DUAL FUNCTION CLIP DEVICE FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING A SCREEN
A dual function clip device for use with an electronic device having a screen has a mount for receiving the electronic device; a clip mechanism constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article of a user; and an arm movable relative to the mount between a closed position and at least one open position. A securement device is also provided for locking the arm in the at least one open position. When the arm is in an open position, the clip device is positioned to engage an upwardly facing flat surface, and the mount is oriented to support the electronic device in a viewing position to display the screen on the electronic device.
1. Field of Invention
The present invention is generally related to a clip device for use with an electronic device having a screen. More specifically, the invention relates to a detachable, dual function clip device for carrying an electronic device on a clothing article and for displaying the screen of the electronic device in a partially vertical or inclined viewing position with respect to a flat surface.
2. Background
Manufacturing companies of portable, electronic devices, such as cellular phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), for example, are integrating music and/or video capabilities into such devices. Also, many known music or MP3 players are incorporating video capabilities. The user may need to view the screen to watch a video and have the need to interact with the screen of the electronic device (e.g., using a touchpad, viewing incoming calls, viewing a clock feature).
Devices for carrying portable, electronic devices such as cell phones and PDAs are known for removably attaching the electronic device to a user's body via a clip that is attached to a belt or an article of clothing. These devices generally do not assist in displaying the screen of the electronic device.
Generally, if a user wanted to watch a video on a cell phone, for example, the user is required to hold the phone in their hand or lean it against an object on a flat surface. Additionally, prior art devices for displaying electronic devices on the surface of a desk or a table, for example, include easels or stands in which the electronic device is seated on or within a base. Other display devices include protecting carrying cases having an opening in which the electronic device is removed from the case and placed within the opening to vertically position the screen of the electronic device. One example of a clip device that may also serve as a stand is the “MyFi Belt Clip Stand” by Delphi.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne aspect of the invention provides a dual function clip device for use with an electronic device having a screen. The clip device comprises a mount for receiving the electronic device. The clip mechanism is constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article of a user. A viewing position support mechanism comprises an arm movable relative to the mount between a closed position and at least one open position. The arm has an outer surface constructed and arranged to lie substantially flush with an outer surface of the clip mechanism when in the closed position. The viewing position support mechanism further comprises a securement device for securing the arm in the at least one open position. The viewing position support mechanism is constructed and arranged such that the arm in the at least one open position is positioned to engage an upwardly facing flat surface and orient the mount for supporting the electronic device in an at least partially vertical viewing position to display the screen on the electronic device.
In one aspect of the invention, the arm further comprises a wheel with a plurality of ridges along at least part of the circumference thereof. The wheel is constructed to rotate about a pivotal axis. The clip mechanism further comprises a leaf spring. The leaf spring comprises at least one lug constructed to cooperatively engage at least one ridge of the wheel, and the rotation of the arm about the pivot axis locks the at least one lug within at least one ridge of the wheel to secure the arm in the at least one open position.
In another aspect of the invention, the arm comprises a locking member adjacent a pivot axis to secure the arm in the at least one open position. In yet another aspect of the invention, the locking member is near an end of the arm; the clip mechanism further comprises a plurality of locking ridges on an inner surface, and the rotation of the arm about the pivot axis to the at least one open position locks the end member of the arm within at least one of the locking ridges of the clip mechanism.
Another aspect of the invention provides an attachment device for a portable electronic device having a screen. The attachment device comprises a mount that is removably attached to the electronic device. A clip mechanism is attached to the mount. The clip mechanism is constructed and arranged to clip onto an edge of a clothing article. A viewing position support mechanism comprises an arm that is rotatable relative to the mount about a pivot axis between a closed position and at least one open position. The arm comprises a first lock member adjacent the pivot axis for cooperatively engaging with a second lock member associated with the clip mechanism. Upon rotation of the arm to the at least one open position, the first lock member of the arm engages the second lock member of the clip mechanism to hold the arm at an angle with respect to the mount, and, when the viewing position support mechanism is positioned on an upwardly facing flat surface, the mount is oriented to display the screen of the electronic device at an angle with respect to the surface.
Another aspect of the invention comprises a method for displaying a screen of an electronic device using a clip device constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article of a user, the method comprising: mounting an electronic device on a mount of a clip device; rotating an arm of a viewing position support mechanism of the clip device relative to the mount from a closed position to at least one open position about a pivot axis; securing the arm in the at least one open position by engaging a locking member with one of a plurality of ridges associated with a clip mechanism; engaging the viewing position support mechanism with an upwardly facing flat surface, and orienting the mount to display the screen of the electronic device in an at least partially vertical viewing position.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
The mount 12 is designed to receive an electronic device (shown in
The clip mechanism 14 is attached to the mount 12 using an attachment device 15. The attachment device 15 may securely lock the clip mechanism 14 to the mount 12 via friction-fit or snap-fit, for example. In an embodiment, the attachment device 15 comprises locking arms 19. The locking arms 19 may be used to vertically slide the mount 12 parallel and adjacent to the surface 21 of the attachment device 15, such that the sides of the mount 12 are at least temporarily locked to the clip mechanism 14 via locking arms 19.
In an embodiment, the mount 12 is permanently locked to the clip mechanism 14. In an embodiment, a protrusion is provided on the mount 12, such that as the mount 12 is slid into an interlocking relationship with attachment device 15, the protrusion of mount 12 will lock with a recess on attachment device 15. In an embodiment, the protrusion is non-reversible, such that the mount 12 is locked with respect to the attachment device 15 and is not able to slide along the path of insertion.
In an embodiment, the attachment device 15 of the clip mechanism 14 is temporarily locked to the clip mechanism 14, and is capable of being disengaged from the mount 12, such that numerous types of mounts 12 may be attached to the clip mechanism 14, either during the manufacturing process or by a user, for example.
The clip mechanism 14 has front or outer surface 30 and back or inner surface 31. The clip mechanism 14 is constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article such as a belt or a shirt of a user via a hinge 22. The hinge 22 may be a spring-biased or a resilient, living hinge mechanism, for example. The hinge 22 is used to pivotally open the clip mechanism 14 relative to the mount 12 such that a user may insert the clothing article in the clip mechanism 14. That is, the inner surface 31 pivots relative to or away from mount 12 such that an article of clothing may be inserted therebetween. The resilient action of the clip will return the mechanism 14 to its original position for gripping the clothing article, for example. Preferably, in an embodiment, the clip mechanism 14 comprises a protruding surface 24 with a plurality of teeth 25 to provide a frictional gripping surface against the article of clothing.
The viewing support mechanism 18 comprises an arm 16. The arm 16 is movable relative to the mount 12 between a closed position and at least one open position. In an embodiment, the arm 16 is rotatable along a pivot axis A using a pin 48 (further described with reference to
(as shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface 32 of the arm 16 is constructed and arranged to lie substantially flush with the outer surface 30 of the clip mechanism 14 when locked (e.g., via releasable lock 28) in the closed position. Thus, when a user attaches the clip device 10 to an article of clothing, the fronts or outer surfaces 30, 32 of the clip mechanism 14 and arm 16 may be substantially flat against a user's body, for example. This advantageously allows the arm 16 to have a lower profile than if it protruded substantially from the clip mechanism.
The viewing position support mechanism 18 of the clip device 10 also comprises a securement device 20, as shown in detail in
The securement device 20 comprises a first lock member designed to cooperatively engage a second lock member. In an embodiment, as shown in
As shown in
The viewing support mechanism 68 also comprises a securement device 70. As previously noted, the securement device 70 is used to releasably lock the arm 66 with respect to the mount 62 and/or clip mechanism 64 in at least one open position in at least one angle, such that when the viewing support mechanism 68 is positioned to engage an upwardly facing flat surface such as a desk or table top, the mount 62 of the clip device 60 is oriented to support an electronic device in an at least partially vertical viewing position to display the screen on the electronic device (as shown in
When the arm 64 is locked in a closed position on clip mechanism 64 (e.g., using lock 88 as shown in
The electronic device 100 is attached to the clip device 10 via mount 12. The clip device 10 is then positioned in a partially vertical or inclined position with respect to surface 102. As shown, arm 16 of the viewing position support mechanism 18 is rotated along the pivot axis A to a third position (i.e., the lugs 43 of the leaf spring 42 are moved to engage detent 37c of wheel 34). To position the screen of the electronic device 100 such that it is viewable, the viewing position support mechanism 18 of the clip device 10 is positioned such that at least a portion of the arm 16 is in contact with the flat surface 102.
As shown in
In
Additionally, the user may also rotate the electronic device 100 (e.g. in a clockwise or counterclockwise position) using the rotatable attachment device 13 of mount 12 (or device 63 of mount 62) to orient the screen of the electronic device at any number of desired angles with respect to the flat surface. In an embodiment, the device 10 may also be correspondingly rotated to match the viewing preference of a user. For example, should the electronic device have a feature for sensing the orientation of the device, the electronic device may orient the screen or display horizontally or vertically, depending on a user's viewing preference. For example, the electronic device may be rotated 90 degrees with respect to the mount 12 or clip device 10 so as to turn the screen from a vertical to a horizontal position. Thus, the device 10 allows a user to view the screen according to such preferences.
The above embodiments of clip device 10 and 60 allow for a dual function in that a user may use the clip devices 10, 60 to assist in allowing the user to position an electronic device with respect to a flat surface and carry the electronic device using the same devices 10, 60. The electronic devices are also detachable from clip devices 10, 60. Further, an embodiment of the clip devices 10, 60 allows a user to rotate the electronic device in a clockwise or counterclockwise position, thus enabling one to view the screen at any number of angles or positions (e.g., vertically or horizontally, partially vertical, or inclined position).
The devices 10, 60 also allow a user to position an electronic device for use. For example, a user may position the electronic device such that a speakerphone, microphone, or other hands-free feature may be oriented toward the location of the user.
Additionally, the devices 10, 60 allow the user to position an antenna of an electronic device (e.g., a cellular phone, GPS device, satellite radio) in an at least partially vertical position so as to optimize reception.
While the principles of the invention have been made clear in the illustrative embodiments set forth above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the structure, arrangement, proportion, elements, materials, and components used in the practice of the invention.
It will thus be seen that the objects of this invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. It will be realized, however, that the foregoing preferred specific embodiments have been shown and described for the purpose of illustrating the functional and structural principles of this invention and are subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. A dual function clip device for use with an electronic device having a screen, the clip device comprising:
- a mount for receiving the electronic device;
- a clip mechanism constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article of a user;
- a viewing position support mechanism comprising an arm movable relative to the mount and the clip mechanism between a closed position and at least one open position, the arm having an outer surface constructed and arranged to lie substantially flush with an outer surface of the clip mechanism when in the closed position;
- the viewing position support mechanism further comprising a securement device for securing the arm in the at least one open position, and the viewing position support mechanism being constructed and arranged such that the arm in the at least one open position is positioned to engage an upwardly facing flat surface and orient the mount for supporting the electronic device in an at least partially vertical viewing position to display the screen on the electronic device.
2. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein
- the arm further comprises a wheel with a plurality of ridges along at least part of the circumference thereof, the wheel constructed to rotate about a pivotal axis;
- the clip mechanism further comprises a leaf spring, the leaf spring comprising at least one lug constructed to cooperatively engage at least one ridge of the wheel, and
- the rotation of the arm about the pivot axis locks the at least one lug within at least one ridge of the wheel to secure the arm in the at least one open position.
3. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the arm comprises a locking member adjacent a pivot axis to secure the arm in the at least one open position.
4. A dual function clip device according to claim 3, wherein
- the locking member is near an end of the arm,
- the clip mechanism further comprises a plurality of locking ridges on an inner surface, and
- the rotation of the arm about the pivot axis to the at least one open position locks the end member of the arm within at least one of the locking ridges of the clip mechanism.
5. A dual function clip device according to claim 4, wherein the clip mechanism further comprises a resilient hinge, and wherein the hinge provides an engagement force that assists in securing the end member of the arm within the at least one locking ridge.
6. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the mount comprises a rotatable attachment device that allows the electronic device to be rotated with respect to the mount.
7. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is removable with respect to the mount.
8. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the clip mechanism further comprises a hinge that is spring-biased for clipping the clip device onto the clothing article.
9. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the clip mechanism further comprises a living hinge for clipping the clip device onto the clothing article.
10. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the arm is releasably locked with respect to the clip mechanism when in the closed position.
11. An attachment device for a portable electronic device having a screen, the attachment device comprising:
- a mount for receiving the electronic device;
- a clip mechanism attached to the mount, the clip mechanism constructed and arranged to clip onto an edge of a clothing article;
- a viewing position support mechanism comprising an arm that is rotatable relative to the mount and the clip mechanism about a pivot axis between a closed position and at least one open position;
- the arm comprising a first lock member adjacent the pivot axis for cooperatively engaging with a second lock member associated with the clip mechanism, and
- wherein, upon rotation of the arm to the at least one open position, the first lock member of the arm engages the second lock member of the clip mechanism to hold the arm at an angle with respect to the mount, and, when the viewing position support mechanism is positioned on an upwardly facing flat surface, the mount is oriented to display the screen of the electronic device at an angle with respect to the surface.
12. An attachment device according to claim 11, wherein the first lock member comprises a locking member that is rotatable about the pivot axis, and the second lock member comprises a plurality of locking ridges.
13. An attachment device according to claim 11, wherein
- the first lock member comprises a wheel with a plurality of ridges along at least part of the circumference thereof, the wheel constructed to rotate about the pivot axis, and
- the second lock member comprises a leaf spring, the leaf spring comprising at least one lug constructed to cooperatively engage at least one ridge of the wheel.
14. An attachment device according to claim 11, wherein the arm has an outer surface constructed and arranged to lie substantially flush with an outer surface of the clip mechanism when in the closed position.
15. An attachment device according to claim 14, wherein the arm is releasably locked with respect to the clip mechanism.
16. An attachment device according to claim 11, wherein the mount comprises a rotatable attachment device that allows the electronic device to be rotated with respect to the mount.
17. An attachment device according to claim 11, wherein the electronic device is removable with respect to the mount.
18. A method for displaying a screen of an electronic device using a clip device constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article of a user, the clip device comprising a mount, a clip mechanism, and a viewing position support mechanism constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article of a user, the method comprising: mounting an electronic device on the mount of the clip device;
- rotating an arm of the viewing position support mechanism of the clip device relative to the mount and the clip mechanism from a closed position to at least one open position about a pivot axis;
- releasably securing the arm in the at least one open position by engaging a locking member with one of a plurality of ridges associated with a clip mechanism; and
- engaging the viewing position support mechanism with an upwardly facing flat surface and orienting the mount to display the screen of the electronic device in an at least partially vertical viewing position relative to the upwardly facing flat surface.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 21, 2007
Publication Date: Dec 25, 2008
Inventors: Bernard L. KNYCH (Mount Prospect, IL), Patrick Bodkin (Chicago, IL), Michael Arney (Wellesley, MA), Thomas B. Remm (Milford, OH), Mark A. Graham (Springboro, OH)
Application Number: 11/766,402
International Classification: A45F 5/00 (20060101);