U.S. patent application number 10/676009 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-07 for holder for an electronic device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Global Sourcing Group Inc.. Invention is credited to Schlansky, Mitchell.
Application Number | 20050072691 10/676009 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34393531 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050072691 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schlansky, Mitchell |
April 7, 2005 |
Holder for an electronic device
Abstract
A holder for an electronic device comprises a single piece
including a base and two arms. The arms are deflectable to hold the
electronic device under the force created by the deflection of the
arms. The holder may also include a fastener for attaching the
holder to a personal organizer or other surface, such as a desk or
automobile dashboard, for example.
Inventors: |
Schlansky, Mitchell;
(Brookfield, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STERNE, KESSLER, GOLDSTEIN & FOX PLLC
1100 NEW YORK AVENUE, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
Global Sourcing Group Inc.
|
Family ID: |
34393531 |
Appl. No.: |
10/676009 |
Filed: |
October 2, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/232 ;
206/320; 206/472 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1626 20130101;
G06F 2200/1633 20130101; B60R 2011/0007 20130101; B60R 11/00
20130101; B60R 2011/0005 20130101; B60R 11/0252 20130101; B60R
2011/0071 20130101; B60R 11/0241 20130101; G06F 1/1628
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/232 ;
206/320; 206/472 |
International
Class: |
B65D 071/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An article for holding a device comprising: a base; a first arm
connected to said base at a first connection point on said base,
wherein said first arm extends away from said base and a distal end
of said first arm curves in one direction and then curves in a
direction opposite thereto; and a second arm connected to said
base, opposite to said first arm, at a second connection point on
said base, wherein said second arm extends away from said base and
a distal end of said second arm curves in one direction and then
curves in a direction opposite thereto; wherein said first arm and
said second arm are biased towards each other and, said first
connection point on said base and said second connection point on
said base are not moveable relative to each other.
2. The article of claim 1 wherein said first arm and said second
arm are formed in an S-like shape.
3. The article of claim 1 wherein said base includes means for
removably securing said article to a surface.
4. The article of claim 1 wherein said article is formed from a
single unit of material.
5. The article of claim 1 wherein said article further comprises a
friction increasing surface.
6. The article of claim 1 wherein said article is coated with a
friction increasing substance.
7. The article of claim 1 wherein said article is coated with a
scratch resistant substance.
8. The article of claim 1 wherein said device is an electronic
device.
9. The article of claim 1 wherein said base includes reinforcement
ribs integrally formed therein disposed longitudinally along said
base.
10. A personal organizer comprising: a notebook; an article for
holding a device connected to said notebook, said article including
a base; a first arm connected to said base at a first connection
point on said base; a second arm connected to said base opposite to
and biased toward said first arm at a second connection point on
said base, wherein said first connection point and said second
connection point are not moveable relative to each other.
11. The article of claim 10 wherein a distal end of said first arm
curves in one direction and then curves in a direction opposite
thereto; and wherein a distal end of said second arm curves in one
direction and then curves in a direction opposite thereto.
12. The article of claim 11 wherein said first and second arms are
formed in an S-like shape.
13. The article of claim 10 wherein said article is formed from a
single unit of material.
14. The article of claim 10 wherein said article further comprises
a friction increasing surface.
15. The article of claim 10 wherein said article is coated
substantially entirely with a friction increasing substance.
16. The article of claim 10 wherein said device is an electronic
device.
17. The article of claim 10 wherein said base includes ribs
integrally formed therein disposed longitudinally along said
base.
18. An article for holding a device comprising: a base; means
attached to said base for removably securing said article to a
surface; a first arm connected to said base at a first connection
point, wherein a distal end of said first arm curves in one
direction and then curves in a direction opposite thereto; and a
second arm, biased toward said first arm and connected to said
base, opposite to said first arm, at a second connection point,
wherein a distal end of said second arm curves in one direction and
then curves in a direction opposite thereto; wherein said first
connection point and said second connection point are not moveable
relative to each other.
19. The article of claim 18 wherein said first and second arms are
formed in an S-like shape.
20. The article of claim 18 wherein said article is formed from a
single unit of material.
21. The article of claim 18 wherein said article further comprises
a friction increasing surface.
22. The article of claim 18 wherein said article is coated
substantially entirely with a friction increasing substance.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an electronic
device holder. In particular, the present invention relates to a
device holder that can accommodate electronic devices of different
shapes and sizes and can be used to secure a portable electronic
device in a personal organizer or to a surface.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] People today frequently use portable electronic devices
(such as personal digital assistants, notebook computers, tablet
PCs, cell phones and calculators) and personal organizers in order
to increase efficiency, maximize information and increase
intelligence.
[0005] One example of such an electronic device is a personal
digital assistant, or PDA. PDAs are generally used to store
calendars, phone numbers, addresses, to-do lists and other
important information. PDAs usually have a handwriting-input area,
handwriting recognition ability and wireless communication. They
are characterized by their portability. Another type of electronic
device is a cell phone or mobile phone. Cell phones use wireless
communication to interface with traditional land-based telephone
systems. Some cell phones today even incorporate the functionality
of a PDA into one device. The users of PDAs, cell phones and other
such portable electronic devices often carry them in their pocket,
briefcase or purse and desire to protect them with a case or other
means to hold the device.
[0006] In addition to the aforementioned electronic devices, people
also maintain information in personal organizers such as notebooks,
binders and folios. Such organizers are used, for example, to store
credit cards, business cards and passports. In addition, personal
organizers often contain a pad of paper for writing notes and a
calendar for maintaining important dates. It is also common to
carry a PDA, cell phone, or other personal electronic device in a
personal organizer. Some organizers include a hook and loop
fastener patch (known by the trademark VELCRO) in the organizer and
a complimentary one that can be adhered to the PDA in order to hold
it in the organizer.
[0007] Other holders for PDAs also exist in the art. For example,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,392,882 discloses a holder for protecting a PDA.
This holder automatically shuts off the PDA when it is placed in
the holder and comes in contact with the bottom of the holder. One
disadvantage of this holder is that the bottom flange covers the
computer interface on many PDAs, which necessitates the removal of
the PDA before it can be connected with a peripheral or battery
charger, for example. In addition, the opposing guard borders or
sides of the holder of this patent extend over the side edges of
the PDA. This may impair access to the face of the PDA and may also
require the holder to be custom manufactured for each model of
PDA.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,029 (the '029 patent) discloses a
portable organizer including an adjustable clamp used for gripping
a PDA. Similarly, U.S. Pat. App. No. 2003/0029754 (the '754 patent
application) discloses a carrying bag including an adjustable clamp
used for gripping a PDA. Both clamps are adjustable to accommodate
different sized PDAs. However, both the '029 patent clamp and the
'754 patent application clamp have an upper and lower bracket.
These brackets cover the computer interface and wireless port on
many PDAs. This necessitates removal of the PDA before these
functions can be used. Further, both clamps move relative to each
other and are adjustable by an elastic member, which may break or
lose its memory through use over time, rendering the clamp useless.
These clamps also require multiple manufacturing steps and are
relatively expensive to make.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,466 discloses an attachment device for
securing a PDA to a notebook or automobile surface. While the
attachment is made of one piece of flexible material, it includes a
plurality of deflectable securement arms with securement tabs.
These tabs clamp to the surface of the PDA and extend over the face
of the secured electronic device. This may obscure the display face
and inhibit full functionality of the PDA. Further, the holder has
base tabs that prevent the PDA from being removed from both the top
and bottom end of the holder for easy access.
[0010] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an
electronic device holder that is relatively simple in design,
requires few manufacturing steps, has no moving mechanical parts
and is inexpensive to make.
[0011] It is a further object of this invention to provide an
electronic device holder that can maintain an electronic device in
a position of easy accessibility and can be accessed using only one
hand.
[0012] It is a further object of this invention to provide an
electronic device holder such that the device does not need to be
removed in order to use all of its features and the device can
extend above and below the electronic device holder, such as to
enable the movement of a top flap or cover.
[0013] It is a further object of this invention to secure an
electronic device without permanently attaching adhesive, hook and
loop fastener or mechanical fastener to a surface of the electronic
device.
[0014] It is a further object of this invention to provide a single
electronic device holder that can accommodate a family of
electronic devices of different shapes and sizes, such as personal
digital assistants, notebook computers, tablet PCs, cell phones,
calculators and the like.
[0015] It is a further object of this invention to provide a
personal organizer, such as a notebook, binder, folio, or the like,
that includes the electronic device holder of the present invention
for securing an electronic device thereto.
[0016] It is a further object of this invention to provide an
electronic device holder that can be mounted to a surface, such as
a clip board, dashboard, wall, desk or the like, for securing an
electronic device thereto.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention provides a holder that can secure an
electronic device in a position of accessibility. As referred
herein, the term electronic device relates to personal digital
assistants (PDAs), cell phones, radios, global positioning
satellite receivers, MP3 players, CD players, mini-disc players,
notebook computers, hand-held computers, tablet PCs, calculators,
bar code scanners and other handheld and/or portable electronic
devices. The term electronic device includes electronic devices
used for personal, individual and/or commercial use. The holder can
accommodate electronic devices of different shapes and sizes
without attaching any sort of fastener to a surface of the
electronic device.
[0018] An electronic device is secured in the holder in a position
of accessibility by the deflection of the holder arms. The user can
operate the device without removing it from the holder. The arms
are likewise deflectable for the removal of the electronic device,
so that the batteries can be recharged or replaced, for
example.
[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the device holder is
secured in a personal organizer. The personal organizer may also
include a note pad, calendar, writing instrument loop, binder or
ring element and holders for other items.
[0020] In another embodiment of the invention, the device holder
includes a fastener for attaching the device holder to a surface
such as an automobile dashboard. This fastener may be a hook and
loop fastener, a mechanical fastener or some other means of
fastening the device holder to a surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES
[0021] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
invention will be apparent from the following, more particular
description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.
1.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.
1 being used to secure an electronic device.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.
1 interconnected to an interior surface of a personal
organizer.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of
the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 6.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG.
6.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 being
used to secure an electronic device.
[0031] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 6
interconnected to an interior surface of a personal organizer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is now
described with reference to the figures, where like reference
numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. While
a specific configuration is discussed, it should be understood that
this is done for illustrative purposes only. A person skilled in
the relevant art will recognize that other configurations and
arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a device holder 2 is generally
shown. Device holder 2 has a base 4, a first arm 26 and a second
arm 44 is shown. Base 4 has a top surface 6, a bottom surface 8, a
first side 10, a second side 12, a third side 14 and a fourth side
16. First arm 26 is connected to base 4 at first connection point
18, which is located contiguous to first side 10. Second arm 44 is
connected to base 4 at second connection point 20, which is located
contiguous to second side 12. Third side 14 and fourth side 16 are
both relatively obstruction free, meaning that they have no
protrusions or arms extending above the surface of base 4. This
allows electronic device 62 to extend above and below third side 14
and fourth side 16.
[0034] Proximal end 30 of first arm 26 is connected to base 4 at
first connection point 18. First arm 26 is formed in an S-like
shape including an outward curve 38, inward curve 36 and flange 40.
Outward curve 38 of first arm 26 is located proximate to proximal
end 30. Outward curve 38 curves away from second arm 44. Inward
curve 36 of first arm 26 is located proximate to outward curve 38
and curves towards second arm 44. Contact edge 42 of first arm 26
is located on inward curve 36 at its point of closest approach to
second arm 44. Flange 40 extends outwards and curves away from
contact edge 42 in such a way that the distal end 32 of first arm
26 is in close proximity to outward curve 38.
[0035] Proximal end 48 of second arm 44 is connected to base 4 at
second connection point 20. Second arm 44 is also formed in an
S-like shape and comprises an outward curve 56, inward curve 54 and
flange 58. Outward curve 56 of second arm 44 is located proximate
to proximal end 48. Outward curve 56 curves away from first arm 26.
Inward curve 54 of second arm 44 is located proximate to outward
curve 56 and curves towards first arm 26. Contact edge 60 of second
arm 44 is located on inward curve 54 at its point of closest
approach to first arm 26. Flange 58 extends outwards and curves
away from contact edge 60 in such a way that the distal end 50 of
second arm 44 is in close proximity to outward curve 56.
[0036] Device holder 2 is constructed of a material that provides
rigidity in base 4 and also provides for elasticity between first
arm 26 and second arm 44. Spring steel would be one example of such
a material. In a preferred embodiment, device holder 2 is made from
0.014.times.1" AISI #1050 annealed high carbon steel. AISI #1050
annealed high carbon steel is a mixture of (by weight): 0.48-0.55%
carbon, 0.60-0.90% manganese, 0.040% phosphorus, 0.050% sulfur
(maximum) with the balance being iron. The material used in device
holder 2 may be made by stamping from a single unit of material.
Device holder 2 may include a friction increasing surface, covering
or coating 24. In a preferred embodiment, device holder 2 is coated
entirely with a friction increasing black matte finish applied by a
powder coating. First arm 26 and second arm 44 are biased towards
each by virtue of the elasticity of the material and their outward
curves 38 and 56, respectively. First arm 26 can be loaded by a
force applied to contact edge 42, maintain that loaded position for
a given period of time, and then return to an unloaded position
upon removal of the loading force. Second arm 44 can be loaded by a
force applied to contact edge 60, maintain that loaded position for
a given period of time, and then return to an unloaded position
upon removal of the loading force. In normal operation of the
present invention, this loading and unloading occurs when an
electronic device 62 is secured in device holder 2. Integrally
formed ribs 22 provide longitudinal support for base 4. This helps
ensure that base 4 does not flex longitudinally or laterally. In
addition, base 4 has no curvature that would provide for a biasing
between any two points on base 4. Consequently, first connection
point 18 and second connection point 20 do not move relative to
each other.
[0037] FIG. 4 shows device holder 2 securing an electronic device
62. Electronic device 62 may be a PDA, cell phone, MP3 player or
other device. First arm 26 and second arm 44 are biased towards
each other and deflect to receive and hold electronic device 62
with a friction fit. First arm 26 contacts left side 64 of
electronic device 62 at contact edge 42. Likewise, second arm 44
contacts right side 66 of electronic device 62 at contact edge 60.
Electronic device 62 is secured in place both by the biasing force
created by the deflection of first arm 26 and second arm 44 and by
friction forces created by contact between contacting edges 42 and
60 with left side 64 and right side 66, respectively. Third side 14
and fourth side 16 of base 4 are relatively obstruction free so
that access to wireless port 70 on upper side 68 and access to
computer interface 74 on lower side 72 are not obstructed in any
way by device holder 2, and can be accessed even when electronic
device 62 in inserted in holder 2. Base 4 can include fastener 86
for removably securing device holder 2 to a surface 7.
[0038] In use, a user inserts electronic device 62 into holder 2 by
pushing it against the left side 64 of electronic device 62 against
contact edge 42. This force loads first arm 26 and increases the
distance between contact edge 42 and contact edge 60 so that it
exceeds the overall distance between left side 64 and right side
66. The user then positions electronic device 62 so that right side
66 abuts contact edge 60. The user then releases the force so that
first arm 26 and second arm 44 grip electronic device 62.
Alternatively, the user may load second arm 44 and slide the
electronic device past first arm 26.
[0039] To remove electronic device 62, a user pushes it towards
either first arm 26 or second arm 44. This increases the distance
between contact edge 42 and contact edge 60 so that it exceeds the
overall distance between left side 64 and right side 66. The user
can then remove electronic device 62 and the device holder 2
returns to its original, unstressed state.
[0040] FIG. 5 shows device holder 2 incorporated into a personal
organizer 76 such as a notebook. By notebook, it is meant any type
of folio or other carrier for paper, cards, passports, documents,
personal electronic devices or other personal items. Device holder
2 is connected to an internal surface 78 of device holder 2. This
connection may be achieved by securing device holder 2 to internal
surface 78 of organizer 78 with a fastener 86. Alternatively, layer
80 of internal surface 78 may have slits formed in it thorough
which device holder 2 can be accessed. Device holder 2 can be
inserted into a first opening 82 and a second opening 84 of layer
80 so that first arm 26 and second arm 44 extend outwardly, away
from internal surface 78. Base 4 is secured to internal surface 78
by any suitable means such as an adhesive, and covered by internal
layer 78. First arm 26 and second arm 44 are visible and base 4 is
not visible in this embodiment. Personal organizer 76 may
optionally include a notebook 88 and binder rings 90.
[0041] FIGS. 6-10 show an alternate embodiment of the device holder
of the present invention. Device holder 102 has a base 104, a first
arm 126 and a second arm 144. Base 104 has a top surface 106, a
bottom surface 108, a first side 110, a second side 112, a third
side 114 and a fourth side 116. First arm 126 is connected to base
104 at first connection point 118, which is located contiguous to
first side 110. Second arm 144 is connected to base 104 at second
connection point 120, which is located contiguous to second side
112. Third side 114 and fourth side 116 are both relatively
obstruction free, meaning that they have no protrusions or arms
extending above the surface of base 104. This allows electronic
device 162 to extend above and below third side 114 and fourth side
116, as shown in FIG. 9. First arm 126 is formed in an S-like shape
including an outward curve 138, inward curve 136 and flange 140.
Second arm 144 is also formed in an S-like shape and comprises an
outward curve 156, inward curve 154 and flange 158. As compared to
the embodiment in FIG. 1, flanges 140 and 158 of the embodiment in
FIG. 6 only slightly extend outward and curve away from contact
edges 142 and 160, respectively. Distal end 132 of first arm 126 is
in close proximity to inward curve 136 and distal end 150 of second
arm 144 is in close proximity to inward curve 154. As would be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, numerous variations
of the first and second arms can be utilized by varying the size
and shape of the inward and outward curves and flanges, without
departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, various
widths of the first and second arms can be employed without
departing from the scope of the present invention. For example,
first arm 126 and second arm 144, of the embodiment shown in FIGS.
7-10, are narrower than first arm 26 and second arm 44, of the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5. Depending on the size and shape of
the device to be held and the functionality thereof, including the
size and location of features along the side walls of the device,
narrow or wider arms may be desired.
[0042] Device holder 102 is constructed of a material that provides
rigidity in base 104 and also provides for elasticity between first
arm 126 and second arm 144. Spring steel is one example of such a
material. First arm 126 and second arm 144 are biased towards each
by virtue of the elasticity of the material and their outward
curves 138 and 156, respectively. As with the embodiment of FIG. 1,
device holder 102 of FIG. 10 can secure various size and shape
electronic devices. FIG. 9 shows device holder 102 securing an
electronic device 162. FIG. 10 shows device holder 102 incorporated
into a personal organizer 176 such as a notebook.
[0043] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the
breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by
any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be
defined only in accordance with the following claims and their
equivalents. Additionally, all references cited herein, including
journal articles or abstracts, published or corresponding U.S. or
foreign patent applications, issued U.S. or foreign patents, or any
other references, are each entirely incorporated by reference
herein, including all data, tables, figures, and text presented in
the cited references.
[0044] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will
so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others
can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art (including
the contents of the references cited herein), readily modify and/or
adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without
undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept
of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and
modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of
equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and
guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the
phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description
and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of
the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled
artisan in light of the teachings and guidance presented herein, in
combination with the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the
art.
* * * * *