Patent Application
20150181995
Portfolios are commonly used in business meetings and during school to carry papers, take notes, and to hold important documents. Mobile devices are increasingly being used to record and track information, and are often used in conjunction with the traditional features of a portfolio. It may be difficult however, to easily use and coordinate the position of both a portfolio and a mobile device during a business meeting or during school.
Thus, there is a need for a portfolio that holds a mobile device, which allows for enhanced ease of use of both the portfolio and the mobile device.
The present application relates to portfolio for a mobile device. The portfolio may include a first portfolio wall having an outer surface and an inner surface and an edge. The portfolio may include a second portfolio wall having an outer surface and an inner surface and an edge joined to the edge of the first portfolio wall such that the second portfolio wall is movable between a closed position in which the second portfolio wall lies over the first portfolio wall and an open position in which the second portfolio wall does not lie over the first portfolio wall, the inner surfaces of the first portfolio wall and second portfolio wall facing each other when the second portfolio wall is in the closed position. The portfolio may include a mobile device housing coupled to the first portfolio wall and configured to hold a mobile device. The portfolio may include a plurality of panels positioned between the first portfolio wall and the mobile device housing and being movable between a lowered position and a raised position, the plurality of panels in the lowered position being substantially coplanar, the plurality of panels in the raised position being non-coplanar and having a first substantially triangular panel and a second substantially triangular panel each extending at an angle relative to the inner surface of the first portfolio wall to prop up the mobile device housing at an angle relative to the inner surface of the first portfolio wall, the mobile device housing extending substantially parallel with the inner surface of the first portfolio wall when the plurality of panels are in the lowered position.
The features and advantages of the present application will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:
a-3b are a top view of a portion of a portfolio wall according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
a-4b are an end view of the portfolio wall according to the embodiment shown in
a-5b are a side view of the portfolio wall according to the embodiment shown in
a-8b are a top view of a portion of a portfolio wall according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
a-9b are an end view of the portfolio wall according to the embodiment shown in
a-10b are a side view of the portfolio wall according to the embodiment shown in
Apparatus, systems and/or methods that implement the embodiments of the various features of the present application will now be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate some embodiments of the present application and not to limit the scope of the present application. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements.
The portfolio walls 14, 16 each have respective inner surfaces 18, 24 and outer surfaces facing opposite the inner surfaces. The portfolio walls 14, 16 are rigid structures that serve to hold the contents of the portfolio 10. The walls 14, 16 may provide impact resistance and cushioning for the contents of the portfolio 10. The walls 14, 16 have a generally rectangular shape, with each wall 14, 16 being sized to generally correspond to the size of the other wall. The walls 14, 16 may provide rigidity and impact resistance by including a hard board structure covered by a cushioning material such as a fabric, leather, or other cushioning material. In one embodiment, the walls 14, 16 may each be made of a unitary material, such as as a flexible plastic shell or the like. In one embodiment, the walls 14, 16 may have a different shape than the shape shown in
The portfolio walls 14, 16 are configured to move relative to each other to have an open position in which one of the portfolio walls 14, 16 does not lie over the other portfolio wall 14, 16 and a closed position in which one of the portfolio walls 14, 16 lies over the other portfolio wall 14, 16. The portfolio walls 14, 16 are joined to each other at their respective inner edges by a hinge 30 that allows the portfolio walls 14, 16 to rotate about the hinge 30 as marked by arrow 32. The hinge 30 may be a spiral binding that allows the portfolio walls 14, 16 to move relative to each other. In one embodiment, the hinge 30 may be replaced by another structure that allows the portfolio walls 14, 16 to move relative to each other, for example, a narrower portion of the one of the portfolio walls 14, 16 may be flexible and allow the walls 14, 16 to move relative to each other.
The mobile device housing 20 is configured to hold the mobile device 12. The mobile device housing 20 may be a sleeve that extends over the mobile device 12, leaving a portion of the mobile device 12 such as the screen exposed. The mobile device 12 may slide into or otherwise be inserted into the mobile device housing 20 to position the mobile device 12 within the housing. In one embodiment, the mobile device housing may be structured in another manner to hold the mobile device 12, such as a board, a plate, a clip, or other structure that may hold the mobile device 12.
The mobile device housing 20 may hold the mobile device 12 horizontally relative to the portfolio wall 14. The mobile device housing 20 includes an upper end 34 and a lower end 36, with the lower end 36 being coupled to the portfolio wall 14 and the upper end 34 being configured to rotate about the lower end 36, as indicated by arrow 38. Hinges 40 may couple the lower end 36 of the mobile device housing 20 to the portfolio wall 14, such that the mobile device housing 20 is non-separable, or integrally attached to the portfolio wall 14. In one embodiment, the hinges 40 may be replaced by another structure that allows the mobile device housing 20 to move relative to the portfolio wall 14, for example, flexible material or another form of connector may allow the mobile device housing 20 to move relative to the portfolio wall 14. In one embodiment, the mobile device housing 20 may be coupled to the portfolio wall 14 such that the mobile device 12 is held vertically relative to the portfolio wall 14 or in another orientation relative to the portfolio wall 14.
The mobile device housing 20 may be form fit, or sized to closely match the contour of the mobile device 12. The mobile device housing 20 may be sized to expose the screen or other portions of the mobile device 12, such as buttons or the like for manipulation by the user. The mobile device housing 20 may be sized to have dimensions of approximately 7.5 to 8 inches by 5 to 5.5 inches, to accommodate the respective dimensions of the mobile device 12 held therein. In one embodiment, the mobile device housing 20 may be sized to have dimensions of approximately 9 to 10 inches by 6 to 7 inches, to accommodate the respective dimensions of a different mobile device 12 held therein. In one embodiment, the mobile device housing 20 may be provided in various sized to accommodate different sizes of mobile devices 12 designed to be held therein. In one embodiment, the mobile device housing 20 may be sized to hold a variety of different sizes of mobile devices 12, and may include adjustable securing devices to adjust to the size of the mobile device 12. The mobile device 12 is preferably a tablet computer or the like, although in one embodiment, the mobile device 12 may be a portable computer, a portable communications device, or the like. The mobile device 12 preferably includes a touch screen or the like for access by the user, although in one embodiment, the mobile device 12 may be operated through different structures or methods.
The notepad 22 positioned upon the inner surface 18 is configured for the user to write notes upon it. The notepad 22 may include sheets of paper for the user to write upon. The notepad 22 is positioned adjacent to the mobile device housing 20. In one embodiment, the notepad 22 may be replaced by a keyboard or the like for use with the mobile device 12, which may have a wireless or wired connection to the mobile device 12. In one embodiment, the notepad 22 may be replaced with another structure, such as a pen holder or the like, or other structure included in the portfolio 10 as shown in
The card holders 26 are positioned on the portfolio wall 16 and are configured to hold cards, such as business cards or the like. The card holders 26 may include slits in the inner surface 24 of the portfolio for the cards to extend into. In one embodiment, the card holders 26 may be replaced with another structure, such as a pen holder or the like, or other structure included in the portfolio 10 as shown in
The cloth 28 is positioned on the portfolio wall 16 and is configured to protect the screen of the mobile device 12 from dirt and abrasions when the portfolio 10 is closed. The cloth 28 is preferably positioned on the inner surface 24 of the portfolio wall 16 at a position that corresponds to the position of the screen of the mobile device, such that the cloth 28 lies over the screen when the portfolio 10 is closed. The cloth 28 may be a microfiber cloth or the like. In one embodiment the cloth 28 may be another form of protective fabric material, such as a cushion device or the like. In one embodiment, the cloth 28 may cover only a portion of the screen of the mobile device 12. In one embodiment, the cloth 28 may serve to protect the mobile device even if another screen, film or other structure is part of the mobile device housing 20 and covers the screen of the mobile device 12. In one embodiment, the cloth 28 may be replaced with another structure, such as a pen holder or the like, or other structure included in the portfolio 10 as shown in
The mobile device housing 20, notepad 22 and cloth 28 may be raised above the remaining respective inner surfaces of the portfolio walls 14, 16 as shown in
a illustrates a top view of an upper portion of the portfolio wall 14 with the mobile device housing 20 elevated upward such that the mobile device housing 20 extends substantially perpendicular with the inner surface 18 of the portfolio wall 14. The mobile device housing 20 may be rotated about the lower end 36 of the mobile device housing 20 to result in the position shown in
The plurality of panels 44 are rigid structures that are joined together with connectors 48. The panels are collectively referred to by reference numeral 44, with a particular panel referred to with a letter after the numeral. The connectors are collectively referred to by reference numeral 48, with a particular connector referred to with a letter after the numeral. Each panel 44 may have a flattened plate-like shape, that extends in a plane. The connectors 48 may be flexible portions that the panels 44 may rotate about. The plurality of panels 44 may be a unitary structure, with the connectors 48 forming creases in the structure that are flexible, and allow the panels 44 to rotate about the connectors 48. In one embodiment, the panels 48 may be formed of rigid plates that are covered with a soft and flexible material. The soft and flexible material may extend from plate to plate and form the connectors 48. In one embodiment, the panels 44 and connectors 48 may be separate structures that are joined to each other at the edges of the respective panel. The panels 44 and connectors 48 may be joined by molding or through a mechanical connection. In one embodiment, the connectors 48 may allow the panels 44 to disconnect from each other such that they do not form a unitary structure.
The panels 44 are configured to be movable between a lowered position and a raised position. In the lowered position the panels 44 are substantially co-planar, as shown in
The panels 44 move from the lowered position to the raised position by the substantially triangular panels 44c, 44d being drawn towards each other by the user. The triangular panels 44c, 44d rotate about respective connectors 48d, 48e with the respective edges 50a, 50b of the panels 44c, 44d being drawn to each other. The panel edges are collectively referred to by reference numeral 50, with a particular edge referred to with a letter after the numeral. The panels 44c, 44d remain substantially triangular, even though they include respective sub-panels 44ca, 44cb and 44da, 44db.
When the substantially triangular panels 44c, 44d are drawn towards each other by the user, the substantially triangular panel 44e remains positioned upon and extends parallel with the inner surface 18 of the portfolio wall 14. The movement of the triangular panels 44c, 44d causes the substantially rectangular panels 44a, 44b to be drawn to each other. The rectangular panels 44a, 44b rotate about connector 48a, with the respective edges 50c, 50d of the panels 44a, 44b being drawn to each other. The panels 44a, 44b extend substantially parallel to each other and extend substantially perpendicular to the inner surface 18 of the portfolio wall 14. A magnet or another form of fastener may join the panels 44a, 44b to each other to maintain the panels 44 in a raised position and/or may join panels 44c, 44d to each other if desired. The panels 44a, 44b are rotated relative to panels 44c, 44d along respective connectors 48b, 48c.
a illustrates an end view of portfolio wall 14 facing towards the mobile device housing 20 and showing the plurality of panels 44 in the lowered position. The connector 48a is shown as a crease between the panels 44a, 44b. The panels 44 are substantially coplanar and extend parallel with the inner surface 18 of the portfolio wall 14.
a illustrates a side view of portfolio wall 14 showing the plurality of panels 44 in the lowered position.
b illustrates the plurality of panels 44 in the top view of
b illustrates the plurality of panels 44 in the end view of
b illustrates the plurality of panels 44 in the side view of
a-11 illustrate an embodiment in which the panels for propping up the mobile device housing 20 are structured different than the embodiment shown in
a, 9a, and 10a illustrate the plurality of panels 54 including three substantially triangular panels joined by connectors 56. The panels are collectively referred to by reference numeral 54, with a particular panel referred to with a letter after the numeral. The connectors are collectively referred to by reference numeral 56, with a particular connector referred to with a letter after the numeral. The panels 54 may be structured similarly as the panels 44, and the connectors 56 may be structured similarly as the connectors 48.
The panels 54 are configured to be movable between a lowered position and a raised position. In the lowered position the panels 54 are substantially co-planar, as shown in
The panels 54 are configured such that the substantially triangular panels 54b, 54c are drawn toward each other by being drawn away from the mobile device housing 20. The substantially triangular panels 54b, 54c rotate about respective connectors 56a, 56b with the respective edges 58a, 58b being drawn to each other. The panel edges are collectively referred to by reference numeral 58, with a particular edge referred to with a letter after the numeral.
When the substantially triangular panels 54b, 54c are drawn towards each other by the user, the substantially triangular panel 54a remains positioned upon and extends parallel with the mobile device housing 20. A magnet or another form of fastener may join the panels 54b, 54c to each other to maintain the panels 54 in a raised position.
b, 9b, and 10b illustrate the panels 54 in the raised position. The panels 54 form a cavity 59 between the panels 54. The respective edges 58a, 58b of the panels 54b, 54c are configured to abut the inner surface 18 of the portfolio wall 14 to prop up the mobile device housing 20. The respective edges 58d, 58c of the panels 54b, 54c are configured to abut the mobile device housing 20 to prop up the mobile device housing 20. The size and relative dimensions of the panels 54 and connectors 56 defines the angle that the mobile device housing 20 will be propped up by. In one embodiment, the size and relative dimensions of the panels 54 and connectors 56 may be varied to provide a different angle that the mobile device housing 20 is propped up by as desired.
Although the storage area 46 is shown as flush with the remaining inner surface 18 of the portfolio wall 14, in one embodiment the storage area 46 may form a recess in the portfolio wall 14 such that the mobile device housing 20 and panels 44, 54 are flush with, or lower than the remaining portions of the inner surface 18. The storage area 46 in one embodiment may include velcro, hook and loop fasteners, or other forms of connectors for holding the mobile device housing 20 and panels 44, 54 in a lowered position.
The portfolio 10 described in regard to
In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely as shown and described.
Certain embodiments of the present invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the present invention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
Groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the present invention are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other group members disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.
Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in the present specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” As used herein, the term “about” means that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term so qualified encompasses a range of plus or minus ten percent above and below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and values setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical ranges and values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical range or value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Recitation of numerical ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate numerical value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value of a numerical range is incorporated into the present specification as if it were individually recited herein.
The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar referents used in the context of describing the present invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the present invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the present specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using consisting of or consisting essentially of language. When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the transition term “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claims. The transition term “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s). Embodiments of the present invention so claimed are inherently or expressly described and enabled herein.
All patents, patent publications, and other publications referenced and identified in the present specification are individually and expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, the compositions and methodologies described in such publications that might be used in connection with the present invention. These publications are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing in this regard should be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as to the date or representation as to the contents of these documents is based on the information available to the applicants and does not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contents of these documents.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/922,774, filed Dec. 31, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61922774 | Dec 2013 | US |
