US20120261305A1 - Electronic device with support assembly - Google Patents

Electronic device with support assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
US20120261305A1
US20120261305A1 US13/248,049 US201113248049A US2012261305A1 US 20120261305 A1 US20120261305 A1 US 20120261305A1 US 201113248049 A US201113248049 A US 201113248049A US 2012261305 A1 US2012261305 A1 US 2012261305A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
shaped components
electronic device
end portions
main body
shaped
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/248,049
Inventor
Hsiung-Wei Sung
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd filed Critical Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd
Assigned to HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD. reassignment HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SUNG, HSIUNG-WEI
Publication of US20120261305A1 publication Critical patent/US20120261305A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16MFRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M13/00Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16MFRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M11/00Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
    • F16M11/02Heads
    • F16M11/04Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
    • F16M11/041Allowing quick release of the apparatus
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16MFRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M11/00Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
    • F16M11/02Heads
    • F16M11/04Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
    • F16M11/06Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting
    • F16M11/10Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a horizontal axis
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1626Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1656Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories
    • G06F1/166Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories related to integrated arrangements for adjusting the position of the main body with respect to the supporting surface, e.g. legs for adjusting the tilt angle

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to electronic devices, and more specifically to an electronic device having a support assembly.
  • the photo frames include a stand for supporting the frames in an upright position on a desk or other flat surface. Although this type of stand is somewhat useful, a stand with a new support structure is still needed.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an electronic device with a support assembly in a first state, in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device with the support assembly of FIG. 1 , along line II-II.
  • FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 1 , but showing the support assembly in a second state.
  • the electronic device 1 can be a tablet computer, a digital photo frame, etc.
  • the electronic device 1 includes a main body 10 and a support assembly 20 including four L-shaped components 21 rotatably connected to each other.
  • the four L-shaped components 21 cooperatively define a space to fit the main body 10 therein.
  • the four L-shaped components 21 can be adjusted to form a rectangular structure framing the main body 10 , thus protecting the edges of the electronic device 1 (see FIGS. 1-2 ).
  • two connected L-shaped components 21 can be rotated relative to other two L-shaped components 21 to form an angled structure to support the main body 10 (see FIG. 3 ).
  • each two L-shaped components 21 are connected to each other at end portions 210 and can rotate relative to each other about the end portions 210 .
  • the end portions 210 of each L-shaped component 21 can be made of flexible materials, so that the end portions 210 are flexible enough to be bent, thereby allowing the L-shaped components 21 to rotate with respect to other L-shaped components 21 .
  • the L-shaped components 21 can be adjusted to be wrapped around the edges of the main body 10 as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • a user can select two connected L-shaped components 21 according to a desired orientation of the electronic device 1 , such as portrait or landscape, and bend at the end portions 210 of the selected L-shaped components 21 .
  • the two selected connected L-shaped components 21 can be selected according to a desired orientation of the electronic device 1 , such as portrait or landscape, and bend at the end portions 210 of the selected L-shaped components 21 .
  • L-shaped components 21 can then rotate relative to the other two L-shaped components 21 , which then form an angled structure to support the main body 10 as shown in FIG. 3 .
  • each two connected end portions 210 cooperatively form a cutout 211 with two opposite sides 2110 respectively formed on each of the two connected end portions 210 .
  • the opposite sides 2110 formed by each of the end portions 210 of the two connected L-shaped components 21 that are rotated support a back surface of the main body 10 .
  • each two connected L-shaped components 21 rotate about an axis parallel to a front surface of the main body 10 .
  • a user can further bend the end portions 210 of the two connected L-shaped components 21 until a desired angle is obtained.
  • each L-shaped component 21 defines a receiving groove 211 to receive the edges of the main body 10 . Therefore, the four L-shaped components 21 can protect the electronic device 1 from being damaged such as when accidentally dropped.
  • at least the portions of the L-shaped component 21 defining the receiving grooves 211 are made of rubber or other flexible material, so that the L-shaped components 21 can be firmly wrapped around the edges of the main body 10 in the first state as shown in FIG. 1 , but are flexible enough to be resiliently deformed when rotating with respect to the main body 10 to the second state as shown in FIG. 3 .
  • the L-shaped components 21 are made of a material which can be easily bent and keep the shape, e.g., a material combining metal wires and rubber, thereby allowing the L-shaped components 21 to be maintained at a desired orientation for supporting the main body 10 .
  • the main body 10 can be maintained at a desired position by friction between the L-shaped components 21 and the support surface.

Abstract

An electronic device includes a main body and a support assembly including four L-shaped components. The L-shaped components are arranged around edges of the main body. Each L-shaped component includes two flexible end portions. Each adjacent L-shaped components can be connected to each other at the end portions thereof, allowing the L-shaped components to rotate relative to each other about the two connected end portions. Two connected L-shaped components are able to rotate with respect to the other two L-shaped components, thereby forming an angled structure to support the main body.

Description

    BACKGROUND
  • 1. Technical Field
  • The present disclosure relates to electronic devices, and more specifically to an electronic device having a support assembly.
  • 2. Description of Related Art
  • It is common for people to take their portable electronic devices, such as digital photo frames and tablet computers, with them when traveling. Typically the photo frames include a stand for supporting the frames in an upright position on a desk or other flat surface. Although this type of stand is somewhat useful, a stand with a new support structure is still needed.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an electronic device with a support assembly in a first state, in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device with the support assembly of FIG. 1, along line II-II.
  • FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 1, but showing the support assembly in a second state.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary embodiment of an electronic device 1 is illustrated. The electronic device 1 can be a tablet computer, a digital photo frame, etc.
  • The electronic device 1 includes a main body 10 and a support assembly 20 including four L-shaped components 21 rotatably connected to each other. The four L-shaped components 21 cooperatively define a space to fit the main body 10 therein.
  • When the support assembly 20 is not in use, the four L-shaped components 21 can be adjusted to form a rectangular structure framing the main body 10, thus protecting the edges of the electronic device 1 (see FIGS. 1-2). When the support assembly 20 is in use, two connected L-shaped components 21 can be rotated relative to other two L-shaped components 21 to form an angled structure to support the main body 10 (see FIG. 3).
  • In the embodiment, each two L-shaped components 21 are connected to each other at end portions 210 and can rotate relative to each other about the end portions 210. In this case, the end portions 210 of each L-shaped component 21 can be made of flexible materials, so that the end portions 210 are flexible enough to be bent, thereby allowing the L-shaped components 21 to rotate with respect to other L-shaped components 21.
  • When not in use, the L-shaped components 21 can be adjusted to be wrapped around the edges of the main body 10 as shown in FIG. 1. To use the support assembly 20, a user can select two connected L-shaped components 21 according to a desired orientation of the electronic device 1, such as portrait or landscape, and bend at the end portions 210 of the selected L-shaped components 21. The two selected connected
  • L-shaped components 21 can then rotate relative to the other two L-shaped components 21, which then form an angled structure to support the main body 10 as shown in FIG. 3.
  • In the embodiment, each two connected end portions 210 cooperatively form a cutout 211 with two opposite sides 2110 respectively formed on each of the two connected end portions 210. When the two connected L-shaped components 21 are rotated with respect to the other two L-shaped components 21 to a predetermined position, the opposite sides 2110 formed by each of the end portions 210 of the two connected L-shaped components 21 that are rotated support a back surface of the main body 10.
  • In the embodiment, each two connected L-shaped components 21 rotate about an axis parallel to a front surface of the main body 10. To adjust the angle between the main body 10 and a support surface (i.e., desktop), a user can further bend the end portions 210 of the two connected L-shaped components 21 until a desired angle is obtained.
  • As shown in FIG. 2, each L-shaped component 21 defines a receiving groove 211 to receive the edges of the main body 10. Therefore, the four L-shaped components 21 can protect the electronic device 1 from being damaged such as when accidentally dropped. In the embodiment, at least the portions of the L-shaped component 21 defining the receiving grooves 211 are made of rubber or other flexible material, so that the L-shaped components 21 can be firmly wrapped around the edges of the main body 10 in the first state as shown in FIG. 1, but are flexible enough to be resiliently deformed when rotating with respect to the main body 10 to the second state as shown in FIG. 3.
  • In the embodiment, the L-shaped components 21 are made of a material which can be easily bent and keep the shape, e.g., a material combining metal wires and rubber, thereby allowing the L-shaped components 21 to be maintained at a desired orientation for supporting the main body 10. In an alternative embodiment, the main body 10 can be maintained at a desired position by friction between the L-shaped components 21 and the support surface.
  • Although the present disclosure has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and those variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (12)

1. An electronic device comprising:
a main body; and
a support assembly comprising four L-shaped components arranged around edges of the main body, each L-shaped component comprising two flexible end portions, and each adjacent two L-shaped components being connected to each other at the end portions thereof, allowing the L-shaped components to rotate relative to each other about the two connected end portions, wherein two connected L-shaped components are able to rotate with respect to the other two L-shaped components, thereby forming an angled structure to support the main body.
2. The electronic device as described in claim 1, wherein each L-shaped component defines a receiving groove to receive a corresponding one of the edges of the main body, allowing the L-shaped components to wrap around the edges of the main body.
3. The electronic device as described in claim 2, wherein the L-shaped components are made of rubber.
4. The electronic device as described in claim 2, wherein portions of the L-shaped components defining the receiving grooves are made of rubber.
5. The electronic device as described in claim 1, wherein each two connected end portions cooperatively form a cutout with two opposite sides respectively formed on each of the two connected end portions, and when the two connected L-shaped components are rotated with respect to the other two L-shaped components to a predetermined position, the opposite sides formed by each of the end portions of the two connected L-shaped components that are rotated support a back surface of the main body.
6. The electronic device as described in claim 1, wherein the L-shaped components are made of a material which can keep the shape after being bent.
7. A support assembly for an electronic device, comprising:
four L-shaped components for being arranged around edges of the electronic device, each L-shaped component comprising two flexible end portions, and each adjacent two L-shaped components being connected to each other at the end portions thereof, allowing the L-shaped components to rotate relative to each other about the two connected end portions, wherein two connected L-shaped components are able to rotate with respect to the other two L-shaped components, thereby forming an angled structure to support the electronic device.
8. The support assembly as described in claim 7, wherein each L-shaped component defines a receiving groove to receive a corresponding one of the edges of the electronic device, allowing the L-shaped components to wrap around the edges of the electronic device.
9. The support assembly as described in claim 8, wherein the L-shaped components are made of rubber.
10. The support assembly as described in claim 8, wherein portions of the L-shaped components defining the receiving grooves are made of rubber.
11. The support assembly as described in claim 7, wherein each two connected end portions cooperatively form a cutout with two opposite sides respectively formed on each of the two connected end portions, and when the two connected L-shaped components are rotated with respect to the other two L-shaped components to a predetermined position, the opposite sides formed by each of the end portions of the two connected L-shaped components that are rotated support a back surface of the electronic device.
12. The support assembly as described in claim 7, wherein the L-shaped components are made of a material which can keep the shape after being bent.
US13/248,049 2011-04-13 2011-09-29 Electronic device with support assembly Abandoned US20120261305A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201110092587.X 2011-04-13
CN201110092587.XA CN102740619A (en) 2011-04-13 2011-04-13 Electronic device with support structure

Publications (1)

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US20120261305A1 true US20120261305A1 (en) 2012-10-18

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US (1) US20120261305A1 (en)
CN (1) CN102740619A (en)
TW (1) TWI439131B (en)

Cited By (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130335891A1 (en) * 2012-06-18 2013-12-19 Wistron Corp. Electronic device and support mechanism thereof
US20180252355A1 (en) * 2017-03-06 2018-09-06 Asustek Computer Inc. Support for electronic device

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CN104565728A (en) * 2013-10-23 2015-04-29 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 Panel electronic device bracket
CN104953193B (en) 2014-03-24 2018-06-22 神讯电脑(昆山)有限公司 The monitoring method of electronic device and its battery module
CN104490055B (en) * 2014-12-03 2019-05-24 东莞沙头朝日五金电子制品有限公司 Portable electronic device protective case
CN105996614A (en) * 2016-08-08 2016-10-12 洛阳市富宁木业有限责任公司 Picture frame protecting sleeve
CN113076279A (en) * 2021-04-14 2021-07-06 东莞市中盛卓鑫光电科技股份有限公司 Electronic book without backlight and terminal system thereof

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US5299685A (en) * 1993-05-11 1994-04-05 Chin C H Tension and freely adjustable protective case for remote control unit
US5392920A (en) * 1994-02-10 1995-02-28 Prete; Richard Impact protector for fragile article
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130335891A1 (en) * 2012-06-18 2013-12-19 Wistron Corp. Electronic device and support mechanism thereof
US9013865B2 (en) * 2012-06-18 2015-04-21 Wistron Crop. Electronic device and support mechanism thereof
US20180252355A1 (en) * 2017-03-06 2018-09-06 Asustek Computer Inc. Support for electronic device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TW201242360A (en) 2012-10-16
TWI439131B (en) 2014-05-21
CN102740619A (en) 2012-10-17

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AS Assignment

Owner name: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TAIWAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SUNG, HSIUNG-WEI;REEL/FRAME:026986/0741

Effective date: 20110922

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION