Abstract:
An apparatus comprises a hosting frame comprising a generally U-shaped structure being operable for retaining a portable electronic device. The U-shaped structure comprises a pair of generally L-shaped hosting brackets and a collar joining the hosting brackets to form the U-shape. An extendable structure is joined to the collar. The extendable structure is operable for providing a variable length. A support bracket is rotatably joined to the extendable structure. The support bracket is operable for removably joining the apparatus to a supporting structure in which the apparatus is operable for supporting the portable electronic device at an adjustable height and an adjustable angle with respect to the supporting structure.

Description:
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0003]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to assemblies for device retention. More particularly, the invention relates to assemblies for securing personal portable electronic devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. 
         [0006]    Small portable personal communication and media devices are typically fabricated with a form factor capable of supporting a device for hands-free viewing while lying on a flat surface with the viewing angle for the device located in the vertical direction. 
         [0007]    In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1A  illustrates an example device holder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 1B  illustrates adjustment of the example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  illustrates a close up view the bracket for the example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 3A-C  illustrate a close up view the hosting frame for the example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  illustrates a close up view the hosting frame for the example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A  with an inserted device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  illustrates the range of motion of example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A  with an inserted device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  illustrates an application of example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A  with an inserted device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0016]    Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0017]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. 
         [0018]    Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. 
         [0019]    It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0020]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0021]    From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein. 
         [0022]    Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. 
         [0023]    Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom. 
         [0024]    References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. 
         [0025]    As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application. 
         [0026]    It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details. 
         [0027]    Embodiments of the present invention will be described which provide means and methods for a device holder enabling hands-free use of devices. Non-limiting examples of devices include smartphones, cellular telephones, mobile communication devices and portable video players. The device holder enables hands-free use of devices such that the devices may be maintained at or near eye-level or at other viewing angles as needed. 
         [0028]    Device holder provides an environment such that the risk of damage to a secured device is reduced over conventionally securing a device via a person&#39;s hand or hands. 
         [0029]    Device holder enables a user to engage in other activities while securing a device. As a non-limiting example, device holder enables a user to eat food while in use. 
         [0030]    Personal devices may be attached to a hosting frame of device holder. Furthermore, hosting frame is attached to telescoping arm to enable extension and recession of the hosting frame. 
         [0031]    Device holder includes a bracket for securing device holder to structures. As a non-limiting example, bracket may be used to secure device holder to the seat-back tray of an airplane. A lining may be provided within the interior area of the bracket in order to secure device holder to structures. 
         [0032]    A hinge connects telescoping arm to the bracket. Furthermore, hinge enables movement of device holder in a direction as allowed by the hinge. 
         [0033]    Device holder may be configured for a small form factor in order to support ease of transportation of the device holder. 
         [0034]    Device holder may be configured in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and materials in order to accommodate a variety of applications. Non-limiting examples of materials for fabrication include polyamide, polyester resin and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Device holder may also be fabricated for specific devices and/or specific applications. 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, a containment device may be configured for storing and transporting the device holder. As a non-limiting example, containment device may be configured as a pouch. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1A  illustrates an example device holder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0037]    A device holder  100  includes a bracket  102 , a telescoping arm  104  and a hosting frame  106 . 
         [0038]    Device holder  100  provides capability for securing a device to a structure. As a non-limiting example, a large portion of device holder  100  may be fabricated of polyamide with a laminated coating. 
         [0039]    Bracket  102  provides a securing mechanism for securing device holder  100  to other structures. Non-limiting examples of structures include tables, restaurant tables, desks and seat-back trays. Bracket  102  may be configured with an additional hinge (not shown), clamp (not shown) or other securing device (not shown) in order to better secure device holder  100  to a structure. 
         [0040]    Telescoping arm  104  provides the capability to shorten or lengthen the length between bracket  102  and hosting frame  106 . Telescoping arm  104  may be configured with a multiplicity of segments. Furthermore, segments may be configured of a variety of lengths. 
         [0041]    Hosting frame  106  provides capability for securing a device. Non-limiting examples of devices include smartphone, cellular telephone, portable electronic devices, mini laptop computer, digital camera, video camera and portable video player. Hosting frame  106  may be configured of a variety of sizes and shapes for supporting a variety of devices and/or associated applications. Hosting frame  106  may also be configured for specific devices and/or applications. Hosting frame  106  may be removed for replacement with a different hosting frame supporting alternative devices and/or applications. Hosting frame  106  may be attached to device holder  100  by any known means. Hosting frame  106  may include an extension arm (not shown) for providing support of device holder  100 . Hosting frame  106  may include a rear wall/containment portion (not shown) for supporting a device. Hosting frame  106  may be configured as a supporting tray (not shown) with a rear wall/containment portion (not shown) for supporting devices of various depths, heights and widths. 
         [0042]    Bracket  102  connects to a first end of telescoping arm  104  via a hinge  108 . Hinge  108  enables the angle located between bracket  102  and telescoping arm  104  to be configured or modified. As an example, when device holder  100  is configured for storage as illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the angle between bracket  102  and telescoping arm  104  may be configured as zero degrees. Hinge  108  is configured such that the angle between bracket  102  and telescoping arm  104  may be modified by a person, yet device holder  100  maintains the angle between bracket  102  and telescoping arm  104  during movement of the device. Non-limiting examples of movement associated with the device include turbulence and vibration. 
         [0043]    Bracket  102  may be manufactured in a j-shaped configuration. Bracket  102  enables securing device holder  100  to a structure. A space  110  allows insertion of a structure into space  110  for securing device holder  100  to the structure. As a non-limiting example, a top plane  109  of bracket  102  measures six inches in length and a bottom plane  111  of bracket  102  measures two and one half inches in length. As a non-limiting example, space  110  may be configured for one inch of separation between top plane  109  and bottom plane  111 . Bottom plane  111  may be slightly angled in a downward direction in order to allow a wider opening at the edge of the device for ease of slipping bracket  102  over a structure. In some embodiments, bracket  102  may be configured as more of a shelf in order to support larger devices. 
         [0044]    Telescoping arm  104  may be extended or recessed to provide differing length dimensions for a length  112 . Telescoping arm  104  may be configured of a multiplicity of segments. As a non-limiting example, telescoping arm  104  may be configured of four segments. As a non-limiting example, the base and longest segment of telescoping arm  104  may measure approximately four inches in length. As a non-limiting example, length  112  of telescoping arm  104  may be extended to fifteen inches in length. 
         [0045]    Hosting frame  106  attaches to a second end of telescoping arm  104 . 
         [0046]    Hosting frame  106  may be manufactured in a u-shaped configuration. 
         [0047]    Hosting frame  106  includes an interior space  114  for receiving and securing devices. Hosting frame  106  may be rotated with respect to telescoping arm  104 . The size of interior space  114  may be modified to support a variety of devices. In some embodiments, hosting frame may be configured with a larger size than typical in order to support securing larger devices. 
         [0048]    In operation, a user secures device holder  100  to a structure (not shown) via bracket  102 . Force is applied to telescoping arm  104  and/or hosting frame  106  in order to increase the angle between telescoping arm  104  and bracket  102 . Telescoping arm is extended via application of force. Interior space  114  is increased via application of force such that a portable communication device may be inserted into hosting frame  106 . Hosting frame  106  is rotated via application of force. As a non-limiting example, a person sitting on an airplane may seek to watch a movie on their portable communication device. The person connects the holding device to the fold-down seat-back located in front of the person. The person then adjusts the holding device for proper viewing of a portable communication device. During use, the person experiences hands-free use of the portable communication device. Furthermore, the person may configure device holder  100  such that the person experiences proper neck and spinal positioning. Following use, person may remove the portable communication device, recess telescoping arm  104  and fold telescoping arm  104  flat against bracket  102  such that the device holder is arranged for its most compact configuration for convenient storage as illustrated in  FIG. 1A . 
         [0049]      FIG. 1A  illustrates an example device holder such that a device available for viewing may be inserted into the device holder for securing to a structure and to provide adjustment for viewing device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0050]      FIG. 1B  illustrates adjustment of the example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0051]    An angle  116  with respect to bracket  102  and telescoping arm  104  has been increased to ninety degrees as compared to  FIG. 1A . 
         [0052]    Length  112  associated with telescoping arm  104  has been increased as compared to  FIG. 1A . 
         [0053]    An angle  118  has be been modified as compared to  FIG. 1A  in order to provide viewing located to the left of bracket  102 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 1B  illustrates adjustment of the example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A  in order to provide a variety of viewing angles. 
         [0055]      FIG. 2  illustrates a close up view the bracket for the example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0056]    A lining  202  is configured within the interior of bracket  102 . As a non-limiting example, lining  202  may be configured of rubber, nylon or encased gelatin. In some configurations, bracket  102  may be fabricated without lining  202 . 
         [0057]    Lining  202  has a depth dimension noted as a depth  204 . As a non-limiting example, depth  204  may be one-eighth of one inch in depth. 
         [0058]    The distance between the interior surfaces of rubber lining is noted as a separation  206 . As a non-limiting example, separation  206  may be configured as three-quarters of one inch. 
         [0059]      FIG. 2  illustrates a close up view of the lining for the bracket of the example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A . 
         [0060]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a close up view the hosting frame for the example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0061]    Hosting frame  106  include a bracket  302  and a bracket  304 . As a non-limiting example, bracket  302  and bracket  304  may be configured in an L-shape. 
         [0062]    The interior planes of bracket  302  and bracket  304  include a channel  306  for securing a device. As a non-limiting example, channel  306  is textured for providing additional friction for securing device. 
         [0063]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a close up view the hosting frame for the example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A , where hosting frame is configured of brackets with channels for securing a device. 
         [0064]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a close up view the hosting frame for the example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0065]    Bracket  302  includes a spring  308  and bracket  304  includes a spring  310 . 
         [0066]    Spring  308  and spring  310  provide tension to bracket  302  and bracket  304 , respectively, for enabling extension of bracket  302  and bracket  304  and for allowing insertion and retention of a device. A first endpoint of spring  308  is attached to the right portion for bracket  302  and spring  310  is attached to the left portion for bracket  304 . 
         [0067]    A cylindrical collar  311  encloses the end points where a second endpoint of spring  308  and a second endpoint of spring  310  are attached. Cylindrical collar  311  enables the formation of a U-shaped bracket allowing the extension and recession of bracket  302  and bracket  304  for maintaining a uniform attachment to a device. 
         [0068]    Extension of bracket  302  and bracket  304  provides for modification of the distance between bracket  302  and bracket  304  noted as a separation  312 . Separation  312  enables insertion of a device. 
         [0069]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a close up view the hosting frame for the example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A  where a spring enables extension of hosting frame  106  for insertion and retention of a device. 
         [0070]      FIG. 3C  illustrates a close up view the hosting frame for the example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0071]    Force has been applied to bracket  302  and bracket  304  for increasing the distance associated with separation  312  as compare to  FIG. 3B . Furthermore, the tension force associated with spring  308  and spring  310  has been increased. 
         [0072]      FIG. 3C  illustrates a close up view the hosting frame for the example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A  where a force applied to the brackets associated with the frame holder separates the brackets. 
         [0073]      FIG. 4  illustrates a close up view the hosting frame for the example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A  with an inserted device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0074]    A device  402  is inserted into hosting frame  106 . Non-limiting examples for device  402  include smartphone, cellular telephone and video player. 
         [0075]    Device  402  may be inserted into hosting frame  106  by applying an outward force to bracket  302  and/or bracket  304  which increases separation  312  such that device  402  may be inserted into hosting frame  106 . Furthermore, once device  402  is inserted into hosting frame  106 , outward force may be removed in order for bracket  302  and bracket  304  to secure device  402 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 4  illustrates a close up view the hosting frame for the example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A  with an inserted device where an outward force applied to brackets enables insertion of a device followed by removal of force to allow securing the device. 
         [0077]      FIG. 5  illustrates the range of motion of example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A  with an inserted device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0078]    A telescoping arm motion  502  describes the motion of hosting frame  106  as telescoping arm  104  is extended and recessed via application of forces for extension and recession. 
         [0079]    A hinge motion  504  describes the motion of hosting frame  106  as force is applied to hosting frame  106  and/or telescoping arm  104  for moving hosting frame  106  in the general direction of the applied force as allowed by hinge  108 . 
         [0080]    A rotation motion  506  describes the motion of hosting frame  106  as force is applied to hosting frame  106  in order for hosting frame  106  to rotate. 
         [0081]      FIG. 5  illustrates the range of motion of example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A  with an inserted device where the device may experience a telescoping motion, a hinging motion and a rotation motion. 
         [0082]      FIG. 6  illustrates an application of example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A  with an inserted device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0083]    Bracket  102  traverses a seat-back tray  602 . Furthermore, bracket  102  traverses an edge  604  of seat-back tray  602 . As a non-limiting example, a user seeks to watch a video via device  402 . Furthermore, user slides bracket  102  over edge  604  such that bracket  102  traverses a portion of seat-back tray  602 . Furthermore, user adjusts height of telescoping arm  104 , angle between telescoping arm  104  and bracket  102  and rotation of hosting frame  106 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 6  illustrates an application of example device holder as described with reference to  FIG. 1A  with an inserted device where device holder is secured to a structure such that device holder may be adjusted for viewing a device. 
         [0085]    All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
         [0086]    Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative assemblies for securing personal portable electronic devices according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the hosting frame may vary depending upon the particular type of device secured. The devices described in the foregoing were directed to portable communications devices implementations; however, similar techniques applied to game device implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. 
         [0087]    Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.