US20110006091A1

US20110006091A1 - Adaptable Platform For A Vehicle

Info

Publication number: US20110006091A1
Application number: US12/832,420
Authority: US
Inventors: Alan Lee Schafer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-07-09
Filing date: 2010-07-08
Publication date: 2011-01-13
Also published as: WO2011004326A1; US20120098658A1; US8648711B2; WO2011004326A4

Abstract

An adaptable platform for a vehicle is provided having a main body, at least one support arm, a panel engagement structure, and a working surface arm. The at least one support arm, the panel engagement structure, and the working surface arm are adjustably coupled to the main body. The main body, the at least one support arm, and the panel engagement structure cooperate with a plurality of vehicle panels to secure the adaptable platform to the vehicle. The adaptable platform couples to the vehicle without interfering with a line of sight of a driver or the conveniences of the vehicle, is rigid enough to withstand a force exerted on the platform during writing, and may be quickly installed without making a modification to the vehicle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/270,395, filed Jul. 8, 2009, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vehicle platform adapted to be removably coupled to a panel of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Travelers, people engaged in business, and others who frequent vehicles typically have a need for a platform to hold items such as documents, mobile electronic devices, food, or other items. For example, a driver or a passenger of a vehicle may refer to a set of travel directions. Additionally, the driver or the passenger may require a rigid surface suitable for writing on. The mobile electronic device may be employed by the driver or the passenger to access directions, entertainment, or other information. To perform these and other tasks in a vehicle, a variety of devices have been developed to hold items.
Many of the platforms that are available to hold items mount to a windshield of the vehicle. While the platform places the items in an easily viewable location, the platform typically obstructs a line of sight of a driver. Consequently, the platform may increase the likelihood of a vehicular accident.
Other platforms secure themselves within a cupholder or to a portion of a vehicle dashboard such as a vent. While such platforms may not obstruct the line of sight of the driver, the platforms reduce the convenience of the vehicle they are used in. For example, such platforms may occupy the cupholder closest to the driver, block the vents of the vehicle, or inhibit access to the radio or climate controls of the vehicle.
The platform intended to hold documents typically must be designed to withstand a force exerted by the driver or the passenger during writing, as the driver or the passenger may desire to record information while in the vehicle. The platform coupled to the vehicle using a hook and loop style fastener may not be rigid enough to withstand the force exerted by the driver or the passenger during writing, resulting in the platform becoming dismounted from the vehicle.
While convenient and non-permanent, the platform that employs the suctional force also has shortcomings. The platform that employs the suctional force may become dismounted as a result of changing weather conditions or the presence of dirt or grime between the suction cup and the vehicle. Additionally, the suction cup may leave a residue ring on the windshield visible from inside and outside the vehicle. The residue ring blemishes an interior of the vehicle and may alert thieves to a presence of the mobile electronic devices within the vehicle.
Platforms that require the attachment of a portion of the fastener to the vehicle are similarly disadvantageous. Mounting brackets and the hook and loop style fastener require the attachment of a portion of the fastener to the vehicle, reducing the convenience of such platforms for temporary use in a second vehicle. Some fasteners require a permanent change to the vehicle and may damage the vehicle.
It would be advantageous to develop an adaptable platform for a vehicle that couples to a vehicle without interfering with a line of sight of a driver or the conveniences of the vehicle, is rigid enough to withstand a force exerted on the platform during writing, and may be quickly installed without making a modification to the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Presently provided by the invention, an adaptable platform for a vehicle that couples to a vehicle without interfering with a line of sight of a driver or the conveniences of the vehicle, is rigid enough to withstand a force exerted on the platform during writing, and may be quickly installed without making a modification to the vehicle, has surprisingly been discovered.
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed towards an adaptable platform for a vehicle having a main body, a first support arm, a panel engagement structure, and a working surface arm. The first support arm, the panel engagement structure, and the working surface arm are coupled to the main body. The main body has a first pivot point.
The first support arm has a first elongate body and a first panel engagement structure. The first support arm is pivotally coupled to the first pivot point at a first distal end of the first elongate body. The first panel engagement structure is coupled to a second distal end of the first elongate body. A second panel engagement structure is coupled to the main body.
The working surface arm has a rigid body having a substantially planar surface and a support member. The support member is adjustably coupled to the main body. The main body, the first support arm, the first panel engagement structure, and the second panel engagement structure cooperate with a plurality of vehicle panels to secure a position of the working surface arm with respect to the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of adaptable platform for a vehicle of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a main body of the adaptable platform of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of a pivot joint of the adaptable platform of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the adaptable platform of FIG. 1, the adaptable platform installed in a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions, directions or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an adaptable platform 10 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The adaptable platform 10 includes a main body 12, a first support arm 14, a second support arm 16, a third support arm 18, and a working surface arm 20. As shown, the adaptable platform 10 includes the three support arms 12, 14, 16, but it is understood the adaptable platform 10 may include fewer or more arms.
The main body 12 has a hollow body 22 and a pivot point member 24. The hollow body 22 is a substantially tube shaped member formed by extruding a metal such as aluminum, but other processes such as machining or forging may be used. Alternately, the hollow body 22 may be formed from a moldable material such as plastic.
A first distal end of the hollow body 22 forms a ring shaped finish 26 thereof. A second distal end of the hollow body 22 includes a first pivot point 28. As shown, the first pivot point 28 is formed in a pivot point insert 30, the pivot point insert 30 is coupled to the hollow body 22 by a press fit. Alternately, the pivot point insert 30 may be coupled to the hollow body 22 using an adhesive, a weld, a fastener disposed through the hollow body 22, or the like. Further, the first pivot point 28 may be formed in the hollow body 22. The first pivot point 28 has a first axis A. The pivot point 28 has a pivot point fastener 31 disposed therethrough. The pivot point fastener 31 comprises a bolt threadingly engaged with a grip knob disposed thereon, but any other adjustable fastener may be used. A resilient pad 32 is disposed on an outer surface of the hollow body 22. An adhesive couples the resilient pad 32 to the hollow body 22.
The pivot point member 24 is a solid elongate member having a substantially rectangular cross-section coupled to the hollow body 22. A scallop 34 is formed in the pivot point member 24. The scallop 34 corresponds to a shape of the hollow body 22. The pivot point member 24 is coupled to the hollow body 22 at an intermediate portion thereof. A threaded fastener is disposed in a perforation formed through the pivot point member 24 and is received by a threaded aperture in the hollow body 22.
A second pivot point 36 and a third pivot point 38 are opposingly formed in the pivot point member 24 adjacent a first distal end and a second distal end thereof. Alternately, the second pivot point 36 and the third pivot point 38 may be formed in the main body 12. The second pivot point 36 has a second axis B and the third pivot point 38 has a third axis C. The second axis B is substantially parallel to the third axis C. The second axis B and the third axis C are substantially perpendicular to the first axis A. The second pivot point 36 and the third pivot point 38 are adjustable pivot points.
The first support arm 14 is a first elongate body having a first portion 42, a second portion 44, and a biasing member 46. The second portion 44 is slidingly coupled to the first portion 42. The first support arm 14 is pivotally coupled to the first pivot point 28 at a first distal end thereof. A second distal end of the first support arm 14 is extensible with respect to the first distal end of the first support arm 14.
The first portion 38 of the first support arm 14 is a substantially tube shaped member having the first distal end of the first support arm 14 coupled thereto. The first distal end of the first support arm 14 is a member pivot point insert 48 coupled to the first portion 38 by a press fit. Alternately, the member pivot point insert 48 may be coupled to the first portion 38 by a fastener, an adhesive, or the like. The member pivot point insert 48 has an aperture formed therethrough. The aperture of the member pivot point insert 48 has an axis aligned with the first axis A. A threaded fastener having a grip knob disposed thereon is disposed through the aperture of the member pivot point insert 48 and the first pivot point 28 to pivotally couple the first portion 38 to the pivot point insert 30.
The second portion 44 of the first support arm 14 is a cylindrical member at least partially disposed within the first portion 42. The second portion 44 may be a solid or a hollow member. A diameter of the second portion 44 is slightly less than an inner diameter of the first portion 38. However, the first portion 38 and the second portion 44 may have other cross-sectional shapes such as an ellipse, a rectangle, or other closed shapes. The second portion 44 includes an alignment groove 50 formed therein and a first panel engagement structure 52 disposed thereon.
The alignment groove 50 is a linear groove formed in the second portion 44 having a substantially rectangular cross-section. The alignment groove 50 is formed in an intermediate section of the second portion 44. An axis of the second portion 44 is parallel to the alignment groove 50. The alignment groove 50 is a machined groove. However, the alignment groove 50 may be a groove formed in the second portion 44 by an extrusion process. A fastener stop 54 or a press fit member is disposed through a perforation formed in the first portion 42 and into the alignment groove 50 of the second portion 44, restricting a relative movement of the second portion 44 within the first portion 42.
The first panel engagement structure 52 is a resilient cup-shaped body disposed on the second portion 44 to form the second distal end of the first support arm 14. However, the first panel engagement structure 52 may be any other shape. A frictional force between the second portion 44 and the first panel engagement structure 52 couples the first panel engagement structure 52 thereto. Alternately, an adhesive or a threaded resilient tip may couple the first panel engagement structure 52 to the second portion. As shown, the first panel engagement structure 52 includes a circular ridge unitarily formed therewith for increasing an frictional force between the first panel engagement structure 52 and a surface disposed thereagainst.
As shown in FIG. 4, the biasing member 46 is a coil compression spring. The biasing member 46 is formed from a spring steel. However, the biasing member 46 may also be formed from a stainless steel or other metal. Further, other urging devices may be used instead of the coil compression spring.
The biasing member 46 is disposed in the first portion 38 between the member pivot point insert 48 and the second portion 44. The biasing member 46 is pre-loaded with a compressive force to urge the second portion 44 away from the member pivot point insert 48. The fastener stop 54, or the press fit member disposed through the perforation formed in the first portion 42, abuts a terminus of the alignment groove 50 and resists the compressive force of the biasing member 46. Alternately, a plurality of perforations may be formed in the first portion 38 and a biased protuberance disposed through an aperture in the second portion 44 selectively engages one of the perforations, facilitating adjustment of a length of the first support arm 14. Further, the first portion 38 may be threadingly engaged with the second portion 44 to facilitate adjustment of a length of the first support arm 14. It should be noted that the aforementioned adjustment mechanisms may also be applied to the second support arm 16, the third support arm 18, and the working surface arm 20. Other embodiments wherein portions of the arms 14, 16, 18, 20 move with respect to one another are also within the scope of the present invention.
The second support arm 16 is a first elongate body having a first portion 56, a second portion 58, and a second panel engagement structure 60. The second portion 58 is slidingly coupled to the first portion 56. However, the second support arm 16 may also be a rigid unitary support arm. The second support arm 16 is pivotally coupled to the second pivot point 36 at a first distal end thereof by a support arm fastener 62. However, the second support arm 16 may also be a rigid support arm. A second distal end of the second support arm 16 is extensible with respect to the first distal end of the second support arm 16. The second support arm 16 includes a resilient pad 63 disposed thereon. An adhesive couples the resilient pad 63 to the second support arm 16.
The first portion 56 is a substantially tube shaped member. The first distal end of the second support arm 16 is a stepped sleeve 64 perpendicularly welded to the first portion 56. Alternately, the stepped sleeve 64 may be coupled to the second support arm 16 by a press fit, a fastener, an adhesive, or the like. An axis of the stepped sleeve 64 is aligned with the second axis B. The support arm fastener 62 comprises a bolt and a screw knob. Alternately, any other adjustable fastener may be used. A head portion of the bolt of the support arm fastener 62 is received by the stepped sleeve 64. A threaded portion of the bolt is disposed through the second pivot point 36 of the pivot point member 24 and the screw knob is threadingly engaged therewith to couple the second support arm 16 to the main body 12.
The first portion 56 is adjustably coupled to the second portion 58 by a knob fastener 65 disposed in a threaded aperture formed through the first portion 56. The second portion 58 of the second support arm 16 is a hollow cylindrical member at least partially disposed within the first portion 56. Alternately, the second portion 58 may be a solid member. A diameter of the second portion 58 is slightly less than an inner diameter of the first portion 56. However, the first portion 56 and the second portion 58 may have other cross-sectional shapes such as an ellipse, a rectangle, or other polygons. The second panel engagement structure 60 is coupled to the second distal end of the second support arm 16.
The second panel engagement structure 60 is a wedge shaped body formed from a resilient material such as rubber. Other elastomers may be used to form the second panel engagement structure 60. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the second panel engagement structure 60 is a triangular prism having a support face 66, an engagement face 68, and a mounting face 70. The support face 66 is substantially perpendicular to the mounting face 70. An angle formed between the support face 66 and the engagement face 68 is about 40 degrees, however any other angle may be used. Further, the second panel engagement structure 60 may be any other shape such as any polyhedron, a sphere, or a cone. The second panel engagement structure 60 has a threaded stud (not shown) disposed therein and a suction cup 72 disposed thereon. However, embodiments of the invention not including the suction cup 72 are within the scope of the invention.
The threaded stud is disposed in an aperture formed in the mounting face 70 of the second panel engagement structure 60. An adhesive couples the threaded stud to the second panel engagement structure 60, however other fasteners may be used. Further, the threaded stud may be molded into the second panel engagement structure 60. The threaded stud is threadingly received by a stud insert (not shown) disposed in the second distal end of the second support arm 16. Alternately, any other type of fastener may be used to couple the second panel engagement structure 60 to the second support arm 16.
The suction cup 72 is a suction cup as is known in the art. The suction cup 72 is formed from polyvinyl chloride. However, any other resilient material may be used to form the suction cup 72. The suction cup 72 has a post portion (not shown) disposed in an aperture formed in the engagement face 68. A fastener is disposed through the second panel engagement structure 60 and the post portion to couple the suction cup 72 thereto. Alternately, the suction cup 72 may be coupled to the second panel engagement structure 60 with an adhesive or the suction cup 72 may be molded into the second panel engagement structure 60.
The third support arm 18 is a first elongate body having a first portion 74, a second portion 76, and a third panel engagement structure 78. The second portion 76 is slidingly coupled to the first portion 74. However, the third support arm 18 may also be a rigid unitary support arm. The third support arm 18 is pivotally coupled to the third pivot point 38 at a first distal end thereof by a support arm fastener 80. A second distal end of the third support arm 18 is extensible with respect to the first distal end of the third support arm 18. The third support arm 18 includes a resilient pad 81 disposed thereon. An adhesive couples the resilient pad 81 to the third support arm 18.
The first portion 74 is a substantially tube shaped member. The first distal end of the third support arm 18 is a stepped sleeve 82 perpendicularly welded to the first portion 74. Alternately, the stepped sleeve 82 may be coupled to the third support arm 18 by a press fit, a fastener, an adhesive, or the like. An axis of the stepped sleeve 82 is aligned with the third axis C. The support arm fastener 80 comprises a bolt and a screw knob. Alternately, any other adjustable fastener may be used. A head portion of the bolt of the support arm fastener 80 is received by the stepped sleeve 82. A threaded portion of the bolt is disposed through the third pivot point 38 of the pivot point member 24 and the screw knob is threadingly engaged therewith to couple the third support arm 18 to the main body 12.
The first portion 74 is adjustably coupled to the second portion 76 by a knob fastener 83 disposed in a threaded aperture formed through the first portion 74. The second portion 76 of the third support arm 18 is a hollow cylindrical member at least partially disposed within the first portion 74. Alternately, the second portion 76 may be a solid member. A diameter of the second portion 76 is slightly less than an inner diameter of the first portion 74. However, the first portion 74 and the second portion 76 may have other cross-sectional shapes such as an ellipse, a rectangle, or other polygons. The third panel engagement structure 78 is coupled to the second distal end of the third support arm 18.
The third panel engagement structure 78 is a wedge shaped body formed from a resilient material such as rubber. Other elastomers may be used to form the third panel engagement structure 78. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the third panel engagement structure 78 is a triangular prism having a support face 84, an engagement face 86, and a mounting face 88. The support face 84 is substantially perpendicular to the mounting face 88. An angle formed between the support face 84 and the engagement face 86 is about 40 degrees, however any other angle may be used. Further, the third panel engagement structure 78 may be any other shape such as any polyhedron, a sphere, or a cone. The third panel engagement structure 78 has a threaded stud (not shown) disposed therein and a suction cup 90 disposed thereon. However, embodiments of the invention not including the suction cup 90 are within the scope of the invention.
The threaded stud is disposed in an aperture formed in the mounting face 88 of the third panel engagement structure 78. An adhesive couples the threaded stud to the third panel engagement structure 78, however other fasteners may be used. Further, the threaded stud may be molded into the third panel engagement structure 78. The threaded stud is threadingly received by a stud insert (not shown) disposed in the second distal end of the third support arm 18. Alternately, any other type of fastener may be used to couple the third panel engagement structure 78 to the third support arm 18.
The suction cup 90 is a suction cup as is known in the art. The suction cup 90 is formed from polyvinyl chloride. However, any other resilient material may be used to form the suction cup 90. The suction cup 90 has a post portion (not shown) disposed in an aperture formed in the engagement face 86. A fastener is disposed through the third panel engagement structure 78 and the post portion to couple the suction cup 90 thereto. Alternately, the suction cup 90 may be coupled to the third panel engagement structure 78 with an adhesive or the suction cup 90 may be molded into the third panel engagement structure 78.
The working surface arm 20 is an adjustable body having a support member 92, a rigid body 94, and a pivot joint 96. However, the working surface arm 20 may also be a rigid body or a portion of the main body 12. The support member 92 is slidingly coupled to the main body 12. The pivot joint 94 adjustably couples the support member 92 to the rigid body 96.
The support member 92 is a hollow cylindrical member having a first distal end (not shown) at least partially disposed in the ring shaped finish 26 of the main body 12. Alternately, the support member 92 may be a solid member and may have other cross-sectional shapes such as an ellipse, a rectangle, or other polygons. A diameter of the support member 92 is substantially equal to an inner diameter of the ring shaped finish 26. The support member 92 is adjustably coupled to the main body 12 by a knob fastener 97 disposed in a threaded aperture formed through the main body 12.
The rigid body 94 may be a rectangular body having a substantially planar surface 98. A clip 100 and a flange 102 are coupled to the rigid body 94. The rigid body 94 has a thickness of about five millimeters, however any other thickness or a varying thickness may be used. Further, the rigid body 94 may have other shapes such as any quadrilateral, a circle, an ellipse, a combination of linear and arcuate sections, or any other closed shape. A plurality of corners of the rigid body 94 are rounded. The rigid body 94 is formed from a polycarbonate, however other materials such as other polymers, a metal, a wood, a fiberboard, or any other rigid material may be used. The rigid body 94 is a transparent body, but the rigid body may also be an opaque body or a translucent body. It should be noted that a container or an aperture may be formed in the rigid body 94 to accommodate writing materials or any other item.
The clip 100 comprises a wire bale hingedly coupled to a bale mounting member, the bale mounting member coupled to the rigid body 94. The wire bale is urged towards the substantially planar surface by a biasing member to selectively couple a document or other item to the rigid body 94. Alternately, any other style of retention device may be coupled to the rigid body 94 to selectively couple items to the rigid body 94.
The flange 102 is an elongate member formed on at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the rigid body 94 for supporting items disposed thereon. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the flange 102 is obliquely coupled to the rigid body 94 by an adhesive. Alternately, the flange 102 may be any other shape and may be unitarily formed with the rigid body 94 or coupled thereto using a fastener. The flange 102 includes two flange supports opposingly disposed between the flange 102 and the rigid body at distal ends thereof. The flange supports are coupled to the flange 102 and the rigid body 94 with an adhesive. However the flange supports may be unitarily formed with the flange 102 or coupled to the flange 102 and the rigid body 94 using a plurality of fasteners. An indent 104 is also formed in the flange 102. The indent 104 is substantially rectangular in shape and is centrally formed in the flange 102. However, the indent 104 may be any other shape and may be formed in any portion of the flange 102.
The pivot joint 96 adjustably couples the rigid body 94 to the support member 92. The pivot joint 96 includes a first ball pivot 106, a second ball pivot 108, a pivot joint body 110, and a pivot joint fastener 112. At least a portion of the first ball pivot 106 and the second ball pivot 108 are disposed in the pivot joint body 110 to adjustably couple the rigid body 94 to the support member 92. It is understood that any other adjustable coupler may be used to couple the rigid body 94 to the support member 92 instead of the pivot joint 96. The pivot joint body 110 comprises a first joint body portion 114 and a second joint body portion 116.
The first ball pivot 106 is a body having a spherical portion and a post portion. The post portion is molded to the spherical portion, however the post portion may be coupled to the spherical portion with an adhesive or other fastener. The spherical portion is formed from a resilient material such as rubber, however other elastomers may be used. Further, the spherical portion may be formed from a rigid material such as aluminum, a polymer, or other material. The post portion is disposed in the second distal end of the support member 92 and coupled thereto by a set screw disposed in a threaded aperture formed through the support member 92. Alternately, the post portion may be coupled to the support member 92 with an adhesive, a weld, or other fastener.
The second ball pivot 108 is a body having a spherical portion and a base portion. The base portion includes a unitarily formed base post extending therefrom. The base post is molded to the spherical portion, however the base post may be coupled to the spherical portion with an adhesive or other fastener. The spherical portion is formed from a resilient material such as rubber, however other elastomers may be used. Further, the spherical portion may be formed from a rigid material such as aluminum, a polymer, or other material. The base portion is a rectangular body coupled to the rigid body 94. A plurality of fasteners is disposed through perforations formed in the rigid body 94 and through perforations formed in the base portion, coupling the base portion to the rigid body 94. Alternately, the base portion may be coupled to the rigid body by an adhesive, a weld, or any other fastener. Further, the base portion or the base post may be unitarily formed with the rigid body 94.
The first joint body portion 114 and the second joint body portion 116 are formed from aluminum by casting, however the first joint body portion 114 and the second joint body portion 116 may also be formed from a steel, a plastic, or other material. Further, the first joint body portion 114 and the second joint body portion 116 may be formed by a machining, a forging, or a molding process.
The first joint body portion 114 comprises a first cavity 118, a second cavity 120, and a first coupling aperture 122 formed therein. The first cavity 118 and the second cavity 120 are concave surfaces respectively and opposingly formed in a first distal end and a second distal end of the first joint body portion 114. A radius of curvature of the first cavity 118 and the second cavity 120 substantially correspond respectively to a diameter of the first ball pivot 106 and the second ball pivot 108. The first coupling aperture 122 is an aperture formed through the first joint body portion 114 between the first distal end and the second distal end. The first joint body portion 114 includes a fastener recess formed therein corresponding to the first coupling aperture 122.
The second joint body portion 116 comprises a first cavity 124, a second cavity 126, and a second coupling aperture 128 formed therein. The first cavity 124 and the second cavity 126 are concave surfaces respectively and opposingly formed in a first distal end and a second distal end of the second joint body portion 116. A radius of curvature of the first cavity 124 and the second cavity 126 substantially correspond respectively to a diameter of the first ball pivot 106 and the second ball pivot 108. The second coupling aperture 128 is an aperture formed through the first joint body portion 114 between the first distal end and the second distal end.
The pivot joint fastener 112 comprises a bolt and a T-knob. The T-knob has a threaded aperture formed therein and the bolt has a threaded portion. Alternately, any other type of fastener may be used instead of the pivot joint fastener 112.
In preparation of assembly of the pivot joint 96, the first joint body portion 114 is disposed adjacent the second joint body portion 116. The first coupling aperture 122 is aligned with the second coupling aperture 128 and the first and second distal ends of the first joint body portion 114 are respectively aligned with the first and second distal ends of the second joint body portion 116. The first ball pivot 106 and the second ball pivot 108 are loosely disposed respectively between the first cavities 118, 124 and the second cavities 120, 126. The bolt is disposed through the first coupling aperture 122 and the second coupling aperture 128. A shape of the fastener recess substantially corresponds to a shape of a head of the bolt, militating against a rotation of the bolt therein.
Next, the threaded aperture of the T-knob threadingly receives the threaded portion of the bolt. The pivot joint fastener 112 urges the first joint body portion 114 towards the second joint body portion 116, confining the first ball pivot 106 between the first cavity 118 of the first joint body portion 114 and the first cavity 124 of the second joint body portion 116. Similarly, the second cavity 120 of the first joint body portion 114 and the second cavity 126 of the second joint body portion 116 confine the second ball pivot 108 therebetween.
The main body 12, the first support arm 14, the second support arm 16, and the third support arm 18 cooperate with a plurality of vehicle panels to secure a position of the working surface arm 20 with respect to the vehicle in which the adaptable platform 10 is disposed. As shown in FIG. 4, the adaptable platform 10 is typically disposed between a windshield 140 and a dashboard 142 of the vehicle. However, the adaptable platform may be positioned between other vehicle panels.
Prior to use, a user of the adaptable platform 10 must install the adaptable platform 10. An intersection of the dashboard 140 and the windshield 142 and an area adjacent the intersection forms a panel interface area 144. In anticipation of installation, the user positions the first support arm 14, the second support arm 16, and the third support arm 18. Typically, the user positions the second support arm 16 and the third support arm 18 obliquely to the main body 12 so that the suction cups 72, 90 contact the windshield 142. As a non-limiting example, an angle of about 90 degrees between the second support arm 16 and the third support arm 18 is a preferable installation angle for many dashboards. The user loosens the support arm fasteners 62, 80, places the second support arm 16 and the third support arm 18 in a desired position, and tightens the support arm fasteners 62, 80. Similarly, the user rotates the first support arm 14 into a desired position about the first pivot point 28 by adjusting the pivot point fastener 31. Preferably, the user positions the first support arm 14 at an angle with respect to the main body 12 that results in the first support arm 14 being substantially perpendicular to the windshield 142. The user may also adjust a length of each of the support arms 16, 18 by loosening each of the knob fasteners 65, 83 disposed in the first portions 42, 56, adjusting each of the support arms 16, 18 to a desired length, and tightening the knob fasteners 65, 83.
Next, the user places the adaptable platform 10 on the dashboard 140 of the vehicle. Ideally, each of the resilient pads 32, 63, 81 contacts the dashboard 140. The resilient pads 32, 63, 81 protect the dashboard 140 and may allow the main body 12 and the support arms 16, 18 to adapt to a contour of the dashboard 140. However, as a result of the contour of the dashboard 140, one or more of the resilient pads 32, 63, 81 may not contact the dashboard 140. The user positions the adaptable platform 10 so the second panel engagement structure 60 and the third panel engagement structure 78 are disposed in the panel interface area 144. The support faces 66, 84 abut the dashboard 140 and the suction cups 72, 90 are disposed against and suctionally couple the respective panel engagement structures 60, 78 to the windshield 142. In embodiments of the present invention not including the suction cups 72, 90, the engagement faces 68, 86 are disposed against the windshield 142. Simultaneously, the user applies a force to the second portion 44 of the first support arm 14, compressing the biasing member 46 and shortening the length of the first support arm 14. Upon disposition of the panel engagement structures 60, 78 in the panel interface area 144, the user releases the second portion 44. The biasing member 46 urges the second portion 44 and the first panel engagement structure 52 away from the first portion 42. When the adaptable platform 10 is properly configured, the first panel engagement structure 52 abuts the windshield 142 before the fastener stop 54 abuts a terminus of the alignment groove 50. Accordingly, the compressive force stored in the biasing member 46 urges the main body 12, the second support arm 16, and the third support arm 18 towards the dashboard 140. A frictional force generated between the resilient pads 32, 63, 81 and the dashboard 140 and a suctional force between the suction cups 72, 90 and the windshield 142 secure the adaptable platform 10 with respect to the vehicle.
After the adaptable platform 10 has been installed in the vehicle, the user may position the working surface arm 20 as desired. A length of the support member 92 may be adjusted by the user to move the rigid body 94 closer to or further away from the dashboard 140 by loosening the knob fastener 97 disposed through the main body 12. Once a desired length of the support member 92 is obtained, the user tightens the knob fastener 97 to secure the support member 92 within the first joint body portion 114 and the second joint body portion 116.
Finally, the user may position the rigid body 94 as desired by adjusting the pivot joint 96. By loosening the T-knob of the pivot joint fastener 112, a frictional force between the first ball pivot 106 and the first cavities 118, 124 and the second ball pivot 108 and the second cavities 120, 126 is reduced. Accordingly, the user may rotate the pivot joint 96 and the rigid body 94 respectively about the first ball pivot 106 and the second ball pivot 108. The user may rotate the rigid body 94 into a position for reading of documents, using the rigid body 94 as a writing surface, using the rigid body 94 as a horizontal support surface, or any other task. After locating a desirable position for the rigid body 94, the user tightens the pivot joint fastener 112 to secure the first ball pivot 106 and the second ball pivot 108 within the pivot joint fastener 112.
It should be noted that adaptable platform 10 minimizes an intrusion into a line of sight of the user through the windshield 142 by affording the user to position the rigid body 94, or a significant portion of the rigid body 94, below a horizontal portion of the dashboard 140. Inconvenience to the user is minimized as controls located on a vertical portion of the dashboard 140 may be seen by the user by looking through the rigid body 94. Further, the adaptable platform 10 is rigid enough to withstand a significant force on the rigid body 94 that may be exerted thereon during writing. Still further, the adaptable platform 10 may be quickly installed in the vehicle without making a modification thereto, facilitating use of the adaptable platform 10 in more than one vehicle.
In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.

Claims

1. An adaptable platform for a vehicle, comprising:

a main body having a first pivot point;

a first support arm comprising a first elongate body and a first panel engagement structure, the first support arm pivotally coupled to the first pivot point at a first distal end of the first elongate body and the first panel engagement structure coupled to a second distal end of the first elongate body;

a second panel engagement structure, the second panel engagement structure coupled to the main body; and

a working surface arm comprising a rigid body having a substantially planar surface and a support member, the support member adjustably coupled to said main body, wherein said main body, said first support arm, the first panel engagement structure, and said second panel engagement structure cooperate with a plurality of vehicle panels to secure a position of the working surface arm with respect to the vehicle.

2. The vehicle platform of claim 1, wherein said second panel engagement structure is a wedge shaped structure.

3. The vehicle platform of claim 1, wherein the second distal end of said first support arm is extensible with respect to the first distal end of said first support arm.

4. The vehicle platform of claim 1, wherein said working surface arm includes a pivot joint, the pivot joint adjustably coupling the rigid body to the support member.

5. The vehicle platform of claim 1, wherein said main body includes a fastener disposed therethrough, the fastener adjustably coupling said working surface arm to said main body.

6. An adaptable platform for a vehicle, comprising:

a main body having a first pivot point, a second pivot point, and a third pivot point;

a first support arm comprising a first elongate body and a first panel engagement structure, said first support arm pivotally coupled to the first pivot point at a first distal end of the first elongate body and the first panel engagement structure coupled to a second distal end of the first elongate body;

a second support arm comprising a second elongate body and a second panel engagement structure, said second support arm pivotally coupled to the second pivot point at a first distal end of the second elongate body and the second panel engagement structure coupled to a second distal end of the second elongate body;

a third support arm comprising a third elongate body and a third panel engagement structure, said third support arm pivotally coupled to the third pivot point at a first distal end of the third elongate body and the third panel engagement structure coupled to a second distal end of the third elongate body; and

a working surface arm comprising a rigid body having a substantially planar surface and a support member, said working surface arm adjustably coupled to said main body, wherein said main body, said first support arm, said second support arm, and said third support arm cooperate with a plurality of vehicle panels to secure a position of the working surface arm with respect to the vehicle.

7. The vehicle platform of claim 6, wherein said main body comprises a hollow body and a pivot point member coupled to the hollow body, wherein the first pivot point is formed in a distal end of the hollow body and the second pivot point and the third pivot point are formed in the pivot point member.

8. The vehicle platform of claim 6, wherein the second distal end of said first support arm is extensible with respect to the first distal end of said first support arm.

9. The vehicle platform of claim 6, wherein the second distal ends of each of said first support arm, said second support arm, and said third support arm are respectively extensible with respect to the first distal ends of each of said first support arm, said second support arm, and said third support arm.

10. The vehicle platform of claim 6, wherein the second panel engagement structure and the third panel engagement structure are wedge shaped structures.

11. The vehicle platform of claim 6, wherein the rigid body includes a flange formed on at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the rigid body.

12. The vehicle platform of claim 6, wherein the second panel engagement structure and the third panel engagement structure each include a suction cup coupled thereto.

13. The vehicle platform of claim 6, wherein the first elongate body includes a first portion, a second portion slidingly coupled to the first portion, and a biasing member, wherein the biasing member urges the second portion of the first elongate body away from the first portion of the first elongate body.

14. The vehicle platform of claim 6, wherein each of the first pivot point, the second pivot point, and the third pivot point are adjustable pivot points having a fastener disposed therethrough.

15. The vehicle platform of claim 6, wherein said main body includes a fastener disposed therethrough, the fastener adjustably coupling said working surface arm to said main body.

16. The vehicle platform of claim 6, wherein said main body, said second support arm, and said third support arm each include a resilient pad disposed thereon.

17. The vehicle platform of claim 6, wherein an axis of the second pivot point is substantially parallel to an axis of the third pivot point, and an axis of the first pivot point is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the second pivot point and the axis of the third pivot point.

18. The vehicle platform of claim 6, wherein said working surface arm includes a pivot joint, the pivot joint adjustably coupling the rigid body to the support member.

19. The vehicle platform of claim 18, wherein the pivot joint comprises a first ball pivot coupled to a distal end of the support member, a second ball pivot coupled to the rigid body, and a pivot joint body, wherein at least a portion of the first ball pivot and the second ball pivot are disposed in the pivot joint body.

20. An adaptable platform for a vehicle, comprising:

a main body having a first adjustable pivot point, a second adjustable pivot point, and a third adjustable pivot point, an axis of the second adjustable pivot point substantially parallel to an axis of the third adjustable pivot point and an axis of the first adjustable pivot point substantially perpendicular to the axis of the second adjustable pivot point and the third adjustable pivot point;

a first support arm comprising a first portion, a second portion slidingly coupled to the first portion, a biasing member, and a first panel engagement structure, the biasing member urging the second portion of the first support arm away from the first portion of said first support arm, said first support arm pivotally coupled to the first adjustable pivot point at a first distal end of said first support arm and the first panel engagement structure coupled to a second distal end of said first support arm;

a second support arm comprising a second elongate body and a second panel engagement structure, the second panel engagement structure being a wedge shaped structure, said second support arm pivotally coupled to the second adjustable pivot point at a first distal end of the second elongate body and the second panel engagement structure coupled to a second distal end of the second elongate body;

a third support arm comprising a third elongate body and a third panel engagement structure, the third panel engagement structure being a wedge shaped structure, said third support arm pivotally coupled to the third adjustable pivot point at the first distal end of the third elongate body and the third panel engagement structure coupled to a second distal end of the third elongate body; and

a working surface arm comprising a rigid body having a substantially planar surface, a support member, and a pivot joint adjustably coupling the rigid body to the support member, said working surface arm adjustably coupled to said main body, the rigid body having a flange formed on at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the rigid body, wherein said main body, said first support arm, said second support arm, and said third support arm cooperate with a plurality of vehicle panels to secure a position of said working surface arm with respect to the vehicle.