HK1232041B - Integral range extender and mechanical protector system for a handheld digital device - Google Patents

Description

Integrated range extender and mechanical protector system for handheld digital devices

References of related applications

This application refers to U.S. Continuation-in-Part application No. 14/741,485, filed on June 17, 2015, and U.S. Continuation-in-Part application No. 14/922,232, filed on October 26, 2015. The above two applications refer to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/163,415, filed on May 19, 2015. The disclosures of the above two applications are incorporated herein by reference and claim priority to the above-mentioned Continuation-in-Part applications.

【Technical field】

The present invention relates to an auxiliary device generally used for a mobile communication device, and in particular to a mobile phone with a camera function.

[Background Technology]

Protective bases for mobile phones are well known. They typically include one or two layers of protective plastic/rubber and are formed to surround the back and sides of the phone, thereby protecting it from drops and other mechanical impacts. However, such bases increase the size and cost of the phone, factors that are more significant since their purpose is to protect an item from damage, which is relatively expensive and inconvenient to replace.

Recently, with the high quality of digital photos on mobile phones and the widespread internet connectivity of these devices, it has become common for these devices to be used to take selfies, with photos taken in this way often being shared with others or uploaded to social networking sites on the internet.

One disadvantage of using a mobile phone when taking selfies is that the range of holding the phone is limited by the user's arm's length, resulting in the photo losing more of the perspective that could usually be provided by an existing photo taken by a third party (e.g., someone not in the photo).

Furthermore, in many cases, when taking a photo of a landscape or wildlife, for example, the user would like to take the photo from slightly closer to the subject being photographed. However, the user is unable to do so due to the device being held at arm's length. This is a particular problem when taking photos using a mobile phone, as existing phones typically lack optical zoom capabilities and instead employ digital zoom. When digital zoom is used, it increases graininess in the resulting image, making its quality less desirable than desired.

To address this problem, so-called "selfie sticks" were developed. Essentially, they allow a user to remotely support a mobile phone from the end of a stick held by the user. This extends the effective range of use by a distance equal to the length of the stick. Early range-extending sticks were primarily used with photographic equipment and not necessarily with mobile phones, as described in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2004/0223752 and 2007/0177866.

However, a well-known problem with selfie sticks is that they are too bulky and inconvenient to carry around.

US Patent Publication No. 2007/0053680 discloses a telescopically extendable handle for a camera, which represents a useful approach to reducing the bulkiness of selfie sticks. Although described as a "handle for a camera," it still implies that an additional item must be carried in order to use the camera. Such an additional item is an additional item that needs to be remembered, or may be forgotten and lost.

US Patent Publication No. 2007/0053680, titled "Extendable Cell Phone Arm," describes an extendable arm connected to a cell phone case. This is similar in content to the ExtendaPic iPhone 5/5S case, as seen on the website http://www.extendapic.com/ .

While both represent an improvement over previous solutions, which are based on the use of a telescopic arm, the additional range they provide is, by definition, limited.

[Summary of the invention]

According to the present invention, a system is provided for integrating a range extender and a mechanical protector for a handheld digital device, comprising a base suitable for fixing the device; and an optionally configurable dual-purpose retractable pole, which is operable in a first compression mode to be accommodated across the rear of the device so as to cover most of the area of the device and to absorb mechanical forces directly applied to the side or rear of the device together with the base, and is further operable in a second expansion mode to extend in a lateral direction from the base, the retractable pole having a first end suitable for supporting the device and a second remote end suitable for being held by a user's hand, wherein in the second mode, the use of the retractable pole allows the device to be positioned away from the user and to be used remotely by the user.

Additionally, the retractable rod includes a plurality of parallel interconnected rod-like components configured to be substantially juxtaposed and coplanar in the first compression mode.

Furthermore, the interconnected rod-shaped components are further configured to be arranged substantially in a side-by-side, overlapping and coplanar manner in the second deployment mode.

Additionally, each of the plurality of interconnected rod-like components is a linear component having a longitudinal axis, which is used for axial sliding parallel to at least one other adjacent rod-like component, and the axial sliding is used to achieve extension of the retractable rod from the compressed position in a first direction, and further to achieve retraction of the retractable rod from the expanded position to the compressed position in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Furthermore, the plurality of interconnected rod-shaped components include: a first end component terminated at the first end for engaging the device; a second end component terminated at the second end for a user to hold in his hand; and a plurality of interconnected intermediate components connecting the first end component and the second end component.

Additionally, each of the plurality of rod-like components is adjacent and operable to interlock and slide in parallel along at least one other of the plurality of rod-like components.

Furthermore, each of the intermediate components is adjacent and operable to interlock and slide in parallel along two other of the plurality of rod-shaped components.

Additionally, each of the rod-shaped components includes: a track configured to extend laterally in a first direction toward an adjacent rod-shaped component; a connecting component disposed on an opposite side of the rod-shaped component relative to the track to extend toward an adjacent rod-shaped component in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the connecting component of one rod-shaped component is used to engage the track of an adjacent component so as to slidably move along the track; and a stop component disposed at an end of the track to prevent the connecting component from detaching from the track of the adjacent component.

Furthermore, the first end assembly is connected to the base via a hinge device having multiple degrees of freedom, preferably two or more degrees of freedom, so as to adjust the base and the device to a desired angle relative to the retractable rod.

Additionally, the system further includes a remotely-configured controller for operating the digital device.

Furthermore, the remotely-located controller is disposed at the second remote end of the retractable rod.

【Brief Description of the Drawings】

The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG1 is a rear perspective view of a system of an integrated range extender and mechanical protector for a handheld digital device in a closed position, made in accordance with the present specification;

FIG2 is a rear perspective view of the system of FIG1 , but in a partially open position;

FIG3 is a front perspective view of the system of FIG1 and FIG2, but in a fully opened position;

4A-4D illustrate the system of FIG. 1 when installed in a digital device, from the rear, top, side, and bottom, respectively;

FIG5 illustrates the system shown in FIG2 when installed in a digital device;

FIG6A illustrates the complete system as shown in FIG1-5 in a first fully opened position, when supporting a digital device;

FIG6B illustrates the installation of the device carrying base, the dual-purpose connecting member and the dual-purpose retractable pole of the system in a fully extended position;

FIG6C is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG6B ;

FIG7A illustrates the complete system as shown in FIG1-5 in a second fully opened position, when supporting a digital device;

FIG7B illustrates the installation of the device carrying base, the dual-purpose connecting member and the dual-purpose retractable pole of the system in a fully extended position;

FIG7C is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG7B ;

FIG8A shows a single rod connected to an adjacent rod assembly; and

FIG8B is an enlarged view of the connection in FIG8A , illustrating a preferred anti-rotation locking structure;

9A and 9B are block diagrams illustrating the basic interactive operation of the integrated range extender and mechanical protector system and a communication device, wherein the digital device is operated relative to each other via a wired connection or a wireless connection;

10A and 10B illustrate the rear of the base of FIG. 7A and 7B , but with a clip for securing the retractable rod;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a handle portion of the retractable rod, wherein a spare battery is stored in the telescopic rod.

12A through 12E are perspective views of the rear, front, left, right, and bottom views, respectively, of a system of an integrated range extender and mechanical protector for a handheld digital device, made in accordance with this specification, in a compressed mode, and mounted on a digital device.

FIG13A is a partially exploded isometric rear view of the system of FIG12A to FIG12E in an intermediate position during extension;

FIG13B is a further exploded view of FIG13A, showing only the first end portion of the retractable rod, and showing in detail in the exploded view how the retractable rod is connected to the base of the system via a hinge device;

FIG14A is a rear perspective view of the system showing the retractable pole in a position relative to the base when the pole is mostly extended;

FIG14B is similar to FIG14A, showing the base unfolded after the retractable rod is fully extended;

FIG15 is a rear perspective view of the system similar to FIG14A;

FIG16 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the system when fully deployed;

FIG17A further illustrates a side view of the system in a fully deployed state; and

FIG17B shows a front view of the system fully deployed.

[Specific implementation method]

Referring first to Figures 1-5 , a system 10 is described that integrates a range extender and a mechanical protector for a handheld digital device 12 (Figures 4A-5 ), such as a digital camera and/or imaging device or an audio recording device. Typically, the digital device incorporates these features with communication capabilities, such as those found in mobile phones, but the system is not limited thereto.

The system 10 includes an optionally configured dual-purpose retractable pole, generally referenced 30, and a base, generally referenced 60. Preferably, a dual-purpose engagement member, generally referenced 90, is also provided that is operable to assist in securing the pole 30 when retracted and to support the device 12 and base 60 on the pole 30 when extended.

When the pole 30 is used to extend the support device 12 away from a user (Figures 6A-7C), as a so-called "selfie stick", the pole 30 is connected to the dual-purpose connecting member 90 at a first end 32 and is generally grasped by a user's hand at a second remote end 34 (Figures 1, 2, 6A and 7A).

9A and 9B , when the device 12 is supported on the second end 34 of the pole 30, away from the user, a suitable selector or switch 33 ( FIG. 9A ) is connected to the device 12 via a suitable wired connection or a wireless connection such as a Bluetooth key or the like to trigger the device 12. If the switch 33 is a wired switch as described in FIG. 9A , it is located at the second end 34 of the pole 30, as is generally known in the art. However, if the switch 33 is a wireless switch as described in FIG. 9B , it is mounted at the second end 34 of the pole 30 held by the user or is separately handheld.

In another preferred embodiment, the Bluetooth switch may be implemented as a Bluetooth function of a mobile device carried by a pre-authorized other person in proximity to the user.

When not in use, the rod 30 is not connected to the dual-purpose engagement member 90. It is retracted or folded, as described below, and after being secured by the dual-purpose engagement member 90, is disposed in a stowed position behind the base 60. As described below, the rod 30 is constructed to be sturdy, while occupying minimal space and having a minimal diameter. Accordingly, when stowed to cover a substantial portion of the rear panel of the base, it operates to provide substantial mechanical protection for the device 12.

The rod 30 is designed to be small and lightweight, thus minimizing bulk, yet strong enough to provide the smallest dimensions and greatest length, and easily retractable. At this end, it is preferably comprised of a continuous, thin, diameter piece 36, each preferably no larger than 8 mm in diameter. Preferably, they are produced through a 3D printing process and formed from a mixture of PLA and/or ABS with multi-directional carbon fiber. According to a preferred embodiment, when the system 10 is used in conjunction with a mobile phone, such as a Samsung or similar device, the rod 30 can be up to 80 cm long or more when fully assembled.

A strong elastic cord 38 is threaded through the interior of the rod assembly 36 to allow for compact, folded storage. However, once the dual-purpose engagement member 90 is opened and the rod 30 is unfastened, the presence of the elastic cord applies a tension along the length of the rod 30 so that all of the other components 36 are freed from any compressive forces and are coaxially aligned by the cord 38 to be pulled together into an end-to-end mating connection with each other, so that the rod 30 becomes fully unfolded and ready for use as described above.

A mobile phone has various features that need to be accessible even when stored in a holder. Such features include operating buttons, a camera, a headphone jack, a power port, and the like. Accordingly, if desired, appropriate openings 66 may be formed in the peripheral edge 62 of the base 60 and the rear panel 64 to enable convenient access to such features when the system 10 is assembled on the device 12. Further, as illustrated, the rod assembly 36 is sized so that when the rod 30 is received behind the base 60, the rod assembly does not obstruct such features, and allows for convenient access to such features. Thus, as shown in Figures 1 and 4A, in the present example, the rod assembly 36' is shorter than the remaining components 36.

The base 60 is formed so that its peripheral edge 62 grips and protects the device 12 along its four edges, so that the rear panel 64 covers the rear of the device in a manner similar to a well-known mobile phone protective holder. Accordingly, except for those features clearly shown in the drawings, they are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be specifically described herein.

7A and 7B , the outward edge 68 of the rear panel 64 is specifically configured to engage the rod assembly 36 when the rod 30 is folded for storage. In accordance with one embodiment, a retaining member 70, illustrated here as a protrusion, is operative to receive the rod assembly 36 therein when the rod 30 is folded, thereby preventing lateral movement relative to the rear panel 64 when stored.

10A and 10B , a securing assembly 170 such as a clip is provided to grasp the rod assembly 36 to secure it to the rear of the base 60, and not only as in this embodiment. It should be understood that the schematically illustrated clip 170 represents only one possible way to secure the rod assembly 36 to the rear of the base 60, and is intended to encompass any equivalent means of doing the same thing.

The dual-purpose engagement member 90 is connected to the base 60 by a suitable hinge structure 92. In the illustrated embodiment, it has a generally elongated U-shaped buckle structure having a central portion 94 approximately equal to the width of the base 60, and first and second end portions, generally referenced 96 and 98. The engagement member 90 is formed to fit snugly against the back surface of the base 60 to receive the folded rod 30 in place.

Each of the shorter ends 96 and 98 has a specific function. The first end 96 is not only connected to a suitable flange portion 93 formed on the side of the base 60 via a hinge structure 92, but also defines an opening 96' of a first specific shape therein. The second end 98 is a free end that is operable to abut against the rear panel 64 of the base 60 to secure the rod 30. When the engaging member 90 approaches the hinge 92 and the second end 98 abuts and locks against a securing assembly 100 integrally formed with the base 60, the engaging member 90 can be opened simply by grasping the free edge of the second end 98 and bending it outward over the securing assembly 100. Alternatively, any other suitable method for securing the engaging member 90 around the rod 30 may be used.

The first specifically shaped opening 96' is formed to engage a free end of the rod 30 and, as shown in Figures 6A-6C, to support the device 12. The free end of the rod 30 terminates in a male locking member 40 adapted to be inserted into the first specifically shaped opening 96', as shown in Figure 6C. The radius of the male locking member 40 is smaller than the radius of the rod assembly 36, thereby forming a stop shoulder, such as 42. As shown, the respective diameters of the first specifically shaped opening 96' and the male locking member 40 are substantially equal, thereby allowing the securing member 40 to pass through the opening 96 until the stop shoulder 42 abuts against the edge of the opening 96'.

However, it is necessary to prevent the device 12 from rotating about the rod 30 to ensure full control of the position of the device 12 when grasped by the rod 30. Accordingly, the fixing member 40 typically has a radially oriented locking projection 44 formed thereon that directly abuts the stop shoulder 42 and is adapted to be inserted into a corresponding groove 46 formed therein for locking engagement and to connect with the specifically shaped opening 96'. It should be understood that when the projection 44 and the groove 46 engage with the engagement member 90, the device 12 is prevented from rotating about the rod 30.

In a preferred embodiment, the first terminal portion 96 of the engagement member 90 supports the device only by engaging with the opening 96' of the first specific shape.

In another preferred embodiment, a second, specifically shaped opening 98' may be provided at a second end portion 98 of the engaging member 90, wherein the second, specifically shaped opening 98' is coaxially aligned with the opening 96' but has a diameter approximately equal to that of the rod assembly 36. When the device 12 is mounted on the rod 30 in this manner as shown in Figures 7A-7C, the rod assembly 36 extends completely through the second opening 98' to extend across the gap between the second and first end portions of the engaging member 90 and parallel to the central portion 94. In this embodiment, the male locking member 40 is also fully inserted and secured to the first, specifically shaped opening 96' in a manner similar to that shown and described in conjunction with Figures 6A-6C. In this method, the rod 30 operates to support the base 60 and the device 12 at two points, thereby providing greater stability and allowing the first engaging portion 96 to be made slightly thinner.

As mentioned above, it is desirable that when a user holds a device 12 using the rod 30, rotation between the device 12 and the rod occurs. Accordingly, it is desirable that once the rod assembly 36 is assembled, they are also locked in a position where no relative rotation is permitted about their long axis.

2, 8A and 8B, to prevent unwanted rotation, the rod assemblies 36 are formed to interlock once they are engaged with each other. Each rod assembly 36, in this embodiment, provides different first and second ends, referenced numerals 50 and 52, respectively.

The first end 50 is formed with a series of scalloped teeth or alternating sequences of teeth 54 and grooves 56. The second end 52 of each rod assembly 36 provides a male locking member 40' (see FIG. 2 ) similar to the male locking member 40, shown and described in conjunction with FIG. 6C . Accordingly, the locking member 40' is smaller than the rod assembly 36, thereby forming a stop shoulder, such as 42'. The relative diameters of the end opening 50' (best seen in FIG. 2 ) of the first end 50 and the male locking member 40' are approximately equal, thereby allowing the locking member 40' to smoothly pass through the opening 50' until the stop shoulder 42' abuts the teeth 54.

To prevent relative rotation between the two interlocking rod assemblies 36, the locking member 40' typically also includes a radially oriented locking projection 44' formed thereon, directly abutting the stop shoulder 42', and adapted to be inserted into any of the grooves 56 for locking engagement. As described above, when the rod 30 is released for deployment, the adjacent rod assemblies 36 are straightened by the force of the elastic cord 38, and each pair of adjacent first ends 50 and second ends 52 of the adjacent rod assemblies 36 are pulled together by the force of the cord 38. Therefore, to achieve a completely non-rotating relationship between the two adjacent rod assemblies 36, the locking projection 44' of the male locking member 40' must engage any of the grooves 56 of the facing first ends 50.

As described above, the rod assembly 36 is hollow and therefore lightweight, and is adapted for a male-female interlocking fit when the rod 30 is assembled and fully deployed. However, in one embodiment, referring to FIG. 11 , the rod assembly 36 functions as a handle when the rod 30 is deployed, and can be used to house a rechargeable backup battery 134 appropriately configured to fit within the hollow interior of the rod assembly 36 . Such backup batteries are generally known in practice, and the exposed end of the battery 134 typically has a micro-USB port 135 for convenient charging thereof, and a USB port 137 for charging an electronic device such as the digital device 12 .

Referring to Figures 12A through 12E , the present invention provides a system 210 for a handheld digital device 12 that integrates a range extender and a mechanical protector, in a compact configuration, and according to an additional embodiment of the present invention. The system 210 described in this embodiment will be described primarily with respect to the differences with respect to the system 10 described in Figures 1 through 11 .

The system 210 includes a base 260 for securing the device 12 and an optional, dual-purpose, retractable rod 230. The rod 230 is operable in a first, compressed mode to be retracted behind the base 260 at a position 261 (FIGS. 13A-16) to cover a substantial portion of the rear of the device 12. The rod 230 is also configured to operate in conjunction with the base to absorb mechanical forces applied directly to the sides or rear of the device 12.

13A and 13B , in a second deployed configuration, the rod 230 is further operable to extend in a lateral direction from the base, whereby the first end 232 of the retractable rod 230 is adapted to support the device and the second distal end 234 is adapted to be grasped by a user's hand. As shown in FIG17 , in the second configuration, the use of the retractable rod 230 allows the device 12 to be positioned away from the user and used remotely by the user.

The retractable rod 230 includes a plurality of parallel, interconnected rod-like components 236, as shown in FIG12A , specifically configured to be substantially aligned, overlapped, and coplanar in the first compressed configuration. Furthermore, as shown in FIG17A , the interconnected rod-like components are further configured to be substantially aligned, overlapped, and coplanar in the second expanded configuration.

It can be seen that each of the plurality of interconnected rod-like components 236 is a linear component having a longitudinal axis 237 (FIGS. 12A-13A) and is configured to slide axially parallel to at least one other adjacent rod-like component. It is understood that the axial sliding in a first direction causes the retractable rod 230 to extend from its compressed position, and the rod-like component 236 further slides axially in a second direction opposite to the first direction to retract the retractable rod from the deployed position to the compressed position.

13A and 13B , it can be seen that the plurality of rod-shaped components 236 further include: a first end component 236a terminating at the first end 232 for engaging the device, a second end component 236b terminating at the second end 234 for a user to grasp in their hand, and a plurality of interconnected intermediate components 236c connecting the first end component 236a and the second end component 236b.

In this embodiment, each of the plurality of rod-shaped components 236a, 236b, and 236c (unless otherwise specified, component number 236 is used to represent various types of rod-shaped components) is configured to include a track 237 for facing laterally outward in a first direction toward an adjacent rod-shaped component 236. Furthermore, a connecting component 239 is further included, which is disposed on the opposite side of the rod-shaped component 236 relative to the track and extends laterally in a second direction opposite to the first direction toward an adjacent rod-shaped component 236.

As shown, each rod-shaped component 236 is adjacent and, by engaging with a connecting component 239, can slide along an adjacent track 237 and interlock with one or more rod-shaped components 236. In this embodiment, the interlocking sliding is achieved by forming a cross-sectional shape of the connecting component 239, thereby widening its free end 241. The widened free end 241 is configured to slide within the inner widened portion 243 of the corresponding track 247, effectively confining the free end 241 therein. Furthermore, a stopper component 245 is further included, which is fixed to one end 246 of the rod-shaped component 236 to prevent the connecting component 239 from sliding out of the track 237 of the adjacent component when the rod 30 is extended, thereby preventing each rod-shaped component 236 from disconnecting.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the extendable length of the retractable rod 230 is determined by the length and number of the rod-shaped components 236, which in turn are determined by the strength of the rod-shaped components 236, including the strength of the materials used. In one embodiment, the retractable rod 230 is 71 cm long, and its various components are constructed from various materials, including the rail 237 made of aluminum, the connecting component 239 made of plastic (nylon-fiberglass), and the stop component 245 made of plastic (ABS resin). However, this is merely one embodiment, and other preferred materials may also be used.

With brief reference to Figures 16, 17A, and 17B, the first end assembly 236 of the retractable rod 230 is connected to the base 260 by a hinge assembly 292 having multiple degrees of freedom, for facilitating adjustment of the base 260 and the device 12 to a desired angle relative to each other, typically a generally rearward position as shown, so as to face the user and allow the user to take a selfie. However, other default positions may be used based on other needs, such as when attempting to use the retractable rod 230 to photograph a subject from a different angle and/or at a closer distance than the user can achieve without using the system 210.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, hinge assembly 292 comprises a ball and socket structure. As shown in the exploded view of FIG13B and the simplified structural schematics of FIG14A and FIG14B , it has two degrees of freedom, including a pair of mutually perpendicular joints, enabling retractable rod 230 to rotate in a first direction, as indicated by first arrow 293 ( FIG14B ), approximately along a first axis 294 ( FIG14A ). Subsequently, referring to FIG17B , it can also rotate in a second direction, as indicated by second arrow 293, approximately along a second axis 296. The first and second axes are perpendicular to each other.

It should be understood that those skilled in the art should not be limited to what is shown and described above, which is presented by way of non-limiting examples only, and the scope of the present invention should not be limited solely by the claims.

Claims (8)

1. An integrated system, characterized in that the system comprises: A base suitable for mounting to a handheld digital device; and An optional dual-purpose retractable lever is operable in a first compressed mode to span across the rear of the handheld digital device to cover most of the area of the device and to absorb mechanical forces applied directly to the side or rear of the handheld digital device together with the base, and is further operable in a second extended mode to extend laterally from the base. The retractable lever has a first end adapted to support the handheld digital device and a second remote end adapted to be held by a user's hand. In the second unfolding mode, the use of the retractable stick allows the handheld digital device to be positioned away from the user and used by the user from a distance; The retractable rod comprises a plurality of parallel, interconnected rod-shaped components configured to be substantially parallel, overlapping, and coplanar in the first compressed mode, and partially parallel, overlapping, and coplanar in the second extended mode; and Each of the plurality of interconnected rod-like components is a linear component having a longitudinal axis for axial sliding parallel to at least one other adjacent rod-like component. The axial sliding is used to achieve extension of the retractable rod from a compressed position in a first direction, and further to retract the retractable rod from an extended position to the compressed position in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Each of the plurality of interconnected rod-shaped components includes: A track is configured to extend laterally toward an adjacent rod-shaped component in the first direction during the second deployment mode; A connecting component, disposed on the opposite side of the rod-shaped component relative to the track, extends in a second direction opposite to the first direction and laterally toward another adjacent rod-shaped component, wherein the connecting component of one of the rod-shaped components is used to engage the track of an adjacent rod-shaped component, thereby allowing slidable movement along the adjacent rod-shaped component; and A stop assembly is provided at the end of the track to prevent the connecting assembly from disengaging from the track of the adjacent rod assembly. 2. The integrated system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of interconnected rod-shaped components comprises: The first terminal component is terminated at the first end for engaging the handheld digital device; The second end component terminates at the second remote end for use by a user holding it in their hand; and Multiple interconnected intermediate components connect the first end component and the second end component. 3. The integrated system according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of interconnected rod-shaped components is adjacent and operable to interlock and slide side-by-side along at least one other plurality of interconnected rod-shaped components. 4. The integrated system according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of interconnected intermediate components is adjacent and operable to interlock and slide side-by-side along two other plurality of interconnected rod-shaped components. 5. The integrated system according to claim 2, wherein the first end component is connected to the base via a hinge device having multiple degrees of freedom to adjust the base and the handheld digital device to a desired angle relative to the retractable rod. 6. The integrated system according to claim 5, wherein the hinge device has at least two degrees of freedom. 7. The integrated system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further includes a remotely configured controller for operating the handheld digital device. 8. The integrated system according to claim 7, wherein the remotely configured controller is located at the second remote end of the retractable rod.