U.S. patent application number 16/752160 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-29 for combination strap with magnets and stand support for tablets and hand held electronic devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is National Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jeffrey D. Carnevali.
Application Number | 20210227960 16/752160 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004655692 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210227960 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carnevali; Jeffrey D. |
July 29, 2021 |
COMBINATION STRAP WITH MAGNETS AND STAND SUPPORT FOR TABLETS AND
HAND HELD ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Abstract
A support for a portable electronic device, the support having a
case that is configured to receive and hold the portable electronic
device. A strap is coupled to the case and configured for fitting
around an appendage of a user and allowing the user to support the
case relative to the appendage. The strap also includes at least
one magnet for attachment of the support to a surface made of a
material attracted to the magnet. A support stand is coupled to the
case independently of the strap and includes a portion that is
swivelable away from the case and is configured, when swiveled away
from the case, for supporting the case on an external surface in an
angled arrangement relative to the external surface.
Inventors: |
Carnevali; Jeffrey D.;
(Seattle, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
National Products, Inc. |
Seattle |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004655692 |
Appl. No.: |
16/752160 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 5/10 20130101; A45C
11/00 20130101; A45F 2200/0516 20130101; A45F 2005/1013 20130101;
A45C 2011/003 20130101; A45C 2011/002 20130101; A45F 2200/0525
20130101; A45C 2200/15 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/10 20060101
A45F005/10; A45C 11/00 20060101 A45C011/00 |
Claims
1. A support for a portable electronic device, the support
comprising: a case structured for receiving the portable electronic
device; a rotatable base positioned on a back plane of the case and
rotatable relative to the case; a strap attached to the base and
configured for fitting around an appendage of a user and allowing
the user to support the base relative to the appendage; at least
one magnet positioned within the strap and configured for mounting
the support on an external surface made of a material attracted to
the at least one magnet; and a support stand that is attached to
the base independently of the strap and is swivelable with respect
to the base between a stowed position and a deployed position and
configured, when swiveled away from the base in the deployed
position, for supporting the base on an external surface in an
angled arrangement relative to the external surface.
2. The support of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises a plastic or
rubber end-piece, wherein the at least one magnet is disposed in
the plastic or rubber end-piece.
3. The support of claim 2, wherein the at least one magnet is
molded into the plastic or rubber end-piece.
4. The support of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises a fabric
strap, wherein the at least one magnet is disposed within the
fabric strap.
5. The support of claim 4, wherein the at least one magnet is sewn
into the fabric strap.
6. The support of claim 1, further comprising a swivel mechanism
attached to the support stand and the base for swiveling the stand
within a range of deployment angles relative to the base.
7. The support of claim 6, wherein the strap has a first end and a
second end opposite the first end, wherein the swivel mechanism is
attached to the base at a position on the base between positions at
which the first and second ends of the strap are attached to the
base so that the strap extends over the swivel mechanism.
8. The support of claim 1, further comprising a resiliently
flexible frame between the base and the strap.
9. The support of claim 8, wherein the frame has a curved
shape.
10. The support of claim 8, wherein the frame comprises a central
portion and two legs on opposite ends of the central portion that
curve away from the central portion toward the case to produce a
resilient outward flexion when the support strap is fitted around
the appendage of the user.
11. The support of claim 1, wherein the stand comprises two
opposing arms having a fixed shape that is maintained in both the
deployed position and the stowed position.
12. The support of claim 11, further comprising a rest attached to
each of the arms, wherein the rest is formed of a high-friction or
non-skid material that resists sliding of the stand on a smooth
surface.
13. The support of claim 1, wherein the support stand maintains a
same shape in both the deployed and stowed positions.
14. The support of claim 1, further comprising a rotational
mechanism between the base and the case, wherein the rotational
mechanism is interlockable for fixing an orientation of the case
relative to the base.
15. The support of claim 14, wherein the rotational mechanism
comprises a rotational member and a nonrotational member, wherein
one of the rotational member or the nonrotational member comprises
a plurality of teeth and another of the rotational member or the
nonrotational member comprises a plurality of receivers for mating
with the teach for fixing the rotational mechanism at a plurality
of rotational orientations.
16. A support for a portable electronic device, the support
comprising: a case structured for receiving the portable electronic
device; a rotatable base positioned on a back plane of the case and
rotatable relative to the case; a strap attached to the base and
configured for fitting around an appendage of a user and allowing
the user to support the base relative to the appendage; at least
one magnet positioned within the strap and configured for mounting
the support on an external surface made of a material attracted to
the at least one magnet; and a support stand that is attached to
the base and is swivelable with respect to the base between a
stowed position and a deployed position and configured, when
swiveled away from the base in the deployed position, for
supporting the base on an external.
17. The support of claim 16, wherein the strap comprises a plastic
or rubber end-piece, wherein the at least one magnet is disposed in
the plastic or rubber end-piece.
18. The support of claim 17, wherein the at least one magnet is
molded into the plastic or rubber end-piece.
19. The support of claim 16, wherein the strap comprises a fabric
strap, wherein the at least one magnet is disposed within the
fabric strap.
20. The support of claim 19, wherein the at least one magnet is
sewn into the fabric strap.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a support for a
portable electronic device, and in particular to a combination
hand-strap and fixed stand for both tablets and other handheld
portable electronic devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Handheld portable electronic device are generally
well-known. Some electronic devices, such as tablets and cellular
telephones, are able to rotate their display between a portrait
view and landscape view. These and other portable electronic
devices are often mounted in a protective case, some cases have arm
or wrist bands that allow the electronic device to be carried on
the user's arm for convenience and easy access. Stands are also
known for supporting the electronic device on a external fixed
surface, such as a desk or table top, or a automobile windscreen or
dashboard.
[0003] However, known arm bands, wrist bands and surface stands are
limited in their ability to provide flexibility of either
supporting on an external fixed surface, or mounting on a user's
appendage such as a hand, wrist or arm.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is a support for a portable electronic
device that overcomes limitations of the prior art for supporting
electronic devices, such as tablets and cellular telephones, either
on a fixed surface of an inanimate object external of the device,
such as a desk or table top, or a automobile console or dashboard,
or on an appendage of a user.
[0005] Furthermore, the support of the invention is useful for
operation with devices that are able to rotate their display
between a portrait view and landscape view.
[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, the support
provides a protective case configured to receive and protectively
hold the portable electronic device. A strap is coupled to the case
and is configured for fitting around an appendage, such as a hand,
wrist or forearm, of a user and allowing the user to support the
case relative to the appendage. The strap also includes at least
one magnet for attachment of the support to a surface made of a
material attracted to the magnet. A support stand is coupled to the
protective case independently of the strap and includes a portion
that is swivelable away from the case and is configured, when
swiveled away from the case, for supporting the case on an external
surface in an angled arrangement relative to the external
surface.
[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, the support of
the invention includes a swivel mechanism between the support stand
and the base for swiveling the stand within a range of fixed
deployment angles relative to the base.
[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, the support of
the invention includes a rotational mechanism that is coupled for
relative rotation between the base and the case.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the rotational
mechanism is interlockable for fixing an orientation of the case
relative to the base.
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the support of
the invention includes a resiliently flexible frame between the
base and the strap. Optionally, when the support of the invention
includes a resiliently flexible frame between the base and the
strap, the strap is substantially inelastic.
[0011] Other aspects of the invention are detailed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same
becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed
description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates the invention embodied by example and
without limitation as a combination hand-strap and fixed stand
support for both tablets and other handheld portable electronic
devices, wherein the display of the device is rotated into a
portrait view;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates the combination hand-strap and fixed
stand support of FIG. 1, wherein the display of the device is
rotated into a landscape view;
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates the combination hand-strap and fixed
stand support of FIG. 1, showing the combination hand-strap and
stand, and wherein a protective case of the support is configured
as a fixed stand for supporting the portable electronic device in
the portrait mode;
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates the combination hand-strap and fixed
stand support of FIG. 1, showing the combination hand-strap and
stand, and wherein the protective case of the support is configured
as a fixed stand for supporting the portable electronic device in
the landscape mode;
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates the combination hand-strap and fixed
stand support of FIG. 1, showing the combination hand-strap and
stand, and wherein the protective case of the support is configured
as a strap for supporting the portable electronic device in the
portrait mode;
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates the combination hand-strap and fixed
stand support of FIG. 1, showing the combination hand-strap and
stand, and wherein the protective case of the support is configured
as a strap for supporting the portable electronic device in the
landscape mode;
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates the combination hand-strap and fixed
stand support of FIG. 1 showing rotation of an interlocking
rotational mechanism for rotating the protective case of the
support between the portrait and landscape modes;
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates the combination hand-strap and fixed
stand support of FIG. 1, wherein the stand is stowed in a
nonoperational state where it will not interfere with use of the
strap, whereby the support is configured for operation as an
appendage mount utilizing the strap on a user's hand, wrist or
arm;
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates the combination hand-strap and fixed
stand support of FIG. 1, wherein the interlocking rotational
mechanism is illustrated for rotating the protective case of the
support between the portrait and landscape modes and one or more
intermittent angular orientations between the portrait and
landscape orientations;
[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates the combination hand-strap and fixed
stand support of FIG. 1, wherein the interlocking rotational
mechanism is coupled to the protective case in a manner that
permits rotation between the portrait and landscape
orientations;
[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates the combination strap and fixed stand
support of FIG. 1 showing a partial cross-section of the
interlocking rotational mechanism for rotationally fixing the
protective case in each of the portrait to landscape
configurations;
[0024] FIG. 12 is another view of the combination strap and fixed
stand support of FIG. 1 showing another partial cross-section of
the interlocking rotational mechanism for rotationally fixing the
protective case in each of the portrait to landscape
configurations;
[0025] FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 each illustrates the combination strap
and fixed stand support of FIG. 1, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 together
illustrate deployment of the stand for supporting the electronic
device on an external fixed surface (FIG. 3 and FIG. 4), wherein
FIG. 13 shows the stand in a stowed position in a retracted state
against an exterior of a back plane of the case, and FIG. 14 shows
the stand being deployed into an extended state that is spaced away
from the exterior of the back plane of the case;
[0026] FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 each illustrates the combination strap
and fixed stand support of FIG. 1, FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 together
illustrate operation of one exemplary embodiment of a swivel
mechanism that permits the stand to swivel between the stowed
position (FIG. 13) and the deployed position (FIG. 14), wherein
FIG. 15 illustrates mating toothed members operating as a
two-directional ratchet mechanism during swiveling with mating
inclined teeth toothed members sliding over one another, and FIG.
16 illustrates interlocking engagement of mating toothed members
whereby the stand is rotationally fixed at a selected deployment
angle;
[0027] FIG. 17, FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 each illustrates the
combination strap and fixed stand support of FIG. 1, wherein FIG.
17 illustrates the strap fitted to a frame with a curved or `bow`
shape, such as a reentrant curve as shown, FIG. 18 illustrates the
frame being flexed for receiving a user's appendage thereinto, and
FIG. 19 illustrates the user's appendage received into a loop
formed between the strap and the flexed frame;
[0028] FIG. 20 illustrates the combination strap and fixed stand
support of FIG. 1, wherein a retainer coupling the interlocking
rotational mechanism to the case is eliminated, and the back plane
of the protective case includes the interlocking rotational
mechanism with the combination strap and stand of the support
whereby the retainer is unnecessary;
[0029] FIG. 21 illustrates one embodiment of a combination strap
and fixed stand support with at least one magnet in the strap;
and
[0030] FIG. 22 illustrates another embodiment of a combination
strap and fixed stand support with at least one magnet in the
strap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0031] As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the
present protective enclosure is disclosed herein. However,
techniques, systems and operating structures in accordance with the
present protective enclosure may be embodied in a wide variety of
forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in
the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and
functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet
in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for
purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein
which define the scope of the present protective enclosure. The
following presents a detailed description of an illustrative
embodiment (as well as some alternative embodiments) of the present
protective enclosure.
[0032] In the Figures, like numerals indicate like elements.
[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the invention for a
support 10 for both tablets and other handheld portable electronic
devices 12, wherein support 10 includes a combination of both a
hand-strap and a fixed stand.
[0034] Tablets and other handheld portable electronic devices 12
include a body 14 with a display screen 16 on one face thereof. As
is generally well-known many portable electronic devices 12, such
as tablets and cellular telephones, are able to rotate their
display between a portrait view (shown) and landscape view (shown
in FIG. 2). Accordingly, support 10 is here configured to orient
device 12 with display screen 16 in a portrait mode.
[0035] Support 10 optionally includes a protective case 18 which is
structured for receiving and retaining device 12 in a protective
manner, while exposing operational features, such as power buttons,
power adapter receptacles, volume switches, and/or camera
lenses.
[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates support 10 as protective case 18 for both
tablets and other handheld portable electronic devices 12, wherein
the support includes a combination of both a hand-strap and a fixed
stand. Here, support 10 is here configured to orient device 12 with
display screen 16 in a landscape mode.
[0037] FIG. 3 shows protective case 18 of support 10 of the
invention as seen from the rear. Here, protective case 18 is
configured as a fixed stand for supporting portable electronic
device 12 in portrait mode on a fixed surface S of an inanimate
object A that is external and independent of both device 12 and the
user, such as a desk or table top, or a automobile console or
dashboard. Here, by example and without limitation, protective case
18 includes a combination hand-strap 20 and support stand 22. For
example, both hand-strap 20 and stand 22 are each independently
coupled to a base member 24 of support 10 for operating
independently. Optionally, stand 22 is swiveled, or rotated or
pivoted away (arrow 50) from stowed position against case 18 into
the deployed position (shown) within a range of deployment angles
56 that permit case 18 and device 12 therein to be supported in a
plurality of different fixed angled arrangements 25 relative to
external surface S. Base member 24 is rotatable (arrows R) about
case 18 between the portrait configuration (shown) and landscape
configuration (FIG. 4).
[0038] Stand 22 is structured for supporting electronic device 12
on external fixed surface S. As shown here, stand 22 is movable
relative to base member 24 into a deployed position for supporting
electronic device 12 on external fixed surface S.
[0039] FIG. 4 shows protective case 18 of support 10 of the
invention as seen from the rear. Here, protective case 18 is
configured as a fixed stand for supporting portable electronic
device 12 in landscape mode on a external fixed surface S. For
example, base member 24 of support 10 is rotatable at least between
the portrait and landscape configurations for orienting device 12
with display screen 16 in each of the portrait and landscape
modes.
[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates protective case 18 of support 10 of the
invention as seen from the rear. Here, protective case 18 is
configured as a hand-strap for supporting portable electronic
device 12 on a user's appendage, such as a hand, wrist or arm. As
shown here, protective case 18 is configured in the portrait
orientation for supporting device 12 in portrait mode.
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates protective case 18 of support 10 of the
invention as seen from the rear, wherein protective case 18 is
configured in the hand-strap mode with base member 24 configured in
the portrait orientation for supporting device 12 in portrait
mode.
[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates protective case 18 of support 10 of the
invention configured in the hand-strap mode with base member 24
rotated for configuring protective case 18 in a position between
the portrait and landscape configurations. When operated in the
hand-strap mode, protective case 18 is easily reoriented from the
portrait to landscape configurations and back to the portrait
configuration. Additionally, rotation of protective case 18 on base
member 24 between the portrait to landscape configurations permits
protective case 18 to pause at positions between the portrait and
landscape configurations. According to one embodiment, rotation of
base member 24 can be fixed in one or more positions between the
portrait to landscape configurations, which permits support 10 to
orient device 12 in convenient viewing orientations between the
portrait to landscape modes. For example when operated in the
hand-strap mode and mounted on a user's appendage such as a hand,
wrist or arm, fixing rotation of base member 24 in different
positions between the portrait to landscape configurations permits
the user to fixedly orient device 12 in a position to conveniently
view display screen 16 without requiring user to orient his or her
appendage vertically or horizontally, but at a more comfortable
orientation between these two extremes.
[0043] FIG. 8 is another view showing protective case 18 of support
10 of the invention as seen from the rear, with stand 22 stowed in
a nonoperational state tucked against base member 24 where it will
not interfere with use of hand-strap 20. Support 10 is thus
configured for operation as an appendage mount utilizing hand-strap
20 on user's hand, wrist or arm.
[0044] FIG. 9 is another view of support 10 of the invention as
seen from the rear, wherein an interlocking rotational mechanism 26
is provided for rotationally fixing protective case 18 relative to
base member 24 in each of the portrait to landscape configurations,
and optionally including one or more rotational orientations
between the portrait to landscape configurations. According to one
embodiment, interlocking mechanism 26 includes a nonrotational
member 28 that is fixed relative to case 18, and a rotational
member 30 that is rotationally moveable relative to nonrotational
member 28.
[0045] FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of support 10 of the
invention, wherein interlocking mechanism 26 is coupled to
protective case 18. For example, a retainer 32 couples interlocking
mechanism 26 to case 18 in a manner that permits rotation of
rotational member 30 relative to nonrotational member 28. For
example, a rotation pin 34 clamps an annular portion 36 of a back
plane 38 of case 18 between retainer 32 and rotational member 30 of
interlocking mechanism 26 when nonrotational member 28 is
nonrotatably coupled to exterior 40 of back plane 38 of case 18, as
shown in FIG. 9. Optionally, retainer 32 is a slip washer
positioned interior 41 of case 18 in a manner that is rotationally
slidable relative to back plane 38 of case 18.
[0046] FIG. 11 is another view of support 10 of the invention as
seen from the rear showing a partial cross-section of interlocking
mechanism 26 for rotationally fixing protective case 18 relative
base member 24 in each of the portrait to landscape configurations.
Here, interlocking mechanism 26 optionally includes an array of
receivers 42 for mating teeth 44 for fixing one or more rotational
orientations between the portrait and landscape configurations of
protective case 18. By example and without limitation,
nonrotational member 28 is formed with receivers 42, while
rotational member 30 is formed with mating teeth 44.
[0047] According to one embodiment, rotational member 30 is
resiliently flexible, while nonrotational member 28 is
substantially rigid. During rotations (R) of interlocking mechanism
26, a peripheral skirt portion 45 of rotational member 30
resiliently flexes (arrow F1) outwardly away from nonrotational
member 28 such that teeth 44 of interlocking mechanism 26 disengage
from mating receivers 42 for permitting relative rotation (R) of
receivers 42 and mating teeth 44 for reconfiguring case 18 between
the portrait (FIG. 3) and landscape configurations (FIG. 4). For
example, according to one embodiment, receivers 42 and mating teeth
44 are structured with bevels and chamfers that cooperate for
forcing teeth 44 to disengage from mating receivers 42 along
direction of resilient outward flexure (F1) as a result of force
supplied by relative rotation (R) of receivers 42 and mating teeth
44. Alternatively, mating receivers 42 and teeth 44 are otherwise
cooperatively configured to slidingly disengage and reengage,
without deviating from the intent of the invention and scope of the
claims. During rotations (R) of interlocking mechanism 26, teeth 44
intersect with mating receivers 42 whereupon an resilient inward
flexure (arrow F2) operates automatically oppositely of resilient
outward flexure (F1) to force teeth 44 to engage with mating
receivers 42 to once again interlockingly engage teeth 44 with
mating receivers 42 for rotationally fixing protective case 18 in
either one of the portrait and landscape configurations relative to
base member 24.
[0048] According to one embodiment, teeth 44 mate with receivers 42
of interlocking mechanism 26 at a plurality of different angular
orientations between rotational member 30 and nonrotational member
28, including at least approximately a right angle 46 (90 Deg.)
between a first and a second angular orientation for orienting
protective case 18 in each of the portrait orientation (shown in
FIG. 1) and the landscape orientation (shown in FIG. 2).
Optionally, the plurality of different angular orientations between
rotational member 30 and nonrotational member 28 may additionally
include intermittent angular orientations between the portrait and
landscape orientations. For example, as illustrated here, angles 48
of approximately twenty-two and one-half degrees (22-1/2 Deg.) may
be provided between adjacent receivers 42 of interlocking mechanism
26, whereby teeth 44 engage different receivers 42 for orienting
rotational member 30 and nonrotational member 28 at angular
intervals of approximately twenty-two and one-half degrees (22-1/2
Deg.).
[0049] FIG. 12 is another view of support 10 of the invention as
seen from the rear showing another partial cross-section of
interlocking mechanism 26 for rotationally fixing protective case
18 relative base member 24 in each of the portrait to landscape
configurations, as well as one or more intermittent angular
orientations between the portrait and landscape orientations.
[0050] FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 together illustrate deployment of stand
22 for supporting electronic device 12 on external fixed surface S
(FIG. 3 and FIG. 4). In FIG. 13 stand 22 is shown in a stowed
position in a retracted state against exterior 40 of back plane 38
of case 18. In FIG. 14 stand 22 is deployed into an extended state
that is spaced away from exterior 40 of back plane 38 of case 18.
For example, stand 22 is swiveled, or rotated or pivoted away
(arrow 50) from stowed position (phantom lines) into the deployed
position, whereby a foot portion 52 of stand 22 is spaced away from
back plane 38 of case 18. By example and without limitation, stand
22 is coupled to rotational member 30 of interlocking mechanism 26
by a swivel mechanism 54 that permits stand 22 to swivel to angles
within a range of deployment angles 56, for example but not limited
to, between about 0 degrees and 90 degrees. According to one
exemplary embodiment of swivel mechanism 54, stand 22 includes a
pair of arms 58 each terminated in a toothed member 60 that is
swivelably coupled to rotational member 30 of interlocking
mechanism 26. For example, a swivel pin 62 is press-fit in
rotational member 30 with opposite end portions extended on
opposite sides thereof, and toothed members 60 are slip-fit on
either end portion of swivel pin 62.
[0051] As further illustrated here by example and without
limitation, foot 52 of stand 22 includes one or more rests 64 that
may be formed of a high-friction or non-skid material, such as
rubber or elastomer, that resist sliding of stand 22 on a smooth
surface S.
[0052] FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 together illustrate operation of one
possible embodiment of swivel mechanism 54 that permits stand 22 to
swivel between the stowed position (FIG. 13) and the deployed
position (FIG. 14). According to the exemplary embodiment of swivel
mechanism 54 wherein stand 22 includes a pair of arms 58 (FIG. 14)
each terminated in a toothed member 60, toothed member 60 is
interlockable with a mating toothed member 66 of rotational member
30. Optionally, arms 58 (FIG. 14) of stand 22 are resiliently
flexible whereby arms 58 are flexible outwardly (arrow 68) for
disengagement of toothed members 60 of stand 22 from mating toothed
member 66 of rotational member 30. Slip-fit of toothed members 60
along swivel pin 62 permits toothed members 60 to disengage from
mating toothed member 66 whereby arms 58 are flexed outwardly
(arrow 68). As shown by example and without limitation in FIG. 15,
during swiveling (arrow 50) of stand 22 on rotational member 30,
when mating teeth of mating toothed members 60 and 66 are mutually
inclined, mating toothed members 60, 66 operate as a
two-directional ratchet mechanism with mating inclined teeth
toothed members 60, 66 sliding over one another whereby arms 58
resiliently flex which permit toothed members 60 slide outwardly
(arrow 68) along swivel pin 62. A restorative spring tension is
developed between pair of arms 58 due to resilient outward flexion
caused by outwardly (arrow 68) sliding of toothed members 60 during
disengagement from mating toothed members 66.
[0053] Such ratchet-like mechanism is operable in each directional
swivel (arrow 50) of stand 22 between the stowed and deployed
positions.
[0054] FIG. 16 illustrates interlocking engagement of mating
toothed members 60, 66, wherein restorative spring tension
developed between pair of resiliently flexibility arms 58 by
outward flexion (arrow 68) during disengagement of toothed members
60 from mating toothed members 66 (FIG. 15) drives resiliently
flexible arms 58 inwardly (arrow 70) one toward another. Under
inward restorative spring force of outwardly flexed arms 58, mating
inclined teeth of interlockable toothed members 60, 66 slide
inwardly (arrow 70) along swivel pin 62 into interlocking
engagement. Accordingly, swivelable stand 22 is rotationally fixed
at a selected angle within the range of deployment angles 56
relative to back plane 38 of case 18 and relative to rotational
member 30 of interlocking mechanism 26.
[0055] Preferably, resilient flexible whereby arms 58 is such that
nominal hand force (FIG. 14 at arrow 72) is sufficient to
resiliently flex arms 58 outwardly (arrow 68) for sliding mating
inclined teeth toothed members 60, 66 over one another outwardly
(arrow 68) along swivel pin 62 for operating the two-directional
ratchet mechanism, while restorative spring tension developed
between pair of resiliently flexibility arms 58 is sufficient for
sliding toothed members 60, 66 inwardly (arrow 70) along swivel pin
62 into interlocking engagement of mating inclined teeth.
[0056] FIG. 17, FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 together illustrate operation
of strap 20 attached to case 18 through rotational member 30 of
interlocking mechanism 26 in base member 24 of support 10, and
configured in a manner that permits fitting around an appendage 74
(phantom) of a user and allowing the user to support base member 24
of support 10 relative to user's appendage 74, for example, such as
a user's hand, wrist or forearm, wherein user's appendage 74 is
external and independent of both device 12 and inanimate object A.
Strap 20 is optionally an elastic material that stretches to
accommodate user's appendage 74 in a snug fit that stabilizes
support 10 with device 12 relative to appendage 74.
[0057] However, strap 20 is optionally a substantially inelastic or
unstretchable member with a length that is adjustable by means of a
Velcro.RTM. other adjustable coupling 78, including but not limited
to a buckle or a gear rack-and-ratchet zip-tie coupling. According
to one embodiment, strap 20 is coupled to a frame 80 that is
coupled to base member 24 for supporting electronic device 12 on
appendage 74 in at least each of the portrait and landscape
configurations for orienting device 12 with display screen 16 in
each of the portrait mode (FIG. 5) and landscape mode (FIG. 6). For
example, frame 80 is coupled to base member 24 independently of
stand 22. Accordingly, by operation of interlocking mechanism 26
through base member 24, frame 80 is orientable at a plurality of
different angles 48 between a first and a second angular
orientation for orienting protective case 18 in each of the
portrait orientation (FIG. 1) and the landscape orientation (FIG.
2), as discussed herein regarding stand 22.
[0058] Optionally, frame 80 is configured for flexing whereby strap
20 is expanded to accommodate user's appendage 74 while tightening
in a snug fit that stabilizes support 10 relative to appendage 74.
For example, frame 80 is formed with a curved or `bow` shape, such
as a reentrant curve as shown, wherein frame 80 is formed with two
legs 82 on opposite sides of a central portion 84 that is coupled
to rotational member 30 of interlocking mechanism 26, again
substantially independently of stand 22. When the length of strap
20 has been adjusted to accommodate user's appendage 74, legs 82 of
frame 80 are resiliently flexed outwardly (arrows 86) to receive
user's appendage 74 into a loop 88 formed between strap 20 and
frame 80, as shown.
[0059] A restorative spring tension is developed in legs 82 of
frame 80 due to resilient outward flexion (arrows 86) during
receiving of user's appendage 74 into loop 88. After appendage 72
is fitted into loop 88, relaxation of strap 20 releases the
restorative spring tension developed in legs 82 of frame 80 by
outward flexion (arrows 86), which restorative spring tension
drives resiliently flexible legs 82 inwardly (arrows 86) toward
back plane 38 of case 18. Under inward restorative spring force
(arrows 86) of outwardly flexed legs 82, loop 88 of strap 20 rotate
inwardly (arrows 86) tightening strap 20 in engagement with
appendage 74. Accordingly, strap 20 grips appendage 74 to
rotational member 30 of interlocking mechanism 26 and back plane 38
of case 18.
[0060] FIG. 20 illustrates combination hand-strap 20 and stand 22
of support 10 for both tablets and other handheld portable
electronic devices 12, wherein back plane 38 of case 18
incorporates nonrotational member 28 of interlocking mechanism 26
of support 10, and retainer 32 coupling interlocking rotational
mechanism 26 to case 18 is incorporated into back plane 38 of case
18. Accordingly, interlocking rotational mechanism 26 is formed
directly on back plane 38 of protective case 18 such that retainer
32 is offset relative to exterior 40 of case backplane 38.
Nonrotational member 28 of interlocking mechanism 26 is
incorporated into back plane 38 of protective case 18 such that
array of receivers 42 in for mating with teeth 44 is formed
directly in back plane 38 of case 18.
[0061] Rotationally interlocking mechanism 26, strap 20, and stand
22 operate as disclosed herein. Accordingly, interlocking mechanism
26 operates in relationship to back plane 38 as disclosed herein
for rotationally fixing protective case 18 relative to back plane
38 in each of the portrait to landscape configurations, and
optionally including one or more rotational orientations between
the portrait to landscape configurations. Strap 20 coupled to
resiliently flexible legs 82 of frame 80 operates in relationship
to back plane 38 of protective case 18 as disclosed herein for
accommodating user's appendage 74. Stand 22, including swivel
mechanism 54 that permits stand 22 to swivel to angles within the
range of deployment angles 56, operates in relationship to back
plane 38 of protective case 18 as disclosed herein for supporting
portable electronic device 12 in each of the portrait and landscape
modes on external fixed surface S.
[0062] FIG. 21 illustrates another embodiment of a support 10 with
a hand-strap 20 and a stand 22. The hand-strap 20 includes a fabric
strap 120 and a plastic or rubber end-piece 220 that can be pulled
to tighten the hand-strap 20. The fabric strap 120 can be made of
any durable material including, but not limited to, woven webbing
material which may be made of polyester, nylon, or other polymeric
materials. Within the material of the plastic or rubber end-piece
220, at least one magnet 320 is located. There may be two, three,
four, or more magnets. The magnet(s) 320 is available to attach to
surfaces that are made of a material that is attracted to the
magnet(s) so that the entire support 20 with the portable
electronic device can be mounted on the surface via the magnet(s).
The magnet(s) may be molded or otherwise placed in the plastic or
rubber end-piece 220. In some embodiments, the entire hand-strap 20
can be made of molded plastic or rubber in place of the fabric
strap 120.
[0063] FIG. 22 illustrates another embodiment of a support 10 with
the hand-strap 20 and stand 22. In this embodiment, at least one
magnet 320 is positioned with a fabric strap 120. There may be two,
three, four, or more magnets. For example, the magnet(s) can be
sewn or otherwise placed in the fabric strap 120. The hand-strap 20
may optionally include the plastic or rubber end-piece 220 (FIG.
21).
[0064] The addition of the magnet(s) in the embodiments illustrated
in FIGS. 21 and 22 provides a third mounting arrangement--mounting
to a surface via the magnet(s)--in addition to mounting via the
stand 22 or hand-mounting via the hand-strap 20.
[0065] While the preferred and additional alternative embodiments
of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be
appreciated that various changes can be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it
will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the inventor makes the following claims.
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