Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a system used for ergonomic positioning of personal display devices like tablets and laptops. Particularly, the present invention relates to an ergonomically designed display stand or holder that facilitates a user’s correct sitting posture, neck and eye angle for stress free laptop or tablet work.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Computer’s size and shape has been continously reducing over past few years in order to increase portability while maintaining or rather increasing the comupting capacity and speed of the system. Presently, the lifestyle of people has drastically changed and everyone has become heavily dependent on the laptops and tablets. Tablets and laptops have become indispensable in everyone's life. These electronic devices make one’s life easier as these enable people to manage their work from home, enable students to attend their virtual classes, socialize and connect with friends and relatives living far away.
[003] While laptops and tablets are usually held in a carrying case, a user generally operates a tablet simply by keeping it in his/her hand, and a laptop may be operated either by placing on a flat surface or on one’s lap. This method, however, may cause discomfort and places excessive strain on the user's hands and arm muscles due to the weight of the laptop or tablet. Also, it may cause the user to sit in an incorrect posture which leads to muscle tension.
[004] Electronic devices generate heat on usage which can degrade the performance and, in some cases, causes an irreparable damage to the devices. Some electronic display devices, like laptops have a cooling fan that reduces the problem associated with the heat generation. However, inspite of integrated cooling fans in the system, long term usage of these electronic devices can degrade the performance of the system and may also cause damage to the battery.
[005] There are a variety of stands available commercialy for holding laptops, tablets, mobiles and the like. Many systems are known to have cooling mechanisms such as fans integrated with the adjustable desks for cooling the electronic display device. United States Patent Application US7532463B2 disloses a movable platform for a laptop computer including an angled support base to elevate the laptop, a separate cooling fan system integrated into the support base, spherical roller assemblies on the bottom of the platform and a braking mechanism to lock the movement of the moveable platform. However, since the user who uses this movable platform needs extra power to run the external fan integrated into the support base, can only provide limited angle of allignment to the electronic device and has no fastening means to hold the laptop, due to which the usability of this movable platform for the laptop is limited.
[006] United States Patent Application US9163779B2 discloses a tablet mounting system including a detachable table stand and a tablet mount. The tablet mount retains the tablet by applying compression against a length of the tablet or by compression against a thickness of the tablet. It is further provided with a connector to connect with a port on a tablet and requires additional connector for its working, however, it fails to provide ventilation to the tablet and also the compression force decrease over time. Further, its usage is limited to tablet only.
[007] In view of the above problems associated with the state of the art, an ergonomically designed system is required for positioning an electronic display device that minimizes strain to eyes and helps to maintain correct body posture, and also can be used to receive/hold a variety of display devices, such as but not limited to, laptop, tablets, mobiles and the like. Further, there is a need of a system that can be adjusted as per user’s posture and which can provide ventilation through natural vents instead of any external force.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[008] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a stand or holder system to support an electronic display device.

[009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system that allows the user to operate electronic display device with an ergonomically correct sitting posture with respect to neck and eye angle.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system that allows ergonomic positioning of electronic display device which improves the sitting work posture of the user to avoid body ache issues due to long working hours.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a light-weight, east-to-use, easy-to-carry, foldable, anti-topple and anti-skid system for securely operating the electronic display device.

[0012] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a system which has ventilation mechanism/structure to assist in controlling temperature of the electronic display device without any additional power requirements for usage in power deficit remote areas.

[0013] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a stand or holder system which is carbon-neutral and environment friendly.

[0014] Other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, the aspects of the present invention are disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] The present invention will be better understood after reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred aspects thereof with reference to the appended drawings, in which the features, other aspects and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will be more apparent from the accompanying drawing in which:

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates the perspective view of the stand or holder system;

[0017] Figure 2 illustrates the front view of the stand or holder system;

[0018] Figure 3 illustrates the side view of the stand or holder system;

[0019] Figure 4 illustrates the rear view of the stand or holder system; and

[0020] Figure 5 illustrates the top view of the stand or holder system in folded mode.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The present invention discloses a system for ergonomic positioning of an electronic display device. The system includes a wooden stand comprising a support frame to receive the electronic display device; a base holder movably attached to the support frame, having an arm extension member on one side with a plurality of longitudinal groves; and a bracket for securing the electronic device on the opposite side; a ratchet mechanism that includes a clamping member attached to the support frame on one side and a free side configured to fit securely in the longitudinal groves so as to firmly hold the device. The horizontal movement of the clamping member assists a user in changing the angle of the frame, from 0° to 90°, which can be adjusted by the user to prevent back strain, neck strain and eye strain. Further, the plurality of longitudinal groves hold one end of the clamping member to assist vertical alignment of the support frame at a particular angle and locks the clamping member securely at a particular angle. The angular position of the support frame can be managed by placing the clamping member over different longitudinal groves which results in different angles of the support frame as required by the user. The bracket configured on the base holder adjacent to the support frame acts a support structure that holds the electronic display device and prevents it from skidding.
[0022] Proposed system for ergonomic positioning of electronic display devices uses seasoned reclaimed wood that provides rigidity to the system. The support frame in the system is provided with cutout vents to enable heat emission through the vents, which provides natural ventilation to the electronic display device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The following detailed description and embodiments set forth herein below are merely exemplary out of the wide variety and arrangement of instructions which can be employed with the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. All the features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by similar other or alternative features performing similar or same or equivalent purposes. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, they all are within the scope of the present invention.

[0024] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0025] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention.

[0026] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0027] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

[0028] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a system for ergonomic positioning of electronic display device comprises a stand or holder for an electronic device (100) comprising a support stand (115) to support an electronic display device. The support frame (115) is coupled to a base holder (120) by a connecting means. The connecting means may be a hinge or any other means that allows the support frame to move freely with respect to the base holder (120). The support frame (115) has a square or rectangular structure having rounded corner edges and a plurality of cut out vents (105) for passage of air. The front side of the supporting frame (115) supports the electronic device and a ratchet mechanism is installed on the backside of the supporting frame (115), which enables it to change the angle of alignment as per requirements of the user. The base holder (120) is configured with a bracket (125) towards front side of the support frame (115) which supports the electronic display device and prevents the electronic device from skidding. The movement of the support frame (115) for changing the viewing angle of the device is achieved by a ratchet mechanism that includes a clamping member (130) that engages with grooves of an arm extension member (170). The change in alignment angle of the supporting frame (115) is caused by horizontal movement of the clamping member (130), which extends from the supporting frame (100) towards the arm extension member (170). The arm extension member (170) is fixedly attached to the base holder (120) on the side opposite to the bracket (125). The arm extension member (170) is configured with a plurality of longitudinal grooves (150) to receive the clamping member and lock its movement. The grooves of these longitudinal channels are designed so as to secure the clamping member (130) tightly, which further provides stability to the device. The horizontal movement of the clamping member (130) into the longitudinal grooves (150) of the arm extension member (170) enables the desired vertical positioning of the electronic devices, such as but not limited to laptop and tablets, as per the convenience of the user.

[0029] As per an embodiment of the present invention, Fig 1 and Fig 2 illustrate the structure of wooden frame (115) which is used to support a plurality of the electronic devices including both the laptop as well as the tablet. The support frame (115) includes a plurality of cutout vents (105) on the plane surface that facilitates natural cooling of the device for prolonged safe use. The support frame (115) has a front side and a back side. The front side is configured to support the tablet or the laptop which is parallel to the front side of the support frame (115).

[0030] Fig. 3 illustrates the side view of the stand or holder system (100). The arm extension member (170) mounted with a plurality of longitudinal grooves (150) is horizontally placed towards back side of the support frame (115) of the system. The arm extension member (170) is connected with the backside of the base holder (120) with the help of a connecting means. The angle between the arm extension member (170) and the support frame (115) is varied by changing position of the clamping member (130). The clamping member (130) has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the clamping member (130) is connected to the backside of the support frame (115) while the distal end is free to couple with the plurality of longitudinal groves (150) of the arm extension member (170). The distal end of the clamping member (130) is configured to move horizontally to adjust orientation of the screen placed on the support frame (115). As a preferred embodiment, seven longitudinal grooves (150) are provided as shown in figure 3 to receive distal end of the clamping member (130) wherein each clamp movement is responsible for the change in vertical angle of the screen, i.e. from 18° angle to 86° angle, and one additional slot being provided for the parking of the clamping member (130) i.e. 0° angle The stand (100) may be folded by engaging the distal end of the clamping member (130) on the longitudinal groove (150) at distal end of the arm extension member (170) i.e. 1st slot of the arm extension member (170). The system can also be parked in 90° vertical position so as to save the table space and provide clutter free work space to multiple users at the same desk. A pair of magnets are configured on the distal end of the arm extension member (170) and the support frame (115) so that the stand remains in folded mode when parked at vertical position. The clamping member (130) may be positioned in different slots or longitudinal grooves (150) to adjust vertical alignment of the electronic device at different angles, as per requirements of the user. Table 1 shows slots providing different angles between the support frame (130) and the arm extension member (170) while the clamping member (130) is positioned in different slots, extending from distal end of the arm extension member (170) towards its proximal end attached to the base holder (120).
Table 1:
S.No Slot for angular tilt Angle (in degrees)
1 1st Slot 0 degrees
2 2nd Slot 18 degrees
3 3rd Slot 32 degrees
4 4th Slot 44 degrees
5 5th Slot 55 degrees
6 6th Slot 65 degrees
7 7th Slot 76 degrees
8 8th Slot 86 degrees

[0031] Fig 4 illustrates the rear view of the stand or holder system (100) as per an embodiment of the present invention. The backside of the support frame (115) is connected with the proximal end of the clamping member (130). The stability of the device is achieved by locking the clamping member (130) onto the longitudinal groove (150). By the movement of the clamping member (130) on the longitudinal groove (150) tilting of the frame (100) is achieved, which provides the user with an ergonomically acceptable sitting position based on the neck and eye angle of the user.

[0032] The system (100) for ergonomic positioning of electronic display devices allows positioning of the screen of electronic display device that improves the posture and prevents body ache caused due to long working hours. The positioning of the screen as per user’s convenience is achieved by the up and down movement of the support frame (115) on which the electronic display device is parked. The clamping member (130) attached at the back of the support frame (115) allows for change in vertical alignment of the support frame (115) with respect to the arm extension member (170). Further, the frame (115) used in the present invention is composed of seasoned reclaimed wood, making the system eco-friendly, extremely light and carbon-neutral.

[0033] In another embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device is supported by a base holder (120). The base holder (120) is made of the same reclaimed wood as the frame (115). The base holder (120) is further configured with a semi-circular wooden stopper/bracket (125) to hold the device in place and prevent the electronic display device from slipping off the frame (115). The bracket (125) mounted on the base holder (120) acts as a barrier which supports the electronic display device from skidding.

[0034] Advantages of present invention may include, but not limited to, ease of positioning the support frame (100) that helps to achieve an ergonomically correct sitting posture, enabling equal distribution of the load when an electronic display device is received on the frame (115), a flexible system providing 0°-90° of angular variation, a naturally ventilated system so as to provide cooling to the electronic display device, ease of manufacturing of the frame (115) and base holder (120) by reclaimed wood material. The system of the present invention enables electronic device cooling through natural draft ventilation without utilizing any additional power or cooling mechanism. Since, it is made of solid Himalayan wood which helps electronic devices maintain ambient temperature against hot/cold weather. Further, even though the system is made up of wood and steel, the system as per present invention is not heavy. Nevertheless, it is a user-friendly light weight system (~650 gm) that is easy-to-carry (foldable).

[0035] The system as per present invention may be applicable for, but not limited to, laptop and big screen tablets or any other electronic display device, and helps in stress free handling of work. The system is designed with a maximum safe working conditions that provides protection to the electronic display device by holding the device securely.

[0036] ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
1) The present system provides an ergonomically correct sitting posture, neck and eye angle for stress free laptop work (0-45 degrees) and tablet work (45-86 degrees) during extended on-screen time.
2) The stand provides a light-weight, easy-to-carry (foldable), anti-topple, anti-skid, natural ventilation for safe and secure laptop working.
3) The present system provides wide adjustable angles (18-86 degrees) for individual sitting posture requirements for all day stress free online working.
4) The stand can be parked in 90 degrees’ vertical position saving table space, providing clutter free work space to multiple users on the same work desk.
5) The system is designed to provide 100% safe working condition (all corner edges rounded) to school and college students during online classes as well as online working professionals providing 100% ergonomic sitting posture.

[0037] While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims:We Claim:
1. A system (100) for ergonomic positioning of an electronic display device, comprising:
a support frame (115) for supporting the electronic device;
a base holder (120) attached to the support frame (115);
a bracket (125) configured on the base holder (120) for securing the electronic device on front side of the support frame (115);
an arm extension member (170) attached to the base holder (120) on the side opposite to the bracket (125);
the arm extension member (170) configured with a plurality of longitudinal groves (150);
a ratchet mechanism comprising a clamping member (130) and the longitudinal groves (150);
wherein
the clamping member (130) having a proximal and distal end, the proximal end being attached to the support frame (115) and the free distal end is configured to fit securely in the longitudinal groves (150) to adjust alignment of the support frame (115); and
the support frame (115) comprising cutout vents to enable heat emission;

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of longitudinal groves (150) having dimensions of the slots compatible to receive the free distal end of the clamping member (130) to adjust vertical alignment of support frame (115) between 18 to 86 degree angle..
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the horizontal movement the clamping member (130) enables vertical positioning of the electronic display device.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pair of magnets are configured on the distal end of the arm extension member (170) and the support frame (115) so that the stand remains in folded mode when parked at vertical position.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is composed of reclaimed wood material composed of timbers and decking to increase rigidity and lifespan of the system.