Support pour smartphone

Abstract

The invention relates to a smartphone holder (1) (32) adapted for mounting next to or between casino slot machines (5a, 5b), comprising: a base (3) for fixing next to a slot machine (5a), or between two adjacent slot machines (5a, 5b), an arm (13) mounted on this base (3), a smartphone receiving tray (31) (32) articulated with three degrees of freedom at the free end of this arm (13). (Fig. 8)

Description

Title of the invention: Smartphone holder

[0001] The present invention relates to a smartphone holder.

[0002] In the context of the present invention, the term "smartphone" refers to a mobile phone that may include additional functionalities in relation to the telephony function, such as messaging, internet browsing, or video or photo viewing functions.

[0003] When a player is in front of a slot machine in a casino, it is common for him to consult his smartphone while playing: he reads his messages, he browses the Internet, he watches videos or photos.

[0004] Generally, the player places his smartphone on the slot machine, or next to it, which is not very practical because there is no place designed to ensure good support and orientation of the smartphone in relation to the player's field of vision.

[0005] The present invention thus aims in particular to provide means to keep a smartphone next to a slot machine in a position which is perfectly suited to visual and physical interactions with the player.

[0006] This objective of the invention is achieved in particular with a smartphone holder adapted to be mounted next to or between casino slot machines, comprising: • a stand designed to be fixed next to a slot machine, or between two adjacent slot machines, • an arm mounted on this stand, • a smartphone receiving platform mounted articulated with three degrees of freedom at the free end of this arm.

[0007] Thanks to these features, a simple and robust design support is obtained, allowing the smartphone to be held in a position that is suitable for the player, both for viewing the information displayed on its screen and for manually interacting with the screen of this smartphone.

[0008] The three degrees of freedom articulation of the smartphone's receiving platform allows it to be oriented in all directions of space, thus offering maximum reading comfort to the player.

[0009] According to other optional features of this support according to the invention, taken alone or in combination:

[0010] - said foot comprises a base and a sleeve mounted to slide on this base and some means of locking the sheath on the foot in one of a plurality of foot heights: this embodiment makes it possible to obtain in a very simple way a height-adjustable foot, and thus to adapt the position of the smartphone to the configuration of the premises;

[0011] - said blocking means comprise branches formed in said base, clamping plates arranged inside said sheath and screws passing through said grooves and cooperating with said clamping plates: such locking means are of a simple design;

[0012] - said arm is fixedly mounted on said sheath;

[0013] - said arm is mounted articulated on said foot and the means of articulation of said arm on said foot include a hinge adapted to vary the inclination of said arm between a storage position and a plurality of service positions, equipped with means of retaining said arm by friction in each of these positions: once the position of the support arm has been adjusted to the player's liking, the latter can simultaneously play on the slot machine and interact with his smartphone in an ergonomic manner;

[0014] - said foot and said arm are dimensioned so that said arm is slightly protrusion relative to the volume of the slot machines when it is in at least some of its service positions: thanks to these geometric characteristics, the support according to the invention makes it possible to position the smartphone in a place which, while allowing good interaction with the player, remains protected from external shocks;

[0015] - this support includes an electrical charging cable for said smartphone, arranged at the inside of said foot and said arm: thanks to these charging means, the support according to the invention makes it possible to ensure the operation of the smartphone for extended periods, and thus the continuity of service while the player is occupied by the slot machines;

[0016] - this support includes an induction charging device connected to said cable electric: such charging methods make it possible to do without any electrical connection to recharge the smartphone;

[0017] - said hinge is of the constant torque type: such a hinge, known per se, ensures constant resistance to changes in the orientation of the support arm by the player, regardless of the orientation of this arm and its speed of movement;

[0018] - said hinge comprises a recessed receptacle-shaped half-hinge in said foot, a stirrup-shaped half-hinge embedded in said arm, and a constant torque friction device disposed inside said receptacle-shaped hinge, and cooperating with said stirrup-shaped hinge: such a hinge makes it possible to obtain a particularly compact, resistant and aesthetic assembly;

[0019] - the means of articulating said plate on the free end of said arm are chosen in the group comprising a ball joint and a universal joint: this type of The connection allows for easy orientation of the smartphone's receiving platform in all directions of space (three degrees of freedom);

[0020] - said platform comprises two rods equipped with stops and respective racks cooperating with a pinion, respective springs pull these two rods towards a position tending to bring the stops closer together: this arrangement allows the player to very easily fix their smartphone on the receiving platform.

[0021] The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising at least one slot machine and a support according to the above fixed next to this slot machine, so that in at least some of the service positions of said arm, it protrudes slightly from this volume.

[0022] Such an arrangement allows the support to be retracted when no smartphone is attached to it, thus eliminating the risk of the support being struck by the outside, and limiting such a risk when the arm is in the service position with a smartphone attached to the receiving tray.

[0023] Optionally, this assembly includes at least two adjacent slot machines, and at least one support conforming to the above fixed between these two slot machines.

[0024] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate:

[0025] [Fig-1]: an exploded perspective view of a support according to the invention, without smartphone,

[0026] [Fig.2]: an exploded perspective view of this support, from another angle,

[0027] [Fig.3]: an exploded perspective view of the smartphone's receiving platform,

[0028] [Fig.4]: a perspective view of the receptacle-shaped half-hinge,

[0029] [Fig.5]: a perspective view of the constant torque friction device,

[0030] [Fig. 6]: A perspective view of the support according to the invention when the arm is in storage position, without a smartphone

[0031] [Fig.7]: two side views of the support according to the invention, respectively with the arm in the storage position and in one of the service positions of this arm, without a smartphone,

[0032] [Fig.8]: three perspective views of the support according to the invention, respectively with the arm in the storage position, in a first service position substantially at 90 degrees of this arm, and in a second, higher service position of this arm, with a smartphone,

[0033] [Fig.9]: a side view of the support according to the invention with the arm in the storage position, with a transparency effect allowing the electrical cable extending inside the base and arm of this support to be seen, without a smartphone,

[0034] [Fig. 10]: Side, front and perspective views of two slot machines between which is fixed a support according to the invention, the arm of which is in one of its service positions, with a smartphone,

[0035] [Fig. 11]: a perspective view similar to that of [Fig.2], of another embodiment of the support according to the invention.

[0036] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical or similar reference symbols throughout the figures.

[0037] In what follows, the support according to the invention will be described particularly with reference to the world of the casino and the slot machines that can be found there, but it is understood that this invention is not limited to this field.

[0038] By referring in particular to figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that the support according to invention 1 comprises a foot 3 intended to be fixed next to a slot machine 5a, or between two adjacent slot machines 5a, 5b, for example on the table 7 on which these slot machines are placed (see [Fig. 10]).

[0039] As can be seen, this foot 3 includes a metal profile 9 of a shape for example rectangular, having at its end a plate 11 allowing it to be fixed next to the slot machine(s) 5a, 5b.

[0040] In the embodiment of figures 1 to 10, the support 1 according to the invention also includes an arm 13 mounted articulated on the foot 3 by means of a hinge 15 preferably of the constant torque type.

[0041] This articulated arm 13 may include a metal profile with a cross-section, for example, square or rectangular.

[0042] The foot 3 and the arm 13 can be formed, for example, from aluminium.

[0043] The constant torque type hinge 15 includes a receptacle-shaped half-hinge 17 designed to be embedded inside the profile forming the foot 3 of the support 1, and a stirrup-shaped half-hinge 19 designed to be embedded inside the profile forming the arm 13.

[0044] As can be seen in particular in [Fig. 1], the receptacle-shaped half-hinge 17 defines a cavity 18 for receiving a constant torque friction device 21, which can be seen in particular in [Fig. 5].

[0045] As is known in itself, such a device 21, marketed for example under the reference HTH60 by the company REELL, comprises two discs 23a, 23b mounted pivoting and rubbing against each other, designed so that the torque required to rotate them against each other is the same regardless of the relative positions and speeds of these discs 23a, 23b against each other.

[0046] The two cheeks 25a, 25b of the stirrup-shaped half-hinge 19 are shaped to overlap the receptacle-shaped half-hinge 17, and to be fixed to one 23a of the two discs of the constant torque friction device 21, the other disc 23b being held locked in rotation inside the cavity 18 of the receptacle-shaped half-hinge 17, by means of locking lugs 26 arranged inside this cavity 18.

[0047] It will also be noted on [Fig.4] that the receptacle-shaped half-hinge 17 has a groove 27 for receiving an electrical cable 29, this cable being visible in particular on [Fig.9].

[0048] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the support 1 according to the invention also includes a receiving tray 31 for a smartphone 32, preferably mounted articulated on the arm 13 by means of a small hinge 33 or ball joint fixed on a beak 35 embedded inside the arm 13.

[0049] By referring to [Fig.3], it can be seen that this receiving platform 31 can include a plate 37 connected to the small hinge 33, and a housing 39 fixed to this plate, inside of which is a device for holding the smartphone.

[0050] This device may include two rods 41a, 41b having at each of their free ends a C-shaped swiveling stop 43a, 43b, these rods 41a, 41b being provided with respective racks 45a, 45b cooperating with a pinion 47 mounted rotatably inside the housing 39.

[0051] Respective springs return the two rods 41a, 41b to a position tending to bring the two C-shaped stops 43a, 43b closer together.

[0052] Preferably, the receiving platform 31 for the smartphone 32 also includes a device 51 for charging the battery of this smartphone 32 by induction, connected to the aforementioned electrical cable 29.

[0053] As can be seen in [Fig.9], this electrical cable 29 passes inside the arm 13, the hinge 15 and the foot 3 of the support 1, and is connected to a socket 53 located in the lower part of this foot 3.

[0054] Thanks to the constant torque hinge 15, the arm 13 of the support 1 according to the invention can occupy a low or storage position visible on views 7a, 8a, 9, and a plurality of service positions.

[0055] An example of the service position of arm 13 at 90 degrees relative to foot 3 of support 1 is visible in view 8b.

[0056] An example of the high position of the arm 13 relative to the foot 3 of the support 1 is visible in views 7b, 8c, 10a, 10b, 10c.

[0057] The mode of operation and the advantages of the support 1 according to the invention result directly from the preceding description.

[0058] First, the plate 11 of the foot 3 of the support 1 according to the invention is fixed to a table 7 on which the slot machines 5a, 5b are placed, so that this support 1 is located next to a slot machine 5a, or between two adjacent slot machines 5a, 5b, as can be seen in [Fig. 10].

[0059] When this support 1 is equipped with an induction smartphone charging device 51 and its associated electrical cable 29, the electrical socket 53 located in the lower part of the foot 3 is connected to the casino's electrical network: this may be, for example, a USB type electrical socket, without this being limiting.

[0060] The player who wishes to interact with his smartphone 32 while playing on the slot machine sits down in front of his slot machine, then deploys the arm 13 of the support 1 so as to move it from its storage position visible on view 7a to a service position, for example the high position visible on view 7b.

[0061] He can then fix his smartphone 32 on the receiving platform 31, by spreading apart the two C-shaped stops 43a, 43b and then releasing them so that, under the force exerted by the springs 49a, 49b, these stops 43a, 43b come to grip and hold the smartphone 32 in place on the platform 31.

[0062] Thanks to the constant torque friction device 21 of the hinge 15, the arm 13 of the support 1 remains in the position selected by the player, allowing the latter to interact visually or physically with his smartphone 32, while playing.

[0063] If the player wishes to change the inclination of the arm 13 of the support 1, the constant torque hinge 15 will always oppose the same resistance to the player, regardless of the orientation of the arm 13 and regardless of the speed of its movement, which provides a feeling of robustness, fluidity and comfort.

[0064] When the smartphone 32 receiving tray 31 is equipped with a charging device 51, the player's smartphone 32 charges while he plays, which guarantees him the possibility of using his smartphone 32 next to the slot machine for as long as he wants.

[0065] It should be noted that according to a possible but less preferred variant, the charging of the smartphone 32 could be ensured by plugging into an electrical socket located at the end of the electrical cable 29, instead of an induction charging device.

[0066] Even less preferably, the support 1 according to the invention could also not include a smartphone charging device.

[0067] Depending on its size, position and needs, the player can change the orientation of the arm 13 of the support 1, for example to bring it from the position approximately at 90 degrees visible in view 8b, to the high position visible in views 8c and 10.

[0068] As can be seen in particular on [Fig. 10], the support 1 according to the invention is dimensioned and positioned in relation to the slot machines 5a, 5b, so that in at least one of its service positions (in this case the high position on [Fig. 10]), the arm 13 of this support 1 only protrudes slightly from the volume V of the slot machines 5a, 5b.

[0069] By "slightly protruding" is meant that typically less than 50%, and preferably less than 40%, and preferably less than 30%, and preferably less than 20%, and preferably less than 10%, and preferably less than 5% of the length of the arm 13 protrudes from the envelope defined by the volume V of the slot machines 5a, 5b, this envelope being visible in particular on the side view 10a of [Fig. 10].

[0070] Thanks to this low protrusion, the risks of impact of the support 1 and the smartphone 32 with the outside are limited.

[0071] When the player has finished his session on the slot machine, he retrieves his smartphone 32 by releasing it from the C-shaped stops 43a, 43b of the receiving tray 31, then folds the arm 13 of the support 1 back to its storage position, towards the foot 3 of this support 1.

[0072] The support 1 then no longer protrudes from the volume of the slot machines 5a, 5b, eliminating the risks of impacts with the outside.

[0073] As can be understood from the above, the support 1 according to the invention offers a robust and simple design solution allowing a casino player to continuously interact with his smartphone 32 while he plays.

[0074] Such a support 1 can be adapted at a lower cost to slot machines already installed in casinos because it does not require any modification of the layout of these slot machines.

[0075] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.1 1], the foot 3 comprises a base 3a with a preferably rectangular cross-section, and a sleeve 3b with a slightly larger rectangular cross-section, so that this sleeve 3b can fit onto this base 3a and slide on it.

[0076] The height of the foot 3 can thus be adjusted by sliding the sleeve 3b on the base 3a, and then locking this sleeve relative to this base at the desired height by means of two clamping plates 53a, 53b into which are screwed screws 55a, 55b passing through respective grooves 57a, 57b formed in the base 3a of the foot 3.

[0077] On [Fig. 11], we only see two screws 55a, 55b and two grooves 57a, 57b, but it must be understood that two other screws passing through two other grooves located on the opposite face of the foot 3a allow the plate 53b to be tightened.

[0078] At the upper end of the sheath 3b is fixed in a fixed manner and substantially perpendicular to this sheath, an arm 13 carrying at its free end a receiving plate 31 of a smartphone similar to that described previously.

[0079] Four screws, two of which 59a, 59b are visible on the [Fig. 11], allow the arm 13 to be fixed onto the sleeve 3b.

[0080] This tray 31 may include an induction charging device 51, and / or a USB C type smartphone charging cable.

[0081] The articulation of the plate 31 with respect to the arm 13 can be achieved by means of a cardan allowing rotation around two substantially perpendicular axes Al, A2.

[0082] This embodiment makes it possible to do away with the hinge of the articulation of the arm relative to the foot of the support: it is a simpler and more economical solution than the previous one, in which the adjustment of the position of the arm 13 relative to the volume of the slot machines 5a, 5b is carried out by loosening the screws 55a, 55b then by sliding the sleeve 3b on the foot 3a, and finally by tightening the screws 55a, 55b which come into contact with the plates 53a, 55b - thus allowing the sleeve 3b to be locked at the desired height.

[0083] Naturally, the invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Smartphone (32) holder (1) adapted to be mounted next to or between casino slot machines (5a, 5b), comprising: - a foot (3) intended to be fixed next to a slot machine (5a), or between two adjacent slot machines (5a, 5b), - an arm (13) mounted on this foot (3), - a smartphone (32) receiving tray (31) mounted articulated with three degrees of freedom at the free end of this arm (13).

2. Support (1) according to claim 1, wherein said foot (3) comprises a base (3a) and a sleeve (3b) mounted to slide on this base (3a) and means for locking the sleeve (3b) on the foot (3a) in one of a plurality of heights of the foot (3).

3. Support (1) according to claim 1, wherein said locking means comprise grooves formed in said base (3a), clamping plates (53a, 53b) disposed inside said sleeve (3b) and screws (55a, 55b) passing through said grooves (57a, 57b) and cooperating with said clamping plates (53a, 53b).

4. Support (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2 in which said arm (13) is fixedly mounted on said sheath (3b).

5. Support (1) according to claim 1, wherein said arm (13) is mounted articulated on said foot (3) and the means of articulating said arm (13) on said foot (3) comprise a hinge (15) adapted to vary the inclination of said arm (13) between a storage position and a plurality of service positions, provided with friction-retaining means (21) of said arm (13) in each of these positions.

6. Support (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an electrical cable (29) for charging said smartphone (32), disposed inside said foot (3) and said arm (13).

7. Support (1) according to claim 6, comprising an induction charging device connected to said electrical cable.

8. Support (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein said hinge (15) is of the constant torque type.

9. Support (1) according to claim 8, wherein said hinge (15) comprises a receptacle-shaped half-hinge (17) embedded in said foot (3), a stirrup-shaped half-hinge (19) embedded in said arm (13), and a friction device at constant torque (21) disposed inside said receptacle-shaped hinge (17), and cooperating with said stirrup-shaped hinge (19).

10. Support (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for articulating said plate (31) on the free end of said arm (13) are selected from the group comprising a ball joint and a cardan joint.

11. Support (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said plate (31) comprises two rods provided with respective stops and racks cooperating with a pinion, respective springs returning these two rods to a position tending to bring the stops closer together.

12. Assembly comprising at least one slot machine (5a, 5b) and a support (1) according to any one of the preceding claims fixed next to this slot machine, so that in at least some of the service positions of said arm (13), it protrudes slightly from this volume.

13. Assembly according to claim 12, comprising at least two adjacent slot machines (5a, 5b), and at least one support (1) conforming to any one of claims 1 to 11 fixed between these two slot machines (5a, 5b).

Images