BACKGROUND
Portable hand-held electronic devices are widely used across every segment of society. Almost every adult and teenager own a portable hand-held electronic device. Portable hand-held electronic devices, hereafter referred to as electronic devices comprise smart phones, tablets, etc. An example of a smart phone is APPLE® IPHONE® These electronic devices which have sold millions of units across the world, are now relatively expensive. Users generally hold the electronic devices in their hand during use. To facilitate the handling of electronic devices during use, a large market has been created for a fixture, hereafter a mounting device, for mounting electronic devices during use. Mounting devices are generally fixed or placed on a surface when used with the electronic device.
An existing mounting device for electronic devices is designed to be affixed via a suction cup to a smooth, residue-free surface such as glass or plastic. Other variants of the mounting devices are designed to be attached to an object through a clamp or similar mechanism. However, during use, such existing mounting devices often allow the electronic device to disengage and fall off from the mounting device, or allow the mounting device to not remain attached to the surface on which the mounting device was attached. Furthermore, existing mounting devices are not designed to position the electronic device at a height or angle that is convenient for the user. Existing mounting devices are also not designed to be placed on an uneven surface. Therefore, for use on uneven surfaces, a user often holds the mounting device in one hand while using the electronic device with the other hand.
Therefore, there is a long felt but unresolved need for a mounting device that positions the electronic device at a height and angle that is convenient for the user. Furthermore, there is a long felt but unresolved need for a mounting device that can be secured on an even or an uneven surface to enable the user to use the electronic device in, for example, a sitting or a resting position over the even surface or the uneven surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further disclosed in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The mounting device disclosed herein positions the electronic device at a height and angle that is convenient for the user. The mounting device can be secured on an even or an uneven surface to enable the user to use the electronic device in, for example, a sitting or a resting position over the even surface or the uneven surface.
The mounting device disclosed herein comprises an adjustable receptacle, a first ball head, a second ball head, telescopic pole, and a tripod. The first ball head comprises a ball in rotatable communication with a casing within which the ball is disposed. The ball of the first ball head comprises a stem projecting out of an opening in the ball casing. The stem of the first ball head engages a base of the adjustable receptacle. A top end of the telescopic pole is attached to a base of the ball casing of the first ball head. The second ball head comprises a ball in rotatable communication with a casing within which the ball is disposed. The ball of the second ball head comprises a stem projecting out of an opening in the ball casing. The stem of the second ball head engages a bottom end of the telescopic pole. The tripod is attached to a base of the casing of the second ball head.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific structures and components disclosed herein. The description of a structure or a component referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that structure or component shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.
FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of the mounting device disposed on a tripod with flexible, adjustable legs.
FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the mounting device used by a user.
FIG. 1C illustrates a left view of the mounting device showing the flexible tripod.
FIG. 2A illustrates a front perspective view of an adjustable receptacle of the mounting device.
FIG. 2B illustrates a left side view of the adjustable receptacle of the mounting device.
FIG. 2C illustrates a left side perspective view of the adjustable receptacle of the mounting device with an electronic device secured in the adjustable receptable.
FIG. 2D illustrates another front perspective view of the adjustable receptacle of the mounting device.
FIG. 3A illustrates a bottom perspective view of a first ball head of the mounting device.
FIG. 3B illustrates a top perspective view of the first ball head of the mounting device.
FIG. 3C illustrates another top perspective view of the first ball head of the mounting device showing the stem of the first ball head positioned in the circumferential groove by rotation of a ball of the first ball head.
FIG. 4A illustrates a telescopic pole of the mounting device in a non-extended position.
FIG. 4B illustrates the telescopic pole of the mounting device in an extended position.
FIG. 5A illustrates a bottom perspective view of a second ball head of the mounting device.
FIG. 5B illustrates a top perspective view of the second ball head of the mounting device.
FIG. 5C illustrates another top perspective view of the second ball head of the mounting device showing a stem of the second ball head disposed in the circumferential groove by rotation of a ball of the second ball head.
FIG. 5D illustrates an exploded view showing the telescopic pole and the tripod aligned with the second ball head.
FIG. 6 illustrates the tripod of the mounting device with the legs of the tripod in a non-extended position.
FIG. 7A illustrates a right-side view showing the mounting device used by the user while sitting on a chair.
FIG. 7B illustrates a top view showing the flexible legs of the tripod of the mounting device positioned with respect to the user.
FIG. 8A illustrates the mounting device placed on an uneven base of a car seat with the flexible legs adjusted.
FIG. 8B illustrates the mounting device placed between two steps of a staircase with the flexible legs adjusted.
FIG. 9A illustrates a right-side view showing the mounting device positioned between the user's thighs when the user is lying down on his back on a bed.
FIG. 9B illustrates a top view showing the mounting device positioned between the user's thighs when the user is lying down on his back on the bed illustrated in FIG. 9A.
FIG. 10A illustrates a right-side view showing the mounting device positioned above the user's head when the user is lying down on his back on the bed illustrated in FIG. 9A.
FIG. 10B illustrates a top view showing the mounting device positioned above the user's head when the user is lying down on his back on the bed illustrated in FIG. 9A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a mounting device 100 for an electronic device showing a tripod 105 comprising flexible, semi-rigid legs 105a, 105b and 105c that are deformable by moderate manual pressure to configure to any shape or orientation as set by a user, and to thereafter retain their configuration with respect to one another. FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the mounting device 100 used by the user 107. The mounting device 100 comprises an adjustable receptacle 101 for holding an electronic device 106, and a first ball head 102 comprising a ball 102a in rotatable communication with a casing 102b within which the ball 102a is disposed, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The ball 102a of the first ball head 102 comprises a stem 102c projecting out of an opening 102d in the ball casing 102b as shown in FIG. 3B, FIG. 3C. The stem 102c engages a base 101b of the adjustable receptacle 101. The mounting device 100 further comprises a telescopic pole 103. The telescopic pole 103 comprises a top end 103a and a bottom end 103b, as shown in FIG. 1A. The top end 103a of the telescopic pole 103 engages with the base 102e of the ball casing 102b of the first ball head 102.
FIG. 1C illustrates a left view of the mounting device 100 showing the flexible tripod 105. The mounting device 100 further comprises a second ball head 104, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The second ball head 104 comprises a ball 104a in rotatable communication with a ball casing 104b within which the ball 104a is disposed. The ball 104a comprises a stem 104c projecting out of an opening 104d in the ball casing 104b. The stem 104c engages with the bottom end 103b of the telescopic pole 103 as shown in FIGS. 5B, 5C and 5D.
The mounting device 100 further comprises the tripod 105 as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C and 6. The tripod 105 engages with the base 104e of the ball casing 104b of the second ball head 104 as shown in FIG. 5D.
FIG. 2A illustrates a front perspective view of the adjustable receptacle 101 of the mounting device 100. FIG. 2B illustrates a left side perspective view of the adjustable receptacle 101 of the mounting device 100. FIG. 2C illustrates a left side perspective view of the adjustable receptable 101 of the mounting device 100 with an electronic device 106 secured in the adjustable receptable 101. FIG. 2D illustrates another front perspective view of the adjustable receptacle 101 of the mounting device 100. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the adjustable receptable 101 comprises a screw hole 101a at a lower section 101e of the base 101b of the adjustable receptacle 101. The adjustable receptable 101 comprises a pair of spring-loaded arms 101c and 101d projecting substantially perpendicularly from an upper section 101f of the base 101b. The adjustable receptable 101 further comprises a pair of sliding members 101g and 101h, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The pair of sliding members 101g and 101h comprise lower portions 101i and 101j that are configured to slidably engage with the pair of spring-loaded arms 101d and 101c, along an axis A-A′ illustrated in FIG. 2C. The axis A-A′ runs along the length of the adjustable receptacle 101. The upper portions 101m and 101n of the pair of sliding members 101g and 101h extend substantially perpendicular to the axis A-A′ along which the pair of sliding members 101g and 101h slide. The adjustable receptacle 101 further comprises a first jaw 101k attached to upper portions 101m and 101n of the pair of sliding members 101g and 101h. The adjustable receptacle 101 further comprises a first end 101p and a second end 101q, as shown in FIG. 2C. The first jaw 101k and the pair of sliding members 101g and 101h are configured to move the first end 101p of the adjustable receptacle 101 relative to the second end 101q to secure the electronic device 106 in the adjustable receptable 101, and to move the first end 101p of the adjustable receptacle 101 to release the electronic device 106. The pair of sliding members 101g and 101h use a pair of springs (not shown) within the pair of spring-loaded arms 101d and 101c to slide the first end 101p of the adjustable receptable 101 into a position such that the first end 101p with the force from the pair of springs, secures the electronic device 106 in the adjustable receptacle 101.
The adjustable receptable 101 further comprises a pull knob 101r attached to the first jaw 101k, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The first jaw 101k extends substantially perpendicular to the axis A-A and away from the upper portions 101m and 101n of the pair of sliding members 101g and 101h. The adjustable receptable 101 further comprises a second jaw 101s that extends substantially perpendicular to the axis A-A′ and away from the lower portion 101t of the pair of spring-loaded arms 101d and 101c. The electronic device 106 is held between the first jaw 101k and the second jaw 101s, as shown in FIG. 2B. The springs enable the first jaw 101k and the second jaw 101s to compressively hold the electronic device 106 between the first and second jaws 101k and 101s.
FIG. 3A illustrates a bottom perspective view of the first ball head 102 of the mounting device 100. FIG. 3B illustrates a top perspective view of the first ball head 102 of the mounting device 100. The first ball head 102 comprises a ball 102a in rotatable communication with the ball casing 102b within which the ball 102a is disposed. The ball 102a has one of a spherical shape, an aspherical shape, etc. The first ball head 102 further comprises a circumferential groove 102f on an upper section 102h of a wall 102i of the ball casing 102b, as shown in FIG. 3B. The ball 102a rotates within the ball casing 102b to engage the stem 102c in the circumferential groove 102f. The ball casing 102b further comprises a friction knob 102g. The friction knob 102g comprises a threaded rod 102h that projects into the ball casing 102b through a threaded hole 102k in the wall 102i of the ball casing 102b. When the friction knob 102g is rotated in a clockwise direction, the friction knob 102g advances into the ball casing 102b to progressively constrict the rotatable movement of the ball 102a within the ball casing 102b. When the friction knob 102g is rotated in an anticlockwise direction, the friction knob 102g retracts from the ball casing 102b to progressively loosen the rotatable movement of the ball 102a within the ball casing 102b. FIG. 3C illustrates another top perspective view of the first ball head 102 of the mounting device 100 showing the stem 102c of the first ball head 102 engaged in the circumferential groove 102f by rotation of the ball 102a of the first ball head 102. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the stem 102c is disposed substantially perpendicular to an axis B-B′ that runs along the length of the ball casing 102b. The angle of inclination between the axis B-B′ and the stem 102c is about 90 degrees when the stem 102c of the first ball head 102 is disposed within the circumferential groove 102f. In an embodiment, the angle of inclination between the axis B-B′ and the stem 102c can be varied between 0 degrees to 90 degrees by positioning the stem 102c at any position between the circumferential groove 102f and along the axis B-B′.
The first ball head 102 further comprises a support plate 102j rigidly attached to a mid-section of the stem 102c. An upper section 102l of the stem 102c is threaded to mate with the screw hole 101a in the base 101b of the adjustable receptable 101. The support plate 102j is configured to frictionally engage with the base 101b. As the upper section 102l of the stem 102c is threaded into the screw hole 101a in the base 101b, the support plate 102j and the stem 102c tighten with the base 101b of the adjustable receptable 101.
FIG. 4A illustrates a telescopic pole 103 of the mounting device 100 in a non-extended position. FIG. 4B illustrates the telescopic pole 103 of the mounting device 100 in an extended position. The telescopic pole 103 comprises a first pole 103c and a second pole 103d. The first pole 103c is configured to slidably engage with the second pole 103d, through an upper end 103e of the second pole 103d. The telescopic pole 103 further comprises a clamp 103f attached to the upper end 103e of the second pole 103d. The clamp 103f comprises a knob 103g. The clamp 103f is configured to secure the first pole 103c with the second pole 103d. For example, the knob 103g is rotated anticlockwise to reduce the grip of the upper end 103e of the second pole 103d on the first pole 103c, allowing the first pole 103c to slide in and out of the upper end 103e of the second pole 103d. The knob 103g is rotated clockwise to tighten the grip of the upper end 103e of the second pole 103d on the first pole 103c, thereby securing the first pole 103c to the upper end 103e of the second pole 103d. In an embodiment, the first pole 103c comprises a threaded rod 103h projecting from a top end 103a of the telescopic pole 103, for example, from a top end 103a of the first pole 103c. The threaded rod 103h is configured to mate and fasten with a threaded hole 102m in the base 102e of the ball casing 102b of the first ball head 102. In an embodiment, the second pole 103d comprises a threaded hole 103i at the bottom end 103b of the second pole 103d. In an embodiment, the telescopic pole 103 comprises one or more intervening telescopic poles (not shown) between the second pole 103d and the first pole 103c.
FIG. 5A illustrates a bottom perspective view of the second ball head 104 of the mounting device 100. FIG. 5B illustrates a top perspective view of the second ball head 104 of the mounting device 100. The second ball head 104 comprises a ball 104a in rotatable communication with the ball casing 104b within which the ball 104a is disposed. The second ball head 104 further comprises a circumferential groove 104f on an upper section 104h of a wall 104i of the ball casing 104b. The ball 104a is configured to rotate within the ball casing 104b with the stem 104c disposed within the circumferential groove 104f. The ball casing 104b further comprises a friction knob 104j configured to one of progressively tighten and progressively loosen the rotatable movement of the ball 104a, similar to the way the friction knob 102g of the first screw head 102 to one of progressively constricts and progressively loosens the rotatable movement of the ball 102a. The friction knob 104g is rotated in a clockwise direction to progressively tighten the rotatable movement of the ball 104a. The friction knob 104g is rotated in an anti-clockwise direction to progressively loosen the rotatable movement of the ball 104a, as illustrated in FIG. 5C. FIG. 5C illustrates another top perspective view of the second ball head 104 of the mounting device 100 showing the stem 104c of the second ball head 104 positioned in the circumferential groove 104f by rotation of the ball 104a of the second ball head 104. As illustrated in FIG. 5C, the stem 104c is positioned substantially perpendicular to an axis C-C′ that runs along the length of the ball casing 104b. The angle of inclination between the axis C-C′ and the stem 104c is about 90 degrees when the stem 104c of the second ball head 104 is positioned within the circumferential groove 104f. In an embodiment, the angle of inclination between the axis C-C′ and the stem 104c can be varied between 0 degrees to 90 degrees by positioning the stem 104c anywhere between the circumferential groove 104f and along the axis C-C′. FIG. 5D illustrates an exploded view showing the telescopic pole and the tripod aligned with the second ball head. As shown in FIG. 5D, the base 104e of the second ball head 104 further comprises a screw hole 104k configured to receive a screw 105d projecting from an upper portion 105e of the tripod 105.
FIG. 6 illustrates the tripod 105 of the mounting device 100 with the legs 105a-105c of the tripod 105 in proximity to one another. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, the legs 105a-105c of the tripod 105 are flexible, semi-rigid and configurable to the orientation desired by the user 107, by application of manual pressure by the user 107. Each individual leg 105a is configurable with respect to the other legs 105b and 105c. The legs 105a-105c are angled away from each other to form the tripod 105. The tripod 105 comprises a hub 105f on an upper portion 105e to which each of the legs 105a-105c are connected. The tripod 105 comprises a screw 105d projecting, for example, perpendicularly, from the hub 105f on the upper portion 105e of the tripod 105.
FIG. 7A illustrates a right-side view of the mounting device 100 used by the user 107 while sitting on a chair 701. FIG. 7B illustrates a top view showing the position of the flexible legs 105a-105c of the tripod 105 of the mounting device 100 as set by the user 107. As shown in FIGS. 7B and 1B, when the user 107 uses the mounting device 100 in a seated position, the user 107 bends the flexible, semi-rigid legs 105a-105c to form a tripod 105. In an embodiment, the user 107 places two of the flexible legs, for example, 105a and 105b under the thighs of the user, for example a right thigh 107a and a left thigh 107b. The third flexible leg 105c is placed under his crotch region 107c. This configuration and placement of the mounting device 100 provides a stable support for the mounting device 100. The user 107 can adjust the height, horizontal tilt and vertical tilt of the electronic device 106 with respect to the tripod 105. Furthermore, after the user 107 positions the mounting device 100 on the tripod 105, both of the user's 107 hands 107d and 107e are free. In an embodiment, the tripod 105 is, for example, “Large flexible octopus tripod stand desktop camera tripod mobile phone support” manufactured by Shaoxing Shangyu Forfeel Photographic Equipment Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Province, China. In another embodiment, the tripod 105 is, for example, “Camera flexible tripod 12 inch tripod lightweight bendable tripod with smartphone stand” manufactured by Shenzhen Siroka Electronic Co., Ltd., Guangdong, China. In an embodiment, the user 107 bends the flexible, semi-rigid legs 105a-105c to wrap around a support structure, for example a pole (not shown) to affix the mounting device 100 to the pole. In another embodiment, the user 107 bends the flexible, semi-rigid legs 105a-105c to wrap around a support structure, for example a beam (not shown) to suspend the mounting device 100 from the beam.
FIG. 8A illustrates the mounting device 100 placed on an uneven base 801a of a car seat 801 by adjusting the flexible, semi-rigid legs 105a-105c of the tripod 105. As shown in FIG. 8A, the telescopic pole 103 attached to the stem 104c of the second ball head 104 is inclined away from the seat back 801b by using the friction knob 104g. The adjustable receptacle 101 comprising electronic device 106 is inclined to face the seat back 801b by using the friction knob 102g. FIG. 8B illustrates the mounting device 100 placed between two steps 802a and 802b of a staircase 802 by adjusting the flexible legs 105a, 105b and 105c.
FIG. 9A illustrates a right-side view showing the mounting device 100 positioned between the user's 107 thighs 107a and 107b when the user 107 is lying down or resting on his back 107f on a bed 901. FIG. 9B illustrates a top view showing the mounting device 100 positioned between the user's 107 thighs 107a and 107b when the user 107 is lying down or resting on his back 107f on the bed 901 illustrated in FIG. 9A. As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the flexible, semi-rigid legs 105a-105c are bent away from each other. Furthermore, the flexible, semi-rigid legs 105a-105c are bent such that each of the legs 105a-105c are parallel to the surface of the bed 901. When the legs 105a-105c are parallel to the surface of the bed 901, it is convenient for the user 107 to position the legs, for example, legs 105a and 105b underneath his thighs 107a and 107b as illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B.
FIG. 10A illustrates a right-side view showing the mounting device 100 positioned above the user's 107 head 107g when the user 107 is lying down or resting on his back 107f on the bed 901 illustrated in FIG. 9A. FIG. 10B illustrates a top view showing the mounting device 100 positioned above the user's 107 head 107g when the user 107 is lying down or resting on his back 107f on the bed 901 illustrated in FIG. 9A. As illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the flexible, semi-rigid legs 105a-105c are bent away from each other. Furthermore, the flexible, semi-rigid legs 105a-105c are bent such that each of the legs 105a-105c are parallel to the surface of the bed 901. In an embodiment, the legs 105a and 105b are slid underneath a pillow 902 used by the user 107. To maximize comfort, the user 107 can place his head 107g on the portion of the pillow 902 that is between the legs 105a and 105b, as illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B. The first ball head 102 is used to adjust the tilt of the adjustable holder 101, comprising the electronic device 106, with respect to the first ball head 102. The second ball head 104 is used to adjust the tilt of the telescopic pole 103 with respect to the tripod 105. The telescopic pole 103 is used to position the adjustable holder 101 proximal to the second ball head 104 or away from the second ball head 104.
The adjustable receptacle 101 of the mounting device 100 is configured to accommodate electronic devices 106 of various sizes and thicknesses. In an embodiment, the adjustable receptacle 101 of the mounting device 100 is configured to accommodate the electronic device 106 in both a landscape orientation and a portrait orientation. The electronic device 106 mounted on the mounting device 100 enables a user to watch videos, for example, movies, news, etc., in the electronic device 106, use the electronic device 106 to make and receive video calls, etc. When the user 107 positions the mounting device 100 on the tripod 105, both of the user's 107 hands 107d and 107e are freed-up for performing various tasks.
The foregoing examples have been provided merely for explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the mounting device 100 disclosed herein. While the mounting device 100 has been described with reference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Furthermore, although the mounting device 100 has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the mounting device 100 is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the mounting device 100 extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, it will be understood by those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, that the mounting device 100 disclosed herein is capable of modifications and other embodiments may be effected and changes may be made thereto, without departing from the scope and spirit of the mounting device 100 disclosed herein.
Patent Application
20210140579
