Projector holder

Abstract

To provide a projector holder which also can be used as a projector stand.SOLUTION: An apparatus (100) and a corresponding manufacturing method are provided. The apparatus (100) includes a body (102) and a projector which is at least partially disposed in the body (102) and can be used for projecting visible light onto a surface. The body (102) includes one or more pliable appendages (104) that are configured to be manipulated and deformed from a first configuration to a second configuration in order to mount the apparatus to or placing the apparatus on the outside of an object. In some embodiments, the body (102) is formed in a shape of an animal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority based on U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 376,518, filed on December 12, 2016, entitled "PROJECTOR HOLDER", which in turn claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 351,527, filed on June 17, 2016, entitled "PROJECTOR HOLDER". The entire contents of each of the above - cited documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The disclosed embodiments generally relate to a projector holder, and more particularly to a projector holder that can also be used as a projector stand.

Background Art

[0003] Typically, protective projector holders include a bag or a rigid case with pads such as foam to protect the projector from damage. Typical projector stands include a tripod or other platform used to orient the projector to display the projected image at a desired height. The projector may also have a built - in stand.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect, the apparatus includes a body and a projector at least partially disposed within the body, the projector being usable to project visible light onto a surface. The body includes one or more flexible appendages configured to be manipulated and deformed from a first configuration to a second configuration for attaching or positioning the apparatus on an exterior of an object.

[0005] In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing the apparatus includes forming an apparatus having a body with one or more flexible attachments and a projector at least partially disposed within the body. The one or more flexible attachments are configured to be operated and deformed from a first configuration to a second configuration in order to position the apparatus outside the object or to mount the apparatus.

[0006] This disclosure is not limited in this respect, so please understand that the concepts described above, and the additional concepts described below, may be composed of any appropriate combination.

[0007] The aforementioned and other aspects, embodiments, and features of this instruction can be better understood from the following description in combination with the accompanying drawings.

[0008] The attached drawings are not intended to be drawn to a fixed scale. Within the drawings, identical or nearly identical components shown in various figures are represented by similar numbers. For clarity, not all components can be labeled in all drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a projector holder according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view of a projector holder according to another embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a side view of a projector holder positioned on the outside of an object according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a projector holder mounted on the outside of an object according to another embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a top view of the projector holder. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a front view of the projector holder. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a rear view of the projector holder. [Figure 8]This shows a projector holder connected to a battery charger according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an exemplary arrangement of electrical components in a projector according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of using a projector holder. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for manufacturing a projector holder. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for manufacturing a projector holder. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] As is known, projector holders typically include a protective bag or rigid case that holds the projector in padding such as foam to protect the projector from damage. Such holders are typically bulky and cannot be used as projector stands. Therefore, the projector must be removed from the holder and placed on a stand or surface, and oriented so that visible light is projected onto a surface such as a wall or screen at a desired height so that one or more people can view the image. For example, the projector may be removed from the holder and placed on a table, with the front of the projector raised so that visible light is projected onto a wall at a height above the table. In such embodiments, since the projector is no longer housed in a protective holder, the projector may be damaged during use. For example, if a child accidentally drops the projector on the floor, it may be damaged. If liquid is spilled on the projector, it may also be damaged.

[0011] Various tools are known for orienting a projector so that visible light is projected onto a surface at a desired height. For example, some projectors have built-in stands, which typically include one or more legs that can extend from the bottom of the projector. Projectors may also be supported by various frames, tripods, or other platforms that lift the projector, or at least the front of the projector, off the surface (e.g., a table or the ground) in order to orient the projector. Projectors can also be mounted on a wall or ceiling using a suitable mount. However, such known tools are limited to positioning the projector on a flat surface and near a power outlet. Furthermore, projectors fixed to the ceiling and / or wall using their respective mounts are made more permanent, and the projector is only removable for repair or replacement.

[0012] The applicant recognizes that various advantages can be realized by providing a projector holder that functions both as a protective housing and as a device for orienting the projector to project light toward a surface. To that end, embodiments disclosed herein include a holder having a body in which a projector is at least partially positioned. In some embodiments, the holder is formed from an impact-resistant material. The holder may be formed from a material that is waterproof or water-resistant, or a material that has been treated to be waterproof or water-resistant. The applicant also recognizes that advantages can be realized by providing a holder that does not need to be powered by a power outlet. For example, in some embodiments, the holder may include a power source (e.g., a battery) that may be rechargeable (e.g., via a battery pack and / or a power outlet).

[0013] The applicant also recognized that advantages could be realized by providing a projector holder that can be positioned, attached, straddled, fixed to, or otherwise positioned on the outside of any object, regardless of whether the object is flat and / or substantially oriented horizontally. To that purpose, embodiments disclosed herein include a projector holder comprising a body having one or more flexible attachments which are arranged to be deformed (e.g., by bending, curling, twisting, straightening, etc.) by manipulating the attachments to position the holder on the outside of an object, attach the holder to, or otherwise position the holder. In such embodiments, one or more attachments can be deformed from a first configuration to a different second configuration in order to position the holder on an object. For example, an attachment can be deformed from a straight configuration to a curved configuration (e.g., by bending) in order to position the holder on an object. As understood, not all attachments need to be deformed to the same second configuration in order to position the holder on an object. For example, in order to position the holder on an object so as to project light onto its surface, the first attachment may be deformed into a bent configuration, the second attachment may be deformed into a twisted configuration, and the third attachment may not be deformed at all.

[0014] In such embodiments, the attachment may be formed from a flexible material that is sufficiently pliable so that it can be deformed without cracking or otherwise breaking. The material used to form the attachment may also be sufficiently shape-retaining so that the attachment maintains its first and / or second configuration unless it is manipulated and until it is manipulated.

[0015] As can be understood, by enabling the holder to be placed, mounted, or otherwise positioned on any object regardless of its shape or proximity to a power outlet, and by enabling the holder to be impact-resistant, waterproof, and / or water-resistant, one embodiment of the present invention can provide a holder that can be used in any environment or situation, both indoors and outdoors, and by any user, including children. For example, the holder can be placed on a bookshelf to display an image on the wall of a teenager's bedroom. The holder can also be used at a campsite, mounted on a folding chair or tree branch, to display an image on the side of a tree, without worrying about the projector being damaged if it falls or if it suddenly starts raining.

[0016] For the purposes of this specification, attaching a holder to the outside of an object may mean that a flexible attachment is manipulated and deformed into a second configuration that holds the holder against the outside of the object. For example, the attachment may be manipulated and deformed into a curved or twisted configuration so that the holder hangs from and / or grips the outside of the object. As understood, the holder may be detachably attached to the outside of an object. For example, the holder may be attached to the outside of a chair arm while a projector is used to display an image on a surface, and then detached from the chair arm for storage.

[0017] For the purposes of this specification, positioning the holder outside the object may mean that one or more flexible attachments are manipulated and deformed into a second configuration to be placed on the object. For example, to place it on a table, one or more rear attachments may be manipulated and deformed into a curved configuration, and another front attachment may be manipulated into a straight configuration. As to be understood, one or more attachments do not need to be manipulated and deformed before the holder is placed on the surface. For example, in embodiments where the attachments are already in a straight configuration, the holder may simply be placed on the table.

[0018] Referring to the figures here, FIG. 1 shows a projector holder 100 according to one aspect of the present application. As shown in this figure, the projector holder 100 includes a main body 102 having a body 103 and an appendage 104 extending outward from the body 103. As shown in this figure, the holder 100 can include five appendages 104, but the holder can include more or fewer appendages. For example, in other embodiments, the holder 100 can include one, two, three, or more appendages.

[0019] The appendage can extend outward from one or more surfaces or other parts of the body 103. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the appendage can extend outward from the top and bottom of the body 103. In other embodiments, the appendage can extend outward from only the top of the body, only the bottom of the body, or one or more of the other surfaces (e.g., the right surface or the right and left surfaces of the body). The appendage can also extend from the edge and / or corner of the body.

[0020] As can be understood, any suitable number of appendages can extend outward from a given surface or other part of the body. For example, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, only one appendage 104 can extend from a certain surface of the body 103 (e.g., from the top of the body). In other embodiments, two or more appendages can extend outward from a certain surface of the body. For example, in FIG. 1, four appendages extend outward from the bottom of the body. Further understood, the number of appendages extending outward from each body surface or other part can be the same, but the number of appendages extending outward can also be different.

[0021] The appendage can also be disposed at any suitable position on the surface or other part of the body. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the appendage can be disposed around the bottom and top of the body. In other embodiments, the appendage can be disposed in the center of one of the surfaces.

[0022] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, attachment 104 may be integrally formed with the fuselage 103. In other embodiments, one or more attachments may be detachably attached to the fuselage. As can be understood, not all attachments need to be detachably attached to the fuselage, nor do they need to be integrally formed with the fuselage. For example, the fuselage may be integrally formed with four integrally formed attachments, and a fifth attachment that is detachably attached to the fuselage.

[0023] In one embodiment, one or more of the attachments 104 are formed from a material that is flexible enough to deform the attachment by manipulating it (e.g., by bending, twisting, curving, straightening, etc.). The material may also be sufficiently shape-retaining so that the attachment maintains its first and second configurations unless it is manipulated and until it is manipulated. In one embodiment, the attachment is formed from a flexible metal, such as a flexible wire 111 coated with a flexible second material, as shown in Figure 1. For example, the attachment may be formed from a copper wire coated with a silicone or rubber material. In one embodiment, the wire 111 can extend from the body 103 to the end of the attachment 104. The wire 111 can have any suitable diameter, for example, about 1 mm to 3 mm in diameter, or about 2 mm in diameter.

[0024] As should be understood, the attachment may be formed from another flexible metal (e.g., wire) coated with another flexible second material. Furthermore, as should be understood, the attachment must be formed from coated wire. For example, the attachment may be formed from another flexible material or combination of materials such as shape-retaining plastic.

[0025] Not all of the attachments 104 of the main body 102 need to be flexible. For example, in an embodiment having five attachments, only four attachments may be flexible. In other embodiments, all five attachments may be flexible. To be further understood, the entire length of each attachment 104 does not need to be flexible. For example, in one embodiment, only half of the attachment, e.g., the outermost part of the attachment, may be flexible, or the entire attachment may be flexible. Furthermore, the body portion may be formed from a flexible material, or it may be formed from a non-flexible material.

[0026] To ensure understanding, Figure 1 may show an example where the holder 100 is positioned outside an object such as a surface 110 without first deforming the attachments by manipulation. For example, the attachments in Figure 1 may have a straight configuration and therefore may simply be positioned on the surface 110. Figure 1 may also show an example where all four attachments 104 are manipulated and deformed into a straight configuration before being positioned on the surface.

[0027] In some embodiments, not all attachments are manipulated and deformed before the holder is placed on the surface 110. In some embodiments, not all attachments are manipulated and deformed into the same second configuration. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the rear attachments are manipulated and deformed into a curved configuration (e.g., from a straight configuration) while the front attachments are in a straight configuration. As can be understood, in such an example, the front attachments 104a in Figure 3 may have been manipulated and deformed into a straight configuration (e.g., from a curved configuration), but they may also have already been in a straight configuration and therefore not manipulated first. Once the holder is placed on the surface 110, the front surface of the holder 100 is raised so that visible light 112 can be projected to a desired height above the surface 110.

[0028] In yet another embodiment, the attachment may be manipulated and deformed to mount the holder to the outside of the surface. That is, the attachment may be deformed into a second configuration to hold the holder 100 against an object. For example, as shown in Figure 4, attachment 104 is manipulated and deformed so that the attachment is wrapped around the arm 114 of the chair and the bottom of the holder is held against the top surface of the arm. In Figure 4, all of attachment 104 is manipulated and deformed to hold the holder against the arm of the chair, but in other embodiments, it is not necessary to use all of the attachments. For example, in one embodiment, only two attachments may be used to hold the holder against the arm of the chair.

[0029] The attachment in Figure 4 is manipulated and deformed so that the holder is in an upright position (for example, with the bottom of the body adjacent to the top surface of the object), but the holder 100 can also be attached to the outside of the object in other positions. For example, the holder can be attached in an upside-down position with the bottom of the projector adjacent to the bottom of the object. The holder may also be attached so that the body is positioned vertically with the bottom of the projector adjacent to a surface of the object.

[0030] Returning to Figure 1, in one embodiment, the projector 106 may be located within the body 102 of the holder 100, such as within the torso 103 of the main body 102. In one embodiment, as shown, the projector 104 is located entirely within the main body 102. In other embodiments, the projector may be located only partially within the main body. For example, the front surface of the projector 106 (e.g., the surface of the projector with the lens) may extend at least partially outside the main body 102.

[0031] For the purposes of this specification, a projector includes a device that projects visible light, such as an image, onto a surface. In some embodiments, a projector may project visible light through a lens. A projector may also project an image via a laser. As is to be understood, a projector may have any suitable size. For example, a projector may be a miniature projector or a full-size projector. A projector may also include a smart device, such as a smartphone, configured to project an image onto a surface. A projector may display two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional images. A projector may also display holographic images. As is to be understood further, an image may be a static frame, such as a presentation slide, or it may be a moving image.

[0032] In one embodiment, the projector may be formed integrally with the main body and, for example, both the body 103 and the attachments 104, so that the main body and the projector form a single integrated device. As understood, in embodiments where one or more attachments are removable, the projector may be formed integrally with only the body, or integrally with the body and one or more attachments, in which case one or more attachments are also removable.

[0033] In other embodiments, the projector 106 may be detachably attached to the body 102. As shown in Figure 2, the body 102 may include an opening 108 into which the projector 104 can be inserted. As in other embodiments, the projector 106 may be fully positioned within the opening 108 or only partially positioned within the opening. As understood, the projector 108 may be inserted into the opening 108 only while the projector is in use and then removed thereafter. The projector 106 may also be inserted into the opening 108 for use and left within the opening 108 for storage.

[0034] Returning to Figure 1, the holder may include one or more buttons to allow the user to operate the projector. In one embodiment, the buttons on the holder are buttons on the projector. For example, the holder may include one or more openings through which the user can access buttons on the projector. In one such example where the projector and holder are integrally formed, the projector may be covered with the material used to form the holder (e.g., silicone or rubber material), except where the projector buttons are located. In other embodiments, the holder may include buttons that correspond to and interact with buttons on the projector. For example, the holder may include silicone or rubber buttons that activate projector buttons (e.g., pressing the projector button) when the user presses the holder button.

[0035] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 5, the holder may include a power button 116 to allow the user to turn the projector on and off. In one embodiment, the holder 100 may also include a rotate image button 118 to allow the user to rotate the orientation of the projected image. For example, in an embodiment in which the user mounts the holder upside down to an object, the user can press the rotate image button until the image is displayed in the desired orientation (e.g., with the right side up). As is understood, both the power button and the rotate image button are shown on the top surface of the holder, but in other embodiments, these buttons may be located on another suitable surface or part of the holder.

[0036] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the holder may have a keystone adjustment button 120. In such an embodiment, the keystone adjustment button may be used to distort the projected image so that it appears rectangular. Such adjustment may be performed when the projector is not positioned perpendicular to the horizontal centerline of the surface on which the image is projected. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the keystone adjustment button 120 may be located on the front of the body 102. For example, the keystone adjustment button 120 may be located next to the lens / laser projector eye 122 through which the image is projected onto the surface 124 (see Figure 4). As understood, in other embodiments, the keystone adjustment button 122 may be located on another suitable face of the holder.

[0037] Next, refer to Figure 7. Figure 7 shows the rear view of a projector holder according to one embodiment. As shown in this figure, the projector holder may include one or more ports for connecting peripherals to the holder (and projector). Similar to buttons, the holder ports may also be ports on the projector, but the holder ports may also be separate ports that interact in correspondence with the projector ports. In one embodiment, the projector holder may include a USB port 126 and / or a Lightning cable port 128 for connecting the projector to peripherals such as a smart device (e.g., a smartphone or e-reader), a computer and / or a battery charger (e.g., a battery pack or power adapter). For example, Figure 4 shows a projector holder 100 connected to a smartphone 130 via a USB cable 125 connected to a USB port 126. As another example, Figure 8 shows a projector holder 100 connected to a battery pack 132 via a USB cable 125 and a USB port 126 for charging the projector. As is to be understood, only the USB port and Lightning cable port are shown in Figure 7, but the holder may include other ports suitable for connecting the projector to peripherals. The holder may also include other ports to support communication protocols that are currently known or may be developed in the future. As with other embodiments, the ports are shown on the back of the projector holder, but the ports may be located on any suitable side of the projector.

[0038] Although the projector holder 100 is shown to have one or more ports for wired connection of peripherals to the projector holder (and projector), it will be understood that peripherals can also be connected to the holder wirelessly. For example, one or more peripherals can be connected to the holder (and projector) via Bluetooth® or other suitable wireless connection (such as Wi-Fi® or Li-Fi connection).

[0039] As can be understood, the projector holder 100 may include other suitable buttons and / or ports for operating the projector. For example, the holder may include buttons that allow the user to adjust the brightness and / or saturation of the projector. The holder may also include one or more sensors that sense a state (e.g., of the projector or the environment) and send data back to the holder (and the projector) to operate the projector. For example, the projector holder 100 may include an ambient light sensor (not shown) that can detect the state of the ambient light. In such an example, the projector may be configured to automatically adjust the brightness and / or saturation of the image in response to the sensed ambient light.

[0040] Next, refer to Figure 9. Figure 9 shows an exemplary arrangement of electrical components that may be housed inside the projector. As can be understood, the components may be arranged in any order, not necessarily in the order shown in Figure 9. As can be understood further, the projector may include additional or alternative components in other embodiments.

[0041] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the projector may include a projection unit 134 that projects visible light through a projector eye / lens 122. The projector may also include a modem 136, a battery 138, and one or more ports 140 (e.g., USB ports) for connecting to one or more peripheral devices. In one embodiment, the modem 126 is configured to receive and modulate information (e.g., digital information) for transmission.

[0042] In one embodiment, the battery 138 may be configured to power the projector 105 for about 1 to 4 hours. For example, the battery 138 may enable the projector to operate for about 1.5 hours. As is understood, the battery may be disposable or reusable. In embodiments where the battery is reusable, the battery may be charged by inserting the holder into a battery pack (see, for example, Figure 8) or a power adapter, the power adapter then being plugged into a power outlet. In such embodiments, the holder 100 may be connected to a battery charger via a USB cable or a Lightning cable and one of the respective ports 126, 128. The rechargeable battery may also be charged by contact with or proximity to the battery pack 132. For example, the battery pack may be attached to the holder (e.g., via one or more flexible attachments on the battery pack).

[0043] In some embodiments, the body includes a water-resistant or waterproof material, or a material treated to be water-resistant or waterproof in order to protect the projector. For example, in one embodiment, the body may be formed from silicone, rubber, PVC, or wax, or from a material treated (e.g., laminated or coated) with PVC, polyurethane, rubber, silicone elastomer, fluoropolymer and / or wax. Other waterproof or water-resistant materials and / or treatments may also be used.

[0044] In one embodiment, the holder is configured to be impact-resistant. For example, the body may be formed from a material that protects the projector from damage if the holder is dropped. As understood, in one embodiment, only the body is formed from an impact-resistant material, and in another embodiment, both the body and accessories are formed from an impact-resistant material. Some impact-resistant materials include silicone, rubber, EVA, foam, or other suitable materials.

[0045] In one embodiment, the body 103 and the attachment 104 are formed from the same material or a combination of materials. For example, both the attachment 104 and the body 103 can be formed from a flexible and impact-resistant material. For example, both the attachment and the body may be formed from silicone or rubber material. In another embodiment, the attachment is formed from a different material than the body. For example, the attachment is formed from a flexible (and possibly impact-resistant) material, while the body is formed from a material that is only impact-resistant.

[0046] In one embodiment, the holder functions as a heat sink and is configured to dissipate the heat generated by the projector. In one embodiment, for example, one or more wires 11 (e.g., copper wire) extend around the projector and / or into its attachments to dissipate heat. See, for example, Figure 1. In Figure 1, the wires 111 are shown extending around the projector and into each attachment. As can be understood, other types of metal (e.g., wire) or other suitable heat sinks may be placed inside the body.

[0047] In one embodiment, the holder may be formed in the shape of an animal. In such an embodiment, the attachments may correspond to the limbs or other ends of the animal. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the body 102 may be in the shape of a monkey having four limbs (e.g., arms and legs) and a tail. As can be understood, the body 102 may also be formed in the shape of other animals such as a giraffe, lion, tiger, bear, dinosaur, lizard, fish, octopus, or other wild or domestic animals. Although not shown in Figure 1, the body may also include attachments corresponding to the head of an animal (e.g., the head of a monkey).

[0048] As can be understood, the holder can be any suitable color or combination of colors. In some embodiments, the color or combination of colors corresponds to the shape of the animal on the body. For example, in an embodiment where the body is shaped like a monkey, the body may be brown.

[0049] In one embodiment, the outside of the holder also includes one or more decorative features corresponding to the shape of the animal in the holder. For example, the attachment may have hands and feet. In another example, if the animal is a monkey, one of its hands may be holding a banana.

[0050] According to another embodiment, the holder is part of a kit used to display an image on a surface. In such an embodiment, the kit may include a holder having a built-in projector and a USB and / or Lightning cable. As understood, the cable can be of any suitable length. For example, the cable length may be 3 to 12 feet. For example, the cable length may be 7 feet. In one embodiment, the kit may also include a battery charger or power adapter, such as the battery pack shown in Figure 8.

[0051] In another embodiment, a method 200 for positioning or attaching a holder onto an object to display an image on a surface is disclosed, as shown in Figure 10. In one embodiment, the method includes manipulating and deforming one or more attachments 250 and positioning the holder onto the object 252. As understood, the holder may be positioned onto the object without first manipulating and deforming the attachments 252. In other embodiments, the method includes manipulating and deforming one or more attachments 254 in order to attach the holder to the object (for example, to hold the holder against the outside of the object). In such embodiments, manipulating one or more attachments includes straightening, bending, curving, twisting, or otherwise moving the attachment to deform it from a first configuration to a different second configuration. As understood, each attachment may be manipulated and deformed in a different way and may have a different second configuration. For example, one attachment may be bent while another is straightened.

[0052] Once the holder is attached to or placed on an object, the method may include connecting a peripheral device (e.g., a smartphone) via a wired or wireless connection 256 and turning on the projector by pressing a power button 258. As understood, in other embodiments, the projector may be turned on via a remote control. The method may also include pressing one or more holder buttons 260 to adjust the projector. For example, the method may include pressing a keystone adjustment button to adjust the image and / or a rotate image button to rotate the image so that the image is placed in an upright orientation.

[0053] According to another embodiment, a method 300 for manufacturing a holder is disclosed. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the method includes forming a body having one or more flexible attachments 362 and an opening into which a projector can be inserted. As understood, the projector can be inserted into the opening by a user 364 during and / or thereafter 364. In such an embodiment, the body can be formed by pouring a silicone or rubber material into a mold. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 12 (where the projector is formed integrally with the holder), the method includes forming a body having one or more flexible attachments and a projector at least partially positioned within the body 366. In one embodiment, the method includes placing the projector in a mold and pouring a silicone or rubber material into the mold and around the projector. In another embodiment, the method may include dipping or otherwise coating the outside of the projector with the silicone or rubber material (e.g., by depositing it layer by layer) until a body having one or more flexible attachments is formed.

[0054] In one embodiment, the method may include winding one or more copper wires outward around the projector and, in some embodiments, from the projector to one or more attachments, before applying a silicone or rubber material. As understood, in one embodiment, the copper wires may be used to define the internal structure of one or more attachments, while the projector may be used to define the interior of the body.

[0055] Although this instruction has been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that this instruction be limited to such embodiments or examples. Rather, this instruction encompasses various alternative forms, modifications, and equivalents, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are merely illustrative.

[0056] Various aspects of the present invention can be used individually, in combination, or in various configurations not specifically considered in the embodiments described above, and are therefore not limited in their use to the details and configurations of the components described above or shown in the drawings. For example, an aspect described in one embodiment can be combined in any way with an aspect described in another embodiment.

[0057] Furthermore, the present invention can be embodied as a method, and examples thereof are provided. The actions performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable manner. Thus, even if shown as a sequence of actions in the exemplary embodiments, embodiments may be configured in which the actions are performed in a different order than shown, which may include performing several actions simultaneously.

[0058] The use of ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., in a claim that partially modifies a claim element does not, in itself, imply a priority, order, or temporal order in which an action of method is performed over another claim element, but is used merely as a mark to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having the same name (except for the use of ordinal terms).

[0059] Furthermore, the expressions and terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein means that they include the items listed therein and their equivalents, as well as any additional items.

Claims

1. The main unit and A projector, at least partially disposed within the aforementioned main body, configured to project visible light, A device equipped with, The main body is formed in the shape of an animal and includes a torso and a number of appendages. The body comprises a front section, a rear section opposite to the front section, a bottom section, and a top section opposite to the bottom section, and the projector is positioned in the front section of the body and configured to project visible light from the front section of the body. Each of the aforementioned appendages is flexible and adapted to be operated via one or more of the following: bending, twisting, wrapping, curving, and straightening. The aforementioned multiple accessories are A first set of attachments extending outward from the bottom of the body and resembling the legs of the animal, and arranged to allow the body to stand on an object when the projector projects visible light defining an image having a specific orientation from the front of the body, A second attachment extending outward from the top of the torso near the rear of the torso and resembling the tail of the animal, and positioned to allow the main body to be suspended from an object when the projector projects visible light defining an image having a specific orientation from the front of the torso, Equipped with, The second attachment comprises a first end and a second end, the first end being fixed to the body and the second end not being fixed to the body.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the projector projects visible light defining an image having a specific orientation from the front of the body, the first set of attachments enables the body to grasp the object.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body is formed from a waterproof or water-resistant material, or from a material treated to be waterproof or water-resistant.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body is formed from an impact-resistant material.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a battery for supplying power to the projector.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the battery is rechargeable.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes one or more ports for connecting the apparatus to one or more peripheral devices.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the one or more peripheral devices include one of a battery charger, a smart device, and a computer.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the ports is adapted to connect the apparatus to one or more peripheral devices via a wired connection.

10. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the ports is adapted to connect the apparatus to one or more peripheral devices via a wireless connection.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising one or more buttons for controlling the operation of the projector.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the one or more buttons include one of a power button, a keystone adjustment button, and a rotating image button.

Images