Patent Publication Number: US-2015076297-A1

Title: Modular handle and stand for electronic devices

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/869,743 filed Aug. 25, 2013 and entitled “Detachable Handle for Camera or Smartphone,” the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The present invention relates to devices that are used to capture still images, or motion video. These devices, most notably cameras, smartphones, portable music players, and tablet computers are commonly equipped with image sensors and internal media storage for capturing and storing image data. Over time, these modern devices have been reduced in size. As a result they have become more difficult to hold comfortably over periods of time. With the growing obsolescence of traditional devices like camcorders and cameras that often included integrated gripping areas, the users of modern devices have collectively lost the much-needed handle feature that had once been used to firmly hold and point traditional image-capturing devices. 
     As not only image-capturing devices, but lightweight and pocket-sized accessories that also provide a growing percentage of our communication, the variety of these modern devices presents other unique needs such as the modularity to universally support multiple device types, a need for a small, portable, tripod-type solution that can fit in a pocket, and an integrated ability to recharge the internal batteries of such devices. 
     As can be seen, there is a need for a modular handle that may be removably attached to these various modern devices, creating the control of traditional devices, the modularity to universally support multiple device types, the ability to act as a tripod-type device while maintaining the portability and lightweight aspects of modern devices, and the option of housing a battery for device charging. 
     2. Related Art 
     Integrated and auxiliary handles have been employed for traditional video cameras for many years. These devices have been standardized around the ¼-20 threaded attachment screw and threaded insert that are commonly found on camera tripod-type devices. Some examples of these auxiliary devices can be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,585,849, and 5,121,147. Other thread-att45ached devices have included additional functionality such as the internal bipod disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,545,660. In theory, these devices may still be used as accessories for modern devices, but their proportion and weight make them undesirable for smaller, modern devices that do not include a camera tripod-type mounting interface. 
     Handle-like inventions that are intended for modern devices have been disclosed that feature device-specific connectivity, power port connections that are specifically for the purpose of remote control, include internal electronics and controls that integrate with smartphone applications via a wired or wireless connection, and require a case or enclosure for a given device to which a handle connection is then made. Some examples of these disclosures can be seen in U.S. Patent applications US20130005401 and US20140179372. Although these devices offer specialized electronics and control surfaces, they do not resolve the need for a modular, universal, and multi-position device that acts as a handle and a stand without the need for a standard tripod-threaded attachment, nor do they offer the inclusion of an optional charging battery. 
     SUMMARY 
     Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a modular handle and stand that may be removably attached to an image-capturing device such as a camera, smartphone, portable music player, or tablet computer. The present invention is comprised of a handle, interchangeable accessory heads that provide an adaptable means of functionality and support for multiple device types, a means of attaching the interchangeable accessory heads to the handle, and an attachment mechanism that allows the modular handle to be removably attached to a hosted device. 
     In another embodiment, the interchangeable accessory heads may removably attach directly to the handle component by friction, snap fit, tabs and slots, bolt(s), screw(s), other means suitable for removably attaching two components, or some combination of these. 
     In another embodiment, the interchangeable accessory heads may be removably attached to the handle component by an intermediary device such as a retaining cap. The retaining cap may be sized to removably connect within or around the handle with friction, snap fit, tabs and slots, bolt(s), screw(s), other means suitable for removably attaching two components, or some combination of these. A given interchangeable accessory head may then be inserted into or on to the retaining cap thereby removably joining the accessory head and the handle. 
     In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism may be comprised of a male mounting tab, or tabs, at either end or both ends of a handle, and a female receiver component, or components. A band, or bands, of an elastomeric, polymeric, or woven material may be used to removably attach some or all of the attachment mechanism to the hosted device. Some or all of the attachment mechanism could then remain attached to the hosted device after the handle itself is detached. 
     In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism may be comprised of a male mounting tab, or tabs, at either end or both ends of a handle, and a female receiver component, or components, removably attached to a device by a suction cup, or suction cups. 
     In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism may be comprised of a male mounting tab, or tabs, at either end or both ends of a handle, and a female receiver component, or components, removably attached to a device by a substrate suitable for sufficient adhesion. 
     In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism may be a male mounting tab, or tabs, at either end or both ends of a handle, removably attached directly to a device by a band, or bands. 
     In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism may be a male mounting tab, or tabs, at either end or both ends of a handle, removably attached directly to a device by a suction cup, or suction cups. 
     In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism may be a male mounting tab, or tabs, at either end or both ends of a handle, removably attached directly to a device by a substrate suitable for sufficient adhesion. 
     In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism may be a female receiver component that is integrated into a case or enclosure that is designed to removably enclose at least a portion of the electronic device. 
     In another embodiment, the modular handle interfaces with a linear accessory head that acts as a monopod or includes a fixed point of attachment. 
     In another embodiment, the modular handle interfaces with an accessory head that conforms to multiple positions. These positions allow the handle to fold into a configuration that allows the handle to be held in the hand or support an electronic device on a surface. 
     In another embodiment, the modular handle interfaces with a multiple accessory head that supports a plurality of devices such as smartphones, portable music players, tablets, cameras, or some combination of these. This accessory head may host the devices in tandem, one in front of the other, or in a stacked configuration to accommodate various device designs. 
     In another embodiment, the modular handle may include a removable battery. 
     In another embodiment, the modular handle interfaces with an accessory head that may include nested components, which slide one within another in a telescopic manner to allow the accessory head to be extended. 
     In another embodiment, the disclosed modular handle may include nested handle components, which slide one within another in a telescopic manner to allow the handle to be extended. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  displays a perspective view of an exemplary modular handle and stand with an attachment mechanism. 
         FIG. 2  displays a perspective view of an exemplary modular handle and stand with a detached attachment mechanism that is removably attached to a smartphone as a sample device. 
         FIG. 3  displays a perspective view of an exemplary modular handle and stand removably connected to an attachment mechanism, which is removably attached to a smartphone as a sample device. 
         FIG. 4  displays a perspective view of an exemplary attachment mechanism removably attached to a smartphone as a sample device. 
         FIG. 5  displays a perspective view of an exemplary modular handle and stand removably attached directly to a smartphone as a sample device. 
         FIG. 6  is a back view that illustrates the stand feature of an exemplary modular handle and stand in a 90-degree orientation with a removably joined attachment mechanism and handle removably attached to a smartphone as a sample device. 
         FIG. 7  is a back view that illustrates the stand feature of an exemplary modular handle and stand in a 90-degree orientation with a removably joined attachment mechanism attached to a smartphone as a sample device. 
         FIGS. 8-A , and  8 -B are back and side views respectively that illustrate the stand feature of an exemplary modular handle and stand in an upright, linear orientation with a removably joined attachment mechanism removably attached to a smartphone as a sample device. 
         FIGS. 9 and 9A  display exploded perspective views of an exemplary modular handle and stand with a removable battery. 
         FIG. 10  displays an exploded perspective view of an exemplary modular handle and stand with interchangeable mounting heads. 
         FIG. 11  displays a perspective view of an exemplary modular handle and stand with a multiple device mounting head, an encased smartphone, and an encased camera mounted in tandem. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The following description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
     Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference numerals, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the example embodiments herein. 
       FIG. 1  displays a perspective view of an exemplary modular handle and stand  100  and a detached attachment mechanism  200 . A handle  110  is shown connected to a multi-position accessory head  120 . A male mounting tab  130 , shown in a 90-degree orientation, with a release tab  140  is connected to multi-position accessory head  120  with pin  150 . Pin  150  allows the male mounting tab  130  to rotate to desired positions. Indexed protrusions on the outer surface of accessory head  120  may engage corresponding detents on the inner surface of male mounting tab  130 , or vice versa. The attachment mechanism  200  is shown with a female receiver component  215  and a female mounting slot  225 . As mounting tab  130  engages female mounting slot  225  of attachment mechanism  200 , release tab  140  compresses. When mounting tab  130  is fully engaged, release tab  140  decompresses, capturing male mounting tab  130  in female receiver component  215 , thereby removably attaching modular handle  100  to attachment mechanism  200 . An exemplary band  235  removably attaches the attachment mechanism  200  to an electronic device. 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  display perspective views of an exemplary modular handle and stand  100 , attachment mechanism  200 , and smartphone  300 . A handle  110  is shown connected to a multi-position accessory head  120  of modular handle and stand  100 . A male mounting tab  130 , shown in a  90 -degree orientation, with a release tab  140  is connected to multi-position accessory head  120  with pin  150 . The attachment mechanism  200  is shown with a female receiver component  215  and a female mounting slot  225 . Here, attachment mechanism  200  is connected to a smartphone  300  by exemplary band  235 .  FIG. 2  shows the modular handle and stand  100  detached from attachment mechanism  200  and smartphone  300 .  FIG. 3  shows the modular handle and stand  100  removably attached to attachment mechanism  200 , which is removably attached to smartphone  300 . 
       FIG. 4  displays a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of attachment mechanism  200  with smartphone  300 . Cutaways in attachment mechanism  200  reveal suction cup(s) or adhesive substrate(s)  245  that removably attach attachment mechanism  200  to smartphone  300 . 
       FIG. 5  displays a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of modular handle and stand  100  with smartphone  300 . Cutaways in mounting tab  130  of modular handle and stand  100  reveal suction cup(s) or adhesive substrate(s)  160  that removably attach mounting tab  130  directly to smartphone  300  without the need for an additional attachment mechanism. 
       FIG. 6  displays a back view of an exemplary modular handle and stand  100  and attachment mechanism  200 , with smartphone  300 . The drawing illustrates a single stand position of modular handle and stand  100 , allowing smartphone  300  to be placed in a vertical orientation on a surface. Handle  110  is shown with an attached multi-position accessory head  121  and retaining cap  115 . To achieve this position, indexed protrusions on the outer surface of accessory head  121  may engage corresponding detents on the inner surface of male mounting tab  130 , or vice versa. Male mounting tab  130 , in a 90-degree orientation, is fully inserted into female receiver component  215 , thereby engaging release tab  140 . Handle  110  is thereby removably attached to the female receiver component  215  of attachment mechanism  200 . Attachment mechanism  200  is removably attached to smartphone  300  by exemplary band  235 . 
       FIG. 7  displays a back view of an exemplary embodiment of modular handle and stand  100  and attachment mechanism  200 , with smartphone  300 . The drawing illustrates a single stand position of modular handle and stand  100 , allowing smartphone  300  to be placed in a horizontal orientation on a surface. Handle  110  is shown with an attached multi-position accessory head  121  and retaining cap  115 . To achieve this position, indexed protrusions on the outer surface of accessory head  121  may engage corresponding detents on the inner surface of male mounting tab  130 , or vice versa. Male mounting tab  130 , in a 90-degree orientation, is fully inserted into female receiver component  215 , thereby engaging release tab  140 . Handle  110  is thereby removably attached to the female receiver component  215  of attachment mechanism  200 . A cutaway in attachment mechanism  200  reveals that is removably attached to smartphone  300  by suction cup(s) or adhesive substrate(s)  245 . 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  are respectively back and side views of exemplary embodiments of modular handle and stand  100  and attachment mechanism  200 , shown with smartphone  300 . The drawings illustrate a single stand position of modular handle and stand  100 , allowing smartphone  300  to be raised vertically above a surface in a horizontal orientation. Handle  110  is shown with an attached multi-position accessory head  121  and retaining cap  115 . To achieve this position, indexed protrusions on the outer surface of accessory head  121  may engage corresponding detents on the inner surface of male mounting tab  130 , or vice versa. Male mounting tab  130 , in a vertical, linear orientation, is mated to attachment mechanism  200 . Handle  110  is thereby removably attached to attachment mechanism  200 . A cutaway in attachment mechanism  200  reveals that is removably attached to smartphone  300  by suction cup(s) or adhesive substrate(s)  245 . 
       FIG. 9  and inset  FIG. 9A  display exploded perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of modular handle and stand  100 . Handle  100  is shown with slot  111 . Retaining tab  116  of retaining cap  115  engages slot  111  of handle  110  to removably attach retaining cap  115  to handle  110 . As shown in inset  FIG. 9A , accessory head  170  engages aperture  119  in the top of retaining cap  115 . When the reversible mounting tabs  171  of accessory head  170  fully engage retaining cap  115 , female slots  172  engage male protrusion(s)  118  of accessory head retaining tab  117 . In this exemplary embodiment, individual accessory heads would share the common base structure that makes up the reversible mounting tabs  171 . Additionally, optional battery  180  and optional battery cable  181  are shown removed from the inner cavity of handle  110 . 
       FIG. 10  displays an exploded perspective view of an exemplary modular handle and stand  100  with a static interchangeable mounting head  170 , a multi-position interchangeable mounting head that is comprised of a multi-position accessory head  121 , male mounting tab  130  and pin  150 , and multiple device mount  190 . Each is shown with a release tab  140 . The disclosed modular system allows each of these modular accessories to be used interchangeably, each being inclusive of reversible female slots  172 , and each being removably captured as they are inserted into aperture  119  of retaining cap  115 . Retaining cap  115  is removably captured by handle  110  as retaining tab  116  engages slot  111 . Multi-position accessory head  121  and a male mounting tab  130  are joined by pin  150 . In this exemplary embodiment, indexed protrusions  122  on the outer surface of multi-position accessory head  121  may engage corresponding detents  131  on the inner surface of male mounting tab  130  thereby allowing male mounting tab  130  to rotate around pin  150  while indexing at predetermined angles. Referring now to multiple device mount  190 , the modular component is shown with an exemplary secondary mount  191  that used to attach a secondary device. The purpose of the dual mount is two-fold; a user may choose to use his or her primary device as an ancillary display for the secondary device, or simply use secondary mount  191  to hold the secondary device while using the primary and secondary devices independently. The disclosed accessory heads are not to be taken in a limiting sense as numerous adaptations can be made to accept any single device, or any combination of a plurality of devices. 
       FIG. 11  displays a perspective view of an exemplary modular handle and stand  100  attached to multiple device mount  190  by retaining cap  115 , a sample encased smartphone  400 , and a sample encased camera  500 . Such a configuration of an encased smartphone  400  as a primary device and an encased camera  500  as a secondary device allows the user of modular handle and stand  100  to use the invention is situations that may not be safe for the surfaces and electronics of unprotected devices. 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 1-11  there are many suitable materials, methods of manufacturing, and combinations of materials and methods of manufacturing that may be used in the construction of such a device. Although injection molded thermoplastics may be preferred for the primary components, the components may also be manufactured from machined plastics, other polymeric or elastomeric compounds, cast metals, machined metals, wood, or other suitable materials. Specific materials, or a combination of materials, may be selected for specific requirements such as form, weight, operational performance, longevity, texture, or any other purpose. 
     While the invention has been described with particular reference to the preferred embodiments, it is apparent that variations and modifications are possible within the purview of the inventive concepts. No limitation with respect to such variations and modifications is intended.