WO2022068227A1

WO2022068227A1 - A stabilizer system with a slidable connector for holding a terminal device

Info

Publication number: WO2022068227A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/095526
Authority: WO
Inventors: Weifeng ZHENG; Ruigang DUAN; Guoshuai DONG; Xingqiang PAN; Liye CHEN
Original assignee: Powervision Tech (Suzhou ) Ltd.
Priority date: 2020-09-29
Filing date: 2021-05-24
Publication date: 2022-04-07

Abstract

An apparatus for holding a terminal device (50) includes a base (31) configured to attach to the terminal device and a connector (32) attached to the base. The connector is configured to slide between a first locking position and a second locking position. The connector is slid to the first locking position to engage with an external device and slid to the second locking position when the terminal device performs a predetermined operation. A system for holding a terminal device is also included. The apparatus and the system can be suitable for different use scenes and is flexible to use.

Description

A STABILIZER SYSTEM WITH A SLIDABLE CONNECTOR FOR HOLDING A TERMINAL DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLIATIONS

This application hereby claims the benefits of priority to Chinese Application No. CN202011053430.1, filed on September 29, 2020, Chinese Application No. CN202022216011.7, filed on September 29, 2020, and Chinese Application No. CN202110241798.9, filed on March 4, 2021, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of mobile device holding apparatus that can be connected with an external stabilizer for stabilizing the mobile device, and in particular, to a mobile device holding apparatus that has a connector slidable between two locking positions to removably connect with a gimbal.

BACKGROUND

Mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets, are widely used by users as portable photographing and videotaping tools. One challenge for taking high-quality images using a mobile device is it is difficult to stabilize during photo/video shooting. With the increasing demand for improved image qualities, stabilizers are used as auxiliary tools to stabilize the mobile devices for daily shooting. However, the mobile stabilizers currently on the market are generally large in size, heavy and inconvenient to carry around, and have very limited functions.

For example, a conventional mobile device stabilizer normally includes a clamping structure to hold the mobile device, and the clamping structure accounts for a big portion of the mobile device stabilizer. Therefore, the size of the clamping structure makes it challenging to reduce the storage size of the mobile device stabilizer.

Accordingly, there is an unmet need for an improved mobile device holding mechanism that can removably connect with a stabilizer to reduce the storage size of the stabilizer.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an apparatus for holding a terminal device. The exemplary apparatus includes a base configured to attach to the terminal device. The exemplary apparatus further includes a connector attached to the base. The connector is configured to slide between a first locking position and a second locking position. The connector is slid to the first locking position to engage with an external device and slid to the second locking position when the terminal device performs a predetermined operation.

In some embodiments, at least one of the connector or the external device has a magnet and the connector engages with the external device magnetically at the first locking position. In some embodiments, the external device is a gimbal that is configured to stabilize the terminal device when it is engaged with the connector at the first locking position. In some embodiments, the first locking position may be at or near a position corresponding to the center of gravity of the base combined with the terminal device. The second locking position, on the other hand, may be located away from the center of gravity.

In some embodiments, the base may include a chute extending between the first locking position and the second locking position, so that the connector can slide along the chute between the two locking positions. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a handle pivotably connected to the connector and the handle is operated by a user to slide the connector between the first locking position and the second locking position. For example, the handle is configured to pivot towards a first direction, slide the connector in the first direction towards the first locking position, rotate to pivot towards a second direction opposite to the first direction, and slide the connector in the second direction towards the second locking position.

In some embodiments, the connector can be locked at the first locking position and/or the second locking position through a snap joint. In some embodiments, the handle can fit inside the base when the connector is locked at the first locking position or the second locking position. For example, the handle can be a ring that wraps around the connector in a groove inside the base. In an alternative example, the handle can fit inside an opening along which the connector slides. In some embodiments, the handle can protrude to support the terminal device to stand at the first locking position or the second locking position.

In some embodiments, the terminal device may be wirelessly charged when the connector is slid to the second locking position.

In some embodiments, the base is a housing configured to house the terminal device.

Embodiments of the disclosure also provide a system for holding a terminal device. The exemplary system includes an apparatus and an external device removably connected to the apparatus. The apparatus includes a base configured to attach to the terminal device; and a connector attached to the base. The connector is configured to slide between a first locking position and a second locking position. The external device performs a first operation when connected with the connector at the first locking position and performs a second operation when connected with the connector at the second locking position.

In some embodiments, at least one of the connector or the external device includes a magnet, and the external device is connected with the connector magnetically through the magnet. In some embodiments, the external device includes two connectors, a first connector configured to engage with the connector at the first locking position and a second connector configured to engage with the connector at the second locking position.

In some embodiments, the external device includes a gimbal configured to stabilize the terminal device when the external device is connected with the connector at the first locking position. In some embodiments, the gimbal is folded when the external device is connected with the connector at the second locking position. In some embodiments, the external device further includes a wireless charger configured to charge the terminal device when the external device is connected with the connector at the second locking position.

In some embodiments, the first locking position may be at or near a position corresponding to the center of gravity of the base combined with the terminal device. The second locking position, on the other hand, may be located away from the center of gravity. In some embodiments, the base may include a chute extending between the first locking position and the second locking position, so that the connector can slide along the chute between the two locking positions. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a handle pivotably connected to the connector and the handle is operated by a user to slide the connector between the first locking position and the second locking position. For example, the handle is configured to pivot towards a first direction, slide the connector in the first direction towards the first locking position, rotate to pivot towards a second direction opposite to the first direction, and slide the connector in the second direction towards the second locking position.

In some embodiments, the connector can be locked at the first locking position and/or the second locking position through a snap joint. In some embodiments, the handle can fit inside the case when the connector is locked at the first locking position or the second locking position. For example, the handle can be a ring that wraps around the connector in a groove inside the case. In an alternative example, the handle can fit inside an opening along which the connector slides. In some embodiments, the handle can protrude to support the terminal device to stand at the first locking position or the second locking position.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments are described by using examples with reference to diagrams in accompanying drawings corresponding to the embodiments. These example descriptions do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with a same reference numerical sign indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary stabilizer system having a case and a gimbal attached to the case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary stabilizer system having a case and a gimbal detached from the case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary gimbal, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded view of an exemplary case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a back view of an exemplary case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating another back view of an exemplary case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a back view of an exemplary case with a handle acting as a kickstand, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing different views of another exemplary case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded view of an exemplary case having a slidable connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded view of an exemplary slidable connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a back view of an exemplary stabilizer system including a case and a gimbal for stabilizing a terminal device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of the stabilizer system of FIG. 11, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary charger attached to a case to wirelessly charge a terminal device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating back views of an exemplary case standing on a protruding handle at different positions, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary process for sliding a connector to different positions on a housing of a case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the exemplary process of FIG. 15 in a transparent view that shows the hidden connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary adhesive plate, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following describes example embodiments of the present disclosure in a more detailed manner with reference to accompanying drawings. Although the accompanying drawings show the example embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided for more thoroughly understanding the present disclosure and entirely transferring the scope of the present disclosure to persons skilled in the art.

The following describes embodiments of technical solutions of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only intended to describe the technical solutions of the present disclosure more clearly, and therefore are merely examples and should not be construed as limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure.

The disclosure provides a stabilizer system for holding a terminal device, such as a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone, a wearable device, a tablet, a camera, etc. ) . In some embodiments, the stabilizer system includes a case or an adhesive plate for mounting to the terminal device and an external device, such as a gimbal. In some embodiments, the stabilizer system is designed such that the external device can be attachable to the case or the adhesive plate to stabilize the terminal device, e.g., when the terminal device is used for photographing or videorecording. The external device can be detached from the case or the adhesive plate, e.g., when the terminal device is used for other functions. Because the external device can be removably attached to the case or the adhesive plate, the disclosed stabilizer system is more portable and storage friendly.

In some embodiments, the external device is removably attached to the case or the adhesive plate through a magnetic connection. For example, the case or the adhesive plate includes a magnetic connector and the external device includes a metal piece that can be pulled on to the magnet, or conversely, the external device includes the magnet and the connector includes the metal piece. As another example, the connector and the external device each include a magnet, and the two magnets are opposite in polarity. In some embodiments, the external device is designed to perform multiple functions and it is attached to the case or the adhesive plate at different locking positions when performing the different functions. For example, the external device may be attached to the case or the adhesive plate at a position when function as a gimbal to stabilize the terminal device, and at a different position when the external device functions as a wireless charger to charge the terminal device. Moving the magnet away from the charging coil can reduce magnetic interference to the wireless charging.

In order to accommodate the need to engage and connect with the external device at different positions for different functions, some disclosed embodiments provide a base that uses a slidable connector. In some embodiments, the base can be a case that includes a housing which houses the terminal device. In some other embodiments, the base is an adhesive plate that sticks to a surface of the terminal device, for example via an adhesive material. For the purpose of this disclosure, descriptions with reference to a “base” apply to different embodiments including the case and the adhesive plate, and bases that use other mechanism to attach to the terminal device. In some embodiments, the base may include a chute extending between the first locking position and the second locking position, so that the connector can slide along the chute between the two locking positions. For example, the first locking position is within a predetermined proximity of the center of gravity of the base combined with the terminal device. When the connector is at the first locking position, the external device is attached to the connector to function as a stabilizing device, e.g., gimbal. When the connector is at the second locking position, the external device is attached to the connector to perform another operation, such as wireless charging. In some embodiments, the connector can be slid by a user using a handle pivotably connected with the connector. The handle can be any shape that can be easily gripped by the user, e.g., a ring shape. When the connector is at the first locking position and the second locking position, the handle can snap in a groove in the base. The user can pull the handle and the handle pivots around the connector to protrude from the base, opposite to the side of the base that contacts the mobile device, to support the mobile device to stand on a surface. The user can then pull the handle along the chute to move the connector along the chute between the first locking position and the second locking position. In some embodiments, the base includes an opening and the chute can hide inside the base to save room and improve the appearance of the case or the adhesive plate. In some embodiment, the connector includes a first part of a snap joint that can slide along the chute, and the chute includes two second parts of the snap joint that can lock the first part at the first locking position and the second locking position, respectively.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 each illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary stabilizer system 100 having a case 30 and a gimbal 10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Stabilizer system 100 includes a case 30 and a gimbal 10, which can be detachably connected with each other. FIG. 1 shows that gimbal 10 is attached to case 30 and FIG. 2 shows that gimbal 10 is detached from case 30. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 will be described together.

In some embodiments, case 30 may be configured to hold a terminal device, such as a mobile phone, a tablet, or other types of handheld or wearable devices. Case 30 may include a housing 31 for housing and mounting terminal device 50 to case 30. Housing 31 may be made of metal, silicon, or plastic materials that can form a rigid shape while providing sufficient protection. In some embodiments, housing 31 may include a back surface and four side surfaces designed to fit the contour of terminal device 50. When holding terminal device 50, the back surface of housing 31 is in contact with the back surface of terminal device 50, opposite to the display screen, and the side surfaces of housing 31 wrap around terminal device 50 to mount it to case 30. Housing 31 may further include reserved openings to expose certain components of terminal device 50, such as buttons, switches, cameras, inlets and outlets. Housing 31 has a geometric center. In most cases, the center of gravity of housing 31 combined with the terminal device 50 may overlap or close to the geometric center of the housing 31, depending on the design the weight distribution of housing 31.

Gimbal 10 is a mechanical stabilizer that, when attached to case 30, uses three axes of rotation to keep terminal device 50 steady via three internal motors. Use of gimbal 10 allows for a balanced movement of the photographing equipment, such as cameras and lens, on terminal device 50. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, gimbal 10 may be attached to case 30 through detachable connectors. For example, case 30 may include a first connector 32 and gimbal 10 may include a second connector 20 that can engage with each other to provide connection between gimbal 10 and case 30 and disengage to detach them. First connector 32 may be located on the back surface of housing 31 to connect to a second connector 20 located on gimbal 10. In some embodiments, first connector 32 and the second connector 20 may engage through a magnetic connection mechanism. For instance, at least one of first connector 32 and second connector 20 may include a magnet. In one example, first connector 32 can be made of steel or other ferromagnetic material and second connector 20 can include a magnet. Conversely, first connector 32 may include the magnet while second connector 20 includes the ferromagnetic material that can be pulled onto the magnet. In another example, first connector 32 and second connector 20 may both include magnets but the magnets are opposite in polarity to pull each other. Magnetically connected first connector 32 and second connector 20 can be detached by a force that pulls them apart to overcome the magnetic force. In some embodiments, terminal device 50 may be connected to gimbal 10 through the connection of first connector 32 and second connector 20, and can be detached from gimbal 10 when first connector 32 and second connector 20 are disconnect.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, first connector 32 can slide on housing 31, between at least two locking positions. First connector 32 can be locked at one of the two locking positions when connected with second connector 20. For example, first connector 32 may slide to the first locking position to connect with second connector 20 for gimbal 10 to be attached to case 30. In some embodiments, the first locking position is at or near the center of gravity of the housing 31 combined with the terminal device 50, so that weight of case 30 including terminal device 50 it is holding may be distributed evenly on gimbal 10 when it is attached to stabilize terminal device 50. That also helps to keep terminal device 50 and gimbal 10 staying connected stably. As shown in FIG. 2, first connector 32 can be locked at the locking positions through a snap joint. In some embodiments, when gimbal 10 is detached from case 30 or terminal device performs an operation other than connecting with the gimbal 10, first connector 32 can slide to and locked at a position different from the first locking position, e.g., the second locking position. The second locking position may be away from the center of gravity, so that the center can be available for other operations. In some embodiments, such other operation may include wirelessly charging terminal device 50. In some embodiments, housing 31 may include several locking positions for locking first connector 32.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary gimbal 10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Gimbal 10 may include several parts, including, e.g., a handle grip and multiple motors for actuating the three-axis rotation, such as a tilt motor, a plan motor, and a roll motor. The handle may also host a control console having multiple control buttons and switches for the user to control the operation of gimbal 10. In some embodiments, second connector 20 may be positioned on the roll motor. As shown in FIG. 3, second connector 20 may include a positioning bump 21 and a limiting bump 22 that geometrically match the bumps and grooves on first connector 32 in order to stably engage first connector 32 when connected. Positioning bump 21 and limiting bump 22 are further described in connection with FIG. 6.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded view of an exemplary case 30, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The exploded view shows terminal device 50, housing 31, and first connector 32.Housing 31 is designed to fit the contour of terminal device 50 and enclose at least the back surface and side surfaces of terminal device 50, so that to securely hold terminal device 50, reduce the overall size and make the mounted structure easy to carry or store. First connector 32 may include at least one first locking part 323 (4 second locking parts 315 as shown in FIG. 4) , which will be further described in connection with FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a back view of an exemplary case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The back surface and side surfaces of housing 31 forms a compartment space 311. Terminal device 50 can be inserted in compartment space 311 and stably enclosed by the back and side surfaces of housing 31. Housing 31 may also include a camera opening 312 corresponding to the position of one or more cameras on terminal device 50, so that the cameras are exposed, and their optical paths are not blocked by housing 31. In some embodiments, housing 31 may also include openings for other input/output parts of terminal device 50, such as control buttons for user to operate terminal device 50, and inlets or outlets for transmitting power or data.

In some embodiments, housing 31 includes a chute 313, a connection opening 314, and at least one second locking part 315 (4 second locking parts 315 as shown in FIG. 5) . The chute 313 extends along a preset direction, and first connector 32 can slide along chute 313 between the locking positions. There are at least two locking positions along chute 313 and first connector 32 slides along chute 313 to move relatively to housing 31. In some embodiments, housing 31 is in a rectangular shape and chute 313 extends along the length direction of housing 31, as shown in FIG. 5. However, it is contemplated that chute 313 may also be designed to extend along the width direction of housing 31. Slidable in chute 313, first connector 32 can move to different locations on housing 31 when terminal device 50 performs different operations/functions. For example, the center of housing 31 may be within a predetermined proximity of the center of gravity of the housing 31 combined with the terminal device 50, and the first connector 32 may be at or near the center of housing 31 when connected with gimbal 10 to stabilize terminal device 50, but slide along the chute 313 to another location to move out of way for other operations to be performed at the center of housing 31. In some embodiments, chute 313 is hosted inside connection opening 314 of housing 31. Connection opening 314 forms a hollow space between the back surface of housing 31 and the surface that is in contact with terminal device 50. The design of connection opening 314 and chute 313 inside can help reduce the overall size of case 30.

First locking parts 323 can move with first connector 32 along chute 313 through connection opening 314. When first connector 32 slides to a locking position, first locking parts 323 can be engage with corresponding second locking parts 315 to form a snap joint to lock first connector 32 at the locking position. In some embodiments, second locking parts 315 may include at least two set of locking parts in which first locking parts 323 can snap to lock first connector 32 at two or more locking positions.

In some embodiments, each first locking part 323 is a protruding flat spring and each second locking part 315 is a snap-in notch. When a user presses the protruding flat spring into the snap-in notch, each first locking part 323 and its corresponding second locking part 315 snap interlock with each other. Once locked through first locking parts 323 and second locking parts 315, first connection bump 323 can no longer slide until it is unlocked. When the user presses the protruding flat spring again into the snap-in notch, the snap fit can be unlocked. First connector 32, along with first locking parts 323 thereon, can slide again along the chute 313 to other locking positions and lock with other second locking parts 315. It is contemplated that first locking parts 323 and second locking parts 315 can use other types of locking and unlocking mechanism. The locking mechanism can be mechanical, magnetic, electrical, or any suitable combinations to ensure that first connector 32 does not slide from the locking positions. After first connector 32 is securely locked through the locking mechanism, it can connect with second connector 20 to attach gimbal 10 to case 30. In some embodiments, first connector 32 may include a magnet to pull on second connector 20, which may include another magnet of an opposite polarity, or a ferromagnetic material. For example, FIG. 5 shows a disk-shaped magnet 326 within first connector 32. It is contemplated that the magnet may be in different shapes other than the illustrated disk shape.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of illustrating another back view of an exemplary case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above, chute 313 is hosted inside connection opening 314 of housing 31, thus making first connector 32 level with the back surface of housing 31. Besides, by placing chute 313 inside connection opening 314, first connector 32 will not slide away from chute 313.

In some embodiments, first connector 32 further includes a base 321 and a connection bump 322. Base 321 is placed in connection opening 314 and slidably engages with chute 313 to slide along chute 313. Base 321 secures the mounting of first connector 32 to housing 31 and prevent it from falling off. Connection bump 322 sits on top of base 321 and is designed to mechanically grip second connector 20 on gimbal 10. In some embodiments, the size of connection bump 322 fits connection opening 314 so that connection opening 314 can guide connection bump 322 while first connector 32 is sliding along chute 313.

In some embodiments, housing 31 may further include one or more positioning parts (not shown in FIG. 6) on the back surface to form chute 313 and first connector 32 is placed between the positioning parts and housing 31.

In some embodiments, after first connector 32 engages with second connector 20, for example, the connectors are pull onto each other by magnetic force, the connection is additionally secured through mechanical mechanisms provided by connection bump 322. These mechanical mechanisms may help prevent the magnetic connection between first connector 32 and second connector 20 to inadvertently fall apart or rotate relative to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, connection bump 322 may further include a positioning groove 324 and a limiting hole 325. In some embodiments, positioning groove 324 corresponds to positioning bump 21 as shown in FIG. 3. When first connector 32 of case 30 and second connector 20 of gimbal 10 connect with each other, positioning bump 21 plugs into positioning groove 324 to ensure first connector 32 and second connector 20 connect with each other at the right position. In some alternative embodiments, first connector 32 may include the positioning bump while second connector 20 may include the positioning groove. In some embodiments, limiting hole 325 corresponds to limiting bump 22 as shown in FIG. 3. When first connector 32 of the case 30 and second connector 20 connect with each other, limiting bump 22 plugs into limiting hole 325 to prevent first connector 32 from rotating relatively against second connector 20. In some alternative embodiments, first connector 32 may include the limiting bump while second connector 20 may include the limiting hole. The pairs of positioning bump/groove and limiting bump/hole collectively secure the connection between first connector 32 and second connector 20.

In some embodiments, first connector 32 may include a handle 33 for a user to grip in order to slide first connector 32 along chute 313. Handle 33 is pivotably connected to base 321 and can pivot around the connection bump 322. In some embodiments, handle 33 is in a ring shape. For example, the user can put a finger through the ring of handle 33 to drag first connector 32 in a certain direction to slide it between locking positions along chute 313. When first connector is not sliding, e.g., at a locking position, handle 33 may be flapped down and folded as illustrated in FIG. 6. For example, the handle 33 can wrap around the connection bump 322 and rest in housing 31.

In some embodiments, handle 33 may additionally function as a kickstand to support case 30 holding terminal device 50. For example, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a back view of an exemplary case with handle 33 acting as a kickstand, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Handle 33 may pivot to protrude as illustrated in FIG. 7, and support terminal device 50 to stand on a surface. In some embodiments, the protruding ring of handling 33 may also be used when the user is handholding terminal device 50. For example, the user may insert a finger through the ring and hold out against the back surface of housing 31, while holding terminal device 50 in her palm. It is contemplated that handle 33 may be in any other suitable shape that can be easily griped by the user to drag first connector 32 and/or function as a kickstand for terminal device 50. For example, handle 33 may be a pivotable stick, as shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing different views of another exemplary case 80, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, case 80 includes a housing 81 that is in a similar design as housing 31 described above. For example, housing 81 has a plurality of openings to accommodate and expose the buttons, cameras, inlets and outlets of the terminal device housed therein. Like case 30, case 80 also includes an opening, a chute and a slidable connector all inside housing 31. Like housing 31, the center of housing 81 may be within a predetermined proximity of the center of gravity of the housing 81 combined with the terminal device housed therein. The user can grip handle 83 to drag the connector along the chute in the opening to slide to different positions on housing 81. Unlike case 30, case 80 uses a stick-shaped pivotable handle 83 rather than a ring-shaped handle and an opening that conforms to the shape and size of pivotable handle 83. As a result, case 80 has a sleeker design and an improved appearance.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded view of exemplary case 80 to show the structure of a slidable connector 803 mounted to housing 81. In some embodiments, housing 81 includes compartment space 802 for hosting slidable connector 803 and accommodating its sliding operation. Compartment space 802 may be a shallow space formed in the back side of housing 81. Compartment space 802 provide a chute along which slidable connector 803 can slide. The shape of compartment space 802 may conform to the shape of slidable connector 803 thus preventing slidable connector 803 from slipping in other directions while sliding. In some embodiments, housing 81 further includes an opening 82 inside compartment space 802 for accommodating pivotable handle 83. For example, opening 82 may be designed to be the same shape and size of handle 83 to store handle 83 when it is folded.

FIG. 9 further illustrates slidable connector 803 and a cover plate 805. Slidable connector 803 may be inserted in compartment space 802 and cover plate 805 may cover compartment space 802 so that slidable connector 803 hides from external views when not in use for connecting to an external device.

In some embodiments, slidable connector 803 may include a plurality of slidable parts that collectively slide between different positions within compartment space 802. For example, FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded view of an exemplary slidable connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10, slidable connector 803 includes a magnet 8031 for providing magnetic connection to an external device attached to case 80, e.g., gimbal 10. In some embodiments, magnet 8031 may be designed to be flat and in a disk shape to provide sufficient magnetic force to pull on the external device as well as sufficient torque in the circumferential direction.

In some embodiments, slidable connector 803 may include various parts configured to host magnet 8031, including, e.g., a magnet base 8032, a back steel plate 8033, and a faceplate 8034. Magnet base 8032 may be designed to be a diamond shape with a hole in the center to receive and secure magnet 8031. Magnet base 8032 may include mechanisms, such as protrusion to be inserted in magnet 8031 as shown in FIG. 10, for fixing and securing magnet 8031 and prevent it from rotating inside the hole. In some embodiments, magnet base 8032 may be made of rigid and non-ferromagnetic materials. Magnet base 8032 may further include mounting mechanisms, such as fastening holes, for back steel plate 8033 and faceplate 8034 to be mounted thereto.

Back steel plate 8033 may be made of steel and placed underneath magnet 8031. In some embodiments, back steel plate 8033 is designed to sufficiently bring the magnetic field-lines of magnet 8031 to a closed loop. According to Gauss’ Law, the magnetic flux through any closed surface is zero. Accordingly, the number of magnetic field-lines which enter a closed surface is always equal to the number of field-lines which leave the surface. By closing the loop of the magnetic field-lines, back steel plate 8033 helps increase the magnetic force of magnet 8031. Faceplate 8034 may be mounted to magnet base 8032 as a cover to hide magnet 8031 and magnet base 8032 from external views. Faceplate 8034 may additionally provide protection to such parts so that they are not worn or damaged through contact with dusts, water, external devices, or users.

As shown in FIG. 10, slidable connector 803 may further include pivotable handle 83 and parts that pivotably connect handle 83 with magnet base 8032, including, e.g., a shaft 8035, a spring washer 8036, and a rotating base 8037. In some embodiments, shaft 8035 is inserted a through hole on one end of handle 83 and rotatably mounted on magnet base 8032. Handle 83 can therefore pivot around shaft 8035 in the vertical plane to turn up and fold down. In some embodiments, the pivoting of handle 83 around shaft 8035 may be limited to a maximum rotation angle, e.g., 90 degrees. In some embodiments, rotating base 8037 is mounted on spring washer 8036. In some embodiments, rotating base 8037 allows handle 83 to rotate for 360 degrees in the horizontal plane. In some embodiments, spring washer 8036 has one or more bumps that engage with corresponding pits on magnet base 8032, which collectively limit the horizontal rotation of handle 83. For example, the bumps and pits may be designed to evenly distribute around the circumferential direction, so that handle 83 is limited every preset degrees (e.g., every 90 degrees) when rotating in the horizontal plane.

In various embodiments, slidable connector 803 can slide to different locking positions on housing 81 for disclosed case 80 to connect with one or more external devices at those locking positions. Terminal device 50 may perform different operations when the one or more external devices are attached to case 80 at the different locking positions. In some embodiments, when terminal device 50 is used to perform an operation such as photographing or videorecording, case 80 may be connected with a stabilizer apparatus, e.g., a gimbal, at a first locking position to form a stabilizer system in order to stabilize terminal device 50. For example, FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a back view of an exemplary stabilizer system 1100 including a case 80 and a gimbal 70 for stabilizing terminal device 50, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of stabilizer system 1100 of FIG. 11, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 will be described together.

In some embodiments, the first locking position is within a predetermined proximity of the center of gravity of housing 81 combined with the terminal device housed therein. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, gimbal 70 is attached to case 80 at its center. In most cases, the center of gravity of housing 81 combined with the terminal device housed therein may overlap or close to the geometric center of the case 80. Connecting gimbal 70 with case 80 at or near the center help stabilization of terminal device 50 held by case 80, as the weight of case 80 and terminal device 50 is distributed evenly on gimbal 70. In some embodiments, gimbal 70 may include a grip 71, a tilt motor 72, a plan motor 73, and a roll motor 74. Grip 71 may be gripped by the user. As shown in FIG. 12, grip 71 may also host a control console having multiple control buttons and switches for the user to control the operation of gimbal 70. Motors 72-74 are configured to collectively actuate the three-axis rotation of gimbal 70 in order to stabilizing terminal device 50. In some embodiments, a connector (such as second connector 20 shown in FIG. 3) actuating the three-axis rotation) may be positioned on roll motor 74 and connect with the connector (such as slidable connector 803 shown in FIGS. 8-10) on case 80, thus attaching gimbal 70 to case 80. The connectors may be connected magnetically through, e.g., magnet 8031 inside slidable connector 803.

In some embodiments, when terminal device 50 is configured to perform an operation other than photographing or videorecording that can benefit from stabilization provided by gimbal 70, the connector can slide to a second locking position different from the first locking position so that the first locking position can be used for the other operation. For example, terminal device 50 typically has its wireless charging coil at or near its center and its center is at or near the first locking position. Therefore, if the slidable connector that contains a magnet or other metal material stays at the first locking position close to the wireless charging coil while terminal device 50 is wirelessly charged, the magnet may be heated instantaneously, damaging the case, the terminal device, and/or the gimbal. Accordingly, it is beneficial to move the magnet away from the center during wireless charging operations.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary charger 130 attached to a case 80 to wirelessly charge a terminal device 50, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 13, charger 130 is attached to case 80 at a second locking position of the connector different from the first locking position. In some embodiments, the second locking position may be close to a side surface of case 80, sufficiently away the center of case 80, so that the center of case 80 can be available for wireless charging. In some embodiments, a connector on charger 130 may be connected to the slidable connector on case 80 thus attaching charger 130 to case 80.

Consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 10, charger 130 may be inside grip 71 of gimbal 70. That is, gimbal 70 may function both as a stabilizer and a wireless charger to terminal device 50, thus eliminating the need for the user to separately carry a wireless charger. When not functioning as a stabilizer apparatus, gimbal 70 can be folded and grip 71 can be attached to case 80 at the second locking position and configured to wirelessly charge terminal device 50 at the center of case 80. In some embodiments, grip 71 includes a third connector (not shown) that is similar to second connector 20 described in connection with FIG. 3. For example, the third connector may include ferromagnetic materials or a magnet that is opposite in polarity to the one in the first connector. The third connector on grip 71 and the first connector on case 80 can connect with each other when at the second locking position of case 80, to ensure charger 130 and case 80 are securely connected when terminal device 50 is being charged at the first locking position.

Although FIGS. 11-13 illustrate that gimbal 70 may function both as a stabilizer and a wireless charger by including charger 130 in its grip 71, it is contemplated that charger 130 can also be an independent external device not associated with gimbal 70. The disclosed design of case 80 (as well as case 30) also applies when different external devices are attached to the case to perform the different operations.

Terminal device 50 may be further used to perform operations other than photographing/videorecording and wireless charging, such as for displaying content to the user. When terminal device 50 is used for displaying purpose, handle 83 may function as a kickstand to support terminal device 50 so that it can stand on a surface at a proper tilt angle. For example, FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating back views of an exemplary case standing on a protruding handle at different positions, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. When handle 83 moves along opening 82, handle 83 can stop at any position, pivot to a proper angle, and support terminal device 50 to stand on a surface. For example, handle 83 can be used as a kickstand at the first locking position one end of opening 82 (scenario 1403) , the second locking position at the other end of opening 82 (scenario 1401) , and at a position in between (scenario 1402) . In some embodiments, handle 83 may pivot for 90 degrees to a normal direction of the back surface of case 90 to provide maximum support.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary process 1500 for sliding a connector to different positions on a housing of a case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the exemplary process 1600 of FIG. 15 in a transparent view that shows the hidden connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 will be described together. When handle 83 moves along housing 81, it drags the first connector (e.g., first connector 32 or slidable connector 803) with it, thus causing the first connector to slide. In some embodiments, handle 83 is configured to rotate 360 degrees in the horizontal plane and independently pivot for 90 degrees in the vertical plane.

In process 1500/1600, slidable connector 803 is dragged by handle 83 to slide between two locking positions along opening 82: a first locking position (position A) at or near the center of the case, and a second locking position (position B) near a side of the case away from the first locking position. In some embodiments, the case has an opening 82 where handle 83 can be pressed down and fit into opening 82 at each locking position. In step 1501 of process 1500 (and correspondingly step 1601 of process 1600) , connector 803 is at position B (second locking position) and handle 83 is pressed into opening 82 to level with the back surface of the housing. In some embodiments, since connector 803 is at position B, position A becomes available for a predetermined operation. For example, a wireless charger is attached to the case at position B to wirelessly charge the terminal device held by the case through charging coils located near position A.

In step 1502 (correspondingly step 1602) , a user can pull handle 83 so that handle 83 pivots in the vertical plane and protrudes from the housing. The user can then pull handle 83 to drag connector 803 towards position A. In step 1503 (correspondingly step 1603) , connector 803 reaches position A. The user then rotates the handle 83 in the horizontal plane for 180 degrees, so that handle 83 faces away from position A and align with opening 82. In step 1504 (correspondingly step 1604) , the user presses handle 83 to pivot down into opening 82 until it levels with the back surface of the housing. In some embodiments, a gimbal may be attached to the case when connector 803 is locked at position A to stabilize the terminal device for performing photographing or videorecording operations.

In step 1505 (correspondingly step 1605) , a user can pull handle 83 so that handle 83 pivots in the vertical plane and protrudes from the housing. The user can then pull handle 83 to drag connector 803 towards position B. In step 1506 (correspondingly step 1606) , connector 803 reaches position B. The user then rotates handle 83 in the vertical plane for 180 degrees, so that handle 83 faces away from position A and align with opening 82. Process 1500/1600 then returns to step 1501/1601 where handle 83 is pressed down into opening 82.

While

processes

1500 and 1600 are described using case 80 as an illustrative example, it is contemplated that similar processes can be carried out using case of other designs, such as case 30, without departing from this disclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates an adhesive plate 170, as an alternative embodiment of the casing 30 or casing 80. Instead of a housing, such as the housing 31 or housing 81, that houses the terminal device, a flat-shape base 71 is provided on the adhesive plate 170. The flat-shape base 71 is attached to the terminal device, and a slidable connector and a handle are attached to the flat-shape base 71. In some embodiments, the flat-shape base 71 is attached to the terminal device via an adhesive material, such as a tape, a magnet, etc. The flat-shape base 71 is attached to the terminal device at a position where when the slidable connector slides from a first position to a second position, the first position is at or near the center of gravity of the flat-shape base 71 combined with the terminal device attached, and the second position is away from the center of gravity. The structure and working mechanism of the slidable connector and the handle in adhesive plate 170 are substantially the same as the slidable connector and the handle described in FIGS. 8-16, thus are not repeated here.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed system and related methods. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed system and related methods.

It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

An apparatus for holding a terminal device, comprising:

a base configured to attach to the terminal device; and

a connector attached to the base, wherein the connector is configured to slide between a first locking position and a second locking position, wherein the connector is slid to the first locking position to engage with an external device and slid to the second locking position when the terminal device performs a predetermined operation.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the connector or the external device comprises a magnet and the connector engages with the external device magnetically.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the external device comprises a gimbal configured to stabilize the terminal device.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first locking position is within a predetermined proximity of the center of gravity of the base combined with the terminal device.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a chute extending between the first locking position and the second locking position, wherein the connector is configured to slide along the chute.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector is locked at the first locking position or the second locking position through a snap joint.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation is a wireless charging operation for charging the terminal device.
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a handle pivotably connected to the connector, wherein the handle is operated by a user to slide the connector between the first locking position and the second locking position.
The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the handle fits inside the base at the first locking position or the second locking position.
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the handle is a ring that wraps around the connector in a groove inside the base.
The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the handle protrudes to support the terminal device to stand at the first locking position or the second locking position.
The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the base comprises an opening along which the connector slides, wherein the handle fits inside the opening at the first locking position or the second locking position.
The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the handle is configured to:

pivot towards a first direction;

slide the connector in the first direction towards the first locking position;

rotate to pivot towards a second direction opposite to the first direction; and

slide the connector in the second direction towards the second locking position.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base is a housing configured to house the terminal device.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base is an adhesive plate configured to stick to the terminal device.
A system for holding a terminal device, comprising an apparatus and an external device removably connected to the apparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises:

a base configured to attach to the terminal device; and

a connector attached to the base, wherein the connector is configured to slide between a first locking position and a second locking position,

wherein the external device performs a first operation when connected with the connector at the first locking position and performs a second operation when connected with the connector at the second locking position.
The system of claim 16, wherein at least one of the connector or the external device comprises a magnet, wherein the external device is connected with the connector magnetically through the magnet.
The system of claim 16, wherein the external device comprises a first connector configured to engage with the connector at the first locking position, and a second connector configured to engage with the connector at the second locking position.
The system of claim 16, wherein the external device comprises a gimbal configured to stabilize the terminal device when the external device is connected with the connector at the first locking position.
The system of claim 19, wherein the external device further comprises a wireless charger configured to charge the terminal device when the external device is connected with the connector at the second locking position.
The system of claim 19, wherein the gimbal is folded when the external device is connected with the connector at the second locking position.
The system of claim 16, wherein the first locking position is within a predetermined proximity of the center of gravity of the base combined with the terminal device.
The system of claim 16, wherein the base further comprises a chute extending between the first locking position and the second locking position, wherein the connector is configured to slide along the chute.
The system of claim 16, wherein the connector is locked at the first locking position or the second locking position through a snap joint.
The system of claim 16, wherein the base further comprises a handle pivotably connected to the connector, wherein the handle is operated by a user to slide the connector between the first locking position and the second locking position.
The system of claim 25, wherein the handle fits inside the base at the first locking position or the second locking position.
The system of claim 26, wherein the handle is a ring that wraps around the connector in a groove inside the base.
The system of claim 25, wherein the handle protrudes to support the terminal device to stand at the first locking position or the second locking position.
The system of claim 25, wherein the base comprises an opening along which the connector slides, wherein the handle fits inside the opening at the first locking position or the second locking position.
The system of claim 25, wherein the handle is configured to:

pivot towards a first direction;

slide the connector in the first direction towards the first locking position;

rotate to pivot towards a second direction opposite to the first direction; and

slide the connector in the second direction towards the second locking position.
The system of claim 16, wherein the base is a housing configured to house the terminal device.
The system of claim 16, wherein the base is an adhesive plate configured to stick to the terminal device.