Modular apparatus holder with multipurpose intermediate support member for supporting minicomputers, cell phones and similar apparatus

• US 7,515,709 B2
• Filed: 02/15/2005
• Issued: 04/07/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/26/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Harald Richter
• Original Assignee: Harald Richter
• Inventors: Richter, Harald
• Primary Examiner(s): Kuntz; Curtis
• Assistant Examiner(s): DABNEY, PHYLESHA LARVINIA
• Application Number:
  US11/064,000
• Publication Number:
  US 20060089186A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,512 Days
• Field of Search: 379/420.04, 379/426, 379/449, 379/454, 379/455, 379/429, 379/446, 455/575.9, 455/569.1, 455/569.2, 455/575.1, 248158-160, 248/371, 248/121, 248/429, 248/917, 224/197
• US Class Current: 379/446
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0217 for loud-speakers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0241 for telephones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0247 for microphones or earphones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0252 for personal computers, e.g. laptops, notebooks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0258 for navigation systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0005 Dashboard
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0007 Mid-console
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0026 Windows, e.g. windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0056 using suction cups
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0078 Quick-disconnect two-parts mounting means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0091 the article being mounted on a flexible shaft

Abstract

In a modular holder for supporting an apparatus or instrument such as a minicomputer or a cell phone, comprising a support member with a support head and an apparatus holder supported thereby, an intermediate box is releasably mounted with one side thereof by an engagement structure onto the support head and the apparatus holder is releasably mounted by an identical engagement structure onto another side of the intermediate box and the intermediate box includes at least a loud-speaker for transmitting sound generated by an apparatus engaged by the apparatus holder.

Claims

1. A modular apparatus holder for supporting minicomputers, cell phones and similar apparatus, comprising a support member (2) with a support head (3) an intermediate box (4) releasably mounted with one side thereof by a first engagement structure (8, 7) onto the support head (3) and an apparatus holder (5) releasably mounted by a second engagement structure (8, 7) onto another side of the intermediate box (4), said intermediate box including at least a loudspeaker for transmitting sound generated by an apparatus engaged by the apparatus holder, the second engagement structure being identical with the first engagement structure, so that the apparatus holder (5) can be mounted selectively onto the intermediate box or directly onto the support head (3).

2. A modular apparatus holder according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate box 4 includes an electric power input socket (13) for supplying electric power thereto and an electric power output socket (17) for supplying electric power to an apparatus supported on the apparatus holder (5).

3. A modular apparatus holder according to claim 1, wherein the bottom side of the intermediate box (4) includes openings for transmitting the sound of a speaker disposed within the intermediate box and the underside of the intermediate box includes legs (9) on which the engagement structure is provided so as to support the intermediate box (4) in spaced relationship from the support head (3).

4. A modular apparatus support device according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate, box (4) includes sound volume control means (11) for adjusting the volume of the sound provided by the speaker arranged in the intermediate box (4).

5. A modular apparatus support device according to claim 1, wherein an antenna module (6) with a USB plug (16) is removably mounted onto the intermediate box (4) and the intermediate box (4) includes a USB socket (15) for receiving the USB plug (16) of the antenna module (6).

6. A modular apparatus support device according to claim 4, wherein the antenna module (6) includes an antenna (20) which is rotatably and pivotally supported to permit positioning of the antenna for optimum reception.

7. A modular apparatus support device according to claim 1, wherein the engagement structure includes hook-shaped projections in one of the parts to be interconnected and slot-shaped openings in the other part for receiving the hook-shaped projections.