[0001] Support For A Mobile Electronic Device

FIELD

[0002] There is described a support for a mobile electronic device, such as a smart phone or a tablet computer.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Mobile electronic devices, such as smart phones and tablet computers, are now being used to watch movies and for video conferencing applications, such as SKYPE. To facilitate such uses various support stands have been developed. An example of a support stand for a mobile electronic device is U.S. Patent Publication 20120074271 (Goetz).

[0004] It is not unusual for mobile electronic devices to sustain damage when dropped. For this reason, various supports have been developed to secure a mobile electronic device or a mobile electronic device case to a human hand. An example of a support that protects against dropping a mobile electronic device are U.S. Design Patent D749,069 (Senoff), and the following U.S. Utility Patents: 6,550,108 (Pratl), U.S. 7,354,304 (Livingstone) and U.S. 8,550,317 (Hyseni).

SUMMARY

[0005] There is provided a support for a mobile electronic device that includes a base strip having a first end, a second end, an upper surface, and a lower surface. A layer of material is secured to the upper surface of the base strip. The layer of material has micro- suction cups. A rigid support member is provided that in an operative position extends substantially vertically from the upper surface at the second end of the base strip.

[0006] In use, base strip is placed on a table or similar flat surface and a mobile electronic device is supported in an upright orientation for the purpose of watching movies or video conferencing. A bottom edge of the mobile electronic device is engaged in a selected position by the micro-suction cups on the base strip. The mobile electronic device is then leaned up against the rigid support member that extends substantially vertically from upper surface at the second end of the base strip. It will be appreciated that the user may select any desired angular positioning for the mobile electronic device along the layer of material.

[0007] It is preferred that a coupling be positioned at the second end of the base strip. It is also preferred that the coupling serve as a hinge permitting the rigid support member to be pivoted between the operative position and a stored position substantially parallel to the base strip. In order to improve aesthetic appearance and avoid "catch" points that can become caught in a user's clothing, it is preferred that the upper surface has a groove that surrounds a raised central portion. The coupling is positioned in the groove and the layer of material is mounted on the central portion. The rigid support member is housed in the groove when the rigid support member is pivoted to the stored position.

[0008] It is also preferred that an attachment band be secured to the base strip, whereby the base strip is mounted to a human hand by the attachment band. In use, the base strip is mounted to a human hand by the attachment band. A back of a mobile electronic device is then laid across the layer of material. The mobile electronic device is held in place by the micro-suction cups. This usage enables a person to avoid dropping and damaging the mobile electronic device, as it becomes attached to his or her hand.

[0009] As will hereinafter be further described, there are various ways of configuring the attachment band. In one embodiment, the attachment band depends from the lower surface of the base strip. In another embodiment, the attachment band is positioned along a peripheral edge of the base strip and encircles the base strip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] These and other features will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to be in any way limiting, wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a support for a mobile electronic device with a mobile electronic device positioned in a first angular orientation.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the support for a mobile electronic device of FIG. 1, with the mobile electronic device positioned in a second angular position.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the support for a mobile electronic device of FIG.

1.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view, in section of the support for a mobile electronic device of FIG. 1, with rigid support member removed.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the support for a mobile electronic device of FIG. 1, with the rigid support member pivoted to a stored position.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a commercial version of support for a mobile electronic device, with the rigid support member in a stored position.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of a commercial version of support for a mobile electronic device, with the rigid support member in a stored position.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view taken from a first end of the commercial version of support for a mobile electronic device illustrated in FIG. 6, with the rigid support member in an operative position.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view taken from a second end of the commercial version of support for a mobile electronic device illustrated in FIG. 6, with the rigid support member in an operative position.

[0020] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view as viewed from a lower surface of the commercial version of support for a mobile electronic device illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0021] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view as viewed from an upper surface of the commercial version of support for a mobile electronic device illustrated in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] A support for a mobile electronic device generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 5. A version of support 10 that will soon be commercially available for sale to the public, will be described with reference to FIG. 6 through FIG. 11 in order to meet best mode requirements. Structure and Relationship of Parts:

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, support 10 includes a rigid base strip 12. Base strip 12 has been made elongated to suit a length and a width of a typical mobile electronic device, however, it need not be. Furthermore, it should be noted that the dimensions of mobile electronic devices tend to change over time. Furthermore, there are various types of mobile electronic devices, each of which have differing dimensions. As illustrated, base strip 12 is longer than wide and has a first end 14, a second end 16, an upper surface 18, and a lower surface 20. A layer of material 22 is secured to upper surface 18 of base strip 12. Layer of material 22 is a tape that has micro-suction cups 24. As illustrated micro-suction cups are upwardly projecting, however, it should be noted that micro-suction cups 24 are also available that are recessed into the tape as "pores". This technology will be evolving and may be known by different names. The equivalent of micro-section cups, regardless of the name used, is a tape which has an upper surface that engages objects by force of suction. This differs from sticky tape. A rigid support member 26 that extends substantially vertically from upper surface 18 at second end 16 of base strip 12. A coupling 28 is positioned on upper surface 18 at second end 16 of base strip 12 for the purpose of engaging rigid support member 26. Referring to FIG. 4, rigid support member 26 is removable from coupling 28. An attachment band 30 is provided depending from lower surface 20 of base strip 12. This enables base strip 12 to be mounted to a human hand by means of attachment band 30. Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, lower surface 20 of base strip 12 has an attachment band recess 32. Referring to FIG. 3, attachment band 30 has a stored position within attachment band recess 32. A first end 34 of attachment band 30 is secured within attachment band recess 32 by an anchor pin 36. A redirection pin 38 overlies attachment band 30. A stop 40 is secured to a second end 42 of attachment band 30. Attachment band 30 can be made to depend from attachment band recess 32, however, stop 40 at second end 42 of attachment band 30 prevents second end 42 from being drawn past redirection pin 38. Referring to FIG. 4, attachment band 30 has an operative position depending from attachment band recess 32 past lower surface 20 of base strip 12. Referring to FIG. 5, a preferred form of coupling 28 is a hinge. When coupling 28 is a hinge, the hinge coupling permits rigid support member 26 to be pivoted to a stored position parallel to base strip 12 and engaged with layer of material 22 having upwardly projecting micro-suction cups 24. Operation:

[0024] Referring to FIG. 5, support 10 is carried in a stored position. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, when support 10 is used in accordance with a first aspect, lower surface 20 of base strip 12 is placed on a table (not shown) or similar flat surface. Rigid support member 26 is pivoted to an operative upright position. A mobile electronic device 100 is then supported in an upright orientation for the purpose of watching movies or video

conferencing. A bottom edge 102 of mobile electronic device is engaged in a selected position by micro-suction cups 24 projecting upwardly from layer of material 22 on base strip 12. Mobile electronic device 100 is then leaned up against rigid support member 26 that extends substantially vertically from upper surface 18 at second end 16 of base strip 12. By comparing FIG. 1 with FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that a user may select any desired angular positioning for mobile electronic device 100 along layer of material 22.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 4, when support 10 is used in accordance with a second aspect, rigid support member 26 is detached from coupling 28 or moved to the stored position. Base strip 12 is then mounted to a human hand (not shown) by means of attachment band 30. A back 106 of mobile electronic device 100 is then laid across layer of material 22. Mobile electronic device 100 is held in place by micro-suction cups 24, which helps prevent mobile electronic device 100 from being inadvertently dropped during use.

Variations:

[0026] It will be appreciated that while support 10 can be used in accordance with either the first aspect or the second aspect, someone may wish a more limited embodiment that is focused solely upon the first aspect or solely upon the second aspect.

Cautionary Warnings:

[0027] While micro-suction cup technology may improve in future, micro-suction cups 24 currently have limited holding power. In order for micro-suction cups 24 to securely hold mobile electronic device 100 in accordance with the second aspect, there must be a sufficient surface area coverage. [0028] Advantages over Prior Art

[0029] 1. Some of the prior art devices require that an adhesive strip be affixed to the phone. This adhesive strip is a "semi-permanent" attachment. It is not intended to be removed. In contrast, the micro-suction cups 24 of support 10 hold the mobile electronic device securely with a transitory connection. This enables support 10 to be used with a variety of mobile electronic devices. This avoids any attachment device being secured to mobile electronic device 100, which would adversely affect its aesthetic appearance. [0030] 2. Support 10, as described, can be used with respect to both the first aspect and the second aspect described above, thereby replacing the functioning of two prior art supports.

[0031] 3. When used in accordance with the first aspect, mobile electronic device 100 can be positioned at any desired viewing angle.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 6 through FIG. 8, this commercial version of support 10 has been taken beyond the conceptual stage to a version ready to be manufactured and sold to the public. The same reference numerals used above will be used in the description of this commercial version. Where this commercial version has elements not present in the embodiment described above, new reference numerals will be assigned.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, in this embodiment, rigid base strip 12 has a main body 50 of aluminum that is oval in shape. Main body 50 has a circumferential edge groove 52, which accommodates a silicone rubber attachment band 54, that has the ability to stretch and then resiliently return to it's original state. Although a silicone rubber attachment band is preferred, experiments have been made with metal bands that slide along groove 52 and move in and out like a drawer. The critical factor that that attachment band 54 has an operative position and a stored position. Attachment band 54 is accommodated by and friction fit within circumferential groove 52. In this position, attachment band 54 provides an aesthetically pleasing finish, impact protection for main body 50 and can also be stretched to attach main body 50 to a human hand. In order to prevent attachment band 54 from being dislodged by impact, inwardly projecting engagement tongues 56 are provided that have holes 58 through which attachment pins 60 extend. Attachment pins 60 extend not only through holes 58 but also through aligned holes 62 in main body 50, so attachment band 54 is secured to main body 50. When a portion of attachment band 54 is secured to a human hand, the above described engagement ensures that attachment band 54 does not become detached from base strip 12.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 10, lower surface 20 of base strip 12 is plain. Referring to FIG. 11, upper surface 18 of base strip 12 has an oval groove 64 which surrounds a central portion 66. Referring to FIG. 8, central portion 66 of upper surface 18 supports layer of material 22, which is adhered to central portion 66. Layer of material 22 has upwardly projecting micro-suction cups 24. It is to be noted that as support 10 is a transitory use, adhesive should not be used on the upwardly projecting surface, only micro-suction cups 24 or an equivalent. Referring to FIG. 6, oval groove 64 accommodates rigid support member 26. Rigid support member 26 is molded out of a polymer plastic in an oval shape, so that it can fit within oval groove 64 when in the stored position. This is an improvement over the original embodiment, for when in the stored position rigid support member 26 is substantially flush with upper surface 18. This eliminates rigid support member 26 catching on clothing, when as support 10 is inserted or withdrawn from a user's pocket. Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, in the operative position rigid support member 26 extends substantially vertically from upper surface 18 at second end 16 of base strip 12. Coupling 28 which permits this pivotal movement to occur from the stored position within oval groove 64 to the operative position is positioned on upper surface 18 at second end 16 of base strip 12. In this embodiment, coupling 28 is recessed within oval groove 64. Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, coupling 28 includes a tube 68 that is integrally molded across an end 70 of rigid support member 26. A pivot pin 72 extends through tube 68 forming a hinge. Pivotal movement of rigid support member 26 is limited by oval groove 64, so that rigid support member 26 cannot go much beyond a substantially vertical position when in the operative position. [0035] The operation of the commercial version of support 10 does not differ in any material way from the description of operation of support 10. Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, commercial version of support 10 is carried in a user's pocket in the stored position. Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, when lower surface 20 of base strip 12 is placed on a table or similar flat surface. Rigid support member 26 is then pivoted to the operative upright position. A mobile electronic device is then supported in an upright orientation for the purpose of watching movies or video conferencing. A bottom edge of the mobile electronic device is engaged in a selected position by micro-suction cups 24 projecting upwardly from layer of material 22 on base strip 12. Mobile electronic device is leaned up against rigid support member 26. The user may select any desired angular positioning for the mobile electronic device along layer of material 22. A suction force provided by micro-suction cups 24 on layer of material 22 creates resistance or friction to prevent the mobile electronic device from sliding along upper surface 18. The mobile electronic device leans back against rigid support member 26, rigid support member 26 just needs to be robust enough to resist this leaning force and does not have to bear the entire weight of the mobile electronic device. Micro-suction cups do not leave any traces or residue upon the surface of the mobile electronic device and separate from the mobile electronic device easily. There is no permanent or semi-permanent attachment, as it the case with adhesive.

[0036] When commercial version of support 10 is used in accordance with the second aspect, rigid support member 26 is pivoted moved to the stored position. Groove 64 is preferably lined with micro-section cups 24, which retainer rigid support member 26 in the stored position. Base strip 12 is then mounted to a human hand (not shown) by means of attachment band 54. A back 106 of mobile electronic device 100 is then laid across layer of material 22. Mobile electronic device 100 is held in place by micro-suction cups 24, which helps prevent mobile electronic device 100 from being inadvertently dropped during use.

[0037] In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements. [0038] The scope of the claims should not be limited by the illustrated embodiments set forth as examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with a purposive construction of the claims in view of the description as a whole.