GB2474048A

GB2474048A - Personal media player support device

Info

Publication number: GB2474048A
Application number: GB0917285A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Staples Clarke
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-10-02
Filing date: 2009-10-02
Publication date: 2011-04-06
Also published as: GB0917285D0

Abstract

A device 1 for supporting a personal media player 14 comprises a base 2, a first support member 12 suitable for receiving the player in use, and at least one preferably extendable arm 10 joining the support member to the base. The device is configured so that the base bears against the user 13 with the arm extending outwardly of the base so that the first support member is distal to the user. The arm may have at least one hinge and may be stowed within the base. The device may contain a fastening, such as a strap 4 for placing around the user's neck, for securing the base to the user. The strap may be stowed within the base, preferably on a reel (6). The device may further comprise a second support member (not labelled) resiliently joined to the first support member so that a personal media player can be secured between the two. Other preferable features are a lamp (61) and a loudspeaker (71).

Description

Personal Media Player Support Device

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a device for supporting a personal media player.

Background to the Invention

Personal Media Players (PMPs) have become increasingly popular in recent years.

Starting with music players such as the iPod®, this segment of the personal electronics market has grown considerably. With ever increasing memory, and the advent of cheap, low power colour LCD screens, PMPs are no longer limited to just playing music.

Instead, an increasingly large number are used to watch films and TV series. This is not just true of dedicated PMPs; for example an increasing number of mobile phones are now offering these facilities. The market for video playback on PMPs is large enough that many films are now released in the Universal Media Disc format alongside their DVD release; UMD is exclusively used by the SonyTM 5TM a video capable PMP and games machine.

However, this new technology raises some practical problems for the user. When music is being played the PMP can be slipped into a pocket, but if a film is being watched then the PMP must be held so that the screen is visible to the user. Most PMPs have a screen that measures less than 90mm along its diagonal axis, so the screen must be kept close to the user's face if they are to make out what is happening in their film. Even if the user is sitting down, holding the PMP up close to their face is tiring for their arms. If they are lying down or moving about, this situation is worsened.

A device that allowed the user to watch their PMP comfortably and "hands free" would therefore be highly desirable.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, this invention provides a device for supporting a personal media player, the device comprising: abase; a first support member suitable for receiving the personal media player, in use; and at least one arm joining the support member to the base, wherein the device is configured such that, in one mode of operation, the base bears against a user, with the arm extending outwardly of the base so that the first support member is distal to the user.

In this way the invention provides a device which can be used by the user to support their personal media player in a comfortable viewing position without the user needing to hold the device up for themselves. The device also does not require a flat surface to be available, because it rests directly upon the user.

The device will typically be made primarily from plastics materials. Components that are likely to come under some strain, such as the arm, are typically made from metals.

However any suitable material can be used, including wood and composite materials such as fibre reinforced plastics.

The surface of the base proximate to the user in use may be formed in a shape that will conform to the user while in use.

In a second mode of operation, the base may be placed on a surface near to the user so that it can support the personal media player in a desired position.

In the presently preferred embodiment, the arm is extendable. This allows the first support member to be moved towards and away from the user as desired, in use. The arm may be extendable in itself typically by being composed of a plurality of sections which can be moved with respect to one another, for example telescopic sections. In some embodiments, the length of the arm may also be adjusted by pulling it out of and pushing it into the base.

In some embodiments, the arm comprises at least one hinge. A hinge can be useful when positioning the support member with respect to the user. Where the arm can travel into the base, the arm can be bent at the hinge to prevent the arm collapsing into the base under the weight of the personal media player.

Typically, the arm can be stowed within the base. This may then bring the first support member into contact with the base. This will make storing and transporting the device when it is not in use easier.

In an advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a fastening for securing the base to the user. The fastening may comprise a strap suitable for placing around the user's neck.

In an embodiment such as this, the device can be worn by the user by placing the strap around their neck and resting the base upon their chest. The arm and support member can then be positioned so that the personal media player can be held in front of the user in a comfortable position. It may also be that the fastening can be stowed within the base.

Moreover, the fastening may be stowed on a reel. Again, this can make storing and transporting the device when it is not in use easier. Where the fastening is stowed on a reel, the reel may be self winding.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the device comprises a second support member resiliently joined to the first support member such that the personal media player can be secured between the first and second support members, in use. This reduces the risk of the personal media player falling off the device while it is being used.

The first support member may comprise a plug that fits into a socket on the personal media player, or vice versa. In such embodiments, the device may provide power to the personal media player either via a battery within the device or via an external power source. The device may also provide a data connection for the personal media player via a connection to an external computer.

The device may comprise a loudspeaker. Where the device comprises a loudspeaker, it will typically also comprise a plug that fits into a socket on the personal media player, or vice versa. This will then provide a connection for the loudspeaker to the personal media player. The device may also comprise a lamp.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 and 2 shows a personal media player supporting device according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figures 3, 4 and 5 show the first embodiment of the invention being prepared for use; Figures 6, 7 and 8 show the first embodiment of the invention in use; Figure 9 is an exploded diagram showing the components of the first embodiment of the invention; Figures 10, 11, 12 and 13 show a device according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figures 14 and 15 show a device according to a third embodiment of the invention; Figures 16, 17, 18 and 19 show a device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 20 shows a device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; Figures 21 and 22 show a device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; Figure 23 shows a device according to a seventh embodiment of the invention; and Figure 24 shows a fastening mechanism suitable for use with devices according to the invention.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

Figure 1 shows a first Mi-Vue device 1, a personal media player supporting device designed according to the invention. The Mi-Vue device 1 comprises two parts: a base 2 and a head 3. In use, the first Mi-Vue device 1 is typically worn around the neck of a user.

For this purpose a cord 4 is provided, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The cord 4 is attached to the body 2 of the first Mi-Vue device 1 through two holes 5. Inside the body 2, the cord 4 is wrapped around a reel 6, so that it can be reeled back into the body 2 when not in use.

The exposed surface of the reel 6 is flush with the outer surface of the body 2, in order to maintain the ergonomic and aesthetically appealing shape of the first Mi-Vue device 1.

Therefore, the reel 6 is provided with a depression 7 in which the user can place their finger to turn the reel 6. A tag 8 is attached to the cord 4 so that it is easier for the user to pull the cord 4 out of the body 2. When the first Mi-Vue device 1 is not in use the tag 8 can be clipped into a cavity 9 on the head 3. This cavity 9 has a narrow enough width that the tag 8 is held firmly in place when it is pushed in there. However, the cavity 9 is also longer than the tag 8, so that the user can easily apply pressure to the edge of the tag 8 in order to unclip it.

When in use, the head 3 can be pulled away from the body 2 on arms 10, as shown in Figure 4. As is shown in Figure 5, pulling the arms 10 out of the body 2 exposes the first hinges 11, s� that the arms 10 and the head 3 can be moved through 90° with respect to the body 2. A clip 12 is set into the same cavity 9 within the head 3 that holds the tag 8.

This clip can be rotated into its operating position as shown in Figure 5. In the position shown in Figure 5, the weight of the head 3, including the weight of the PMP acts through the arms 10 to urge the body 2 against the user. Because the cord 4 retains the body 2 in position on the user, the Mi-Vue device holds the PMP in a stable position, as shown in Figure 5.

Once the cord 4 has been unreeled, the arms 10 extended, and the head 3 and clip 12 set in position, the first Mi-Vue device 1 is ready for use. Figures 6, 7 and 8 are illustrations of the first Mi-Vue device 1 in use. The cord 4 is worn around the neck of the user 13, while the body 2 rests upon their chest. In mode of operation, the head 3 is held a short distance in front of the user 13, and a Personal Media Player (PMP) 14 can be fitted into the clip 12. The user 13 can then watch video on their PMP 14 while sitting, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, or while lying down, as shown in Figure 8. While lying down it will not always be necessary for the user 13 to place the cord 4 around their neck, as the first Mi-Vue device 1 is stable with a centre of gravity falling within the footprint of the base 2 in this orientation, but the cord will still help to hold the PMP 14 in place in the event that the user 13 shifts position.

Figure 9 is an exploded view of the components within the first Mi-Vue device 1. The base 2 comprises a front plate 15, a back plate 16, and a central member 17. The central member 17 contains the reel 6. When the first Mi-Vue device 1 is assembled, the reel 6 can be accessed by the user 13 through the hole 18 in the back plate 16, and the cord 4 is fed through first guides 19 in the central member 17 to the holes 5 in the back plate 16.

The central member 17 also comprises second guides 20 which are intended to receive the arms 10.

Each arm 10 is extendable by virtue of comprising four concentric metal cylinders which can move with respect to one another along their common axis. The length of each arm 10 can therefore be adjusted in use. At the base of each arm 10 there is a first hinge 11 and a cuboid block 21. When the first Mi-Vue device 1 is assembled, the cuboid block 1 is free to travel along the second guide 20, but it cannot fit past the circular openings 22 provided in the exterior of the body 2. This prevents the arm 10 from being pulled completely out of the body 2. When the arm 10 is pulled as far out of the body 2 as it can go, the first hinge 11 is exposed, allowing the arm 10 to pivot as explained earlier.

The head 3 comprises a cap 23 and the clip 12. The cap 23 has two fasteners 24 which help to hold the head 3 in place against the body 2 when the first Mi-Vue device 1 is closed. The fasteners 24 rest, in use, against the front plate 15, and can be released by applying pressure to either side of the cap 23. The cap 23 is made from plastic, and the material's natural elasticity, aided by two short slits 25 cut into the cap 23, allow the fasteners 24 to move far enough to release the head 3. A textured area 26 is provided on either side of the cap 23, 50 that the user 13 can get a better grip on the head 3 while they are manipulating it.

The clip 12 comprises a connector 27 for rotatably joining the clip 12 to the cap 23. Two support members 28, 29 are connected to the connector 27 and resiliently joined to each other using a metal spring 30. In use, the PMP 14 sits upon the rearward support member 28, which comprises an L shaped section for receiving the PMP 14, while the forward support member 29 rests against the front of the PMP 14. The spring 30 ensures that the PMP 14 is held firmly in place.

By adjusting the length of the arms 10 and the angle of the clip 12, the user 13 can position the PMP 14 at a comfortable distance and angle for viewing.

Figures 10, 11, 12 and 13 show a second Mi-Vue device 40. As can be seen in Figure 10, the second Mi-Vue device 40 can be used in a standard mode, as described above for the first Mi-Vue device 1. However, the second Mi-Vue device 40 has been designed so that it can also be used in a "desktop" mode. The body 2 is provided with arms 10, as in the earlier embodiment, but the arms are not connected directly to the head 3. Instead, the arms 10 are affixed to a joining plate 41, which is in turn rotatably joined to the head 3.

Therefore the head 3 can be rotated with respect to the arms 10, as shown in Figure 11.

Figure 12 shows the second Mi-Vue device resting on a flat surface, such as a desktop, with the head rotated through 180°. A PMP 14 can then be fastened into the clip 12 as shown in Figure 13. In this desktop mode, the second Mi-Vue device acts as a stand for the PMP 14, keeping it upright so that the user 13 can use it more easily.

Figures 14 and 15 show a third Mi-Vue device 50 which uses a different approach to provide a desktop mode. The third Mi-Vue device 50 can be used in a standard mode, as shown in Figure 14. However, each arm 10 is provided with both a first hinge 11 and a second hinge 51 so that that the head 3 can be positioned close to the body as shown in Figure 15. The third Mi-Vue device can then be stood on a flat surface as shown, with a PMP 14 resting on the head 3. A small tab 52 is provided on the head 3, in order to prevent the PMP 14 sliding forward while in use. The first hinge 11 of the third Mi-Vue device 50 has 180° of travel, so that it can be moved between the position shown in Figure 14 and the position shown in Figure 15. However, the second hinge 51 of the third Mi-Vue device 50 has only 90° of travel, so that the arm 10 will remain rigid when put in the position shown in Figure 14.

Figure 16 shows a fourth Mi-Vue device 60. The fourth Mi-Vue device 60 also has a first hinge 11 and a second hinge 51. However, the second hinge 51 is located at the head 3.

Therefore the fourth Mi-Vue device 60 can be posed in a desktop mode with a PMP 14 as shown in Figure 16.

The Mi-Vue device can also be fitted with a light. Figures 17 and 18 show a fourth Mi-Vue device 60 that has been fitted with a light 61 inside the head 3 so that it can act as a lamp as shown. The light 61 is hingedly joined to the head 3, so that it can be repositioned to suit the user. The user 13 can therefore use the fourth Mi-Vue device 60 in place of a desk lamp or torch, for example to provide a light to read by. Figure 19 shows the fourth Mi-Vue device 60 in use, the user 13 having placed a mirror 62 in the clip 12 so that they can apply lipstick. The light 61 helps to illuminate the face of the user 13.

Figure 20 shows a fifth Mi-Vue device 70 which incorporates two speakers 71 into the head 3. A standard 3.5mm jack plug 72 is provided for connecting the speakers 71 to the PMP 14. When the speakers are not in use, the jack 72 is stowed in a channel 73 set into the head 3. In a further embodiment, speakers are provided in the body 2 of the Mi-Vue device.

Figures 21 and 22 show a sixth Mi-Vue device 80, which comprises two curved legs 81 hingedly joined to the body 2. In use, the curved legs 81 can be opened as shown in Figure 22 SO that the sixth Mi-Vue device 80 is more stable. Figure 23 shows the body 2 of a seventh Mi-Vue device 90 which comprises a stabilising member 91 which can be pulled out of the body 2 of the seventh Mi-Vue device 90 in the direction of the arrow 92.

Once the stabilising member 91 is fully extended, the two straight legs 93 can rotated into the position shown in Figure 23, so that the seventh Mi-Vue device 90 is more stable in use. Therefore the body 2 of the sixth Mi-Vue device 80 and the seventh Mi-Vue device can be made smaller than is possible in other models without compromising the stability of the Mi-Vue device in use.

Figure 24 shows an alternative fastening mechanism 100 for securing the head 3 of a Mi-Vue device to the body 2 when the Mi-Vue device is not in use. The arrow shaped projection 101 is attached to the head 3, and in use it is received by the "push-push" receiving member 102 which is set into the body 2. The arrow shaped projection 101 is held in place by pincers 103, and can be released by applying pressure to the button 104.

In an alternative embodiment, magnets can be used to hold the head 3 next to the body 2.

In an alternative embodiment to those shown here, a Mi-Vue device has a cord 4 wrapped around a reel which is self winding. In this embodiment, the reel is attached to an elastic member that is deformed when the cord is pulled out by the user. The reel can then be locked in place by pressing a button on the Mi-Vue in order to engage a catch within the reel. When the cord is released by pressing the button again, the reel will rotate and the cord will be retracted back into the Mi-Vue.

Accordingly, this invention provides a device 1 for supporting a personal media player 14.

The device 1 comprises: a base 2; a first support member 12 suitable for receiving the personal media player 14, in use; and at least one arm 10 joining the support member 12 to the base 2. In one mode of operation, the base 2 is placed on a user 13, with the arm 10 extending outward so that the first support member 12 is distal to the user 13.

Claims

Claims 1. A device for supporting a personal media player, the device comprising: a base; a first support member suitable for receiving the personal media player, in use; and at least one arm joining the support member to the base, wherein the device is configured such that, in one mode of operation, the base bears against a user, with the arm extending outwardly of the base so that the first support member is distal to the user.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arm is extendable.
3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the arm comprises at least one hinge.
4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the arm can be stowed within the base.
5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a fastening for securing the base to the user.
6. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fastening comprises a strap suitable for placing around the user's neck.
7. A device as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the fastening can be stowed within the base.
8. A device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the fastening is stowed on a reel.
9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a second support member resiliently joined to the first support member such that a personal media player can be secured between the first and second support members, in use.
10. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a lamp.
11. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a loudspeaker.AMENDED CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS:-Claims 1. A device for supporting a personal media player, the device comprising: a base; a first support member suitable for receiving the personal media player, in use; and at least one arm joining the support member to the base, wherein the device is configured such that, in one mode of operation, the base bears against a user, with the arm extending outwardly of the base so that the first support member is distal to the user, and wherein the arm can be stowed within the base.2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arm is extendable.3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the arm comprises at least one hinge.4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a Q fastening for securing the base to the user. L()5. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fastening comprises a strap suitable for placing around the user's neck.6. A device as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the fastening can be stowed within the base.7. A device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the fastening is stowed on a reel.8. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a second support member resiliently joined to the first support member such that a personal media player can be secured between the first and second support members, in use.9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a lamp.10. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a 1ou. r 0) LI) r