US20040213405A1

US20040213405A1 - Portable phone holder

Info

Publication number: US20040213405A1
Application number: US10/430,743
Authority: US
Inventors: Bud Wilcox
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-11-09
Filing date: 2003-05-06
Publication date: 2004-10-28
Also published as: US7668309B2; US20070036352A1

Abstract

A phone holder using a pliant foam rubber-like material to grasp a portable phone upon insertion.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of vehicle accessories and holders for portable phones.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The prior art has numerous cradles and clips for holding a portable phone, but each of these relies on grasping the phone from behind or supporting it in a tight-fitting tray. The prior art devices require elaborate anchoring systems to attach them to the car.

Applicant's invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a simple light device that uses available anchoring systems.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive portable phone holder.

A second object of the invention is to provide a design that adapts to various phone designs and sizes.

A third object of the invention is to provide a phone holder that uses existing anchoring systems, i.e., a cupholder.

A fourth object of the invention is to provide a phone holder that is easily accessible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows accordion-like variations of the [0008] interior diameter 1 grasps the phone about its base. This positive grasp provides a convenient and safe method of storing the phone while operating the vehicle.
FIG. 2 shows the insert in situ in a vehicle in a [0009] cup holder 3.
FIG. 3 shows a top view of the [0010] insert 1 which is annular in shape and made of a neoprene or similar material.
FIG. 4 shows a cut-away view of the insert, again highlighting the variations of the interior diameter. [0011]
FIG. 5 shows the [0012] phone 2 being inserted in the insert 1 which in turn is inserted in the cup holder 3.
FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of another embodiment. [0013]
FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of another embodiment. [0014]
FIG. 8 shows a bottom perspective view of the second embodiment. [0015]
FIG. 9 shows a top view of a third embodiment. [0016]
FIG. 10 shows a side view of the third embodiment. [0017]
FIG. 11 shows a bottom view of the third embodiment. [0018]
FIG. 12 shows a sectional view of the third embodiment.[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The phone holder as shown in FIG. 1 is made of a foam polymer material that will not mark or mar the finish of a phone it holds. [0020]
The accordion-like variations of the [0021] interior diameter 1 grasps the phone 2 about its base and body. The variations offer some resistance to insertion, thus the holder can grasp the phone.
FIG. 2 shows the [0022] phone holder 1 in situ in a cup holder 3 of a vehicle. The phone holder fits all standard cup holders and can be adapted to larger cup holders by using a larger outer dimension or using annular shims of similar material.
FIG. 3 shows a top view of the [0023] phone holder 1. The invention also contemplates a bottom, though the phone generally is held from the sides rather than supported from the bottom.
FIG. 4 shows a sectional view which emphasizes the accordion-like variations in diameter of the phone holder. The ribs provide increasing resistance to compression based upon the larger amount of material near the outer walls. [0024]
FIG. 5 shows a [0025] phone 2 being placed in the phone holder 1 which in turn is inserted in a cup holder 3 of a vehicle.
FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is made of a soft foam polymer. This embodiment uses the ribs principle of the above invention in a different way. The [0026] ribs 10 are positioned on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 11. This position provides a snug fit to the cup holder 3. FIG. 6 also shows an optional pen or pencil holder 12. This alternate embodiment avoids the use of the ribs on the interior by providing a cam-shaped interior 13. The widest orientation is when the phone is aligned with the stops 14. The phone is then twisted. It moves along the ever increasing radius of the interior wall 16 until it is secured and grasped by its sides. FIG. 7 shows a perspective view and an optional bottom 15. FIG. 8 shows a bottom perspective view of the second embodiment sliced above the bottom 15. The ivnention contemplates a bottomless insert as shown here as well. FIGS. 9-12 show a third embodiment shows the interior wall 16 and clearly shows the cam effect. FIGS. 9 & 10 show the raised sides 17 designed to grasp the phone while set atop the holder. Thus the third embodiment contemplated multiple positive grasping of the phone. The nubs 19 can be deformed to grasp the phone. FIG. 11 shows that the sides of the holder are tapered to fit into the cup holder of the vehicle. Further it shows the ribs 10 for securing the hold into the cup holder.
Obviously, numerous (additional) modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. [0027]

Claims

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A phone holder apparatus comprising an annual cylinder of a foam polymer material.

2. An apparatus as described in claim 1 comprising ribs disposed symmetrically about an exterior surface of said annular cylinder.

3. An apparatus as described in claim 2, said ribs having a substantially hemispherical cross section.

4. An apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein said annular cylinder is approximately the outer diameter of an annular cup holder of a vehicle.

5. An apparatus as described in claim 1 further comprising an interior surface of said annular cylinder comprising a cam.

6. An apparatus as described in claim 5 wherein said annular surface has at least two sections having walls that have progressively reduced radius for radians of angle.

7. An apparatus as described in claim 6 further comprising at least 2 ribs disposed along an axis of said cylinder and disposed on an outer surface thereof.

8. A method of operating a phone holder comprising the steps of:

inserting a polymer foam cylinder in a cup holder of a vehicle;

inserting a portable phone in said phone holder axially into said cylinder and engaging a grasping mechanism.

9. A method as described in claim 8 wherein said cylinder further comprises protrusions disposed upon an interior surface of said cylinder.

10. A method as described in claim 9 wherein said protrusions grasp said phone and said grasping mechanism comprises a press fit.

11. A method as described in claim 10 wherein said press fit comprises the deformation of said protrusions.

12. A method as described in claim 8 wherein said cylinder comprises at least two sections of decreasing radius walls disposed upon an interior surface.

13. A method as described in claim 12 wherein the step of engaging a grasping means comprises rotating said phone in a direction wherein said walls' diameter decreases.

14. An apparatus as described in claim 2 further comprising walls with sections of differing heights comprising protrusions for grasping a phone by deformation.

15. An apparatus as described in claim 14 wherein said phone can be grasped by insertion coaxially.

16. An apparatus as described in claim 14 wherein said phone can be grasped by insertion perpendicular to a main axis of said annular cylinder.