PORTABLE DOCUMENT HOLDER

Abstract

A portable document holder for use with an electronic device includes a supporting body, a first retractable mechanism, a holder body and a second retractable mechanism. The first retractable mechanism is connected to the supporting body and movable forwardly or backwardly in a first horizontal direction. The holder body has a bottom pivotally coupled to the supporting body such that the holder body is rotatable in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction and a shooting angle is defined between the holder body and a lens module of the electronic device. The second retractable mechanism includes an extension arm coupled to an upper edge of the holder body and two extension arms disposed at bilateral sides of the holder body. A holding space of the holder body is expanded in a vertical direction and/or a second horizontal direction when the extension arms are extended.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable document holder, and more particularly to a portable document holder for use with an electronic device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the early stage, image scanners are used to process images of documents. Recently, with gradual maturity of digitalized techniques, digital cameras or web cameras (PC Cam) will replace the image scanners to process images of documents.

For example, the image of a business card may be captured by a built-in or external lens module arranged on an upper edge of a screen frame of a notebook computer so as to achieve the purpose of digitalizing the image of the business card. In a case that the business card is held by the user's hand, the business card is readily rocked due to the long holding time and thus the obtained image is usually blurred. For preventing the business card from being rocked, a business card holder is usually employed to hold the business card steady.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic perspective views illustrating a conventional business card holder, which are operated in a folding status and an unfolding status, respectively. The conventional business card holder 10 is used for holding a business card during the process of capturing the image of the business card. The conventional business card holder 10 principally comprises a holder body 101, multiple extension arms 102, a fixing element 103, a business card fixing recess 104 and a pivot shaft 105. These extension arms 102 are rotatable relative to the pivot shaft 105 such that the extension arms 102 are selectively folded or unfolded with respect to the holder body 101.

In addition, the holder body 101 and the extension arms 102 have convex portions 1012 and concave portions 1013, respectively. The convex portions 1012 and the concave portions 1013 have complementary structures. When the extension arms 102 are folded, the convex portions 1012 are engaged with corresponding concave portions 1013 such that the folded extension arms 102 are fixed and received in the hollow portion 1011 of the holder body 101. On the other hand, the extension arms 102 are rotated relative to the pivot shaft 105 such that the extension arms 102 are subject to an unfolding operation M1. Depending on the desired shooting distances, the overall extended lengths of the extension arms 102 are adjustable.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the conventional business card holder for use in an electronic device. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view illustrating the conventional business card holder and the electronic device shown in FIG. 2. Hereinafter, the operations of the fixing element 103 will be illustrated in more details with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. Through the fixing element 103, the conventional business card holder 10 is fixed on an upper edge of a screen frame 111 of an electronic device 11 (e.g. a notebook computer). The notebook computer 11 has a built-in (or external) lens module 113 arranged on the upper edge of the screen frame 111. Due to the fixing force and the supporting force respectively provided by the fixing element 103 and the extension arms 102, the holder body 101 is substantially maintained in parallel with the LCD screen 112 of the notebook computer 11. Meanwhile, a shooting angle is defined between the holder body 101 and the lens module 113. After a business card 13 is placed in the business card fixing recess 104, the image of the business card 13 may be captured by the lens module 113.

The conventional business card holder 10, however, still has some drawbacks. Ideally, the lens module 113 has a viewing angle θ1 with respect to the business card 13 (as shown in FIG. 3). Since the holder body 101 is hung on the distal portion of the extension arms 102, the extension arms 102 are downwardly bent due to the weight of the holder body 101. As the overall extended length of the extension arms 102 is increased, the bending degree of the extension arms 102 is increased such that the viewable scope of the lens module 113 is possibly sheltered by the extension arms 102.

For solving the above drawback, the extension arms 102 should be slightly uplifted as indicated in the dashed line L, thereby compensating the influence of the weight of the holder body 101. As a consequence, the lens module 113 has a viewing angle θ2 covering the range of the holder body 101. In addition, the material of the extension arms 102 needs to be reinforced or improved in order to reduce the bending degree of the extension arms 102 resulting from the weight of the holder body 101. The approach of reinforcing or improving the extension arms 102 is complicated and thus increases extra cost.

Please refer to FIG. 1B again. Due to the spatial hindrance of the business card fixing recess 104 and the unfolded extension arms 102, the holding space of the business card holder 10 is only sufficient for holding a document having a size substantially equal to a business card. In other words, the business card holder 10 fails to hold relatively larger-sized documents (e.g. A4-sized documents or A5-sized documents) and thus the applications of the business card holder 10 are limited.

Therefore, there is a need of providing an improved portable document holder so as to obviate the drawbacks encountered from the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a portable document holder, which is detachably connected to an electronic device, for holding various sized documents to be shot by a lens module of the electronic device.

The present invention provides a portable document holder, which can be fixed onto an operating surface structure of an electronic device, for holding various sizes of documents to be shot by a lens module of the electronic device.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable document holder for use with an electronic device. The portable document holder includes a supporting body, a first retractable mechanism, a holder body and a second retractable mechanism. The first retractable mechanism is connected to the supporting body and movable forwardly or backwardly in a first horizontal direction. The holder body has a bottom pivotally coupled to the supporting body such that the holder body is rotatable in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction and a shooting angle is defined between the holder body and a lens module of the electronic device. The second retractable mechanism includes an extension arm coupled to an upper edge of the holder body. A holding space of the holder body is expanded in a vertical direction for supporting a document having a length greater than that of the holder body when the extension arm is extended.

In an embodiment, the supporting body is a supporting platform, the operating surface structure is a base of the electronic device, and the first retractable mechanism includes at least two protrusion slices and at least two indentations. The at least two protrusion slices are protruded from a bottom surface of the supporting platform. The at least two indentations are formed in an operating surface structure of the electronic device corresponding to the protrusion slices for receiving the protrusion slices. The cross-section area of each indentation is larger than the cross-section area of a corresponding protrusion slice, so that the supporting platform is movable forwardly or backwardly in the first horizontal direction.

In an embodiment, the supporting body is a supporting platform having a notch disposed in the middle and front edge of the supporting platform, the operating surface structure is a base of the electronic device, and the first retractable mechanism includes two guide slots and a movable block. The two guide slots are formed in bilateral sidewalls of the notch. The movable block having two guide tracks formed on bilateral sides of the movable block corresponding to the two guide slots. The two guide tracks are embedded into the two guide slots, so that the movable block is movable forwardly or backwardly in the notch in the first horizontal direction. Optionally, at least two hooking elements are formed on a front edge of the movable block, at least two hook channels are formed in a front side of the operating surface structure, and the hooking elements are engaged with corresponding hook channels such that the portable document holder is fixed onto the electronic device.

In an embodiment, the supporting body has a supporting platform with a receptacle therein, the operating surface structure is a base of the electronic device, and the first retractable mechanism includes at least two guide slots and a movable block. The at least two guide slots are formed in bilateral inner walls of the supporting platform. The movable block has two guide tracks formed on bilateral sides of the movable block corresponding to the two guide slots, so that the movable block is movable forwardly or backwardly in the receptacle in the first horizontal direction. Optionally, at least two hooking elements are formed on a front edge of the movable block, at least two hook channels are formed in a front side of the operating surface structure, and the hooking elements are engaged with corresponding hook channels such that the portable document holder is fixed onto the electronic device.

In an embodiment, the electronic device is a notebook computer, the lens module is a built-in or external lens module arranged on an upper edge of a screen frame of the notebook computer, and a center of the holder body has a business card receiving portion for receiving therein a document having a size substantially equal to a business card.

In an embodiment, the portable document holder further includes a pivotal mechanism pivotally coupled with the extension arm. The holding space of the holder body is expanded in the vertical direction when the extension arm is rotated relative to the pivotal mechanism in an anti-clockwise direction, and the extension arm is folded to a backside of the holder body when the extension arm is rotated relative to the pivotal mechanism in a clockwise direction.

In an embodiment, the second retractable mechanism further includes two additional extension arms disposed at left and right sides of the holder body. The holding space of the holder body is expanded in a second horizontal direction for supporting a document having a width greater than that of the holder body when the two additional extension arms are extended.

In an embodiment, the two additional extension arms are respectively a T-shaped extension arm and a U-shaped extension arm of complementary shapes, and three grooves are defined in a backside of the holder body for allowing the T-shaped extension arm and the U-shaped extension arm to be glided therein so as to expand the holding space of the holder body in the second horizontal direction.

In an embodiment, the first horizontal direction, the second horizontal direction and the vertical direction are respectively x-axis, y-axis and z-axis directions in a three dimensional coordinate system.

In an embodiment, distal parts of the three extension arms of the second retractable mechanism are slightly protruded so as to facilitate confining the document to be shot within the holding space.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable document holder for use with an electronic device. The portable document holder includes a supporting body, a first retractable mechanism, a holder body and a second retractable mechanism. The first retractable mechanism is connected to the supporting body and movable forwardly or backwardly in a first horizontal direction. The holder body has a bottom pivotally coupled to the supporting body such that the holder body is rotatable in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction and a shooting angle is defined between the holder body and a lens module of the electronic device. The second retractable mechanism includes first and second extension arms respectively disposed at bilateral sides of the holder body. A holding space of the holder body is expanded in a second horizontal direction for supporting a document having a width greater than that of the holder body when the first and second extension arms are extended.

In an embodiment, the second retractable mechanism further includes a third extension arm coupled to an upper edge of the holder body. The holding space of the holder body is expanded in a vertical direction for supporting a document having a length greater than that of the holder body when the third extension arm is extended.

The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic perspective views illustrating a conventional business card holder, which are operated in a folding status and an unfolding status, respectively;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the conventional business card holder for use in an electronic device;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view illustrating the conventional business card holder and the electronic device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a portable document holder according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are schematic perspective views illustrating successive operations of the portable document holder shown in FIG. 4 to be used in an electronic device;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the connection between the portable document holder shown in FIG. 4 and the electronic device;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic perspective views illustrating a portable document holder for use in an electronic device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, which are taken from different viewpoints;

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view illustrating a portable document holder for use in an electronic device according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a supporting body of the portable document holder of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an operating surface structure of the electronic device of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a combination of the supporting body of FIG. 9 and the operating surface structure of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic perspective views illustrating an application of the portable document holder according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 13A and 13B are schematic perspective views illustrating another application of the portable document holder according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

It is to be noted that the following descriptions of preferred embodiments of this invention are presented herein for purpose of illustration and description only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise form disclosed.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a portable document holder according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are schematic perspective views illustrating successive operations of the third extension arm of the portable document holder shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the connection between the portable document holder shown in FIG. 4 and the electronic device. Hereinafter, the use of the portable document holder for holding a document during the process of capturing the image of a business card will be illustrated with reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6.

As shown in FIG. 4, the portable document holder 20 is a self-contained component that can be detachably connected to an electronic device. The portable document holder 20 comprises a supporting body 201, a holder body 202 and a pivotal mechanism 203. Through the pivotal mechanism 203, the bottom of the holder body 202 is pivotally coupled to the supporting body 201 and thus the holder body 202 is rotatable in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. The portable document holder 20 is applied to an electronic device 21 such as a notebook computer. The notebook computer 21 comprises a screen frame 211, a LCD screen 212, a lens module 213 and an operating surface structure 214. The operating surface structure 214 is a base of the notebook computer 21. The built-in lens module 213 is arranged on the upper edge of the screen frame 211 of the notebook computer 21. Alternatively, the notebook computer 21 may have an external lens module (not shown) in replace of the built-in lens module 213.

The holder body 202 has a holding space to support or receive the document to be shot. For example, the center of the holder body 202 has a business card receiving portion 2021 for receiving therein a document having a size substantially equal to a business card. Alternatively, the portable document holder 20 may further comprise a retractable mechanism for supporting thereon various sizes of documents (e.g. A4-sized documents or A5-sized documents), so that the holding space of the holder body 202 is expanded in the horizontal direction and/or the vertical direction.

In some embodiments, the retractable mechanism comprises a first extension arm 2041 and a second extension arm 2042. The first extension arm 2041 and the second extension arm 2042 are respectively disposed at bilateral sides of the holder body 202. By means of the extension arms 2041 and 2042, the range of the holding space is expanded in the horizontal direction. It is preferred that the first extension arm 2041 and the second extension arm 2042 have complementary shapes. For example, the first extension arm 2041 is a T-shaped extension arm and the second extension arm 2042 is a U-shaped extension arm. The T-shaped extension arm 2041 includes a horizontal beam and a vertical beam, which are respectively arranged along the y-axis and z-axis directions. Similarly, the U-shaped extension arm 2042 includes two horizontal beams (along the y-axis direction) and a vertical beam (along the z-axis direction). The holder body 202 has a backside plate 2023 at a backside thereof. As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, one groove is formed in the backside plate 2023 corresponding to the horizontal beam of the T-shaped extension arm 2041; and two grooves are also formed in the backside plate 2023 corresponding to the horizontal beams of the U-shaped extension arm 2042. The first extension arm 2041 and the second extension arm 2042 may be horizontally glided along these grooves such that the range of the holding space of the holder body 202 is adjustable to hold various sizes of documents.

For confining the document within the holding space, the vertical beam (also referred as a distal part) of the T-shaped extension arm 2041 is thicker than the horizontal beam such that the vertical beam is slightly protruded with respect to the horizontal beam. In addition, the vertical beam (also referred as a distal part) of the U-shaped extension arm 2042 is thicker than the horizontal beams such that the vertical beam is slightly protruded with respect to the horizontal beams. In other words, the distal portions of the first extension arm 2041 and the second extension arm 2042 are respectively formed as protuberances 20411 and 20421 for confining the document within the holding space.

In some embodiments, the retractable mechanism further comprises a third extension arm 2043 for expanding the range of the holding space in the vertical direction. The third extension arm 2043 is pivotally coupled to the upper edge of the holder body 202 through another pivotal mechanism 2022. When the third extension arm 2043 is rotated in an anti-clockwise direction, the third extension arm 2043 is unfolded to be substantially parallel with the holder body 202 (as shown in FIG. 5C), so that the holding space is expanded in the vertical direction. Whereas, when the third extension arm 2043 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the third extension arm 2043 is folded to the backside of the holder body 202 (as shown in FIG. 5A).

In this context, the horizontal direction and the vertical direction that the holding space is expanded toward respectively denote the y-axis direction and the z-axis direction in the three dimensional coordinate system. The definition of the three dimensional coordinate system may be determined by the user.

In the above embodiment, the first extension arm 2041 and the second extension arm 2042 may be glided along the grooves to expand or shrink the holding space of the holder body 202; and the third extension arm 2043 may be folded or unfolded with respect to the holder body 202 so as to expand or shrink the holding space of the holder body 202. It is noted that, however, those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. For example, similar to the design of the extension arms shown in FIG. 1, the extension arms of the present invention can also be folded or unfold in multi-stages.

Please refer to FIG. 4 again. The supporting body 201 is a supporting platform having a notch 2011 is disposed in the middle and front edge of the supporting platform. The portable document holder 20 further comprises an additional retractable mechanism. This additional retractable mechanism comprises two guide slots 20111 and a movable block 2012. The. The two guide slots 20111 are formed in bilateral sidewalls of the notch 2011. Corresponding to the guide slots 20111, two guide tracks 20121 are formed on bilateral sides of the movable block 2012. The guide tracks 20121 are embedded in corresponding guide slots 20111 such that the movable block 2012 may be moved forwardly or backwardly in the notch 2011 in another horizontal direction. In this context, the “horizontal direction” and the “another horizontal direction” respectively denote the y-axis direction and the x-axis direction in the three dimensional coordinate system.

Please refer to FIG. 6. The portable document holder 20 is disposed in front of the notebook computer 21. The movable block 2012 is sustained against the front side of the operating surface structure 214. When the holder body 202 is rotatable in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction, a shooting angle is defined between the holder body 202 and the lens module 213 of the notebook computer 21. If the focal length of the lens module 213 is unsatisfied, the movable block 2012 can be moved in the notch 2011 forwardly or backwardly in the x-axis direction so as to further adjust the focal length.

In order to fix the portable document holder 20 onto the notebook computer 21, the notebook computer 21 may optionally includes at least two hook channels (not shown) in the front side of the operating surface structure 214. Corresponding to the at least two hook channels, at least two hooking elements (not shown) are formed on the front edge of the movable block 2012. Due to the engagement between the hooking elements and the hook channels, the movable block 2012 is fixed on the notebook computer 21.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic perspective views illustrating a portable document holder for use in an electronic device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, which are taken from different viewpoints. The portable document holder 30 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B is also a self-contained component. The portable document holder 30 comprises a supporting body 301, a holder body 302 and a pivotal mechanism 303. Through the pivotal mechanism 303, the bottom of the holder body 302 is pivotally coupled to the supporting body 301 and thus the holder body 302 is rotatable in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. The portable document holder 30 is applied to an electronic device 31 such as a notebook computer. The notebook computer 31 comprises a screen frame 311, a LCD screen 312, a lens module 313 and an operating surface structure 314. The operating surface structure 314 is a base of the notebook computer 31.

The holder body 302 also has a holding space to support or receive the document to be shot. For example, the center of the holder body 302 has a business card receiving portion 3021 for receiving therein a document having a size substantially equal to a business card. Alternatively, the portable document holder 30 may further comprise a retractable mechanism for supporting thereon various sizes of documents (e.g. A4-sized documents or A5-sized documents), so that the holding space of the holder body 302 is expanded in the horizontal direction and/or the vertical direction. The configurations and the operations of the retractable mechanism that is arranged on the holder body 302 are similar to those shown in FIG. 4, and are not redundantly described herein.

The supporting body 301 is a supporting platform having a receptacle (not shown) defined by inner walls thereof. In comparison with the first preferred embodiment, the retractable mechanism that is connected to the supporting body 301 according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention is distinguished. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the retractable mechanism of this embodiment comprises two guide slots (not shown) and a movable block 3011. The guide slots are formed in bilateral inner walls of the supporting platform. Corresponding to the guide slots, two guide tracks 30111 are formed on bilateral sides of the movable block 3011. The movable block 3011 can be moved forwardly or backwardly in the receptacle of the supporting platform in the x-axis direction so that the focal length is adjustable.

In order to fix the portable document holder 30 onto the notebook computer 31, the notebook computer 31 may optionally includes at least two hook channels (not shown) in the front side of the operating surface structure 314. Corresponding to the at least two hook channels, at least two hooking elements 30112 are formed on the front edge of the movable block 3011. Due to engagement between the hooking elements and the hook channels, the movable block 3011 is fixed on the notebook computer 31.

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view illustrating a portable document holder for use in an electronic device according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a supporting body of the portable document holder of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is an operating surface structure of the electronic device of FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a combination of the supporting body of FIG. 9 and the operating surface structure of FIG. 10.

Please refer to FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 11. The portable document holder 40 is also a self-contained component. The portable document holder 40 comprises a supporting body 401, a holder body 402 and a pivotal mechanism 403. Through the pivotal mechanism 403, the bottom of the holder body 402 is pivotally coupled to the supporting body 401 and thus the holder body 402 is rotatable in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. The portable document holder 40 is applied to an electronic device 41 such as a notebook computer. The notebook computer 41 comprises a screen frame 411, a LCD screen 412, a lens module 413 and an operating surface structure 414. The operating surface structure 414 is a base of the notebook computer 41.

The holder body 402 also has a holding space to support or receive the document to be shot. For example, the center of the holder body 402 has a business card receiving portion 4021 for receiving therein a document having a size substantially equal to a business card. Alternatively, the portable document holder 40 may further comprise a retractable mechanism for supporting thereon various sizes of documents (e.g. A4-sized documents or A5-sized documents), so that the holding space of the holder body 402 is expanded in the horizontal direction. The configurations and the operations of the retractable mechanism that is arranged on the holder body 402 are similar to those shown in FIG. 4, and are not redundantly described herein.

The supporting body 401 is a supporting platform. In comparison with the first and second preferred embodiments, the retractable mechanism that is connected to the supporting body 401 according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention is distinguished. In this embodiment, the retractable mechanism comprises at least two protrusion slices 4011 and at least two indentations 4012. The two protrusion slices 4011 are protruded from a bottom surface of the supporting platform. Corresponding to the two protrusion slices 4011, the two indentations 4012 are formed in the operating surface structure 414 of the notebook computer 41. The cross-section area of each indentation 4012 is larger than the cross-section area of each protrusion slice 4011, so that the protrusion slices 4011 can be received in corresponding indentations 4012 and the supporting platform can be moved forwardly or backwardly in the x-axis direction.

It is noted that, however, those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. For example, the two protrusion slices 4011 may be formed on the operating surface structure 414 of the notebook computer 41; and the indentations 4012 are formed in the bottom surface of the supporting platform corresponding to the protrusion slices 4011 for receiving the protrusion slices 4011 therein. Similarly, the cross-section area of each indentation 4012 is larger than the cross-section area of each protrusion slice 4011, so that the supporting platform can be moved forwardly or backwardly in the x-axis direction to adjust the focal length.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic perspective views illustrating an application of the portable document holder according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12A, the supporting platform of the supporting body 401 of the portable document holder is fixed onto the operating surface structure 414 of the notebook computer 41, in which the extension arms of the retractable mechanism are contracted or folded. For capturing an image of a document 43 having a size substantially equal to a business card, this document 43 is received in the business card receiving portion 4021 of the holder body 402, as is shown in FIG. 12B. Meanwhile, the lens module 413 of the notebook computer 41 can shoot the document 43.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are schematic perspective views illustrating another application of the portable document holder according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13A, the supporting body 401 of the portable document holder is also fixed onto the operating surface structure 414 of the notebook computer 41, in which the extension arms of the retractable mechanism are extended and unfolded and thus the holding space of the holder body 402 is expanded in the vertical and horizontal directions. For capturing an image of a document 44 having a relatively larger size, this document 44 is supported by the holder body 402 and the retractable mechanism. Meanwhile, the lens module 413 of the notebook computer 41 can shoot the document 44.

From the above description, the portable document holder of the present invention can be separated from or combined with the electronic device. By adjusting the retractable mechanism of the holder body, the portable document holder can support various sized documents to be shot. In addition, by means of the retractable mechanism adapted for the supporting body, the focal length of the lens module is adjustable.

While the invention has been described in terms of what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be limited to the disclosed embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures.

Claims

1. A portable document holder for use with an electronic device, said portable document holder comprising:

a supporting body;

a first retractable mechanism connected to said supporting body and movable forwardly or backwardly in a first horizontal direction;

a holder body having a bottom pivotally coupled to said supporting body such that said holder body is rotatable in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction and a shooting angle is defined between said holder body and a lens module of said electronic device; and

a second retractable mechanism comprising an extension arm coupled to an upper edge of said holder body, wherein a holding space of said holder body is expanded in a vertical direction for supporting a document having a length greater than that of said holder body when said extension arm is extended.

2. The portable document holder according to claim 1 wherein said supporting body is a supporting platform, said operating surface structure is a base of said electronic device, and said first retractable mechanism comprises:

at least two protrusion slices protruded from a bottom surface of said supporting platform; and

at least two indentations formed in an operating surface structure of said electronic device corresponding to said protrusion slices for receiving said protrusion slices, wherein the cross-section area of each indentation is larger than the cross-section area of a corresponding protrusion slice, so that said supporting platform is movable forwardly or backwardly in said first horizontal direction.

3. The portable document holder according to claim 1 wherein said supporting body is a supporting platform having a notch disposed in the middle and front edge of said supporting platform, said operating surface structure is a base of said electronic device, and said first retractable mechanism comprises:

two guide slots formed in bilateral sidewalls of said notch; and

a movable block having two guide tracks formed on bilateral sides of said movable block corresponding to said two guide slots, wherein said two guide tracks are embedded into said two guide slots, so that said movable block is movable forwardly or backwardly in said notch in said first horizontal direction, wherein at least two hooking elements are formed on a front edge of said movable block, at least two hook channels are formed in a front side of said operating surface structure, and said hooking elements are engaged with corresponding hook channels such that said portable document holder is fixed onto said electronic device.

4. The portable document holder according to claim 1 wherein said supporting body has a supporting platform with a receptacle therein, said operating surface structure is a base of said electronic device, and said first retractable mechanism comprises:

at least two guide slots formed in bilateral inner walls of said supporting platform; and

a movable block having two guide tracks formed on bilateral sides of said movable block corresponding to said two guide slots, so that said movable block is movable forwardly or backwardly in said receptacle in said first horizontal direction, wherein at least two hooking elements are formed on a front edge of said movable block, at least two hook channels are formed in a front side of said operating surface structure, and said hooking elements are engaged with corresponding hook channels such that said portable document holder is fixed onto said electronic device.

5. The portable document holder according to claim 1 wherein said electronic device is a notebook computer, said lens module is a built-in or external lens module arranged on an upper edge of a screen frame of said notebook computer, and a center of said holder body has a business card receiving portion for receiving therein a document having a size substantially equal to a business card.

6. The portable document holder according to claim 1 further comprising a pivotal mechanism pivotally coupled with said extension arm, wherein said holding space of said holder body is expanded in said vertical direction when said extension arm is rotated relative to said pivotal mechanism in an anti-clockwise direction, and said extension arm is folded to a backside of said holder body when said extension arm is rotated relative to said pivotal mechanism in a clockwise direction.

7. The portable document holder according to claim 1 wherein said second retractable mechanism further comprises two additional extension arms disposed at left and right sides of said holder body, wherein said holding space of said holder body is expanded in a second horizontal direction for supporting a document having a width greater than that of said holder body when said two additional extension arms are extended.

8. The portable document holder according to claim 7 wherein said two additional extension arms are respectively a T-shaped extension arm and a U-shaped extension arm of complementary shapes, and three grooves are defined in a backside of said holder body for allowing said T-shaped extension arm and said U-shaped extension arm to be glided therein so as to expand said holding space of said holder body in said second horizontal direction.

9. The portable document holder according to claim 7 wherein said first horizontal direction, said second horizontal direction and said vertical direction are respectively x-axis, y-axis and z-axis directions in a three dimensional coordinate system.

10. The portable document holder according to claim 7 wherein distal parts of said three extension arms of said second retractable mechanism are slightly protruded so as to facilitate confining said document to be shot within said holding space.

11. A portable document holder for use with an electronic device, said portable document holder comprising:

a supporting body;

a first retractable mechanism connected to said supporting body and movable forwardly or backwardly in a first horizontal direction;

a holder body having a bottom pivotally coupled to said supporting body such that said holder body is rotatable in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction and a shooting angle is defined between said holder body and a lens module of said electronic device; and

a second retractable mechanism comprising first and second extension arms respectively disposed at bilateral sides of said holder body, wherein a holding space of said holder body is expanded in a second horizontal direction for supporting a document having a width greater than that of said holder body when said first and second extension arms are extended.

12. The portable document holder according to claim 11 wherein said supporting body is a supporting platform, said operating surface structure is a base of said electronic device, and said first retractable mechanism comprises:

at least two protrusion slices protruded from a bottom surface of said supporting platform; and

at least two indentations formed in an operating surface structure of said electronic device corresponding to said protrusion slices for receiving said protrusion slices, wherein the cross-section area of each indentation is larger than the cross-section area of a corresponding protrusion slice, so that said supporting platform is movable forwardly or backwardly in said first horizontal direction.

13. The portable document holder according to claim 11 wherein said supporting body is a supporting platform having a notch disposed in the middle and front edge of said supporting platform, said operating surface structure is a base of said electronic device, and said first retractable mechanism comprises:

two guide slots formed in bilateral sidewalls of said notch; and

a movable block having two guide tracks formed on bilateral sides of said movable block corresponding to said two guide slots, wherein said two guide tracks are embedded into said two guide slots, so that said movable block is movable forwardly or backwardly in said notch in said first horizontal direction, wherein at least two hooking elements are formed on a front edge of said movable block, at least two hook channels are formed in a front side of said operating surface structure, and said hooking elements are engaged with corresponding hook channels such that said portable document holder is fixed onto said electronic device.

14. The portable document holder according to claim 11 wherein said supporting body has a supporting platform with a receptacle therein, said operating surface structure is a base of said electronic device, and said first retractable mechanism comprises:

at least two guide slots formed in bilateral inner walls of said supporting platform; and

a movable block having two guide tracks formed on bilateral sides of said movable block corresponding to said two guide slots, so that said movable block is movable forwardly or backwardly in said receptacle in said first horizontal direction, wherein at least two hooking elements are formed on a front edge of said movable block, at least two hook channels are formed in a front side of said operating surface structure, and said hooking elements are engaged with corresponding hook channels such that said portable document holder is fixed onto said electronic device.

15. The portable document holder according to claim 11 wherein said electronic device is a notebook computer, said lens module is a built-in or external lens module arranged on an upper edge of a screen frame of said notebook computer, and a center of said holder body has a business card receiving portion for receiving therein a document having a size substantially equal to a business card.

16. The portable document holder according to claim 11 wherein said first and second extension arms are respectively a T-shaped extension arm and a U-shaped extension arm of complementary shapes, and three grooves are defined in a backside of said holder body allowing said T-shaped extension arm and said U-shaped extension arm to be glided therein so as to expand said holding space of said holder body in said second horizontal direction.

17. The portable document holder according to claim 11 wherein said second retractable mechanism further comprises a third extension arm coupled to an upper edge of said holder body, wherein the holding space of said holder body is expanded in a vertical direction for supporting a document having a length greater than that of said holder body when said third extension arm is extended.

18. The portable document holder according to claim 17 further comprising a pivotal mechanism pivotally coupled with said third extension arm, wherein said holding space of said holder body is expanded in said vertical direction when said third extension arm is rotated relative to said pivotal mechanism in an anti-clockwise direction, and said third extension arm is folded to a backside of said holder body when said third extension arm is rotated relative to said pivotal mechanism in a clockwise direction.

19. The portable document holder according to claim 17 wherein said first horizontal direction, said second horizontal direction and said vertical direction are respective x-axis, y-axis and z-axis directions in a three dimensional coordinate system.

20. The portable document holder according to claim 17 wherein distal parts of said first, second and third extension arms of said second retractable mechanism are slightly protruded so as to facilitate confining said document to be shot within said holding space.