U.S. patent application number 12/913960 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-03 for stand for supporting a portable electronic device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Miraslav Royz. Invention is credited to Robert G. Dickie, Miraslav Royz, Pavel Royz.
Application Number | 20120106054 12/913960 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45953428 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120106054 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Royz; Miraslav ; et
al. |
May 3, 2012 |
STAND FOR SUPPORTING A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE
Abstract
The present invention is a stand for supporting a portable
device at an inclined angle relative to a flat surface. The stand
includes a frame that is securable to the device and a support
secured to the frame. The support is movable in an aperture in the
frame between a collapsed position and an erected position. A first
portion of the support extends outwardly beyond an exterior surface
of the frame, when in the erected position, and engages the flat
surface. A second portion of the support remains parallel to the
interior surface of the frame when in both the collapsed and
erected positions. A tether is connectable to the frame to suspend
the device from a vertical flat surface.
Inventors: |
Royz; Miraslav; (Ottawa,
CA) ; Royz; Pavel; (Ottawa, CA) ; Dickie;
Robert G.; (King City, CA) |
Assignee: |
Royz; Miraslav
Ottawa
CA
|
Family ID: |
45953428 |
Appl. No.: |
12/913960 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.3 ;
248/688; 361/679.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 13/005 20130101;
F16M 11/10 20130101; H04M 1/0214 20130101; H04M 1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/679.3 ;
248/688; 361/679.01 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16; H05K 7/00 20060101 H05K007/00; H05K 7/16 20060101
H05K007/16 |
Claims
1. A stand for supporting a portable device at an inclined angle
relative to a flat surface; said stand comprising: a frame having
an interior surface and an exterior surface; wherein the interior
surface is adapted to be secured to a wall of the device; and a
support secured to the frame; said support being movable between a
collapsed position and an erected position, and the support is
disposed substantially parallel to the interior surface of the
frame when in the collapsed position, and wherein the support
includes a first portion and a second portion; a first hinge
secures a first end of the first portion of the support to the
frame; a second hinge secures the second portion to the first
portion; wherein the first and second portions are in linear
alignment with each other within the frame when the support is in
the collapsed position; and wherein the first portion of the
support is disposed at an angle to the interior surface of the
frame and extends outwardly beyond the exterior surface thereof
when the support is in the erected position; and wherein the second
portion of the support remains parallel to the interior surface
when the support is in the erected position, and the first and
second hinges are substantially aligned with the frame when the
support is in each of the erected and collapsed positions.
2. (canceled)
3. The stand as defined in claim 1, further comprising; an aperture
defined in the frame; and wherein the support is disposed within
the aperture; and wherein the second portion of the support is
disposed in a first location in the aperture when the support is in
the collapsed position and is disposed in a second location in the
aperture when the support is in the erected position, and the
second portion of the support is movable between the first and
second locations as the support is moved between the collapsed and
erected positions.
4. A stand for supporting a portable device at an inclined angle
relative to a flat surface; said stand comprising: a frame having
an interior surface and an exterior surface; wherein the interior
surface is adapted to be secured to a wall of the device; and a
support secured to the frame; said support being movable between a
collapsed position and an erected position, and the support is
disposed substantially parallel to the interior surface of the
frame when in the collapsed position, wherein a first portion of
the support is disposed at an angle to the interior surface of the
frame and extends outwardly beyond the exterior surface thereof
when the support is in the erected position, and wherein a second
portion of the support remains parallel to the interior surface
when the support is in the erected position; and wherein the first
and second portions are in linear alignment with each other when
the support is in the collapsed position; a first hinge securing
the first portion of the support to the frame; and a second hinge
securing the second portion of the support to the first portion
thereof, and the first and second hinges are substantially aligned
with each other and with the frame when the support is in each of
the erected and collapsed positions.
5. The stand as defined in claim 4, wherein the stand is a single
injection molded plastic and both of the first and second hinges
are living hinges.
6. The stand as defined in claim 1, further comprising a locking
mechanism that locks the support to the frame in one or both of the
collapsed and erected positions.
7. A stand for supporting a portable device at an inclined angle
relative to a flat surface; said stand comprising: a frame having
an interior surface and an exterior surface; wherein the interior
surface is adapted to be secured to a wall of the device; and a
support secured to the frame; said support being movable between a
collapsed position and an erected position, and the support is
disposed substantially parallel to the interior surface of the
frame when in the collapsed position, and a first portion of the
support is disposed at an angle to the interior surface of the
frame and extends outwardly beyond the exterior surface thereof
when the support is in the erected position; and a second portion
of the support is engaged with the first portion thereof and is in
linear alignment with the first portion when the support is in the
collapsed position, and the second portion of the support remains
aligned with the frame when the support is in the erected position;
a locking mechanism that locks the second portion of the support to
the frame in one or both of the collapsed and erected positions;
and wherein the locking mechanism comprises: at least one first
notch defined in one of the frame and the second portion of the
support; and at least one detent defined in the other of the frame
and the second portion of the support; and wherein the at least one
detent is engaged in the at least one notch to lock the frame and
support to each other.
8. The stand as defined in claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism
comprises a pair of aligned first notches defined in one of the
frame and the support and a pair of aligned second notches defined
in the one of the frame and the support a spaced distance from the
first notches; and wherein the stand further comprises a pair of
aligned detents defined in the other of the frame and the support;
and wherein the pair of detents are selectively engaged in the
first pair of notches when the support is in the collapsed position
and the pair of detents are engaged in the second pair of notches
when the support is in the erected position.
9. The stand as defined in claim 7, wherein the support further
includes at least one spring finger that abuts a region of the
frame, and wherein the one of the at least one first notch and at
least one detent provided on the support are provided on the spring
finger, and the other of the at least one first notch and at least
one detent provided on the frame are provided on the region of the
frame abutted by the spring finger.
10. The stand as defined in claim 9, wherein the support further
comprises: a second portion; and a hinge connecting the second
portion of the support to the first portion thereof; and wherein
the second portion of the support is longitudinally slidable
relative to the frame to move the support between the collapsed and
erected positions, and wherein the spring finger extends laterally
outwardly from the second portion of the support to abut the
frame.
11. The stand as defined in claim 1, wherein the frame comprises: a
first side and a second side disposed parallel to each other and
spaced a distance from each other; a first end and a second end
disposed parallel to each other and spaced a distance from each
other, where the first and second ends extend between the first and
second sides; whereby the frame is substantially rectangular; an
aperture defined and bounded by the first and second sides and
first and second ends; and wherein the support is disposed within
the aperture; and a first hinge connects the support to the first
end of the frame.
12. A stand for supporting a portable device at an inclined angle
relative to a flat surface; said stand comprising: a frame having:
an interior surface adapted to be secured to a wall of the device;
an exterior surface; a first side; a second side, where the first
and second sides are disposed parallel to each other and spaced a
distance from each other; a first end and a second end disposed
parallel to each other and spaced a distance from each other, where
the first and second ends extend between the first and second
sides; whereby the frame is substantially rectangular; an aperture
defined and bounded by the first and second sides and first and
second ends; a support disposed within the aperture of the frame,
said support comprising a first portion and a second portion,
wherein the first portion comprises a tab and a first arm; a first
hinge secures the tab to the first end of the frame; a second hinge
secures the tab to a first end of the first arm; and a third hinge
secures a second end of the first arm to a first end of the second
portion; wherein the support is movable between a collapsed
position and an erected position, and when the support is in the
collapsed position, the tab, the first arm and the second portion
are in linear alignment with each other within the frame; and when
the support is in the erected position, the first portion of the
support is disposed at an angle to the interior surface of the
frame and extends outwardly beyond the exterior surface thereof;
and the second portion of the support is disposed parallel to the
frame and a second end of the second portion is detachably engaged
with the frame.
13. The stand as defined in claim 12, wherein the second portion is
disposed in a first location in the aperture adjacent the second
end of the frame when the support is in the collapsed position, and
the second portion is disposed in a second location in the aperture
a distance away from the second end of the frame when the support
is in the erected position, and wherein a second end of the second
portion is engaged with the frame when the support is in each of
the collapsed and erected positions.
14. The stand as defined in claim 13, wherein all of the tab, the
first arm and the second portion are substantially coplanar with
each other and are parallel to the interior surface of the frame
when the support is in the collapsed position; and, when the
support is in the erected position, the second portion is disposed
parallel to the interior surface of the frame and the tab and the
first arm are each disposed at an angle relative to the second
portion.
15. The stand as defined in claim 14, wherein the tab is
additionally disposed at an angle relative to the first arm when
the support is in the erected position.
16. The stand as defined in claim 13, wherein the tab is
substantially T-shaped and includes a base and a leg, where the
base is connected by the first hinge to the frame and is connected
by the second hinge to the first arm; and wherein the leg is not
secured to the first arm and extends beyond the second hinge toward
the second portion.
17. The stand as defined in claim 16, wherein the base and leg are
integral and are coplanar, and, when the support is in the erected
position, the leg is adapted to contact the surface to retain the
device at an inclined angle thereto.
18. The stand as defined in claim 1, wherein the frame defines at
least a first hole in a first location, and the stand further
includes a tether having a connector that is engageable in the
first hole, and wherein the tether is adapted to suspend the frame
from a vertical surface when the connector is so engaged.
19. The stand as defined in claim 18, wherein the support is
movable between the collapsed and erected positions, and wherein
when the tether is used to suspend the frame from the vertical
surface and the support is in the erected position, a portion of
the support engages the vertical surface and thereby retains the
stand at an angle relative thereto.
20. The stand as defined in claim 18, further comprising a second
hole defined in the frame at a second location that is at ninety
degrees relative to the first location; and wherein the connector
on the tether is selectively engageable in one of the first and
second holes, and when engaged in the first hole the stand is
adapted to retain the device in portrait mode, and when engaged in
the second hole the stand is adapted to retain the device in
landscape mode.
21. The stand as defined in claim 1, further comprising an adhesive
layer applied to the interior surface of the frame, said adhesive
layer being adapted to substantially permanently secure the frame
to the wall of the device.
22. A stand for supporting a portable device at an inclined angle
relative to a flat surface; said stand comprising: a frame having
an interior surface and an exterior surface; wherein the interior
surface is adapted to be secured to a wall of the device; a gasket,
wherein the gasket has an interior surface and an exterior surface;
an adhesive layer applied to the interior surface of the frame,
said adhesive layer being adapted to substantially permanently
secure the frame to the wall of the device. and wherein the
adhesive layer applied to the frame is disposed on the exterior
surface of the gasket, and wherein the stand further includes: a
second adhesive layer applied to the interior surface of the
gasket, and wherein the second adhesive layer is adapted to
substantially permanently secure the gasket between the frame and
the wall of the device; and a support secured to the frame, said
support comprising a first portion and a second portion which are
hingedly engaged with each other; said support being movable
between a collapsed position and an erected position, and wherein
the first and second portions of the support are disposed in linear
alignment with each other and substantially parallel to the
interior surface of the frame when the support is in the collapsed
position, and when the support is in the erected position, the
first portion of the support is disposed at an angle to the
interior surface of the frame and extends outwardly beyond the
exterior surface thereof and the second portion is disposed
parallel to the frame.
23. In combination, a portable electronic device; and a stand
engageable with the electronic device; wherein the stand is movable
between a collapsed position to an erected position and, when in
the erected position, the stand is adapted to retain the electronic
device at an inclined angle relative to a flat surface and wherein
the stand comprises: a frame having an interior surface and an
exterior surface; wherein the interior surface is secured to a wall
of the portable electronic device; and a support secured to the
frame and movable between a first and a second position; and
wherein the support includes a first portion and a second portion;
a first hinge securing the first portion of the support to the
frame; a second hinge securing the second portion of the support to
the first portion thereof; and when the stand is in the erected
position the first portion of the support is disposed at an angle
to the interior surface of the frame and extends outwardly beyond
the exterior surface thereof and the second portion is disposed
parallel to the frame, and the first portion and the second portion
of the support are disposed substantially parallel to the interior
surface of the frame and in linear alignment with each other when
the stand is in the collapsed position; and wherein the first and
second hinges are substantially aligned with the frame when the
support is in each of the erected and collapsed positions.
24. The combination as defined in claim 23, wherein when the stand
is in the erected position it is able to retain the electronic
device at the inclined angle relative to the flat surface in one of
a first orientation and a second orientation.
25. The combination as defined in claim 24, wherein the portable
electronic device includes a screen and, when the stand retains the
electronic device in the first orientation, the screen is
positioned in a portrait mode; and when the stand retains the
electronic device in the second orientation, the screen is
positioned in a landscape mode.
26. The combination as defined in claim 23, wherein the stand is
substantially permanently engaged with the portable electronic
device.
27. The combination as defined in claim 23, wherein the stand
includes a locking mechanism that is movable between a first
position, where the stand is locked in the collapsed position, and
a second position where the stand is locked in the erected
position.
28. The combination as defined in claim 23, wherein the portable
electronic device is a handheld device comprising one of a cell
phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant, and an
electronic book; and wherein the electronic device further includes
a screen and configured to display a video image on the screen, and
wherein the video image is one of a video, a music video, a feature
film, a live stream, a television broadcast, and a digital
book.
29. The combination as defined in claim 28, wherein the stand is
moved to the collapsed position for transportation and during use
of the portable electronic device for purposes other than viewing
the video image for an extended length of time, and the stand is
moved to the erected position for viewing of the video image for an
extended length of time.
30. The combination as defined in claim 23, wherein the stand
includes: a frame that is adhesively secured to the portable
electronic device: and a leg that is movable out of alignment with
the frame and is adapted to engage the surface so as to retain the
electronic device at the inclined angle to the surface.
31. The combination as defined in claim 23, further comprising a
tether, and wherein the tether is adapted to suspend the electronic
device from a vertical flat surface so that the screen is retained
at a viewable orientation, and wherein the stand further includes a
first tether connector and a second tether connector and the tether
is selectively engaged with one of the first and second tether
connectors.
32. The combination as defined in claim 31, where the first and
second tether connectors are disposed at right angles to each other
on the stand and, when the tether is engaged with the first tether
connector, the screen is retained in a portrait mode orientation,
and when the tether is engaged with the second tether connector,
the screen is retained in a landscape mode orientation.
33. The combination as defined in claim 32, wherein the stand is
positioned in the collapsed position when the tether is engaged in
either of the first and second tether connectors.
34. The combination as defined in claim 32, wherein the stand is
positioned in the erected position when the tether is engaged in
either of the first and second tether connectors.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] This invention relates generally to accessories for
electronic devices. More particularly, the invention relates to a
stand for portable electronic devices capable of displaying video
images. Specifically, the invention relates to a stand that is
securable to a portable electronic device and is movable from a
collapsed position to an erected position when a video image is to
be viewed for an extended period of time. When in the erected
position, the stand is able to support the electronic device at an
inclined angle relative to a flat surface in either of a portrait
mode and a landscape mode.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] The capabilities of portable electronic devices such as cell
phones, smart phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) have
been advancing rapidly over the past few years. Many of these
devices are able to play videos, music videos and movies on their
high definition screens. These devices are also now able to display
images in either of a portrait or landscape orientation. However,
to watch a video or full feature film, there is no comfortable or
convenient way to place or position the portable electronic device
for extended viewing other than to lay it flat on a surface.
[0005] There is therefore need in the art for an apparatus that
will assist a viewer to retain a portable electronic device in a
suitable orientation for extended viewing of the screen.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention comprises a stand for supporting a
portable device at an inclined angle relative to a flat surface.
The stand includes a frame that is securable to the device and a
support secured to the frame. The support is movable in an aperture
in the frame between a collapsed position and an erected position.
A first portion of the support extends outwardly beyond an exterior
surface of the frame, when in the erected position, and engages the
flat surface. A second portion of the support remains parallel to
the interior surface of the frame when in both the collapsed and
erected positions. A tether is connectable to the frame to suspend
the device from a vertical flat surface.
[0007] The portable device in question is a portable electronic
device, preferably a handheld device that includes a screen for
displaying a video image. The stand is capable of supporting the
electronic device on the flat surface such that the screen is in
either of a portrait mode and a landscape mode. The stand is moved
to a collapsed position for use other than extended viewing of a
video image on the screen.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated of the
best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles,
is set forth in the following description and is shown in the
drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set
forth in the appended claims.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front perspective of the portable electronic
device and the stand, showing the stand in the erected position and
showing the portable electronic device oriented so that the screen
thereof is in a portrait orientation;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a rear view of a stand in accordance with the
present invention mounted on a back wall of a portable electronic
device where the stand is in a collapsed position;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the stand and portable
electronic device of FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a bottom end view of FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the stand, the
gasket and the portable electronic device showing the stand in the
erected position;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the stand without the electronic
device, showing the exterior surface of the stand when the stand is
in a collapsed position;
[0015] FIG. 7 is front view of the stand without the electronic
device, showing the interior surface of the stand which would abut
the portable electronic device and showing the stand in the
collapsed position;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective bottom end view of the stand and
portable electronic device when the stand is in the erected
position;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the stand without the electronic
device and showing the exterior surface of the stand when the stand
is in the erected position;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a front view of the stand without the electronic
device and showing the interior surface of the stand when the stand
is in the erected position;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the portable
electronic device with the stand in the erected position;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a bottom end view of the portable electronic
device and the stand as shown in FIG. 11;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a right side view of the portable electronic
device and the stand shown with the stand in the erected position
and the screen of the electronic device in the landscape
orientation.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a rear view of a stand in accordance with the
present invention mounted on a back wall of a portable electronic
device where the stand is in a collapsed position and showing a
tether engaged in a first position on the stand;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a right side view of the stand, portable
electronic device and tether of FIG. 14;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a bottom end view of FIG. 14; and
[0025] FIG. 17 is a perspective front view of the electronic device
hanging by way of the tether from a hook extending out of a
wall.
[0026] Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1-13 there is shown a stand in accordance
with the present invention, generally indicated at 10. Stand 10
preferably is engaged with a portable device, such as a portable
electronic device 12. Stand 10 preferably is substantially
permanently secured to electronic device 12, but the engagement
may, alternatively, be temporary. Portable electronic device 12
preferably is any suitable handheld electronic device that includes
a screen 14 and a central processing unit (not shown). Device 12 is
capable of displaying an image, such as a video image 16, on screen
14. Such video images 16 potentially are of an extended or
protracted nature such that it can become onerous for a user to
hold device 12 to watch the entire video image 16 from beginning to
end. For example, the video image 16 may be a music video, a film
clip, a full-length feature film, a television show, a live stream
or a readable electronic book. Normally to watch such a video image
16, the user would hold electronic device 12 in their hand or lay
device 12 flat on a horizontal surface "S" and bend over the same
to view image 14. Obviously, this hand-held action or viewing the
device 12 on a flat surface "S" is tedious and tiresome if video
image 16 is of an extended nature.
[0028] Stand 10 is useful to retain device 12 in a position where
it does not need to be handheld by the user in order to easily and
comfortably view screen 14 thereof for a protracted length of time,
such as during the viewing of a full length feature film.
[0029] As disclosed in FIGS. 1-13, stand 10 includes a movable
support 18 and when in an erected position (FIG. 1) is able to
retain electronic device 12 at an inclined angle relative to
surface "S". This makes it easy and comfortable for the user to see
screen 14 and the video images 16 displayed thereon without the
user having to hold the device. A suitable angle for such viewing
is between 45 and 80 degrees relative to the horizontal. When the
device 12 is not being used to view an extended length video image,
then the stand is moved to a collapsed position where it is
substantially flush against the wall of the device upon which it is
mounted.
[0030] As disclosed in FIGS. 14-17, stand 10 may also be engaged
with a tether 20 which makes it possible to suspend electronic
device 12 from a vertical flat surface such as a wall "W" (FIG.
17). In this orientation, support 18 preferably is moved to a
collapsed position such that device 12 is retained at an angle of
90 degrees relative to the horizontal. Although not illustrated
herein, it should be understood that support 18 may also be used in
an erected position when device 12 is suspended from wall "W" by
tether 20. In this erected position, support 18 will contact wall
"W" and retain device 12 at an angle other than 90 degrees relative
to wall "W". It will further be understood that using tether 20
with the erected support 18, device 12 may be held against wall "W"
in such a manner that screen 14 is angled upwardly or downwardly
depending on where tether 20 is engaged on stand 10 as will be
described hereinafter.
[0031] Electronic device 12 includes a front wall 22a in which
screen 14 is situated, a rear wall 22b (FIG. 2), a first side 22c,
a second side 22d, a top end 22e, and a bottom end 22f (FIG. 3 or
4).
[0032] In accordance with a specific feature of the present
invention, stand 10 is an aftermarket component that is engaged
with electronic device 12 either permanently or temporarily.
Preferably, the engagement is of a permanent nature in that stand
10 is fixedly secured to electronic device 12 and is not removable
therefrom after being so affixed. Preferably, stand 10 is
adhesively attached to electronic device 12. Still further, stand
10 preferably is secured to rear wall 22b of electronic device 12
by way of an adhesive. Specifically, a gasket 24 (FIG. 5) having
adhesive on both of an interior and exterior surface is used to
secure stand 10 to electronic device 12. The interior surface of
gasket 24 is placed in abutting contact with a portion of rear wall
22b of electronic device 12 and the exterior surface of gasket 24
is placed in abutting contact with an interior surface 26a (FIG. 4)
of stand 10. Preferably, stand 10 is adhesively secured to rear
wall 22b in such a position that the battery cover (not shown) of
the electronic device is accessible and removable. While it is
shown that stand 10 is engaged with rear wall 22b of electronic
device 12, it will be understood, that stand 10 may, additionally
or instead, include flanges that engage one or more of the sides
22c, 22d, the top and bottom ends 22e, 22f or even front wall 22a
of device 12, without departing from the spirit of the present
invention.
[0033] In accordance with a specific feature of the present
invention, stand 10 is made from a single injection molded piece of
plastic that is sufficiently flexible enough to allow support 18 to
be moved between the collapsed and erected positions (as will be
hereinafter described), and yet is still rigid enough to retain
device 12 at an inclined angle relative to surface "S" or wall "W".
A suitable plastic for the manufacture of stand 10 is
polypropylene.
[0034] Stand 10 is shown without electronic device 12 in FIGS. 6
and 7 and is comprised of a generally rectangular frame member 26
and support 18. Frame member 26 has an interior surface 26a (FIG.
4) and an exterior surface 26b (FIG. 5) and includes a first end
26c, a second end 26d, a first side 26e and a second side 26f.
Frame member 26 bounds a central aperture 28 (FIG. 9) in which
support 18 is disposed. First and second sides 26e, 26f define two
pairs of aligned notches that serve as part of a locking mechanism
to lock support 18 in one or both of the collapsed position and the
erected position. The first pair of aligned notches is identified
by the reference characters 30a, 30b (FIG. 9). Each notch 30a, 30b
is defined in one of the sides of frame member 26 and adjacent
second end 26d. The second pair of aligned notches is identified by
the reference characters 32a, 32b (FIG. 7) and these notches are
defined in frame member 26 a spaced distance inwardly away from
notches 30a, 30b and toward the mid-point of first and second sides
26e, 26f. Frame member 26 further includes a pair of aligned slots
34a, 34b (FIG. 6) defined in first and second sides 26e, 26f a
spaced distance inwardly from notches 32a, 32b and closer to the
mid-point of first and second sides 26e, 26f. Finally, frame member
26 defines a first pair of aligned holes 36 in one of first and
second sides 26e, 26f, and a second pair of aligned holes 38 in one
of first and second ends 26c, 26d. (It should be noted that gasket
24 includes a pair of elongate slots 25 (FIGS. 5 & 7) that are
positioned to be aligned with each of the pair of holes 36 and 38.)
Each pair of aligned holes 36 and 38 is situated in a recessed area
40, 42, respectively, and are configured to engage with connectors
44 (FIG. 14) on tether 20 as will be described hereinafter.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, and in accordance with yet
another specific feature of the present invention, support 18 is
integrally formed with frame member 26. Stand 10 is die cut in such
a manner that support 18 is secured to first end 26c of frame
member 26 by a first living hinge 46 and is substantially separated
from first and second sides 26e, 26f and second side 26d. Support
18 includes a substantially T-shaped tab 48, a first U-shaped arm
50 and a second generally U-shaped arm 52. First arm 50 is secured
to tab 48 by a pair of spaced apart second living hinges 54. First
arm 50 is also secured to second arm 52 in a back-to-back
configuration by a third living hinge 56.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, tab 48 comprises a base 48a
and a leg 48b. Base 48a and leg 48b are coplanar and integrally
formed. Leg 48b terminates in a foot region 48c that is adapted to
contact surface "S" when stand 10 is used to support electronic
device 12 on said surface. Second arm 50 includes a base 50a and a
pair of spaced apart parallel legs 50b, 50c. When stand 10 is in
the collapsed position, leg 48b nests in the gap between leg 50b
and leg 50c. Each leg 50b, 50c includes a tapered corner 58a, 58b
adjacent second hinge 56, with the corners 58a, 58b tapering
inwardly toward second hinge 56. Referring to FIG. 9, second arm 52
includes a base 52a and a pair of spaced apart spring fingers 52b,
52c. Spring fingers 52b, 52c form part of the locking mechanism for
securing the support 18 in one or both of the collapsed and erected
positions. Each spring finger 52b, 52c includes a detent 60a, 60b
respectively, configured to be selectively engaged in one of the
notches of the first and second pairs of notches, i.e., in one of
notches 30a, 30b, 32a, and 32b. Detent 60a is selectively
receivable in one of notches 30a and 32a, and detent 60b is
selectively receivable in one of notches 30b and 32b. The
spring-type action of spring fingers 52b, 52c keeps second arm 52
in engagement with frame member 26. Second arm 52 further includes
a recessed region 62 and a generally U-shaped aperture 64
configured for receiving a user's fingertip therein. Detents 60a,
60b each include a shoulder region that is configured to engage a
stop 66 on frame member 26 so as to limit longitudinal travel of
support 18 within aperture 28. Regions of the interior surface of
support 18 may be removed or decreased in thickness so as to
increase the flexibility of the support 18 and thereby make the
same easier to slide back and forth within aperture 28 as will be
described further herein.
[0037] The stand 10 of the present invention is used in the
following manner. As previously indicated, stand 10 is conceived to
most likely be an aftermarket part. Consequently, when the user
purchases stand 10, he will most likely receive a kit in which
stand 10 and gasket 24 are provided. Gasket 24 includes adhesive on
both its interior and exterior surfaces and will be provided with a
protective strip of material to prevent the same from becoming
secured to surfaces unintentionally. When the user wishes to secure
stand 10 to electronic device 12, the protective material is
removed to expose the adhesive layer on either of the interior and
exterior surfaces of gasket 24. Gasket 24 is then engaged with one
of interior surface 26a of frame member 26 or onto rear wall 22b of
electronic device. A second protective material is removed from the
other of the interior and exterior surfaces of gasket 24 and the
gasket 24 is then pushed into contact with the other of frame
member 26 and electronic device 12. When the user simply wishes to
use the electronic device 12 as a handheld device, then stand 10 is
left in the collapsed condition, i.e., in the manner illustrated in
FIGS. 4, 6 and 7. In this collapsed position, tab 48, first arm 50
and second arm 52 are all coplanar with each other and
substantially parallel to the exterior surface 26b of frame member
26 as shown in FIG. 4. Furthermore, detents 60a and 60b are
interlockingly received in the aligned notches 30a, 30b. The
engagement of detents 60a, 60b and notches 30a, 30b keeps the
support 18 in a substantially planar configuration. In this planar
configuration, tab 48, first arm 50 and second arm 52 are all
substantially parallel with the interior surface 26a of frame 26.
Thus, electronic device 12 is suitable to be handheld without
components protruding outwardly from a back surface of the device.
Additionally, second arm 52 is located in a first position within
aperture 28 in that it is disposed proximate second end 26d of
frame (FIG. 7).
[0038] When it is desired to rest electronic device 12 on surface
"S", the user inserts a fingertip into aperture 64 and then pulls
second arm 52 toward first end 26c of frame member 26. This
movement causes second arm 52 to slide longitudinally within
aperture 28 in the direction indicated by the arrow "Y" (FIG. 6).
As force is applied to second arm 52 in this manner, detents 60a,
60b disengage from notches 30a, 30b and second arm 52 moves toward
first side 26c. The movement causes first arm 50 and tab 48 to
rotate upwardly out of alignment with the exterior surface 26b of
frame member 26. First arm 50 pivots relative to second arm 52
about third hinge 56. Tab 48 pivots relative to first arm 50 about
second hinges 54 and pivots relative to first end 26c of frame
member 26 about first hinge 46. The movement of second arm 52
toward first end 26c continues until detents 60a, 60b slide into
notches 32a, 32b and simultaneously engage stops 66a, 66b. At this
point, second arm 52 is in a second position within aperture 28 in
that it is spaced a distance inwardly away from second end 26d
(FIG. 9). In this fully erected position (FIG. 8), the tab 48 and
first arm 50 are disposed at an angle to each other and form a
V-shaped member relative to the exterior surface 26b of frame
member 26. Additionally, tab 48 and first arm 50 are disposed at an
angle relative to second arm 52. Second arm 52, however, remains
substantially aligned with or parallel to the interior surface 26a
of frame 26.
[0039] At this stage, electronic device 12 can be positioned so
that the end 48c of tab 48 and the end wall 22f of device 12 rest
upon surface "S" as shown in FIG. 12. In this configuration, screen
14 on electronic device is retained in the portrait orientation
(FIG. 1). Alternatively, electronic device 12 can be positioned so
that a portion of the end 48c of tab 48 and second side wall 22d
rest on surface "S" as shown in FIG. 13. In this configuration,
screen 14 on electronic device 12 is retained in the landscape
orientation, i.e., at right angles to the portrait orientation. In
either of these orientations, the user can operate electronic
device 12 so that they can view an extended video image 16
displayed on screen 14.
[0040] When it is desired to collapse stand 10, the user inserts a
fingertip in aperture 64 and slides second arm 52 toward second end
26d of frame member 26. This longitudinal movement causes detents
60a, 60b to disengage from notches 32a, 32b and second arm 52
slides toward second end 26d until detents 60a, 60b engage once
again in notches 30a, 30b. As second arm 52 moves in this manner,
both of tab 48 and first arm 50 pivot about first, second and third
hinges 46, 54, 56 and move downwardly toward exterior surface 26b
of frame member 26. When detents 60a, 60b slide into notches 30a,
30b, tab 48, first arm 50 and second arm 52 are once again coplanar
and stand 10 is in its fully collapsed position (FIG. 4).
[0041] It should be noted that when stand 10 is in the erected
position, the leg portion 48b of tab 48 extends outwardly beyond
second hinges 54. This arrangement increases the distance between
the surface "S" and the rear wall 22b of electronic device 12. If
tab 48 was comprised only of base 48a, then the second hinges 54
would be the region of the stand 10 that would contact surface "S"
and the distance between surface "S" and rear wall 22b would be
smaller. The greater distance between surface "S" and rear wall 22b
enables stand 10 to retain electronic device 12 at an angle greater
than 45 degrees relative to surface "S".
[0042] FIGS. 14-17 show tether 20 engaged with stand 10. When it is
desired to suspend electronic device 12 from a hook 70 (FIG. 17),
for example, tether 20 is engaged with one of the aligned sets of
holes 36 or holes 38. The user selects which of the sets of holes
36, 38 to use by first determining which orientation of screen 14
they require in order to view video image 16. If the screen
orientation required is a landscape orientation, then the pair of
holes 36 is selected. If the screen orientation required is a
portrait orientation, then the pair of holes 38 is selected. The
user inserts the connectors 44 into the selected holes, such as 38
in FIG. 14. The tether 20 is then engaged with hook 70 and
electronic device 12 is allowed to hang downwardly therefrom and
substantially parallel to the exterior surface of wall "W". In this
position, rear wall 22b of electronic device is substantially
parallel to wall "W". If it would be easier and more comfortable
for the user to view screen 14 at an angle, then the support 18 is
moved from the collapsed position to the erect position so that end
48c of tab 48 contacts wall "W" and hold electronic device at an
angle relative thereto.
[0043] It will be understood that while the locking mechanism is
described as comprising a plurality of notches 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b
defined in the frame 26 and detents 60a, 60b provided on spring
fingers 52a and 52b of support 18, the notches could instead be
provided on the support 18 and the detents provided on the frame 26
without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0044] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0045] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact
details shown or described.
* * * * *