GB2511793A

GB2511793A - A tablet computer security device

Info

Publication number: GB2511793A
Application number: GB201304516A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Michell
Original assignee: RATSTANDS Ltd
Current assignee: RATSTANDS Ltd
Priority date: 2013-03-13
Filing date: 2013-03-13
Publication date: 2014-09-17
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-13
Also published as: GB2511793B; GB201304516D0

Abstract

A tablet computer security device 10 comprising a bracket 30 for securing to a surface, a first and second retaining member 70 80 and a retaining member adjustment mechanism for adjusting the relative positions of the first and second retaining members along an axis, user control means for controlling the adjustment mechanism (preferably knob or dial 180 Fig 1) and a locking mechanism for securing the retaining members in place to prevent removal of the tablet. Preferably each retaining member has two arms 90/110, 100/120 at right angles to each other. The adjustment mechanism may comprise a gear which upon rotation spreads the two retaining mechanisms apart from each other. The security device is designed to be used as a music stand for holding a tablet displaying sheet music.

Description

A TABLET COMPUTER SECURITY DEVICE

The present invention relates generally to a tablet computer security device and a method of retaining a tablet computer in the tablet computer security device and finds particular, although not exclusive, utility in the field of music stands for musicians.

Traditionally, musicians have used music stands to hold paper manuscripts that can be read from as they play. However, difficulty for a musician arises in the case where a piece of music is too long to he recorded onto a single page; the musician would therefore have to turn the page to continue playing. Recently, it has been known lO to display the music on a smartphone and/or tablet computer, such that the music may scroll at a predetermined rate or, alternatively, virtual pages may be turned by performing a simple swipe motion on the touch-sensitive display of such a tablet. This is helpful, as a swipe motion takes less time to perform than does the action of turning a page, where it is necessary to ensure that only one page is turned at a time.

Although a sniartphone and/or tablet computer may he placed on a conventional music stand for use with paper manuscript, due to the cost of smartphones and tablet computers, musicians are reluctant to leave smartphone and/or tablet computers on the stand (luring practice breaks or intermissions iii performniances for fear of theft, or accidental damage due to the tablet computer falling off the stand.

It is therefore desirable for a music stand to include means for securing a smartphone and/or tablet computer to prevent removal or accidental falling off. Various cable lock systems are known in which a smnartphone or tablet computer may he locked to another object; however, each of these arrangements are unsightly and not suitable to he used during a musical performance.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a tablet computer security device comprising: a bracket for attachment to a surface; a first retaining member connected to the bracket; a second retaining member connected to the bracket; a retaining member adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the first retaining tnember relative to the second retaining metnber along a retaining axis; and a user interface control for allowing a user to control operation of the retaining member adjustment mechanism; wherein the device is configured such that undesired movement of the first retaining member relative to the second retaining member along the retaining axis is prexTe1ta1le; and wherein the first and second retaining members are

I

configured such that, when the first and second retaining members have a first relative positton along the retaining axis, a tablet computer may he securely retained therebetween such that removal is prevented.

A tablet computer may he a one-piece mobile computer, a notebook computer, a booklet computer, a smartphone, a phablet, a mini tablet, a slate computer, an c-book reader, and/or any similar kind of tablet.

The user interface control may allow a user to control operation of the retaining member adjustment mechanism in that the user interface control may he operatively connected to an input of the retaining member adjustment mechanism, and at least one lO of the retaining members may be operatively connected to an output of the retaining member adjustment mechanism.

The device may he configured such that a force incident on at least one retaining member is opposed in order to prevent undesirable movement of the first retaining member relative to the second retaining member along the retaining axis.

The retaining member adjustment mechanism may compuse a system having an input coupled to the user interface control and an output couplet] to at least one of the first and second retaining members. The system may provide a mechanical advantage such that a force incident on at least one retaining muerriher is opposed by the system in order to prevent undesirable movement of the first retaining member relative to the second retaining member along the retaining axis. In this way, the user interface control may be operated to put the retaining members under tension. The mechanical advantage may he considered a measure of the force amplification achieved by using a system. Alternativdy, the system may provide no mechanical advantage.

The system may indude a friction and/or resistance inducing component, such that operating the user interface control causes the retaining members to move relative to one another with an efficiency below some predeteniimed threshold, such as approximately 50%, 49%, 47%, 43°/o, or 40°/o. The friction and/or resistance inducing component may he configured such that moving the retaining members relative to one another is prevented. In particular, the friction and/or resistance inducing component may he configured such that operating the user interface control to move the retaining members relative to one another causes more work to be lost than to he transferred to the retaining members. In this way, the losses of the system may be greater than the delivered power. Further, if the system is reversed, the losses of the system are substantially equal to the provided power such that the output is substantially zero.

Therefore, the system Inay not be run backwards.

The system may comprise a gear system that converts relattvely fast, relatively low-torque rotation of the input, into relatively slow, relatively high-torque rotation of the output.

Alternatively or additionally, the device and/or the retaining member adjustment mechanism may comprise a ratchet. The ratchet may be arranged to allow relative movement of the retaining members in one direction only. In particular, the ratchet may be arranged to allow movement of the retaining members together. In this way, lO undesirable movement apart of the retianing members, such that the tablet computer becomes unsecured, is prevented. The ratchet may comprise a ratchet membcr and/or a release. Actuation of the release may allow relative movement of the retaining members in a direction opposite that allowed by the ratchet and/or the ratchet member.

The device may further comprise a lock for selectively allowing and disallowing the user interface control to operate the retaining member adjustment mechanism.

The first retaining member may comprise a first engagement member, and a second engagement member perpendicular to the first engagement member. The second retai iirig rTleiIlher triay cotripflse a third engagement member that faces the first engagement member, and a fourth engagement member perpendicular to the third engagement member, the fourth engagement member facing the sccond engagement member. The retaining member adjustment mechanism may be configured to vary a first spacing of the first engagement member from the third engagement member, and a second spacing of the second engagement member from the fourth engagement member.

In this way, the engagement members may grip the tablet computer, and he held in place under tension by the retaining members. At least one of the engagement members anti/or the retaining members may he arrangable beneath a tablet computer, such that the tablet computer may he rested thereon prior to the retaining member adjustment mechanism being operated to securely retain the tablet computer.

The engagement members may comprise pads, clamps, claws, hooks and or any other mcans for engaging a tablet computer. The engagcment membcrs may he configured to partially wrap around a front face of a tablet computer. The engagement members may comprise resilient poruons and rigid portions; for instance, resilient pads and rigid daws.

Alternatively, each retaining member may comprise a single respective engagement member, or any other number of engagement members.

At least one of the retaining members may comprise at least one retaining arm connected to at least one engagement member, wherein in use the at least one retaining arm is substantially inelastic and the at least one engagement member is substantially non-deformable.

Each engagement member may be arranged at an oblique angle to the retaining lO axis.

The user interface control may be configured for one-handed operation. The user interface control may be a dial and/or control knob. Other forms of user interface means are also envisaged. The user interface control may include a grip, which may be in the form of grooves, ridges, dimples, a resilient surface, one or more handles and/or tabs; however, any other form of grip are also envisaged.

The lock may he a tubular pin tumbler lock, which may he openable with a tubular key. Ahcrnatively, any other form of key and lock combination may be used.

The lock may selectively enable arid disable operation of the user interface control. In this way, when locked, the user interfiice control may he prevemtecl from being manipulated by a user. For instance, the user interface control may be prevented from being rotated. The lock may selectively enable and disable operation of the retaining member adjustment mechanism by the user interface. In this way, when locked, the user interface control may have no effect on the operation of the retaining member adjustment mechanism. In some embodiments, the user interface may still he able to he manipulated by a user. For instance, rotation of the user interface control may have no effect on the retaining member adjustment mechanism. The lock may comprise an engagement mechanism configured to selectively engage and disengage the user interface control with the retaining member adjustment mechanism. The engagement mechanism may comprise a cam surface for biasing a cam follower coupled to the user interface control from a retracted position, in which the cam follower is disengaged from the retaining member adjustment mechanism, into an extended position, in which the cam fiillowcr is engaged with the retaining member adjustment mechanism.

In this way, when the cain follower is disengaged from the retaining member adjustment mechanism, the user interface contnil may be operated w!tin)ut affecting the retaining member adjustment mechanism. Further, when the cam follower is engaged with the retaining member adjustment mechanism, the user interface control may he operated in order to operate the retaining member adjustment mechanism.

The cam followers may comprise teeth, for engagement with the retaining member adjustment mechanism. The engagement mechanism may comprise more than one cam surface and/or more than one cam follower, for instance two, three, four, five or six of one or each. Thc cam snrfaces and/or cam followers may bc symmetrically disposed on the stand.

The gear system may provide a gear ratio of between approximately 1:10 and 1:100, in particular between approximately 1:15 and 1:30, and more particularly between approximately 1:19 and 1:24. For instance, approximately 1:10, 3:40, 1:20, 3:100 or 1:100; however, other gear ratios are envisaged.

Tn this way, a user may operate the input to control the output; however, a user may not he able to operate the output to control the input. Accordingly, it wouki not be possible for a user to force the retaining members apart to extract the tablet computer, if access to the iput was restricted, for insnuwe by the lock. In addition, accidental actuation of the user interface control, which would he a relatively small movement, would result in an even smaller relative movement of the retaining members. Therefore, accidental actuation of the user interface control would not lead to the tablet computer becoming freed from the retaining members, even when the lock is not activated.

Each retaining member may he releasably connected to the bracket. The tablet computer security device may further comprise a support that is connected to the bracket, and upon which the retaining members are slidably received. The support tnay he rotaubly mounted on the bracket. Rotation of the support on the bracket may experience a predetermined resistive force such that unintended rotation is inhibited.

Alternatively or additionally, the support may be rotatably mounted on the bracket via a hearing mechanism. The hearing mechanism may include a heating restraint, for maintaining the support in a desired rotational position relative to the bracket. The hearing restraint may he configured to maintain the support in a plurality of predetermined rotational positions relative to the bracket. The pr eTc ernnned number of rotational positions may he two, tEree, four, five or six.

At least one of the first and second retaining members rriay include a toothed bar and the retaining member adjustment mechanism includes a toothed wheel engaged with the toothed bar to form a rack and pinion arrangement. The toothed wheel may be connected to the output. In this way, rotation of an input of the gear system by a user, for instance by turning a control knob, results hi fine-grade movement of the retaining members with respect to one another.

The first and second retaining members may comprise such a toothed bar, such that the retaining member adjustment mechanism is operable to move both the first and second retaining members relative to the bracket.

The tablet computer securi device may further comprise a biasing mechanism configured to prevent accidental over extension of at least one of the first and second retaining members. The biasing mechanism may comprise a ramped surface disposed on one of the first and second retaining members and a spring-loaded boss coupled to the bracket, ami in contact with the ramped surface such that as the position of the first retaining member relative to the second retaining member along a retaining axis is adjusted, the boss is biased against the spring such that resistance to further adj usttiierit of the position of the first retaining member relative to the second retaining member along a retaining axis is resisted.

In this way, accidental removal and/or insertion may be prevented, and over-extension of the retaining members may not he possible. The resistance thus provided may he overcome by a user if desired. However, the magnitude of the resistance thus provided may he chosen such that overcoming it inadvertently would he unlikely. In addition, the biasing mechanism may he configured to automatically load the retaining members upon insertion into the support. In particular, the biasing mechanism may he arranged such that the retaining members are urged such that the toothed bar engages with the toothed wheel automatically. In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism is arranged such that the toothed bar remains in contact and/or in engagement with the toothed wheel unless a user desires otherwise.

The tablet computer security device may further comprise a base, pivotally connected to the bmcket. The base may be pivotally connected to the bracket via a hinge, such as a barrel hinge or a ball hinge, such that pivoting motion in a single plane or in multiple planes may be possible. The hinge may include a friction component to resist relative rotation of the bracket and the base. In this way, the bracket may he rotated to, and held at, a desired positton relative to the base.

The tablet computer security device may be made from a single material, or a combination of materials such as metals, alloys, composite materials, plastics materials and/or any other suitable materiaL The retaining members may be configured for dose engagement with a specific tablet computer. The retaining menthers may he configured to he spaced from a specific tablet computer a maximum spacing of between approximately 0.5mm and lO 3mm, in particular between approximately 1mm and 2mm, more particularly 1.5mm.

For instance, the retaining members may leave substantially no gap between the retaining members and the tablet computer. In this way, an amount of ilexure of the retaining members may he lintited such that the engagement members may not he moved out of engagement with the tablet computer, thereby preventing removal of the tablet computer from the device. In particular, the retaining members may not he flexed toward the tablet computer. Tn one embodiment, the spacing between the retaining members and the tablet computer may be such that a lever, such as a screw driver or finger, may not he placed between the retaining ruerrihers and the tablet computer. This has the additional effect of preventing a lever-amplified force being applied to the retaining members. Accordingly, intentional damage to the retaining members, such that removal of the tablet computcr becomes possible, may be limited.

The engagement members may he made from a material resistant to deformation and/or fracture, such as polycarhonate, steel or another appropriate ntaterial. In this way, the tablet computer may not he prised out of the engagement members' grip. The retaining members may each comprise at least one retaining ann connecting the engagement members. The retaining arms may he made from the same, or a similar, material as the engagement members. Alternatively, the retaining arms may he made of a light-weight material, such as a plastics material, aluminium or another appropriate material. The retaining arms may be strong under tension. The retaining arms may be stronger under tension than they are under torsion and/or compression.

The retaining arms may be substantially flexible. The retaining arms may he substantially elastic. In use, the retaining arms may he under tension such that further stretching of the retaining arms is prevented. The engagement members may be more resistant to deformation and/or fracture than the retaining arms.

For instance, in use, substantially rigid engagement members may he placed around a periphery of a tablet computer to he secured by the device. The retaining member adjustment mechanism may he operated to draw the engagement members together, thereby clamping the tablet computer in their grip. In some embodiments, the retaining arms may be flexible; the retaining member adjustment mechanism therefore operates to increase tension in the retaining arms, which acts to hold the engagement members in place. In this way, accidental dropping of the tablet computer may be i0 prevented. If the tension in the retaining arms is sufficient to prevent substantial flexure of the retaining arms by a third part, then the retaining arms will additionally secure the tablet computer from theft or unintended removal. The retaining member may he configured to tension the retaining arms such that removal of the tablet computer by flexing the arms is prevented. Flexing may include bending and/or otherwise 1 5 deforming. The engagement members may he connected to the retaining arms by a hinge. In this way, easy insertion and/or removal of the tablet computer may he enabled. Alternatively, the engagement members may be connected to the retaining antis such that relative rnoverrieiit between the two is prevented.

The engagement members may have a profile that includes at least one right angle, to extend around a front face of the tablet computer and/or a back face of the tablet computer. The engagement members may have a profile that comprises a substantially curved portion. In particular, the engagement members may have a profile that comprises a portion in the form of a curve corresponding to part of a conic section, such as an arc of a circle, and/or a similar part of a parabola, ellipse or hyperbola, or any other kind of curve.

According to a second aspect of the preseirt invention there is provided a music stand comprising the device according to the first aspect of the presetti invention and a base, pivotally connected to the bracket.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit comprising a tablet computer security device according to the first aspect of the invention and at least one further set of third and fourth retaining members having a shape different from the first and second retaining members of any preceding claim.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of retaining a tablet computer in the tablet computer security device according to the first aspect, the method comprisrng the steps of: p'acing a tablet computer in contact with the first and second retaining members; interacting with a user interface control to operate the retaining member adjustment mechanism; operating the retaining member adjustment mechanism to adjust a position of the first retaining member rehttive to the second retaining member along the retaining axis to reach a first relative position along tbe retaining axis; and optionally locking tbe lock to disallow the user interface control from operating the retaining member adjustment mechanism.

lO The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of tbe invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a tablet computer security device according to the present invention holding a tablet computer.

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of tbe tablet computer security device of figure!.

Figure 3 sho\vs a front perspective exploded view of the tablet computer security device shown of figure 1.

Figure 4 shows a rear perspective exploded view of the tablet computer security device of tigure 1.

The present invention will he described with respect to particular embodiments antI with reference to certain drawings hut the invention is not limited thereto hut only by the claims. Tbe drawings described are only scbematic and are non-limiting. Tn the drawings, the sh'.e of some of the elements may he exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the hke in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a secluence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to he understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

vloreover, the tenns top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to he understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

It is to he noticed that the term "comprising", used in the claims, should not he interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other lO elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features., integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus., the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not he limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an ernhodiriierit" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic descnhed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same enthodiment. hut may refer to different embodiments.

Furthermore, the particular features., structures or characteristics of any embodiment or aspect of the invention may he conthined in any suitabk manner, as would he apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly, it should he appreciated that in the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thcrcof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disdosurc, however, is not to he interpreted as reflecting an lntcnflon that the claimed invention requires more features than arc expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, win] e some embodiments described herein mc] ude some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be withrn the scope of the invention, and form yet further embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can he used in any combination.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth.

However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of

this description.

In the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said l)TntrTeter, king between the iriore preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intennediate value.

The use of the term "at least one" may, in some embodiments, mean only one.

The invention will now he described by a detailed description of several embodiments of the invention. It is clear that other embodiments of the invention can he configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teaching of the invention, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a tablet computer security device 10 holding a tablet computer 20. The tablet computer security device 10 compnses a bracket 30, a base connection member 40 for connecting to a base 50 (not shown), the base connection member 40 being couple to the bracket 30 via a base hinge 60. The base hinge 60 may he a barrel hinge, and may include a friction component to resist relative rotation of the bracket 30 and the base connection member 40. In this \vay, the hinge 60 may be rotated to, and held at, a desired position. In the present embodiment, the base connection member 40 comprises a securing mechanism in the fomi of two anchor points 65 for enabling secure connection of the base connection member 40 to the base 50; however, n alternative embodiments different forms of secure connection are envisaged including, for instance, the base 50 being integrally formed with a portion of the hinge 60. The tablet computer security device 10 further comprises a first retaining member 70 and a second retaining member 80. The first retaining member comprises a first arm 90 and a second arm 100 (not shown and the second retaining member comprises a third attn 110 and a fourth arm 120; however, in alternative embodiments each retaining member may comprise a single arm, or more than two arms. In this embodiment, each arm 90-120 comprises a respective engagement member 130-160. In this way, the first retaining member 70 comprises the first 130 and second 140 engagement members and the second retaining member 80 comprises the third 150 and fourth 160 engagement menthers. The tablet computer security device 10 further comprises a retaining member adjustment mechanism 170, a user interface control in the form of a rotatable dial 180, the dial for allowing a user to control operation of the retaining member adjustment mechanism, and a lock 190 for selectively allowing the user interface control to operate the retaining member adjustment nechar list' . Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the tablet computer security device 10, shown empty. The second engagement member 140 is shown perpendicular to the first engagement member 130, the third engagement member 150 is shown facing the first engagement member 130, and the fourth engagement member 160 is shown perpendicular to the third engagement member 150 and facing the second engagement member 140.

In use, a tablet computer 20 may he placed on the second engagement member with its back resting against the third arm 110. The rotatable dial 180 may he rotated such that the first 70 and second 80 retaining members may move toward each other, thus reducing the spacing between the sccond engagement member 140 and thc fourth engagement member 160, and simultaneously the first engagement member 130 and the third engagement member 150. In this way, the tablet computer 20 may he gripped securely by the security device 10.

Figure 3 shoxvs a front perspective exploded view of the tablet computer security device 10. Figure 4 shows a rear perspective exploded view of the tablet computer security device 10. With reference to figures 3 and 4, construction and operation of the retaining member adjustment mechanism 170 will now he described in detail. The dial 180 is rotatable within a hole in a hack plate 200. Both the dial 180 and the hole in the hack plate 200 are aligned along a central axis A-A of the tablet computer security device 10. The dial 180 includes an outer curved surface having grooves therein in ordcr to provide grip for a user. The lock 190 is disposed centrally within the dial such that a key may be insertcd into the lock 190. The lock 190 comprises a first part fixedly coupled to the dial 180 and a second part that is rotatable with respect to the first part in response to rotation of the key within the lock 190. The lock comprises lO a cam surface 210 that may be rotated by the key such that it engages with cam followers 220 disposed on an interior of the dial 180. In this embodiment, the cam surface 210 has three-fold symmetry for engaging three cam followers 220; however, other degrees of symmetry are envisaged, as would he apparent to the skilled person. In particular, a first key position in the lock 190 maintains the cam followers 220 in a retracted position and moving the key to a second key position in the lock 190 urges the cam followers 220 into an extended position.

The cam followers 220 extend substantially parallel to the central axis A-A and have rriearis for engaging a disc element 230, also aligned axially. In this emnhodinrienm, the means for engaging the disc element 230 are a plurality of teeth disposed on the outer surfaces of the cam followers 220, and the disc element 230 comprises cooperating teeth facing inwardly on a protruding annular component 240. In this way, a user may enable turning of the disc element 230 by ensuring the key is in the second key position in the lock 190, such that the cam followers 220 are in their extended position in order for the plurality of teeth to engage the cooperating teeth. Rotation of the dial 180 thereby causes rotation of the disc element 230. In contrast, if the key is in the first position, rotation of the dial 180 is independent of rotation of the disc element 230.

The disc element 230 further comprises an eccentrically located protrusion 250 that is configured to engage with a cog 260. The cog 260 is rotatable about its centre on the protrusion 250 such that the axis of rotation of the cog 260 is parallel to the central axis A-A of the tablet computer security device 10. The teeth of the cog 260 engage a ring gear 270 located within the hack plate 200. In this way, with the key in the second position in the lock 190, when the dial 180 is turned by a user, the disc element 230 is turned, causing the protrusion 250 to orbit the central axis A-A. The protrusion 250 carries with it the cog 260, which rolls around the inside of the ring gear 270.

The cog 260 also includes six pegs 230 which project from a face of the cog 260.

Tt is to he understood that the number of pegs 280 is unimportant, arid could for instance he three, four, live, seven or eight. Each peg 280 is arranged to he received within a corresponding hole 290 in a central gear wheel 300. Each peg is sized to be substantially smaller than the hole 290 in order for rolling of the cog 260 around the inside of ring gear 270 to convey rotation of the gear wheel 300 about the central axis.

The gear wheel 300 is provided with a small gear projection 310 on an opposite face to lO the cog 260. The small gear projection 310 is arranged to pass through a central hole in a front plate 320.

Thus,rodon of the dial 180 provides rotation of the small gear projection 310.

The relative sizes and gear ratios of the above arrangement are chosen in order to provide a gear ratio of approximately 1:20. For instance approximately, 1:10, 3:40, 1:20, 3:100 or 1:100; however, other gear ratios are envisaged.

The front plate 320 is secured to the back plate 200 by fixing parts, such as screws, bolts or any other suitable form of fixing means. The fixing parts act to clamp tire bracket 30 between the front piate 320 and the hack plate 200; however, in this embodiment, the fixing parts do not couple directly to the bracket 20, and the front plate 320 and back plate 200 is rotatable with respect to the bracket. In particular, the fixing parts connect the front plate 320 to the back plate 200 through central hole 330 of the bracket 30. A wave spring 340, in the form of a resilient washer that is deformed out of a flat plane, is located in a housing in the hack plate 200 and is arranged to urge the hack plate 200 away from the bracket 30. In this way, the front plate 320 is drawn toward the bracket 30. A set of ball hearings 350 is located between the front plate 320 and the bracket 30. Tn the embodiment shown, four ball hearings 350 are used. Each ball hearing is housed within a recess 360 in the front plate 320, such that the entire retaining member adjustmcnt mechanism 170 may he rotatcd about the central axis A-A with respect to the bracket 30. Dimples 370 in the bracket 30 provide resistance to moflon of the ball hearings 350 over the surface of the bracket 30 to ensure that a desired rotational position can he maintained. In this embodiment the dimples 370 arc through holes; however, dents or any other form of deformation would also he suitable.

Tn addition, in this embodiment, only four dimples 370 are included on the hracket 30 such that rotation of the retaining member adjustment tnechanism 170 may be held rotational separations of 90 degrees.

Each retaining member 70, 30 includes runners 330 for sliding engagement with a track 390 formed in the front plate 320. The track 390 is embodied in the form of a t-shape slot, such that the retaining members 70, 80 may he slidably removed from the track 390 in one direction only. Lach retaining member 70, 80 also includes a toothed bar 400, arranged parallel to the runners 380, the toothed bar 400 for engagement with the small gear projection 310 passing through the central hole in the front plate 320.

The toothed bar 400 and the small gear projection 310 cooperate in a rack and pinion manner. In this way, rotation of the dial 180 causes linear movement of the retaining members 70, 80, but only when the key is in the second position in the lock 190.

Rotation of the dial 180 in a first direction draws the retaining members 70, 80 together along the track 390. Rotation of the dial 180 in a second opposite direction pushes the retaining members 70, 80 apart. In the present embodiment, at a pretletennitied separation of the retaining members 70, 80, the toothed bar 400 ceases to engage with the small gear projectiot 310. At this point, further rotation of the dial 180 has no effect on the retaining members 70, 80. In some embodiments, the retaining members 70, 80 riiay thus he removed from the front plate 320 by sliding the runners 380 out of the track 390. To prevent accidental removal, the present embodiment comprises a pair of sprung follower arms 410, pivotally coupled to the front plate 320 at one end, and biased to a first position by a torsion spring 420. An opposing end of each sprung follower arm extends through a slot 430 in the front plate to engage with a ramped surface 440 on a respective retaining member 70, 80. The ramped surface 440 is shaped such that a predetermined resistance (provided by the sprung follower arms 410) must he overcome in order to insert and/or extract the retaining members 70, 80 into the track 390 in the front plate. In this way, accidental removal and/or insertion may he prevettecl, and over-extension of the arms may not be possible.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A tablet computer security device compnsing: a bracket for attachment to a surface; a first retaining member connected to the bracket; a second retaining member connected to the bracket; a retaining member adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the first retaining member relative to the second retaining member along a retaining axis; and lO a user interface control for allowing a user to control operation of the retaining member adjustment mechanism; wherein the device is configured such that undesired movement of the first retaining menther relative to the second retaining member along the retaining axis is preventable; and 1 5 wherein the first and second retaining members are configured such that, when the first and second retaining members have a first relative position along the retaining axis, a tablet computer may be securely retained therebetween such that removal is prevented.
2. The device of daim 1, configured such that a force incident on at east one retaining member is opposed in order to prevent undesirabk movement of the first retaining member relative to the second retaining member along the retaining axis.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the retaining member adjustment mechanism comprises a system having an input couplet] to the user interface control and an output coupled to at least one of the first and second retaining members, the system providing a mechanical advantage such that a force incident on at least one retaining member is opposed by the system in order to prevent undesirable movement of the first retaining member relative to the second retaining member along the retaining axis.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the system comprises a gear system that converts rdatively fast, relatively low-torque rotation of the input, into relatively shw, rdatively high-torque rotation of the output.
5. The device of any preceding claim, further comprising a lock for selectively allowing and disallowing the user interface contrul to operate the retaining member adjustment mechanism.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein: the first retaining member comprises a first engagement member, and a second engagement member perpendicular to the lust engagement member; the second retaining member comprises a third engagement member that faces lO the first engagement member, and a fourth engagement member perpendicular to the third engagement member, the fourth engagement member facing the second engagement member; and the retaining member adjustment mechanism is configured to vary a first spacing of the llrst engagement member from the third engagement member, and a second spacing of the second engagement member from the fourth engagement m ember.
7. The device of arty preceding claim, wherein at least one of the retaining members comprises at least one retaining ann connected to at least one engagement member, wherein in use the at least one retaining arm is substantially inelastic and the engagement members are substantially non-deformable.
3. The device of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein each engagement member is arranged at an oblique angle to the retaining axis.
9. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the user interface control is conhgured for one-handed operation.
10. The device of daim), wherein the user interface control is a dial and/or conol knob.
11. The device of any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the lock selectively enables and disables operation of the user interface control.
12. The device of any one of claims 5 to 11, wherei the lock selectively enables and disables operathm of the retaining member adjustment mechanism by the user interface.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the lock comprises an engagement mechanism configured to selectively engage and disengage the user interface control with the retaining member adjustment mechanism.
14. The devicc of claim 13, wherein the engagement mechanism comprises a cam lO surface for biasing a cam follower coupled to the user interface control from a retracted position, in which the cam follower is disengaged from the retaining member adjustment mechanism, into an extended position, in which the cam follower is engaged with the retaining member adjustment mechanism.
15. The device of any preceding claim, further comprising a support that is connected to the bracket, and upon which the retaining members are slidably received.
I O. The device of any aI1ng claim, wherein the support is rotatably mounted on the bracket.
17. The device of any preceding claim, in which at least one of the first and second retaining members includes a toothed bar and the retaining member adjustment mechanism includes a toothed wheel engaged with the toothed bar to form a rack and pinion arrangement.
18. The device of any preceding claim, further comprising a biasing tnechanism configured to prevent accidental over extension of at least one of the first and second retaining members.
19. The device of claim 18, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a ramped surface disposed on one of the first and second retaining members and a spring-loaded boss coupled to the bracket, and in contact with the ramped surface such that as the position of the tirst retaining member relative to the second retaining member along a retaining axis is adjusted, the boss is biased against the spring such that resistance to further adjustment of the position of the first retaining member relative to the second retaining member along a retanng axis is resisted.
20. The device of ally preceding claim, wherein the retaining members are configured for dose engagement with a specific tablet computer.
21. The device of any preceding claim, wherein each retaining member is releasably connected to the bracket.
22. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
23. A music stand comprising the device of any preceding claim, and a base, pivotally connected to the bracket.
24. A kit comprising a device according to any one of claims I to 22 and at least one further set of third arid fourth retaining members having a shape different from the first and second retaining members of any preceding claim.24. A method of retaining a tablet computer in the device according to any one of claims I to 22, the method comprising the steps of: placing a tablet computer in contact with the first and second retaining members; interacting with a user interface control to operate the retaining member adj ustinent tnechani sm; and operating the retaining member adjustment mechanism to adjust a position of the first retaining member relative to the second retaining member along the retaining axis to reach a first relative position along the retaining axis.