Abstract:
A holder for an electronic device comprises a single piece including a base and two arms. The arms are deflectable to hold the electronic device under the force created by the deflection of the arms. The holder may also include a fastener for attaching the holder to a personal organizer or other surface, such as a desk or automobile dashboard, for example.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates generally to an electronic device holder. In particular, the present invention relates to a device holder that can accommodate electronic devices of different shapes and sizes and can be used to secure a portable electronic device in a personal organizer or to a surface.  
         [0003]     2. Related Art  
         [0004]     People today frequently use portable electronic devices (such as personal digital assistants, notebook computers, tablet PCs, cell phones and calculators) and personal organizers in order to increase efficiency, maximize information and increase intelligence.  
         [0005]     One example of such an electronic device is a personal digital assistant, or PDA. PDAs are generally used to store calendars, phone numbers, addresses, to-do lists and other important information. PDAs usually have a handwriting-input area, handwriting recognition ability and wireless communication. They are characterized by their portability. Another type of electronic device is a cell phone or mobile phone. Cell phones use wireless communication to interface with traditional land-based telephone systems. Some cell phones today even incorporate the functionality of a PDA into one device. The users of PDAs, cell phones and other such portable electronic devices often carry them in their pocket, briefcase or purse and desire to protect them with a case or other means to hold the device.  
         [0006]     In addition to the aforementioned electronic devices, people also maintain information in personal organizers such as notebooks, binders and folios. Such organizers are used, for example, to store credit cards, business cards and passports. In addition, personal organizers often contain a pad of paper for writing notes and a calendar for maintaining important dates. It is also common to carry a PDA, cell phone, or other personal electronic device in a personal organizer. Some organizers include a hook and loop fastener patch (known by the trademark VELCRO) in the organizer and a complimentary one that can be adhered to the PDA in order to hold it in the organizer.  
         [0007]     Other holders for PDAs also exist in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,392,882 discloses a holder for protecting a PDA. This holder automatically shuts off the PDA when it is placed in the holder and comes in contact with the bottom of the holder. One disadvantage of this holder is that the bottom flange covers the computer interface on many PDAs, which necessitates the removal of the PDA before it can be connected with a peripheral or battery charger, for example. In addition, the opposing guard borders or sides of the holder of this patent extend over the side edges of the PDA. This may impair access to the face of the PDA and may also require the holder to be custom manufactured for each model of PDA.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,029 (the &#39;029 patent) discloses a portable organizer including an adjustable clamp used for gripping a PDA. Similarly, U.S. Pat. App. No. 2003/0029754 (the &#39;754 patent application) discloses a carrying bag including an adjustable clamp used for gripping a PDA. Both clamps are adjustable to accommodate different sized PDAs. However, both the &#39;029 patent clamp and the &#39;754 patent application clamp have an upper and lower bracket. These brackets cover the computer interface and wireless port on many PDAs. This necessitates removal of the PDA before these functions can be used. Further, both clamps move relative to each other and are adjustable by an elastic member, which may break or lose its memory through use over time, rendering the clamp useless. These clamps also require multiple manufacturing steps and are relatively expensive to make.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,466 discloses an attachment device for securing a PDA to a notebook or automobile surface. While the attachment is made of one piece of flexible material, it includes a plurality of deflectable securement arms with securement tabs. These tabs clamp to the surface of the PDA and extend over the face of the secured electronic device. This may obscure the display face and inhibit full functionality of the PDA. Further, the holder has base tabs that prevent the PDA from being removed from both the top and bottom end of the holder for easy access.  
         [0010]     It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an electronic device holder that is relatively simple in design, requires few manufacturing steps, has no moving mechanical parts and is inexpensive to make.  
         [0011]     It is a further object of this invention to provide an electronic device holder that can maintain an electronic device in a position of easy accessibility and can be accessed using only one hand.  
         [0012]     It is a further object of this invention to provide an electronic device holder such that the device does not need to be removed in order to use all of its features and the device can extend above and below the electronic device holder, such as to enable the movement of a top flap or cover.  
         [0013]     It is a further object of this invention to secure an electronic device without permanently attaching adhesive, hook and loop fastener or mechanical fastener to a surface of the electronic device.  
         [0014]     It is a further object of this invention to provide a single electronic device holder that can accommodate a family of electronic devices of different shapes and sizes, such as personal digital assistants, notebook computers, tablet PCs, cell phones, calculators and the like.  
         [0015]     It is a further object of this invention to provide a personal organizer, such as a notebook, binder, folio, or the like, that includes the electronic device holder of the present invention for securing an electronic device thereto.  
         [0016]     It is a further object of this invention to provide an electronic device holder that can be mounted to a surface, such as a clip board, dashboard, wall, desk or the like, for securing an electronic device thereto.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0017]     The present invention provides a holder that can secure an electronic device in a position of accessibility. As referred herein, the term electronic device relates to personal digital assistants (PDAs), cell phones, radios, global positioning satellite receivers, MP3 players, CD players, mini-disc players, notebook computers, hand-held computers, tablet PCs, calculators, bar code scanners and other handheld and/or portable electronic devices. The term electronic device includes electronic devices used for personal, individual and/or commercial use. The holder can accommodate electronic devices of different shapes and sizes without attaching any sort of fastener to a surface of the electronic device.  
         [0018]     An electronic device is secured in the holder in a position of accessibility by the deflection of the holder arms. The user can operate the device without removing it from the holder. The arms are likewise deflectable for the removal of the electronic device, so that the batteries can be recharged or replaced, for example.  
         [0019]     In one embodiment of the invention, the device holder is secured in a personal organizer. The personal organizer may also include a note pad, calendar, writing instrument loop, binder or ring element and holders for other items.  
         [0020]     In another embodiment of the invention, the device holder includes a fastener for attaching the device holder to a surface such as an automobile dashboard. This fastener may be a hook and loop fastener, a mechanical fastener or some other means of fastening the device holder to a surface. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES  
       [0021]     The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  being used to secure an electronic device.  
         [0026]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  interconnected to an interior surface of a personal organizer.  
         [0027]      FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6  being used to secure an electronic device.  
         [0031]      FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6  interconnected to an interior surface of a personal organizer. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0032]     A preferred embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference to the figures, where like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. While a specific configuration is discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other configurations and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
         [0033]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , a device holder  2  is generally shown. Device holder  2  has a base  4 , a first arm  26  and a second arm  44  is shown. Base  4  has a top surface  6 , a bottom surface  8 , a first side  10 , a second side  12 , a third side  14  and a fourth side  16 . First arm  26  is connected to base  4  at first connection point  18 , which is located contiguous to first side  10 . Second arm  44  is connected to base  4  at second connection point  20 , which is located contiguous to second side  12 . Third side  14  and fourth side  16  are both relatively obstruction free, meaning that they have no protrusions or arms extending above the surface of base  4 . This allows electronic device  62  to extend above and below third side  14  and fourth side  16 .  
         [0034]     Proximal end  30  of first arm  26  is connected to base  4  at first connection point  18 . First arm  26  is formed in an S-like shape including an outward curve  38 , inward curve  36  and flange  40 . Outward curve  38  of first arm  26  is located proximate to proximal end  30 . Outward curve  38  curves away from second arm  44 . Inward curve  36  of first arm  26  is located proximate to outward curve  38  and curves towards second arm  44 . Contact edge  42  of first arm  26  is located on inward curve  36  at its point of closest approach to second arm  44 . Flange  40  extends outwards and curves away from contact edge  42  in such a way that the distal end  32  of first arm  26  is in close proximity to outward curve  38 .  
         [0035]     Proximal end  48  of second arm  44  is connected to base  4  at second connection point  20 . Second arm  44  is also formed in an S-like shape and comprises an outward curve  56 , inward curve  54  and flange  58 . Outward curve  56  of second arm  44  is located proximate to proximal end  48 . Outward curve  56  curves away from first arm  26 . Inward curve  54  of second arm  44  is located proximate to outward curve  56  and curves towards first arm  26 . Contact edge  60  of second arm  44  is located on inward curve  54  at its point of closest approach to first arm  26 . Flange  58  extends outwards and curves away from contact edge  60  in such a way that the distal end  50  of second arm  44  is in close proximity to outward curve  56 .  
         [0036]     Device holder  2  is constructed of a material that provides rigidity in base  4  and also provides for elasticity between first arm  26  and second arm  44 . Spring steel would be one example of such a material. In a preferred embodiment, device holder  2  is made from 0.014×1″ AISI #1050 annealed high carbon steel. AISI #1050 annealed high carbon steel is a mixture of (by weight): 0.48-0.55% carbon, 0.60-0.90% manganese, 0.040% phosphorus, 0.050% sulfur (maximum) with the balance being iron. The material used in device holder  2  may be made by stamping from a single unit of material. Device holder  2  may include a friction increasing surface, covering or coating  24 . In a preferred embodiment, device holder  2  is coated entirely with a friction increasing black matte finish applied by a powder coating. First arm  26  and second arm  44  are biased towards each by virtue of the elasticity of the material and their outward curves  38  and  56 , respectively. First arm  26  can be loaded by a force applied to contact edge  42 , maintain that loaded position for a given period of time, and then return to an unloaded position upon removal of the loading force. Second arm  44  can be loaded by a force applied to contact edge  60 , maintain that loaded position for a given period of time, and then return to an unloaded position upon removal of the loading force. In normal operation of the present invention, this loading and unloading occurs when an electronic device  62  is secured in device holder  2 . Integrally formed ribs  22  provide longitudinal support for base  4 . This helps ensure that base  4  does not flex longitudinally or laterally. In addition, base  4  has no curvature that would provide for a biasing between any two points on base  4 . Consequently, first connection point  18  and second connection point  20  do not move relative to each other.  
         [0037]      FIG. 4  shows device holder  2  securing an electronic device  62 . Electronic device  62  may be a PDA, cell phone, MP3 player or other device. First arm  26  and second arm  44  are biased towards each other and deflect to receive and hold electronic device  62  with a friction fit. First arm  26  contacts left side  64  of electronic device  62  at contact edge  42 . Likewise, second arm  44  contacts right side  66  of electronic device  62  at contact edge  60 . Electronic device  62  is secured in place both by the biasing force created by the deflection of first arm  26  and second arm  44  and by friction forces created by contact between contacting edges  42  and  60  with left side  64  and right side  66 , respectively. Third side  14  and fourth side  16  of base  4  are relatively obstruction free so that access to wireless port  70  on upper side  68  and access to computer interface  74  on lower side  72  are not obstructed in any way by device holder  2 , and can be accessed even when electronic device  62  in inserted in holder  2 . Base  4  can include fastener  86  for removably securing device holder  2  to a surface  7 .  
         [0038]     In use, a user inserts electronic device  62  into holder  2  by pushing it against the left side  64  of electronic device  62  against contact edge  42 . This force loads first arm  26  and increases the distance between contact edge  42  and contact edge  60  so that it exceeds the overall distance between left side  64  and right side  66 . The user then positions electronic device  62  so that right side  66  abuts contact edge  60 . The user then releases the force so that first arm  26  and second arm  44  grip electronic device  62 . Alternatively, the user may load second arm  44  and slide the electronic device past first arm  26 .  
         [0039]     To remove electronic device  62 , a user pushes it towards either first arm  26  or second arm  44 . This increases the distance between contact edge  42  and contact edge  60  so that it exceeds the overall distance between left side  64  and right side  66 . The user can then remove electronic device  62  and the device holder  2  returns to its original, unstressed state.  
         [0040]      FIG. 5  shows device holder  2  incorporated into a personal organizer  76  such as a notebook. By notebook, it is meant any type of folio or other carrier for paper, cards, passports, documents, personal electronic devices or other personal items. Device holder  2  is connected to an internal surface  78  of device holder  2 . This connection may be achieved by securing device holder  2  to internal surface  78  of organizer  78  with a fastener  86 . Alternatively, layer  80  of internal surface  78  may have slits formed in it thorough which device holder  2  can be accessed. Device holder  2  can be inserted into a first opening  82  and a second opening  84  of layer  80  so that first arm  26  and second arm  44  extend outwardly, away from internal surface  78 . Base  4  is secured to internal surface  78  by any suitable means such as an adhesive, and covered by internal layer  78 . First arm  26  and second arm  44  are visible and base  4  is not visible in this embodiment. Personal organizer  76  may optionally include a notebook  88  and binder rings  90 .  
         [0041]      FIGS. 6-10  show an alternate embodiment of the device holder of the present invention. Device holder  102  has a base  104 , a first arm  126  and a second arm  144 . Base  104  has a top surface  106 , a bottom surface  108 , a first side  110 , a second side  112 , a third side  114  and a fourth side  116 . First arm  126  is connected to base  104  at first connection point  118 , which is located contiguous to first side  110 . Second arm  144  is connected to base  104  at second connection point  120 , which is located contiguous to second side  112 . Third side  114  and fourth side  116  are both relatively obstruction free, meaning that they have no protrusions or arms extending above the surface of base  104 . This allows electronic device  162  to extend above and below third side  114  and fourth side  116 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . First arm  126  is formed in an S-like shape including an outward curve  138 , inward curve  136  and flange  140 . Second arm  144  is also formed in an S-like shape and comprises an outward curve  156 , inward curve  154  and flange  158 . As compared to the embodiment in  FIG. 1 , flanges  140  and  158  of the embodiment in  FIG. 6  only slightly extend outward and curve away from contact edges  142  and  160 , respectively. Distal end  132  of first arm  126  is in close proximity to inward curve  136  and distal end  150  of second arm  144  is in close proximity to inward curve  154 . As would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, numerous variations of the first and second arms can be utilized by varying the size and shape of the inward and outward curves and flanges, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, various widths of the first and second arms can be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, first arm  126  and second arm  144 , of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7-10 , are narrower than first arm  26  and second arm  44 , of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . Depending on the size and shape of the device to be held and the functionality thereof, including the size and location of features along the side walls of the device, narrow or wider arms may be desired.  
         [0042]     Device holder  102  is constructed of a material that provides rigidity in base  104  and also provides for elasticity between first arm  126  and second arm  144 . Spring steel is one example of such a material. First arm  126  and second arm  144  are biased towards each by virtue of the elasticity of the material and their outward curves  138  and  156 , respectively. As with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , device holder  102  of  FIG. 10  can secure various size and shape electronic devices.  FIG. 9  shows device holder  102  securing an electronic device  162 .  FIG. 10  shows device holder  102  incorporated into a personal organizer  176  such as a notebook.  
         [0043]     While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. Additionally, all references cited herein, including journal articles or abstracts, published or corresponding U.S. or foreign patent applications, issued U.S. or foreign patents, or any other references, are each entirely incorporated by reference herein, including all data, tables, figures, and text presented in the cited references.  
         [0044]     The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art (including the contents of the references cited herein), readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance presented herein, in combination with the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.