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).

  • Patent number: 9441782
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Funk, Shaun C. Lindblad, Mustafa A. Ergun
  • Patent number: 9298225
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun C. Lindblad, Joe Funk, William Dale Tischer, Matthew D. Purrington, Peter Segar, Diane Richardson, David J. Prince
  • Patent number: 9182793
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Mustafa A. Ergun, Shaun C. Lindblad, Joe Funk, William D. Tischer, Peter Segar, David J. Prince
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20150292670
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventors: Harry C. Sweere, Mustafa A. Ergun, Robert William Fluhrer, Shaun Christopher Lindblad, Jeff Eliason, Joe Funk
  • Patent number: 9155235
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun C. Lindblad, Joe Funk, Mustafa A. Ergun
  • Patent number: 9140405
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Prince, Jeffrey Mensing, Joe Funk
  • Publication number: 20150192968
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Inventors: Shaun C. Lindblad, Joe Funk, William Dale Tischer, Matthew Purrington, Peter Segar, Diane Richardson, David J. Prince
  • Publication number: 20150188343
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: John W. Theis, Joe Funk, Robert W. Fluhrer, Peter Segar
  • Patent number: 9030828
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun C. Lindblad, Joe Funk, William D. Tischer, Matthew D. Purrington, Peter Segar, Diane L. Richardson, David J. Prince
  • Patent number: 8833716
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Funk, Shaun C. Lindblad
  • Publication number: 20140109803
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Harry C. Sweere, Mustafa A. Ergun, Robert W. Fluhrer, Shaun C. Lindblad, Jeffrey M. Eliason, Steve Nistler, Ron Saltz, Joe Funk
  • Publication number: 20130277520
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Joe Funk, Shaun C. Lindblad
  • Publication number: 20130279109
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Shaun C. Lindblad, Joe Funk, William D. Tischer, Matthew D. Purrington, Peter Segar, Diane L. Richardson, David J. Prince
  • Publication number: 20130277930
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Mustafa A. Ergun, Shaun C. Lindblad, Joe Funk, William D. Tischer, Peter Segar, David J. Prince
  • Publication number: 20130270404
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: David J. Prince, Jeffrey Mensing, Joe Funk
  • Publication number: 20130200240
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Shaun C. Lindblad, Joe Funk, Mustafa A. Ergun
  • Publication number: 20130092811
    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: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Joe Funk, Shaun C. Lindblad
  • Publication number: 20130092805
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Joe Funk, Shaun C. Lindblad, Mustafa A. Ergun
  • Patent number: 8286927
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: 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