Patent Document

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of application Ser. No. 12/795,327, filed on Jun. 7, 2010, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,267,294 on Sep. 18, 2012, the content of which is incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for attaching a personal electronic device. 
     Personal electronic devices have become extremely popular, providing on-the-go entertainment and data access. While many devices are hand-held size, the popularity of these devices has led to the introduction of larger tablet-style devices with larger screens. These larger devices may also allow a user to access the Internet using a keyboard appearing on the screen. 
     Tablet-style personal electronic devices may require a user to use both hands, particularly when trying to enter data on the on-screen keyboard. Because these devices are larger, a user may need to place the device on a table to enter the data. In addition, the larger size of these devices may cause a user&#39;s hands and arms to become tired when holding the device for a long period of time, such as when viewing a movie. One reason for the great popularity of tablet-style personal electronic devices is their portability. Smaller than a laptop, tablet-style devices feature screens that may be difficult to view under direct light or sunlight. In this situation the user may be forced to hold the device in an uncomfortable position in order to have the best viewing quality on the screen. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, apparatus and methods for supporting an electronic device include an electronic device storage chamber; a shoulder strap attached to a top end of the electronic device storage chamber; a chest strap attached to a surface of the electronic device storage chamber; a bottom arm hingeably attached to a bottom end of the electronic device storage chamber; a ball joint attached to the bottom arm; and an electronic device support arm having a first end attached to the ball joint. 
     Implementations of the above aspect may include one or more of the following. The bottom arm includes a plurality of segments and hinges rotatably connecting the segments. A lock can be provided for the hinge(s). The ball joint can be a friction ball joint. The ball joint can include a lock. A double hinge joint can be positioned at a second end of the electronic support arm and attached to the electronic device. A phone arm can be attached to a surface of the electronic device storage chamber. Double hinge joints can be connected to each end of the phone arm. A phone case can be attached to the phone arm. A phone pocket can be positioned near the bottom end of the electronic device storage chamber to receive the phone case for storage. A universal mount structure for a tablet can be attached to one end of the electronic device support arm, wherein the universal mount structure dimensions are adjustable to fit a variety of electronic devices. Four end caps can receive four corners of the electric device. A pivot can support each end-cap. A male portion can be inserted into a female portion, wherein the male portion includes two pivotable and extendible end-caps and wherein the female portion includes two pivotable and extendible end-caps. The male portion and the female portion are U-shaped to interlock with each other. A tab on the male portion snappably engages tracks on the female portion to secure the male and female portions together. The bottom arm can be compactly folded in a storage mode. The electronic device support arm height can be shortened in a storage mode. A phone case can be inserted into a phone pocket positioned near the bottom end of the electronic device storage chamber in a storage mode. A universal mount structure for a tablet can be attached to one end of the electronic device support arm and a universal mount structure for a telephone can be attached to one end of the electronic device storage chamber. 
     In another aspect, an apparatus for supporting an electronic device is provided in an embodiment. The attachment system includes a shoulder strap attached to a vertical leg of a support frame. A chest strap is also provided and is attached to two horizontal legs of the support frame. A lower joint is located between the two horizontal legs of the support frame. This lower joint allows the user to adjust the viewing angle of the screen of the electronic device. The electronic device attaches to an electronic device support leg that is attached to the lower joint. The end opposite the lower joint incorporates a ball joint. The ball joint allows the user to rotate the screen. 
     In yet another aspect, a method of supporting and attaching an electronic device is provided in a further embodiment. The method includes attaching an electronic device to an electronic device support leg, the support leg itself attached to a support frame. The user then adjusts the electronic device to the desired viewing position. 
     A further embodiment provides means for attaching an electronic device to an electronic device support leg attached to a support frame and means for adjusting the electronic device to a viewing position. 
     In a further aspect, method and apparatus for supporting a personal electronic device are provided. The device incorporates a support frame structure comprised of three legs. A vertical leg is attached to a shoulder strap, while the horizontal legs are attached to a chest strap. A lower joint is located between the two horizontal legs and this lower joint is also attached to an electronic device support leg. The electronic device support leg is attached to the lower joint and also to a ball joint at the end opposite the lower joint. In use, the lower joint allows for the electronic device to be moved into a viewing position at a desired angle. The ball joint allows rotation of the device between portrait and landscape orientations. A case may also be attached to the electronic device support leg to contain the personal electronic device. 
     Advantages of the preferred embodiment may include one or more of the following. The system provides a flexible, yet convenient and light weight support for a tablet style personal electronic device. The system is particularly desirable for hands-free use. Certain embodiments of the system support multiple devices, including a cellular phone and a tablet at once. The system has a storage mode where the arms and the tablet and/or phone are retracted into a compact configuration for storage purposes. 
     Various aspects and embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, which disclose several embodiments of the invention. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for the purpose of illustration and not as limits of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an attachment system for a tablet style personal electronic device, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  provides a detailed view of the lower joint and ball joint of the attachment system for a tablet style personal electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  depicts use of a case with the attachment system for a tablet style personal electronic device, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of an attachment system for a tablet style personal electronic device. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a universal mount embodiment of an attachment system for a tablet style personal electronic device. 
         FIG. 6  provides a detailed view of the double hinges of the attachment system of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIGS. 7-8  show exemplary views of the system of  FIG. 4  with arms retracted in a storage mode. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident, however, that such embodiment(s) may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing one or more embodiments. 
     In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the attached drawings. Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used herein, the “present invention” refers to any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the “present invention” throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s). 
     The present invention provides for an efficient and convenient apparatus for hands-free use of a tablet style personal electronic device or other personal electronic device. The attachment system frees both hands to use the tablet-style personal electronic device. With the device supported by the attachment system of the present invention the user is free to type or move about. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates use of the device. The attachment system  100  includes lower joint  102 , which provides a mechanism to raise and lower the tablet-style device  114  to adjust the viewing angle. Lower joint  102  is attached to two support legs  110   a  and  110   c . When worn, support legs  110   a  and  c  are horizontal and generally parallel to the user&#39;s waist. Lower joint  102  allows movement in an up and down direction only, allowing adjustment of the screen viewing angle. The lower joint  102  is a friction hinge, allowing the user to set a position and have the tablet-style device  114  remain in the set position. Lower joint  102  also allows the tablet-style personal electronic device to be pushed against the user&#39;s chest to carry the device without concern of dropping it. 
     Lower joint  102  moves a tablet support leg  112  up and down. Tablet support leg  112  incorporates a ball joint  104  at the end of the tablet support leg  112  opposite lower joint  102 . Ball joint  104  is a friction ball joint that allows rotation. Friction provides stabilization after the device is rotated. If needed a lock may be provided in ball joint  104 . Since many tablet-style personal electronic devices may be used in either portrait or landscape orientation, the friction ball joint  104  permits a user to rotate the device to whichever orientation is necessary for the application in use. 
     The attachment system  100  is further stabilized by a support leg  110   b , which forms the third leg of the support system, along with support legs  110   a  and  c . Support leg  110   b  is longer and extends vertically up the user&#39;s chest. In contrast, support legs  110   a  and  c  extend horizontally as depicted in  FIG. 1 . Further stabilization and support for the attachment system is provided by shoulder strap  106 . Shoulder strap  106  attaches to the upper end of support leg  110   b . When worn support leg  110   b  and shoulder strap  106  form a “Y” pattern on the wearer&#39;s chest. Both chest strap  108  and shoulder strap  106  are adjustable to fit each user. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the attachment system from the perspective of a user wearing the device. In  FIG. 2 , the tablet-style personal electronic device or other electronic device is shown in the carrying position, that is pushed up against the user&#39;s chest with the back of the device facing outward. In use, the tablet-style personal electronic device  114  is moved into the viewing position so that the screen is visible to the user. The double-headed arrow in  FIG. 2  illustrates the direction of motion for lower joint  102 . The chest strap  108  attaches to support legs  110   a  and  110   c . This attachment may be by a variety of means, including but not limited to: threaded loop and stitching/gluing, clips, buckles, or other means. Support leg  110   b  is partially visible near the lower joint  102 . Tablet support leg  112  is also attached to lower joint  102 . Friction ball joint  104  attaches to the back of the tablet-style personal electronic device  114 . This attachment to ball joint  104  may be by means of a pad with adhesive attached, but could also utilize a flat plate with straps to hold the device to the plate, a built-in pin (such as pin  304  of  FIG. 3 ), or by means of a case. Any suitable means is contemplated. The double-headed arrow shown near friction ball joint  104  illustrates the direction of rotational movement of friction ball joint  104 . Ball joint  104  allows further adjustment of the viewing angle and distance and also allows unlimited horizontal rotation of the screen. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates use of a case that may be used in conjunction with the attachment system for a tablet style personal electronic device. The assembly  300  includes a case  302  that is attached to the shaft  112  of the ball joint  104 . Case  302  may be detached and used separately. Case  302  may also be used as a cover by inserting the tablet style personal electronic device with the cover facing down. The connection between ball joint  104  and the back of case  302  may be locked in place using built in pin  304 , located on the back of case  302 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the case  302  may be locked in place using built-in pin  304 . 
     Lower portion  306  of case  302  may be separated to allow insertion of the tablet style personal electronic device. Locks  310   a  and  310   b  lock the tablet style personal electronic device in case  302 . Indented handle  312  allows carrying of case  302 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates use of another embodiment of an attachment system for a tablet style personal electronic device. In  FIG. 4 , an attachment system  200  includes lower joint  202 , which provides a mechanism to raise and lower the tablet-style device  114  to adjust the viewing angle. Lower joint  202  is attached to two support legs  210   a  and  210   b  that in turn is connected to a hinge or joint  213 . When worn, support legs  210   a  and  210   b  are horizontally extensible and retractable. Further, support legs  210   a - 210   b  are generally parallel to the user&#39;s waist, and can rotate along a horizontal axis via joints  213  unless locked by locks  210   d . Phone pocket  211  is adjacent joint  213  and allows for storage of the phone. Lower joint  202 , together with tablet support leg  212 , allows movement in an up and down direction only, allowing adjustment of the screen viewing angle. The movable extension arm  212  can be tightened by locking nut  210   c  to securely adjust the viewing height of the tablet  114 . The lower joint  202  is a friction ball joint, allowing the user to set a position and have the tablet-style device  114  remain in the set position. Lower joint  202  also allows the tablet-style personal electronic device  114  to be pushed against the user&#39;s chest to carry the device without concern of dropping the tablet. In one embodiment, lower joint  202  is a ball joint which is a friction ball joint that allows rotation. Friction provides stabilization after the device is rotated. Ball joint  202  allows the user to adjust the angle of arm  212  to position it vertically while in a seating position instead of standing up, or to adjust it due to the different waist sizes of users. If needed a lock  210   d  may be provided in ball joint  202 . 
     Lower joint  202  moves a tablet support leg  212  up and down. Tablet support leg  212  incorporates double hinges  204  at the end of the tablet support leg  212  opposite lower joint  202 . Double hinge joint  204  allows the tablet device  114  to be able to rotate in multiple planes. Since many tablet-style personal electronic devices may be used in either portrait or landscape orientation, the double hinge joint  204  permits a user to rotate the device to whichever orientation is necessary for the application in use. 
     The attachment system  200  is stabilized by tablet storage case or holster  220 . Holster  220  provides rigid mechanical suspension for support legs  210   a  and  210   b , which can swivel through joint  213 . At one end of holster  220  is telephone joint  224 , which is rotatably connected to extensible telephone support arm  246  at one end. Similarly, telephone joint  248  is rotatably connected to the other end of telephone support arm  246 . Joints  224  and  248  are double hinge type joints to allow telephone case  260  to move in two axes and allow the arm  246  to move in two axes relative to holster  220 . 
     Further stabilization and support for the attachment system is provided by shoulder strap  206  and lock  207 . Shoulder strap  206  attaches to the upper end of holster  220 . Chest strap  208  also as a lock  209  to secure the strap  208  to the body of the wearer. Both chest strap  208  and shoulder strap  206  are adjustable to fit each user prior to locking. 
     The device of  FIG. 4  advantageously allows a user to talk on the phone in phone case  260  while working on the tablet  114 . Moreover, the phone can be positioned at a fixed position for optimal sound capture. Further, the tablet can be fixedly positioned for optimal viewing or text entering. A user can talk on the phone and perform computer tasks on the tablet while he or she is walking, all with “hands-free” support. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a universal mount embodiment of an attachment system for a tablet style personal electronic device. The embodiment of  FIG. 5  is similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , with a universal structure for receiving different types of tablet device  114  and a second universal structure to receive cases  260  to hold various types of telephones. 
       FIG. 5  and  FIGS. 6A-6B  together show a universal structure that can be adjusted to hold various portable devices such as tablet  114 . The universal structure has a female portion shown in  FIG. 6A  and a male portion shown in  FIG. 6B . The male portion of  FIG. 6B  is adapted to be inserted into the female portion of  FIG. 6A . The combination of male/female portions support four extendible/moveable end caps  218  that are fitted over the four corners of tablet  114  and then tightened to secure the four corners of tablet  114  to the universal structure of  FIGS. 6A-6B  in combination. Two of the end-caps  218  extend from arms  220  secured to end region  280  through pivots  222  and  282 . End region  280  is positioned on a back plate  223  of the universal structure. Two elongated receptacles  286  are mounted on back plate  223  and adapted to receive a U-shaped male portion of  FIG. 6B  to form the universal structure. The U-shaped male portion includes prongs  285  extending from end region  281  of  FIG. 6B . At each end of end region  281  are pivots  222  and  282  that allow arms  220  to pivotably be connected to the universal structure at one end and to end caps  218  at the other end of arms  220 . Pivots  222  allow the universal structure to be able to accommodate different width/length of the tablet  114 . Near the center of end region  281  is tab  284  that engages tracks  225  on back plate  223 . Tab  284  slideably engages tracks  225  and holds the male/female portions together. 
     The universal structure  230  is constructed in a similar manner, but with reduced dimensions that are adjustable to fit various phone sizes instead of various tablet sizes. For example, the structure  230  can handle the iPhone, RIM phone, or Android phone, all of which have different dimensions. 
       FIGS. 7-8  show exemplary views of the system of  FIG. 4  with arms retracted in a storage mode.  FIG. 7  shows the device of  FIG. 4  in a retracted mode and worn under the arm through shoulder pad or strap  206 . When retracted and compacted, the device of  FIG. 4  can be worn on the shoulder like a brief case. 
     Viewing  FIGS. 7-8  in combination, the tablet  114  can be stored in a portrait mode  290  or a landscape mode  280 . Arm  246 , along with phone case  260  is folded through double hinge joints  224  and  248  so that phone case  260  is inserted into phone storage  211 . Arm  212  is vertically retracted into a compact shape, and bottom arm  210   a  is retracted. Locks  210   d  can be dialed to secure and prevent hinge  213  from opening. 
     Various modifications and alterations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the accompanying claims. It should be noted that steps recited in any method claims below do not necessarily need to be performed in the order that they are recited. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize variations in performing the steps from the order in which they are recited. In addition, the lack of mention or discussion of a feature, step, or component provides the basis for claims where the absent feature or component is excluded by way of a proviso or similar claim language. 
     While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the invention, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that may be included in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features may be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations may be implemented to implement the desired features of the present invention. Also, a multitude of different constituent module names other than those depicted herein may be applied to the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise. 
     Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead may be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. 
     Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future. 
     A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the invention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. 
     The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term “module” does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, may be combined in a single package or separately maintained and may further be distributed across multiple locations. 
     Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives may be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration. 
     The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

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