PLUSH TOY COMPUTER TABLET CARRIER
A plush toy tablet computer accessory is provided for storing and supporting a tablet computer. The plush toy tablet computer accessory includes a speaker system connectable to a tablet computer and a detachable carrying case for storing the tablet computer while not in use.
Tablet computers, such as iPads®, Galaxy Kindles®, eReaders Nabi™ tablets and the like, have become highly popular. However, it is often difficult to find a way to support the table computers while in use. One hand must be used to support the tablet computer, while typing must be done with the other hand. This is awkward and creates wrist problems, hand ailments, and poor body posture. Additionally, it significantly limits typing speed and creates the potential for dropping the tablet computer. Moreover, the tablet computer is one more object for the user to carry, along with cell phones, keys, packages and the like. There are no satisfactory means provided for supporting a tablet computer in a usable position while providing storage for the tablet computer and other personal items.
The present invention provides hands-free support for a tablet computer facilitating therapeutic user posture while the tablet computer is in use in substantially any position. The present invention also provides built-in speakers with wired or wireless capability and a convenient carrying case for the tablet computer along with other personal items. The advantages of the present invention are achieved by providing a plush toy with speakers built in with a wired or wireless connection to the tablet computer. The plush toy is opposable so as to support a tablet computer in substantially any location or position. The plush toy also includes a carrying case for storing and transporting the tablet computer, along with other objects. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide improved means for supporting a tablet computer in substantially any location, enhancing ergonomic and therapeutic body positioning.
Another object of the present invention is to provide improved means for supporting a tablet computer in substantially any location together with means for conveniently carrying said tablet computer. The carrying case is preferably wearable, i.e. a backpack.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide improved means for supporting and stabilizing a tablet computer in substantially any location together with means for conveniently carrying said computer along with other objects.
A specific object of the present invention is to provide a plush toy with a rigid body frame that can conform to a tablet computer so as to support the tablet computer in substantially any position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is a plush toy tablet computer accessory for storing and supporting a tablet computer. The present invention preferably includes a plush toy filled with compressible stuffing, a bendable internal frame throughout the interior of the plush toy and surrounded by the compressible stuffing, anti-skid material attached to the exterior of the plush toy, and a carrying case removably attached to the plush toy.
The present invention may also include a speaker system which is made up of a circuit board, a battery source, wiring, speakers, and a connection to an external playback source (i.e., the tablet computer). The speakers may be positioned anywhere substantially adjacent to the exterior of the plush toy. If the plush toy is in the shape of an animal, the speakers are preferably placed in the hands, feet, middle, face, or rear of the plush toy. The connection to the external playback source may be wired (i.e., USB connector, 15 pin Apple® plug, etc.) or wireless (i.e., Bluetooth® connection).
The bendable internal frame of the present invention is preferably made of wire or of a series of ball-joints. The bendable internal frame extends throughout the plush toy and allows for the plush toy to be positioned in any number of ways. The anti-skid material is attached to the exterior of the plush toy both to keep the plush toy from sliding on the surface where it sits, and also to help keep the tablet computer securely in place once the plush toy has been positioned so as to hold the tablet computer.
The carrying case of the present invention includes means for removably attaching the plush toy. These means may be snaps, hook and loop attachments, magnets, clips, or the like and allow for the plush toy to be attached to either the front or the back of the carrying case. The carrying case includes one or more pockets, with at least one of those pockets being substantially sized to fit a tablet computer. The tablet computer may then be stored in the carrying case when not in use. Other pockets may be sized to accommodate storage of other personal items. Additionally, a pocket may be provided to allow for access to the inner circuit board and battery source for the speaker system. The pockets of the carrying case include means for keeping the pocket securely closed. Such means include zippers, hook and loop attachments, snaps, buttons, clips and the like.
The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:
The present invention is directed to an apparatus for storing and supporting a tablet computer.
In use, the plush toy 10 is useful for supporting a tablet computer 36 such that a user may use the tablet computer 36 without having to hold it with his hands, as illustrated in
Although several embodiments have been described in some detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A plush toy tablet computer accessory for storing and supporting a tablet computer, comprising:
- a plush toy filled with compressible stuffing;
- a bendable internal frame within the plush toy, for selectively contorting of appendages of the plush toy; and
- a carrying case removably attached to the plush toy.
2. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 1, wherein the bendable internal frame extends throughout the interior of the plush toy such that the appendages of the plush toy stay in place after being bent into different configurations.
3. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 2, wherein the appendages may be configured to hold and support a tablet computer adjacent to the plush toy.
4. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 3, wherein the bendable internal frame comprises either metal wire or a series of ball joints.
5. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 1, further comprising anti-skid material attached to an exterior of the plush toy.
6. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 5, wherein the anti-skid material is attached to a base of the plush toy.
7. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 5, wherein the anti-skid material is attached to the body of the plush toy such that the anti-skid material is substantially adjacent to the tablet computer while the tablet computer is supported by the plush toy so as to provide extra traction for the tablet computer against the plush toy.
8. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 1, further comprising a speaker system disposed within the plush toy.
9. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 8, wherein the speaker system comprises speakers connected to a circuit board powered by a battery source, and a connection to an external playback source.
10. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 9, wherein the plush toy resembles a fictional or fanciful character and the speakers are positioned adjacent to the face, feet, hands, body, or rear of the character.
11. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 9, wherein the connection to the external playback source can be wired or wireless.
12. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 1, wherein the carrying case is removably attached to the plush toy via snaps, hook and loop attachments, magnets, or clips, and is fitted with straps or handles so as to resemble a back pack, purse, satchel, or tote bag.
13. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 1, wherein the carrying case has one or more pockets with at least one pocket being substantially sized to fit a tablet computer.
14. A plush toy tablet computer accessory for storing and supporting a tablet computer, comprising:
- a plush toy filled with compressible stuffing;
- a bendable internal frame within the plush toy, for selectively contorting of appendages of the plush toy, wherein the bendable internal frame extends throughout the interior of the plush toy such that the appendages of the plush toy stay in place after being bent into different configurations;
- a speaker system disposed within the plush toy; and
- a carrying case removably attached to the plush toy.
15. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 14, wherein the appendages may be configured to hold and support a tablet computer adjacent to the plush toy and the bendable internal frame comprises either metal wire or a series of ball joints.
16. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 14, further comprising anti-skid material attached to an exterior of the plush toy at the base of the plush toy, and to the body of the plush toy such that the anti-ski material is substantially adjacent to the tablet computer while the tablet computer is supported by the plush toy so as to provide extra traction for the tablet computer against the plush toy.
17. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 14, wherein the plush toy resembles a fictional or fanciful character and the speaker system comprises speakers connected to a circuit board powered by a battery source and positioned adjacent to the face, feet, hands, body, or rear of the character, and a wired or wireless connection to an external playback source.
18. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 14, wherein the carrying case is removably attached to the plush toy via snaps, hook and loop attachments, magnets, or clips and is fitted with straps or handles so as to resemble a back pack, purse, satchel, or tote bag.
19. The plush toy tablet computer accessory of claim 14, wherein the carrying case has one or more pockets with at least one pocket being substantially sized to fit a tablet computer.
20. A plush toy tablet computer accessory for storing and supporting a tablet computer, comprising:
- a plush toy in the shape of an animal filled with compressible stuffing;
- a bendable internal frame within the plush toy for selectively contorting of appendages of the plush toy, wherein the bendable internal frame is composed of either metal wire or a series of ball joints;
- anti-skid material attached to the exterior of the plush toy, wherein the anti-skid material is substantially adjacent to a base of the plush toy and to the tablet computer while the tablet computer is supported by the plush toy and gripped by the appendages plush toy;
- a speaker system integral to the body of the plush toy, wherein the speaker system comprises speakers positioned in the feet, hands, face or body of the plush toy connected to a circuit board powered by a battery source, and a connection to a wired or wireless external playback source;
- a carrying case removably attached to the plush toy via snaps, hook and loop attachments, magnets, or clips, wherein the carrying case is a backpack with shoulder straps and a handle; and
- pockets in the plush toy and the carrying case, wherein at least one pocket in the carrying case is substantially sized to fit a tablet computer.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 1, 2012
Publication Date: Dec 6, 2012
Inventor: Dean A. Theodore (Calabasas, CA)
Application Number: 13/486,489
International Classification: A63H 3/00 (20060101);