U.S. patent application number 16/227522 was filed with the patent office on 2019-04-25 for display stand for a tablet computer.
The applicant listed for this patent is InVue Security Products Inc.. Invention is credited to Nicholas M. Sedon.
Application Number | 20190122009 16/227522 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50546949 |
Filed Date | 2019-04-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190122009 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sedon; Nicholas M. |
April 25, 2019 |
DISPLAY STAND FOR A TABLET COMPUTER
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a display
stand for securing a tablet computer from unauthorized removal or
theft. The display stand may include a sleeve configured to at
least partially receive a tablet computer therein and a base
configured to releasably engage the sleeve. The base may be
configured to engage the sleeve in a locked configuration so as to
prevent removal of the sleeve and the tablet computer from the base
and to disengage the sleeve in an unlocked configuration so as to
allow the sleeve and the tablet computer to be removed from the
base.
Inventors: |
Sedon; Nicholas M.;
(Weddington, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
InVue Security Products Inc. |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50546949 |
Appl. No.: |
16/227522 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14854594 |
Sep 15, 2015 |
10176345 |
|
|
16227522 |
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|
|
14059735 |
Oct 22, 2013 |
9163433 |
|
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14854594 |
|
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|
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61720541 |
Oct 31, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 7/024 20130101;
F16M 11/041 20130101; F16M 11/105 20130101; E05B 73/0082 20130101;
G08B 13/14 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115; G06F 21/88 20130101;
A47F 7/0042 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 21/88 20060101
G06F021/88; G08B 13/14 20060101 G08B013/14; F16M 11/10 20060101
F16M011/10; A47F 7/024 20060101 A47F007/024; A47F 7/00 20060101
A47F007/00; E05B 73/00 20060101 E05B073/00 |
Claims
1. A system for securing a tablet computer from unauthorized
removal or theft, the system comprising: a sleeve configured to be
coupled to a tablet computer, wherein the sleeve comprises a sleeve
locking member; and a base comprising an electronic lock configured
to releasably engage the sleeve in a locked configuration so as to
prevent removal of the sleeve and the tablet computer from the base
and to disengage the sleeve in an unlocked configuration so as to
allow the sleeve and the tablet computer to be removed from the
base, wherein the base comprises a base locking member configured
to engage the sleeve locking member, the base locking member
comprising a plurality of locking studs biased towards the locked
configuration and each configured to engage the sleeve locking
member when the sleeve is positioned on the base.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the sleeve locking member has a
curved outer surface and at least one circumferentially extending
opening defined about the curved outer surface.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the sleeve locking member
comprises a locking lug configured to releasably engage the
base.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the base comprises a recess
configured to at least partially receive the locking lug
therein.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the locking lug comprises a
groove configured to be releasably engaged by the plurality of
locking studs.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the tablet computer is configured
to be selectively positioned on the base in the locked
configuration in one of a plurality of display orientations.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of display
orientations comprises a landscape orientation and a portrait
orientation.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the sleeve locking member is
configured to overcome the bias of the plurality of locking studs
as the sleeve locking member is positioned on the base, and wherein
the plurality of locking studs are configured to be biased to the
locked configuration when the sleeve is fully positioned on the
base.
9. The system of claim 1, further comprising an electronic key
configured to cooperate with the electronic lock for unlocking the
sleeve and the tablet computer from the base.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the electronic lock comprises a
security code, and wherein the electronic lock is configured to
unlock in response to receiving a matching security code from the
electronic key.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the electronic key is configured
to cooperate with the electronic lock for moving the base locking
member against the bias of an elastic member to the unlocked
configuration.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the base comprises means for
charging the tablet computer or transferring power to the tablet
computer.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the base is configured to charge
the tablet computer via contact charging.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is configured to
overlie and enclose opposing sides and opposing ends of the tablet
computer.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of locking studs
are biased towards the locked configuration with at least one
elastic member.
16. A method for securing a tablet computer from unauthorized
removal or theft, the method comprising: coupling a tablet computer
to a sleeve, wherein the sleeve comprises a sleeve locking member;
positioning the sleeve on a base such that the tablet computer is
locked to the base with an electronic lock so as to prevent removal
of the tablet computer from the base, wherein the base comprises a
base locking member configured to engage the sleeve locking member,
the base locking member comprising a plurality of locking studs
biased towards the locked configuration and each configured to
engage the sleeve locking member when the sleeve is positioned on
the base; and unlocking the electronic lock so as to allow the
sleeve and the tablet computer to be removed from the base.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising charging the tablet
computer with the base via contact charging or inductive
charging.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising selectively
positioning the sleeve and the tablet computer in one of a
plurality of predetermined display orientations while locked to the
base.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein unlocking comprises unlocking
the lock with an electronic key so as to allow the sleeve and the
tablet computer to be removed from the base.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein positioning comprises
positioning the sleeve on the base such that the sleeve locking
member overcomes a bias of an elastic member as the sleeve is
positioned on the base.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This non-provisional utility patent application is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/854,594, filed on Sep.
15, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
14/059,735, filed on Oct. 22, 2013, and now U.S. Pat. No.
9,163,433, entitled DISPLAY STAND FOR A TABLET COMPUTER, which
claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/720,541, filed on Oct. 31, 2012, entitled IPAD LOCKING AND
DOCKING STAND, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a
display stand for securing a tablet computer from theft or
removal.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Security stands, also commonly referred to as "kiosk"
stands, are known for securing a tablet computer in a
manufacturing, retail or office environment. A tablet computer
security stand commercially known as VOLT.TM. is available from
Vanguard Protex Global, Inc. (VPG). The VOLT.TM. security stand
comprises a display pedestal and a disconnect sensor configured to
be attached to the tablet computer and removably supported on the
pedestal. The VOLT.TM. security stand may also include means for
providing power and/or charging the tablet computer through a power
adapter cord, and may be electrically connected to an alarm module
containing monitoring electronics for activating san alarm in the
event that the tablet computer is detached from the disconnect
sensor. The disconnect sensor of the VOLT.TM. security stand,
however, does not comprise a sleeve that is configured to enclose a
tablet computer, such as, an Apple.RTM. iPad.RTM. tablet
computer.
[0004] An enclosure for an iPad.RTM. tablet computer commercially
known as the Archelon.TM. iPad Enclosure includes an inner frame
configured to receive an iPad.RTM. and an outer frame that is
secured to the inner frame by mechanical fasteners. The inner frame
is movably mounted on a kiosk stand such that the frame and the
iPad.RTM. can be tilted, rotated 180 degrees and/or angled as
desired.
[0005] An enclosure for an iPad.RTM. tablet computer commercially
known as the Jacket iPad.RTM. Enclosure includes a two-piece frame
that is secured and locked around an iPad tablet computer with a
barrel lock and key. The Jacket iPad.RTM. Enclosure may be
supported on and locked to an optional mount.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a
display stand for securing a tablet computer from unauthorized
removal or theft. The display stand may include a sleeve configured
to at least partially receive a tablet computer therein and a base
including a lock configured to releasably engage the sleeve. The
base may be configured to engage the sleeve in a locked
configuration so as to prevent removal of the sleeve and the tablet
computer from the base and to disengage the sleeve in an unlocked
configuration so as to allow the sleeve and the tablet computer to
be removed from the base.
[0007] In some embodiments, the sleeve comprises a first portion
and a second portion that are configured to engage one another to
secure the tablet computer therein. The tablet computer may include
opposing sides extending between opposing ends, and the first
portion and the second portion may each comprise peripheral sides
and a peripheral end configured to overlie and enclose the opposing
sides and one of the opposing ends.
[0008] According to one aspect, the sleeve comprises a locking lug
configured to releasably engage the base. The base may include a
recess configured to at least partially receive the locking lug
therein. The base may include at least one locking stud configured
to releasably engage the locking lug. The locking lug may include a
groove configured to be releasably engaged by the at least one
locking stud. In one example, the at least one locking stud is
configured to be mechanically biased into engagement with the
locking lug.
[0009] In other embodiments, the base comprises a lock configured
to cooperate with a key for locking and/or unlocking the sleeve and
tablet computer from the base. The lock may include a mechanical
lock configured to cooperate with a key or an electronic lock
configured to communicate with an electronic key. The electronic
lock may be configured to receive electrical power from the
electronic key for operating the electronic lock. In one
embodiment, the electronic lock comprises a security code, and the
electronic lock is configured to unlock in response to receiving a
matching security code from the electronic key. In some
embodiments, the display stand also includes an alarm unit disposed
within the base, wherein the alarm unit is configured to activate
an alarm in the event that the sleeve and the tablet computer are
removed from the base in an unauthorized manner. The alarm unit may
be configured to communicate with an electronic key for arming or
disarming thereof. Moreover, the base may include means for
charging the tablet computer or transferring power to the tablet
computer.
[0010] In another embodiment, a display stand for securing a tablet
computer from unauthorized removal or theft is provided. The
display stand includes a sleeve configured to at least partially
receive a tablet computer therein and a base configured to
releasably engage the sleeve. The display stand also includes a
lock configured to lock the sleeve and the tablet computer to the
base so as to prevent removal of the sleeve and the tablet computer
from the base. In addition, the display stand includes a key
configured to unlock the lock so as to allow the sleeve and the
tablet computer to be removed from the base.
[0011] According to one embodiment, a method for securing a tablet
computer from unauthorized removal or theft is provided. The method
includes positioning a tablet computer within a sleeve and locking
the sleeve and the tablet computer to the base so as to prevent
removal of the sleeve and the tablet computer from the base. The
method further includes unlocking the lock with a key so as to
allow the sleeve and the tablet computer to be removed from the
base. In some embodiments, the method also includes displaying the
sleeve and the tablet computer in one of a plurality of
predetermined display orientations. The unlocking step may include
unlocking the lock with an electronic key.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a top view showing the two-piece sleeve of a
security stand and a tablet computer to be enclosed by the sleeve
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the tablet computer inserted
into and partially enclosed by the first piece of the sleeve.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an environmental perspective view showing the
tablet computer enclosed within the sleeve and positioned to be
attached and locked to the base of the security stand. FIG. 3
further shows a programmable electronic key for locking the sleeve
containing the tablet computer to the base and for subsequently
unlocking the sleeve and the from the base.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an environmental perspective view showing the
sleeve containing the tablet computer locked to the base of the
security stand.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front view of the tablet computer positioned on
the base of the security stand in a portrait orientation.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a front view of the tablet computer positioned on
the base of the security stand in a landscape orientation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described
more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which various embodiments of the invention are shown. This
invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and
should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth
herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the
scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers
refer to like elements throughout.
[0019] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a
merchandise display security stand for a tablet computer such as,
for example, an iPad.RTM. manufactured and offered for sale by
Apple, Inc. The security stand includes a sleeve configured to
enclose the tablet computer and a base operable for releasably
attaching the sleeve to the base. The base may include an alarm and
monitoring electronics for activating the alarm in the event that
the tablet computer and the security sleeve are detached from the
base. The base may further include means for charging the internal
battery of the tablet computer, for example, by contact or
inductive charging.
[0020] In some embodiments, the invention is a merchandise display
security stand, or kiosk stand, for an iPad.RTM. tablet computer
manufactured and sold by Apple, Inc. The display stand includes a
sleeve configured to receive the tablet computer and to lock the
sleeve and the tablet computer to a base in a desired orientation.
The base may include an alarm and monitoring electronics for
activating the alarm in the event that the sleeve and the tablet
computer are detached from the base. The display stand may further
include means for charging the internal battery of the tablet
computer and/or for providing operating power to the tablet
computer, for example, by contact or inductive charging. The
display stand may be used in any retail, manufacturing, or office
environment for mounting the tablet computer in a convenient
orientation for use by employees and/or customers, while securing
the iPad against theft or removal. Although reference is made
herein to an iPad.RTM. tablet computer, it is understood that the
sleeve is adaptable to tablet computers made by other manufacturers
(e.g., Microsoft Surface tablet, Samsung Galaxy Note tablet, etc.).
Moreover, although the term "sleeve" is used herein, it is
understood that term is not intended to be limiting and may be any
sleeve, shroud, or the like configured to receive a tablet computer
operably engage a baseFki.
[0021] According to one embodiment, FIG. 1 is a top view showing
the sleeve 20 of the display stand 10 (FIG. 3) configured (i.e.,
sized and shaped) for enclosing an iPad.RTM. tablet computer 15.
The sleeve 20 comprises a first portion 24 and a second portion 28
that is somewhat smaller than the first portion. First portion 24
and second portion 28 of sleeve 20 are preferably made of a
formable, substantially rigid material, such as hard plastic,
composite or thin sheet metal. As shown in FIG. 2, the tablet
computer 15 is received within the first portion 24 of the sleeve
20 and the second portion 28 is positioned over the free end of the
tablet computer that extends beyond the first portion. First
portion 24 is provided with peripheral sides 21, 22 and a
peripheral end 23 that overlie and enclose the opposite sides and
an end of the tablet computer 15. Likewise, second portion 28 is
provided with peripheral sides 25, 26 and a peripheral end 27 that
overlie and enclose the opposite sides and the other end of the
tablet computer 15. First portion 24 and second portion 28 are
secured together with tablet computer 15 disposed therein and
contained by the peripheral sides 21, 22, 25, 26 and peripheral
ends 23, 27 by mechanical fasteners 29, 30, 31. Fasteners 29, 30,
31 are preferably provided with a tamper-proof head that requires a
customized tool that is not readily available to others so that the
fasteners cannot be easily removed by a potential thief.
Alternatively, the fasteners 29, 30, 31 may be positioned on the
first portion 24 and the second portion 28 so as to be inaccessible
when the sleeve 20 containing the tablet computer 15 is locked in
place on the display stand, as will be described.
[0022] FIG. 3 is an environmental perspective view showing the
tablet computer 15 contained within the first portion 24 and the
second portion 28 of the sleeve 20 and positioned to be attached to
a base 40 of the display stand 10. The base 40 may include at least
one opening or recess 45 configured for receiving at least one
corresponding locking lug 35 extending from the rear, or underside,
of the first portion 24 of the sleeve 20. Locking lug 35 is
configured received within the recess 45 of the base 40, and a
locking stud, pin, cam, or the like (not shown) disposed within the
base is configured to engage a corresponding slot or groove 37
provided on the locking lug. The locking stud engages the groove 37
of the locking lug 35 to lock the sleeve 20 and the tablet computer
15 to the base 40, and alternatively, the locking stud disengages
from the groove of the locking lug to unlock the sleeve and the
tablet computer from the base. The groove 37 of the locking lug 35
is configured to permit the locking stud to lock the sleeve 20 and
the tablet computer 15 on the base 40 of the display stand 10 as
desired in a portrait orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 4 and
FIG. 5, or alternatively, in a landscape orientation, as
illustrated in FIG. 6. It is understood that the illustrated
locking lug 35 and groove 37 are not intended to be limiting, as
other locking arrangements may be employed. For example, the
locking groove 37 may extend about at least a portion of the
locking lug 35, and there may be a plurality of locking studs
configured to engage the locking groove. Alternatively, the locking
lug 35 may be provided with a locking stud, while the base 40 could
include a locking groove 37.
[0023] In one embodiment, the base may include a mechanical lock
for actuating the locking stud, and a key may be used to move the
locking stud between the unlocked configuration and the locked
configuration. Alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 2, a
programmable electronic key 50 and a corresponding programmable
electronic lock 55 may be used to actuate the locking stud between
the unlocked configuration and the locked configuration.
Programmable electronic key 50 and programmable electronic lock 55
are each provided with a security code. The key 50 is positioned
adjacent the lock 55 such that the electronics of the key are in
data communication with the electronics of the lock. In the event
that the security code of the key 50 matches the security code of
the lock 55, the key is authorized to transfer electrical power to
the lock to operate the locking stud between the unlocked and the
locked configurations. Key 50 may transfer electrical power to lock
55 in any known manner. However, in a preferred embodiment, the key
50 transfers electrical power to the lock 55 via inductive
transfer. In another embodiment, the locking stud may be
mechanically biased, for example, by an elastic member, such as a
spring, towards the locked configuration. In this manner, the
locking stud is moved against the biasing force of the elastic
member from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration
as the locking lug 35 is received within the recess 45 of the base
40 and is biased into the locked configuration when the locking lug
is fully seated within the recess. The key 50 and the lock 55 are
then used to move the locking stud against the biasing force of the
elastic element from the locked configuration to the unlocked
configuration. When the key 50 is removed from the lock 55, the
locking stud is permitted to move under the biasing force of the
elastic element back to the locked configuration.
[0024] If desired, the display stand 10 may be provided with an
alarm unit 47 disposed within the base and comprising an alarm and
monitoring electronics for activating the alarm in the event that
the sleeve 20 and the tablet computer 15 are detached from the base
in an unauthorized manner. For example, the programmable electronic
key 50 may be used to communicate an electrical signal to engage,
or "arm," the monitoring electronics of the alarm unit 47.
Likewise, the programmable electronic key 50 may further be used to
communicate an electrical signal to disengage, or "disarm," the
monitoring electronics. When armed, the monitoring electronics
monitor a sensor switch, such as a limit switch, operably
positioned between the locking lug 35 disposed on the sleeve 20 and
the recess 45 formed in the base 40. If the locking lug 35 is
removed from the recess 45 without the key 50 first disarming the
monitoring electronics, the monitoring electronics of the alarm
unit activates the alarm. Once the key 50 has been used to disarm
the monitoring electronics, the locking lug 37 can be removed from
the recess 45 and the monitoring electronics will not activate the
alarm in response to the sensor switch. The alarm unit 47 of the
base 40, including the sensor switch, may be provided with
electrical power from an external source. Alternatively, or as
desired, alarm unit 47 may be provided with an internal replaceable
or rechargeable battery since the lock 55 is operated by electrical
power transferred from the key 50 and the remainder of the display
stand 10 is entirely mechanical.
[0025] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art having the
benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions
and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood and
appreciated that the invention is not to be limited to the specific
embodiments disclosed herein, and that modifications to the
disclosed embodiments and other undisclosed embodiments are
intended to be included within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *