U.S. patent application number 13/444750 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-17 for protective handheld device holder.
The applicant listed for this patent is David Konyha. Invention is credited to David Konyha.
Application Number | 20130270851 13/444750 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49324416 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130270851 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Konyha; David |
October 17, 2013 |
PROTECTIVE HANDHELD DEVICE HOLDER
Abstract
Device holders having a number of arms for receiving a handheld
device and a number of recesses providing an interface area for a
user's hand to hold the device during use. In some examples the
device holder maintains an open cavity between the body of the
device and the holder itself. In some examples, the holder
maintains the device in place with a series of extensions from the
base of the holder that secure the periphery of the device via a
retainer.
Inventors: |
Konyha; David; (Seaside,
OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Konyha; David |
Seaside |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49324416 |
Appl. No.: |
13/444750 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
294/142 ;
294/137 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2011/003 20130101;
A45C 2011/002 20130101; F16M 13/04 20130101; A45F 2200/0525
20130101; A45F 2200/0516 20130101; F16M 13/022 20130101; F16M
11/105 20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
294/142 ;
294/137 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00 |
Claims
1. A device holder, comprising: a base that is substantially planar
and that defines a plurality of finger holes; a first arm extending
from the base transverse to the plane defined by the base and
terminating at a first terminal end opposite the base, the first
terminal end including a first retainer configured to secure a
first end of a device; and a second arm extending from the base
transverse to the plane defined by the base and terminating at a
second terminal end opposite the base, the second terminal end
including a second retainer configured to secure a second end of
the device spaced from the first end of the device.
2. The device holder of claim 1, wherein the first arm and the
second arm are resilient and are configured to flex apart and to
resiliently squeeze against the device when supporting the
device.
3. The device holder of claim 1, wherein the first arm includes an
interior side facing the base and the terminal end defines a lip
extending along the interior side of the first arm.
4. The device holder of claim 1, wherein the first arm and the
second arm are curved.
5. The device holder of claim 1, wherein the first arm is opposite
the base from the second arm.
6. The device holder of claim 1, wherein the first arm and the
second arm extend from a perimeter boundary of the base.
7. The device holder of claim 1, further comprising a third arm
extending from the base a fourth arm extending from the base.
8. The device holder of claim 7, wherein the first arm, the second
arm, the third arm, and the fourth arm extend from a perimeter
boundary of the base and each extend from different quadrants of
the base.
9. The device holder of claim 1, wherein the shape of the base is
complimentarily configured to the shape of the device.
10. The device holder of claim 9, wherein the base has a
rectangular shape that compliments the device, which has a
rectangular shape with a larger area than the area defined by the
rectangular shape of the base.
11. The device holder of claim 1, further comprising a mounting
bracket mounted to the base, the mounting bracket being configured
to couple with an external support.
12. The device holder of claim 11, wherein the mounting bracket is
mounted to the middle of the base.
13. The device holder of claim 1, wherein the plurality of finger
holes are arranged in a circle.
14. The device holder of claim 1, wherein the finger holes include
a first hole and a second hole that is larger than the first
hole.
15. The device holder of claim 1, wherein the base defines a
plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes that are
larger than the first hole, the plurality of first holes and
plurality of second holes being arranged in an alternating pattern
where a first hole is followed by a second hole in a circle.
16. The device holder of claim 1, wherein the first arm and the
second arm are integrally connected to the base.
17. A device holder, comprising: a base defining a plurality of
finger holes arranged in a pattern to conform with the anatomy of a
human hand when the base is in a variety of positions relative to a
user's hand; a first arm extending from the base and terminating at
a first terminal end opposite the base, the first terminal end
including a first retainer configured to secure a first end of a
device; and a second arm extending from the base and terminating at
a second terminal end opposite the base, the second terminal end
including a second retainer configured to secure a second end of
the device spaced from the first end of the device.
18. The device holder of claim 17, wherein the plurality of holes
are arranged in a circle.
19. The device holder of claim 17, wherein the base defines a
plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes that are
larger than the first hole, the plurality of first holes and
plurality of second holes being arranged in an alternating pattern
where a first hole is followed by a second hole in a circle.
20. A device holder, comprising: a base that is substantially
planar and having a perimeter boundary, the base defining a
plurality of finger holes arranged in a pattern to conform with the
anatomy of a human hand when the base is in a variety of positions
relative to a user's hand; a first arm extending from the perimeter
boundary of the base transverse to the plane defined by the base
and terminating at a first terminal end opposite the base, the
first arm including a first interior side facing the base and the
first terminal end including a first lip on the first interior side
of the first arm and configured to secure a first end of a device;
and a second arm opposite the first arm extending from the
perimeter boundary of the base transverse to the plane defined by
the base and terminating at a second terminal end opposite the
base, the second arm including a second interior side facing the
base and the second terminal end including a second lip on the
second interior side of the second arm and configured to secure a
second end of a device spaced from the first end of the device.
21. The device holder of claim 20, wherein the base further
includes a friction interface.
22. The device holder of claim 21, wherein the friction interface
defines a series of raised protrusions extending from and embedded
in the surface of the base.
22. The device holder of claim 20, further including a support
stand adjustably affixed to the base.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to handheld device
holders. In particular this disclosure includes handheld device
holders having strategically placed gripping recesses and device
protection cavities.
[0002] There exist a large variety of handheld devices on the
market today. These devices come in all shapes and sizes and vary
in function and purpose. These devices range from standard cellular
phones, to smart phones, to gaming devices, global positioning
units, tablet computers, laptops and more. These devices serve a
myriad of purposes and are carried everywhere a user goes. Because
these devices are handheld, users often seek comfortable and
efficient ways to secure these devices during use and protect them
from damage.
[0003] Known device holders are not entirely satisfactory for the
range of applications in which they are employed. For example,
existing device holders lack gripping recesses conducive to
increasing a user's hold on a device. Existing device holders allow
a very limited number of holding positions for a user. These
positions often place the device in precarious and difficult to
maintain positions in a user's hands.
[0004] Existing holders often cause user discomfort in that they
force a user to endure often uncomfortable and non-ergonomic hand
positions when interfacing with a device. Such positions can lead
to Fatigue and increase the likelihood that a device will fall or
be dropped by the user causing damage to the device.
[0005] Extant device holders are also attached too close to the
body of the device to allow for proper gripping recesses. A user
maintains significantly more control over a device when the hand
and fingers can penetrate the holder's recesses. Existing device
holders do not allow adequate space between the body of the device
and the holder itself for users to grip the holder.
[0006] Additionally, known device holders provide inadequate
protection to the device. Damage to the device results when the
device is dropped and contacts a hard surface, Existing holders are
wrapped to closely around the body of the device and fail to
provide sufficient impact resistance for the device. A holder
having inadequate cavity between the device body and the holder
allows the full force of impact to be transferred to a device.
[0007] Ease of use, comfort in handling, and protection from damage
are of utmost importance for device users, Current holders have
failed to sufficiently incorporate these needs into a single
functional design. Thus, there exists a need for device holders
that improve upon and advance the design of known device holders.
Examples of new and useful device holders relevant to the needs
existing in the field are discussed below.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present disclosure is directed to device holders having
a number of arms for receiving a handheld device and a number of
recesses providing an interface area for a user's hand to hold the
device during use. In some examples the device holder maintains an
open cavity between the body of the device and the holder itself.
In some examples, the holder maintains the device in place with a
series of extensions from the base of the holder that secure the
periphery of the device via a retainer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of a device
holder being held by a user.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device holder shown in
FIG. 1 depicting a number of finger holes.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the device holder of FIG.
1 depicting an arm extending from the base of the device holder
contacting the device.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the device holder of
FIG. 1 holding a device in place with a retainer portion of the arm
shown in FIG. 3.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the device holder of FIG.
1 depicting a number of arms extending from the base of the device
holder contacting the periphery of a sample device.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the device holder shown
in FIG. 3 including a lid attachment.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the device holder of
FIG. 1 including a mounted attachment.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of a second example of a
device holder depicting a friction interface.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the device holder shown
in FIG. 8 including a support stand.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The disclosed device holders will become better understood
through review of the following detailed description in conjunction
with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide
merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those
skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may
be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope
of the inventions described herein, Many variations are
contemplated for different applications and design considerations;
however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated
variation is not individually described in the following detailed
description.
[0019] Throughout the following detailed description, examples of
various device holders are provided. Related features in the
examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different
examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be
redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related
feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related
feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example
explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be
described in that particular example. The reader should understand
that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the
specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or
example.
[0020] With reference to FIGS. 1-7, a first example of a device
holder, device holder 100 will now be described. Device holder 100
includes a base 102, a plurality of finger holes 104, a first arm
110, a second arm 112, each arm having a terminal end 114 and a
retainer 116, a cavity 120 defined by the interior of the base 102.
Device holder 100 functions to provide secure holding positions for
the user of a device. Additionally or alternatively, device holder
100 can provide impact resistance and protection from damage.
[0021] By way of example, reference is also made to a device 150
and a user interacting with device holder 100. These examples do
not limit the device holder in any way and only represent a sample
of the devices with which the instant embodiment may be used.
[0022] As can be seen in FIGS. 1-7, base 102 defines a central
portion of device holder 100. Base 102 represents any portion of
device holder 100 that the user would interface with for holding
device holder 100. In the instant example, base 102 is mostly
planar having outer and inner surfaces. The edges of base 102 taper
towards the device to create an overall rounded shape. In another
example, the base takes on a rectangular shape. In yet other
examples, the base is selected from a number of different shapes
suitable for cradling a device and allowing a user to increase the
stability with which the device is held.
[0023] In this example base 102 is composed of a flexible plastic.
A significant number of materials and composites are employed in
various other examples. In another example the base is made of
aluminum. In yet another example the base is made of rubber. In
other examples any material that can reasonably create a holding
surface for user interface is contemplated.
[0024] Base 102 provides a surface into which finger holes 104
extend. Base 102 constitutes a structure within which space is
provided for gripping device holder 100, Material can be removed
from any portion of base 102 creating finger holes 104.
[0025] Turning our attention more specifically to FIG. 1, we see
finger holes 104 extending into base 102 of device holder 100. In
this example, a number of finger holes 104 are present on base 102.
In another example, there is only a single hole to provide a
gripping surface. In yet other examples, there are many holes
covering the base of the device holder.
[0026] In the present embodiment, finger holes 104 are arranged in
a circular pattern. In various examples, finger holes may be
arranged in patterns conducive to user interface. In yet other
examples, finger hole placement is specifically optimized for user
interface and/or mounted attachment interface.
[0027] Referencing FIG. 1, a user is shown interfacing with device
holder 100 by inserting his fingers into finger holes 104. The user
is depicted having inserted his thumb into one finger hole 104
towards the bottom of base 102 in device holder 100, and also
having inserted his pointer and middle fingers into finger holes
104 opposite the thumb. This figure shows only one possible way for
a user to engage device holder 100.
[0028] The ranges of devices that may be used with device holder
100 serve numerous functions. As such, user preferred holding
positions differ between the varying functions and device
orientations. In FIG. 1, device 150 is being used in a horizontal
position. In an alternate example, where the device being used is
in its vertical position, the user would need only to rotate the
device holder to gain access to alternative finger holes,
maintaining largely the same hand position despite a change in
device orientation.
[0029] By way of explanation only, a device holder may be used in
conjunction with a handheld gaming device. A user needing to turn
the device or move it rapidly in his hands would elect a particular
hand position to accomplish such mobility. On the other hand a
device holder being used with a handheld electronic sketch pad
would cause a user to elect a different hand position offering more
stationary stability.
[0030] We also see in FIG. 2 that finger holes 104 vary in size
relative to one another. Just as finger hole placement on the
device holder can be varied to achieve optimal interfacing for a
given use, finger hole size may also be varied. Though FIG. 2 shows
finger holes 104 having alternating sizes relative to one another,
in another example the holes are the same size relative to one
another. In various examples, the device holder has finger holes
which range from small (approx. 0.5 inches in diameter) to large
(greater than 2 inches in diameter).
[0031] Further, FIGS. 1-4 show finger holes 104 which are largely
circular in appearance, while in some examples circular finger hole
shape may be optimal for a given use, other examples include finger
holes having non-circular shape. In a certain example, the finger
holes are oval. In another example, the finger holes are
square.
[0032] Turning now to FIG. 2, a central finger hole 104(i) is
shown. In the instant example central finger hole 104(i) is a
standard finger hole having characteristics similar to other finger
holes 104. As described above, device holder 100 will be interfaced
by users and mounted attachments alike. In the instant embodiment
finger hole 104(i) represents an interface location for mounted
attachments. FIG. 5 further shows finger hole 104(i) in a standard
user interface configuration. In contrast, FIG. 7 depicts finger
hole 104(i) being interfaced by a mounted attachment 140.
[0033] Any number of mounted attachments may be attached to any of
finger holes 104. In the instant example the mounted attachment is
an adjustable clamping arm 140. Clamping arm 140 has been
optionally interfaced with central finger hole 104(i). In various
other embodiments the mounted attachment is a wall mount, a table
top stand, or an automotive dash attachment. In each of the various
embodiments, mounted attachments are able to interface using any of
the unused finger holes.
[0034] Directing attention now to FIGS. 5-6, arms 110 and 112 will
now be described. Arms 110 and 112 originate on base 102 and extend
transverse to a plane defined by base 102. Arm 110 terminates in a
first terminal end 114 and a retainer 116 on the periphery of
device 150. Arm 112 also has a terminal end and retainer
substantially identical to those of arm 110 and will not be
redundantly described. Also, by way of example only, the current
embodiment includes right arm 112(i) and left arm 112(ii) both arms
having features substantially identical to arms 110 and 112. Some
alternative embodiments include only two arms while yet other
embodiments include more than two arms.
[0035] In the instant embodiment, arms 110 and 112 extend
seamlessly in one piece from base 102 towards the periphery of
device 150 in opposing directions. Arm 110 for example, extends
from the top of base 102 towards the top of device 150 whereon the
terminal end 114 of arm 110 contacts the peripheral edge of device
150.
[0036] In contrast, arm 112 extends from the bottom of base 102
towards the bottom of device 150 terminating on the bottom
peripheral edge of device 150. In a similar configuration, right
arm 112(i) and left arm 112(i) extend from base 102 in opposing
directions terminating on the right and left peripheral edge
respectively, of device 150.
[0037] Each of arms 110, 112, 112(i), and 112(ii) are capped at
their respective terminal ends with a retainer 116. As can be seen
in FIG. 6 for example, the terminal ends of arm 110 and 112 further
extend beyond the peripheral edge of device 150 and create retainer
116. In the instant example, retainer 116 folds over the peripheral
edge of device 150 onto the face of device 150. In another example,
the retainer does not extend onto the face of the device and
instead clips solely to the peripheral edge of device 150.
[0038] Turning to FIG. 4, retainers 116 are shown cradling the face
of device 150. The opposing directions of arms 110, 112, 112(i),
and 112(ii) and the terminal ends having retainers 116 create a
shape whereby device holder 100 maintains device 150 in a secure
position.
[0039] Retainers 116 have an outer and inner surface. FIG. 4 shows
the outer surface of retainers 116. In the instant example,
retainers 116 have an inner surface substantially matching the
contour of the outer surface. In another example, the interior
surface may curve to match the contour of the device in question.
In other examples, the interior surface comprises a lip designed to
fit snugly over the peripheral edge of the device contained within
the device holder. In yet other examples, the interior surface is
made from a flexible material able to conform to the edges of
multiple devices.
[0040] Turning back to FIG. 6, the peripheral edge of device 150 is
shown contacting terminal ends 114 of each arm at such an angle
that restricts movement of device 150 laterally or medially within
base 102.
[0041] As can be seen in FIGS. 5-6, the arms extend from base 102
in a curve precisely toward the peripheral edges of device 150. In
this example, the curved shape of arms 110, 112, 112(i), and
112(ii) in conjunction with the semi-rigid nature of device holder
100 causes inward pressure to be exerted on the peripheral edges of
device 150. This inward pressure secures the edges of device 150
from movement and allows device holder 100 to provide multiple
secure holding positions for the user.
[0042] In another example, the arms approach the peripheral edges
of the device at a substantially right angle creating a similar
inward pressure for holding the device in place. In another
example, the device is instead held in place with adhesive. In yet
other examples, the device is held in place mechanically and no
inward pressure is exerted on the device by the arms.
[0043] While in the current example base 102, arms 110,112,112(i),
and 112(ii), and the respective terminal ends 114, and retainers
116 are formed from a single piece having no seams, alternative
embodiments include bases, arms, terminal ends, and retainers
formed from multiple discrete pieces that are joined together to
create a single device holder.
[0044] In the current example and in various other embodiments, the
device holder is configured to receive a lid portion 160. FIG. 6
shows one example of a lid configuration that engages the
peripheral edge of device 150 in the spaces between adjacent arms
110, 112, 112(i), and 112(ii). In this example the lid is made from
a material substantially similar to that of the base 102 of device
holder 100. In yet other embodiments the lid is made from other
materials sufficient to provide a covert to the face of the
device.
[0045] Focusing again on FIG. 6, cavity 120 is now described. The
inner surface of base 102 defines a cavity 120, between device
holder 100 and device 150. The outer surface of base 102 comes in
contact with the user and other interfacing surfaces. Cavity 120
provides a buffer between device 150 and interfacing surfaces and
users. Additionally, cavity 120 creates an interstitial space where
users may place their fingers for desired holding positions and
where mounted attachments engage finger holes 104.
[0046] In the instant embodiment, cavity 120 has a contour largely
matching the contour of the exterior surface of base 102. The
outside edges of cavity 120 are tapered to meet the peripheral
edges of device 150. In another example, the cavity does not match
the exterior contour of the base but instead is has a unique shape
which can be selected for particular characteristics. The cavity in
such examples is selected based upon desired mountable attachments,
storage, rigidity, flexibility, cushion, weight, etc. In each case
the cavity shape is selectable based upon desired interface
characteristics.
[0047] Turning attention to FIGS. 8-9, a second example of a device
holder, device holder 200 will now be described. Device holder 200
includes many similar or identical features to device holder 100.
Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of device holder 200
will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between
device holder 200 and device holder 100 will be described in detail
and the reader should reference the discussion above for features
substantially similar between the two device holders.
[0048] As can be seen in FIGS. 8-9, device holder 200 includes a
base 202, a plurality of finger holes 204, a first arm 210, a
second arm 212, each arm having a terminal end 214 and a retainer
216, a cavity 220 defined by the interior of the base 202. Device
holder 200 functions to provide secure holding positions for the
user of a device, and secure holding positions for mounted
attachments. Additionally or alternatively, device holder 100 can
provide impact resistance and protection from damage.
[0049] Arms 210, and 212, the relevant terminal ends 214 and
retainers 216 are substantially similar to their device 100
counterparts. Additionally, cavity 220 defines a cavity having
substantially similar characteristics compared to cavity 120
described above. Finger holes 204 however include an additional
feature not present in the embodiment described above. Device
holder 200 therefore, additionally includes a mounted attachment
friction interface 230 and a support stand 240 for propping the
device.
[0050] Directing attention now to FIG. 8, friction interface 230 is
described. As can be seen in FIG. 8, device holder 200 includes a
base 202, into which a plurality of finger holes 204 extend. In the
instant example, finger holes 204 vary in size relative to one
another. Also in the instant example, finger holes 204 are shown in
a circular arrangement toward the center of base 202. In another
example, the size and location of the finger holes are random,
taking up space across the entirety of base 202. In various other
examples finger hole placement on the device holder is varied to
achieve optimal interfacing for a given use. Additional embodiments
include finger hole sizes that are uniform.
[0051] Though FIG. 8 shows finger holes 204 alternating in size
relative to one another, in another example the holes remain
uniform in size relative to one another. In various examples, the
device holder has finger holes which range from small (approx. 0.5
inches in diameter) to large (greater than 2 inches in
diameter).
[0052] Further, FIGS. 8-9 show finger holes 204 which are largely
round in appearance, while in some examples round finger hole shape
may be optimal for a given use, other examples include finger holes
having non-round shapes. In a certain example the finger holes are
oval. In another example the finger holes are square.
[0053] Turning now to FIG. 8, a central finger hole 204(i) is
shown. In the instant example central finger hole 204(i) is a
standard finger hole having characteristics similar to other finger
holes 204. As described above, device holder 100 will be interfaced
by users and mounted attachments alike. In the instant embodiment
finger hole 204(i) represents an interface location for mounted
attachments. FIG. 8 shows finger hole 204(i) in a standard user
interface configuration. In contrast, FIG. 9 depicts finger hole
204(i) being interfaced by a mounted attachment.
[0054] A noticeable addition to finger hole 204(i) when compared to
device holder 100, is a friction interface 230. In the instant
example, friction interface 230 is arranged in a circular pattern
surrounding finger hole 204(i). Friction interface 230 defines a
region of base 202 having a series of ribs arranged in a pattern
surrounding a finger hole 204. Friction interface 230 provides for
controlled adjustment of interfacing mounted attachments.
[0055] In the instant embodiment, friction interface 230 defines a
series of ribs protruding from the surface of base 202. In another
example, the friction interface is comprised of tooth like
structures. In yet another embodiment, the friction interface is a
series of dimples. In each embodiment including a friction
interface, any surface having a sufficient friction coefficient for
selectable adjustment of interfacing mounted attachments is
contemplated.
[0056] Any number of mounted attachments may be attached to any of
finger holes 204 and therefore friction interface 230 may likewise
be present around any of finger holes 204. In the instant example
the mounted attachment is a support stand 240. Support stand 240
has been optionally interfaced with central finger hole 204(i). In
various embodiments, support stand 240 is able to interface using
any of the unused finger holes 204.
[0057] Turning attention now to FIG. 9, support stand 240 is now
described. As can be seen in FIG. 9, support stand 240 includes an
attachment surface 242, a coupler 244, swivel member 246, and a
propping member 248.
[0058] In this example, attachment surface 242 engages friction
interface 230. Attachment surface 242 is a substantially planar
surface configured to create a contact point between device holder
200 and support stand 240. In the instant example, the contacting
face of attachment surface 242 is covered with a series of ribs
complimentary to the ribs of friction interface 230.
[0059] In another embodiment, the attachment surface is covered
with tooth-like protrusions configured to compliment the teeth of
alternative friction interfaces. In yet another embodiment the
attachment surface is dimpled to receive a complimentarily dimpled
friction interface, in yet other embodiments, any surface
complimentary to an opposing friction interface that allows for
controlled adjustment of the support stand is contemplated.
[0060] The attachment surface 242 of device holder 200 is coupled
to base 202 via a coupler 244. In the instant example, coupler 244
attaches to base 202 through the center of attachment surface 242,
through finger hole 204(i) and is fastened into place within cavity
220.
[0061] Coupler 244 applies a clamping force on attachment surface
242 pulling it into contact with friction interface 230. In this
example, coupler 244 is a standard bolt retained in place with a
nut as known in the art. The bolt extends through the attachment
surface and through the finger hole and is retained from within the
cavity causing a clamping force to be exerted on all surfaces and
hold the support stand to the device holder. The amount of clamping
force exerted by coupler 244 on the attachment surface 242 is
adjustable by tightening the nut.
[0062] In this example, a clamping force that allows for selectable
adjustment of the angle of attachment of the stand, but sufficient
to withstand sagging or unwanted movement is preferable. In another
example, the coupler is a pin that is retained in place with a
spring, the spring being disposed on the interior surface of the
cavity. In such example, the amount of clamping force exerted by
the coupler on the attachment surface is a function of the tension
exerted by the spring.
[0063] When sufficient clamping force is exerted, drawing base 202
together with attachment surface 242 via coupler 244, support stand
240 can be rotated in intervals around the friction interface
between corresponding ribs. Device holder 200 supplies support,
protection and holding positions for a large number of devices,
each of which often have multiple positions of use. Support stand
240 allows articulation of device holder 200 across a range of
positions and orientations.
[0064] Support stand 240 is rotatably adjustable around the axis of
coupler 244. As support stand 240 rotates around the axis,
attachment surface 242 intermittently engages the ribs of friction
interface 230 making support stand 240 selectably adjustable in
three-hundred-and-sixty degrees.
[0065] Turning back to FIG. 9, coupler 244 additionally provides a
point of attachment for a swivel member 246. Swivel member 246
provides for articulation of device holder 200 relative to support
stand 240. In the instant example, swivel member 246 defines a pin
structure that connects a propping member 248 to coupler 244
providing for a swivel movement between the two structures. The pin
structure of swivel member 246 transects both propping member 248
and attachment surface 242.
[0066] Swivel member 246 allows propping member 248 to open away
from base 202 sufficient to provide standing support for device
200. In this embodiment, swivel member 246 is free floating and
acts as a common bushing between the propping member and attachment
surface. In another embodiment the swivel member is configured to
selectively apply a clamping force between the propping member and
the attachment surface. Such a clamping force allows for selective
positioning angle of the propping member.
[0067] Turning attention now to propping member 248. FIG. 9 depicts
a propping member 248 secured to the attachment surface via swivel
member 246. In the instant example, propping member 248 comprises a
leg portion of support stand 240. Propping member 248 is configured
to rest on any structure like a table or other surface that a user
would commonly place a device on during use. Propping member 248
provides a contact point with a surface which in addition to the
contact points created by the periphery of device 150, cause device
150 to remain upright during use.
[0068] FIG. 9 depicts a common standing position created by
propping member 248. In the instant example, propping member 248 is
a plastic material having a contour matching the outside contour of
base 202. In another example, the propping member is made of metal.
In various other embodiments, the propping member is composed of
any material sufficiently rigid to allow the device to stand
upright without additional support.
[0069] The contour of propping member 248 allows for a compact
stowing position. FIG. 9 shows that in the instant example,
propping member 248 has a contour that is complimentary to the
shape of base 202. This contour creates a stowing position where
propping member 248 is nested around the outer edge of base 202. In
another embodiment, the propping member is not contoured but
instead is substantially planar. In another example, the contour of
the propping member includes one or more right angles and does not
nest against the base.
[0070] The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct
inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions
has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments
disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a
limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject
matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious
combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features,
functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those
skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the
disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite "a" element, "a
first" element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or
claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such
elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such
elements.
[0071] Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to
combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that
are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in
other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions,
elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of
those claims or presentation of new claims in the present
application or in a related application. Such amended or new
claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a
different invention and whether they are different, broader,
narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be
considered within the subject matter of the inventions described
herein.
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