Abstract:
A novel display stand is described. The display stand includes: (i) a housing; and (ii) a supporting frame retractable from the housing; and wherein when the supporting frame is retracted from the housing, and in an operational state of the display stand, the supporting frame contacts the housing and is immobilized with respect to the housing.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application having Ser. No. 61/801,534, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to display stands. More particularly, the present invention relates to portable and adjustable display stands for PC tablets, e-readers, smartphones, video displays, artwork, photographs, or the like. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The recent and expanding popularity of mobile electronic devices such as PC tablets (including iPads), e-readers, smartphones, and video displays has created a need for stands to display such devices when in use. Unfortunately, conventional display stand designs often lack stability, adjustability, and/or portability. What is therefore needed are novel display stand systems that are stable, adjustable, and portable. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In view of the foregoing, this invention provides designs for display stands that are stable, adjustable, and portable. 
         [0005]    In one aspect, the present arrangement provides a display stand. The display includes a housing and a supporting frame retractable from the housing; and wherein when the supporting frame is retracted from the housing, and in an operational state of the display stand, the supporting frame contacts the housing and is immobilized with respect to the housing. In preferred embodiments of the present arrangements, the display stand further includes a retractable sub-assembly that includes the supporting frame, wherein the retractable sub-assembly is retractable from the housing. 
         [0006]    In preferred embodiments of the present arrangement, the display stand includes one or more rails retractable from the housing, wherein the one or more rails is coupled on a first end to the housing and on a second end to the retractable sub-assembly. Preferably, the display stand includes a base that is disposed at a bottom part of the retractable sub-assembly and is coupled to the rails, preferably rotatably engaged using a pin convection. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, however, the supporting frame is rotatably engaged with the base of the retractable sub-assembly, preferably using a pin connection. 
         [0007]    The display stand also preferably includes a bottom support, which is part of the retractable sub-assembly and is coupled to the supporting frame to stabilize a device positioned on the retractable sub-assembly, preferably a PC tablet, an e-reader, a smartphone, or a video display. Preferably, the bottom support is rotatably engaged with the supporting frame of the retractable sub-assembly, preferably using a pin connection, and in an operational state of the bottom support, the bottom support is positioned above the base. In alternate embodiments of the present arrangement, however, the bottom support is rotatably engaged with the base using a pin connection. 
         [0008]    In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, the display stand further includes one or more grooves disposed inside the housing and each of the one or more grooves is designed to secure the one or more rails; and one or more rail blockers disposed inside the housing and designed to prevent discoupling of the one or more rails from the one or more grooves. 
         [0009]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present arrangements, the display stand also includes one or more horizontal ridges, each of the horizontal ridges being substantially parallel to each other and displaced on a back side of the supporting frame and designed to engage with the housing in an operational state of the display stand such that the supporting frame is immobilized with respect to the housing. In preferred embodiments of the present arrangements, the housing includes a stopper disposed on a top surface of the housing and designed to engage with each of the one or more ridges of the supporting frame to immobilize the supporting frame with respect to the housing. Preferably, in an operational state of the display stand, the supporting frame is disposed at an angle relative to the one or more rails. More preferably, the housing is capable of engaging with different ones of the one or more ridges, and the supporting frame is disposed at a different angle relative to the one or more rails depending on the selected one of the one or more ridges. More preferably, the supporting frame engages with a ridge that is disposed proximate to the base. 
         [0010]    In another aspect, the present arrangement provides a display stand. The display stand includes a supporting frame and a stabilizing component, and wherein the supporting frame, in an operational state, is designed to contact the stabilizing component at different locations along the supporting frame and is immobilized with respect to the stabilizing component. Preferably, the display stand includes a base that is disposed at a bottom end of the supporting frame. More preferably, the display stand includes a bottom support that is coupled to the supporting frame to support at a bottom end a device positioned against the supporting frame. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a display stand, according to one preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, in a closed configuration. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a display stand, according to one preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, in an open and transitional configuration. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of a display stand, according to one preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, in an open and transitional configuration, showing an internal housing of the display stand. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a display stand, according to one preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, in an operational configuration. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a display stand, according to one preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, in an operational configuration. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a display stand, according to one alternate embodiment of the present arrangements, in use in an operational configuration. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a detached retractable sub-assembly, according to one preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, used in a display stand. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is an exploded, back perspective view of a detached retractable sub-assembly, according to one preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, used in a display stand. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a detached retractable sub-assembly, according to one preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, used in a display stand. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is an exploded, back perspective view of a detached retractable sub-assembly, according to one preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, used in a display stand. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention is practiced without limitation to some or all of these specific details. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  shows a display stand  100 , according to one preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, in a closed configuration. Display stand  100  includes a base  104 , which is attached to retractable components inside a housing  102 . As explained in further detail below, base  104  and the attached retractable components are pulled outside of housing  102  to transition from a closed to an open configuration. In the closed configuration of  FIG. 1 , however, display stand  100  provides the advantage of portability when not in use. In other words, display stand  100  may be transported from one location to another in a compact state when in a closed configuration. Further, in use in an operational configuration, display stand  100  is used to display a screen of an electronic component, for example. In preferred embodiments of the present arrangements, display stand  100  is used to display the screen of one member of a group comprising a PC tablet (including an iPad), an e-reader (e.g., an Amazon Kindle), a smartphone, and a video monitor. In alternate embodiments of the present arrangements, however, display stand  100  is used to support any structure for the purpose of display (e.g., a photograph, painting, drawing, or the like). 
         [0023]    Housing  102  and base  104  are comprised of any rigid material capable of supporting the weight of a device for display when device  100  is in use, and light enough to facilitate portability when device  100  is in a closed configuration (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). Housing  102  and base  104  are preferably comprised of one or more members selected from a group comprising a plastic, a metal, an alloy, and carbon fiber. In certain embodiments of the present arrangements, housing  102  and base  104  are both comprised of the same materials, though preferably, housing  102  is comprised of a metal (e.g., aluminum), and base  104  is comprised of plastic and steel. As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , device  100  also includes ridges, which are designed to facilitate carrying of device  100 , as well as retraction of base  104  from housing  102 , by including a ridged surface that facilitates gripping. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2A  shows a perspective view of a display stand  200 , according to one preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, in a transitional configuration (i.e. transitional between a closed configuration and an operational configuration). Housing  202  and base  204  of display stand  200  are similar to their counterparts housing  102  and base  104  in  FIG. 1 . Display stand  200  also shows a retractable sub-assembly  206  attached to and including base  204 . Retractable sub-assembly  206  also includes a bottom support  208  and a supporting frame  210  coupled to base  204 . Retractable sub-assembly  206  is also attached on each side to a rail  212   a  and a rail  212   b . Rails  212   a  and  212   b  are engaged to an inside portion of housing  202 . As the arrow labeled “a” shows, when display stand  200  is transitioning between a closed and open configuration, retractable sub-assembly  206  retracts out of housing  202 . Preferably, retractable sub-assembly  206  retracts out of housing  202  along a rail  212   a  and a rail  212   b , though alternate embodiments of the present arrangements contemplate the use of any number of rails. 
         [0025]    In the transitional configuration of  FIG. 2A , in order to fit components of retractable sub-assembly  206  inside housing  202  while display stand  200  is in a closed configuration, one side of bottom support  208  rests on or near a front surface of supporting frame  210 . In a similar manner, one end of supporting frame  210  rests on or near a top surface of rails  212   a  and  212   b.    
         [0026]    As explained further below, in order to place inventive display stands in an operational configuration, bottom support  208  is designed to rotate away from a front surface of supporting frame  210 , and supporting frame  210  is designed to rotate away from a top surface of rails  212   a  and  212   b . But in a closed and in a transitional configuration, rotation of bottom support  208  towards supporting frame  210 , and rotation of supporting frame  210  towards rails  212   a  and  212   b , provides clearance for components of retractable sub-assembly  206  to be moved into and out of housing  202 . 
         [0027]    Bottom support  208 , supporting frame  210 , and rails  212   a  and  212   b  are each comprised of any rigid material sufficient to facilitate support of a device for display and light enough to facilitate portability of device  200 . Preferably, supporting frame  210  and rails  212   a  and  212   b  are comprised of steel. In preferred embodiments of the present arrangements, supporting frame  210  and rails  212   a  and  212   b  are comprised of the same material as base  204 , though in alternate embodiments of the present arrangements, these component parts are comprised of different materials. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2B  shows a perspective view of a display stand  200 ′, according to one preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, in a transitional configuration (i.e. transitional between a closed configuration and an operational configuration), and shows certain internal components a housing  202 ′. Housing  202 ′, base  204 ′, retractable sub-assembly  206 ′, bottom support  208 ′, supporting frame  210 ′, rail  212   a ′, and rail  212   b ′, are all substantially similar to their counterparts in  FIG. 2A .  FIG. 2B  also shows inside housing  202 ′ a groove  232   a , a groove  232   b , a rail connector  222 , and a blocker  234 . 
         [0029]    Grooves  232   a  and  232   b  are each designed to align with and secure corresponding rails  212   a ′ and  212   b ′, facilitating a smooth retraction retractable sub-assembly  206 ′ out of housing  202 . In preferred embodiments of the present arrangements, rail connector  222  connects rails  212   a ′ and  212   b ′, forming a single, discrete structure. In alternate embodiments of the present arrangements, rail connector  222  is a separate structure attached to each of rails  212   a ′ and  212   b ′. In certain other embodiments of the present arrangements, however, a rail connector  222  is not used. Preferably, rail connector  222  is comprised of the same material as rails  212   a ′ and  212   b . Grooves  232   a  and  232   b  are preferably comprised of steel. 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIG. 2B , blocker  234  is preferably disposed at a front end of the lower internal surface of housing  202 ′. During retraction of retractable sub-assembly  206 ′ out of housing  202 ′, blocker  234  prevents disengagement of rails  212   a ′ and  212   b ′ from grooves  232   a  and  232   b , respectively, by blocking rail connector  222  from retracting outside of housing  202 . In those embodiments that do not utilize a rail connector  222 , other mechanisms known to those of skill in the art are used to prevent disengagement of rails from the internal housing of the inventive display stand. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a display stand  300 , according to one preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, in an operational configuration. Housing  302 , base  304 , retractable sub-assembly  306 , bottom support  308 , supporting frame  310 , and track  312  are substantially similar to their counterparts in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , arrow “a” shows track  312  partially retracted into housing  302  in order to place the inventive display stand in an operational configuration, i.e., with supporting frame  310  abutting a leading edge of housing  302 . Though not shown in  FIG. 3 , in order to place device  300  in an operational configuration, retractable sub-assembly  306  must be retracted outside of housing  302  at a distance sufficient to allow a top end of supporting frame  310  clearance past a leading edge of housing  302  during rotation of supporting frame  310 . To this end, arrow “b” shows the direction of rotation of supporting frame  310  away from track  312 . To facilitate this rotation, supporting frame  310  is preferably coupled to base  304 . In such embodiments, base  304  is rotatably engaged to rail  212  using a pin connection (described below with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). In alternate embodiments of the present arrangements, supporting frame  310  is rotatably engaged to base  304  with a pin connection. In either of these embodiments, supporting frame  310  is designed to rotate away from rail  312  with enough room to clear a leading edge of housing  302 , and subsequently, is designed to rotate toward rail  312 , after partial retraction back into housing  302  (as shown by arrow “a”). In this manner, supporting frame  310  is stabilized by abutting a leading edge of housing  302 . 
         [0033]    Further, in transitioning from a closed to an operational configuration, bottom support  308  is preferably rotated away from support frame  310  at an angle sufficient for bottom support  308  to support a display device. To this end, arrow “c” shows a bottom end of bottom support  308  rotated to a position that is about a 90 degree angle relative to support frame  310  and resting on or near a top surface of base  304 . As explained below with reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , to accomplish this, bottom support  308  is preferably rotatably coupled to base  304  with a pin connection that allows for rotation of bottom support  308  between base  304  and support frame  310 . In alternate embodiments of the present arrangements, however, bottom support  308  is rotatably coupled to supporting frame  310 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  shows a side view of a display stand  400 , according to one preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, in an operational configuration. Housing  402 , base  404 , bottom support  408 , supporting frame  410 , and track  412  are substantially similar to their counterparts in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 . 
         [0035]    Display stand  400  also includes ridges  414 , which are used to position supporting frame  410  at various angles for viewing a device for display. As shown in  FIG. 4 , a leading edge of housing  402  preferably abuts a back side of supporting frame  410  adjacent to at least one ridge  414  to stabilize retractable sub-assembly  406  relative to housing  402 . In this manner, a load is placed on and supported by housing  402 . 
         [0036]    By configuring display stand  400  with one or more ridges  414  along a back end of support frame  410 , the present arrangements provide the advantage of adjustability of retractable sub-assembly  406 , which provides various viewing angles of a device for display. By way of example, placing the leading edge of housing  402  against a ridge  414  closer to a top end of support frame  410  will decrease the angle of retractable sub-assembly  416  relative to track  412 . The present teachings recognize that as this angle progressively decreases, retractable sub-assembly  416  becomes increasingly more stable. Alternate embodiments of the present invention do not require the use of ridges, and instead use other means for stabilizing retractable sub-assembly  406  relative to housing  402 , including but not limited to friction. 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  shows a display stand  500 , according to one alternate embodiment of the present arrangements, in use in an operational configuration. Housing  502 , base  504 , bottom support  508 , support frame  510 , rail  512 , and ridges  514  are substantially similar to their counterparts in  FIGS. 1-4 .  FIG. 5 , however, includes a stopper  518  (not shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ) that is designed to engage with a ridge  514 , therefore stabilizing a device  516  for viewing. Preferably, device  516  is one member chosen from a group comprising a PC tablet, an e-reader, a smartphone, and a video monitor. 
         [0038]    In preferred embodiments of the present arrangements, stopper  518  is optionally disposed on a top surface of a leading edge of housing  502 . In this manner, when display stand  500  is in an operational configuration, at least one of ridges  514  engages with stopper  518  to stabilize display stand  500 . Preferably, stopper  518  is configured with a groove designed to receive a ridge  514 . In such manner, stopper  518  facilitates stabilization display stand  500  in an operational configuration. Preferably, stopper  518  is comprised of rubber, though alternate embodiments of the present arrangements contemplate use of any material sufficient to add stability to display stand  500  when in an operational state. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , bottom support  508  is preferably configured at one end in an “L” configuration. Thus, when display stand  500  is in use in an operational configuration, a bottom end of device  516  is stabilized both horizontally (i.e., by the upward end of bottom support  508 ) and vertically (i.e., by the lower edge of bottom support  508 ). In such manner, device  516  is further stabilized when it is lodged in the outer corner portion of bottom support  508 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 6  shows a detached retractable sub-assembly  606 , according to one preferred embodiment of the present arrangements. Base  604 , supporting frame  610 , rail  612 , and ridges  614  are substantially similar to their counterparts in  FIGS. 1-5 . Further,  FIG. 6  shows, disposed at a first end of rail  612 , a pin-receiving portion  628  having an aperture designed therethrough (shown by arrow “a”). Likewise, base  604  includes an aperture designed therethrough (shown by arrow “b”). The aperture of pin-receiving portion  628  (“a”) is configured to align with the aperture of base  604  (“b”). In an assembled state of the inventive design stand, a pin secures base  604  with rail  612  and facilitates rotation of base  604 , which is attached to support frame  610 , in order to transition the inventive design stand between a closed and an operational configuration. 
         [0041]    While the embodiment of  FIG. 6  shows a retractable sub-assembly  606  detached from a housing (e.g., housing  102  of  FIG. 1 ), in alternate embodiments of the present invention, the arrangement of  FIG. 6  is used as a display stand that does not require a housing. In such embodiments, alternate means are used to stabilize supporting frame  610  to secure a device for viewing. By way of example, in alternate embodiments of the present arrangement, rail  612  is designed at one end with, for example, an “L”-shaped or “U”-shaped configuration that acts as a stabilizing component. In such manner, the stabilizing component contacts supporting frame  610 , stabilizing supporting frame  610  relative to rail  612 . In preferred embodiments of the present arrangement, the stabilizing component is configured to contact supporting frame  610  at different locations along supporting frame  610 , providing the advantage of adjustability of viewing angle when the inventive display stand is in use. Further, by way of example, in other alternate embodiments of the present arrangement, a pin connection between base  604  and rail  612  is configured with a locking mechanism capable of securing supporting frame  610  relative to rail  612  at a variety of viewing angles when the inventive display stand is in use. 
         [0042]      FIG. 7  shows an exploded, perspective view of a back side of a retractable sub-assembly  706 , according to one preferred embodiment of the present arrangements. Base  704 , supporting frame  710 , rails  712   a  and  712   b , rail connector  722 , and pin connectors  728   a  and  728   b , are substantially similar to their counterparts in  FIGS. 1-6 .  FIG. 7  also shows a pin  724   a  and a pin  724   b , designed to secure rails  712   a  and  712   b  to base  704 . Each of pins  724   a  and  724   b  is any device capable of securing rails  712   a  and  712   b  to base  704  and allowing rotation of base  704  relative to rails  712   a  and  712   b . Preferably, each of pins  724   a  and  724   b  is one member chosen from a group comprising a pin, a nail, and a screw. 
         [0043]    In an assembled state, apertures in pin connectors  728   a  and  728   b  (shown by arrow “a” for pin connector  724   b ) align, respectively, with apertures configured in the outer side of ridges configured in base  704  (shown in one instance by arrow “b”), and are secured by pins  724   a  and  724   b , respectively. In alternate embodiments of the present arrangements, however, apertures are configured in the inner side of ridges configured in base  704 . The pin connections facilitate rotation of base  704  and the attached supporting frame  710  towards rails  712   a  and  712   b . In such manner, retractable sub-assembly  706  is placed in a configuration that fits in a housing (e.g., housing  102  of  FIG. 1 ). Likewise, the same pin connection is used to facilitate rotation of supporting frame  710  away from rails  712   a  and  712   b , facilitating transition of the inventive display stand into an operational configuration. 
         [0044]    While the embodiment of  FIG. 7  shows rails  712   a  and  712   b  rotatably engaged with base  704 , in alternate embodiments of the present arrangements, supporting frame  710  is rotatably engaged with base  704 . In such embodiments, supporting frame is 710 is rotated relative to rails  712   a  and  712   b  to facilitate transition of the inventive display stand between an open and a closed configuration. 
         [0045]      FIG. 8  shows a detached retractable sub-assembly  806 , according to one preferred embodiment of the present arrangements. Base  804 , bottom support  808 , supporting frame  810 , and ridges  814  are substantially similar to their counterparts in  FIGS. 1-7 .  FIG. 8  also shows, attached to a bottom end of supporting frame  810 , a pin-receiving portion  830  with an aperture defined therethrough (shown at arrow “a”), and attached to one end of bottom support  808 , a pin-receiving portion  832  with an aperture defined therethrough (shows at arrow “b”). In an assembled state, pin-receiving portion  830  and pin-receiving portion  832  align and are preferably secured together by one member selected from a group comprising a pin, a screw, and a nail, permitting rotation of bottom support  808  relative to supporting frame  810 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 9  shows a back, perspective, exploded view of a retractable sub-assembly  906 , according to one preferred embodiment of the present arrangements. Base  904 , bottom support  908 , supporting frame  910 , pin-receiving portions  930   a  and  930   b , and pin-receiving portions  932   a  and  932   b  are substantially similar to their counterparts in  FIGS. 1-8 .  FIG. 9  also shows a pin  934   a  and pin  934   b . Each of pins  934   a  and  934   b  is any device capable of securing bottom support  908  to supporting gram  910  and allowing rotation of bottom support  908  relative to supporting frame  910 . Preferably, each of pins  934   a  and  934   b  is one member chosen from a group comprising a pin, a nail, and a screw. 
         [0047]    In a closed configuration of the inventive display stand, bottom support  908  is rotated towards supporting frame  910 , facilitating retraction of retractable sub-assembly  906  into a housing (e.g., housing  102  of  FIG. 1 ). Likewise, to transition retractable sub-assembly  906  into an operational configuration, bottom support  906  is rotated away from supporting frame  910 , until it abuts base  904 . In certain alternate embodiments of the present arrangements, however, bottom support  908  is rotatably engaged to base  904 . In such embodiments, bottom support  908  is capable of rotation in a manner that facilitates transition of the inventive display stand between a closed and an operation configuration. 
         [0048]    Although illustrative embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, other modifications, changes, and substitutions are intended. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the disclosure be construed broadly.