Mobile device accessory

An accessory for holding or supporting a portable device or portable device case is provided. The accessory has an engagement element for engaging a surface of the portable device, a base element movable relative to the engagement element, and a support structure linking the engagement element and the base element. The accessory has a first configuration in which the engagement element is adjacent the base element and wherein a thickness of the accessory corresponds to a thickness of the engagement element combined with the thickness of the base element, and a second configuration in which the engagement element is spaced apart from the base element by the support structure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is an accessory functioning as a stand or gripping device for a mobile device.

BACKGROUND

Large smartphones and other mobile devices are often viewed without a user holding them. Accordingly, there is a need for an accessory that can function as a stand for a mobile device while being portable and discreetly out of the way while not in use.

Further, as the smart phone and computer industry continues to provide phones and mobile devices with larger screens, resulting in larger smartphones and other portable devices, users have increasing difficulty using those larger smartphones with one hand. There is a need for a smartphone accessory that would enable a user to hold on to a phone with one hand and enable full use and mobility of the thumb to operate the phone, since the thumb is often the primary finger used to navigate smartphones functions and features.

There is a further need that such an accessory, whether providing a stand, a grip, or both, be adaptable to any mobile device regardless of whether such a mobile device is in a case.

SUMMARY

An accessory is provided for a portable device or portable device case comprising an engagement element for engaging a surface of a portable device, a base element movable relative to the engagement element, and a support structure linking the engagement element and the base element.

The accessory has a first configuration in which the engagement element is adjacent the base element and wherein a thickness of the accessory corresponds to a thickness of the engagement element combined with the thickness of the base element, and a second configuration in which the engagement element is spaced apart from the base element by the support structure.

Each of the engagement element and the base element typically has at least one substantially planar surface, wherein those planar surfaces face away from each other when in the first configuration.

In some embodiments, the engagement element is a linear element hinged relative to each of the engagement element and the base element. One of the base element or the engagement element has a pocket for storing the support structure when in the first configuration, such that it does not add thickness.

In some embodiments, the hinges may have hinges with checks for fixing the hinges in position when extended. Multiple checks may be provided to provide a variety of positions. The linear element may be hinged to the engagement and base elements at an eccentric location.

The engagement element may fix the accessory to the portable device, and/or the base element may fix the accessory to a support surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure describes the best mode or modes of practicing the invention as presently contemplated. This description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but provides an example of the invention presented solely for illustrative purposes by reference to the accompanying drawings to advise one of ordinary skill in the art of the advantages and construction of the invention. In the various views of the drawings, like reference characters designate like or similar parts.

FIGS. 1-8show an accessory100for a portable device110, such as a smartphone. The accessory100is shown in a first configuration inFIGS. 1-5, and in a second configuration inFIGS. 6-8. The accessory100enables a user of a smartphone110or other portable device to rest the device on an integrated stand or to operate even the largest device one-handed while minimizing its size when stored. To allow for this, the accessory100is designed to be stable in at least two configurations, the flattened configuration shown inFIGS. 1-5for when the device110is stored, and the extended configuration shown inFIGS. 6-8for when it is deployed.

The accessory100comprises an engagement element120for engaging a surface of the portable device110. While the discussion herein relates to an engagement element120for engaging a portable device110directly, it will be understood that such engagement may be by way of a phone case. The accessory further comprises a base element130that is movable relative to the engagement element120and a support structure140, visible only when the accessory is in the second configuration, that links the engagement element and the base element.

In the first configuration, the engagement element120is adjacent the base element130and the overall thickness of the accessory150is substantially equal to the combined thicknesses of the engagement element160aand the base element160b. In the second configuration, the engagement element120is spaced apart from the base element130by the support structure140.

As shown, the engagement element120and the base element130each typically have at least one substantially planar surface170,180, where the substantially planar surfaces face away from each other in the first configuration. The planar surface170of the engagement element120is for engaging with the mobile device110and may be provided with a permanent or semi-permanent fixation mechanism, such as tape, or glue, for bonding the engagement element to the mobile device. Alternatively, the planar surface170may be provided with a temporary fixation mechanism, such as a gripping surface or a suction cup in order to temporary apply the mobile device110to the accessory100, such as when in use as a stand for the mobile device.

The planar surface180of the base element130is for engaging with a surface external to the device, such as on a table or wall. Accordingly, the planar surface180of the base element130may be similarly provided with a permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary fixation element for mounting the device at a specified location. In some embodiments, the base element130may be permanently fixed to surface and the planar surface170of the engagement element120may be a gripping surface, such that the accessory100is always available at a specific location as a stand.

The engagement element120and the base element130each may take the form of substantially planar circular disks, as shown. Alternatively, other configurations may be used. For example, the engagement element120may take the form of the back surface of a mobile device case, or either surface may take the form of some other design, such as a corporate logo.

As shown, the support structure140may be a linear element hinged relative to each of the engagement element120and the base element130. Accordingly, the linear element may be fixed to each element with corresponding hinges200a, b. The base element is provided with a pocket210, typically taking the form of a channel, for storing the support structure140when folded. As shown, the pocket210may be sized to fit the support structure140along with the corresponding hinges200a, b, such that when in the first configuration, the engagement element120can lay flat against the base element130.

While the support structure140is shown as a linear element, it may take a wide variety of forms. Further, in some embodiments, the base element130and the engagement element120may be rotatable relative to each other in one or both of the first configuration and second configuration. Accordingly, a portion of the engagement element120and/or the base element may rotate relative to a fixation point of the support structure.

While shown and described in the base element130, it will be understood that the pocket210may similarly be provided in the engagement element120or partially incorporated into both elements. As shown, the support structure140may be hinged at a point of each of the engagement element120and the base element130offset from a center point of the corresponding element. Accordingly, the support structure140is hinged to the surface eccentrically, allowing significant flexibility in the angles of the elements relative to each other.

FIGS. 9 and 10show the accessory100fixed to a mobile device110. The accessory100is shown in the first configuration inFIG. 9, and in the second configuration inFIG. 10. As shown, when in the first configuration, the accessory100has a minimal thickness150, and therefore would not prevent the mobile device110from being placed, for example, in a pocket. In the second configuration, the accessory100is expanded and may be used as a stand for the mobile device110. Alternatively, it may be used as a mechanism for easily gripping the mobile device110where a user locates the support structure140between two fingers of his hand.

The hinges200a, bmay be provided with checks220for allowing the hinges and the support structure140to be fixed in specified positions when extended. Accordingly, when in the second configuration, the hinges200a, bmay be configured to retain a smartphone at a specified angle as shown inFIG. 10. Further, the accessory100may be provided with multiple checks220in the hinges200a, bsuch that additional angles, such as those shown inFIGS. 11A and 11Bare possible and may be stable. These may include, for example, distinct angles for using the accessory100as a mobile device stand and for using it as a gripping accessory.

While the figures show the accessory100placed on a table, it may also be mounted on a wall, as discussed above. Such a configuration may be provided with additional angles provided as stable orientations in order to support such wall mounting.

FIG. 12shows a user holding a mobile device110by gripping the accessory100in its second configuration, with the support structure140between two fingers of his hand, and with the base element130behind the user's hand.