U.S. patent application number 14/618927 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-13 for wearable belt mount for an electronic device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Carlos Felipe Arias-Tabima. Invention is credited to Carlos Felipe Arias-Tabima.
Application Number | 20150223590 14/618927 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53773830 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150223590 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Arias-Tabima; Carlos
Felipe |
August 13, 2015 |
WEARABLE BELT MOUNT FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE
Abstract
A wearable belt mount for supporting an electronic device on a
user's body includes a belt for encircling the user's waist area, a
left articulated arm fitting affixed to the belt at a first
intermediate position along a length of the belt, and a right
articulated arm fitting affixed to the belt at a second
intermediate position along the length of the belt. The right
articulated arm fitting is substantially diametrically opposite the
left articulated arm fitting. A left support arm has a proximal end
attached to the left articulated arm fitting and a distal end
extending forwardly from the belt, and a right support arm has a
proximal end attached to the right articulated arm fitting and a
distal end extending forwardly from the belt. A device tray is
supported between the distal end of the left support arm and the
distal end of the right support arm.
Inventors: |
Arias-Tabima; Carlos Felipe;
(Hallandale Beach, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Arias-Tabima; Carlos Felipe |
Hallandale Beach |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53773830 |
Appl. No.: |
14/618927 |
Filed: |
February 10, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61938798 |
Feb 12, 2014 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/195 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 5/021 20130101;
A45F 2200/0516 20130101; A45F 2200/0525 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/02 20060101
A45F005/02 |
Claims
1. A wearable belt mount for supporting an electronic device on a
user's body at an ergonomic position, said wearable belt mount
comprising: a belt for encircling a user's waist area; a left
support arm having a proximal end pivotably attached to said belt
at a first intermediate position along a length of said belt, and a
distal end extending forwardly from said belt; a right support arm
having a proximal end pivotably attached to said belt at a second
intermediate position along said length of said belt, and a distal
end extending forwardly from said belt, said second intermediate
position being substantially diametrically opposite said first
intermediate position; and a device support rotatably supported
between said distal end of said left support arm and said distal
end of said right support arm.
2. A wearable belt mount according to claim 1, wherein said belt
comprises a buckle at a first end of said belt for securing said
first end of said belt to a second end of said belt.
3. A wearable belt mount according to claim 2, wherein said buckle
includes at least one audio speaker incorporated therein adapted
for electronic communication with an electronic device supported on
said device support for the reproduction of audio sound transmitted
by the electronic device.
4. A wearable belt mount according to claim 2, further including a
mouse plate support affixed to said belt buckle and a mouse plate
pivotally mounted to said mouse plate support.
5. A wearable belt mount according to claim 1, further including a
left support arm extension at least partially telescoped within
said left support arm and a right support arm extension at least
partially telescoped within said right support arm, said distal
ends of said left and said right support arms affixed to said left
and said right support arm extensions and selectively extendable
from said left and said right support arms respectively.
6. A wearable belt mount according to claim 1, wherein said left
and said right support arms are selectively pivotal with respect to
said belt between a lowered position wherein said arms are
substantially horizontal and a raised position wherein said arms
are oblique.
7. A wearable belt mount according to claim 1, further including a
transverse support rod extending between said distal ends of said
left and said right support arms.
8. A wearable belt mount according to claim 7, further including an
intermediate elongated clip frictionally engaging said transverse
support rod and rotatable about a longitudinal axis of said
transverse support rod, said device support affixed to said
intermediate elongated clip.
9. A wearable belt mount according to claim 8, wherein said device
support is pivotably attached to said intermediate elongated
clip.
10. A wearable belt mount according to claim 7, wherein each of
said left and right support arms further include at least one
articulated joint and further wherein said transverse support rod
includes a first rod element and a second rod element
telescopically received in said first rod element.
11. A wearable belt mount according to claim 1, further including a
first armrest affixed to said left support arm and a second armrest
affixed to said right support arm.
12. A wearable belt mount according to claim 1, wherein at least
one of said proximal ends of said left and right support arms is
transversely adjustable with respect to said belt.
13. A wearable belt mount for supporting an electronic device on a
user's body at an ergonomic position, said wearable belt mount
comprising: a belt for encircling a user's waist area, said belt
having a plurality of links, at least one stretchable band at an
intermediate portion thereof, and a buckle at a first end of said
belt for securing said first end of said belt to a second end of
said belt; a mouse plate support affixed to said belt buckle and a
mouse plate pivotally mounted to said mouse plate support; a left
articulated arm fitting affixed to said belt at a first
intermediate position along a length of said belt; a right
articulated arm fitting affixed to said belt at a second
intermediate position along said length of said belt, said right
articulated arm fitting being substantially diametrically opposite
said left articulated arm fitting; a left support arm having a
proximal end attached to said left articulated arm fitting and a
distal end extending forwardly from said belt; a right support arm
having a proximal end attached to said right articulated arm
fitting and a distal end extending forwardly from said belt; and a
device tray supported between said distal end of said left support
arm and said distal end of said right support arm.
14. A wearable belt mount according to claim 13, further including
a left support arm extension at least partially telescoped within
said left support arm and a right support arm extension at least
partially telescoped within said right support arm, said distal
ends of said left and said right support arms affixed to said left
and said right support arm extensions and selectively extendable
from said left and said right support arms respectively.
15. A wearable belt mount according to claim 13, wherein said left
and said right support arms are selectively pivotal at said left
and said right articulated arm fittings respectively between a
lowered position wherein said arms are substantially horizontal and
a raised position wherein said arms are oblique.
16. A wearable belt mount according to claim 13, further including
a transverse support rod extending between said distal ends of said
left and said right support arms respectively.
17. A wearable belt mount according to claim 16, further including
an intermediate elongated clip frictionally engaging said
transverse support rod and rotatable about a longitudinal axis of
said transverse support rod, said device tray affixed to said
intermediate elongated clip.
18. A wearable belt mount according to claim 17, wherein said
intermediate elongated clip includes a tray support post extending
perpendicularly therefrom, said device tray affixed to said tray
support post and pivotal with respect to said tray support
post.
19. A wearable belt mount for supporting an electronic device on a
user's body at an ergonomic position, said wearable belt mount
comprising: a belt for encircling a user's waist area, said belt
having a plurality of links, at least one stretchable band at an
intermediate portion, and a buckle at a first end of said belt for
securing said first end of said belt to a second end of said belt;
a mouse plate support affixed to said belt buckle and a mouse plate
pivotally mounted to said mouse plate support; a left articulated
arm fitting affixed to said belt at a first intermediate position
along a length of said belt; a right articulated arm fitting
affixed to said belt at a second intermediate position along said
length of said belt, said right articulated arm fitting being
substantially diametrically opposite said left articulate arm
fitting; a left support arm having a proximal end attached to said
left articulated arm fitting and a distal end extending forwardly
from said belt, said left support arm including a first armrest
affixed thereto and a left support arm extension at least partially
telescoped within said left support arm and extendable therefrom,
said distal end affixed to said left support arm extension; a right
support arm having a proximal end attached to said right
articulated arm fitting and a distal end extending forwardly from
said belt, said right support arm including a second armrest
affixed thereto and a right support arm extension at least
partially telescoped within said left support arm and extendable
therefrom, said distal end affixed to said right support arm
extension; a transverse support rod extending between said left and
said right distal ends of said left and said right support arms
respectively; an intermediate elongated clip closely engaging said
transverse support rod and rotatable about a longitudinal axis of
said transverse support rod; and a device tray pivotally affixed to
said intermediate elongated clip.
20. A wearable belt mount according to claim 19, wherein each of
said left and right support arms further include at least one
articulated joint and further wherein said transverse support rod
includes a first rod element and a second rod element
telescopically received in said first rod element, said distal ends
of said left and said right support arms being adjustable one with
respect to the other.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to apparatuses and
methods for carrying items on a person's body in a hand-free
manner. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a
wearable belt mount securable about a person's midsection and
adapted to have electronic equipment attached thereto.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The use of mobile electronic devices such as tablets and
smartphones has become very popular as a result of the large
quantity of digital content such as books, applications, games, and
video entertainment that users can easily access using their
device. Many users find that their mobile devices are easier and
faster to access online content than utilizing a desktop or laptop
computer. Professionals from all fields in the business world
accomplish important parts of their employment responsibilities
utilizing mobile electronic devices through the use of a variety of
applications as well as utilizing the devices for online
socializing, watching videos, or playing games. The amount of time
that a user spends utilizing their electronic devices continues to
increase with the increased availability of computing power and
available content.
[0003] Various products are available today to help the user retain
the devices on the user's body. Some examples include devices to
attach to one of their hands, strapping the device to one leg, or
cases that permit an electronic tablet to stand alone. However,
these products provide limited assistance as they do not alleviate
the drawbacks related to bad posture, poor performance, and
long-term physical discomforts or injuries from the use of mobile
devices for prolonged periods of time.
[0004] Any of these known devices, in addition to a smart tablet,
can weigh up to 1 kg or more, and users typically end up resting
the entire apparatus on their lap or on a table in front of them
from the start of their session. Most of these users are
unconsciously performing their favorite tasks utilizing very poor
posture and are therefore exposing themselves to unhealthy amounts
of stress on their shoulders by attempting to keep their arms
suspended forwardly from their body in order to work a
touch-screen. They potentially also hurt their necks by dropping
their head forward in an attempt to get improved vision of the
content. This is a very common problem for e-book readers. Most
users are constantly tensing their bodies in different positions in
order to keep their mobile devices steady and secure from dropping
or to maintain their body position and arms in order to continue
interacting with a touch-screen device in front of them.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a device to provide users
with a hands-free and effort-free mounting solution for their
electronic tablets, smart phones, electronic book readers, laptop
computers, and even traditional heavy books and magazines. Such a
device should allow the user to adjust the position of these mobile
devices at different heights, angles, and distances from the user's
eyes to fit different activities and needs. In this manner, a user
could significantly increase the amount of time utilizing these
devices while alleviating bad posture habits and increasing
timeframe, focus, and productivity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present disclosure is generally directed to a wearable
belt mount for supporting an electronic device on a user's body.
The wearable belt mount includes a belt for encircling the user's
waist area. A left support arm has a proximal end pivotably
attached to the belt at a first intermediate position along a
length of the belt, and a distal end extending forwardly from the
belt. Similarly, a right support arm has a proximal end pivotably
attached to the belt at a second intermediate position along a
length of the belt, and a distal end extending forwardly from the
belt. The first intermediate position and the second intermediate
position are substantially diametrically opposite. A device
support, such as a device tray, is rotatably supported between the
distal end of the left support arm and the distal end of the right
support arm.
[0007] In another aspect, the belt includes a buckle at a first end
of the belt for securing the first end of the belt to a second end
of the belt.
[0008] In still another aspect, the buckle includes at least one
audio speaker incorporated therein and adapted for electronic
communication with an electronic device supported on the device
support for the reproduction of audio sound transmitted by the
electronic device.
[0009] In yet another aspect, the wearable belt mount further
includes a mouse plate support affixed to the belt buckle and a
mouse plate pivotally mounted to the mouse plate support.
[0010] In yet another aspect, the wearable belt mount further
includes a left support arm extension at least partially telescoped
within the left support arm and a right support arm extension at
least partially telescoped within the right support arm. The distal
ends of the left and the right support arms are affixed to the left
and right support arm extensions and are selectively extendable
from the left and right support arms respectively.
[0011] In a still further aspect, the left and the right support
arms are selectively pivotal with respect to the belt between a
lowered position wherein the arms are substantially horizontal and
a raised position wherein the arms are substantially vertical.
[0012] In another aspect, the wearable belt mount further includes
a transverse support rod extending between the distal ends of the
left and the right support arms.
[0013] In another aspect, the wearable belt mount further includes
an intermediate elongated clip frictionally engaging the transverse
support rod and rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the
transverse support rod. The device support is affixed to the
intermediate elongated clip.
[0014] In a still further aspect, the device support is pivotably
attached to the intermediate elongated clip.
[0015] In yet another aspect, each of the left and right support
arms further include at least one articulated joint and further
wherein the transverse support rod includes a first rod element and
a second rod element telescopically received in the first rod
element.
[0016] In still another aspect, the wearable belt mount further
includes a first armrest affixed to the left support arm and a
second armrest affixed to the right support arm.
[0017] In another aspect, at least one of the proximal ends of the
left and right support arm is transversely adjustable with respect
to the belt.
[0018] Introducing another embodiment of the invention, a wearable
belt mount for supporting an electronic device on a user's body
includes a belt for encircling the user's waist area wherein the
belt has a plurality of links, at least one stretchable band at an
intermediate portion thereof, and a buckle at a first end of the
belt for securing the first end of the belt to a second end of the
belt. A mouse plate support is affixed to the belt buckle and a
mouse plate is pivotally mounted to the mouse plate support. A left
articulated arm fitting is affixed to the belt at a first
intermediate position along a length of the belt, and a right
articulated arm fitting is affixed to the belt at a second
intermediate position along the length of the belt. The right
articulated arm fitting is substantially diametrically opposite the
left articulated arm fitting. A left support arm has a proximal end
attached to the left articulated arm fitting and a distal end
extending forwardly from the belt, and a right support arm has a
proximal end attached to the right articulated arm fitting and a
distal end extending forwardly from the belt. A device tray is
supported between the distal end of the left support arm and the
distal end of the right support arm.
[0019] In yet another aspect, the wearable belt mount further
includes a left support arm extension at least partially telescoped
within the left support arm and a right support arm extension at
least partially telescoped within the right support arm. The distal
ends of the left and the right support arms are affixed to the left
and right support arm extensions and are selectively extendable
from the left and right support arms respectively.
[0020] In a still further aspect, the left and the right support
arms are selectively pivotal at the left and the right articulated
arm fittings respectively between a lowered position wherein the
arms are substantially horizontal and a raised position wherein the
arms are oblique.
[0021] In another aspect, the wearable belt mount further includes
a transverse support rod extending between the distal ends of the
left and the right support arms respectively.
[0022] In another aspect, the wearable belt mount further includes
an intermediate elongated clip frictionally engaging the transverse
support rod and rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the
transverse support rod. The device tray is affixed to the
intermediate elongated clip.
[0023] In a still further aspect, the intermediate elongated clip
includes a tray support post extending perpendicularly therefrom,
and the device tray is affixed to the tray support post and is
pivotal with respect thereto.
[0024] In a still further aspect, a wearable belt mount for
supporting an electronic device on a user's body includes a belt
for encircling the user's waist area wherein the belt has a
plurality of links, at least one stretchable band at an
intermediate portion thereof, and a buckle at a first end of the
belt for securing the first end of the belt to a second end of the
belt. A mouse plate support is affixed to the belt buckle and a
mouse plate is pivotally mounted to the mouse plate support. A left
articulated arm fitting is affixed to the belt at a first
intermediate position along a length of the belt, and a right
articulated arm fitting is affixed to the belt at a second
intermediate position along the length of the belt. The right
articulated arm fitting is substantially diametrically opposite the
left articulated arm fitting. A left support arm has a proximal end
attached to the left articulated arm fitting and a distal end
extending forwardly from the belt and includes a first armrest
affixed thereto. A left support arm extension is at least partially
telescoped within the left support arm and extendable therefrom and
the left distal end is affixed to the left support arm extension. A
right support arm has a proximal end attached to the right
articulated arm fitting and a distal end extending forwardly from
the belt and includes a second armrest affixed thereto. A right
support arm extension is at least partially telescoped within the
right support arm and extendable therefrom and the right distal end
is affixed to the right support arm extension. A transverse support
Rod extends between the left and the right distal ends of the left
and the right support arms respectively. An intermediate elongated
clip closely engages the transverse support Rod and is rotatable
about a longitudinal axis thereof. A device tray is pivotally
affixed to the intermediate elongated clip.
[0025] In yet another aspect, each of the left and right support
arms further includes at least one articulated joint and further
wherein the transverse support rod includes a first rod element and
a second rod element telescopically received in the first rod
element. The distal ends of the left and the right support arms are
adjustable one with respect to the other.
[0026] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
invention will be further understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art by reference to the following written
specification, claims and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with
reference to the accompanying drawings, where like numerals denote
like elements and in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 presents a top isometric view of a wearable
belt-mount for electronic devices embodying the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 2 presents a bottom isometric view of the wearable
belt-mount of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 3 presents an exploded isometric view of the wearable
belt-mount of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 4 presents a cross-sectional side elevation view of the
wearable belt-mount of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 indicated in
FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 5 presents a side elevation view of a standing user
utilizing the wearable belt-mount of FIG. 1 wherein the support
arms are in an extended and elevated position;
[0033] FIG. 6 presents a side elevation view of a sitting user
utilizing the wearable belt-mount of FIG. 1 wherein the support
arms are in an extended and elevated position;
[0034] FIG. 7 presents a top isometric rear view of a second
exemplary embodiment of a wearable belt-mount for electronic
devices;
[0035] FIG. 8 presents an exploded front isometric view of the
wearable belt-mount of FIG. 7;
[0036] FIG. 9 presents a side elevation view of the wearable
belt-mount of FIG. 7;
[0037] FIG. 10 presents a top plan view of a third exemplary
embodiment of a wearable belt-mount for electronic devices wherein
the transverse rod for supporting the electronic device has a
laterally adjustable length;
[0038] FIG. 11 presents an exploded isometric view of a fourth
exemplary embodiment of a wearable belt-mount for electronic
devices in accordance with the invention;
[0039] FIG. 12 presents an isometric view of the wearable
belt-mount of FIG. 11, shown assembled, with the left and right
support arms depicted in a first transverse position with respect
to the belt;
[0040] FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional front elevation view of the
wearable-belt mount of FIG. 12; and
[0041] FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional front elevation view of the
wearable belt-mount of FIG. 12, with the left and right support
arms depicted in a second transverse position with respect to the
belt.
[0042] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
various views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in
nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or
the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used
herein, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described
herein as "exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be
construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.
All of the implementations described below are exemplary
implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to
make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended
to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the
claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper",
"lower", "left", "rear", "right", "front", "vertical",
"horizontal", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be
bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding
technical field, background, brief summary or the following
detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific
devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and
described in the following specification, are simply exemplary
embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended
claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
[0044] In one exemplary implementation of the invention, a wearable
belt mount 100 is shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrating its
various components. The wearable belt mount 100 includes a belt 102
that is constructed of a plurality of links 104 and that has at
least one stretchable band 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the
belt 102 includes three stretchable bands 105, one in the back and
one on each side of a buckle 108. The belt 102 also includes rigid
belt elements 106, one on the left side and one on the right side
of the belt 102. The buckle 108 secures a first end of the belt 102
to a second end of the belt 102 for encircling a user's waist area.
As most clearly seen in FIG. 2, the buckle 108 can also incorporate
two audio speakers 110 and an audio input jack 111. In this manner,
the buckle 108 can internally include electronic circuitry (not
shown) for electronic communication with an electronic device (not
shown) supported on a device tray 160 for the reproduction of audio
sound transmitted by the electronic device.
[0045] With continued reference to FIGS. 1, a left articulated arm
fitting 112 is affixed to the rigid belt element 106 on the left
side of the belt 102 and at a first intermediate position along a
length of the belt 102. A right articulated arm fitting 114 is
affixed to the rigid belt element 106 on the right side of the belt
102 and at a second intermediate position along the length of the
belt 102. The left articulated arm fitting 112 is substantially
diametrically opposite the right articulated arm fitting 114 when
the belt 102 is closed in an encircling configuration. A left
support arm 120 has a proximal end 122 attached to the left
articulated arm fitting 112 and has a distal end 124 extending
forwardly from the belt 102. In like manner, a right support arm
130 has a proximal end 132 attached to the right articulated arm
fitting 114 and a distal end 134 extending forwardly from the belt
102. As best shown in FIG. 3, the left support arm 120 also
includes a left support arm extension 126 which is at least
partially telescoped within the left support arm 120, and the
distal end 124 of the support arm 120 is affixed to the left
support arm extension 126. Similarly, the right support arm 130
includes a right support arm extension 136 which also is at least
partially telescoped within the right support arm 130, and the
distal end 130 for the support arm 120 is affixed to the right
support arm extension 136. The left distal end 124 and the right
distal end 134 of the left and right support arms 120, 130
respectively are selectively extendable from the left and right
support arms 120, 130. Each support arm 120, 130 includes a button
128, 138 respectively for releasing the left and right support arm
extensions 126, 136 by pressing on the buttons 128, 138. Once
released, the distal ends 124, 134 can be extended away from the
belt 102. The distal ends 124, 134 can be retracted by
telescopically translating the left and right support arm
extensions 126, 136 within the left and right support arms 120,
130.
[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 4, and shown in partial section, the
proximate end 122 is received in the left articulated arm fitting
112. The internal surface of the left articulated arm fitting 112
includes a plurality of notches 116 at regularly defined angular
intervals. The proximate end 122 of the support arm 120 has a nub
117 which projects from a surface thereof and engages one of the
notches 116. In this manner, the left and the right support arms
120, 130 are selectively pivotal about the left and right
articulated arm fittings 112, 114, respectively, between a lowered
position (as shown) wherein the arms are substantially horizontal
and a raised position wherein the arms progressively approach an
oblique, almost vertical position through selective engagement of
the nubs 117 in one of the notches 116.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, a transverse support rod 140 extends
between the left distal end 124 of the left support arm 120 and the
right distal end 134 of the right support arm 130. In a most
preferred embodiment, the rod 140 is cylindrical in shape and its
length defines a central longitudinal axis therealong. An
intermediate elongated clip 142, best shown in FIG. 3, is formed to
closely engage the transverse support rod 140 in such a manner that
the intermediate elongated clip 142 is rotatable about the central
longitudinal axis of the transverse support rod 140. The close
engagement of the support rod 140 in the intermediate elongated
clip 142 frictionally maintains the intermediate elongated clip 142
in a selected and desired rotational position about the support rod
140.
[0048] The intermediate elongated clip 142 includes a tray support
post 144 extending perpendicularly from a midpoint of the
intermediate elongated clip 142. As best shown in FIG. 3, the tray
support post 144 defines a hole 146 at an end thereof. The device
tray 160, as best shown in FIG. 2, has a clevis 166 projecting from
a midpoint of a bottom surface 161 of the tray 160. The clevis 166
defines a hole 168 therethrough and receives between individual
prongs of the clevis 166 the top portion of the tray support post
144. A fastener (not shown for the sake of clarity) extends through
the holes 146, 168 and clamps the prongs of the clevis 166 against
the tray support post 144. In this manner, the device tray 160 can
be selectively tilted from left to right about the fastener engaged
in the holes 146, 168, and the combined device tray 160 and
intermediate elongated clip 142 can be rotated fore and aft about
the transverse rod 140. The device tray 160 can thus be maneuvered
to any angular configuration desired by the user 200.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 1, the device tray 160 can include a lip
162 extending from a proximal edge thereof. The lip 162 serves to
prevent the electronic device being supported by the device tray
160 from sliding off the lower edge when the device tray 160 is
tilted upright toward the user 200 as best illustrated in FIG.
5.
[0050] In use, and as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, a user 200 can
secure the wearable belt mount 100 to his body for use in a
standing position (FIG. 5) or a sitting position (FIG. 6). The
wearable belt mount 100 is affixed to the body of the user 200 by
encircling the belt 102 about the user's waist and securing a free
end of the belt in buckle 108 so that the belt 102 is in tension,
as a result of the expanded stretchable bands 105. The buttons 128,
138 (FIGS. 2 and 3) can be depressed thereby extending the distal
ends 124, 134 away from the belt 102 and the body of the user; in
alternative embodiments devoid of buttons 128, 138, the user may
directly extend the distal ends 124, 134 away from the belt 102.
The arms 120, 130 can be pivoted about the left and right
articulated arm fittings 112, 114 to a position that is most
comfortable for the user and corresponding to the nub 117 engaging
one of the notches 116 (FIG. 4). In this manner, the arms 120, 130
can be pivoted from a substantially horizontal position as
illustrated in FIG. 1 to an oblique position approaching a vertical
direction as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 in accordance with the
desires of the user 200. The device tray 160 and intermediate
elongated clip 142 can be rotated about the transverse rod 140.
And, as a final adjustment, the device tray 160 can be tilted left
or right about the fastener affixing the clevis 166 to the tray
support post 144.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 7 through 9, a wearable belt mount
200 in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the
invention is shown. Like features of the wearable belt mount 200
and the wearable belt mount cover 100 (FIGS. 1 through 6) are
numbered the same except preceded by the numeral `2`. As shown in
FIG. 7, the arms 220, 230 can include armrests 280, 282 mounted to
the interior of the arms 220, 230 and rotatable with respect to the
arms 220, 230 for the comfort of the user 200. Also, in order to
minimize weight, the device tray 260, in lieu of being formed of a
solid plate, can include a plurality of apertures 264 while
maintaining the ability to support thereon an electronic device
(not shown) to be operated by the user 200.
[0052] Some electronic devices to be operated by the user utilizing
the wearable belt mount 200 may require interface with a mouse,
trackball, or other such pointing device for optimal performance.
For this purpose, a mouse plate support 272 can be removably
affixed to a front of the buckle 208. The mouse plate support 272
can have one or more arms 274 extending therefrom to which a mouse
plate 270 is attached for support. The mouse plate 270 has a top
surface 276 on which the pointing device is supported for operation
by the user 200. The mouse plate 270 can optionally be pivotal with
respect to the mouse plate support 272 to orient the pointing
device in a comfortable position. For instance, the mouse plate 270
of the present embodiment is rotatably attached to the mouse plate
support 272 by having transverse protuberances 278 of the mouse
plate 270 rotationally engage with a respective orifice 275 at a
free end of each arm 274, as understood from FIG. 8.
[0053] An alternative embodiment of a wearable belt mount 300 is
illustrated in FIG. 10, wherein like reference numerals refer to
like parts of the wearable belt mount 100 and preceded by the
number `3`. The support arms 320, 330 include two articulated
joints 327, 337 in each of the arms 320, 330. As illustrated
herein, the articulated joints 327 are configured in the support
arm extensions 326, 336. Additionally, the transverse rod 340
comprises a first rod element 348 and a second rod element 350
which is telescopically received in the first rod element 348. In
this manner, the distance between the distal ends 324, 334 can be
adjusted by rotating the various elements at the articulated joints
327 and telescoping the second rod element 350 into the first rod
element 348. For instance, in the event of using the wearable belt
mount 300 to support a smaller electronic device such as a
smartphone, the distal ends 324, 334 can be brought closer together
in order for the distal area of the wearable belt mount 300 to be
less bulky and have a smaller footprint.
[0054] A further alternative embodiment of a wearable belt mount
400 is illustrated in FIG. 11, wherein like reference numerals
refer to like parts of the wearable belt mount 100 and preceded by
the number `4`. As in previous embodiments, the wearable belt mount
400 includes a belt 402. However, the belt 402 of the present
embodiment is different from the previous belts in that it includes
two shoulder straps 409 for further securing the belt to the user's
body, and more particularly, to allow the weight of the wearable
belt mount 400 to be distributed between the user's waist and the
user's shoulders. The shoulder straps 409 of the present embodiment
are single, preferably elastic uni-body straps extending from a
front side to a rear side of the belt 402. Alternative embodiments
are contemplated in which the shoulder straps may be adjustable in
length, non-elastic, and/or include buckles or other fasteners.
[0055] The wearable belt mount 400 of the present embodiment
comprises a left support arm 420 and a right support arm 430. A
device tray 460 is carried by a left distal end 424 and a right
distal end 434 of the left support arm 420 and the right support
arm 430, respectively. A left proximal end 422 of the left support
arm 420 is attached to a left articulated arm fitting 412 affixed
to the belt 402. Similarly, a right proximal end 432 of the right
support arm 430 is attached to a right articulated arm fitting 414
affixed to the belt 402. The illustration of FIG. 11 shows the left
and right support arm proximal ends 422, 432 respectively detached
from the left and right articulated arm fittings 412, 414. The
illustration of FIG. 12 shows the left and right support arm
proximal ends 422, 432 respectively attached to the left and right
articulated arm fittings 412, 414. The left and right support arm
proximal ends 422, 432 and the left and right articulated arm
fittings 412, 414 of the present embodiment allow for a transverse
or radial adjustment of the left and right support arms 420, 430,
permitting the user to selectively adjust the transverse separation
between any one of the left and right support arms 420, 430 and the
belt 402, and thus between the left and right support arms 420, 420
and the user's body. The wearable belt mount 400 is therefore
adjustable to accommodate different users having variable body
sizes, or to adapt to changes in a user's clothing, weight, posture
or other factor.
[0056] For instance, each one of the left and right articulated arm
fittings 412, 414 includes an outer surface 490 comprising an
inward recess 492 from which a stem 494 protrudes outwardly, the
stem 494 ending in a head portion 496 that is wider than the stem
494. In turn, the left and right proximal ends 422, 432 of the left
and right support arms 420, 430 are fitted with an inner cavity
500, where the inner cavity 500 ends at an end wall 502 facing the
corresponding left or right articulated arm fitting 412, 414 and
provided with an opening 504, wherein the inner cavity 500 is wider
than the opening 504. More particularly, the inner cavity 500 is
wider than the head portion 496 of the corresponding left or right
articulated arm fitting 412, 414, and slidably receives the head
portion 496. In turn the opening 504 is wider than the stem 494 to
allow the stem 494 to slidably pass through, but is narrower than
the head portion 496 to prevent the head portion 496 from sliding
out of the inner cavity 500. In consequence, the stem 494 and head
portion 496 can adopt a plurality of longitudinal positions
relative to the left or right proximal end 422, 432 of the left and
right support arms 420, 430, allowing the left and right support
arms 420, 430 to be transversely displaceable and adjustable with
respect to the left and right articulated arm fittings 412, 414
while remaining attached to the left and right articulated arm
fittings 412, 414. As way of example, the illustration of FIG. 11
shows the left and right proximal ends 422, 432 of the left and
right support arms 420, 430 in an outwardmost position with respect
to the left and right articulated arm fittings 412, 414, in which
each head portion 496 is being retained within the corresponding
inner cavity 500 by the corresponding end wall 502. In turn, the
illustration of FIG. 12 shows the left and right proximal ends 422,
432 of the left and right support arms 420, 430 in an inwardmost
position with respect to the left and right articulated arm
fittings 412, 414. In this inwardmost position, a shoulder or
transverse surface 506 of the left and right proximal ends 422, 432
has come to rest on an outer surface of the left and right
articulated arm fitting 412, 414, and a neck portion 508 of the
left and right proximal ends 422, 432 has entered the corresponding
recess 492 of the left and right articulated arm fitting 412,
414.
[0057] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the inward recess
492, stem 494, head portion 496, inner cavity 500, and opening 504
present a round or circular cross section. However, alternative
embodiments are contemplated. For instance, the inward recess 492
and the neck portion 508 can present a mating non-rotational cross
section (e.g., square, hexagonal, octagonal or the like) to prevent
relative rotation between the left and right articulated arm
fitting 412, 414 and the corresponding left and right support arm
420, 430 when the neck portions 508 are coupled to the respective
inward recesses 492. In addition, the non-rotational cross section
is preferably rotationally symmetric, allowing the neck portions
508 to be engageable with the respective inward recesses 492 in
different rotational positions, and thus adjusting the tilt of the
left and right support arms 420, 430.
[0058] In alternative embodiments, only one of the left and right
support arms 420, 430 is transversely adjustable with respect to
the belt 402.
[0059] Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail
can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the
invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing
description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted
as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the
invention should be determined by the appended claims and their
legal equivalents.
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