WO2010005517A1

WO2010005517A1 - Universal wrist-forearm docking station for mobile electronic devices

Info

Publication number: WO2010005517A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/003883
Authority: WO
Inventors: Walt Froloff
Original assignee: Walt Froloff
Priority date: 2008-06-30
Filing date: 2009-06-30
Publication date: 2010-01-14
Also published as: EP2306861A4; EP2306861A1; US20090321483A1; WO2010005517A8

Abstract

The present invention discloses a universal wrist-forearm docking station and carrier for mobile electronic device(s). An embodiment of the universal wrist-forearm docking station and carrier for a mobile electronic device comprises a base component attachable to a wrist-forearm with a degree of freedom of placement rotatably and longitudinally along the wrist-forearm axis, a flat flexible male-female component rotatably coupled to the base, and a flexible female-male mate component with two sides, one side permanently affixed to a slightly curved or flat back surface of the mobile device, serving as the female-male mate to the male-female rotatable component, such that a mobile device is removably coupled to the docking station which is adjustably coupled to the wrist-forearm, providing mobile device adjustability for placement of the mobile device rotatably about a base perpendicular as well as rotatably and longitudinally about the forearm axis for device function preferred position.

Description

UNIVERSAL WRIST-FOREARM DOCKING STATION FOR MOBILE

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

BACKGROUND

[0001] Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to mobile electronic device carriers and specifically to a device carrier with support functions for aiding in the mobile devices portable use.

[0003] The mobile cell phone to PC ratio has exceed four the ratio is increasing. These currently number nearly a billion cell phones per year. In addition to cell phones, all manner of wireless smart phones, PDAs, Internet devices with keyboards, GPS, text messaging devices, etc. Mobile electronic devices are increasing exponentially in the market place. In addition, many mobile devices are not necessarily wireless communication devices such as MP3 players with audio and or video. Some of these devices have novel use and some are displacing many functions which are currently done by non-mobile devices.

[0004] There are several categories of mobile phones, from basic phones to feature phones such as music phones and camera phones, to smart phones. The Apple iPhone ® is another example of a multimedia smart phone which is pushing the envelop of mobile device technology. These all have to be carried and some have rubber cases for added protection. The use for smart phones has increases with the types and growing functions offered by each new model. Furthermore some offer artificial horizon to rotate the display on the screen to comply with eye level, because some display functions are better in portrait and some better in landscape. The held use determines an automated display on screen. What is needed is a finer adjustment on eye level, as only the portrait and landscape are provided. [0005] Mobile phones often have features beyond sending text messages and making voice calls, including Internet browsing, music MP3 playback, memo recording, personal organizer functions, e-mail, instant messaging, built-in cameras and camcorders, games, radio, Push-to-Talk (PTT), infrared and Bluetooth connectivity, call registers, ability to watch streaming video or download video for later viewing, video calling and serve as a wireless modem for a PC, and soon will also serve as a console of sorts to online games and other high quality games. The total value of mobile data services exceeds the value of paid services on the Internet, and was worth 31 billion dollars in 2006. The largest categories of mobile services are music, picture downloads, videogaming, adult entertainment, gambling, video/TV. A common characteristic is that these devices are becoming larger and more power hungry. Ways of carrying and operation of these devices with hands free operation is becoming even more difficult as they carry increasingly more functions and features. Ways are needed to more easily carry and interface with the growing number and types of mobile device features and functions.

[0006] Some electronic mobile devices require at least one hand to cradle and sometimes both hands to hold and operate the wireless device, leaving nothing for other functions requiring a hand and or finger(s). Some devices proudly require a thumb for selecting options and buttons, as that is all that is available for operation on their touch screen display. Some devices have full keypads which require two thumb operation. This leaves both hands fully occupied. As more functions and more mobile devices emerge, the hands are too busy, response is sacrificed, operator errors increase with frustration. What is needed are ways to operate electronic devices without the total hands and thumb involvement, freeing them for other tasks.

[0007] Use and Coverage

[0008] The total number of mobile phone subscribers in the world was estimated at 2.14 billion in 2005. The subscriber count reached 2.7 billion by end of 2006 and 3.3 billion by November, 2007, thus reaching an equivalent of over half the planet's population. Around 80% of the world's population has access to mobile phone coverage, as of 2006. This figure is expected to increase to 90% by the year 2010. These all need to be carried in a pouch, holder or pocket. Many are left or forgotten at least once, laying on the desk or table where they were put after that last call. Cell phones require hands on operation. Most need to be recharged precluding mobile use during the "dead time'. What is needed is hands free cell use yet have it remain on their person. Although Blue tooth is heading there and adds expense, and there is market reluctance to jam things in the ear. Many states are making laws enforcing hands-free cell phone operation while driving. What is needed are ways to operate cell phones without holding them.

[0009] More mobile devices are getting keyboards, touch screen as in the popular iPhone and regular miniaturized keys in more compact keyboards. These suffer greatly in plain ergonomic design because they offer a qwerty interface for two thumb or one finger operation. Operation speed and response time suffer. What is needed are utilities which allow hands free fingers free and thumbs free operation.

[0010] There are some mobile device carriers which can be carried on the wrist. Some in wrist pouches and at least one on a wrist band. Although strategically placed for quick access, these suffer from inconvenient use. The must be removed from the pouch, or they cannot be placed at eyelevel or in the most comfortable position for use. The materials used cause body sweat to limit wearing time.

[0011] Some electronic device vendors are using voice command interfaces. While this is helpful, most users still do not apply these and some hand operation is still required to either carry or operate, and or the device's voice response functions are lacking. In addition, most devices must still be carried and the usual candidates are belt pouches and pockets. These require taking out for use and putting back into pocket or holder when not in use, another inconvenience when the operators hands are occupied.

[0012] Some MP3 devices have been increasing in size with the addition of more memory and now video features, but some remain small enough and can be clipped on to arms or various articles of clothing. Some MP3 and video players have maintained or increased the size of devices, and these generally must find another pouch, case, holder or pocket. The pouch or carry case have spawned another industry. This is a wasteful industry because there are no standard size devices, its vender and model unique. What is needed is a pouch or carry case that can fit a variety of devices and models.

[0013] Also as with all mobile devices, they eventually drain the battery of power and need to be recharged. Some mobile devices require more power as they become faster or sport additional features. This is time, which the user gives up use of their device, unless they can use the device while it is recharging as in an automobile with a portable cigarette lighter outlet converter jack plug-in. What is needed are ways to recharge while the device is mobile or in use, so as to reduce the inconvenient device down time for recharging.

[0014] Some jurisdictions are mandating hands free cell phone operation while driving a vehicle for the obvious safety reasons. Thus, hands free operation of mobile electronic devices while operating a vehicle will be compulsory in many places and increasingly so for public safety. This ear phones, blue tooth devices is not a total fix. Many cell phones have speakers for loud mode, but the operation is still inconvenienced as the operator must still look to the device to push the correct button, fumble around while attempting to drive and dial and or select buttons for loudspeaker operation, all the while diverting their eyes from the road ahead. What is needed are ways to operate mobile devices safely while driving vehicles, as some can do both but safety issues will preclude the conventional methods and wireless earphone devices are not going to provide the whole solution.

[0015] Power Supply

[0016] Mobile phones generally obtain power from batteries which can be recharged from a USB port or from mains power or a cigarette lighter socket in a car using an adapter. Lithium-Ion batteries are sometimes used, as they are lighter and do not have the voltage depression that nickel metal-hydride batteries do. Many mobile phone manufacturers have now switched to using lithium-Polymer batteries as opposed to the older Lithium-Ion, the main advantages of this being even lower weight and the possibility to make the battery a shape other than strict cuboid. Mobile phone manufacturers have been experimenting with alternate power sources, including solar cells. The growing number of smartphone features in many cases demands more power. What is needed are other ways to supply and extend battery power life. What is needed are ways to keep our mobile devices powered up and functioning while they are recharging. [0017] Many mobile devices are difficult if not impossible to read in the out doors or under sunlight or glare. What are needed are ways to see the tiny display even in the out door lighting conditions.

[0018] As an individual's mobile devices increase, the belt pouch and or pocket method of transport will become more tedious and limiting. What is needed are other ways of transporting our mobile electronic devices on our person, without inconveniencing ourselves with their transport, handling and use.

[0019]

SUMMARY

[0020] The present invention discloses a universal wrist-forearm docking station. An embodiment of the universal wrist-forearm docking station and carrier for a mobile electronic device comprises a base component attachable to a wrist-forearm with a degree of freedom of placement rotatably and longitudinally along the wrist-forearm axis, a flat flexible male-female component rotatably coupled to the base, and a flexible female-male mate component with two sides, one side permanently affixed to a slightly curved or flat back surface of the mobile device, serving as the female-male mate to the male-female rotatable component, such that a mobile device is removably coupled to the docking station which is adjustably coupled to the wrist-forearm, providing mobile device adjustability for placement of the mobile device rotatably about a base perpendicular as well as rotatably and longitudinally about the forearm axis for device function preferred position.

[0021] Other embodiment features include rotatable component coupled to the base by a ball and socket mechanism, rotator to device coupling through a rotatable component male-female coupling pair consisting of Velcro hook and loop, snaps, flexible clips, adhesive, straps, screws and adhesives and ball-and-socket. Material for the base component include at least partially of flexible fiber materials comprising anti-microbial, sweat wicking and combinations.

[0022] Yet another embodiment includes a base component slide with a slider or extender slidably coupled to the base slide with the rotatable mating element coupled to the distal slider end, such that the mobile device, temporarily attached to the rotatable element mate, is supported at the station adjustably and can be rotated perpendicular or askew to the forearm axis and also extended out to the hand via the slider element along and about the wrist-forearm axis for the use commensurate with device function. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures.

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a universal wrist-forearm docking station with smart phone device and hands free keyboard ready use while hands on steering wheel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric assembly drawing of a universal wrist-forearm docking station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A mobile device 201 back is used to per

[0026] FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of a universal wrist-forearm docking station with an external auxiliary power source in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a slider component with revolving forearm placement, slider extension and coupling component rotation of a universal wrist-forearm docking station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a slider release latch mechanism of a universal wrist-forearm docking station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates the universal wrist-forearm docking station hosting cell phone device and hands free extendable flexible slider for ready hand use in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0030] FIG. 7 illustrates the universal wrist-forearm docking station with a glare shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates the universal wrist-forearm docking station with slider and spring retraction mechanism on a bracelet base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0032] [0033] FIG. 9 illustrates the universal wrist-forearm docking station on a bracelet base with a slider with spring and retraction mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0034]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In the following provisional detailed description of embodiments of the invention, only broad description of the figures are given.

[0036] OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0037] The present invention discloses a universal wrist-forearm docking station and carrier for mobile electronic device. [0038] An objective of the invention is a carrier or holder for any mid to small mobile electronic device, wireless and without.

[0039] Hands free operation of small mobile electronic devices.

[0040] Quick access to device from holder/carrier position.

[0041] Fingers free operation of small keyboard devices

[0042] Universal to devices, accommodation of more than one device.

[0043] Rechargeable while mobile without automobile and cigarette power converter jack.

[0044] Device usable while secondary power is being recharged.

[0045] Exploit renewable energy source such as walking, running, and solar for recharging device without sacrificing device availability for recharging primary power cell. [0046] In another objective of the invention, with sufficiently small and remotely manipulable devices, [0047] It is an object of the present invention, to provide a variety of embodiments from variable low to high end cost stations [0048] Another object of the invention is to have the capability to integrate more than one electronic device on the station. [0049] Another object of the invention is to create standards for carry pouches and cases, to handle the various sizes, models and functions. [0050] Another object of the invention is to drive parts of the porting mechanism to the mobile devices themselves, such that standard snapping or couplings components become built into the mobile device housings or enclosures.

[0051] Embodiments of the Invention

[0052] FIG. 1 illustrates a universal wrist-forearm docking station with smart phone device and hands free keyboard ready use while hands on steering wheel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The smart phone has a querty keyboard 101 and a screen 103, which are combined in some mobile devices using a touch screen, a base which is substantially rectangular 107 coupled to a wrist-forearm via straps 109 attached to and comprising the base. The straps 109 are looped through and cinched by Velcro loop and hook straps to secure the base 107 to the left wrist-forearm 111. This embodiment also illustrates the hands-free nature of the docking station, allowing one finger use of the keyboard 101, or more, without hand holding. A base plate element 105 is shown, which allows for the rotator to pivot the mobile device to a convenient eyelevel position shown. The base plate 105 is sewn into the base 107 fabric which can be of many type of materials, including various synthetics, leather, anti-microbial, sweat wicking and combinations.

[0053] While ear phones and wireless technology provide some hands free operation, a device must be set in proper modes of operation, ear phones or head sets are needed, and function selection occurs through button pushing. Frequently fumbling and feeling for device while eyes maintain contact with the road ahead are the requisite moves. Positioning device on operator wrist-forearm, while hands are on the steering wheel provide operator and driver excellent visibility and virtually hands free operation while eyes are safely on the road ahead. No headset is required and eyes are on the road straight ahead.

[0054] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric assembly drawing of a universal wrist-forearm docking station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A mobile device 201 becomes a candidate for this embodiment with the affixing of a part of a male-female coupling 203, to the back of the device 201. The opposite sex coupling 205 is affixed to the rotator element 211, which is pivotally coupled 209 to the base insert plate 221 via a rivet, screw or pin through center hole 211 in the plate 221. The pin coupling 209 can also be of a ball and socket mechanism, attaching the rotator 211 with the base plate 221.

[0055] The ratable element coupling can be of many male-female coupling such as

Velcro hook and loop, snaps, flexible clips, adhesive, straps, screws and adhesives. The rotatable element mate 203 affixed to the bottom or back side of the mobile device 201, such that the mobile device 201 can be detached from the rotator mate 205, which stay affixed to the rotator 211 , at will.

[0056] The base plate 213 is of thin flexible material which could be plastic, wood, composite, metal allow and combinations. The base 219 holds the base plate 221 firmly inside its material, which can be natural fiber, leather, synthetic and combinations. The base 219 is attached to the wrist by straps 217 which loop through a cinch 215 and fastened onto themselves through Velcro hook and loop, or belts, spring slide clips, and belt fasteners. This also illustrates that hands free porting of the mobile device 201 and easy access a all times.

[0057] FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of a universal wrist-forearm docking station with an external auxiliary power source in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The separate and secondary external electronic battery storage 301 electrically coupled to the mobile device 303 power spigot 309 via electric power circuits for transferring stored secondary battery power301 to the device 303 internal battery. The base material 305 attaches the secondary battery 301 to the mobile device 303 proximity. The base 305 is secured to the wrist vi straps 311 through cinch loops 307.

[0058] The wrist-forearm docking station and carrier is the perfect central exchange for secondary energy sources which can be used to recharge a mobile device, without plugging into the electrical grid. One skilled in the art can couple an energy regenerating device for capturing and converting mechanical motion to electrical power and transferring the power to the mobile device electrical power circuits powering the device. Photo voltaic cells and electronic circuits to harness photovoltaic energy into electrical energy storage for device use can also provide a secondary mobile energy source.

[0059] Self winding watches, various anatomy swinging appendage schemes for recovering electrical energy, various piezoelectric power generator for a portable power supply unit exist. Any of these, including photovoltaic power can be received and stored in an embodiment secondary power storage cell while a subject is mobile, or just in the light with impinging light. Solar arrays worn on the body in various incarnations can plug and play into the secondary power storage, which keeps the electronic device powered to 100% until the secondary power storage needs to be recharged, thus leaving the device primary cell power to continue to allow operation of the device while secondary power cell is being recharged. In thus manner of power management, the device never need be left behind for recharging.

[0060] FIG. 4 illustrates a slider 407 component with revolving forearm placement, slider

411 extension and coupling rotation 405 component of a universal wrist-forearm docking station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A base slide 409 with a supporting slider 407 or extender is slidably coupled to the base slide 409 element with the rotatable mating element 405 coupled to the distal slider end of the slider 407, whereby the mobile device 417 back is rigidly attached to the rotatable element mate 403, supports the mobile device 417 adjustably which can be rotated perpendicular or askew to the forearm axis and also extended out to the hand via the slider element along and about the wrist-forearm axis for the use commensurate with device function. The slide 409 is worn on the wrist-forearm attached by straps 413. The slider 407 is tensioned by a spring 411 which will contract and push the slider 407 when a release mechanism 415 opens from a slider obstruction position. The release mechanism could be a simple spring loaded lever and string to finger attachment, or a sophisticated accelerometer to an electronic relay.

[0061] The slider 407 mechanisms material may be plastic, composite, rubber, elastomeric, semi-flexible, thin metal alloy or combinations. The rotatable element 405 can be coupled by a pin mechanism or with ball and socket coupling to the slider distal end.

[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates a slider release latch mechanism of a universal wrist-forearm docking station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A spring element 509 for the slider quick release 507 lever and retraction. The lever 507 is string pulled through another eyelet 511 to be in parallel with the forearm. The slide 501 provides the support for the level latch which holds the slider 503. These can all be replaced with a release trigger accelerometer and an electrical relay to release the slider.

[0063] FIG. 6 illustrates the universal wrist-forearm docking station hosting cell phone device and hands free extendable flexible slider for ready hand use in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The station then provides device adjustable placement on any forearm axis tangential plane, extension out towards hand or palm, and rotation in the plane of extension. Thus the station provide the maximum in placement, positioning and adjustment along the forearm axis and tangential plane.

[0064] FIG. 7 illustrates the universal wrist-forearm docking station with a glare shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile device 701 has an anti-glare or anti sunlight display washout visor 703 attached to the base 709 via a flexible stem 705. The flexible stem can be plastic, metal, composite or other man made material. The base 709 is secured to the wrist via straps 707.

[0065] FIG. 8 illustrates the universal wrist-forearm docking station with slider and spring retraction mechanism on a bracelet base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A slider 807 is rigidly coupled to a bracelet 809. A slider 803 is slidably engaged with the slide 807, having a stop δl lmechanism to prevent the slider 803 from complete disengagement from the slider 807. A spring 801 is loaded when the slider 807 is retracted and energized to spring towards the slider 807 end. A spring latch mechanism 813 815 817 and 809 is shown. Pulling on the string will compress the spring 816 and release the alternate spring 801 loaded slider. The bracelet can be flexible and adjustable, allowing the wearer to tighten, revolve around the wrist axis or push up and down along the wrist axis.

[0066] Therefore, while the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this invention, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

[0067]

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A universal wrist-forearm docking station and carrier for a mobile electronic device comprising:

a base component attachable to a wrist-forearm with a degree of freedom of placement rotatably and longitudinally along the wrist-forearm axis,

a flat flexible male-female component rotatably coupled to the base,

a flexible female-male mate component with two sides, one side permanently affixed to a slightly curved or flat back surface of the mobile device, serving as the female-male mate to the male-female rotatable component,

whereby a mobile device is removably coupled to the docking station which is adjustably coupled to the wrist-forearm, providing mobile device adjustability for placement of the mobile device rotatably about a base perpendicular as well as rotatably and longitudinally about the forearm axis for device function preferred position.

2. The universal wrist-forearm docking station and carrier in claim 1 further comprising a rotatable component coupled to the base by a ball and socket mechanism.

3. The wrist-forearm docking station and carrier in claim 1 further comprising the rotator to device coupling through a rotatable component male-female coupling pair selected from a group of male-female coupling pairs consisting of Velcro hook and loop, snaps, flexible clips, adhesive, straps, screws and adhesives and ball-and-socket.

4. The universal wrist-forearm docking station and carrier in claim 1 further comprising a base component at least partially of flexible fiber materials comprising anti-microbial, sweat wicking and combinations.

5. The universal wrist-forearm docking station and carrier in claim 1 further comprising a substantially rectangular shaped base from flexible material attached to straps wrapping around the wrist and through a cinch loop for tightening and adjusting the base position along the wrist-forearm axis.

6. The universal wrist-forearm docking station and carrier in claim 1 further comprising a bracelet base of flexible material and attachable for placement adjustably along longitudinal wrist-forearm axis position.

7. The universal wrist-forearm docking station and carrier in claim 1 further comprising a base component slide with a slider or extender slidably coupled to the base slide with the rotatable mating element coupled to the distal slider end, whereby the mobile device, temporarily attached to the rotatable element mate, is supported at the station adjustably and can be rotated perpendicular or askew to the forearm axis and also extended out to the hand via the slider element along and about the wrist-forearm axis for the use commensurate with device function.

8. The wrist-forearm docking station and carrier in claim 7 further comprising slider made of material selected from a group consisting of plastic, composite, rubber, elastomeric, semi-flexible synthetics and thin metal alloy.

9. The wrist-forearm docking station and carrier in claim 7 further comprising the rotator component with ball and socket coupling to the slider distal end.

10. The wrist-forearm docking station and carrier in claim 1 further comprising separate and secondary external electronic battery storage electrically coupled to the electronic device through electric power circuits transferring stored secondary battery power to the device battery storage.

11. The wrist-forearm docking station and carrier in claim 1 further comprising a coupling of an energy regenerating device for capturing and converting mechanical motion to electrical power and transferring the power to the mobile device electrical power circuits powering the device.

12. The wrist-forearm docking station and carrier in claim 1 further comprising photo voltaic cells and electronic circuits to harness photovoltaic energy into electrical energy storage for device use.

13. The wrist-forearm docking station and carrier in claim 1 further comprising a spring element for the slider quick release and retraction.

14. The universal wrist-forearm docking station and carrier in claim 1 further comprising an anti-glare or anti sunlight display washout visor.