U.S. patent application number 13/486489 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-06 for plush toy computer tablet carrier.
Invention is credited to Dean A. Theodore.
Application Number | 20120309256 13/486489 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47262019 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120309256 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Theodore; Dean A. |
December 6, 2012 |
PLUSH TOY COMPUTER TABLET CARRIER
Abstract
A plush toy tablet computer accessory is provided for storing
and supporting a tablet computer. The plush toy tablet computer
accessory includes a speaker system connectable to a tablet
computer and a detachable carrying case for storing the tablet
computer while not in use.
Inventors: |
Theodore; Dean A.;
(Calabasas, CA) |
Family ID: |
47262019 |
Appl. No.: |
13/486489 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13506267 |
Apr 9, 2012 |
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13486489 |
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61519992 |
Jun 3, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 3/02 20130101; F16M
11/041 20130101; F16M 13/00 20130101; A63H 3/003 20130101; A63H
3/04 20130101; F16M 2200/08 20130101; G06F 1/1628 20130101; F16M
13/022 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/72 |
International
Class: |
A63H 3/00 20060101
A63H003/00 |
Claims
1. A plush toy tablet computer accessory for storing and supporting
a tablet computer, comprising: a plush toy filled with compressible
stuffing; a bendable internal frame within the plush toy, for
selectively contorting of appendages of the plush toy; and a
carrying case removably attached to the plush toy.
2. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 1, wherein the
bendable internal frame extends throughout the interior of the
plush toy such that the appendages of the plush toy stay in place
after being bent into different configurations.
3. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 2, wherein the
appendages may be configured to hold and support a tablet computer
adjacent to the plush toy.
4. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 3, wherein the
bendable internal frame comprises either metal wire or a series of
ball joints.
5. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 1, further
comprising anti-skid material attached to an exterior of the plush
toy.
6. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 5, wherein the
anti-skid material is attached to a base of the plush toy.
7. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 5, wherein the
anti-skid material is attached to the body of the plush toy such
that the anti-skid material is substantially adjacent to the tablet
computer while the tablet computer is supported by the plush toy so
as to provide extra traction for the tablet computer against the
plush toy.
8. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 1, further
comprising a speaker system disposed within the plush toy.
9. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 8, wherein the
speaker system comprises speakers connected to a circuit board
powered by a battery source, and a connection to an external
playback source.
10. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 9, wherein the
plush toy resembles a fictional or fanciful character and the
speakers are positioned adjacent to the face, feet, hands, body, or
rear of the character.
11. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 9, wherein the
connection to the external playback source can be wired or
wireless.
12. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 1, wherein the
carrying case is removably attached to the plush toy via snaps,
hook and loop attachments, magnets, or clips, and is fitted with
straps or handles so as to resemble a back pack, purse, satchel, or
tote bag.
13. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 1, wherein the
carrying case has one or more pockets with at least one pocket
being substantially sized to fit a tablet computer.
14. A plush toy tablet computer accessory for storing and
supporting a tablet computer, comprising: a plush toy filled with
compressible stuffing; a bendable internal frame within the plush
toy, for selectively contorting of appendages of the plush toy,
wherein the bendable internal frame extends throughout the interior
of the plush toy such that the appendages of the plush toy stay in
place after being bent into different configurations; a speaker
system disposed within the plush toy; and a carrying case removably
attached to the plush toy.
15. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 14, wherein
the appendages may be configured to hold and support a tablet
computer adjacent to the plush toy and the bendable internal frame
comprises either metal wire or a series of ball joints.
16. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 14, further
comprising anti-skid material attached to an exterior of the plush
toy at the base of the plush toy, and to the body of the plush toy
such that the anti-ski material is substantially adjacent to the
tablet computer while the tablet computer is supported by the plush
toy so as to provide extra traction for the tablet computer against
the plush toy.
17. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 14, wherein
the plush toy resembles a fictional or fanciful character and the
speaker system comprises speakers connected to a circuit board
powered by a battery source and positioned adjacent to the face,
feet, hands, body, or rear of the character, and a wired or
wireless connection to an external playback source.
18. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 14, wherein
the carrying case is removably attached to the plush toy via snaps,
hook and loop attachments, magnets, or clips and is fitted with
straps or handles so as to resemble a back pack, purse, satchel, or
tote bag.
19. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 14, wherein
the carrying case has one or more pockets with at least one pocket
being substantially sized to fit a tablet computer.
20. A plush toy tablet computer accessory for storing and
supporting a tablet computer, comprising: a plush toy in the shape
of an animal filled with compressible stuffing; a bendable internal
frame within the plush toy for selectively contorting of appendages
of the plush toy, wherein the bendable internal frame is composed
of either metal wire or a series of ball joints; anti-skid material
attached to the exterior of the plush toy, wherein the anti-skid
material is substantially adjacent to a base of the plush toy and
to the tablet computer while the tablet computer is supported by
the plush toy and gripped by the appendages plush toy; a speaker
system integral to the body of the plush toy, wherein the speaker
system comprises speakers positioned in the feet, hands, face or
body of the plush toy connected to a circuit board powered by a
battery source, and a connection to a wired or wireless external
playback source; a carrying case removably attached to the plush
toy via snaps, hook and loop attachments, magnets, or clips,
wherein the carrying case is a backpack with shoulder straps and a
handle; and pockets in the plush toy and the carrying case, wherein
at least one pocket in the carrying case is substantially sized to
fit a tablet computer.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Tablet computers, such as iPads.RTM., Galaxy Kindles.RTM.,
eReaders Nabi.TM. tablets and the like, have become highly popular.
However, it is often difficult to find a way to support the table
computers while in use. One hand must be used to support the tablet
computer, while typing must be done with the other hand. This is
awkward and creates wrist problems, hand ailments, and poor body
posture. Additionally, it significantly limits typing speed and
creates the potential for dropping the tablet computer. Moreover,
the tablet computer is one more object for the user to carry, along
with cell phones, keys, packages and the like. There are no
satisfactory means provided for supporting a tablet computer in a
usable position while providing storage for the tablet computer and
other personal items.
[0002] The present invention provides hands-free support for a
tablet computer facilitating therapeutic user posture while the
tablet computer is in use in substantially any position. The
present invention also provides built-in speakers with wired or
wireless capability and a convenient carrying case for the tablet
computer along with other personal items. The advantages of the
present invention are achieved by providing a plush toy with
speakers built in with a wired or wireless connection to the tablet
computer. The plush toy is opposable so as to support a tablet
computer in substantially any location or position. The plush toy
also includes a carrying case for storing and transporting the
tablet computer, along with other objects. Accordingly, it is an
object of the present invention to provide improved means for
supporting a tablet computer in substantially any location,
enhancing ergonomic and therapeutic body positioning.
[0003] Another object of the present invention is to provide
improved means for supporting a tablet computer in substantially
any location together with means for conveniently carrying said
tablet computer. The carrying case is preferably wearable, i.e. a
backpack.
[0004] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
improved means for supporting and stabilizing a tablet computer in
substantially any location together with means for conveniently
carrying said computer along with other objects.
[0005] A specific object of the present invention is to provide a
plush toy with a rigid body frame that can conform to a tablet
computer so as to support the tablet computer in substantially any
position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is a plush toy tablet computer
accessory for storing and supporting a tablet computer. The present
invention preferably includes a plush toy filled with compressible
stuffing, a bendable internal frame throughout the interior of the
plush toy and surrounded by the compressible stuffing, anti-skid
material attached to the exterior of the plush toy, and a carrying
case removably attached to the plush toy.
[0007] The present invention may also include a speaker system
which is made up of a circuit board, a battery source, wiring,
speakers, and a connection to an external playback source (i.e.,
the tablet computer). The speakers may be positioned anywhere
substantially adjacent to the exterior of the plush toy. If the
plush toy is in the shape of an animal, the speakers are preferably
placed in the hands, feet, middle, face, or rear of the plush toy.
The connection to the external playback source may be wired (i.e.,
USB connector, 15 pin Apple.RTM. plug, etc.) or wireless (i.e.,
Bluetooth.RTM. connection).
[0008] The bendable internal frame of the present invention is
preferably made of wire or of a series of ball-joints. The bendable
internal frame extends throughout the plush toy and allows for the
plush toy to be positioned in any number of ways. The anti-skid
material is attached to the exterior of the plush toy both to keep
the plush toy from sliding on the surface where it sits, and also
to help keep the tablet computer securely in place once the plush
toy has been positioned so as to hold the tablet computer.
[0009] The carrying case of the present invention includes means
for removably attaching the plush toy. These means may be snaps,
hook and loop attachments, magnets, clips, or the like and allow
for the plush toy to be attached to either the front or the back of
the carrying case. The carrying case includes one or more pockets,
with at least one of those pockets being substantially sized to fit
a tablet computer. The tablet computer may then be stored in the
carrying case when not in use. Other pockets may be sized to
accommodate storage of other personal items. Additionally, a pocket
may be provided to allow for access to the inner circuit board and
battery source for the speaker system. The pockets of the carrying
case include means for keeping the pocket securely closed. Such
means include zippers, hook and loop attachments, snaps, buttons,
clips and the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the plush toy
illustrating the pocket for storing a tablet computer;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the plush toy
illustrating a tablet computer being supported as well as the
placement of the speakers;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the plush toy
illustrating the placement of the tablet computer;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the plush toy
illustrating a different configuration wherein the plush toy is a
teddy bear;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the teddy bear plush
toy illustrating the placement of the arms and legs of the plush
toy;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the teddy bear plush
toy illustrating the placement of various pockets as well as the
placement of anti-skid material at the base of the plush toy;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a front view of the teddy bear plush toy
illustrating the placement of the speakers in the ears of the teddy
bear and the placement of the connector in the hands of the teddy
bear;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a side view of the teddy bear plush toy
illustrating the placement of the speakers and the placement of the
connector in the middle of the teddy bear;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the teddy bear plush toy
illustrating the placement of pockets and a connector at the rear
of the teddy bear;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a front view of the teddy bear plush toy
illustrating the placement of the internal wire frame;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a front view of the teddy bear plush toy
illustrating the plush toy's ability to have its arms bent into
different configurations;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a side view of the teddy bear plush toy
illustrating the placement of the internal wire frame;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a side view of the teddy bear plush toy
illustrating the plush toy's ability to have its head bent into
different configurations;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a front view of the teddy bear plush toy
illustrating the placement of the internal ball-joint frame;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a front view of the teddy bear plush toy
illustrating the plush toy's ability to have its arms bent into
different configurations;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a close-up view of the ball-joint frame;
[0027] FIG. 17 is a side view of the teddy bear plush toy
illustrating the placement of the internal ball-joint frame;
[0028] FIG. 18 is a side view of the teddy bear plush toy
illustrating the plush toy's ability to have its head bent into
different configurations;
[0029] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the teddy bear plush
toy illustrating the placement of the tablet computer in use;
[0030] FIG. 20 is a side perspective view of the teddy bear plush
toy illustrating the placement of the tablet computer in use;
[0031] FIG. 21 is a side perspective view of the teddy bear plush
toy in use with the carrying case;
[0032] FIG. 22 is a side perspective view of the teddy bear plush
toy in use with the carrying case illustrating how the plush toy
can be removably attached to the carrying case;
[0033] FIG. 23 is a side perspective view of the carrying case;
[0034] FIG. 24 is a side perspective view of the teddy bear plush
toy and carrying case illustrating the plush toy's attachment to
the back of the carrying case; and
[0035] FIG. 25 is a side perspective view of the teddy bear plush
toy and carrying case illustrating the plush toy's attachment to
the front of the carrying case.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] The present invention is directed to an apparatus for
storing and supporting a tablet computer. FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one
embodiment of the apparatus, while FIGS. 4-22 illustrate a second
embodiment of the apparatus.
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a plush toy 10 filled with compressible
stuffing 12. The plush toy 10 in this embodiment is roughly shaped
like a pyramid with a handle 26 and clips 28 at the top. The base
of the plush toy 10 is fitted with straps 24 that can selectively
be clipped in at the top of the plush toy 10. The base of the plush
toy 10 may include one or more pockets 30. In FIG. 1, pocket 30 is
large enough to store a tablet computer 36 when the tablet computer
36 is not in use. The pocket is fitted with means for keeping the
pocket closed 38. In this embodiment, the means for keeping the
pocket closed 38 is a series of snaps and an overlapping flap. This
configuration ensures that the tablet computer 36 is securely
retained within the pocket while not in use.
[0038] In use, the plush toy 10 is useful for supporting a tablet
computer 36 such that a user may use the tablet computer 36 without
having to hold it with his hands, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In FIG.
2, a tablet computer 36 is shown supported by the plush toy 10 for
hands-free use. Also shown in FIG. 2 are speakers 32. The speakers
32 are capable of connecting with the tablet computer 36 via a
wired connection (not shown) or a wireless connection (i.e.
Bluetooth.RTM. connection). With the tablet computer supported by
the plush toy 10 as shown in FIG. 2, a user can watch a movie or
listen to music while having the sound from the tablet computer 36
amplified through the speakers 32. This is particularly useful for
children who would otherwise be prone to dropping the tablet
computer 36.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates how the present invention supports the
tablet computer without any need for clips, clamps, adhesive,
magnets, or anything else that might potentially damage the tablet
computer 36. The plush toy 10 illustrated in FIG. 3 is filled with
compressible material 12 that forms itself around the tablet
computer 36 when the tablet computer 36 is pressed into the plush
toy 10 near the top of the plush toy 10 thereby creating an
indentation that retains the tablet computer 36. When the tablet
computer 36 is no longer in use, it can be stored within the pocket
30 of the plush toy 10. The straps 24 can be secured to the top of
the plush toy 10 via clips 28, and the plush toy 10 can be
conveniently carried over the shoulders or across the back.
[0040] FIGS. 4-22 illustrate a second embodiment of the plush toy
10 of the present invention, wherein the plush toy is shaped like a
teddy bear. Other embodiments of the present invention may feature
plush toys in the shape of any fictional or fanciful character
resembling, for example, an animal, a cartoon character, a
superhero, or the like. The plush toy embodiment in FIG. 4 shows
anti-skid material 18 attached to the hands and middle of the teddy
bear. Also shown in FIG. 4 is a connector 34 that can be connected
to a tablet computer 36. The connector 34 can be a standard audio
jack, a USB cable, or any other type of connector used with tablet
computers. FIG. 4 shows a 15 pin Apple.RTM. connector as is used
with iPods.RTM., iPads.RTM., and iPhones.RTM.. Here, the connector
34 extends from the hand of the plush toy 10, but in other
embodiments, the connector 34 can extend from the other hand, the
feet, the middle, or the rear of the plush toy 10. FIG. 4 also
shows the speakers 32 integral to the feet of the plush toy 10. In
other embodiments, the speakers may be integral to the hands, the
middle, the face, or the ears of the plush toy 10.
[0041] FIG. 5 shows the anti-skid material 18 is also attached to
the base of the plush toy 10. The anti-skid material 18 is attached
to the base of the plush toy 10 to keep the plush toy 10 from
sliding across the surface upon which it is situated. The anti-skid
material 18 is likewise attached to the hands and middle of the
plush toy 10 to assist the plush toy 10 in having a secure grip on
the tablet computer 36 when the tablet computer 36 is being
supported by the plush toy 10.
[0042] FIG. 6 shows the rear of the plush toy 10 of the present
invention. Here, it is shown that the plush toy 10 can include one
or more pockets 30. These pockets can be sized to accommodate
headphones, keys, pocket change, or any number of personal items. A
pocket 30 may also be included to provide access to the circuit
board, wiring, and battery provided for the speakers (not shown).
The pockets 30 are securely closed by a closing means 38. The
closing means 38 can be a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, snaps,
magnets, or the like. FIG. 6 also shows a connector 34 positioned
at the rear of the plush toy 10. Here, the connector 34 is a USB
connector.
[0043] FIGS. 7-9 illustrate alternate placements for the speakers
32 and connectors 34 for the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7,
the speakers 32 can be placed in the ears of the plush toy 10.
Likewise, the connectors 34 can be placed in the hands of the plush
toy 10. FIG. 8 shows that the connector 34 can alternately be
placed near the middle of the plush toy 10 so as to be closer to a
tablet computer 36 placed therein. Finally, FIG. 9 shows that the
connector 34 may be placed on a retractable cable that extends
around from the rear of the plush toy 10. When not in use, the
connector 34 in this embodiment will retract into the body of the
plush toy 10 for storage.
[0044] FIGS. 10-13 illustrate an embodiment of the present
invention wherein the plush toy 10 is fitted with an internal wire
frame 14. As shown, the wire frame 14 extends throughout the body
of the plush toy 10, including its arms, legs, torso, and head. The
wire frame 14 is gauged such that, when bent into various
positions, it remains in that configuration until it is
re-positioned. In FIGS. 10 and 11, it is shown that when the arms
are moved closer together along the arrows in FIG. 10, they remain
in that position, as shown in FIG. 11. Likewise, when the head of
the plush toy 10 is positioned along the arrow in FIG. 12, it
remains in that position as shown in FIG. 13.
[0045] FIGS. 14-18 illustrate an embodiment of the present
invention wherein the plush toy 10 is fitted with an internal
ball-joint frame 16. The ball-joint frame 16 operates in much the
same way as the wire frame 14, described above. A distinction is
found between the wire frame 14 and the ball-joint frame 16 in that
the ball-joint frame 16 has no sharp ends in the arms, feet and
head of the plush toy 10. This may make the ball-joint frame 16
more appropriate for use in a plush toy 10 meant for children. The
ball-joint frame 16 allows the plush toy 10 to be bent into any
number of configurations and keeps the plush toy 10 so configured.
FIG. 16 is a close-up view of the ball-joint frame 16. It can be
seen here that there are no sharp edges and that the ball-joints
allow for the frame to be bent in any direction.
[0046] FIGS. 19 and 20 show the present invention in use with a
tablet computer 36. Here it is shown that the tablet computer 36 is
resting on the legs of the teddy bear plush toy 10 while the arms
of the teddy bear plush toy 10 are bent so as to prevent the tablet
computer 36 from tipping over. Once the tablet computer 36 is
connected to the speaker system in the teddy bear plush toy 10 (not
shown), sounds from the tablet computer 36 are amplified through
the speakers 32 in the feet of the teddy bear plush toy 10. The
anti-skid material 18 on the hands of the teddy bear plush toy 10
help keep the tablet computer 36 securely in place. FIG. 20 also
shows the anti-skid material 18 attached to the middle and base of
the teddy bear plush toy 10. The anti-skid material 18 in these
locations ensures that the tablet computer 36 will remain propped
upright, and that the teddy bear plush toy 10 will not slide around
on the surface where it is sitting.
[0047] FIGS. 21-25 illustrate the plush toy 10 in use with the
carrying case 20. In FIG. 21, the carrying case 20 is shown in a
backpack configuration. The carrying case 20 has long straps 24
that may be adjustable and a handle 26. The carrying case 20 can
also be removably attached to the plush toy 10 via means 22. Means
22 for removably attaching the plush toy 10 to the carrying case 20
may be snaps, hook and loop attachments, magnets, clips, or the
like. In FIG. 21, the carrying case 20 is shown being attached to
the back of the head of the plush toy 10 with a snap. Once the
plush toy 10 is thus attached to the carrying case, the plush toy
10 and the carrying case 20 become a unit as shown in FIG. 22. The
straps 24 of the carrying case 20 can be adjusted around the plush
toy 10 so that the plush toy 10 looks like it is wearing a
backpack.
[0048] FIG. 23 illustrates a second placement of means 22 for
removably attaching the plush toy 10 to the carrying case 20. Here,
the means 22 is a snap and is located on the front of the carrying
case 10. When the plush toy 10 is attached to the front of the
carrying case 10 as in FIG. 25, the carrying case 20 can be worn as
a backpack with the plush toy 10 secured thereon. This is
particularly advantageous for a child user to carry the present
invention while keeping his hands free. When the carrying case 20
is in a different configuration (i.e., a purse, tote bag, shoulder
bag), the plush toy 10 can still be attached to the front of the
carrying case 20 so as to keep the hands of the user free while the
plush toy 10 and carrying case 20 are being transported.
[0049] FIG. 24 illustrates the carrying case 20 with one or more
pockets 30. Here, it is shown that the carrying case 20 preferably
includes a pocket 30 that is substantially the same size as a
tablet computer 36, so as to provide a place for the tablet
computer 36 to be stored while not in use. The pocket 30 also
includes means 38 for securely closing the pocket 30. In FIG. 24,
the means 38 for securely closing the pocket 30 is a zipper. In
other embodiments, means 38 may be snaps, hook and loop
attachments, magnets, buttons, ties, clips, or the like. The
carrying case 20 may include other smaller pockets 30 for storing
headphones, keys, spare change, and other personal items.
[0050] Although several embodiments have been described in some
detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be
made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except by the
appended claims.
* * * * *