U.S. patent application number 12/378696 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-18 for modular apparatus holder with multipurpose intermediate support member for supporting minicomputers, cell phones and similar apparatus.
Invention is credited to Harald Richter.
Application Number | 20090154078 12/378696 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35695637 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090154078 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Richter; Harald |
June 18, 2009 |
Modular apparatus holder with multipurpose intermediate support
member for supporting minicomputers, cell phones and similar
apparatus
Abstract
In a modular holder for supporting an apparatus or instrument
such as a minicomputer or a cell phone, comprising a support member
with a support head and an apparatus holder supported thereby, an
intermediate function box is releasably mounted with one side
thereof by an engagement structure onto the support head and the
apparatus holder is releasably mounted onto another side of the
intermediate function box and the intermediate function box by an
identical engagement structure so that the apparatus holder or an
apparatus can be selectively monted directly onto the support head
or via the function box.
Inventors: |
Richter; Harald;
(Engelbrand, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KLAUS J. BACH
4407 TWIN OAKS DRIVE
MURRYSVILLE
PA
15668
US
|
Family ID: |
35695637 |
Appl. No.: |
12/378696 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11064000 |
Feb 15, 2005 |
7515709 |
|
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12378696 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 11/0217 20130101;
B60R 2011/0091 20130101; B60R 11/0241 20130101; B60R 11/0258
20130101; B60R 2011/0078 20130101; B60R 2011/0026 20130101; B60R
11/0252 20130101; B60R 2011/0056 20130101; B60R 2011/0005 20130101;
B60R 2011/0007 20130101; B60R 11/0247 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/679.01 |
International
Class: |
H05K 5/00 20060101
H05K005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 26, 2004 |
DE |
10 2004 052160.3 |
Claims
1. A modular apparatus holder for supporting minicomputers, cell
phones and similar apparatus, comprising a support member (2) with
a support head (3) an intermediate functional box (4) releasably
mounted with one side thereof by a first engagement structure (8,
7) onto the support head (3) and an apparatus holder (5) releasably
mounted by a second engagement structure (8, 7) onto another side
of the intermediate functional box (4), the second engagement
structure (8, 7) being identical with the first engagement
structure, so that the apparatus holder (5) can be mounted
selectively onto the intermediate functional box (4) or directly
onto the support head (3).
2. A modular apparatus holder according to claim 1, wherein said
intermediate functional box (4) includes an electric power supply
device for supplying electrical power to an apparatus mounted on
said intermediate functional box (4) by the second engagement
structure.
3. A modular apparatus holder according to claim 2, wherein the
intermediate functional box 4 includes an electric power input
socket (13) for supplying electric power thereto and an electric
power output socket (17) for supplying electric power to an
apparatus supported on the intermediate functional box (4).
4. A modular apparatus support device according to claim 1, wherein
an antenna module (6) with a USB plug (16) is removably mounted
onto the intermediate functional box (4) and the intermediate box
(4) includes a USB socket (15) for receiving a USB plug (16) of the
antenna module (6).
5. A modular apparatus support device according to claim 4, wherein
the antenna module (6) includes an antenna (20) which is rotatably
and pivotally supported to permit positioning of the antenna for
optimum reception.
6. A modular apparatus support device according to claim 1, wherein
the engagement structure includes hook-shaped projections in one of
the parts to be interconnected and slot-shaped openings in the
other part for receiving the hook-shaped projections.
Description
[0001] This is a divisional application of pending application Ser.
No. 11/064,000 filed Feb. 15, 2005
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Minicomputers in pocket format, generally designated as PDA
(Personal Digital Assistant), mobile navigation apparatus, cell
phones and combinations of such apparatus are often used in motor
vehicles. To facilitate their use in motor vehicles apparatus
holders are known which include means for attaching the apparatus
holder to the windshield, the dashboard or another suitable
location of the motor vehicle. The apparatus holders also include
often an adjustable support arm, for example, in the form of a
so-called goose neck, and an apparatus support device for engaging
and supporting the respective apparatus. It is also known to mount
the apparatus support device on the support arm in a removable
manner so that it can be replaced by another apparatus support
device designed specifically for supporting another instrument or
apparatus.
[0003] The use of such apparatus in a motor vehicle in connection
with the support device described is advantageous in many respects
since they are supported so as to be conveniently positioned
relative to a vehicle driver and can easily be removed and carried
along by the user, but there are some points which are not
satisfactory when using the instruments or apparatus supported on
such holders in a motor vehicle. For example, the acoustic
reproduction of messages of a mobile navigation apparatus is
difficult to understand when generated by the small loudspeakers of
the apparatus as the driving, the wind, and the traffic noises are
often overwhelming. Also, the cables needed in connection with such
apparatus are often distracting for example when a GPS antenna is
to be mounted on the windshield out of the field of sight of the
driver or another suitable location and connected to the instrument
via a cable which may loosely run through the passenger compartment
and disturb the driver or passenger of the motor vehicle.
[0004] It is the object of the present invention to provide an
improved apparatus or instrument holder which renders the use of
such an apparatus or instrument in connection with a holder in a
vehicle more convenient and more efficient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In a modular holder for supporting an apparatus or
instrument such as a minicomputer or a cell phone, comprising a
support member with a support head and an apparatus holder
supported thereby, an intermediate function box is releasably
mounted with one side thereof by an engagement structure onto the
support head and the apparatus holder is releasably mounted onto
another side of the intermediate function box and the intermediate
function box by an identical engagement structure so that the
apparatus holder or an apparatus can be selectively monted directly
onto the support head or via the function box.
[0006] The modular apparatus or instrument holder according to the
invention comprises a device which is mounted to the vehicle at a
suitable location such as the windshield, the dashboard or the
center console and which includes a mounting foot, a support arm
extending from the mounting foot and carrying a support device for
holding and engaging the respective apparatus or instrument such
that it can be easily removed from, and again deposited on, the
support device. Between the support arm and the support device, a
multipurpose intermediate mounting box is provided which
particularly includes at least one loudspeaker and an amplifier for
amplifying the acoustic messages of the apparatus or instrument
disposed on the holder and transmit them with good sound quality
and volume. For adjusting the volume, the box may include a volume
control. Between the back of the box and the front of the support
arm head, a space is provided by an appropriate configuration of
the connecting structure so that sound waves can be emitted from
sound exit openings on the backside of the box. A sound signal
input receptacle at the side of the box is provided for plugging in
a (audio output) cable of the apparatus or instrument supported on
the holder.
[0007] Preferably, several functions are provided by the box.
Particularly, the box may also serve as power supply or power
transmission device for supplying power to the apparatus or
instruments supported on the holder. To this end, it is provided
with a receptacle which, by way of a cable, can be connected to a
power supply plug or receptacle of the motor vehicle, for example,
the cigarette lighter receptacle. Furthermore, the box may serve as
an antenna device for plugging in a GPS antenna. The GPS antenna
preferably includes an antenna socket on which the antenna is
pivotally supported and which itself is firmly connected to a plug
for insertion into the antenna receptacle of the box. The
navigation apparatus is connected to a second antenna receptacle of
the box by way of an antenna cable.
[0008] The invention will become more readily apparent from the
following description of an embodiment thereof on the basis of the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side view of the apparatus holder according to
the invention with an apparatus or instrument including a GPS
antenna module supported on the holder, wherein however the outer
connecting cables have been omitted,
[0010] FIG. 2 shows, in an exploded view, the intermediate box and
the GPS antenna module in a side view,
[0011] FIG. 3 is a rear end view of the intermediate box with
antenna module plugged into the box,
[0012] FIG. 4 is another side view of the intermediate box with the
antenna module plugged in,
[0013] FIG. 5 is a front view of the intermediate box with the
antenna module plugged in,
[0014] FIG. 6 is a top view of the intermediate box with the
antenna module removed,
[0015] FIG. 7 is a top view of the intermediate box with the
antenna module plugged in, and
[0016] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the intermediate box with the
antenna module plugged in.
DESCRIPTION OF A PARTICULAR EMBODIMENT
[0017] The drawings are schematic drawings to show the setup of the
arrangement according to the invention with the essential features
without unnecessary details.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a complete modular apparatus or instrument holder
according to the invention with an instrument supported thereon and
a GPS antenna plugged into the instrument holder.
[0019] The modular apparatus or instrument holder comprises a
support arm module with a mounting foot 1 in the form of a suction
device by means of which the support module is attached for example
to the windshield WS of a motor vehicle via a bendable, flexible
support arm 2 at the free end of which a support head 3 in the form
of a mounting plate is arranged. Of course, the support arm module
may be of a different design: it may include for example a rigid
column disposed on a mounting foot and carrying, at its free end, a
head in the form of a mounting plate. Such support arm modules are
known for various conventional holders.
[0020] In the modular apparatus or instrument holder according to
the invention, an intermediate box 4 is mounted onto the support
arm head 3 which intermediate box 4 will be described below in
greater detail. An apparatus or instrument holder 5 is mounted onto
the intermediate box 4. The instrument holder 5 is specifically
designed for the reception of a particular instrument G and is
therefore configured in accordance with the shape of the particular
instrument or apparatus which it is to receive and engage.
[0021] In conventional apparatus or instrument holders which are
removable, the instrument holder is mounted directly onto the
support head 3. In the arrangement according to the invention, the
multipurpose intermediate box 4 is disposed between the support arm
head 3 and the apparatus holder 5. In the embodiment shown also, a
GPS antenna module 6 is plugged into the intermediate box 6.
[0022] The intermediate box 4, shown in FIGS. 2 to 8 from all
sides, is in the present example an active loudspeaker box, a power
supply device and an antenna structure.
[0023] The support arm head 3, the intermediate box 4 and the
apparatus holder 5 all consist preferably of a plastic material and
are interconnected by rapid coupling mechanisms. The rapid coupling
mechanisms comprise a number of preferably hook-like projections 7
with L-shaped cross-sections on one part and complementary slots 8
formed in the other part for engagement with the one part: the
hook-like projections 7 are inserted into the complementary slots 8
and the one part is then moved laterally slightly with respect to
the other whereby the two parts are firmly engaged with one
another. Such an engagement structure is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,740,995. The rapid coupling structures between the apparatus
holder 5 and the intermediate box 4 and between the intermediate
box 4 and the support arm head 3 are preferably identical with
regard to their arrangement dimensioning and orientation and also
the same as used in other apparatus holders so that they are usable
interchangeably and the intermediate box is usable also in
connection with other holders or the instrument holders can be
mounted onto the support head directly without the intermediate
box.
[0024] As shown in the side view of FIG. 2, the hook-like
projections 7 are provided on the front side and the insertion
slots 8 (not visible in FIG. 2) are provided on the projecting legs
9 on the backside of the intermediate box 4. On the side of the
intermediate box 4 visible in FIG. 2, an audio signal input
terminal 10 and a volume control 11 are arranged.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows the backside of the intermediate box 4 with the
legs 9 and the slots 8 formed therein for receiving the hook-like
projections of the support arm head 3. Furthermore, the
intermediate box 4 is provided on the backside with sound slots 12
for the sound waves generated by a loudspeaker installed in the box
4. The legs 9 provide for a gap between the car wall of the box 4
and the support arm head 3 so that the sound waves can exit through
the sound slots 12 and are reflected by the mounting plate of the
support arm head 3 into the surrounding area. Of course, the sound
slots 12 may be arranged at the front side of the intermediate box
4 and a gap for the sound waves may then be provided between the
front side of the sound box and the apparatus or instrument holder
5. It is noted however that the arrangement with the sound slots at
the back side of the intermediate box 4 has been found to be more
expedient. Of course, sound exit openings may also be provided in
the side walls of the intermediate box. A practical arrangement
will depend on what functions altogether will be incorporated into
the intermediate box 4 and on space considerations. The side
surfaces of the intermediate box 4 however are expediently used for
the installation of the necessary plug sockets as will be apparent
from the description below.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows the intermediate box 4 from the side opposite
that shown in FIG. 2. At this side, a power input plug socket 13
and GPS antenna input signal plug socket 14 are provided. Into the
plug socket 13, the plug of a power supply cable can be inserted
whose other end has a plug fitting into the cigarette lighter
socket of the vehicle. Into the GPS antenna input socket 14, a GPS
antenna cable plug can be inserted of a GPS antenna mounted for
example on the windshield or on the dashboard of the vehicle.
[0027] FIG. 5 shows the front side of the intermediate box 4 with
the hook-like projections 7 extending therefrom for reception in
the respective slots in the back walls of the apparatus or
instrument holder 5.
[0028] FIG. 6 shows the intermediate box 4 in a top view wherein
the legs 9 at the rear side and the hook-like projections 7 at the
front side are clearly visible. At the top side, an antenna plug-in
socket 15 is provided in the form of a mini-USB socket 15 into
which a corresponding mini-USB plug 16 projecting from the GPS
antenna module 6 is inserted when the GPS antenna module 6 is
placed in position on top of the intermediate box 4. The antenna
module is shown in all figures except in FIG. 6 in order to be able
to show the USB socket 15.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a top view similar to FIG. 6 showing the GPS
antenna module 6 plugged into the intermediate box 4.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the intermediate box 4 with a GPS
antenna module 6 plugged into the intermediate box 4. At the
underside of the intermediate box 4, a charging/data socket 17 is
arranged into which a corresponding plug of a charging/data cable
of the apparatus or instrument G can be inserted. By way of the
charging/data socket 17, the apparatus or instrument G obtains from
the intermediate box 4 firstly electric power for the operation of
the apparatus or instrument G, that is, for charging the batteries
thereof and secondly GPS antenna data. These data may be provided
by the antenna module 6 plugged into the intermediate box 4 or from
another GPS antenna mounted remote from the intermediate box 4 and
connected thereto via an antenna cable plugged into the antenna
input socket 14 arranged at one side of the intermediate box 4.
[0031] As already mentioned, the intermediate box 4 includes a
loudspeaker as indicated in FIG. 3 by the circular loudspeaker
sound openings 12 and also an amplifier which can be controlled by
the volume controller 10 arranged at a side of the intermediate box
4. Power is supplied to the amplifier by way of the power input
plug socket 13.
[0032] Furthermore, the intermediate box 4 is in the embodiment
shown also a power supply device, which, via the power supply plug
socket 13, supplies electrical power received from a vehicle
electric power outlet via the power input plug socket 13 at the
required voltage to the respective apparatus or instrument G and to
the amplifier for controlling the sound volume.
[0033] As already pointed out, the intermediate box 4 may be
connected to an antenna structure, which may simply be plugged as
GPS antenna module directly into the intermediate box 4 or provide
for the connection of a GPS antenna arranged elsewhere in the motor
vehicle. By means of the power supply included in the intermediate
box 4 also the respective GPS antenna can be supplied with electric
power and the data signals supplied by the antenna can be supplied
by a corresponding data line within the intermediate box to the
output socket 17.
[0034] The described functions are of course to be considered to be
exemplary. The intermediate box according to the invention may
accommodate fewer functions than those described or it may have
additional functions depending on the type and the requirements of
the apparatus or instrument G.
[0035] The GPS antenna module 6 shown in FIG. 2 separated from the
intermediate box 4 and in FIGS. 3-7 and 8 plugged into the
intermediate box 4 includes a socket 18 on which the mini-USB plug
16 is firmly mounted. On this socket 18, an antenna carrier 19 is
rotatably supported and carries an antenna element 20 by way of a
hinge structure 21. The antenna element 20 can in this way be
adjusted on the socket 18 as to its inclination and its rotational
orientation for optimizing the reception.
* * * * *