Patent Publication Number: US-2012024920-A1

Title: Device for detachably attaching a holder for an electronic device

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This patent application claims priority to Dutch Patent Application No. 2005178, filed Jul. 30, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     FIELD 
     Disclosed embodiments relate to a device for detachably attaching a holder for an electronic device to at least one support of a headrest of a vehicle-mounted seat, which device comprises a first attachment part and a second attachment part to be detachably connected thereto, one of the first and the second attachment part being connectable to the holder, the device comprising connecting means connected to the first and the second attachment part for detachably connecting the first attachment part to the second attachment part, between which first and second attachment part a receiving opening is formed in an interconnected position of the first attachment part and the second attachment part for attaching the device to the support of the headrest via the opening. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Such a device is generally known, it is for example used for attaching a viewing screen of a portable DVD player to a rear side of a seat in a car. 
     The known device may be a mounting bracket, which is attached to supports of a headrest of the seat. The mounting bracket may consist of two parts, which are connected together by means of socket screws. 
     It is a drawback of the known device that detaching the device is relatively difficult. With a view to preventing theft from the car it is desirable for the device to be relatively easy to detach. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed embodiments provide a device which can be detached from the seat in a relatively simple manner. In order to accomplish that object, the disclosed embodiments provide a device of the kind described in the introduction, which comprises at least one operating element connected to the connecting means, which operating element can be moved to at least a first position for moving the connecting means to their release position therewith for the purpose of releasing the connection between the first attachment part and the second attachment part. The operating element allows the user to move the connecting means directly to a release position by means of a simple movement of the operating element. Disconnecting the first attachment part and the second attachment part from each other can thus take place relatively quickly. Since the operating element is connected to the connecting means, the user can at all times move the connecting means to their release position. The user does not need any additional tools such as a screwdriver or an Allen key for doing so. The device according to the disclosed embodiments thus makes it possible to detach the device quickly from the vehicle-mounted seat. 
     It may be possible for the operating element to be movable to a second position for the purpose of thus moving the connecting means to an engaging position in a connected condition of the first and the second attachment part. This embodiment makes it possible to use the operating element also for connecting the first and the second attachment part together. This makes it possible to attach the device to the vehicle seat in a quick and simple manner. 
     The device may be provided with pushing means for pushing the operating element to the second position. In this way the connecting means will always be forced to an engaging position. In this way undesirable detachment of the first attachment part and the second attachment part from each other is prevented. The reliability and safety of the device are thus ensured. 
     To enable the user to gain easy access to the operating element, the operating element may be provided on a wall, optionally an upper wall, of the first or the second attachment part. 
     In one embodiment, the operating element is movable substantially parallel to the wall. The operating element is capable of sliding movement relative to the wall. In this way a compact construction can be realised. 
     The reliability of the connection can be further enhanced in that the connecting means comprise an engaging element connected to the first or the second attachment part as well as an engaging member connected to the other attachment part. The engaging element is designed to engage the engaging member in an engaging position of the connecting means for the purpose of retaining the connected condition of the first and the second attachment part. The connecting means are furthermore designed so that the engaging member is movable relative to the engaging element in a release position. The engaging element may be connected to the first attachment part, for example. The engaging member will in that case be disposed on the second attachment part. The connecting means must be in a release position when the first attachment part and the second attachment part are being connected together. Alternatively it is also possible within the framework of the disclosed embodiments for the connecting means to be pushed to a release position when the first attachment part and the second attachment part are being connected together, precisely on account of the connection being made, without any separate action on the part of the user, other than connecting the first attachment part and the second attachment part together, for moving the connecting means to the release position being required. When the two attachment parts are connected together in the correct position, the connecting means will be moved to an engaging position, which may take place autonomously under the influence of spring force, for example, and the engaging element will engage the engaging member. In this way the first and the second attachment part are retained in a connected condition. Only when the operating element is operated, i.e. moved to the first position, will the connecting means be returned to the release position, such that the attachment parts can be detached from each other again. 
     At least part of a contour of the engaging element may define an engaging edge designed to engage the engaging member. The engaging edge will exert a pressure force on the engaging member, thereby preventing the engaging member from moving relative to the engaging element. 
     The engaging element may be pivot-mounted. The engaging element is capable of pivoting movement between an engaging position, in which the engaging element engages the engaging member, and a non-engaging position, in which the engaging element releases the engaging member, so that movement of the engaging member relative to the engaging element is possible. Because the engaging element can pivot between the above two positions, a relatively compact construction of the connecting means can be realised without having to make any concessions regarding the reliability of the connection. 
     The contour of the engaging element may be configured so that the engaging edge is designed to engage two substantially opposite wall parts of the engaging member at an angle by pivoting movement. The engaging edge exerts a pressure force on both sides of the engaging member, as it were. As a result, the engaging element will clampingly engage the engaging member. This will prevent movement of the engaging member relative to the engaging element. 
     The engaging element may comprise a recess which forms at least part of the engaging edge. The recess and the cross-section of the engaging member are designed to conform to each other such that the engaging member can move through the recess in a release position. This makes it possible to realise a compact construction. 
     The recess may be a hole provided in the engaging element. The engaging member can move through the hole. The hole enables the engaging element to engage the engaging member on both sides, or, in other words, both of the substantially opposite wall parts of the engaging member, with sufficient clamping force. The hole makes it possible to realise a durable and reliable construction of the engaging element. 
     The hole may be substantially ellipsoidal or circular in shape. Other configurations, for example a rectangular or a square hole, are also conceivable, however. 
     In order to further increase the safety of the device, the device may be provided with pushing means for pushing the engaging element to an engaging position. 
     The pushing means for pushing the operating element to the second position may be identical to the pushing means for pushing the engaging element to an engaging position. This makes it possible to realise a more compact construction of the device. 
     In one embodiment the pushing means comprise a spring. 
     The engaging element may also be designed to function as a leaf spring for forming the pushing means. The engaging element is configured so that it pushes itself to an engaging position. This can be realised, for example, by connecting the engaging element to the attachment part with a certain bias. 
     In one embodiment, the engaging member may be a rod-shaped member, e.g., having a circular cross-section. The cross-section of the rod-shaped member may be designed to conform to the engaging element, for example in that the cross-section is designed to conform to the engaging edge of the engaging element. The rod-shaped member having a circular cross-section can be easily connected to the engaging element in that case. 
     The operating element may comprise a stop member, which is connected to the engaging element in at least a first position of the operating element. The operating element is thus directly connected to the engaging element. As a result, a compact and reliable construction of the connecting means can be realised. 
     In one embodiment, the attachment parts are elongated in shape. The attachment parts may be elongated to such an extent that they can be fitted round two supports of the headrest of the seat. Attaching the attachment parts to two supports of the headrest leads to a stable placement of the device. The fact that the attachment parts are elongated in shape makes such a placement possible. 
     In a connected condition of the first and the second attachment part, at least one recess may be formed between the first and the second attachment part for receiving at least two supports of a headrest of the seat therein. The device can thus be fitted round two supports of the headrest. This makes it possible to realise a stable placement. Furthermore, at least two recesses may be formed between the first and the second attachment part in a connected condition of the first and the second attachment for receiving a respective support of the headrest therein. The device thus has two recesses, each of which can accommodate a support of the headrest. The recess makes it possible to realise a compact placement. The attachment parts can butt together near the recesses. This makes it possible to realise a solid connection of the first attachment part to the second attachment part. 
     The connecting means may be located substantially on a central part of the attachment parts. 
     The device may be designed so that the connecting means are located substantially between two supports of the headrest of the seat in an attached position of the device. 
     The holder for the electronic device may be connectable to the attachment part that is provided with the operating element. As a result, both the holder and the operating element are readily accessible. 
     The device can be detachably attached to a rear side of the seat of the vehicle. In such an embodiment, the electronic device is easy to use for users present at the rear side of the seat, such as passengers seated on a rear seat of the vehicle, for example. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further advantages and embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective sectional view of a device according to the disclosed embodiments; 
         FIGS. 2   a - c  are a perspective view and sectional views, respectively, of a device according to the disclosed embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows an exploded view of a device  1  for detachably attaching a holder  2  for an electronic device to a headrest of a vehicle-mounted seat. The device comprises a first attachment part  11  and a second attachment part  12  to be detachably connected thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the holder  2  is pivotally connected to the first attachment part  11 . The holder  2  for the electronic device is known per se to those skilled in the art and can be embodied in many ways. In the illustrated embodiment, the holder comprises adjustable hooks  7 , by means of which the electronic device, for example a viewing screen of a DVD player, can be connected to the holder. 
     The device can be attached to a support of a headrest. The first attachment part  11  and the second attachment part  12  are to that end connected together in such a manner that the support of the headrest is positioned between the first attachment part  11  and the second attachment part  12 . Thus the support of the headrest is clamped between the first attachment part  11  and the second attachment part  12 , as it were. Such a manner of attachment is known per se to those skilled in the art. 
     The first attachment part  11  can be detachably connected to the second attachment part  12 , using connecting means generally indicated at  9 . The connecting means comprise a connecting plate of a leaf spring-like, i.e. elastically flexible material, placed on the first attachment part  11 , and a pin-shaped connecting member  14 , for example made of steel, placed on the second attachment part  12 . The connecting plate  13  is connected to an internal part  20  of the first attachment part  11  by means of a fastener, such as a screw  18  in the illustrated embodiment. The connecting member  14  can be detachably connected to an engaging element  22  on the connecting plate  13 . 
     Present on the first attachment part  11  is an operating element  15 . The operating element  15  is located near an opening  21 . The operating element is mounted for movement, more specifically forward and backward sliding movement, and is connected to the first attachment part. In the illustrated embodiment, a stop member  19  of the operating element  15  can be pushed against an upper side of the engaging element  22 , causing the engaging element  22  to pivot slightly between the positions shown for the engaging element  33  in  FIGS. 2   b  and  2   c.    
     The operation of the device shown in  FIG. 1  will now be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment of the device as shown in  FIG. 2   a . The device comprises a first attachment part  52  and a second attachment part  60  detachably connected thereto. Two recesses  61 ,  62  are formed between the first attachment part  52  and the second attachment part  60 , via which recesses the device can be attached to supports of a headrest. The first attachment part  52  is different from the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  in that a means of attachment  50  is provided, to which a holder (not shown) can be attached. The device is provided with connecting means and with an operating element  35  connected thereto.  FIGS. 2   b  and  2   c  are detail views of the connecting means and the operating element. 
       FIG. 2   b  shows a sectional view of connecting means  31  in a connected condition of the first attachment part  52  and the second attachment part  60 , in which the connecting means  31  are in the release position.  FIG. 2   c  shows a sectional view in which the attachment parts  52  and  60  are disconnected from each other and the connecting means  31  are in the engaging position. As  FIG. 2   c  shows, the term “engaging position” does not mean that the attachment parts are by definition connected together. Like parts are indicated by the same numerals in the respective  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c.    
       FIG. 2   b  shows a connecting plate  32  with an engaging element  33  provided with a recess  38 , for example a hole. The connecting plate  32  is disposed on an internal part  52  of the first attachment part  60 . An engaging member  34  is passed through the recess  38 . The engaging member is provided on the second attachment part  60  by means of a holder  54  and an engaging flange  56 . The recess  38  of the engaging element  33  defines clamping edges, which engage the engaging member  34  in the engaging position (not shown in  FIG. 2   b !). The engagement by the clamping edges prevents the engaging member from moving at least in a direction indicated by the arrow A. The first attachment part  52  and the second attachment part  60  are thus firmly connected together. The operating element  35  is movably connected to an upper wall  53  of the first attachment part  52 . The engaging element  33  can be moved from an engaging position to the release position by moving the operating element  35  in the direction indicated by the arrow C, causing the stop member  36  to push against the engaging element  33 . The engaging element will then partially pivot and assume a position in which the engaging element  33  is oriented substantially vertically in  FIG. 2   b . The pivoting causes the clamping edges to be moved away from the engaging member  34 . The pivoting movement of the engaging element  33  causes a projection of the recess on a plane perpendicular to the movement of the engaging member to become larger. In other words, the pivoting causes the effective passage  38  for the engaging member  34  to become larger, so that movement of the engaging member in a direction indicated by the arrow A becomes possible. 
     The operating element  15 ,  35  thus makes it possible to move the connecting means directly to a release position, so that the first and the second attachment part can also be directly disconnected from each other by a simple movement of the operating element  15 ,  35 . The device  1  can thus be detached from the headrest of a vehicle-mounted seat in a relatively simple manner. 
     To connect the first and second attachment parts together it is not necessary, although possible, to move the engaging element to the release position by operating the operating element  35 . As it is, simply pressing the engaging member  34  into the hole  32  will already have the same effect, because the upper side of the engaging member  34  will rub along part of the circumferential edge of the hole  38 , thereby pushing the engaging element  33  into the release position, at least to such an extent that the engaging member  34  can move through the hole  32 . 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that generally the connecting means  9  may also be configured differently. It is still possible in that case for an operating element to be movable to at least a first position so as to thus move the connecting means to a release position. It is for example possible to provide the engaging member  14  with toothings, which are engaged by a hook-shaped element mounted to the first attachment part  11 . The hook-shaped element will in that case be designed to engage the toothings such that the engaging member will be relatively fixedly connected to the hook-shaped element. The second attachment part  12  and the first attachment part  11  are thus prevented from becoming disconnected. The operating element  15  will in that case be connected to the hook-shaped element, so that the operating element, upon movement thereof to a first position, will move the connecting means to a release position, i.e. to a position in which the engaging member provided with toothings can move with respect to the hook-shaped element again. 
     In the illustrated embodiments, the operating element  15  is provided on an upper wall of the first attachment part  11 . It is also possible, however, to position the operating element  15  on the second attachment part  12 . The operating element  15  may in that case only be connected to the engaging element in a connected position of the first attachment part  11  and the second attachment part  12 . Alternatively, it is possible to provide the operating element  15  and the connecting plate  13  with the engaging element  22  on the second attachment part  12 , and to provide the connecting member, such as the engaging member  14 , on the first attachment part  11 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the operating element  15  is slidably movable. The movement takes place substantially parallel to the wall of the first attachment part  11 . Although such an embodiment is very compact, it is also possible to configure the operating element  15  as a push button, for example, or as a rotary knob. Operating elements thus configured are also suitable for being moved to a first position for the purpose of moving the connecting means to a release position. 
     The operating element  15  may be provided with pushing means for moving the operating element to a second position. In the second position, the operating element makes it possible to move the connecting means to an engaging position. In the illustrated embodiment, the pushing means are formed by the engaging element  22 . The engaging element  22  is to that end placed on the connecting plate  13  in such a manner that it has a certain bias, so that the engaging element  22  will function as a leaf spring. The upper side of the engaging element  22  engages the stop member  19  of the operating element and pushes it in the direction of the second position. The engaging element  22 , which is configured as a leaf spring, also causes the engaging element to be pushed to an engaging position. Also other means may be provided for this purpose, of course, such as a coil spring, for example. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the engaging member  34  is provided with a notch  37 . The contact edge of the engaging element  33  will engage the notch when the notch is located near the contact edge. The notch is provided at an end  37  of the engaging member. Upon engagement of the notch  37  by the contact edge, further movement of the engaging member of its own accord is no longer possible but requires an intentional action on the part of the user. The notch  37  thus prevents the connection from coming loose undesirably, for example due to vibrations. 
     In the appended figures and the description above, the disclosed embodiments have been explained with reference to only a few embodiments. It will be understood, however, that many variants, which may or may not be obvious to those skilled in the art, are possible within the scope of the present invention, which is defined in the appended claims.