated to provide
for adjusting the position of the bracket. The use of elongated
mounting holes 10 and 21 in the flanges of the first and third
legs, respectively, allows for adjustment of the position of the
bracket relative to the underside of the surface to which it is
attached. The flange surfaces or attachment surfaces of the three
flanges are not required to be but are preferably in the same
plane.
[0031] FIG. 3, as noted above, is a plan view of an interactive
visual portal system flange bracket assembly.
[0032] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate additional features of the flange
bracket assembly with FIG. 6 being a view as seen in the direction
of arrow 1 (reference numeral 22) in FIG. 3.
[0033] FIG. 4-5 are elevation views of the sides of an interactive
visual portal system flange bracket privacy side assemblies. Each
of the side legs 6, 17 may be tapered on the edge farthest from the
flange with the taper extending such that the rear of the leg,
i.e., the portion of the leg closest to the center leg 12, is
shorter than the front of the leg, i.e., the portion of the leg
most remote from the center leg. Each of the side legs includes an
aperture to receive a pin or other structure for pivoting. The
apertures 23, 27 are positioned adjacent the rear of the side legs.
Each of the side legs includes, at the front, a downwardly
extending tab 24, 28, and each tab is provided with an aperture 25,
29 respectively. The lower edge 26, 30 of each side leg extend
between the front and rear of the leg thus providing the
aforementioned taper.
[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a fastener extending through an aperture
in the flange surface 14 such that the flange (and thus the
bracket) is secured to the underside of the surface 31.
[0035] Referring next to FIGS. 7-11, various details of an
interactive visual portal system mounting tray assembly tray will
be explained. FIG. 9 is an elevation view of one side of an
interactive visual portal system mounting tray privacy side
assembly and FIG. 10 is an elevation view of another side of an
interactive visual portal system mounting tray privacy side
assembly. The mounting tray assembly may optionally be considered
as part of a mounting system. Typically the mounting tray assembly
will be rectangular or square but the mounting tray assembly may be
of suitable configuration to accommodate the interactive device.
For explanatory purposes only, the mounting tray assembly will be
described in general terms and includes a horizontal surface with
opposed, upwardly extending vertical side walls 32 and 46. Side
wall 32 extends from a front edge 33 toward the rear and terminates
in an upwardly extending tab 34 having an aperture 35 therethrough.
The side wall 32 includes an elongated, preferably arcuate slot 36
at the front and a lower edger 37.
[0036] The mounting tray assembly includes a generally flat base 38
which may include one or more series of mounting apertures 39
therethrough. The mounting tray assembly includes an upwardly
extending rear wall 40 having a top surface 41. The mounting tray
assembly includes a side wall 45 which includes a lower edge 46, an
upper edge 37, an upwardly extending tab 48 at the rear with an
aperture 49 therethrough, and an arcuate slot 50 adjacent the front
of the side wall.
[0037] Finally, the front 42 of the mounting tray assembly has an
upwardly extending wall 43 and a handle 44.
[0038] The mounting tray assembly may be formed from a single piece
of material (metal, plastic) bent or molded into the desired
configuration, or from a series of parts secured together.
[0039] The size and shape of the mounting tray assembly may be
configured to the VESA Flat Display Mounting Interface Standard
and/or can be customized to house any number of locations and holes
with which to allow for attaching any type of interactive
technology device or assembly such as mobile wireless devices,
PDA's, Tablets, PC's, and E-Readers, the foregoing list being
understood to be merely non-limiting examples.
[0040] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an interactive visual portal
system flange bracket assembly and a mounting tray assembly that
together may be considered a mounting system. In FIG. 11 the
mounting system is illustrated as would be seen, for example, from
the rear looking outwardly toward the handle 44. The assembly has
an open front area 53, generally extending from side to side, and
extending downwardly 54 from the top toward the bottom of the
mounting tray assembly. An access opening 55 is provided at the
rear of the assembly, the access area for power cables or other
connectors. An exemplary interactive device 56 is indicated as
positioned within the mounting system and preferably within the
mounting tray assembly. The interactive device may be of any
desired type such as a keyboard, interactive touch screen, thin
film technology, controller, wireless or wired device, etc.
[0041] The combination of the mounting tray assembly and flange
bracket assembly will now be explained in general terms. The
mounting tray assembly and flange bracket assembly are configured
relative to each other such that the mounting tray assembly is
received within the flange bracket assembly. The flanges of the
mounting tray assembly are connected to the underside of the table.
Connecting or pivot pins at the rear of the mounting tray assembly
and the rear of the flange bracket assembly provide for hinged or
pivoting movement of the two parts relative to each other and thus
relative to the underside of the table surface. Connecting pins at
the front of the flange bracket assembly and the arcuate or curved
slots in the front of the mounting tray assembly limit the degree
of pivoting movement of the mounting tray assembly. The connecting
pins may be threaded connectors with suitable washers and wing nuts
such that the degree of pivoting may be adjusted.
[0042] The components of the flange bracket assembly and mounting
tray assembly are such to preferably provide privacy in that
someone adjacent to but not directly in front of the handle 44 will
not be able to observe the interactive device 56 thus allowing
privacy as a user enters a PIN or password or otherwise use the
device. The components of the mounting tray assembly and flange
bracket assembly are such to preferably environmentally shield the
interactive device 56 such that moisture will not affect the
interactive device and sunlight will not interfere with the user
observing the content on the screen of the interactive device.
[0043] Additional details of the assembly and use of the present
system will now be explained. FIGS. 12-15 illustrate that the
system may be used with a conventional two-part slider assembly 57,
58, one of the parts to be attached to the outside of the flange
bracket assembly and the other part attached to the underside of
the surface to which the assembly is to be mounted. The two-part
slider assembly as thus attached allows the entire interactive
visual portal system to slide inwardly and outwardly relative to
the surface. This type of slide assembly is well known and one such
slide assembly is used on each side of the tray. Two-part slide
assemblies of the type described are conventionally utilized for
desk drawers, file cabinet drawers, etc.
[0044] FIG. 15 illustrates that with a suitable pivot pin 59 at the
rear of the assembly and a guide in 60 at the front of the assembly
and through the arcuate slot, the tray may be moved laterally via
the slider assembly 57, 58 in the direction of arrow 61, and
arcuately up and down in the direction of arrow 62, e.g., a tilting
of the tray relative to the horizontal surface.
[0045] FIG. 16 illustrates a mounting system such as a mounting
tray assembly and flange bracket assembly, along with sliders and
interactive device 56 secured to the underside of the table 1 in
position to be used as contemplated herein. Specifically, the
mounting system is illustrated relative to a mounting surface 31.
As indicated previously the mounting surface 31 may be horizontal,
vertical (or even at an angle) and when the system is used in
connection with a table, the mounting surface 31 would be the
underside of the top of the table. As described above there may be
two different two-part slider assemblies, one on each side of
mounting system. Each of the slider assemblies has one part secured
to the underside of the surface 31 at 63, 64 respectively and the
second part of each two-part slider assembly secured to the
mounting system at 65, 66, respectively. In FIG. 16, the flange
bracket assembly legs are identified by reference numerals 67 and
68.
[0046] FIG. 17 illustrates in partial isometric view a support
surface and FIG. 18 illustrates in partial isometric view a support
surface with an interactive visual portal system assembly in
position for use. In FIGS. 17 and 18 a cup 2 is illustrated to
demonstrate concurrent use of the table top and the interactive
visual portal system. FIG. 18 also shows the interactive visual
portal system relative to the table top, the edge 3 of the table
and the viewing area 4. In this regard it should be noted that the
interactive device is attached to the floor of the mounting tray
assembly and thus has a natural or native tilt or inclination for
the ergonometric benefit of ease of view and ease of use. It should
be further noted, with reference back to FIG. 7, that the base 38
of the mounting tray assembly is inclined and provided with
suitable attachment apertures 39 such that the interactive device
may be attached to the mounting tray assembly if desired.
[0047] FIG. 19 illustrates a surface below or behind which two
interactive visual portal systems are positioned and FIG. 20
illustrates the two interactive visual portal systems in which one
system has been pivoted downwardly as seen in the direction of
arrow 62 while the other mounting system has been pivoted or tilted
downwardly as seen in the direction of arrow 62 and moved outwardly
as seen in the direction of arrow 61. In FIG. 20, reference numeral
4 indicates that the interactive device or screen may be viewed
looking through a transparent portion in the top of the surface
with the entire viewing area generally identified as 71. Reference
numeral 70 indicates that the mounting system has been extended
outwardly thus increasing the viewing area 72, with the user
viewing the interactive screen with or without looking through the
transparent portion of the top of the surface.
[0048] The interactive visual system to be mounted to a surface has
numerous applications. By way of non-limiting example, the system
allows the user to view, interact, mount, house, position and/or
incorporate interactive technology, mobile technology, mobile
interactive devices, interactive film technology, interactive
displays, interactive all-in-one computer technology, single touch
or multi touch technology. The system may be configured and
attached to consumer, household, commercial, industrial and/or
retail furnishings or surfaces while preferably allowing for full,
simultaneous, non obtrusive use of the top of the mounting surface.
The system has applications such as allowing access to e-mails,
social media, advertising, gaming, video and audio conferencing,
and numerous other applications through the use of interactive
technology both indoors and out-of-doors. The system has
applications via cloud-based storage, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.
[0049] The foregoing is a complete but exemplary description. Many
changes and modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill upon reading the foregoing without departing from the spirit
and scope of the above description.
* * * * *