Support for portable electronic devices with multiple viewing angles

Abstract

A housing for an electronic device (4), the housing having an upper and a lower cover connected by a hinge (13), the hinge (13) comprising: a first joint plate (131); a second hinge plate (132); and a third hinge plate (133), wherein the first hinge plate (131) is adapted to pivotally engage with the second hinge plate (132) through the third hinge plate (133); wherein one of the first and second joint plates (131, 132) and the third joint plate (133) comprises two shaft bushings (134) arranged coaxially and facing each other on opposite sides, and wherein the other of the third joint plate (133) and the first and second joint plates (131, 132) comprises two shaft bushings (134) on two opposite sides, so that each shaft bushing (134) of the third joint plate (133) is arranged coaxially with the shaft bushing (134) of the first and second joint plates (131, 132), respectively; wherein a cut-out portion (11) is formed in a shaft bushing (134) of one of the first and second hinge plates (131, 132) and the third hinge plate (133), and a shaft bushing (134) of the other of the first and second hinge plates (131, 132) and the third hinge plate (133) includes at least one projection forming a stopper (135, 136) such that the cut-out portion (11) receives a stopper (135, 136) to prevent rotation beyond a predetermined angle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of a support for portable electronic devices, and more particularly to a support for portable electronic devices that can be arranged in various configurations to provide multiple viewing angles. BACKGROUND

[0002] A portable electronic device, such as a tablet computer or smartphone, often uses a case for protection or support. Some portable electronic device cases are conventional and only provide a cover or shell function, which can provide protection. Other portable electronic device cases allow for holding or supporting the device in various configurations or from multiple viewing angles.

[0003] Cases for electronic devices may use hinges to connect the front and back covers of a housing. US Publication No. 20130094131 is an example of the use of a double hinge with detents for locking for a tablet case. Hinges such as double hinges are also used in the electronic devices themselves, although designs vary due to the different requirements for a device versus a housing. For example, US Publication 20110099756 shows a double hinge so that a tablet can unfold more than 270 degrees, allowing a user to hold it in one hand. US Pat. 8746645 shows a double hinge with a stop to prevent over-rotation for a laptop platform.

[0004] US 8,720,843 B1 and US 8,794,436 B2 each describe a protective housing for an electronic device. The housing comprises a lower and an upper plate connected by a connecting plate. The lower, upper, and connecting plates can be folded toward each other. The housing can be used to place the electronic device upright in a use position.

[0005] US 2013 / 0075292 A1 describes a toolbox with a hinge device. The hinge device comprises notches into which pins can be inserted. These pins are arranged on a lower and an upper housing part of the toolbox. The hinge device allows the housing parts of the toolbox to be pivotably connected to one another.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide an improved way in which portable electronic devices can be arranged in different configurations to provide multiple viewing angles.

[0007] The object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims, the description, and the figures. SHORT SUMMARY

[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, a double hinge for a housing is provided with stops that prevent the housing from opening more than 180 degrees. This is particularly advantageous for a housing with a fabric cover, where bending beyond 180 degrees can destroy the fabric by overstretching it. The stops can be formed integrally with counterparts of the hinge assembly to reduce manufacturing costs. The hinge design provides a hinge with a low profile, minimizing fabric tearing and creating a smoother appearance.

[0009] According to certain embodiments of the invention, a joint comprises a first joint plate, a second joint plate, and a third joint plate, wherein the first joint plate is configured to pivotally engage the second joint plate through the third joint plate. The first and second joint plates may comprise two shaft bushings arranged coaxially and facing each other on opposite sides. The third joint plate may comprise two shaft bushings on two opposite sides, such that each shaft bushing of the third joint plate is arranged coaxially with the shaft bushing of each of the first and second joint plates.

[0010] In some embodiments, a cutout portion is formed in each shaft bushing of the first and second hinge plates, and each shaft bushing of the third hinge plate includes two projections forming stops, such that each cutout portion of the shaft bushings of the first and second hinge plates can receive a stop of each shaft bushing portion of the third hinge plate. The hinge plates may be formed from a flat metal material or other suitable materials, as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

[0011] In further embodiments, each of the first and second hinge plates may have a width of 20 mm and a length of 30 mm, with opposite sides being 30 mm long and spaced 6 mm apart. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second hinge elements may be made of a stainless steel material with a thickness of 0.5 mm, with a single-axis force between 1.5 and 2.5 kgf and a force drop of 20%. Furthermore, the first and second hinge plates may include screw openings.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the first plate comprises a first cavity portion and a second cavity portion, wherein the second plate comprises a first cavity portion and a second cavity portion, wherein the first cavity portions of the first and second plates are configured to receive the first and second hinge plates of the hinge, respectively, and wherein the second cavity portions of the first and second plates are configured to receive first and second mounting plates, respectively. The first and second plates may include a cutout portion at the edge configured to receive the opposite sides of the first and second hinge plates, respectively. In some implementations, the mounting plates may be aluminum, and the first and second plates are plastic.

[0013] In some embodiments, a support for portable electronic devices comprises a frame and a base having a front and a back, wherein the back has a hinge line. The hinge line may include a hinge structure including a first hinge plate, a second hinge plate, and a third hinge plate, wherein the first hinge plate is configured to pivotally engage the second hinge plate through the third hinge plate, wherein the hinge line is configured to enable positioning of the frame at a predetermined angle, wherein the structure is integrated on the back of the tablet cover housing, and wherein the first plate and the second plate of the hinge structure are disposed on either side of the hinge line.

[0014] In further embodiments, a method of manufacturing a joint having first, second, and third joint plates is described herein, wherein the first joint plate is configured to pivotally engage the second joint plate through the third joint plate, the first and second joint plates having two shaft bushing portions on one side at each end of opposite sides, and the third joint plate having two shaft bushing portions on both sides of the third joint plate. The method includes forming four projections on the third joint, two projections each formed on each shaft bushing portion, rolling the shaft bushing portions into a substantially cylindrical shape, and fitting the projections of each shaft bushing to engage the cutout portions of the shaft bushings of the first and second joints, respectively.

[0015] In certain embodiments, a method of manufacturing a joint having first, second, and third joint plates is described herein, wherein the first joint plate is configured to pivotally engage the second joint plate through the third joint plate, the first and second joint plates having two shaft bushing portions on one side at each end of opposite sides, and the third joint plate having two shaft bushing portions on either side of the third joint plate. The method may include cutting material from each shaft bushing portion of the first and second joint plates to form a protrusion on each shaft bushing portion.The method may further comprise rolling the shaft bushing portions of the joint plate members to form the shaft bushings, assembling the joint plates by arranging the shaft bushings of the first, second, and third joints coaxially with each other, with the shaft bushings of the third joint being disposed between the shaft bushings of the first and second joints. In some cases, the method comprises inserting a shaft through the shaft bushings on each opposite side of the first and second joints, respectively.

[0016] In some implementations, the method may further include inserting screws through the first plate of the first joint with screws through corresponding openings formed in the first joint, and disposing the first joint member in the first cavity portion of the first plate prior to inserting the screws through the first plate of the first joint. Some embodiments may include disposing the first mounting plate in the second cavity portion on the first joint plate and inserting screws through the second plate of the second plate through corresponding openings formed in the second joint.

[0017] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific nature of the following description should not be construed as limiting the broad nature of this summary in any way. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to better understand the manner in which the above and other advantages and features of the invention are achieved, a more specific description of the invention briefly described above is given by reference. Despite any other forms that may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 schematically shows a view of a support for portable electronic devices according to certain embodiments of the invention; Fig. 2 schematically shows a view of a support for portable electronic devices according to certain embodiments of the invention; Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of the processing steps for providing a joint according to certain embodiments of the invention; Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the joint of Fig. 3 in a flat position; Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic view of the joint of Fig. 3 in one angle; Fig. 6 schematically shows a perspective view of a joint structure at a specific stage of manufacture according to certain embodiments of the invention; Fig. 7 schematically shows a perspective view of a joint structure at a specific stage of manufacture according to certain embodiments of the invention; Fig. 8 schematically shows a perspective view of a joint structure at a specific stage of manufacture according to certain embodiments of the invention; Fig. 9 schematically shows a view of a joint structure according to certain embodiments of the invention; Fig. 10 is a diagram of an exploded view of an embodiment of the invention showing the stops formed integrally with the hinge. Fig. 11 schematically shows a view of a support for portable electronic devices according to certain embodiments of the invention; Fig. 12 schematically shows a view of a support for portable electronic devices according to certain embodiments of the invention; and Fig. 13 schematically shows a view of the processing steps for providing a joint according to certain embodiments of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a support 1 for portable electronic devices comprises a frame 2 and a base (support) 3. The base 3 comprises a front 10 and a back 9. The back 9 further comprises a lower rear portion 11 and an upper rear portion 12. The frame 2 is designed to support an attachable and detachable electronic device 4 such as a tablet, as shown in Fig. 2. The frame 2 and the upper rear portion 12 are pivotally coupled to the lower rear side 11 of the base 3. The rear side 9 of the base 3 is pivotally coupled to the front side 10 of the base 3 along a pivot line 8. The rear side 9 of the base 3 further includes a pivot line 18 coupling the lower rear portion 11 and the upper rear portion 12. In some embodiments, the pivot line 8 may be a hinge similar to the pivot line 18, a non-rigid hinge, or a flexible piece of material that is configurable such that the front side of the base 10 and the back side of the base 9 can be adjusted and fixed at various angles relative to one another.

[0020] Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 show schematic views of supports 4200, 4300 for portable electronic devices according to certain embodiments of the invention. Fig. 12 comprises a keyboard 4370 arranged thereon. Both embodiments are to Fig. 1 in that they comprise a support for portable electronic devices having a frame and a base. The frame is designed to support an attachable and detachable electronic device 4, such as a tablet, as in Fig. 2. Another similarity includes that the frame and upper rear portion are pivotally coupled to the lower rear of the base 4290, 4390. The base of both device supports 4200 and 4300 includes an additional hinge 4250, 4350 configured to provide additional support configurations. Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, for example, show the front of the base supported at an angle to provide the user with different viewing angles and / or different keyboard angles to adapt to various ergonomic needs and, for example, to create better typing angles. The hinge can be configured at any suitable angle. In some embodiments, the hinge 4250, 4350 can be a rigid hinge that can support the weight of the device support without collapsing upon itself. Alternatively, other types of hinge structures can be used, such as a non-rigid hinge, a flexible material, or the like. Fig. Figure 13 schematically shows a view of supports 4400 for portable electronic devices in a closed configuration according to certain embodiments of the invention. The support 4400 particularly shows a support 4200 folded in a portable configuration, with a pivot line 4420 (corresponding to Figure 18 in Fig. 1) and a pivot line 4440 with a joint 4250 (not shown).

[0021] According to some embodiments, a switch may be integrated into one or more of the joint structures described herein. For example, opening or closing a joint could turn a switch on or off, or multiple operating modes may exist depending on the position of the joint. Switches may be used to turn the device supports on (first position) or off (second position). Opening the device support (e.g., changing from the Fig. 13 in the Fig. 11) may, for example, trigger a switch located at or near the pivot line 4420 or 4440 to turn on the device support. Switches may also be used in conjunction with a local processor to turn on the electronic device (i.e., tablet computer) via wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth communication). Some switches may have additional positions in addition to a bimodal on / off state that can perform other functions. For example, some switches may activate media-only keys, turn on an associated touch pad, turn on the keyboard, switch between keyboard-only and touch pad-only operation, and the like. Joints may include a single switch or multiple switches. Switches may be implemented at a single joint or multiple joints.

[0022] Certain embodiments may include only a base portion with (or without) keyboard 4370. The base portion may include a hinge 4350 and a pivot line operative to configure the base in a number of different configurations. For transport, the keyboard / base would be flat, and in use, a user could bend the rear portion at the pivot line / hinge to give the base an inverted "V" shape, as shown in Fig. 12, for an adjustable typing angle. A switch may be arranged in the hinge to turn the keyboard 4370 on / off when the hinge is rotated (e.g., from a flat base configuration to an inverted V-shape configuration, as in Fig. 12 shown).

[0023] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a view of the processing steps for providing a joint for a device support according to certain embodiments of the invention. The joint 13 is arranged at the pivot line 18 and allows adjustment of the angle of the frame 2 relative to the lower rear base 11. A joint 13 can also be added at the hinge line 8, which would allow changing the angle between the lower rear base 11 and the front base (or support surface).

[0024] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the joint 13 comprises two plates 131, 132. A first joint plate 131 is configured to pivotally engage a second joint plate 132. The first and second joint plates 131, 132 are formed from a generally flat material, such as stainless steel.

[0025] As shown in the figures, in one embodiment of the invention, the first and second hinge plate members 131, 132 comprise shaft bushings 134a and 134b (or hinges) arranged coaxially and facing each other, the shaft bushings 134 being arranged on opposite sides, and more precisely, at each end of the opposite sides of the first and second hinge plates 131, 132.

[0026] The joint 13 also includes a third joint plate 133, which is also formed from a generally flat plate. The first and second joint plates 131, 132 are coupled via the third joint plate 133. The third joint plate 133 includes two shaft bushing portions on two opposite sides of the third joint plate 133 to form two shaft bushings 135a, 135b, respectively arranged coaxially with the shaft bushings 134a, 134b.

[0027] The third hinge plate 133 also includes four projections or stops 136: two projections 136 are formed on each shaft bushing portion, such that the projections 136 of each shaft bushing 135a, 135b are designed to cooperate with cutout portions 137a, 137b of the shaft bushings 134a, 134b of the first and second hinge plates 131, 132, respectively. The stops or projections 136 advantageously control the folding angle and prevent the portable electronic device support 1 from flattening after it is folded over and folded back. The stops or projections 136 prevent the portable electronic device support from opening further after a predetermined maximum angle as determined by the dimensions of the cutout portions 137a, 137b and the projections 135a, 135b of the shaft bushings 134a, 134b.This predetermined angle corresponds to a working angular position in which an electronic device mounted in the support for portable electronic devices is in a flat position. The first and second hinge plates 131, 132 are generally parallel to the hinge plate 133 when the hinge 13 is in the fully open position, and the first and second hinge plates 132a, 132b are generally perpendicular to the third hinge plate 133 when the hinge 13 is in the fully closed position. The relative angles of the hinge plates in the closed position can be changed or defined by the configuration of the projections or stops 136 and the cutout portions 137a, 137b. In the fully closed position, the lower portion 11 of the base 3 can then be arranged on the front side 10 of the base 3.An outermost position of the joint 13 in a flat position is shown, for example, in . Fig. 4. A closed intermediate position of the joint 13 is shown in Fig. 5 shown.

[0028] A method for providing such a joint 13 is described in Fig. 3, with a step of forming the first and second hinge plates, each with two shaft bushing portions on one side of a flat plate at each end of the opposite sides. It will be appreciated that the first and second hinge plates may be manufactured in a similar process. In the figures, a 180-degree rotation of the first hinge plate 131 creates the second hinge 132, and vice versa. In embodiments of the invention, the dimensions and arrangements of the two hinge plates may be different from what is shown in the figures or different from each other without departing from the scope of the invention. By making the hinge plates generally the same, manufacturing efficiencies can be achieved. Each shaft bushing portion 134a, 134b includes a cutout portion 137a, 137b to form the projection or stop 135 on each shaft bushing portion.

[0029] When the joint plates 131, 132 are formed from a generally flat piece of material, the shaft bushing portions 134a, 134b are designed to form the shaft bushings after a rolling step. In the rolling step, the flat shaft bushing portions are formed into substantially cylindrical shapes, as in the progress of the Fig. 3 shown images. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a top and side view of a representative joint (such as 131, 132) with the formed propeller shaft bushing. In one embodiment of the invention, the shaft bushing forming step may occur in one step or in a series of discrete steps. Furthermore, a single or multiple propeller shaft bushings may be formed in the same step or in different steps.

[0030] Fig. Figure 3 also illustrates a similar shaft bushing rolling step performed on the third joint plate 133. The shaft bushings 135a, 135b can be formed simultaneously or separately. Furthermore, the shaft bushings 135a, 135b can be formed in a single step or in multiple discrete steps.

[0031] Once the shaft bushings 134a, 134b and 135a, 135b are formed, the shaft bushings 134a, 134b and 135a, 135b are coaxially aligned, and the shafts 139 are inserted through the shaft bushings. The joint 13 then has a dual axis along two shafts 139. Mating portions of the shafts and shaft bushings can be configured to have defined friction properties. For example, the mating portions can be configured to have relatively low friction, providing little resistance to rotation. Alternatively, the mating portions can be configured to have relatively high friction, creating significant resistance to rotation.In one embodiment of the invention, by configuring a relatively high level of friction between the shafts and the shaft bushings, the support for portable electronic devices is intended to be able to support a mounted electronic portable device in multiple positions that rely at least in part on the stiffness of the joint to maintain the position of the portable electronic device. In embodiments of the invention, different portions of the shafts and shaft bushings may have different levels of friction. In further embodiments of the invention, the levels of friction between the shafts and the shaft bushings may be different depending on the direction of rotation. For example, a joint may be configured to rotate clockwise with a resistance force of X and to rotate counterclockwise with a resistance force of Y.According to embodiments of the invention, the resistance forces X and Y may be different. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are a number of ways to vary the resistance based on the direction of rotation. By creating a hinge with different levels of resistance to rotation in one direction versus another, a support for portable electronic devices according to the invention can be made to fold over "easier" in one direction than in another. For example, it may be desirable to increase the resistance required to open the hinge from the flat position to the over-twisted position. Consider the support for portable electronic devices as shown in FIG. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The portable electronic device support 1 may be configured to resist rotation when folded over the hinge line 18. For example, if a user touches or presses the icons in the top row of the mounted portable electronic device during normal use, the portable electronic device support would no longer rotate around the hinge line 18. In such an example, as shown in Fig. 1, the rotational resistance to counterclockwise rotation about hinge line 18 would be relatively high. Continuing the example, the rotational resistance about hinge line 18 can be configured to be relatively lower in the clockwise direction. When a user touches or presses the bottom row of icons on the portable electronic device, there is resistance from both the hinge at hinge line 18 and the interface between frame 2 and the front face 10 of base 3.

[0032] In an embodiment of the invention in which the resistance to rotation about the hinge line 18 is different in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, a portable electronic device support may be configured to provide sufficient stability to resist rotation about the hinge line 18 during normal use, and it may be "easier" to increase the angle of the frame 2 relative to the front 10 of the base 3 or potentially even to close the portable electronic device support so that a mounted portable electronic device is covered on both its front and back by the portable electronic device support.

[0033] In embodiments of the invention, the joint 13 may consist of more than three plates. Additional plates may be arranged along the axis of the shafts. Furthermore, additional plates may be added to create an additional axis of rotation between the plates 131, 132. When an additional axis of rotation is added, more complex arrangements of stops and rotational resistance can be configured. For example, it may be relatively easy to open the support for portable electronic devices and rotate the frame to a specific angle relative to the front 10 of the base 2, and the rotational resistance to further rotation may increase. This would allow relatively easy opening and closing of the support for portable electronic devices, but also provide sufficient resistance and stability during normal use.

[0034] In one embodiment of the invention, each joint plate 131, 132 has a width of 20 mm and a length of 30 mm. The opposite sides are, for example, 30 mm long and are spaced 6 mm apart. The centers of the double axis along the shafts 139 are then spaced 6 mm apart. The plates used to form the joint plates 131, 132, 133 are made of stainless steel and have a thickness of 0.5 mm. A force in a single axis is between 1.5 and 2.5 kgf. The joint advantageously has a force drop of 20%.

[0035] The first hinge plate 131 includes screw holes for attachment to a first plastic plate 14, as shown in Fig. 6. The first plate 14 comprises a first cavity portion 141 and a second cavity portion 142.

[0036] The first cavity portion 141 is designed to receive the first hinge plate 131. The first cavity 141 allows for easier positioning of the first hinge plate element 131 on the first plate 14. The hinge plate is first plugged or glued to the first plate 14. The screws advantageously provide sufficient fastening force, while the adhesive evenly absorbs the force applied to the hinge. It is understood that any other suitable adhesive is possible.

[0037] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the first hinge plate may be secured with screws through the corresponding openings formed within the first hinge plate 131. The first plate 14 may also include a cutout portion at its edge configured to receive the opposite side of the first hinge plate 131.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the first hinge plate 131 and the cavity portion 142 provide a flat surface adapted to receive a mounting plate 15. Hereinafter, the mounting plate is a rectangular plate.

[0039] The rectangular and flat mounting plate 15 also includes openings so that when the rectangular mounting plate 15 is disposed within the cavity portion 142 formed in the first plate 14, the screws used to attach the first hinge plate 131 to the first plate 14 are disposed in front of the openings of the rectangular mounting plate 15. The second cavity 142 allows for easier positioning of the 15.

[0040] The rectangular mounting plate 15 may be aluminum and may be attached to the first plate 14, which may be plastic, with an adhesive to secure the first hinge plate 131. It also provides a smooth surface for the first plate 14 throughout its entire surface prior to final attachment to the portable electronic device support 1.

[0041] The joint 13 can be securely positioned by the plastic plates 14, 16 and the rectangular plate 15. The first and second joint plates 131, 132, as secured between the plastic plates 14, 16 on one side and the rectangular plates 15 on the other side, prevent the joint 13 from moving or being easily removed from its initial position. The joint structure maintains the rotation of the back of the base around the joint line 18.

[0042] It is well understood that the materials or fastenings are non-limiting examples and any other way of fastening the various elements provides the same advantages that prevent the hinge 13 or the first and second hinge plates 131, 132 from being easily removed from the upper rear portion 12 of the base 3 of the support for portable electronic devices.

[0043] The second hinge plate 132 is attached in a similar manner to a second plate 16 similar to the first plate 14, as in Fig. 9 shown.

[0044] The second plate 16 includes a first and a second cavity (not shown) adapted to receive the second hinge plate 132 and a second plate 17 similar to the first plate 15, respectively.

[0045] The first plate 14 and the second plate 16 are then pivotally coupled by the joint 13. The two plates pivot relative to each other along the axis of the joint line 18.

[0046] This final structure 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 is then integrated into a cover, for example, the back of the base 3. The first and second plates 14, 16 may have similar dimensions to the back 11, 12 of the support 1 for portable electronic devices, so that a user or holder does not feel the presence of the joint 13, with the back 11, 12 being capable of being a smooth surface.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the joint 13 is arranged in the middle of the rear side 11, 12, wherein the joint line 18 is arranged between the first and the second plastic plate 14, 16.

[0048] It is well understood that the number of joints, the shapes, and the dimensions of the panels are a non-limiting example. Other embodiments are possible. Other means for attaching the various panels can be used.

[0049] Any other shape or dimension of either the joint 13 or the joint structure 13, 14, 15, 16 may be used depending on the size or shape of the support for portable electronic devices themselves and also, for example, depending on the force required for positioning at multiple viewing angles. For example, to obtain a greater force, the diameter of the shaft bushings 134, 135 can be increased. The number of joints 13 can be increased either with the same dimensions or with smaller dimensions. The joint line 18 can be arranged away from the center of the rear side. The first and second plates 14, 16 and the mounting plates 15 are dimensioned accordingly, with the cavity sections 141, 142 adapted to the joints 13 and the plates 15 used.

[0050] Various options may be used to cover or conceal the back and articulating structures as described herein. Any suitable process, as known in the art, may be used.

[0051] In embodiments of the invention, a very flat rear surface of the base can be formed. By having a very flat rear surface of the base (i.e., no significant unevenness from the hinge protruding above the planar top / bottom surface), a cosmetically pleasing support for portable electronic devices can be achieved. By eliminating or significantly reducing any protrusion of the hinge around the surface, in embodiments of the invention, the frame holding a portable electronic device can be mounted directly adjacent to the rear surface of the base. This allows for a thinner overall thickness for the support for portable electronic devices. The hinge design and arrangement according to embodiments of the invention enable a very thin rear base surface, which also allows for a thinner overall thickness for the support for portable electronic devices.Inventions that provide a reduction in the overall thickness of a support for portable electronic devices can provide significant advantages in the marketing and distribution of consumer products.

[0052] In embodiments of the invention, a joint similar to joint 13 may be arranged at other locations on a support for portable electronic devices. A similar joint may, for example, be arranged at the pivot line 8. In embodiments of the invention, a joint similar to joint 13 may be present at the pivot line 8 and pivot line 18 or only at one of the pivot lines 8 and 18. Furthermore, in embodiments of the invention, a support for portable electronic devices may have a different configuration than that in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, but could still use a joint similar to joint 13.

[0053] Fig.10 is an exploded diagram of one embodiment of the joint structure, more clearly showing the stop structure. Joint plates 131 and 132 have integrally formed shaft bushings 134. A cutout portion 137a of the bushing 134 provides the endpoints for engagement with a stop 136 to prevent rotation beyond 180 degrees. As shown, the stops 136 are integrally formed with the shaft bushing 135a of the middle, third joint plate 133. A shaft 139 is inserted through the shaft bushings to mount the joint. In an alternative embodiment, the stop 136 could be formed as part of the shaft bushings 134 on the joint plates 131, 132, and the cutout portions 137a could be formed as part of the shaft bushing 135a of the third, middle joint plate 133.

[0054] According to the invention, the hinge structure coupled to the back of a portable electronic device support is configured to allow a frame to pivot from a first position to a second position, such that the frame or an electronic device mounted in the frame is at a viewing angle suitable for a user. The portable electronic device support provides an easy and quick multi-angle viewing function, allowing an electronic device mounted in the frame to be at an angle desired by the user.Embodiments of the invention may be used in a portable electronic device support with one or more predefined viewing angles, or in a portable electronic device support that allows a user to select the desired angle from the range of angular positions enabled by the hinge. In some embodiments, there is no need to provide grooves to facilitate the support of an electronic device inserted into the frame of the portable electronic device support.

[0055] It is well understood that such a support for portable electronic devices is also suitable for any other portable electronic device, such as a mobile phone, a notebook, etc. Furthermore, a fixed device, such as a display, may be mounted within the support and remain within the scope of the invention.

Claims

[1] A housing for an electronic device (4), the housing having an upper and a lower cover connected by a hinge (13), the hinge (13) comprising: a first joint plate (131); a second hinge plate (132); and a third hinge plate (133), wherein the first hinge plate (131) is adapted to pivotally engage with the second hinge plate (132) through the third hinge plate (133); wherein one of the first and second joint plates (131, 132) and the third joint plate (133) comprises two shaft bushings (134) arranged coaxially and facing each other on opposite sides, and wherein the other of the third joint plate (133) and the first and second joint plates (131, 132) comprises two shaft bushings (134) on two opposite sides, so that each shaft bushing (134) of the third joint plate (133) is arranged coaxially with the shaft bushing (134) of the first and second joint plates (131, 132), respectively; wherein a cut-out portion (11) is formed in a shaft bushing (134) of one of the first and second hinge plates (131, 132) and the third hinge plate (133), and a shaft bushing (134) of the other of the first and second hinge plates (131, 132) and the third hinge plate (133) includes at least one projection forming a stopper (135, 136) such that the cut-out portion (11) receives a stopper (135, 136) to prevent rotation beyond a predetermined angle. [2] The housing of claim 1, further comprising a fabric material covering at least portions of the top and bottom covers and the hinge (13). [3] A housing according to claim 2, wherein a cut-out portion is formed in each shaft bushing (134) of the first and second hinge plates (131, 132), and each shaft bushing (134) of the third hinge plate (133) includes two projections forming stops (135, 136) so that each cut-out portion of the shaft bushings (134) of the first and second hinge plates (131, 132) can receive a stopper from each shaft bushing portion (134a, b) of the third hinge plate (133). [4] A housing according to claim 1, wherein the hinge plates (131, 132, 133) are made of a flat metal material. [5] A housing according to claim 1, wherein each first and second hinge plate (131, 132) has a width of 20 mm and a length of 30 mm, the opposite sides being 30 mm long and spaced apart by 6 mm, the first and second hinge members being made of a stainless steel material having a thickness of 0.5 mm with a force in a single axis between 1.5 and 2.5 kgf and a force drop of 20%. [6] The housing of claim 1, wherein the first and second hinge plates (131, 132) include screw openings. [7] Housing according to claim 1, wherein the first plate (16) comprises a first cavity portion (141) and a second cavity portion (142), wherein the second plate (17) comprises a first cavity portion (141) and a second cavity portion (142), wherein the first cavity portions (141) of the first and second plates (16, 17) are adapted to receive the first and second hinge plates (131, 132) of the hinge (13), respectively, and wherein the second cavity portions (141, 142) of the first and second plates (16, 17) are adapted to receive a first and a second fastening plate (15), respectively. [8] A housing according to claim 7, wherein the first and second plates (16, 17) include a cut-out portion at the edge adapted to receive the opposite sides of the first and second hinge plates (131, 132), respectively. [9] Housing according to claim 7, wherein the mounting plates (15) are aluminum and the first and second plates (16, 17) are plastic. [10] Support (1) for portable electronic devices, comprising: a frame (2); a fabric cover over the frame (2); and a base (3) having a front side and a back side, the back side having a hinge line (18) comprising a hinge structure (13) comprising: a first joint plate (131); a second hinge plate (132); and a third joint plate (133), wherein one of the first and second joint plates (131, 132) and the third joint plate (133) comprises two shaft bushings (134) arranged coaxially and facing each other on opposite sides, and wherein the other of the third joint plate (133) and the first and second joint plates (131, 132) comprises two shaft bushings (134) on two opposite sides, so that each shaft bushing (134) of the third joint plate (133) is arranged coaxially with the shaft bushing (134) of the first and second joint plates (131, 132), respectively; wherein a cut-out portion is formed in a shaft bushing (134) of one of the first and second hinge plates (131, 132) and the third hinge plate (133), and a shaft bushing (134) of the other of the first and second hinge plates (131, 132) and the third hinge plate (133) includes at least one projection forming a stopper (135, 136) such that the cut-out portion receives a stopper (135, 136) to prevent rotation beyond an angle of 180 degrees; wherein the first hinge plate (131) is designed to pivotally engage with the second hinge plate (132) through the third hinge plate (133), wherein the hinge line (8) is configured to enable the positioning of the frame (2) at a predetermined angle, wherein the structure is integrated at the rear of the tablet cover case, and wherein the first plate (16) and the second plate (17) of the hinge structure (13) are arranged on both sides of the hinge line (18). [11] Support (1) according to claim 10, wherein a cut-out portion is formed in each shaft bushing (134) of the first and second hinge plates (131, 132) and each shaft bushing (134) of the third hinge plate (133) comprises two projections forming stops (135, 136) so that each cut-out portion of the shaft bushings (134) of the first and second hinge plates (131, 132) can receive a stop (135, 136) from each shaft bushing portion (134) of the third hinge plate (133). [12] Support (1) according to claim 10, wherein the hinge plates (131, 132, 133) are made of a flat metal material. [13] Support (1) according to claim 10, wherein each first and second hinge plate (131, 132) has a width of 20 mm and a length of 30 mm, with opposite sides being 30 mm long and spaced apart by 6 mm, wherein the first and second hinge elements are made of a stainless steel material with a thickness of 0.5 mm, with a force in a single axis between 1.5 and 2.5 kgf and a force drop of 20%. [14] Support (1) according to claim 10, wherein the first and second hinge plates (131, 132) comprise screw openings. [15] Support (1) according to claim 10, wherein the first plate (16, 17) comprises a first cavity portion (141) and a second cavity portion (142), wherein the second plate (17) comprises a first cavity portion (141) and a second cavity portion (142), wherein the first cavity portions (141) of the first and second plates (16, 17) are adapted to receive the first and second joint plates (131, 132) of the joint (13), respectively, and wherein the second cavity portions (141, 142) of the first and second plates (16, 17) are adapted to receive a first and a second fastening plate (131, 132), respectively. [16] Support (1) according to claim 15, wherein the first and second plates (16, 17) comprise a cut-out portion at the edge adapted to receive the opposite sides of the first and second hinge plates (131, 132) respectively. [17] Support (1) according to claim 15, wherein the fastening plates (15) are aluminum and the first and second plates (16, 17) are plastic. [18] Support (1) according to claim 10, wherein the frame (2) is configured to support a tablet and comprises walls on a part of the frame (2) arranged to closely engage the sides of the tablet. [19] Support (1) according to claim 10, further comprising: Screws inserted through the second plate of the second plate through corresponding openings formed in the second joint. [20] Support (1) for portable electronic devices, comprising: a frame (2); a fabric cover over the frame (2); and a base (3) having a front side and a back side, the back side having a hinge line (18) comprising a hinge structure (13) comprising: a first joint plate (131); a second hinge plate (132); and a third joint plate (133), wherein one of the first and second joint plates (131, 132) and the third joint plate (133) comprises two shaft bushings (134) arranged coaxially and facing each other on opposite sides, and wherein the other of the third joint plate (133) and the first and second joint plates (131, 132) comprises two shaft bushings (134) on two opposite sides, so that each shaft bushing (134) of the third joint plate (133) is arranged coaxially with the shaft bushing (134) of the first and second joint plates (131, 132), respectively; wherein a cut-out portion is formed in a shaft bushing (134) of one of the first and second hinge plates (131, 132) and the third hinge plate (133), and a shaft bushing (134) of the other of the first and second hinge plates (131, 132) and the third hinge plate (133) includes at least one projection forming a stopper (135, 136) such that the cut-out portion receives a stopper (135, 136) to prevent rotation beyond an angle of 180 degrees; wherein the first hinge plate (131) is designed to pivotally engage with the second hinge plate (132) through the third hinge plate (133), wherein the hinge line (8) is configured to enable the positioning of the frame (2) at a predetermined angle, wherein the structure is integrated at the back of the tablet cover case, and wherein the first plate and the second plate of the hinge structure (13) are arranged on both sides of the hinge line (8); wherein a cut-out portion is formed in each shaft bushing (134) of the first and second joint plates (131, 132), and each shaft bushing (134) of the third joint plate (133) includes two projections forming stops, so that each cut-out portion of the shaft bushings (134) of the first and second joint plates (131, 132) can receive a stop from each shaft bushing portion of the third joint plate (133); wherein the hinge plates (131, 132, 133) are made of a flat metal material; wherein the first plate (16) comprises a first cavity portion (141) and a second cavity portion (142), wherein the second plate (17) comprises a first cavity portion (141) and a second cavity portion (142), wherein the first cavity portions (141) of the first and second plates (16, 17) are designed to respectively receive the first and second joint plates (131, 132) of the joint (13), and wherein the second cavity portions (141, 142) of the first and second plates (16, 17) are designed to respectively receive a first and a second fastening plate (15); wherein the first and second plates (16, 17) include a cut-out portion at the edge adapted to receive the opposite sides of the first and second hinge plates (131, 132), respectively.

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