GB2486812A

GB2486812A - Mounting device with a magnifying lens for viewing electronic equipment

Info

Publication number: GB2486812A
Application number: GB201121977A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Enderby
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-12-23
Filing date: 2011-12-21
Publication date: 2012-06-27
Also published as: GB201021805D0; GB201121977D0

Abstract

A mounting device 2, for electronic equipment such as mobile phones etc, comprises mounting plate 4 having a clamp device 14 which holds the mobile phone 16. A support stand 32 is movably mounted to the mounting plate 4 and a magnification lens 44 is pivotally mounted via arms 46, 48, to a front surface 6 of the mounting plate 4. The arms 46, 48 have two pivot points (54, fig 1b), 56 which allow two levels of adjustment of the lens 44, thereby enabling a user to find a comfortable viewing position. The mounting means may be fixed to a wall (fig 3) or head rest of a vehicle (fig 4) or a windscreen (fig 5). In other embodiments the lens is pivotally fixed to a plate (106, fig 7b) of a base housing (108) in which the phone 16 is located. A method of using the mounting device is also claimed.

Description

Mounting Means for an Electrical Device This invention relates to mounting means for an electrical device and a method of using mounting means.

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to mounting means for an electrical device in the form of a smart phone or MP4 player, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the electrical device can be any suitable electrical device, electronic data device, communication device, mobile phone, game console, MP3 player, PDA (personal digital assistant), palm computer, hand held television, navigation system and/or the like.

The use of hand held and/or relatively small and portable electrical devices for the purposes of data storage, communication, playing computer games, watching television or films, navigation and/or the like is common. A user typically holds the device in their hand or places the device on a surface and uses their other hand to actuate a touch screen or one or more control buttons associated with the electrical device to perform one or more functions or applications on the device. A known problem associated with such electrical devices is a user being able to adequately support the device whilst using the same, particularly if the user intends to use the device over a relatively long period of time, such as if they intend to watch a film on the device or play a computer game. Conventionally a user will typically balance the electrical device on their knee, on a bag or on an adjacent surface and use the device. The surface on which the device is located often does not provide sufficient support for the device to be used easily. In addition, a user may have difficulties in positioning a display screen of the device to allow the user to view the same easily for a relatively long period of time. Furthermore, the size of the display screen on many electrical devices is relatively small, thereby making long term viewing of the display screen difficult and may cause eye strain for the user.

In an attempt to overcome this problem it is known to provide stands for supporting electrical devices, such as mobile phones, on a surface. These stands can be free standing or can be attached to a wall or other surface using attachment means, such as per the devices disclosed in CN201331920, USD621180, U52010/0090076 and U52008254899.

It is also known to provide a magnifying lens for attachment to a cellular phone to magnify the display screen, such as the device disclosed in JP2010136312. However, the position of the lens is typically fixed with respect to the display screen of the phone such that the user has to orientate themselves with respect to the display screen in order to see the magnified view.

This may not always be possible or comfortable to do for extended periods of time, particularly if the user is in a relatively confined space, such as in a vehicle or aeroplane. The phone still has to be supported by a user or located on a suitable surface to allow easy use of the phone. In addition, the size of the lens attachment is relatively large and cumbersome, particularly with regard to the size of the phone, thereby making transportation of the device difficult and discouraging a user from using the same.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide mounting means for an electrical device that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using mounting means for an electrical device that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided mounting means for an electrical device, said mounting means including support means for allowing said mounting means to be supported relative to a surface or item in use, and attachment means for allowing attachment of the electrical device to said mounting means, and wherein said mounting means further includes lens means which are movable relative to said mounting means.

Thus, the present invention provides a combination of support means for supporting an electrical device in a desired position and lens means for allowing a user to more easily view at least a part of an electrical device. The lens means is movable with respect to the mounting means and/or support means and thus an electrical device located on said mounting means in use, thereby allowing a user to position both the electrical device, and the lens means with respect to the electrical device, in the most comfortable position relative to said user for viewing and/or operating.

The support means and lens means for the present invention is provided as a single product, thereby removing the requirement for a user to have to carry separate lens means and separate mounting means as in the prior art. The present invention provides a compact design that allows the same to be easily held and/or transported, thereby making the present invention an easy to use, portable device. The ability to allow the mounting means to be adjustable with respect to a surface or item on which it is placed in use (i.e. the support means in one embodiment are adjustable with respect to the mounting means and/or said surface on which the mounting means is placed in use) and to allow adjustment of the lens means with respect to the mounting means and/or support means provides the mounting device with great versatility.

Preferably the electrical device includes one or more display screens and said lens means is associated with said mounting means in such a way that said lens means is movable relative to at least said one or more display screens of said electrical device.

Preferably the lens means is movably mounted to said mounting means and/or said support means.

In a preferred embodiment the lens means is pivotably mounted or movable with respect to said mounting means and/or said support means. However, the lens means could be pivotably, slidably and/or rotatably mounted or movable if required.

Preferably the lens means includes magnification means or is a magnifying lens. This enlarges a user's view of a part or whole of the electrical device in use, thereby increasing the ease with which the user can view the same.

The lens means is typically provided in such a form that when a user looks through said lens means the user's view of at least part of the electrical device mounted on the mounting means in use is altered in some way compared to if the lens was not used.

The lens means can include one or a plurality of lens.

The lens means can include a whole or part that is substantially flexible and/or sub stantially rigid.

The lens means can be formed from any suitable material, such as glass, plastic and/or the like.

Preferably the lens means is provided in a frame and the frame is movably mounted to the support means and/or the mounting means.

The lens means can be any suitable size, shape and/or design.

The lens means can have one or more substantially equal dimensions to the electrical device; it can have one or more smaller or substantially smaller dimensions than the electrical device; or it can have one or more larger or substantially larger dimensions than the electrical device. For example, the lens dimensions could be a top or front of the electrical device or a part or surface of the device in which a display screen is provided.

Preferably the lens means are arranged to be a spaced distance apart from the electrical device in use or when the device is in an open position. This allows a desired focal length and/or magnification to be achieved.

In one embodiment one or more arm members and/or one or more plate members are associated with the lens means. The arm members and/or plate members typically allow the lens means to be joined to the mounting means and/or support means and/or be a spaced distance apart from the electrical device in use.

The one or more arm members and/or plate members are preferably movably mounted to said mounting means and/or said support means to allow said lens means to be movable with respect to said mounting means and/or said support means and/or said lens means can be movably mounted to said one or more arm members and/or plate members.

In one embodiment the lens means is movably mounted with respect to said one or more arm members and/or plate members.

In a preferred embodiment two arm members are provided.

Preferably one arm member is provided on opposite sides of the lens means.

In an alternative embodiment a plate member is provided. The lens is preferably attached and further preferably movably attached to an end of the plate member.

Movement of the lens means with respect to the mounting means, support means and/or attachment means allows the lens means to be moved between an in-use position and an out of use or storage position or between open and closed positions.

In one embodiment the lens means is substantially parallel to the plate member and/or planar to the arm members in the out-of-use or closed position. In the in-use position the lens means can be substantially perpendicular, at an angle or a spaced distance apart with respect to the plate member or arm members.

In one embodiment the support means are movable with respect to the mounting means, lens means and/or attachment means and further preferably the support means are movably mounted to said mounting means, plate member, one or more arm members and/or the like. Movement of the support means typically allows the angle of the mounting means to be adjusted relative to a user, surface or item and/or allows the support means to be moved between an in-use position and an out-of-use or storage position.

In one embodiment with the support means in an out-of-use position, a base of the mounting means is substantially parallel with the surface on which the base is placed.

In one embodiment with the support means in an in-use position, a base of the mounting means is at an angle with respect to the surface on which the support means is placed.

The support means can be movable relative to one or more other plates, members and/or the surfaces of the mounting means in use.

The support means can be arranged to allow the mounting means to be free standing and/or the support means can be arranged to allow attachment or detachable attachment of the mounting means to a surface or item.

Preferably the support means and/or lens means are movable with respect to each other and/or the mounting means between at least a first in-use position and a second out-of-use position.

The lens means and/or support means can be moved or adjusted between one or a number of user selected arbitrary positions, and preferably between the in-use and out-of-use positions.

Alternatively or in addition, the lens means and/or support means can be moved between one or a number of pre-determined positions, and preferably between the in-use and out-of-use positions.

Preferably the mounting means is in a substantially erect condition when in the at least first in-use position.

Preferably the mounting means is at least partially or substantially collapsed or in a folded condition when in the second out-of-use position.

In one embodiment the mounting means forms a sleeve, box, container or case arrangement when in the second out-of-use or closed position, thereby allowing the mounting means to be easily transported, aesthetically pleasing and portable.

In one embodiment the mounting means are arranged such that the electrical device can be located wholly or at least partly in an interior of the sleeve, box, container or case arrangement when in the second out-of-use or closed position, thereby forming a protective cover for the electrical device when not in use. This is useful if the electrical device is to be located in luggage during travelling and/or the like.

One or more apertures or recesses can be defined in one or more walls of the mounting means so that access to one or more buttons, switches, connection ports, screens, camera flash, camera lens and/or the like on the electrical device can be obtained even if the mounting means is in a closed or storage position.

In one embodiment the lens means can form a part or whole of an exterior wall of the sleeve, box, container or case arrangement, thereby allowing a user to look through the lens means to view at least part of the electrical device contained therein when the sleeve, box, container or case arrangement is in a closed or out-of-use position.

Closure means can be provided on one or more surfaces of the mounting means, support means and/or lens means to keep the same in a closed or storage position. For example, the closure means could include any or any combination of magnetic means, friction fit, inter-engaging members and/or the like.

Preferably the mounting means includes attachment means for allowing attachment or detachable attachment of the electrical device thereto.

In one embodiment the attachment means include any or any combination of one or more clamping arms, clips, sprung clips, VELCRO® (hook and loop fastening) inter-engaging members, friction fit, strap and buckle, tie, rubber or resilient insert and/or the like.

In one embodiment securing means are provided for securing the mounting means to a surface or item in use. The securing means can include any or any combination of one or more hooks, recesses, apertures, channels, brackets, screws, nuts and bolts, ties, clips, strap, hook and loop fastening, magnetic means or inter-engaging members.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using mounting means for an electrical device, said method including the steps of supporting the mounting means on a surface or item using support means, attaching an electrical device to the mounting means using attachment means, and wherein said mounting means includes lens means which are movable relative to said mounting means.

The electrical device can include any electrical device, such as a smart phone, MP3 player, MP4 player, PDA, palm computer, game console, mobile phone, telephone, navigation system, calculator and/or the like.

The mounting device could be used to allow a user to comfortably watch television, play films, read c-mails or e-books, view cooking applications, view navigational information and/or the like on an electrical device mounting in the mounting device. The device is particularly advantageous for use on an aeroplane (so there is no requirement for the user to pay to use the aeroplane entertainment system), on a train, on an office desk, adjacent a hospital bed (so there is no requirement for the user to hire the hospital television system), for business presentations if the user does not wish to carry a laptop, on the beach or poolside, in a car or in bed. For example, when the mounting device is used in a car, a headphone extension and car charger could be utilised with the electrical device located with the mounting device to allow use of the electrical device for extended periods of time and so as not to disturb other persons in the vehicle.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: Figures la-Ic show a side view and a front perspective view of the mounting means without a mobile phone and a front perspective view with a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention in an in-use free standing position respectively; Figures 2a-2c show the mounting means in partially folded and folded conditions to form an out-of-use position according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows an example of the mounting means mounted to a wall; Figure 4 shows an example of the mounting means mounted to a rear of a headrest in a vehicle; Figure 5 shows an example of the mounting means mounted to a windscreen in use; and Figures 6a-ób show a perspective view of support means and attachment means of mounting means according to one embodiment; Figures 7a-7c show a perspective view of the mounting device in an out-of-use or closed position; and open position without a phone fitted and an open position with a phone fitted respectively according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figures 8a-8b illustrate a perspective view and a cross sectional view of support means according to one embodiment of the present invention respectively; Figures 9a-9b illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention showing attachment means in an open position and a closed position respectively; Figure 10 illustrates a further embodiment showing alternative attachment means; Figure Ila-lIb illustrate a yet further embodiment of the present invention showing an alternative plate member and lens arrangement with the lens in an open, in-use position; and with the lens in a closed position forming part of the cover respectively; and Figures 12a-12d illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention showing different possible positions of the different components of the mounting device.

Referring initially to figures la-2c, there is illustrated mounting means in the form of a mobile phone mounting device 2. The device includes a mounting plate 4 having a front face 6 and a rear face 8. A support foot 10 is located adjacent a bottom edge 12 of mounting plate 4 to allow the device 2 to be balanced in a stable manner on a surface in use.

Attachment means in the form of a clamp 14 is provided on front face 6 to allow an electrical device in the form of a mobile phone 16 to be attached to the front of the mounting plate in use. The rear surface of the mobile phone is typically provided adjacent to and substantially parallel to a body portion of clamp 14 and/or mounting plate 4.

The mobile phone 16 in this example includes a display screen 18, and control buttons 20.

The clamp 14 includes a body portion 22 and two clamping arms 24, 26 movably mounted with respect to said body portion 22.

More specifically, the clamping arms 24, 26 are elongate arm portions provided adjacent to and substantially parallel to a top edge 28 and a bottom edge 30 of the body portion 22 respectively. The clamping arms 24, 26 are movable towards each other in use to clamp the phone 16 located between the arms to form a clamped position. The clamping arms 24, 26 are movable away from each other to provide an unclamped position wherein phone 16 can be removed from body portion 22 and/or located on body portion 22.

Support means in the form of a support stand 32 is movably mounted with respect to rear surface 8 of mounting plate 4.

More particularly, an upper edge 36 of support stand 32 is pivotably mounted via pivot 34 to the sides 38 of mounting plate 4. Support stand 32 has a support foot 40 adjacent a base edge 42 thereof to allow the device to be easily balanced on a surface in use. The support stand 32 is shown in the example as a substantially planar sheet or plate but it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the support stand could include one or more arm members if required.

The support stand 32 is movable with respect to rear surface 8 of mounting plate 4 to allow a user to position the stand 32 on a surface in use, thereby providing the most stable support for device 2 and to angle the device 2 and thus the phone 16 at a comfortable viewing position for the user. The angle of support stand 32 can be adjusted to any angle between 0-360 degrees with respect to the mounting plate but is preferably adjustable to an acute angle between 0-90 degrees with respect to rear surface 8.

Lens means in the form of a magnification lens 44 is movably mounted with respect to front surface 6 of mounting plate 4.

More particularly, magnification lens is pivotably mounted to two side arms 46, 48 at an end 50 thereof via pivot 52. Arms 46, 48 are pivotably mounted at their opposite ends 54 via pivot 56 to the sides 38 of mounting plate.

The magnification lens 44 is movable with respect to front surface 6 of mounting plate 4 to allow a user to position the lens over the display screen 18 of mobile phone 16 in use to increase the size of the display screen for viewing. The user typically adjusts the angle of lens 44 with respect of mounting plate 4 to find a comfortable viewing position for the user. Lens 44 is typically movable with respect to side arms 46, 48 through any angle 0-360 degrees, but is preferably adjustable by an acute angle within the range of 0-90 degrees with respect to mounting plate 4. Side arms 46, 48 are typically movable with respect to mounting plate 4 through any angle between 0-360 degrees, but are preferably adjustable by an acute angle within the range of 0-degrees with respect to mounting plate.

The provision of two pivotable positions of lens 44 allows two levels of adjustment of lens 44 with respect to the mounting plate 4 and mobile phone 16, thereby allowing the user to find the most comfortable viewing position for the user of phone 16 through lens 44 when phone 16 is mounted on device 2.

Both the lens 44 and support stand 32 are movable with respect to mounting plate 4 to allow device 2 to be moved between a substantially erect and in-use position, as shown in figures Ia-Ic, and a folded, storage position, as shown in figures 2a-2c.

More particularly, in order to fold device 2, a user typically moves support stand 32 towards rear surface 8 of mounting plate 4 until stand 32 and mounting plate 4 are substantially parallel and adjacent to each other, as shown in figure 2a. A user then moves side arms 46, 48 towards front face 6, as shown by arrow 50 in figure 2a, to a position where side arms 46, 48 are substantially adjacent to and parallel to sides 38 of mounting plate 4, as shown in figure 2b. The user then moves lens 44 towards front face 6 of mounting plate 4, as shown by arrow 52 in figure 2b, to a position wherein lens 44 is substantially adjacent to and parallel to front face 6, as shown in figure 2c.

The storage position is substantially more compact, flat and portable compared to the erect position shown in figures la-Ic, thereby allowing the device to be easily transported and stored.

Mobile phone 16 can remain clamped to clamp 14 if required when the mounting device is in the storage position. In the clamped storage position, lens 44 and mounting plate 4 typically provides a protective casing around phone 16, thereby preventing damage to the phone when not in use.

In moving the mounting device from a folded position to an in-use position, the above method steps are undertaken in reverse and the lens 44 and the support stand 32 are moved a spaced distance and suitable angle apart from mounting plate 4.

The support stand 32 allows the mounting device 2 to be free standing on a suitable surface in use. However, the device 2 could also or alternatively be mounted to an item or surface in use. Figures 3-6 show unlimited examples of how device 2 can be secured relative to an item or surface in use. Any or any combination of the illustrated examples could be provided with the mounting device of the present invention.

In figure 3, rear surface 8 of mounting plate 4 is provided with hooks 54 which are locatable in complementary shaped recesses 56 provided on an attachment plate 58. Plate 58 is secured to a suitable surface 60 in use using suitable securing means, such as one or more screws.

In figure 4, attachment plate 58 is secured to surface 60 in use.

An arm 62 protrudes outwardly from plate 58 and a pivotable hook 64 is provided on a free end thereoL Mounting plate 4 has one or more channelled members 66 adjacent the sides 38 of mounting plate 4 for location over hook 64. The pivotable hook 64 can pivot to allow angled adjustment of mounting plate 4 with respect to surface 60 in use.

A similar arrangement is provided in figure 5 but in place of the pivotable hook 64, a flexible arm 68 is provided between attachment plate 58 and a mounting plate attachment 70 to allow adjustment of mounting plate 4 with respect to surface 60 in use. Attachment plate 58 could be replaced by or include one or more suction cups to allow mounting of the mounting device to the surface 60 if required.

Figures 6a and 6b illustrate on example of an elongate strap 80 and holder 82 positioned on the strap for allowing location of a mounting device to the same in use. The elongate strap 80 is located around a car head rest 84 and the two free ends of the strap 80 are joined together using a VELCRO® (hook and loop) attachment. The holder 82 is substantially L-shaped having a support back 86 and support base 88. An upwardly protruding flange 90 is provided adjacent a front free edge of support base 88 and is substantially parallel to support back 86 in this example. A part of the mounting device is located between the support back 86, support base 88 and protruding flange 90 in use.

Figures 7a-7c illustrate an embodiment of the mounting device 102 of the present invention. In this embodiment the lens 104 is pivotably mounted adjacent a top edge 105 of a plate 106, the plate also forming a top cover of the device when in a closed position, as shown in figure 7a. The lens 104 can be pivoted through any suitable angle with respect to plate 106. Tn Figure 7b, the lens is shown to be substantially perpendicular to plate 106 when in an open or in-use position. The lens is typically pivoted to an out-of-use position by moving a front free edge 109 of the lens 104 towards a rear edge 111 of plate 106, until the lens is substantially parallel with plate 106. A recess can optionally be defined in inner surface of plate 106 to allow the lens to sit therein in the out-of-use position.

The plate 106 is pivotably mounted to support means in the form of a base housing 108 along a rear edge 110 thereof via hinges 112. Plate 106 can be moved through any suitable angle with respect to base housing 108 but in the illustration it is shown as being substantially perpendicular when in an open position, as shown in figure 7b.

Attachment means in the form of a rubber holding insert 114 is provided in a recess 116 defined in the base of base housing 108 to allow attachment of a phone or other suitable electronic device 118 thereto in use, as shown in figure 7c.

Closure means for the mounting device in the form of magnets are provided adjacent the front edge 122 of base housing 108 and rear edge 124 of lens 104. The magnets on the lens and base housing are of opposite polarity to allow attraction between the magnets of the lens and the magnets of the base housing to secure the plate 106 in a closed position with respect to base housing 108 when the device is not in use.

In the illustration, lens 104 is provided in a frame 126. A recess 128 is provided adjacent front edge 109 of lens 104 to allow a user to easily lift lens 104 away from plate 106 when in an out-of-use position to move it to an in-use position. A further recess is provided adjacent front edge 122 of base housing 108 to allow a user to easily lift plate 106 from a closed position to an open position.

A recess 132 can be defined in an end 134 of base housing 108 and/or plate 106 to define an aperture when the device is in a closed position, thereby allowing connection with a head phone socket provided on the phone or electronic device located in the mounting device in use.

Although the base housing 108 can form the support means to support the phone 118 relative to a surface in use, additional support means can also be provided on the teat surface of base housing 108 for supporting base housing 108 at an angle with respect to a surface, as shown in figures 8a-8b. The additional support means is in the form of a stand 136 having an upright arm member 138 that is pivotably connected to a base or horizontal arm member 140 via a pivot 142. The free end 144 of upright arm member 138 can be adjusted with respect to base housing 108 by moving the same into different pre-determined spaced apart increment positions 146.

Figures 9a-9b illustrate a modified embodiment of the present invention shown in figures 7a-7c. The base housing 108 in this embodiment includes a base plate 148 and two pivotably movable engagement arms 150. A first end 152 of the arms 150 is pivotably mounted via pivot 154 to rear edge of plate 106.

The second free ends 156 are moved between a disengaged position, wherein the free ends 156 are a spaced distance apart from base plate 148, as shown in figure 9a, to an engaged position, wherein the free ends 156 are engaged with base plate 148 and upwardly protruding flange 158, as shown in figure 9b.

With the arms 150 in the disengaged position, a phone 118 can be inserted between the base plate 148 and arms 150 and maintained in place with the arms in the engaged position.

Figure 10 illustrates a further modified embodiment of the mounting device shown in figures 7a-7c. In this illustration, the attachment means for attaching the electronic device to the mounting device include a number of sprung clips 200 provided at each corner of the base housing 108. However, any number of sprung clips could be provided at any suitable location on the mounting device to secure the electronic device thereto.

Figure 11 illustrates a yet further modified embodiment of the mounting device shown in figures 7a-7c. The plate 106 has been replaced with two parallel arms 202. The lens 104 is pivotably mounted to the free ends 204 of arms 202 and can be moved adjacent to and/or planar with arms 202 to form a plate like member or part of the exterior cover of the device, similar to plate 106 in the previous embodiment, when in the closed position. The advantage of this design is that the user can see through the case via the lens that forms the plate like member in the closed position, thereby allowing the user to view an electrical device contained therein when in a storage position. In addition, once the arms 202 and lens 104 have been pivoted together from the closed position, wherein they are substantially parallel to base member 108, to an open position, wherein the arms 202 and lens 104 are substantially perpendicular or at an angle to the base member 108, the lens can then be moved out of the plane of the arms 202 to a protruding position wherein it is substantially perpendicular or at an angle to the free end of the arms and can be positioned over the display screen of a phone or electrical device engaged in the base member 108.

Thus, in this embodiment, the lens can be used in both the closed and open positions to view the display screen of the electrical device or phone. The lens and arms are typically pivotably mounted relative to each other and to the base member. The components in one embodiment can also be moulded from a single mould, thereby reducing cost.

It will be appreciated that in any of the embodiments the lens 104 and/or plate member 106 can be moved through any suitable angle relative to each other and/or to the base member when being moved from the closed position to the open position. In one example, the plate member and/or lens could be moved from a closed position, wherein the plate member and/or lens are substantially parallel and overlapping or above the base member 108, to an open position, wherein the plate member and/or lens are a spaced distance apart, non-parallel or moved out of overlapping relationship with the base member, such as at an acute angle, through 180 degrees, through 90 degrees and/or the like.

Figures 12a-12d shows a further embodiment in which the different components of the mounting device 300 can be hinged or pivotably mounted in a different manner and can be moved through a range of different angles as required. In particular, in this embodiment, the lens 104 forms a front cover of the case arrangement when the device 300 is in a closed position and can be moved between a closed position, wherein lens 104 is substantially parallel and overlapping with phone 118, and an open position, wherein lens 104 is moved outwardly from phone 118 through 90 or 180 degrees for example, as shown by arrow 304 in figure 12a. With the lens 104 in a closed position, the display screen 306 of the phone can be viewed through the lens 104. With the lens 104 in an open position, a user is able to access the display screen 306, such as for example to use a touch screen element of the display screen.

The lens 104 is pivotably mounted to plate member 106 along an edge thereof by a flexible hinge plate 302. However, in this embodiment, the plate member 106 is pivotably mounted to a front edge 308 of the base housing 108. This is in contrast to some of the previously described embodiments wherein the plate member 106 has been mounted to a rear edge 310 of the base housing 108. This allows the base housing 108 to be pivotable through any angle between 0-360 degrees to arrange the plate member 106 at any suitable angle with respect to base housing 108, as shown by arrow 310 in figure 12b.

The base housing 108 could be supported at a user selected angled position, as shown in figure 12c, by the plate member 106 and/or lens 104 being positioned at a suitable angle and/or position with respect to base housing 108, as shown by arrows 312 and 314. For example, the lens 104 could be provided substantially parallel to a surface on which the device is to be placed and the plate member 106 could be provided at an acute angle Q0 with respect to the surface and an obtuse angle y° with respect to the lens 104. This provides sufficient support for the rear surface of base housing 108 to be provided at an acute angle 20 to the rear surface of plate member 106. Optionally a further support stand 316 could be movably mounted to the rear surface of base housing 108 to allow the support stand to be moved between an in-use angled position with respect to base housing 108, as shown by arrow 318, to an out-of-use position wherein the stand 316 is substantially planar with or parallel to the rear surface of base housing 108.

Figure 12d shows a further position that could be provided for the mounting device, wherein the support stand 316 supports the base housing 108 in an angled position. The plate member 106 and the lens 104 are moved into a substantially parallel and overlapping arrangement in front of and above base housing 108.

The suitable surface to which the mounting device is located relative to could, for example, be a windscreen, a headrest of a seat in a vehicle, bedside table, sofa arm, a vehicle dash board, a wall and/or the like. In one example, an elasticated headrest or arm cover is provided on which securing means are provided to allow the mounting plate to be secured to the same.

If a user does not require use of the lens, the user can simply move the lens out of the user's line of view of the electrical device, such as in a storage position, until further use is required.

The pivot mechanisms provided on the mounting device can include a ratchet mechanism to allow the lens and/or support stand to be maintained in the desired position in use.

Any of the movable components of the mounting device can be moved through any suitable angle between 0-360 degrees as required. This allows the movable components, such as the lens means, arm members, base member, support stand and/or the like to be moved to any suitable position with respect to the electrical device in use. In one example, the arm member(s) or plate member to which the lens means is movably connected can be moved through an obtuse angle so that the lens means is moved underneath the base member or towards a rear surface of the base member to support the base member at an angle, such as an acute angle, with respect to the surface on which the base member is placed in use.

The mounting device of the present invention is universal in that it can be adapted to fit any suitable electrical device. The device can be positioned in either a portrait or landscape arrangement and typically allows hands free use of the electrical device located in the mounting device. The lens arrangement of the mounting device makes the device suitable for use by visually impaired persons or for when the electrical device is to be viewed for relatively long periods of time by a user, thereby avoiding eye strain of the user. The ability to position the lens at any suitable angle relative to the electrical device, whilst maintaining a spaced distance between the electrical device and the lens, allows a user to freely use in an unobstructed manner one or more control buttons of the electrical device.

Claims

Claims: 1. Mounting means for an electrical device, said mounting means including support means for allowing said mounting means to be support relative to a surface or item in use, and attachment means for allowing attachment of the electrical device to said mounting means, and wherein said mounting means further includes lens means which are movable relative to said mounting means.
2. Mounting means according to claim 1 wherein the lens means is pivotably, slidably or rotatably mounted with respect to the support means and/or the mounting means.
3. Mounting means according to claim 1 wherein the lens means includes magnification means or is a magnifying lens.
4. Mounting means according to claim I wherein the lens includes one or a plurality of lens.
5. Mounting means according to claim 1 wherein the lens is provided in a frame and the frame is movably mounted to the mounting means and/or the support means.
6. Mounting means according to claim I wherein the lens is movable to a position which would allows the lens to be a spaced distance apart from the electrical item which is used with the mounting means in use.
7. Mounting means according to claim I wherein one or more arms members and/or plate members are associated with the lens means.
8. Mounting means according to claim 7 wherein the one or mote arm members and/or plate members are movably mounted with respect to the support means.
9. Mounting means according to claim 7 wherein the lens is movably mounted to the one or more arm members and/or plate members.
10. Mounting means according to claim I wherein the lens can be movable relative to the mounting means, support means and/or attachment means between an in-use or open position and an out-of-use or closed position.
11. Mounting means according to claim 9 wherein the lens is substantially parallel with the plate member or planar with the one or more arm members in the out-of-use or closed position, and at an angle or spaced distance apart from the plate member or arm members in the in-use or open position.
12. Mounting means according to claim I wherein the support means are movable relative to one or more other plates, members and/or surfaces of the mounting means in use.
13. Mounting means according to claim I wherein the support means and/or lens means can be moved to one or a number of user selected arbitrary positions with respect to one or more other plates, members and/or surfaces of the mounting means in use in between in-use or open positions and out-of-use or closed positions.
14. Mounting means according to claim I wherein the support means and/or lens means can be moved to one or a number of pre-determined positions with respect to the one or more other plates, members and/or surfaces of the mounting means in use in between in-use and out-of-use positions.
15. Mounting means according to claim 12 wherein the support means can be moved between an in-use or open position and an out of use or closed position.
16. Mounting means according to claim I wherein the support means can be arranged to allow the mounting means to be free standing.
17. Mounting means according to claim I wherein the support means can be arranged to allow attachment or detachable attachment of the mounting means to a surface or item in use.
18. Mounting means according to claim I wherein the mounting means can be moved between a substantially erect condition when in a first in-use position, to an at least partially or substantially collapsed or folded position when in a second out-of-use position.
19. Mounting means according to claim 16 wherein the mounting means forms a sleeve, box, container or case arrangement when in the second out-of-use or closed position.
20. Mounting means according to claim 17 wherein the electrical device can be wholly or at least partly located in the sleeve, box, container or case arrangement when in at least the second out-of-use or closed position.
21. Mounting means according to any preceding claims wherein closure means are provided on or associated with one or more surfaces of the mounting means, support means and/or lens means to maintain the same in a closed or out-of-use position.
22. Mounting means according to claim 19 wherein the closure means can include any or any combination of magnetic means, friction fit and/or inter-engaging members.
23. Mounting means according to claim I wherein the attachment means includes any or any combination of one or more clamping arms, clips, sprung clips, hook and loop fastening, inter-engaging members, friction fit, strap and buckle, rubber or resilient insert or tie.
24. Mounting means according to claim 1 wherein the electrical device can include any of a smart phone, MP3 player, MP4 player, PDA, palm computer, game console, mobile phone, telephone, navigation system or calculator.
25. Mountino-means accordino-to claim I wherein h h securing means are provided for securing the mounting means to a surface or item in use.
26. Mounting means according to claim 25 wherein the securing means includes any or any combination of one or more hooks, recesses, apertures, channels, brackets, screws, nuts and bolts, ties, clips, strap, hook and loop fastening, magnetic means or inter-engaging members.
27. A method of using mounting means for an electrical device, said method including the steps of supporting the mounting means on a surface or item using support means, attaching an electrical device to the mounting means using attachment means, and wherein said mounting means includes lens means which are movable relative to said mountinu means. h