Abstract:
Described herein is an integral range extender and mechanical protector system for a handheld digital device, which includes a chassis adapted for securing to the device; and a selectably-deployable dual purpose collapsible rod operable in a first, folded mode for storage across the rear of the device so as to cover a major portion of the area thereof thereby, together with said chassis, to absorb mechanical forces directed towards the sides or rear of the device. The system is further operable in a second mode for extension in a direction transverse from the chassis, whereby a first end is adapted to support the device and a second distal end is adapted to be held in the hand of a user, wherein, in said second mode, use of said collapsible rod permits positioning of the device from the user and use thereof remotely from the user.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Benefit is claimed to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/163,415, filed on May 19, 2015, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to assistive devices for mobile communications devices generally, particularly mobile phones having photographic capability. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Protective cases for mobile phones are well known. They typically include one or two layers of protective plastic/rubber and are fashioned to encase the rear and sides of the phone, thereby to prevent it from being damaged by being dropped or otherwise mechanically impacted. While such cases add bulk and cost to the phone, these factors are outweighed due to their use in preventing damage to an item which is relatively expensive and inconvenient to replace. 
         [0004]    More recently, with the advent of high quality digital photography on mobile phones and the widespread internet connectivity of these devices, it has become commonplace for these devices to be used for self-photography, pictures being taken in this manner often then being shared with others or otherwise uploaded to social networking sites on the internet. 
         [0005]    A disadvantage of self-photography by use of mobile phones is that the range at which one can hold the phone is limited by the length of the user&#39;s arm, such that the resulting picture loses much of the perspective that would normally be present in a convention picture taken by a third party (i.e. someone who is not in the picture). 
         [0006]    Furthermore, there are many situations in which the person taking a photograph of scenery or wildlife, for example, would like to take a photograph from somewhat closer to the object being photograph, but is unable to do so as he is limited by the device being held literally at arm&#39;s length. This is particularly a problem when taking a photograph with a mobile phone, as conventional phone do not normally have an optical zoom capability, but a digital zoom. When the digital zoom is used, it increases the graininess of the resulting image, such that it is of poorer quality than desired. 
         [0007]    In an effort to solve this problem, so-called ‘settle sticks’ have been developed. Essentially, they enable a user to hold a stick which, in turn, supports the mobile phone distally from the end being held by the user. This therefore extends the range of useful use by a distance equal to the length of the stick. Early range extender sticks, intended for use with photographic equipment which does not necessarily include mobile phones are described, at least in part, in US Patent Publications Nos. 2004/0223752 and 2007/0177866. 
         [0008]    However, one of the well-known problems of selfie sticks is that they are bulky to carry around and thus inconvenient. 
         [0009]    US Patent Publication No. 2007/0053680 discloses a telescopically extendible grip for a camera which represents an approach which could be useful in mitigating the bulkiness of selfie sticks, although the described ‘grip for a camera’ still represents an article which must be carried in addition to the camera in order to be used. Having such an additional item is an additional item to remember, or potentially forget and lose. 
         [0010]    US Patent Publication No. US 2015/0029352 entitled Collapsible Cell Phone Boom Arm is directed to an extendible boom arm which is attached to a cell phone casing. In concept, this is similar to the ExtendaPic iPhone 5/5s Case, shown at http://www.extendapic.com/. 
         [0011]    While both represent an improvement over previous solutions, as they are based on the use of a telescopic arm, the additional range that they can provide is, by definition, limited. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    There is provided an integral range extender and mechanical protector system for a handheld digital device, which includes a chassis adapted for securing to the device; and a selectably deployable dual purpose collapsible rod operable in a first, folded mode for storage across the rear of the device so as to cover a major portion of the area thereof thereby, together with the chassis, to absorb mechanical forces directed towards the sides or rear of the device, and further operable in a second mode for extension in a direction transverse from the chassis, whereby a first end is adapted to support the device and a second distal end is adapted to be held in the hand of a user, wherein, in the second mode, use of the collapsible rod permits positioning of the device from the user and use thereof remotely from the user. 
         [0013]    Additionally, the system preferably also includes a dual purpose engagement member operative for engagement with the chassis so as to secure the collapsible rod thereto when in the first, folded mode and for supporting the chassis and device on the collapsible rod when in the second mode. 
         [0014]    Further, the first end of the collapsible rod and the dual purpose engagement element are preferably configured for interlocking engagement so as to prevent relative rotation therebetween, thus also preventing rotation of the device about the collapsible rod when supported thereon. 
         [0015]    Additionally, preferably the first end of the collapsible rod terminates in a male locking member and the dual purposed engagement member has a shaped opening formed therein adapted to receive the male locking member, and the male locking member has formed thereon a locking protrusion and the dual purpose engagement member has formed therein a notch communicating with the shaped opening, the notch being adapted to receive the locking protrusion therein in locking engagement, thereby to prevent relative rotation between the male locking member and the shaped opening. 
         [0016]    Further, the collapsible rod is preferably formed of a plurality of self-assembly, mutually foldable rod elements configured for end-to-end assembly. 
         [0017]    Additionally, the collapsible rod preferably also includes an elastic cord element extending through the plurality of self-assembly rod elements, operative, in the absence of forces preventing this, to coaxially align the rod elements and pull them together from a mutually folded arrangement into end-to-end mating connection. 
         [0018]    Further, preferably each rod element has a first and second end, each first end being adapted for end-to-end engagement with the second end of an adjacent rod element, wherein the first and second ends of each rod element are configured for interlocking engagement so as to prevent relative rotation therebetween, thus also preventing rotation of the device about any portion of the collapsible rod when supported thereon. 
         [0019]    Additionally, preferably the first end of each rod element terminates in an alternating sequence of teeth and notches surrounding an opening, and the second end of each rod element includes a male locking member having a limiting shoulder formed at a predetermined distance from the tip of the male member, the male member of a first rod element being adapted for insertion through the opening of a second rod element so as to become mutually engaged therewith, until a maximum depth whereat the limiting shoulder abuts the teeth, wherein the male locking member has formed thereon a locking protrusion which, when the male member is at the maximum depth, the locking protrusion is engaged by any one of the notches, thereby to prevent relative rotation between the first and second rod elements. 
         [0020]    Further, the plurality of rod elements are preferably produced by a 3-D printing process, formed of PLA and/or ABS mixed with a multi-directional carbon fiber. 
         [0021]    Additionally, the system preferably also includes a remotely located control for operating the digital device. 
         [0022]    Further, the remotely located control is preferably mounted at the second, distal end of the collapsible rod. 
         [0023]    Additionally, the chassis has a rear side and preferably has provided thereon either positioning elements for positioning the collapsible rod against the rear side when in the first, folded mode, or fastening elements for grasping and fastening the rod elements against the rear side when in the first, folded mode. 
         [0024]    Further, at least the second end portion of the collapsible rod is preferably hollow, the system preferably also includes a backup battery housed therewithin. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  is a rear isometric view of an integral range extender and mechanical protector system for a digital device, constructed in accordance with the present description, in a closed position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is a rear isometric view of the system of  FIG. 1  but in a partially open position; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is a front isometric view of the system of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in a fully deployed position; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 4A-4D  show the system as seen in  FIG. 1  when mounted onto a digital device, depicted from the rear, top, side and bottom, respectively; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  shows the system as seen in  FIG. 2  when mounted onto a digital device; 
           [0031]      FIG. 6A  shows the complete system shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , in a first fully deployed position, when supporting a digital device therein; 
           [0032]      FIG. 6B  shows the mounting of the device-carrying chassis and dual purpose engagement member of the system with the dual purpose collapsible rod thereof, when in a fully extended position; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6C  shows an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 6B ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 7A  shows the complete system shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , in a second fully deployed position, when supporting a digital device therein; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7B  shows the mounting of the device-carrying chassis and dual purpose engagement member of the system with the dual purpose collapsible rod thereof, when in a fully extended position; 
           [0036]      FIG. 7C  shows an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 7B ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 8A  shows a single rod element connected to an adjoining rod element; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 8B  is an enlarged view of the connection in  FIG. 8A , illustrating a preferred anti-rotation locking mechanism provided thereat; 
           [0039]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  is a block diagram illustration of basic interactive operational components of the integral range extender and mechanical protector system and a mobile communications device, wherein the digital device is operated via a wired connection and a wireless connection, respectively; 
           [0040]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  shows the rear side of the chassis as seen in  FIGS. 7A  and &amp; 7 B, but having clips provided thereon for fastening the collapsible rod thereto; and 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  is a schematic illustration of a handle portion of the collapsible rod, housing therein a backup battery. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1-5 , there is described an integral range extender and mechanical protector system  10  for a handheld digital device  12  ( FIGS. 4A-5 ) such as a digital camera and/or video device or an audio recording device. Typically, the digital device combines both of these capabilities as well as transmission capabilities, such as found in a mobile phone, although the use of the present system is not limited thereto. 
         [0043]    The system  10  includes a selectably deployable dual purpose collapsible rod, referenced generally  30 , and a chassis, referenced generally  60 . Preferably, there is also provided a dual purpose engagement member, referenced generally  90 , which is operative both to assist in securing rod  30  in position when stored, and also to support device  12  and chassis  60  on rod  30  when extended. 
         [0044]    When rod  30  is being used to extend support device  12  remotely from a user ( FIGS. 6A-7C ), as with so-called “selfie sticks”, the rod  30  connects at a first end  32  to the dual purpose engagement member  90 , and is held, typically in the hand of a user, at the second, free end  34  ( FIGS. 1, 2, 6A and 7A ). 
         [0045]    Referring now briefly to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , it is seen that when device  12  is supported on second end  34  of the rod  30 , remotely from the user, a suitable selector or switch  33  ( FIG. 9A ), connected to device  12  via a suitable wired connection, or a wireless switch  33 ′ ( FIG. 9B ), such as a Bluetooth button or the like, is used to activate device  12 . If switch  33  is a wired switch as depicted in  FIG. 9A , then it is located on the second end  34  of the rod  30 , substantially as known in the art. However, if switch  33 ′ is a wireless switch as depicted in  FIG. 9B , it may be mounted on second end  34  of the rod  30  held by the user or hand-carried separately. 
         [0046]    In yet a further embodiment, the Bluetooth switch may be implemented as a Bluetooth function of a mobile device being carried by a pre-authorized additional person in the vicinity of the user. 
         [0047]    When not in use, the rod  30  is disconnected from the engagement member  90 . It is then collapsed or folded, as described below, and placed in a storage position on the back of the chassis  60  after which it is secured by the dual purpose engagement member  90 . As described below, rod  30  is manufactured so as to be strong, while nonetheless taking up minimal space, having a small diameter. Accordingly, as it is stored so as to cover most of the rear panel  64  of chassis  60 , it cooperates therewith to provide substantive mechanical protection to device  12 . 
         [0048]    The rod  30  is formed so as to be small and lightweight so as have minimal bulk, strong so as to enable minimal size and maximum length, and easily deployable. To this end, it is formed preferably of a series of thin diameter elements  36 , each preferably no more than 8 mm in diameter. Preferably, they are produced by a 3-D printing process and formed of PLA and/or ABS mixed with a multi-directional carbon fiber. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, when system  10  is manufactured for use in conjunction with a mobile phone such as a Samsung Galaxy 56® or an iPhone 6®, the length of the rod  30  when fully assembled may be 80 cm or more. 
         [0049]    A strong elastic cord  38  runs through the interior of the rod elements  36  so as permit compact, folded storage. However, once the engagement member  90  is opened and the rod  30  is released, the presence of the elastic cord imposes a tensile force along the length of the rod  30  so that all of its elements  36 , free of any constricting forces, are brought into alignment and axially pulled together by the cord  38  into end-to-end mating connection with each other, such that the rod  30  becomes fully deployed and ready for use, as above. 
         [0050]    Mobile phones have various features that must be accessible even when stored in a holder. These may include operating switches, view finders, earphone jacks, power ports and the like. Accordingly, if required, suitable openings  66  are formed in the chassis  60 , both on the perimeter edges  62  and on the rear panel  64  so as to enable convenient access to these features when the system  10  is assembled on device  12 . Furthermore, as illustrated in the drawings, the rod elements  36  are formed of specific sizes so that when the rod  30  is in storage on the back of the chassis  60 , they do not obscure the above features, and allow convenient access thereto. Thus, as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 4A , in the present example, rod elements  36 ′ are shorter than the remaining elements  36 . 
         [0051]    The chassis  60  is formed such that&#39;s its perimeter edges  62  grip and protect the device  12  along its four edges, and such that the rear panel  64  overlies the rear of the device  12  in a manner which is generally similar to known mobile phone holders. Accordingly, other than showing these features clearly in the drawings, they are not specifically described again herein, being well known to one skilled in the art. 
         [0052]    However, as seen particularly in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the outward-facing side  68  of rear panel  64  is especially configured so as to engage rod elements  36  when rod  30  is folded down for storage. According to one embodiment, there are provided positioning elements  70 , illustrated herein as ridges, operative to receive the rod elements  36  therebetween when the rod  30  is folded, so as to prevent lateral movement relative to the rear panel  64 , when stored. 
         [0053]    Referring briefly to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , there may be provided fastening elements  170  as clips or the like so as to grasp the rod elements  36  therebetween so as to fasten them to the rear side of chassis  60 , and not merely position them as in the present embodiment. It will be appreciated that the schematically illustrated clips  170  represent merely one possible way of fastening the rod elements  36  to the rear of the chassis  60 , and is intended to include any equivalent manner of doing the same. 
         [0054]    Dual purpose engagement member  90  is connected to chassis  60  by a suitable hinge construction  92 . In the illustrated embodiment it has a generally elongated U-shaped clasp configuration, having a central portion  94  which is approximately equal to the width of the chassis  60 , and first and second end portions, respectively referenced  96  and  98 . The engagement member  90  is formed so as to snugly contain the folded rod  30  in storage, against the rear side of the chassis  60 . 
         [0055]    Each of the shorter end portions  96  and  98  has a specific task. First end portion  96  is not only connected by hinge  92  to a suitable flange portion  93  formed on the side of the chassis  60 , but it also has formed therein a first shaped opening  96 ′. Second end portion  98  is a free end, operative in securing rod  30  against the rear panel  64  of chassis  60 , as engagement member  90  is closed about hinge  92  and second end portion  98  is locked against a fastener element  100  formed integrally with chassis  60 . As the engagement member  90  and chassis  60  are formed from high strength materials with a certain amount of elasticity, engagement member  90  is opened merely by grasping the free edge of second end portion  98  and flexing out outward and over the fastening element  100 . Alternatively, any other suitable method of locking engagement member  90  about rod  30  may be employed. 
         [0056]    First shaped opening  96 ′ is formed so as to engage with a free end portion of the rod  30 , and, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-6C , so as to support the device  12 . The free end portion of the rod  30  terminates in a male locking member  40  adapted for insertion through first shaped opening  96 ′ as seen in  FIG. 6C . The radius of male locking member  40  is smaller than that of the remainder of rod element  36 , thereby forming a limiting shoulder, seen at  42 . As seen, the respective diameters of both the first shaped opening  96 ′ and male locking member  40  are approximately equal, thereby to permit locking member  40  to pass smoothly through the opening  96 ′ until limiting shoulder  42  abuts the edge opening  96 ′. 
         [0057]    It is however necessary to prevent rotation of the device  12  about the rod  30 , thereby to ensure complete control of the position of device  12  when being held via rod  30 . Accordingly, locking member  40  typically has formed thereon a radially oriented locking protrusion  44  immediately adjacent the limiting shoulder  42 , adapted for insertion into locking engagement with a corresponding notch  46  formed adjacent to and communicating with shaped opening  96 ′. It will be appreciated that when protrusion  44  is engaged with notch  46 , engagement member  90  and therefore chassis  60  and device  12  are prevented from rotating about rod  30 . 
         [0058]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment, first end portion  96  of the engagement member  90  supports the device merely by engagement of rod  30  in first shaped opening  96 ′. 
         [0059]    In an alternative embodiment, there may be provided a second shaped opening  98 ′ in second end portion  98  of engagement member  90 , wherein second shaped opening  98 ′ is coaxially aligned with opening  96 ′, but has a diameter which is approximately equal to that of rod element  36 . When device  12  is mounted onto rod  30  in this manner, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-7C , rod element  36  passes completely through second opening  98 ′ so as to extend across the gap between the second and first end portions of engagement member  90  and parallel to central portion  94 . As seen, in this embodiment, male locking member  40  is also inserted through and locked with first shaped opening  96 ′ in a manner similar to that shown and described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 6A-6C , but from the interior of the clasp shaped engagement member  90 . In this manner, rod  30  is operative to support chassis  60  and thus device  12  at two points, thus providing even greater stability, and thus also enabling the first engagement portion  96  to be made somewhat less thick. 
         [0060]    As discussed above, it is desirable that when a user is holding a device  12  by use of rod  30 , no rotation should occur between device  12  and the rod. Accordingly, this then requires that once the rod elements  36  are assembled, they too are locked in a position whereat no relative rotation with respect to their longitudinal axis is permitted. 
         [0061]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2, 8A and 8B , in order to prevent such undesired rotation from occurring, rod elements  36  are formed so as to interlock once they are engaged with each other. Each rod element  36 , in the present embodiment, is provided with different first and second ends, respectively referenced  50  and  52 . 
         [0062]    First end  50  has formed thereat a series of crenations, or an alternating sequence of teeth  54  and notches  56 . The second end  52  of each rod element  36  is provided with a male locking member  40 ′ ( FIG. 2 ) which is similar to male locking member  40 , shown and described above in conjunction with  FIG. 6C . Accordingly, locking member  40 ′ is smaller than that of the remainder of rod element  36 , thereby forming a limiting shoulder, seen at  42 ′. The respective diameters of both the end opening  50 ′ (best seen in  FIG. 2 ) of first end  50  and male locking member  40 ′ ( FIG. 2 ) are approximately equal, thereby to permit locking member  40 ′ to pass smoothly through the opening  50 ′ until limiting shoulder  42 ′ abuts teeth  54 . 
         [0063]    In order to prevent relative rotation between the two mutually engaged rod elements  36 , however, locking member  40 ′ typically also has formed thereon a radially oriented locking protrusion  44 ′ immediately adjacent the limiting shoulder  42 ′, adapted for insertion into locking engagement with any of the notches  56 . As described above, when the rod  30  is released for deployment, adjacent rod elements  36  are straightened under the force of the elastic cord  38 , and the adjacent first and second ends  50  and  52  of each pair of adjoining rod elements  36  are pulled together under the force of the cord  38 . Therefore, all that is required so as to obtain full, non-rotational engagement of two adjoining rod elements  36 , is that locking protrusion  44 ′ of male locking member  40 ′ engages any one of the notches  56  of the facing first end  50 . 
         [0064]    As described hereinabove, rod elements  36  are hollow, thereby being lightweight, and being suitable for a male-female interlocking mating when rod  30  is assembled and fully deployed. However, in accordance with one embodiment, and referring now to  FIG. 11 , the rod element  36  which functions as a handle when rod  30  is deployed, may serve to house a rechargeable backup battery  134 , suitably configured so as to fit within the hollow interior of the rod element  36 . Operating generally as known for such backup batteries, the exposed end of battery  134  typically has a micro-USB port  135  so as to facilitate charging thereof, and a USB port  137  for charging an electrical device such as digital device  12 . 
         [0065]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been shown and described hereinabove, merely by way of non-limiting example. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined solely by the claims, which follow.