Adjustable Patents (Class 361/679.44)
  • Patent number: 11650630
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing merchant/customer interaction include determining that a tablet computer is in a merchant orientation, retrieving merchant product information according to a received instruction and merchant orientation information, and displaying a merchant screen on the tablet computer that includes the merchant product information according to the merchant orientation information. A change in the orientation of the tablet computer enclosure/stand is then detected from the merchant orientation to a customer orientation. In response, the merchant screen is transitioned on the tablet computer display to a customer screen as the tablet computer enclosure/stand changes orientations by moving the merchant screen and the customer screen linearly while in a stacked orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: PAYPAL, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Voege, Faran Najafi, Egan Schultz, Satish Govindarajan
  • Patent number: 11146031
    Abstract: An expansion device includes a supporting base and a hub. The supporting base includes a bottom portion, a supporting portion, and an electrical connection port. The supporting portion is connected to the bottom portion and has an insert slot. The electrical connection port is disposed at the bottom portion. The hub is slidably disposed within the supporting portion and is located between the bottom portion and the insert slot. The hub includes a first electrical connection element and a second electrical connection element facing away from the first electrical connection element. The first electrical connection element is electrically connected to the electrical connection port, and the second electrical connection element extends into the insert slot. Another expansion device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Ting-Wen Pai, Wen-Chieh Tai, Han-Tsung Shen, Yu-Shih Wang
  • Patent number: 10203728
    Abstract: An electronic device having a first housing including a first surface and a second surface at a rear surface opposite of the first surface and a coupling structure disposed on the first surface. A second housing for coupling to the first housing has a third surface, a fourth surface opposite of the third surface, and a side member enclosing a space between the third and fourth surfaces. The coupling structure is connected to the side member when the second housing is coupled to the first housing, and the coupling structure comprises a recess and a moving member. When the second housing is coupled to the first housing, the moving member performs a pivotal movement about a shaft. A retainer system may enable the second housing to at least partially stay within the moving member at the recess when the second housing is not coupled to the first housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Younggwon Koo, Jinyoung Park, Seungwoon Lee, Jinseon Hwang
  • Patent number: 10001814
    Abstract: Provided is an electronic device including a first body, a second body, and a support member. The second body is separably installed such that at least a part of an area thereof overlaps a mounting surface of the first body. The support member is installed on the first body to open at a predetermined cradling angle, thereby cradling the second body on the first body to improve user convenience, maximize portability when the electronic device is coupled, and protect the electronic device from external forces, thereby contributing to improvement of reliability of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Dong-Il Lee, Dong-Hak Kim, Ki-Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 9914060
    Abstract: A controller docking device comprising a controller casing having a mobile device receptacle extending inward from a casing front panel. Common game controller user input devices are integrated into the front panel, preferably locating a directional controller on a left side and an action controller on a right side of the mobile device receptacle. Additional user input devices can be integrated into the controller casing. The additional user input devices can include additional controller inputs located proximate one or both of the common game controller user input devices, along an intermediary circumferential panel of the casing, and the like. Various mobile device controller communicative buttons can be integrated into the controller casing providing the user with an interface for operational capabilities of the mobile computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Inventor: Bryan Corigliano
  • Patent number: 9817445
    Abstract: An improved case for use with a computing device provides at least one sensor, preferably for use with a processor of the computing device. For many embodiments, the computing device has a storage configuration with the computing device located below an upper surface of the case and a lifted configuration with the computing device supported at an angle alpha with a portion extending above the upper surface of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventors: James Irvine Greene, Jr., Jason Rogers
  • Patent number: 9723739
    Abstract: An electronic control unit includes a control board, a battery pack, and a housing that accommodates the control board and the battery pack. The electronic control unit further includes a battery holder that has a bent shape and includes a bottom surface along a longitudinal direction of the battery pack, the battery holder clamping a main body of the battery pack, and a fixing frame that includes a juxtaposing and mounting part on which a plate surface of the control board and the bottom surface of the battery holder are mounted in a state of being adjacent to each other with a boundary line along the longitudinal direction therebetween, the control board and the battery holder being fixed to the juxtaposing and mounting part. The housing includes an opening portion into which the juxtaposing and mounting part of the fixing frame is inserted, and a back side holding portion that holds the juxtaposing and mounting part at an inner back side of the housing opposed to the opening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroki Chitaka, Masaru Yokota, Mitsuteru Suzaki
  • Patent number: 9578761
    Abstract: An electronic control unit includes a plate-shaped control board, a long pillar-shaped battery pack, a fixing frame that includes a juxtaposing and mounting part, to which the control board and the battery pack are fixed, and a housing that includes an opening portion and a back side holding portion to accommodate the control board and the battery pack. The juxtaposing and mounting part is inserted into the opening portion. The fixing frame is fixed to the opening portion. The back side holding portion holds the juxtaposing and mounting part at an inner back side of the housing opposed to the opening portion. The back side holding portion includes a protruding portion protruding toward the opening portion at a position away from a bottom surface of the housing on the inner back side of the housing. The juxtaposing and mounting part includes a tip portion in a direction of the insertion of the juxtaposing and mounting part into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroki Chitaka, Masaru Yokota, Mitsuteru Suzaki
  • Patent number: 9433287
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a flat-panel display device and a supporting base seat thereof. The supporting base seat includes a first structure member and a second structure member; the first structure member and the second structure member are symmetrical, and the first structure member is axisymmetrically hinged to the second structure member; a first hinging portion is arranged on bottom rear sides of the first structure member and the second structure member; a second hinging portion is arranged at top ends of the first structure member and the second structure member, and a maximum hinged included angle is smaller than 180 degrees; the supporting base seat is a triangular cone-shaped frame structure when unfolded; a first clamping hook extends out of a bottom front side of the first structure member, and a second clamping hook extends out of a bottom front side of the second structure member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: SHENZHEN TCL NEW TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Zhanyuan Chen, Jianmin Xu, Futao Deng
  • Patent number: 9395755
    Abstract: An electronic device dock for supporting an electronic device includes a dock body with a receiving space, a rotating gear, a switch, and a transmission member. The rotating head is received in the receiving space and rotatably connected to the dock body. The rotating gear is rotatably connected to the dock body and drives the rotating head to rotate relative to the dock body, to adjust a view angle of the electronic device. The switch is located in the dock body and is electrically connected to the electronic device when the electronic device is inserted into the rotating head. The transmission member is movably located in the dock body and is connected to the rotating gear. The transmission member being driven to move toward the switch and trigger the switch to control the electronic device when the rotating gear is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chia-Shih Lin
  • Patent number: 9318904
    Abstract: A battery-charging device includes: a housing that is configurable from a first shape into at least a second shape; and a direct current-to-direct current battery charger disposed within the housing. The direct current-to-direct current battery charger is configured to convert direct current power, received from a source external to the battery charger, into a direct current source for supplying energy to a rechargeable battery that is electrically connected to the battery charger. The battery-charging device may further include a communication element configured to communicate, with a portable electronic device that includes the rechargeable battery, using a short-range communication technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Sailaja Malladi
  • Patent number: 9310840
    Abstract: A docking assembly for a handheld device comprising a handle and associated methods are disclosed herein. The docking assembly may include a base, a tube extending from the base, and a dock cup in rotatable communication with the tube. The dock cup may be configured to mate with the handle. The docking assembly also may include an electrical connection assembly configured to mate with the handle when the handle is positioned within the dock cup. Moreover, the docking assembly may include a first locking assembly configured to lock the handle in the dock cup to prevent the handle from being removed from the dock cup, and a second locking assembly configured to lock the orientation of the dock cup to prevent rotation of the dock cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: FIRST DATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Beatty, Leonard Speiser, Eric Fuhs, David Lyons, Chris Loew, Scott McKinley DeWinter, Justin Michael Beck, Todd Elliot Lewis
  • Patent number: 9304549
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism for rotatable component attachment is described. In at least some implementations, the hinge mechanism enables a support component to be adjustably attached to an apparatus, such as a computing device. For example, the hinge mechanism can be employed to rotatably attach a kickstand to a mobile computing device. The kickstand can be rotated via the hinge mechanism to various positions to provide support for different orientations of the computing device. For example, the kickstand can be positioned to support the computing device in a typing orientation such that input can be provided via an associated input device. As another example, the kickstand can be positioned to enable viewing and/or interaction with the computing device, such as in a portrait viewing orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Kabir Siddiqui
  • Patent number: 9300096
    Abstract: A power connector includes a conductive module and an insulating member. The conductive module includes a metal seat and a conductive pin at least partially protruding from the metal seat. The metal seat is configured to be installed on a first electronic device. The conductive pin is configured to insertably connect to a second electronic device. The insulating member covers part of the outer surface of the conductive module, and the conductive module has a contact portion exposed from the insulating member. The contact portion and the conductive pin are provided with electrical connection. The contact portion is configured to electrically connect to the first electronic device when the metal seat is installed on the first electronic device. The conductive pin is configured to electrically connect to the second electronic device when inserting into the second electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: CHIEF LAND ELECTRONIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-Hsiang Chou, Shin-Tai Ho, Chi-Tien Shih, Yueh-Lin Yang
  • Patent number: 9258633
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rear cover of a flat panel electronic device and a flat panel electronic device having the rear cover. A outer surface of the rear cover is provided with a recess and a supporting leg, the supporting leg is pivotably connected in the recess through a pivot means so as to enable the supporting leg to pivot between a retracting position and an unfolding position, the supporting leg is configured to be contained in the recess when being in the retracting position, and to make an angle with the rear cover when being in the unfolding position, a speaker is disposed in the supporting leg, sound holes are disposed at a position on a side wall of the supporting leg which is corresponding to the speaker, a through-hole is formed at a position of the rear cover which is corresponding to the pivot means, and an electric wire of the speaker passes through the through-hole to extend into the rear cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventor: Mingyi Yu
  • Patent number: 9163779
    Abstract: Embodiments of a tablet mounting system include a detachable tablet stand and a tablet mount. The tablet stand is configured to releasably retain a tablet and to rest on a horizontal surface such that a plane defined by the tablet stand forms an angle with the horizontal surface. The formed angle is equal to or greater than zero, and less than or equal to ninety degrees. The tablet mount is configured to attach to a support member. The tablet mount is configured to releasably retain the tablet stand and the tablet retained within the tablet stand. The tablet stand can be configured to releasably retain a tablet by compression against a length of the tablet or by compression against a thickness of the tablet. The tablet mount can include a docking station that has a connector configured to connect with a port on a tablet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Funk, Shaun C. Lindblad
  • Patent number: 9081545
    Abstract: An external control pad for incorporating a mobile device includes two handheld parts, a movable set, and two fastening mechanisms is provided. The movable set is disposed in between the two handheld parts, and each said fastening mechanism is disposed on the movable set. When placing the mobile device in between the two handheld parts, a user adjusts the distance between the two handheld parts by altering the movable set such that the two handheld parts move closer to or away from, the mobile device. The fastening mechanisms for securing the distance posed by the movable set allows the mobile device to be clamped and fixed in between the two handheld parts so that the mobile device is incorporated into the external control pad for users' convenience and ease of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yin Yu Lin, Po-Jen Shih, Shu-I Chen
  • Publication number: 20150138721
    Abstract: A fixing mechanism includes a base, a supporter, a torsional component, an actuating component and a resilient component. The supporter is rotatably disposed on the base. The torsional component is disposed on the base and has a first engaging portion. The actuating component is disposed on the supporter and is further movably switched between a first position and a second position. The actuating component has a second engaging portion. The actuating component moves from the first position to the second position to engage the second engaging portion with the first engaging portion. Two ends of the resilient component are respectively connected to the supporter and the base. When the second engaging portion is disengaged from the first engaging portion, the resilient component rotates the supporter relative to the base. A rotary angle between the supporter and the base is fixed by the torsional component via the actuating component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Chen-Yi Liang
  • Publication number: 20150138706
    Abstract: A supporting structure for portable electronic device includes a main body placed on a supporting surface, a supporting plate having a first side and a second side opposite to the first end, and a connecting unit having a first end part, a second end part opposite to the first end, and an electrical connecting element is provided. The first side is pivotally connected with a bottom surface of the main body. The first end part is pivotally connected with a bottom-side of the main body. When the connecting unit performs an opened status, the portable electronic device performs an angle with the main body. When the connecting unit performs a closed status, the portable electronic device is adhered to the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicants: Inventec (Pudong) Technology Corporation, INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yun-Tang LIN
  • Patent number: 9013868
    Abstract: An expanding platform includes a main body, a moving element, a first elastic element and at least one operating element. The main body includes a stop portion. The moving element connects moveably to the main body and includes at least one fixed element. The at least one operating element connected movably to the moving element can move relative to the moving element, and each operating element includes a first operating portion and a second operating portion. The moving element is fixed at an initial position by the stop portion blocking the second operating portion. The first operating portion is pressed when inserting a portable electronic apparatus, and the second operating portion can be moved to escape from the stop portion. The moving element moves to a locking position by the first elastic element and locks the portable electronic apparatus by the at least one fixed element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chien-Heng Kuo, Hou-Chu Su, Li-Sheng Lin
  • Publication number: 20150103484
    Abstract: A cradle connects with an information terminal device that displays information. The cradle includes a first case including a first claw portion and a curved surface portion, a second case including a second claw portion, and a shaft portion holding the first case and the second case. At least one of the first case and the second case rotationally moves with the shaft portion as a reference to thereby increase a distance between the first claw portion and the second claw portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Junya SHIBUYA, Yukio TAKEI, Ryo SATO
  • Patent number: 9007749
    Abstract: An electronic device enclosure includes a top panel and a handling device. The top panel defines a mounting opening. The handling device includes a handling member, a cover member, and an elastic member. The handling member is mounted to the top panel. The handling member defines a receiving opening corresponding to the mounting opening. The cover member is pivotally mounted to the handling member and is received in the receiving opening. The elastic member elastically resists an inner side of the cover member. The cover member is received in the receiving opening in a first position. The elastic member elastically resists an inner side of the cover member in the first position. The cover member is configured to rotate inward to move from the first position to a second position. The elastic member is deformed when the cover member is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (WuHan) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Chen, Gang Su, Zhi-Qiang Li, Zhi-Long Li
  • Patent number: 9001510
    Abstract: System and method for positioning a midplane within a computer chassis. In some embodiments, a computer system includes a chassis, a midplane disposed within the chassis, and a plunger pin coupled to the midplane. The plunger pin is selectably movable between a first position, wherein the midplane is immovable relative to the chassis, and a second position, wherein the midplane is moveable relative to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Dave Mayer
  • Patent number: 8995121
    Abstract: A docking station for electronic apparatus includes a base, a hinge, a support, and a connector mechanism. The support is pivotally connected to the base through the hinge. The connector mechanism includes an angle transmission mechanism and a connecting module. The angle transmission mechanism is disposed in the base and includes a transmission device and a rotation part. The transmission device connects a pivot of the hinge and the rotation part so that the pivot can drive the rotation part to rotate through the transmission device. The connecting module is fixed on the rotation part and includes a connector exposed out the base through a window of the base. When an electronic apparatus is electrically connected to the connector, the support supports the electronic apparatus. Therefore, a user can adjust the support and the connector simultaneously, which reduces the time for connecting the electronic apparatus onto the docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Chia-Lian Yen
  • Patent number: 8988862
    Abstract: A performance display device comprising a base receptacle and a display unit; wherein the display unit comprises a display screen and a processor, and is operable by a mode switch; the mode switch is operated by relative pivotal motion between the display unit and the base receptacle; characterized in that the display unit and the base receptacle are complementarily shaped to cooperatively form a hinge axis about which the mode changing pivotal motion takes place. A performance display device having a hinge axis formed by the complementarily shaped display unit and base receptacle provides a simple, robust, and reliable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Dayton Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Paul Anthony Yuen
  • Publication number: 20150055290
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an expansion dock including a base, a socket, an expansion platform and a driving mechanism. The socket is installed on a side of the base and pivoted to the base. A portable electronic device can be inserted into the socket. The expansion platform is installed inside the base and protrudable from the side of the base. The driving mechanism drives the expansion platform to protrude from the side of the base as the portable electronic device is inserted into the socket and pivoted to a predetermined angle relative to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Cheng-Yang Lai
  • Patent number: 8955815
    Abstract: A supporting apparatus is disclosed. The supporting apparatus has a supporting device comprising a plurality of connected planar panels with a first panel, a second panel, an optional third panel, a fourth panel, and a fifth panel, and a locking component coupled to an edge region of at least one of the planar panels. The supporting apparatus further comprises a restraining unit configured to engage the series of connected panels such that the such that an edge of each of the first panel, the second panel, the fourth panel, and the fifth panel is restricted to movement within a base plane, the base plane being aligned with an orientation of the restraining unit, while another edge of each of the first panel, the second panel, the fourth panel, and the fifth panel is capable of moving out of the base plane. The electronic device can be a keyboard, a tablet computer, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: ACCO Brands Corporation
    Inventor: Ryan White
  • Patent number: 8947870
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sliding and rotating apparatus for connecting two components of a device, such as a portable electronic media player, and a device having the same. The apparatus provides has a base member, a sliding member, and a rotating member. The sliding member is coupled to the base member so as to permit sliding thereon in a first linear direction and between first and second positions, and the rotating member rotationally coupled to the sliding member. The rotating member and base member are configured such that when the sliding member is forced into the second position the rotating member is rotated in a first angular direction. The apparatus also may contain a sliding mechanism that biases the apparatus in either the first or second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: CBY Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: YouQing Li, Jun Huang
  • Patent number: 8947867
    Abstract: A sliding-type electronic apparatus with a strengthening force structure includes a body served as a system terminal and an upper cover disposed on the body and having a surface configured with a touch screen. A sliding and cover-lifting member constituted by a sliding rail, a sliding member and a pivot shaft device is at least disposed between the body and the upper cover. In a normal state, a supporting device, together with the sliding and cover-lifting member, is horizontally and supportively placed in a preset concave chamber space of the body. The auxiliary supporting devices can be formed as an inclined auxiliary support structure on the rear surface of the upper cover when the upper cover is lifted, thereby effectively increasing the screen touch resistance to inhibit screen wobble in an operation process and to promote the support effect and operation stability of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: First Dome Corporation
    Inventors: An Szu Hsu, Way-Han Dai, Hsiu-Fan Ho
  • Publication number: 20150029657
    Abstract: A docking station for a portable electronic device is provided. The docking station includes a main body, a supporting structure and a pivot. The pivot includes a first fixing portion, a second fixing portion and a pivot portion. The first fixing portion is disposed at the supporting structure, the second fixing portion is disposed at the main body. The pivot portion is connected to the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion. When the portable electronic device is disposed at the supporting structure, the portable electronic device and the supporting structure can rotate relative to the main body via the pivot. The docking station allows the portable electronic device disposing at the docking station drives the supporting structure to rotate relatively to the main body alone the axis of the pivot to stand in vertical, and then the horizontal space of the portable electronic device is saved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Shu-Chwen CHANG, Hsuan-Wu WEI, Chia-Chang TSUI, Sheng-Ta LIN, Tsung-Ju CHIANG
  • Patent number: 8941980
    Abstract: An electronic device assembly includes an electronic device, a rotatable member rotatably attached to the electronic device about a first shaft, and a peripheral device rotatably attached to the rotatable member about a second shaft. The rotatable member and the peripheral device are located on a front side of the electronic device. The peripheral device is rotatable about the second shaft relative to the rotatable member, for allowing the rotatable member and the peripheral device to be located on a same plane. The rotatable member is rotatable about the first shaft relative to the electronic device, for allowing the rotatable member and the peripheral device to be cooperatively attached to a back side of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: ScienBiziP Consulting(Shenzhen)Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Po-Yen Hsu, Shih-Wei Chao, Yu-Lang Chang, Lee-Hui Kuo
  • Patent number: 8941978
    Abstract: A flat panel display remote-controlled viewing angle adjustment system (1) comprising a support assembly (2) for supporting a flat panel display (9), an electrical driving assembly for driving the support assembly (2), and an angular control assembly attached to the support assembly (2). The adjustable system (1) is configured such that when the electrical driving assembly is started, the flat panel display (9) is rotated about a vertical axis that passes through one of the left side and the right side of the flat panel display (9) and only when the flat panel display (9) returns to zero angle position can it rotate about a vertical axis that passes through the other of the left side and the right side of the flat panel display (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: Jin Fang, Andrew H. Lew
  • Patent number: 8934234
    Abstract: A portable electronic device stand includes a U-shaped main body having a receiving recess formed on a bottom thereof and defining a front receiving space; and a mating part including a seat portion and a back support, which together giving the mating part a substantially L-shaped configuration. The seat portion is pivotally turnably connected to and located in the front receiving space, and the back support is removably received in the receiving recess on the bottom of the main body. With the mating part pivotally turnably connected to between the U-shaped main body, the portable electronic device stand can be converted from an extended state for use into a folded state having a minimal volume for convenient storage and easy portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Good Way Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ying-Hao Lin
  • Patent number: 8934229
    Abstract: An electronics device includes a plurality of panels. A first panel includes device electronics positioned within a housing that functions as a protective cover. A second panel includes a touchscreen display on a display side and a housing on a backside. The second panel is coupled to the first panel using a first hinge mechanism, such as a reversible hinge. A third panel includes a touchscreen display configurable as an adaptive interface. The third panel is coupled to the second panel using a second hinge mechanism. The first panel, the second panel, and the third panel are coupled together as a “z-fold”, and are movable into a plurality of different configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Brad Thorson
  • Patent number: 8934239
    Abstract: A base capable of containing a data cable includes a housing, and a winding mechanism. The data cable has a first connector plug, a second connector plug and a transmitting wire connecting between them. The housing defines an opening. The winding mechanism is received in the housing and has a winding member and a driving member. The winding member is rotatably mounted inside the housing, the driving member is fixed on the driving member. The first connector plug is passed through the housing via the opening, the driving member generates an elastic force if the transmitting wire is pulled out to connect to another device. The driving member automatically rewinds the transmitting wire when the external connection is not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cong-Bing Zhou
  • Patent number: 8934219
    Abstract: An apparatus with a base part and a display part, which is detachable from the base part. There is a cavity formed in the base part and the apparatus is configured to have at least a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the closed configuration, the display part is configured to cover the base part, and in the open configuration, the cavity is configured to receive and hold the display part in an upright tilted position in relation to the base part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Gartrell, Duncan Burns
  • Patent number: 8929059
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, the electronic apparatus includes a main body including a main body connector, a holder detachably mounted on the main body, the holder including a front supporter and a back supporter that are used to support an external apparatus and an opening between the front supporter and the back supporter, the main body connector exposed from the opening when the holder is on the main body, so that an external apparatus connector of the external apparatus is plugged to the main body connector to achieve an electrical connection when the external apparatus is inserted between the front supporter and the back supporter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Zhou Anwei, Yu Ruixin, Ge Lilong
  • Patent number: 8905845
    Abstract: A tablet computer interface with additional motion based sensors and tactile controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: BBY Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Willis
  • Publication number: 20140313663
    Abstract: A portable computing device dock has a deck movable between a raised position in which an upper surface of the deck extends at or above a height of projections such that no projections extend through and above the deck and a lowered position in which the projections extend through the upper surface of the deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Britt C. Ashcraft, Eric Chen, Craig T. Brown
  • Patent number: 8867203
    Abstract: A locking device includes a first slide part having a first lock part and configured to be movable, a second slide part having a second lock part and configured to support the first slide part and be movable independently from the first slide part, and a lock arm part configured to be movable in a direction intersecting with the first slide part and the second slide part and engage with the first lock part and the second lock part at a locking position to prevent the first slide part and the second slide part from moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Masao Katsuta, Shigeki Tanabe
  • Publication number: 20140307383
    Abstract: Docking stations having a connector with a compliant mount to provide improved durability and flexibility are provided herein. The compliant mount may couple a connector to a base of a docking station and may include at least a first and second flexure disposed there between. The first and second flexure may be configured to have flexural movement in along transverse direction so that, in combination, the flexural movement pivots the connector about a virtual pivot point a distance away from the flexures. The first and second flexures may be configured to project the virtual pivot point to a location on the connector where the connector protrudes from an opening in a docking housing, thereby minimizing the clearance required between the connector and docking housing, while providing controlled movement of the connector relative the dock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Webb, Ian P. Colahan, Paul J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8848361
    Abstract: The present solution provides an adjustable docking apparatus configurable to accommodate a variety of mobile electronic devices. The adjustable docking apparatus is removably coupled to a base electronic device. The apparatus further includes an electrical connector movably and removably connected to the adjustable docking apparatus and electrically coupleable to the base electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: SDI Technologies
    Inventors: Eric Holzer, Mary Beth Poandl, Thomas Choi, Andrew Skurdal
  • Patent number: 8842423
    Abstract: A cover for a portable electronic device includes a keyboard for electrically communicating with the portable electronic device. The cover includes a back cover body for coupling to a back side of the portable electronic device, and a front cover body coupled to the back cover body and foldable relative thereto. The back cover body is movable relative to the portable electronic device such that a first portion of the back cover body slides away from a back side of the portable electronic device. The front cover body is foldable to stack a keyboard portion, on which the keyboard is disposed, and a support portion of the front cover body. The first portion of the back cover body, the support portion, and the keyboard portion are stacked when the keyboard is exposed for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Blackberry Limited
    Inventor: Jason Tyler Griffin
  • Publication number: 20140268544
    Abstract: A mounting device includes a cradle including a first recess and configured to be mounted in a vehicle, a pivotable hinge member coupled to the cradle, and a docking tray coupled to the pivotable hinge member. The docking tray is configured to lock in a first position within the first recess in the cradle, and lock in a second position extending outward from the first recess in the cradle. The docking tray includes a second recess shaped and dimensioned to receive an electronic computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: VOXX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8837121
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism, which connects a first member and a second member, comprising: a plurality of bases, a plurality of shafts, which are provided at the plurality of bases one by one, and protrude from the bases, a plurality of shaft receiving units, which are provided in the second member, and include shaft holes into which the shafts are rotatably fitted, respectively, and a regulating stopper, wherein when a force is applied at the regulating stopper, the regulating stopper is bent from a position where the regulating stopper contacts with a regulated unit to a position where the regulating stopper does not contact with the regulated unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koyo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8824135
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a function expanding apparatus, including: a mounting base section adapted to receive an information processing apparatus placed thereon solely or together with a battery mounted on a bottom face of the information processing apparatus; and a first connector movable in response to presence or absence of the battery until the first connector is connected to the information processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Tachibana
  • Patent number: 8780549
    Abstract: An electronic device support has a receptacle with an electronic device receiving cavity and a first magnetic indexing part. A base is hingedly coupled to the receptacle and has a second magnetic indexing part. The first and second magnetic indexing parts are configured to allow the receptacle to rotate relative to the base when rotationally apart from a specified orientation and to magnetically support the receptacle when in the specified orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Leonardo Aldana
  • Patent number: 8780548
    Abstract: A docking station for a portable electronic device is provided. The docking station comprises (a) an engagement element, wherein the engagement element is capable of engaging the said portable electronic device; and (b) a rotation mechanism, wherein the rotation mechanism is capable of rotating said portable electronic device relative to a support base of said docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: CBY Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Johann Lee
  • Patent number: 8773850
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a docking station for a television receiver includes a support, a first connector, and a protruding portion. The support is configured to be attachably and detachably connected to a television receiver comprising a housing in which a display device is housed, and to support the housing. The first connector is configured to be electrically connected to a second connector of the television receiver. The protruding portion is configured to protrude from the support to support the support, and to enable an angle of a display screen of the display device to be set variably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Minaguchi, Yasuyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8724312
    Abstract: A device for use with a portable computer includes a base, a stand having an upper portion and an adjustable linkage, and a connection mechanism. The base is adapted to rest upon a surface and includes a keyboard that is physically integrated with the base. The stand is attached to the base. The upper portion is adapted to provide a surface upon which a portable computer rests. The upper portion includes an attachment mechanism adapted to attach to a portable computer resting upon the upper portion to secure the portable computer physically to the upper portion. The adjustable linkage is connected to the base and is connected to the upper portion of the stand on another end. The adjustable linkage is adapted to position the upper portion of the stand. The connection mechanism provides data communication from the integrated keyboard to a portable computer resting upon the upper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Bradley Jones, Paul Tomita