Abstract:
A hands-free holder includes a pillow adapted to engage to a user&#39;s body. One embodiment comprises of one arm connected to the pillow and terminating at an adjustable device mount, allowing the user to view a tablet, phone, or other screen device without use of the user&#39;s hands. Another embodiment comprises of two arms connected to the pillow and terminating at separate adjustable device mounts, one adjustable device mount, or a support which a device mount will attach to allowing the user to view a tablet, phone, or other screen device without use of the user&#39;s hands. When the pillow is engaged to the user the position of the device placed in the mount may be adjusted. The user will be able to view the device at a preferred position while the user is sitting, standing, reclining, or lying on their back.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/195,265 filed on Jul. 21, 2015, entitled “HANDS-FREE HOLDER FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to a holder for viewing electronic devices that is hands-free. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Since the advent of portable handheld electronic devices, there has been a need for a support to avoid having to hold the device up for prolonged periods of time. This may be useful for prolonged interactions with the device, especially if the user is merely viewing content. For example, if a user wishes to view an entire, full-length film on their device they would have to hold the device for the entire duration of the movie if they wish to achieve a proper angle. In many instances, a support like a tabletop, desk, or shelf may not be available. If seated in a chair the user might find that their neck will suffer from strain if they have their device placed on their lap. If they choose to hold the device out in front of them, eventually their arms will begin to tire. If the user chooses to lie down on their back, or recline in a chair while watching video content or interacting with the device the user will have to suspend the device in the air during the duration of the interaction. The user will quickly find that their arms will tire, even if their device is considered lightweight. 
         [0006]    The user might also find a need to view their device while performing another action. If there is no support surface readily available, then it will require at least one hand to hold the device. Having one hand holding the device will greatly limit the scope of the actions they might be able to perform. The arm and hand holding the device may also become considerably tired after the passing of a few minutes. 
         [0007]    Therefore, there is a need for a support that holds an electronic device in a hands-free way in front of a user, so that the user does not become tired from holding the device during periods of prolonged content consumption. 
         [0008]    Furthermore, what might be desired in the art is a support that holds and electronic device in a hands-free way so the user may view the device in a multitude of settings. Such settings may include when lying down, on an airplane, on a recliner chair, while seated as a passenger in a car, or while seated on a park bench for example. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The objective of the present invention is to create a hands-free device holder in which the user may view a tablet, cellphone, or other screen device without having to support the device with their hand and arms. The present invention should allow a user to view the device hands free while sitting, standing, or lying on their back. 
         [0010]    The objective is achieved according to the invention in that a pillow is adapted to engage the user&#39;s body. An arm connected to one end of the pillow an arm will extend out in front of the user&#39;s body. A device mount will be placed on the end of the arm opposite of the pillow to allow the user to removably attach their device and view it hands free. The device mount will have two adjustable t-shaped arms and be similar to what is known in the art. 
         [0011]    The arm extending from the pillow can be comprised of rigid telescoping segments to allow the user to adjust the distance between them and their mounted device. The arm may also be comprised of a plurality of joints giving the arm semi-rigid articulation so the user can adjust the position of the device relative to their body, but the arm will keep the device&#39;s position when left untouched. 
         [0012]    The pillow used in the invention will comprise a semi-flexible frame. The frame will be enveloped by stuffing to provide comfort for the user. The stuffing and frame will be enclosed in a removable cover. A strap will keep the pillow engaged with the user&#39;s body, and the strap will keep the ends of the pillow from separating. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment of the invention, two arms will be connected to the pillow, one from each end. The arms may be comprised rigid and comprised of telescoping segments, or flexible and comprised of a plurality of joints. The arms may be removably attached and interchangeable to allow a variety of configurations. 
         [0014]    In the two arm embodiment, the arms may terminate at a single, adjustably connected mount. The arms could also each terminate in a separate mount, allowing the user to interact with two removably connected devices. The arms may also terminate at an adjustable rigid support that the device mount will attach to. 
         [0015]    The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective zipper view of the hands-free holder, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective zipper view of the hands-free holder, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective zipper view of the hands-free holder, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0020]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to  FIG. 1  wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  shows the hands-free holder, having a C-shaped pillow  2  adapted to engage a user&#39;s neck, or in some cases another body part, wherein the pillow  2  has a first end  3  and a second end  5 , is filled with stuffing  4  such as foam or another soft material suitable for a pillow, and in an embodiment, has a removable cover  7  for washing, which is preferably washing machine safe, that encloses the stuffing  4  using a fastener  8  such as a zipper or buttons. In an embodiment, the pillow cover  7  has a retaining strap  9  to keep the first and second ends from separating. The retaining strap  9  may use a Velcro system or a buckle system. The pillow  2  has a semi-rigid articulated arm  10  therein, that extends from the first end  3 , within the pillow  2  and following the C-shape, to protrude from the second end  5  of the pillow. In an embodiment, the arm  10  extends through a slot within the foam interior, such that the arm  10  is covered by a portion of the pillow  2  to be soft to the user&#39;s touch. In another embodiment, the arm is fused to, or molded within, the foam. In another embodiment, the arm may be external to the pillow, attached by clamps or other attachment means. 
         [0022]    The arm  10  has a plurality of joints such that it has flexibility when motivated by the user, but holds its position relative to the pillow when bent in spite of the weight of an electronic device (not shown) and mount  14 . In one embodiment, the arm  10  is continuously jointed to permit a variety of positions in front or above the user, such as a gooseneck or stand tube that bends smoothly and holds the bent form. Another beneficial material may be loc-line. The joints are such that they rigidly maintain their position until moved by the user. In an embodiment, the arm  10  is removably connected by a connector  12 , such as a threaded joint, for example, or a button-release or twist-lock connector, at the second end  5  of the pillow, such arm  10  may be removed and the pillow used alone. The arm  10  may be longer or shorter depending on the viewing range desired. 
         [0023]    The one arm embodiment may be desirable for lighter devices. A one arm embodiment should be considerably lighter than a multi-arm embodiment. It is also ideal for a second person viewing the device, as it is less likely that the view of the second onlooker is going to be obstructed in a single arm embodiment. 
         [0024]    The arm  10  extends out from the second end  5  of the pillow and terminates in an adjustable mount  14 . The mount  14  is adjustable for size to retain a variety of electronic devices by clamping the device (not shown). The mount  14  has two or more arms  16  to engage the edges of the device (not shown) and retain it. In an embodiment, the mount has an inverted “T” shape with two arms or a ledge for holding the edge of the electronic device, and a single upper rod for stabilizing the electronic device. An adjustment mechanism  18 , either by spring biasing of the arms, or a rotating cable mechanism known in the art, permits the mount  14  to accommodate smaller and larger devices. The mount  14  is attached to the arm  10  by a swivel joint  20 , using a ball and socket in an embodiment, to permit angular adjustment. 
         [0025]    The angular position of the mount  14  is maintained by the swivel joint  20  in the absence of force to change the angle. The swivel joint  20  may have a lock (not shown), such as a bolt lock wherein a bolt applies pressure to the joint to prevent movement in the joint while the bolt lock is engaged. The bolt lock is user adjustable with a rotatable knob to tighten or loosen the bolt. 
         [0026]    While seated, the user may use the C-shaped pillow for sleeping as, when mounted around the neck it supports the head. In use, the user places the pillow  2  around the neck, and clamps the electronic device (not shown) in the mount  14 . Then he or she adjusts the arm  10  such that the electronic device is located in a convenient position for viewing. If the user should fall asleep, the device is comfortably maintained at a safe distance to avoid harming viewer or device. 
         [0027]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to  FIG. 2  wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  shows the hands-free holder, having a C-shaped pillow  202  adapted to engage a user&#39;s neck, or in some cases another body part, wherein the pillow  202  has a first end  203  and a second end  205 , is filled with stuffing  204  such as foam or another soft material, and in an embodiment, has a removable cover  207  for washing that encloses the stuffing  204  using a fastener  208  such as a zipper or buttons. In an embodiment, the pillow cover  207  has a retaining strap  209 , which may be engaged with Velcro or one or more buckles, to keep the first and second ends from separating. The pillow  202  has two semi-rigid articulated arms  210  therein, that extend from the ends  203 , 205  and are contained within the pillow  202  and following the C-shape. In an embodiment, the arms  210  extend through a slot within the foam interior, such that the arms  210  are covered by a portion of the pillow  202  to be soft to the user&#39;s touch. In another embodiment, the arms are fused to, or molded within, the foam. In another embodiment, the arms may be external to the pillow, attached by clamps or other attachment means. 
         [0029]    The arms  210  may have a plurality of joints such that it has flexibility when motivated by the user, but holds its position relative to the pillow when bent in spite of the weight of an electronic device (not shown) and mount  214 . In one embodiment, the arms  210  are continuously jointed to permit a variety of positions in front or above the user, such as a gooseneck or stand tube that bends smoothly and holds the bent form. Another beneficial material is loc-line. The joints are such that they rigidly maintain their position until moved by the user. In an embodiment, the arms  210  are removably connected by a connector  212  and  213 , such as a threaded joint, for example, or a button-release or twist-lock connector, at end  205  and  203  of the pillow, such that arms  210  may be removed and the pillow used alone. The arms  210  may be longer or shorter depending on the viewing range desired. 
         [0030]    The two arm embodiment may be advantageous for larger devices or extended ranges. The two arm embodiment will be more likely to keep the device at the position desired by the user without unwanted movement, even if the device is a bit heavier than predicted. In the case that the user wants the device a bit further out in front of them, the additional arm will help overcome the additional torque created by the extended range. 
         [0031]    The arms  210  extend out from the ends  203 , 205  of the pillow and terminate in an adjustable mount  214 . The mount  214  is adjustable for size to retain a variety of electronic devices by clamping the device (not shown). The mount  214  has two or more arms  216  to engage the edges of the device (not shown) and retain it. In an embodiment, the mount has an inverted “T” shape with two arms or a ledge for holding the edge of the electronic device, and a single upper rod for stabilizing the electronic device. An adjustment mechanism  218 , either by spring biasing of the arms, or a rotating cable mechanism known in the art, permits the mount  214  to accommodate smaller and larger devices. The mount  214  is attached to the arm  210  by a swivel joint  220 , using a ball and socket in an embodiment, to permit angular adjustment. 
         [0032]    The angular position of the mount  214  is maintained by the swivel joint  220  in the absence of force to change the angle. The swivel joint  220  may have a lock (not shown), such as a bolt lock wherein a bolt applies pressure to the joint to prevent movement in the joint while the bolt lock is engaged. The bolt lock is user adjustable with a rotatable knob to tighten or loosen the bolt. 
         [0033]    In an embodiment, fasteners  219  allow for a rotational movement allow further adjustment of the device angle. This allows the user to make quick adjustments to achieve the proper view of the device. In another embodiment, the fasteners  219  are locks for swivel joints. This allows a ball swivel action to provide further adjustment of the device to allow the user to achieve a proper view of the device. In another embodiment, the fasteners  219  are telescopic locks the hollow ridged tube  221  with an inner diameter large enough to allow the arms  210  to move telescopically inside. When the fasteners  219  are engage, pressure applied to the arms  210  locks them into place preventing the telescopic movement. 
         [0034]    While seated, the user may use the C-shaped pillow for sleeping as, when mounted around the neck it supports the head. In use, the user places the pillow  202  around the neck, and clamps the electronic device (not shown) in the mount  214 . Then he or she adjusts the arm  210  such that the electronic device is located in a convenient position for viewing. If the user should fall asleep, the device is comfortably maintained at a safe distance to avoid harming viewer or device. 
         [0035]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to  FIG. 3  wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  shows the hands-free holder, having a C-shaped pillow  302  adapted to engage a user&#39;s neck, or in some cases another body part, wherein the pillow  302  has a first end  303  and a second end  305 , is filled with stuffing  304  such as foam or another soft material, and in an embodiment, has a removable cover  307  for washing that encloses the stuffing  304  using a fastener  308  such as a zipper or buttons. In an embodiment, the pillow cover  307  has a retaining strap  309  to keep the first and second ends from separating. The pillow  302  has one or more rigid articulated arms  310  therein, that extend from the first end  303 , and may extend from the second end  305 , attaching to a connector  313  and held in place with a locking swivel joint  322 . In an embodiment, the swivel joint  322  will allow the user to adjust the angle of the arms  310  to position the device in a preferred fashion. In an embodiment, the arms  310  may extend through a slot within the foam interior, such that the arms  310  are covered by a portion of the pillow  302  to be soft to the user&#39;s touch. In another embodiment, the arms are fused to, or molded within, the foam. The arms may be external to the pillow, attached by clamps or other attachment means. 
         [0037]    In an embodiment, the arms  310  are telescoping allowing the user to adjust the distance between the device and their face. In an embodiment, the telescoping segments may feature a twist lock system in which the user twists a segment in a specified direction to lock it in place. In another embodiment, the telescoping segments may feature a pull/push lock system in which the user pulls out or pushes the telescoping features into a snug fit which keeps them locked in place. The embodiment including telescoping arms  310  will provide the stability for the device which is removably fixed into the mount. The telescoping arms may provide more rigidity than the flexible arms described in the other embodiments. The extra rigidity may allow for proper support of heavier devices 
         [0038]    In an embodiment, the arms  310  extend out from the ends  303 , 305  of the pillow and terminate at swivel joints  319 . The swivel joints allow for adjustment between the telescoping arms  310  and the rigid c-shape support  321  that holds the mount  314 . The mount  314  is adjustable for size to retain a variety of electronic devices by clamping the device (not shown). The mount  314  has two or more arms  316  to engage the edges of the device (not shown) and retain it. In an embodiment, the mount has an inverted “T” shape with two arms or a ledge for holding the edge of the electronic device, and a single upper rod for stabilizing the electronic device. An adjustment mechanism  318 , either by spring biasing of the arms, or a rotating cable mechanism known in the art, permits the mount  314  to accommodate smaller and larger devices. 
         [0039]    The angular position of the mount  314  is maintained by the swivel joint  320  in the absence of force to change the angle. The swivel joint  320  may have a lock (not shown), such as a bolt lock wherein a bolt applies pressure to the joint to prevent movement in the joint while the bolt lock is engaged. The bolt lock is user adjustable with a rotatable knob to tighten or loosen the bolt. 
         [0040]    In an embodiment, the arms  310  may each be adjustably connected to a separate device mount  314 . This embodiment will enable the user to interact with two devices, each being supported by one of the two arms  310  that are extending from the pillow  302 . In one embodiment, both arms may contain a plurality of joints to provide semi-rigid articulation. In another embodiment, both arms may be comprised of rigid telescopic segments with friction locking or twist locking capabilities. In another embodiment, the user may be able to have one arm attached with semi-rigid articulation and another attached with the rigid telescoping segments. In this embodiment, the user will have the option to connect, disconnect, and arrange the arms on to the ends of the pillow as he or she pleases. 
         [0041]    While seated, the user may use the C-shaped pillow for sleeping as, when mounted around the neck it supports the head. In use, the user places the pillow  302  around the neck, and clamps the electronic device (not shown) in the mount  314 . Then he or she adjusts the arm  310  such that the electronic device is located in a convenient position for viewing. If the user should fall asleep, the device is comfortably maintained at a safe distance to avoid harming viewer or device. 
         [0042]    The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.