WO2015085310A1

WO2015085310A1 - Magnetic cd mounting apparatus for portable electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2015085310A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/069131
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chance DUNN
Original assignee: Dunn Chance
Priority date: 2013-12-06
Filing date: 2014-12-08
Publication date: 2015-06-11

Abstract

A personal electronic device (PED) vehicle mounting apparatus with a magnetic attachment system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a PED holder that couples to a vehicle's compact disc (CD) slot on a motor vehicle dash board, and can repositioned in a tri-pod orientation, and can be reconfigured to form a vice grip to the side of a device.

Description

MAGNETIC CD MOUNTING APPARATUS FOR

PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION^]

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of the earlier U.S. Utility Patent Application entitled "CD MOUNTING APPARATUS FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE," serial number 13/867,879, filed April 22, 2013, now pending, which is a continuation-in-part of the earlier U.S. Utility Patent Application entitled "CD MOUNTING APPARATUS FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE," serial number 11/445,120, filed May 31, 2006, [now U.S. Patent No. 8,505,795, and this application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application to entitled "MAGNETIC CD MOUNTING APPARATUS FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE," serial number 61/912,772, filed December 6, 2013, now pending, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention disclosed relates generally to a device for mounting portable electronic devices (hereinafter "PED") to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mounting apparatus that holds the PED to a compact disk ("CD") player opening located in a dash of a motor vehicle.

B. Description of the Prior Art

[0002] There exist several mounting devices for automobile electronics. Each of the following prior art patents are herein incorporated by reference for their supporting teachings. For example, the Benedeti invention U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,583 provides a portable CD holder that can be screwed into the underside of the dashboard. This requires that the dashboard of the vehicle be permanently altered, along with the- associated risks and expenses. The Sokol invention, U.S. Pat No. 4,648,572, utilizes a suction cup device intended to attach to the front windshield of the vehicle to support a radar detector device. Such a device has limitations including negative aesthetic characteristics, limiting the view of the driver, and eventual loss of adhesion to the surface of the windshield.

[0003] Also, patent number 8505795, issued on Aug. 13, 2013, is also herein incorporated by reference for its supportive teachings, and teaches of a bracket and PED holder that attaches to an audio cassette. While this invention is novel and useful, fewer automobiles are being equipped with audio cassette players, a device that holds a PED in an automobile CD player is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Portable electronic devices (PEDs) include, but are not limited to, the following devices: mp3 players, iPods, cell phones, satellite radios, PDAs, or other digital audio sources. Given the rapid advance of portable audio technology that now includes the use of digital audio sources, many people access music via the PED in addition to, or instead of a CD player.

However, most automobiles have CD players in the dashboard.

[0005] As discussed above, mounting a mobile device inside an automobile is usually inconvenient. The limited space of the automobile is already utilized by the car stereo and other in-dash items that make the mounting of additional devices inconvenient. The invention described herein allows for the mounting of any appropriately sized electronic device in a convenient place to reach without obstructing the driver's viewing area.

[0006] The present invention includes a personal electronic device [PED] holder, designed to be mounted to a CD player slot located in a vehicle dashboard, comprising a mounter, coupled to one end of the electronic device holder, having a first coupling end that is removably coupled to the vehicle interior, and a second end; a holder, having a holder first end that is rotatively attached to the second end of the mounter, and having a top flat surface portion, coupled to the holder first end, that is incapable of facing toward the mounter, and is incapable of contacting around circular devices circumferential surface; and a securing mechanism, mounted to the top surface of the holder, having a magnet coupled thereto, designed to magnetically retain a metallic sheet, which is coupled to the electronic device, to the holder in a generally vertical orientation to the retainer plane.

[0007] In yet another embodiment of the invention, there is an personal electronic device holder, comprising a mounter, having a first and second insert; and a holder, rotatively attached to the mounter, having a magnet coupled to thereto; and wherein the mounter is has means for being mounted within a CD player slot that is located in a vehicle dashboard; wherein the mounter has a means for holding the first and second inserts in a tri-pod position that elevates the rotatable holder above a mounting surface; and wherein the mounter has a means for opening and closing the first and second inserts in a vise-like grip that can hold the personal electronic device holder onto a top edge of a lap top screen.

[0008] Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment or the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0011] Fig. 2 is a cross-section side view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0012] Fig. 3 is a top-down view of a portion of an embodiment of the invention.

[0013] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention installed in the opening of a dash mounted CD player.

[0014] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention installed in the opening of a dash mounted CD player.

[0015] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] Fig. 7 is a cross-section side view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0017] Fig. 8 is an isometric exploded perspective rear view of another embodiment of the invention.

[0018] Fig. 9 is an isometric rear perspective view of the embodiment of the invention in Fig. 8.

[0019] Fig. 10 is a straight on rear view of the embodiment of the invention in Fig. 8.

[0020] Fig. 11 is a straight on front view of the embodiment of the invention in Fig. 8.

[0021] Fig. 12 is a straight on top view of the embodiment of the invention in Fig. 8.

[0022] Fig. 13 is a straight on bottom view of the embodiment of the invention in Fig. 8.

[0023] Fig. 14 is an isometric perspective view of the embodiment of the invention in Fig. 8 as mounted in a CD player slot that is mounted in a dash of a vehicle while holding a PED therein. [0024] Fig. 15 is a side view of the embodiment of the invention in Fig. 8 as mounted in a CD player slot that is mounted in a dash of a vehicle.

[0025] Fig. 16 is a sectional view of one embodiment of internal operations of components.

[0026] Fig. 17 is another side view of one embodiment of the device before actuation of the separation of the CD slot inserted center, right and left plates.

[0027] Fig. 18 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the invention utilizing a magnetic plate attachment system to hold a PED (personal electronic device).

[0028] Fig. 19 is an isometric view of a portion of the embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Fig. 18, with the portion of Fig. 20 removed.

[0029] Fig. 20 is an isometric view of a complementary portion of the embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Fig. 18 with the portion of Fig. 19 removed.

[0030] Fig. 21 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 18 incorporating the mounting of a personal electronic device (PED).

[0031] Fig. 22 is an isometric view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 18 detailing the expanded position use of the embodiment as a tripod-type device.

[0032] Fig. 23 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 18 as reconfigured to grip edges of objects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiment. Wherein, each statement of an embodiment is to be considered independent or any other embodiment, despite any use of similar or identical language. [0034] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "one embodiment," "an embodiment," and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, different embodiments, or component parts of the same or different illustrated invention. Additionally, reference to the wording "an embodiment," or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are related, dissimilar, the same, etc. The use of the term "an embodiment," or similar wording, is merely a convenient phrase to indicate optional features, which may or may not be part of the invention as claimed.

[0035] Finally, the fact that the wording "an embodiment," or the like, does not appear at the beginning of every sentence in the specification, such as is the practice of some practitioners, is merely a convenience for the reader's clarity. However, it is the intention of this application to incorporate by reference the phrasing "an embodiment," and the like, at the beginning of every sentence herein where logically possible and appropriate.

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention. The wedge shaped CD player insert is shown, as well as the attached stoppers 12 on the ends of the wedge. These stoppers act as a guide when placing the device into the CD player opening and limit bow far the wedge portion can be inserted into the CD player opening. As the top and bottom portions of the wedge are separated, the angle of the wedge becomes steeper. If this separation takes place while the wedge is inserted into the CD player opening, additional pressure will be placed by the wedge into the opening, which will aid in stabilizing the device during use. Wedge flaps.13 are shown at the rear end of the wedge member. The wedge flaps 13 can be attached to, or made part of the wedge member. The top and bottom flaps can be separated from each other via a variety of means, including but not limited to, screws, springs, memory foam, etc. In Fig. 1, the embodiment show that the wedge is separated by a wedge flap screw 14 that is located in each of the wedge flaps 13. A bracket 15 (or bridge) member projects from the lower wedge 11. However, certain embodiments allow some or all of the device to be rotated such that the PED is located substantially below the plane of the protruding bracket Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment where the CD player insert is attached to a bridge bracket 15 that extends out from the lower wedge portion of the insert 11, such that the bracketl5 extends out from the insert when the insert 11 is placed in the CD player of the automobile.

[0037] The bracket 15 may be made from a variety of different materials, including but not limited to metal and/or plastic. In one embodiment, the bracket 15 is rigid, while in other embodiments the bracket 15 is flexible. The bracket 15 can be affixed to the insert in a variety of ways, including the use of adhesive, or a mechanical attachment, such as with a physical coupling the insert and bracket. The bracket 15 can also be integrated into the insert such that it comprises an extension 10 of the CD insert, and can be made from the same material as the CD insert. The bracket 15 is configured such as to allow it to extend from the CD insert while it is engaged in the opening of the CD player.

[0038] A mounting apparatus 16 is shown attached to the bracket 15 via a connecting bracket screw 17. This arrangement allows the mounting apparatus 16 (and PED when mounted) to swivel to a convenient position.

[0039] Figure 1 also shows a holding plate 18 attached to the end of the mounting apparatus 16. In one embodiment, this holding plate 18 can comprise a relatively flat rigid surface with a Velcro (or the like) surface facing outward from the CD player. If the user places Velcro or the like on the back of their PED 19, this configuration would allow the user to easily affix their PED 19 onto the holding plate 18, as well as easily remove it In other configurations, such as in Fig. 5, the user can place the PED 19 within a clip apparatus, located at the end of the mounting apparatus 16, that supports the PED 19 from both sides and the bottom. In a preferred

embodiment the clip apparatus will allow the PED 19 to remain open and unfettered on top, which will allow the user to easily access the headphone jack of the PED 19, which is typically located on top of the PED 19.

[0040] Figure 2 is a cross-section side view of an embodiment of the invention. It shows an embodiment of the invention installed in the dashboard 20 of a vehicle. After insertion of the wedge portion into the opening of the CD player, the stoppers 12 abut the exterior surface of the CD player. These stoppers 12 control the depth of the wedge portion into the CD player. When the wedge flap screw 14 is engaged, this separates the wedge and puts pressure on the interior of the CD player opening, thus firmly holding the device in place. [0041] Figure 2 also illustrates the bracket screw 17, which connects the bracket IS and the mounting apparatus 16. This connection also allows the mounting apparatus 16 to rotate to into a position suitable to the user. As in Fig. 1, the holding plate 18 is attached to the end of the mounting apparatus 16. In this embodiment, the holding plate 18 can comprise a relatively flat rigid surface with a Velcro (or the like) surface facing outward from the CD player. A Velcro or similar type material is shown on the forward facing portion of the holding plate 18. The figure shows a similarly sized strip of Velcro or similar type material on the back of the PEP 19. This configuration allows the user to simply press the PED 19 against the holding plate to secure it in this embodiment, the CD player is located in the dashboard of an automobile. After the PED 19 has been secured to the apparatus in this fashion, the PED 19 will be can be easily accessed by a user located in the front seat of the automobile.

[0042] Figure 3 is a top-down view of a portion of an embodiment of the invention. This drawing illustrates a feature of certain embodiments that allow the device to rotate about the bracket screw 17. By loosening the bracket screw 17, the mounting apparatus 16 (along with the PED) can be swiveled into the desired position. When the mounting apparatus 16 is in the desired position, the bracket screw 17 can be tightened to lock the mounting apparatus 16 in place. During this process, the bracket 15 remains stationary.

[0043] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention installed in the opening of a dash mounted CD player. This figure illustrates an embodiment utilizing the holding plate 18 at the end of the bracket 16. The PED 19 has not yet been affixed to the holding plate 18. A Velcro or similar type material is shown on the forward facing portion of the holding plate 18. The figure shows a similarly sized strip of Velcro or similar type material on the back of the PED 19. This configuration allows the user to simply press the PED 19 against the holding plate to secure it in this embodiment, the CD player is located in the dashboard of an automobile. After the PED 19 has been secured to the apparatus in this fashion, the PED 19 can be easily accessed by a user located in the front seat of the automobile.

[0044] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment utilizing a clip 21 (or basket) arrangement for holding the PED 19. In the embodiment shown, clips 21 extend from the two sides and the bottom of the holding plate 18, on the side of the holding plate farthest from the CD player. In the configuration shown, the ends of the clips 11 located on the sides of the holding plate are angled at approximately 90 degrees from the portion of the clip extending from the holding plate, this bend in the clip angling towards the middle of the holding plate 17. Similarly, the clip 21 supporting the bottom of the PED 19 is angled up at the end. These bends in the clips 21 assist in seeming the PED 19 when placed within the confines of the apparatus. Alternative embodiments include a basket arrangement on the end of the bracket 15 capable of supporting and seeming a PED 19. Such an embodiment is preferably open on top to facilitate easy placement and removal of the PED 19, as well as facilitate easy plugging in and unplugging of the PED 19 headphones.

[0045] Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of an embodiment of the invention. These illustrations shows a configuration that utilizes one separation screw 22 with a knob located above the top wedge, with the screw penetrating the top portion of the wedge and abutting the lower wedge- portion. As the screw 22 is tightened, the wedge portions are separated, thus seeming the device by creating pressure between the wedge and the opening to the CD player, so shown in Figs. 6 and 7 is an embodiment utilizing a ball 23 and socket joint 24. The ball 23 is shown attached to the mounting apparatus 16 and the socket joint 24. The socket joint 24 may be permanently attached to the holding plate 18, or basket, or clip arrangement. It is intended that the connection between the ball 23 and the mounting apparatus 16 be fixed and stationary, while the connection between the ball 23 and the socket joint 24 can be accomplished through the use of a screw, or other similar mechanism. Similarly, a clip 21 {or basket) device can easily be substituted for the holding plate 18 shown in Figs. 6 and 7. In a preferred embodiment, the ball 23remains stationary relative to the mounting apparatus 16, while the socket joint is allowed to swivel relative to the ball 23. This will allow the user to adjust the vertical and/or horizontal angle of the PED 19 when attached to the apparatus. This embodiment also allows the- user to remove and rotate the device 180 degrees, and re-insert the device into the CD player opening. This may be a preferred embodiment if the user's dashboard 20 is shaped in a way that interferes with the use of the apparatus when in the upright position shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

[0046] Referring to all of the remaining Figures 8 - 15, there is illustrated another embodiment of the invention 50 as is also intended to be mounted in a CD player slot 77 that is mounted in a dash of a vehicle 75. Specifically, there is illustrated a PED holder 50, comprising a CD slot mounting bracket 40 and a PED holding mechanism 51. The mounting bracket 40 includes insert portion 42 having a first insert 43 and a second insert 45. The first insert 43 may have a flat upward and bottomward facing surface as oriented when placed into the CD player slot 77, and having a first insert edge that is first inserted into the CD player slot 77. The second insert 45 may have a flat upward and bottomward facing surface as oriented when placed into the CD player slot 77, and having a second insert edge that is inserted into the CD player slot 77. The first and second inserts 43 and 45 are illustrated as three plates, protrusions or tangs, a left and right plate/tang 45, and a center plate/tang 43, which may be made of two connected flat sections 44 with a V-shaped notch 44a separating the two equal flat sections 44. These inserts 43 and 45 may be coupled at an attachment end by connecting portions 46 and 47 respectively as illustrated, which in turn are coupled to mounting plate 48. It is noted that connecting portions and mounting plate 48 may be formed of a single interconnected material, and that the center connecting portion 47 is partially separated therefrom by slots 47a to allow form a move upward and downward relative to the other two connection portions 46 and plated 45 that are positioned on either side as illustrated. Mounting plate 48 may include a hole 49, which is designed to contain mounting mechanism 60. The mounting mechanism 60 includes a spacer 62 and a threaded screw article 64 for threadably securing the CD slot-mounting bracket 40 to the PED holding mechanism 51 by threadably being mounted to threadable receptacle 66 in known engineering fashion. PED holding mechanism or assemblage 51 includes two opposite clamping plates 52, two clamping holding pads 53 mounted on each clamping plate 52 to face each other as illustrated, at least two connecting portions 54 coupled to the clamping plates 52 respectively as illustrated, at least one set of teeth 57 mounted to at least one of the connecting portions 54, a housing 55 to house an adjusting mechanism 56 that holds the plates 52 in the selected position by allowing the teeth 57 and connection portions 54 to slide into the housing 55. Additionally, there is a resting plate 58 that is positioned at a bottom of the housing 55, and is designed to rest a bottom portion of a cell phone or personal electronic device (PED) 80 thereon. Whereby, the adjusting mechanism 56 will hold, by way of the teeth 57, the plates 52, pads 53, and connecting portions 54 in place as the assemblage 51 is moved 81 by a user into a closed position to hold and engage outer edges of the cell phone or PED 80 by the pads 53 as illustrated in Fig. 14.

[0047] Referring to Fig. 15 and 17 more specifically, there is illustrated one embodiment of an operation of the device 50 as it is forcibly held within the CD slot 77, which is mounted to the dash 75 of a vehicle. Wherein, Fig. 17 illustrates the device 50 before the center plate 43 is moved into its locking position with its larger cross-sectional profile that extends above the plane of the left and right plates 45, which in turn wedges into the CD slot 77. In particular, Fig. 15 illustrates that once the center 43, right, and left plates 45 are inserted into the slot 77, an adjustment mechanism 70, may be adjusted inward 70a to force an upward displacement 41 of the first insert 43 relative to the second insert 45. It is this displacement from the originating planer orientation or first position wherein the upward facing surface of the first insert 43 is relatively parallel to the bottomward facing surface of the second insert 45 to a second position that retains the flat upward facing surface of the first insert and the bottomward facing surface of the second insert in a retaining angle with respect to each other, which causes the opening or expansion of the vertical profile of the three plates, and thus will cause the aupward facing surface of the first insert 43 to be forcibly pushed against the upper side of the CD slot 77, and the bottomward facing surface of the second insert 45 to contact the lower sections of the CD slot 77; thus, creating a wedging or frictional fitting therein sufficient to hold the device 50 in its intended orientation as illustrated in Fig 14. It is noted that the connecting portions 46 and 47 are made of sufficient elastic material to allow for the needed relative movement therebetween, yet rigid enough to allow the center plate 43 to realign with its companion side plates 45 once the adjustment mechanism 70 is reversed and no longer exerts a force against the center plate 43. Thus allowing the center plate 43 to be inline with the other plates 45 and eliminating the thicker side profile created therefrom, which will allow for the easy removal of the mounting bracket 40 from the CD slot 77.

[0048] Referring to Fig. 16, there is an illustration of a sectional portion of one potential embodiment to effectuate the operations of the device 50 to hold and release a PED 80 therein. Specifically, there may be a teeth engagement device 74 as illustrated, positioned to forcibly upwardly engage against the valleys of the teeth and thus prevent unwanted movement of the connecting portion 54. To achieve movement 81 thereof, a user exerts sufficient force against the plates 52 toward the housing 55 to move the plates 52 and pads 53 toward the housing 55 in a known fashion. A biasing device, or spring 76 may be coupled and positioned to bias the connecting portions 54 in an outward fashion, or in a direction to force the plate 52 away from the housing 55. There may also be a pivot portion 75 fixedly positioned appropriately next to one part of the linkage 78 to cause the engagement device 74 to move upward when the adjustment mechanism 56 is moved downward 79. Additionally, the linkage 78 is linked to the adjustment mechanism 56 to the teeth engagement device 74, to allow a user to actuate a downward movement 79, and thus causing the engagement device 74 to disengage both downward and upward from the respective illustrated teeth 57, which enables the biasing devices 76 to force the respective connection portions 54 and plates 52 away from the housing 55, thereby releasing any cell phone or PED 80 from the gripping effect of the pads 53. Pads 53 may be made of a soft material that will conform around the surface of a PED 80 in a know fashion (not illustrated). One skilled in the mechanical arts will easily understand the operation of this illustrated embodiment, and know how to effectuate the opposite operation in closing the device 50 around a PED 80, whereby a user moves the plates 52 toward the housing 55 to tightly and frictionally hold the PED 80 therebetween the pads 53 as illustrated in Fig. 14.

[0049] It is noted that the insert plates 43 and 45 have a certain width profile that is approximate to the width and thickness of a known CD (compact disc), and that only the center plate 43 is elevated, while the side plates 45 are maintained in the original plane or orientation that is similar to a CD that would be placed into the CD slot 77. First, this width dimension is selected to add stability to the device 50 as it is mounted within the CD slot 77. In particular, if the width were any smaller, there would be a chance for the device 50 to rock from side to side while being bounced and jarred during the operation of the vehicle along rough roads. This width especially prevents the potential wobble of the cell phone or PED 80, which could launch the PED 80 at the driver unexpectedly in a worst case scenario. Second, the right and left plate 45 common plane orientation with the typically inserted CD is selected to keep the device 50 in a level to the CD slot orientation and to prevent the device 50 from being cockeyed, or off kilter, if one side had been moved or displaced as is center plate 43, ie. the left side could be higher than the right side, and cause the tilt of the devise 50 thereof.

[0050] Referring now to Figure 18, there is an additional embodiment of the invention, wherein Figure 18 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the invention utilizing a magnetic plate attachment system to hold a PED (personal electronic device). Specifically, in addition to the elements already described in this specification, there is a mounting device 90. Whereby, there is a ball 82 fixedly mounted to portion 47 and socket 92 that is mounted to the mounting device 90, where the socket 92 has a v-shaped cut out region 93 that will designed to enable the ball 82 to be removed therefrom the socket 92 when desired. The socket 92 is fixedly mounted to a backside of a mounting piece 94, which has recess holes on the opposite side from the socket 92 with conformal magnets 96 mounted therein. There is also a removable locking pin 98 that extends completely from one side to the other through both support pieces 46 and center piece 47 which operation is described later in this specification.

[0051] Fig. 19 is an isometric view of one embodiment showing a portion of the embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Fig. 18, with the portion of Fig. 20 removed. Specifically, there is illustrated the support portion 102, that shows the placement of the locking pin 98 that extends therethrough as illustrated and has a finger grip portion 99 located at one end. Additionally, there is a support base top surface 83 located between the two connecting portions 46, that serves as the limiter as to how far the center portion 104 will rotate about the pin 98, to maintain the blades 44 and 45 in a first fixed position. There is also a tab 116 that connects to surface 83 and is designed to contact abutment 119 located on portion 104, to prevent over rotation as illustrated in figure 22.

[0052] Fig. 20 is an isometric view of a complementary portion of the embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Fig. 18 with the support portion 102 of Fig. 19 removed. Specifically, in addition to the elements described above, in this embodiment this is illustrated a top surface 93 and a bottom surface 95 of the center portion 104 as illustrated. Additionally, there is shown the location of the pin hole 97 that extends all the way through both the support portion 102 and the center portion 104 to allow for rotation about the pin 98 when inserted properly therethrough. There is also two threaded holes 109 and 115 located to extend through the center portion 104 as illustrated to allow the threaded screw 70 to extend below bottom surface 95 and to create a separation between support portion top surface 83 and bottom surface 95, and thus move the center inserts 44 to be lifted out of the plane of the outer inserts 45. Thus, wedging the two inserts 44 and 45 in the CD slot and holding it therein a frictional and pressure fashion.

[0053] It is noted that the support portion 102 top surface 83 is located to abut to center portion bottom surface 95, in this embodiment, to maintain all of the blades 45 and 44 in co- planer alignment, to fit into the narrow CD slot located in a dash board. The surface 83 is located at a lower edge of plate 45 when vied on a side angle as shown in Figure 21. [0054] Fig. 21 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 18 incorporating the mounting of a personal electronic device (PED) 80. In particular, in addition to the elements introduced thus far, there is a metal plate 106, which is bonded to the PED 80, which, when being positioned proximate to the mounting piece 94, which has the imbedded magnet 96 therein, will magnetically attach therebetween. Thus, this arrangement will hold the PED 80 in a secure location while an operator is driving a vehicle, for example, and allowing for easy magnetic attachment and removal of the PED 80 by placing and pulling it away from the magnet 96, and not substantially increasing the profile measurement of the PED 80. The Metal plate need only be of minor thickness, such as a millimeter or 1/16 of an inch thick, and it could be less than 1/10 the thickness of the PED 80.

[0055] Fig. 22 is an isometric view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 18 detailing the expanded position use of the embodiment as a tripod-type device 150. In this embodiment, the tri-pod configuration is achievable from the previous configurations illustrated in Figs. 18-21 by merely opening up support portion 102 from the center portion 104 as illustrated therein. In particular, it is noted that tab 116 will contact abutment 119 to prevent the over opening or over rotation about pin 98, thus holding the two portions 102 and 104 in the desired tri-pod configuration. It is noted that in this orientation, it is possible to position a PED 80, like a cell phone or camera thereon and take steady, non-shaky, pictures.

[0056] Fig. 23 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 18 as reconfigured to grip edges of objects 114, like a laptop screen. It is noted that in this embodiment, portion 102 was disconnected from portion 104 by removing pin 98, and repositioning portion 102 so that surface 83 will now contact surface 93, which is just the opposite surface as previously illustrated in prior figures. Whereby, pin 98 is reinserted into hole 97 as before, and now threaded screw 70 is now threaded through holes 109 and 108 in such a way as to cause the inserts 45 and 44 to be forcefully opened and closed about an object 114 that is now placed between the inserts like in a vise grip moving in direction 112. Ore particularly, only one hole need be threaded, and it would be the one opposite the finger tab that is turned by the user. One skilled in the art will easily understand now that in this arrangement the invention 50 may be placed on the top edge, for example, of a lap top screen and position the PED 80 toward the user for easier hands free operation. [0057] Although the various illustration and accompanied language have depicted certain embodiments in various fashion, one skilled in the mechanical arts will understand that there are many methods and designs that may accomplish the desires of the intended invention. In particular, there are many ways to accomplish the movement 81 and holding of the two plates 52 in the desired position. For example, there is illustrated the use of two sets of teeth 57, and four connection portions 54; wherein only one set of teeth and two connection portions 54 may be used. It is even contemplated to use no teeth at all, and just have a frictional contact in place of the engagement device 74, whereby engagement device 74 would rub sufficiently hard onto the connection portions 54 as to be held in place unless a user pushes against the plates 52, and the now frictionally engagement device 74 may be disengaged in the same fashion to allow the biasing device 76 to move the plates 52 outward again.

[0058] Additionally, although the positioning of the adjustment mechanism 56 is illustrated to be located on a central top region, one skilled in the mechanical arts will know that the position may be located most anywhere on the housing. For example, the adjustment mechanism 56 may be located on the side, or bottom of the housing, just so it functions to release the holding of the side plates 52 in the desired position.

[0059] Further, one skilled in the mechanical arts will know that there are many

configurations for the side plates 52. For example, the side plates 52 may not be actual plates and may be most any configuration like ovals, v-shaped or any other configuration that allows for a sufficient contact with a cell phone or PED 80 to be held therebetween like in a vice grip.

[0060] Additionally, although the word "plate" has been used herein in reference to the center plate 43, right and left 45 plates, the term is not to be considered limiting as to the dimensions and physical shape of the device such as a round dinner plate shape. Specifically, what is intended is there is a planer characteristic in the orientation of the device. For this reason, terms such as "tang" and "protrusions" and "insert" were written thereafter when the terms were first used or are used in the claims appended hereafter. However, for ease of writing, the term "plate" was carried therethrough the remainder of the specification.

[0061] An additional variation of the invention involved the arrangement of the magnets. In particular, it is illustrated to use three circular magnets that are imbedded in the holder 94. Wherein, a skilled artisan would easily contemplate innumerable arrangement in the use of magnets, like having a single larger magnet, a large circular magnet, a thin sheet of magnetic material laying over the surface, and many other likely designs are contemplated herein.

[0062] Similarly, it is described to attach a sheet of metal to the back of a PED, but it is contemplated to have the sheet of metal coupled to the PED in any known fashion. For example, the sheet of metal could be placed under the typically used covers that are commonly found to cover the outside cover of a PED for the purpose of protection. Thus, no glue or Velcro is needed to secure the sheet of metal to the PED.

[0063] Likewise, although the specification teaches in one embodiment the use of a threaded screw 70 to hold or position the two portions 102 and 104, a skilled artisan realizes that there are many know ways to achieve this design. For example, a ratchet system would work, a spring system could also work, a cam system could also work and any other type of adjustment mechanism.

[0064] Additionally, even though the insertion devices 44 and 45 are illustrated as having a certain shape, skilled artisans will know that there are infinite shapes that will work. For example, solid square blades, triangle- shaped blades, even small projections like toothpicks would work, just so what ever design is picked will be able to be inserted in the slot of a CD player.

[0065] It is noted that in Fig. 22 there is illustrated a tri-pod like shaped device. One skilled in the art will know that the inserts 44 and 45 are positioned to be resting on a support surface, which is not illustrated.

[0066] The present disclosure should not be construed in any limited sense other than- that limited by the scope of the claims having regard to the teachings herein and the prior art being apparent with the preferred form of the invention disclosed herein and which reveals details of structure of a preferred form necessary for a better understanding of the invention and may be subject to change by skilled persons within the scope of the invention without departing from the concept thereof.

Claims

1. A personal electronic device [PED] holder mountable to a CD player slot located in a vehicle dashboard, comprising:

a) a mounter comprising:

i. a first insert, having a flat upward and bottomward facing surface as oriented when placed into the CD player slot, and having a first insert edge that is first inserted into the CD player, and an attachment end that is opposite to the first insert edge;

ii. a second insert, having a flat upward and bottomward facing surface as oriented when placed into the CD player slot, and having a second insert edge that is inserted into the CD player, and an attachment end that is opposite to the second insert edge; and

iii. an adjustment mechanism, having:

a) a first position that retains the flat upward facing surface of the first insert and the bottomward facing surface of the second insert relatively parallel to each other; and

b) a second position that retains the flat upward facing surface of the first insert and the bottomward facing surface of the second insert in a retaining angle with respect to each other; and

b) a securing mechanism, coupled to the mounter, the securing mechanism having a magnet coupled thereto, designed to magnetically retain a metallic sheet that is coupled to the electronic device to the securing mechanism.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism is a lever and cam system to move the first and second inserts between the first and second positions.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the adjust mechanism is threaded and moves the first and second inserts between the first and second positions.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a holder rotatably coupled to the mounter and coupled to the securing mechanism.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the holder comprises a top surface facing that is incapable of facing the mounter and substantially forms a top surface plane, the top surface plane incapable of being oriented parallel to the retainer plane and the first and second insert plane, and incapable of being oriented facing the mounter.

6. The device of claim 4, wherein the magnet is imbedded within the holder.

7. An personal electronic device holder, comprising:

a) a mounter, having a first and second insert; and

b) a holder, rotatably coupled to the mounter, the holder having a magnet coupled to thereto, wherein:

the mounter is has means for being mounted within a CD player slot that is located in a vehicle dashboard;

the mounter has a means for holding the first and second inserts in a tri-pod position that elevates the rotatable holder above a mounting surface; and

the mounter has a means for opening and closing the first and second inserts in a vise-like grip that can hold the personal electronic device holder onto a top edge of a lap top screen.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the holder comprises a top surface facing that is incapable of facing the mounter and substantially forms a top surface plane, the top surface plane incapable of being oriented parallel to the retainer plane and the first and second insert plane, and incapable of being oriented facing the mounter.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein the magnet is imbedded within the holder.

10. An electronic device holder, an electronic device having a flat visual display screen, and transportation vehicle, designed to carry a driver, having an interior with a dash, a steering wheel, and a windshield, comprising:

a) a mounter, coupled to one end of the electronic device holder, having a first coupling end that is removably coupled to the vehicle interior, and a second end;

b) a holder, having a holder first end that is rotatably coupled to the second end of the mounter, and having a top flat surface portion coupled to the holder second end; and c) a securing mechanism, mounted to the top surface of the holder, having a magnet coupled thereto, to magnetically retain a metallic sheet, the metallic sheet coupled to the electronic device, to the holder.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the mounter comprises:

i. a first insert, having a flat upward and bottomward facing surface as oriented when placed into the CD player slot, and having a first insert edge that is first inserted into the CD player, and an attachment end that is opposite to the first insert edge; and

ii. a second insert, having a flat upward and bottomward facing surface as oriented when placed into the CD player slot, and having a second insert edge that is inserted into the CD player, and an attachment end that is opposite to the second insert edge.

12. The device of claim 10, the top surface portion that is incapable of facing the mounter and substantially forms a top surface plane, the top surface plane incapable of being oriented parallel to the retainer plane and the first and second insert plane, and incapable of being oriented facing the mounter.

13. The device of claim 10, further comprising an adjustment mechanism comprising:

b) a second position that retains the flat upward facing surface of the first insert and the bottomward facing surface of the second insert in a retaining angle with respect to each other.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the adjustment mechanism is a lever and cam system to move the first and second inserts between the first and second positions.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the adjust mechanism is threaded and moves the first and second inserts between the first and second positions.

16. The device of claim 10, wherein the magnet is imbedded within the holder.