JP2019146066A - Accessory for mobile device - Google Patents

Abstract

To support a mobile device so as to be held by a user hand, and make the mobile device possible to be used as a table top device.SOLUTION: An accessory for a mobile device comprises a cover. The cover comprises: a main body connected to a rear surface of the mobile device; an elongate member 70 that is adjacent to and extended to the rear surface of the main body; and a holding band 80 extended from the rear surface of the main body to the circumference of the elongate member. The elongate member includes a distal end 150 and a proximal end 130, and comprises a first segment 90 in at least the proximal end and a second segment 100 in at least the distal end. The first segment is attached to the main body at the proximal end in a hinge coupling.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to accessories for mobile devices, and more particularly to support for mobile devices.

  Handheld mobile devices such as mobile phones, devices for playing digital audio files, tablets and the like typically have a front surface with means for the user to interact with the device and a display screen. The interaction means may be provided in the form of buttons or wheels, or may be provided as an integrated touch-sensitive display screen or a combination thereof. These are usually located on the front or end of the device for convenience.

  Many handheld mobile device users utilize a case or cover to partially or fully cover the mobile device to protect the device from wear and / or damage caused by the falling of the mobile device. Covers are particularly desirable for mobile devices where the components are likely to crush or break, resulting in the need for expensive repair or replacement of the mobile device as a whole.

  The range of mobile device usage has expanded with the range of applications available on mobile devices. A single mobile device is typically used as a music player, phone, messaging center, satellite navigation assistance, photo or video display device, and E-reader. Therefore, it is increasingly important that users can securely hold mobile devices in their hands in a wide range of situations and environments.

  Many known covers were intended to help hold the mobile device in the user's hand during use of the mobile device, particularly while the user is participating in sports or other physical activities. Includes support. Some covers, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,300,366, etc., in addition to assisting in holding in the user's hand when functioning as a handheld device, can be used as a tabletop device for mobile devices. Has support with conversion configuration to work.

  An object of the present invention is to provide configurable support for a mobile device that assists in holding the mobile device in a user's hand and allows the mobile device to be used as a tabletop device.

  In a first aspect, the present invention provides a support for a mobile device, the support being suitable for attachment to a back surface of the mobile device, the support being coupled to the back surface of the mobile device and a back plate And an elongated member extending in the longitudinal direction adjacent to. The elongate member has a distal end and a proximal end, and comprises at least a first segment at the proximal end and a second segment between the first segment and the distal end. The first segment is hingedly attached to the back plate at the proximal end.

  The second segment preferably comprises a distal portion and a proximal portion between the distal portion and the first segment. The distal and proximal portions may be attached with a hinge connection. The proximal portion and the first segment may be attached with a hinge connection.

  The distal end of the second segment is preferably held in a fixed position on the backplate. The distal end of the second segment may be hingedly attached to the backplate in a fixed position.

  The support may further comprise a longitudinal retainer to which the distal end of the second segment can be attached with a hinged connection.

  The longitudinal holding part is preferably formed as a thick part at the longitudinal end of the holding band. The longitudinal retainer may include a protrusion extending toward the elongated member for retaining the second segment adjacent to the backplate.

  The first and second segments may be spaced from the back plate when the elongate member is in the first open configuration.

  The distal portion may be held parallel to the backplate and at an acute angle relative to the proximal portion when the elongate member is in the second open configuration.

  Preferably, the longitudinal retainer retains the distal portion parallel to the backplate when the elongate member is in the second open configuration.

  Preferably, the longitudinal retainer retains the proximal portion parallel to the backplate and distal portion when the elongate member is in the closed configuration.

  The back plate may be a continuous member. Preferably, the backplate extends longitudinally between the proximal end of the elongate member and the fixed position. The back plate may extend transverse to the width of the elongated member.

  The retaining band may define the outer edge of the backplate. Preferably, the back plate extends substantially over the back surface of the mobile device. The back plate may be a cover for a mobile device.

  Preferably, the distance between the proximal end of the elongate member and the distal end of the elongate member is substantially equal to the combined length of the first segment and the proximal portion of the second segment.

  Preferably, the distance between the proximal end of the elongate member and the fixed position is substantially the combined length of the first segment and the proximal portion of the second segment minus the length of the distal portion. be equivalent to.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of an exemplary mobile device in use. FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of a support for a mobile device according to an embodiment of the invention with the elongated member in a first open configuration. 3 illustrates a method of using support for a mobile device in the configuration of FIG. FIG. 3 illustrates support for a mobile device in the first open configuration of FIG. 2 in use. Fig. 6 shows a support for a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention in which the elongated member is in a closed or retracted configuration. 6 schematically represents a method for placing support for a mobile device in a storage configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a support retaining band along line xx. FIG. 4 shows a rear view of a support for a mobile device according to an embodiment of the invention in a storage configuration. FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of a support for a mobile device according to an embodiment of the invention with the elongated member in a second open configuration. FIG. 10 shows a rear view of a support for a mobile device configured as in FIG. 9. Fig. 4 schematically represents a method for placing a support for a mobile device in a second open configuration according to an embodiment of the invention;

  1 and 2 show an exemplary mobile device in use. A forward-facing display screen 20, in this example, the user typically holds the mobile device 10 so that the touch screen faces the user to allow user interaction. In this embodiment, the support is shown having a back plate 50 that extends to the rear surface of the mobile device to form a cover 30 for the mobile device. The backplate 50 has an end 40 that extends to the peripheral edge of the mobile device to complete the cover 30.

  A cover as referred to herein is defined as a device for covering and / or protecting a mobile device. The mobile device may be any tablet device including a phone, but is not limited to such.

  FIG. 2 shows the back plate 50 with an elongated member 70 that extends adjacent to the rear surface 60 of the back plate 50. The elongated member 70 includes a first segment 90 and a second segment 100. The second segment 100 itself comprises a proximal part 110 and a distal part 120, which is located between the first segment 90 and the distal part 120.

  The proximal portion 110 and the distal portion 120 are connected with a hinge connection to allow relative movement therebetween. Similarly, the first segment 90 and the second segment 100 are also connected by a hinge connection. The elongate member 70 is attached to the backplate 50 along its width at the proximal end 130 in a hinged manner to allow relative movement between the elongate member 70 and the backplate 50.

  The elongated member has a generally flat and rigid planar shape, and is formed with an attachment portion hinged to the section end in the width direction. This also means that the member is inherently resistant to lateral movement or rotation and bends flat. However, other configurations are possible and may be preferred for aesthetic reasons, for example. Individual sections (e.g., distal portion 120) may have different structures, such as elastic band lengths.

  In an alternative embodiment, the first segment 90 and the second segment 100, the proximal portion 110 and the distal portion 120, and / or the elongated member 70 and the backplate 50 separate the elongated member 70 from one configuration. It may be connected by other materials or methods that allow sufficient relative movement to replace the configuration. The first segment 90 and the proximal portion 110 may be formed from a single continuous segment or separate segments, and the backplate 50 and elongated member 70 may be similar.

  A retaining band 80 extending from the rear surface 60 of the backplate 50 defines a space for receiving the elongate member 70. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the retention band 80 is immediately adjacent to the first segment 90 at the proximal end 130. In the present embodiment, the holding band 80 is formed on the rear surface 60. However, in further embodiments, the retention band 80 may be formed as an integral part of the backplate 50.

  The distal end of the distal portion 120 is attached to the backplate 50 at a fixed location 140. The distal portion 120 is hinged and attached along its width to allow relative movement between the distal portion 120 and the backplate 50.

  In this embodiment, the elongate member 70 is rigid with a first segment 90, a second segment 100, and a reduced cross-sectional area that allows relative movement between the proximal portion 110 and the distal portion 120 of the latter. Formed from material. The elongated member 70 is made of a material different from that of the back plate 50. In alternative embodiments, the backplate 50 and the elongate member 70 may be formed from the same material.

  FIG. 3 shows the elongate member 70 in use in a first open configuration. This configuration is particularly useful for holding in the user's hand to prevent the mobile device from falling or slipping from the hand when the user is active (eg, exercising) or when the user's dexterity is diminished. Promote improvement.

  The hinged attachment at the proximal end 130 and the fixed location 140 allows the elongate member 70 to move away from the rear surface 60 to accommodate the user's finger, which is the rear surface of the elongate member 70 and the back plate 50. The mobile device 10 is fixed to the user's hand. FIG. 4 shows that the user is subsequently holding the mobile device 10 to reinforce the fixation.

  If securing the mobile device to the user's hand is not required, the elongate member 70 may be replaced with a closed or retracted configuration, as shown in FIG. It is flat and parallel to it. The distal portion 120 of the second segment is between the back surface 60 of the backplate 50 and the proximal portion 110. The first segment 90 and the proximal portion 110 are aligned, and the proximal portion 110 partially covers the distal portion 120. The retaining band 80 is around the outer edge of the elongate member such that the retaining band 80 contacts the proximal end of the first segment 90 and contacts the distal end of the proximal portion 110 at the distal end 150 of the retaining band 80. Extend to. The distance between the proximal end 130 and the distal end 150 of the retention band 80 is substantially equal to the combined length of the first segment 90 and the proximal portion 110.

  Similarly, the distance between the proximal end 130 and the fixed position 140 is substantially the length of the first segment 90 and the proximal portion 110 minus the length of the distal portion 120. equal. In this way, the elongate member 70 can be flat and parallel to the rear surface 60 of the backplate 50 when closed or retracted.

  The elongate member 70 is placed in the retracted position from the first open configuration by the user applying pressure to the proximal portion 110 in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. The first segment 90 and the proximal portion 110 are coplanar and the combined outer edges are surrounded by the retaining band 80. The elongate member 70 is held in place by a retention band 80, which includes a longitudinal retainer 160 along at least a portion of its longitudinal end.

  In this embodiment, the longitudinal retainer 160 is disposed adjacent to the proximal portion 110 within the retainer band 80 when the elongated member 70 is in the retracted position. Each or its longitudinal retainer 160 includes a protrusion 170 extending from the longitudinal retainer 160 toward the proximal portion 110 as shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows a partial cross-section of the support at line xx shown in FIG. In the retracted position, the longitudinal retainer 160 covers the end of the proximal portion 110 to hold the proximal portion 110 in place. These provide a “clip” arrangement that engages the side edges of the relevant portion of the retaining band 80. Other ways of holding the retention band in the desired configuration are possible, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, hooks, or other mechanical retention methods that engage the rear surface 60 of the retention band 80.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a tab 180 is provided for releasing the elongate member 70 from the protrusion 170 so that the user can replace the elongate member 70 from the retracted position to the first open position.

  The retaining band is preferably formed from a polymer having sufficient elasticity to allow the elongate member to be repeatedly reconfigured to and from the storage position according to user preferences.

  FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the support used in the second open configuration in which the user can place the mobile device 10 on the surface so that the user can view the display screen 20 without holding the mobile device 10. Indicates. The distal portion 120 is held adjacent to and parallel to the rear surface 60 by the protrusion 170 of the longitudinal holder 160. In this embodiment, the longitudinal retainer 160 is disposed adjacent to the distal portion 120 within the retainer band 80 when the elongate member 70 is in the second open position. The longitudinal retainer 160 extends at least partially adjacent the fixed location 140.

  Although FIG. 9 shows the device placed in a “portrait” format, it will be appreciated that the width of the elongate member is appropriate to support the device in a “landscape” format. Alternatively, the device may be attached to the mobile device so that the device is placed in a “landscape” format.

  Proximal portion 110 extends from distal portion 120 to first segment 90, the latter making an acute angle with respect to rear surface 60 so that a portion of first segment 90 can be placed on a surface such as a table top. . In this embodiment, the portion of the first segment 90 adjacent to the proximal portion 110 is placed on the surface. However, if the support is further attached to the mobile device toward the end of the mobile device, substantially the entire first segment 90 may be placed on the surface. The distance from the distal end 150 of the retention band 80 to the fixed position 140 is substantially equal to the length of the distal portion 120. The relative lengths of the proximal portion 110 and the first segment 90 are selected to provide the resulting angle of the display screen to the first segment 90 and the horizontal plane on which the mobile device is placed.

  FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a method of placing the elongate member 70 in the second open position. The elongated member 70 is disposed at a predetermined position when the user applies pressure to the distal portion 120 in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. Subsequently, the distal portion 120 is projected by the user, typically by pulling the proximal portion 110 and / or the first segment 90, or by pulling the tab 180, or otherwise. May be released from. Thus, the configuration may be replaced with that of the first open position shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 or the storage position shown in FIGS.

  Of course, it will be understood that many variations may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  In an alternative embodiment, the distal portion 120 may consist of an elastic member. The use of a resilient member provides the advantage of an adjustable sized hand space and can bias the elongate member 70 against the hand, thereby increasing the retention of the mobile device in the user's hand. The distal portion 120 may be a band that extends between the proximal portion 110 and the fixed location 140.

  In a further alternative embodiment, the retaining band 80 may be replaced by a separate longitudinal retainer 160, which is substantially depicted here.

  In further embodiments, the distal portion 120 may be slidably retained within the retention band 80. The distal portion 120 may be slidably mounted within the retention band 80 to allow longitudinal movement between the distal end 150 of the retention band 80 and the fixed position 140.

  In an alternative embodiment, the elongate member 70 is attached to the rear surface 60 at discrete points along its end rather than along its width range at the proximal end 130. The distal portion 120 may also be attached to the fixed position 140 as well.

  In an alternative embodiment, the proximal portion 110 can be retained by [insertion means] when the elongate member 70 is in the second open position. When in the closed or retracted position, the distal portion 120 may be held adjacent to the backplate 50 by [insertion means].

  Furthermore, the present invention has been described with reference to an embodiment in which it is incorporated into a mobile phone case. Such cases or covers are well known and can be attached to the device in various ways. That is, the specific properties of the case are not particularly closely related to the invention.

  In practice, the present invention may be embodied as a stickable or otherwise attachable pad that can be attached to a device without a case or added to an existing case. In such an embodiment, the backplate 50 occupies the space between the proximal end 130 and the fixed position 140 to support the area of the proximal portion 110 that covers the insert and the first segment 90. . The back plate 50 may also have dimensions such that it partially or completely fills the space between the longitudinal ends of the retaining band 180.

  The support may be removably or removably attached to the mobile device by an adhesive, a known surface fastener, or any other suitable means.

  In further embodiments, the backplate 50 may extend across the back surface of the mobile device so as to substantially cover the back surface, except for the area between the proximal end 130 and the fixed location 140. There may be no space between the proximal end 130 and the fixed position 140 or a separate insert (not shown) to support the area of the proximal portion 110 and the first segment 90 that covers the insert. May be occupied by The insert may also have dimensions such that it partially or completely fills the space between the longitudinal ends of the retaining band 180.

Claims (22)

Support for mobile devices suitable for mounting on the back of mobile devices,
A back plate coupled to the rear surface of the mobile device;
An elongated member extending in the longitudinal direction adjacent to the back plate,
The elongate member has a distal end and a proximal end, and comprises at least a first segment at the proximal end and a second segment between the first segment and the distal end,
A support for a mobile device, wherein the first segment is hingedly attached to the back plate at the proximal end.   The support for a mobile device according to claim 1, wherein the second segment comprises a distal portion and a proximal portion between the distal portion and the first segment.   The support for a mobile device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distal portion and the proximal portion are attached by a hinge connection.   The support for a mobile device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the proximal portion and the first segment are attached by a hinge connection.   The support for a mobile device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the distal end of the second segment is held in a fixed position on the backplate.   The support for a mobile device according to claim 5, wherein the distal end of the second segment is hingedly attached to the backplate in the fixed position.   The support for mobile devices according to claim 1, further comprising a longitudinal holding portion.   The support for a mobile device according to claim 7, wherein the distal end of the second segment is hingedly attached to the longitudinal retainer in the fixed position.   The mobile device support according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal holding portion is formed as a thick portion at a longitudinal end portion of the holding band.   10. The mobile device according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal holding portion includes a protrusion extending toward the elongate member to hold the second segment adjacent to the back plate. Support.   11. The mobile device according to claim 1, wherein when the elongated member is in a first open configuration, the first and second segments are spaced from the back plate. Support.   11. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the distal portion is held parallel to the back plate and at an acute angle relative to the proximal portion when the elongated member is in a second open configuration. Support for mobile devices.   The support for a mobile device according to claim 12, wherein when the elongate member is in a second open configuration, a longitudinal retainer retains the distal portion parallel to the backplate.   The support for a mobile device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein when the elongate member is in a closed configuration, a longitudinal retainer retains the proximal portion parallel to the backplate and the distal portion. .   The support for a mobile device according to claim 1, wherein the back plate is a continuous member.   The support for a mobile device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the backplate extends longitudinally between the proximal end of the elongate member and the fixed position.   The support for a mobile device according to claim 16, wherein the back plate extends transversely to the width of the elongate member.   The support for a mobile device according to claim 9, wherein the retaining band defines an outer edge of the backplate.   16. The support for a mobile device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the back plate extends substantially on the rear surface of the mobile device.   The support for a mobile device according to claim 1, wherein the back plate is a cover for the mobile device.   The distance between the proximal end of the elongate member and the distal end of the elongate member is substantially equal to the combined length of the first segment and the proximal portion of the second segment. 21. Support for a mobile device according to any one of claims 1-20.   The distance between the proximal end of the elongate member and the fixed position is the combined length of the first segment and the proximal portion of the second segment minus the length of the distal portion. 21. A support for a mobile device according to any one of claims 5 to 20, substantially equal to.

Images