GB2594757A

GB2594757A - Apparatus for holding and standing a smartphone or similar device

Info

Publication number: GB2594757A
Application number: GB2012035.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenneth Dickinson Paul; Hackwood Mark
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-05-05
Filing date: 2020-08-03
Publication date: 2021-11-10
Anticipated expiration: 2040-08-03
Also published as: GB202006605D0; GB202012035D0; GB2594757B

Abstract

Apparatus 10 for supporting a portable handheld electronic communications device, comprising: a base 30 for attachment to the portable device; and a handle 40 rotatably mounted to the base 30 via a rotary mechanism 50, the handle comprising a handle body 42, wherein the handle 40 is alterable between a handle configuration for a user to grasp the handle 40 and a stand configuration for supporting the portable handheld device in an upright position on a support surface. The handle 40 may be rotated between a stowed position and a plurality of deployed positions; have a laterally deployable support member 60 pivotably attached to the handle; and an aperture (46, Fig 3) configured to be registered with a camera lens of the device. The rotary mechanism may include a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth (52B, Fig 3) and at least one resiliently biased locking members (58, Fig 3) with at least one tooth-engaging member (58A, Fig 3).

Description

S TITLE: APPARATUS FOR HOLDING AND STANDING

A SMARTPHONE OR SIMILAR DEVICE

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to apparatus for use with a portable handheld electronic communications device and particularly but not exclusively apparatus for use with a 20 smartphone or tablet.

Increasing use of smartphones (i.e. mobile phones/cell phones with enhanced functionality) and similar electronic touchscreen devices such as tablets is prevalent in many societies.

These devices are used for surfing the World Wide Web, text messaging, making 25 video calls and taking photographs as well as traditional voice calling.

The standard smartphone format is based on mobile phone/cell phone designs arranged for traditional voice calling and can be inconvenient for some users to utilise the additional smartphone functionality. In particular it can be problematic taking a photograph using a front or rear facing camera, or making a video call, as hands holding the device and operating the touchscreen of hard buttons can be prone to getting in the way.

It is also difficult to stand a smartphone in a freestanding position, vertically or horizontally, to allow hands free reading, photography or the optimal use of the device speaker or speakers.

The present applicant has identified the need for an improved way of operating smartphone devices and similar devices that overcomes or at least alleviates problems associated with the prior art.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for supporting a portable handheld electronic communications device (e.g. smartphone, tablet 5 or the like), comprising: a base for attachment to a portable handheld electronic communications device; and a handle rotatably mounted to the base via a rotary mechanism, the handle comprising a handle body (e.g. elongate handle body), wherein the handle is alterable between a handle configuration for a user to grasp the handle and a (e.g. freestanding) stand configuration for supporting the portable handheld electronic 10 communications device in an upright position (e.g upright portrait or upright landscape position) on a support surface.

In this way, a combination rotary handle/stand is provided that provides ergonomic comfort when used as a handle and the added flexibility of a stand.

In one embodiment, the handle is rotatable about a rotary axis (e.g. fixed rotary axis).

In one embodiment, the handle body defines a longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the rotary axis.

In one embodiment, the handle is substantially planar (e.g. has a thickness in the direction of the rotary axis that is substantially smaller than its longitudinal length and lateral width).

In one embodiment, the handle is rotatable between a stowed position and a plurality of deployed rotary positions.

In one embodiment, in the stowed position the handle is configured to extend substantially along (touching or in close proximity to) a rear surface of the portable handheld electronic communications device or a removable case thereof In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to be concealed from view by the portable handheld electronic communications device when the handle is in the stowed position and the portable handheld electronic communications device is viewed from the front.

In one embodiment, in at least one of the plurality of deployed rotary positions, a free 30 end of the handle body (e.g. end furthest from the rotary axis) is configured to protrude from a lateral side of the portable handheld electronic communications device (e.g. when the portable handheld electronic communications device is viewed from the front).

In one embodiment, in at least one of the plurality of deployed rotary positions, the free end of the handle body is configured to protrude from a bottom edge of the portable handheld electronic communications device (e.g. when the portable handheld electronic communications device is viewed from the front).

In one embodiment, the plurality of deployed rotary positions include one or more 5 (e.g. a plurality of) handle positions (e.g. positions particularly suited to operation as a handle).

In one embodiment, the plurality of deployed rotary positions include one or more (e.g. a plurality of) stand positions (e.g. positions particularly suited to operation as a stand). In one embodiment, the plurality of deployed rotary positions include one or more 10 (e.g. a plurality of) combined handle/stand positions (e.g. positions suited to operation as either a handle or a stand).

In one embodiment, the handle comprises a deployable support member (e.g. elongate support member) movable between a retracted position and a deployed position.

In one embodiment, in the deployed position the support member is configured to 15 project laterally from the handle body (e.g. relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle body). In this way, the support member may act as a stabilising leg or prop when the handle is used as a stand.

In one embodiment, the stand configuration involves deployment of the support member into the deployed position.

In one embodiment, in the deployed position the support member is configured to provide a contact point substantially spaced from and projecting to one side of the handle body. In one embodiment, in the retracted position the support member extends substantially in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle body.

In one embodiment, in the deployed position the support member is configured to 25 project at substantially 90° or more (e.g. project at substantially 90°) to the handle body. In one embodiment, the support member is pivotably coupled to the handle body about a pivot axis (e.g. about a pivot axis extending through the single plane) and is pivotable between the retracted position and the deployed position.

In one embodiment, the pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal 30 axis of the handle body.

In one embodiment, the pivot axis is provided substantially adjacent the rotary mechanism (e.g. such that the support member has a free end furthest from the pivot axis that is positioned proximal to the free end of the handle body when the support member is in the retracted position).

In one embodiment, in the retracted position the support member is substantially contained within a recess provided in the handle body.

In one embodiment, the handle (e.g. handle body) further comprises an aperture 5 configured to be registered with a camera lens of the portable handheld electronic communications device when the handle is in the stowed position.

In the case of a handle body with a recess for receiving a pivotable support member, the aperture may be formed in a base portion of the recess (e.g. a base portion of the recess that is not obscured by the pivotable support member when the pivotable support member is 10 in the retracted position).

In one embodiment, the rotary mechanism is configured to permit the handle to be movable between a plurality of stable rotary positions (e.g. plurality of discrete or continuous stable rotary positions).

In one embodiment, the rotary mechanism is configured to permit rotation of the 15 handle in a single plane.

In one embodiment, the handle is fully rotatable through 360° (e.g. in either rotational direction).

In one embodiment, the rotary mechanism is a friction based mechanism (relying upon a user to overcome or disengage a frictional force in order to rotate the handle relative 20 to the base).

In one embodiment, the rotary mechanism is a biasing action based mechanism (relying upon a user to overcome or disengage a biasing action that is biased to maintain the handle in a locked rotary position in order to rotate the handle relative to the base).

In one embodiment, the rotary mechanism comprises: a first part defining a circumferentially extending engagement surface (e.g. surrounding the rotary axis of the rotary mechanism); and a second part defining at least one resiliently biased locking member, the at least one resiliently biased locking member being biased to be urged against the engagement surface of the first part.

In one embodiment, the engagement surface comprises a plurality of 30 circumferentially spaced teeth and the at least one resiliently biased locking member comprises at least one tooth-engaging member.

In one embodiment, the at least one resiliently biased locking member comprises a plurality of n circumferentially spaced (e.g. and independently biased) locking members.

In one embodiment, a> 3 (e.g. a = 3).

In one embodiment, the a circumferentially spaced locking members are substantially equally circumferentially spaced.

In one embodiment, the a circumferentially spaced locking members are provided on 5 a resilient hub.

In one embodiment, the resilient hub comprises an n-sided frame, each of the a sides of the frame supporting a respective one of the;; circumferentially spaced locking members. In one embodiment, each of the n sides of the frame are flexible (e.g. resiliently flexible) to allow movement between a radially outermost and radially innermost position, 10 wherein each of the,, sides of the frame is biased (e.g. by resilient properties of the frame itself or in combination with an associated resilient member) to urge its respective locking member against the engagement surface of the first part.

In one embodiment, the hub is mounted within a guide channel (e.g. operative to prevent rotation of the hub and/or limit flexure of the a sides of the frame of the hub).

In one embodiment, the;; sides of the frame form a single resilient piece (e.g. a single moulded component).

In one embodiment, the locking members are integrally formed on each of the n sides of the frame.

In one embodiment, the engagement surface of the first part is a radially inner-facing 20 surface and the a circumferentially spaced locking members of the second part are biased in a radially outermost position.

In one embodiment, the first part is located on the base and the second part is located on the handle.

In one embodiment, the rotary mechanism is concealed by a removable panel (e.g. 25 snap-fit panel).

In one embodiment, the removable panel has branding graphics (e.g. text and/or logo) applied thereto (e.g. to provide interchangeable graphic options).

In one embodiment, the base includes attachment means (e.g. an adhesive pad) operative to attach the base to a rear portion of the portable handheld electronic 30 communications device or removable case thereof In one embodiment, the base is an integral part of a removable case for portable handheld electronic communications device.

In one embodiment, the handle further comprises one or more grip adaptations (e.g. for persons with compromised dexterity or for personal comfort choices) In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotary mechanism comprising: a first part defining a circumferentially extending engagement surface (e.g. surrounding the rotary axis of the rotary mechanism); and a second part defining at least one resiliently biased locking member, the at least one resiliently biased locking member being biased to be urged against the engagement surface of the first part.

In one embodiment, the engagement surface comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth and the at least one resiliently biased locking member comprises at least one tooth-engaging member.

In one embodiment, n > 3 (e.g. 71= 3).

In one embodiment, the n circumferentially spaced locking members are substantially equally circumferentially spaced.

In one embodiment, the 17 circumferentially spaced locking members are provided on a resilient hub In one embodiment, the resilient hub comprises an n-sided frame, each of the n sides of the frame supporting a respective one of the 77 circumferentially spaced locking members. In one embodiment, each of the n sides of the frame are flexible (e.g. resiliently 20 flexible) to allow movement between a radially outermost and radially innermost position, wherein each of the n sides of the frame is biased (e.g. by resilient properties of the frame itself or in combination with an associated resilient member) to urge its respective locking member against the engagement surface of the first part.

In one embodiment, the hub is mounted within a guide channel (e.g. operative to 25 prevent rotation of the hub and/or limit flexure of the 71 sides of the frame of the hub).

In one embodiment, the n sides of the frame form a single resilient piece (e.g. a single moulded component).

In one embodiment, the engagement surface of the first part is a radially inner-facing surface and the 11 circumferentially spaced locking members of the second part are biased in a radially outermost position.

In accordance with further aspects of the invention, there are provided: A mobile phone/tablet handle and stand combined.

A mobile phone/tablet handle utilising a rotary action for deployment.

A mobile phone/tablet handle using a friction based locking mechanism. A mobile phone/tablet handle using a spring based locking mechanism.

A mobile phone/tablet handle that can have grip adaptations added for persons with compromised dexterity or for personal comfort choices.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of apparatus in accordance with an 10 embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2A is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 attached to a smartphone with the handle in a stowed position; Figure 2B is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 attached to a smartphone illustrating the handle in a variety of deployed rotary positions relative to the 15 stowed position of Figure 2A; Figure 2C is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 attached to a smartphone with the stowed handle in a stand configuration; Figure 2D is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 attached to a smartphone with the handle in a deployed rotary position and stand configuration; Figure 2E is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 attached to a smartphone with the handle in a further deployed rotary position and stand configuration; Figure 2F is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 attached to a smartphone with the handle in a deployed rotary position illustrating a removable cover for supporting branding; and Figure 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing details of a rotary mechanism of the apparatus of Figure 1, Figure 1 shows apparatus 10 for supporting a portable handheld electronic communications device (in this example, smartphone 20 illustrated in Figure 2 including a removable case 22).

As illustrated, apparatus 10 comprising: a base 30 with an adhesive pad 32 for attachment to smartphone 20/removable case 22; and a handle 40 comprising a elongate thermoplastic or carbon fibre handle body 42 defining a longitudinal axis "A", handle 40 being rotatably mounted to the base 30 via a rotary mechanism 50 defining a rotary axis "IC.

Handle 40 is rotatable between a stowed position (Figure 2A) in which the handle extends substantially along a rear surface of smartphone 20/removable case 22 and a plurality of deployed rotary positions (Figure 2B) As shown in Figure 2A, apparatus 10 is configured to be concealed from view by the 5 smartphone 20 when the handle 40 is in the stowed position and the smartphone 20 is viewed from the front.

As shown in Figure 2B, in the plurality of deployed rotary positions a free end of the handle 40A furthest from the rotary axis "R.' protrudes from a lateral side and/or bottom edge of the smartphone 20.

Rotary mechanism 50 is a biasing action based mechanism configured to permit frill 360° rotation of the handle 40 in a single plane between a plurality of discrete stable rotary positions. The grip can rotate in either direction to substantially any position the user desires. Handle 40 also includes an support member 60 comprising an elongate body 62 pivotably coupled to handle body 42 about a pivot axis "P" adjacent the rotary mechanism 15 50 extending through the single plane of rotation and pivotable between a retracted position (Figures 1-2B) and a deployed position (Figures 2C-2E) As shown in Figures 2C-2E, handle 40 is alterable between a handle configuration for a user to grasp with a hand and a stand configuration for supporting the smart phone 20 in an upright position on a support surface by deploying support member 60 by pivoting support member 60 from the retracted position to the deployed position. In the stand configuration support member 60 acts as a stabilising leg or prop to enable or improve stability. In non-stand positions support 60 member may optionally be deployed to act as an additional handle element for gripping by the user, thereby providing the user with additional options to hold the device.

In the retracted position support member 60 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis "A" of handle 40 and is substantially contained within a recess 44 provided in handle body 42 In the deployed position, support member 60 is configured to project laterally from handle body 42 at substantially 90° to the longitudinal axis "A". In this way, when support member 60 is in the deployed position it will provide a contact point substantially spaced from and projecting to one side of handle body 42. Extension of support member 60 into the extended position allows smartphone 20 to be stood horizontally or vertically.

As shown, handle body 42 further comprises an aperture 46 formed in a base portion 44A of the recess 44 at an end of the recess furthest from the pivot axis "P" and configured to be registered with a camera lens of smartphone 20 when the handle 40 is in the stowed position. As illustrated, recess 44 has a greater length than the length of support member 60 such that when support member 60 is in the stowed position aperture 46 an end portion of the recess 44 featuring the aperture 46 is left uncovered so as to avoid obscuring the camera lens when the support member 60 is in the retracted position. In this way, the smartphone camera may be used without deployment of the handle 40 or support member 60.

As shown in Figure 3, rotary mechanism 50 comprises: an annular first part 52 (mounted on base 30) defining a circumferentially extending engagement surface 52A surrounding the rotary axis "It" and comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth 52B; and a second part 54 comprising a single moulded component 56 comprising a resilient hub in the form of a three-sided equilateral triangular frame 56A defining three independently resiliently biased sides 56B, each side 56B supporting an integrally-formed centrally-located resiliently biased locking member 58 comprising a protuberant tooth-engaging member 58A biased by its respective side 56B to be urged against the engagement surface 52A of the first part 52. As illustrated, component 56 is mounted in a guide channel 42A provided in handle body 42 and operative to prevent rotation of the component 56 relative to the handle body 42 and limit flexure of the sides of the frame 56A. Handle body 42 also includes an annular channel 42B for receiving annular first part 52, the annular first part 52 being held in place in the annular channel 42B by circumferentially spaced snap-fit tongues 42C.

Rotary mechanism 50 is concealed by a snap-fit removable panel 70 which may include branding graphics 72 (e.g. text and/or logo) applied thereto.

In one embodiment, the handle may further comprise one or more grip adaptations (e.g. for persons with compromised dexterity or for personal comfort choices).

The present invention provides a frill solution to the issues of holding a smartphone in a comfortable and natural manner whilst talking, browsing or taking photographs and providing a stand appropriate for viewing content or taking content in both portrait and landscape formats.

The rotating, flat grip of the handle 40 can be set at any angle and tailored to specific 30 needs of users who may have compromised dexterity.

In one embodiment, the device may be attached to a variable size base plate 30 which can attach to any phone or tablet appliance or an external case used on them.

Claims

Claims: I. Apparatus for supporting a portable handheld electronic communications device, comprising: a base for attachment to a portable handheld electronic communications device; and a handle rotatably mounted to the base via a rotary mechanism, the handle comprising an handle body; wherein the handle is alterable between a handle configuration for a user to grasp the handle and a stand configuration for supporting the portable handheld electronic 10 communications device in an upright position on a support surface.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1_, wherein the handle is rotatable between a stowed position and a plurality of deployed rotary positions.
3 Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in at least one of the plurality of deployed rotary positions, a free end of the handle body is configured to protrude from a lateral side of the portable handheld electronic communications device.
4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein in at least one of the plurality of deployed rotary positions, a free end of the handle body is configured to protrude from a bottom edge of the portable handheld electronic communications device.
5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the handle comprises a deployable support member movable between a retracted position and a deployed position. 25
6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein in the deployed position the support member is configured to project laterally from the handle body.
7. Apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the support member is pivotably coupled to the handle body about a pivot axis and pivotable between the retracted position and the deployed position.
Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the pivot axis is adjacent the rotary mechanism.
9. Apparatus according to any of claims 5-8, wherein in the retracted position the support member is substantially contained within a recess provided in the handle body.
10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the handle further comprises an aperture configured to be registered with a camera lens of the portable handheld electronic communications device when the handle is in the stowed position.
11 Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary mechanism is configured to permit rotation of the handle in a single plane.
12. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary mechanism comprises: a first part defining a circumferentially extending engagement surface; and a second part defining at least one resiliently biased locking member, the at least one resiliently biased locking member being biased to be urged against the engagement surface of the first part.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the engagement surface comprises a 20 plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth and the at least one resiliently biased locking member comprises at least one tooth-engaging member.
14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the at least one resiliently biased locking member comprises a plurality of n circumferentially spaced locking members provided on a 25 resilient hub.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the resilient hub comprises an n-sided frame, each of the n sides of the frame supporting a respective one of the n circumferentially spaced locking members.
16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein each of the n sides of the frame are flexible to allow movement between a radially outermost and radially innermost position, wherein each of the n sides of the frame is biased to urge its respective locking member against theUengagement surface of the first part.
17. Apparatus according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the n sides of the frame form a single resilient piece and the locking members are integrally formed on each of the n sides of 5 the frame.
18. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary mechanism is concealed by a removable panel.
19. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the removable panel has branding graphics applied thereto.