Multi-orientable display stand for a smartphone

Abstract

The invention relates to a device used as a display stand for a smartphone-type appliance, made up by assembling 3 members: • a plate bearing the appliance; • a handle located at one end of the plate on the opposite face; and • a foot located at the other end of the plate and the geometry of which comprises planar or concave or convex freeform (spherical, cylindrical, prismatic, etc.) facets. A complementary member acting as a base for the device has one or more facets complementary to those of the foot. The orientation is selected by contacting two complementary facets. The contact between these pairs of facets may be stabilized by any suitable, manually removable connection.

Description

[0001] MULTI-ORIENTABLE SMARTPHONE DISPLAY STAND

[0002] The present invention relates to a multi-orientable device created from a set of complementary parts as structural elements, the assembly of which makes it possible to create a support for a portable electronic device with a touch screen and virtual keyboard (smartphone, tablet) usable mainly in a home or office environment.

[0003] The current offering in this area is mainly suited for use in motor vehicles or for very specific areas of use.

[0004] The device proposed by this invention seeks to overcome the frequent inconveniences affecting the use of the device at home, which are: in the absence of a dedicated place on the table, there is a tendency to place it wherever possible, often to the detriment of ease of use, at the risk of forgetting where it is, and exposing it to physical aggressions (water, grease, dust, etc.); handling the device in case of emergency can be difficult, leading to risks of falling, particularly for people with impaired motor skills; and the device is often misplaced somewhere in the home and too much time is spent looking for it.

[0005] This device offers a solution aimed at providing the following advantages: ergonomic and easily modifiable presentation of the supported device according to a plurality of predefined orientations; easy and firm handling of the device when needed; and organization with regard to the storage of the device.

[0006] The invention relates to a multi-orientable device serving as a display stand for a smartphone-type device created from a set of complementary parts, characterized in that it comprises: three elements joined together: o a platform equipped with a means for fixing the device on one of its faces, o a foot, located at one end of the platform, on the face opposite to that supporting the device and whose geometry has at least one faceted surface element that can be brought into contact with said at least one faceted contact surface element of complementary geometry on a reference solid, and o a handle, located on the platform, on the same side as the foot, on the longitudinal axis between the foot and the other end of the platform; and in that it further comprises: at least one base fixed to the reference solid by any known means or by simple gravity, comprising said at least one faceted surface element complementary to at least one facet of the foot;and a plurality of pairs of faceted surface elements that can be brought into stable and removable contact manually between the foot and the base so as to allow a plurality of orientations of the device.

[0007] Advantageously, the device according to the invention is characterized in that: the radii of curvature of the foot and the handle are dimensioned to the height of half a tray; an assembly consisting of the foot and the handle forms a semicircle having as its diameter the tray; and the foot consists of a series of flat facets offset according to an angular progression in steps of 30°.

[0008] Advantageously, the device according to the invention is characterized in that: the radii of curvature of the foot and the handle are dimensioned to a value less than half a plate, typically at a height of one third of the plate; the handle is extended to join the foot; the assembly consisting of the foot and the handle reproduces the appearance of a landline telephone handset; and the foot consists of a series of flat facets offset according to an angular progression in steps of 30°.

[0009] Advantageously, the device according to the invention is characterized in that: the radii of curvature of the foot and the handle are reduced to the maximum by reducing to zero the radius of their inner face, typically at a height of one quarter of the tabletop; the handle is extended to join the foot; the assembly formed by the foot and the handle forms a prominent shell of equal dimension to the tabletop; and the foot consists of a series of flat facets offset according to an angular progression in steps of 30°.

[0010] Advantageously, the device according to the invention is characterized in that: the radii of curvature of the foot and the handle are minimized by reducing the radius of their inner face to zero, typically at a height of one-quarter of the platform; the handle is offset on the platform so as to come into contact with the foot; the assembly formed by the foot and the handle forms a prominent sphere with a diameter equal to half the platform; and the foot consists of a series of flat facets offset in 30° increments. Advantageously, the device according to the invention is characterized in that the system for attaching the device to the platform consists of one of the following options: a clamp with a clamping finger; a clamp equipped with a bolt and nut with a tightening knob; a magnet embedded in the material; and a snap-on plate that can pivot on the fixed platform attached to the device.

[0011] Advantageously, the device according to the invention is characterized in that the linking system between the base and the foot consists of one of the following options: a link by magnet disposed on the base and metal plates equipping the facets of the foot; a link by introduction of a cylindrical peg, with circular or polygonal cross-section, of the base into one of the orifices equipping the facets of the foot; and a link by lockable peg in the orifices.

[0012] Advantageously, the device according to the invention is characterized in that the linkage system comprising a facet and its stabilizing member is carried directly by the reference solid.

[0013] Advantageously, the device according to the invention is characterized in that the multiple orientations of the support are obtained by the use of a multi-faceted base that can be brought into contact with one or more facets of the support.

[0014] Device components

[0015] The architecture of the device includes 3 fixed elements, two auxiliary elements, and a separate element that can be used as a base.

[0016] See [FIG 1] and [FIG 2] as an example of a specific implementation of the device. Connecting elements:

[0017] The Platform [FIG 5]: A solid rectangular shape and flattened on one face of which the device is attached by means of a fastening system allowing the device to be secured to the device in a removable manner.

[0018] The base [FIG 3]: A rigidly assembled solid attached to one end of the platform on the face opposite the one holding the device. It comprises one or more surface elements whose contact with one or more complementary surface elements on a reference solid allows the orientation of the device, and therefore that of the device attached to the platform. A facet is not necessarily a regular surface, but in practice, facets will have planar, spherical, cylindrical, prismatic, or other geometries. A planar facet is complementary to another planar facet, while a facet with a convex spherical geometry is complementary to a concave facet. The handle [FIG 4]: A rigidly assembled tubular solid attached to the platform, on the same face as the base, at a variable distance from the base depending on the desired appearance. It allows for a firm and quick grip on the device when needed (e.g., when receiving a call).

[0019] Auxiliary elements:

[0020] Mounting system [FIG 6]: A part that allows the device to be fixed to the platform by any known means. The purpose of this system is to position the device as close as possible to the platform, along two parallel planes, ensuring that the longitudinal axes are parallel (portrait mode display) or orthogonal (landscape mode).

[0021] The linking system stabilizes the contact between two complementary facets of the foot and the reference solid. It consists of two complementary elements, one attached to the foot and the other to the reference solid. It utilizes any known method such as a pin, magnet, snap-fit, etc. However, the resulting contact must be manually removable to allow for easy replacement of the contacting facets and thus a new orientation of the device relative to the assumed fixed reference solid.

[0022] Separate element:

[0023] The reference surface is at the user's discretion (e.g., table, desk, wall, or any other flat surface), but one of the two connecting elements must be embedded in this surface. While direct embedding of this element is theoretically possible, in practice it is usually preferable to use a specially designed base.

[0024] The base [FIG 7] is a part that can be fixed to the reference plane by conventional means and has one or more facets for contact with the foot. This facet (or these facets) includes the complementary part of the connection system that stabilizes the contact with the available facet(s) on the foot.

[0025] Since the base is a separate element, different models of it can be used to adapt to the way the device is used, e.g. (kitchen base, office base, storage base, etc.).

[0026] Guidelines of the system

[0027] The actual implementation of the device's components is a specific solution resulting from choices made to meet the predetermined requirements for the device's orientation and based on physical constraints (dimensions, weight of the device). The solution chosen to achieve these orientations focuses on the number, spatial location, and geometry of the contact surfaces between the base and the foot.

[0028] The orientation is chosen by bringing two complementary facets into contact, one on the foot, the other on the base. This is a simple and quick manual operation involving the removal of the device and its placement on a new pair of facets.

[0029] Figure 8 shows the possible orientations for the device taken as an example in the previous paragraph.

[0030] Getting started with the device

[0031] Since the device and the electronic unit are secured by the mounting system, the user grasps the device; as the device is significantly lighter than the electronic unit, this presents no problem. Handling is facilitated by the presence of a handle and the simple action of removing the device, which involves lifting it perpendicularly from the surface in contact with the base. Furthermore, the handle provides a firm and secure grip.

[0032] Examples of arrangements

[0033] The actual construction of the support is subject to physical, dimensional, and geometric constraints, resulting in a device that meets the practical needs of its user. The following sections of this document describe several methods for achieving this.

[0034] The examples described below assume that the connections between the elements of the device and its base are made by means of a peg perpendicular to the base and able to be inserted into an orifice corresponding to the level of the facets (however, other types of connections can be imagined which will be discussed later).

[0035] Self-stabilizing device on a table with 3 positions [Fig 9]

[0036] The base and handle together form a semicircle with a diameter sufficient to accommodate a smartphone of approximately 16 x 8 cm.

[0037] The base [Fig. 3] consists of a series of three flat facets offset in 30° increments. The device is supported by a cylindrical surface whose cross-section is formed by three consecutive sides of a regular twelve-sided polygon. Contacting one of the three facets with a supporting plane determines the orientation of the device according to three possible 30° offsets.

[0038] The tray completes the setup according to the diameter of this semicircle.

[0039] The 3 sides allow the platform (and therefore the smartphone resting on it) to be positioned at 3 vertical angles of 15°, 45° and 75°.

[0040] The geometry of the device allows the stability of the device without the need for a base, insofar as the center of gravity is projected inside the area defined by the facet of the foot in contact with the material support.

[0041] Three-position device on a tabletop base [Fig. 10] The components of the device described above can be used in combination with a flat (typically circular) base featuring a vertical peg that fits into any of the three facets of the base, each with a corresponding opening. This provides the three characteristic angles for vertically positioning the smartphone. Thus, when the peg is inserted into one of the facets, the device benefits from improved stability in case of unevenness or sudden movement of the surface on which the base rests.

[0042] Wall-mounted device [Fig 11]

[0043] The elements of the device described above can be used in combination with a wall mount.

[0044] In this case the device stays on the ankle by itself due to mechanical constraints but it can easily be removed from the base by grasping the handle.

[0045] Six vertical smartphone positioning angles relative to the wall are achieved by adjusting the three facets of the stand and rotating the mount 180° around the horizontal axis of the ankle. These angles are 15°, 45°, or 75° upwards and symmetrically downwards, allowing for selection based on the device's wall height.

[0046] Handle on table base [Fig 12]

[0047] Modification made to the self-stabilizing device:

[0048] The radii of curvature of the foot and handle are reduced in order to flatten the device.

[0049] It is then necessary to extend these two elements to achieve their joining.

[0050] This gives the appearance of a telephone handset in the style of old landline phones.

[0051] In this design, it is necessary to use a base to ensure the balance of the device.

[0052] We obtain 3 orientation angles of the tabletop (15, 45 and 75° vertically), depending on the polygonal facet of the foot placed on the table base.

[0053] Wall-mounted handle

[0054] We obtain 3 orientation angles of the tray (15, 45 and 75° vertically), depending on the polygonal facet of the foot placed on the wall base.

[0055] The other 3 symmetrical angles are obtained by a 180° rotation of the foot around the base's ankle.

[0056] Tabletop base [Fig 13]

[0057] Modification made to the self-stabilizing device:

[0058] The radii of curvature of the foot and the handle are reduced to a minimum by reducing the radius of their inner face to zero in order to completely flatten the device.

[0059] It is then necessary to extend these two elements to join them. This results in the appearance of an oblong and prominent shell. In this design, a base is required to ensure the stability of the device.

[0060] We obtain 3 orientation angles of the tabletop (15, 45 and 75° vertically), depending on the polygonal facet of the foot placed on the table base.

[0061] Wall-mounted case

[0062] We obtain 3 orientation angles of the tray (15, 45 and 75° vertically), depending on the polygonal facet of the foot placed on the wall base.

[0063] The other 3 symmetrical angles are obtained by a 180° rotation of the foot around the base's ankle.

[0064] Ball on a table base [Fig 14]

[0065] Extremely compact format achieved by reducing the radii of curvature of the inner faces of the foot and the handle to zero and by directly joining the handle to the foot without an intermediate part.

[0066] We obtain 3 orientation angles of the tabletop (15, 45 and 75° vertically), depending on the polygonal facet of the foot placed on the table base.

[0067] Sphere on wall base [Fig 15]

[0068] Thanks to the use of a base with a wall-mounted dowel and by combining the use of the 3 polygonal faces and a 180° rotation on the dowel, we obtain the 6 orientation angles (15, 45 and 75° vertically upwards or downwards).

[0069] Multifaceted base [Fig 23] [Fig 24]

[0070] In this type of solution, the multiple orientations of the device are obtained in a different way, while retaining the components described above, in the paragraph "structure of the device" which characterize the invention.

[0071] In this case, the roles of the base and the foot are reversed in that the multiple facets determining the different orientations of the platform are carried by the base while only one contact facet is carried by the foot.

[0072] Description of a device of this type:

[0073] The base consists of a cylindrical body with a circular cross-section (radius 60 mm, height approximately 20 mm) surmounted by a hemisphere (radius 60 mm) truncated 20 mm on each side by a diametrical plane perpendicular to its base. This creates a ribbon with a circular cross-section of radius 60 mm, positioned above the cylinder at a 180° angle. This ribbon features a series of five flat, circular facets (radius approximately 6 mm) evenly distributed along its length and staggered vertically at angles ranging from 15° to 75°. Each facet has a perpendicular octagonal opening (radius approximately 5 mm) at its center.

[0074] The tray is sized at 120 mm x 40 mm x 4 mm.

[0075] The foot is made from a solid piece obtained by extruding a 20 mm profile defined by the platform and a segment transverse to the platform. At its free end, it has a concave spherical facet complementary to the convex face of the ribbon. This facet is fitted in its center with an octagonal pin compatible with the holes in the ribbon.

[0076] The handle is formed by a solid obtained by rotating through 65° a profile delimited by the plate and a segment transverse to the plate. It has at its free end a concave spherical facet complementary to the convex face of the ribbon.

[0077] Inserting the octagonal peg into one of the holes distributed on the ribbon allows for five orientations of 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75° of the device relative to the base plane of the pedestal.

[0078] The choice of 8 possible axial orientations of the anchor in the hole allows switching between portrait and landscape modes. Furthermore, in the case of a wall mount, these orientations can be duplicated upwards or downwards.

[0079] The handle, at the other end of the platform and on the same side as the foot, allows the device and the supported appliance to be detached from the base.

[0080] Connection between the base and the device

[0081] For all the models described above, different types of connection between the base and the elements of the device can be considered.

[0082] [Fig 21] Connection by magnet placed on the base and metal plates equipping the facets of the foot.

[0083] [Fig 22] Connection by introduction of a cylindrical-shaped peg (with circular or polygonal cross-section) of the base into one of the orifices equipping the facets of the foot.

[0084] A locking pin connection as described above, using a known method such as: diametrically opposed lugs inserted into any one of the foot's openings, with a suitable cylindrical profile and a quarter-turn rotation at the end of their travel, allowing reversible engagement on the end face of the opening; a snap-fit ​​annular seal with a profile (e.g., semi-circular) allowing easy removal of the pin; a cantilevered snap-fit ​​seal with a profile (e.g., semi-circular) allowing easy removal of the pin; magnetization of the contact between the pin (6) and the opening (7); and a pin passing through the foot (4) and the pin (6).

[0085] Reverse connection by swapping the peg and the opening on the base and the foot.

[0086] Connection between the base and a supporting plane

[0087] To address specific situations, all known solutions are possible for securing the base to its support surface, either manually or permanently. Fixing system

[0088] Generally speaking, different types of attachment of the device to the platform supporting the device can be considered, namely:

[0089] [Fig 16] Use of a standard automotive ventilation grille clamp passing through a window in the tray and equipped with a finger to grip a plate positioned below.

[0090] [Fig 17] Use of a clamp whose housing is equipped with a bolt passing through the plate and a tightening knob.

[0091] [Fig 20] Use of a magnetic plate interacting with the device which can be integrated into the platform or separated and act through the platform.

[0092] [Fig 19] A suitably sized platform is used, onto which the device can be snapped. To allow the device to be presented in portrait or landscape mode, this platform is divided into two parts: a fixed platform attached to the device and a movable platform superimposed on top. This second platform, which supports the device, can rotate 90° within its plane to achieve the two presentation modes.

[0093] [Fig 18] Using a connector similar to those found on the power cable to hold the smartphone resting on the platform, optionally with snap-in tabs. This connector must be securely held in position on the platform and precisely positioned using a connector stop so that the device naturally clicks into place.

[0094] Since the center of gravity of the device is naturally projected onto the longitudinal axis of the platform, all these connections - with the exception of the fixing by connector on stop - offer a limited degree of freedom along this same axis allowing adjustment, if necessary, of the position of the center of gravity of the device in order to obtain the projection of the latter (according to the gravity vector) inside the contact facets.

[0095] Connections using a single fixed plate do not allow a degree of rotational freedom around an axis normal to the plane of the plate, while others allow it in order to switch the device's display screen between portrait and landscape modes.

[0096] Accommodation of different devices

[0097] By playing with the dimensions of the different elements (base, platform, handle) it is possible to adapt the stand to be compatible with a range of smartphones of different sizes or with tablets.

[0098] Geometric modifications

[0099] While retaining the elements described in the "structure" section, it is possible to drastically modify the device's appearance, which is not limited to the examples described above. This allows for meeting a variety of specifications depending on the size and nature of the device being supported. These modifications may concern: the dimensions and shape of the different components; the relative arrangement of the different components; the number of facets on the base or stand (multiple or single); the angular progression of the facets; whether one or more facets are contiguous or not; the arrangement of the facets in their spatial coordinates and orientations; and the permutation of the connecting parts between the base and the stand.

[0100] Incorporation of charging ports

[0101] The dowel / hole type connection between the base and the foot can be used to allow the incorporation of cables and connectors enabling the charging of the electronic device.

[0102] The proposed solution uses the ankle as a two-pole male jack-type socket. The openings accommodate the corresponding female jack-type plugs.

[0103] The + and - poles of the female jacks are connected together and result in a single cable with a power connector for the device.

[0104] On the base, a cable connected to the male jack emerges from the base, allowing connection to an external charger. Optionally, a switch on the base allows for easy control of the charging process.

[0105] This system has the advantage of automatically cutting off the power to the device when the stand is removed from the base. There is no longer any need to unplug and replug the device's connector, which reduces wear and tear and can be awkward for less dexterous users. Furthermore, it prevents handling the device with the connector plugged in, which can lead to rapid deterioration of the power cord.

[0106] Incorporation of ancillary elements

[0107] Since the base is a fixed component (on a table or wall), it is not subject to strict limitations in terms of size or weight. It can therefore be used to integrate additional systems, such as chargers, Bluetooth speakers, or Wi-Fi repeaters.

[0108] Using the device without a base

[0109] Some components of the linking system between the base and the foot can be fixed directly onto the reference solid (wall, furniture, case, table or desk surface, etc.) so that one facet with its stabilizing component is compatible with at least one facet of the foot, thus eliminating the need for the base.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Multi-orientable device serving as a display for a smartphone-type device created from a set of complementary parts, characterized in that it comprises: three elements joined together: o a platform (2) equipped with a means of fixing (3) the device on one of the faces, o a foot (4), located at one end of the platform (2), on the face opposite to that supporting the device and whose geometry has at least one surface element (20) (facet) that can be brought into contact with said at least one surface element (20) (facet) of contact of complementary geometry on a reference solid, and o a handle (1), located on the platform (2), on the same side as the foot (4), on the longitudinal axis between the foot (4) and the other end of the platform (2);and in that it further comprises: at least one base (5) fixed to the reference solid by any known means or by simple gravity, comprising said at least one surface element (20) (facet) complementary to at least one facet of the foot (4); and a plurality of pairs of surface elements (20) (facets) that can be brought into stable and manually removable contact between the foot (4) and the base (5) so as to allow a plurality of orientations of the apparatus.

2. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that: the radii of curvature of the foot (4) and of the handle (1) are dimensioned at the height of half a plate; an assembly consisting of the foot (4) and the handle (1) forms a semicircle having as diameter the plate (2); and the foot (4) consists of a series of 3 flat facets (20) offset according to an angular progression in steps of 30°.

3. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that: the radii of curvature of the foot (4) and of the handle (1) are dimensioned to a value less than half a tray, typically at the height of one third of the tray (2); the handle (1) is extended in order to join the foot (4); The assembly consisting of the base (4) and the handle (1) reproduces the appearance of a landline telephone handset; and the base (4) consists of a series of 3 flat facets (20) offset according to an angular progression in steps of 30°.

4. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that: the radii of curvature of the foot (4) and the handle (1) are reduced to the maximum by reducing to zero the radius of their inner face, typically at the height of one quarter of the plate (2); the handle (1) is extended in order to join the foot (4); the assembly formed by the foot (4) and the handle (1) forms a prominent shell of the same dimension as the plate; and the foot (4) consists of a series of 3 flat facets (20) offset according to an angular progression in steps of 30°.

5. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that: the radii of curvature of the foot (4) and the handle (1) are reduced to the maximum by reducing to zero the radius of their inner face, typically at the height of one quarter of the plate (2); the handle (1) is offset on the plate (2) in order to come into contact with the foot (4); the assembly formed by the foot (4) and the handle (1) forms a prominent ball with a diameter equal to half a plate; and the foot (4) consists of a series of 3 flat facets (20) offset according to an angular progression in steps of 30°.

6. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the system for fixing the device on the plate (2) consists of one of the following options: a clamp (10) with clamping finger (12); a clamp (10) equipped with a bolt and nut with tightening knob (11); a magnet (14) embedded in the mass; and a snap-on plate (16) that can pivot on the fixed plate (2) attached to the device.

7. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the linking system between the base (5) and the foot (4) consists of one of the following options: a link by magnet (9) disposed on the base (5) and metal plates equipping the facets (20) of the foot (4); a connection by introduction of a cylindrical peg (6) of circular or polygonal cross section, of the base (5) into one of the orifices (7) equipping the facets (20) of the foot; and a connection by peg (6) lockable in the orifices (7).

8. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the linking system comprising a facet (20) and its stabilizing member is carried directly by the reference solid.

9. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the multiple orientations of the support are obtained by the use of a multi-faceted base that can be brought into contact with one or more facets of the support.

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