FIELD

This disclosure relates to hinged supports for small, portable electronic display devices that can withstand repeated flexing without breaking and are useful for holding the electronic displays at viewable angles.

BACKGROUND

Portable electronic display devices such as, for example, cell phones, tablets, and other small electronic displays having a visible display, are almost universally used in today's world. Most of these devices have a planar viewing display and may be hard to view — especially by a user sitting at a desk, in a chair, or viewing the display at an angle for one reason or another.

Stands are available for such devices into which the electronic display can be attached or inserted. Then the stands can be set upright on a surface such as a desk or table and can allow the display face of the electronic display to be viewed at an angle that is easily seen by a user. These stands can be freestanding and can sometimes have collapsible legs or stands to hold them upright.

However, the currently available stands for portable electronic display devices are somewhat bulky and typically larger than the electronic display itself enabling the electronic display to be inserted into the stand for upright use. A small, portable apparatus is needed that can directly attach to a small portable electronic display, such as a cell phone, and that would allow it to be held at a viewable angle for users. Furthermore, it would be useful to have such an apparatus that could lock into such viewable positions.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a hinged support apparatus for a portable electronic display is disclosed that can include a mounting plate having a proximal end and a distal end and an elongated base having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the elongated base can be attached to the proximal end of the mounting plate. The apparatus also can include a first tenon disposed upon the proximal end of the mounting plate and a first mortise disposed upon the proximal end of the elongated base, wherein the first tenon can be engaged with the first mortise. The first mortise can include at least one position stop. The disclosed apparatus can also further include a second tenon disposed upon the proximal end of the elongated base and a second mortise disposed upon the proximal end of the mounting plate. The second mortise can include at least one position stop.

The disclosed hinged support apparatus can also include an elastic band having a first end and a second end wherein the first end of the elastic band is attached to the proximal end of the elongated base and the second end of the elastic band is attached to the distal end of the elongated base. In some embodiments, the disclosed hinged support apparatus can be attached to at least one side of the electronic display device with a strong adhesive.

In some embodiments, the elongated base can include at least one living hinge. In some embodiments the elongated base can include at least two living hinges. The mounting plate and/or the elongated base can include a magnet. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the elongated base may not be substantially coplanar and the elongated base can form an easel with the mounting plate.

In another aspect, a method of using a hinged support apparatus for a portable electronic display is disclosed that includes providing an apparatus for a portable electronic display device. The portable electronic display device can include a mounting plate having a proximal end and a distal end and an elongated base having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the elongated base is attached to the proximal end of the mounting plate. A first tenon can be disposed upon the proximal end of the mounting plate and a first mortise can be disposed upon the proximal end of the elongated base. A kickstand (or easel formation) can be made by bending the elongated base at one living hinge on the elongated base so that the distal end of the elongated base is splayed away from the mounting plate at an angle. The disclosed method can also include locking the distal end of the elongated base in position by engaging the first tenon into position stops built into the first mortise.

In this application, the terms:

"aligned" refers to two elongated parts being substantially oriented along the same axis;

"living hinge" refers to a thin hinge made from the same material as the two rigid pieces it connects. It is typically thinned or cut to allow the rigid pieces to bend along the line of the hinge;

"locked" refers to a position of embodiments of the hinged support apparatus in which the distal end of the elongated base is held at a predetermined angle by engagement of one tenon with one mortise;

"interlocked" refers to a position of embodiments of the hinged support apparatus in which the distal end of the elongated base is held at a predetermined angle by engagement of two tenons with two mortises; "mortise" refers to a recess cut into a part that allows another part to fit completely within the recess;

"mounting plate" refers to a part of the disclosed apparatus that is anchored to a portable electronic display device and forms the foundation of the disclosed hinged support apparatus;

"strong adhesive" refers to an adhesive that can hold substantial weight tightly and, in some embodiments, can be a curable adhesive or an adhesive designed for structural use; and

"substantially coplanar" refers to two planar objects that are oriented in parallel planes or are oriented in very close to parallel planes. In this application, they are oriented within five degrees of each other;

“tenon” refers to a part of the disclosed apparatus that can protrude away from the elongated base or the mounting plate and that can fit within a mortise, which can help lock the disclosed apparatus into a particular configuration. A tenon can include a mortise such that a second tenon can fit inside of the mortise.

The disclosed hinged support apparatus described herein provides a small, portable apparatus that is easily applied to a portable display device by a user. This apparatus can be used as a stand for the portable display device to allow the display device to be held at a comfortable viewing angle by the user. The apparatus is easily applied by the user, collapses to a substantially planar configuration, and can be converted to an easel configuration in which the apparatus acts as an "easel-like" stand for the display device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description should be read with reference to the drawings. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following description with respect to various examples in support with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a disclosed hinged support apparatus in an easel configuration;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a disclosed hinged support apparatus in a collapsed configuration;

FIG. 2B is a top-down planar view of the embodiment of the disclosed hinged support apparatus shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a side view of the embodiment of the disclosed hinged support apparatus shown in FIG. 2A; FIG. 3A is a top-down perspective view of the elongated base of the hinged support apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 A;

FIG. 3B is a top-down planar view of the elongated base illustrated in FIG. 3 A;

FIG. 3C is a bottom-up planar view of the elongated base illustrated in FIG. 3 A;

FIG. 4Ais a side view of an embodiment of the disclosed article illustrated in FIG. 1 A that includes an attached portable electronic display device and is in an easel configuration;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosed article illustrated in FIG. 1 A that includes an attached portable electronic display device and is in an easel configuration;

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a disclosed article used as a clip to hold a portable electronic display device in a pocket;

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a disclosed article used for storage of earphones;

FIG. 7A is a top planar view of an embodiment of the mounting plate of the disclosed hinged support apparatus;

FIG. 7B is a bottom perspective view of the mounting plate illustrated in FIG. 7A showing an RF pocket;

FIG. 7C is a side view of the mounting plate illustrated in FIG. 7A showing a first tenon protruding above the surface of the plate;

FIG. 8A is a top planar view of the top of the elongated base of the embodiment of the disclosed hinged support apparatus shown in FIG. 7B;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the bottom of the elongated base shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the hinged connection apparatus showing the kickstand (elongated base) open to a first position;

FIG. 9B is a side view the embodiment of shown in FIG. 9A with the kickstand (elongated base) opened to first position;

FIG. 10A is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9A in the fully open (ortho or 90 degrees) position with extended tenons interlocked;

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the interlocked tenons shown in FIG. 10A; and

FIG. 10C is a close-up perspective view of interlocked tenons shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying set of drawings that form a part of the description hereof and in which are shown by way of illustration several specific embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or sprit of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense. Unless otherwise indicated, all members expressing sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing application and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein. The use of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all members within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5) and any range within that range.

The present disclosure relates to a hinged support apparatus useful for portable electronic displays such as, but not limited to, cell phones, smart tablets, portable radios, small computers, controllers, and other handheld electronic displays. The disclosed hinged support apparatus can exist in a number of different configurations. In one configuration, the disclosed support apparatus can be collapsed so that all of its components (mounting plate, elongated base, and elastic band) can be substantially coplanar. In another configuration (herein referred to as an "easel configuration"), the proximal end of the elongated base can be essentially coplanar with the mounting plate (usually adhered to an electronic display device), and the elongated base can be bent at one or two or more living hinges to enable to distal end to splay out at an angle from the mounting plate (easel configuration) to form a supporting leg for the mounting plate and, if present, the portable electronic display device. In these easel configurations, the mounting plate can hold the portable electronic display device at an easily viewable angle of the user's choosing.

The disclosed hinged support apparatus can be used to form the back of an easel structure when the support is attached to the back of the electronic displays. In these configurations, which are described herein, the hinged support apparatus can self-support the electronic display and can hold it at a viewing angle desired by the user. It is contemplated that there are an infinite number of easel configurations depending upon the angle between the distal end of the elongated base and the proximal end of the elongated base. However, to be useful, an easel configuration holds the mounting plate (and attached portable electronic display device) at a comfortable viewing angle for the viewer and in a stable geometric configuration so that the easel does not fall or collapse.

The disclosed hinged support apparatus can include a mounting plate having a first, proximal end and the second, distal end. The mounting plate can be made of any rigid material and may include at least one opening through it. The mounting plate typically can be made of metal, ceramic, polymer, composite, or any rigid structural material. In some embodiments, the mounting plate can include an opening or mortise into which a magnet or strike plate can be inserted. The magnet or strike plate can be any material that can be attracted to a magnet, and the mortise and magnet/strike plate can be located on the proximal and/or the distal end of the mounting plate. At least one surface of the mounting plate can be capable of adhering to a strong adhesive that can hold the mounting plate tightly to the back of a portable electronic display. In some embodiments, the adhesive can be a curable adhesive such as an epoxy, melamine, polyurethane, cyanoacrylic, or other type of curable adhesive that results in a strong bond. In other embodiments the adhesive can be pressure-sensitive but have good holding power. Examples of strong pressure-sensitive adhesives include VHB tape, available from 3M, St. Paul, MN.

The disclosed hinged support apparatus also can include an elongated base. The elongated base can have a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the elongated base can be attached (for example, permanently affixed) to the first end or proximal end of the mounting plate. The elongated base can have one dimension that is substantially longer than the other dimension — in some embodiments the long dimension (i.e., the length) can be at least twice the length of the short dimension (i.e., diameter). In some embodiments the long dimension can be even longer than twice the length of the short dimension. When the disclosed hinged support is collapsed and the base can become substantially coplanar with the mounting plate, the elongated base can be substantially aligned and can substantially overlap with or envelop a substantial portion of the mounting plate.

The elongated base can be rigid enough to hold the weight of the electronic display when it is in an easel configuration but can be flexible enough to be capable of forming a living hinge. Typically, the elongated base can be made of high-density rubber, polypropylene, polyurethane, TEPG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), or other rigid but not overly brittle plastic. The elongated base can include at least one living hinge across its short dimension that extends approximately perpendicular to the long dimension of the base. The at least one living hinge can be located between the first, proximal, end and the second, distal, end of the elongated base allowing the elongated base to form the back side of an easel support for the electronic display. In some embodiments, the elongated base can include two or more living hinges. In most embodiments, the proximal end of the elongated base can be coplanar with the mounting plate and substantially coplanar with portable electronic display device.

The flat part of the elongated base between the proximal end of the base and the closest living hinge to the proximal end of the base, if there is more than one living hinge, can be attached to the first, proximal end of the mounting plate. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the elongated base can include a magnet embedded within or inserted into a mortise of the elongated base. The magnet can hold the flat, proximal, part of the elongated base flush to the back of the portable electronic display by being attracted to a magnet or strike plate embedded in the mounting plate (for example, in the proximal end of the mounting plate).

Similar to the proximal end of the elongated base, which can have a recess that permanently houses the proximal portion of the mounting plate, the distal end of the elongated base can have a recess within it to accommodate the distal end of the mounting plate when the easel form of the hinged support is collapsed and substantially coplanar. More specifically, the distal end of the elongated base can be flush or coplanar with the mounting plate when collapsed or can be splayed away from the mounting plate at an angle and form, in some embodiments, a support for the easel configuration of the disclosed hinged support apparatus. The one or more living hinges in the elongated base can allow for the distal end of the elongated base to be selfstanding and to form an acute angle with the mounting plate, thereby holding the portable electronic display device at an angle of a viewer's choosing.

The disclosed hinged support apparatus can have an elastic band having a first end attached to the proximal end of the elongated base and a second end attached to the distal end of the elongated base. The elastic band can be made of any stretchable or elastic material such as the material used in medical elastic wrap, material used in clothing, stretchable cloth, or any other material that can be stretched and is capable of returning its original dimensions. In particular, materials used in waistbands, for wristbands, SPANDEX, or for jewelry can work in this disclosure.

The elastic band can attach to both the distal end and the proximal end of the elongated base. In this configuration, the elastic band can act as a spring to hold the disclosed apparatus in an easel configuration. More specifically, in the collapsed configuration, the elastic band can be in a stretched mode. A magnet in a mortise of the distal end of the elongated base can be aligned with and attracted to a magnet or strike plate in a mortise in the distal end of the mounting plate. Therefore, the magnet in the elongated base can hold the distal end of the elongated base substantially coplanar with the magnet/strike plate of the mounting plate as well as the portable electronic display device. When the disclosed apparatus is moved to an easel configuration, the stretched elastic band can pull the distal end of the elongated base away from the plane of the mounting plate, thereby relaxing the elastic band and forming a triangular base for upright positioning of the portable electronic display device.

Another feature of the elastic band can be to be used as a handle for the hinged support apparatus in a collapsed state to move it to an easel configuration. This can be done, for example, by inserting one or more fingers between the elastic band and the elongated base and pulling it in an outward direction. Similarly, the elastic band can be used to create a secure grip for users. For example, by inserting one or more fingers between the elastic band and the elongated base with the palm facing the portable electronic display device, a user can ensure the portable electronic display device will stay in his or her hands during use.

Some uses of the disclosed apparatus, particularly when it is attached to a portable electronic display device, can be to form a clip to hold the portable electronic display device in place. For example, the disclosed apparatus can clip such a display device to an article of clothing, such as a pocket of a shirt,jacket, or pair of pants. In another embodiment, the disclosed apparatus can hold, for example, earphones when they are wrapped around the clip. The attraction of the magnet in the elongated base to the magnet or strike plate in the mounting plate can enable any of these objects to be pinched or clamped between the elongated base and the mounting plate, overcoming the resistance of the stretched elastic band.

Some embodiments of the hinged support apparatus can include a "kickstand" (the distal end of the elongated base is hinged away from the mounting plate) that can include at least one interlock attached to a mounting plate. The at least one interlock can allow the kickstand to be stably locked in multiple predetermined positions for viewing or using an electronic device at various predetermined angles and orientations with respect to the position of the mounting plate.

The at least one interlock can include one or more tenons that fit into one or more position stops. In some embodiments, the improved hinged support apparatus has a first and a second living hinge, a first tenon disposed upon the proximal end of the mounting plate and a first mortise disposed upon the proximal end of the elongated base. In some embodiments, the hinged support apparatus can further include a second tenon disposed upon the proximal end of the mounting plate and a second mortise disposed upon the proximal end of the elongated base. The first mortise disposed upon the proximal end of the elongated base can have position stops that can provide a lock for the first tenon located on the proximal end of the mounting plate.

In some other embodiments, the disclosed hinged support apparatus can include a second tenon disposed upon the proximal end of the elongated base and a second mortise disposed upon the proximal end of the mounting plate. The second mortise disposed upon the proximal end of the mounting plate can include position stops. The second tenon disposed upon the proximal end of the elongated base can engage with one of the position stops in the second mortise to lock the tenon in place. It is contemplated that the elongated base can be locked into a desired easel configuration by either the engagement of the first tenon with the first mortise or the engagement of the second tenon with the second mortise. However, the elongated base can be interlocked with the mounting plate if both the first tenon is engaged with the first mortise and the second tenon is engaged with the second mortise. This is illustrated in more detail in the figures.

The top plate (e.g., elongated base) of the apparatus can be effectively divided into three rigid sections by the two hinges. In some embodiments, the elongated base of the apparatus can be disposed upon and coplanar with the mounting plate. The mounting plate can be attached to the back plate of an electronic device such as a smart phone or smart tablet. The proximal end of the elongated base can remain coplanar with the mounting plate. The central section can be relatively short and can provide flexibility at the first hinge to an angle roughly 45 degrees from the plane of the first section. The third section can form a 'kickstand', can be attached via the second hinge and can form an angle of up to roughly 90 degrees, if desired, from the first section. The third section can have a tenon (elsewhere in the specification described as a second tenon) that protrudes through the second hinge towards the first hinge. The tenon on the elongated base can have a smaller mortise or pocket (elsewhere in the specification described as a first mortise) facing the mounting plate.

The mounting plate of the apparatus can have a mortise or pocket (elsewhere in the specification described as a second mortise) with position stops. As the kickstand (i.e., third section of the elongated base) is lifted from its co-planar position, the tenon on the elongated base can slide along the top of the bottom plate (e.g., mounting plate) until it falls on a position stop in the mortise on the mounting plate, locking the kickstand in position. The further the kickstand is lifted, the further down the steps of the mounting plate mortise the elongated base tenon can travel. As the elongated base tenon is moved into the mounting plate mortise, the mounting plate tenon can fit into the elongated base mortise, interlocking the kickstand by stopping the kickstand from being over-extended, stressing the hinges, or being pulled away from the electronic device.

Additionally, in some embodiments there is a pocket in bottom of the bottom plate (e.g., mounting plate) for the insertion of a radio frequency device.

In another aspect, a method of using a hinged support apparatus for a portable electronic display device is disclosed that can include an apparatus for a portable electronic display such as that described above. The disclosed method can include providing a hinged support apparatus (described herein). The provided apparatus can include an elongated base disposed upon a mounting plate wherein initially the elongated base is coplanar to and aligned with the mounting plate. The elongated base and the mounting plate each have a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the elongated base remains coplanar and aligned with the proximal end of the mounting plate. In some embodiments, the distal end of the elongated base can be splayed away from the plane of the mounting plate and held there with tenons and mortises as herein described. The disclosed method can include bending at least a portion of the distal end of the elongated base at one living hinge so that it splays away from the plane of the mounting plate — forming an easel configuration or other open configuration. In some embodiments, the distal end of the elongated base can be further splayed away from the plane of the mounting plate by bending the elongated base at a second, or additional living hinge.

In some embodiments, the disclosed method can include locking a first tenon disposed upon the proximal end of the mounting plate into a first mortise disposed upon the proximal end of the elongated base. The first mortise disposed upon the proximal end of the elongated base can include one or more position stops. The first tenon of the mounting plate can engage in one of the position stops of the first mortise on the elongated base to hold the elongated base at a predetermined angle from the mounting plate when splayed open and engaged. In some embodiments, the angle can be about 45 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle can be ortho or about 90 degrees. Any other angle can be locked into the splayed-out elongated base depending upon the location of the position stops in the first mortise.

In some embodiments, the disclosed method includes engaging a second tenon located on the proximal end of the elongated base with a second mortise located on the proximal end of the mounting plate. This engagement of the second tenon with the second mortise (that can also include position stops) can be similar to the engagement described above for the first tenon and first mortise, and this engagement (second tenon with second mortise) can be used alone to lock the distal portion of the elongated base at an angle splayed away from the plane of the mounting plate (for example, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, or any angle in between). Or, in some embodiments, the first tenon can be engaged into one of the position stops in the first mortise and the second tenon can be engaged into one of the position stops in the second mortise, thereby interlocking the kickstand configuration.

The method can also include pulling the elastic band to separate the magnet embedded in the elongated base from the magnet/ strike plate in the mounting plate to form a self-standing easel comprising the portable electronic display. The method further can include attaching the hinged support apparatus to the mounting plate using a strong adhesive.

The disclosed device may be further understood by referring to the accompanying figures. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a disclosed hinged support apparatus in an easel configuration. Apparatus 100 includes mounting plate 110. In some embodiments, mounting plate 110 can be attached to one side of a portable electronic display device. Typically, mounting plate 110 can be attached to the back side or back case of the portable electronic display device. Disposed upon and anchored to mounting plate 110 is proximal end 122 of elongated base 120. Mounting plate 110 can be anchored to the portable electronic device by any number of attachment methods such as the use of adhesives, welds, ultrasonic welds, screws, bolts, or other attachment methods known in the art. Proximal end 122 of elongated base 120 can be substantially coplanar with mounting plate 110 and can surround mounting plate 110 so that the edges of proximal end 122 are substantially flush with mounting plate 110. Distal end 124 of the elongated base 120 can, in some configurations, be splayed at an angle to proximal end 122 of elongated base 120. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, first living hinge 140 and second living hinge 142 can bend the intermediate portion of the elongated base 120 that results in distal end 124 residing at an angle with respect to proximal end 122 of elongated base 120. The apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 is in an easel configuration and can be self-standing. Elastic band 126 has first end 127 that attaches to proximal end 122 of elongated base 120 and second end 128 that attaches to distal end 124 of the elongated base 120. Mounting plate 110 can include mounting plate opening 150 in which magnet or strike plate 152 can be housed. The attachment of the elastic band to the elongated base is shown in more detail in FIG. 3C and further described below.

FIGS. 2A-C are perspective, top down planar, and side views, respectively, of an embodiment of a disclosed hinged support apparatus in a collapsed configuration. All reference numbers on FIGS. 2A-C refer to the same elements which are described herein. Hinged support apparatus 200 illustrated by the view shown in FIGS. 2A-C show apparatus 200 disposed upon the back of portable electronic display device 280 (not part of apparatus 200 and, in the embodiment shown in the Figures is a cell phone). The illustrations, collectively, show elongated base 220 disposed upon the backside of portable electronic device 280. Elongated base 220 covers over a mounting plate that is not visible in any of the Figures since elongated base 220 completely covers the mounting plate. In the side view, FIG. 2C, elongated base 220 includes first living hinge 240 and second living hinge 242 located between first, proximal end 222 and second, distal end 224 of elongated base 220 respectively. Although not shown in any of FIGS. 2A-C first, proximal end 222 of elongated base 220 can be substantially coplanar with portable electronic display device 280 and remain so whether apparatus 200 is in its collapsed state (as shown in FIGS. 2A-C) or in an easel configuration as shown in accompanying figures.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are top-down perspective and top-down planar views, respectively, of elongated base 320 of the hinged support apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 A. Both FIGS. 3 A and 3B illustrate proximal portion 322 of elongated base 320 and distal portion 324 of elongated base 320. In the illustrated embodiment, proximal portion 322 and distal portion 324 of elongated base 320 are separated by first living hinge 340 and second living hinge 342. Elastic band 326 can attach to and span the distance between proximal end 322 of elongated base 320 and distal end 324 of elongated base 320. Also illustrated in this embodiment are two mortises or recesses 354 and 356, one mortise 354 embedded in proximal portion 322 and one mortise 356 embedded in distal portion 324 of elongated base 320. Magnets (not shown in the illustrations) can be fit into mortises — first mortise 354 and second mortise 356. The magnets can be placed in the mortises so that they are within the mortises and do not project above the plane of the top (shown) substantially flat surface of elongated base 320. Also shown in FIG. 3 A are notches (also referred to herein as spindle recesses) 360 located at the tips of proximal 322 and distal portions 324 of elongated base 320. These notches are useful for aiding in attachment of an elastic band 326 to elongated base 320. One embodiment of attachment of the elastic band to the elongated base is shown in FIG. 3C.

FIG. 3C is a bottom-up planar view of the elongated base portion illustrated in FIG. 3A. Elongated base 320 has elastic band 326 disposed upon its opposite side than that shown in the illustration. A portion of elastic band 326 is shown where not hidden by elongated base 320 due to the shape of elongated base 320 having a smaller diameter near its center compared to near proximal 322 and distal portions 324. Also illustrated are the two ends 327 and 328 of elastic band 326 that are wrapped around spindles 390 as shown at each end of elongated base 320. In one embodiment, such as that illustrated in FIG. 3C, two spindles both labeled 390 can be, for example, a watch band pin. Spindles 390 can fit into notches/spindle recesses both labeled 360 (and also shown in FIG. 3A) to hold elastic band. In some embodiments, the ends 327 and 328 are folded into a loop and secured so that spindles 390 can fit inside of the loop.

FIGS. 4 A and 4B are a side view and a perspective view, respectively, of an embodiment of the disclosed article illustrated in FIG. 1 that includes an attached portable electronic display device and is in an easel configuration. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B show hinged support apparatus 400 attached to the back side of portable electronic device 480. Mounting plate 410 is disposed upon and coplanar with the back side of the portable electronic device 480. Proximal end 422 of elongated base 420 is attached to mounting plate 410 at the first end portion (not visible) of the mounting plate and is also coplanar with the backside of the portable electronic device 480. Distal end 424 of elongated base 420 can, in one configuration, be splayed out away from the plane of mounting plate 410 by an angle of 45 to 90 degrees and be held in that configuration by tension from elastic band 426. When distal end 424 of elongated base 420 is splayed out from the plane of mounting plate 410 (for example, by 45 to 90 degrees) it is, as such, in an "easel" configuration.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a disclosed article used as a clip to hold a portable electronic display device in a pocket. FIG. 5 is a planar view of the back side of electronic device 580 having a disclosed hinged support apparatus disposed thereon. Elongated base 520 of the hinged support apparatus is shown "clipped" over pocket 525, thus securing portable electronic device 580 to the wearer's clothing.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a disclosed article used for storage of earphones. FIG. 6 is a planar view of the back side of electronic device 680 having a disclosed hinged support apparatus disposed thereon. In this embodiment, earphones 625 are wrapped between elongated base 620 and mounting plate (not visible) for storage.

FIG. 7Ais a top planar view of an embodiment of the mounting plate 710 of the disclosed article. FIG. 7B is a bottom perspective view of the same mounting plate illustrated in FIG. 7A showing an RF (radio frequency) pocket. FIG. 7C is a side profile view of the mounting plate illustrated in FIG. 7A showing a tenon protruding above the surface of the mounting plate. FIG. 7A is a top-down view of mounting plate 710. Mounting plate 710 has two ends — proximal end 712 of mounting plate 710 and distal end 714 of mounting plate 710. Mounting plate 710 has mounting plate opening 750 on its distal end 714 that can house a magnet 752. Magnet 752 can pair to another magnet on the distal end of an attached elongated base that protrudes through to mounting plate 710. Mounting plate 710 can also include first tenon 730. First tenon 730 can be located on the proximal end 712 of first tenon stem 732 and can protrude through or into second mortise/tenon opening 739. FIG. 7B is a bottom perspective view of the same mounting plate 710. It shows RF pocket 770 recessed into the bottom of the middle of mounting plate 710 and is there for the optional insertion of an RF tag, if desired. FIG. 7C is a flat profile of mounting plate 710 with proximal end 712 and distal end 714 as well as first tenon 730 protruding above the surface of the mounting plate 710.

FIG. 8A is a top planar view of the elongated base that can pair with the embodiment of the disclosed mounting plate shown in FIGS. 7A-C. FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the bottom of the same elongated base shown in FIG. 8A. Elongated base 820 is shown in FIGS. 8A-8B having proximal end 822 and distal end 824. Top planer view (FIG. 8A) shows second tenon 837 at the proximal end 822 of elongated base 820. Bottom perspective view (FIG. 8B) shows proximal notches/ spindle recesses 862 and distal notches/ spindle recesses 864 used for attachment of an elastic band with a spindle on each end. First living hinge 840 and second living hinge 842 are visible in this view and are towards the proximal end 822 of elongated base 820. First living hinge 840 may be located between proximal end 822 and second living hinge 842. In other words, first living hinge 840 may be closer to proximal end than second living hinge 842 and second living hinge 842 may be close to the middle of elongated base 820 or to distal end 824 than first living hinge 840. Proximal end 822 of elongated base 820 can also include second tenon 837. First mortise (also referred to herein as first tenon position stop holder) 838 is shown disposed upon second tenon 837, which can be located on elongated base 820. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, first mortise 838 can be disposed upon a bottom surface of second tenon 837. In the shown embodiment, first mortise/tenon position stop holder 838 can have two slots into which a first tenon on an attached mounting plate can fit. Finally, elongated base 820 can also include first magnet mortise 854 and second magnet mortise 856, which are openings that can house magnets 857 and 858, respectively.

FIGS. 9 A and 9B are a perspective view and a side view of an embodiment of the hinged connection apparatus showing the kickstand (elongated base) open to a first position. FIG. 9A shows hinged support apparatus 900 with the elongated base (also referred to herein as kickstand) 920 opened to a first position that is approximately at 45 degrees from mounting plate 910 showing tenons and position stops that hold apparatus 900 in position as well as showing mounting plate opening 950 on distal end 914 of mounting plate 910 in which magnet or strike plate 952 can be housed.

Mounting plate 910 is shown (in FIG. 9B) atop of portable electronic device 980. In the kickstand configuration, elongated base 920 can be disposed upon mounting plate 910 at proximal end 922 of elongated base 920. Proximal end of mounting plate 910 is not visible as elongated base 920 completely covers proximal end of mounting plate 910. Further, proximal end 922 of elongated base 920, which can contain first magnet mortise 954 for housing first magnet 957, can be coplanar with mounting plate 910. Distal end of elongated base 924 can be splayed open as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B and can be bent at first living hinge 940 and even more at second living hinge 942. Second magnet mortise 956 can be located on distal end 924 of elongated base 920. First magnet mortise 954 and second magnet mortise 956 can house first and second magnets 957 and 958, respectively. As with the other above-described embodiments, notches/spindle recesses 960 can be located at the tips of proximal 922 and distal portions 924 of elongated base 920. These notches are useful for aiding in attachment of an elastic band (not shown) to elongated base 920 via spindles (not shown).

Mounting plate 910 can include first tenon 930 at the end of first tenon stem 932, which runs at least a partial length of, and parallel to, mounting plate 910. As shown in FIG. 9A, first tenon 930 on mounting plate 910 can engage with a first notch in first mortise/first tenon position stop holder 938 which can reside on proximal end 922 of elongated base 920. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, first tenon 930 can engage with first mortise 938, which can be disposed upon second tenon 937 that is located on elongated base 920. At the same time, second tenon 937, which can reside on proximal end 922 of elongated base 920 can be engaged with second mortise/second tenon position stop holder 939, which is part of mounting plate 910. The simultaneous engagement of first tenon 930 (on mounting plate 910) with first mortise 938 (on elongated base 920) and second tenon 937 (on elongated base 920) with second mortise 939 (on mounting plate 910) provide a secure interlock that holds the elongated base 920 (i.e., kickstand) at a first position. As mentioned above, the first position (or configuration) may be where the elongated base 920 is at a 45-degree angle relative to mounting plate 910. However, a first position may be anywhere between 15 and 75 degrees. A second position (or configuration) may be where the elongated base 920 is at a 90-degree angle relative to mounting plate 910. However, a second position may be anywhere between 75 and 105 degrees.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are a side view and a perspective view respectively of the hinged connection apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 9 A and 9B in a second position (or configuration) wherein the kickstand is in the fully open (ortho or 90 degrees) position with extended tenons interlocked. As mentioned above, the first position (or configuration) may be where the elongated base 920 is at a 45-degree angle relative to mounting plate 910. However, a first position may be anywhere between 15 and 75 degrees. Since the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B are in fully open position, some features are more visible in this set of figures. FIG. 10A shows second tenon 1037 projecting downward toward second mortise 1039 (not visible in FIG. 10A) and first tenon 1030 (not visible in FIG. 10B) engaged with first mortise/tenon position stop (not visible in FIGS. 10A or 10B). These two engaged tenons are able to hold the positioning of the illustrated embodiment.

In FIG. 10B, second tenon 1037 is shown projecting through an opening between first living hinge 1040 and second living hinge 1042 created when the elongated base 1020 is bent at the first living hinge 1040 and second living hinge 1042. Second tenon 1037 can be engaged in one of the slots of second mortise 1039 to hold the positioning of the illustrated embodiment. FIG. 10C is a close-up perspective view of the interlocked tenons 1030 and 1037 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. FIG. 10C shows first tenon 1030 (on mounting plate) engaged with first mortise/first tenon position stop holder 1038 (on elongated base) and, at the same time, second tenon 1037 (on elongated base) engaged with second mortise/second tenon position stop holder 1039 (on mounting plate). First mortise 1038 and second mortise 1039 can have a plurality of position stops that determine the angle of opening between the elongated base and the mounting plate

Various modifications and alterations to this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. It should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be unduly limited by the illustrative embodiments set forth herein and that such embodiments are presented by way of example only with the scope of the disclosure intended to be limited only by the claims set forth herein as follows. All references cited in this disclosure are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.