Magnetic stand for tablet device

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10251287-B2
Application number	US-201715812905-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Nov 14, 2017
Priority date	Aug 31, 2011
Publication date	Apr 2, 2019
Grant date	Apr 2, 2019

Abstract

A magnetic stand for a tablet device is disclosed. The magnetic stand is configured to rigidly hold a portion of the tablet device in place and to shield the magnetic field from adversely affecting nearby devices susceptible to strong magnetic fields. The shielding portion of the magnetic stand allows for significant increases in magnetic field strength when compared to similarly configured, unshielded products.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A device holder for carrying a portable electronic device in an automobile, the device holder comprising:
a body that is integrated with the automobile, the body including a cupped portion that is contoured with a size and shape that at least partially conforms to that of the portable electronic device such that the at least a portion of the portable electronic device fits within the cupped portion; and
magnetic elements carried by the body such that when the portable electronic device is in contact with an interior surface of the cupped portion the magnetic elements magnetically couple with magnets of the portable electronic device and secure the portable electronic device to the interior surface, wherein a receipt of the portable electronic device into the cupped portion establishes a communication connection between the portable electronic device and a device in the automobile.

2. The device holder of claim 1 , wherein the receipt of the portable electronic device into the cupped portion causes the portable electronic device to automatically connect to the device.

3. The device holder of claim 1 , wherein the receipt of the portable electronic device by the cupped portion causes the portable electronic device to connect to the device in the automobile via a wireless communication.

4. The device holder of claim 1 , wherein the receipt of the portable electronic device by the cupped portion causes the portable electronic device to connect to the device in the automobile via a wired communication.

5. The device holder of claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a magnetic shunt that directs an external magnetic field of the magnetic elements in a direction toward the cupped portion.

6. The device holder of claim 5 , wherein when the cupped portion receives the portable electronic device, the electronic device is subject to the external magnetic field.

7. The device holder of claim 1 , wherein the body is capable of detaching from the automobile.

8. The device holder of claim 1 , wherein when the portable electronic device is connected to the device, based on being positioned in the cupped portion, the portable electronic device is capable of presenting information on a display of the portable electronic device, the information provided by the automobile.

9. The device holder of claim 8 , wherein the receipt of the portable electronic device into the cupped portion establishes the communication connection between the portable electronic device and the device in the automobile such that the display is capable of presenting navigation, video, music selection or vehicle performance data.

10. A device holder for an automobile, the device holder comprising:
a body portion comprising a cup portion having a size and shape to at least partially receive an electronic device;
a mounting connector that is compatible with an attachment point of a console of the automobile; and
magnetic elements disposed in the body portion, wherein when the electronic device is at least partially received by the cup portion, the magnetic elements magnetically couple with magnets in the electronic device, and wherein when the mounting connector is attached with the attachment point, a receipt of the electronic device by the cup portion initiates a wireless connection between the electronic device and a device in the automobile.

11. The device holder of claim 10 , wherein when the electronic device is received by the cup portion, the magnetic elements magnetically couple with a magnet within the electronic device to retain the electronic device with the cup portion.

12. The device holder of claim 10 , wherein the body portion is capable of detaching from the console.

13. The device holder of claim 10 , wherein the mounting connector comprises a magnetic attachment capable of removably coupling with the attachment point.

14. The device holder of claim 10 , wherein the body portion comprising a magnetic shunt that directs an external magnetic field of the magnetic elements in a direction toward the cup portion.

15. The device holder of claim 10 , wherein the mounting connector comprises one of a threaded hole, a clip, clamp, or suction cup.

16. A device holder for carrying a portable electronic device in an automobile, the portable electronic device having a magnetic element, the device holder comprising:
a body detachably coupled with a console of the automobile, the body having a slot that includes a size and shape in accordance with the portable electronic device; and
a magnet embedded in the body, the magnet capable of magnetically coupling with the magnetic element when the portable electronic device is positioned in the slot, wherein a receipt of the portable electronic device by the slot initiates an automatic connection between portable electronic device and a device in the automobile.

17. The device holder of claim 16 , wherein the body comprises a mounting connector compatible with the console.

18. The device holder of claim 16 , wherein the slot comprises a cupped portion.

19. The device holder of claim 16 , wherein the receipt of the portable electronic device by the slot causes the portable electronic device to connect to the device in the automobile via a wireless communication.

20. The device holder of claim 16 , wherein the automatic connection establishes a communication connection between the portable electronic device and the device in the automobile such a display of the portable electronic device is capable of presenting navigation, video, music selection or vehicle performance data.

Assignees

• Apple Inc

Inventors

• Rohrbach Matthew Dean

Classifications

• F16M13/00

  Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles (heads thereof F16M11/02 {; undercarriages thereof F16M11/20} ; adapted to be stuck in the ground A45F3/44 {; sockets or holders for poles or posts E04H12/22}); Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles {(supports for measuring instruments G01D11/30; supports for casings of remote control switching devices H01H9/025)} · CPC title

• H05K9/002

  with localised screening · CPC title

• B60R11/0252 Primary

  for personal computers, e.g. laptops, notebooks · CPC title

• H04M1/04

  Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers · CPC title

• H04B1/3877

  Arrangements for enabling portable transceivers to be used in a fixed position, e.g. cradles or boosters · CPC title