Abstract:
A mounting apparatus for portable electronic devices provides a hands-free support for utilizing various portable electronics, such as smart phones or tablets. The mounting apparatus includes a specialized base for use with a floor, table, wall, or headboard surface. An upper assembly secures to the electronic device and can be tilted to a desired orientation. The upper assembly also includes an illuminating accessory for ease of viewing in dim lit situations and an attachable privacy curtain.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to holders for portable electronic devices, and in particular, to a free standing apparatus for temporarily mounting various sizes and styles of portable electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Cradles and stands for use with portable electronic devices are known. Typically these cradles or stands are designed to temporarily support the portable electronic device while recharging the internal battery or transmitting data to and from the device. Many of the more popular portable electronic devices, such as smart phones and tablet computers, now have larger viewing screens intended to display photos, videos, web pages, books, or other visual data. This has effectively made the modern portable electronic device a personal entertainment device that many people use to read books and watch movies. One (1) problem that is associated with the increased use and viewing of such devices is the need to hold the device in a suitable viewing position for extended periods of time. 
     In response to this increased functionality, stands and holder have been introduced that also position the device in a generally vertical position for viewing. Unfortunately, the holding and support devices available are designed to only support a particular size or style of electronic device and lack suitable customization. Additionally, the stands often lack the electrical connection that cradles provide. Furthermore, by design the stands limit use and viewability due to the requirement that the stand rest upon a flat horizontal surface. This requires the use to still have to physically hold the portable electronic device when viewing in a lounge chair, bed, or other relaxed position. As these portable electronic devices have become more popular, they have overtaken the television or book as a pre-sleep ritual for many people. Unfortunately, the light and sound of this bedtime use often disturbs a bedmate. Further still, many stands are unstable and prone to be knocked over which can damage the portable electronic device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a mounting apparatus to support a portable electronic device which solves these recognized problems and deficiencies. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     In accordance with features and aspects of certain embodiments, a mounting apparatus for a portable electronic device includes a stand assembly and a connector that is mechanically connected and electrically connected to the stand assembly. A first flexible neck is provided having a lower end attached to the connector and an upper end. A second flexible neck is provided having a lower end attached to the connector and an upper end. A mounting platform assembly is affixed to the first flexible neck upper end and electrically connected to the connecter through the first flexible neck and is configured to electrically connect to a portable electronic device. A lamp assembly is affixed to the second flexible neck upper end and electrically connected to the connector through the second flexible neck. A device holder assembly is attachable to the mounting platform assembly and is configured to releasably retain the portable electronic device. 
     In accordance with features and aspects of other embodiments, the device holder assembly includes a generally rectangular holder attachment plate having a front surface and a rear surface. Four (4) elastic straps are provided, wherein each of the straps includes an affixed end affixed to a center area of the holder attachment plate front surface and a free end extending toward a respective corner of the holder attachment plate. Four (4) corner brackets are provided, wherein each of the brackets is a right-angle member affixed to the strap free end and configured to receive a respective corner area of the portable electronic device. A holder fastener surface is disposed on the holder attachment plate rear surface and is configured to removably attach to the mounting platform assembly. 
     In accordance with features and aspects of other embodiments, the mounting assembly includes a generally rectangular mounting attachment plate having a front surface and rear surface. A front mounting fastener surface is disposed on said mounting attachment plate front surface and is configured to removably attach to the device holder assembly. A connector plate is affixed to the mounting attachment plate rear surface and affixed to the first flexible neck upper end. A transformer is disposed within the connector plate and is electrically connected to the connector and is configured to convert alternating current to direct current. A power jack is disposed on the connector plate and electrically connected to the transformer. The power jack is configured to electrically connect to the portable electronic device through an adapter cable. 
     In accordance with features and aspects of other embodiments, the connector includes a generally cylindrical body configured for insertable attachment to the stand assembly. A male electrical plug is disposed on a bottom surface of the cylindrical body to electrically connect to the stand assembly. The first flexible neck and the second flexible neck are attached to and extend outwardly from a top surface of the cylindrical body. 
     Other features of certain embodiments of the present invention also include a privacy curtain having a generally circular curtain panel removably attachable to the mounting attachment plate. A rectangular opening is disposed at a center of the curtain panel to receive the connector plate. A slit extends from an edge of the opening to an outer perimeter edge of the curtain panel to receive the first flexible neck. A curtain fastener surface is disposed around a perimeter of the opening configured to removably attach to a rear mounting fastener surface disposed around a perimeter of the mounting attachment plate rear surface. A plurality of weights is attached adjacent to the outer perimeter edge of the curtain panel. The curtain panel hangs downwardly from the mounting attachment plate and entirely surrounds the device holder assembly. 
     In accordance with features and aspects of other embodiments, the stand assembly includes a floor base having a top surface and a flat bottom surface configured to contact a floor surface. A column extends upwardly from the floor base top surface. A receiver sleeve is disposed on an upper end of the column opposite the floor base and is configured to receive the connector. A female electrical plug is disposed within the receiver sleeve to electrically connect to the connector. A power cord is electrically connected to the female electrical plug through the floor base and the column and is configured to electrically connect to an external power supply. 
     In accordance with features and aspects of other embodiments, the stand assembly includes a table base having a top surface and a flat bottom surface configured to contact a tabletop surface. A receiver sleeve disposed on the table base top surface configured to receive the connector. A female electrical plug is disposed within the receiver sleeve to electrically connect to the connector. A power cord is electrically connected to the female electrical plug through the table base and is configured to electrically connect to an external power supply. 
     In accordance with features and aspects of other embodiments, the stand assembly includes a wall base having a front surface and a flat rear surface configured to contact a wall surface. A receiver sleeve is disposed on the wall base front surface configured to receive the connector. A female electrical plug is disposed within the receiver sleeve to electrically connect to the connector. A power cord is electrically connected to the female electrical plug through the wall base and is configured to electrically connect to an external power supply. A pair of aligned generally “L”-shaped bracket slots extends inwardly from opposing edges of the wall base. A generally “U”-shaped headboard mounting bracket is provided having opposing downwardly bent bracket tips configured to engage an upper edge of a headboard. The bracket slots are configured to receive the mounting bracket to suspend the stand assembly from the mounting bracket. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosure may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment. 
     Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a mounting apparatus for a portable electronic device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the mounting apparatus for a portable electronic device; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a close-up view of a device holder assembly of the mounting apparatus for a portable electronic device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   b  is a close-up view of the device holder assembly, depicted with a portable electronic device installed, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the mounting apparatus for a portable electronic device, depicting a mounting platform assembly and the device holder assembly, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear view of the mounting platform assembly according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6   a  is a perspective view of the mounting apparatus for a portable electronic device, depicted with an attached privacy curtain an in-use state, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6   b  is an upwardly looking plan view of the privacy curtain, depicted detached from the mounting platform assembly, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an electrical block diagram depicting the major electrical components of the mounting apparatus for a portable electronic device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 8   a  is a perspective view of a table-mounted embodiment of the mounting apparatus for a portable electronic device according to the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 8   b  is a perspective view of a wall-mounted embodiment of the mounting apparatus for a portable electronic device according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  mounting apparatus for a portable electronic device 
               15  upper assembly 
               20  device holder assembly 
               22  corner bracket 
               24  elastic strap 
               26  strap attachment area 
               28  holder attachment plate 
               30  holder fastener surface 
               33  input electrical wiring 
               35  output electrical wiring 
               40  mounting platform assembly 
               42  mounting attachment plate 
               43  front mounting fastener surface 
               44  first flexible neck 
               46  connector plate 
               47  transformer 
               48  power jack 
               50  rear mounting fastener surface 
               60  lamp assembly 
               62  lamp shade 
               64  switch 
               66  second flexible neck 
               80  connector 
               82  male plug 
               90  privacy curtain 
               92  curtain panel 
               93  opening 
               94  curtain fastener surface 
               96  slit 
               98  weight 
               100  floor stand assembly 
               101  column 
               102  floor base 
               104  receiver sleeve 
               106  power cord 
               108  female plug 
               110  top opening 
               120  table mount 
               121  tabletop surface 
               122  table base 
               124  clamp 
               126  fastener aperture 
               128  pad 
               130  wall mount 
               131  wall surface 
               132  wall base 
               134  mounting aperture 
               140  headboard mounting bracket 
               142  bracket tip 
               144  bracket slot 
               150  electronic device 
               200  adapter cable 
               202  fastener 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of certain embodiments, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 8   b . However, the disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only one particular configuration may be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     It can be appreciated that, although such terms as first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one (1) element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It also will be understood that, as used herein, the term “comprising” or “comprises” is open-ended, and includes one or more stated elements, steps or functions without precluding one or more unstated elements, steps or functions. Relative terms such as “front” or “rear” or “left” or “right” or “top” or “bottom” or “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “horizontal” or “vertical” may be used herein to describe a relationship of one (1) element, feature or region to another element, feature or region as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. It should also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. It should also be understood that the sizes and relative orientations of the illustrated elements are not shown to scale, and in some instances they have been exaggerated for purposes of explanation. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 8   b , depicting a mounting apparatus for a portable electronic device, identified generally by reference to an apparatus  10 , where like reference numerals represent similar or like parts. Throughout this disclosure, the apparatus  10  may also be referred to a holder or mounting apparatus. Alternate references of the apparatus  10  in this disclosure are not meant to be limiting in any way. In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the apparatus  10  provides an adjustable mounting surface to position and support various portable electronic devices  150 , such as mobile telephones, smart phones, media pads, tablet computers, electronic book readers, and the like, in a “hands-free” manner upon a floor, tabletop, desktop, or wall surface. 
     Referring first to  FIGS. 1 and 2  which depict environmental and exploded views of the apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  is intended to provide convenient viewing of a portable electronic device  150  and generally includes a floor stand assembly  100  and an upper assembly removably attachable to the floor stand assembly  100 . The upper assembly  15  includes a connector  80 , a mounting platform assembly  40  attached to the connector  80 , and a lamp assembly  60  also attached to the connector  80 . 
     Both the mounting platform assembly  40  and the lamp assembly  60  are electrically connected to the connector  80  through a respective first flexible neck  44  and second flexible neck  66 . The mounting platform assembly  40  and the lamp assembly  60  are attached to an upper end of the respective first flexible neck  44  and second flexible neck  66 . Bottom ends of the first flexible neck  44  and the second flexible neck  66  are mechanically attached to the connector  80 . The flexible necks  44 ,  66  are generally flexible “gooseneck-type”appendages, preferably formed by segmented metal sections, which allow a user to independently position the mounting platform assembly  40  and the lamp assembly  60  at various positions and angles with respect to the floor stand assembly  100 . 
     The connector  80  is removable from the floor stand assembly  100 . The connector  80  includes a pronged male plug  82  that is mechanical connected and electrically connected a female plug  108  disposed at an upper end of the floor stand assembly  100 . The floor stand assembly  100  also includes a decorative receiver sleeve  104  integrally molded to the upper end to receive and enclose the connector  80  when attached to the floor stand assembly  100 . The receiver sleeve  104  can be a spherical or cylindrical shaped structure having a circular top opening  110  for the snug insertion of the cylindrically-shaped connector  80  to provide a secure mechanical and electrical attachment. Output wiring  35  from the connector  80  is routed through a hollow interior of each of the flexible necks  44 ,  66  to the platform assembly  40  and lamp assembly  60 . 
     The floor stand assembly  100  is generally a unitary structure, preferably formed of plastic or metal, having a vertical column  101  which extends vertically upward from a floor base  102 . The column  101  can have a circular, square, rectangular, or triangular cross-sectional shape depending upon final design and desired appearance. The floor base  102  is a generally flat member extending horizontally outward from a lower end of the column  101  for contact with a floor surface. The floor base  102  has a sufficiently large surface area to provide a wide stable base to support the column  101  and connected upper assembly  15  and to resist tipping. In certain embodiments, the floor base  102  can have a decorative shape, such as a circle, oval, or contoured perimeter as illustrated in the figures. The floor stand assembly  100  also includes a power cord  106  electrically connected to the female plug  108  and routed down through a hollow interior of the column  101 , through the floor base  102 , and terminating at a pronged electrical plug for connection to a household electrical outlet. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 3   a  through  5 , which depict various views of the mounting platform assembly  40  and the attachable device holding assembly  20 . The mounting platform assembly  40  is a generally rectangular structure configured to removably attach the device holder assembly  20 , which in turn is configured to removably attach a selected portable electronic device  150 . The portable electronic device  150  and adapter cable  200  are shown in broken lines in  FIGS. 1 ,  3   b ,  4 , and  5 . The lamp assembly  60  provides a supplemental light source and includes an attached light-directing lamp shade  62  and a two-position power switch  64 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , the device holder assembly  20  includes a holder attachment plate  28 , four (4) elastic straps  24  affixed to the holder attachment plate  28  by a strap attachment area  26 , and four (4) corner brackets  22 , with one (1) corner bracket  22  affixed to a free end of each strap  24  opposite the strap attachment area  26 . The corner brackets  22  are small right-angle structures, each having an inward-facing open corner suitably sized to receive and captivate a respective corner of the selected portable electronic device  150  within. The rear surface of each corner bracket  22  is adhesively or otherwise permanently affixed to the distal free end of a respective elastic strap  24 . The proximal affixed ends of the elastic straps  24  are joined and adhesively or otherwise affixed to the holder attachment plate  28  at a front center position at the strap attachment area  26 . 
     The elastic straps  24  extend outwardly at right angles relative to each other allowing the corresponding corner brackets  22  to be connected over respective corners of the selected electronic device  150 . Once securely connected to the corners of the electronic device  150 , the elastic straps  24  provide an inward tension force biasing the corner brackets  22  to the center in order to clamp and hold the electronic device  150  against the holder attachment plate  28 . It can be appreciated that the holder attachment plate  28  and brackets  22  can be provided in a variety of scaled sizes and the straps  24  can be provided in various widths and lengths which correspond to particular sizes and styles of electronic devices  150 , ranging from smart phones to tablet computers, and as such is not meant to be limiting in any way. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the mounting platform assembly  40  includes a rectangular mounting attachment plate  42 , preferably made of plastic or light weight metal, having a rear surface permanently attached at a generally perpendicular orientation to the first flexible neck  44  by a connector plate  46 . The device holder assembly  20  is removably attachable to a front surface of the mounting attachment plate  42 . A rear surface of the holder attachment plate  28  is covered with a holder fastener surface  30  which contactingly engages a corresponding front mounting fastener surface  43  covering the front surface of the mounting attachment plate  42 . The mounting platform assembly  40  also includes a rear mounting fastener surface  50  that extends around a perimeter edge of the rear surface for removable attachment of the privacy curtain  90 . The fastener surfaces  30 ,  43 ,  50  are preferably hook-and-loop fasteners. 
     The integrally-molded connector plate  46  is preferably located at a central position upon the rear surface of the mounting attachment plate  42 . The connector plate  46  includes an internal AC to DC transformer  47  and an externally accessible power jack  48 . Output wiring  35  is routed from the connector through the hollow first flexible neck  44  to the transformer  47 . The power jack  48  is electrically connected to the transformer  47 . The transformer  47  converts a supplied 110-volt power into a voltage suitable to power or charge the electronic device  150 . The electronic device  150  is electrically connected to power jack  48  using an adapter cable  200 , envisioned to be supplied with the electronic device  150 . The power jack  48  is preferably a Universal Serial Bus connector (USB); however, it can be appreciated that equivalent powering and charging connectors and cables can be utilized with equal benefit and is not meant to be limiting in any way. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b , the privacy curtain  90  extends down over the device holding assembly  20  and attached portable electronic device  150  to provide a user the ability to view the electronic device  150  without disturbing other persons nearby. The privacy curtain  90  is a circular or ovular fabric curtain panel  92  having a central rectangular opening  93 , a curtain fastener surface  94 , a slit  96 , and a plurality of weights  98 . The curtain fastener surface  94  is disposed along a perimeter edge of the center opening  93  for removable attachment to the rear mounting fastener surface  50  of the mounting attachment plate  42 . The curtain fastener surface  94  is also preferably a hook-and-loop fastener. The slit  96  extends from an edge of the opening  93  to a perimeter edge of the curtain panel  92  and enables installation of the privacy curtain  90  around the first flexible neck  44 . The weights  98  are preferably small, round metallic members affixed to the privacy curtain  90  adjacent to the perimeter edge of the curtain panel  92 . The weights  98  are preferably attached to the curtain panel  92  by adhesive-backed hook-and-loop fasteners or equivalent attachment means. The weights  98  bias the privacy curtain  90  to hang vertically downward over the device holding assembly  20  and attached portable electronic device  150  forming a cylindrical enclosure around the user for private viewing of the electronic device  150  and to avoid disturbing other persons nearby. The curtain panel  92  can be cut along a bottom edge to create a desired length before installing the weights  98 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , depicting a block diagram which illustrates the main electrical components of the apparatus  10 . Electrical power for the apparatus  10  is envisioned to be obtained from a household outlet via the power cord  106  which in turn conducts 110-volt AC current through input electrical wiring  33  disposed within the floor base  102  and the column  101  of the floor stand assembly  100 . The electrical power is conducted through the receiver sleeve  104  and connector  80  via electrical connection of the respective female plug  108  and male plug  82 . The electrical power is split in a parallel manner via output electrical wiring  35  disposed within the connector  80  to supply power to the transformer  47  and power jack  48  of the mounting platform assembly  40  and to the lamp assembly  60  through the first and second flexible necks  44 ,  66 . The power jack  48  is utilized to provide operating or charging power to the electrical device  150  when mechanically connected to the device holder assembly  20  and electrically connected via the adapter cable  200 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8   a , which depicts an alternate table mount  120 . The connector  80 , mounting platform assembly  40 , and lamp assembly  60  can alternately be mounted to a table or desk surface by utilizing the table mount  120 . The table mount  120  is attached to an edge of a tabletop surface  121  using respective fastener apertures  126  and a pair of threaded clamp s  124 . The table mount  120  is mechanically and electrically attached to the connector  80  by utilizing a receiver sleeve  104  in a similar manner as described in the floor stand assembly  100 . The table mount  120  includes a table base  122  having a reduced overall size yet and the integral receiver sleeve  104  forming a low-profile unitary structure. A plurality of felt or rubber pads  128  are arranged along and adhesively bonded to a bottom surface of the table base  122  to provide protection to the tabletop surface  121 . The table base  122  provides a similar stabilizing function as the floor base  102 . At least two (2) fastener apertures  126  are disposed along edges of the table base  122  which work in conjunction with and receive a threaded fastener  202  of each respective clamp  124 . The edge clamps  124  are positioned underneath a bottom surface of the table base  122  aligned with the fastener apertures  126  and fastened by insertion of the fasteners  202 . The upper portion of the clamps  124  are positioned discreetly below the table base  122 . A lower portion of the clamps  124  are positioned under the tabletop surface  121 . The clamp  124  preferably includes a threaded thumbscrew or similar tightening feature to secure the table mount  120  to the edge of the tabletop surface  121 . The table mount  120  includes similar electrical components and connection as described above and includes a similar female plug  108  and power cord  106 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8   b , which depicts an alternate wall mount  130 . The wall mount  130  is mechanically and electrically attached to the connector  80  by utilizing a receiver sleeve  104  in a similar manner as described in the floor stand assembly  100  and table mount  120 . The wall mount  130  includes a wall base portion  132  having at least two (2) mounting apertures  134  disposed along opposing outer edges to receive various mechanical fasteners to secure the wall mount  130  to a wall surface  131 . The wall base  132  includes an integrally molded pair of “L”-shaped bracket slots  144  for attachment to a headboard of a bed by a headboard mounting bracket  140 . The headboard mounting bracket  140  is a generally “U”-shaped rod structure having rubber coated and downturned bracket tip  142  at each end designed to hook over an upper profile of the headboard. The headboard mounting bracket  140  insertingly engages the bracket slots  144  to support and suspend the wall mount  130 . The wall base  132  can also include a plurality of pads  128  bonded to a bottom surface to provide protection to wall and headboard surfaces. 
     It can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure and only certain particular configurations have been shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the apparatus  10  can be installed and utilized by the user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training in general accordance with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 8   b . It can be appreciated that the steps required to utilize the apparatus  10 , as described, can performed in alternative order and as such should not be viewed as a limiting factor. 
     The method of installing and utilizing the upper assembly  15  with the floor stand assembly  100  can be achieved by: procuring a model of the apparatus  10  having at least one (1) device holder assembly  20  particularly sized to encompass and hold respective existing electronic devices  150 ; attaching the electronic device  150  to the device holder assembly  20  by extending the four (4) elastic straps  24  outwardly; engaging corners of the electronic device  150  within respective corner brackets  22 ; attaching the device holder assembly  20  to the mounting platform assembly  40  by pressing the holder fastener surface  30  and the front mounting fastener surface  43  together; inserting the connector  80  into the top opening  110  of the receiver sleeve  104  until obtaining full engagement of respective male plug  82  and female plug  108 , if not previously assembled; connecting a provided adapter cable  200  between the power jack  48  and the electronic device  150 , if desired to power or charge the electronic device  150 ; plugging the power cord  106  into an available household outlet; illuminating the lamp assembly  60  by utilizing the switch  64 , as needed; and, benefiting from viewing of electronic devices in a “hands-free” manner. 
     The method of installing the privacy curtain  90  of the apparatus  10  as seen in  FIG. 6   a  can be achieved by: inserting the slit  96  of the privacy curtain  90  around the first flexible neck  44 ; aligning and fastening the rear mounting fastener surface  50  of the mounting platform assembly  40  to the curtain fastener surface  94  of the privacy curtain  90 ; trimming a bottom edge of the privacy curtain  90  to a particular length using scissors, as desired; installing the weights  98  along a bottom edge of the privacy curtain  90  using adhesive-backed hook-and-loop fasteners or equivalent attachment; and, benefiting from private viewing of an electronic device  150 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the upper assembly  15  with the table mount  120  as seen in  FIG. 8   a  can be achieved by: detaching the floor stand assembly  100  from the connector  80 , if previously installed; inserting the connector  80  into the receiver sleeve  104  until obtaining full engagement of respective male plug  82  and female plug  108 ; utilizing the clamps  124  to secure the table base  122  to the tabletop surface  121 ; plugging the power cord  106  into an available household outlet; and, utilizing the device holder assembly  20 , mounting platform assembly  40 , and lamp assembly  60  as previously described. 
     The method of installing and utilizing the upper assembly  15  with the wall mount  130  can be achieved by: securing the wall base  132  of the wall mount  130  to a wall surface  131  by driving fasteners through the mounting apertures  134  and into the wall surface  131 ; inserting the connector  80  into the receiver sleeve  104  until obtaining full engagement of respective male plug  82  and female plug  108 ; plugging the power cord  106  into an available household outlet; and, utilizing the device holder assembly  20 , mounting platform assembly  40 , and lamp assembly  60  as previously described. The wall mount  130  can also be mounted to a headboard of a bed by engaging the headboard mounting bracket  140  with the bracket slots  144  of the wall base  132  and extending the rubber coated and downturned bracket tips  142  over the headboard. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Various modifications and variations can be appreciated by one skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application in accordance with the invention to enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with expected modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the invention.