Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02534597 2006-01-30
Information Transfer Device Support Stand
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to information transfer device holders.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The use of electronic information transfer devices in our society is
widespread.
Point of sale terminals in stores and other establishments are used to pay for
goods
and services. A variety of platforms and information transfer device holders
are
known in the art.
[0003] CA 2,189,816 discloses a sales terminal keyboard platform for use in a
store or
retail establishment. The platform comprises a rotary bearing incorporated
into the
mast. The bearing within the mast permits the mast to rotate. In such a case,
it can be
difficult for the owner of a store or retail establishment to change the
frictional
resistance during rotation of the mast. Also, if there is a problem with
rotation, it may
be necessary to access the mast in order to replace one or more worn or
defective parts
in the bearing. It is also suggested that the sales terminal keyboard platform
may
comprise a fixed privacy screen or the screen may be mounted on a radius arm
pivotably mounted below the platform. The latter case results in a more
complicated
apparatus that may obstruct purchasers or service users.
[0004] There is a need in the art to for novel support stands for information
transfer
devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates to information transfer device holders.
[0006] The present invention provides a support stand for an information
transfer
device comprising,
a hollow mast having a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a
bracket attached to one or more walls of the mast, the second end comprising a
base
member for attachment to a surface,
CA 02534597 2006-01-30
a rotatable member affixed to the hollow mast and secured to the bracket by a
connector means, the rotatable member capable of rotational movement between a
first position and a second position,
the rotatable member comprising an information transfer device holder for
supporting an information transfer device and a security shield for preventing
unauthorized viewing of confidential information during input into the
information
transfer device.
[0007] The present invention further provides a support stand for an
information
transfer device as described above wherein the bracket comprises an insert
bracket
attached to one or more interior walls of the mast.
[0008] The present invention further provides a support stand for an
information
transfer device as described above wherein the base member comprises a
substantially
flat portion comprising a plurality of apertures for passage of securing
means, and at
least one other aperture for passage of one or more cables or wires.
[0009] The present invention further provides a support stand for an
information
transfer device as described above wherein the mast and base member comprise a
single continuous piece of material.
[0010] The present invention further provides a support stand for an
information
transfer device as described above wherein the mast has a telescoping means or
telescoping insert for modulating the length of the mast.
[0011] The present invention further provides a support stand for an
information
transfer device as described above wherein the insert bracket is attached in
transverse
orientation to the long axis of the mast at or near the end opposite the base
member by
one or more securing means.
[0012] The present invention further provides a support stand for an
information
transfer device as described above wherein the connector means attaching tlie
rotatable member to the insert bracket comprises a threaded screw, one or more
nuts,
one or more bolts, one or more spacers, one or more washers, or any
combination
thereof.
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CA 02534597 2006-01-30
[0013] The present invention further provides a support stand for an
information
transfer device as described above wherein the connector means passes through
an
aperture on each of the rotatable member and insert bracket, the rotatable
member and
insert bracket secured to each other by at least one locking nut and at least
one friction
washer.
[0014] The present invention further provides a support stand for an
information
transfer device as described above wherein the bracket is mounted on the
exterior of
the hollow mast.
[0015] The present invention further provides a support stand for an
information
transfer device as described above wherein the rotatable member comprises a
second
aperture optionally with a removable plug or insert for passage of wires or
cables
through the rotatable member close to the axis of rotation thereof. It is also
contemplated that the second aperture communicates with a slot to the
periphery of
the rotatable member.
[0016] The present invention further provides a support stand for an
information
transfer device as described above wherein the rotatable member is restricted
to a
defined angle of rotation by one or more bosses, protruding elements, or
extending
members that extend downwardly from the rotatable member and engage one or
more
stopping members in the mast.
[0017] The present invention further provides a support stand for an
information
transfer device as described above wherein the rotatable member comprises one
or
more screws that extend downwardly into the hollow mast, the screws abutting
one or
more portions of the insert bracket when the rotatable member is rotated
through a
defined angle of rotation.
[0018] The present invention further provides a support stand for an
information
transfer device as described above wherein the rotatable member comprises an
information transfer device holder defining a slot comprising a back portion,
a first
side portion, a second side portion, a bottom portion and a front portion.
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CA 02534597 2006-01-30
[0019] The present invention further provides a support stand for an
information
transfer device as described above further comprising a security shield
attached
thereto.
[0020] The present invention further provides a support stand for an
information
transfer device as described above wherein the rotatable member comprises a
pivot or
hinge means for tilting a portion of the rotatable member through an angle of
rotation.
[0021] The present invention further provides a support stand for an
information
transfer device comprising a rigid, substantially cylindrical hollow mast
having a first
end and a second end, the first end comprising an insert bracket attached to
two
interior walls at about opposite positions along the diameter of the mast, and
a second
end comprising a base member for attachment to a surface, the base member
comprising a substantially flat portion with one or more apertures for
receiving one or
more securing means, and at least one separate aperture for the passage of one
or more
cables;
a rotatable member comprising an aperture for passing through of wires and
cables, a
removable grommet inserted therein, and optionally, a removable insert or plug
for
occupying the aperture when no cables or wires pass through the rotatable
member;
the rotatable member affixed exterior the hollow mast and secured to the
insert
bracket by a connection means, the connection means comprising a threaded
screw,
one or more locking nuts, bolts, washers, spacers, or any combination thereof,
and
wherein the threaded screw passes through an aperture in the rotatable member
such
that the member is provided with rotational movement between a first position
and a
second position,
the rotatable member comprising attachment points for attaching an information
transfer device holder for supporting an information transfer device, the
holder
comprising a back portion, three side portions, a front portion and further
comprising
an attachable shield for preventing unauthorized viewing of confidential
information
during input into the information transfer device.
4
CA 02534597 2006-01-30
[0022] This summary of the invention does not necessarily describe all
features of the
invention.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent
from the
following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings
wherein:
[0024] FIGURE 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a support stand
for
an information transfer device comprising an information transfer device.
[0025] FIGURE 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of support stand for
an information transfer device.
[0026] FIGURE 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a support stand
for
an information transfer device comprising an information transfer device.
[0027] FIGURE 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a support stand
for
an information transfer device comprising an information transfer device.
[0028] FIGURE 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a support stand
for
an information transfer device comprising an information transfer device.
[0029] FIGURE 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a support stand
for
an information transfer device.
[0030] FIGURE 7 shows an embodiment of a mast comprising a base member, the
mast comprising an insert bracket attached therein.
[0031 ] FIGURE 8 shows an embodiment of a mast comprising a base member, the
mast comprising an insert bracket attached therein.
[0032] FIGURE 9 shows an embodiment of a rotatable member comprising a hinge
or pivot means permitting a portion of the rotatable member to be tilted.
[0033] FIGURE 10 shows an embodiment of a rotatable member without a hinge or
pivot means.
[0034] FIGURE 11 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the mast
with
insert bracket attached to a rotatable member by connection means.
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[0035] FIGiJRE 12 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a stand for an
information transfer device.
[0036] FIGURE 13 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a stand for an
information transfer device.
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CA 02534597 2006-01-30
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] The present invention relates to information transfer devices holders.
[0038] The following description is of a preferred embodiment.
[0039] According to the present invention, there is provided a support stand
for an
information transfer device comprising,
a hollow mast having a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a
bracket attached to one or more walls of the mast, the second end comprising a
base
member for attachment to a surface,
a rotatable member affixed to the hollow mast and secured to the bracket by a
connector means, the rotatable member capable of rotational movement between a
first position and a second position,
the rotatable member comprising an information transfer device holder for
supporting an information transfer device and a security shield for preventing
unauthorized viewing of confidential information during input into the
information
transfer device.
[0040] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided
a support stand for an information transfer device comprising,
a hollow mast having a first end and a second end, the first end comprising an
insert bracket attached to one or more interior walls of the mast, the second
end
comprising a base member for attachment to a surface,
a rotatable member affixed outside the hollow mast and secured to the insert
bracket by a connector means, the rotatable member capable of rotational
movement
between a first position and a second position, and;
the rotatable member further comprising an information transfer device holder
for supporting an information transfer device.
g
CA 02534597 2006-01-30
[0041] By the term "information transfer device" it is meant any point of sale
device,
electronic funds transfer device, telephone, fax machine, computer terminal,
or any
other device that may receive input of personal and/or confidential
information.
[0042] The support stand may be used in a variety of locations for example,
but not
limited to stores or other retail establishments, service providers including
government buildings, banks, medical and dental buildings or in remote
locations, for
example, buildings or mall kiosks and the like, or wherever there is a need
for a
person to enter confidential information into an information transfer device.
Examples
of personal or confidential information may include without limitation,
entering a
personal identification number (PIN number) for a bank or credit card,
entering the
account number of an asset, entering a social security number, birthdate or
the like.
[0043] In use, typically the base member is secured to a counter, floor or
rail. The
support stand comprising the information transfer device can be selectively
rotated
between at least two positions, for example, a first position wherein the
information
transfer device is for use by a store person, retail clerk, service provider
or the like,
and a second position wherein the information transfer device is for use by a
second
person, for example, a customer, service user or the like.
[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the support stand for an information
transfer
device comprises a mast extending from a base member. The base member
comprises
a substantially flat portion comprising a plurality of apertures formed
therein for
passage of securing means, for example, but not limited to threaded or non
threaded
securing means including, but not limited to, screws, pins, cotterpins, nails,
bolts,
cotterpins, washers, clamp, etc for mounting the base member to a suitable
surface
such as a floor, table top, counter, rail or the like.
[0045] In a prefened embodiment, the mast is a substantially hollow, generally
cylindrical or tubular member with a circular cross-sectional area less than
that of the
base member which is preferably rectangular or square. The base member
preferably
comprises an aperture in each corner for receiving a suitable securing means
as
described above: Further, the base member usually, but not always comprises an
aperture for passage of cables or wires into or out of the hollow mast.
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CA 02534597 2006-01-30
[0046] By the term "cables or wires", it is meant any electronic or non-
electronic
cable or wire including without limitation power cords, telephone wires or
lines,
computer cables and wires, fiber optic cables, security cables, and the like.
In
embodiments wherein the base member does not comprise an aperture for passage
of
cables, it is contemplated that the mast may comprise one or more apertures
along its
length to permit such cables to pass into or exit from the hollow mast.
[0047] In use, typically the base member is secured to a horizonal surface and
the
hollow mast extends upwords therefrom. In a preferred embodiment, the mast
extends
about vertically from the horizonallv mounted base member.
[0048] The mast and base member may form a single continuous piece of material
or
alternatively, the base member may comprise a separate piece from the mast. In
the
latter case, the mast may be secured to the base member via one or any number
of
methods known in the art. Without wishing to be limiting, the mast may be
welded to
the base member, screwed into the base member, or slots within either the base
member or mast may receive and engage one or more reciprocal engaging means in
the other. Reciprocal engaging means may include one or more bosses,
protruding
elements, studs or the like that engage one or more slots, slits, grooves or
the like.
Further, it is contemplated that the mast and base member may be secured by
one or
more securing means including, but not limited to cotterpins, screws, nails,
washers,
bolts, latches or any combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the mast
is
secured so that it is incapable of rotation in relation to the base member, or
a surface
when attached thereto.
[0049] Although it is generally preferred that the support stand comprises a
mast with
a base member, it is also contemplated that the support stand may comprise a
mast
without a base member. In such an embodiment, some other portion of the mast
may
serve as an attachment point to a suitable surface.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the mast is a substantially hollow, tubular
member
and thus can serve as a conduit for cables and wires leading to and from the
information transfer device. A suitable aperture in the base member also
ensures
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CA 02534597 2006-01-30
uninterupted passage of cables and wires in and out of the support stand for
an
information transfer device.
[0051] It is also contemplated that the mast may comprise a telescoping means
or
telescoping insert to permit the support stand for an information transfer
device to be
adjusted to a specific height. For example, the mast may comprise two or more
overlapping pieces capable of sliding or extending relative to each other
thereby
increasing the length of the mast. The two or more overlapping pieces may be
fixedly
attached to each other to prevent the extended mast from collapsing using any
means
known in the art or as described herein. In an embodiment of the present
invention,
which is not meant to be limiting, the two or more overlapping pieces may be
secured
in relation to each other by one or more set screws, tension knobs, clamping
mechanisms or any combination thereof.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment, an insert bracket is attached within the
cavity of
the substantially hollow, tubular mast in transverse orientation to the long
axis thereof
and at or near the end opposite the base member. The insert bracket engages at
least
one inner wall of the mast and is fixedly attached thereto by at least one or
more
securing means, for example, but not limited to screws, welding or the like.
In a
preferred embodiment, the insert bracket extends along the diameter of the
cylindrical
axis of the mast and is attached at about opposite wall positions.
[0053] In an embodiment of the present invention, the insert bracket provides
an
attachment point for a rotatable member via a connector means. Without wishing
to be
limiting in any manner, the connector means may comprise a threaded screw,
bolt, one
or more nuts including locking nuts, one or more spacers including plastic and
metal
spacers, one or more washers, including, but not limited to lock washers,
friction
washers and the like made from plastic, for example, nylon or the like, brass,
copper
or any other suitable metal or non-metal material as known in the art, a
bearing, or a
combination thereof.
[0054] In an embodiment that is not meant to be limiting in any manner, the
rotatable
member is attached to the insert bracket by a threaded screw that passes
through an
aperture on the rotatable member. Preferably, the connector means passes
through the
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CA 02534597 2006-01-30
axis of rotation of the rotatable member. On at least one end of the threaded
screw is a
locking nut and friction washer that may be tightened sufficiently to provide
for
rotation of the rotatable member with a requisite degree of frictional
resistance. This
type of embodiment provides a simple means of regulating the frictional
resistance of
the rotating member ensuring that the rotatable member does not turn when
information is being entered into the information transfer device by a user.
Further, a
retail establishment or the like may be able to adjust frictional resistance
to a desired
level, for example, by tightening or loosening a nut on the connector means.
The
embodiment described is also easy to manufacture and assemble and may result
in
lower cost of adding a support stand for an information transfer device to a
retail
establishment, service provider or the like.
[0055] It is also contemplated that the insert bracket may comprise a threaded
screw
or other non-threaded means that allows the rotatable member to be connected
to it.
For example, but not wishing to be limiting, the insert bracket may comprise a
pressed
stud with a threaded end that passes through the aperture in the rotatable
member and
is attached thereto. In still an alternate embodiment, it is contemplated that
the
rotatable member may comprise a threaded screw or other non-threaded means
that
allows the insert bracket to be connected to it. For example, but not wishing
to be
limiting, the rotatable member may comprise a pressed stud with a threaded end
that
passes through the aperture in the insert bracket and is attached thereto.
[0056] While it is preferred that the insert bracket is attached to one or
more interior
walls of a hollow mast, it is also contemplated that the insert bracket can be
replaced
by a bracket that is mounted on one or more exterior walls of the hollow mast.
Further, all of the embodiments described in respect of the insert bracket
apply in
respect of a bracket that is mounted on the exterior walls of the mast.
[0057] It is also contemplated that the connector means may employ one or more
spacers, washers or a combination thereof to ensure that the rotatable member
is
attached slightly above the plane of the end of the mast such that rotatable
member is
capable of rotation without frictionally engaging the end of the mast.
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[0058] It is also preferred that the rotatable member comprise a circular,
substantially
flat portion comprising a surface area that is about the same or slightly
larger than the
cross-sectional area of the end of the mast. In such an embodiment, the
rotatable
member appears to "cap" the end of the mast.
[0059] The rotatable member also comprises a second (cable-passing) aperture
optionally with a removable insert for passage of cables or wires into the
mast.
Further, the second aperture may communicate with a slot to the periphery of
the
rotatable member. In such an embodiment, the plug of a power cord does not
need to
pass through the second aperture. Rather, a portion of the power cord
communicating
with the plug may be inserted into the second aperture via the slot. This
provides a
neater appearance and also reduces the surface area of the rotatable member
and/or
cross-sectional area of the mast required for the passage of power cords.
[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the second aperture (optionally with a
removable
aperture plug or insert) comprises a removable grommet therein, or has smooth
edges
or rounded corners. More preferably, the second aperture is close to the axis
of
rotation of the rotatable member thereby reducing movement of the cable or
wires
during rotation of the rotatable member and thus minimizing the potential for
the
wires to become tangled, strained, stretched, freyed, torn, ripped, kinked,
pinched or
the like, as they pass through the rotatable member into the mast. Preferably,
the
rotatable member is substantially flat and circular, and the second aperture
for passage
of cables is located, less than half the radius away from the axis of rotation
of the
rotatable member, more preferably less than one quarter the radius away from
the axis
of rotation, even more preferably less than one eight the radius away from the
axis of
rotation of the rotatable member.
[0061] The rotatable member may rotate above a fixed mast by an amount of
about
10 to about 360 , for example, but not limited to 10 , 20 , 30 , 40 , 45 , 50
, 60 , 70 ,
80 , 90 , 100 , 120 , 140 , 150 , 180 , 190 , 200 , 220 , 250 , 270 , 300 ,
320 , 340 ,
350 , or about 360 . Further, the amount of rotation may be defined by a range
of any
two of the values listed above.
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[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the rotatable member rotates above a fixed
mast by
about 1800. The rotatable member may be restricted to a defmed angle of
rotation, for
example, but not limited to, by one or more bosses, protruding elements,
extending
members or the like that extend downwardly from the rotatable member and
engage
stopping members, for example, one or more portions of the insert bracket
within the
mast, or one or more stopping members that extend outwardly from within the
hollow
mast. In an embodiment of the present invention, which is not meant to be
considered
limiting in any manner, the rotatable member may comprise two members, for
example, but not limited to two screws that extend downwardly into the hollow
mast,
the screws abutting two portions of the insert bracket positioned within the
mast when
the rotatable member is rotated through about 180 degrees.
[0063] The rotatable member may comprise an information transfer device holder
or
the rotatable member and information transfer device holder may comprise
different
pieces. For example, the rotatable member may comprise a first portion that is
substantially flat and generally circular, and at least one other portion
(i.e. a second
portion) that extends from the substantially flat plane, optionally bending
one or more
times along its length to provide an attachment point for an information
transfer
device holder (ITD holder). The second portion may comprise one or more
apertures
through which the ITD holder may be attached to the rotatable member for
example,
by one or more fasteners or securing means, including for example, but not
limited to
screws, washers, rivets, bolts, nuts, locking nuts or the like.
[0064] It is also contemplated that the second portion of the rotatable member
may
comprise a slot or groove for passage of cables via the cable-passing aperture
on the
rotatable member to an information transfer device in the holder.
[0065] The ITD holder generally comprises a slotted or cradle-like holder to
support
or attach an information transfer device. A variety of ITD holders may be used
and the
specific holders described herein are not meant to limit the invention.
[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the ITD holder comprises a back portion, two
side
portions (a first side portion, and a second side portion), a bottom portion
and a front
portion. The front portion may be a partial front portion continuous with the
bottom
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portion, side portions or both, such that when an ITD terminal is placed in
the ITD
support stand, the stand overlaps at least a portion of most of the sides of
the ITD. It is
preferable that the front portion is sized and shaped to be unrestrictive when
the
magnetic strip on a bank card, credit card or the like is swiped on the
information
transfer device.
[0067] Each of the two side portions of the ITD holder may comprise attachment
means or attachment points for reversibly attaching a security shield thereto.
In an
embodiment of the present invention, one or both of the side portions of the
ITD
holder may comprise one or more apertures through which one or more screws,
nuts,
pins, bolts or any combination thereof may be used to attach the security
shield to the
side portion of ITD holder. In a preferred embodiment, the security shield and
attachment means comprises at least two thredded members capable of passing
through two apertures in a side portion of the ITD holder. A locking member,
such as,
but not limited to a nut or locking nut is employed to secure the shield to
the side
portion of the ITD holder. It is also possible that the shield may be detached
from the
side portion of the ITD holder and reattached on the other side portion
portion of the
ITD holder. In such a manner, a store retailer, checkout person or other
service
provider may adapt the ITD holder as required for customer lines passing from
right to
left or left to right. In still a further embodiment, it is contemplated that
the ITD may
comprise one or a plurality of security screens, for example, but not limited
attached
to one or more side portions, bottom portions, back portions or front portions
of the
ITD holder as required.
[0068] In an alternate embodiment, which is not meant to be limiting in any
manner,
the ITD holder may comprise a back portion and two extending side members that
can
also serve as security shields.
[0069] The ITD holder may further comprise one or more apertures, slots or
grooves
in any portion thereof for the passage of cables or wires to and from an
information
transfer device.
[0070] The ITD holder may also comprise two or more information transfer
device
engaging members, for example such as clips or the like that engage the device
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CA 02534597 2006-01-30
prevent the device from moving substantially during use. In a preferred
embodiment,
the clips extend from the side portions and prevent the infromation transfer
device
from moving substantially during normal use.
[0071] It is also contemplated that the rotatable bracket, or ITD holder may
comprise
a pivot or hinge means for tilting a portion of the rotatable member, the ITD
holder or
both through a defined angle of rotation. In such an embodiment the holder may
rotate
about a first axis via the rotatable member, and a second axis, preferably
about
perpendicular to the first axis via the pivot or hinge means. A pivot or a
hinge means
may comprise any pivot means or hinge means known in the art, for example, but
not
limited to one or more screws, bolts, nuts, bearings or washers, including,
but not
limited to lock washers, friction washers or the like, or any combination
thereof.
Preferably, the pivot or hinge means may be adjusted, for example, by
tightening so
that an appropriate amount of frictional resistance is provided when tilting
the holder.
Also it is to be understood that the total rotation afforded by tilting a
portion of the
rotatable member or ITD holder may be the same as that described previously
for the
rotation of the rotatable member. More preferably, the holder may be tilted by
about
10 , 20 , 30 , 40 , 50 , 60 , 70 , 80 or 90 or a range defined by any two of
the values
listed above.
[0072] The mast, base member, rotatable member, insert bracket, information
transfer
device holder, security shield, etc may be manufactured from the same material
or
different materials, for example, steel, iron, aluminum, plastic or any
combination
thereof.
[0073] The present invention will be further illustrated in the following
examples,
which are not meant to be limiting in any manner.
Examples.
[0074] Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a representative embodiment
of the
support stand for an information transfer device (10) comprising an
information
transfer device (12). The support stand (10) comprises mast (20) and
telescoping
insert (15) connected by set screw (17). Also shown is base member (30), base
member apertures (70), hexagonal screw (18) for attaching the insert bracket
(not
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shown) to the mast, rotatable member (40) providing for rotation of
information
transfer device holder (60), security shields (160) and infonnation transfer
device
(12). Also shown in Figure 1, is cable (75) that passes through an aperture
(not shown)
in base member (30). The cable also passes through the hollow mast, exists
through
s the rotatable member and attaches to information transfer device (12).
[0075] Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a representative embodiment
of the
support stand for an information transfer device (10) without an information
transfer
device. The support stand (10) comprises mast (20) and telescoping insert (15)
connected by set screw (17). Also shown is base member (30), base member
apertures
(70), hexagonal screw (18) for attaching the insert bracket (not shown) to the
mast,
rotatable member (40) providing for rotation of the information transfer
device holder
(60) that attaches to the rotatable member via one or more attachment points
(190) for
an IFD holder and nuts (200) for securing threaded threws passing through from
the
IFT holder. Also shown is aperture (50) in rotatable member (40) which can
receive a
connector means (not shown). The connector means may comprise, but is not
limited
to a pressed threaded stud, screw or the like for securing the rotatable
member to the
insert bracket (not shown). Also shown in the figure is the second (cable-
passing)
aperture (90) having a removable grommet (92) therein, the second aperture
communicating with a slot (95) to the periphery of the rotatable member, a
second
portion (180) of the rotatable member also comprising a slot (45) therein for
passage
of cables or wires.
[0076] Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a representative embodiment
of the
support stand for an information transfer device (10) with an information
transfer
device (12). The support stand (10) comprises mast (20) and telescoping insert
(15)
connected by set screw (17). Also shown is base member (30), base member
apertures
(70), hexagonal screw (18) for attaching the insert bracket (not shown) to the
mast,
rotatable member (40) providing for rotation of the information transfer
device holder
(60) that attaches to the rotatable member via one or more attachment points
(190)
and nuts (200) for securing threaded screws passing through from the IFT
holder. Also
shown is slot (95) that communicates with the second (cable-passing) aperture
(not
shown) to the periphery of the rotatable member. A second portion of the
rotatable
member (180) also comprises a slot therein (45) optionally for passage of
cables or the
17
CA 02534597 2006-01-30
like. Also shown in Figure 3, is cable (75) that passes through a base member
aperture
(35) in base member (30). The cable also passes through the hollow mast,
exists
through second (cable-passing) aperture (not shown) in the rotatable member
(40) and
attaches to information transfer device (12). Security screens (160) extend on
both
sides of the IFT holder to provide security when information is entered into
the IFT
device.
[0077] Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a representative embodiment
of the
support stand for an information transfer device (10) with an information
transfer
device (12). The support stand (10) comprises mast (20) and telescoping insert
(15)
connected by set screw (17). Also shown is base member (30), base member
apertures
(70), hexagonal screw (18) for attaching the insert bracket (not shown) to the
mast,
rotatable member (40) providing for rotation of the information transfer
device holder
(60) security screens (160) and IFT device (12). Also shown is slot (95) that
communicates with the second (cable-passing) aperture (90) to the periphery of
the
rotatable member, a second portion (180) of the rotatable member comprising a
slot
therein (not shown) for passage of cables or the like to the front of an IFT
device. Also
shown in Figure 4, is cable (75) that passes through a base member aperture
(not
shown) in base member (30). The cable also passes through the hollow mast,
exists
through the rotatable member (40) via second aperture (90) and attaches to
information transfer device (12). Security screens (160) extend on both sides
of the
IFT holder to provide security when information is entered into the IFT
device.
[0078] Figure 5 shows a similar embodiment to Figure 3, except that cable (75)
passes
through through slot (45) in the second portion (180) of the rotatable member
and
attaches to the front of the IFT device (12).
[0079] Figure 6 shows an embodiment which is similar to Figure 2 except that
the
rotatable member (40) further comprises a pivot or hinge means (300) for
tilting a
portion of the rotatable member and attached ITD holder through a defined
angle of
rotation. In the embodiment shown, the pivot or hinge means comprises a
threaded
bolt, a plurality of friction washers and a locking nut. Any other pivot or
hinge means
known in the art, may be employed to provide pivotal movement of the ITD
holder.
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CA 02534597 2006-01-30
[0080] Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a representative embodiment
of a
mast (20) comprising telescoping insert (15), the mast attached to base member
(30)
having a plurality of apertures (70) defined therein for securing the base
member (30)
to a suitable surface. Also shown is set screw (17), hexagonal screw (18) that
attaches
insert bracket (80) to an interior wall of the mast. The aperture (42) in
insert bracket
(80) receives connector means (not shown) for attaching the rotatable member.
[0081] Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown a representative embodiment
of a
mast (20) comprising base member (30) having a plurality of apertures (70)
defined
therein for securing the base member (30) to a suitable surface, for example a
side rail,
counter, or both. Also shown is insert bracket (80) comprising aperture (42)
for
receiving a connector means (not shown). Insert bracket (80) is connected to
the
interior walls of mast (20) by screws (18).
[0082] Referring now to Figure 9, there is shown an embodiment of a rotatable
member (40) comprising aperture (50) for receiving a connector means, second
(cable-passing) aperture (90) comprising removable grommet, slot (95)
communicating with second aperture (90), removable grommet (92) pivot or hinge
means comprising without wishing to be limiting, threaded bolt (310) washers
(320)
and locking nut (330). In the embodiment shown, which is not meant to be
limiting in
any manner, the threaded bolt (310) passes through a cylindrical housing that
forms
part of the rotatable member (40). Also shown are extending members (350) that
extend into the mast to engage stopping members therein.
[0083] Referring now to Figure 10, there is shown an embodiment of a rotatable
member (40) comprising aperture (50) for receiving connector means, second
(cable
passing) aperture (90) comprising removable grommet (92), slot (95)
communicating
with second aperture (90).
[0084] Referring now to Figure 11, there is depicted a cross-sectional view
showing
mast (20), base member (30), telescoping insert (15), set screw (17),
hexagonal screw
(18) attaching insert bracket (80) to two interior walls of the mast. Without
wishing to
be limiting, connector means shown in the embodiment comprises first washer
(400),
second washer (410), third washer (430), threaded screw (420), and locking nut
(330).
19
CA 02534597 2006-01-30
Also shown in the embodiment is removable grommet (92) and extending member
(350) that can abut a portion of the insert bracket (80) when rotatable member
(40) is
rotated through a defined angle of rotation.
[0085] Referring now to Figure 12, there is shown an exploded view of a stand
for an
information transfer device comprising mast (20), base member (30) comprising
apertures (70) therein, telescoping insert (15), and hexagonal screws (18). In
the
embodiment shown, which is not meant to be limiting in any manner, connector
means comprises locking nut (330), first washer (400), second washer (410),
third
washer (430) for receiving a threaded screw or the like (not shown) that may
pass
through aperture (50) in the rotatable member (40) and connect to the insert
bracket
(80). The IFT holder (60) engages a member comprising two security shields
(160)
extending on each end therefrom. The holder and member comprising security
screens
is in turn attached to the rotatable member at suitable attachment points via
two
threaded screws (not shown) that are secured by nuts (450).
[0086] Referring now to Figure 13, there is shown an alternate embodiment of
the
present invention wherein the mast (20) comprises first telescoping insert
(500),
second telescoping insert (510) and additional base member (520), comprising
extending member (530) attached to the first telescoping insert (500).
[0087] All citations are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0088] The present invention has been described with regard to one or more
embodiments. However, it will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that a
number
of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope
of the
invention as defined in the claims.
