Patent ID: 12193549

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions, or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value.

Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about”, it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, many other elements which are conventional in this art. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other elements are desirable for implementing the present invention. However, because such elements are well-known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements is not provided herein.

The described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are recited to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

It is noted that the terminology used above is for the purpose of reference only, and is not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “rightward,” “leftward,” “clockwise,” and “counterclockwise” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. As another example, terms such as “inward” and “outward” may refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the component described. As a further example, terms such as “front,” “rear,” “side,” “left side,” “right side,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “horizontal,” and “vertical” describe the orientation of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology will include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

Magnets always have two poles, north (N) and south (S), which define the magnetic orientation of the magnet, i.e. N-S or S-N. The embodiments described herein may refer to the particular magnetic orientation of a magnet or set of magnets. Such magnet or set of magnets will have a defined polar orientation, meaning that the poles of the magnets comprising the set will be oriented N-S or S-N. Magnetic lines of force run from N-S, with the consequence that opposite poles of magnets (i.e. N and S, or S and N) generate maximum attractive forces when brought into proximity, while like poles of magnets (i.e. N and N, or S and S) generate maximum repulsive magnetic forces. These attractive and repulsive forces may be illustrated in the drawings by arrows.

Reference to “magnets” herein can refer to permanent magnets, temporary magnets, or electromagnets. Permanent magnets are comprised of a material (e.g., neodymium) which emits a magnetic field without requiring an external source of magnetism or electricity. Temporary magnets are made of iron or iron alloys (i.e., ferrous alloys). These materials exhibit magnet-like properties while in proximity to a magnetic field emitter such as a permanent magnet or electromagnet. Finally, electromagnets are comprised of materials exhibiting magnetic properties while conducting an electrical current. In the embodiments shown, either permanent or temporary magnets having a thickness of 0.5-1.0 mm will typically be used. The strength of the magnets' magnetic field B (typically expressed in gauss or tesla) is tailored to ensure that the appropriate attractive or repulsive magnetic force is generated without being so strong that undesirable magnetic effects occur, e.g., erasure of magnetic memory or the magnets being too difficult to separate.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the disclosure set forth herein includes all possible combinations of the particular features set forth above, whether specifically disclosed herein or not. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect, arrangement, configuration, or embodiment, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects, arrangements, configurations, and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. Moreover, the disclosure set forth herein includes the mirror image, i.e., mirror configuration, taken from any perspective of any drawing or other configuration shown or described herein. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions as defined in the following claims. In addition, it is noted that citation or identification of any document in this application is not an admission that such document is available as prior art to the present invention.

The embodiments disclosed herein generally employ a specific configuration of magnets to effect the deployment and retraction of a support for a manufactured article, e.g. a personal electronic device (smartphone, tablet computer, laptop or other mobile devices whether computing or non-computing), or a protective cover or case for such article.

One such embodiment is illustrated inFIG.1, which is a plan view of a generic exemplary embodiment of a magnetically deployable support stand100. Chassis110incorporates upper channel120, which is characterized by two elongated side edges1201,1202, an upper edge1203, and a lower edge1204. The top of upper channel120is flush with the surface of chassis110, and upper channel120also features a flat bottom. An upper portion of the two elongated side edges1201,1202of upper channel120also incorporate side tab channels1205,1206. Deployable stand130is comprised of multiple hinged panels: upper panel131, middle panel132, and lower panel133. Upper panel131has side tabs1310,1311extending outwardly from each of its side edges, and these side tabs1310,1311insert into side tab channels1205,1206respectively.

Lower channel140in this embodiment is disposed below and perpendicularly to the upper channel within the chassis. Lower channel140accommodates shuttle141, which in this embodiment is an elongated flat strip having two long edges and two short edges. Shuttle141incorporates two magnets1410and1411. Each magnet1410and1411has an opposite magnetic orientation, e.g.1410is oriented with north pole upward, south pole downward (N-S), while magnet1411is oriented with south pole upward, north pole downward (S-N). Middle panel132incorporates a magnet1321, which is oriented with south pole upward, north pole downward (S-N). Thus, with the shuttle located in the first position shown inFIG.1, magnets1411and1321are oriented so that the south pole of magnet1411is disposed directly below and in proximity to the north pole of1321, which results in magnets1411and1321exerting an attractive force which maintains deployable stand130in an undeployed position. Shuttle141has a shuttle actuating lever1412located at one end. Shuttle actuating lever1412slides in shuttle actuating lever slot1413in the top surface of chassis110. Spring142is attached at one end to one end of lower channel140and at a second end is attached to the end of shuttle141opposite the shuttle actuating lever1412.

FIGS.2A-2Care right side elevation views through section A-A′ ofFIG.1, andFIG.3A-3Care bottom elevation views through section B-B′ ofFIG.1. Together, these sets of Figures illustrate deployment of the deployable stand. In the undeployed position shown inFIG.2A, magnets1321and1411are aligned. Since the south pole of magnet1411is disposed directly below and in proximity to the north pole of1321, this results in magnets1411and1321exerting an attractive force which maintains deployable stand130in an undeployed position shown inFIG.2A. By moving the shuttle actuating lever1412to the right in the shuttle actuating lever slot1413as shown inFIG.1, this causes magnet1410to be brought under magnet1321when the shuttle is in a second position. Since the north pole of magnet1410is located facing upward, and magnet1321has north pole facing downward, these magnets repel each other, which causes the middle panel to displace outwardly and downwardly relative to upper channel120.

Upper panel131simultaneously slides downward in upper channel120, being constrained by side tabs1310,1311in side tab channels1205,1206. When shuttle actuating lever1412is released, spring142exerts a force on the opposite side of shuttle141which causes shuttle141to return to the original position. In this original position, magnet1411is in proximity with magnet1312located in upper panel131. Magnet1312is oriented so that magnet1411exerts an attractive force on magnet1312, which results in upper panel131being held firmly in the position shown inFIG.2C, with the deployable stand130in the fully deployed position.FIGS.4and5illustrate the deployment of the deployable stand in plan view.

An alternative embodiment is illustrated in plan view inFIG.6. The overall configuration is identical to that shown inFIG.1, with the exception that upper panel131incorporates a temporary magnet1315which is a strip of ferrous material embedded in upper panel131and there is an additional magnet1414in the shuttle and an additional magnet1322in the middle panel132.FIGS.7A through7Cillustrate the orientation of the magnets1321,1322in the middle panel132and magnets1410,1411and1414in the shuttle141. Note that in the undeployed position illustrated inFIG.7A, magnets1321,1322in middle panel132are oriented so that they attract magnets1411,1414in shuttle141. When shuttle141is moved to the second position shown inFIG.7B, magnets1410and1411are now located below magnets1321,1322, and the magnetic orientation is such that a repulsive force is generated, which causes middle panel132to move upwardly away from upper channel120and for upper panel to slide downward in upper channel120until temporary magnet1315is close enough so that, when shuttle141returns to its original position under force generated by spring142, magnets1411and1414exert an attractive force on temporary magnet1315, causing the deployable stand130to be held magnetically in the deployed position.

The embodiments above illustrate the general concept of having magnets employed in a shuttle141that is located in a channel disposed below a segmented deployable stand that also contains embedded magnets in one or more segments. The geometry of the channels in the embodiments illustrated above are not the exclusive configuration, and it is anticipated that, for example, the channels may not be disposed orthogonally. The overall concept involves mechanically shifting the polarity of magnets in a given geometric configuration to generate successive changes in magnetic force exerted on a corresponding magnet located in a nearby movable member. As referenced above, variations in the specific configuration of certain components commonly known to the art, such as the hinges joining the panels comprising the deployable stand, and the spring used with the shuttle, are also contemplated by these embodiments. The chassis110is constructed on one embodiment of a material such as polycarbonate (PC) overmolded with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), although other embodiments using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon, glass-filled plastics, and fiberglass may also be used, individually or in combination, as a base structural material. For the outer coverings, TPU, silicon, or other injection-moldable soft resins are contemplated for use. Permanent magnets are typically made of neodymium. Liner material used to cover the support mechanism are typically comprised of natural or synthetic microfibers (e.g. nylon).

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the disclosure set forth herein includes all possible combinations of the particular features set forth above, whether specifically disclosed herein or not. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect, arrangement, configuration, or embodiment, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects, arrangements, configurations, and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. Moreover, the disclosure set forth herein includes the mirror image, i.e., mirror configuration, taken from any perspective of any drawing or other configuration shown or described herein. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions as defined in the following claims. In addition, it is noted that citation or identification of any document in this application is not an admission that such document is available as prior art to the present invention.