WO2012045563A2

WO2012045563A2 - Anti-glare visor for portable visual display unit

Info

Publication number: WO2012045563A2
Application number: PCT/EP2011/066080
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter F. Scanlan
Original assignee: Scanlan Peter F
Priority date: 2010-10-08
Filing date: 2011-09-16
Publication date: 2012-04-12
Also published as: WO2012045563A3

Abstract

The invention provides an anti-glare visor apparatus (50) for a portable device having a visual display, for example a mobile phone. The apparatus comprises a base member (52) and an antiglare visor (53) movable from a closed position to an open position to substantially shield the visual display from light to enable it to be easily viewed. Side panels (60) are provided to support the visor (53) at an inclined angle relative to the base member.

Description

Anti-Giare Visor for Portable Visual Display Unit

This invention relates to an ants-glare visor for a visual display apparatus.

The use of handheld visual display apparatus for example mobile phones and handheld computers and communication devices is widespread. However, a problem arises in relation to reading the visual display screen on such apparatus particularly in sunlight and in bright conditions.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an anti-glare visor for a visual display apparatus comprising a base member and an anti-glare visor, on the base member, the visor movable from a retracted or closed position to an in use or open position. Preferably the visual display apparatus is a handheld apparatus. The apparatus may comprise for example a mobile phone, a communications device, a games console, an I phone (™) an electronic reading device, handheld computer apparatus or any other electronic apparatus having a visual display screen. Preferably the anti-glare visor is attached to or integral with the base member.

The anti-glare visor is preferably substantially flat with the base member when the visor is in a retracted or closed position. Preferably the anti-glare visor includes sidewails, an end wail and a top wall.

The end wall and top wall are preferably integrally formed.

The sidewails are preferably integrally connected with the base member and foldabfe about side edges of the base member.

A lower edge of the base member has a raised edge or lip to assist in holding the visual display apparatus on the base member. Preferably the anfi-g!are visor is obiong in shape. Preferably the base member has a front surface and a rear surface, with each surface having an anti-glare visor. In this format, preferably the visor on one surface is at right angles to the visor on the other surface.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a cover means for a visual display apparatus, comprising a base member for supporting the visual display apparatus and a top cover attached to the base member, characterised in that there is provided a support means for selectively supporting the top cover at an inclined angle relative to the base member, such that the top cover acts as an anti-glare visor when in the inclined position.

In a preferred form of the invention, the cover means comprises a flip top phone cover, characterised in that there is provided a support means on the flip top phone cover to support the top cover at an inclined angle relative to the base member.

Preferably, the support means comprises side panels attached to the base member and moveable to an in use position generally at right angles to the base member to support the top cover.

The side panels are preferably pivotable from a non-use position in which they are arranged parallel to the base member.

The side panels may preferably be arranged in a non-use position to either lie against the rear side of the base member or alternatively between the base member and the top member. The side panels preferably comprise the same material at the flip top phone cover, for example leather or plastics.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which,

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an anti-glare visor for a visual display apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a pian view of the anti-glare visor of Figure 1 in a closed condition;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the anti-glare visor of Figure 1 in a partially opened condition;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a plan view of the anti-glare visor of Figure 4 in a closed position;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an anti-glare visor according to the invention;

Figure 7 is a plan view of the anti-glare visor of Figure 6 in a closed position;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a cover means according to another aspect of the invention for a visual display apparatus;

Figure 9 is a top pian view of the cover means of Figure 8 with a phone in place;

Figure 10 is a side view of the cover means of Figure 8;

Figure 1 1 is a front and rear view of the apparatus of Figure 8 with side paneis not in use;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the cover means according to another aspect of the invention for a visual display apparatus;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the cover means of Figure 12 with the top cover in the 2^nd position; Figure 14 is a side view of the cover means of Figure 12; Figure 15 is a side view of the cover means of Figure 13; Figure 16 is a underneath plan view of the top cover; Figure 17 is a top plan view of the base member;

Figure 18 is a top plan view of the top cover; Figure 19 is an underneath plan view of the base member; and Figure 20 is another underneath plan view of the base member. Referring now to the drawings wherein similar numerals have been used to indicate iike parts, there is shown therein an ants-glare visor 10 for a visual display apparatus 11 according to the invention. The visual display apparatus 11 is a handheld mobile phone or communications device or games console or other electronic device having a visual display screen 12.

The anti-glare visor comprises a base member 13 and an anti-giare visor member 14 moveable from a retracted or closed position (Figure 2) to an in use or open position (Figure 1 ). The base member 13 may be manufactured from any suitable material but is preferably a substantially rigid member which could be for example plastics or metal or indeed paper board coated or enclosed in an envelope of aesthetic material for example leather or plastics. The visor member 14 may also be manufactured from similar materials as desired.

The visor member 14 has opposed side waiis 14a, an end wall 14b and a top wall 14c. The end wall 14b and the top wall 14c are preferably integrally formed. The side waiis 14a, are preferably integrally formed or attached with the base member 13 and are foldable about the side edges 15 of the base member.

A lower edge 16 of the base member 13 has a raised edge 17 or lip, to assist in holding the visual display apparatus 11 on the base member 13.

As shown in Figure 2, in a non-use position, the side walls 14a can hinge inwardly to lie flat against the base member 13. Further, the end wall 14b and top wall 14c also lie flat against the base member 13.

In bright sunlight or bright conditions when it is difficult to view the screen 12 of the visual display apparatus 11 , the visual display apparatus is placed onto the base 13 and the side waiis 14a and end wall 14b and top wall 14c are arranged, as shown in Figure 1 to provide a visor to prevent sunlight reaching a substantial portion of the screen 12 of the visual display apparatus. The invention will have considerable application in particular, in outdoor use in substantially bright conditions or indeed, in indoor use where lighting is not within the control of the user.

It will be appreciated that the side waiis 14a and the end wail 14b and top wall 14c can be engaged together along their corresponding edges so that the top waH 14c is suitably securely held in position. It would be possible for example for the edge regions of both the side waiis 14a and the top wali 14c to have corresponding protrusions or recesses in a castellated manner to enable engagement of the side wall and top wali together, it wiil be appreciated that many different designs of engagement or interiocking or mating engagement of the various walls can be provided within the scope of the invention. Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, there is shown another embodiment of the invention in which the side walls and end and top walls are also shown in both the closed or retracted position in Figure 5 or the in use or open position Figure 4. The primary difference between the arrangement of Figures 4 and 5 and that of the previous embodiment is simpiy that the visual display apparatus is to be located on the base 13 in a pan aspect format rather than the upright format of Figure 1.

Furthermore, in order to accommodate the use of visual display apparatus, which can be used in both a normai and in a pan aspect style, it will be understood that the base member 13 of Figure 1 can also have a visor construction similar to that shown in Figures 4 and 5, on its reverse side. Therefore, the invention will provide an anti-glare visor for a visual display apparatus comprising a base member and an anti-glare visor on each face of the base member, with each anti-glare visor being moveable from a retracted or closed position to an in use or open position. Clear!y, in use, the user will therefore select which face of the base member 13 to use depending on the style with which the visual display apparatus is to be used in.

In Figures 6 and 7 there is shown a further embodiment of the invention in which the side walls 14a of the visor are connected between the base member 13 and the top member 14c and are arranged in a concertina arrangement such that it is only necessary to lift the top portion 14c to provide the anti-glare visor arrangement. In this embodiment, the side walls in the form of the concertina arrangement may be sufficiently stiff to enable the top member 14c to be readily suspended above the base 13. The concertina arrangement may or may not engage or be connected with the end wall 14b. It wiil aiso be clear that the end wall in this arrangement or in any of the previous arrangements may not be necessary and the top member 14c may simply connect to the top edge of the base member 13. It will be clear that many modifications or variations of the invention are possible. In particular, it wiii be clear that the invention provides a significant advantageous product with features which enabie the more ready use of mobile phones, communication devices or other electronic equipment incorporating a visual display unit, in the outdoors where sun light can make it difficult to see a visual display screen clearly.

Referring now to Figures 8-11 , there is shown therein a cover means 20 for a visual display apparatus. The cover means 20 comprises a flip top phone cover 21 , having a base member 22 for supporting a visual display apparatus and a top cover 23 integrally formed with the base member 22. The base member 22 has a pocket 24 for a mobile phone 40, the pocket defined by a peripheral flange 25 attached to the base member 22. The pocket 24 has a window or opening 26 also defined by the peripheral flange 25 to permit viewing of the mobile phone. The inside surface 27 of the top cover 23 has Velcro pads 28 for securing the top cover 23 to corresponding Velcro™ pads 29 on the peripheral flange 25. The base member 22 has a support means in the form of side panels 30 for supporting the top cover 23 at an inclined angle relative to the base member 22, such that the top cover 23 acts as an antiglare visor when in the inclined position.

The side panels 30 are pivotaiiy attached to the side edges 31 of the base member so that the side panels 30 may move from a non-use position in which the side panels lie adjacent the rear surface (Figure 1 ) of the base member to an in use position in which the side panels 31 are arranged at right angles to the base member 22. in the non use position the side panels 30 may also lie between the base member 22 and top cover 23, if desired.

The side panels 30 may be attached to the base member 22 for example by stitching. As shown, the top edge 35 of the side panels 30 is arranged so that in use, when in the vertical position, the top edge 35 defines an inclined acute angle relative to the base member 22. In use the top cover 23 rests on the top edge 35 of the side panels 30 so that the top cover is positioned at an acute angle relative to the base member. The top cover 23 therefore provides an anti-glare visor for the visual display apparatus, on the base member 22 and enables the visual display apparatus to be shielded and viewed in bright conditions. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a detachable anti-glare cover means for a visual display apparatus comprising a base member and anti-glare visor, detachably attached to the base member.

Preferably, the anti-glare visor is a top cover which is attachable to the base member along one end of the base member and optionally along one side of the base member.

Preferably the top cover and base member have means enabling the top cover to be detachably attached. in one form, the means for attaching comprises "Velcro™" strips and in another form, the means is a magnetic strip. It will be clear however that many different forms of attaching means may be provided. Referring now to Figures 12-17, there is shown therein a cover means 50 for a visual display apparatus. The cover means 50 comprises a flip top phone cover 51 having a base member 52 for supporting a visua! display apparatus and a top cover 53 which is detachably attached with the base member 52.

The base member 52 has a pocket 54 for a mobile phone, the pocket defined by a peripheral flange 55 attached to the base member 52. The pocket 54 has a window or opening 56 also defined by the peripheral flange 55 to permit viewing of the mobile phone.

The base member 52 has support means in the form of side panels 60 for supporting the top cover 53 at an inclined angie relative to the base member 52 such that the top cover 53 acts as an antiglare visor when in the inclined position. The side panels may be pivotaiiy attached to the side edges of the base member as previously described.

The top cover 53 has a Velcro™ strip 61 along one edge and a magnetic strip 62 along its fower edge so that the top cover can be detachably attached to the base member 52 which has a corresponding Velcro™ strip 63 and a corresponding metallic strip 64.

As shown, the metallic strip 64 is located on the underside of a neck portion 65 of the base member 52. Clearly therefore the top member 53 can be attached to the base member 52 to provide a cover means according to the invention when the phone device is being used in portrait format.

In addition, when the phone apparatus is being used in the landscape mode, the top member 53 can be removed from the neck 65 and attached to the side of the base member 52 so that the Velcro™ strip 61 and 64 engage each other, in this position, additional side panels 60 may be provided to support the top cover 53 in the landscape mode. The side panels 60 may be separate items or could be attached as desired, to either the top cover 53 or the base 52.

This embodiment of the invention therefore solves the problem of providing an anti-glare visor for the apparatus which can be used In both the portrait and pan aspect modes. The invention also provides privacy for the user when using the device in a public place.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein which may be modified or varied without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

An anti-giare visor apparatus for a portable device having a visual display, the visor apparatus comprising a base member (52) and an anti-glare visor (53) movable from a closed position to an in use or open position to substantially shield the visual display.

An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the anti-glare visor (53) is detachably attached to the base member.

An apparatus as claimed in Ciaim 2 wherein the anti-glare visor (53) is attachable to the base member (52) along one end of the base member.

An apparatus as claimed in Claims 2 or 3 wherein the anti-glare visor (53) is attachable along one side of the base member.

An apparatus as claimed in Claims 1 to 4 wherein the base member and anti-glare visor have complementary attachments means 61 , 62, 63, 64 for attachment of the anti-glare visor (53) to the base member (52).

An apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the complementary attachment means may comprise any suitable attachment means, magnetic strip, metallic strip, Velcro™ strips, zips, buttons, etc.

An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the anti-glare visor (53) is integral with or permanently attached to the base member (52).

An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claims wherein the apparatus comprises a support means (60) to support the anti-glare visor, at an inclined angle relative to the base member.

9. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the support means comprises side panels (60) or walls, movable to an in use position generally perpendicular to the base member.

10. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the side panels are attached to the base

member.

11. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the side panels are integrally formed with the base member.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 11 wherein the side panels pivot from a non- use position in which they are arranged paral!ei to the base member.

13. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the base member has a front surface and a rear surface, each of said surfaces having an anti-glare visor.

14. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the visor on one surface is at right angles to the visor on the other surface.

15. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the side panels or walls are

connected between the base member and visor, and are arranged in a concertina manner.