U.S. patent application number 14/230780 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-27 for adjustable, amorphous apparatus for positioning screened devices and method for the use thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to GUI Global Products, Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is GUI Global Products, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Walter G. Mayfield.
Application Number | 20140346306 14/230780 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51659156 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140346306 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mayfield; Walter G. |
November 27, 2014 |
ADJUSTABLE, AMORPHOUS APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING SCREENED DEVICES
AND METHOD FOR THE USE THEREOF
Abstract
An adjustable apparatus comprises at least one amorphous,
elongated armature having a length, a first end and a second end,
the amorphous, elongated armature configured to be adjustable and
positionable, and the adjustable apparatus also comprises at least
one first mating connector thereon. The first mating connector may
be a magnet, a plurality of hooks, a plurality of loops, a suction
cup, one half of a snap, a clip, a clamp, a clasp, and combinations
of these. Optionally, first mating connector is a magnet.
Alternatively, the magnet is a magnetic bead configured to slide
substantially along the length of the armature and configured to be
positionable substantially along the length of the armature. The
magnet or magnetic bead selectively couples to a magnetic surface
on a screened device and the elongated armature may be adjusted to
position the screen of the screened device.
Inventors: |
Mayfield; Walter G.;
(Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GUI Global Products, Ltd. |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GUI Global Products, Ltd.
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
51659156 |
Appl. No.: |
14/230780 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61807117 |
Apr 1, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/455 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 11/041 20130101;
F16M 13/00 20130101; A47B 23/043 20130101; F16M 11/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/455 |
International
Class: |
A47B 23/04 20060101
A47B023/04 |
Claims
1. An adjustable apparatus for positioning screened devices, the
adjustable apparatus comprising: at least one amorphous, elongated
armature having a length, a first end and a second end, the
elongated armature configured to be adjustable and positionable;
and at least one first connector on the armature.
2. The adjustable apparatus of claim 1 where the at least one first
connector is selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a
plurality of hooks, a plurality of loops, a suction cup, one half
of a snap, a clip, a clamp, a clasp, adhesive and combinations of
these.
3. An adjustable apparatus for positioning screened devices, the
adjustable apparatus comprising: at least one amorphous, elongated
armature having a length, a first end and a second end, the
elongated armature configured to be adjustable and positionable;
and at least one magnet on the armature.
4. The adjustable apparatus of claim 4 where the magnet is a
magnetic bead.
5. The adjustable apparatus of claim 4 where the at least one
magnetic bead is configured to slide along substantially the length
of the armature and configured to be positionable substantially
along the length of the armature.
6. The adjustable apparatus of claim 5 where at least one of the
first end and second end of the armature is provided with a
restraint to keep the at least one magnetic bead from sliding off
the armature.
7. The adjustable apparatus of claim 5 where the at least one
magnetic bead is frictionally positionable substantially along the
length of the armature.
8. The adjustable apparatus of claim 1 where the magnet comprises a
metal selected from the group consisting of MnBi, MnAl, MnAlC,
alloys of MnBi, alloys of MnAl, alloys of MnAlC, barium
hexaferrite, strontium, neodymium, hexaferrite, NdFeB, alloys of
NdFeB, samarium cobalt magnetic materials, alloyed cobalt
materials, hard magnetic nitride materials, hard magnetic carbide
materials, rare earth magnetic materials, iron, iron-cobalt alloys,
iron-based alloys, silicon steel, nickel iron permalloys,
iron-cobalt-vanadium alloys, high saturation soft ferrite
materials, and combinations thereof.
9. A multi-component system for positioning screened devices, the
multi-component system comprising: at least one mounting component
configured to mount to a case of a screened device bearing a
screen, the mounting component comprising a magnetic surface; and
an adjustable apparatus comprising: at least one amorphous,
elongated armature having a length, a first end and a second end,
the elongated armature configured to be adjustable and
positionable; and at least one magnetic bead on the armature.
10. The multi-component system of claim 9 where the magnetic
surface and the magnetic bead selectively couple via a magnetic
attractive force.
11. The multi-component system of claim 9 where in the adjustable
apparatus the at least one magnetic bead is configured: to slide
substantially along the length of the armature; to be positionable
substantially along the length of the armature; and to selectively
couple with the magnetic surface of the mounting component.
12. The adjustable apparatus of claim 11 where in the adjustable
apparatus at least one of the first end and second end of the
amorphous, elongated armature is provided with a restraint to keep
the at least one magnetic bead from sliding off the armature.
13. The adjustable apparatus of claim 11 where in the adjustable
apparatus the at least one magnetic bead is frictionally
positionable along substantially the length of the armature.
14. A method for positioning a screened device, the method
comprising: attaching an adjustable apparatus to the screened
device, where the adjustable apparatus comprises: at least one
amorphous, elongated armature having a length, a first end and a
second end, the elongated armature configured to be adjustable and
positionable; and at least one first connector on the armature;
adjusting the at least one amorphous, elongated armature and/or the
at least one first mating connector to position the screened
device.
15. The method of claim 14 where the at least one first connector
is selected from the group consisting of a magnet, a plurality of
hooks, a plurality of loops, a suction cup, one half of a snap, a
clip, a clamp, a clasp, adhesive, and combinations of these, and
where the method further comprises selectively coupling the at
least one first mating connector to at least one second mating
connector on the screened device.
16. A method for positioning a screened device, the method
comprising: attaching an adjustable apparatus to the screened
device, where the adjustable apparatus comprises: at least one
amorphous, elongated armature having a length, a first end and a
second end, the elongated armature configured to be adjustable and
positionable; and at least one magnetic bead on the armature; and
adjusting the at least one amorphous, elongated armature and/or the
at least one magnetic bead to position the screened device.
17. The method of claim 16 where the screened device comprises a
screen and a magnet where the method further comprises coupling the
magnetic bead of the adjustable apparatus to the screened device
magnet.
18. The method of claim 16 where the at least one magnetic bead is
configured to slide along substantially the length of the
amorphous, elongated armature and is configured to be positionable
along substantially the length of the armature.
19. The method of claim 16 where: the screened device comprises a
screen and at least two magnets; the adjustable apparatus comprises
at least two magnetic beads; and the method further comprises
coupling a magnetic bead of the adjustable apparatus to one each of
the magnets of the screened device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/807,117 for "Adjustable, Amorphous
Apparatus for Positioning Screened Devices and Method for the Use
Thereof", filed on Apr. 1, 2013, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for
adjusting the position of a screen of a screened device, where the
invention more particularly relates to apparatus and methods for
adjusting the position of a screen of a screened device, which
apparatus and devices having at least one first mating connector
thereon.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Beginning in the early years of the twenty-first century, a
large variety of new screened devices have been developed and sold,
including, but not necessarily limited to, mobile devices such as
smart phones and tablet computers. Many of these portable
electronic devices have a view screen for displaying text. Some of
these devices also are used for displaying photographs and in some
cases movies. The newest of these devices display photographs and
movies in high definition. While some electronic devices such as
digital picture frames, come with a mechanism such as a stand for
positioning the screen for viewing, phones and tablet computers
generally do not. However, often the original manufacturer and/or
third parties sell separate stands for such devices.
[0004] With the advent of portable electronic devices, it has
become common to observe such devices being used in many public
venues and social settings. Such venues include coffee shops,
restaurants, shopping malls, and the like. These devices can be
seen in just about any public setting. It is often desirable for
the screened device to be positioned vertically or at a generally
vertical angle so that one or more people can view the same
photograph, text or video being displayed. If the viewing time is
extended, such as during the display of a long series of
photographs, or a television show or movie, it is desirable to be
able to position or prop the screened device into an orientation
for viewing without a person holding it, to avoid the person
becoming fatigued.
[0005] It would thus be desirable in the art of supporting screened
devices, if such devices could be positioned using an apparatus and
method that is quickly and easily employed, which apparatus and
method are simple and therefore are not costly.
SUMMARY
[0006] In one non-limiting embodiment there is provided an
adjustable apparatus for positioning screened devices, which
apparatus include at least one amorphous, elongated armature having
a length, a first end and a second end, the elongated armature
configured to be adjustable and positionable, and at least one
first mating connector on the armature. Optionally, the at least
one first connector is selected from the group consisting of a
magnet, a plurality of hooks, a plurality of loops, a suction cup,
one half of a snap, a clip, a clamp, a clasp, adhesive, and
combinations of these.
[0007] There is also provided, in another non-limiting form, an
adjustable apparatus for positioning screened devices, the
apparatus including at least one amorphous, elongated armature
having a length, a first end and a second end, the elongated
armature configured to be adjustable and positionable; and at least
one magnet thereon. Optionally, the magnet is a magnetic bead. In
an alternate, non-limiting embodiment, the magnet or magnetic bead
is configured to slide along substantially the length of the
armature and configured to be positionable along substantially the
length of the armature.
[0008] There is further provided in another embodiment a
multi-component system for positioning screened devices which
system includes at least one mounting component configured to mount
to a case of a screened device bearing a screen, the mounting
component comprising a magnetic surface. The multi-component system
also includes an adjustable apparatus for positioning the screened
device. Again, the apparatus includes at least one amorphous,
elongated armature having a length, a first end and a second end,
the elongated armature configured to be adjustable and
positionable; and at least one magnetic bead configured to slide
substantially along the length of the armature and configured to be
positionable substantially along the length of the armature.
[0009] In a different non-restrictive embodiment there is provided
a method for positioning a screened device which method includes
attaching an adjustable apparatus to the screened device, where the
adjustable apparatus comprises at least one amorphous, elongated
armature having a length, a first end and a second end, the
elongated armature configured to be adjustable and positionable,
and at least one first mating connector on the armature, where the
method further involves adjusting the at least one amorphous,
elongated armature and/or the at least one first connector to
position the screened device.
[0010] Additionally there is provided in another non-limiting
version a method for positioning a screened device which method
includes attaching an adjustable apparatus to the screened device,
where the adjustable apparatus is described as above, and then
adjusting the at least one amorphous, elongated armature and/or the
at least one magnetic bead to position the screened device. In one
non-restrictive version of the method, the screened device
comprises a screen and a magnet where the method further involves
coupling the magnetic bead of the adjustable apparatus to the
screened device magnet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an adjustable apparatus for positioning
screened devices having an amorphous, elongated armature and a
magnetic bead depicted as configured to slide along substantially
the length of the armature;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates the adjustable apparatus of FIG. 1 where
a screened device has a mounting component affixed to the back side
thereof, where the mounting component has a magnetic surface, and
the magnetic bead removably couples with the magnetic surface while
the ends of an amorphous, elongated armature are positioned and
oriented in an inverted V-shape to hold the screened device in a
generally upright position;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the adjustable
apparatus where the amorphous, elongated armature comprises four
extensions or legs configured to engage and protect the corners of
a screened device;
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates the adjustable apparatus of FIG. 1 where
the magnetic bead has been slid to and positioned on one end of the
amorphous, elongated armature to removably couple to the magnetic
surface of a mounting component on the back side of a screened
device while the other end of the elongated armature is configured
into a hook shape to hook around the rearview mirror support post
of a vehicle;
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a different embodiment of the adjustable
apparatus shown holding a screened device in a generally upright
position similar to that of FIG. 2, except that the embodiment of
FIG. 5 has five extensions to give the appearance of a humanoid
figure, the two "legs" of which provide a stand for the claimed
device, the two "arms" of which may hold one or more objects, and
where the fifth extension resembles a head or face; and
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the
adjustable apparatus where the amorphous, elongated armature bears
two magnetic beads that are configured to slide along substantially
the length of the armature where each magnetic bead removably
couples to the magnetic surface of respective mounting components
in upper corners of the back side of a screened device, where the
central portion of the elongated armature has been formed into a
V-shape to serve as a stand to hold the screened device in a
generally upright position.
[0017] It will be appreciated that the various Figures are not
necessarily to scale and that certain features have been
exaggerated for clarity and do not necessarily limit the features
of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] It has been discovered that an adjustable apparatus of a
relatively simple and compact design may be used to position a
screened device in a wide variety of contexts so that the screen
may be more easily seen by one or more viewers without one of the
viewers having to physically hold the device. The adjustable
apparatus is configured to selectively and removably couple to at
least one case using at least one first connector, optionally a
magnetic attractive force. For the purposes of this application,
the term "at least one case" means the primary case used by a
manufacturer to hold and protect the individual electronic and
other components of which a screened device is composed, but it can
also mean a protective case that functions to protect the primary
case. For example, a smartphone generally comprises electronics
disposed within a rigid shell-like case. This would be the primary
case. There are available protective cases, often made of leather,
rubber, polymer elastomer, even wood, and/or rigid or flexible
plastic, that serve to prevent scratches and blemishes on the
primary case and sometimes to impart a bit of shock resistance as
well.
[0019] The term "screened device" includes devices having a view
screen including, but not limited to cell phones, smartphones, some
cameras, some telescopes, some weapons scopes, tablet computers,
laptop computers, DVD players, digital photograph frames, portable
electronic game players, digital music players (e.g. iPOD.RTM.
player) and the like. Other non-limiting examples include computer
monitors, televisions, laboratory apparatus (both portable and
non-portable), mobile devices to collect and/or analyze data, and
the like. While it is expected that the adjustable apparatus will
find its greatest use in positioning electronic screened devices,
the apparatus may also position mechanical screened devices
including, but not necessarily limited to, devices that children
and others may draw on such as an Ohio Art ETCH A SKETCH.RTM., an
Ohio Art DOODLE SKETCH.TM. (where the screen is wiped clean by a
lever), a Magic Slate pad, or other drawing device with a screen or
the like. Since the images on these non-electronic devices are
static, the multi-component system or adjustable apparatus may
serve as a display stand. The method of this application may be
used with any screened device having a view screen.
[0020] The term "selectively couple" describes the process wherein
an adjustable apparatus described herein is applied to a screened
device and adheres to it because of a physical force, e.g. a
magnetic force. The at least one first connector includes, but is
not necessarily limited to, a magnet, a plurality of hooks, a
plurality of loops, a suction cup, one half of a snap, a clip, a
clamp, a clasp, adhesive and combinations of these. In some cases,
only a first connector is required, for instance a suction cup. In
the case of adhesive, the adhesive should be of the removable and
repositionable kind, such as the type well-known for use on sticky
notes, in contrast to stronger adhesives that are permanent and not
repositionable or not removable.
[0021] Clips, clamps and clasps may be envisioned that also only
require a first connector (e.g. spring clips, hair clips, and the
like), but others exist that require a second connector, in which
case the first and second connectors are mating connectors that
each require the other for the adjustable apparatus and the
screened device to selectively couple. In a non-limiting instance a
plurality of loops and a plurality of hooks, when properly sized,
can when placed together physically selectively couple with one
another. A well-known example of loop-and-hook fasteners is a
VELCRO.RTM. fastener. Of course, loop and hook connectors must be
used in mated pairs and are ineffective on their own. Snaps are
similar in that there must be a male and female snap to engage as a
mated pair. While the apparatus and methods will be described
herein where the at least one first connector is a magnet, it will
be appreciated that these other embodiments may also be
employed.
[0022] In the case of a magnet in one non-limiting embodiment,
there is sufficient magnetic force to allow the adjustable
apparatus to remain in place despite casual movements of the
electronic device, but to still be easily removed by a human
operator. Hence, the coupling is selectable.
[0023] Shown in FIG. 1 is a three-quarters view of an adjustable
apparatus 100 which has an amorphous, elongated armature 101 that
is adjustable and positionable, but posable or configurable, by
which is meant once the armature 101 is posed or positioned, the
position is held and maintained until a force acts upon it to
change the pose or configuration. This may be accomplished by
having a sufficiently strong wire core (not shown) of metal or
other suitable material that is flexible and adjustable, but
posable and configurable. The wire core may be encased or covered
in rubber or polymer elastomer to protect the metal wire from the
elements and prevent corrosion, but also to protect the user from
the possible sharp ends of the wire core. By "amorphous" is meant
lacking a definite shape; that is, the armature 101 can change
shape, it has no set shape, it is bendable and posable. The
amorphous, elongated armature 101 may have a constant exterior
diameter and cross-sectional shape; in one non-limiting embodiment
circular, as for conventional coated wire. However, alternatively
the diameter may vary along the length thereof and the
cross-sectional shape may also vary along its length. For instance,
please see the elongated armatures 301 of the FIG. 3
embodiment.
[0024] The amorphous, elongated armature 101 has a length with a
first end 102 and a second end 103 and at least one magnetic bead
104 on the armature. As will be seen, the exact position of the at
least one magnetic bead 104 on the armature may differ from one
application or use to the next. In one non-limiting embodiment the
magnetic bead 104 may have a flat side 105 to engage other magnetic
surfaces over a greater surface area for a more secure selective
coupling thereto.
[0025] The magnetic bead may be ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic and
may comprise iron or other conventional ferromagnetic or
ferromagnetic substance. More specifically, the magnetic bead may
have or include at least one metal, such as but not limited to
MnBi, MnAl, MnAlC, alloys of MnBi, alloys of MnAl, alloys of MnAlC,
barium hexaferrite, strontium, neodymium, hexaferrite, NdFeB,
alloys of NdFeB, samarium cobalt magnetic materials, alloyed cobalt
materials, hard magnetic nitride materials, hard magnetic carbide
materials, or rare earth magnetic materials, iron, iron-cobalt
alloys, or iron-based alloys including silicon steel, nickel iron
permalloys, iron-cobalt-vanadium alloys, or high saturation soft
ferrite materials and combinations thereof.
[0026] The magnetic bead may be of a variety of shapes depending on
the desired use of the adjustable apparatus, e.g. spheres, cubes,
pyramids, ovoids, circles, squares, rectangles, etc. The
dimensions, i.e. thickness, length, and width of the magnetic beads
may also vary. In one non-limiting embodiment there may be more
than one magnetic bead 104 on the elongated armature 101, for
instance as shown in the embodiment in FIG. 6, as will be discussed
in more detail later. Multiple magnetic beads 104 on the same
armature 101 may have the same or different shapes.
[0027] The at least one magnetic bead may optionally have a
coating, such as but not limited to a metallic plating, an epoxy
resin, plastic, and combinations thereof, or almost any coating to
prevent oxidation to the magnets and/or reduce the brittleness of
the magnets. In a non-limiting embodiment, the metallic plating may
be or include metals, such as but not limited to gold, nickel,
zinc, tin, silver, and combinations thereof. This type of metallic
plating, as well as other magnet coatings mentioned, may protect
the magnet under specific external conditions, such as but not
limited to temperature changes, pressure changes, pH changes,
corrosion, and the like. The magnet coating may also increase or
decrease the magnetic force of the magnet. Additionally, the
coating may be a thin shock absorbing material for absorbing some
of the shock to the magnetic device and/or the magnets; the coating
may have a force dampening effect. Such an effect may protect
brittle magnets.
[0028] In another non-restrictive embodiment the at least one
magnetic bead 104 is configured to slide or move along
substantially the length of the armature 101 and configured to be
positionable substantially along the length of the armature 101.
The arrows in FIG. 1 indicate this movement. In this embodiment,
the elongated armature 101 may have a restraint 106 and a restraint
107 on the first end 102 and second end 103, respectively, adapted
to keep the at least one magnetic bead from sliding off the
armature 101. The restraints 106 and 107 need not have the shape
shown in FIG. 1 but may be any suitable shape, for instance, but
not necessarily limited to, spheres, cubes, pyramids, ovoids, or
other suitable size and shape to keep bead 104 from sliding off
armature 101 and being lost.
[0029] By "substantially the length of the armature 101" is meant
that most of the length of armature 101 may be traversed by the
bead 104, except for the restraints 106 and 107 and one or more
other bead 104 or structure present in accordance with any of the
embodiments described herein. By "positionable" is meant that the
bead 104 will stay at its position on the armature 101 until a
force moves it from that position. As previously described, the
amorphous, elongated armature 101 may also be understood as
positionable. In one non-limiting embodiment the magnetic bead is
frictionally positionable, in one non-limiting instance the coating
or covering on the armature 101 is a friction fit to the inside
bore of the hole 108 through the bead 101. The tolerances of the
armature 101 diameter and the hole 108 diameter would be such that
when forced the bead would slide or move, but when the force is
released the bead 104 would stay in place. This is a well-known
phenomenon when the coating or covering is an elastomer that can be
compressed during movement, but which expands back to its usual
position or shape (or as close as possible within the hole 108) so
that the bead 104 is held frictionally in place on the armature
101.
[0030] Alternatively, the position of the bead 104 on armature 101
may be held using another mechanism, including, but not necessarily
limited to, a screw, pin, spring-actuated stop, clamp, or other
structure known in the art.
[0031] Shown in FIG. 2 is a multi-component system 200 for
positioning screened devices. A screened device 201, such as a cell
phone or tablet computer is shown having a substantially
rectangular shape although this shape is just for convenience, the
screened device may have any suitable shape. The screened device
201 is shown from the back side (202 in FIG. 2), so that the screen
is facing away from the viewer in FIG. 2, as well as in FIGS. 3-6.
In FIG. 2, adjustable apparatus 100 has the same reference numbers
as in FIG. 1 for consistency.
[0032] Back side 202 of case of screened device 201 has at least
one mounting component 203 mounted to a case of screened device
201, where the mounting component 203 comprises a magnetic surface
204. Where other connector types are used, for instance, a
plurality of hooks, a plurality of loops, a suction cup, one half
of a snap, a clip, a clamp, a clasp, adhesive, etc., the mounting
component 203 may be at least one second connector to mate with the
at least one first connector 104 on the armature 101 Throughout
FIGS. 2-6 mounting component 203 and magnetic surface 204 are shown
as having a circular shape, but this is merely a convenient shape
(different reference numerals are used for FIGS. 3-6). Their shapes
may be the same or different from each other (in the case where
there are more than one) and may include, but not necessarily be
limited to, circles, ovals, squares, rectangles, triangles,
pentagons, pyramids, rhombuses, even decorative shapes such as
flowers, stars, moons, etc. In one non-limiting embodiment the
magnetic surface 204 is flat to maximize its contact with the
magnetic bead 104 in one non-restrictive version, and even further
with flat side 105 of magnetic bead 104.
[0033] Further shown in FIG. 2 is magnetic bead 104 selectively
coupled to the magnetic surface 204 of mounting component 203. The
amorphous, elongated armature 101 is shaped by the user into an
inverted V-shape and first and second ends 102 and 103 of elongated
armature 101 are positioned as two legs which hold the screened
device 201 in an upright or generally vertical position for
viewing. It should be noted that although the screen of the
screened device may be positioned so that it is 90.degree. or at a
right angle to the support surface that it is sitting on, that it
is not necessary for the screen to be exactly at this angle, but
that the angle of the back side 202 of the screened device 201 may
be at a less than 90.degree. angle, i.e. an acute angle and still
be in a suitable viewable position. It may be that restraints 107
and 108 may have an increased surface area that serves as a "foot"
to contact more surface area of the support surface so that the
adjustable apparatus 100 serves as a more stable stand for screened
device 201.
[0034] Mounting component 203 may be permanently, semi-permanently
or temporarily affixed to the back side 202 of the case of screened
device 201, or to a secondary, after-market case that at least
partially covers the original manufacturer's case for screened
device 201. An adhesive may be used for permanently affixing
mounting component 203, for instance an epoxy, "super glue"
(cyanoacrylate adhesive) or other permanent adhesive.
Semi-permanently affixing the mounting component 203 may be done
using the types of removable, repositionable adhesives used for
"sticky notes" such as POST-IT.RTM. notes from 3M. Mounting
component 203 may also be affixed using conventional means such as
clips, brackets, screws, snaps and the like.
[0035] It will be further appreciated that both magnetic surface
204 of mounting component 203 and magnetic bead 104 need not be
both be magnetic, although at least one of them should be and they
both may be (in the non-limiting case of magnetic connectors).
Magnetic surface 204 may be any of the materials noted previously
as suitable for magnetic bead 104 or may simply have enough iron so
that magnetic bead 104 may be selectively coupled or attached
thereto. Of course, the poles of the magnetic surface 204 and
magnetic bead 104 should be of opposite polarity for the two
components to couple together or attach. Mounting component 203
should be mounted on the screened device in any location that
permits the adjustable apparatus 100 to perform the desired
function.
[0036] Shown in FIG. 3 is another, alternative embodiment of a
multi-component system 307 where an adjustable apparatus 300 has
four amorphous, elongated armatures 301 which in this particular
embodiment terminate in corner guards 302 adapted to engage and
protect the corners of the screened device 303. Magnetic bead 304
selectively engages the magnetic surface 305 of mounting component
306 as previously described. In this embodiment, elongated
armatures 301 may be positionable as previously described and/or
may be somewhat elastic and stretchable so that the fit of the
corner guards 302 on the corners of the screened device 303 (which
in this non-limiting embodiment is rectangular so that there are
four corners) is relatively snug or tight so that the corner guards
do not readily come off during ordinary handling. The FIG. 3
embodiment may thus function as a protective case. Corner guards
302 are conveniently of a rectilinear shape, but they do not have
to be of this shape; they may be any shape, for instance,
spherical, ovoid, pyramidal, etc. that permits them to serve their
stated purpose. Magnetic bead 304 may slide or move along the
elongated armatures 301 as previously described with respect to
magnetic bead 104 and elongated armature 101, or its position may
be permanently fixed. The more versatile the adjustable apparatus
300, the more variety of shapes and sizes of screened devices 303
with which the adjustable apparatus 300 may be used.
[0037] Shown in FIG. 4 is yet another non-restrictive embodiment of
a multi-component system 408 including an adjustable apparatus 400
which may be very similar to adjustable apparatus 100 shown in FIG.
1. In this embodiment magnetic bead 404 is temporarily or
permanently positioned at or near first end 402 of amorphous,
elongated armature 401. Magnetic bead 404 is selectively coupled to
the magnetic surface 405 of mounting component 406. The second end
403 of elongated armature 401 is configured or posed into a hook
shape so that it may engage the post 409 of a conventionally
mounted rear view mirror 410 in a motor vehicle. First end 402 and
second end 403 may have restraint 406 and restraint 407,
respectively. In this way a mobile screened device 411 such as a
smartphone, GPS navigator, digital thermometer or other device may
be placed in convenient view of the driver and/or passenger. It
will be appreciated that a similar arrangement may help engage or
attach a screened device to another structure, including but not
necessarily limited to, a bathroom mirror or light, a computer
monitor, a structure in a workshop, or the like.
[0038] Shown in FIG. 5 is an amorphous or freer-form embodiment
having multiple appendages of the adjustable apparatus 500 in
multi-component system 518, in the non-restrictive form of a
figurine. Adjustable apparatus 500 is similar to that of FIGS. 1
and 2 in that it has two amorphous, elongated armatures 501 with a
first end 502 and a second end 503 and a magnetic bead 504 which
may optionally be slidable or movable along the elongated armatures
501, with restraints 506 and 507 on first and second ends 502 and
503, respectively. However, adjustable apparatus 500 also has
amorphous, elongated armatures 508 and 509 with respective third
and fourth ends 510 and 511. In the particular embodiment shown,
end 510 is posed or positioned in the form of a loop to hold a set
of ear buds 512, and end 511 is posed or positioned in the form of
a loop to hold a writing implement such as a pencil 513, pen or
stylus. It will be appreciated that the objects 512 and 513 shown
are arbitrary examples only and may be any relatively small object
that the user wants to hold. Adjustable apparatus 500 may also
include a fanciful head or face 519 so that together with elongated
armatures 501, 508 and 509, adjustable apparatus 500 has the
appearance of a humanoid figure. It may thus be easily imagined
that adjustable apparatus 500 could be designed to be any number of
characters, animals, figures and the like including, but not
necessarily limited to well-known characters such as
GUMBY.RTM..
[0039] Magnetic bead 504 may be fixed in position on two amorphous,
elongated armatures 501 or elongated armatures 508 and 509 or
optionally may be slidable or movable along one or more of these
armatures. Magnetic bead 504 may be selectively coupled to magnetic
surface 514 of mounting component 515, which is mounted on the back
side 516 of screened device 517, which is being held in an upright
viewing position by elongated armatures 501 and optional restraints
506 and 507 on first and second ends, respectively.
[0040] Shown in FIG. 6 is another alternative embodiment of the
adjustable apparatus 600 which is part of multi-component system
617 where the amorphous, elongated armature 601 has a first end 602
and a second end 603, and which armature 601 bears two magnetic
beads 604 and 605 that are configured to slide along substantially
the length of the armature 601. Restraints 606 and 607 are provided
on respective first end 602 and second end 603. Magnetic bead 604
and 605 removably couple to the magnetic surfaces 608 and 609 of
respective mounting components 610 and 611 in respective upper
corners 612 and 613 of the back side 614 of a screened device 615,
where the central portion 616 of the elongated armature 601 has
been formed into a V-shape to serve as a stand to hold the screened
device 615 in a generally upright position for viewing by the
user.
[0041] It will be appreciated that the adjustable, amorphous
apparatus may include any number of magnetic beads along any number
of elongated armatures, and that the magnetic beads may selectively
couple to one or more magnetic surfaces on one or more mounting
components placed in various positions on one or more screened
devices. It will also be appreciated that the multi-component
system and/or adjustable apparatus as described herein may be
provided with an apparatus for cleaning view screens and lenses as
described in International Publication No. WO 2013/022768 A2,
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0042] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, and has
been described as effective in providing adjustable methods and
adjustable devices for positioning screened devices. However, it
will be evident that various modifications and changes can be made
thereto without departing from the broader spirit or scope of the
invention as set forth in the appended claims. Accordingly, the
specification is to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a
restrictive sense. For example, specific designs and/or shapes
and/or numbers of amorphous, elongated armatures, magnetic beads,
restraints, mounting components, shown but not specifically
identified or tried in a particular method or device, are expected
to be within the scope of this invention.
[0043] The present invention may suitably comprise, consist or
consist essentially of the elements disclosed and may be practiced
in the absence of an element not disclosed. For instance, an
adjustable apparatus for positioning screened devices may consist
essentially of or consist of at least one amorphous, elongated
armature having a length, a first end and a second end, the
elongated armature configured to be adjustable and positionable;
and at least one magnetic bead on the armature.
[0044] In another non-limiting embodiment a multi-component system
for positioning screened devices may consist essentially of or
consist of at least one mounting component configured to mount to a
case of a screened device bearing a screen, the mounting component
comprising a magnetic surface; and an adjustable apparatus which in
turn may consist essentially of or consist of at least one
amorphous, elongated armature having a length, a first end and a
second end, the elongated armature configured to be adjustable and
positionable, and at least one magnetic bead on the armature.
[0045] In another non-restrictive version there may be provided a
method for positioning a screened device that consists essentially
of or consists of attaching an adjustable apparatus to the screened
device, where the adjustable apparatus in turn consists of or
consists essentially of at least one amorphous, elongated armature
having a length, a first end and a second end, the elongated
armature configured to be adjustable and positionable; and at least
one magnetic bead on the armature; and where the method further
consists or consists essentially of adjusting the at least one
elongated armature and/or the at least one magnetic bead to
position the screened device.
[0046] In a different, non-limiting embodiment an adjustable
apparatus for positioning screened devices, the adjustable
apparatus may consist of or consist essentially of at least one
amorphous, elongated armature having a length, a first end and a
second end, the elongated armature configured to be adjustable and
positionable and at least one first connector on the armature.
[0047] In further non-restrictive method for positioning a screened
device, the method may consist of or consist essentially of
attaching an adjustable apparatus to the screened device, where the
adjustable apparatus consists of or consists essentially of that
described in the previous paragraph, and the method further
consists of or consists essentially of adjusting the at least one
amorphous, elongated armature and/or the at least one first mating
connector to position the screened device.
[0048] The words "comprising" and "comprises" as used throughout
the claims, are to be interpreted to mean "including but not
limited to" and "includes but not limited to", respectively.
* * * * *