DUAL FUNCTION CLIP DEVICE FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING A SCREEN

Abstract

A dual function clip device for use with an electronic device having a screen has a mount for receiving the electronic device; a clip mechanism constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article of a user; and an arm movable relative to the mount between a closed position and at least one open position. A securement device is also provided for locking the arm in the at least one open position. When the arm is in an open position, the clip device is positioned to engage an upwardly facing flat surface, and the mount is oriented to support the electronic device in a viewing position to display the screen on the electronic device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention is generally related to a clip device for use with an electronic device having a screen. More specifically, the invention relates to a detachable, dual function clip device for carrying an electronic device on a clothing article and for displaying the screen of the electronic device in a partially vertical or inclined viewing position with respect to a flat surface.

2. Background

Manufacturing companies of portable, electronic devices, such as cellular phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), for example, are integrating music and/or video capabilities into such devices. Also, many known music or MP3 players are incorporating video capabilities. The user may need to view the screen to watch a video and have the need to interact with the screen of the electronic device (e.g., using a touchpad, viewing incoming calls, viewing a clock feature).

Devices for carrying portable, electronic devices such as cell phones and PDAs are known for removably attaching the electronic device to a user's body via a clip that is attached to a belt or an article of clothing. These devices generally do not assist in displaying the screen of the electronic device.

Generally, if a user wanted to watch a video on a cell phone, for example, the user is required to hold the phone in their hand or lean it against an object on a flat surface. Additionally, prior art devices for displaying electronic devices on the surface of a desk or a table, for example, include easels or stands in which the electronic device is seated on or within a base. Other display devices include protecting carrying cases having an opening in which the electronic device is removed from the case and placed within the opening to vertically position the screen of the electronic device. One example of a clip device that may also serve as a stand is the “MyFi Belt Clip Stand” by Delphi.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention provides a dual function clip device for use with an electronic device having a screen. The clip device comprises a mount for receiving the electronic device. The clip mechanism is constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article of a user. A viewing position support mechanism comprises an arm movable relative to the mount between a closed position and at least one open position. The arm has an outer surface constructed and arranged to lie substantially flush with an outer surface of the clip mechanism when in the closed position. The viewing position support mechanism further comprises a securement device for securing the arm in the at least one open position. The viewing position support mechanism is constructed and arranged such that the arm in the at least one open position is positioned to engage an upwardly facing flat surface and orient the mount for supporting the electronic device in an at least partially vertical viewing position to display the screen on the electronic device.

In one aspect of the invention, the arm further comprises a wheel with a plurality of ridges along at least part of the circumference thereof. The wheel is constructed to rotate about a pivotal axis. The clip mechanism further comprises a leaf spring. The leaf spring comprises at least one lug constructed to cooperatively engage at least one ridge of the wheel, and the rotation of the arm about the pivot axis locks the at least one lug within at least one ridge of the wheel to secure the arm in the at least one open position.

In another aspect of the invention, the arm comprises a locking member adjacent a pivot axis to secure the arm in the at least one open position. In yet another aspect of the invention, the locking member is near an end of the arm; the clip mechanism further comprises a plurality of locking ridges on an inner surface, and the rotation of the arm about the pivot axis to the at least one open position locks the end member of the arm within at least one of the locking ridges of the clip mechanism.

Another aspect of the invention provides an attachment device for a portable electronic device having a screen. The attachment device comprises a mount that is removably attached to the electronic device. A clip mechanism is attached to the mount. The clip mechanism is constructed and arranged to clip onto an edge of a clothing article. A viewing position support mechanism comprises an arm that is rotatable relative to the mount about a pivot axis between a closed position and at least one open position. The arm comprises a first lock member adjacent the pivot axis for cooperatively engaging with a second lock member associated with the clip mechanism. Upon rotation of the arm to the at least one open position, the first lock member of the arm engages the second lock member of the clip mechanism to hold the arm at an angle with respect to the mount, and, when the viewing position support mechanism is positioned on an upwardly facing flat surface, the mount is oriented to display the screen of the electronic device at an angle with respect to the surface.

Another aspect of the invention comprises a method for displaying a screen of an electronic device using a clip device constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article of a user, the method comprising: mounting an electronic device on a mount of a clip device; rotating an arm of a viewing position support mechanism of the clip device relative to the mount from a closed position to at least one open position about a pivot axis; securing the arm in the at least one open position by engaging a locking member with one of a plurality of ridges associated with a clip mechanism; engaging the viewing position support mechanism with an upwardly facing flat surface, and orienting the mount to display the screen of the electronic device in an at least partially vertical viewing position.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a-1g illustrate a front, side, back, top, bottom, front plan, and back plan view, respectively, of a dual function clip device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed side view of the clip device of FIGS. 1a-1g.

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of an arm of the viewing position support mechanism of the clip device of FIGS. 1a-1g.

FIG. 4 a illustrates a detailed view of a wheel with a plurality of ridges on the arm of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 b illustrates a detailed view of a leaf spring on a clip mechanism of the clip device of FIGS. 1a-1g.

FIG. 4 c illustrates a detailed view of a pin for pivotal movement of the arm of FIG. 3 about a pivot axis.

FIG. 4 d illustrates a detailed view of the interaction of the ridges, leaf spring, and pin of FIGS. 4a-4c.

FIGS. 5 a and 5b illustrate a side view and a detailed side view, respectively, of the viewing position support mechanism of the clip device of FIGS. 1a-1g in a first position.

FIGS. 6 a and 6b illustrate a side view and a detailed side view, respectively, of the viewing position support mechanism of the clip device of FIGS. 1a-1g in a third position.

FIGS. 7 a-7g illustrate a front, side, back, top, bottom, front plan, and back plan view, respectively, of a dual function clip device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8 a, 8b, and 8c illustrate a back, a sectional, and a detailed view of a clip mechanism of the clip device of FIGS. 7a-7g.

FIG. 8 d illustrates a side view of an arm of the viewing position support mechanism of the clip device of FIGS. 7a-7g in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional, detailed side view of the viewing position support mechanism of the clip device of FIGS. 7a-7g in a third position.

FIGS. 10 a and 10b illustrate a side view and a back, plan view, respectively, of the clip device of FIGS. 1a-1g in a third position with an electronic device attached thereto in a partially vertical position accordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 11 a and 11b illustrate a side view and back, plan view of the clip device in a third position with an electronic device attached thereto in an alternate partially vertical position in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a back, plan view of the clip device in a first position with an electronic device attached thereto in an alternate partially vertical position in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 a-1g illustrate a front, side, back, top, bottom, front plan, and back plan view, respectively, of a dual function clip device 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The clip device 10 comprises a mount 12, clip mechanism 14 and viewing support mechanism 18 with arm 16 The clip device 10 is a detachable device that may be used for carrying an electronic device on a user. Generally, the clip device 10 may be formed using processes such as injection molding. In an embodiment, the clip device 10 is preferably injection-molded plastic.

The mount 12 is designed to receive an electronic device (shown in FIGS. 10a-12) such as a cellular phone, PDA, MP3 player, etc., that has a screen for displaying or viewing. In an embodiment, the mount 12 comprises an attachment device 13 for connecting the electronic device to the clip device 10 for porting or carrying, for example. The attachment device 13 also allows a user to detach the electronic device from the clip device 10 (e.g., during use). In an embodiment, the attachment device 13 is a rotatable attachment device for allowing the user to position and rotate the electronic device with respect to the mount 12 (e.g., allowing the user to rotate the electronic device 360 degrees). However, this structure is not intended to be limiting, and any retainer or attachment device suitable for releasably retaining an electronic device may be used. For example, in an embodiment, the mount 12 may be non-rotating, permanent, or made for other known electronic devices such as a GPS device or satellite radio.

The clip mechanism 14 is attached to the mount 12 using an attachment device 15. The attachment device 15 may securely lock the clip mechanism 14 to the mount 12 via friction-fit or snap-fit, for example. In an embodiment, the attachment device 15 comprises locking arms 19. The locking arms 19 may be used to vertically slide the mount 12 parallel and adjacent to the surface 21 of the attachment device 15, such that the sides of the mount 12 are at least temporarily locked to the clip mechanism 14 via locking arms 19.

In an embodiment, the mount 12 is permanently locked to the clip mechanism 14. In an embodiment, a protrusion is provided on the mount 12, such that as the mount 12 is slid into an interlocking relationship with attachment device 15, the protrusion of mount 12 will lock with a recess on attachment device 15. In an embodiment, the protrusion is non-reversible, such that the mount 12 is locked with respect to the attachment device 15 and is not able to slide along the path of insertion. FIGS. 1d and 1e show an embodiment wherein the locking arms 19 may be in the shape of a curl, for example. Thus, when the mount 12 is slid into place, the locking arms 15 encapsulate the edges or sides of the mount 12 and prevent the mount 12 from moving along any other axis. In an embodiment, the mount 12 may be interlocked to the clip mechanism 14 using any known mating or locking feature.

In an embodiment, the attachment device 15 of the clip mechanism 14 is temporarily locked to the clip mechanism 14, and is capable of being disengaged from the mount 12, such that numerous types of mounts 12 may be attached to the clip mechanism 14, either during the manufacturing process or by a user, for example.

The clip mechanism 14 has front or outer surface 30 and back or inner surface 31. The clip mechanism 14 is constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article such as a belt or a shirt of a user via a hinge 22. The hinge 22 may be a spring-biased or a resilient, living hinge mechanism, for example. The hinge 22 is used to pivotally open the clip mechanism 14 relative to the mount 12 such that a user may insert the clothing article in the clip mechanism 14. That is, the inner surface 31 pivots relative to or away from mount 12 such that an article of clothing may be inserted therebetween. The resilient action of the clip will return the mechanism 14 to its original position for gripping the clothing article, for example. Preferably, in an embodiment, the clip mechanism 14 comprises a protruding surface 24 with a plurality of teeth 25 to provide a frictional gripping surface against the article of clothing.

The viewing support mechanism 18 comprises an arm 16. The arm 16 is movable relative to the mount 12 between a closed position and at least one open position. In an embodiment, the arm 16 is rotatable along a pivot axis A using a pin 48 (further described with reference to FIG. 4c). The arm 16 is attached to the clip mechanism 14 via pin 48. Thus, the arm 16 also rotates relative to the clip mechanism 14. The arm 16 has a front or outer surface 32 and a back or inner surface 33. In an embodiment, the inner surface 33 of the arm 16 includes a releasable lock 28 for releasably locking the arm 16 in a closed position with clip mechanism 14

(as shown in FIG. 1a). In an embodiment, the arm 16 also has a gripping surface 26. The gripping surface 26 may be provided as an aid to provide a frictional surface for hingedly opening the clip mechanism 14 and attaching the clip device 10 to an article of clothing. Specifically, when the arm 16 is locked in the closed position, for example, the user can push against the surface 26 to assist in opening the mechanism 14 (i.e., via hinge 22). The gripping surface 26 may also be used to assist in easing the release of the lock 28 on the arm 16 from the top of the clip mechanism 14 when moving the arm into at least one of the open positions.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface 32 of the arm 16 is constructed and arranged to lie substantially flush with the outer surface 30 of the clip mechanism 14 when locked (e.g., via releasable lock 28) in the closed position. Thus, when a user attaches the clip device 10 to an article of clothing, the fronts or outer surfaces 30, 32 of the clip mechanism 14 and arm 16 may be substantially flat against a user's body, for example. This advantageously allows the arm 16 to have a lower profile than if it protruded substantially from the clip mechanism.

The viewing position support mechanism 18 of the clip device 10 also comprises a securement device 20, as shown in detail in FIG. 2. The securement device 20 is used to releasably lock the arm 16 with respect to the mount 12 and/or clip mechanism 14 in at least one open position. As will be further described, the securement device 20 may be releasably locked at one or more angles, such that when the viewing position support mechanism 18 may be positioned to engage an upwardly facing flat surface such as a desk or a table top, the mount 12 of the clip device 10 may be oriented to support the electronic device in an at least partially vertical viewing position to display the screen on the electronic device (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 10a-12).

The securement device 20 comprises a first lock member designed to cooperatively engage a second lock member. In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2-4d, the first lock member is provided adjacent the pivot axis A, and the second lock member is associated with the clip mechanism 14.

FIGS. 3 and 4 a-4d illustrate an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the locking or securement device 20. FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of the arm 16 comprising a first lock member or wheel 34. The wheel 34 may be provided on the inner surface 33 of the arm 16, for example. In an embodiment, the wheel 34 is provided at an end of the arm 16. The wheel 34 comprises a slot or opening 40 that is designed to receive pin 48 therein and enable pivoting of the arm 16 relative to the clip mechanism 14 and/or mount 12 along pivot axis A.

FIG. 4 a illustrates a detailed view of wheel 34 on the inner surface 33 of the arm 16. As shown, the wheel 34 also comprises a circular protrusion 35 and ridges 36 and 38. The circular protrusion 35 helps guide an article of clothing in between the clip mechanism 14 (e.g., along the back surface 31 of the clip mechanism towards hinge 22) such that a user is able to attach the clip mechanism 14 without snagging the article on the leaf spring 42 (see FIG. 4b) or the ridges 36 and 38 of the wheel 34. The ridges 36 and 38 are used to lock the arm 16 with respect to the clip mechanism 14 and/or mount 12 in a closed or open position(s). Between each of the ridges 36 are detents 37a-37c. Ridge 38 also comprises a detent 39. Ridge 38 and detent 39 are engaged when the arm 16 is in a closed position. Detents 37a-37c are provided to hold arm 16 at angles with respect to the clip mechanism 14 and/or mount 12. For example, detent 37a may correspond to holding arm 16 at an angle of 63 degrees with respect to the clip mechanism 14. Likewise, detents 37b and 37c may correspond to holding arm 16 at angles of 93 and 123 degrees, respectively, with respect to the clip mechanism 14. Although three detents are shown, the number of ridges 36 and detents 37a-37c and their corresponding angles should not be limiting. For example, wheel 34 may be formed such that it comprises one or more ridges and detents to hold the clip device 10 at any number of angles. The method of opening the arm into at least one of the angled positions is described further with reference to FIGS. 4d, 5a-5b, and 6a-6b.

FIG. 4 b illustrates a detailed view of the clip mechanism 14 comprising a second lock member or a leaf spring 42. The leaf spring 42 is provided to extend from the inner surface 31 of the clip mechanism 14. In an embodiment, the leaf spring 42 is a split springboard, comprising two lugs 43 and a split opening or gap 44. The clip mechanism 14 also comprises openings 46 for receiving pin 48.

FIG. 4 c illustrates a detailed view of the pin 48 for connecting the arm 16 to the clip mechanism 14 and for pivoting the arm 16 about pivot axis A. In an embodiment, pin 48 comprises protrusions 50 on one end of the pin 48. The protrusions may be formed from a material displacement method, for example, or any known method in the art. During assembly, the opening 40 in the arm 16 is aligned with the openings 46 in the clip mechanism 14. The pin 48 is then driven through the aligned openings 40, 46 until the pin is securely provided within the clip mechanism 14. By virtue of the interference made between the protrusions 50 on the pin 48 with the inside of the opening 46 in the clip mechanism 14, the pin 48 is prevented from turning within or moving out of hole in the clip mechanism 14. Thus, the pin 48 is prevented from spinning, and the pin 48 is rotatable around the axle A.

As shown in FIG. 4d, when the arm 16 is attached to the clip mechanism 14, the first and second lock members, or wheel 34 and leaf spring 42, are cooperatively engaged. When the arm 16 is in the closed position, the lugs 43 of the leaf spring 42 engage the first detent 39, and the circular protrusion 35 of the wheel 34 extends into the gap 44 of the leaf spring 42. The lugs 43 are held in contact with the wheel 34 and held in detent 39 by ridge 38. When the arm 16 is rotated to an open position, the lugs 43 and circular protrusion 35 of the wheel 34 are rotated about pivot axis A. The lugs 43 of leaf spring 42 deflect from the closed position to the first open position, for example. The lugs 43 rotate over at least one of the ridges 36 and into at least one of the detents 37a-37c. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, when the arm 16 is rotated to a first position, the wheel 34 is rotated such that the lugs 43 are rotated over a first ridge 36 and the arm 16 is held at a first angle α (e.g., 63 degrees) with respect to the clip mechanism 14 in detent 37a. Similarly, the arm 16 may be rotated to engage any one of the detents 37b-37c such that the arm is held at angles of 93 and 123 degrees. For example, FIGS. 6a and 6b show the arm 16 engaged in a third position such that it is held at an angle β (e.g., 123 degrees). Thus, when a user positions the arm 16 of viewing position support mechanism 18 on a flat surface (as shown and described in FIGS. 10a-12), the electronic device may be held at any one of a number of partially vertical or inclined viewing positions corresponding to one of a number of angles.

FIGS. 7 a-7g illustrate a front, side, back, top, bottom, front plan, and back plan view, respectively, of a dual function clip device 60 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Similarly to the clip device 10 described in FIGS. 1a-1h, the clip device 60 of FIGS. 7a-7h comprises a mount 62, clip mechanism 64, and viewing position support mechanism 68 with arm 66. Mount 62 comprises an attachment device 63 for attaching an electronic device thereto. The attachment device 63 allows a user to detach the electronic device from the clip device 60 (e.g., during use). In an embodiment, the attachment device 63 is a rotatable attachment device for allowing the user to position and rotate the electronic device with respect to the mount 62 (e.g., 360 degrees). However, this structure is not intended to be limiting, and any attachment device or retainer suitable for releasably retaining any type of electronic device (e.g., GPS device or satellite radio) may be used.

FIGS. 8 a-8d illustrate parts of the viewing position support mechanism 68 of the clip device 60. FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 8c illustrate a back, a sectional, and a detailed view of a clip mechanism 64 of the clip device 60 of FIGS. 7a-7g. The clip mechanism 64 is attached to mount 62 using attachment device 65. The attachment device 65 may comprise locking arms 19 or other embodiments as described above with reference to FIGS. 1a-1g. Clip mechanism 64 comprises a hinge 72 for opening the clip mechanism 14 and protruding surface 74 with teeth 75 for gripping an article of clothing therebetween. The hinge 72 may be a spring-biased, resilient, or living hinge mechanism, for example. The clip mechanism 64 also has outer surface 80, inner surface 81, and innermost surface 82. The clip mechanism 64 is constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article such as a belt or a shirt of a user via a hinge 72. The resilient action of the hinge 72 will return the clip mechanism 64 to its original position for gripping a clothing article, for example. The hinge 72 is also used in cooperation with the arm 66, so as to provide a force for locking the arm 66 in an open position, as will be described below. The clip mechanism 64 may be held in frictional contact with the article of clothing using protruding surface 74 with teeth 75. The clip mechanism 64 also comprises openings 93 for receiving pin 98.

FIG. 8 d illustrates a side view of the arm 66 of viewing support mechanism 68 of the clip device 60. The arm 66 of viewing support mechanism 68 is movable relative to the mount 62 between a closed position and at least one open position. In an embodiment, the arm 66 is attached to the clip mechanism 64 using a pin 98. After aligning openings 93 of the clip mechanism 64 and opening 99 of the arm 66, pin 98 is slid through the openings 93, 99 such that arm 66 is rotatable along a pivot axis B. Thus, the arm 66 also rotates relative to the clip mechanism 64. The arm 66 has a front or outer surface 86 and a back or inner surface 87. In an embodiment, protrusions (such as protrusions 50 on pin 48 shown in FIG. 4c) are provided to prevent the pin 98 from turning within or moving out of opening in the clip mechanism 14.

The viewing support mechanism 68 also comprises a securement device 70. As previously noted, the securement device 70 is used to releasably lock the arm 66 with respect to the mount 62 and/or clip mechanism 64 in at least one open position in at least one angle, such that when the viewing support mechanism 68 is positioned to engage an upwardly facing flat surface such as a desk or table top, the mount 62 of the clip device 60 is oriented to support an electronic device in an at least partially vertical viewing position to display the screen on the electronic device (as shown in FIGS. 10a-12).

FIG. 8 d shows an embodiment of the first lock member of the securement device 70 as a locking end member 94 on arm 66. The second lock member of the securement device 70 comprises locking ridges 96 on clip mechanism 64. As shown in FIGS. 8a-8c, the locking ridges 96 are provided on or within the innermost surface 82 of clip mechanism 64. Between each of the ridges 96 are detents 97, which, similarly to the detents 37a-37c of FIGS. 4a-4d, allow a user to position the arm 66 at any number of angles with respect to the clip mechanism 64.

When the arm 64 is locked in a closed position on clip mechanism 64 (e.g., using lock 88 as shown in FIG. 7b), the locking end member 94 is positioned adjacent the inner surface 81 of the clip mechanism 64. Thus, the locking end member 94 is not cooperatively engaged with a surface or ridge(s). When the arm 66 is rotated to an open position, the locking end member 94 cooperatively engages at least one of the detents 97. In an embodiment, the locking end member 94 of arm 66 is held in contact with at least one of the detents 97 by an engagement force provided by the hinge 72 of the clip mechanism 64. When in a first detent 97, for example, the arm 66 may be locked in an open position that corresponds to hold arm 66 at an angle of 63 degrees with respect to the clip mechanism 64. Likewise, the additional detents 97 may correspond to holding arm 66 at angles of 93 and 123 degrees, respectively, with respect to the clip mechanism 64. Although three detents are shown, the number of ridges 96 and detents 97 and their corresponding angles should not be limiting. For example, the innermost surface 82 of the clip mechanism 64 may be formed such that it comprises one or more ridges and detents to hold the clip device 60 at any number of angles.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional, detailed side view of the viewing position support mechanism 68 of the clip device 60 locked by securement device 70 in a third position. The locking end member 94 of the arm 66 engages the third detent 97 (between ridges 96) on the innermost surface 82 of the clip mechanism 64. The user may then position the viewing support mechanism 68 or clip device 60 on a flat surface such that the screen of the electronic device may be viewed, for example, as described below.

FIGS. 10 a-11b illustrate a side view and a back, plan view, respectively, of the clip device 10 of FIGS. 1a-1g in a third position with an electronic device 100 attached thereto. As noted above, electronic device 100 may comprise known, portable devices such as a cellular (cell) phone, PDA, MP3 player, etc. Although FIGS. 10a-12 are described with respect to the clip device 10, clip device 60 may also be positioned on a flat surface for viewing in a partially vertical or inclined position as described below.

The electronic device 100 is attached to the clip device 10 via mount 12. The clip device 10 is then positioned in a partially vertical or inclined position with respect to surface 102. As shown, arm 16 of the viewing position support mechanism 18 is rotated along the pivot axis A to a third position (i.e., the lugs 43 of the leaf spring 42 are moved to engage detent 37c of wheel 34). To position the screen of the electronic device 100 such that it is viewable, the viewing position support mechanism 18 of the clip device 10 is positioned such that at least a portion of the arm 16 is in contact with the flat surface 102.

As shown in FIGS. 10a-10b, the outer surface 32 of the arm 16 may be positioned such that it faces and/or contacts the flat surface 102. In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11a-11b, the user may position the viewing position support mechanism 18 of the clip device 10 such that the inner surface 33 of the arm 16 faces and/or contacts the flat surface 102. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the user may position the clip device 10 such that a side of the arm 16 is in contact with the flat surface 102.

In FIGS. 10a-12, the electronic device 100 is positioned for viewing the screen in a number of partially vertical or inclined positions. Thus, the clip devices 10, 60 may be oriented in any number of ways with respect to a flat surface for viewing a screen of an electronic device 100.

Additionally, the user may also rotate the electronic device 100 (e.g. in a clockwise or counterclockwise position) using the rotatable attachment device 13 of mount 12 (or device 63 of mount 62) to orient the screen of the electronic device at any number of desired angles with respect to the flat surface. In an embodiment, the device 10 may also be correspondingly rotated to match the viewing preference of a user. For example, should the electronic device have a feature for sensing the orientation of the device, the electronic device may orient the screen or display horizontally or vertically, depending on a user's viewing preference. For example, the electronic device may be rotated 90 degrees with respect to the mount 12 or clip device 10 so as to turn the screen from a vertical to a horizontal position. Thus, the device 10 allows a user to view the screen according to such preferences.

The above embodiments of clip device 10 and 60 allow for a dual function in that a user may use the clip devices 10, 60 to assist in allowing the user to position an electronic device with respect to a flat surface and carry the electronic device using the same devices 10, 60. The electronic devices are also detachable from clip devices 10, 60. Further, an embodiment of the clip devices 10, 60 allows a user to rotate the electronic device in a clockwise or counterclockwise position, thus enabling one to view the screen at any number of angles or positions (e.g., vertically or horizontally, partially vertical, or inclined position).

The devices 10, 60 also allow a user to position an electronic device for use. For example, a user may position the electronic device such that a speakerphone, microphone, or other hands-free feature may be oriented toward the location of the user.

Additionally, the devices 10, 60 allow the user to position an antenna of an electronic device (e.g., a cellular phone, GPS device, satellite radio) in an at least partially vertical position so as to optimize reception.

While the principles of the invention have been made clear in the illustrative embodiments set forth above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the structure, arrangement, proportion, elements, materials, and components used in the practice of the invention.

It will thus be seen that the objects of this invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. It will be realized, however, that the foregoing preferred specific embodiments have been shown and described for the purpose of illustrating the functional and structural principles of this invention and are subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A dual function clip device for use with an electronic device having a screen, the clip device comprising: a mount for receiving the electronic device;a clip mechanism constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article of a user;a viewing position support mechanism comprising an arm movable relative to the mount and the clip mechanism between a closed position and at least one open position, the arm having an outer surface constructed and arranged to lie substantially flush with an outer surface of the clip mechanism when in the closed position;the viewing position support mechanism further comprising a securement device for securing the arm in the at least one open position, and the viewing position support mechanism being constructed and arranged such that the arm in the at least one open position is positioned to engage an upwardly facing flat surface and orient the mount for supporting the electronic device in an at least partially vertical viewing position to display the screen on the electronic device.

2. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the arm further comprises a wheel with a plurality of ridges along at least part of the circumference thereof, the wheel constructed to rotate about a pivotal axis;the clip mechanism further comprises a leaf spring, the leaf spring comprising at least one lug constructed to cooperatively engage at least one ridge of the wheel, andthe rotation of the arm about the pivot axis locks the at least one lug within at least one ridge of the wheel to secure the arm in the at least one open position.

3. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the arm comprises a locking member adjacent a pivot axis to secure the arm in the at least one open position.

4. A dual function clip device according to claim 3, wherein the locking member is near an end of the arm,the clip mechanism further comprises a plurality of locking ridges on an inner surface, andthe rotation of the arm about the pivot axis to the at least one open position locks the end member of the arm within at least one of the locking ridges of the clip mechanism.

5. A dual function clip device according to claim 4, wherein the clip mechanism further comprises a resilient hinge, and wherein the hinge provides an engagement force that assists in securing the end member of the arm within the at least one locking ridge.

6. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the mount comprises a rotatable attachment device that allows the electronic device to be rotated with respect to the mount.

7. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is removable with respect to the mount.

8. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the clip mechanism further comprises a hinge that is spring-biased for clipping the clip device onto the clothing article.

9. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the clip mechanism further comprises a living hinge for clipping the clip device onto the clothing article.

10. A dual function clip device according to claim 1, wherein the arm is releasably locked with respect to the clip mechanism when in the closed position.

11. An attachment device for a portable electronic device having a screen, the attachment device comprising: a mount for receiving the electronic device;a clip mechanism attached to the mount, the clip mechanism constructed and arranged to clip onto an edge of a clothing article;a viewing position support mechanism comprising an arm that is rotatable relative to the mount and the clip mechanism about a pivot axis between a closed position and at least one open position;the arm comprising a first lock member adjacent the pivot axis for cooperatively engaging with a second lock member associated with the clip mechanism, andwherein, upon rotation of the arm to the at least one open position, the first lock member of the arm engages the second lock member of the clip mechanism to hold the arm at an angle with respect to the mount, and, when the viewing position support mechanism is positioned on an upwardly facing flat surface, the mount is oriented to display the screen of the electronic device at an angle with respect to the surface.

12. An attachment device according to claim 11, wherein the first lock member comprises a locking member that is rotatable about the pivot axis, and the second lock member comprises a plurality of locking ridges.

13. An attachment device according to claim 11, wherein the first lock member comprises a wheel with a plurality of ridges along at least part of the circumference thereof, the wheel constructed to rotate about the pivot axis, andthe second lock member comprises a leaf spring, the leaf spring comprising at least one lug constructed to cooperatively engage at least one ridge of the wheel.

14. An attachment device according to claim 11, wherein the arm has an outer surface constructed and arranged to lie substantially flush with an outer surface of the clip mechanism when in the closed position.

15. An attachment device according to claim 14, wherein the arm is releasably locked with respect to the clip mechanism.

16. An attachment device according to claim 11, wherein the mount comprises a rotatable attachment device that allows the electronic device to be rotated with respect to the mount.

17. An attachment device according to claim 11, wherein the electronic device is removable with respect to the mount.

18. A method for displaying a screen of an electronic device using a clip device constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article of a user, the clip device comprising a mount, a clip mechanism, and a viewing position support mechanism constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article of a user, the method comprising: mounting an electronic device on the mount of the clip device; rotating an arm of the viewing position support mechanism of the clip device relative to the mount and the clip mechanism from a closed position to at least one open position about a pivot axis;releasably securing the arm in the at least one open position by engaging a locking member with one of a plurality of ridges associated with a clip mechanism; andengaging the viewing position support mechanism with an upwardly facing flat surface and orienting the mount to display the screen of the electronic device in an at least partially vertical viewing position relative to the upwardly facing flat surface.