GB2433166A

GB2433166A - Apparatus for supporting device from electrical plug

Info

Publication number: GB2433166A
Application number: GB0608858A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Melville Davies
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-12-06
Filing date: 2006-05-05
Publication date: 2007-06-13
Also published as: GB0524922D0; GB0608858D0

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus for supporting an electrical or other device 20 from an electrical plug 30, the plug being mounted in a plug socket. The apparatus comprises a loop and a fastening portion 3 having an aperture 2 corresponding to a pin 32 of the plug, the loop and fastening portion being formed from a generally elongate member 1. The loop may be formed by threading the fastening portion through a slot 4 in the elongate member (Figs. 1-4), or may be formed by front and rear support surfaces (13,14 Fig. 6a) defined by slits (12, Fig. 5a) in the elongate member (Figs. 5-6). Alternatively, the loop may comprise a U-shaped portion formed at an end of the elongate portion (Fig 7). The loop may comprise a grip material 10 at an inner surface. The apparatus may be used to support a mobile phone or other portable electrical device while it is being charged.

Description

SUPPORT APPARATUS

The present invention relates to support apparatus for use with plugs. The present invention finds particular use supporting electrical devices from electrical plugs.

For convenience, many electrical devices are provided with a plug for connection to an electrical socket as a means for enabling power to be supplied to the device.

Typically, a flex is provided between the main body of the device and the plug. The length of flex is determined by the manufacturer of the device, and is chosen to allow the main body of the device to be located a desired distance from a socket to which the plug will in use be connected.

Many portable electrical devices, e.g. mobile telephones are battery powered, and therefore do not need to be connected to an electrical socket to work. It is well known for such devices to be provided with a battery charger which can be connected between a socket and the device in order for batteries in the device to be charged.

It is also well known for battery chargers to be incorporated with a plug, and a small, low power flex used to supply the output from the battery charger to the device.

Similarly, low powered electrical devices may use a transformer incorporated with a plug, with a small, low power flex used to supply the output from the transformer to the device. For such portable or small, low powered devices users typically leave the device on the floor close to the socket while not in use, or while charging.

However, this can lead to accidental damage of the device, or to entanglement of the flex.

An aim of embodiments of the present invention is to S alleviate problems associated with use of electrical devices whether mentioned herein or otherwise. Various other benefits and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the

attached description of the invention.

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus as set forth in the appended claims. Preferred features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a plan view of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2a-h show the embodiment of Figure 1 in use; Figure 3 shows a plan view of a second embodiment of the present invention; Figures 4a-f show the embodiment of Figure 3 in use; Figures 5a and 5b show a plan view and an underside view respectively of a third embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 6a-e show the embodiment of Figure 5 in use.

Figures 7a and b show a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment comprises a substantially elongate member 1, which comprises an aperture 2 disposed proximate to a first end 3. The elongate member 1 comprises a flexible sheet material. The aperture 2 is part of a fastening portion for coupling to a plug, and is arranged to correspond with a pin of a 3-pin electrical plug as used in the United Kingdom, and is conveniently formed as a slit or adjoining slits. Other configurations of pins may of course be used in other countries and suitable changes may be made to the arrangement and/or shape of the apertures.

In this embodiment, the aperture 2 is arranged to correspond to the earth pin of a 3-pin electrical plug as used in the United Kingdom. The earth pin is the safest pin of a plug, as it is only live in cases of electrical fault, and then only for a short period until a fuse or circuit breaker breaks the circuit. However, in other embodiments one or more additional apertures can be provided in the member 1 to correspond to second and further pins of a particular plug arrangement.

A second end 5 of the member 1 is provided with a slot 4.

The first end 3 of the member 1 can be bent around or folded so that the first end 3 passes into and through the slot 4. Once secured in this configuration the elongate member 1 takes the form of a continuous loop, with the first end 3 comprising a fastening portion extending from the loop.

The first end 3 comprises a narrowed portion 6, which can in use fit between the pins live and neutral pins of a 3-pin electrical plug as used in the United Kingdom.

Also shown in Figure 1 is a piece of grip material 10.

The grip material 10 is an optional feature, which if present is adhered to the member 1. In embodiments such as Figure 1 where grip material 10 is present, the first end 3 is passed through the slot 4 so that the grip material 10 in on the inside surface of the loop formed.

The properties and effects of the grip material 10 will be described in more detail below.

Figures 2a and 2b show a perspective view and a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in use supporting a mobile telephone 20. Also shown are a battery charger 30, a plug socket 40 and a wall 50. The battery charger 30 is incorporated with a plug, with the earth pin 32 and another pin 34 shown in Figure 2a.

The member 1 is formed into a ring, and the aperture 2 passed over the earth pin 32 of the battery charger 30.

The narrow portion 6 extends between the other pins of the battery charger 30, and is sandwiched between the battery charger 30 and the plug socket 40. The mobile phone 20 is placed within the loop, and the mobile phone's weight causes the loop to tighten around and grip the mobile phone 20. This embodiment can be used to support devices having dimensions within a relatively wide range, the loop reducing in size to wrap around the device being supported.

The battery charger 30 is connected to the plug socket 40, and the support apparatus supports the mobile phone 20 off the ground and away from the wall 50. The battery charger can be coupled to the mobile phone 20, with the phone supported by the support apparatus while charging. The mobile phone 20 thus supported is less likely to be kicked, trodden on, knocked or otherwise accidentally damaged while charging.

The mobile phone 20 can be inserted in the ring formed by the elongate member before the battery charger 30 is coupled to the plug socket 40, or thereafter. The width and length of the elongate member 1 can be chosen to give stable support to the device to be supported.

If present, the grip material 10 can enhance retention of the device to be supported. The grip material 10 can suitably comprise a rubber material, and/or a material with a textured surface to inhibit slippage of the device to be supported from the support apparatus.

Figures 2c and 2d are similar to Figures 2a and 2b respectively, but show an alternative battery charger 30.

Figures 2e and 2f show a perspective view and a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in use supporting a mobile telephone 20, but arranged to hang over the battery charger 30 instead of between the battery charger 30 and the plug socket 40. Figures 2g and 2h are similar to Figures 2e and 2f respectively, but show an alternative battery charger 30. By hanging the apparatus over the battery charger 30 the device to be supported is held above the plug, and is therefore relatively supported in a higher, safer position.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of a second embodiment of support apparatus comprising an elongate member 11. The slot 4 of the elongate member is narrow, so that only the narrow portion 6 of the first end 3 will pass therethrough. In use the member 11 takes the form of a continuous loop of predetermined minimum size, with the first end 3 forming an extension from the loop. The perimeter of the loop can not be reduced beyond the predetermined minimum size.

To inhibit removal of the narrow portion 6 of the first end 3 from the slot 4, one or more projections 7 are provided extending from the narrow portion 6. When forming the loop, the narrow portion is bent or folded to allow the projections 7 to pass through the slot 4.

Thereafter, in use tension in the narrow portion 6 and/or the resilient properties of the narrow portion 6 inhibit bending or folding of the narrow portion to allow removal of the first end 3 from the slot 5. Although this embodiment does not tighten around the device being supported, the weight of the device will tend to pull the sides of the loop toward one another to hold the device in place.

Figures 4a and 4b show a perspective view and a side view of the apparatus of Figure 3 in use supporting a mobile telephone 20 while hanging between the battery charger 30 and the plug socket 40. Figures 4c-4f show side and perspective views of the apparatus of Figure 3 in use with each of two battery chargers 30, and arranged to hang over the battery charger 30 instead of between the battery charger 30 and the plug socket 40. As in the first embodiment, the grip portion 10 is an optional feature.

Figures 5a and 5b show plan and underside plan views respectively of a third support apparatus comprising an elongate member 111. The elongate member comprises two slits 12, with a grip portion 10 arranged therebetween on the underside (Figure Sb), and grip portions 10 arranged external to each slit 12 on the top side (Figure 5a) . The grip portions 10 are optional features, as in the first and second embodiments.

Figure 6a shows a perspective view of the member ill in use supporting a mobile phone. The area of the member 111 between the slits 12 comprises a front support surface 13, and the areas of the member 111 external to the slits 12 comprise rear support surfaces 14. In use the front and rear support surfaces 13,14 are displaced relative to one another in opposite directions perpendicular to the plane of the member 111. The device to be supported, i.e. the mobile phone 20 in Figure 6a can be positioned between the front and rear support surfaces 13,14, with the weight of the device pulling the front and rear support surfaces 13,14 toward one another and holding the device supported therebetween.

Figures 6b and 6c each show a side view of the member 111 in use supporting a mobile phone 20, the member 11 used with alternative battery chargers 30.

Figures 6d and 6e each show a side view of the member ill in use with each of two battery chargers 30, and arranged to hang over the battery charger 30 instead of between the battery charger 30 and the plug socket 40. A plurality of front support surfaces 13 can be provided by increasing the number of slits 12 beyond two.

Figure 7a shows a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, which is particularly suitable for use with mobile telephones of the folding or clamshell variety.

In this embodiment, unlike the previous ones, the loop which forms the means for supporting the device (e.g. mobile telephone) is formed in the plane of the elongate device. The apparatus 100 is essentially elongate and comprises fastening means 120 at a first end for coupling between the pins of an electrical plug and the associated socket. At an opposite end to the fastening means 120, there is provided a support portion comprising a u-shaped slit 110 in the elongate member. The u-shaped slit forms a tongue of material, clearly visible in Figure 7b.

The three sections of the u-shaped slit together with the more solid portion immediately above the tongue form the loop that supports the device.

In use, the apparatus 100 is sandwiched between the plug and socket so that the elongate portion hangs freely below the plug. A use can then place one half of a clamshell-type telephone into the u-shaped slit such that the telephone is able to hang from the loop.

This alternative embodiment offers particular advantages for users of folding-type telephones and requires no further assembly to be ready for use.

Any suitable insulating material may be used to manufacture the apparatus. The most important characteristics of the material are that it is electrically insulating and that it has sufficient strength to withstand the loads applied to it. Suitable materials include plastics materials. A particularly suitable material is found to be Tyvek , manufactured by DuPont . This is a material having the look and feel part way between a regular plastics material and paper. This material has particular advantages in that it is very easy to work with and can be printed onto using standard printing techniques. Other materials, including bonded materials may also be usefully employed.

Further embodiments of the apparatus may be used in connection with 2-pin electrical plugs as commonly used in the US and certain European countries, as well as with 3-pin electrical plugs as used in the United Kingdom and with plugs incorporating a battery charger or transformer.

The length of the elongate member and the narrow portion thereof used to form the device may be configured as required for use with more bulky electrical plugs, such as those including an integrated charger or transformer.

Devices coupleable to non-electrical sockets by suitable plugs may also benefit.

The apparatus may include a printed design, bearing one of many possible labels or graphical icons. The apparatus may be supplied in a pack, including a plurality of apparatus together with various labels bearing such legends as "Mobile Phone", "Music Player", "Personal Digital Assistant" and so forth. Furthermore, blank portion and/or labels can be provided so that a user can

provide their own descriptions if required.

Embodiments of the apparatus may suitably be prepared in sheet-form, with each sheet comprising a plurality of individual apparatus, which may be delimited by perforated sections, allowing simple removal from the sheet and generating minimal waste. Alternatively, the devices may be manufactured on a continuous roll.

It is expected that the cost to manufacture a single support apparatus will be very small indeed. As such, devices according to an embodiment of the present invention will be very suitable as free gifts and could be easily provided to anybody who would benefit from them, at very little cost indeed.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A support apparatus for supporting a device from a plug, the apparatus comprising a loop formed from a generally elongate member for in use receiving the device to be supported, and the elongate member further comprising a fastening portion for in use coupling to a plug.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastening portion comprises an aperture arranged to in use receive a pin of the plug to in use hang therefrom.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the device is constructed from an insulating plastics material.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the material is a bonded material.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the material is Tyvek .

6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fastening portion extends from the loop.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fastening portion is a first end of the elongate member.

8. An apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the fastening portion is narrowed relative to the remainder of the elongate member.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fastening portion is arranged to fit between pins of a plug.

10. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the loop is arranged to grip a device in use received therein under the weight of the device.

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the loop is arranged to in use wrap around a device received therein.

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the loop has a predetermined minimum perimeter.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein front and rear support surfaces comprises the loop defined by slits in the elongate member.

14. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-12, wherein the loop formed by threading the fastening portion through a slot in the elongate member.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claims 14, comprising a projection extending from the fastening portion to inhibit passage of the fastening portion through the slot.

16. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the loop comprises a grip material at an inner surface.

17. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the elongate member comprises a message area to display a legend concerning the device to be supported.

18. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim as dependent on claim 2, wherein the apertures corresponding to the pins are formed by one or more slits in the elongate member.

19. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9 wherein the loop is formed in the plane of the elongate material.

20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein the loop comprises a generally u-shaped portion formed at an opposite end of the elongate portion to the fastening portion.

21. A sheet of material comprising a plurality of apparatus according to any preceding claim.

22. An apparatus as herein described and having particular reference to the accompanying drawings.