Abstract:
A method and device are provided that include a support structure encased within a stuffed toy, wherein at least one of the extremities of the structure allow a user to position a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device may render digitized audio files and/or digitized video files. Versions of the toy may include a shell or case disposed between the portable device and the support structure; audio speakers; an electric battery; one or more solar energy panels that charge the battery; an electric cord that enables charging the battery from a landline power socket; a device power cord that delivers electrical power from the battery to a device; ear buds that may couple with the portable electronic device; and one or more audio speakers that emit sound derived from the portable electronic device.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to digital device peripheral equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to method and devices for using and positioning an electronic video screen that renders digitally store images. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Portable electronic devices have become increasingly affordable to the average consumer. With widespread usage that compactness and lightness of conventional digital electronic devices provide, many children in particular have had increased access to such devices and have become accustomed to near constant access to digital media. Accordingly, many parents have developed a willingness to employ devices that render audio and/or video programs to entertain, educate and occupy the attention of their child or children. However, when families are travelling, the maintenance and positioning of a portable electronic device for a child&#39;s benefit can require extra attention and effort by at least one the parents or attendant. 
         [0003]    The prior art includes accessories for electronic devices that render audio and video files and which secure a portable media device. However, there remains and unmet for a peripheral apparatus that is attractive to a child, can maintain, secure and position a portable media device, and further ease a child&#39;s use and enjoyment of such a device. In particular, the prior art fails to provide methods or devices that optimally support the maintenance and positioning of portable electronic devices that present video screens for rendering digital files that store representations of visual images. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide an apparatus and method that addresses many of the problems that have not been solved by the conventional art and more optimally supports the use and secure positioning of an electronic video screen. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Towards this object and other objects that will be made obvious in light of this disclosure, a first preferred configuration of the present invention includes a portable video device support structure encased within a stuffed toy, wherein at least one of the extremities of the structure of the toy allow a user to position a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device may be enabled render digitized audio files and/or digitized video files. Various configurations of the invented toy may include a shell or case disposed between the portable device and the support structure; one or more audio speakers, e.g., directional audio speakers; and a module or element that provides electrical power to the portable video device. 
         [0006]    Alternate preferred embodiments of the invented device may include an electric battery; one or more solar energy panels that charge the battery; an electric cord that enables charging the battery from a landline power socket; a device power cord that delivers electrical power from the battery to a device; ear buds that may couple with the portable electronic device; and one or more audio speakers that emit sound derived from the portable electronic device. 
         [0007]    The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of the preferred aspects of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
       INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
       [0008]    All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety and for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
         [0009]    Such incorporations include U.S. Pat. No. D574,700, titled “Ball and socket connector” (Inventor: Bevirt, Joeben; Issued on Aug. 12, 2008); U.S. Pat. No. 7,891,615, titled “Mounting apparatus using ball and socket joints with gripping features” (Inventor: Bevirt, Joeben; Issued on Feb. 22, 2011); United States Patent Application Publication No. 20100078536, titled “Hands-free device holder for securing hand-held portable electronic device with a screen” (Inventor: Galvin, Nicolette A.; Published on Apr. 1, 2010); United States Patent Application Publication No. 20070253580, titled “Carrying bag and portable comfort pillow having two headphone speakers thereon connected to a headset carrying” strap” (Inventor: Sutton, Joseph A.; Published on Nov. 1, 2007); and United States Patent Application Publication No. 20070253581, titled “Toy in the form of a stuffed toy or 3-D character toy having a headset carrying strap with two headphone speakers and an audio player built into one of the speakers” (Inventor: Sutton, Joseph A.; Published on Nov. 1, 2007). 
         [0010]    The publications discussed or mentioned herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Furthermore, the dates of publication provided herein may differ from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0011]      FIG. 1A  presents a first version of the invented device coupled with and positioning an iPhone; 
           [0012]      FIG. 1B  provides a second version of the invented device further comprising a battery, a power cord to a phone; a pair of ear buds; an audio speaker at each foot pad; and solar panels; 
           [0013]      FIG. 1C  illustrates the second version of the invented device of  FIG. 1B  further comprising a protective device shell, a suction cup and an elastic band for maintaining the phone in a position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a detailed exposed view of an articulating skeleton of the first version of  FIG. 1A  and the second version of  FIG. 1B ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  provides a detailed view of the battery, the power cord to the phone; the pair of ear buds; the audio speakers and the solar panels of the second version of  FIG. 1B ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a cut away view of the second version of  FIG. 2  and showing the electrical elements of  FIG. 1B  and  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is cut away view of iPhone attached to the battery of  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 5  coupled with the phone of  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  2  and  4 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a detailed sectional view of U-shaped gripping elements for the phone of  FIG. 1A ,  FIG. 1B  and  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is an external view of an alternate embodiment of the second version of  FIG. 1B , wherein the phone is coupled with the second version by four triangular-shaped corner connectors; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a detailed cut-away side view of the alternate embodiment of the second version of  FIG. 7  showing one of the four triangular-shaped corner connectors; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a cut-away side view of the alternate embodiment of the second version of  FIG. 7  showing the four triangular-shaped corner connectors, an external high friction surface, and a weighted bag; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a top view of one of the four triangular-shaped corner connectors of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of the second version of  FIG. 1B  detachably coupled a carrying strap. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular aspects of the present invention described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims. 
         [0025]    Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of the recited events which is logically possible, as well as the recited order of events. 
         [0026]    Where a range of values is provided herein, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention. 
         [0027]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the methods and materials are now described. 
         [0028]    It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely”, “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 1A ,  FIG. 1A  presents an exemplary first version  2  of the invented device having a figurine, wherein the first version  2  is coupled with and is applied by a user to position a cellular telephone  4  (hereinafter “phone”  4 ). The phone  4  may be or comprise (a.) a digital content player having a video screen  4 A, such as an iPOD TOUCH 4G™ digital video display device as marketed by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., (b.) a digital cellular telephone having a video display capability, such as an iPHONE 4S™ digital cellular telephone as marketed by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., (c.) a MOTOROLA DROID X™ smart phone as marketed by Motorola Solutions, Inc. of Schaumberg, Ill., (d.) a MOTOROLA DROID X™ tablet computer as marketed by Motorola Solutions, Inc. of Schaumberg, Ill.; an iPAD™ tablet computer as marketed by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.; and/or (f.) other suitable digital video display device, video-enabled telephone and/or tablet computer known in the art. While the first version  2  is described herein as adapted for holding and positioning an iPHONE™ cellular telephone, it is understood that the alternate versions of the invented apparatus may be adapted, sized and shaped to hold one or more various alternate electronic devices, such as a suitable alternate tablet computer, a cellular phone, and/or a personal digital assistant known in the art. 
         [0030]    The first version  2  includes the three-dimensional figurine  3  made with a generally soft exterior fabric  3 A, e.g., cotton, wool, rayon, or other suitable organic or inorganic material, and a internal stuffing  3 B as shown in  FIG. 9 . The internal stuffing  3 B may be or comprise cotton, cotton batting, wool, and/or other suitable organic, inorganic or synthetic material known in the art. 
         [0031]    The shape of the figurine  3  defines a head region  3 C, a body region  3 D and two individual arm appendages  3 E &amp;  3 F, and two individual leg appendages  3 G &amp;  3 H. The two individual leg appendages  3 G &amp;  3 H each include a separate footpad representation element  31  &amp;  3 J. The head region  3 C presents two ear representation elements  3 K &amp;  3 L, two eye representation elements  3 M &amp;  3 N, and a snout representation element  30 . The first version  2  further includes the stuffing  3 B that maintains the volume of at least the head region  3 C, the body region  3 D and the representative limb regions  3 E,  3 F,  3 G &amp;  3 H. One or more of the limb regions  3 E,  3 F,  3 G &amp;  3 H are adapted to secure the figurine  3  to an external object (not shown). 
         [0032]    The stuffing  3 B is positioned within the exterior fabric  2 A and may be or comprise a soft material, e.g., cotton, wool, rayon, or other suitable organic, inorganic or synthetic material. 
         [0033]    The phone  4  is secured and coupled to the figurine  2  by (a.) one or more U-shaped gripping elements  6  as presented more particularly in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 6 ; (b.) one or more corner shaped gripping elements  8  as shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  8 ,  9  and  10 ; and/or (c.) a friction fit protective device shell  9 , i.e., a protective case  9  of  FIG. 1B . 
         [0034]      FIG. 1B  is an external view a second version  8  of the invented device further comprising an enclosed battery  12  (as shown in  FIGS. 3 through 5 ), a power cord  14  leading from the battery  12  and to the phone  4 ; an audio signal cabling  16  that includes a pair of ear buds  16 A &amp;  16 B; two separate audio speakers  18 A &amp;  18 B individually at each foot pad  31  &amp;  3 J; and a pair of solar panels  20 A &amp;  20 B. It is understood that one or both audio speakers  18 A &amp;  18 B may be directional speakers that generate sound waves having greater intensity along a single axis extending from the emitting speaker  18 A or  18 B. 
         [0035]    The phone  4  is inserted into the friction fit protective device shell  9  and the friction fit protective device shell  9  is disposed in between the phone  4  one or more U-shaped gripping elements  6  and/or one or more corner shaped gripping elements  8 . Where the phone  4  is an iPHONE 4S™ cellular telephone, the friction fit protective device shell  9  may be a FEATHER™ friction fit cover as marketed by Incipio Technologies of Irvine, Calif., or other suitable iPHONE™ cellular telephone case or cover known on the art. Alternatively, where the phone  4  is an iPOD 4G TOUCH™ video display device, the friction fit protective device shell  9  may be a DERMASHOT™ case as marketed by INCIPIO Technologies of Irvine, Calif., or other suitable iPOD™ video display device case or cover known on the art. Still alternatively, where the phone  4  is a tablet computer, or other video display device or video-enabled cellular telephone, the protective device case  9  may be adapted to snugly fit around the phone  4  and without substantively reducing visibility of the video screen  4 A of the phone  4  of a user or observer. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second version  8  is adapted to hold an iPAD™ tablet computer and the protective device shell  9  is an iPAD SMART COVER™ protective case as marketed by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1C  illustrates the second version  8  further showing the friction fit shell  8 A, and further comprising an optional suction cup  9 A and an optional elastic band  9 B. The suction cup  9 A and the elastic band  9 B are attached to the protective device shell  9 . The protective device shell  9  is adapted to accept the phone  4  and maintain the phone  4  under compression and within a friction fit. In the exemplary instance where the phone  4  is an iPHONE 4S™, the protective device shell  9  may be an IPH-620 DELTA HARDSHELL CASE™ as marketed by Incipio Technologies of Irvine, Calif. 
         [0037]    It is understood that the phone  4  defines (a.) a front face on which the video display screen  4 A is presented, and (b.) an opposite back face. The suction cup  9 A is affixed to and positioned on the protective device shell  9  and is further adapted to apply suction force against the device back face to maintain the phone  4  within the protective device shell  9 . The elastic band  9 B is adapted to cross over the device front face to maintain the phone  4  within the protective device shell  9  and without obstructing a user&#39;s view of the video screen  4 A. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  is a detailed exposed view of an articulating skeleton  22  of the first version  2  of  FIG. 1A  and the second version  8  of  FIG. 1B . The skeleton  22  is formed with articulated components  22 A- 22 X. One or more articulated components  22 A- 22 X may be or comprise, or be selected from, suitable articulated elements known in the art, to include the ball and socket connector disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,891,615 as a connecter. Alternately, optionally or additionally, one or more components  22 A- 22 X may embody the connector design as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. D574,700. The skeleton  22  in combination with two or more U-shaped gripping elements  6  and/or one or more corner shaped gripping elements  8  preferably enables the user to position the phone  4  about at least two axes of rotational motion and along at least two axes of linear motion, and more preferably within six degrees of motion, i.e., about at least three mutually orthogonal axes of rotational motion and linearly along the three mutually orthogonal axes. 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, surfaces of one or more components  22 A- 22 X may be coated with an adhesive. With some connector materials that may be comprised within one or more components  22 A- 22 X, such as acetyl materials, Delrin, and Nylon, compounds normally used as adhesive may function as a lubricant when used in an interference fit ball and socket joint connector version of one or more components  22 A- 22 X. 
         [0040]    The U-shaped gripping elements  6  are shown in  FIG. 2  to each be connected to a separate end articulated components  22 X. Each U-shaped gripping element  6  is sized and shaped to receive the phone  4  and form a friction fit to enable the phone  4  to be gripped within one or more U-shaped gripping elements  6  while a user manually positions the skeleton  22  within three dimensional space by articulation of one or more of the articulated components  22 A- 22 X. More particularly a U-width W 1  of each U-shaped gripping elements  6  is made to be narrower that a thickness T of the phone  4 , wherein the U-width W 1  is preferably in the range of 0.001 inch to 0.2 inch narrower than the phone thickness T. Each U-shaped gripping element  6  may be or comprise a flexible metal or plastic, such as aluminum, Delrin, and Nylon, or other suitable material known in the art that will support the phone  4  in a static position, and preferably maintain the phone  4  under compressive force. 
         [0041]      FIG. 3  provides a detailed view of elements of the second version  8  showing unobstructed front views of the battery  12 , the electrically conductive phone power cord  14 , the audio signal cabling  16 , the audio speakers  18 A &amp;  18 B, the solar panels  20 A &amp;  20 B, and an electrically conductive external battery cord  24 . The solar panels  20 A &amp;  20 B, the phone power cord  14  and the external battery cord  24  are all shown in  FIG. 3  in electrical connection to the battery  12 . The solar panels  20 A &amp;  20 B collect solar energy and transform the collected solar energy into electric energy. The solar panels  20 A &amp;  20 B are coupled by transfer cabling  20 C to the battery  12  and thereby provide electrical energy to the battery  12 . The phone power cord  14  is sized and adapted to transfer electrical power from the battery  12  and to the phone  4 . The optionally removable external battery cord  22  is sized and adapted to transfer electrical energy from an electrical power source socket (not shown) of, or electrically coupled to, (a.) a landline electrical power source (not shown), (b.) an electrical power generator (not shown), (c.) an external electrical battery (not shown), (d.) and/pr other suitable sources of electrical energy known in the art. 
         [0042]    The earphone audio signal cabling  16  is configured for coupling with the phone  4  and is therefore shown in  FIG. 3  as being unattached to any other electrical element of the second version  8 . An earphone connector  16 C is sized and adapted for insertion into an audio channel socket of the phone  4 . Additionally or optionally, a speaker cabling  18 C electrically couples each of the two speakers  18 A &amp;  18 B to a speaker connector  18 D. The speaker connector  18 D is sized and adapted for insertion into the audio channel socket of the phone  4 . 
         [0043]    In one exemplary embodiment of the second version  8  and/or the first version  2 , where the second version  8  is adapted to couple with an iPHONE 4S™ cellular telephone as marketed by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., the earphone audio signal cabling  16  may be or comprise APPLE iPOD EARPHONES™ as marketed by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. In the exemplary embodiment of the second version  8  and/or the first version  2 , where the second version  8  is adapted to couple with an iPHONE 4S™ cellular telephone as marketed by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., the phone power cord  14  may be or comprise APPLE DOCK CONNECTOR TO USN CABLE™ as marketed by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  is a cut away view of the second version of  FIG. 2  and showing the components of  FIG. 1B  and  FIG. 3  in place within the second version  8 . The solar panels  20 A &amp;  20 B, the phone  4  and the external battery cord  22  are all shown in  FIG. 3  in electrical connection to the battery  12 . The earphones audio signal cabling  18  and the speakers  18 A &amp;  18 B are configured for coupling with the phone  4  and are therefore shown in  FIG. 3  as being unattached to the battery  12  any other electrical element of the second version  8 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  is cut away view of the phone  4  electrically coupled to both the battery  12  and the earphone audio signal cabling  16 . The phone  2  is electrically coupled to both the battery  12  and the phone  4  and transfers electrical power from the battery  12  and to the phone  4  in the configuration of  FIG. 5 . More particularly, the earphone connector  16 C is shown to be electrically coupled with an audio channel socket  4 B of the phone  4 . For the purposes of illustration, the speaker connector  18 D is simultaneously indicated in  FIG. 5  to be electrically coupled to a second audio output socket  4 C of the phone  4 . It is understood that where the phone  4  has only one audio output socket  4 B, that the simultaneous electrical connection of the earphone connector  16 C and the speaker connector  18 D is not enabled by the first version  2  or the second version  8 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  is a detailed sectional view of one of the U-shaped gripping elements  6  of the skeleton  22 . The U-shaped gripping element  6  is attached to a last articulating element of the skeleton  22 , and is optionally at least partially layered with an elastic layer  3 P of the first version  2  that accepts the phone  4  and preferably applies compressive pressure against the phone  4  to retain the phone  4  within the U-shaped element  6 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 7  is an external view of an alternate embodiment of the second version  8 , wherein the phone  4  is coupled with the second version  8  by four triangular-shaped corner connectors  26 . Each corner connector  26  is separately attached to a unique end connector  22 X of the skeleton  22 . In certain alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention, the protective device shell  9  is preferably simultaneously positioned within two or more U-shaped gripping elements  6  and/or two or more corner shaped gripping elements  26 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 8  is a detailed cut-away side view of the alternate embodiment of the second version  8  showing one of the four triangular-shaped corner connectors  26 . A dotted line imposed within the representation of the corner connector  26  indicates a corner cavity  26 A into which a corner of the phone  4  may be inserted. The exemplary corner connector is adhered or affixed to an end articulated component  22 X. 
         [0049]      FIG. 9  is a cut-away side view of the alternate embodiment of the second version  8  showing the four triangular-shaped corner connectors  26 , an external high friction surface  28 , and a weighted bag  30 . The high friction surface  28  is adapted to resist a sliding of the second version  8  along a smooth surface (not shown). The high friction surface  28  may be sown, adhered and/or otherwise coupled to an outer side of the exterior fabric  3 A. 
         [0050]    The weighted bag  30  is adapted to support the second version  8  in an upright position, wherein the head region  3 C is maintained above the body region  3 D, the two individual arm appendages  3 E &amp;  3 F, and the two individual leg appendages  3 G &amp;  3 H. The weighted bag  30  includes a bag fabric  30 A that encompasses a dense material  30 B and is shaped and adapted to maintain the dense material  30 B in a combined mass and in isolation from the internal stuffing  3 B. The bag fabric  30 A may be composed of cotton, nylon, or other suitable organic, inorganic or synthetic material known in the art that may be adapted to maintain the dense material  30 B in a single, combined mass. 
         [0051]    The dense material  30 B is preferably at least twice as dense as either the skeleton  22  and the internal stuffing  3 A, and more preferably greater than ten times as dense than either the skeleton  22  and the internal stuffing  3 A. The dense material  30 B may comprise sand, glass, plastic, glass beads, or other suitable organic, inorganic or synthetic material known in the art. 
         [0052]      FIG. 10  is a top view of one of the four triangular-shaped corner connectors  26 . A pair of triangular walls  26 B are joined with a pair of rectangular walls  26 C to form the corner cavity  26 A. The corner cavity  26 A preferably presents a cavity width W 2  that is narrower that the thickness T of the phone  4 . The cavity width W 2  is preferably in the range of 0.001 inch to 0.2 inch narrower than the phone thickness T. One or more triangular-shaped corner connector  26  may be or comprise a flexible metal or plastic, such as aluminum, Delrin, and Nylon, or other suitable material known in the art that can be adapted to hold the phone  4 , and preferably maintain the phone  4  under compressive force. 
         [0053]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of the second version  8  further coupled a carrying strap  32 . A pair of detachable attachment assemblies  32 A &amp;  32 B enable a user to alternately attach and detach the carrying strap  32  from the second version  8 . The strap  32  may be made from canvas, nylon, cotton, or other suitable flexible strapping material. The pair of detachable attachment assemblies  32 A &amp;  32 B may be made of a metal, metal alloy, plastic, or other suitable attachment assembly materials known in the art. 
         [0054]    The foregoing disclosures and statements are illustrative only of the Present Invention, and are not intended to limit or define the scope of the Present Invention. The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Although the examples given include many specificities, they are intended as illustrative of only certain possible configurations or aspects of the Present Invention. The examples given should only be interpreted as illustrations of some of the preferred configurations or aspects of the Present Invention, and the full scope of the Present Invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the Present Invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that the Present Invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein. The scope of the present invention as disclosed and claimed should, therefore, be determined with reference to the knowledge of one skilled in the art and in light of the disclosures presented above.