Collapsible Virtual Reality Headset for Use with a Smart Device

• US 20170199385A1
• Filed: 01/13/2016
• Published: 07/13/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 01/14/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ginger W. Kong
• Original Assignee: Ginger W. Kong
• Inventors: Kong, Ginger W.
• Granted Patent: US 9,946,077 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0134 of stereoscopic type
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0138 comprising image capture systems, e.g. camera
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0181 Adaptation to the pilot/driver
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0172 characterised by optical features
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0176 characterised by mechanical features
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0179 Display position adjusting means not related to the information to be displayed
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/04 having collapsible parts
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 7/12 Adjusting pupillary distance of binocular pairs
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/344 with head-mounted left-right displays
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2213/001 Constructional or mechanical details

Abstract

The present invention relates to a new type of collapsible virtual reality headset to view a three-dimensional environment on a smart device that can be folded into a self-contained package for compact storage and ease of portability. Through its design of structural folds, the collapsible virtual reality headset offers portability, durability, and adaptability to be mounted to headphone, headgear, and/or to be used with a haptic device. Users of the invention download software applications onto their smart devices and use this display apparatus to view the virtual stereoscopic images or video through left and right lens systems. Users of this invention can adjust the pupillary distance and the distance between the lenses from the smart device display for optimal user comfort. The invention is made up of material that makes it water resistant and may be stored in one'"'"'s bag or pocket when configured in its compact form.

Claims

1. A virtual reality headset for viewing a three-dimensional environment for use with a smart device comprising:

a blank panel, wherein said blank panel is configured to be folded along fold lines to form an enclosed viewer housing;

wherein said viewer housing is configured to be assembled into a self-contained case via a slit opening and flap system;

wherein said viewer housing is equipped with side panels;

a pair of biconvex lenses, said pair of biconvex lenses attached u lens holders;

wherein said lens holders are disposed within said viewer housing;

wherein said lens holders are in communication with said side panels of said viewer housing;

wherein the pupillary distance of said pair of biconvex lenses is adjustable between 40-76 mm;

wherein the distance between the pair of biconvex lenses to the image display is user adjustable;

a micro suction pad disposed within said viewer housing;

said micro suction pad configured to hold the smart device fixedly in position inside said viewer housing;

an image separator, said image separator disposed in said viewer housing between said lens holders; and

straps, wherein said straps are attached to said side panels through slit openings.

2. The collapsible virtual reality headset of claim 1, wherein said blank panel is constructed from at least one of the following materials:

paper, cardboard, cardstock, plastic, metal, foam, or aluminum.

3. The collapsible virtual reality headset of claim 1, further comprising a front wall;

and

wherein said front wall is equipped with an opening for the camera lens of the smart device.

4. The collapsible virtual reality headset of claim 3, further comprising Velcro™

disposed at slip openings of said slip opening and flap system; and

wherein said Velcro™

facilitates user-adjustability of said pair of biconvex lenses.

5. The collapsible virtual reality headset of claim 1, wherein said side panels are opaque.

9. The collapsible virtual reality headset of claim 4, wherein said side panels are opaque.

10. The collapsible virtual reality headset of claim 4, wherein said pair of biconvex lenses are oriented such that the flat side is facing away from the smart device and facing a wearer.

6. A process for building a collapsible virtual reality headset comprising:

a single polystyrene panel with predetermined creases is popped open to create a viewer housing having a right wall and a left wall;

wherein the single polystyrene panel is equipped with a first tab on a left side, a second tab disposed on a right side, a first series of tab slits disposed within the left wall, and a second series of tab slits disposed within the right wall;

the first tab is placed within one of the first series of tab slits, securing the left side to the left wall;

the second tab is placed within one of the second series of tab slits, securing the right side to the right wall;

extending lens holders out from within the right wall and the left wall, spacing them appropriately via fold lines predisposed within the right wall and the left wall;

placing a smart device within the viewer housing behind a front wall; and

securing the smart device in place via a micro-suction pad.

7. The process of claim 6, wherein said front wall is in communication with said left wall and said right wall at 90 degree angles.

8. The process of claim 6, wherein said micro-suction pad is disposed on the front wall.