Abstract:
Card devices, apparatus and methods to convert generally rectangular shaped cards into stands and mounts for portable electronics, such as but not limited to portable phones, smart phone iPODS®, clocks, and cameras, pens, pencils, other business cards, or other documents, or photo frames. Business cards with indicial on both sides and having either perforated lines or narrow cut lines, that can be folded into a stand so that portable electronics devices can be safely supported on the stands. The business information indicia remains visible and readable on the stands by the user. The cards can have rear stand sections that can be folded outward to form a stand, and foldable lower edges to form a ledge or channel to support an edge of the portable electronics device.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/840,923 filed Jun. 28, 2013, the entire application of which is incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to portable phone stands and business cards, and in particular to pop up business cards, devices, and methods to convert business cards, key cards, and loyalty cards by folding portions into stands and mounts for portable electronics devices, such as but not limited to portable phones, smart phones, iPADS®, clocks, cameras and the like. 
     BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART 
     Business cards, key cards, and loyalty cards are commonly handed out and more often than not are commonly thrown out over time. As such, the information on the business card often becomes lost when the cards are disposed of. 
     Business card scanning machines exist but require the user have to insert the cards and upload information from the cards onto one&#39;s computer. Additionally, a smart phone can be used to take pictures of information on the card. However, again the actual card is disposed of after the information is scanned and saved. The user will have to later activate their computer, smart phone to access the information from the disposed card. 
     The iBracket® stand by Touratech shows a card shaped device that can be folded into a stand to support a smart phone, such as an iPhone®. However, this plastic type card requires multiple cut out slots throughout the middle of the card and along the outer side edges of the card. These cut out slots and cut out edges appear to be required so that the card can be folded and portions bent so it can be used as a stand to work. As such, business information cannot be located across all of the openings in the face of the card. Still furthermore, having to make substantial amounts of cut-outs can be difficult to manufacture and can add unnecessary extra expenses to the manufacturing costs, which would have to be passed down to the consumer. Additionally, the many portions of the card that are required to be removed would tend to weaken the strength of the stand itself, and can result in the stand collapsing and causing the phone to fall out and possibly damaged. 
     Thus, the need exists for solutions to the above problems with the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A primary objective of the present invention is to provide cards, devices and methods of converting business cards, key cards, and loyalty cards having readable indicia on one or both sides of the cards into stands for portable electronics devices, such as but not limited to portable phones, smart phones, iPADS®, clocks, cameras and the like. 
     A secondary objective of the present invention is to provide cards, devices and methods of converting business cards, key cards, and loyalty cards with indicia on one or both sides of the cards into stands for portable electronics devices, such as but not limited to portable phones, smart phones, iPADS®, clocks, cameras and the like, where the stands can be reconverted back into business cards where business indicia information on both sides of the card are readable. 
     A third objective of the present invention is to provide business cards, key cards, and loyalty cards, devices and methods of converting cards having photo images and/or personal information on one or both sides of the cards into stands for portable electronics devices, such as but not limited to portable phones, smart phones, iPADS®, clocks, cameras and the like. 
     A fourth objective of the present invention is to provide cards, devices and methods of converting cards having photo images and/or personal information on one or both sides of the cards into stands for portable electronics devices, such as but not limited to portable phones, smart phones, iPADS®, clocks, cameras and the like, where the stands can be reconverted back into business cards where business indicia information on both sides of the card are readable. 
     A convertible business card device, can include a business card having business information indicia on at least one side, a first elongated hinge line for allowing a midportion of the card to fold down into a rear stand, where a remaining portion of the card forms a frame surface, and a second elongated hinge line for allowing a lower edge of the card to bend up as a ledge, wherein business card is useful as a stand for a portable electronics device, which can be supported in a generally upright position by being placed on the bent up ledge, and a back of the portable electronics device is placed against the frame surface, and wherein the business information indicia remains visible and accessible to be viewed. 
     The convertible business card, key card, and loyalty card device can further include additional business information indicia on an opposite side of the card. 
     The first elongated hinge line and the second elongated hinge line can include arch shaped hinge lines. 
     The first elongated hinge line and the second elongated hinge line can include rectangular shaped hinge lines. 
     The first elongated hinge line and the second elongated hinge line can include cut lines. 
     The first elongated hinge line and the second elongated hinge line can include perforations. 
     The first elongated hinge line and the second elongated hinge line can include web punch-out lines. 
     The card can be formed from plastic. The card can be formed from cardboard. The card can be formed from metal. 
     The lower edge of the card can also include a third elongated hinge line parallel to the second elongated hinge line, and between the second elongated hinge line and the lower edge of the card, wherein folding along the third elongated hinge line forms a raised lower edge with a channel for supporting the lower end of the portable electronics device therein. 
     The rear stand can also include a smaller segment portion which is foldable into a brace for adding stability to the rear stand in the folded position. 
     The raised lower edge of the card can also include a smaller segment portion which is foldable into a brace for adding stability to the channel for supporting the lower end of the portable electronics device therein. 
     A novel method of converting a business card, key card, or loyalty card into a stand, can include the steps of providing a business card having business information indicia on at least one side of the card, providing a first hinge line along a midportion of the card to form a flap, folding down the flap to form a rear stand, where a remaining portion of the card forms a frame surface, providing a second hinge line on a lower edge of the card, bending up the lower edge of the card to form a ledge, and positioning a portable electronics device in a generally upright position with an edge of the device sitting on the bent ledge, and a back of the portable electronics device against the frame surface, wherein the business information indicia on the card remains visible and accessible to be viewed. 
     The method can further include the steps of providing a third hinge line on the lower edge of the card between the second hinge line and the lower edge of the card, bending up the lower edge of the card along the third hinge line, to form a channel between the folded second hinge line and folded third hinge line, and positioning the edge of the portable electronics device in the channel. 
     The method can further include the steps of providing a foldable a smaller segment portion in the rear stand, and folding the smaller segment portion into a brace for adding stability to the rear stand in the folded position. 
     The method can further include the steps of providing a smaller segment portion in the raised lower edge of the card, and folding the smaller segment into a brace for adding stability to the channel for supporting the lower end of the portable electronics device therein. 
     The card can be formed from plastic. The card can be formed from metal. The card can be formed from cardboard, any of which may be adhered to a magnetic strip or computer chip to record and or transmit additional data. 
     Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments which are illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a front top perspective view of the novel business card converted into a stand supporting a portable electronics device in a generally upright position. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear top perspective view of the stand of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom front perspective of the stand of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom rear perspective of the stand of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a rear view of the stand of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the stand of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the stand of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the stand of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is a right side view of the stand of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a left side view of the stand of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of the business card used for the stand in an unfolded position. 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the unfolded business card of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom view of the unfolded business card of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14A  shows an enlarged view of an arch hinge portion of the card of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14B  shows an enlarged view of a rectangular hinge portion of the card of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of the unfolded business card of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom perspective view of the unfolded business card of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the business card of  FIG. 11  with portions unfolded out to form a rear leg and a front ledge portions. 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom view of the unfolded business card of  FIG. 11  with business card text. 
         FIG. 19  is a bottom view of the unfolded business card of  FIG. 11  with promotional information printed thereon. 
         FIG. 20  is a bottom front perspective of another embodiment stand for supporting a portable electronics device in a generally upright position. 
         FIG. 21  is a bottom rear perspective view of the stand of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  is a front top perspective view of the stand of  FIG. 20  with motion arrows showing folding motions. Unfolded segments are shown in dash line. 
         FIG. 23  is a rear view of the unfolded stand of  FIG. 20  stand with indicia thereon. 
         FIG. 24A  is a front view of the unfolded card stand of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 24B  is a side cross-sectional view of the unfolded card stand of  FIG. 24A  along arrows  24 B. 
         FIG. 24C  is an enlarged view of a web punch-out portions of  FIG. 24A . 
         FIG. 25  is a rear perspective view of the unfolded card stand of  FIG. 24A . 
         FIG. 26  is a front perspective view of the unfolded card stand of  FIG. 24A . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
     In the Summary above and in the Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. 
     In this section, some embodiments of the invention will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments. 
     A list of components will now be described.
       10  Folding phone stand card deployed.     15  Folding phone stand card flat.     20  Support segment     30  Support segment brace.     40  Main structural segment.     50  Bottom segment.     60  Front segment.     70  Front segment brace.     80  Live plastic hinge. Arch configuration.     90  Live plastic hinge. Rectangle configuration.     100  Portable rectangular electronics device.     110  Imaginary hinge fold line.     120  Folding motion to deploy phone stand.     130  Business card information.     140  Promotional information.     150  Support segment web punch-out.     160  Broken web punch-out.   

       FIG. 1  is a front top perspective view of the novel business card converted into a stand  10  for supporting a portable electronics device  100 .  FIG. 2  is a rear top perspective view of the stand  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  is a bottom front perspective of the stand  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  is a bottom rear perspective of the stand  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 5  is a rear view of the stand  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 6  is a front view of the stand of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 7  is a top view of the stand  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the stand  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 9  is a right side view of the stand  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 10  is a left side view of the stand  10  of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 11  is a top view of the business card  20  used for the stand in an unfolded position  15 .  FIG. 12  is a side view of the unfolded business card  15  of  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 13  is a bottom view of the unfolded business card  15  of  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 14A  shows an enlarged view of an arch hinge portion of the card  15  of  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 14B  shows an enlarged view of a rectangular hinge portion of the card  15  of  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of the unfolded business card  15  of  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 16  is a bottom perspective view of the unfolded business card  15  of  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the business card  10  of  FIG. 11  with portions starting to unfolded out to form a rear leg and a front ledge portions.  FIG. 18  is a bottom view of the unfolded business card  15  of  FIG. 11  with business card text.  FIG. 19  is a bottom view of the unfolded business card  15  of  FIG. 11  with promotional information printed thereon. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11-19 , the novel unfolded stand  15  can have the general shape of business card, being generally rectangular card shape, that can be formed from molded plastic, and the like. A top view of the unfolded stand card  15  can have a large main structural segment  40  having a rectangular shape separated from a smaller rectangular bottom segment  50 , by an elongated groove. The elongated groove can have an arc configuration  80 , or alternatively a rectangular configuration  90 . The groove can be cut-out or alternatively, molded into the one side of the unfolded card  15 . The bottom segment  50  can be separated from a front segment  60  by another elongated groove (having an arc configuration  80  or alternatively a rectangular configuration  90 ). The elongated grooves ( 80  or  90 ) can be used as hinges, which will be described later in more detail. Additionally, on the to view can be rectangular shaped support segment  20 , with three sides cut-out in a middle portion of the main segment  40  with a hinge line  110  on one end. A generally smaller rectangular support segment brace  30  can be partially cut from the free end of the support segment  20 , and be joined to the rest of the support segment  20  by another smaller length elongated groove (which can also be an arc shape, or alternatively, a rectangular shape  90 ). A smaller rectangular support segment can be cut-out along three out of four sides from an middle portion of the front segment  60 . 
     On a bottom view of the unfolded card  15 , be another elongated groove portion (which can also be an arc shape, or alternatively, a rectangular shape  90 ) connecting the support segment  20  to the main structural segment  40 . Also, on the bottom view can be another generally smaller rectangular support segment  70  cut-out from a middle portion of the front segment  60 , and joined at one end to the front segment  60  by another smaller length elongated groove (which can also be an arc shape, or alternatively, a rectangular shape  90 ). The opposite sides of the grooves generally form hinge fold lines  110 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-10 and 17 , the unfolded card  15  can be manipulated into a folded card stand  10 , by several steps. With the unfolded card in a generally upright angled position with top view facing upward and front segment  60  toward ground level, the rectangular front segment  60  can be folded upward along the opposite side of the groove between the front segment  60  and bottom segment  50  in the direction of arrow F 1 . Simultaneously, rectangular bottom segment  50  can also be folded upward along the opposite side of the groove between the bottom segment  50  and the main segment  40  in the direction of arrow F 1  ( 120 ). 
     Next, front segment brace  70  can be folded downward along the opposite side of a groove between the segment brace and a middle portion of the front segment  60  in the direction of arrow F 2  ( 120 ). 
     Additionally, the rectangular support segment  20  can be folded back along an opposite side of the groove between the segment  20  and an interior portion of main segment  40  in the direction of arrow F 3 ( 120 ). 
     Next, support segment brace  30  can be folded forward along an opposite side of the groove between the brace  30  and a lower portion of the support segment  20  in the direction of arrow F 4 ( 120 ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-10 , the bottom edge of a portable electronics device  100 , such as but not limited to a portable phone, smart phone, IPOD®, clock, camera, and the like, can be positioned inside the channel formed by folded segment  60 , bottom segment  50  and a lower portion of the main segment  40 . The back of the portable electronics device  100  can rest against the top portions of main segment  40 . The folded segment brace  30  and front segment brace  70  help stabilize the folded card to be used as a stand  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18-29 , on one or both outer face sides (top view or bottom view) of the rectangular support segment  20  can have selected indicia  130  printed and/or engraved thereon, such as but not limited to advertising information, business information, identification information, and designs and/or logos. 
     When not being used as a support stand  15 , the stand  15  can be unfolded back into a card shape  10  by reversing the folding steps referenced above. 
       FIG. 20  is a bottom front perspective of another embodiment stand with portable electronics device  100  supported thereon.  FIG. 21  is a bottom rear perspective view of the stand of  FIG. 20 .  FIG. 22  is a front top perspective view of the stand of  FIG. 20  with motion arrows showing folding motions. Unfolded segments are shown in dash line.  FIG. 23  is a rear view of the unfolded stand of  FIG. 20  stand with indicia  140 , such as but not limited to business information, promotional information, logos, designs, and the like, imprinted and/or engraved thereon.  FIG. 24A  is a front view of the unfolded card stand of  FIG. 23 .  FIG. 24B  is a side cross-sectional view of the unfolded card stand of  FIG. 24A  along arrows  24 B.  FIG. 24C  is an enlarged view of a web punch-out portion  150  of  FIG. 24A .  FIG. 25  is a rear perspective view of the unfolded card stand of  FIG. 24A .  FIG. 26  is a front perspective view of the unfolded card stand of  FIG. 24A . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20-26 , this embodiment folds out in similar steps to the previous embodiment, with the exception of not requiring support segment brace  30  and front segment brace  70 , and not having a pre-cut out of 3 out of the four side edges of the support segment  20  from a middle portion of the main segment  40 . Here, three out of the four outer side edges of middle support segment  20  can have elongated web punch-out lines  150 . The web punch-out lines  150  can be preformed into the card material as very thin sections of material that are designed to break away when the assembler wants to fold out the support segment  160  for the first time. 
     Similar to the previous embodiment, when it is desired for the invention to not be used as a support stand  15 , the stand  15  can be unfolded back into a card shape  10  by reversing the folding steps referenced above. 
     In addition to the arch or rectangular shaped hinge/cut lines, the cards can include hinge/cut lines formed from perforations. 
     Additionally, the hinge lines can include different combinations of arc shapes, rectangular shapes, perforations, web punch-out portions, and the like, on one card. 
     The novel business cards, key cards, or loyalty cards can be formed from plastic, cardboard with or without waterproof coatings, metal, combinations thereof, and the like. 
     Other types of cards can include, but are not limited to modifying debit cards, credit cards, and the like, into the novel invention cards. 
     This pop up business card by the inventor can further be characterized by information printed on the card that supplies the picture of an individual, or information about a business such as name and contact information. Part of the manufacturing process has cut(s) through the card. Another part of the manufacturing process can have perforations in the card. If the user of the card follows the directions the card can be folded, bent, and or pushed wherein the card has been transformed into a tool. This tool can be used to support a cellular phone or smart phone at an angle enabling the viewer to better see the screen. 
     Thus the novel card has two distinct purposes, (1) to supply information about a person or business and (2) motivate the receiver of the card to keep the card as it can later be used and reused as a tool to support their phone. Larger versions of the card can be produced to hold tablets. Cards can be folded into place, used to support the phone or tablet and thereafter be folded flat again and stored in a small place until needed again. 
     One of the marketing principals is that the card(s) can be purchased as gifts. The purchaser can order the card(s) with personal photos of any type, school and/or sports team emblems, corporate logos, and of course, information customarily on business cards, displayed on the novel card, and then given away, used as a hotel key card or business loyalty card. The cards can be ordered through a website and desired indicia information, such as but not limited to business card information, pictures, images, and any other type of indicia can be uploaded to the site. Alternatively, the customer can customize the cards by selecting pre-existing indicia information available on the website. Additional marketing can take place through retail stores, kiosks and the like, as well as any other type of ordering and customizing process. 
     Because the card contains such pictures or information and can also pop up to be used as a smart phone holder, it is theorized that the recipients will be motivated to KEEP IT. Current marketing strategies include a comical warning to purchasers that Keep it Cards are highly prone to be stolen. “Careful, if someone sees it they might KEEP IT”. 
     Two separate web sites can include KEEPITCARDS.com and KEEPITBUSINESSCARDS.COM. Keepitcards.com can be for all purchases other than business cards. Marketing on this site can also be comical and focusing on purchasers that want cards with pictures of pets, grandchildren, school or fraternity logos and colors, and the like. The novel cards can also be available preprinted with a large variety of generic photos appropriate for birthdays, holidays, Valentine&#39;s Day, and the like. 
     Keepitbusinesscards.com can be dedicated to the serious production of business cards, business logos. 
     Additional marketing can be accomplished by placing vending machines and/or kiosk in public locations where the purchaser can place a photo inside the vending machine and the photo will be copied on to a Keep it Card. The kiosks can include the capability of accessing a website for uploading indicia for the novel cards and/or selecting from indicia on the website. 
     Licensing agreements can be available wherein existing office supply stores will have the cards on hand and the ability to put any picture, and/or design and/or logo, and the like, the purchaser has on the card instantly at the store. The cards can also have selected sports team names, logos, and the like, imprinted thereon. 
     The novel cards can be easily converted into stands and mounts for portable electronics, such as but not limited to portable phones, smart phone iPODS®, clocks, cameras, as well as for supporting other objects, such as but not limited to pens, pencils, other business cards, or other documents, or photo frames. 
     While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.