FLOATING PLATFORM FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE

Abstract

A floating platform for an electronic device is provided in order to provide a user the ability to view the display of the electronic device while the platform and electronic device are floating on water. The floating platform provides a stand capable of orienting the electronic device in an orientation suitable for viewing the display of the device while the floating platform and electronic device are situated on the water surface.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a floating platform for an electronic device wherein the floating platform is capable of floating on the surface of water with an electronic device situated within or thereon. The floating platform provides a stand capable of orienting the electronic device in an orientation suitable for viewing the display of the device while the floating platform and electronic device are situated on or above the water surface.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Electronic devices typically do not have water-resistance to prevent damage to the sensitive electronics that make up the device. Accordingly, users are hesitant to take these devices into bodies of water like lakes, pools, hot tubs, baths, etc. However, electronic devices have become more ubiquitous, simple, and have ever increasing functionality including the ability to communicate with others, provide access to information, and provide video and audio entertainment. These benefits have resulted in the increased usage of electronic devices in bodies of water locations which are hazardous to the device. For example, electronic devices with large viewable displays now provide the ability to watch visual forms of media or video chat while the user is situated in a body of water. Cases are often provided for these devices to reduce the possibility of inadvertent contact between water and device or to prevent sinking of the device. However, these cases only serve to protect the device and do nothing to support the other abilities afforded by the electronic devices. In cases designed for floating electronic devices, the buoyancy is present to prevent sinking of the device and results in viewable displays lying parallel with the water surface or submerged. Such device orientation provides an uncomfortable viewing angle for the user. Consequently, users are not able to comfortably view video entertainment on their devices while in or near water without holding them or setting the device in an area away from the water.

SUMMARY

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a floating platform capable of supporting an electronic device on the surface of water in a stationary position with respect to the platform such that the stationary position orients the device so that a user may comfortably view the display of the device. Typically, the floating platform is able to achieve this without requiring to user to hold the device and also has some water-proofing features.

In most embodiments, the floating platform for supporting an electronic device with a viewable display comprises: (a) buoyant material; (b) a stand configured to support the electronic device in a stationary position with respect to the floating platform and wherein the viewable plane of the display of the electronic device in the stationary position is oriented non-parallel with a water surface when the platform and supported device are floating in water; and (c) wherein the floating platform or stand have the ability to shield the device from water damage. The buoyant material is dimensioned to be capable of floating the electronic device supported on said platform on a water surface. Typically, the entirety of the electronic device floats above the surface of water when the electronic device is supported on said platform and said platform is in water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the floating platform with an electronic device situated therein.

FIG. 1B is a side view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1A with the multiple stationary positions possible for viewing the display of the electronic device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the floating platform comprising a housing which surrounds the electronic device and various stabilization features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, “a” or “an” may mean one or more than one of an item.

The floating platform is configured to allow a user to easily view the display of an electronic device while the platform is floating in water with the device supported by the floating platform. Referring now to FIG. 1A, floating platform 5 comprises buoyant material 10 and stand portion 15. Floating platform 5 supports electronic device 20. In the embodiment depicted, buoyant material 10 is configured in a cylindrical arrangement, but may take any shape to provide the required buoyance including cuboid, toroid, bucket shaped, etc. In some embodiments, the buoyant material may comprise a solid material such as foam or cork. The buoyant material may also comprise a combination of a solid and gas, for example the buoyant material may comprise a water-resistant housing and comprise a gas such as air. Electronic device 20 comprising display 22 is situated in a stationary position at or above the surface of water such that the plane of display 22 forms an obtuse angle with the surface of water. The stationary position of electronic device 20 orients display 22 in a landscape configuration with the longer axis of display 22 oriented parallel with the water surface. This stationary position may facilitate the viewing of videos from the electronic device. In other embodiments, the stationary position orients the electronic device in portrait configuration. In some embodiments, the floating platform may support the electronic device in an orientation such that the plane of the visual display has an obtuse angle with the surface of the water. In the embodiment depicted, the stationary position of electronic device 20 is achieved through use of angled support structure 30 and angular support ridge 35. In some embodiments, the floating platform may support the electronic device in an orientation such that the plane of the visual display has right or nearly right (e.g., 85°-95°, etc.) angle with the surface of the water. This angle of the stationary position may be set by, for example, angled support structure 30. The stand may be configured to permit stationary positions each with a different viewing angles as shown in FIG. 1B.

Typically the floating platform is dimensioned to permit one electronic device to be supported within or thereon. In other embodiments, the floating platform may comprise more than one stands such that multiple (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) electronic devices may be supported. In embodiments supporting multiple electronic devices, the stationary position of each electronic device may be oriented such that the displays can be viewed at different positions. For example, the floating platform may accommodate two electronic devices, and the displays are oriented for viewing in opposite directions with respect to the floating platform.

Portions of the stand portion of the floating platform may be made of a movable or bendable material to allow a user to change the stationary orientation of the electronic device with respect to the surface of the water. For example, the stand portion may allow the user to choose the viewing angle of the electronic device with respect to the water surface. As can be seen in FIG. 1B, stand portion 15 of floating platform 5 can be configured such that multiple stationary positions of the electronic device (i.e., the position of the electronic device situated on the platform without one or more user forces applied to the platform) may be obtained. In some embodiments, the stand portion comprises a flexible portion capable of changing the stationary position of the electronic device such that the plane of the display at multiple angles with respect to the surface of the water. This flexible portion may comprise of a flexible material such as plastic, a hinge, and/or any other means for providing flexibility in the stationary position of the electronic device.

The stand portion may comprise an additional case for the electronic device. The case may be water-resistant or water-proof such that the electronic device is protected from contact with water. In some embodiments, the case comprises a transparent cover which can be pressed against the viewable display. For electronic devices with touch sensitivity on the viewable display (e.g., smartphones, tablets, etc.) the transparent cover may be pressed against the viewable display for operation of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the case is removably attached to the stand. In some embodiments, the floating platform provides attachment means to connect to a case. In other embodiments, the case in integrally formed with the stand.

An example of an integrally formed case and stand is shown in FIG. 2. Floating platform 105 comprises a stand portion 110 and buoyant material 115. In the embodiment depicted, stand portion 115, is integrally formed with buoyant material 110. Surrounding stand portion 115 is a housing 140 comprising an insertion chamber 145 which is dimensioned for electronic device 120 to be inserted within. Housing 140 comprises attachment features 131 and 132 which allow for electronic device 120 to be attached to the stand portion in a stationary position. The housing may be water-proof or water resistant. The housing may be integrally formed with the stand and/or the buoyant material. In some embodiments, the housing further comprises a transparent cover which can be pressed against the viewable display.

In certain embodiments, the floating platform may be a buoyant case (e.g., waterproof case, water-resistant case, a container designed to hold or protect the electronic device, etc.) for the electronic device. In other embodiments, the insertion chamber may be dimensioned to permit an electronic device and an additional case to be inserted therein. The insertion chamber may comprise attachment features and may be dimensioned to permit the removable attachment of a case surrounding an electronic device to the floating platform. These attachment features may be for example, protrusion, nubs, indentations, adhesive attachments, loops, latches, clips, etc. In some embodiments, the insertion chamber further comprises a plastic cover which may be pulled over the electronic device following insertion into the chamber. In some embodiments, the plastic cover may be attached following insertion with, for example, a zipper, adhesive, etc.

The floating platform may further comprise one or more features for stabilization of the floating platform while situated in water. These may prevent the rotation, movement, and/or toppling of the floating platform in water. As shown in FIG. 2, floating platform 105 comprises anchor 133, supports 135 and 136, handle 137, and weighted base 138. Floating platform 105 is situated on the top water surface. Anchor 133 is not buoyant and extends to the bottom surface 122 of the body of water preventing drift of the floating platform around the top surface of the water via anchor line 134. In some embodiments, the floating platform may comprise one or more (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) anchors. Supports 136 and 137 extend to the periphery of the body of water surface and are removably attached to water periphery surface 124. The supports may be removably attached to the surface by, for example, suction cup, clip, Velcro, adhesive material, etc. In most embodiments, the attachment means for the supports may be chosen for a ceramic, tile, brick, and/or stone surface. In some embodiments, the floating platform may comprise one or more (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) supports. Handle 137 is dimensioned to permit a user to hold some portion thereof and prevent movement of floating platform 105 on the surface of the water. Typically, handle 137 is composed of a hardened material (e.g., plastic) such that the user may grab or rest against their body and prevent movement of the floating platform. Weighted base 138 is oriented at the bottom of the buoyant material in order to keep the electronic device situated out of water and to minimize the potential of the floating platform from tipping over. Weighted base 138 may provide a counter weight to the weight of the electronic device thereby preventing toppling of the floating platform and electronic device into the water. Additionally, the weighted base may stabilize the position of the floating platform in water, particularly in turbulent water.

The floating platform may comprise additional peripheral devices that enhance the utility of the smart device. In some embodiments, the floating platform may further comprise a power source, such as a battery, such that the electronic device may be connected thereto for charging of the electronic device or to prevent the electronic device battery from being drained during use. In some embodiments, the floating platform may comprise a solar power source including solar power cells situated on an external surface of the platform to harness electromagnetic radiation for powering of the electronic device. Accordingly, the floating platform may comprise at least one means for connecting a battery to the electronic device including a port, power pins or terminals, power contacts, or inductive power transmission means. In certain embodiments, the floating platform may further comprise speakers and a connecting means for connecting to the electronic device. The connecting means may be, for example, port, power pins or terminals, Bluetooth, auxiliary cord adapters, USB-C cord, etc. In some embodiments, the floating platform may comprise one or more connectors to provide data connections (e.g., USB, etc.) for data transmission through the floating platform to the electronic device. In some embodiments, the floating platform may comprise headphones (e.g., earbuds, waterproof headphones, etc.) or one or more headphone ports. The headphone ports may be in electronic communication with the electronic device when in its stationary position on the platform such that a user may connect the headphones to the platform which allows for data transmission between headphones and the electronic device. In some embodiments, the floating platform may comprise a means for wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth, wifi, etc.) to speakers. The means for wireless connection may connect to the electronic device and wirelessly transmit a signal to allow speakers to produce sound. In certain embodiments, the floating platform may comprise a stand and/or case formed integrally with the floating platform and optionally speakers and/or a one or more power sources capable of powering the electronic device(s) and/or optional speakers (e.g., battery, solar power, etc.).

In some embodiments, the floating platform may be further configured to accommodate a human on the surface of the water as well. In these embodiments, the floating platform may comprise a lounge body that is constructed to support a person in a reclined position. In other embodiments, the floating platform will comprise an inner tube, floating air mattress, floating lounge chair, and the like. When an electronic device and a human are situated on the floating platform, the stationary position of the electronic device may orient the electronic device in a manner for comfortable viewing by the user.

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. In addition, each example given in connection with the various embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention.

Claims

1. A floating platform for supporting an electronic device with a viewable display comprising: (a) buoyant material; and(b) a stand configured to support the electronic device in a stationary position with respect to said floating platform and wherein the plane of said viewable display of said stationary position is oriented non-parallel with a water surface when said platform and supported device are floating on water;

2. The floating platform according to claim 1, wherein the entirety of said electronic device floats above the surface of water when said electronic device is supported on said platform and said platform is in water.

3. The floating platform according to claim 1, wherein said plane has an obtuse angle with said water surface when said electronic device is supported on said platform and said platform is in water.

4. The floating platform according to claim 1, wherein said stand comprises a flexible portion capable of orienting said plane at multiple angles with respect to the surface of the water.

5. The floating platform according to claim 1, wherein said lower portion comprises a weighted portion capable of stabilizing said floating platform when floating in water.

6. The floating platform according to claim 1, wherein said stand comprises a case for said electronic device.

7. The floating platform according to claim 6, wherein said case is water-resistant or water-proof.

8. The floating platform according to claim 6, wherein said case is integrally formed with said stand.

9. The floating platform according to claim 6, wherein said viewable display comprises touch sensitivity and said case comprises a transparent cover which can be pressed against the viewable display for operation of the electronic device.

10. The floating platform according to claim 1, wherein said electronic device is a smartphone or tablet.

11. The floating platform according to claim 1, wherein said floatable platform further comprises a housing surrounding said stand portion, wherein said housing comprises an insertion chamber dimensioned to permit said electronic device to be inserted therein and removably attached to said stand.

12. The floating platform according to claim 11, wherein said insertion chamber is dimensioned to permit said electronic device and a case surrounding said electronic device to be removably attached to said stand.

13. The floating platform according to claim 11, wherein said insertion chamber comprises one or more means for attaching said stand portion to said electronic device or a case surrounding said electronic device.

14. The floating platform according to claim 11, further comprising a transparent closure portion that covers said electronic device and said platform is waterproof or water-resistant for said electronic device.

15. The floating platform according to claim 1, further comprising one or more anchors or supports.

16. The floating platform according to claim 15, wherein at least one of said one or more anchors or supports comprises a means for attaching said anchor or support to a surface.

17. The floating platform according to claim 1, further comprising a handle dimensioned to provide stabilization to said floating platform when an electronic device is supported and input is provided to said electronic device by a user.

18. The floating platform according to claim 1, wherein said case and/or stand is formed integrally with said floating platform and one or more additional peripheral devices selected from one or more power sources for powering said electronic device, speakers, and combinations thereof.