U.S. patent application number 09/782400 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-22 for holder for a portable electronic device.
Invention is credited to Ziegler, David M..
Application Number | 20020113185 09/782400 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25125930 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020113185 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ziegler, David M. |
August 22, 2002 |
Holder for a portable electronic device
Abstract
An electronic support and carrying device for use on a bicycle
or motorcycle in which the electronic device is jam secured in a
convenient position for carrying and accessing by a cam-type
securing arrangement operable with a single hand.
Inventors: |
Ziegler, David M.;
(Allentown, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Charles A. Wilkinson, Esq
68 East Broad Street
P.O. Box 1426
Bethlehem
PA
18016-1426
US
|
Family ID: |
25125930 |
Appl. No.: |
09/782400 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/309.1 ;
248/284.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62J 11/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/309.1 ;
248/284.1 |
International
Class: |
A47F 005/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A support for holding an electronic device to a surface, the
support comprising: (a) a base member for supporting the electronic
device; (b) means for securing or locking said electronic device to
the base member by applied transverse force; and (c) means for
connecting the base member to a surface.
2. A support as described in claim 1 wherein the base member is
pivoted on the securing means.
3. A support as described in claim 2 wherein the means for securing
the electronic device is a cam-type locking means.
4. A support as described in claim 3 wherein the means for securing
the electronic device incorporates spring biasing in opposition to
the cam in the cam-type locking means.
5. A support as described in claim 4 wherein the support is
pivotable to various angle from horizontal.
6. A support is described in claim 5 wherein the support is mounted
upon pivoting support arms and is jam lockable in various
orientations.
7. A support as described in claim 6 wherein the support is
pivotable in at least two separate positions.
8. An apparatus for securing an electronic device such as a
wireless telephone to the handlebars of a vehicle comprising: (a) a
base for receiving and supporting the electronic device; (b) a pair
of posts spaced apart along the periphery of one side of the base;
(b) a cam-type lock attached to the base on the side opposite the
posts for engaging the electronic device and locking it to the base
between the posts and the cam lock; (c) at least one bracket which
is connected pivotably at one end to the base, the bracket being
used for securing the apparatus to a support surface.
9. A apparatus in accordance with claim 8 additionally comprising
(d) spring biasing clamp arrangement arranged in opposition to the
cam-type lock to prevent loosening of the cam locking as a result
of vibrations and the like.
10. An apparatus in accordance with claim 9 additionally comprising
(e) arm means for pivotingly holding the base.
11. An apparatus in accordance with claim 10 additionally
incorporating at least two pivots and associated jam locking means
to secure the base in various orientations.
12. An apparatus in accordance with claim 11 wherein the electronic
apparatus is cradled in a depression in the base and is protected
from impact from above by a semi-cage extending over the top.
13. An apparatus in accordance with claim 12 wherein said semi-cage
incorporates at least two impact bars extending over the position
of the electronic equipment.
14. An apparatus in accordance with claim 13 wherein the arm means
for pivotably holding the device is pivotable into at least two
positions.
15. A method for using an electronic device on the handle bars of a
vehicle comprising the steps of: (a) placing the electronic device
in a holder mounted upon the vehicle handlebars; (b) tightening a
jam-type clamping device against the electronic device; (c) upon
occasion to use the electronic device, loosening the clamping
device and holding said device in the cyclists hand and against an
ear to communicate; and (d) upon completion of said conversation
replacing the electronic device in the jam-type clamping device and
with one hand setting the jam-type securing device against the
electronic device.
16. A method in accordance with claim 15 wherein the jam-type
securing device is a cam arrangement and such device is rotated
with the fingers of one hand to tighten and untighten the cam
clamping.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to supports and holders for portable
electronic devices such as wireless/cellular telephones, personal
digital assistants (PDA's), walkie-talkies, electronic organizers,
and the like, and more particularly to a holder for securing such
devices to the handlebars or frame of a two or three-wheeled
vehicle such as a bicycle or motorcycle.
[0002] In recent years, there has been a rapid proliferation in the
availability and use of personal or mobile electronic devices,
particularly wireless/cellular telephones, personal digital
assistants (PDA's), electronic organizers, two-way radios, global
positioning system (GPS) devices and the like. Such devices are
generally compact in size and are slim and light enough to be
carried easily in a coat pocket or handbag, and are usually sold
with a either a leather or vinyl carrying case or cover. However,
such covers often do not include a suitable means for securing the
device to a holding surface, and as a result a large number of
holders, particularly for holding cell phones, have been developed
and are known in the prior art. For example, holders for affixing a
cellular phone either looped or clipped to the belt of the user
(for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,704 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,100),
or mounted in an automobile (for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,565,
U.S. Des. Pat. No. 328,078, U.S. Des. Pat. No. 402,666) are well
known. Other more specialized holders, such as for securing a
telephone to a hospital bed (U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,277), for
activating a fan in the holder when the air temperature reaches a
predetermined level, having a suction cup mounting arrangement
(U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,950), and securing the phone to a laptop
computer (U.S. Des. Pat. No. 426,235), are also known. Although
each of these known storage or holding devices may be satisfactory
for their specific purposes, none of such holders resembles the
holder of the present invention, which is made preferably for
cycles of various sorts, such as a mountain or road bike, but which
can also be attached to other types of vehicles or surfaces, and
which in general incorporates a cam lock arrangement.
[0003] The present inventor is also aware of several holders
particularly designed to secure a wireless phone or other portable
electronic device to a bicycle or motorcycle. U.S. Pat. No.
5,423,509 issued to R. LaPorte et al. on Jun. 13, 1995 discloses a
combination personal radio or cassette player and water bottle
holding device for use on a stationary exercise bicycle. The
LaPorte et al. holder, however, does not contain any means for
actually securing or locking such equipment to the holder, and thus
would not be very practical for use on a mountain bike or
motorcycle because such equipment could easily pop out of the
holder. U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,243 issued to A. J. Rogowski on Jan. 1,
1991 discloses a device for carrying a Walkman-type radio or
cassette player on a bicycle. The cassette player is secured in a
frame-like structure, which structure is then removably secured by
hook-and-loop type fasteners to a platform affixed to the
handlebars. U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,040 issued to R.R. Ward on Apr. 27,
1999 discloses a device for mounting a cellular telephone to a
motorcycle gas tank. However, such holder is basically a
rectangular closure or pocket into which a phone is placed and
zipped, and is affixed to the gas tank by magnets. Finally, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,092,707 issued to J. Bowes, Jr. on Jul. 25, 2000
discloses a protective casing for holding a telephone which is
designed to be fitted into a water bottle holder frame on a bicycle
or other apparatus. While numerous other devices are known for
securing equipment to the handlebar area of a bicycle or
motorcycle, including a rifle (U.S. Pat. No. 553,614), flashlight
(U.S. Pat. No. 4,170,337), helmet (U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,825), and
sports equipment (U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,874), none of such devices
teaches a holding device having the benefits and advantages of the
present inventor's device. Using the present holder, a mobile
phone, PDA, or other personal electronic device may be quickly and
easily secured to the handlebars of a bicycle, motorcycle, or
virtually any surface where it is desired that such device be
secured. In fact, the present holder allows an electronic device to
be quickly and easily locked and unlocked using one hand, simply by
turning the locking knob. Furthermore, the design of the locking or
holding arrangement is such that even severe bumps and shocks
derived from the road surface do not tend to loosen or release the
device from the holder, thereby preventing possible loss along the
road while at the same time leaving the device readily accessible
to the rider or user. The dimensions and features of the inventor's
holder also result in a more attractive and distinctive holder than
other known holders.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is an object of the invention to provide a holder for an
electronic device such as a cellular telephone, electronic
organizer, two-way radio and the like.
[0005] It is a further object of the invention to provide a holder
for releasably securing an electronic device to the handlebars or
frame of a bicycle or motorcycle.
[0006] It is a still further object of the invention to provide a
holder wherein both the height and pitch of the holder are easily
adjustable.
[0007] It is a still further object of the invention to provide a
holder wherein the electronic device is held securely to the holder
by a cam-type locking system.
[0008] It is a still further object of the invention to provide a
holder having protective ribs which encircle the electronic device
and protect it from damage both from impact with other objects
while in the holder and from slipping out of the holder.
[0009] It is a still further object of the invention to provide a
holder having a cam-type locking arrangement which is resistant to
shocks and vibrations and wherein the device clamped within is
still easily released when it is desired to be used.
[0010] It is a still further object of the invention to provide a
holder for use on cycles and the like that is both attractive and
readily adjustable.
[0011] It is a still further object of the invention to provide a
holder which can be used to secure the electronic device to
virtually any surface.
[0012] Still other objects and advantages of the invention will
become clear upon review of the following detailed description in
conjunction with the appended drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention provides a simple and effective holder
for portable electronic devices such as wireless or cellular
telephones, pagers, PDA devices, portable cd players, a Walkman, or
other similar portable electronic devices. In the preferred
embodiment, the holding device is designed to detachably lock or
secure a wireless telephone to the handlebars of a vehicle such as
a mountain bike, road bike or motorcycle. The holder consists
essentially of a base preferably bevelled on its upper surface to
receive a cell-type telephone. The locking means consists of a pair
of rubber-coated stops or pins spaced along one side of the base
and a spring-loaded eccentric cam-type lock affixed to the opposite
side, which together provide a three-point locking system. A pair
of semicircular ribs or arms extend over the front of the base, in
effect creating a protective cage within which the phone is housed.
To use the holder, the phone is inserted into the holder along the
upper portion of the base until it contacts a plastic stop disposed
along the lower end. The cam lock knob is then turned, thereby
causing the phone to be locked between the rubber-coated pins and
the rubber or polymeric material surfaced cam lock. The cam lock
preferably operates in opposition to a flexible or spring loaded
stop to facilitate secure grasping of the electronic unit. The
holder will normally be affixed to the handlebars of a bicycle or
motorcycle by an adjustable support arm or preferably a pair of
support arms attached to a bracket or brackets secured to the
bottom of the base. Both the height and pitch of the holder can be
adjusted using a swivel locking mechanism provided associated with
the adjustable support arms. The exact dimensions of the holder may
be easily altered or, alternatively, made adjustable to provide
holders in an unlimited number of different sizes and shapes,
thereby allowing the holder to be used with virtually any style or
shape of phone or other portable electronic device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of
the holder of the invention mounted in one preferred orientation
upon the handlebars of a bicycle.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the holder in a second
preferred orientation upon the handlebars of a bicycle.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the
holder.
[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the eccentric cam locking
mechanism of the holder of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of
the holder of the invention having a double pivoting
arrangement.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of
the holder of the invention having an alternative style cam knob
and showing a cell phone clamped in the holder.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a front elevation of the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIG. 6, shown in FIG. 7 mounted upon the
handlebars of a bicycle.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the
invention having a single instead of a double pivoted mounting.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the single pivot mounting
shown in FIG. 8 showing how the clamp portion may fold partially
into an opening in the bottom of the holder to save room in storage
or shipping.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a top view of the holder being used to hold or
secure a cellular phone.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a top view of the holder as shown in FIG. 10 but
with the locking knob removed and with the cam of the lock in an
unlocked position.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a top view of the holder similar to FIG. 11 with
the cam of the lock in a locked position.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a top or plan view of an alternative embodiment
of the invention dimensioned for holding a personal digital
assistant (PDA).
[0027] FIG. 14 is a top or plan view of another alternative
embodiment of the invention dimensioned for holding a GPS
receiver.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a top or plan view of an alternative adjustable
embodiment of the invention for holding or securing variable size
electronic devices of various types.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of
the invention wherein the holder is secured directly to a support
surface by screws.
[0030] FIG. 17 is a side elevation wherein the holder is adhesively
secured to a support surface.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] The following detailed description is of the best mode or
modes of the invention presently contemplated. Such description is
not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but to be an
example of the invention presented solely for illustration thereof,
and by reference to which in connection with the following
description and the accompanying drawings one skilled in the art
may be advised of the advantages and construction of the
invention.
[0032] FIGS. 1-4 and 10-12 illustrate the preferred embodiment of
the holder of the invention specifically designed for holding a
cellular phone, while FIGS. 5-10 and 13-17 show alternative
embodiments of the holder for holding other similar devices or with
somewhat different arrangements or having alternative surface
attachment means.
[0033] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of
the holder 10 shown mounted to the handlebars 90 of a cycle in one
preferred orientation. Holder 10 is preferably constructed from
aircraft aluminum and is black anodized, although other suitable
materials and finishes may be used in construction of the holder.
Base 20 has a top or upper surface 22, back or bottom surface 24
(visible in FIG. 3), upper or open end 26, lower or closed end 28,
first side 30, second side 32, and central area 34. The corners of
the base may be angled or curved, although this is not critical to
the function of the holding device. Upper surface 22 is bevelled
starting at front portion 26, forming a downwardly sloping area 36.
A slot or second channel 38 is machined in the central area 34,
creating a guideway or channel to provide clearance for a phone
clip secured to the back side of the phone so that the phone is
seated securely in the holder 10. Adjacent bevelled area 26 is clip
guide 39 which acts as a leadway for the phone clip into slot or
second channel 38. Slot 38 is preferably a thru-slot, but could be
only part way through. Although not required, central area 34 may
be coated with a cushioning material or have a cushioned insert
such as rubber to provide additional shock absorbing
characteristics to the holder.
[0034] Extending upwardly along the first side 30 of the upper
surface 22 of the base 20 are spaced-apart rods or retaining pins
40 and 42. Such retaining pins 40 and 42 are preferably either
wedged or pressed into corresponding holes in the base 10 or,
alternatively, may be threaded and screwed into mating threads in
the base. The outer surface of pins 40 and 42 is preferably covered
with a rubber, or other resilient, non-slip coating 44, either in
the form of a series of rubber O-rings or a one-piece rubber barrel
stretched around the circumference of the pins. As will become
evident, such retaining pins act as a stop or surface against which
the phone is secured using the cam locking means of the invention.
Bar 46, preferably made from plastic, is secured across the lower
end 28 of the upper surface 22 of the base thereby closing off the
lower end 28 to prevent the phone from possibly sliding over or
bouncing off the lower end when in use. Spaced apart semicircular
protective ribs or bars 50 and 52 are attached along the first and
second sides 30 and 32 of the upper surface 22 of the base 20,
arching over the central area 34. When the holder is in use, ribs
50 and 52 create a semi-cage over the phone or electronic device,
significantly decreasing the chances of the device becoming damaged
in a collision or impact or dislodging from the holder 10. Such
ribs not only serve to protect the supported electronic apparatus
from external jars and impacts occasioned by outside agencies, but
also protect it from inadvertent semi-external impacts, such as
could be occasioned by the hand of the user reaching for the
electronic apparatus without close attention and accidentally
impacting such device with a force sufficient to knock it from the
holder.
[0035] Bolted generally near the lower portion 28 on the bottom
surface 24 of base 20 is a means for securing the holder to the
handlebars 90 or frame of a bicycle or other vehicle. In the
preferred embodiment, such means includes swivel mechanisms 62a and
62b (see FIG. 3) and handlebar engaging brackets 70 and 72
comprised of two-part clamps 84a and 84b and which brackets are
formed by inner and outer semi-circular clamping members 86a and
86b and 88a and 88b , respectively. In the preferred embodiment,
each bracket 70 and 72 is secured to a separate swivel, labelled
62a and 62b respectively, by the pair of arms extending between the
swivel mechanism support 60 and the bracket 70. To inner clamping
member 88a there is secured supporting member 89a , which serves as
a base or support for structural extensions or arms 64a and 64b ,
which pairs of arms support swivel connection 62a . Similarly, arms
66a and 66b extend between swivel 62b and supporting member 89b of
bracket 72. Locking arms 68a and 68b allows the swivel mechanism
62a and 62b to be easily adjusted in the usual manner so that the
pitch of the base portion of the holder can be angled as desired by
the rider.
[0036] In the preferred embodiment, clamps 84a and 84b are hinged
such that they may be easily opened and placed around the
handlebars 90 and secured by screw threaded fastenings, shown as
machine bolts 92 and 94. However, one of ordinary skill in the art
will be familiar with other means for attachment of a bracket or
clamp to a cylindrical surface, such as a nut and bolt or strap
arrangement. In addition, a locking mechanism for adjusting the
pitch or angle of the holder swivel connections 62a and 62b may be
provided. This comprises rotatable head member 95 having a threaded
shaft threaded into stationary bracket 60 which is securely
connected to the bottom or lower surface of the base 20.
[0037] In mounting the holder 10 on the handle bars of a cycle or
the like, the clamps 84a and 84b are mounted over the handlebars,
by removing the threaded securing device or machine bolts 92 and 94
from engagement with inner clamp members 86a and 88a and pivoting
outer clamp members 86b and 88b upwardly on pivots 102a and 102b so
outer clamp members 86b and 88b fit or extend over the handlebar.
Outer clamp members 86b and 88b are then resecured to inner clamp
members 86a and 88a by engagement of the threaded fastenings 92 and
94 with a threaded orifice in inner clamp members 86a and 88a ,
respectively. Clamping of the two clamp sections 86 and 88 together
by rotation of threaded fastening 92 and 94 is made with the
brackets 70 and 72 at an angle upon the handlebars such that the
supporting rods or arms 64a and 64b and 66a and 66b extend out in a
direction in which it is desired to position the swivel members 62a
and 62b with respect to handlebars. For example, in FIG. 1, the
supporting rods or arms 66a and 66b extend generally over the front
of the handlebar 90, shown in broken lines, so the holding device
10 is mounted generally in front of the handlebars. In FIG. 2, on
the other hand, the brackets 70 and 72 are shown generally
underneath the base 20 so that supporting rods 66a and 66b extend
rearwardly and slightly upwardly, placing the electronic apparatus
holder 10 just above the handlebars and frame of the cycle.
[0038] In an improved version of the invention of a holder shown in
FIG. 5, the bracket member 89 is made in two parts 89 and 89a , the
section 89 being similar to the section 89 shown in the previous
figures while the section or part 89a is secured to the section or
part 89 by a screw-threaded member having a rotating head or knob
96a similar to the knob 68a on pivot member 62a and 62b . As in the
previously described construction, rotation of the knob 96a serves
to draw the bracket member 89a tightly against member 89 so the
entire unit or assembly becomes substantially rigid. In this
embodiment, the clamp members 86 and 88 may be secured to the
handlebar 90 in the orientation shown in FIG. 1 and the bracket
position 89a then rotated to whatever rotational orientation is
desired merely by loosening and retightening the knob 96a rather
than loosening and retightening the clamp sections 86 and 88. It
will be understood in this regard that the abutting surfaces of the
swivel members 89 and 89a should be preferably somewhat roughened
so that their relative rotational positions can be more easily
clamped together in abutting position, providing a variety of
relative rotational positions.
[0039] It will be noted that the orientation of the support arms
64a and 64b in FIG. 1, the pivot is mounted forwardly of the
handlebar 90 with the bracket sections 89a and 89b positioned on
top of the handlebar 90 and inner and outer clamping sections 86
and 88, while in FIG. 2 the bracket section 89 is mounted below the
handlebar 80 and clamping members 86 and 88. This change may be
obtained by merely reversing the clamping sections 86 and 88 on the
handlebars if there are two pairs of orifices in the bracket
sections 89 for positioning of the supporting arms or rods 66a and
66b as shown in FIG. 5 in broken lines.
[0040] As shown in the various FIGS., the locking mechanism 100 of
the holder 10 is affixed to the base 20 generally centrally along
the second side 32, a portion of which side 32 preferably extends
outwardly to accommodate the locking mechanism 100. A rectangular
aperture 102 is cut or machined in the base 20, into which plate
104 is fitted. See in particular FIGS. 1 and 4. Plate 104 is
slightly narrower than aperture 102 and is held or movably secured
to the base 20 by a pair of stainless steel rods 106 and 108 which
extend through matching openings or orifices 110 and 112 in the
outer side wall 114 of aperture 102 and matching openings or
orifices 116 and 118 in plate 104. Such rods 106 and 108 are press
fitted into or soldered to the base 20. Coiled springs 120 and 122
are fitted over rods 106 and 108 respectively and positioned
between plate 104 outer side wall 114 such that plate 104 can be
moved laterally with respect to holder 20 but is generally
tensioned or pushed against the inner side wall 124 of the aperture
102. See FIGS. 1, 4, 11, 12 and 15. The springs 120 and 122 will
allow the locking mechanism 100 to "flex" slightly, preventing
damage to the electronic equipment during locking, while at the
same time keeping constant lateral tension on the locked device so
that it cannot slip out of the lock absent an unusually forceful
jolt or blow. The springs also provide nearly constant pressure
upon the locked device so that slight rotation of the locking cam
will not tend to dislodge the electronic device. The spring tension
arrangement also provides sufficient tension play so that the cam
member 130 as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 11, and 12 can be essentially
centered in locked position, preventing the cam from having an
off-center force applied to it in a tightened position, which
further prevents any tendency to back off or become loose upon
jiggling, vibration, or the like of the holder. This is
particularly important if the turning of the cam lock is to be kept
reasonably free, allowing it to be used not only by those with
powerful grips, but also those with lesser strength in their
hands.
[0041] Extending vertically through the center of plate 104 is a
further hole or orifice 130 for housing rod or key portion 132,
which is fitted into hole 130 and is secured on its lower end by
C-clip 134. Shaft 136 is secured to the upper end of rod 132 such
that the shaft 136 is off-center, or eccentric, with respect to the
rod 132. Knob 140 is attached to the upper end of shaft 136 by
shaft engaging portion 142. Knob 140, shaft 136, and rod 132 may be
either machined from a single piece of material or machined
separately and secured together in any usual or conventional
manner. An aluminum sleeve 144 fits over the eccentric shaft 136,
with such sleeve being covered with rubber O-rings or a rubber
coating, designated generally as 148. The aluminum or other metal
sleeve 144 is shown interiorly of the rubber coating 148.
[0042] FIGS. 6, 10, 11, and 12 show a wireless or cellular phone
200 housed or situated in central area 34 in base 20 in a locked
and unlocked position, respectively, and with the holder situated
as shown in FIG. 1, while in FIG. 6 phone 200 is shown below knob
140 and ribs 50 and 52. In FIG. 11, knob 140 (not shown) is turned
so that the phone is unlocked in the holder, i.e., the eccentric
shaft 136 is not biased against the phone 200. As the knob is
turned, either clockwise or counterclockwise, to the locked
position shown in FIG. 12, shaft 136 is turned so that it juts or
presses against the phone 200. This in turn presses the phone 200
tightly against retaining pins 40 and 42 along the first side 30 of
the front 22 of base 20, thereby securing the phone in the holder.
Movable plate 104 and springs 120 and 122 upon which shaft 136 is
mounted allow a little "give" in the lateral or inward force
applied against the phone 200 by the eccentric shaft 136, thereby
preventing the shaft from cracking or crushing the phone while
turning the knob 140. In addition, once the phone 200 is locked in
place, the springs 120 and 122 exert a constant inward or lateral
force, thereby maintaining a constant pressure on the shaft 136 on
the phone 200 to prevent it from coming loose. The phone 200 Will
be held against the rubber rings or covers on the retaining pins 40
and 42 and shaft 136, providing additional cushioning or shock
absorbing capability as the cycle travels over bumpy or rough
terrain. In addition, bar 46 and ribs 50 and 52 in combination With
the retaining pins 40 and 42, shaft 136 and the central channel 34
machined into the base essentially create a protective cage over
and around the phone 200.
[0043] When securing an electronic device in the holder 10, it may
either be placed directly in the holder without any cover over such
device, or alternatively first placed in a protective cover and
then fitted into the holder. Most electronic devices are sold With
a flexible, thin Vinyl or leather cover to help prevent such
devices from being scratched or accumulating dirt. Alternatively,
such device may be placed in a sealable plastic bag or the like if
the holder is attached, for example, on a mountain bike or dirt
bike which might be used in the rain or in an area where mud or
large amounts of some other residue could contact such device.
[0044] The use of a simple eccentric cam-type lock in the invention
allows for electronic equipment such as a wireless phone to be
simply and easily locked into the holder. The cam lock converts the
rotary motion of turning the locking knob into longitudinal motion
exerting an inward force against the device. The device can also be
quickly unlocked simply by turning the knob 140 another
half-revolution or less, thereby moving the eccentric shaft so that
it is generally in the unlocked position shown in FIG. 11. Such
locking and unlocking can be easily accomplished using one hand so
that the phone can be quickly accessed even while the bicycle or
motorcycle is moving, although for reasons of safety it is
preferably that the rider come to a complete stop first.
[0045] As is illustrated in the various figures, the holder 10 may
be positioned in a wide variety of orientations on handlebars 90.
While the most common orientation may be with the holder positioned
above the frame of the bicycle as shown in FIG. 2, the holder can
also situated on the handlebars 90 so that it extends over the
front of such handlebars and is essentially over the front wheel of
the vehicle as shown in FIG. 1. Of course, there are virtually an
infinite number of orientations between those shown in FIG. 1 and
FIG. 2 in which the holder can be positioned, since both the angle
at which the brackets 70 and 72 are attached to the handlebars as
well as the pitch of base in relation to the swivel mechanism 60
can be set depending upon the desires of the rider.
[0046] FIG. 6 is a side elevation of a holder in accordance with
the invention in which the knob 140, designated as 140a , takes or
assumes a cylindrical shape rather than a wheel or dish
configuration and may itself have a rubberized surface for better
grasp by the fingers of the user. Otherwise, the holder shown in
FIG. 6 is essentially identical to that shown in FIG. 2, except
that a cell phone is shown clamped in the holder. FIG. 7, which is
a front elevation of the holder of the invention clamped to the
handlebar 90 of a bicycle in a substantially horizontal
configuration, shows the same cylindrical configured cam activation
knob as shown in FIG. 6, but does not show an actual cell phone
clamped in the holder as is shown in FIG. 6.
[0047] FIG. 8 shows the alternative use of a single support arm
arrangement on the bottom of the holder. A bracket 60b is attached
to the bottom of the holder. Between the bracket 60b and a
rotatable clamp 95 is a rotatable or adjustable swivel section 62c
. Support arms 64a (not shown in FIG. 8) and 64b extend from swivel
section 62c to a central connecting section 89a between two
handlebar clamps 84c and 84d with the same general construction as
handlebar clamps 70 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 and 5 through 7. One
clamp instead of two could be used, but the use of two clamps close
together as shown provides a more balanced structure. The bracket
60b is mounted eccentrically upon the bottom of the holder, but
since it is secured integrally to the bottom of the holder, the
eccentric positioning is not detrimental, particularly with the two
clamping members 84c and 84d . An extra wide cutout or opening 38a
in the bottom of the holder is provided to accommodate the wider
clamping arrangement, allowing the clamps 84c and 84d to be
swiveled partially through the opening 38a as shown in FIG. 9 when
the holder is being shipped or stored in order to take up less
space and to allow a smaller overall package. The handle 68a is
made shorter in the arrangement shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in order to
allow it to be partially rotated more easily. It may be desirable
in many cases to use a short cylindrical extension (not shown) to
turn or rotate the handel more easily. Such cylindrical extension
can be removed and reapplied as necessary to provide more clearance
for turning.
[0048] FIG. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention
wherein the base 320 of the holder 310, rather than being shaped to
hold a wireless telephone, is shaped to hold a device such as the
currently popular Palm Pilot.RTM.. Generally, such devices are
slightly wider and shorter than a typical wireless telephone,
although obviously there are a wide variety of such devices each
having different dimensions. Regardless of the device being held,
the holder 310 is designed to hold such device in the same manner
as is illustrated above, i.e. the eccentric cam lock is turned to
quickly and simply lock the device on the base between the rods or
retaining pins 40 and 42 and eccentric shaft 130. To further
illustrate, FIG. 14 shows the holder 410 configured to hold a
two-way global positioning (GPS) device.
[0049] FIG. 15 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the
device wherein the width of the base 620 can be adjusted depending
upon the nature or dimensions of the device to be held. FIG. 15
shows such base 620 in a slightly expanded position. Base 620
consists of two halves, labelled 620a and 620b , both approximately
the same size, which are slidably connected by arms or slide rods
682 and 684. Such arms or rods may be locked in several positions,
depending upon the desired width of the base, by engaging notches
686 on arms 682 and 684 into matching grooves 88 in arm guides 690.
In addition, ribs 650a , 650b , 652a , and 652b are also made from
individual pieces which are slidably engaged such that, for
example, rod 650a engages rod 650b in a manner such that it fits
inside rod 650b . Similarly, rod 652a slidably engages rod 652b .
As will be understood, in order to facilitate such adjustment, it
is desirable for such ribs to be rectangular rather than arcuate in
order to facilitate such adjustment.
[0050] While the electronic equipment holding device of the present
invention is illustrated in the preferred embodiment as having a
pair of handlebar engaging brackets (70 and 72) and corresponding
swivel 60, other versions, such as shown in FIG. 13, having only
one bracket are also contemplated. In FIGS. 8 and 9, for example,
as explained above bracket 770 swivel mechanism 760 are centrally
located upon or attached to the bottom side of base 720. In
addition, while it is believed that the construction shown in the
preferred embodiment results in a sturdy and attractive holding
device, other holder designs having generally the same inventive
properties are also contemplated. For example, while the holding
device is illustrated as being engagable to the handlebars of a
bicycle or other cylindrical surface using the brackets 70 and 72,
other attachment means may be used to secure the holder to
different types of surfaces. For example, rather than being
attached to a cylindrical surface, the holder could be attached
directly to a horizontal or vertical surface, such as the dashboard
of an automobile, a laptop computer, or an other desired location.
FIG. 16 shows a holder 810 having bolts 860a and 860b extending
from bottom surface of the holder, which allow the holder 810 to be
secured to planar surface 866 by nuts 862a and 862b . In addition,
FIG. 17 shows the holder 910 having an adhesive pad 960 attached to
the bottom surface of the holder, which allows the holder 910 to be
adhesively attached rather than bolted to a planar surface. Despite
such various securing means, in each of such contemplated
embodiments the device will continue to utilize the eccentric cam
lock mechanism, which allows an electronic device attached to the
holder to be quickly and simply placed into the holder and locked,
and then subsequently removed from the holder.
[0051] While the present invention has been described at some
length and with some particularity with respect to the several
described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited
to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular
embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the
appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible
interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and,
therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the
invention.
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