Abstract
A stand for a portable media device having a cap attached to a base. The base has body having a series of openings through which ballast is allowed to flow when the stand is being positioned. The ballast preferably made up of beads, such as glass or plastic, or sand. The ballast and the base are positioned within a bladder that is preferably a stretchy or resilient material. A rounded conical cap is attached to the top of the bladder and partially encapsulates the bladder. The cap is configured for positioning of a portable media device on the cap and/or for attachment of a portable media device to the cap. The cap serves to provide structure to the rounded bladder as well as to distribute the weight of a portable media device positioned on the cap. The cap has preferably a magnetic mechanism that is configured to magnetically attach to a portable media device or to a magnet position within a portable media device or affixed to the portable media device or a case on the portable media device. Alternate mechanical attachment mechanisms can be utilized in addition to or in alternative to the magnetic attachment. Preferably a bottom side of the bladder has a gripping surface that allows the bladder to be positioned on a surface and to increase friction between the bladder and the surface on which it is positioned. Preferably the stand is provided with a charging mechanism to charge a portable media device. The charging mechanism can be a wired and/or wireless charging mechanism. Preferably the stand has a port that is configured for receiving wired electricity from an external source.
Claims
1. A freestanding apparatus for holding a personal electronic device, comprising: a base, said base having a body, wherein said body comprises a semi spherical shape having a first end and a second end and defining a plurality of apertures formed in said body, wherein said second end comprises a neck extending from said second end; a flexible bladder, wherein said base is positioned within said bladder such that said neck of said base extends upward to an opening in said bladder, wherein said bladder is attached to said neck of said base; a hollow rounded conical cap, wherein said rounded conical cap is attached to said bladder so as to encapsulate an upper portion of said bladder, wherein said rounded conical cap is attached to said base at said neck, wherein said rounded conical cap is configured for attachment of a portable media device; and wherein said ballast filling said bladder, wherein said ballast comprises a granular fill material configured to flow through said apertures in said body and around said body within said bladder and to solidify in said apertures in said body and around said body to secure said stand when said stand is positioned on a surface by a user.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rounded conical cap is attached to said neck by a magnet.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rounded conical cap is removably attached to said neck.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is configured with a charging system configured to charge a wireless media device positioned on said apparatus.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said charging system comprises a wireless charging device integrated into said apparatus.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said apparatus comprises a battery configured to supply power to said charging device to charge said portable media device.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said neck comprises a female opening in a first end of said neck, wherein said rounded conical cap comprises a post extending from an underside of said rounded conical cap and configured for mating engagement with said female opening in said first end of said neck.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bladder is connected to said neck by a retaining ring.
9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said post is secured in said female opening by magnetic attraction.
10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said post is secured in said female opening by an adhesive.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rounded conical cap comprises a planar edge formed in a side of said rounded conical cap, wherein said rounded conical cap is configured for attachment to a portable media device at said planar edge.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said planar comprises an attachment mechanism selected from the group consisting of magnets and hook and loop fasteners.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said planar edge comprises a recess formed in said planar edge, wherein said recess houses at least one magnet.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rounded conical cap comprises a finger groove.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said base comprises a ring positioned between said body and said neck.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bladder comprises an elastic material.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bladder is attached to said neck by a retaining clip.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rounded conical cap is configured for attachment to a portable media device by a threaded recess positioned in said rounded conical cap, wherein said threaded recess is configured for mating engagement with a threaded post of a portable media device.
19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rounded conical cap comprises a hook extending therefrom.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
(2) FIG. 2 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
(3) FIG. 3 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
(4) FIG. 4 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
(5) FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
(6) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cap of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
(7) FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a cap of the invention.
(8) FIG. 8 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of a cap of the invention.
(9) FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the cap of the invention.
(10) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the base of the invention.
(11) FIG. 11 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the base of the invention.
(12) FIG. 12 is a partially exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a base of the invention showing a battery exploded from the base.
(13) FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a base of the bladder of the invention, having a base installed in the bladder of the invention.
(14) FIG. 14 is a top view of the bladder looking in at the ballast.
(15) FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the bladder, ballast, base, and wireless charging element of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
(16) FIG. 16 illustrates preferred embodiment of the invention with a portable media deceive attached.
(17) FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of a preferred embodiment of the invention with a portable media device attached.
(18) FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of a preferred embodiment of the invention with a portable media device attached.
(19) FIG. 19 illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the invention with a portable media device attached.
(20) FIG. 20 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention hanging as a plumb bob with a portable media device.
(21) FIG. 21 illustrates a back view of a preferred embodiment of the invention acting as a plumb bob with a portable media device attached.
(22) FIG. 22 illustrates a front view of a preferred embodiment of the invention acting as a plumb bob with a portable media device attached.
(23) FIG. 23 illustrated a side view of a preferred embodiment of the invention acting as a plumb bob with a portable media device attached.
(24) FIG. 24 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention with a portable media device attached, namely a tablet.
(25) FIG. 25 illustrates a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 24.
(26) FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 24 with a portable media device attached.
(27) FIG. 27 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention with a camera attached to a threaded mounting opening.
(28) FIG. 28 illustrated a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 27.
(29) FIG. 29 illustrates a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 27.
(30) FIG. 30 illustrates an alternative use of a preferred embodiment of the invention in supporting a tape measure and measuring a distance.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(31) While the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventive concept(s) to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept(s) as defined in the claims.
(32) FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention. The invention utilizes a bladder 6 attached to a rounded conical cap 4. In preferred embodiment, the rounded conical cap utilizes a magnetic attachment 8 configured for attaching a portable media device. Preferably this magnetic attachment 8 is positioned in or on a planar edge 10 (or beveled edge) of the rounded conical cap. In general, a portable media device can either have a magnetic surface or a magnet or magnetically attractive can be inserted into a case surrounding the portable media device. This allows the back of the portable media device to be affixed to the stand 2 at the magnetic attachment 8. The planar or beveled edge provides a flat surface for mounting on a portable media device. In a preferred embodiment, the portable media device has a battery positioned within the stand to all the stand to function as a portable charging unit. The battery is preferable charged through port 14.
(33) A second mounting mechanism utilizing a threaded recess positioned in the rounded conical cap for attachment of a threaded post attached to a portable media device can be provided in addition to or as an alternative to the planar edge. Preferably a screw 18 is positioned within the threaded recess. Preferably the screw 18 positioned within the recess 16 has a hinged connection loop 19. As discussed below, the hinged connection loop (also called a hook) can be utilized to attach the stand as a plumb bob to a string to allow for hanging the stand and mounting a portable media device.
(34) Preferably the rounded conical cap has a finger groove 12 configured for one or more of a user's fingers to be positioned in the groove when holding the stand. The finger groove facilitates a user grasping and manipulating the stand.
(35) The rounded conical cap is attached to a base 4 (further detailed, for example, in FIG. 5) that is positioned within a bladder 6. The bladder is filled with ballast. The ballast preferably is made up of sand or glass or plastic beads. The ballast material is flowable inside of the bladder to allow the bladder to be positioned and configured in an orientation preferable to the user. The ballast provides a fluid movement when moved and when the bladder is positioned the ballast solidifies to provide a solid platform. The bladder is preferably made of an elastic material such that the bladder can stretch and rebound with movement of the ballast therein. Preferably the bladder has a textured or otherwise friction increasing material 20 affixed to or integral with the bottom of the bladder to facilitate retention of the bladder on a surface, such as on the dashboard of a vehicle in motion.
(36) The rounded conical cap is provided in a rounded conical shape with a hollow inside, as shown in FIG. 7. Utilizing this structure allows the rounded conical cap to fit over (or encapsulate) the upper portion of the bladder and ballast providing a structure that limits the expansion of the upper portion of the ballast and bladder. The rounded conical cap further serves to distribute the weight of the portable media device onto the bladder and ballast to provide increased stability.
(37) FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the invention. Positioned within the bladder 20 is the ballast 34. The ballast is positioned in and around a base 32 that is configured to stabilize the mount. The base is provided with a body having a semi spherical shape defining a series of openings 58 in the wall 62 of the base through which the ballast is allowed to fluidly move and solidify when the base has been positioned in a location. The openings serve as an anchor for the top into the ballast. The base is connected to the rounded conical cap by a neck 51 extending upward from the body of the base. A post 38 extends downward from the underside 36 of the rounded conical cap for mating engagement with an aperture at the top of the neck.
(38) A battery 64 is shown housed in an upper opening of the base. The battery is further illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 12. Preferably the battery is rechargeable. In a preferred embodiment, the base is configured for wireless charging of a portable media device, either via the battery, a connection to an external power source, or both. Alternatively or in addition to wireless charging, the base can be configured for wired charging. A port 14 is provided as shown for example in FIG. 1 for wired connectivity at the base to an external powered source or fore wired connection for charging a portable media device.
(39) Preferably the magnetic attachment at the base is provided with a depression 21 in the planar edge of the rounded conical cap. The depression houses a compartment for a magnetic element for attachment of a portable media device to the stand. In the depicted embodiment the compartment includes a floor 24 supports and provides for structure for adherence of a series of magnets 22. A wireless charging induction coil 9 is positioned to facilitate wireless charging of a portable media device positioned on the stand. The wireless charging induction coil receives power via port 42 (shown in FIG. 9). A charging module 26 is shown for providing power to the wireless charging coil or directly to the phone via a battery and/or via an external power source connected to the stand. A flat compartment cap 7 encloses the batteries in the compartment.
(40) FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a rounded conical cap. The rounded conical cap is provided in a rounded conical shape, or alternatively called a partial spherical shape. The rounded conical cap 4 preferably has a port 17 configured for wired attachment to an external power source and/or for wired connection to a portable media device to be charged on the rounded conical cap. In a preferred embodiment the rounded conical cap has a post 38 configured for attachment to the neck (51 shown in FIG. 10) of the base. In the depicted embodiment the rounded conical cap is configured to threadingly attach to the neck of the base. A charging module 48 inserts into a port 46 providing a port for supplying power to the battery and/or charging unit of the stand.
(41) The rounded conical cap is depicted with two attachment mechanisms for retaining a portable media device on the rounded conical cap. The first attachment mechanism is the planar edge in the side of the rounded conical cap, while the second attachment mechanism is the threaded recess, shown with a screw 18 positioned therein in FIGS. 6-8. The first attachment mechanism is shown with a portable media device attached thereto in FIGS. 16-26. The second attachment mechanism is shown with a portable media device attached thereto in FIGS. 27-29.
(42) FIGS. 10-12 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the base has a neck extending upward from the body of the base. The neck 51 has an aperture 50 that is configured for threaded engagement with the threaded post of the rounded conical cap. In the depicted embodiment, the base extends downward from the neck. The base has a series of openings and a generally tubular base section or support 60. The body 56 of the base is configured such that the ballast is able to flow through the base and into the base and act as an anchor of the base. The disc between the neck and the body enables further anchoring of the body in the ballast. The disc 52 has a series of openings 53 configured to allow the ballast to flow through the openings.
(43) In the depicted embodiment, the base is configured with a tubular base section 60 that forms a basal support. The rounded tubular appearance of the base is provided such that when it rests upon the ballast, it provides increased support to the stand and portable media device resting thereon.
(44) FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the base with a battery 64 shown removed from the base. The female opening 50 in the base is configured to allow for a battery 64 to be positioned within the base. The positive connection 65 of the battery can then connect to a connection 66 in the post of the underside of the rounded conical cap.
(45) FIG. 13 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the bladder with the neck of the base protruding upward from the bladder. The bladder is connected to the base at the neck of the base via a clip 30. The rounded conical cap then attaches to the base by inserting the post of the rounded conical cap into the neck and threadingly engaging the threads of the post to the threads in the female opening of the neck.
(46) FIG. 14 illustrates a bottom view of the bladder showing the textured or otherwise friction inducing surface 34. FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded view of the bladder 6, attachment point 72 of the bladder to the neck of the base, ballast 34, battery 64, and clip 30.
(47) FIGS. 16-19 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the stand 2 with a portable wireless media device 76 positioned on the stand. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the back of the portable wireless media device is attached such that the back rests on the planar side of the cap. The finger groove 12 is positioned on the cap opposite to the planar side to facilitate a user grasping the stand with the portable media device attached thereto.
(48) FIGS. 20-23 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the stand utilized as a plumb bob. A hook, 19 is provided as a hinged ring 19 attached to the screw 18 (illustrated in detail in FIG. 1). The hook is attached to a string 82 having an end 84 that can then be attached ceiling or other surface or object to allow the stand to hang from the ceiling or other surface or object. The weight of the stand pulls the device downward 86 to provide a generally vertical orientation of the portable media device 90. The configuration of the stand coupled with the portable media device puts the weight of the portable media device and stand assembly at corner 88 of the stand, providing a vertical mount. FIGS. 21-23 further illustrate the plumb bob utilization of the stand and the portable media device.
(49) FIGS. 24-26 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the stand connected to a portable media device being a tablet. The stand is holding the tablet in a horizontal orientation. In use, the stand can either hold the tablet above the ground or the bottom edge of the tablet can be touching the ground.
(50) FIGS. 27-29 illustrate a portable media device being a camera attached to the stand at the threaded mounting point 16 by the rounded conical cap. The threaded screw 18 has been removed and replaced by a threaded post 100 attached to the camera 102.
(51) FIG. 30 illustrates a further use of the stand. In FIG. 30, the stand is being utilized to assist in measuring a distance along the floor 122. The stand 2 is positioned on the floor at the gripping surface 120 of the stand. A tape measure 24 is positioned above the stand. The screw 18 has been extended upward. The tape 126 of the tape measure has been extended measuring the distance between the tape measure and the wall, or any point in between. Preferably the screw is magnetic such that the tape is held in place, allowing the user to roll out the tape from the tape measure 124. The end flange 130 of the tape measure is positioned against the wall 140. The stand is providing support at a mid-section 128 of the tape measure tape. This prevents the tape measure tape from buckling when it is extended. This allows a single user to obtain a longer measurement than the user would be able to without the device or some other implementation to allow the tape measure to extend without buckling. The use of the magnetic screw further allows a user to take a measurement while reducing the ability of the tape to retract into the tape measure because the tape is being held in an extended position by the magnetic screw.
(52) While certain preferred embodiments are shown in the figures and described in this disclosure, it is to be distinctly understood that the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims.
