Abstract:
A flexible stand for an electronic reading device allows hands-free support with infinitely adjustable positioning in three dimensions plus an additional degree of pivot-ability. Using flexible tubing (gooseneck tubing) of two of more degrees of flexibility allows a stiffer portion to act as a stable but grossly repositionable base. In a complementary fashion, a more flexible portion proximal to the supported reading device allows for ready fine positioning. 
     In addition a pivot joint provides for altering the plane of the viewing screen in an additional freedom of movement not easily provided by the flexible tubes.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application 61/392,903, filed Oct. 13, 2010, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to a positionally adjustable support for electronic reading and viewing devices and support of other objects that provide a source of information or entertainment. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    When reading for prolonged periods of time people continually change positions, slightly or significantly. This requires that the position of the reading material be adjusted as well such that a comfortable focal length and orientation of the reading material to the eyes is maintained. When holding a book, or an electronic book, normally such positional adjustment occurs naturally and without thought. There are situations in which attaining and maintaining a comfortable reading position can be difficult. 
         [0004]    Portable viewable devices that are normally handheld such as visual display electronic devices, e.g. the Kindle, the iPad, similar computers, and electronic readers depend upon the user to hold the device at the appropriate position. This typically means that one&#39;s hands are not free for some other activity. For some handicapped persons these devices are either not usable or very inconvenient to use. A variety of holders have been proposed including one described in published U.S. utility application 2008/0087789, Haynes. Although primarily for books, Haynes teaches a flexible reading stand constructed from a flexible tube, also called a “gooseneck” tube. While that teaching solves some of the above issues it forces a trade-off between supporting strength and ease of repositioning. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Some embodiments consistent with the teachings herein include reading stands comprised of tubes having different degrees of flexibility along their length. A more flexible type of tubing can be used close to the position of the viewing screen to allow convenient fine repositioning and orienting of the reading surface. A less flexible tubing can be used for most other portions of a stand to provide for a stronger overall support. Some versions can hold books. Some versions can have bases, clamps, and other anchoring structures. Still other versions can be self-standing supported by the partial coiling of relatively inflexible, flexible tubing at the distal end. Embodiments can include detachable portions, continuous tubing of varying stiffness, and can include multiple tubes of different characteristics coupled to one another. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  shows a first example stand embodiment in a perspective view; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of the first example embodiment; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  shows the first example unit showing an electronic book reader being inserted; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the back of the first example unit; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  shows the rear view of a stand that is a variation of the stand of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is the partial, exploded, perspective view of the tube-to-holder attachment of the unit of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a region of  FIG. 5  showing an alternate upper-tube-to-lower-tube coupling; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 8A-8D  are perspective drawings of the unit of  FIG. 1  in various usage orientations; 
           [0014]      FIG. 8E  is an alternate “landscape” variation of the unit of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  shows a user grasping the lower, stiffer, tubing in making a gross repositioning; 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  shows a user grasping the holder portion to make a fine repositioning; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 11-16  are pictorial representations of various usage modes of the unit of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a second example ebook stand; 
           [0019]      FIG. 18  is an exploded view of a region of  FIG. 17  showing its quick disconnect coupling; 
           [0020]      FIG. 19  is the unit of  FIG. 17  in which the lower thicker tube has been disconnected; 
           [0021]      FIG. 20  shows a third example stand with externally uniform tubing; 
           [0022]      FIG. 21  is an expanded, partial cutaway, view of a region of  FIG. 20  along the line  21 - 21 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 22  is a front perspective view of an alternate holder that accommodates readers of varying widths; 
           [0024]      FIG. 23  shows a rear perspective view of the unit of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 24A  shows a fourth example unit designed to accommodate a smaller size device; 
           [0026]      FIG. 24B  shows the unit of  FIG. 24A  with a small device in it; 
           [0027]      FIG. 25  shows a perspective view of an alternate holder seen from the rear; 
           [0028]      FIG. 26  shows a version of a stand with a fabric sleeve over the tube. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    Embodiments of the teachings herein can have a holder portion and a stand portion. 
       FIRST EXAMPLE  
       [0030]    As shown in the example embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the stand portion can be constructed of two distinct tube portions each of a different diameter and a different degree of flexibility. The tube portion  101  closer to the holder  130  is of thinner, more flexible tubing, while the remainder of the tubing  100  has a reduced degree of flexibility in order to provide a stable base region  102  and sturdy stand region  103 . 
         [0031]    One source for tubing as shown in  FIG. 1  is Spiral Metal Products Division of Uniprise International, Inc. located in Terryville, Conn., which offers flexible metal tubing in diameters from less than ¼″ to over ½″. They rate degrees of flexibility in terms of a tube&#39;s minimum bend radius. Those offered include tubes ranging from a bend radius of 1″ to 6″. Another source is Vermont Flexible Tubing Company of Lyndonville, Vt., that offers a similar product range. 
         [0032]    In the exploded view of  FIG. 2 , this first example version is clearly seen to comprise two distinct lengths of tubing types. One is thicker and stiffer  100  the other is thinner and more flexible  101 . They are interconnected by a short threaded tube  600 , extending from the upper fitting  601  that is screwed into a threaded receptacle  111  comprising the lower fitting. As shown, they are prevented from unscrewing by a setscrew  52 . Alternatively, a thread locking substance can be used. The holder  130  shown in this version is particularly adapted for holding a thin electronic book reader  112 . The holder in this version is of a fixed size appropriate to snuggly accept the book reader as it is slid in from above as seen in  FIG. 3 . Also depicted in  FIG. 3  are arrays of small holes  125  designed to align with speakers in the rear of the book reader. In some versions a snug fit is provided by a portion of the holder comprising an elastomeric material. It is constituted so as to provide a friction fit that is readily overcomeable during insertion and removal of an ebook reader. This might be by a flat pad or by dots or strips of an elastomeric material. 
         [0033]    As seen in the partial, expanded rear view of  FIG. 4 , the holder  130  is held to the proximate portion of the tube by a pivotable joint  126 . In this example the joint provides a degree of friction that allows ready pivoting by a user but is sufficient to hold the moment of the holder and the held electronic reader that it is designed to accommodate. Also shown in this figure is a charging cord  129  plugged into the ebook through an optional opening (not visible in this view) in the bottom of the holder. A holder can be comprised of injection molded plastic parts or can be constructed of metal or other suitable materials. 
         [0034]    An alternate coupling  128  of a holder  130 ′ to tubing is shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 . In this version, a locking knob  127  is provided to allow variation in the joint&#39;s friction. The tube  101  is terminated in an end  140  with an upside down frustum-shaped upper portion  143 . That upper portion is clamped between a block  142  that holds the locking knob and a second block  141  attached to the rear of the holder. Due to the complimentary shapes of the interior of the blocks, pivoting is provided for. Tightening the locking knob holds it in position. Stands designed to support heavier objects might benefit from this approach. 
         [0035]    An alternate connection of a thinner, more flexible tube  101 ′ and a thicker, less flexible tube  100 ′ is seen exploded and expanded in  FIG. 7 . In this interconnection a setscrew  152  is used to mutually secure the two tubes  100 ′  101 ′. These tubes are coupled to each other by corresponding male  150  and female  151  squared connecting features. 
         [0036]    Several illustrations of this first example are seen in  FIGS. 8A-8D . An alternate version is seen in use in  FIG. 8E . This figure shows a holder in a landscape position. The version depicted in  FIG. 8E  could be provided for by a swivel capability in the tube-to-holder connection of the first example. In this case the swivel would be more centered on the holder. Alternatively, the teachings herein are broad enough to encompass a holder variation with a landscape orientation for some ebook readers. Shown in  FIG. 8D , the reader is turned approximately 90 degrees from its orientation in  FIG. 8C  and is in a position suitable for reading while lying down on one&#39;s side. 
         [0037]    A gross positioning adjustment of the first example is illustrated in  FIG. 9 . The user is shown grasping the less flexible tubing  100  with one hand. This allows general positioning by flexing the lower tube.  FIG. 10  depicts a fine adjustment. It shows the user moving the holder  130  by grasping the side of it with one hand. This allows flexing the upper tube. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 11-16  show the flexibility of applications of an example embodiment stand in a variety of possible positions.  FIG. 11  shows a person sitting on a couch reading with a portion of the tubing under the cushion  160  of the couch.  FIG. 12  shows a person reading in bed with a portion of the tubing under the mattress  161 . In  FIGS. 13 and 14  a person is reading in bed with the stand shown in various positions.  FIGS. 15 and 16  show a person reading in a beach chair with the stand in various positions. Versions of a holder may also have provisions for integral sunshade flaps or a visor for use outdoors. 
       VARIATIONS OF THE FIRST EXAMPLE  
       [0039]    Some embodiments can have more than two tube portions of more than two degrees of flexibility. A very long stand might have three sections of increasing stiffness and heaviness as it descends. 
       SECOND EXAMPLE  
       [0040]    The second example stand, seen in  FIG. 17 , is also a self-supporting unit and has a thicker tube portion  100 ″ coiled to form a base at its distal end. With an adequate base formed by a portion of a tube, embodiments of this version may have no need for a further base structure. This example is also comprised of two connected tubes, the thicker, less flexible tube mentioned above and a thinner, more flexible tube  101 ″. However they are readily user-detachable by pressing a spring-loaded button  172  as seen in the exploded partial view of  FIG. 18 . The more flexible upper tube portion is relatively long with the joint between more flexible and less flexible tubes essentially further down the stand. It has a squared male end  170  with a spring-loaded ball  173  in the thicker section  100 ″. The complementary female connection  171  is in the thinner tube  101 ″. This tube also has the release button  172 . This detachability feature and the longer upper tube  101 ″ can provide for additional usage options. For example, when the lower tube  100 ″ is removed, the stand with just the upper more flexible portion can be used as a tabletop stand as seen in  FIG. 19 . 
       VARIATION OF THE SECOND EXAMPLE  
       [0041]    Various alternate extensions might be used with the quick-connect system of  FIGS. 17-19 . A heavy base, general-purpose clamp, or a special purpose adapter for mounting in a specific application, might have a compatible quick-connect fitting to which the tube  101 ″ is attachable. 
         [0042]    Flexibility 
         [0043]    Although the more flexible tube is shown in the various drawings included herein as thinner than the less flexible tube, in fact these tubes are produced in a wide range of diameter and degree of flexibility. Therefore, some embodiments can have upper tubes and lower tubes of a common diameter but differing degrees of flexibility. 
       THIRD EXAMPLE  
       [0044]    Rather than vary the degree of stiffness/flexibility by discrete, interconnected tubes, other embodiments can use a more integral approach. Shown in  FIG. 20  in a usage position, a tube  200  is externally continuous with a uniform diameter. 
         [0045]    As seen in  FIG. 21  the tube  200  is shown in section that has a solid flexible wire  160  within it. The solid flexible wire extends to a position that represents part of total length of the exterior  250 . This configuration provides a tube that has a varying flexibility from stiff at its distal end  251  to more flexible at its proximal end  252  even though the exterior flexible tubing itself is uniform from end to end. 
         [0046]    As well as stiffness, the uniformly relatively thin tube of this example may also include additional weight in the most distal portions to contribute to its function as a base. Optionally lead or other material might be included. 
         [0047]    Alternate Holder 
         [0048]    The holder  300  seen in  FIGS. 22 and 23  is shown with an upper pair of notches  308 ′ and a lower pair of notches  308 . The holder can be constructed of three generally planar plastic parts. The holder&#39;s base  307  has a front lip  304  and two alternate locations for slide pieces  301   302  to be attached. The book reader is captured between the two sliding side pieces that have mutual tension provided by an elastomeric strap  306  (seen on the rear side of the holder in  FIG. 23 ). As shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the sliding pieces are installed in the lower notches  308 . In this version, the sliding pieces could also be repositioned to the upper notches  308 ′. Alternate positions can provide for access to controls that may be placed in different areas of various devices. The holder also has a pivotable joint  305  for connecting to a flexible tube. 
       FOURTH EXAMPLE  
       [0049]      FIGS. 24A and 24B  show a version with a small holder  310  adapted for use with an iPod or similar sized device. The upper portion  313  of the base  317  is shown in  FIG. 24B  in a bent-back position for the insertion or removal of a portable device  311 . In this version the device also has retaining sides  314   315 . The holder also connects to a flexible tubing  312  as seen in  FIG. 24B . 
         [0050]    An alternate holder  230  is shown in  FIG. 25 . It attaches to the back of an ebook  234  via a suction cup portion  231 . Since that attachment might not be robust enough to allow fine repositioning by grasping the ebook reader itself, handles  232  are provided at the base  233  of the holder for repositioning. 
         [0051]      FIG. 26  shows an embodiment of a unit similar to that of  FIG. 1  however, the tubes are covered with a fabric sleeve  320 . Such coverings could protect the tubing and joints from sand and water when used at the beach, for example. For protection, the sleeve might be composed of polychloroprene or other synthetic rubber. Sleeves can also be decorative. Decorative sleeves can be composed of a wide variety of fabric types and patterns. Other versions might have all or portions of their tubes covered with a shrink wrap tubing or coated with a protective or a decorative substance. 
         [0052]    Those skilled in the art will be aware of materials, techniques and equipment suitable to produce the example embodiments presented as well as variations on the those examples. This teaching is presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiments and versions help to explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand it. Various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular application contemplated are expected. 
         [0053]    In the following claims, the words “a” and “an” should be taken to mean “at least one” in all cases, even if the wording “at least one” appears in one or more claims explicitly. The scope of the invention is set out in the claims below.