WO2022018464A2

WO2022018464A2 - Electronic device holder

Info

Publication number: WO2022018464A2
Application number: PCT/GB2021/052440
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alan Lance FENWICK; Benjamin William BEATTIE; James Timothy ASHTON
Original assignee: Exquisite Gaming Limited
Priority date: 2020-07-21
Filing date: 2021-09-20
Publication date: 2022-01-27
Also published as: GB2597448A; GB2597448B; WO2022018464A3; GB202011251D0

Abstract

An electronic device holder. The electronic device holder (100) is for displaying an electronic device to a user and comprises a plinth (120) comprising a base (130) to stand on a surface, an upper surface (122), and a continuous side wall (124) between the base (130) and upper surface. The device holder 100 further comprises a figurine (110) mounted to the upper surface (122) of the plinth (120) and a shelf (150) comprising a first part (160) disposed between the upper surface (122) of the plinth (120) and the figurine (110), and a second part (170) hingedly mounted to the first part (160). The second part (170) of the shelf (160) is moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position where it may in use support an electronic device and display it to a user.

Description

ELECTRONIC DEVICE HOLDER

[0001] This invention is an electronic device holder for displaying the electronic device to a user. [0002] Electronic devices, and in particular mobile telephones (often alternatively referred to as cellular phones or smart phones) and game controllers for playing video games may need to be held and/or displayed for a number of reasons. For example, a mobile telephone and, in particular, a smart phone having a screen can be held so as to display to a user a video being displayed on the screen. Game controllers, on the other hand, whilst not generally needing to be displayed during use, can be retained on a holder in order to tidy them away, and prevent their wires from becoming tangled. Such electronic device holders can have aesthetic appeal. For example, they may comprise a famous character from television, film or video games and will be purchased for their novelty and/or aesthetic appeal.

[0003] Therefore, according to the present invention there is provided an electronic device holder for displaying the electronic device to a user comprising: a plinth comprising a base to stand on a surface, an upper surface, and a continuous solid wall between the base and upper surface; the figurine mounted to the upper surface of the plinth; a shelf comprising a first part disposed between the upper surface of the plinth and the figurine, and a second part hingedly mounted to the first part, wherein the second part of the shelf is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position where it may in use support an electronic device and display it to a user. [0004] The electronic device may be a mobile or smart telephone or a game controller.

[0005] The shelf may be rotatable relative to the plinth and figurine. This will ensure that the shelf can be moved out of the way when the device holder is not being used to display an electronic device. This may be in order to display the figurine without the shelf for aesthetic purposes, so that the view of the figurine to the user can be altered or so that the shelf can be stowed away when the device holder is packaged and on display. Rotation of the shelf also means that a user can chose where their electronic device is displayed in relation to the figurine.

[0006] The base of the plinth may comprise a flange extending beyond the side wall of the plinth. Such a flange will provide additional support for the device holder whilst it is holding an electronic device. The flange may extend a uniform distance from the side wall or may extend an unequal distance. For example, the flange may extend further in front of where the electronic device will normally be held so that the centre of gravity of the electronic device being held is above the flange rather than the surface on which the device holder is resting so as to prevent the device holder from tipping. The base and plinth may both have a generally round cross section, but the plinth may be disposed off-centre with respect to the base.

[0007] The plinth may be any shape such as being generally cylindrical, cuboid, frustoconical, elliptic cylinder, or may have a shape that is related to the figurine, for example, it may comprise the legs or lower half of a character or may, for example, be a column or have another decorative/profiled appearance. [0008] The upper surface of the plinth may be connected to the figurine with a male and female attachment. In some embodiments, the plinth comprises the male attachment at an upper surface thereof and a lower surface of the figurine, where it is connected to the plinth, may comprise the female attachment. Alternative attachment means may be employed instead. In addition to the male and female attachment, the figurine may be adhered to the plinth with a glue. [0009] The first part of the shelf may comprise an aperture positioned about the male member to permit rotational movement of the shelf relative to the plinth and figurine. For example, the first part of the shelf, which may be a relatively planar member with an aperture having a diameter slightly larger than that of the male member, may be positioned over the male member before the figurine or the part having the female member is connected, therefore allowing rotation of the shelf if desired. The male member and female members may be proportioned such that when connected, a gap is provided between the figurine and plinth. The first part of the shelf may sit within the gap in order that it may freely rotate. [0010] The male member and the aperture of the first part may have a circular cross section to permit relative rotation.

[0011] The hinge mounting the first part to the second part of the shelf may comprise a barrel hinge and the first part and second part of the shelf may comprise hinge leaves and interlocking knuckles connected with a pin. Other known hinge mechanisms may be employed instead. The knuckles on one or both of the first or second parts of the shelf may comprise an abutment, said abutment positioned to abut the leaf of the opposed part such that further movement of the hinge is prevented. Providing the abutment ensures that the hinge may be moved between the retracted and deployed position, but not beyond the deployed position, and also to support the weight of the electronic device when being held. Alternatively, the pin may comprise a threaded end and be provided with a nut in threaded connection thereto, wherein in use tightening the nut tightens the hinge and maintains the position of the first and second parts of the shelf relative to one another. Such an arrangement will mean that the angle of the shelf can be altered to change the angle at which the electronic device is presented to the user. This may also be advantageous when a plurality of different devices are individually retained, such as a game controller as compared to a mobile or smart telephone.

[0012] Alternatively, the first and second parts of the shelf may be mounted with a ratchet and pawl mechanism. This mechanism will advantageously also be able to retain the shelf at a number of different angles and the ratchet and pawl will also support the weight of the electronic device. Means will also be provided to release the pawl so that the shelf can be moved to the retracted position.

[0013] The second part of the shelf may comprise a retaining member at an end distal to the hinge to support an electronic device in use. The retaining member may be an upturned lip at the end of the second part of the shelf, against which the device will rest. The second part may be bifurcated and comprise two prongs which may have upturned ends to provide support in use to an electronic device. Such a bifurcated second part may be advantageous in that a gap provided between the two prongs could permit a cable on a game controller to extend therethrough. Similarly, a device such as a mobile telephone, if held at a particular orientation, could have a charging cable extending down through the gap between the two prongs.

[0014] If provided, the upturned lip will be long enough to support games controllers and smart phones, which often have curved surfaces.

[0015] The second part may comprise a resilient coating such as a plastics or rubberised finish to protect and provide a friction grip with the device being held. Alternatively, padded members can be attached to the retaining member, such as rubber cushions or similar which will also provide a friction grip and support for the device being held.

[0016] The second part may have a length sufficient to retain known games controllers and telephones when positioned horizontally.

[0017] The angle of the deployed position, when not adjustable with a threaded pin or ratchet mechanism, may be optimised to ensure that the electronic device is safely retained without falling off, but also at an angle that displays the electronic device to a user.

[0018] The electronic device holder may further comprise a collar disposed between the shelf and the figurine. The collar may be of a similar cross sectional shape as the plinth to give the impression that it an extension of the plinth, or it could have visual similarities to the figurine, or it could be distinct from both the plinth and the figurine. This permits greater immersion into the story of the figurine. Advantageously, the collar permits rotation of the shelf where the figurine has an undulating underside, so as to provide clearance between the underside of the figurine and the shelf

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of electronic device holder according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 shows and exploded view of the electronic device holder of Figure 1 ; [0022] Figures 3 a-e shows perspective views of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 with the shelf rotated relative to the plinth and figurine and also moved between the deployed and retracted positions;

[0023] Figure 4 a-e shows side views of the arrangement of shelf as shown in Figures 3 a-e;

[0024] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of Figures 1-4 in packaging;

[0025] Figure 6 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 5;

[0026] Figure 7 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of shelf;

[0027] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a completed shelf as shown in Figure 7 in a deployed position;

[0028] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional side view of the shelf of Figures 7 and 8;

[0029] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the shelf of Figure 8 in a retracted position;

[0030] Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional side view of the shelf of Figure 10;

[0031] Figure 12 shows an exploded view of an alternative shelf;

[0032] Figure 13 shows an perspective view of the shelf of Figure 12 in a deployed position;

[0033] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional side view of the shelf of Figure 13 in a deployed position;

[0034] Figure 15 shows an exploded view of an alternative shelf;

[0035] Figure 16 shows the shelf of Figure 15 in a retracted position;

[0036] Figure 17 shows the shelf of Figure 16 in a first deployed position; and [0037] Figure 18 shows the shelf of Figures 16 and 17 in a second retracted position.

[0038] With reference first to Figures 1-2 there is shown an electronic device holder generally indicated 100 comprising a figurine generally indicated 110, a plinth generally indicated 120, a collar generally indicated 140 and a shelf generally indicated 150. The plinth 120 comprises a flange base generally indicated 130, an upper surface 122 and a continuous side wall 124. As best shown in Figure 2 the shelf 150 comprises a first part 160 and a second part 170, connected with a hinge generally indicated 200. The hinge is connected with an assembled with a pin 180 and retaining cap 190.

[0039] The base is generally round having a diameter of 10.5 cm and depth of 1 .8 cm.

[0040] As shown in Figures 3a-e and Figures 4a-e, the second part 170 of the shelf 150 is movable about the hinge 200 between a retracted position as shown in figures 3a, 3e, 4a and 4d and a deployed position as shown in figures 3b, 3c, 3d, 4b, 4c and 4e. When in the retracted position the shelf may support an electronic device such as a mobile telephone or a game controller. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3a-3e and 4a-4e the first part 160 of the shelf 150 is rotatable relative to the figurine 110 and plinth 120.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 the device holder 100 may be displayed in packaging 210 comprising a window 220, through which a potential purchaser may view the figurine 110 and its plinth 120. For that reason the figurine and the plinth and collar 140 will have aesthetic appeal whereas the shelf 150 and in particular the second part 170 lack such aesthetic appeal and may be therefore rotated behind the figurine 110 in the retracted position where they will not be viewable through the window 220.

[0042] The shelf 150 of Figures 1 -6 is shown in clearer detail in Figures 7-11. The first part 160 comprises a planar piece which may be constructed from metal or plastic material which has a rounded end 230 and having an aperture 240. The rounded end 230 has a footprint that mirrors or is less than the lower surface of the figurine at 110 and/or collar 140 and plinth 120 which it is disposed between in use. As shown in Figure 2 the plinth 120 comprises an upstanding spherical male member 250. The first part 160 of the shelf 150 is disposed on the plinth 120 and the male member 250 extends through the aperture 240. So that the shelf 150 may rotate relative to the plinth 120 and/or collar 140 and/or figurine 110, the diameter of the aperture 240 is slightly larger than that of the male member 250, although the snugness of the fit will depend upon the ease at which it is desired for the shelf to be rotated. The collar 140 comprises an endless side wall 142 and a base 144 disposed approximately halfway between the upper side and underside of the side wall 142. The underside of the collar 140 comprises a first aperture (not shown) defined by the sidewall 142 and the underside of the base 144 to receive the male member 250. The first aperture is round so as to permit rotation of the collar 140 relative to the plinth 120. A second aperture, generally indicated 146, is defined by the side wall 142 and the upper side of the base 144. The second aperture 146 is not completely round and includes a flattened side edge 148. The second aperture corresponds with an extension (not shown) on the underside of the figurine 110. When assembled, the extension is disposed within the second aperture 146 and is glued into place. It is not desirable for the figurine 110 to be rotated relative to the collar 140, which is why the second aperture 146 is not round.

[0043] The first part 160 further comprises a hinged end 270 comprising a knuckle 280 having an aperture for receiving pin 180. The hinged end 270 as best shown in Figure 9 is angled with an upper surface of the first part extending beyond that of the lower surface of the first part 160 so that the end 270 is at an angle to the vertical when the first part is horizontal.

[0044] The second part 170 is bifurcated into two prongs 290. Both prongs 290 comprise an upstanding lip 300. Between the prongs is defined a space 310. In use, an electronic device is supported by the second part 170 with the body of the device resting against an upper surface 320 of the second part 170. A lower part of the electronic device is supported by the upstanding lips 300 of prongs 290. In cases where the device being held has a wire extending from the middle of the device, the wire can extend down through the space 310 defined by the prongs 290. The second part 170 may be coated in a rubberised or plasticised material to offer a friction grip with the electronic device and to protect it when being place onto the shelf 150. The prongs are 8 cm apart, which is sufficient to fit between the palm grips of most known game controllers.

[0045] Distal to the two 290 is a hinge member comprising two knuckles indicated 330. The knuckles 330 are spaced apart so as to receive the knuckle 280 of the first part 160 therebetween. As shown in Figure 8, the knuckles 330 and 280 interlock and the pin 180 can be placed through apertures in the knuckles 330 and 280 to close the hinge 200, and the end cap 190 is then applied to the end of the pin 180 to secure the pin. [0046] As most clearly shown in Figures 7 and 9, the knuckles 330 of the second part 170 comprises an abutment 340 and above this is a generally flat part 350 as shown in Figure 9. The second part 170 has been rotated about hinge 200 to the retracted position. The flat part 350 of the knuckles 330 of the second part 170 and the abutment 340 abut the angled end 270 of the first part 160 to retain the second part in the deployed position and also provide support to an electronic device when held. The hinge 200 may provide a degree of resilience and the rounded part of the knuckles of 330 might extend beyond the gap between the knuckles 330 and the first part 160 such that force may be required to move the second part 170 between the retracted and the deployed positions. [0047] Figures 10 and 11 show the shelf 150 in the retracted position where the second part 170 has been raised relative to the vertical and the prongs 290 are raised up as shown in, for example, Figures 5 and 6, where they may be tucked up against the figurine 110. Although not shown in figure 11 , the knuckle 330 of the second part 170 may have a further flat part to rest against the angled part 270 of the first part 160 to retain the second part 170 in the retracted position and not have it fall down into the deployed position.

[0048] Figures 12-14 show a variation on the shelf 150 which further includes padded members 360 which may be adhered to the crook of the prongs 280 and 290 to provide cushioning to an electronic device when it is held.

[0049] Figures 15-18 show a variation on the shelf 150 where the pin 180 is replaced with a pin 370, and the knuckles of the hinge are different, as will be explained later. Otherwise, like Figure numbers will be used. Pin 370 comprises a shaft 380 to extend through the apertures in the knuckles 280 and 330 and the shaft 380 having a first end 390 which may be knurled for gripping by a user and a second end 400 being threaded. A cap 410 is provided with a counter thread for attachment to the threaded end 400 of the shaft 380. As shown in Figures 16-18, the second part 170 may be moved relative to the first part 160 to a retracted position as shown in Figure 16 and examples of retracted position are shown in Figure 17 and Figure 18. It is shown that the knuckles 420 and 430 of the first and second parts 160 and 170 are completely rounded and do not comprise an abutment to permit free rotation of the second part 170 relative to the first part 160 to any desired position. When a user wishes to retain the second part 170 relative to the first part 160 they can tighten the pin 370 by twisting the end cap 410 or the first end 390 of the pin 370 to grip the knuckles 420, 430 of the hinge together to prevent relative movement of the first and second parts 160, 170 and provide support to an electronic device being held.

Claims

1. An electronic device holder for displaying an electronic device to a user comprising: a plinth comprising a base to stand on a surface, an upper surface, and a continuous side wall between the base and upper surface; a figurine mounted to the upper surface of the plinth; a shelf comprising a first part disposed between the upper surface of the plinth and the figurine, and a second part hingedly mounted to the first part, wherein the second part of the shelf is moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position where it may in use support an electronic device and display it to a user.

2. An electronic device holder as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the shelf is rotatable relative to the plinth and figurine.

3. An electronic device holder as claimed in any claim 1 or claims 2, wherein the base of the plinth comprises a flange extending beyond the side wall of the plinth.

4. An electronic device holder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the upper surface of the plinth is connected to the figurine with a male-female attachment.

5. An electronic device holder as claimed in claims 4, wherein the first part of the shelf comprises an aperture positionable about the male member to permit rotational movement of the shelf relative to the plinth and figurine.

6. An electronic device holder as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the hinge mounting the first part to the second part of the shelf comprises a barrel hinge, and the first part and second part of the shelf comprise hinge leaves and interlocking knuckles connected with a pin.

7. An electronic device holder as claimed in claim 6, wherein the knuckles on one or both of the first or second parts of the shelf comprise an abutment, said abutment in use abutting the leaf of the opposed part such that further movement of the hinge is prevented.

8. An electronic device holder as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pin has a threaded end and a nut in threaded connection, and wherein in use tightening the end cap tightens the hinge and maintains the relative position of the first and second parts of the shelf to one another.

9. An electronic device holder as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the first and second parts of the shelf are mounted with a ratchet and pawl mechanism.

10. An electronic device holder as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the second part of the shelf comprises a retaining member at an end distal to the hinge to support an electronic device in use.

11. As claimed in claim 10, wherein the second part is bifurcated, comprising two prongs with upturned ends to provide support in use to an electronic device.

12. An electronic device holder as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the second part comprises a resilient coating.

13. An electronic device holder as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a collar disposed between the shelf and the figurine.