Abstract:
A method is provided for mounting a mobile communications device ( 404 ) on a substrate. In accordance with the method, a holder ( 401 ) is provided which includes (a) a back wall ( 407 ) having attaching means thereon for releasably attaching the holder to a substrate, and (b) a front wall ( 405 ) opposing said back wall, said front wall extending only partially across a surface of said mobile communications device when said mobile communications device is disposed in said holder. The holder is releasably mounted on an interior surface of a vehicle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/180,340, entitled “HOLDER FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE”, which was filed on May 21, 2009, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates generally to holders for electronic devices, and more particularly to holders for mobile communications devices which are adapted for use in motorized vehicles. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Various devices are known to the art for holding cell phones or other mobile communications devices in operational proximity to the driver of a motorized vehicle. Some examples of such devices are depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 , where like numbered reference numerals refer to similar components. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a first prior art device  101  is depicted therein which comprises a holder  103  attached to a base  105  by way of a flexible neck  107 . The holder  103  includes a platform  109  equipped with a pair of opposing sidewalls  111 . The sidewalls  111  are spaced apart, and the distance between them is adjustable to accommodate the width of a cellular phone (not shown). A pair of rotatable tabs  113  is provided on one end of the platform  109  to hold the cellular phone in place. The tabs  113  may be activated by pressing a button  115  disposed on one side of the platform  109 . 
     The base  105  is equipped with a suction disk  121  which affixes it to a window or dashboard. The base  105  is further equipped with a lever  123  which may be manipulated to apply and release pressure from the suction disk  121 . In use, the user attaches the base  105  to a window or dashboard, manipulates the arm until the holder  103  has achieved the proper orientation and disposition with respect to the user, places a cellular phone on the platform  109 , and adjusts the sidewalls  111  and wings  113  to hold the cellular phone securely in place. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , a second prior art device  201  is depicted which functions in a manner similar to that of the first prior art device  101 . However, while the first prior art device  101  is adapted to be attached to a window or dashboard, the second prior art device  201  is adapted to attach to the louvers of a heating/air conditioning vent (not shown). Hence, the base  205  of this device  201  is equipped with pairs of opposing protrusions  231 ,  233  which releasably engage a vent louver. The neck  207  in this device  201  is equipped with a movable joint  208  which allows the holder  203  to be adjusted to a suitable orientation for use. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , a third prior art device  301  is depicted therein which functions in a manner similar to that of the second prior art device  201 . However, while the second prior art device  201  is adapted to be attached to the louvers of a heating/air conditioning vent, the third prior art device  301  is adapted to sit in a cup holder (not shown). Thus, the third device  301  is equipped with a rounded base  305  which sits in a standard sized cup holder. The holder  303  of this device  301  is attached to the base  305  by way of a telescopic neck  307  which may be adjusted to position the holder  303  at a suitable operational height. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the following figures, like numbered reference numerals refer to similar components. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a mobile phone holder currently known to the art. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a mobile phone holder currently known to the art. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of mobile phone holder currently known to the art. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a holder for a mobile communications device in accordance with the teachings herein; the holder is shown mounted on the center console of an automobile, and is shown with a cellular phone inserted therein. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the holder of  FIG. 4 , shown with a cellular phone inserted therein. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the holder of  FIG. 4  shown with a cellular phone inserted therein. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the holder of  FIG. 4  showing a cellular phone being removed from the holder. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the holder of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 9  is a side view showing the attaching surface of the holder of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a holder for a mobile communications device in accordance with the teachings herein. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a holder for a mobile communications device in accordance with the teachings herein. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a holder for a mobile communications device in accordance with the teachings herein. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a holder for a mobile communications device in accordance with the teachings herein. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a holder for a mobile communications device in accordance with the teachings herein. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a holder for a mobile communications device in accordance with the teachings herein. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a holder for a mobile communications device in accordance with the teachings herein. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of a holder for a mobile communications device in accordance with the teachings herein. 
     
    
    
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In one aspect, a method is provided for mounting a mobile communications device on the interior of a vehicle. In accordance with the method, a holder is provided which includes (a) a back wall having attaching means thereon for releasably attaching the holder to a substrate, and (b) a front wall opposing said back wall, said front wall extending only partially across a surface of said mobile communications device when said mobile communications device is disposed in said holder. The holder is releasably mounted on an interior surface of a vehicle. 
     In another aspect, a combination of a mobile communications device with a holder for the device is provided. The holder comprises (a) a back wall having attaching means thereon for releasably attaching the holder to a substrate, (b) a front wall opposing said back wall, and (c) first and second opposing side walls, each of which is connected to said back wall and said front wall. The mobile communications device is equipped with a charger having a cord which terminates in a connector, wherein said connector releasably engages a port on a surface of said mobile communications device, and wherein said holder is configured such that said mobile communications device can be removed from said holder without disconnecting said cord. 
     In a further aspect, a combination of a mobile communications device with a holder for the device is provided. The holder comprises attaching means thereon for releasably attaching the holder to a substrate, wherein said holder is configured such that said mobile communications device can be removed from said holder without disconnecting said cord. 
     In still another aspect, a method for mounting a mobile communications device on the interior of a vehicle is provided. In accordance with the method, a holder is provided which includes (a) a back wall having attaching means thereon for releasably attaching the holder to a substrate, (b) a front wall opposing said back wall, and (c) first and second opposing side walls, each of which is connected to said back wall and said front wall, wherein said mobile communications device is equipped with a charger having a cord which terminates in a connector, wherein said connector releasably engages a port on a surface of said mobile communications device, and wherein said holder is configured such that said mobile communications device can be removed from said holder without disconnecting said cord. The holder is releasably mounted on an interior surface of a vehicle. 
     In yet another aspect, a method for mounting a mobile communications device on the interior of a vehicle is provided. In accordance with the method, a holder is provided which includes attaching means thereon for releasably attaching the holder to a substrate, wherein said holder is configured such that said mobile communications device can be removed from said holder without disconnecting said cord. The holder is releasably mounted on an interior surface of a vehicle. 
     In another aspect, a combination of a mobile communications device with a holder for the device is provided. The holder comprises (a) a back wall having attaching means thereon for releasably attaching the holder to a substrate, and (b) a front wall opposing said back wall, said front wall extending only partially across a surface of said mobile communications device when said mobile communications device is disposed in said holder. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the prior art devices  101 ,  201  and  301  of  FIGS. 1-3  may be suitable for their intended purposes, each of these devices has certain drawbacks attendant to their usage. In particular, each of these devices interferes with one or more other features of the interior of an automobile. For example, the first device  101  is adapted to be mounted on a dashboard or window, and hence interferes with the driver&#39;s visibility and is a source of distraction. The second device  201  is adapted to be mounted on the louvers of a heating/air conditioning vent, and hence interferes with the proper functioning of the vent by obstructing the air flow. The third device  301  is adapted to be mounted in a cup holder, and hence precludes the intended use of the cup holder (i.e., to hold a beverage). 
     It has now been found that the foregoing problems may be addressed through the use of mobile communications device holders of the type disclosed herein. A first particular, non-limiting embodiment of such a holder is disclosed in  FIGS. 4-9 . 
     With reference thereto, the holder  401  depicted therein is adapted to hold a mobile communications device  404  and comprises a front wall  405 , a back wall  407 , first  409  and second  411  opposing side walls, and a bottom wall  413 . In the particular embodiment depicted, the walls are made out of leather (real or synthetic), although one skilled in the art will appreciate that various other materials, and combinations of materials, may be utilized in the construction of the holder  401 . Such other materials include, but are not limited to, nylon, plastics, velvet, various fabrics, various animal skins (synthetic or natural), and the like. 
     The holder  401  in this particular embodiment is adapted to be releasably attached to an interior surface of a vehicle, such as the surface of a central console  406  (see  FIG. 4 ). Typically, the holder  401  will be mounted in the vicinity of the driver so that the mobile communications device  404  stored therein will be readily accessible to the driver. 
     Various means may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein to releasably attach the holder  401  to an interior surface of a vehicle. In the presently depicted embodiment, this is accomplished through the use of a hook-and-loop type fastener system. In particular, as seen in  FIG. 9 , the back wall  407  of the holder  401  is equipped with a plurality of embedded hooks  415  which releasably engage a plurality of loops (not shown) disposed on the substrate, thus creating a flush fit between the holder  401  and the substrate it is mounted on. The loops may be applied, for example, as a looped fabric with an adhesive backing. However, in other possible embodiments, various types of magnets, adhesives and fasteners may be used in place of the hook-and-loop type fastener to secure the holder  401  to a substrate. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 4, 5, 7 and 8 , the front wall  405  of the holder  401  is contoured to facilitate removal of a mobile communications device  404  therefrom, while still holding it securely therein. In particular, the front wall  405  has a central portion  421  which extends a distance d 1  from the bottom wall  413  as measured along an axis perpendicular to said bottom wall  413  and parallel to the front wall  405 , and has first  423  and second  425  lateral portions which extend a distance d 2  from the bottom wall  413  as measured along an axis perpendicular to said bottom wall and parallel to said front wall, and wherein d 1 &gt;d 2 . As best seen in  FIG. 7 , this configuration allows the mobile communications device  404  to be readily removed from the holder  401  by grasping one corner of the device  404 . This configuration also allows the user to partially view the display of the mobile communications device  404  while it is disposed within the holder which, in many cases, will allow the user to determine, for example, the identity of a caller without removing the mobile communications device  404  from the holder  401 . In some embodiments, transparent materials, different profiles of the front wall  405 , or other suitable means may be utilized to increase the portion of the display which is visible to the user while the mobile communications device  404  is disposed within the holder  401 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 4 , the dimensions of the back wall  407  of the holder  401  are chosen to be slightly larger than those of the mobile communications device  404 . This ensures that the mobile communications device  404  is adequately protected from the surrounding surfaces while it is in the holder  401 . Moreover, as best seen in  FIG. 6 , the back wall  407  and the central portion  421  of the front wall  405  are sufficiently tall, and are spaced apart appropriately, such that the mobile communications device  404  is maintained in an upright position. In addition, the bottom wall  413  is angled slightly so that the mobile communications device  404  naturally rests in an upright position against the back wall  407  of the holder  401 . 
     Preferably, the back wall  407  of the holder  401  is sufficiently flexible to conform, or essentially conform, to the shape of a substrate to which the holder  401  is attached. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the walls of the holder  401  have a sandwiched construction in which the outer layers are leather, vinyl, or some other fabric or material chosen for the exterior surfaces of the holder  401 , and in which one or more of the inner layers comprises plastic, cardboard or some other material chosen to impart a sufficient degree of rigidity to the walls of the holder  401 . Preferably, however, such rigid materials are omitted from the construction of the back wall  407 . Consequently, the back wall  407  conforms readily to the surfaces of a console or other such substrate to which it is mounted, and the holder  401  sits flush on the substrate. The degree of flushness of the mount may be further improved through the use of embedded and/or recessed fasteners (such as an embedded or recessed field of hooks or loops). In many installations, the flushness of the resulting mount will advantageously cause the holder  401  to appear customized for the surface to which it is mounted. Moreover, since the substrate will typically impart sufficient rigidity to the back wall  407  of the holder  401 , this approach reduces the materials, cost of manufacture, and weight of the holder  401 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 5-8 , the first  409  and second  411  opposing side walls of the holder  401  are contoured downward. This allows the edges of the mobile communications device  404  to be easily grasped for removal from the holder  401 , while also allowing the communications device  404  to be removed from the holder  401  without unplugging it from the power cord  431  (see  FIGS. 4 and 6 ). In addition, this feature provides unobstructed access to the recharging port of the mobile communications device  404  with the power cord  431  (see  FIGS. 4 and 6 ) while the mobile communications device  404  is seated firmly within the holder  401 . In particular, the contour of the first  409  and second  411  opposing side walls of the holder  401  are such that, when the mobile communications device  404  is attached to the power cord, the mobile communications device  404  will not be seated in a “crooked” fashion within the holder, since the first  409  and second  411  opposing side walls of the holder  401  will be below the recharging port of the mobile communications device  404 . 
       FIG. 10  depicts a second particular, non-limiting embodiment of a holder in accordance with the teachings herein. The holder  501  shown therein is similar in many respects to the holder  401  depicted in  FIG. 8 . The holder  501  is adapted to hold a mobile communications device (not shown) and comprises a front wall  505 , a back wall  507 , first  509  and second  511  opposing side walls (the first  509  and second  511  opposing side walls are preferably mirror images of each other), and a bottom wall  513 . In contrast to the holder  401  of  FIG. 8 , the holder  501  of  FIG. 10  has a front wall  505  of uniform height. In some variations of this embodiment, the front wall  505  (or a portion thereof) may comprise a transparent material so that the display of the mobile communications device may be viewed while it is disposed in the holder. 
       FIG. 11  depicts a third particular, non-limiting embodiment of a holder in accordance with the teachings herein. The holder  601  shown therein is similar in many respects to the holder  401  depicted in  FIG. 8 . The holder  601  is adapted to hold a mobile communications device (not shown) and comprises a front wall  605 , a back wall  607 , first  609  and second  611  opposing side walls, and a bottom wall  613 . In contrast to the holder  401  of  FIG. 8 , the holder  601  of  FIG. 11  has a front wall  605  with a sloped profile featuring a first low lying, flat portion  623  and a second raised portion  625 . The first portion  623  is preferably high enough to facilitate retaining the mobile communications device in the holder, but low enough so as to not obstruct the display of the device. The second portion  625  is taller than the first portion  623  and provides additional surface area to maintain the mobile communications device in the holder. Several variations of this embodiment are possible in which the width of the second portion  625  varies. However, it is preferred that the width of the second portion  625  is small enough so that the second portion  625  does not obstruct the display of the mobile communications device. 
       FIG. 12  depicts a fourth particular, non-limiting embodiment of a holder in accordance with the teachings herein. The holder  701  shown therein is similar in many respects to the holder  401  depicted in  FIG. 8 . The holder  701  is adapted to hold a mobile communications device (not shown) and comprises a front wall  705 , a back wall  707 , first  709  and second  711  opposing side walls (the details of the second sidewall  711  are not clearly shown, but the second sidewall  711  is essentially a mirror image of the first side wall  709 ), and a bottom wall  713 . In contrast to the holder  401  of  FIG. 8 , the holder  701  of  FIG. 11  has a central window  727  bounded by upper  723  and lower  725  portions of the front wall  705 . The central window  727  may be an opening, or a transparent portion of material. This embodiment is advantageous in that it holds the mobile communications device (not shown) securely in place, while still allowing its display to be viewed. It is also to be noted that, in this embodiment, the sidewalls  709 ,  711  have discrete upper  710  and lower  712  portions. 
       FIG. 13  depicts a fifth particular, non-limiting embodiment of a holder in accordance with the teachings herein. The holder  801  shown therein is similar in many respects to the holder  401  depicted in  FIG. 8 . The holder  801  is adapted to hold a mobile communications device (not shown) and comprises a front wall  805 , a back wall  807 , first  809  and second  811  opposing side walls (the details of the second sidewall  811  are not shown, but it is essentially a mirror image of the first side wall  809 ), and a bottom wall  813 . In contrast to the holder  401  of  FIG. 8 , the front wall  805  in the holder  801  of  FIG. 13  has a profile whose upper surface is defined by a single curve which is concave upward. 
       FIG. 14  depicts a sixth particular, non-limiting embodiment of a holder in accordance with the teachings herein. The holder  901  shown therein is similar in many respects to the holder  401  depicted in  FIG. 8 . The holder  901  is adapted to hold a mobile communications device (not shown) and comprises a front wall  905  comprising upper  923  and lower  925  portions which define a central opening  927 , a back wall  907 , first  909  and second  911  opposing side walls (the details of the second sidewall  911  are not shown, but it is essentially a mirror image of the first side wall  909 ), and a bottom wall  913 . The upper  923  and lower  925  portions of the front wall  905  may be of various dimensions and shapes. Moreover, while the upper wall  923  is depicted as being generally rectangular, variations of the upper wall are possible in which its profile is polygonal or irregular. 
       FIG. 15  depicts a seventh particular, non-limiting embodiment of a holder in accordance with the teachings herein. The holder  1001  shown therein is similar in many respects to the holder  401  depicted in  FIG. 8 . The holder  1001  is adapted to hold a mobile communications device (not shown) and comprises a front wall  1005  having a central rounded protrusion  1021 , a back wall  1007 , first  1009  and second  1011  opposing side walls (the details of the second sidewall  1011  are not shown, but it is essentially a mirror image of the first side wall  1009 ), and a bottom wall  1013 . 
       FIG. 16  depicts an eighth particular, non-limiting embodiment of a holder in accordance with the teachings herein. The holder  1101  shown therein is similar in many respects to the holder  1001  depicted in  FIG. 15 , but is devoid of the rounded protrusion  1021 . The holder  1101  is adapted to hold a mobile communications device (not shown) and comprises a front wall  1105 , a back wall  1107 , first  1109  and second  1111  opposing side walls, and a bottom wall  1113 . 
       FIG. 17  depicts a ninth particular, non-limiting embodiment of a holder in accordance with the teachings herein. The holder  1201  shown therein is similar in many respects to the holder  1001  depicted in  FIG. 13 , but is adapted to hold a mobile communications device (not shown) in a vertical orientation. The holder  1201  and comprises a front wall  1205 , a back wall  1207 , first  1209  and second  1211  opposing side walls, and a bottom wall  1213 . 
     The holders described herein may comprise various materials. Preferably, the walls are made out of leather (real or synthetic), although one skilled in the art will appreciate that various other materials, and combinations of materials, may be utilized in the construction of the holder. Such other materials include, but are not limited to, nylon, plastics, velvet, various fabrics, various animal skins (synthetic or natural), and the like. 
     Moreover, while several of the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrated with stitching, it will be appreciated that the components of the holders may be joined together using any of the various means known to the art which are suitable for accomplishing such an end. For example, the holders may be assembled using various adhesives, heat treatments, or fasteners to adjoin their components together. The holders may also be molded as three-dimensional articles. 
     The above description of the present invention is illustrative, and is not intended to be limiting. It will thus be appreciated that various additions, substitutions and modifications may be made to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be construed in reference to the appended claims.