Electronic device holder

• US 7,099,467 B1
• Filed: 06/03/2002
• Issued: 08/29/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Computer Incorporated (Apple Inc.)
• Inventors: Rohrbach, Matthew
• Primary Examiner(s): Harold, Jefferey F.
• Application Number:
  US10/162,818
• Time in Patent Office: 1,548 Days
• Field of Search: 379/446, 379/455, 379/454, 379/441, 248/311.2, 248/316.4
• US Class Current: 379/446
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0075 using a containment or docking space
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 15/00 Teaching music metronomes G04F5/02

Abstract

An apparatus that can secure an electronic device and be inserted into a conventional cup holder is described. The cup holder, for example, is inside of an automobile. The electronic device being held can be a variety of devices that include a digital music player. One embodiment of the invention includes a spool about which connecting cable can be wound. Adapting sleeves that fit around the base of the apparatus can be used to adapt electronic device holder to cup holders of different sizes and shapes.

Claims

1. An electronic device holder suitable for securely holding an electronic device and further suitable for managing at least a portion of a cable used to connect the electronic device to an external electrical system, the device comprising:

a pocket component having a pocket suitable for receiving an electronic device;

a base component having cup shape configured to be attached to the pocket component wherein the base component is suitable to be securely inserted into a cup holder; and

wherein the base component includes an interior chamber suitable for storing the cable.

2. An electronic device holder as recited in claim 1 wherein the base component further comprises:

a cable slot that allows a cable to be inserted into the interior chamber of the base component.

3. An electronic device holder as recited in claim 1 wherein the base component has a rubber outer surface that increases the frictional contact between the base component and a cup holder into which the base component can be inserted.

4. An electronic device holder as recited in claim 1 further comprising:

an adapting sleeve having a receiving cavity and an adaptive exterior surface wherein the base component is inserted into the receiving cavity and the adaptive exterior surface is suitable to be securely inserted into a cup holder whereby the adapting sleeve allows the electronic device holder to be secured within cup holders of various sizes and shapes.

5. An electronic device holder as recited in claim 4 wherein the adaptive exterior surface of the adapting sleeve has a contour shape selected from the group consisting of circular, triangular and rectangular.

6. An electronic device holder as recited in claim 1 further comprising a wireless transceiver that is secured within the base component, the wireless transceiver configured to relay signals between the electronic device and an external audio system.

7. An electronic device holder as recited in claim 1 wherein the pocket component is rotatable about the base component after it is attached to the base component.

8. An electronic device holder as recited in claim 1 wherein the pocket includes an access window configured to enhance functionality of the electronic device placed in the pocket.

9. An electronic device holder as recited in claim 1 wherein the pocket is tilted at an angle so that an electronic device positioned in the pocket is tilted at an angle enhancing viewability of the electronic device placed in the pocket.

10. An electronic device holding system comprising:

a cup holder;

an electronic device holder that includes

a cup shaped base component securely inserted into the cup holder, the base component configured to receive a pocket component and configured to include an empty interior chamber and a cable slot;

the pocket component having a pocket suitable for receiving an electronic device, pocket being arranged above the interior chamber when attached with the base component;

an electronic device secured within the pocket of the pocket component, the device including an associated electronic device cable to be inserted into the interior chamber.

11. An electronic device holder as recited in claim 10 wherein the pocket component is rotatable about the base component after it is attached to the base component.

12. An electronic device holder as recited in claim 10 wherein the pocket includes an access window configured to enhance functionality of the electronic device placed in the pocket.

13. An electronic device holder as recited in claim 10 wherein the pocket is tilted at an angle so that an electronic device positioned in the pocket is tilted at an angle enhancing viewability of the electronic device placed in the pocket.

14. An electronic device holder suitable for securely holding an electronic device comprising:

a removable pocket component suitable for ready insertion or removal from a base component, the pocket component having a pocket suitable for receiving an electronic device wherein the pocket is oriented at an angle and includes a cutout portion to enable easy viewing of the electronic device or access to controls of the device;

the base component having cup shape with an opening configured to receive the pocket component and a receptacle for accommodating a power cable associated with the electronic device, wherein a substantial length of the power cable can fit inside said receptacle;

the base component is configured to be securely inserted into a cup holder; and

the electronic device holder including a slot arranged to enable the substantial length of the power cable can fit inside said receptacle and also enable one end of the power cable to connect with the electronic device and another end of the cable to connect with an external power source.