WO2014032739A1

WO2014032739A1 - A mounting apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2014032739A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/067146
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian HALPIN
Original assignee: Halpin Brian
Priority date: 2012-09-03
Filing date: 2012-09-03
Publication date: 2014-03-06

Abstract

The present invention provides apparatus for mounting a media device. The apparatus comprises a main body (5) for securing a media device (10); and a supporting means (15) connected to the main body. The supporting means is moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the supporting means is adapted to serve as a stand and in the second configuration the supporting means is adapted for coupling to a human arm.

Description

Title

A mounting apparatus Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to media device holders. In particular, the invention relates to a multi purpose mounting apparatus for a media device. Background to the Invention

In recent years, media devices such as smartphones or portable media players have become increasingly popular. As a result, a number of accessories have been developed to enhance user enjoyment of such devices in different situations.

One such accessory which has been developed is a stand or holder for a media device. These stands are designed to enable media devices to be held securely in a particular position so that the media device can be viewed or used without requiring a user to hold the device in this position.

Another accessory which has been developed for a media device is an armband which secures a media device to the arm of a user. This enables a media device to be used while performing an activity at the same time, such as exercising. A typical armband comprises a pocket for holding the media device that is attached to a length of stretchable material. The stretchable material has ends that can be fastened together for securing around a user's arm.

In this age of convenience, it will be appreciated that it would be desirable if it were possible to incorporate the functionality of both of the above mentioned accessories into the one accessory, while extending the functional range of uses of such accessories. Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the mounting apparatus of the present invention when the mounting apparatus is in its first configuration with its mounting ring in its open position and when a media device secured within it is front facing;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the mounting apparatus when in its first configuration with its mounting ring in its open position and when a media device secured within it is rear facing;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the mounting apparatus when in its first configuration with its mounting ring in its closed position;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the mounting apparatus of the present invention when the mounting apparatus is in its second configuration with its mounting ring in its closed position;

Figure 5 is an exploded view of the individual components of the mounting apparatus; Figure 6 is an exploded view of the components of the legs of the mounting apparatus; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the mounting ring and the mounting ring receiver plate of the mounting apparatus when the mounting ring is in its open position; and

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the case of the mounting apparatus. Detailed Description of the Drawings

The present invention provides a mounting apparatus for a media device which is adapted to serve a number of distinct purposes. Firstly, it can serve as a stand for the media device. Secondly, it can be secured around an arm of a user so that the user can perform various activities with the media device secured to their person. For example, the user can exercise, operate machinery, rest or recline while using or simply carrying the media device on their arm. In addition, the mounting apparatus is adapted to enable a media device mounted thereon to be adjusted between a number of positions for viewing or using the media device, depending on user preference.

One embodiment of the mounting apparatus of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures. The mounting apparatus 1 comprises a main body 5 for securing a media device 10 in place. The main body 5 is connected to a supporting means in the form of a plurality of articulated legs 15. The legs 15 are moveable between a first configuration, in which configuration they are adapted to serve as a stand for a media device secured to the mounting apparatus, and a second configuration, in which configuration the legs are adapted for coupling to a human arm.

The main body 5 comprises a case 20, a mounting means 25 and a mounting plate 30. The case 20 comprises a base 35 and two side portions 40 which are dimensioned to receive and hold a media device in place. The centre of the underside of base 35 of the case 20 is provided with a receptor in the form of a circular indent 45 for coupling the case 20 to the mounting means 25. A pair of grooves 125 are located at diametrically opposite sides of the indent 45, with each groove morphing into a slot 50 which extends partially around the circumference of the indent 45. The grooves 125 and slots 50 are adapted to lock the mounting means 25 in position once it has been coupled to the case 20.

The mounting means 25 comprises a fixed portion and a moveable portion. The fixed portion comprises a mounting ring receiver plate 55 and is connected to the legs 15. The moveable portion comprises a mounting ring 60 and is connected to and embeddable within the centre of the mounting ring receiver plate 55. This connection is provided by a bushing 110 extending from one side 105 of the mounting ring 60 for pivotably connecting the mounting ring 60 to the mounting ring receiver plate 55 by means of a connecting pin(not shown) which passes through the bushing 110 and bridges the sections of the mounting ring receiver plate 55 located at either side of the bushing 110.

The mounting ring 60 is pivotable between a closed position, in which position it is embedded within the mounting ring receiver plate 55, and an open position, in which position it is located perpendicular to the mounting ring receiver plate 55. A securing means in the form of a resiliently biased member 65 which extends from the side 118 of the mounting ring 60 opposite the bushing 110 secures the mounting ring 60 to the mounting ring receiver plate 55 when located in the closed position by means of a corresponding slot 120 provided in the mounting ring receiver plate 55. The mounting ring 60 is also provided with a pair of flanges 115 for facilitating the locking of the mounting ring 60 to the case 20 by means of the corresponding grooves 125 and slots 50 provided on the case 20. The flanges extend from the sides of the mounting ring 60 which are perpendicular to sides 105 and 115.

Each of the four legs 15 comprises four interconnected links 70. The links 70 taper in cross section from the first link 150, which is connected to the mounting ring receiver plate 55 to the fourth link 160, which is located at the free end of the leg 15. Each of the links 70 comprise a body member or knuckle 75 and an associated plate 80, except for the fourth link 160, which comprises a knuckle 75 only. Each plate 80 is dimensioned so that it is retained within its associated knuckle 75. The fourth link 160 is also provided with a slot 145 through which an adjustable fastening means, such as a length of elastic or Velcro, can be threaded in such a manner so as to couple a pair of legs 15 together. This fastening may be optionally used in order to provide additional support when the mounting apparatus 1 is in its second configuration.

The interconnection between the links 70 is provided by means of one end 143 of each link 70 being provided with a bushing 85 in its knuckle 75 and the other end 150 of the link 70 being provided with a recess 90 in its plate 80, with the recess 90 shaped to accommodate the bushing 85 of an adjacent knuckle 75. In addition, each plate 80 is provided with a channel 135 extending from either side of the recess 90 which is dimensioned to receive a connecting pin 100. The links 70 are connected together by lining the links 70 up with their bushings 85 facing towards the same direction, and the connecting pin 100 located within the channel 135 of the plate 80 of one link 70 being passed through the bushing 85 of the knuckle 75 of an adjacent link 70. This connection has been designed so that the connecting pin 100 acts as a hinge to enable each link 70 to be rotatable relative to its adjacent link 70 from a position where both links 70 are substantially flush with one another, which corresponds to a predetermined minimum angle of relative rotation of adjacent links 70, up to a predetermined maximum angle of relative rotation of adjacent links 70. The design of the mounting apparatus 1 is such that when adjacent links 70 are rotated to their predetermined minimum angle of relative rotation, it corresponds to the maximum amount that each leg 15 can be moved outwards away from the other legs 15 in order to provide the necessary stability for the legs 15 to serve as a stand. Conversely, when adjacent links 70 are rotated to their predetermined maximum angle of relative rotation, it corresponds to the maximum amount that each leg 15 can be moved to point inwards towards the other legs 15 in order to be suitable for coupling to a user's arm. It will be appreciated that this mounting apparatus therefore has the advantage that no separate limiting means is required to prevent the legs from deviating beyond the structure required in order for the mounting apparatus to function in both configurations.

A plurality of gripping members 140 are also provided on each plate 80 of the first to third links 70 and on the knuckle 75 of the fourth link 160. These gripping members 140 provide the necessary friction between the legs 15 and a surface to secure the mounting apparatus 1 in its first configuration, and between the legs 15 and an arm to secure the mounting apparatus in its second configuration. The mounting plate 30 couples the four legs 15 to the mounting means 25. In this regard, the mounting ring receiver plate 55 is provided with a securing means in the form of a nut 160 at each of its four corners. The mounting plate 30 is provided with a corresponding aperture 165 at each of its four corners which facilitate the affixing of each leg 15 to the corresponding nut 160 of the mounting ring receiver plate 55. The connection is then provided by the knuckle 75 of the first linkl50 of each leg 15 having an aperture 155 through which a pin 170 is passed for affixing the leg 15 to a corresponding one of the securing nuts 160 via the corresponding aperture 165 provided in the mounting plate 30. It will be appreciated that as the mounting means 25 is adapted to be releasably coupled to the case 20, the present invention can be used with any media device 10 by designing a case 20 to the required size of media device 10. Therefore, in use, a case 20 is selected which has dimensions which enable the particular media device with which it is to be used to be received and secured within the case 20. This case 20 is then coupled to the mounting ring 60 of the mounting apparatus 1 by coupling the mounting ring 60 to the indent 45 provided on the case 20, and locking it into position by positioning each flange 115 of the mounting ring 60 into its corresponding groove 125 on the case 20, and then rotating the case 20 relative to the mounting ring 60 so that each flange 115 moves along the slot 50 associated with each groove 125 until it reaches its limit of travel, which will occur upon each flange 115 abutting the end wall 130 of its corresponding slot 50. This limit will be indicated by an audible "click". The media device 10 can then be placed into the selected case 20, where it is held securely in place by action of the base 35 and side portions 40 of the case 20 making contact with the media device 10.

The mounting apparatus 1 is then ready for use by a user of the media device 10 to either serve as a stand or for coupling around an arm of the user so that the user can freely perform any activity while using the media device 10.

If the user desires to use the mounting apparatus 1 as a stand, each leg 15 must be moved from the second configuration into the first configuration. This configuration corresponds to a position where the leg 15 extends outwards away from the other legs 15 so as to make stable contact with a surface on which it is to be placed. This is achieved by moving each leg 15 so that adjacent links 70 are rotated relative to each other towards or into the position where the surface of each link 70 is flush with the surface of its adjacent link 70, which position corresponds to the minimum angle of relative rotation of adjacent links.

It will be appreciated that the mounting apparatus 1 is suitable for use as a stand when each or all of the legs 15 are moved to any intermediate position before the minimum angle of relative rotation of adjacent links 70 once the legs 15 are extended outward and away from each other. The exact position to move the legs 15 for acting as a stand is therefore dependent on user preference for the height of the stand above the surface on which it is to be placed, as well as the characteristics of the surface itself. For example, the legs 15 could be moved so that the mounting apparatus 1 can securely rest upon a user's knees, and upon various types of furniture, such as sofas, chairs and beds.

If the user desires to use the mounting apparatus 1 to couple around their arm, each leg 15 must be moved from the first configuration into the second configuration. This configuration corresponds to a position wherein the leg 15 is pointing inwardly towards the other legs 15 so that the legs 15 can be coupled around an arm of a user. This is achieved by moving each leg 15 so that adjacent links 70 are rotated relative to each other towards or into the position of the maximum angle of relative rotation of adjacent links 70. It will be appreciated that the mounting apparatus 1 is suitable for coupling around the arm of a user when each or all of the legs 15 are moved into any intermediate position before the maximum angle of relative rotation of adjacent links once the legs 15 are pointing inwardly towards each other. The exact position the legs 15 should be moved for coupling around the arm of a user is therefore dependent on the size of a user's arm.

Once in the desired position, the legs 15 can be passed around the arm of a user and will grip the arm by means of the gripping members 140 provided on each link 70.

Optionally, a fastening means can then be threaded through the slots 145 provided in the fourth link 160 of each leg 15 so as to connect a pair of legs together and thus provide additional support.

Once the mounting apparatus 1 has been positioned by the user to act as a stand, or placed around a user's arm, the mounting ring 60 can then be moved between its open and closed positions as desired, thus providing a number of different positions for a user to view or use the media device 10, depending on their preference.

It will be appreciated also that while the described embodiment shows four legs, with each leg having four links, any number of legs or links could equally well be used.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the legs could be formed of any type of flexible material which is capable of being moved between the two configurations, and the invention is therefore not limited to the articulated legs of the described embodiment.

The mounting apparatus has been designed so that the full functionality of the media device can be used while located on the arm of a user. This is in contrast to other accessories for a media device which are adapted for using on the arm of a user, where the media device is typically located within a pocket of the armband, and therefore suffers from the drawback that it must be removed from the pocket in order to access the full functionality of the device. The words "comprises/comprising" and the words "having/including" when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Claims

1. An apparatus for mounting a media device, the apparatus comprising:

a main body for securing a media device; and

a supporting means connected to the main body, wherein the supporting means is moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the supporting means is adapted to serve as a stand and in the second configuration the supporting means is adapted for coupling to a human arm.

2. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the supporting means comprises a plurality of legs, and wherein in the first configuration each leg is extended outwardly away from the other legs for making stable contact with a surface and in the second configuration each leg is pointing inwards towards the other legs for coupling around an arm.

3. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein each leg comprises a plurality of interconnected links, wherein each link is adapted to be rotatable relative to its adjacent link between a predetermined minimum angle of rotation, in which position the adjacent links are flush with one another, up to a predetermined maximum angle of rotation.

4. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 3, wherein each link comprises a knuckle and an associated plate, and wherein the knuckle of each link is pivotably connected to the plate of its adjacent link.

5. The apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the main body comprises a case for securing a media device and a mounting means coupled to the case.

6. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the mounting means comprises a fixed portion connected to the legs and a moveable portion connected to the fixed portion, wherein the movable portion is pivotable between a closed position, in which position it is embedded within the fixed portion, and an open position, in which position it is located perpendicular to the fixed portion, and wherein the moveable portion is releasably coupled to the case.

7. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the moveable portion is coupled to the case by coupling the moveable portion to an indent provided on the case and rotating the case relative to the moveable portion until it is locked in position.

8. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the main body further comprises a mounting plate which couples the fixed portion of the mounting means to the legs.