GB2561071A

GB2561071A - A tablet or mobile phone holder for a stroller, baby buggy, or similar

Info

Publication number: GB2561071A
Application number: GB1802261.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Ahmed Gary
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-02-13
Filing date: 2018-02-12
Publication date: 2018-10-03
Also published as: GB201702326D0; GB201802261D0

Abstract

Tablet or mobile phone holder 1 for a stroller, comprising an elongate, flexible main body 2 with a frame clamp 3 at a first and a device clamp 4 at a second end, wherein the main body is able to retain its shape while supporting the weight of the body, the device clamp and a device held thereby; and the frame clamp comprises a tongue (6, fig. 2) forming an adjustable-size closed loop in use. The main body is preferably in the form of a flexible, gooseneck arm. The frame clamp may further comprise a body (7, fig. 2) with a tongue- or strap-receiving slot for forming the loop and a releasable ratchet mechanism. The device clamp is preferably U-shaped, with a flat central portion and a pair of end clamps (14, fig. 5a) inwardly biased by a sprung bracket (15, fig. 5b-c). Both the frame and the device clamp can assume various orientations with respect to the gooseneck arm ends thanks to a universal joint (10, fig. 2) and a ball joint (18, fig. 4) respectively. The holder allows secure attachment of a tablet or smartphone to a pram without the risk of it being dropped and damaged.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: A tablet or mobile phone holder for a stroller, baby buggy, or similar Abstract Title: Tablet or mobile phone holder for mounting on pushchair (57) Tablet or mobile phone holder 1 for a stroller, comprising an elongate, flexible main body 2 with a frame clamp 3 at a first and a device clamp 4 at a second end, wherein the main body is able to retain its shape while supporting the weight of the body, the device clamp and a device held thereby; and the frame clamp comprises a tongue (6, fig. 2) forming an adjustable-size closed loop in use. The main body is preferably in the form of a flexible, gooseneck arm. The frame clamp may further comprise a body (7, fig. 2) with a tongue- or strap-receiving slot for forming the loop and a releasable ratchet mechanism. The device clamp is preferably U-shaped, with a flat central portion and a pair of end clamps (14, fig. 5a) inwardly biased by a sprung bracket (15, fig. 5b-c). Both the frame and the device clamp can assume various orientations with respect to the gooseneck arm ends thanks to a universal joint (10, fig. 2) and a ball joint (18, fig. 4) respectively. The holder allows secure attachment of a tablet or smartphone to a pram without the risk of it being dropped and damaged.

Γ” I

FIG.

A Tablet or Mobile Phone Holder For a Stroller, Baby Buggy, Or Similar

FIELD

The present invention relates to a tablet or mobile phone holder for a stroller, baby buggy, or similar. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tablet or mobile phone holder for a stroller, baby buggy, or similar that is fully adjustable, and which attaches securely and safely to the stroller, baby buggy, or similar, and allows secure and safe attachment of a tablet or mobile phone.

BACKGROUND

The parents or carers of babies, toddlers, and small children will often take children out of the home and immediate local area in order to go to a play area or park, to run errands, or similar. As babies cannot walk, and small children tire easily, it is common for the carer to use a buggy, stroller or similar to transport the child for at least part ofthe distance, and to transport other items such as shopping, coats, nappy bags and spare clothes, etc.

Small children can become fractious and upset, especially when tired, and a carer may not have sufficient time or be immediately available to attend to them. Toys that can attach to a buggy are often used to entertain and distract a child, with the toys securely connected to the buggy so that that these do not get dropped and lost while on a journey.

There is a wide range of audiovisual media aimed at children, which is used for entertainment and education, and which can be accessed via a mobile phone, tablet, or similar media device. Generally, these types of devices can only safely be used when the child is in a static location such as for example at home, or when they are at a park, cafe or similar. If used in a buggy, these devices can easily get dropped, and lost or broken. Products currently available for holding media devices are intended mainly for use with furniture such as tables/ bed frames or similar, and use connectors such as metal sprung pegs or similar to attach to the furniture. These types of connector are not suitable for holding devices securely on moving objects such as a stroller, which are subject to knocks and jolting during movement. These types of design also present a safety issue due to their potential to trap hands or fingers.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tablet or mobile phone holder for a stroller which goes some way to overcoming the above mentioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice.

The term “comprising” as used in this specification and indicative independent claims means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting each statement in this specification and indicative independent claims that includes the term “comprising”, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be interpreted in the same manner.

As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

Accordingly, in an aspect the present invention may broadly be said to consist in a tablet or mobile phone holder for a stroller, comprising: an elongate and flexible main body; a frame clamp at a first end of the main body; a device clamp at a second end of the main body, configured to securely hold a mobile device or tablet; the main body configured to support the weight of the body, the device clamp and a device held by the clamp; the frame clamp comprising a tongue configured to form an adjustable-size closed loop in use. An advantage of a frame clamp of this configuration is that it is safer for small children as there is less risk of fingers or skin being trapped or pinched.

In an embodiment, the frame clamp further comprises a tongue receiving body, the tongue integral with and extending from the tongue receiving body, a slot formed through the tongue receiving body, the free end of the tongue entering the slot to form the closed loop.

In an embodiment, the tongue receiving body further comprises a one-way mechanism that allows the tongue to move inwards through the slot but not outwards.

In an embodiment, the one-way mechanism comprises a releasable ratchet mechanism.

In an embodiment, the tablet or mobile phone further comprises at least one non-slip cuff located on the tongue.

In an embodiment, the at least one non-slip cuff is formed from rubber.

In an embodiment, the frame clamp further comprises a universal joint configured to connect with the first end of the main body.

In an embodiment, the universal joint comprises a male connector configured to allow releasable connection with the first end of the main body.

In an embodiment, the male connector comprises a threaded extension.

In an embodiment, the male connector comprises a ball joint.

In an embodiment, the device clamp comprises a u-shaped main body with a flat central portion onto which a device locates in use, and a pair of end clamps at each end of the flat central portion, the overall length of the central portion adjustable.

In an embodiment, the end clamps are inwardly biased.

In an embodiment, the tablet or mobile phone holder further comprises a sprung bracket configured to inwardly bias the end clamps.

In an embodiment, the device clamp further comprises a quick release means configured to allow release of the end clamps from a fixed position so that the position of the end clamps can be adjusted.

In an embodiment, the tablet or mobile phone holder further comprises gripping material on the surface of the central portion.

In an embodiment, the gripping material is rubber.

In an embodiment, one of the end clamps further comprises a female connector configured to connect with a second end of the main body.

In an embodiment, the main body further comprises a ball joint ball extending from the u-shaped main body and configured to located into a corresponding aperture on the second end of the elongate and flexible main body.

In an embodiment, the female connector comprises a threaded recess.

In an embodiment, the device clamp is configured to accommodate devices of up to 80mm width.

In an embodiment, the main body comprises a gooseneck arm.

In an embodiment, the first end comprises a female connector portion.

In an embodiment, the female connector portion comprises a threaded recess.

In an embodiment, the female connector portion comprises a ball joint socket.

In an embodiment, the second end comprises a ball joint with a male connector portion extending therefrom.

In an embodiment, the male connector portion comprises a threaded protrusion extending from the outer end thereof.

In an embodiment, the tablet or mobile phone holder further comprises a padded sleeve that extends along at least part of the length of the main body.

In an embodiment, the sleeve material comprises a fire retardant material.

In an embodiment, the sleeve material is coloured and or patterned.

In an embodiment, the main body is substantially 450mm long.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings which show an embodiment of the device by way of example, and in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of the tablet or mobile phone holder for a stroller of the present invention, the holder having a central elongate and flexible main body, a frame clamp at one end for removably and securely connecting the holder to a stroller, and a device clamp at the other end for securely and adjustably holding a media device such as a tablet or mobile phone.

Figure 2 shows a detail side view of the frame clamp of the device of figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a detail perspective view of the frame clamp of figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 shows a detail side view of the device clamp and the device clamp end of the main body, of the holder of figure 1.

Figure 5a shows a perspective view form above and to one side of the device clamp of figures 1 and 4.

Figure 5b shows a top view of a sprung bracket that forms part of the device clamp of figure 5a, and which allows adjustment of the device clamp to accommodate different sizes of media device, the device shown in compact form for grasping smaller-size media devices in this figure.

Figure 5c shows the sprung bracket of figure 5b, extended for grasping larger-size media devices.

Figure 6a - 6d show the operation of the frame clamp of figures 2 and 3, the frame clamp being used to connect the holder to the frame of a buggy.

Figure 7 shows the holder in use, connected to the frame of a buggy, with the main body of the device extending upwards and away from the frame clamp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the tablet or mobile phone holder for a stroller of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures.

The holder 1 comprises three main parts: a central elongate and flexible main body

2, a frame clamp 3 at a first end of the main body 2, and a device clamp 4 at the second end of the main body 2.

The frame clamp 3 removably and securely connects the holder 1 to a stroller in use. The device clamp 4 securely and adjustably holds a media device such as a tablet or mobile phone close to and in front of a child seated in the stroller. The main body 2 extends between the frame clamp 3 and device clamp 4 and as outlined above is elongate and flexible, so as to allow positional adjustment of the device clamp 4 relative to the fixed position of the frame clamp 3.

The three parts shall now be described in detail.

Main body

The main body 2 of the device 3 is a gooseneck arm - that is, a fully flexible multisegment body that can be bent by a user into a curve in any and multiple directions along it's length, an example of which is shown in figure 9. Once bent into the required shape, the main body remains in position - that is, it supports it's own weight, the weight of the device clamp 4, and a device in the device clamp 4, without sagging or bending under the combined weight. This allows full positional adjustment of a media device held by the device clamp 4, to allow the best viewing position and angle for any particular child, buggy or scenario. A padded sleeve extends along the full length of the main body 2. The material that forms the sleeve is patterned in a manner that is aesthetically aimed at children. For example, bright colours, animal prints, etc. The material used for the sleeve 5 is fire retardant. The sleeve can be formed from neoprene, or a similar material.

In this embodiment, the first end of the main body has a threaded recess (female connector portion) aligned with the axis at the end (i.e. along the body at the end, or if the body was fully straightened). The second end has a ball joint 18 with a threaded protrusion (male connector portion) extending from the outer end thereof.

In this embodiment, the main body 2 or gooseneck is 450mm in length. The length is intended to allow the device to be positioned out of the reach of smaller children in use. For older children, the body 2 can be bent to allow a device to be positioned closer and within reach so that they may operate the device.

Frame Clamp

The frame clamp 4 allows the holder 1 to be securely connected to the frame tubes of a buggy, and to be removed and repositioned as required.

The frame clamp 4 comprises a tongue 6 and a tongue receiving body 7, formed as a unitary item. The tongue 6 is integral with and extends from one side of the tongue receiving body 7, which in this embodiment is cuboid. A slot 12 is formed through the tongue receiving body 7, with the free end of the tongue 6 looped around and pushed into the slot 12 on the opposite side of the tongue receiving body 7 from the integral side (that side on which it connects to and extends from the body). A releasable ratchet mechanism in the body 7 allows the tongue 6 to move through the slot 12 but not to move in the opposite direction. A ratchet release button 8 on the side of the body 7 allows the ratchet to be released to release the tongue 6. As can be seen in figures 2 and 3, and in particular figures 6a - 6d, this allows the tongue 6 to be looped around to connect in a closed loop. This loop can be formed around a frame tube on a buggy, with the loop shortened by pushing the tongue 6 through the body 7, so that the tongue is tight around the frame tube and holds the frame clamp 4 securely in position. Nonslip rubber cuffs 9 can be placed on the tongue 6 to aid clamping and to prevent scratching of the metal or plastic stroller frame. This mechanism is secure and cannot easily be released by a small child, and removes the risk of a child's fingers or skin getting trapped. This mechanism allows the holder 1 to be quickly attached, adjusted and removed as necessary, by releasing the tongue via the release button 8.

A universal joint 10 extends from the top of the frame clamp 4, the outer end of the universal joint 10 formed as a threaded extension 11 (male connector) that allows the first end of the main body 2 to be releasably connected to the frame clamp 4 via the threaded recess (female connector) and the threaded extension (male connector).

Device Clamp

The device clamp 4 acts as a smartphone or tablet holder. The device clamp 4 comprises a u-shaped main body 13 that has a flat central portion 16 onto which a device is located in use, and two end clamps 14 that extend upwards at the ends of the flat central portion 16. The overall length of the central portion 16 can be increased from a default or minimum by pulling the end portions apart, a sprung bracket 15 at the rear of the device clamp acting to pull the end clamps 14 back inwards to the minimum or default length. The surface of the central portion 16 is coated in rubber or similar gripping material. In use a tablet or mobile device is placed on the surface of the central portion 16 , with its rear surface in contact with the gripping rubber. The sprung bracket 15 pulls the end clamps 14 inwards against two opposed edges of the mobile device, to hold it in position. The sprung bracket minimises the risk of entrapment of fingers. The bracket can accommodate devices between 55mm and up to 80mm wide.

The device clamp further comprises a quick release button, that when depressed, releases the end clamps from a fixed position so that the position of the end clamps can be adjusted.

A threaded recess 17 (female connector portion) is located on the outer side of the one of the end portions, aligned with the longer axis of the u-shaped main body 13. In use, this connects with the second end of the main body 2 via the ball joint and threaded protrusion 18 (male connector portion) on the end.

In use, the holder 1 is connected to a stroller via the frame clamp 3. The main body 2 or arm is bent as required so that a tablet or mobile device held by the device clamp 4 is positioned as required (close to and in front of a small child sitting in the stroller). The main body 2 extends between the frame clamp 3 and device clamp 4 and as outlined above is elongate and flexible, so as to allow positional adjustment of the device clamp 4 relative to the fixed position of the frame clamp 3. This allows the child to view multimedia content unaided and hands-free, without the risk of dropping the tablet or mobile device. A device as described also minimises the risk of finger or skin entrapment or pinching.

In variations of the embodiment described above, and as shown in figures 10-12, the outer end of the universal joint 10 can be formed as a second or outer ball joint (as shown in figures 10a and 10b), rather than as a threaded extension as described above.

A further variation is shown in figures 11a and 11b. In this variation, the threaded recess 17 is replaced by a ball joint ball that extends from the underside of the main body 13. As shown in figures 11a and 11b, the ball joint locates into a recess formed in the second end of the main body 2, and is held in place in he recess by a sleeve that locates over the second end, the sleeve screwed or bolted into position.

Claims

1. A tablet or mobile phone holder for a stroller, comprising: an elongate and flexible main body;

a frame clamp at a first end of the main body;

a device clamp at a second end of the main body, configured to securely hold a mobile device or tablet;

the main body configured to support the weight of the body, the device clamp and a device held by the clamp;

the frame clamp comprising a tongue configured to form an adjustable-size closed loop in use.

2. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame clamp further comprises a tongue receiving body, the tongue integral with and extending from the tongue receiving body, a slot formed through the tongue receiving body, the free end of the tongue entering the slot to form the closed loop.

3. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in claim 2 wherein the tongue receiving body further comprises a one-way mechanism that allows the tongue to move inwards through the slot but not outwards.

4. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in claim 3 wherein the one-way mechanism comprises a releasable ratchet mechanism.

5. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 further comprising at least one non-slip cuff located on the tongue.

6. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in claim 5 wherein the at least one non-slip cuff is formed from rubber.

7. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the frame clamp further comprises a first universal joint configured to connect with the first end of the main body.

8. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in claim 7 wherein the universal joint comprises a male connector configured to allow releasable connection with the first end of the main body.

9. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in claim 8 wherein the male connector comprises a threaded extension.

10. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in claim 7 wherein the frame clamp further comprises a second universal joint configured to connect to the body of the frame clamp.

11. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the device clamp comprises a u-shaped main body with a flat central portion onto which a device locates in use, and a pair of end clamps at each end of the flat central portion, the overall length of the central portion adjustable.

12. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in claim 11 wherein the end clamps are inwardly biased.

13. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in claim 12 further comprising a sprung bracket configured to inwardly bias the end clamps.

14. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 further comprising gripping material on the surface of the central portion.

15. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in claim 14 wherein the gripping material is rubber.

16. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15 wherein one of the end clamps further comprises a female connector configured to connect with a second end of the main body.

17. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in claim 16 wherein the female connector comprises a threaded recess.

18. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15 wherein the main body further comprises a ball joint ball extending from the u-shaped main body and configured to located into a corresponding aperture on the second end of the elongate and flexible main body.

19. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein the device clamp is configured to accommodate devices of up to 80mm width.

20. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein the main body comprises a gooseneck arm.

21. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in claim 20 wherein the first end comprises a female connector portion.

22. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in claim 21 wherein the female connector portion comprises a threaded recess.

23. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22 wherein the second end comprises a ball joint with a male connector portion extending therefrom.

24. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in claim 23 wherein the male connector portion comprises a threaded protrusion extending from the outer end thereof.

25. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 24 further comprising a padded sleeve that extends along at least part of the length of the main body.

26. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in claim 25 wherein the sleeve material comprises a fire retardant material.

27. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26 wherein the sleeve material is coloured and or patterned.

28. A tablet or mobile phone holder as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 27 wherein the main body is substantially 450mm long.

29. A tablet or mobile phone holder substantially as herein described with reference to the figures.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1802261.6 Examiner: Mr Ioannis Papakostas