Mobile device case with a spring loaded stand

An apparatus and/or systems related to a case for a mobile device. A protective case may include a stand portion which slides out to an open position for propping up the mobile device at a predetermined angle for viewing by a user. The stand portion has springs which hold the stand portion in the open position or a closed position. As the user switches the viewing orientation of the mobile device (e.g., by physically rotating the mobile device 90 degrees), the stand portion continues to prop up the mobile device at the predetermined angle.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and/or systems related to a protective case or shell for a mobile device. The case may include a stand portion for propping up the mobile device for viewing by a user.

2. Description of Related Art

Mobile devices such as smartphones, tablet computers and the like are gaining widespread popularity. For example, millions of the Apple® iPhone® and the Apple® iPad® have been sold to date. The success of other major competitors such as Motorola®, Samsung®, HTC®, etc. only further confirms that consumers have adopted mobile devices. Consumers wish to protect and enhance the functionality of their products. Accordingly, manufacturers have produced different cases and other accessories to help the consumer keep their mobile devices safe.

However, certain of these cases do not allow a user to prop up the mobile device for hands-free viewing at a comfortable angle. Other cases which allow the user to prop up the mobile device are overly-complicated or unstable and require the user to test the various angles provided to determine a suitable angle which is both time consuming and requires significant effort on the part of the user. Other cases which allow the user to prop up the mobile device at a pre-defined, desired angle do not maintain the angle when the user switches orientation of the mobile device (e.g., changing the view from a “portrait-style” to a “landscape-style” by simply rotating the mobile device).

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and/or systems related to a case for a mobile device. The case may include a pull-out stand portion for propping up the mobile device at a predetermined angle for viewing by a user. As the user switches the viewing orientation of the mobile device (e.g., by physically rotating the mobile device 90 degrees), the pull-out stand continues to prop up the mobile device at the predetermined angle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Apparatus, systems and/or methods that implement the implementations of the various features of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate some implementations of the present disclosure and not to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements.

FIG. 1Aillustrates an exemplary implementation of a protective case100housing a mobile device130by substantially covering the entire mobile device130except for the screen side and providing cutout portions to allow for access to certain portions of the mobile device130(e.g., a camera lens, various ports, switches, and the like). More particularly, the protective case100includes a top side105, a bottom side110, a left side115, a right side120and a back side135while leaving the front side140available for viewing by the user. The protective case100further includes a stand portion125.

FIG. 1Billustrates a side view of the right side120of the protective case100. When the stand portion125is in an open position, the protective case100props up the mobile device130on a flat surface at a predetermined viewing angle. InFIG. 1B, the mobile device130is placed in a “portrait-style” orientation, advantageously providing a viewing angle of approximately 60 degrees (e.g., between about 50 degrees to about 70 degrees). The stand portion125includes a sliding plate126attached to a pivoting plate127at a hinge128. When the stand portion125is engaged in the portrait-style orientation, only the bottom side110and the hinge128contact the flat surface. The bottom side110of the protective case100provides a stable contact point for propping up the mobile device130. In addition, the hinge128advantageously provides a stronger, more stable contact point than a single kickstand structure because the hinge128is further supported by the sliding plate126and the pivoting plate127which may be held together by a pin, such as a pin190inFIG. 1G. In addition, the hinge128advantageously provides stability because the entire width of the hinge128serves as the contact point.

The mobile device130may be placed in a “landscape-style” orientation by rotating the protective case100and the mobile device130clockwise or counterclockwise by 90 degrees. InFIG. 1C, the protective case100and the mobile device130seen inFIG. 1Ahave been rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise. The protective case100still allows the user to view the mobile device130substantially at the same viewing angle of approximately 60 degrees (e.g., between about 50 degrees to about 70 degrees). The left side115provides a broad and stable contact point. Alternatively, the right side120may provide the contact point, if the mobile device130was placed in the opposite landscape-style orientation. The hinge128again provides a contact point which is stronger and more stable than a single kickstand structure as it is supported by at least the sliding plate126and the pivoting plate127as well as the pin190. Moreover, the use of two plates joined at a hinge reduces the likelihood of the stand portion125buckling under the weight of the protective case100and the mobile device130. In this manner, the user may continue to view the mobile device130at the desirable 60 degree viewing angle without having to reposition himself.

FIGS. 1D-1to1D-6illustrate various angles of the protective case100without the mobile device130.FIG. 1D-1presents a right side view of the protective case100.FIG. 1D-2presents a back view of the protective case100.FIG. 1D-3presents a left side view of the protective case100.FIG. 1D-4presents a front view of the protective case100.FIG. 1D-5presents a top view of the protective case100.FIG. 1D-6presents a bottom view of the protective case100. As seen inFIG. 1D-2, the back side135has a camera hole180. Further seen inFIG. 1D-2, a stand receiving portion150is partially exposed when the stand portion125is in the open position. The sliding plate126slides along parallel tracks160(not visible inFIG. 1D-2, seeFIG. 1F) until a non-pivot edge136of the sliding plate126is engaged. The sliding plate126is engaged by springs145and146, described further below. The sliding plate126may optionally be engaged by a stopper165, integrated on the stand receiving portion150.

To retract the stand portion125back into the stand receiving portion150, the user may maneuver the non-pivot edge136past the stopper165. For example, the user may slightly lift the non-pivot edge136to disengage the stopper165, which also disengages the springs145and146. Once the non-pivot edge136is no longer engaged, the sliding plate126may slide towards the top side105, and the pivoting plate127may pivot along a pivot edge133. When fully retracted, the sliding plate126and the pivoting plate127flatten and become parallel with the back surface135.

FIGS. 1E-2illustrates the stand portion125flattened against the back side135and covering the stand receiving portion150to provide the user with a substantially flat back surface when the user no longer wishes to utilize the stand functionality. The stand portion125fully retracts into the stand receiving portion150so as not to impede the user's operation of the mobile device130.FIGS. 1E-1to1E-6present various views of the protective case100having the stand portion125closed. Specifically,FIG. 1E-1presents a right side view of the protective case100.FIG. 1E-2presents a back view of the protective case100.FIG. 1E-3presents a left side view of the protective case100.FIG. 1E-4presents a front view of the protective case100.FIG. 1E-5presents a top view of the protective case100.FIG. 1E-6presents a bottom view of the protective case100.

FIG. 1Fillustrates an exploded view of the protective case100. The stand portion125includes the sliding plate126and the pivoting plate127, which are held together and form the hinge128with a pin190. The non-pivot edge136of the sliding plate126houses the left spring145and the right spring146.

The protective case100includes an indent147leading to an opening148, which houses the stand receiving portion150. The opening148further defines pivot grooves131for providing a pivot axis for the pivoting plate127. The stand receiving portion150includes closing notches129, engaging notches144, the parallel tracks160, and the stopper165. The parallel tracks160may form sidewalls of the stand receiving portion150.

The protective case100, the sliding plate126, the pivoting plate127, and the stand receiving portion150are made of a protective material. The protective case100, the sliding plate126, the pivoting plate127, and the stand receiving portion150may be made of polycarbonate, or other suitable materials. The exterior surfaces of the protective case100, the sliding plate126, and the pivoting plate127may also be patterned to provide additional grip as well as aesthetic design. The left spring145, the right spring146, and the pin190may be made of a durable material, such as metal.

FIGS. 2A-2Fillustrate the operation of the kickstand. Portions of the stand receiving portion150are rendered transparent to depict the operation of the springs145and146. FIGS.2A-1to2A-4depict the protective case100having the stand portion125closed.FIG. 2A-1presents a back view of the protective case100.FIG. 2A-2presents a left side view of the protective case100.FIG. 2A-3presents a front view of the protective case100, with portions of the stand receiving portion150rendered invisible to show the operation of the springs145and146.FIG. 2A-4presents a front view of the protective case100taken from the2A-4-2A-4line inFIG. 2A-2. The stand portion125is held closed by the springs145and146engaging the closing notches129.

FIG. 2Billustrates a zoomed in view of the right spring146engaging the closing notch129, as seen inFIG. 2A-4. The springs145and146flare out laterally, e.g. generally perpendicular to the direction the sliding plate126slides. When engaged in the closing notches129, the springs145and146have space provided by the closing notches129to flare out, such that there is no compression in the springs145and146. The springs145and146hold the stand portion125closed because the springs145and146must be compressed for the sliding plate126to slide down. In addition, when the user closes the stand portion125, the engagement of the springs145and146produces a smoother click action.

To open the stand portion125, the user may push against the sliding plate126at the indent147. The indent147gives the user enough space for his finger to push against the sliding plate126and disengage the springs145and146from the closing notches129. The springs145and146further include a curved portion142, seen inFIG. 2B. The curved portion142allows the springs145and146to smoothly slide out of the slope of the closing notches129without being caught on any edges of the closing notches129.

FIGS. 2C-1to2C-4illustrate the stand portion125partially opened.FIG. 2C-1presents a back view of the protective case100.FIG. 2C-2presents a left side view of the protective case100.FIG. 2C-3presents a front view of the protective case100, with portions of the stand receiving portion150rendered invisible to show the operation of the springs145and146.FIG. 2C-4presents a front view of the protective case100taken from the2C-4-2C-4line inFIG. 2C-2. As the sliding plate126swings out, the springs145and146remain relatively flat against the stand receiving portion150. As seen inFIG. 2D, springs145and146also include pivot portions143. The sliding plate126receives the pivot portions143to allow the sliding plate126to swing out without being stopped by the springs145and146.

The springs145and146are deflected inward by the parallel tracks160, creating some compression in the springs145and146. This compression is not too great to prevent the user from sliding the stand portion125, but creates enough friction such that the stand portion125does not loosely swing between the open and closed positions.

FIGS. 2E-1to2E-4illustrate the stand portion125in the open position.FIG. 2E-1presents a back view of the protective case100.FIG. 2E-2presents a left side view of the protective case100.FIG. 2E-3presents a front view of the protective case100, with portions of the stand receiving portion150rendered invisible to show the operation of the springs145and146.FIG. 2E-4presents a front view of the protective case100taken from the2E-4-2E-4line inFIG. 2E-2. The springs145and146engage the closing notches129. The closing notches129have a shape corresponding to the shape of the springs145and146. As seen inFIG. 2F, the closing notches129generally follow the shape of the curved portions142of the springs145and146. The flat wall141of the closing notch129prevents the spring146from sliding further, which locks the stand portion125into the appropriate angle. When engaged in the engaging notches144, the springs145and146have room to flare out without being deflected inward. The springs145and146prevent the stand portion125from closing because the springs145and146must compress for the sliding plate126to slide up. To close the stand portion125, the user can use a finger to release the sliding plate126from the stopper165(not visible inFIG. 2E), and disengage the springs145and146from the engaging notches144.

FIGS. 3A-3Cillustrates a sliding plate226, which may, in one implementation, be the sliding plate126ofFIG. 1F.FIG. 3Adepicts an outer surface of the sliding plate226. As shown inFIG. 3A, the sliding plate226is flat, thin and rectangular shaped. The sliding plate226includes a pair of outer hinge portions275, which are spaced apart and defining therebetween an inner hinge receiving portion239on a pivot edge234. As illustrated inFIGS. 3B and 3C, the outer hinge portions275may appear to protrude in the direction of an inner surface of the sliding plate226and, in one or more implementations may actually incorporate hooks or hook-like devices. Moreover, in certain implementations, the outer hinge portions275may have a hole or similar opening for the pin190to extend through the outer hinge portions275.

FIG. 3Bshows an inner surface of the sliding plate226. The sliding plate226includes a pair of grooves270on a non-pivot edge236. The grooves270receive the pivot portions143of the springs145and146. The inner surface of the sliding plate226includes a small groove277. The small groove277is located such that it receives the stopper165when the sliding plate226is in the closed position, allowing the sliding plate226to fully retract and lay flat against the back side135.

FIGS. 3D-3Fillustrates a pivoting plate227, which may, in one implementation, be the pivoting plate127ofFIG. 1F. As shown inFIG. 3D, the pivoting plate227is flat, thin and rectangular shaped. Moreover, the pivoting plate227is shorter than the sliding plate226in order to achieve the desired viewing angle when the stand portion125is in the open position. The pivoting plate227includes a pair of pivot teeth228protruding from the pivoting plate227near a pivot edge244. The pivot teeth228may, in one implementation, be inserted into pivot grooves131inFIG. 1Fto allow the pivoting plate227to pivot between the closed position (where the pivoting plate227is substantially parallel and flat against the back side135of the protective case100) and the open position (where the pivoting plate227is nearly perpendicular to the surface of the back side135).

A hinge edge246is opposite the pivot edge244. Near the hinge edge246, the pivoting plate227includes an inner hinge portion276. In one implementation, the inner hinge portion276may be longer than the inner hinge receive portion239ofFIG. 3Aand may further include hooks (not shown). In this manner, the inner hinge portion276substantially fills the inner hinge receiving portion239ofFIG. 3Aand is enabled to engage and mate with the outer hinge portion275ofFIG. 3Ato substantially form a hinge, such as the hinge128. Further, the pin190may be configured to extend through the outer hinge portions275and the inner hinge portion276to strengthen the hinge128without restricting or limiting its movement. The hinge128allows the sliding plate226and the pivoting plate227to flatten out to the closed position (such that both the sliding plate226and the pivoting plate227are substantially parallel, flat and housed within the stand receiving portion250) or be brought together such that they form an acute angle (e.g., a 40 degree to 50 degree angle) which enables the protective case100to sit at an approximately a 60 degree angle regardless of the orientation of the protective case100. Other mating techniques for forming hinges known in the art may also be substituted and are within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 3Eshows an inner surface of the pivoting plate227.FIG. 3Fshows a side view of the pivoting plate227. As illustrated inFIGS. 3E and 3F, the inner hinge portion276may appear to protrude in the direction of an inner surface of the pivoting plate227and, in one or more implementations may actually incorporate hooks or hook-like devices. Moreover, in certain implementations, the inner hinge portion276may have a hole or similar opening for the pin190to extend through the inner hinge portion276.

In one implementation, the sliding plate226may be about 54 millimeters (mm) by about 26 mm, and the pivoting plate227may be about 27 mm by about 26 mm. The stand receiving portion250may be about 81 mm by about 26 mm. The dimensions and ratios thereof allow the sliding plate226and the pivoting plate227to fit within the stand receiving portion250while providing the desirable, consistent viewing angle regardless of the orientation.

Furthermore, the protective case100may be constructed out of PC-110 which prevents shrinking, distortion or other undesirable defects. The outer surfaces of the protective case100, in particular the back side135and the outer surfaces of the sliding plate126and the pivoting plate127, may be textured or patterned for added grip.

The dimensions and materials discussed herein are only an example and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the dimensions possible are limitless.

Certain implementations have been disclosed to clarify the concepts including the above structural configurations. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that an endless number of implementations may be performed with the concepts herein.

Furthermore, certain references have been made to patents and printed publications throughout this specification. Each of the above-cited references and printed publications are individually incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In closing, it is to be understood that the implementations of the disclosure disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure. Other modifications that may be employed are within the scope of the disclosure. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations of the present disclosure may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to that precisely as shown and described.