U.S. patent application number 13/400066 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-22 for hands free electronic device holder.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jon M. Harvey. Invention is credited to Jon M. Harvey.
Application Number | 20130214022 13/400066 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48981515 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130214022 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harvey; Jon M. |
August 22, 2013 |
Hands Free Electronic Device Holder
Abstract
A collapsible hands free electronic device holder worn upon the
chest of a user and supported by a shoulder harness, the electronic
device securely attached and held by the holder at a comfortable
viewing height and angle to the user.
Inventors: |
Harvey; Jon M.; (Germantown,
TN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Harvey; Jon M. |
Germantown |
TN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48981515 |
Appl. No.: |
13/400066 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/623 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 11/041 20130101;
A45F 2003/148 20130101; F16M 11/38 20130101; F16M 11/043 20130101;
F16M 11/2021 20130101; F16M 13/04 20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101;
A45F 2200/0525 20130101; F16M 13/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/623 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/14 20060101
A45F003/14 |
Claims
1. An device support worn by an individual for hands free use of
said device, said support comprising: an elongated chest piece; a
harness, wherein said harness secures said elongated chest piece to
said individual; a swing arm pivotally connected to said chest
piece, said swing arm positioned between said digital device and
said chest piece; a sliding arm, said sliding arm slidably
connected to said swing arm, said sliding arm positioned between
said digital device and said swing arm; wherein said swing arm
retracts within said chest piece.
2. The hands-free support of claim 1 further comprising a sliding
lock mechanism, said harness connected to said sliding lock
mechanism, said sliding lock mechanism slidably connected to said
elongated chest piece, wherein said sliding lock mechanism may be
slid to a first position to allow opening of said hands-free
holder, and slid to a second position to prevent opening of said
hands-free holder.
3. The hands-free support of claim 1 further comprising a device
holder, said device holder possessing a lower vertical wall and an
upper vertical, where said lower vertical wall and said upper
vertical wall are biased to clamp the electronic device
therebetween.
4. The hands-free support of claim 1 further comprising a swing arm
support, a first end of said swing arm support pivotally connected
to said sliding arm and a second end of said swing arm support
pivotally connected to said elongated chest piece.
5. The hands-free support of claim 4 wherein said sliding arm
extends out from said swing arm as said swing arm rotates outward
from said elongated chest piece.
6. The hands-free support of claim 1 further comprising a swing arm
support, a first end of said swing arm support pivotally connected
to said swing arm and a second end of said swing arm support
pivotally connected to said elongated chest piece.
7. A hands-free support worn by an individual for viewing of a
digital device, said support comprising: an elongated chest piece,
said elongated chest piece having a rear wall, a first side wall,
and a second side wall; a harness, wherein said harness secures
said elongated chest piece to said individual; a swing arm
pivotally connected to said chest piece at a first pivotal
connection, said swing arm positioned between said digital device
and said chest piece; a sliding arm, said sliding arm slidably
connected to said swing arm, said sliding arm positioned between
said digital device and said swing arm; and a swing arm support
pivotally connected at a second pivot to said elongated chest piece
and connected to said swing arm.
8. The hands free support of claim 7 wherein said swing arm support
is connected to said swing arm by pivotally connecting to said
sliding arm, said sliding arm slidably connecting to said swing
arm.
9. The hands free support of claim 8 wherein said sliding arm moves
along an axis that extends along the length of said swing arm,
wherein when said swing arm rotates from a closed position against
said elongated chest piece to an open position away from said
elongated chest piece, said sliding arm retracting toward said
first pivotal connection as said swing arm is closed, and extending
away from said first pivotal connection as said swing arm is
opened.
10. The hands free support of claim 7 wherein said sliding arm is
retained in a fixed position by one or more magnets.
11. The hands free support of claim 7 wherein said swing arm
support is comprised of a first swing arm support member and a
second swing arm support member, said first member pivotally
connected to said elongated chest piece at said second pivot, said
second member pivotally connected to said swing arm at a third
pivot, said first and second members are biased to extend away from
one another.
12. The hands free support of claim 11, wherein said swing arm
support is comprised of at least one piston.
13. The hands free support of claim 11 wherein said third pivot
lays between said elongated chest piece rear wall and an imaginary
line drawn between and connecting said first pivot and said second
pivot when said swing arm is in a closed position, thereby allowing
said swing arm support bias to extend to produce a moment about
said second pivot to retain said swing arm in the closed
position.
14. The hands-free support of claim 7 further comprising a sliding
lock mechanism, said harness connected to said sliding lock
mechanism, said sliding lock mechanism slidably connected to said
elongated chest piece, wherein said sliding lock mechanism may be
slid to a first position to allow opening of said hands-free
holder, and slid to a second position to prevent opening of said
hands-free holder.
15. The hands-free support of claim 7 further comprising an
electronic device holder, said electronic device holder possessing
a lower vertical wall and an upper vertical, where said lower
vertical wall and said upper vertical wall are biased to clamp the
electronic device therebetween, said electronic device holder
attached to said sliding arm.
16. A hands-free support worn by an individual for viewing of a
digital device, said support comprising: an elongated chest piece;
a harness, wherein said harness secures said elongated chest piece
to said individual; a swing arm pivotally connected to said chest
piece a first pivotal connection, said swing arm positioned between
said digital device and said chest piece; a sliding arm, said
sliding arm slidably connected to said swing arm, said sliding arm
positioned between said digital device and said swing arm, said
sliding arm moveable along an axis generally parallel to the length
of said swing arm; a swing arm support, said swing arm support
having a first end pivotally connected to said elongated chest
piece and a second end pivotally connected to said sliding arm; at
least one magnet frictionally engaging said sliding arm and
retained generally stationary with respect to said swing arm
whereas when said swing arm is able to pivot from a closed position
against said elongated chest piece to an open position away from
said elongated chest piece, said sliding arm slides away from said
first pivotal connection as said swing arm is opened and said
sliding arm retracts toward said first pivotal connection as said
swing arm is closed.
17. The hands-free support of claim 16 further comprising a sliding
lock mechanism, said harness connected to said sliding lock
mechanism, said sliding lock mechanism slidably connected to said
elongated chest piece, wherein said sliding lock mechanism may be
slid to a first position to allow opening of said hands-free
holder, and slid to a second position to prevent opening of said
hands-free holder.
18. The hands-free support of claim 16 further comprising an
electronic device holder, said electronic device holder possessing
a lower vertical wall and an upper vertical, where said lower
vertical wall and said upper vertical wall are biased to clamp the
electronic device therebetween, said electronic device holder
attached to said sliding arm.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Electronic devices have become ever increasingly popular in
today's digitally social society. Electronic devices, such as
phones, video players, and tablet computers are often used by
individuals who wish to, among other things, view pictures, videos,
or video chat with others. When the device is held for long periods
of time, the users arm's fatigue, and the height of the device is
ultimately lowered from a comfortable eye-level to the level of the
user's table or lap, causing excessive flexion of the cervical, and
thoracic vertebral bodies, causing joint pain, inflammation and
soreness of the back and neck, as well as potential injury to the
neck muscles and spinal column. Us of the device without having to
hold it would be ideal for prolonged use. Portable electronic
devices, however, do not lend themselves to hands-free use, because
of the small screen and shape that limits the ability to tilt or
raise the screen to a comfortable position.
[0002] Current hand's free electronic device holders that are aimed
at assisting user in holding the device at a comfortable level lack
the ability to be collapsed and stored within a self contained
package. Other devices require multiple cumbersome steps to don and
doff the electronic device holder, or require special garments that
in themselves are bulky and award to use. These additional
inconvenient steps or garments discourage use of a hands free
device.
[0003] A need exists for a portable electronic device hands free
holder that enables a user to hold the device at a comfortable
height, and deploy and store quickly for rapid, easy and convenient
use.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] The current invention provides a hands-free holder that can
quickly be deployed and worn by an individual for viewing of a
digital device. The unit consists of a slender elongated chest
piece, harness, and a mounting bracket for the electronic device.
The elongated chest piece unfolds and extends to attach to and
support the bracket and electronic device. The invention includes
an electronic device attachment bracket for securing an electronic
device to a sliding retractable arm slideably connected to a
pivoting swing arm, which in turn is pivotally connected to an
elongated chest piece that attaches to a harness worn by the user.
When in a compact stored configuration, the sliding arm and pivot
arm and retracted within the elongated chest piece. The harness may
be detached, or may be simply wrapped around the chest piece. The
mounting bracket may be left on the electronic device, or removed
and stored with the elongated chest piece and/or harness. When
collapsed in the stored position, a locking slide ring slips over
the swing arm preventing accidental deployment. The locking slide
ring also provides an attachment point for the harness, ensuring it
is unlocked and ready for deployment when worn. When deploying,
after donning and attaching the elongated chest piece to the
harness, the user rotates the swing arm away from the elongated
chest piece. The sliding arm then either both automatically and
simultaneously extends, or the user manually pulls the sliding arm
out extending it to the desired length. The electronic device and
mounting bracket are then attached to the sliding arm and adjusted
for user viewing.
[0005] The ease of deployment of the device and compact storage
makes the device easy to carry and use. Positioning of the
electronic device at a comfortable height allows the user to enjoy
viewing of the electronic device without the associated arm and
neck strain from holding the device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an individual viewing a
personal electronic device held by the invention, the invention
worn by the individual for hands free viewing of the electronic
device.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the elongated chest
piece.
[0009] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the elongated
chest piece.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a side view of the elongated chest piece in a
deployed position.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a side view of the elongated chest piece with the
sliding arm in a partially deployed position.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a side view of the elongated chest piece with the
sliding arm in a retracted position.
[0013] FIG. 8A is a fragmentary side view of the elongated chest
piece.
[0014] FIG. 8B is a front view of the elongated chest piece with
the sliding lock mechanism in the unlocked position.
[0015] FIG. 9A is a side view of the elongated chest piece.
[0016] FIG. 9B is a rear view of the elongated chest piece with the
sliding lock mechanism in the locked position.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the invention in a closed
position with the electronic device and holder detached from the
chest piece.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the elongated chest piece
of a second embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a perspective front view of a third embodiment of
the invention in the open position.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a perspective rear view of a third embodiment of
the elongated chest piece of the invention in the open
position.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a perspective front view of a third embodiment of
the elongated chest piece of the invention in the open
position.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a side view of a third embodiment of the
elongated chest piece of the invention in the open position.
[0023] FIG. 16 is a perspective front view of a third embodiment of
the elongated chest piece of the invention with the sliding arm
retracted.
[0024] FIG. 17 is a side view of a third embodiment of the
elongated chest piece of the invention with the sliding arm
retracted.
[0025] FIG. 18 is a fragmentary side view of a third embodiment of
the elongated chest piece of the invention with the sliding arm and
swing arm retracted.
[0026] FIG. 19A is a front view of a third embodiment of the
elongated chest piece of the invention with the sliding arm and
swing arm retracted and the sliding mechanism in the unlocked
position.
[0027] FIG. 19B is a front view of a third embodiment of the
elongated chest piece of the invention with the sliding arm and
swing arm retracted and the sliding mechanism in the locked
position.
[0028] FIG. 19C is a rear view of a third embodiment of the
elongated chest piece of the invention with the sliding arm and
swing arm retracted and the sliding mechanism in the locked
position.
[0029] FIG. 20 is an exploded front perspective view of a third
embodiment of the elongated chest piece of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of
the mounting portion of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the mounting portion
of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 23 is an exploded rear perspective view of the mounting
portion of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 24A is a rear view of the mounting portion of the
invention.
[0034] FIG. 24B is a bottom view of the mounting portion of the
invention.
[0035] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion of
the invention of FIG. 24A taken at section line 25-25 in FIG.
24A.
[0036] FIG. 26 is a front view of a second embodiment of the
mounting portion of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion of
the invention of FIG. 26 taken at section line 27-27 in FIG.
26.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] The disclosed invention, shown in FIG. 1, allows a user 1 to
view an electronic device 11 without the need to physically hold
the electronic device 11. The first embodiment invention 101 has an
electronic device attachment portion 201, a support portion 301 and
a shoulder support 401. The invention 101 allows the electronic
device 11 to be held in a position for comfortable viewing by the
user 1 allowing a comfortable neutral neck and back posture while
freeing the user's hands.
[0039] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
invention 101. The electronic device attachment 201 of this
embodiment secures the electronic device to the support portion
301. The electronic device attachment 201 is comprised of an upper
portion 211 and a lower portion 251. Rods 241 attached to the upper
portion 211 are biased to retract within the lower portion 251 to
clamp the electronic device between walls upper vertical wall 215
and lower vertical wall 255. The electronic device is further
retained by upper lip 217 and lower lip 257 and against upper body
213 and lower body 253 of the upper portion 211 and lower portion
251 respectively of the electronic device attachment 201.
[0040] In this first embodiment 101, the support portion 301 is
detachably secured to the electronic device attachment 201 at the
end of a sliding arm 311. The sliding arm 311 is attached in turn
to a swing arm 331 that is supported by a plurality of swing arm
supports 321. While this particular embodiment possesses a
plurality of swing arm supports 321, it should be understood the
invention 101 may possess only a single swing arm support 321. The
bottom of the swing arm 331 and one end of the swing arm support
321 are pivotally attached to the bottom of an elongated chest
piece 361. The elongated chest piece 361 is supported by a shoulder
support 401, here in the form of a shoulder harness. In this
embodiment the shoulder harness 401 is attached to the elongated
chest piece 361 by a sliding lock mechanism 391 having a slide 393,
and a backplate 395. The sliding lock mechanism 391 is slidably
attached to the chest piece 361, the slide 391 being limited in
vertical movement along the elongated chest piece 361 by an upper
plate 363 and a lower plate 365.
[0041] In this embodiment, the shoulder support 401 is a shoulder
harness having a right strap 403 and a left strap 405 attaching at
the backplate 395. Here, the straps 403 and 405 meet at a D-ring
407. The front side end of the strap 403 or 405 is fed through a
slot 397 or 399 on the back plate 395 and secured to itself by hook
and loop fastener 411, 413. Alternatively, the strap 403 or 405 may
be secured by other means, including snaps, buckle or sewing. The
rear side end of the strap 403 or 405 is fed through the D-ring 407
and secured to itself by hook and loop fastener 421, 423.
Alternatively the strap 403 or 405 may be secured to itself by
other means, including snaps, buckle or sewing. Adjustable under
arm straps 433 and 435 are fastened to strap 403 and 405
respectively, and aid in securing the harness 401 to the user 1.
The right under arm strap 433 and left underarm strap 435 are
removably secured by a right buckle 443 and left buckle 445
respectively to allow donning and doffing of the harness 401.
[0042] FIG. 3 shows the first embodiment of the invention 101 with
the electronic device attachment 201 and shoulder support 401
detached from the unit showing only the support portion 301. The
support portion 301 is shown in the extended open position, with
the sliding support arm 311 and swing arm 331 fully extended. The
sliding lock mechanism 391 is in the unlocked position. The swing
arm 331 is supported by swing arm supports 321. In this embodiment,
the swing arm supports 321 are attached to the lower end of the
sliding support arm 311. The sliding support arm 311 is slidably
retained by a retaining block 333 attached to the front wall 345 of
the swing arm 331. A guide block 351 possessing a grove or channel
353 provides additional support for the sliding support arm 311 and
swing arm 331. While retaining block 333 and guide block 351, in
the present embodiment, are machined, molded or otherwise formed
from the same piece as the front wall 345, it should be understood
that any or all of the components may be machined, molded or
otherwise formed separately then joined to form the swing arm. 331.
The swing arm 301 is pivotally connected to an elongated chest
piece 361 by a hinge 389.
[0043] The elongated chest piece 361 connects the swing arm 301 to
the shoulder support 401. In this embodiment, the elongated chest
piece 361 provides an enclosure 367 formed by a right side wall
369, a left side wall 371 and a rear wall 373. The enclosure 367
contains the swing arm 331, sliding support arm 311 and swing arm
supports 321 when in the closed position. The sliding lock
mechanism 391 is slidably attached to the elongated chest piece
361. The sliding lock mechanism 391 attaches the harness 401 to the
support portion 301. In this embodiment, the sliding lock mechanism
391 is comprised of a slide 393 and a backplate 395. In this
particular embodiment, the slide 393 is provided additional support
and guidance from a right guide rod 381 and a left guide rod
383.
[0044] FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the first
embodiment of the invention 101. The wall of aperture 335 in the
retaining block 333 linearly guides the sliding support arm 311.
One or more magnets 337 frictionally engage sliding support arm 311
providing resistance of movement of the sliding support arm 311
through the retaining block 333. The magnets 337 fit within lateral
apertures 339. The magnets 337 are covered by plugs 341 preventing
removal of the magnets 337 once the unit 301 is assembled.
[0045] The swing arm 331 is pivotally connected by a hinge 389 to
the elongated chest piece 367. The sliding support arm 311 is
pivotally connected to the swing arm support 321 by a pin 315
passing through an aperture 313 in the sliding support arm 311. A
lower aperture 323 in the swing arm support 321 receives a portion
of the pin 315. The upper portion of the swing arm support 321 is
pivotally connected to the elongated chest piece 361 by an upper
pin 327 passing through an upper aperture 325 in the swing arm
support 321 and an aperture 328 in the swing arm support bearing
block 329. The swing arm support bearing block 329 is fastened to
the rear wall 373. In this embodiment the bearing block 329 is
fastened to the rear wall 373 by screws 340.
[0046] In this embodiment, the top plate 363 and bottom plate 365
limit movement of the slide lock mechanism 391. The bottom plate
365 and top plate 363 possesses a plurality of recesses 366 that
receive the ends of the right and left guide rods 381, 383. The top
plate 363 and bottom plate 365 are attached to the top and bottom
ends of the elongated chest piece 361. In this embodiment, the top
and bottom end plates 363, 365 are attached by screws 362.
[0047] The slide lock mechanism 391 of the current embodiment is
comprised of a slide 393 and backplate 395. In the current
embodiment screws 399 secure the backplate 395 to the slide,
passing through a spacer 397 positioned between the backplate 395
and slide 393.
[0048] FIG. 5 shows the support portion 301 of the invention 101
fully extended. The sliding support arm 311 is fully extended in
the retaining block 333 and the swing arm is fully extended,
rotating from the hinge 389 and supported by the swing arm support
321. Here the sliding lock mechanism 391 is extended upward in the
unlocked position. The upper swing arm support hinge pivot can be
seen in dotted lines of the elongated chest piece 361.
[0049] FIG. 6 shows the support portion 301 of the invention 101
partially extended. The sliding support arm 311 is partially
retracted in the retaining block 333 and the swing arm 331 is
partially retracted. The lower portion of the sliding support arm
311 slides along the guide block 351 in the guide block groove 353
towards the hinge 389 joining the swing arm 331 and elongated chest
piece 361.
[0050] FIG. 7 shows the sliding support arm 311 nearly fully
retracted toward the hinge 389. As the sliding support arm 311
retracts further, the swing arm 331 swings upward and towards the
elongated chest piece 361.
[0051] FIG. 8A shows the swing arm 311 fully retracted against the
elongated chest piece 361. The retainer block 333, guide block 351,
sliding support arm 311 and swing arm support 321 are within the
elongated chest piece enclosure 367 and shown as dotted lines. The
left guide rod support 383 is shown partially cut away for
clarity.
[0052] FIG. 8B shows a front view of the support portion 301 of the
invention 101 showing the right guide rod 381, right guide rod 383,
slide locking mechanism 391, swing arm 331, top plate 363 and
bottom plate 365.
[0053] FIG. 9A shows the left side of the support portion 301 of
the invention 101 with the sliding lock mechanism 391 in the locked
position, preventing extension of the swing arm 331 from the
elongated chest piece 361.
[0054] FIG. 9B shows the rear view of the support portion 301 of
the invention 101 with the sliding lock mechanism 391 in the locked
position, preventing extension of the swing arm 331 from the
elongated chest piece 361.
[0055] FIG. 10 shows the invention 101 in a folded closed position,
the shoulder support 401 wrapped around the support portion 301.
The electronic device 11 and electronic device attachment 201 is
shown detached from the support portion 301. The sliding lock
mechanism 391 is shown in the unlocked up position. To ensure
closure of the swing arm 331, the sliding lock mechanism 391 may be
slid downwards. In the folded position, the invention 101 may be
easily carried, slipped inside a pack, purse or pocket, or stored
away for later use. The electronic device attachment 201 may remain
attached to the electronic device 11, or removed, at the preference
of the user.
[0056] FIG. 11 shows a second alternative embodiment of the support
portion 501 the invention 101. This second alternative embodiment
lacks guide rods 381, 383 to guide the sliding lock mechanism 591,
and instead relies upon the outer walls of the support portion 501
to guide the sliding lock mechanism 591. The slide 593 top plate
593 and bottom plate 595 of this embodiment are narrower than in
the first embodiment, reducing the overall width of the unit.
[0057] FIG. 12 shows a front perspective view of a third embodiment
the support portion 701 and electronic device attachment 601 of the
invention 101. The sliding lock mechanism 791 is shown in the
unlocked up position on the elongated chest piece 761 and the swing
arm 731 and sliding support arm 711 of this third embodiment are
fully extended. In this embodiment, the swing arm support 721 is
comprised of a sleeve portion 723 and a plurality of pistons 725.
It should be understood that while the current embodiment shows a
plurality of pistons 725, a single piston my also used. The pistons
725 are biased to extend from the sleeve portion 723 until a
maximum predetermined stop position. The swing arm 731 rotates
about a pivot 787 at the bottom portion of the elongated chest
piece 761. The swing arm support 721 rotates about the upper swing
arm support pivot hinge 729 attached to the elongated chest piece
761.
[0058] FIG. 13 shows a rear perspective view of the third
embodiment of the support portion 701 of the invention 101. The
pistons 725 are pivotally attached to the swing arm 731 by a lower
swing arm support pivot hinge 733 attached to the swing arm back
735. The piston 725 is limited in its extension by a retaining pin
727 that follows a grove 728 in the piston 725. An electronic
device attachment nub 703 is positioned on the end of the sliding
support arm 711 for attaching the electronic device attachment
portion 601. The sliding support arm 711 possesses a reinforcing
guide rib 713 extending approximately the length of the sliding
support arm. 711.
[0059] FIG. 14 shows a front perspective view of the support
portion 701 with the sliding support arm 711 and swing arm 731
fully extended. The swing arm support 721 provides support to the
swing arm 711 limiting its extension. The swing arm support upper
pivot 729 is mounted to the rear wall 773 of the elongated chest
piece 761 within the enclosure 767. The top plate 763 and bottom
plate 765 provide a top extended lip 764 and a lower extended lip
766 limiting the amount of travel of the sliding lock mechanism
791.
[0060] FIG. 15 shows a side view of the support portion 701 with
the sliding arm 711 and swing arm 731 fully extended. The swing arm
support 721 limits the swing arm 731 extension and the pistons 725
are biased to extend from the sleeve portion 723, helping to keep
the swing arm 731 in the extended position.
[0061] FIG. 16 shows a front perspective view of the support
portion 701 with the sliding arm 711 fully retracted within the
swing arm 731 and the swing arm 731 partially retracted within the
elongated chest piece 761. As the swing arm 731, it pivots about
the swing arm pivot 787 and folds into the elongated chest piece
enclosure 767.
[0062] FIG. 17 shows a side view of the support portion 701 with
the sliding arm 711 fully retracted within the swing arm 731 and
the swing arm 731 partially retracted within the elongated chest
piece 761. The swing arm 731 rotates about a lower hinge, shown
here as a pin 787 extending through the elongated chest piece
761.
[0063] FIG. 18 shows a side view of the support portion 701 with
the sliding arm 711 fully retracted within the swing arm 731 and
the swing arm 731 fully retracted within the elongated chest piece
761. A portion of the side wall of the elongated chest piece 761
has been removed for clarity. Each piston 725 is biased to extend
from the sleeve portion 723 of the swing arm support 721. When
closed, the lower swing arm support pivot 733 falls behind the line
between the upper swing arm support pivot 729 and the swing arm
pivot 789 causing a moment about the swing arm pivot 789 that
retains the swing arm 731 in a closed position when closed.
[0064] FIG. 19A shows a front view of the support portion 701 with
the sliding arm 711 fully retracted within the swing arm 731 and
the swing arm 731 fully retracted within the elongated chest piece
761. The sliding lock mechanism 791 is in the unlocked, up,
position. The sliding lock mechanism 791 may possess a right
protrusion 793 and a left protrusion 795 to which a shoulder
support may be mounted. FIG. 19B shows a front view of the support
portion 701 with the sliding arm 711 fully retracted within the
swing arm 731 and the swing arm 731 fully retracted within the
elongated chest piece 761. The sliding lock mechanism 791 is in the
locked, down, position thereby preventing the opening of the swing
arm 731. FIG. 19C shows a rear view of the support portion 701 with
the sliding arm 711 fully retracted within the swing arm 731 and
the swing arm 731 fully retracted within the elongated chest piece
761. The sliding lock mechanism 791 is in the locked, down,
position.
[0065] FIG. 20 shows an exploded front perspective view of the
support portion 701 of the third embodiment of the invention. The
sliding support arm 711 lies between the swing arm back 735 and
swing arm front 737. A groove 715 in the sliding support arm 711
engages a protrusion on the rear side of the swing arm front 737 to
prevent the sliding support arm 711 from falling out of the swing
arm 711 when assembled. Shown here, each piston 725 is biased to
extend from the swing arm support 721 sleeve portion 723 under
pressure from a spring 724. It should be understood that other
means to bias the piston or pistons could be used, including
compressed gas. An upper swing arm support pivot hinge 729 is
attached the rear wall 773 of the enclosure 767 of the elongated
chest piece 761 and pivotally connected to the swing arm support
721. A bottom plate 765 prevents the sliding lock mechanism 791
from sliding past the lower end of the elongated chest piece 761.
In the present embodiment, the bottom plate 765 is secured by a
plurality of screws 766. A top plate 763 prevents the sliding lock
mechanism 791 from sliding past the upper end of the elongated
chest piece 761.
[0066] FIG. 21 shows a front perspective view of the second
embodiment of the electronic device attachment 601. The electronic
device attachment 601 possesses an upper portion 611 and a lower
portion 651. Rods 641 are secured to the upper body 613 and are
biased to retract into the lower body 653. The upper portion 611
has an upper body 613, an upper vertical wall 615 lying in a plane
generally perpendicular to the attachment 601 and an upper lip 657
attached to the upper vertical wall 655. The lower portion 651 has
an lower body 653, an lower vertical wall 655 lying in a plane
generally perpendicular to the attachment 601 and an lower lip 657
attached to the lower vertical wall 615. As the rods 641 retract
into the lower body 653 the upper vertical wall 615 and lower
vertical wall 655 are drawn toward each other, clamping on the
user's electronic device, securing it in place.
[0067] FIG. 22 shows a rear perspective view of the second
embodiment of the electronic device attachment 601. The electronic
device attachment 601 possesses an upper portion 611 and a lower
portion 651. The lower body 653 rear wall possesses a recessed
groove 681 that accepts the electronic device attachment nub 703 of
the support portion of the third embodiment 701.
[0068] FIG. 23 shows a rear perspective exploded view of the
electronic device holder 601. The rods 641 each have a ridged head
643 that engages on end of a spring 645. When inserted through the
lower spring body aperture 654 and secured within the upper spring
body aperture 614, the spring compresses biasing the upper portion
611 and lower portion 651 toward each other. The rod 641 is secured
to the upper portion aperture 614 by any means, including, a
threaded connection, adhesive or weld.
[0069] FIG. 24A is a rear view of the of the electronic device
holder 601 showing the recessed groove 681 and undercut portion 683
in dotted lines.
[0070] FIG. 24B is a bottom view of the electronic device holder
601 showing the recessed groove 681 and undercut portion 683. The
undercut portion 683 engages the electronic device attachment nub
703 to secure the electronic device holder 601 to the sliding
support arm 711.
[0071] FIG. 25 shows a cutaway view of the electronic device holder
601 of FIG. 24A taken on line 25-25. The rod is extended from the
lower body 653 and the spring 646 is in a compressed state, forced
against the spring body aperture ridge 644 and the rod head ridge
643.
[0072] FIG. 26 shows a rear view of the first embodiment of the
electronic device holder 201. In this embodiment the lower portion
251 possesses a bore 281 that engages the sliding support arm 311
of the first and second embodiment 301
[0073] FIG. 27 is a cutaway view of the electronic device holder
201 of FIG. 24 taken on line 25-25. The sliding support arm bore
281 possesses a magnet 283 that engages the sliding support arm 311
and aids to retain the electronic device holder 201 on the support
portion 301 of the invention 101.
* * * * *