Patents by Inventor Joe Funk
Joe Funk has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9441782Abstract: One embodiment provides a tablet mounting system including a support having a tablet portion located near the first end of the support arm for supporting a tablet, a monitor portion located between the tablet portion and the second end of the support arm for supporting a display monitor, and a support portion located between the first end and the second end of the support arm for attaching the arm to a support object such as a desk, wall, desk stand, or display arm. In some cases, the support portion is located closer to the monitor portion of the support arm than to the tablet portion of the support arm. A tablet mount is configured to support a tablet and to attached to the tablet portion of the support arm. Methods for mounting tablets are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.Inventors: Joe Funk, Shaun C. Lindblad, Mustafa A. Ergun
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Patent number: 9298225Abstract: A tablet storage device includes a frame having a plurality of slots, at least one of which is adapted to hold a tablet. A docking station can be disposed in at least one slot. In some cases the docking station is configured to align a tablet as the tablet is positioned in the slot such that a corresponding port in the tablet aligns with, and connects to, a connector. The frame also has a surface to attach the device to a vertical surface and can have a door that can be moved from an open to a closed position and adapted to retain at least one tablet held within at least one slot when the door is closed. A power supply system and/or a network connection system can be provided with the tablet storage device.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2015Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.Inventors: Shaun C. Lindblad, Joe Funk, William Dale Tischer, Matthew D. Purrington, Peter Segar, Diane Richardson, David J. Prince
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Patent number: 9182793Abstract: A tablet storage device includes a module on a cart frame that includes a wheeled base. A cart module defines a selectively accessible interior space having multiple storage slots within the interior space for holding tablets. In some cases a tablet storage device holds multiple tablets using two or more modules in a stacked arrangement on a wheeled base. Each module can hold a portion of the multiple tablets within storage slots within an interior space inside the module. The storage slots may have connectors for connecting to tablets, and the cart frame can have a network connection system that is adapted to provide a network connection for each tablet that is connected to one of the connectors. The cart frame may also have a power supply system for charging each tablet that is connected to one of the connectors.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.Inventors: Mustafa A. Ergun, Shaun C. Lindblad, Joe Funk, William D. Tischer, Peter Segar, David J. Prince
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Patent number: 9163779Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.Inventors: Joe Funk, Shaun C. Lindblad
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Publication number: 20150292670Abstract: The invention includes a display positioning assembly comprising a support, a display supported by the support, and a balance mechanism carried by the display and operatively connected to the support. The invention also includes an article for selectively exposing a display comprising a generally planar support surface having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A balance mechanism operatively connected to a display may be positionable between a storage position proximate the first side of the generally planar support surface and an exposed position proximate the second side of the generally planar support surface. The invention also includes an assembly for arresting the free fall of an object. The assembly may comprise an outer slide in sliding or rolling engagement with an inner slide, and a brake comprising at least one pivot member may be coupled to the inner slide.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2015Publication date: October 15, 2015Inventors: Harry C. Sweere, Mustafa A. Ergun, Robert William Fluhrer, Shaun Christopher Lindblad, Jeff Eliason, Joe Funk
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Patent number: 9155235Abstract: Embodiments provide a tilt mechanism for tilting an electronic display that includes at least two nested torsion springs to offset and/or balance the torque generated by a display acting on the tilt mechanism. In some cases a tilt mechanism includes first and second brackets pivotally coupled about a tilt axis. First and second springs are wound about a tilt axis such that the first spring is located at least partially within the second spring. The springs engage with the brackets to exert first and second torques between the first and the second brackets. In some cases such tilt mechanisms can be carried by stands, arms, carts, and the like. Methods of tilting electronic displays are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.Inventors: Shaun C. Lindblad, Joe Funk, Mustafa A. Ergun
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Patent number: 9140405Abstract: Some embodiments provide a pivot mechanism and/or system that includes a support member defining a cavity and an extension member at least partially located within the cavity. In some cases one or more inner surfaces of the cavity can provide one or more pivots defining multiple pivot axes about which the extension member is generally pivotable through corresponding pivot ranges. The extent of the pivot ranges can be defined by the cavity within the support member. In some cases cooperating clamp members engage the extension member and the support member to retain the extension member within the cavity. The clamp members may also include sliding surfaces that slidingly engage with the support member to provide frictional resistance to pivoting movement of the extension member. Electronic display pivoting and positioning systems are also provided as are methods for positioning and pivoting electronic displays.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2013Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.Inventors: David J. Prince, Jeffrey Mensing, Joe Funk
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Publication number: 20150192968Abstract: A tablet storage device includes a frame having a plurality of slots, at least one of which is adapted to hold a tablet. A docking station can be disposed in at least one slot. In some cases the docking station is configured to align a tablet as the tablet is positioned in the slot such that a corresponding port in the tablet aligns with, and connects to, a connector. The frame also has a surface to attach the device to a vertical surface and can have a door that can be moved from an open to a closed position and adapted to retain at least one tablet held within at least one slot when the door is closed. A power supply system and/or a network connection system can be provided with the tablet storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2015Publication date: July 9, 2015Inventors: Shaun C. Lindblad, Joe Funk, William Dale Tischer, Matthew Purrington, Peter Segar, Diane Richardson, David J. Prince
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Publication number: 20150188343Abstract: Systems and methods for charging and/or networking mobile computing devices. A cart for storing, charging, and/or networking mobile computing devices. A portable interface between a mobile computing device and a cart. A docking station module having a plurality of docking stations.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2015Publication date: July 2, 2015Inventors: John W. Theis, Joe Funk, Robert W. Fluhrer, Peter Segar
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Patent number: 9030828Abstract: A tablet storage device includes a frame having a plurality of slots, at least one of which is adapted to hold a tablet. A docking station can be disposed in at least one slot. In some cases the docking station is configured to align a tablet as the tablet is positioned in the slot such that a corresponding port in the tablet aligns with, and connects to, a connector. The frame also has a surface to attach the device to a vertical surface and can have a door that can be moved from an open to a closed position and adapted to retain at least one tablet held within at least one slot when the door is closed. A power supply system and/or a network connection system can be provided with the tablet storage device.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.Inventors: Shaun C. Lindblad, Joe Funk, William D. Tischer, Matthew D. Purrington, Peter Segar, Diane L. Richardson, David J. Prince
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Patent number: 8833716Abstract: A tablet mounting system for mounting a tablet. A tablet mounting system with an interface for attaching the mounted tablet to a support object. A tablet mounting system with edge retaining members to retain the tablet.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.Inventors: Joe Funk, Shaun C. Lindblad
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Publication number: 20140109803Abstract: The invention includes a display positioning assembly comprising a support, a display supported by the support, and a balance mechanism carried by the display and operatively connected to the support. The invention also includes an article for selectively exposing a display comprising a generally planar support surface having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A balance mechanism operatively connected to a display may be positionable between a storage position proximate the first side of the generally planar support surface and an exposed position proximate the second side of the generally planar support surface. The invention also includes an assembly for arresting the free fall of an object. The assembly may comprise an outer slide in sliding or rolling engagement with an inner slide, and a brake comprising at least one pivot member may be coupled to the inner slide.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Inventors: Harry C. Sweere, Mustafa A. Ergun, Robert W. Fluhrer, Shaun C. Lindblad, Jeffrey M. Eliason, Steve Nistler, Ron Saltz, Joe Funk
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Publication number: 20130277520Abstract: A tablet mounting system for mounting a tablet. A tablet mounting system with an interface for attaching the mounted tablet to a support object. A tablet mounting system with edge retaining members to retain the tablet.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Joe Funk, Shaun C. Lindblad
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Publication number: 20130279109Abstract: A tablet storage device includes a frame having a plurality of slots, at least one of which is adapted to hold a tablet. A docking station can be disposed in at least one slot. In some cases the docking station is configured to align a tablet as the tablet is positioned in the slot such that a corresponding port in the tablet aligns with, and connects to, a connector. The frame also has a surface to attach the device to a vertical surface and can have a door that can be moved from an open to a closed position and adapted to retain at least one tablet held within at least one slot when the door is closed. A power supply system and/or a network connection system can be provided with the tablet storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Shaun C. Lindblad, Joe Funk, William D. Tischer, Matthew D. Purrington, Peter Segar, Diane L. Richardson, David J. Prince
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Publication number: 20130277930Abstract: A tablet storage device includes a module on a cart frame that includes a wheeled base. A cart module defines a selectively accessible interior space having multiple storage slots within the interior space for holding tablets. In some cases a tablet storage device holds multiple tablets using two or more modules in a stacked arrangement on a wheeled base. Each module can hold a portion of the multiple tablets within storage slots within an interior space inside the module. The storage slots may have connectors for connecting to tablets, and the cart frame can have a network connection system that is adapted to provide a network connection for each tablet that is connected to one of the connectors. The cart frame may also have a power supply system for charging each tablet that is connected to one of the connectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Mustafa A. Ergun, Shaun C. Lindblad, Joe Funk, William D. Tischer, Peter Segar, David J. Prince
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Publication number: 20130270404Abstract: Some embodiments provide a pivot mechanism and/or system that includes a support member defining a cavity and an extension member at least partially located within the cavity. In some cases one or more inner surfaces of the cavity can provide one or more pivots defining multiple pivot axes about which the extension member is generally pivotable through corresponding pivot ranges. The extent of the pivot ranges can be defined by the cavity within the support member. In some cases cooperating clamp members engage the extension member and the support member to retain the extension member within the cavity. The clamp members may also include sliding surfaces that slidingly engage with the support member to provide frictional resistance to pivoting movement of the extension member. Electronic display pivoting and positioning systems are also provided as are methods for positioning and pivoting electronic displays.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: David J. Prince, Jeffrey Mensing, Joe Funk
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Publication number: 20130200240Abstract: Embodiments provide a tilt mechanism for tilting an electronic display that includes at least two nested torsion springs to offset and/or balance the torque generated by a display acting on the tilt mechanism. In some cases a tilt mechanism includes first and second brackets pivotally coupled about a tilt axis. First and second springs are wound about a tilt axis such that the first spring is located at least partially within the second spring. The springs engage with the brackets to exert first and second torques between the first and the second brackets. In some cases such tilt mechanisms can be carried by stands, arms, carts, and the like. Methods of tilting electronic displays are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2013Publication date: August 8, 2013Inventors: Shaun C. Lindblad, Joe Funk, Mustafa A. Ergun
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Publication number: 20130092811Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventors: Joe Funk, Shaun C. Lindblad
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Publication number: 20130092805Abstract: One embodiment provides a tablet mounting system including a support having a tablet portion located near the first end of the support arm for supporting a tablet, a monitor portion located between the tablet portion and the second end of the support arm for supporting a display monitor, and a support portion located between the first end and the second end of the support arm for attaching the arm to a support object such as a desk, wall, desk stand, or display arm. In some cases, the support portion is located closer to the monitor portion of the support arm than to the tablet portion of the support arm. A tablet mount is configured to support a tablet and to attached to the tablet portion of the support arm. Methods for mounting tablets are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventors: Joe Funk, Shaun C. Lindblad, Mustafa A. Ergun
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Patent number: 8286927Abstract: The invention includes a display positioning assembly comprising a support, a display supported by the support, and a balance mechanism carried by the display and operatively connected to the support. The invention also includes an article for selectively exposing a display comprising a generally planar support surface having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A balance mechanism operatively connected to a display may be positionable between a storage position proximate the first side of the generally planar support surface and an exposed position proximate the second side of the generally planar support surface. The invention also includes an assembly for arresting the free fall of an object. The assembly may comprise an outer slide in sliding or rolling engagement with an inner slide, and a brake comprising at least one pivot member may be coupled to the inner slide.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.Inventors: Harry C. Sweere, Janice M. Sweere, legal representative, Mustafa A. Ergun, Robert W. Fluhrer, Shaun C. Lindblad, Jeffrey M. Eliason, Steve Nistler, Ron Saltz, Joe Funk