GB2536424A

GB2536424A - Holder for handheld device

Info

Publication number: GB2536424A
Application number: GB1504214.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Charles Parker Gary; Charles Parker Adam
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-12
Filing date: 2015-03-12
Publication date: 2016-09-21
Also published as: GB201504214D0

Abstract

A holder for a handheld device having a visual display screen and a handle, the holder comprises a hollow tubular member 401 that is located at an inclined angle to a vertical stand 405. The hollow tube 401 is capable of receiving the handle of a handheld device and holding it in a position such the visual display screen of the device is visible. An aperture 402 can engage a protruding part of the handle of a handheld device. A curved backing plate 412 may extend across the bottom of the hollow tube 401 to direct the handle of a device towards the aperture 402 so that it is held in place without the need for a tether. The handheld device could be a radio frequency device, a barcode scanner or a stock control computer. A recess on the hollow tube can prevent the trigger of a device from being activated.

Description

Holder for Handheld Device

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a holder for receiving a handheld device. Particularly, although not exclusively to a holder for receiving a radio frequency device such as a mobile stock control computer, a handheld mobile stock control inventory device, or a barcode scanner device.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Handheld radio frequency devices are used extensively within the logistics industry. For example, mobile stock control computers or inventory devices typically having visual display screens, keyboards, trigger operated handles having lower bulbous portions to counter the weight of the unit and a barcode reader, as shown in Figure 1; may be used in postal or courier delivery organisations for tracking recorded packages or used in warehouse management systems. In warehouse management systems, such devices are used by drivers of manual handling equipment e.g. forklift truck drivers, to locate and track pallets of stock as they are moved into, out of and around warehouses.

[0003] In use, these handheld devices may be wired directly into the dashboard of a delivery vehicle or manual handling equipment; may be held in a harness worn by the operating personnel; or may be mounted and tethered to the delivery vehicle/manual handling equipment.

[0004] Holsters for handheld mobile computer which are worn by operating personnel are known which permit the handheld device to be transferred between delivery vehicles and different pieces of manual handling equipment. In such holsters, the barcode reading portion of the device is inserted face-down into a holster, such that the visual display screen abuts the walls of the holster and the trigger operation handle is held within a slot in the side wall of the holster, secured by a removable strip, as seen in Figure 2. Subsequently, the visual display screen is concealed by the holder and must be removed from the holster so that it can be viewed. Embodiments of holsters which have a transparent window are know which allow the screen to be viewed without removal from the holster have reduced keypad and/or touch screen sensitivity. Furthermore, such holsters are typically made from leather or fabric and therefore can be prone to breaking, specifically the removable stop portions resulting in the handheld device falling out of the holder and being damaged. Holders for these mobile devices which are attached to the operative personnel are not in contact with a power supply, causing reliance upon a battery pack for power. Since the handheld mobile computers are often in continuous use, a complete loss of power can be experiences by units relying solely on battery power. Such a loss of power requires the units to be reprogrammed, taking the handheld device computer temporarily out of use.

[0005] It is also known that handheld devices may be directly wired into the dashboard of delivery vehicles or hardwired into manual handling equipment, however this negates the portability of the devices and prevents the device from being transferred between vehicles or different manual handling equipment.

[0006] Holders for mounting handheld mobile computers to vehicles and manual handling equipment are known which comprise a sheet material with a large aperture for receiving the handle of the device. Whilst these holders allow the device to be transferred between vehicles and different pieces of equipment, they do not securely retain the device and must therefore be used in conjunction with a tether, as illustrated in Figure 3. The tether prevents the device unbalancing and falling out of the aperture resulting in damaged. However, the tether prevents the handheld device from being easily transferred between delivery vehicles or manual handling equipment.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] It is an object of the current invention to provide a holder for a handheld mobile stock control computer/inventory device which allows the device to be removably located within a delivery vehicle or manual handling equipment in a position that allows charge point access and maintains the visual display screen in an upright visible position.

[0008] According to a first aspect there of the present invention, there is provided a holder for a handheld mobile stock control computer/inventory device, said holder comprising: a hollow tubular head having an upper facing and a lower facing surface adapted to be located at an inclined angle to the vertical; a stand for holding said hollow tubular head; wherein the hollow tubular head comprises a tubular member having an open upper end; and the inclined tubular head is capable of receiving a handle of said handheld stock control computer/inventory device via the open upper end of the tubular member, such that the handheld mobile stock control computer/inventory device is retained in said tubular member by gravity.

[0009] The self-retaining holder is configured such that the weight of the handheld mobile stock control computer/inventory device is counterbalanced by the precise angle of the inclined angle of the hollow tubular head. The holder is designed such that the weight of the handheld mobile stock control computer/inventory device is counterbalanced by the holder allowing the handheld mobile stock control computer/inventory device to be held by its own weight under gravity, without the need for additional tethering means, such that the visual display of the device is visible when the device is positioned within the holder.

[0010] The ability of the handheld mobile stock control computer/inventory device to be removably held within the holder without the need for additional tethering means, maintains the flexibility of use of the device, permitting transfer of the device between delivery vehicles or different pieces of manual handling equipment. The tether-free aspect of the device is achieved by the specific design of the holder which counterbalances the weight of the handheld mobile stock control computer/inventory device such that it is correctly orientated within the holder.

[0011] Preferably, the hollow tubular head of the holder is orientated at an inclined angle of 45° to the vertical such that the handheld mobile stock control computer/inventory device is correctly orientated within the holder for the visual display screen to be easily viewed whilst the handheld mobile stock control computer/inventory device is located within the holder. The clear visibility of the visual display screen once located within the holder increases the suitability of the handheld mobile stock control computer/inventory device for additional functions, for example, the handheld mobile stock control computer/inventory device may also be fitted with satellite navigation software. Previously, with prior art holders, the poor visibility of the visual display screen would have precluded the use of the handheld mobile stock control computer/inventory device as a navigation system since the visual display screen was not easily visible and the user would have had to constantly lift the device to view the directions.

[0012] It will be apparent that the hollow tubular head of the holder may be inclined a variety of angles within the range of 20° to 75° to the vertical, to achieve that same effect, such that the handheld mobile stock control computer/inventory device is self-retained by the holder, without the need for additional fixings and the visual display screen is visible when the holder is in use.

[0013] Advantageously the novel holder also features an aperture in the upper facing surface of the hollow tubular head for receiving a protruding portion of the handle of a handheld stock control computer/inventory device, thus creating a counterbalance allowing the handheld device to rest securely within the holder without the need for additional tethering.

[0014] It is a further feature of the holder that the tubular member having an open upper end houses a curved backing plate, which extends across opposing side of the tubular member to direct and easily guide a portion of the handle of the handheld device easily into the aperture in the upper facing surface of the hollow tubular head.

[0015] Preferably, the curved backing plate has a radius of curvature of 78mm. However, it is appreciate that the guidance function can also be provided by a curved backing plate having a radius of curvature in the range of 58-98mm.

[0016] Advantageously, the hollow tubular head of the holder may be rigidly or flexibly attached to a stand, bracket, mount or any other suitable positioning means for example a sucker pad, a spring mount, plastic holder, crevice within dashboard etc. [0017] The hollow tubular head of the holder may also be attached to the stand by a slidable connector such that the position of the visual display screen can be adjusted according to the eye level of the user of the device, or to ensure that the holder when mounted does not obscure the view of the user of the device for example when driving.

[0018] Advantageously, the holder features a recess in the upper edge of the hollow tubular head to prevent the operating trigger being activated by the hollow tubular head when the handle of a handheld stock control computer/inventory device is located within the holder. It will be appreciated that this recess, crevice or notch may have various forms as determined by the shape and orientation of the operating trigger on the handheld device used.

[0019] The holder may be made from a sheet material such as metal, plastic, wood or rubber. Preferably, the holder is made from aluminium or a substance which can be painted or coated for aesthetic purposes, such that the holder may be manufactured in brand colours, or colour schemes complementary to the user.

[0020] Alternatively, the holder may be made from moulded materials, e.g. injection moulded plastic.

[0021] It is a key feature of the holder that the access point for a charging cable, or battery pack is accessible when the handle of a handheld stock control computer/inventory device is located within the holder. This prevents the device from experiencing a complete loss of power when located in the holder. Thus, preventing the need for the unit to be reprogrammed, and reducing the number of units taken out of use as a result of reprogramming.

[0022] It is a further advantage that the holder may be used in conjunction with an adaptor, such a handheld stock control computer/inventory device with a straight or linear handle which does not have a bulbous end may also be used in conjunction with the holder. Thus, the holder is compatible with a wide variety of differently sized handheld stock control computer/inventory devices.

[0023] Other aspects are as set out in the claims herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1: is a perspective view of a typical handheld stock control computer/inventory device; Figure 2: is a perspective view of a prior art holder for a handheld stock control computer/inventory devices to be worn by the operating personnel; Figure 3: is a perspective view of a prior art holder for use with manual handling apparatus. The device is shown held within a large receiving aperture (Figure 3a) and the tether is clearly illustrated when the handheld stock control computer/inventory device is lifted from the aperture (Figure 3b).

Figure 4: is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5: is an enlarged side view of the hollow tubular head of the preferred embodiment of the holder.

Figure 6: is an enlarged plan view of the preferred embodiment of the holder showing the curved backing plate housed therein.

Figure 7: is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the holder in use, holding a handheld stock control computer/inventory device.

Figure 8: is a cross section side view of the preferred embodiment of the holder.

Figure 9: is a cross section side view of a second embodiment of the holder, showing the hollow tubular head and stand in three different orientations relative to each other.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0025] The holder may be used for handheld devices of the following type: handheld stock control computers; handheld inventory devices; handheld radio frequency devices; scanning guns; and barcode readers.

[0026] Referring to Figure 1 herein there is illustrated a handheld stock control computer/inventory device 100 having a visual display screen 101, a keyboard 102, an elongate trigger operated handle 103 having a lower bulbous portion 104 to counter the weight of the unit and a barcode reader 105. The device 100 comprises an elongate body 106, said body 106 incorporating the individual features of a visual display screen 101, a keyboard 102, barcode reader 105 and an access or attachment point for a battery pack or mains charger 107.

[0027] Referring to Figure 2 herein there is illustrated a prior art handheld stock control computer/inventory device holder suitable for being worn be the operating personnel 200. The prior art holder 200 comprises a substantially hollow, rectangular holster 201 having four side walls, open upper and lower ends 203, 204, and being capable of receiving a handheld stock control computer/inventory device e.g. 100 therein. One of the holster walls 205 features a vertical slot or aperture 206 extending from the uppermost portion of the holder to approximately % the length of the holder. The trigger operated handle of the handheld stock control computer/inventory device e.g. 103, being positioned within the slot when the handheld stock control computer/inventory device is located within the holster 201 in a barcode reader-down orientation. Reinforced apertures 207 are used to receive a strap or belt or the like to attach the holder 200 to the operating personnel.

[0028] Referring to Figure 3 herein there is illustrated is a perspective view of a prior art holder for use with manual handling apparatus. The prior art holder 300 comprises a sheet of metal 300a orientated an inclined angle and mounted to a bracket 302 attached to the support frame of a piece of manual handling equipment. The sheet of metal 300a further comprises a large aperture 303 for receiving the handle 103 of a handheld stock control computer/inventory device 100. Referring to Figure 3a, the device is shown held within said receiving aperture 303 (Figure 3a) and the device 100 is additionally fixed to the holder 300 by tether 304. In use, the barcode reader 105 is not accessible, and the device 100, must be removed from the aperture 303 and the neck region 306 of the handheld stock control computer/inventory device 100, where the handle 103 meets the body 106 of the device 100 must be inserted into the opening 307 of forked bracket 305 in order for the barcode reader 105 to be accessible (Figure 3b).

[0029] When the neck region 306 of the handheld stock control computer/inventory device 100, is located in the opening 307 of forked bracket 305 the device 100 is secured to the holder 300 by means of a tether 304 (Figure 3b).

[0030] There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.

[0031] Referring to Figure 4 herein there is illustrated a perspective view of a holder for handheld stock control computer/inventory device 400 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Said holder comprises a substantially rectangular hollow tubular member 401 having an upper facing surface 402 and a lower facing surface 403, said surfaces 402 and 403 being aligned in parallel. The hollow tubular member 401 is orientated at an inclined angle of 45° 404 relative to the vertical. In the present embodiment the tubular member 401 is orientated at an inclined angle of 45° 404 relative to a substantially vertical hollow tubular stand 405 which supports said hollow tubular member. The substantially vertical hollow tubular stand 405, is maintained in its upright position and is secured by welding at an angle perpendicular to a circular fixing footplate 406; said hollow tubular stand 405 being located centrally within said footplate 406. The footplate further comprises four apertures there through 407, evenly spaced at approximately 90° around the circumference of the circular footplate 406, for affixing the holder to a surface e.g. to a dashboard of a delivery vehicle or to the support frame of a piece of manual handling equipment.

[0032] It will be understood that the perpendicular angle at which the hollow tubular stand 405 is welded to the circular footplate 406 may be varied such that the apertures 407 present in the footplate 406, can be aligned with the appropriate surface e.g. dashboard of a delivery vehicle or to the support frame of a piece of manual handling equipment. It will also be apparent that the hollow tubular stand 405 may in fact be solid, or may be a flexible or telescopic stand.

[0033] Referring to Figure 5 herein there is illustrated an enlarged side view of the hollow tubular member of the preferred embodiment of the holder. Said hollow tubular member 401 having an upper facing surface 402 and a lower facing surface 403. The substantially rectangular hollow tubular member 401 is formed by four individual sides 408, 409, 410 and 411; two of which are short sides 408, 409 and two are long sides 410, 411. Each respective short side being located directly opposite and parallel to the other short side and each respective long side being directly opposite and parallel to the other long side.

The long and short sides interacting perpendicularly to form a rectangular housing.

[0034] The length of side 408 is greater than the length of side 409, and the two sides are located perpendicular to one another and are adjoined at their outermost edges at a 90° angle by welding to the outermost edges of sides 410 and 411 such that the substantially rectangular tubular member 401 comes to a point at a bottom end 415. Sides 410 and 411 have substantially identical dimensions of height, length and width and are superimposed upon each other spaced apart by the width of sides 408 and 409.

[0035] When considering side 410 as an example and when viewed as in individual section of sheet material, side 410 (and therefore 411) has two parallel edges 410a, 410b, of which side 410b is longer than 410a. Edges 410a and 410b are adjoined by a substantially perpendicular top edge 410c and a lower edge 410d which is higher at one end 410di than the other 410dii and therefore extends to a lower point 410dii/415.

[0036] Referring to Figure 6 herein there is illustrated an enlarged plan view of the preferred embodiment of the holder 400, showing the hollow tubular member 401 and the curved backing plate 412 housed therein. The hollow tubular member comprises a tubular member 401 having an open upper end 413 capable of receiving the handle of said handheld stock control computer/inventory device 100 within the four sides 408, 409, 410, 411 of the hollow tubular member 401 which are arrange into a substantially rectangular shape.

[0037] The curved backing plate insert 412 extends in an upwardly direction from the inwardly facing surface of side 409 to the inwardly facing surface of side 408 and in the preferred embodiment the curved backing plate insert 412 is centrally located within the hollow tubular member and is not in contact with sides 410 and 411. However, it will be apparent that an embodiment in which the curved backing plate insert 412 is in contact with all four sides would also perform the same function.

[0038] Referring to Figure 7 herein there is illustrated a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the holder 400, supporting a handheld stock control computer/inventory device by its handle 102 within the four sides 408, 409, 410, 411 of the hollow tubular member 401. An aperture 414 is present in the upper surface 402 of side 408, which is located approximately 2cm from the lowest portion 415 of side 408. Said aperture 414 receives the bulbous portion 104 of the handle 103 of handheld stock control computer/inventory device 100. In use, 3 0 the bulbous portion of the handle extends outwardly from the internal cavity of the tubular member 401 through aperture 414.

[0039] The handheld stock control computer/inventory device 100, once located within the four sides 408, 409, 410, 411 of the hollow tubular member 401 has a natural tendency to fall towards the ground in the direction of the footplate 406, due to the weight of the unit which if often biased by the presence of a battery pack or mains charges at 107. Upon insertion into the open upper end 413 of the hollow tubular member 401, the handle 103 of the handheld stock control computer/inventory device 100, is guided by the 78mm radius of curvature of the curved backing plate insert 412, such that the bulbous portion 104 of the handle 103 of handheld stock control computer/inventory device 100 is guided into the aperture 414 present in the upper surface 402 of side 408.

[0040] In use, the bulbous portion 104 of the handle 103 of the handheld stock control computer/inventory device 100 is pushed against the upper edge 417 of aperture 414 under the weight of the handheld stock control computer/inventory device 100. This combined counterbalance effect and physical barrier in the form of upper edge 417 retains the handheld stock control computer/inventory device 100 within holder 400.

[0041] To remove the handheld stock control computer/inventory device 100, from holder 400, the device is gripped by the lower portion of body 106, in the region of the battery pack/charge cable attachment 107, the device 100 must be tilted towards the holder to release the bulbous portion 104 of the handle 103 of the handheld stock control computer/inventory device 100 from aperture 414. By rotating the handheld stock control computer/inventory device 100 so that the bulbous portion 104 of the handle 103 is no longer located within the aperture 414 and is encased by the hollow tubular member 401 only, the device 100 can be removed from the holder by an upward vertical movement. Thus, the device can only be removed from the holder 400 by conscious tilt or rotation movement in combination with and upward force and the device 100 cannot readily fall out of the holder for example in rough terrain driving conditions.

[0042] Alternative embodiments of the holder 400 may also feature a notch or crevice in the region of 416 such that the trigger of the handle is not in contact with the sides of the hollow tubular member.

[0043] Referring to Figure 8 herein there is shown a side cross section view of the preferred embodiment of the holder 400, comprising a substantially rectangular hollow tubular member 401, a substantially vertical hollow tubular stand 405 for holding said hollow tubular member, mounted upon a fixing footplate 406. Located within the tubular member 401 is a curved backing plate 412, which extends in an upwardly direction from side 409 to side 408 and meets side 408 just below the aperture 402. In the preferred embodiment, the curved insert in not in contact with sides 410 and 411 as illustrated in Figure 6. Although it is appreciated that the insert may extend to all four sides and still perform the same function.

[0044] It will be understood that alternative embodiments of the holder will be apparent. For example, the tubular member may be cylindrical; the lower portion of the tubular member may be entirely enclosed with the curved backing plate 412 being in contact with all four sides 408, 409, 410 and 411 of the tubular member 401. Moreover, instead of mounting the hollow tubular member on a stand, this portion may be directly mounted to a dashboard, or the stand 405 may extend inwardly out from the hollow tubular member 401 rather than directly below the hollow tubular member as show in the present embodiment.

[0045] Referring to Figure 9 herein there is shown a side cross section view of a second embodiment the holder 900, comprising a substantially rectangular hollow tubular member 901 and a substantially vertical hollow tubular stand 902 for holding said hollow tubular member 901. The hollow tubular member 901 having an upper facing surface 908 and a lower facing surface 909, said surfaces 908 and 909 being aligned in parallel. The substantially vertical hollow tubular stand 902, may be maintained in an upright position and secured by welding or other means of fixation to a fixing footplate (not shown).

[0046] The tubular member 901 and the stand 902 are connected by a slidable connector 903. The slidable connector 903 comprises a fixed bracket attached to the uppermost surface 910 of hollow tubular stand 902 at an inclined angle of 45° 911 relative to the substantially vertical hollow tubular stand 902 which supports said hollow tubular member 901. The stand 902 being engageable with a sliding bracket attached directly to the lower facing surface 909 of the hollow tubular member 901, whose movement is regulated by locking screw 907, such that the hollow tubular member 901, pivots bi-directionally about the fixed bracket axis of stand 902 and is secured into a fixed, stable position by the tightening of locking screw 907. The movement of the sliding bracket, relative to the fixed bracket actuates the movement of the hollow tubular member 901 relative to the fixed stand 902 such that 45° angle of incline of the tubular hollow member is maintained and the height of the hollow tubular member 901 relative to the stand 902 is altered, as show in Figure 9 panel b) which shows the tubular member in a lower orientation than in Figure 9 panel a).

[0047] The hollow tubular member 901 may also be orientated to an elevated height relative to the stand 902 as show in Figure 9 panel c) which shows that the upward translocation of the tubular member 901 about pivot point of the slidable connector 903 results in the tubular member 901 having a greater height relative to the stand 902 i.e. the whole tubular member 901 has been slid in an upward vertical direction.

[0048] Located within the tubular member 901 is a curved backing plate 914, which extends in an upwardly direction from side 904 to side 905 and meets side 905 just below the aperture 906. In use, the handle of a handheld stock control computer/inventory device is received in the open end 912 of the hollow tubular member 901; the angle of the handle within the holder if altered by the curved backing plate 914 such that the bulbous portion of a handle of a handheld stock control computer/inventory device is directed into the aperture 906 present in the upper facing surface 908 of the tubular member 901. The weight of a device within the holder under the force of gravity causes the body of a device to fall towards the vertical stand 902, such that a bulbous portion of a handheld stock control computer/inventory device handle is pushed against the upper lip 913 of aperture 906 under the weight of said handheld stock control computer/inventory device; retaining the handheld stock control computer/inventory device within holder 900 by means of a physical barrier (lip 913) and counterbalanced ergonomic engineering.

[0049] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that alternative methods of adjusting the position of the hollow tubular member 901 relative to the stand 902 are available. For example, a slidable connector operating with ball bearings could be employed. Alternatively, the hollow tubular member and the stand may be connected by high strength magnets to allow the positon of the tubular member relative to the stand to be adjusted.

Claims

Claims 1. A holder for a handheld device, said device having a handle and a visual display screen, said holder comprising: a hollow tubular member having an upper facing and a lower facing surface adapted to be located at an inclined angle to the vertical; a stand for holding said hollow tubular head; wherein the hollow tubular head having an open upper end; and the inclined hollow tubular member is capable of receiving said handle of said handheld device via its open upper end, such that said handheld device is retained in the tubular member and the visual display screen of said handheld device is visible when said handheld device is located within said hollow tubular member.
2. A holder according to claim 1, wherein the upper facing surface of the hollow tubular member has an aperture for receiving a protruding portion of the handle of a handheld device.
3. A holder according to any preceding claim wherein the hollow tubular member is located at an inclined angle of 45° to the vertical. 25
4. A holder according to claim 2 or 3 wherein said hollow tubular member having an open upper end houses a curved backing plate, which extends across opposing side of the tubular member to direct a portion of the handle of a handheld stock control computer/inventory device through the aperture in said upper facing surface of said hollow tubular member.
5. A holder according to claim 4 wherein the curved backing plate has a radius of curvature of 78mm.
6. A holder according to any preceding claim wherein the handheld device is retained in the holder by the combined effects of counterbalance and a physical barrier, without the need for additional tethering means.
7. A holder according to any preceding claim wherein the hollow tubular member is rigidly attached to the stand.
8. A holder according to any preceding claim wherein the hollow tubular member is flexibly attached to the stand.
9. A holder according to any preceding claim wherein the hollow tubular member is attached to the stand by a slidable connector.
10. A holder according to any preceding claim wherein the hollow tubular member has a recess to prevent the operating trigger being activated by the hollow tubular member whilst the handle of a handheld device is located within the holder.
11. A holder according to any preceding claim wherein the holder is made from a sheet material.
12. A holder according to any preceding claim wherein the holder is made from a moulded material.
13. A holder according to any preceding claim wherein the holder is made from plastic.
14. A holder according to any preceding claim wherein the holder is made from aluminium.
15. A holder according to any preceding claim which is painted or coated for aesthetic purposes.
16. A holder according to any preceding claim wherein the access point for a charging cable, or battery pack is accessible when the handle of a handheld device is located within the holder.
17. A holder according to any preceding claim which may be used in conjunction with an adaptor, such that a handle of a handheld device which is linear and does not have a bulbous end may also be used with holder.19. A holder for a handheld device having a visual display screen, as described in any preceding claim wherein the handheld device is a radio frequency device.