U.S. patent application number 11/766402 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-25 for dual function clip device for an electronic device having a screen.
Invention is credited to Michael Arney, Patrick Bodkin, Mark A. Graham, Bernard L. KNYCH, Thomas B. Remm.
Application Number | 20080314941 11/766402 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39831685 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080314941 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KNYCH; Bernard L. ; et
al. |
December 25, 2008 |
DUAL FUNCTION CLIP DEVICE FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING A
SCREEN
Abstract
A dual function clip device for use with an electronic device
having a screen has a mount for receiving the electronic device; a
clip mechanism constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral
edge of a clothing article of a user; and an arm movable relative
to the mount between a closed position and at least one open
position. A securement device is also provided for locking the arm
in the at least one open position. When the arm is in an open
position, the clip device is positioned to engage an upwardly
facing flat surface, and the mount is oriented to support the
electronic device in a viewing position to display the screen on
the electronic device.
Inventors: |
KNYCH; Bernard L.; (Mount
Prospect, IL) ; Bodkin; Patrick; (Chicago, IL)
; Arney; Michael; (Wellesley, MA) ; Remm; Thomas
B.; (Milford, OH) ; Graham; Mark A.;
(Springboro, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PILLSBURY WINTHROP SHAW PITTMAN, LLP
P.O. BOX 10500
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Family ID: |
39831685 |
Appl. No.: |
11/766402 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/191 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2200/0516 20130101;
A45F 5/021 20130101; H04B 2001/3855 20130101; A45C 9/00 20130101;
H04B 1/385 20130101; A45F 5/02 20130101; G06F 1/1626 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/191 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00 |
Claims
1. A dual function clip device for use with an electronic device
having a screen, the clip device comprising: a mount for receiving
the electronic device; a clip mechanism constructed and arranged to
clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article of a user; a
viewing position support mechanism comprising an arm movable
relative to the mount and the clip mechanism between a closed
position and at least one open position, the arm having an outer
surface constructed and arranged to lie substantially flush with an
outer surface of the clip mechanism when in the closed position;
the viewing position support mechanism further comprising a
securement device for securing the arm in the at least one open
position, and the viewing position support mechanism being
constructed and arranged such that the arm in the at least one open
position is positioned to engage an upwardly facing flat surface
and orient the mount for supporting the electronic device in an at
least partially vertical viewing position to display the screen on
the electronic device.
2. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the
arm further comprises a wheel with a plurality of ridges along at
least part of the circumference thereof, the wheel constructed to
rotate about a pivotal axis; the clip mechanism further comprises a
leaf spring, the leaf spring comprising at least one lug
constructed to cooperatively engage at least one ridge of the
wheel, and the rotation of the arm about the pivot axis locks the
at least one lug within at least one ridge of the wheel to secure
the arm in the at least one open position.
3. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the
arm comprises a locking member adjacent a pivot axis to secure the
arm in the at least one open position.
4. A dual function clip device according to claim 3, wherein the
locking member is near an end of the arm, the clip mechanism
further comprises a plurality of locking ridges on an inner
surface, and the rotation of the arm about the pivot axis to the at
least one open position locks the end member of the arm within at
least one of the locking ridges of the clip mechanism.
5. A dual function clip device according to claim 4, wherein the
clip mechanism further comprises a resilient hinge, and wherein the
hinge provides an engagement force that assists in securing the end
member of the arm within the at least one locking ridge.
6. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the
mount comprises a rotatable attachment device that allows the
electronic device to be rotated with respect to the mount.
7. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the
electronic device is removable with respect to the mount.
8. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the
clip mechanism further comprises a hinge that is spring-biased for
clipping the clip device onto the clothing article.
9. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the
clip mechanism further comprises a living hinge for clipping the
clip device onto the clothing article.
10. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the
arm is releasably locked with respect to the clip mechanism when in
the closed position.
11. An attachment device for a portable electronic device having a
screen, the attachment device comprising: a mount for receiving the
electronic device; a clip mechanism attached to the mount, the clip
mechanism constructed and arranged to clip onto an edge of a
clothing article; a viewing position support mechanism comprising
an arm that is rotatable relative to the mount and the clip
mechanism about a pivot axis between a closed position and at least
one open position; the arm comprising a first lock member adjacent
the pivot axis for cooperatively engaging with a second lock member
associated with the clip mechanism, and wherein, upon rotation of
the arm to the at least one open position, the first lock member of
the arm engages the second lock member of the clip mechanism to
hold the arm at an angle with respect to the mount, and, when the
viewing position support mechanism is positioned on an upwardly
facing flat surface, the mount is oriented to display the screen of
the electronic device at an angle with respect to the surface.
12. An attachment device according to claim 11, wherein the first
lock member comprises a locking member that is rotatable about the
pivot axis, and the second lock member comprises a plurality of
locking ridges.
13. An attachment device according to claim 11, wherein the first
lock member comprises a wheel with a plurality of ridges along at
least part of the circumference thereof, the wheel constructed to
rotate about the pivot axis, and the second lock member comprises a
leaf spring, the leaf spring comprising at least one lug
constructed to cooperatively engage at least one ridge of the
wheel.
14. An attachment device according to claim 11, wherein the arm has
an outer surface constructed and arranged to lie substantially
flush with an outer surface of the clip mechanism when in the
closed position.
15. An attachment device according to claim 14, wherein the arm is
releasably locked with respect to the clip mechanism.
16. An attachment device according to claim 11, wherein the mount
comprises a rotatable attachment device that allows the electronic
device to be rotated with respect to the mount.
17. An attachment device according to claim 11, wherein the
electronic device is removable with respect to the mount.
18. A method for displaying a screen of an electronic device using
a clip device constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral
edge of a clothing article of a user, the clip device comprising a
mount, a clip mechanism, and a viewing position support mechanism
constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a
clothing article of a user, the method comprising: mounting an
electronic device on the mount of the clip device; rotating an arm
of the viewing position support mechanism of the clip device
relative to the mount and the clip mechanism from a closed position
to at least one open position about a pivot axis; releasably
securing the arm in the at least one open position by engaging a
locking member with one of a plurality of ridges associated with a
clip mechanism; and engaging the viewing position support mechanism
with an upwardly facing flat surface and orienting the mount to
display the screen of the electronic device in an at least
partially vertical viewing position relative to the upwardly facing
flat surface.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention is generally related to a clip device
for use with an electronic device having a screen. More
specifically, the invention relates to a detachable, dual function
clip device for carrying an electronic device on a clothing article
and for displaying the screen of the electronic device in a
partially vertical or inclined viewing position with respect to a
flat surface.
[0003] 2. Background
[0004] Manufacturing companies of portable, electronic devices,
such as cellular phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), for
example, are integrating music and/or video capabilities into such
devices. Also, many known music or MP3 players are incorporating
video capabilities. The user may need to view the screen to watch a
video and have the need to interact with the screen of the
electronic device (e.g., using a touchpad, viewing incoming calls,
viewing a clock feature).
[0005] Devices for carrying portable, electronic devices such as
cell phones and PDAs are known for removably attaching the
electronic device to a user's body via a clip that is attached to a
belt or an article of clothing. These devices generally do not
assist in displaying the screen of the electronic device.
[0006] Generally, if a user wanted to watch a video on a cell
phone, for example, the user is required to hold the phone in their
hand or lean it against an object on a flat surface. Additionally,
prior art devices for displaying electronic devices on the surface
of a desk or a table, for example, include easels or stands in
which the electronic device is seated on or within a base. Other
display devices include protecting carrying cases having an opening
in which the electronic device is removed from the case and placed
within the opening to vertically position the screen of the
electronic device. One example of a clip device that may also serve
as a stand is the "MyFi Belt Clip Stand" by Delphi.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] One aspect of the invention provides a dual function clip
device for use with an electronic device having a screen. The clip
device comprises a mount for receiving the electronic device. The
clip mechanism is constructed and arranged to clip onto a
peripheral edge of a clothing article of a user. A viewing position
support mechanism comprises an arm movable relative to the mount
between a closed position and at least one open position. The arm
has an outer surface constructed and arranged to lie substantially
flush with an outer surface of the clip mechanism when in the
closed position. The viewing position support mechanism further
comprises a securement device for securing the arm in the at least
one open position. The viewing position support mechanism is
constructed and arranged such that the arm in the at least one open
position is positioned to engage an upwardly facing flat surface
and orient the mount for supporting the electronic device in an at
least partially vertical viewing position to display the screen on
the electronic device.
[0008] In one aspect of the invention, the arm further comprises a
wheel with a plurality of ridges along at least part of the
circumference thereof. The wheel is constructed to rotate about a
pivotal axis. The clip mechanism further comprises a leaf spring.
The leaf spring comprises at least one lug constructed to
cooperatively engage at least one ridge of the wheel, and the
rotation of the arm about the pivot axis locks the at least one lug
within at least one ridge of the wheel to secure the arm in the at
least one open position.
[0009] In another aspect of the invention, the arm comprises a
locking member adjacent a pivot axis to secure the arm in the at
least one open position. In yet another aspect of the invention,
the locking member is near an end of the arm; the clip mechanism
further comprises a plurality of locking ridges on an inner
surface, and the rotation of the arm about the pivot axis to the at
least one open position locks the end member of the arm within at
least one of the locking ridges of the clip mechanism.
[0010] Another aspect of the invention provides an attachment
device for a portable electronic device having a screen. The
attachment device comprises a mount that is removably attached to
the electronic device. A clip mechanism is attached to the mount.
The clip mechanism is constructed and arranged to clip onto an edge
of a clothing article. A viewing position support mechanism
comprises an arm that is rotatable relative to the mount about a
pivot axis between a closed position and at least one open
position. The arm comprises a first lock member adjacent the pivot
axis for cooperatively engaging with a second lock member
associated with the clip mechanism. Upon rotation of the arm to the
at least one open position, the first lock member of the arm
engages the second lock member of the clip mechanism to hold the
arm at an angle with respect to the mount, and, when the viewing
position support mechanism is positioned on an upwardly facing flat
surface, the mount is oriented to display the screen of the
electronic device at an angle with respect to the surface.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention comprises a method for
displaying a screen of an electronic device using a clip device
constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a
clothing article of a user, the method comprising: mounting an
electronic device on a mount of a clip device; rotating an arm of a
viewing position support mechanism of the clip device relative to
the mount from a closed position to at least one open position
about a pivot axis; securing the arm in the at least one open
position by engaging a locking member with one of a plurality of
ridges associated with a clip mechanism; engaging the viewing
position support mechanism with an upwardly facing flat surface,
and orienting the mount to display the screen of the electronic
device in an at least partially vertical viewing position.
[0012] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIGS. 1a-1g illustrate a front, side, back, top, bottom,
front plan, and back plan view, respectively, of a dual function
clip device in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed side view of the clip device
of FIGS. 1a-1g.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of an arm of the viewing
position support mechanism of the clip device of FIGS. 1a-1g.
[0016] FIG. 4a illustrates a detailed view of a wheel with a
plurality of ridges on the arm of FIG. 3.
[0017] FIG. 4b illustrates a detailed view of a leaf spring on a
clip mechanism of the clip device of FIGS. 1a-1g.
[0018] FIG. 4c illustrates a detailed view of a pin for pivotal
movement of the arm of FIG. 3 about a pivot axis.
[0019] FIG. 4d illustrates a detailed view of the interaction of
the ridges, leaf spring, and pin of FIGS. 4a-4c.
[0020] FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate a side view and a detailed side
view, respectively, of the viewing position support mechanism of
the clip device of FIGS. 1a-1g in a first position.
[0021] FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate a side view and a detailed side
view, respectively, of the viewing position support mechanism of
the clip device of FIGS. 1a-1g in a third position.
[0022] FIGS. 7a-7g illustrate a front, side, back, top, bottom,
front plan, and back plan view, respectively, of a dual function
clip device in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 8c illustrate a back, a sectional, and a
detailed view of a clip mechanism of the clip device of FIGS.
7a-7g.
[0024] FIG. 8d illustrates a side view of an arm of the viewing
position support mechanism of the clip device of FIGS. 7a-7g in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional, detailed side view of
the viewing position support mechanism of the clip device of FIGS.
7a-7g in a third position.
[0026] FIGS. 10a and 10b illustrate a side view and a back, plan
view, respectively, of the clip device of FIGS. 1a-1g in a third
position with an electronic device attached thereto in a partially
vertical position accordance with an embodiment.
[0027] FIGS. 11a and 11b illustrate a side view and back, plan view
of the clip device in a third position with an electronic device
attached thereto in an alternate partially vertical position in
accordance with an embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 12 illustrates a back, plan view of the clip device in
a first position with an electronic device attached thereto in an
alternate partially vertical position in accordance with an
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE
INVENTION
[0029] FIGS. 1a-1g illustrate a front, side, back, top, bottom,
front plan, and back plan view, respectively, of a dual function
clip device 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. The clip device 10 comprises a mount 12, clip mechanism
14 and viewing support mechanism 18 with arm 16 The clip device 10
is a detachable device that may be used for carrying an electronic
device on a user. Generally, the clip device 10 may be formed using
processes such as injection molding. In an embodiment, the clip
device 10 is preferably injection-molded plastic.
[0030] The mount 12 is designed to receive an electronic device
(shown in FIGS. 10a-12) such as a cellular phone, PDA, MP3 player,
etc., that has a screen for displaying or viewing. In an
embodiment, the mount 12 comprises an attachment device 13 for
connecting the electronic device to the clip device 10 for porting
or carrying, for example. The attachment device 13 also allows a
user to detach the electronic device from the clip device 10 (e.g.,
during use). In an embodiment, the attachment device 13 is a
rotatable attachment device for allowing the user to position and
rotate the electronic device with respect to the mount 12 (e.g.,
allowing the user to rotate the electronic device 360 degrees).
However, this structure is not intended to be limiting, and any
retainer or attachment device suitable for releasably retaining an
electronic device may be used. For example, in an embodiment, the
mount 12 may be non-rotating, permanent, or made for other known
electronic devices such as a GPS device or satellite radio.
[0031] The clip mechanism 14 is attached to the mount 12 using an
attachment device 15. The attachment device 15 may securely lock
the clip mechanism 14 to the mount 12 via friction-fit or snap-fit,
for example. In an embodiment, the attachment device 15 comprises
locking arms 19. The locking arms 19 may be used to vertically
slide the mount 12 parallel and adjacent to the surface 21 of the
attachment device 15, such that the sides of the mount 12 are at
least temporarily locked to the clip mechanism 14 via locking arms
19.
[0032] In an embodiment, the mount 12 is permanently locked to the
clip mechanism 14. In an embodiment, a protrusion is provided on
the mount 12, such that as the mount 12 is slid into an
interlocking relationship with attachment device 15, the protrusion
of mount 12 will lock with a recess on attachment device 15. In an
embodiment, the protrusion is non-reversible, such that the mount
12 is locked with respect to the attachment device 15 and is not
able to slide along the path of insertion. FIGS. 1d and 1e show an
embodiment wherein the locking arms 19 may be in the shape of a
curl, for example. Thus, when the mount 12 is slid into place, the
locking arms 15 encapsulate the edges or sides of the mount 12 and
prevent the mount 12 from moving along any other axis. In an
embodiment, the mount 12 may be interlocked to the clip mechanism
14 using any known mating or locking feature.
[0033] In an embodiment, the attachment device 15 of the clip
mechanism 14 is temporarily locked to the clip mechanism 14, and is
capable of being disengaged from the mount 12, such that numerous
types of mounts 12 may be attached to the clip mechanism 14, either
during the manufacturing process or by a user, for example.
[0034] The clip mechanism 14 has front or outer surface 30 and back
or inner surface 31. The clip mechanism 14 is constructed and
arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article such
as a belt or a shirt of a user via a hinge 22. The hinge 22 may be
a spring-biased or a resilient, living hinge mechanism, for
example. The hinge 22 is used to pivotally open the clip mechanism
14 relative to the mount 12 such that a user may insert the
clothing article in the clip mechanism 14. That is, the inner
surface 31 pivots relative to or away from mount 12 such that an
article of clothing may be inserted therebetween. The resilient
action of the clip will return the mechanism 14 to its original
position for gripping the clothing article, for example.
Preferably, in an embodiment, the clip mechanism 14 comprises a
protruding surface 24 with a plurality of teeth 25 to provide a
frictional gripping surface against the article of clothing.
[0035] The viewing support mechanism 18 comprises an arm 16. The
arm 16 is movable relative to the mount 12 between a closed
position and at least one open position. In an embodiment, the arm
16 is rotatable along a pivot axis A using a pin 48 (further
described with reference to FIG. 4c). The arm 16 is attached to the
clip mechanism 14 via pin 48. Thus, the arm 16 also rotates
relative to the clip mechanism 14. The arm 16 has a front or outer
surface 32 and a back or inner surface 33. In an embodiment, the
inner surface 33 of the arm 16 includes a releasable lock 28 for
releasably locking the arm 16 in a closed position with clip
mechanism 14
(as shown in FIG. 1a). In an embodiment, the arm 16 also has a
gripping surface 26. The gripping surface 26 may be provided as an
aid to provide a frictional surface for hingedly opening the clip
mechanism 14 and attaching the clip device 10 to an article of
clothing. Specifically, when the arm 16 is locked in the closed
position, for example, the user can push against the surface 26 to
assist in opening the mechanism 14 (i.e., via hinge 22). The
gripping surface 26 may also be used to assist in easing the
release of the lock 28 on the arm 16 from the top of the clip
mechanism 14 when moving the arm into at least one of the open
positions.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface 32 of the arm
16 is constructed and arranged to lie substantially flush with the
outer surface 30 of the clip mechanism 14 when locked (e.g., via
releasable lock 28) in the closed position. Thus, when a user
attaches the clip device 10 to an article of clothing, the fronts
or outer surfaces 30, 32 of the clip mechanism 14 and arm 16 may be
substantially flat against a user's body, for example. This
advantageously allows the arm 16 to have a lower profile than if it
protruded substantially from the clip mechanism.
[0037] The viewing position support mechanism 18 of the clip device
10 also comprises a securement device 20, as shown in detail in
FIG. 2. The securement device 20 is used to releasably lock the arm
16 with respect to the mount 12 and/or clip mechanism 14 in at
least one open position. As will be further described, the
securement device 20 may be releasably locked at one or more
angles, such that when the viewing position support mechanism 18
may be positioned to engage an upwardly facing flat surface such as
a desk or a table top, the mount 12 of the clip device 10 may be
oriented to support the electronic device in an at least partially
vertical viewing position to display the screen on the electronic
device (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 10a-12).
[0038] The securement device 20 comprises a first lock member
designed to cooperatively engage a second lock member. In an
embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2-4d, the first lock member is
provided adjacent the pivot axis A, and the second lock member is
associated with the clip mechanism 14.
[0039] FIGS. 3 and 4a-4d illustrate an exemplary, non-limiting
embodiment of the locking or securement device 20. FIG. 3
illustrates a plan view of the arm 16 comprising a first lock
member or wheel 34. The wheel 34 may be provided on the inner
surface 33 of the arm 16, for example. In an embodiment, the wheel
34 is provided at an end of the arm 16. The wheel 34 comprises a
slot or opening 40 that is designed to receive pin 48 therein and
enable pivoting of the arm 16 relative to the clip mechanism 14
and/or mount 12 along pivot axis A.
[0040] FIG. 4a illustrates a detailed view of wheel 34 on the inner
surface 33 of the arm 16. As shown, the wheel 34 also comprises a
circular protrusion 35 and ridges 36 and 38. The circular
protrusion 35 helps guide an article of clothing in between the
clip mechanism 14 (e.g., along the back surface 31 of the clip
mechanism towards hinge 22) such that a user is able to attach the
clip mechanism 14 without snagging the article on the leaf spring
42 (see FIG. 4b) or the ridges 36 and 38 of the wheel 34. The
ridges 36 and 38 are used to lock the arm 16 with respect to the
clip mechanism 14 and/or mount 12 in a closed or open position(s).
Between each of the ridges 36 are detents 37a-37c. Ridge 38 also
comprises a detent 39. Ridge 38 and detent 39 are engaged when the
arm 16 is in a closed position. Detents 37a-37c are provided to
hold arm 16 at angles with respect to the clip mechanism 14 and/or
mount 12. For example, detent 37a may correspond to holding arm 16
at an angle of 63 degrees with respect to the clip mechanism 14.
Likewise, detents 37b and 37c may correspond to holding arm 16 at
angles of 93 and 123 degrees, respectively, with respect to the
clip mechanism 14. Although three detents are shown, the number of
ridges 36 and detents 37a-37c and their corresponding angles should
not be limiting. For example, wheel 34 may be formed such that it
comprises one or more ridges and detents to hold the clip device 10
at any number of angles. The method of opening the arm into at
least one of the angled positions is described further with
reference to FIGS. 4d, 5a-5b, and 6a-6b.
[0041] FIG. 4b illustrates a detailed view of the clip mechanism 14
comprising a second lock member or a leaf spring 42. The leaf
spring 42 is provided to extend from the inner surface 31 of the
clip mechanism 14. In an embodiment, the leaf spring 42 is a split
springboard, comprising two lugs 43 and a split opening or gap 44.
The clip mechanism 14 also comprises openings 46 for receiving pin
48.
[0042] FIG. 4c illustrates a detailed view of the pin 48 for
connecting the arm 16 to the clip mechanism 14 and for pivoting the
arm 16 about pivot axis A. In an embodiment, pin 48 comprises
protrusions 50 on one end of the pin 48. The protrusions may be
formed from a material displacement method, for example, or any
known method in the art. During assembly, the opening 40 in the arm
16 is aligned with the openings 46 in the clip mechanism 14. The
pin 48 is then driven through the aligned openings 40, 46 until the
pin is securely provided within the clip mechanism 14. By virtue of
the interference made between the protrusions 50 on the pin 48 with
the inside of the opening 46 in the clip mechanism 14, the pin 48
is prevented from turning within or moving out of hole in the clip
mechanism 14. Thus, the pin 48 is prevented from spinning, and the
pin 48 is rotatable around the axle A.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 4d, when the arm 16 is attached to the clip
mechanism 14, the first and second lock members, or wheel 34 and
leaf spring 42, are cooperatively engaged. When the arm 16 is in
the closed position, the lugs 43 of the leaf spring 42 engage the
first detent 39, and the circular protrusion 35 of the wheel 34
extends into the gap 44 of the leaf spring 42. The lugs 43 are held
in contact with the wheel 34 and held in detent 39 by ridge 38.
When the arm 16 is rotated to an open position, the lugs 43 and
circular protrusion 35 of the wheel 34 are rotated about pivot axis
A. The lugs 43 of leaf spring 42 deflect from the closed position
to the first open position, for example. The lugs 43 rotate over at
least one of the ridges 36 and into at least one of the detents
37a-37c. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, when the arm 16
is rotated to a first position, the wheel 34 is rotated such that
the lugs 43 are rotated over a first ridge 36 and the arm 16 is
held at a first angle .alpha. (e.g., 63 degrees) with respect to
the clip mechanism 14 in detent 37a. Similarly, the arm 16 may be
rotated to engage any one of the detents 37b-37c such that the arm
is held at angles of 93 and 123 degrees. For example, FIGS. 6a and
6b show the arm 16 engaged in a third position such that it is held
at an angle .beta. (e.g., 123 degrees). Thus, when a user positions
the arm 16 of viewing position support mechanism 18 on a flat
surface (as shown and described in FIGS. 10a-12), the electronic
device may be held at any one of a number of partially vertical or
inclined viewing positions corresponding to one of a number of
angles.
[0044] FIGS. 7a-7g illustrate a front, side, back, top, bottom,
front plan, and back plan view, respectively, of a dual function
clip device 60 in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention. Similarly to the clip device 10 described in FIGS.
1a-1h, the clip device 60 of FIGS. 7a-7h comprises a mount 62, clip
mechanism 64, and viewing position support mechanism 68 with arm
66. Mount 62 comprises an attachment device 63 for attaching an
electronic device thereto. The attachment device 63 allows a user
to detach the electronic device from the clip device 60 (e.g.,
during use). In an embodiment, the attachment device 63 is a
rotatable attachment device for allowing the user to position and
rotate the electronic device with respect to the mount 62 (e.g.,
360 degrees). However, this structure is not intended to be
limiting, and any attachment device or retainer suitable for
releasably retaining any type of electronic device (e.g., GPS
device or satellite radio) may be used.
[0045] FIGS. 8a-8d illustrate parts of the viewing position support
mechanism 68 of the clip device 60. FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 8c illustrate
a back, a sectional, and a detailed view of a clip mechanism 64 of
the clip device 60 of FIGS. 7a-7g. The clip mechanism 64 is
attached to mount 62 using attachment device 65. The attachment
device 65 may comprise locking arms 19 or other embodiments as
described above with reference to FIGS. 1a-1g. Clip mechanism 64
comprises a hinge 72 for opening the clip mechanism 14 and
protruding surface 74 with teeth 75 for gripping an article of
clothing therebetween. The hinge 72 may be a spring-biased,
resilient, or living hinge mechanism, for example. The clip
mechanism 64 also has outer surface 80, inner surface 81, and
innermost surface 82. The clip mechanism 64 is constructed and
arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article such
as a belt or a shirt of a user via a hinge 72. The resilient action
of the hinge 72 will return the clip mechanism 64 to its original
position for gripping a clothing article, for example. The hinge 72
is also used in cooperation with the arm 66, so as to provide a
force for locking the arm 66 in an open position, as will be
described below. The clip mechanism 64 may be held in frictional
contact with the article of clothing using protruding surface 74
with teeth 75. The clip mechanism 64 also comprises openings 93 for
receiving pin 98.
[0046] FIG. 8d illustrates a side view of the arm 66 of viewing
support mechanism 68 of the clip device 60. The arm 66 of viewing
support mechanism 68 is movable relative to the mount 62 between a
closed position and at least one open position. In an embodiment,
the arm 66 is attached to the clip mechanism 64 using a pin 98.
After aligning openings 93 of the clip mechanism 64 and opening 99
of the arm 66, pin 98 is slid through the openings 93, 99 such that
arm 66 is rotatable along a pivot axis B. Thus, the arm 66 also
rotates relative to the clip mechanism 64. The arm 66 has a front
or outer surface 86 and a back or inner surface 87. In an
embodiment, protrusions (such as protrusions 50 on pin 48 shown in
FIG. 4c) are provided to prevent the pin 98 from turning within or
moving out of opening in the clip mechanism 14.
[0047] The viewing support mechanism 68 also comprises a securement
device 70. As previously noted, the securement device 70 is used to
releasably lock the arm 66 with respect to the mount 62 and/or clip
mechanism 64 in at least one open position in at least one angle,
such that when the viewing support mechanism 68 is positioned to
engage an upwardly facing flat surface such as a desk or table top,
the mount 62 of the clip device 60 is oriented to support an
electronic device in an at least partially vertical viewing
position to display the screen on the electronic device (as shown
in FIGS. 10a-12).
[0048] FIG. 8d shows an embodiment of the first lock member of the
securement device 70 as a locking end member 94 on arm 66. The
second lock member of the securement device 70 comprises locking
ridges 96 on clip mechanism 64. As shown in FIGS. 8a-8c, the
locking ridges 96 are provided on or within the innermost surface
82 of clip mechanism 64. Between each of the ridges 96 are detents
97, which, similarly to the detents 37a-37c of FIGS. 4a-4d, allow a
user to position the arm 66 at any number of angles with respect to
the clip mechanism 64.
[0049] When the arm 64 is locked in a closed position on clip
mechanism 64 (e.g., using lock 88 as shown in FIG. 7b), the locking
end member 94 is positioned adjacent the inner surface 81 of the
clip mechanism 64. Thus, the locking end member 94 is not
cooperatively engaged with a surface or ridge(s). When the arm 66
is rotated to an open position, the locking end member 94
cooperatively engages at least one of the detents 97. In an
embodiment, the locking end member 94 of arm 66 is held in contact
with at least one of the detents 97 by an engagement force provided
by the hinge 72 of the clip mechanism 64. When in a first detent
97, for example, the arm 66 may be locked in an open position that
corresponds to hold arm 66 at an angle of 63 degrees with respect
to the clip mechanism 64. Likewise, the additional detents 97 may
correspond to holding arm 66 at angles of 93 and 123 degrees,
respectively, with respect to the clip mechanism 64. Although three
detents are shown, the number of ridges 96 and detents 97 and their
corresponding angles should not be limiting. For example, the
innermost surface 82 of the clip mechanism 64 may be formed such
that it comprises one or more ridges and detents to hold the clip
device 60 at any number of angles.
[0050] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional, detailed side view of
the viewing position support mechanism 68 of the clip device 60
locked by securement device 70 in a third position. The locking end
member 94 of the arm 66 engages the third detent 97 (between ridges
96) on the innermost surface 82 of the clip mechanism 64. The user
may then position the viewing support mechanism 68 or clip device
60 on a flat surface such that the screen of the electronic device
may be viewed, for example, as described below.
[0051] FIGS. 10a-11b illustrate a side view and a back, plan view,
respectively, of the clip device 10 of FIGS. 1a-1g in a third
position with an electronic device 100 attached thereto. As noted
above, electronic device 100 may comprise known, portable devices
such as a cellular (cell) phone, PDA, MP3 player, etc. Although
FIGS. 10a-12 are described with respect to the clip device 10, clip
device 60 may also be positioned on a flat surface for viewing in a
partially vertical or inclined position as described below.
[0052] The electronic device 100 is attached to the clip device 10
via mount 12. The clip device 10 is then positioned in a partially
vertical or inclined position with respect to surface 102. As
shown, arm 16 of the viewing position support mechanism 18 is
rotated along the pivot axis A to a third position (i.e., the lugs
43 of the leaf spring 42 are moved to engage detent 37c of wheel
34). To position the screen of the electronic device 100 such that
it is viewable, the viewing position support mechanism 18 of the
clip device 10 is positioned such that at least a portion of the
arm 16 is in contact with the flat surface 102.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 10a-10b, the outer surface 32 of the arm
16 may be positioned such that it faces and/or contacts the flat
surface 102. In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11a-11b, the
user may position the viewing position support mechanism 18 of the
clip device 10 such that the inner surface 33 of the arm 16 faces
and/or contacts the flat surface 102. In an embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 12, the user may position the clip device 10 such that a side
of the arm 16 is in contact with the flat surface 102.
[0054] In FIGS. 10a-12, the electronic device 100 is positioned for
viewing the screen in a number of partially vertical or inclined
positions. Thus, the clip devices 10, 60 may be oriented in any
number of ways with respect to a flat surface for viewing a screen
of an electronic device 100.
[0055] Additionally, the user may also rotate the electronic device
100 (e.g. in a clockwise or counterclockwise position) using the
rotatable attachment device 13 of mount 12 (or device 63 of mount
62) to orient the screen of the electronic device at any number of
desired angles with respect to the flat surface. In an embodiment,
the device 10 may also be correspondingly rotated to match the
viewing preference of a user. For example, should the electronic
device have a feature for sensing the orientation of the device,
the electronic device may orient the screen or display horizontally
or vertically, depending on a user's viewing preference. For
example, the electronic device may be rotated 90 degrees with
respect to the mount 12 or clip device 10 so as to turn the screen
from a vertical to a horizontal position. Thus, the device 10
allows a user to view the screen according to such preferences.
[0056] The above embodiments of clip device 10 and 60 allow for a
dual function in that a user may use the clip devices 10, 60 to
assist in allowing the user to position an electronic device with
respect to a flat surface and carry the electronic device using the
same devices 10, 60. The electronic devices are also detachable
from clip devices 10, 60. Further, an embodiment of the clip
devices 10, 60 allows a user to rotate the electronic device in a
clockwise or counterclockwise position, thus enabling one to view
the screen at any number of angles or positions (e.g., vertically
or horizontally, partially vertical, or inclined position).
[0057] The devices 10, 60 also allow a user to position an
electronic device for use. For example, a user may position the
electronic device such that a speakerphone, microphone, or other
hands-free feature may be oriented toward the location of the
user.
[0058] Additionally, the devices 10, 60 allow the user to position
an antenna of an electronic device (e.g., a cellular phone, GPS
device, satellite radio) in an at least partially vertical position
so as to optimize reception.
[0059] While the principles of the invention have been made clear
in the illustrative embodiments set forth above, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may
be made to the structure, arrangement, proportion, elements,
materials, and components used in the practice of the
invention.
[0060] It will thus be seen that the objects of this invention have
been fully and effectively accomplished. It will be realized,
however, that the foregoing preferred specific embodiments have
been shown and described for the purpose of illustrating the
functional and structural principles of this invention and are
subject to change without departure from such principles.
Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed
within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
* * * * *