U.S. patent application number 12/645450 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-25 for bookstand for an ereader.
Invention is credited to Adam Ashley, Patrick Mish, Jim Ward.
Application Number | 20100294908 12/645450 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43123949 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100294908 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mish; Patrick ; et
al. |
November 25, 2010 |
BOOKSTAND FOR AN eREADER
Abstract
A bookstand for an eReader including a center support and a
plurality of manipulatable supports coupled to the center support.
The plurality of manipulable supports being moveable between at
least a first storage position and a second open position for
supporting the eReader in a reading position.
Inventors: |
Mish; Patrick; (Odenton,
MD) ; Ward; Jim; (Ashburn, VA) ; Ashley;
Adam; (Odenton, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Dresch IP Law, PLLC
P.O. Box 650903
Potomac Falls
VA
20165
US
|
Family ID: |
43123949 |
Appl. No.: |
12/645450 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61180414 |
May 21, 2009 |
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61251295 |
Oct 14, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/451 ;
248/454 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 23/043 20130101;
F16M 11/041 20130101; F16M 11/40 20130101; F16M 2200/065 20130101;
F16M 13/00 20130101; F16M 2200/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/451 ;
248/454 |
International
Class: |
A47B 97/04 20060101
A47B097/04 |
Claims
1. A bookstand for an eReader, the bookstand comprising: a center
support; and a plurality of manipulatable supports coupled to the
center support, the plurality of manipulable supports being
moveable between at least a first storage position and a second
open position for selectively supporting the eReader in a plurality
of reading positions.
2. The bookstand of claim 1, wherein the plurality of manipulatable
supports comprises at least three manipulatable supports.
3. The bookstand of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of
manipulatable supports comprises a flexible cable.
4. The bookstand of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of
manipulatable supports is moveable between a plurality of
positions.
5. The bookstand of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of
manipulatable supports includes a first end, a second end, and a
longitudinal extension between the first end and the second end,
the one of the plurality of manipulatable supports being coupled,
at a coupling location along the longitudinal extension and between
the first end and the second end, to the center support, and
wherein the one of the plurality of manipulatable supports has an
arm portion extending from the coupling location with the center
support to the first end, and a leg portion extending from the
coupling location with the center support to the second end.
6. The bookstand of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of
manipulatable supports includes a first end, a second end, and a
longitudinal extension between the first end and the second end,
the one of the plurality of manipulatable supports being coupled,
at a coupling location at the first end, to the center support, and
wherein the one of the plurality of manipulatable supports has one
of an arm portion and a leg portion extending from the coupling
location with the center support to the first end.
7. The bookstand of claim 1, wherein the plurality of manipulatable
supports includes: a first manipulatable support having a first
end, a second end, and a longitudinal extension between the first
end and the second end; a second manipulatable support having a
first end, a second end, and a longitudinal extension between the
first end and the second end; and a third manipulatable support
having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal extension
between the first end and the second end, each of the first
manipulatable support, the second manipulatable support, and the
third manipulatable support coupled, at a coupling location along
the longitudinal extension and between the first end and the second
end, to the center support.
8. The bookstand of claim 7, wherein each of the first
manipulatable support, the second manipulatable support, and the
third manipulatable support includes: an arm portion extending from
the center support to the first end; and a leg portion extending
from the center support to the second end.
9. The bookstand of claim 1, wherein the center support includes a
collar receiving a portion of each of the plurality of
manipulatable supports.
10. The bookstand of claim 1, wherein the center support includes
an external surface having a plurality of longitudinal grooves
spaced around the external surface of the center support, each of
the plurality of longitudinal grooves receiving a portion of one of
the plurality of manipulatable supports.
11. The bookstand of claim 10, wherein the plurality of
longitudinal grooves are equally spaced around the external surface
of the center support.
12. The bookstand of claim 10, wherein one of the plurality of
longitudinal grooves comprises a cylindrical-shaped groove
including an opening extending along a length of the
cylindrical-shaped groove, the opening having a width in a
direction transverse to the length of the cylindrical-shaped
groove, the width of the opening being less than a diameter of the
cylindrical-shaped groove such that a portion of one of the
plurality of manipulatable supports engages the cylindrical-shaped
groove in a snap-fit manner.
13. The bookstand of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of
manipulatable supports includes a first end having a molded
grip.
14. The bookstand of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of
manipulatable supports includes a first end having a first
ball-shaped grip.
15. The bookstand of claim 14, wherein the one of the plurality of
manipulatable supports includes a second end having a second
ball-shaped grip.
16. The bookstand of claim 14, wherein the one of the plurality of
manipulatable supports includes a second end having a
corner-capturing grip.
17. The bookstand of claim 14, wherein the first ball-shaped grip
comprises a resilient ball-shaped grip.
18. The bookstand of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of
manipulatable supports includes a first end having a first
corner-capturing grip.
19. The bookstand of claim 18, wherein the one of the plurality of
manipulatable supports includes a second corner-capturing grip.
20. The bookstand of claim 18, wherein the first corner-capturing
grip comprises a resilient corner-capturing grip.
21. The bookstand of claim 18, wherein the first corner-capturing
grip includes a pocket that engages a corner of the eReader.
22. The bookstand of claim 7, wherein each of the first end and the
second end of the first manipulatable support includes a
corner-capturing grip.
23. The bookstand of claim 7, wherein each of the first end and the
second end of the first manipulatable support includes a
ball-shaped grip.
24. The bookstand of claim 23, wherein each of the first end and
the second end of the second manipulatable support includes a
corner-capturing grip.
25. The bookstand of claim 24, wherein each of the first end and
the second end of the third manipulatable support includes a
corner-capturing grip.
26. The bookstand of claim 18, wherein the first corner-capturing
grip includes a pocket configured to receive a corner of the
ereader.
27. The bookstand of claim 18, wherein the first corner-capturing
grip includes a groove configured to receive an edge of the
ereader.
28. The bookstand of claim 18, wherein the first corner-capturing
grip includes a groove configured to receive an edge of the ereader
and a pocket configured to receive a corner of the ereader.
29. A bookstand for an eReader, the bookstand comprising: a center
support; and a plurality of manipulatable support means for
supporting the eReader in a plurality of reading positions, the
plurality of manipulatable support means being coupled to the
center support and moveable between at least a first storage
position and a second open position.
30. The bookstand of claim 29, wherein at least one of the
plurality of manipulatable support means includes a first end
having gripping means for gripping one of a supporting surface, a
surface of the eReader, an edge of the eReader, and a corner of the
eReader.
31. A bookstand for an eReader, the bookstand comprising: a
plurality of manipulatable supports coupled to each other, the
plurality of manipulatable supports being moveable between at least
a first storage position and a second open position for selectively
supporting the eReader in a plurality of reading positions.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/180,414, filed May 21, 2009, and entitled
"BOOKSTAND FOR AN eREADER", and U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 61/251,295, filed Oct. 14, 2009, and entitled "BOOKSTAND FOR AN
eREADER", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed toward a bookstand for an
eReader, and more specifically, to a flexible tripod bookstand for
an eReader, and more particularly, to a flexible bookstand having a
plurality of manipulatable supports for supporting an eReader in an
upright or angled position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Recently, eReaders such as electronic books have become
increasingly popular. Such eReaders include a display for
displaying the contents of an electronic book. Since the eReader is
substantially flat, the user commonly either lays the eReader on a
surface, or manually holds the eReader in front of the user to
position the eReader for optimal visibility for the user. Laying
the eReader on a surface, such as a desk or table, may cause the
user to look downward for long periods of time, which may lead to
fatigue on the user's eyes, neck, etc. Alternatively, if the user
manually holds the eReader in front of the user to position the
eReader for optimal visibility for the user, the user may become
fatigued from holding the eReader in the desired position, thereby
reducing the enjoyment of the reading experience. Hence, it is
desirable to provide "hands-free" reading for the user that is also
comfortable and convenient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] These problems and others are addressed by the present
invention, a first exemplary embodiment of which comprises a
bookstand for an eReader, the bookstand including a center support,
and a plurality of manipulatable supports coupled to the center
support, the plurality of manipulable supports being moveable
between at least a first storage position and a second open
position for supporting the eReader in a reading position.
[0005] Another exemplary embodiment is directed to a bookstand for
an eReader, the bookstand comprising a center support, a plurality
of manipulatable support means for supporting the eReader in a
reading position, the plurality of manipulatable support means
being coupled to the center support and moveable between at least a
first storage position and a second open position.
[0006] In this manner, the exemplary embodiments of the present
invention provide a bookstand for an eReader, and more
specifically, a flexible tripod bookstand for an eReader, and more
particularly, a flexible bookstand having a plurality of
manipulatable supports (e.g., arm portions and/or leg portions) for
supporting the eReader in an upright or angled position.
[0007] The present invention provides a bookstand that is
lightweight, flexible, and compact and that easily and conveniently
can be collapsed and stored or transported by the user. The
bookstand can provide a stable and secure base for physically
holding the eReader in a position that provides optimal visibility
for the user. An exemplary embodiment of the bookstand can provide
for variable positioning of the eReader, for example, in an upright
position or at an infinite number of angled positions with respect
to a supporting surface. The embodiments of the bookstand relieve
the user from holding the eReader while reading, thereby reducing
fatigue on the user and providing a more enjoyable reading
experience. The user also can easily stop and start reading without
having to pick up or put down the eReader.
[0008] The exemplary embodiments provide further advantages in that
the eReader can be positioned on surfaces other than flat or
horizontal surfaces, as well as surfaces of various materials and
rigidity, by flexing or manipulating the position of the flexible
supports (e.g., arm portions and/or leg portions).
[0009] The exemplary embodiments provide advantages in that the
flexible supports (e.g., arm portions and/or leg portions) can be
flexed, molded, or manipulated to securely hold eReaders having a
variety of sizes and shapes, for example, as produced by a variety
of manufacturers, thereby providing a universal bookstand for an
eReader. In other exemplary embodiments, the bookstand can include
features for accommodating specific features of a particular
eReader type, model, or manufacturer. For example, the bookstand
can support an eReader, such as the Amazon.RTM. Kindle.TM. or the
like. The bookstand can be configured for other eReaders and is not
limited to the eReader illustrated in the Figures.
[0010] The exemplary bookstand can include a plurality of
manipulatable supports for supporting an eReader. The manipulatable
supports can be configured to be collapsible into a storage or
closed position in which the manipulatable supports are parallel to
each other or parallel to a surface of the eReader, or extended
into an open position for supporting an eReader. The manipulatable
supports are not limited to open and closed positions, and can be
configured or manipulated in a plurality of positions
therebetween.
[0011] The exemplary embodiments of the manipulatable supports can
have the same or different lengths. For example, a length of an arm
portion can be less than a length of a leg portion, or vice
versa.
[0012] The bookstand can include a different number of
manipulatable supports. For example, the bookstand can have a
tripod configuration, including three manipulatable supports, or
other amounts of manipulatable supports, such as two, four, five,
etc.
[0013] The manipulatable supports can be formed from separate
parts, or integrally formed from a single part. The manipulatable
supports can be flexible or pivotable in one or more directions.
For example, one or more manipulatable supports can include a
plurality of rigid parts that move or pivot with respect to each
other.
[0014] In the disclosed exemplary embodiments, the manipulatable
supports can be formed from flexible cable, coated wire, or the
like. As such, the manipulatable supports can be manipulated from a
closed storage position to any number of open positions or
arrangements as needed to provide a stable stand for supporting
eReaders of a variety of sizes, shapes, weights, etc.
[0015] In other embodiments, less than all of the manipulatable
supports can be flexible. That is, one or more manipulatable
supports can be rigidly formed, while another is flexible. In
another embodiment, the bookstand can include one or more fixed
supports in addition to a manipulatable support.
[0016] The bookstand can include a center support configured to
receive a plurality of manipulatable supports. For example, the
center support can be a triad-shaped molded center support having a
plurality of cylindrical grooves for receiving and securing
portions of the manipulatable supports therein. For example, an
exemplary embodiment includes three integrally formed flexible
cable manipulatable supports and a molded center support including
three corresponding cylindrical grooves.
[0017] The ends of the manipulatable supports can include grips for
gripping a surface of the eReader, such as a corner or side of the
eReader. In an exemplary embodiment, the grips can be molded grips.
The grips can be the same or different sizes. For example, the
grips can be modular balls, or oval-shaped grips. In other
embodiments, the hand grips can be molded or formed to correspond
to specific parts of the eReader, such as a corner of the eReader.
In still other embodiments, one or more of the grips can be
different from another of the grips. In another example, the grips
can be molded or formed to correspond to specific parts of the
eReader, such as a corner of the eReader, for example, as shown in
the Figures.
[0018] One or more of the grips can be molded from a rubber
material or other tacky material to provide a tacky grip. One or
more of the grips can include one or more gripping features, such
as beads, grooves, ribs, dimples, etc. to improve a gripping action
on the mounting surface or on a surface of the eReader, such as the
bottom edge of the eReader.
[0019] The aspects are not limited to the disclosed embodiments,
and can include other arrangements. For example, in other
embodiments, the bookstand can include wider grips (e.g., feet
grips) to support the bottom of eReader and flexible manipulatable
supports (e.g., arm portions) firmly supporting the back of the
eReader device. The arm portions can include smaller grips (e.g.,
hand grips) than the feet grips or vice versa.
[0020] In another embodiment, the eReader can be coupled or mounted
to the bookstand, either directly or using an intermediate part,
such as a base plate. In these embodiments, the manipulatable
supports may not be needed for coupling, mounting, or supporting
the eReader. The eReader, or intermediate part, can be coupled to
one or more of the manipulatable supports, a hand or foot grip, a
center support, or other part of the bookstand.
[0021] The eReader can be coupled to, mounted to, or supported by
the bookstand in a variety of manners. For example, the bookstand
and/or the eReader can include mating parts for coupling the
eReader to the bookstand, such as a slot formed on a part of one of
the bookstand or eReader that receives a corresponding protrusion
formed on a part of the other of the bookstand or eReader.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] These and other aspects and features of embodiments of the
present invention will be better understood after a reading of the
following detailed description, together with the attached
drawings, wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bookstand for an
eReader according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a bookstand for an
eReader according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates another perspective view of a bookstand
for an eReader according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a bookstand for an eReader
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of a bookstand
according to an embodiment of the present invention coupled to an
eReader;
[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of a bookstand
according to an embodiment of the present invention coupled to an
eReader;
[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates a front assembly view of a bookstand
according to an embodiment of the present invention coupled to an
eReader;
[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of a bookstand for an
eReader according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of a center support
for a bookstand for an eReader according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0032] FIG. 9B illustrates a side view of a center support of FIG.
9A;
[0033] FIG. 9C illustrates another side view of a center support of
FIG. 9A;
[0034] FIG. 9D illustrates a top view of a center support of FIG.
9A;
[0035] FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective assembly view of corner
grip for a bookstand for an eReader according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 10B illustrates another perspective assembly view of
corner grip for a bookstand for an eReader according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 10C illustrates a perspective view of corner grip for a
bookstand for an eReader according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0038] FIG. 10D illustrates a bottom view of the corner grip of
FIG. 10C;
[0039] FIG. 10E illustrates a side view of the corner grip of FIG.
10C;
[0040] FIG. 10F illustrates top view of the corner grip of FIG.
10C;
[0041] FIG. 10G illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along
section 10A-10A of the corner grip of FIG. 10F;
[0042] FIG. 11A illustrates a perspective view of a molded grip for
a bookstand for an eReader according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0043] FIG. 11B illustrates top view of the molded grip of FIG.
11A;
[0044] FIG. 11C illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along
section 11A-11A of the molded grip of FIG. 11B;
[0045] FIG. 12A illustrates a perspective view of a bookstand for
an eReader according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 12B illustrates a partial view of the center support of
the bookstand of FIG. 12A;
[0047] FIG. 12C illustrates a partial view of the plurality of
molded grips of the bookstand of FIG. 12A;
[0048] FIG. 13 illustrates a rear assembly view of a bookstand for
an eReader according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 14 illustrates a rear assembly perspective view of a
bookstand for an eReader according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0050] FIG. 15 illustrates a rear assembly top perspective view of
a bookstand for an eReader according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0051] FIG. 16 illustrates a rear assembly perspective view of a
bookstand for an eReader according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0052] FIG. 17 illustrates a front assembly perspective view of a
bookstand for an eReader according to an embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0053] FIG. 18 illustrates a front assembly perspective view of a
bookstand for an eReader according to an embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0054] FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of a bookstand for an
eReader according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT
INVENTION
[0055] The present invention now is described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art.
[0056] Referring now to the drawings, the FIGS. 1-19 illustrate
exemplary embodiments of a bookstand for an eReader.
[0057] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, an exemplary embodiment of a
bookstand 100 for an eReader includes a center support 104 and a
plurality of manipulatable supports 102 coupled to the center
support 104. The plurality of manipulable supports 102 are moveable
between at least a first storage position (e.g., as exemplarily
illustrated in FIG. 3) and a second open position (e.g., as
exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4-7) for supporting the
eReader 200 in a reading position. The manipulable supports 102 are
not limited to open and closed positions, and can be configured or
manipulated in a plurality of positions therebetween. The
manipulable supports 102 also can be rotated or twisted into
various positions.
[0058] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, the manipulable supports 102
can include one or more types of grips 106, 108, such as mold
grips, at ends of the manipulable supports 102 for engaging a
surface, edge or corner of the eReader 200, or for providing a
stable engagement with a supporting surface of the bookstand 100.
Exemplary embodiments of the grips 106, 108 will be described in
more detail below.
[0059] Referring again to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1-8, each of the manipulatable supports 102 includes a first
end, a second end, and a longitudinal extension between the first
end and the second end. The manipulatable support 102 is coupled,
at a coupling location along the longitudinal extension and between
the first end and the second end, to the center support 104. In
this manner, each of the manipulatable supports 102 has an arm
portion 102a extending from the coupling location with the center
support 104 to the first end, and a leg portion 102b extending from
the coupling location with the center support 104 to the second
end. In other embodiments, the manipulatable support 102 can be
coupled to a portion of another manipulatable support 102.
[0060] The bookstand is not limited to any particular number of
manipulatable supports 102. For example, in the illustrated
embodiments, the plurality of manipulatable supports 102 includes
at least three manipulatable supports 102. In this manner, the
bookstand can have a tripod configuration, including three leg
portions 102b, along with three arm portions 102a. However, in
other embodiments, the bookstand can include other amounts of
manipulatable supports 102, such as two, four, five, etc.
[0061] In other embodiments, the manipulatable supports 102 may not
include arm portions 102a and leg portions 102b. For example, as
illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 19, one or more of
the manipulatable supports 102 can be coupled, at a coupling
location at the first end, to the center support 104 (or another
arm or leg portion of another manipulatable support 102), such that
a manipulatable support 102 only includes a leg portion 102b
extending from the coupling location with the center support 104
(or another arm or leg portion of another manipulatable support
102) to the first end.
[0062] In other embodiments, one or more of the manipulatable
supports 102 can be coupled, at a coupling location at the first
end, to the center support 104 (or another arm or leg portion of
another manipulatable support 102), such that this manipulatable
support 102 only includes an arm portion 102b extending from the
coupling location with the center support 104 (or another arm or
leg portion of another manipulatable support 102) to the first end.
In still other embodiments, a combination of manipulatable supports
102 having only an arm portion or a leg portion can be
provided.
[0063] In the disclosed embodiments, the manipulatable supports
102, as well as leg/arm portions of the manipulatable supports 102,
are illustrated as having the same length. However, in other
embodiments, the manipulatable supports 102, or the leg/arm
portions of the manipulatable supports 102, can have different
lengths in comparison with each other. For example, in an
embodiment, a length of the arm portions 102a of each of the
manipulatable supports 102 can be less than a length of the leg
portions 102b of each of the manipulatable supports 102.
[0064] The manipulatable supports 102 can be formed from separate
parts, or integrally formed from a single part. For example, in
embodiments in which the manipulatable supports 102 include an arm
portion 102a and a leg portion 102b, the arm portion 102a and the
leg portion 102b can be integrally formed with the manipulatable
support 102 and coupled to the center support 104. In another
embodiment, the arm portion 102a and the leg portion 102b can be
formed separately from each other and individually coupled to the
center support 104.
[0065] The manipulatable supports 102 can be flexible or pivotable
in one or more directions. For example, the manipulatable supports
102 can be formed from flexible cable, such as commercial
off-the-shelf (COTS) 7 mm flexible cable. As such, the
manipulatable supports 102 can be manipulated from a closed storage
position to any number of open positions or arrangements as needed
to provide a stable stand for supporting eReaders of a variety of
sizes, shapes, weights, etc. The closed storage positions can
include, for example, a position in which all of the manipulatable
supports 102 are arranged substantially parallel to each other, or
in which all of the manipulatable supports 102 are arranged
parallel to a rear surface of the eReader.
[0066] In other embodiments, less than all of the manipulatable
supports 102 can be flexible. That is, one or more of the
manipulatable supports 102 can be rigidly formed, while another is
flexible. In still other embodiments, one of ordinary skill in the
art will recognize that only a portion of one of the manipulatable
supports 102 may be flexible. For example, only the arm portion
102a or the leg portion 102b may be flexible, while another portion
is rigid. In another example, a portion of one or more of the
manipulatable supports 102 closest to the center support 104, or a
portion of one or more of the manipulatable supports 102 closest to
the ends, may be flexible, while the remaining portion of the
manipulatable support 102 is rigid.
[0067] One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the
manipulatable supports 102, or portions thereof, can be provided
with different amounts of flexibility or resiliency. In other
embodiments, the manipulatable supports 102 may be formed from a
plurality of rigid portions that are manipulatable with respect to
each other, for example, by pivoting about a hinge, ball joint,
etc.
[0068] As explained above, in the exemplary embodiment, the
manipulatable supports 102 are coupled to a center support 104, as
illustrated for example in FIGS. 9A-9D. The center support 104 can
be a collar having an exterior surface that receives a portion of
each of the manipulatable supports 102. For example, the center
support 104 can be a triad-shaped molded center support having a
plurality of cylindrical grooves 404 for receiving and securing
portions of manipulatable supports 102 therein. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 1-8, the center support 104 can include three
integrally formed flexible cable arms/legs 102a, 102b and the
molded center support 104 can includes three corresponding
cylindrical grooves 404.
[0069] Referring again to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9D,
the center support 104 includes an external surface 402 having a
plurality of longitudinal grooves 404 spaced around the external
surface 402 of the center support 104. Each of the longitudinal
grooves 404 receives or engages a portion of one of the
manipulatable supports 102. In the disclosed embodiment, the
longitudinal grooves 404 are equally spaced around the external
surface 402 of the center support 104. However, in other
embodiments, one or more of the longitudinal grooves 404 can be
grouped or clustered closer to each other than the others.
[0070] The number of longitudinal grooves 404 can correspond to the
number of the manipulatable supports 102, as shown in the
illustrated embodiments. However, in other embodiments, the center
support 104 can be configured to be universal to a variety of
embodiments having different numbers of manipulatable supports 102
or arrangements of manipulatable supports 102. The center support
104 can be configured to provide a modular arrangement in which one
or more of the manipulatable supports 102 can be added or removed
selectively by the user.
[0071] Referring again to FIGS. 9A-9D, the longitudinal grooves 404
can include a cylindrical-shaped groove including an opening
extending along a length of the cylindrical-shaped groove having a
predetermined diameter D that preferably corresponds to a diameter
of the portion of the manipulatable supports 102 engaging the
center support 104. As illustrated in FIG. 9D, the opening has a
width W in a direction transverse to the length of the
cylindrical-shaped groove. The width W of the opening can be less
than the diameter D of the cylindrical-shaped groove such that a
portion of the manipulatable support 102 engages the
cylindrical-shaped groove in a snap-fit manner.
[0072] The longitudinal grooves 404 are not limited to cylindrical
shaped grooves. In other embodiments, the longitudinal grooves 404
can be different sizes and shapes, such as rectangular/square
grooves, V-grooves, or other shapes. Similarly, the portion of the
manipulatable support 102 that engages the center support 104 can
be different sizes and shapes, and do not necessarily correspond to
the size and shape of the grooves 404. The size and shape of each
of the grooves 404, or the portion of the manipulatable supports
102, may be different for each coupling location of the
manipulatable support 102 to the center support 104, for example,
such that the bookstand only can be assembled in one way, thereby
avoiding or reducing assembly errors, improving manufacturing
efficiency, etc.
[0073] In other embodiments, the center support 104 can receive a
portion of each of the manipulatable supports 102 in an interior
cavity (not shown). Alternatively, the center support 104 can be
coupled around an exterior of the manipulatable supports 102 to
bundle the manipulatable supports 102 together. In the illustrated
embodiments, the center support 104 engages all of the
manipulatable supports 102. In other embodiments, the center
support 104 can be formed from separate parts or portions that each
engage less than all of the manipulatable supports 102.
[0074] Referring again to FIGS. 1-8, and also to FIGS. 10A-10G and
11A-11C, the manipulable supports 102 can include one or more types
of grips 106, 108, such as molded grips, at one or more ends of the
manipulable supports 102 for engaging a surface, edge, or corner of
the eReader 200, or for providing a stable engagement with a
supporting surface of the bookstand 100.
[0075] For example, the grips on the ends of the arm portions 102a
or leg portions 102b of the manipulable supports 102 can be modular
balls or oval-shaped grips. In other embodiments, the grips can be
molded or formed to correspond to specific parts of the eReader,
such as an edge or corner of the eReader. In other embodiments, one
or more of the grips can be different from another of the
grips.
[0076] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11C, one or more
ends of the manipulable supports 102 can include a first
ball-shaped grip 106, such as a modular ball or spherical grip. The
ball-shaped grip 106 can include an outer surface 602 having an
opening 606 that engages an end of one of the manipulable supports
102. The outer surface 602 of the ball-shaped grip 106 can engage
the supporting surface of the bookstand or a surface of the eReader
to support the eReader in a desired position.
[0077] The grips 108 can be molded or formed to correspond to
specific parts of the eReader, such as an edge or corner of the
eReader. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-7 and 10A-10G, one
or more ends of the manipulable supports 102 can include a
corner-capturing grip 108.
[0078] For example, in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 10A-10G,
the corner-capturing grip 108 includes a sleeve portion 802 having
an opening 804 that engages an end of one of the manipulable
supports 102. The corner-capturing grip 108 includes a protruding
portion 806 that extends from the sleeve portion 802 and includes
an elongated pocket 808 that engages a corner of the eReader 200.
The protruding portion 806 also can include a lip 810 at each end
of the elongated pocket 808 that forms a channel for engaging an
edge of the eReader, as shown for example in FIGS. 10E and 10G. In
this manner, the corner-capturing grip 108 can be formed to
universally engage an edge of the eReader 200 or a corner of the
eReader 200.
[0079] In other embodiments, the corner-capturing grip 108 can be
formed to specifically correspond to a single feature of the
eReader. For example, the corner-capturing grip 108 can include a
slot for receiving a tab on the eReader, or a tab or protrusion
(e.g., in the pocket 808) that engages a slot or opening formed in
the surface of the eReader.
[0080] In the disclosed embodiments, at least four ends of the
manipulable supports 102 include the corner-capturing grips 108,
thereby engaging and supporting each corner of the eReader 200.
However, other arrangements are possible and it is not necessary to
engage each corner of the eReader 200 to position and support the
eReader 200 in a stable and reliable manner. In this manner, the
exemplary embodiments provide an important advantage in that a user
can support the eReader 200 in a variety of ways. Also, the
bookstand 100 can be used with a variety of eReaders having
different sizes and shapes.
[0081] The grips 106, 108 can be formed, for example, from a
resilient material. For example, one or more of the grips 106, 108
can be molded from a rubber material or other tacky material to
provide a tacky grip. One or more of the grips 106, 108 can include
one or more gripping features, such as beads, grooves, ribs,
dimples, etc. (for example, as illustrated in FIG. 12C) to improve
a gripping action on the mounting surface or on a surface of the
eReader 200, such as the bottom edge of the eReader 200.
[0082] The embodiments are not limited to the disclosed aspects,
and can include other arrangements. For example, in other
embodiments, the bookstand can include grips 112 having different
sizes and shapes, for example, for engaging the top of the eReader
or the bottom of the eReader, for engaging the supporting surface,
or for firmly supporting the back of the eReader 200, as
illustrated in FIGS. 12A-17.
[0083] Another exemplary embodiment is directed to a bookstand for
an eReader, the bookstand including a center support 104; and a
plurality of manipulatable support means (e.g., 102) for supporting
the eReader in a reading position. The plurality of manipulatable
support means (e.g., 102) are coupled to the center support 104 and
moveable between at least a first storage position and a second
open position. At least one of the plurality of manipulatable
support means (e.g., 102) includes a first end having gripping
means (e.g., 106, 108) for gripping one of a supporting surface, a
surface, an edge, and a corner of the eReader 200.
[0084] In another embodiment, the bookstand 100 can be coupled or
mounted to the eReader 200, either directly or using an
intermediate part (not shown), such as a base plate. In these
embodiments, the manipulatable supports 102 may not be needed for
coupling, mounting, or supporting the eReader 200. The eReader 200,
or intermediate part (not shown), can be coupled to one or more of
the manipulatable supports 102, the center support 104, or other
part of the bookstand 100.
[0085] One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the
invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and the
eReader 200 can be coupled to, mounted to, or supported by the
bookstand 100 in a variety of manners. For example, the bookstand
100 and/or the eReader 200 can include mating parts for coupling
the eReader 200 to the bookstand 100, such as a slot formed on one
of the bookstand 100 or eReader 200 that receives a corresponding
protrusion formed on the other of the bookstand 100 or eReader
200.
[0086] In this manner, the exemplary embodiments can provide a
sturdy platform for eReader use. The embodiments can be applied and
modified or manipulated for various eReader platforms having a
variety of sizes, shapes, weights, etc. The embodiments can provide
an affordable and inexpensive design that is manufactured easily.
The number of parts can be minimized, for example, by providing
flexible cable for the arms/legs. The overall bookstand can be
lightweight, portable, easily transported and stored or
collapsed.
[0087] The present invention has been described herein in terms of
several preferred embodiments. However, modifications and additions
to these embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. It is
intended that all such modifications and additions comprise a part
of the present invention to the extent that they fall within the
scope of the several claims appended hereto.
[0088] Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the
figures, the thickness of certain lines, layers, components,
elements or features may be exaggerated for clarity.
[0089] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including
technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning
as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which
this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms,
such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and
should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense
unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or
constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or
clarity.
[0090] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are
intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context
clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the
terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As
used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of
one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, phrases
such as "between X and Y" and "between about X and Y" should be
interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as
"between about X and Y" mean "between about X and about Y." As used
herein, phrases such as "from about X to Y" mean "from about X to
about Y."
[0091] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as
being "on", "attached" to, "connected" to, "coupled" with,
"contacting", etc., another element, it can be directly on,
attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other
element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast,
when an element is referred to as being, for example, "directly
on", "directly attached" to, "directly connected" to, "directly
coupled" with or "directly contacting" another element, there are
no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by
those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature
that is disposed "adjacent" another feature may have portions that
overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.
[0092] Spatially relative terms, such as "under", "below", "lower",
"over", "upper", "lateral", "left", "right" and the like, may be
used herein for ease of description to describe one element or
feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as
illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the
spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different
orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the
orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in
the figures is inverted, elements described as "under" or "beneath"
other elements or features would then be oriented "over" the other
elements or features. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated
90 degrees or at other orientations) and the descriptors of
relative spatial relationships used herein interpreted
accordingly.
* * * * *