U.S. patent application number 13/779733 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-28 for line of sight mounting system for digital media players.
This patent application is currently assigned to Innovelis, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is INNOVELIS, INC.. Invention is credited to Wesley Edward Schwie, Brian Jeffrey Wengreen, Eric John Wengreen.
Application Number | 20140241705 13/779733 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51388263 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140241705 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wengreen; Brian Jeffrey ; et
al. |
August 28, 2014 |
LINE OF SIGHT MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR DIGITAL MEDIA PLAYERS
Abstract
The inventions disclosed herein include devices and methods that
allow users to couple a digital media player to a display screen.
Some embodiments position the digital media player along a
bottomside of the screen. Some embodiments position the digital
media player along a topside of the screen. In several embodiments,
the digital media player is positioned approximately horizontally
such that the digital media player is oriented approximately
parallel to the floor of the room.
Inventors: |
Wengreen; Brian Jeffrey;
(Maple Valley, WA) ; Wengreen; Eric John;
(Issaquah, WA) ; Schwie; Wesley Edward;
(Philadelphia, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INNOVELIS, INC. |
Samammish |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Innovelis, Inc.
Samammish
WA
|
Family ID: |
51388263 |
Appl. No.: |
13/779733 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
386/359 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/64 20130101; H04N
5/655 20130101; G06F 1/1605 20130101; G06F 1/1607 20130101; G06F
1/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
386/359 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/64 20060101
H04N005/64 |
Claims
1. A method for coupling a digital media player to a screen with a
backside, a screenside, a bottomside, and a topside, the method
comprising: obtaining a mounting device with a base portion and at
least two outside walls, wherein the base portion and the at least
two outside walls are configured to hold the digital media player,
the mounting device further comprising an arm that is configured to
couple the mounting device to the screen; configuring the arm so it
protrudes away from the base portion in a vertical direction;
positioning the digital media player along the bottomside of the
screen such that the digital media player is oriented approximately
horizontally while the mounting device is holding the digital media
player; and coupling the arm to the backside of the screen such the
arm is positioned above the digital media player.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising adhering the arm to
the backside of the screen.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the backside comprises a vent and
the method further comprising hooking the arm to the vent.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the backside comprises a threaded
hole and the method further comprising coupling the arm to the
threaded hole.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the mounting device has a
frontside retention member and the method further comprising moving
the frontside retention member relative to the base portion while
inserting the digital media player into the mounting device.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising extending the arm such
that an overall length of the arm becomes longer.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the arm has a lower portion that
is coupled to the base portion and the method further comprising
sliding the lower portion relative to the base portion.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising rotating the arm
relative to the base portion.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising coupling the arm to
the backside of the screen such that at least a portion of the
digital media player is visible from a viewing position that is
oriented directly at the screenside of the screen and located ten
feet from the screenside.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital media player has a
remote sensor configured to receive signals from a remote control
and the method further comprising coupling the arm to the backside
of the screen such that at least the remote sensor is visible from
a viewing position that is oriented directly at the screenside of
the screen and located ten feet from the screenside.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the vertical direction is within
plus or minus forty degrees of perpendicular to the base
portion.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising positioning the
digital media player five inches or less below the bottomside of
the screen.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the digital media player has a
bottom surface and side surfaces, wherein the bottom surface is
larger than the side surfaces and the method further comprising
orienting the bottom surface within plus or minus thirty degrees of
horizontal.
14. A method for coupling a digital media player to a screen with a
backside, a screenside, a bottomside, and a topside, the method
comprising: obtaining a mounting device with a base portion and at
least two outside walls, wherein the base portion and the at least
two outside walls are configured to hold the digital media player,
the mounting device further comprising an arm that is configured to
couple the mounting device to the screen, and an adhesive pad that
is configured to couple to the arm and configured to couple the
mounting device to the screen; rotating the arm relative to the
base portion such that the arm protrudes away from the base
portion; sliding the arm relative to the base portion such that the
arm moves relative to the base portion; positioning the mounting
device along the bottomside or along the topside of the screen;
configuring the arm such that the adhesive pad lays approximately
flat against a portion of the backside of the screen; and adhering
the adhesive pad to the backside of the screen.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the arm has an overall length
and the method further comprising extending the arm such that the
overall length of the arm becomes longer.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising positioning the
mounting device along the bottomside or along the topside of the
screen such that the base portion is oriented approximately
horizontally.
17. The method of claim 14, further comprising deforming a portion
of the mounting device while inserting the digital media player
into the mounting device, wherein the portion that deforms is
configured to at least partially secure the digital media player to
the mounting device.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the portion that deforms is a
frontside retention member.
19. A method for coupling a digital media player to a screen with a
backside, a screenside, a bottomside, and a topside, the method
comprising: obtaining a mounting device in a collapsed
configuration, the mounting device comprising a base portion and at
least two outside walls, wherein the base portion and the at least
two outside walls are configured to hold the digital media player,
the mounting device further comprising an arm that is configured to
couple the mounting device to the screen; and uncollapsing the
mounting device by rotating the arm relative to the base portion,
sliding the arm towards a middle of the base portion, and extending
the arm such that an overall length of the arm becomes longer.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the arm has an adhesive surface
and the method further comprising adjusting the arm such that the
adhesive surface is approximately flat against the backside,
adhering the adhesive surface to the backside, and holding the
digital media player with the mounting device while the mounting
device is adhered to the backside and while the digital media
player is located along the bottomside or along the topside of the
screen.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The disclosure U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/278,759,
filed on Oct. 21, 2011 and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/332,373, filed on Dec. 21, 2011, are hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Users often place digital media players near a television.
Television owners desire a convenient means to couple digital media
players.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one embodiment, the disclosure includes a method for
coupling a digital media player to a screen with a backside, a
screenside, a bottomside, and a topside. The method includes
obtaining a mounting device with a base portion and at least two
outside walls. The base portion and the at least two outside walls
are configured to hold the digital media player. The mounting
device further includes an arm that is configured to couple the
mounting device to the screen. The method also includes configuring
the arm so it protrudes away from the base portion in a vertical
direction. The method also includes positioning the digital media
player along the bottomside of the screen such that the digital
media player is oriented approximately horizontally while the
mounting device is holding the digital media player. The method may
also include coupling the arm to the backside of the screen such
the arm is positioned above the digital media player.
[0004] In another embodiment, the disclosure includes a method for
coupling a digital media player to a screen with a backside, a
screenside, a bottomside, and a topside. The method includes
obtaining a mounting device with a base portion and at least two
outside walls. The base portion and the at least two outside walls
are configured to hold the digital media player. The mounting
device further includes an arm that is configured to couple the
mounting device to the screen, and an adhesive pad that is
configured to couple to the arm and configured to couple the
mounting device to the screen. The method includes rotating the arm
relative to the base portion such that the arm protrudes away from
the base portion. The method also includes sliding the arm relative
to the base portion such that the arm moves relative to the base
portion. The method also includes positioning the mounting device
along the bottomside or along the topside of the screen. The method
also includes configuring the arm such that the adhesive pad lays
approximately flat against a portion of the backside of the screen.
The method may also include adhering the adhesive pad to the
backside of the screen.
[0005] In another embodiment, the disclosure includes a method for
coupling a digital media player to a screen with a backside, a
screenside, a bottomside, and a topside. The method includes
obtaining a mounting device in a collapsed configuration. The
mounting device includes a base portion and at least two outside
walls. The base portion and the at least two outside walls are
configured to hold the digital media player. The mounting device
further includes an arm that is configured to couple the mounting
device to the screen. The method also includes uncollapsing the
mounting device by rotating the arm relative to the base portion,
sliding the arm towards a middle of the base portion, and extending
the arm such that an overall length of the arm becomes longer.
[0006] The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set
forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other
features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be
apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a digital media player.
[0008] FIG. 2A illustrates a backside of a screen.
[0009] FIG. 2B illustrates a frontside of the screen.
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a mounting device.
[0011] FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate various embodiments of mounting
device coupled with digital media player.
[0012] FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate various views of a top member.
[0013] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate various views of a top slide
member.
[0014] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate different views of a side member.
[0015] FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate two different configurations for
coupling mounting device and digital media player to screen.
[0016] FIGS. 9A-9J illustrate various horizontal, vertical, and
pivotal positions of mounting device with respect to the
screen.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a flow-chart showing a method of coupling
mounting device to the screen.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a flow-chart showing a method of coupling
mounting device to a backside of the screen.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a flow-chart showing a method of coupling
mounting device to a bottomside or a topside of the screen.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a flow-chart showing a method of uncollapsing the
mounting device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The drawings show specific embodiments in which the
invention may be practiced, by way of example or illustration and
not by way of limitation. These embodiments are described in enough
detail through text and drawing figures to enable those skilled in
the art to practice the claimed invention. The embodiments may be
combined, other embodiments or embodiments may be utilized, or
structural, logical and mechanical changes may be made without
departing from the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. The
following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting
sense. The description below illustrates implementations of the
invention and does not limit the invention.
[0022] Owners of digital media players often prefer to couple their
digital media player near their screens. For example, a person who
owns a flat screen television that is coupled to the wall might
want to couple the digital media player onto the flat screen
television or onto the wall behind the flat screen television.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates digital media player 2 including cables
4. Digital media players include Digital Video Disc (DVD) players,
Blu-ray players, and digital media extenders such as an Apple TV,
Roku, Boxee TV, Netgear NeoTV, D-Link Boxee Box, Logitech Revue,
WD-TV Live, any Sony SMP-series devices, Seagate GoFlex TV, LG
SmartTV Upgrader, Sony Bravia Internet Video Link, or any other
digital media extender. Digital media players also include video
game consoles such as Ouya, Wii U, Wii, GameStick, Shield Project,
Steam Box, Atari Flashback 2, Atari Flashback 3, Atari Flashback 4,
EVO Smart Console, Retro Duo, Game Wave, Mattel HyperScan, OnLive,
PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 Slim, PlayStation 3 Super Slim, Xbox
360, Xbox 360 Slim, Zeebo, Zone, Sega Zone, or any other video game
console.
[0024] Cables 4 are electrically connected to digital media player
2. In one embodiment, digital signals are transmitted through
cables 4. The digital signals may be sent or received by digital
media player 2. Cables 4 may include a cable such as a
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cable. In the same or
in a different embodiment, digital media player 2 also receives
power through cables 4. As such, cables 4 may also include any
cable that is capable of power transmission.
[0025] In some embodiments, cables 4 include only one cable. In
this embodiment the one cable is capable of transmitting digital
signals and/or power. In this manner, the digital signals or power
may be transmitted wirelessly, while the other is transmitted
through the one cable. In some embodiments, neither the digital
signals nor power is transmitted wirelessly. In this manner, the
one cable transmits both the digital signals and power. In some
embodiments, cables 4 comprise two or more cables that are capable
of transmitting digital signals, power, and any other electrical
signal. In other embodiments, digital media player 2 is devoid of
cables 4. In this manner, digital media player 2 receives and/or
sends digital signals and/or power wirelessly.
[0026] FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate screen 6, which includes screenside
8, topside 18, backside 12, vent 14, bottomside 16, threaded hole
17, first side 94, and second side 96. Screen 6 includes any
computer monitor, television, image-producing portion of movie
projectors, video game console, or any device capable of projecting
images. Televisions include flat-panel displays, flat-screen
televisions, and tube televisions. While it is not illustrated in
FIGS. 2A-2B, digital media player 2 is electrically connected to
screen 6. The electrical connection between digital media player 2
and screen 6 may be achieved via a wired or wireless connection.
The wired connection may include the HDMI cables as described
above, or any other cable that is configured to transmit digital
signals. In this embodiment, digital media player 2 transmits
digital signals to screen 6, which are then displayed as visual
images on screen 6, via screenside 8. While not illustrated, screen
6 may also include a power cord that is electrically connected to
screen 6 at one end and electrically connected to a power source at
the other end.
[0027] Screen 6 includes screenside 8, which is configured to
display images. Screen 6 also includes backside 12, which is
located at an opposite side as screenside 8 along a depth direction
Z. Backside 12 may include vents 14. Screen manufacturers often
include vents 14 on backside 12 to allow heat to escape from inside
screen 6. Screen 6 further includes topside 18 and bottomside 16,
which are located at opposite vertical ends on screen 6 along the
vertical direction V. In one embodiment, topside 18 or bottomside
16 may support digital media player 2.
[0028] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A shows backside 12
further including a threaded hole 17. Threaded hole 17 may be
configured to receive a threaded screw, which is not shown in this
embodiment. In this manner, screen 6 may be coupled to a device
such as a mounting device 10 by threading a screw through mounting
device 10 and in to threaded hole 17. It should also be appreciated
that in some embodiments, screen 6 may include two or more threaded
holes 17. In this manner, one or more screws may be threaded in to
any one or more of the two or more threaded holes 17 to couple
mounting device 10 to screen 6.
[0029] To orient the different sides of screen 6 and the various
mounting locations, FIGS. 2A-2B also illustrate vertical direction
V, horizontal direction H, and depth direction Z.
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates mounting device 10. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 3, mounting device 10 includes extension member 20,
pivot member 22, top slide member 24, side members 26, top member
28, front opening 30, and frontside retention member 32. Extension
member 20 is slidably coupled to pivot member 22. Pivot member 22
is pivotally coupled to top slide member 24.
[0031] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, mounting device 10 also
includes side members 26, top member 28, and front retention member
32. Top member 28 is slidably coupled to top slide member 24 and
snapably coupled to side members 26. In this manner, a user may
easily remove side members 26 from top member 28 without using any
tools. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, side members 26 may
support digital media player 2. Accordingly, mounting device 10 may
be sized to accommodate any of the digital media players previously
mentioned.
[0032] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, front retention member 32
may serve to retain any digital media player that is coupled to
mounting device 10. As such, front retention member 32 may serve to
prevent digital media player 2 from falling to the ground and
suffering damage. In other embodiments, mounting device 10 does not
include front retention member 32. In other embodiments, mounting
device 10 includes any type of retention member, such as adhesive,
hook and loop fasteners, or any type of mechanical interference.
Mechanical interference may include any type of interference that
prevents digital media player 2 from falling out of mounting device
10, such as a press fit or any interference that serves to achieve
this purpose.
[0033] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, mounting device 10 also
includes frontside opening 30. Frontside opening 30 serves to
provide line of sight between digital media player 2 and the user
and/or any remote control devices that are coupled with digital
media player 2.
[0034] FIG. 4A illustrates the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 further
including digital media player 2. In FIG. 4A, digital media player
2 is slidably coupled to mounting device 10. In this manner,
mounting device 10 securely retains digital media player 2 within
mounting device 10. Mounting device 10 may be configured to
accommodate any digital media player mentioned in this
disclosure.
[0035] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A also shows front edge
44 of top slide member 24 as abutting front wall 40 of slide
channel 38. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4A also illustrates
extension member 20 and pivot member 22, effectively at a 0.degree.
angle with respect to top member 28. In this manner, extension
member 20 is substantially parallel to top member 28.
[0036] FIG. 4A illustrates a frontside retention member 32 that is
configured to hold a digital media player 2 inside the mounting
device 10. In some embodiments, the frontside retention member 32
protrudes away from the top member 28 such that the frontside
retention member 32 covers a portion of the digital media player 2.
The frontside retention member 32 can be a cantilever beam
configured to flex or deform. The portion that protrudes away from
the top member 28 can be oriented within plus or minus 20 degrees
of perpendicular to the cantilever beam.
[0037] FIG. 4A also illustrates side members 26 that define at
least a portion of the mounting device 10 that is narrower than the
digital media player 2. As a result, inserting the digital media
player 2 into the mounting device 10 may deform the side members 26
by pushing the side members 26 farther apart. The friction caused
by deforming the mounting device 10 may at least partially secure
the digital media player 2 inside the mounting device 10.
[0038] FIG. 4A illustrates the mounting device 10 in a collapsed
configuration. FIG. 4C illustrates the mounting device 10 with the
arm moved towards a middle portion of the top member 28 (or base
portion) to uncollapse the mounting device 10. FIGS. 4B and 4C
illustrate that extending the arm, such as extension member 20, can
increase an overall length of the arm. It should be appreciated
that some embodiments include arms that do not extend.
[0039] Protruding away from the base portion in a vertical
direction does not necessarily mean the arm is perpendicular to the
base portion. Any direction that is out of the plane defined by the
base portion can be a vertical direction, as defined by the fourth
direction V1. In some embodiments, the fourth direction V1 is
within plus or minus 40 degrees of being perpendicular to the base
portion.
[0040] FIG. 4B illustrates mounting device 10 in a different
configuration than the illustration shown in FIG. 4A. In the
illustration shown in FIG. 4B, extension member 20 and pivot member
22 is pivoted 90.degree. along pivot positions P1 and P2 from the
configuration shown in FIG. 4A, such that the extension member is
substantially parallel to vertical direction V. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 4B, extension member 20 and pivot member 22 are
configured to pivot to any position along pivot positions P1 and
P2, which thereby effectively allows extension member 20 and pivot
member 22 to pivot at least 180.degree. from the original
configuration shown in FIG. 4A to any point along pivot positions
P1 and P2.
[0041] Furthermore, the ability of extension member 20 and pivot
member 22 to pivot allows the user to couple extension member 20 to
a mating interface. The mating interface may include any of the
following, including, but not limited to: topside 18 of screen 6,
backside 12 of screen 6, vents 14 of screen 6, bottomside 16 of
screen 6, screenside 8 of screen 6, a wall, or any other stationary
device located adjacent to screen 6. Because extension member 20
and pivot member 22 are able to pivot up to and beyond 180.degree.
they are able to adapt to a mating interface positioned at any
angle with respect to the ground.
[0042] In one embodiment, backside 12 of screen 6 is not
perpendicular with respect to the ground, and is at an angle not
equal to 90.degree.. In this scenario, extension member 20 and
pivot member 22 are able to pivot to any desired angle thereby
allowing the user to angle digital media player 2 to be parallel to
the ground, or at any angle that the user desires. For example, if
extension member 20 is coupled to a structure that is located high
off the ground, the user may aim digital media player 2 down toward
the ground, so as to maintain line of sight between digital media
player 2 and the user and/or remote control device that is coupled
with digital media player 2.
[0043] FIG. 4B also illustrates top slide member 24 positioned in a
different configuration than the illustration shown in FIG. 4A. In
the illustrations shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, top slide member 24 is
relocated from a first position, wherein the top slide member 24 is
abutting front wall member 40 in the first position (as illustrated
in FIG. 4A), to a second position, wherein the top slide member 24
is abutting back wall 42 in the second position (as illustrated in
FIG. 4B). In this manner, top slide member 24 may slide along and
be positioned at any point along slide channel 38.
[0044] FIG. 4C illustrates yet another configuration of mounting
device 10. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4C, extension
member 20 slides along pivot member 22. In this manner, extension
member 20 is effectively elongated with respect to top member 28.
This elongation is accomplished by the slidable connection between
extension member 20 and pivot member 22. Extension member 20 is
configured to slide along pivot member 22 such that extension
member edge 54 is configured to be located at any position along
extension position EL. As extension member 20 slides along pivot
member 22, extension member 20 may be configured to stop and lock
in place at a discrete location on pivot member 22. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 4C, extension member 20 may lock in place
with respect to pivot member 22. In this manner, snap member 50 of
pivot member 22 may engage slot member 52 of extension member 20.
To lock extension member 20 in place with respect to pivot member
22, the user may move extension member 20 to the desired location
and then stop where the user desires to lock extension member 20.
In this manner, extension member 20 may be locked in place with
respect to pivot member 22.
[0045] In order to lock extension member 20 in place with respect
to pivot member 22, snap member 50 may engage the nearest slot
member 52, thereby locking extension member 20 in place with
respect to pivot member 22. Furthermore, snap member 50 may be
configured to have sufficient elasticity so that after snap member
50 has engaged slot member 52, the user is able to easily disengage
snap member 50 from slot member 52, thereby allowing the user to
easily move extension member 20 to a different position along pivot
member 22. In another embodiment the user may perform an additional
operation in order to reposition extension member 20. In this
manner, the user may push snap member 50 so that it disengages the
corresponding slot member 52 before extension member 20 is able to
move to a new location.
[0046] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4C, extension member 20 has
13 slot members. In other embodiments, extension member 20 has any
number of slot members less than 13 slot members. In other
embodiments, extension member 20 has 14 or more slot members. In
yet other embodiments, the locking is achieved by alternate locking
means other than snap member 50 engaging slot member 52. This
alternate locking means may include any other type of mechanical
interference (e.g. friction fit), adhesive lock, hook and loop
fastener lock, or any other type of locking means.
[0047] FIG. 4D illustrates a backside of mounting device 10 and
backside opening 36, which is located opposite to frontside opening
30. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4D cables 4 are able to pass
through backside opening 36 of mounting device 10 in order to be
electrically coupled with digital media player 2. In this manner,
backside opening 36 allows the user to have accessibility to any
cable jack, battery slot, switch, or any other feature contained on
an adjacent face of digital media player to backside opening 36. In
other embodiments, mounting device 10 may not include backside
opening 36.
[0048] FIG. 4E illustrates another embodiment of mounting 18
further including adhesive pad 21. Adhesive pad 21 may be adhered
to extension member 20. In this manner, adhesive pad 21 may adhere
mounting device 10 to any structure, such as screen 6. "Adhere"
means to hold fast or stick by gluing, suction, grasping, or fusing
or as if by gluing, suction, grasping, or fusing. In some
embodiments, adhesive pad 21 includes foam adhesive that can be cut
to various shapes such as rectangles and circles. In other
embodiments, adhesive pad 21 does not include padding. Adhesive pad
21 can include double-sided tape and/or a bonding agent such as
glue or a suction cup. Adhesive pad 21 can cause permanent or
temporary adhesion.
[0049] It should be appreciated that any number of adhesive pads 21
may be coupled to extension member 20. It should also be
appreciated that adhesive pad 21 may be coupled to any other side
of mounting device 10. For example, in some embodiments adhesive
pad 21 is adhered to top member 28. In other embodiments, adhesive
pad 21 is adhered to pivot member 22, top slide member 24, or side
member 26. It should also be appreciated that in other embodiments,
adhesive pad 21 is adhered to more than one of these locations on
mounting device 10. It should also be appreciated that adhesive pad
21 may be used with various embodiments of mounting device 10. In
some embodiments, mounting device 10 comprises a tray that supports
digital media player 2. In this manner, adhesive pad 21 is adhered
to any location on the tray, which may then adhere the tray to any
structure, such as screen 6.
[0050] FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate various views of top member 28. The
top member 28 is one embodiment of a base portion. A base portion
couples one outside wall to another outside wall, such as side
members 26. In some embodiments, the outside walls are oriented
roughly perpendicular to the base portion (as illustrated in FIG.
3). Mounting devices are not always oriented such that top members
28 are oriented near a top portion of the mounting devices. The
base portion and the two outside walls can be configured to hold
the digital media player.
[0051] Orienting digital media player 2 approximately horizontally
means orienting the digital media player 2 such that a top surface
or bottom surface of the digital media player 2 is within plus or
minus forty degrees of horizontal in relation to the screen 6. The
top and bottom surfaces are located at opposite surfaces of the
digital media player 2 along the vertical direction V. Some
embodiments include orienting a digital media player 2 such that a
top surface or bottom surface of the digital media player 2 is
within plus or minus thirty degrees of horizontal in relation to
the screen 6. Some embodiments include orienting a digital media
player 2 such that a top surface or bottom surface of the digital
media player 2 is within plus or minus fifteen degrees of
horizontal in relation to the screen 6. Some embodiments include
orienting a digital media player 2 such that a top surface or
bottom surface of the digital media player 2 is within plus or
minus five degrees of horizontal in relation to the screen 6.
[0052] FIG. 5A illustrates top member 28 with no other components
coupled in order to further show slide channel 38, front wall 40,
back wall 42, channel 56, and wings 70. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 5A, slide channel 38 contains parallel opposing walls that are
lined with a plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth effectively
act as a catch to engage latch member 64 on top slide member 24, as
will be further described in FIGS. 6B-6D. In this manner, the
plurality of teeth in slide channel 38 lock top slide member 24 in
place.
[0053] FIG. 5A further illustrates front wall 40 and back wall 42.
Front wall 40 and back wall 42 provide opposing boundaries for top
slide member 24. In this manner, top slide member 24 may be able to
slide to any position within slide channel 38 between front wall 40
and back wall 42.
[0054] The embodiment shown in FIG. 5A also illustrates channel 56,
which is configured to engage side members 26. Channel 56 is a
channel that is positioned in between wings 70. FIG. 5B illustrates
a perspective view of the bottom of top member 28. The illustration
in FIG. 5B further illustrates channel 56 and wings 70. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, channel 56 may include mounting teeth
58. Mounting teeth 58 may be configured to snapably engage the
corresponding mating slot 62 in side member 26, as will be further
described in FIGS. 7A-7B.
[0055] FIG. 5C illustrates a top-down view of channel 38. This
illustration is intended to show the shape of the teeth that line
channel 38. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5C, the teeth of
channel 38 are formed by a plurality of semi-circle indentations
that are formed along channel 38. Positioned adjacent the
semi-circle indentations are flat portions. The semi-circle
indentations act as catches to engage the corresponding latch
member 64 in top slide member 24, which will be further discussed
in FIG. 6B-6D.
[0056] In other embodiments any other shape may be used to form the
plurality of teeth. For example, the teeth are formed from triangle
shapes. In another embodiment, the teeth are formed from
rectangular shapes. In yet another embodiment, the teeth are formed
from a square shape. In yet another embodiment, the teeth are
formed from any full or partial portion of a shape selected from
the group consisting of an oval, octagon, pentagon, parallelogram,
and trapezoid. In any of the previous embodiments described in this
paragraph, channel 38 may or may not contain flat sections, as
illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 5C. In other embodiments,
flat sections are replaced by any full or partial portion of a
shape selected from the group consisting of a circle, square,
rectangle, triangle, oval, octagon, pentagon, parallelogram, and
trapezoid. In yet another variation of any of the previous
embodiments described, the flat sections are not evenly spaced
between the indented shapes in channel 38.
[0057] FIG. 5D illustrates a side view of top member 28. FIG. 5D
also includes section A-A, which will be further illustrated in
FIG. 5E.
[0058] FIG. 5E further illustrates Section A-A of top member 28.
The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5E shows mounting teeth 58 as
originating from wall 66 in top member 28. Mounting teeth 58 are
also contained within channel 56. Mounting teeth 58 are configured
to receive the corresponding mating teeth 60 and mating slot 62 in
side member 26. Mounting teeth 58 are then configured to lock in
place with mating teeth 60 and mating slot 62. In this manner,
sidewall 68 of side member 26 may come to rest against wall 66 of
top member 28, which is known as an interface of wall 66 and
sidewall 68.
[0059] The interface of wall 66 and sidewall 68 resists movement
between top member 28 and side member 26 along the horizontal
direction H. Furthermore, the coupling of mounting teeth 58 with
mating slot 62 and mating teeth 60 resists movement between top
member 28 and side member 26 along the depth direction Z. As well,
wings 70 resist movement between top member 28 and side member 26
along the vertical direction V. In effect, the resistance of
movement in the horizontal, vertical, and depth directions H, V,
and Z, effectively lock side member 26 in place with top member 28.
The lock between these two parts may act to securely retain digital
media player 2 in place with respect to the top member 28.
[0060] Top member 28 as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E may be
configured to be any size and/or type of geometry. In addition, top
member 28 may be constructed of any type of material. In some
embodiments, top member 28 may be molded from acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic with a hardness of 75 shore D. In
other embodiments, top member 28 may be molded from ABS plastic
with a hardness of 60 shore D. In further embodiments, top member
28 may be molded from polyurethane with a hardness of 90 shore A.
In yet other embodiments, top member 28 may be molded from silicone
rubber with a hardness of 95 shore A.
[0061] FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of top slide member
24. The illustration in FIG. 6A shows top slide member 24 as also
including wheels 72, wheelwall 76, rails 78, and rail wall 80. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, wheels 72 may also include teeth
74 that are located around the outer perimeter of wheels 72. Wheels
72 are pivotally coupled to pivot member 22. In this manner, pivot
member 22 may be able to pivot in any rotational direction R along
wheels 72. When pivot member 22 is coupled with wheels 72, an
interior wall of pivot member 22 is positioned so that it abuts or
is adjacent to wheelwall 76. Wheelwall 76 both serves as an anchor
for wheels 72 and also serves to resist movement of pivot member
22, with respect to top slide member 24, in the direction parallel
to the axis of wheels 72.
[0062] Wheels 72 also contain a plurality of teeth 74 that are
located on the outer perimeter of wheels 72. Teeth 74 may serve to
provide friction against pivot member 22 when pivot member 22 is
pivoted about wheels 72. Teeth 74 may be configured to provide just
enough friction so that the user is able to pivot the pivot member
22 about the longitudinal axis of wheels 72 by hand, as indicated
by pivot direction 84. Yet, teeth 74 are still configured to have
enough friction to engage pivot member 22 in place, with respect to
top slide member 24, thereby resisting further pivoting when the
user wishes to retain pivot member 22 in place. For example, teeth
74 are configured to have enough friction, with respect to pivotal
movement of pivot member 22, so that pivot member 22 can be
isolated at any angle and still thereby support the remaining
weight of mounting device 10 and digital media player 2 without
moving.
[0063] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, teeth 74 comprise the
shape of a series of semi-circles. In other embodiments, teeth 74
can take on any variety of shape. For example, teeth 74 can be
configured to make up any full or partial portion of the following
shapes, including, but not limited to: a circle, square, rectangle,
triangle, oval, octagon, pentagon, parallelogram, and trapezoid. In
other embodiments, teeth 74 can be a different surface material,
such as a rough material, which causes friction with pivot member
22. As such, teeth 74 can be formed of different shapes and/or
material types such that they are configured to have proper
friction with pivot member 22.
[0064] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, wheels 72 contain a
plurality of teeth. In other embodiments, wheels 72 may contain
fewer teeth, or more teeth. For example, in one series of
embodiments, wheels 72 contain 20 or fewer teeth. In another series
of embodiments, wheels 72 contain 21 or more teeth.
[0065] Top slide member 24 may also include rails 78 and rail walls
80. Rails 78 may engage bottom edge 82 of channel 38 of top member
28. The interface of bottom edge 82 and rails 78 may resist
movement of top slide member 24 in the vertical direction V.
[0066] Additionally, rail walls 80 may be configured to interface
channel 38. The interface between rail walls 80 and channel 38 of
top member 28 may resist movement in the depth direction Z. In this
manner, the resistance of movement created between rails 78 and
bottom edge 82, and rail walls 80 and channel 38 may resist
movement of top slide member 24 and top member 28 in the vertical
direction V and the depth direction Z. As such, top slide member 24
may then be able to move in the horizontal direction H.
[0067] FIG. 6B further illustrates that top slide member 24 may
include latch member 64. Latch member 64 may be configured to
engage corresponding teeth in channel 38 of top member 28. As
previously described, the plurality of teeth in channel 38 may act
as catches to engage latch member 64 of top slide member 24. As the
plurality of teeth catch latch member 64 this may resist movement
of top slide member 24 with respect to the horizontal direction H.
In this manner, top slide member 24 may move along channel 38 in
the horizontal direction H but then be locked in place with respect
to the horizontal direction if the user desires. If the user wants
to move latch member 64 along channel 38, the user may only have to
apply minimal force against top slide member 24 to unlock the
connection between top slide member 24 and top member 28. In this
manner, the user may be able to easily unlock top slide member 24
from top member 28, while also enjoying the security of having top
slide member 24 locked in place with respect to any direction V, H
or Z, if the user desires.
[0068] FIG. 6C illustrates a partial side view of top slide member
24. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6C, latch member 64 is shown to
slightly protrude beyond rail wall 80. The protrusion of latch
member 64 may engage one or more teeth of the plurality of teeth of
channel 38 to lock top slide member 24 in place along the
horizontal direction H.
[0069] FIG. 6D illustrates a bottom perspective view of top slide
member 24. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6D, latch member 64 is
further illustrated as including semi-circle bump 88, which may act
to engage one or more teeth of the plurality of teeth of channel
38. In other embodiments, bump 88 may be any full or partial
portion of any other shape including, but not limited to the
following: a circle, square, rectangle, triangle, oval, octagon,
pentagon, parallelogram, and trapezoid.
[0070] Extension member 20, pivot member 22, and top slide member
24 may be configured to be any size and/or type of geometry. In
addition, extension member 20, pivot member 22, and top slide
member 24 may be constructed of any type of material. In some
embodiments, one or more of the three may be molded from
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic with a hardness of 75
shore D. In other embodiments, one or more may be molded from ABS
plastic with a hardness of 60 shore D. In further embodiments, one
or more may be molded from polyurethane with a hardness of 90 shore
A. In yet other embodiments, one or more may be molded from
silicone rubber with a hardness of 95 shore A.
[0071] FIG. 7A illustrates a bottom-up view of side members 26. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, side members 26 further include
mating teeth 60, mating slot 62, and sidewall 68, which extends
perpendicular in to the page along the vertical direction V. Mating
teeth 60 and mating slot 62 may be configured to engage and lock in
place with mounting teeth 58 of top member 28. The locking between
mounting teeth 58 with mating teeth 60 and mating slot 62 may
create a lock, which locks side members 26 with respect to top
member 28. It should be appreciated that any use of the word "lock"
or "locking" may refer to either a temporary lock, which can be
unlocked, or a permanent lock, may not be unlocked.
[0072] To engage the lock between side members 26 and top member
28, the user may slide sidewall 68 of side member 26 into channel
56 of top member 28 along the horizontal direction H or depth
direction Z. Once sidewall 68 is received within channel 56, the
user may cause side member 26 to move along the vertical direction
V up towards extension member 20. Sidewall 68 may move so that it
interfaces wall 66 of top member 28. Once wall 66 and sidewall 68
have mated, the user may then cause side member 26 to move so that
its perimeter abuts the corresponding perimeter of top member 28.
Once side member 26 is in place, the user may then cause side
member 26 to move down along the vertical direction V away from
extension member 20, which may cause mating teeth 60 and mating
slot 62 to engage mounting teeth 58, thereby locking side member 26
in place with respect to top member 28. It should also be
appreciated that the side members 26 may engage and lock top member
28 in any way that is able to create a temporary or permanent lock.
In some embodiments, side members 26 snap in to top member 28 to
create a mechanical interference that resists movement, which may
effectively lock side members 26 to top member 28.
[0073] To unlock side members 26 from top member 28, the user may
cause side member 26 to move along the vertical direction V in the
direction toward extension member 20, while keeping top member 28
fixed in place. This movement may cause mating teeth 60 and mating
slot 62 to disengage from mounting teeth 58 on top member 28, which
may then allow side member 26 to slide free of top member 28. It
should also be appreciated that side members 26 may be unlocked
from top member 28 in any other way. In some embodiments, side
members 26 unsnap from top member 28 to unlock.
[0074] FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of side members 26.
FIG. 7B further illustrates retention wall 90. Retention wall 90
may be formed at the back end of side member 26 (along the
horizontal direction H) adjacent to backside opening 36. Retention
wall 90 may be configured to securely retain digital media player 2
so that digital media player 2 does not slide out of backside
opening 36. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7B, retention wall 90
may be formed by a curved wall section. The curved wall section, as
shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7B, is formed as
outside wall 92 runs parallel to sidewall 68 and then curves in the
toward the depth direction Z. The curved section may be configured
to define retention wall 90. In other embodiments, the curved
section may be formed from any size curve. In yet other
embodiments, retention wall 90 may be formed by any other shape.
For example, retention wall 90 may be formed by a right angle, such
as the corner of a square, or any other shape that would act to
securely retain digital media player 2. In some embodiments there
may be no retention wall 90.
[0075] In some embodiments, outside walls 92 and/or retention walls
90 only cover a small portion of digital media player 2. Several
embodiments include outside walls 92 and/or retention walls 90 that
are only 1 inch wide even though the digital media players that fit
inside several embodiments can be much wider than 2 inches. In some
embodiments, an outside wall 92 covers approximately 20% of the
corresponding side of a digital media player 2. In several
embodiments, an outside wall covers approximately 80% of the
corresponding side of a digital media player 2. It should be
appreciated that the outside walls 92 may cover any portion of a
side of digital media player 2 between 0-100%.
[0076] Side member 26 may be configured to be any size and/or type
of geometry. In addition, side member 26 may be constructed of any
type of material. In some embodiments, side member 26 may be molded
from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic with a hardness
of 75 shore D. In other embodiments, side member 26 may be molded
from ABS plastic with a hardness of 60 shore D. In further
embodiments, side member 26 may be molded from polyurethane with a
hardness of 90 shore A. In yet other embodiments, side member 26
may be molded from silicone rubber with a hardness of 95 shore
A.
[0077] It should also be appreciated that some embodiments only
include one side member 26, which may be referred to as a tray,
such as the tray disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/278,759 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/332,373, which
has been incorporated by reference. In this manner, the tray may
receive any size, shape, or type of digital media player 2 and the
tray may then be further coupled to any other component, such as
those illustrated in this disclosure. In some embodiments, the tray
does not include any other components and is coupled to any
location on screen 6.
[0078] FIG. 8A illustrates digital media player 2 coupled to
mounting device 10, which is further coupled to screen 6. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, mounting device 10 and digital media
player 2 may be coupled adjacent to bottomside 16 of screen 6. In
this manner, if the user is positioned facing screenside 8 of
screen 6, the user may have direct line of sight to digital media
player 2 and mounting device 10. In other embodiments, not shown,
mounting device 10 may be coupled to any location along the
perimeter of screen 6. In this manner, mounting device 10 may be
coupled any location along topside 18, bottomside 16, first side
94, or second side 96 of screen 6. In these embodiments, mounting
device 10 may be coupled to backside 12, screenside 8, topside 18,
bottomside 16, first side 94, or second side 96 of screen 6.
[0079] The direct line of sight configuration may allow the user to
have improved connectivity between a remote control device and
digital media player 2. This configuration may also increase
accessibility to digital media player 2. In addition, this
embodiment may eliminate the need for the user to drill a hole in a
wall that is adjacent to screen 6 in order to run cables behind the
wall or to install a shelf for digital media player 2.
[0080] FIG. 8B illustrates the embodiment of mounting device 10
from FIG. 8A, but in this illustration, mounting device 10 is
mounted to topside 18 of screen 6. In the illustration of FIG. 8B,
mounting device 10 and digital media player 2 are coupled adjacent
to topside 18 of screen 6. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate two of the
many ways that mounting device 10 alone or coupled with digital
media player 2 may be coupled to screen 6.
[0081] Mounting device 10 may also be configured to couple to any
screen 6. This aspect of mounting device 10 may have wide
commercial appeal to users. In some embodiments, mounting device 10
may be a one-size fits all device, because the mounting device 10
may be coupled to any type, size, style or manufacturer of digital
media player 2. The user may then further couple mounting device 10
and digital media player 2 to any type, size, style, or
manufacturer of screen 6, as previously described. In other
embodiments, mounting device 10 may be designed specifically for
coupling with one or a limited type of digital media player 2. For
example, a mounting device 10 may be configured to only be coupled
with Apple TV. Although, in this manner, mounting device 10 may
still be coupled to any type, size, style, or manufacturer of
screen 6.
[0082] In yet other embodiments, mounting device 10 may be
configured to couple with all digital media players manufactured by
one manufacturer. For example, one mounting device 10 may be
configured to couple with any model of Roku digital media player 2.
In this embodiment, mounting device 10 may still be configured to
couple with any type, size, style, or manufacturer of screen 6. In
yet even further embodiments, mounting device 10 may be configured
to couple with several different models and/or brands of digital
media players. Again, in this embodiment mounting device 10 may be
configured to couple to any type, size, style, or manufacturer of
screen 6.
[0083] Mounting device 10 may be configured to couple to screen 6
in a number of different ways. In some embodiments, extension
member 20 is coupled to backside 12 of screen 6 via adhesive. In
other embodiments, extension member 20 is coupled to backside 12
via coupling means, such fabric hook-and-loop fasteners, one or
more magnets, or screws that are threaded into backside 12. In
other embodiments, extension member 20 is coupled to backside 12
via any combination of the previously mentioned coupling means. In
yet other embodiments, extension member 20 is coupled to backside
12 of screen 6 via one or more hooks, like the hooks disclosed in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/278,759 and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/332,373.
[0084] In yet further embodiments, mounting device 10 is coupled to
backside 12 by coupling any of the previously mentioned coupling
means to any other component on mounting device 10, such as pivot
member 22, top slide member 24, side member 26, or top member 28.
In other embodiments, extension member 20, pivot member 22, top
slide member 24, side member 26, or top member 28 may be coupled to
a wall that is adjacent to screen 6 or a stand that is coupled to
screen 6, such as a television stand, or a computer monitor
stand.
[0085] FIGS. 9A-9J illustrate various embodiments where the digital
media player is positioned along the bottomside of the screen or
along the topside of the screen. FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate a side view
of screen 6 with mounting device 10 and digital media player 2
coupled adjacent bottomside 16 of screen 6. FIG. 9A illustrates
mounting device 10 coupled to screen 6 adjacent to bottomside 16.
In another configuration of the embodiment from FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B
shows mounting device 10 configured such that it is vertically
offset from bottomside 16 along the vertical direction V away in
the direction opposite the topside 18. In this manner, mounting
device 10 may be positioned at any vertical location along
extension member 20 along the vertical direction V.
[0086] Positioning the digital media player 2 along the bottomside
16 means placing the digital media player 2 in close proximity to
the bottomside 16. In some embodiments, "along" means within 10
inches, within 5 inches, within 3 inches, or within 1 inch of the
bottomside 16. Some embodiments include positioning the digital
media player 2 such that it abuts the bottomside 16.
[0087] Positioning the digital media player 2 along the topside 18
means placing the digital media player 2 in close proximity to the
topside 18. In some embodiments, "along" means within 10 inches,
within 5 inches, within 3 inches, or within 1 inch of the topside
18. Some embodiments include positioning the digital media player 2
such that it abuts, or touches the topside 18.
[0088] To achieve the vertical offset, the user may extend
extension member 20 until mounting device 10 reaches its desired
vertical offset along the vertical direction V. In addition,
mounting device 10 may be configured to allow the user to
vertically offset mounting device 10 along the vertical direction V
in other ways, such as by coupling extension member 20 to screen 6
at a different vertical position. In this manner, the user may
achieve the same vertical offset without having to extend extension
member 20. It should also be appreciated that the user may perform
any of these vertical offset techniques in combination to adjust
the vertical offset along the vertical direction V to the user's
liking.
[0089] FIGS. 9C-9D illustrate another side view of screen 6, but
this time with mounting device 10 and digital media player 2
coupled adjacent to topside 18 of screen 6. As previously
mentioned, mounting device 10 may be configured to be coupled to
any location on screen 6. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9C,
mounting device 10 is coupled to screen 6 adjacent to topside 18.
In this manner, extension member 20 may be coupled to backside 12
of screen 6 such that mounting device 10 abuts the topside 18, or
is adjacent to topside 18.
[0090] It should also be appreciated that some embodiments do not
include extension member 20. In this manner, the mounting device 10
may be similar to trays disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 13/278,759 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/332,373. In
order to mount the tray adjacent to topside 18, the tray may be
configured to couple to either the backside 12, topside 18,
screenside 8 or any combination of the three. In order to mount the
tray adjacent to bottomside 16, the tray may be configured to
couple to either backside 12, screenside 8 or any combination of
the three.
[0091] FIG. 9D illustrates an embodiment of the mounting device 10,
but this time extension member 20 may be extended so that mounting
device 10 and digital media player 2 are vertically offset from
topside 18 along the vertical direction V in the direction opposite
bottomside 16. Again, as previously mentioned, mounting device 10
may be configured to allow the user to vertically offset mounting
device 10 from screen 6 in a number of ways, such as by extending
extension member 20 or coupling extension member 20 to screen 6 at
a different vertical position.
[0092] FIGS. 9E-9F illustrate another configuration of mounting
device 10 with respect to screen 6. Mounting device 10 may be
configured to be positioned at any horizontal location along
horizontal direction H. In this manner, the user may horizontally
adjust mounting device 10 so that frontside opening 30 is
horizontally offset at any position with respect to screenside 8.
In this manner, the user may horizontally adjust mounting device 10
so that frontside opening 30 is flush with screenside 8. In
addition, mounting device 10 may be horizontally adjusted so that
frontside opening 30 is positioned to the front of screenside 8, as
illustrated in FIG. 9E. Mounting device 10 may also be horizontally
adjusted so that frontside opening 30 is positioned to the rear or
front of screenside 8, as illustrated in FIG. 9F.
[0093] FIGS. 9G-9H illustrate that mounting device 10 may be
configured to be simultaneously horizontally offset and vertically
offset from screen 6. FIG. 9G illustrates that mounting device 10
may be fully vertically offset with respect to topside 18 and fully
horizontally offset such that frontside opening 30 of mounting
device 10 is horizontally offset to the front of screenside 8 of
screen 6. FIG. 9H also illustrates the rearward horizontal offset.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9H, mounting device 10 may be fully
vertically offset with respect to topside 18 and fully horizontally
offset such that frontside opening 30 is horizontally offset to the
rear of screenside 8. "Fully" in the context of this disclosure
means to the maximum allowed. The maximum can either be the maximum
determined by mounting device 10, screen 6, or the structure (such
as a wall) to which screen 6 is adjacent.
[0094] While the illustration in FIGS. 9G-9H only illustrate the
simultaneous vertical and horizontal offset when coupled adjacent
to topside 18 of screen 6, mounting device 10 is not limited to
this one configuration. Mounting device 10 may be simultaneously
vertically and horizontally offset when mounting device 10 is
coupled adjacent to bottomside 16, or when mounting device 10 is
coupled to any other location on screen 6.
[0095] FIGS. 9I-9J illustrate that mounting device 10 may also be
configured to be horizontally offset, vertically offset, and
pivotally offset from screen 6. Similar to the illustration in FIG.
9G, FIG. 9I illustrates that mounting device 10 may be fully
vertically offset with respect to topside 18 and fully horizontally
offset such that frontside opening 30 of mounting device 10 is
horizontally offset to the front of screenside 8, and even further
that mounting device 10 may be configured to be pivotally offset
such that frontside opening 30 of mounting device 10 is pivoted
down toward the direction of bottomside 16. In this manner, the
user may be able to fully customize the position of mounting device
10 to their liking. For example, in the illustration shown in FIG.
9I, mounting device 10 may be pivotally offset so that mounting
device 10 and digital media player 2 are aimed down toward the
user. While not shown, it should also be appreciated that the
mounting device 10 may be configured to maintain the same vertical
offset and horizontal offset as shown in FIG. 9I, but instead be
aimed up in the direction opposite bottom side 16, similar to the
pivotal offset illustrated in FIG. 9J.
[0096] FIG. 9J illustrates yet another configuration of mounting
device 10. Similar to the illustration in FIG. 9H, FIG. 9J
illustrates that mounting device 10 may be fully vertically offset
with respect to topside 18 of screen 6 and fully horizontally
offset such that frontside opening 30 of mounting device 10 is
horizontally offset to the rear of screenside 8, and even further
that mounting device 10 may be configured to be pivotally offset
such that frontside opening 30 of mounting device 10 is pivoted up
in the direction opposite bottomside 16. While not shown, it should
also be appreciated that the mounting device 10 may be configured
to maintain the same vertical offset and horizontal offset as shown
in FIG. 9J, but instead be aimed down in the direction towards
bottom side 16, similar to the pivotal offset illustrated in FIG.
9I.
[0097] While FIGS. 9I-9J only show two possible configurations of
mounting device 10 being horizontally, vertically, and pivotally
offset with respect to screen 6, it should be noted that any
combination of horizontal, vertical, and pivotal offset is
possible. Furthermore, any of these combinations of offsets may be
possible when mounting device 10 is coupled to any location on
screen 6, including adjacent to bottomside 16 of screen 6.
[0098] In some embodiments, arm is extension member 20. In other
embodiments, arm is any other type of arm that is configured to
couple to screen 6. In this manner, arm may be coupled to topside
18, bottomside 16, first side 94, or second side 96 of screen 6. In
this manner, mounting device 10 may be configured such that digital
media player 2 is positioned along topside 18, bottomside 16, first
side 94, or second side 96 of screen 6. It should be appreciated
that mounting device 10 may be coupled at any place on screen 6,
such that digital media player 2 may be positioned at any location
along the perimeter of screen 6.
[0099] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for coupling
mounting device 10 to screen 6. The structure recited in the
discussion of FIGS. 10-13 may be the structure illustrated and
described in FIGS. 1-9J. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the
user obtains mounting device 10 (100). The flowchart shows that the
user causes mounting device 10 to be coupled to any location on
screen 6 (102).
[0100] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart showing a method for
coupling a digital media player 2 to a screen 6 with a backside 12,
a screenside 8, a bottomside 16, and a topside 18. In the
embodiment, the user obtains a mounting device 10 with a base
portion and at least two outside walls (200). The base portion and
the two outside walls may be configured to hold the digital media
player 2. The mounting device 10 may further comprise an arm that
is configured to couple the mounting device 10 to the screen.
[0101] The user may configure an arm of the mounting device 10 so
it protrudes away from the base portion in a vertical direction V
(202). The user may position the digital media player 2 along the
bottomside 16 of the screen (204). The digital media player 2 may
be oriented in an approximately horizontal direction while the
mounting device 10 is holding the digital media player 2. The user
may couple the arm to the backside 12 of the screen such the arm is
positioned above the digital media player (206).
[0102] In some embodiments, the method further includes adhering
the arm to the backside 12 of the screen 6. In some embodiments,
the backside 12 comprises a vent 14 and the method further includes
hooking the arm to the vent 14. In other embodiments, the backside
12 comprises a threaded hole 17 and the method includes coupling
the arm to the threaded hole 17.
[0103] In some embodiments, the mounting device 10 has a frontside
retention member 32 and the method further includes the step of
moving the frontside retention member 32 relative to the base
portion while inserting the digital media player 2 into the
mounting device 10. In some embodiments, the method further
includes extending the arm such that an overall length of the arm
becomes longer with respect to a first length of the arm. In some
embodiments, the arm has a lower portion that is coupled to the
base portion and the method further includes sliding the lower
portion relative to the base portion. In some embodiments, the
method further includes rotating the arm relative to the base
portion. In this manner, the arm may be configured to rotate to
various angles as previously described.
[0104] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the method also includes
coupling the arm to the backside 12 of the screen 6 such that at
least a portion of the digital media player 2 is visible from a
viewing position that is oriented directly at the screenside 8 of
the screen 6 and located ten feet from the screenside 8. In some
embodiments, the digital media player 2 has a remote sensor
configured to receive signals from a remote control and the method
further comprising coupling the arm to the backside 12 of the
screen 6 such that at least the remote sensor is visible from a
viewing position that is oriented directly at the screenside 8 of
the screen 6 and located ten feet from the screenside 8.
[0105] In some embodiments the vertical direction is parallel to a
fourth direction V1, which is within plus or minus forty degrees of
vertical direction V. In other embodiments, the fourth direction V1
is positioned at any angle within vertical direction V and
horizontal direction H.
[0106] In some embodiments, the method further includes positioning
the digital media player 2 five inches or less below the bottomside
16 of the screen 6. In some embodiments, the digital media player 2
has a bottom surface and side surfaces. In some of these
embodiments, the bottom surface is larger than the side surfaces
and the method further comprising orienting the bottom surface
within plus or minus thirty degrees of horizontal.
[0107] FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart showing another method for
coupling a digital media player 2 to a screen 6 with a backside 12,
a screenside 8, a bottomside 16, and a topside 18. The method
includes obtaining a mounting device 10 with a base portion and at
least two outside walls (300). The base portion and the two outside
walls are configured to hold the digital media player 2. The
mounting device 10 further includes an arm that is configured to
couple the mounting device 10 to the screen. The method includes
rotating the arm relative to the base portion such that the arm
protrudes away from the base portion (302). The method also may
include sliding the arm relative to the base portion such that the
arm moves relative to the base portion (304). The method may also
include coupling an adhesive pad to the arm (306). The adhesive pad
may comprise a cover. In other embodiments, method step 306 is
optional, because the adhesive pad may already be coupled to the
arm. The method also may include positioning the mounting device 10
along the bottomside 16 or along the topside 18 of the screen
(308). The method may also include configuring the arm such that
the adhesive pad lays approximately flat against a portion of the
backside 12 of the screen 6. Furthermore, the method may include
adhering the adhesive pad to the backside 12 of the screen 6.
[0108] In some embodiments, the arm has an overall length and the
method further includes extending the arm such that the overall
length of the arm becomes longer with respect to a first length of
the arm. In some embodiments, the method may further include
positioning the mounting device 10 along the bottomside 16 or along
the topside 18 of the screen 6 such that the base portion is
oriented approximately parallel to horizontal direction H.
[0109] In some embodiments, the method further includes deforming a
portion of the mounting device 10 while inserting the digital media
player 2 into the mounting device 10, wherein the portion that
deforms is configured to at least partially secure the digital
media player 2 to the mounting device 10. In some of these
embodiments, the portion that deforms is a frontside retention
member 32.
[0110] FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart showing another method for
coupling a digital media player 2 to screen 6 with a backside 12, a
screenside 8, a bottomside 16, and a topside 18. The method may
include obtaining a mounting device 10 in a collapsed configuration
(400). The mounting device 10 may comprise a base portion and at
least two outside walls. The base portion and the two outside walls
may be configured to hold the digital media player 2. The mounting
device 10 may further comprise an arm that is configured to couple
the mounting device 10 to the screen 6. The method may also include
uncollapsing the mounting device 10 by rotating the arm relative to
the base portion (402). The method may also include sliding the arm
towards a middle of the base portion and extending the arm such
that an overall length of the arm becomes longer.
[0111] In some embodiments, the arm has an adhesive surface and the
method further includes adjusting the arm such that the adhesive
surface is approximately flat against the backside 12. The method
may also include adhering the adhesive surface to the backside 12
of the screen 6 and holding the digital media player 2 with the
mounting device 10 while the mounting device 10 is adhered to the
backside 12 and while the digital media player 2 is located along
the bottomside 16 or along the topside 18 of the screen 6.
[0112] Adhere means to hold fast or stick by gluing, suction,
grasping, or fusing or as if by gluing, suction, grasping, or
fusing. Some adhesive pads include foam adhesive that can be cut to
various shapes such as rectangles and circles. Not all adhesive
pads include padding. Adhesive pads can include double-sided tape
and/or a bonding agent such as glue or a suction cup. Adhesive pads
can cause permanent or temporary adhesion.
[0113] In some embodiments, outside walls and/or retention walls
only cover or hold a small portion of a digital media player 2.
Several embodiments include outside walls and/or retention walls
that are only 1 inch wide even though the digital media players
that fit inside several embodiments can be much wider than 2
inches. In some embodiments, an outside wall covers approximately
20% of the corresponding side of a digital media player 2. In
several embodiments, an outside wall covers approximately 80% of
the corresponding side of a digital media player 2.
[0114] FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate various views of top member 28. The
top member 28 is one embodiment of a base portion. A base portion
couples one outside wall to another outside wall. In some
embodiments, the outside walls are oriented roughly perpendicular
to the base portion (as illustrated in FIG. 3). Mounting devices
are not always oriented such that top members 28 are oriented near
a top portion of the mounting devices. The base portion and the two
outside walls can be configured to hold the digital media player
2.
[0115] Positioning the digital media player 2 along the bottomside
16 of the screen 6 means placing the digital media player 2 in
close proximity to the bottomside 16. In some embodiments, "along"
means within 10 inches, within 5 inches, within 3 inches, or within
1 inch of the bottomside 16. Some embodiments include positioning
the digital media player 2 such that it touches the bottomside 16
of the screen 6.
[0116] Positioning the digital media player 2 along the topside 18
of the screen 6 means placing the digital media player 2 in close
proximity to the topside 18. In some embodiments, "along" means
within 10 inches, within 5 inches, within 3 inches, or within 1
inch of the topside 18. Some embodiments include positioning the
digital media player 2 such that it touches the topside 18 of the
screen 6.
[0117] Orienting a digital media player 2 approximately
horizontally means orienting the digital media player 2 within plus
or minus forty degrees of horizontal in relation to the bottomside
16 of the screen 6. Some embodiments include orienting a digital
media player 2 within plus or minus thirty degrees of horizontal in
relation to the screen 6. Several embodiments include orienting a
digital media player 2 within plus or minus fifteen degrees of
horizontal in relation to the bottomside 16 of the screen 6.
[0118] FIG. 2 includes a backside 12 of the screen 6 that has a
threaded hole 17. Some embodiments include coupling the arm to the
threaded hole 17. For example, the user can pass a screw through a
hole in the arm and then into the threaded hole 17.
[0119] FIG. 4A illustrates a frontside retention member 32 that is
configured to hold a digital media player 2 inside the mounting
device 10. In some embodiments, the frontside retention member 32
protrudes away from the top member 28 such that the frontside
retention member 32 covers a portion of the digital media player 2.
The frontside retention member 32 can be a cantilever beam
configured to flex or deform. The portion that protrudes away from
the top member 28 can be oriented within plus or minus 20 degrees
of perpendicular to the cantilever beam.
[0120] FIG. 4A also illustrates side members 26 that define at
least a portion of the mounting device 10 that is narrower than the
digital media player 2. As a result, inserting the digital media
player 2 into the mounting device 10 deforms the side members 26 by
pushing the side members 26 farther apart. The friction caused by
deforming the mounting device 10 at least partially secures the
digital media player 2 inside the mounting device 10.
[0121] FIG. 4A illustrates the mounting device 10 in a collapsed
configuration. FIG. 4C illustrates the mounting device 10 as the
arm is being slid towards a middle portion of the base portion to
uncollapse the mounting device 10. FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate that
extending the arm can increase an overall length of the arm. Some
embodiments include arms that do not extend.
[0122] Protruding away from the base portion in a vertical
direction does not necessarily mean the arm is perpendicular to the
base portion. Any direction that is out of the plane defined by the
base portion can be a vertical direction, as defined by fourth
direction V1. In some embodiments, the fourth direction V1 is
within plus or minus 40 degrees of being perpendicular to the base
portion.
[0123] Adjustable means capable of being adjusted or capable of
being offset with respect to a side of the screen. Adjustable also
means that the mounting device may change so that it fits,
corresponds, conforms, adapts, or accommodates any screen or
structure adjacent to the screen.
[0124] It should be appreciated that any of the method steps
illustrated in FIGS. 10-13 are optional and may be performed in any
order with respect to each other. Steps from different method
embodiments can be combined.
[0125] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and
not restrictive. As such, the above embodiments and aspects thereof
may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments
will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the
above description. While the foregoing written description of the
invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use the claimed
invention, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate
the existence of variations, permutations, combinations, equivalent
means, and equivalents of the specific embodiments, methods, and
examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by
the above described embodiments, methods, and examples, but by all
embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the
invention as claimed.
* * * * *