CA2561677A1 - Elastomeric carrying case - Google Patents
Elastomeric carrying case Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2561677A1 CA2561677A1 CA 2561677 CA2561677A CA2561677A1 CA 2561677 A1 CA2561677 A1 CA 2561677A1 CA 2561677 CA2561677 CA 2561677 CA 2561677 A CA2561677 A CA 2561677A CA 2561677 A1 CA2561677 A1 CA 2561677A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- post
- pad assembly
- locking member
- carrying case
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 claims 2
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000014509 gene expression Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000006748 scratching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002393 scratching effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
- A45F5/02—Fastening articles to the garment
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
- A45C13/10—Arrangement of fasteners
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
- A45F5/02—Fastening articles to the garment
- A45F5/021—Fastening articles to the garment to the belt
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C2011/001—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 for portable audio devices, e.g. headphones or MP3-players
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C2011/002—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 for portable handheld communication devices, e.g. mobile phone, pager, beeper, PDA, smart phone
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F2200/00—Details not otherwise provided for in A45F
- A45F2200/05—Holder or carrier for specific articles
- A45F2200/0508—Portable audio devices, e.g. walkman, discman, radio, MP3 player, headphones
Abstract
A carrying case is designed to carry a personal electronic appliance, such as a portable MP3 player. The carrying case includes an elastomeric housing shaped to closely receive the appliance, a fastener external to the housing and adapted to fasten to a user's person, a pad assembly located within the housing, and a mounting assembly that couples the fastener to the pad assembly. In preferred form, the pad assembly comprises a plastic support structure and a pad of non-abrasive gripping material adhered to the support structure. The pad assembly is positioned against the rear wall of the housing so that elastomeric tension in the housing urges the pad against the rear surface of the received appliance, resisting relative rotation of the pad assembly and the received appliance.
Description
ELASTOMERIC CARRYING CASE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to carrying cases, and, more specifically, to elastomeric cases designed to carry personal electronic appliances such as MP3 players, cell phones, portable radios and the like.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Portable MP3 players have become very popular as apparent from the commercial success of the iPodTM player marketed by Apple Corp.
of Cupertino, California, U.S.A. This has spawned a demand for accessories for iPodTM players, particularly carrying cases.
One such carrying case, now prior art, has been marketed successfully in North America and Europe by iSkin -Inc. of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The carrying case has a housing formed of an elastomeric material, specifically a silicone. The housing is dimensioned to fit tightly about the exterior of an iPod TM player, protecting the player against scratching and accumulation of dirt and grime. The forward wall of the housing has an opening that allows viewing of the player's display, and a circular depression overlays touch-sensitive controls associated with the player. The depression reduces wall thickness locally to preserve the user's ability to operate the player by touch.
The carrying case includes a fastener external to the housing that attaches to a user's person, and a mounting assembly that mounts the fastener to the housing. That fastener has often been a simple clip that fastens to an article of clothing worn by the user, typically the user's belt. A
fastener that may be substituted is a strap assembly that uses hook-and-loop fasteners, such as VelcroTM fasteners, to wrap snuggly about a user's upper arm. In the prior art, such strap fasteners have been popular, particularly among joggers, and have fastened directly to the casing of the carried device itself.
Although the prior art carrying case protects a received appliance very effectively, the case itself is potentially subject to wear and damage. The reason is that the fastener must be mounted to the rear wall of the housing, which, for practical purposes, necessitates forming holes through which elements of the mounting assembly are passed. Unless special steps are taken, a torque applied to the housing will be reacted into the rear wall of the housing. The elastomeric material constituting the rear wall can be expected to deform non-destructively to absorb such torques but only to a limited degree. Stress concentrations around holes formed in the housing to receive the mounting assembly may potentially weaken the rear wall and induce tears.
Incorporating a rotary joint into the mounting assembly alleviates this problem. However, if the received appliance is to be maintained in a particular angular orientation relative to the user's person, a very desirable feature, it cannot be allowed to free-wheel. Detent mechanisms have consequently been used to resist rotation of the housing at distinct annular positions. Such a mechanism subjects the rear wall to only the torque 2o required to overcome the detent mechanism when moving from one angular position to another. Such detents mechanism, however, typically have hard stops at extreme angular positions that force the rear wall to absorb whatever torque the user applies intentionally or by accident. There consequently remains a potential to stress the rear wall repeatedly and an attendant risk of tears forming at the holes. A better solution to this problem is required, and, among other things, the present invention provides a practical solution.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the invention provides a carrying case adapted to support a personal electronic appliance from a user's person. The carrying case comprises an elastomeric housing shaped to closely receive the appliance, the housing comprising a forward wall that overlays a forward surface of the received appliance and a rear wall that overlays a rear surface of the received appliance. Means are provided to suspend the housing from a user's person. The suspending means include a pad assembly that comprises a support structure, and a pad of non-abrasive gripping material attached to the support structure and defining a forward surface of the pad assembly.
The suspending means also comprise fastening means external to the housing and adapted to fasten to a user's person. The exact nature of the fastening means is not critical for purposes of the invention. In typical applications, the fastening means may be a simple clip adapted to attach to a wearer's belt or a strap-like fastener adapted to locate snuggly about a user's upper arm, fasteners already used in the prior art for such purposes. Other types of fasteners may be substituted to accommodate trends and user preferences. Lastly, the suspending means comprise mounting means that extend through one or more holes in the rear wall of the housing to mount the fastening means to the support structure of the pad assembly.
The pad assembly is designed to absorb or reduce torques that might otherwise be reacted into the rear wall of the housing. To that end, the pad assembly is located against the rear wall so that elastomeric tension in the housing urges the forward surface of the pad assembly firmly against the rear surface of the received appliance. Also, the forward surface of the pad assembly is provided with a large area to reduce slippage. In a preferred embodiment, the forward surface is circular with a diameter not less than about 50% of the width of the casing or received appliance. The center of the pad will generally define a rotational center about which torques are applied to the housing and reacted. By virtue of being located a larger distance from the center of the pad, outer portions of the pad resist applied torques more effectively than central portions of the pad. Finally, the gripping material 1 o constituting the pad is selected to provide a large coefficient of friction between the rear surface of the appliance and the forward surface of the pad assembly, once again enhancing the ability of the pad assembly to absorb torques.
Other aspects of the invention will apparent from a description below of preferred embodiments and will be more specifically identified in the appended claims. For purposes of claim interpretation, the term "elastomeric" should be understood as meaning a rubber-like material able to stretch and return to its original shape. The term "elastomeric tension"
refers to forces created when an elastomeric material is stretched, forces that tend 2o restore the material to its original shape. The expression "closely receive"
and like expressions should be understood as requiring one object, the receiving object, to be dimensioned to receive and tightly grip the received object. The expression "gripping material" should be understood as a material that demonstrates a relatively high coefficient of friction when contacted with the material that defines the rear surface of a received appliance. The preferred material for such purposes is a silicone.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood with reference to drawings, in which:
fig. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of carrying case for a personal electronic appliance;
fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the carrying case;
fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a pad assembly whose support structure is integrally molded with two posts, and a locking member that engages the posts to lock the pad assembly against the rear wall of the housing;
fig. 4 is a view showing the locking member in an initial angular orientation (shown in solid outline) in which the locking member receives one of the posts, and in a final locking orientation (shown in phantom outline) in which the locking member also receives the other post;
fig. 5 is a fragmented view of the area designated 5 in fig. 4 showing a rotary part used to secure the locking member in its locking orientation;
fig. 6 is a section along lines 6-6 of fig. 5 further detailing the construction of the rotary part; and, fig. 7 is an exploded cross-sectional further detailing various components of the carrying case.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to carrying cases, and, more specifically, to elastomeric cases designed to carry personal electronic appliances such as MP3 players, cell phones, portable radios and the like.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Portable MP3 players have become very popular as apparent from the commercial success of the iPodTM player marketed by Apple Corp.
of Cupertino, California, U.S.A. This has spawned a demand for accessories for iPodTM players, particularly carrying cases.
One such carrying case, now prior art, has been marketed successfully in North America and Europe by iSkin -Inc. of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The carrying case has a housing formed of an elastomeric material, specifically a silicone. The housing is dimensioned to fit tightly about the exterior of an iPod TM player, protecting the player against scratching and accumulation of dirt and grime. The forward wall of the housing has an opening that allows viewing of the player's display, and a circular depression overlays touch-sensitive controls associated with the player. The depression reduces wall thickness locally to preserve the user's ability to operate the player by touch.
The carrying case includes a fastener external to the housing that attaches to a user's person, and a mounting assembly that mounts the fastener to the housing. That fastener has often been a simple clip that fastens to an article of clothing worn by the user, typically the user's belt. A
fastener that may be substituted is a strap assembly that uses hook-and-loop fasteners, such as VelcroTM fasteners, to wrap snuggly about a user's upper arm. In the prior art, such strap fasteners have been popular, particularly among joggers, and have fastened directly to the casing of the carried device itself.
Although the prior art carrying case protects a received appliance very effectively, the case itself is potentially subject to wear and damage. The reason is that the fastener must be mounted to the rear wall of the housing, which, for practical purposes, necessitates forming holes through which elements of the mounting assembly are passed. Unless special steps are taken, a torque applied to the housing will be reacted into the rear wall of the housing. The elastomeric material constituting the rear wall can be expected to deform non-destructively to absorb such torques but only to a limited degree. Stress concentrations around holes formed in the housing to receive the mounting assembly may potentially weaken the rear wall and induce tears.
Incorporating a rotary joint into the mounting assembly alleviates this problem. However, if the received appliance is to be maintained in a particular angular orientation relative to the user's person, a very desirable feature, it cannot be allowed to free-wheel. Detent mechanisms have consequently been used to resist rotation of the housing at distinct annular positions. Such a mechanism subjects the rear wall to only the torque 2o required to overcome the detent mechanism when moving from one angular position to another. Such detents mechanism, however, typically have hard stops at extreme angular positions that force the rear wall to absorb whatever torque the user applies intentionally or by accident. There consequently remains a potential to stress the rear wall repeatedly and an attendant risk of tears forming at the holes. A better solution to this problem is required, and, among other things, the present invention provides a practical solution.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the invention provides a carrying case adapted to support a personal electronic appliance from a user's person. The carrying case comprises an elastomeric housing shaped to closely receive the appliance, the housing comprising a forward wall that overlays a forward surface of the received appliance and a rear wall that overlays a rear surface of the received appliance. Means are provided to suspend the housing from a user's person. The suspending means include a pad assembly that comprises a support structure, and a pad of non-abrasive gripping material attached to the support structure and defining a forward surface of the pad assembly.
The suspending means also comprise fastening means external to the housing and adapted to fasten to a user's person. The exact nature of the fastening means is not critical for purposes of the invention. In typical applications, the fastening means may be a simple clip adapted to attach to a wearer's belt or a strap-like fastener adapted to locate snuggly about a user's upper arm, fasteners already used in the prior art for such purposes. Other types of fasteners may be substituted to accommodate trends and user preferences. Lastly, the suspending means comprise mounting means that extend through one or more holes in the rear wall of the housing to mount the fastening means to the support structure of the pad assembly.
The pad assembly is designed to absorb or reduce torques that might otherwise be reacted into the rear wall of the housing. To that end, the pad assembly is located against the rear wall so that elastomeric tension in the housing urges the forward surface of the pad assembly firmly against the rear surface of the received appliance. Also, the forward surface of the pad assembly is provided with a large area to reduce slippage. In a preferred embodiment, the forward surface is circular with a diameter not less than about 50% of the width of the casing or received appliance. The center of the pad will generally define a rotational center about which torques are applied to the housing and reacted. By virtue of being located a larger distance from the center of the pad, outer portions of the pad resist applied torques more effectively than central portions of the pad. Finally, the gripping material 1 o constituting the pad is selected to provide a large coefficient of friction between the rear surface of the appliance and the forward surface of the pad assembly, once again enhancing the ability of the pad assembly to absorb torques.
Other aspects of the invention will apparent from a description below of preferred embodiments and will be more specifically identified in the appended claims. For purposes of claim interpretation, the term "elastomeric" should be understood as meaning a rubber-like material able to stretch and return to its original shape. The term "elastomeric tension"
refers to forces created when an elastomeric material is stretched, forces that tend 2o restore the material to its original shape. The expression "closely receive"
and like expressions should be understood as requiring one object, the receiving object, to be dimensioned to receive and tightly grip the received object. The expression "gripping material" should be understood as a material that demonstrates a relatively high coefficient of friction when contacted with the material that defines the rear surface of a received appliance. The preferred material for such purposes is a silicone.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood with reference to drawings, in which:
fig. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of carrying case for a personal electronic appliance;
fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the carrying case;
fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a pad assembly whose support structure is integrally molded with two posts, and a locking member that engages the posts to lock the pad assembly against the rear wall of the housing;
fig. 4 is a view showing the locking member in an initial angular orientation (shown in solid outline) in which the locking member receives one of the posts, and in a final locking orientation (shown in phantom outline) in which the locking member also receives the other post;
fig. 5 is a fragmented view of the area designated 5 in fig. 4 showing a rotary part used to secure the locking member in its locking orientation;
fig. 6 is a section along lines 6-6 of fig. 5 further detailing the construction of the rotary part; and, fig. 7 is an exploded cross-sectional further detailing various components of the carrying case.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference is made to figs. 1 and 2 that illustrate a carrying case 10 intended to support a personal electronic appliance from a user's person. The case includes an elastomeric housing 12 for receiving the appliance, a plastic clip 5 adapted to fasten to a user's belt, and a pad assembly 18 normally located inside the housing 12. A very compact assembly of components, described more fully below, couples the clip 16 to the pad assembly 18, defining both a rotary joint and a detent mechanism. The carrying case 10 will normally be supplied as a kit of components and assembled by the end user.
10 The housing 12 is integrally molded of a silicone and shaped to closely receive a particular personal electronic appliance, namely, the iPodTM
player (not shown). The housing 12 has a forward wal122 (shown in figs. 2 and 7) that normally overlays a forward surface of the received player, and a rear wall 24 (also shown in figs. 2 and 7) that normally overlays a rear surface of the received player. The player is inserted into or removed from the housing 12 through a generally rectangular access opening 26 formed in the forward wal122 of the housing 12. The access opening 26 permits viewing of the received player's display, and the forward wa1122 may be molded relatively thin where it overlays touch-sensitive controls associated with the player. These aspects of the preferred embodiment are known in the prior art and consequently will not be described further.
The prior art carrying case discussed in the preamble of this specification has proven effective in preventing damage to a received player and reducing receipt and trapping of dirt. However, the access opening in the front wall of such prior art has been left uncovered in order to accommodate receipt and removal of a player, leaving the screen exposed and allowing fine debris to accumulate. This problem has been addressed in the construction of the present carrying case 10.
The housing 12 includes a transparent polycarbonate shield 30 that can be easily installed and removed to provide access to the received player.
The shield 30 is shown in greater detail in fig. 2 where it may be seen to comprise a circumferential mounting flange 32 that extends radially away from the thicker main body 34 of the shield 30. The housing 12 is integrally molded with a circumferential flange 36 substantially parallel to and overlaying the forward wall 22 (as apparent in fig. 2 and the cross-sectional view of fig. 7). The flange cooperates with the forward wall 22 to define a circumferential groove 38 dimensioned to closely receive the mounting flange 32 associated with the shield 30. An opening 40 is formed in the shield 30 to permit operation of touch-sensitive controls. The shield 30 also has a small circular hole 41 that closely receives a generally circular alignment boss 42. The alignment boss 42 is integrally molded with the forward wall 22 of the housing 12, and cooperates with the hole 41 to align the shield 30 properly during installation. Once installed, the shield 30 protects the display associated with the player against direct contact and accumulation of dirt.
The elastomeric nature of the components reduces the need for tight manufacturing tolerances. More specifically, the circumferential groove 38 can be molded with an axial depth (measured between the flange 36 and the front wall of the housing 12) that is marginally smaller than the thickness of the mounting flange 32 of the shield 30. The circumferential flange 36 of the housing 12 simply deflects outward from the forward wall 22 to accommodate the thicker mounting flange 32.
Reference is made to figs. 1 and 2 that illustrate a carrying case 10 intended to support a personal electronic appliance from a user's person. The case includes an elastomeric housing 12 for receiving the appliance, a plastic clip 5 adapted to fasten to a user's belt, and a pad assembly 18 normally located inside the housing 12. A very compact assembly of components, described more fully below, couples the clip 16 to the pad assembly 18, defining both a rotary joint and a detent mechanism. The carrying case 10 will normally be supplied as a kit of components and assembled by the end user.
10 The housing 12 is integrally molded of a silicone and shaped to closely receive a particular personal electronic appliance, namely, the iPodTM
player (not shown). The housing 12 has a forward wal122 (shown in figs. 2 and 7) that normally overlays a forward surface of the received player, and a rear wall 24 (also shown in figs. 2 and 7) that normally overlays a rear surface of the received player. The player is inserted into or removed from the housing 12 through a generally rectangular access opening 26 formed in the forward wal122 of the housing 12. The access opening 26 permits viewing of the received player's display, and the forward wa1122 may be molded relatively thin where it overlays touch-sensitive controls associated with the player. These aspects of the preferred embodiment are known in the prior art and consequently will not be described further.
The prior art carrying case discussed in the preamble of this specification has proven effective in preventing damage to a received player and reducing receipt and trapping of dirt. However, the access opening in the front wall of such prior art has been left uncovered in order to accommodate receipt and removal of a player, leaving the screen exposed and allowing fine debris to accumulate. This problem has been addressed in the construction of the present carrying case 10.
The housing 12 includes a transparent polycarbonate shield 30 that can be easily installed and removed to provide access to the received player.
The shield 30 is shown in greater detail in fig. 2 where it may be seen to comprise a circumferential mounting flange 32 that extends radially away from the thicker main body 34 of the shield 30. The housing 12 is integrally molded with a circumferential flange 36 substantially parallel to and overlaying the forward wall 22 (as apparent in fig. 2 and the cross-sectional view of fig. 7). The flange cooperates with the forward wall 22 to define a circumferential groove 38 dimensioned to closely receive the mounting flange 32 associated with the shield 30. An opening 40 is formed in the shield 30 to permit operation of touch-sensitive controls. The shield 30 also has a small circular hole 41 that closely receives a generally circular alignment boss 42. The alignment boss 42 is integrally molded with the forward wall 22 of the housing 12, and cooperates with the hole 41 to align the shield 30 properly during installation. Once installed, the shield 30 protects the display associated with the player against direct contact and accumulation of dirt.
The elastomeric nature of the components reduces the need for tight manufacturing tolerances. More specifically, the circumferential groove 38 can be molded with an axial depth (measured between the flange 36 and the front wall of the housing 12) that is marginally smaller than the thickness of the mounting flange 32 of the shield 30. The circumferential flange 36 of the housing 12 simply deflects outward from the forward wall 22 to accommodate the thicker mounting flange 32.
The pad assembly 18 serves to reduce torques applied to the housing 12 that might otherwise be reacted into the rear wall 24 of the housing 12.
The pad assembly 18 comprises a support structure 44 and a pad of gripping material adhered to the support structure to define a forward surface 48 of the pad assembly 18. The support structure 44 is a circular plate molded of polyethylene, and the pad is a thin layer of silicone in the order of several millimeters represented in the drawings solely by its surface 48.
The pad assembly 18 is mounted to the rear wa1124 of the housing 12 so that elastomeric tension arising upon installation of a player urges the forward surface 48 of the pad assembly 18 firmly into engagement with the rear surface of the received player. The degree to which the pad assembly 18 absorbs torques that would otherwise be reacted into the rear wall 24 of the housing 12 depends on several factors including the coefficient of friction between the pad assembly and the rear surface of the received player, the distance of frictional forces from the center of the pad assembly 18, and the force with which the pad assembly 18 is urged against the rear surface of the received player. To enhance the ability of the pad assembly 18 to hold the received player stationary relative to the rear wa1124 of the housing 12, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage to the rear wall 24, the diameter of the pad should be fairly large. Although providing a diameter equal to 2o 50% of the width of the housing 12 is regarded as a reasonable measure, it is preferred that the diameter of the pad approach the full width of the housing 12.
The assembly coupling the clip 16 to the pad assembly 18 includes a pair of identical posts 50, 52 integrally molded with the support structure 44 of the pad assembly 18. The posts 50, 52 are oriented parallel to one another and extend through openings 54 (shown in the exploded cross-section of fig. 7) in the rear wall 24 of the housing 12. A locking member 56 external to the housing 12 is engaged with the posts 50, 52 to hold the pad assembly 18 against the rear wall 24 of the housing 12. To that end, the locking member 56 is formed with a pair of clearance holes 58, 60. When the locking member 56 is in the predetermined locking orientation 62 shown in phantom outline in fig. 4, each clearance hole 58 or receives an associated post 50 or 52, respectively.
In fig. 7, the post 50 may be seen to comprise a central lengthwise axis 64, a radially expanded portion 66 external to the housing 12, and a radially narrow portion 68 that extends from the rear wall 24 of the housing 12 to the expanded portion 66. The expanded portion 66 is essentially a plate oriented perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 64 of the post 50 and having a generally triangular shape with rounded vertices. The associated clearance hole 58 has a similar triangular shape, but slightly larger, to allow axial receipt or removal of the expanded portion 66 of the post 50. It should be noted that, when the carrying case 10 is fully assembled, the expanded portion 66 is spaced a predetermined distance from the housing's rear wall 24, a distance sufficient to allow the locking member 56 to locate completely, preferably with minimal clearance, between the rear wall 24 of the housing 12 and the expanded portion 66 of the post 50. Components of the post 52 that are identical to those of the posts 50, specifically an enlarged portion 66 and a narrow portion 68, have been labeled with identical reference numbers. As indicated in fig. 7, the post 52 has a central lengthwise axis designated with reference number 70.
The clearance hole 58 aligns with the expanded portion 66 of the associated post 50 for axial receipt or removal of the post 50 only in predetermined relative angular orientations. Technically only one such relative angular orientation is required; however, in this embodiment, which uses an equilateral triangle shape for aligning components, the expanded portion 66 of the post 50 aligns with the associated clearance hole 58 in three distinct relative angular orientations spaced 120 degrees apart. One such initial receiving orientation 71 is shown in solid outline in fig. 4 and generally indicated with reference number. It should be noted for purposes of claim interpretation that the locking member 56 incidentally observes the same relative angular relationship with the post 50 as has been described with reference to its clearance hole 58 and in essence can be said to have the same aligning and non-aligning orientations relative to the post 50. The other post 52 and its associated clearance hole 60 share identical basic structure to the post 50 and clearance hole 58, their components have been labeled with identical reference numerals to share the foregoing description, and only differences will be described.
The clearance hole 58 is stationary relative to the rest of the locking member 56. To lock the post 50 to the locking member 56, the locking member 56 is installed about the post 50 in the initial receiving orientation 71 described above.
The locking member 56 is then rotated about the narrow portion 66 of the post until axially aligned with, but axially offset from, its final locking orientation 62, and the other clearance hole 60 overlays the other post 52. The change in angular orientation of the triangular clearance hole 58 between the two orientations should 2o be noted. In the receiving orientation 71, the clearance hole 58 is aligned with the expanded portion 66 of the post 50. After axial alignment of locking member 56 with its the locking orientation 62 (phantom outline), the clearance hole 58 and the expanded portion 66 of the post 50 are misaligned, locking the post 50 to the locking member 56.
The pad assembly 18 comprises a support structure 44 and a pad of gripping material adhered to the support structure to define a forward surface 48 of the pad assembly 18. The support structure 44 is a circular plate molded of polyethylene, and the pad is a thin layer of silicone in the order of several millimeters represented in the drawings solely by its surface 48.
The pad assembly 18 is mounted to the rear wa1124 of the housing 12 so that elastomeric tension arising upon installation of a player urges the forward surface 48 of the pad assembly 18 firmly into engagement with the rear surface of the received player. The degree to which the pad assembly 18 absorbs torques that would otherwise be reacted into the rear wall 24 of the housing 12 depends on several factors including the coefficient of friction between the pad assembly and the rear surface of the received player, the distance of frictional forces from the center of the pad assembly 18, and the force with which the pad assembly 18 is urged against the rear surface of the received player. To enhance the ability of the pad assembly 18 to hold the received player stationary relative to the rear wa1124 of the housing 12, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage to the rear wall 24, the diameter of the pad should be fairly large. Although providing a diameter equal to 2o 50% of the width of the housing 12 is regarded as a reasonable measure, it is preferred that the diameter of the pad approach the full width of the housing 12.
The assembly coupling the clip 16 to the pad assembly 18 includes a pair of identical posts 50, 52 integrally molded with the support structure 44 of the pad assembly 18. The posts 50, 52 are oriented parallel to one another and extend through openings 54 (shown in the exploded cross-section of fig. 7) in the rear wall 24 of the housing 12. A locking member 56 external to the housing 12 is engaged with the posts 50, 52 to hold the pad assembly 18 against the rear wall 24 of the housing 12. To that end, the locking member 56 is formed with a pair of clearance holes 58, 60. When the locking member 56 is in the predetermined locking orientation 62 shown in phantom outline in fig. 4, each clearance hole 58 or receives an associated post 50 or 52, respectively.
In fig. 7, the post 50 may be seen to comprise a central lengthwise axis 64, a radially expanded portion 66 external to the housing 12, and a radially narrow portion 68 that extends from the rear wall 24 of the housing 12 to the expanded portion 66. The expanded portion 66 is essentially a plate oriented perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 64 of the post 50 and having a generally triangular shape with rounded vertices. The associated clearance hole 58 has a similar triangular shape, but slightly larger, to allow axial receipt or removal of the expanded portion 66 of the post 50. It should be noted that, when the carrying case 10 is fully assembled, the expanded portion 66 is spaced a predetermined distance from the housing's rear wall 24, a distance sufficient to allow the locking member 56 to locate completely, preferably with minimal clearance, between the rear wall 24 of the housing 12 and the expanded portion 66 of the post 50. Components of the post 52 that are identical to those of the posts 50, specifically an enlarged portion 66 and a narrow portion 68, have been labeled with identical reference numbers. As indicated in fig. 7, the post 52 has a central lengthwise axis designated with reference number 70.
The clearance hole 58 aligns with the expanded portion 66 of the associated post 50 for axial receipt or removal of the post 50 only in predetermined relative angular orientations. Technically only one such relative angular orientation is required; however, in this embodiment, which uses an equilateral triangle shape for aligning components, the expanded portion 66 of the post 50 aligns with the associated clearance hole 58 in three distinct relative angular orientations spaced 120 degrees apart. One such initial receiving orientation 71 is shown in solid outline in fig. 4 and generally indicated with reference number. It should be noted for purposes of claim interpretation that the locking member 56 incidentally observes the same relative angular relationship with the post 50 as has been described with reference to its clearance hole 58 and in essence can be said to have the same aligning and non-aligning orientations relative to the post 50. The other post 52 and its associated clearance hole 60 share identical basic structure to the post 50 and clearance hole 58, their components have been labeled with identical reference numerals to share the foregoing description, and only differences will be described.
The clearance hole 58 is stationary relative to the rest of the locking member 56. To lock the post 50 to the locking member 56, the locking member 56 is installed about the post 50 in the initial receiving orientation 71 described above.
The locking member 56 is then rotated about the narrow portion 66 of the post until axially aligned with, but axially offset from, its final locking orientation 62, and the other clearance hole 60 overlays the other post 52. The change in angular orientation of the triangular clearance hole 58 between the two orientations should 2o be noted. In the receiving orientation 71, the clearance hole 58 is aligned with the expanded portion 66 of the post 50. After axial alignment of locking member 56 with its the locking orientation 62 (phantom outline), the clearance hole 58 and the expanded portion 66 of the post 50 are misaligned, locking the post 50 to the locking member 56.
The other clearance hole 60 is formed in a rotary element 72 that is part of the locking member 56. When the clearance hole 60 has arrived at its position overlaying the post 52, as described in the preceding paragraph, the rotary element 72 is manually rotated to align the clearance hole 60 with the expanded alignment portion 66 of its associated post 52. The locking member 56 is then advanced axially along the post 52 until it seats against the rear wall 24 of the housing 12. To complete installation of the locking member 56, the rotary element 72 is simply rotated into non-alignment with the post 52. To release the locking member 56, the installations steps described above are simply reversed.
Details of the locking member 56 and its rotary element 72 are apparent in figs. 3 - 6. The locking member 56 is integrally molded with a pair of opposing planar mounting tabs 74, 76. One mounting tab 74 comprises the stationary clearance hole 58. The other mounting tab 76 comprises a generally circular opening 78 that receives the rotary element 72, and a circular flange inside and extending around the generally circular opening 78. The periphery of the rotary element 72 has a circular groove 82 (shown in figs. 6) shaped to receive and retain the circular flange 82 for relative rotation.
The circular groove 82 incidentally defines two annular flanges at the periphery of the rotary element 72: first, a relative large diameter flange 84 that seats against the internal flange 80; and second, a relative small diameter flange 86 that locates in an annular recess 88 surrounding the circular opening 78 and formed in a generally planar forward-facing surface/forward face 90 of the locking member 56. This arrangement is conducive to snap fitting the rotary element 72 into the circular opening 78. The smaller diameter flange 84 is simply inserted from the opposing, planar rearward-facing surface/rear face 92 of the locking member 56 and pushed until it snaps over the internal flange 80. During such snap fitting, the larger flange seats against the internal flange 80, arresting axial movement of the rotary element 72. To facilitate snap fitting, the rotary element 72 comprises six radially oriented grooves, each intersecting the clearance hole 60 and extending toward the periphery of the rotary element 72. One groove 94 extends fully to the periphery of the rotary element 72 while the other five grooves (only one such groove 95 specifically indicated in the drawings) terminate short of the periphery.
The groove 94 permits contraction of the rotary element 72, and the other grooves relieve the stiffness of the rotary element 72 facilitating such contraction and consequently the snap fitting into the opening 78.
The rotary element 72 has a small tab 96 that permits the rotary element 72 to be manually rotated between its aligning and non-aligning orientations. The tab 96 travels in a part-circular recess 98 through an angle spanning about 180 degrees between extreme positions (hard stops). An icon 99, a representation of an open lock, is molded with the locking member 56 to indicate an aligning/unlocking orientation. In such an orientation, the clearance hole 60 can be aligned with the triangular expanded portion of the post 52, as shown in stippled outline in fig. 4, for relative axial receipt or removal of the post 52.
Another icon 100, a representation of a closed lock, is molded with the locking member 56 to indicate an opposing non-aligned/locking orientation in which axial separation of the locking member 56 and the post 52 is resisted.
A rotary joint is formed by components integrally molded with the clip 16 and with the locking member 56. As discussed more fully below, these components cooperate to allow the locking member 56 and the clip 16 to rotate relative to one another about a rotational axis 110 (shown only in fig. 7) comprised by locking member 56 and oriented substantially perpendicular to the generally planar rear face 92 of the locking member 56. This ultimately allows the pad assembly 18 and housing 12 to rotate relative to the clip 16. As well, a detent mechanism is very conveniently integrated into the rotary joint to reduce the number of distinct components required, as discussed more fully below.
The locking member 56 has a generally cylindrical recess 106 formed in its generally planar rear face 92 and centered about the rotational axis 110. An annular internal mounting flange 112 is molded with the inner surfaces that otherwise define the recess 106 and also centered about the rotational axis 110.
A projection 118 that cooperates with the mounting flange 112 is molded with, and substantially perpendicular to, the generally planar forward face 120 of the clip 16.
The projection 118 is a generally cylindrical structure with a central lengthwise axis coincident with the rotational axis 110 in fig. 7 and consequently not separately shown. The projection 118 has an outer diameter corresponding generally to the inner diameter of the mounting flange 112, an axially forward end spaced from the clip 16, and an axially rearward end molded into the forward face 120 of the clip 16. Partial slits are formed in the cylindrical structure parallel to the central axis and equally spaced circumferentially, and one such slit 124 is specifically identified in fig. 7. The slits together define a set of identical locking elements, one such locking element 126 being specifically identified in fig.
7. The locking element 126 comprises a catch 128 that extends radially outward from the cylindrical structure and has a beveled forward surface.
To assemble the rotary joint, the projection 118 is axially aligned with the internal mounting flange 112 and pushed by hand into the central recess 106. It should be noted that the projection 118 and the recess have complementary radial profiles that allow the components to interlock against relative axial displacement yet rotate relative to one another about the axis 110. The beveled surfaces associated with the locking elements engage the rearward-facing annular surface of the internal flange 112 deflecting the locking elements radially inward to permit the projection 118 to pass through the central opening defined by the internal flange 112. The locking elements then snap radially outward, lodging their catches against the opposing annular, forward-facing surface of the mounting flange and securing the rotary joint.
The detent mechanism comprises a planar ratchet 132 of generally circular configuration formed in the generally planar rear face 90 of the locking member 56. The ratchet 132 is centered about the rotational axis 110 and spans a sector of about 180 degrees. The ratchet 132 is defined by a circular groove molded with the generally planar rear face 90 of the'locking member 56 and a set of radially-directed ribs moulded in the groove 134. The ribs are equally spaced circumferentially, and each adjacent pair of radial ribs defines one of a set of identical recesses or shallow compartments. For example, the pair of adjacent ribs identified with reference number 136 in figs. 3 and 4 cooperates to define a recess or compartment 138. The forward face 120 of the clip 16 is molded with a pair of projections or pawls 140, 142 on diametrically opposite sides of the rotational axis 110 (spaced circumferentially by 180 degrees) and so positioned radially as to engage the ratchet 132 and the groove 134 as the rotary joint is assembled.
The projection 140 is shown lodged in the recesses of the ratchet 132 to function as a pawl, resisting rotation of the pad assembly relative to the clip 16 at distinct angular intervals. The projection 142 conforms to and travels in the groove 134, stabilizing the ratchet 132 and pawl 140. This arrangement ensures that one projection 140 or 142 engages the ratchet 132 while the other projection 140 or 1421odges in the unobstructed section of the groove 134 as the recess 106 and projection 118 interlock.
It will be appreciated that a particular embodiment of the invention has been described and that modifications may be made therein without necessarily departing from the scope of the appended claims.
Details of the locking member 56 and its rotary element 72 are apparent in figs. 3 - 6. The locking member 56 is integrally molded with a pair of opposing planar mounting tabs 74, 76. One mounting tab 74 comprises the stationary clearance hole 58. The other mounting tab 76 comprises a generally circular opening 78 that receives the rotary element 72, and a circular flange inside and extending around the generally circular opening 78. The periphery of the rotary element 72 has a circular groove 82 (shown in figs. 6) shaped to receive and retain the circular flange 82 for relative rotation.
The circular groove 82 incidentally defines two annular flanges at the periphery of the rotary element 72: first, a relative large diameter flange 84 that seats against the internal flange 80; and second, a relative small diameter flange 86 that locates in an annular recess 88 surrounding the circular opening 78 and formed in a generally planar forward-facing surface/forward face 90 of the locking member 56. This arrangement is conducive to snap fitting the rotary element 72 into the circular opening 78. The smaller diameter flange 84 is simply inserted from the opposing, planar rearward-facing surface/rear face 92 of the locking member 56 and pushed until it snaps over the internal flange 80. During such snap fitting, the larger flange seats against the internal flange 80, arresting axial movement of the rotary element 72. To facilitate snap fitting, the rotary element 72 comprises six radially oriented grooves, each intersecting the clearance hole 60 and extending toward the periphery of the rotary element 72. One groove 94 extends fully to the periphery of the rotary element 72 while the other five grooves (only one such groove 95 specifically indicated in the drawings) terminate short of the periphery.
The groove 94 permits contraction of the rotary element 72, and the other grooves relieve the stiffness of the rotary element 72 facilitating such contraction and consequently the snap fitting into the opening 78.
The rotary element 72 has a small tab 96 that permits the rotary element 72 to be manually rotated between its aligning and non-aligning orientations. The tab 96 travels in a part-circular recess 98 through an angle spanning about 180 degrees between extreme positions (hard stops). An icon 99, a representation of an open lock, is molded with the locking member 56 to indicate an aligning/unlocking orientation. In such an orientation, the clearance hole 60 can be aligned with the triangular expanded portion of the post 52, as shown in stippled outline in fig. 4, for relative axial receipt or removal of the post 52.
Another icon 100, a representation of a closed lock, is molded with the locking member 56 to indicate an opposing non-aligned/locking orientation in which axial separation of the locking member 56 and the post 52 is resisted.
A rotary joint is formed by components integrally molded with the clip 16 and with the locking member 56. As discussed more fully below, these components cooperate to allow the locking member 56 and the clip 16 to rotate relative to one another about a rotational axis 110 (shown only in fig. 7) comprised by locking member 56 and oriented substantially perpendicular to the generally planar rear face 92 of the locking member 56. This ultimately allows the pad assembly 18 and housing 12 to rotate relative to the clip 16. As well, a detent mechanism is very conveniently integrated into the rotary joint to reduce the number of distinct components required, as discussed more fully below.
The locking member 56 has a generally cylindrical recess 106 formed in its generally planar rear face 92 and centered about the rotational axis 110. An annular internal mounting flange 112 is molded with the inner surfaces that otherwise define the recess 106 and also centered about the rotational axis 110.
A projection 118 that cooperates with the mounting flange 112 is molded with, and substantially perpendicular to, the generally planar forward face 120 of the clip 16.
The projection 118 is a generally cylindrical structure with a central lengthwise axis coincident with the rotational axis 110 in fig. 7 and consequently not separately shown. The projection 118 has an outer diameter corresponding generally to the inner diameter of the mounting flange 112, an axially forward end spaced from the clip 16, and an axially rearward end molded into the forward face 120 of the clip 16. Partial slits are formed in the cylindrical structure parallel to the central axis and equally spaced circumferentially, and one such slit 124 is specifically identified in fig. 7. The slits together define a set of identical locking elements, one such locking element 126 being specifically identified in fig.
7. The locking element 126 comprises a catch 128 that extends radially outward from the cylindrical structure and has a beveled forward surface.
To assemble the rotary joint, the projection 118 is axially aligned with the internal mounting flange 112 and pushed by hand into the central recess 106. It should be noted that the projection 118 and the recess have complementary radial profiles that allow the components to interlock against relative axial displacement yet rotate relative to one another about the axis 110. The beveled surfaces associated with the locking elements engage the rearward-facing annular surface of the internal flange 112 deflecting the locking elements radially inward to permit the projection 118 to pass through the central opening defined by the internal flange 112. The locking elements then snap radially outward, lodging their catches against the opposing annular, forward-facing surface of the mounting flange and securing the rotary joint.
The detent mechanism comprises a planar ratchet 132 of generally circular configuration formed in the generally planar rear face 90 of the locking member 56. The ratchet 132 is centered about the rotational axis 110 and spans a sector of about 180 degrees. The ratchet 132 is defined by a circular groove molded with the generally planar rear face 90 of the'locking member 56 and a set of radially-directed ribs moulded in the groove 134. The ribs are equally spaced circumferentially, and each adjacent pair of radial ribs defines one of a set of identical recesses or shallow compartments. For example, the pair of adjacent ribs identified with reference number 136 in figs. 3 and 4 cooperates to define a recess or compartment 138. The forward face 120 of the clip 16 is molded with a pair of projections or pawls 140, 142 on diametrically opposite sides of the rotational axis 110 (spaced circumferentially by 180 degrees) and so positioned radially as to engage the ratchet 132 and the groove 134 as the rotary joint is assembled.
The projection 140 is shown lodged in the recesses of the ratchet 132 to function as a pawl, resisting rotation of the pad assembly relative to the clip 16 at distinct angular intervals. The projection 142 conforms to and travels in the groove 134, stabilizing the ratchet 132 and pawl 140. This arrangement ensures that one projection 140 or 142 engages the ratchet 132 while the other projection 140 or 1421odges in the unobstructed section of the groove 134 as the recess 106 and projection 118 interlock.
It will be appreciated that a particular embodiment of the invention has been described and that modifications may be made therein without necessarily departing from the scope of the appended claims.
110-002 Elastomeric Carrying Case - Parts List carrying case 12 elastomeric housing 16 plastic clip 18 pad assembly (generally) ----------------22 forward wall (housing) 24 rear wall (housing) 26 access opening (housing) shield (housing) 32 mounting flange (shield) 34 main body (shield) 36 circumferential flange (housing) 38 circumferential groove (housing) major hole in shield 41 minor hole in shield 42 alignment boss (forward housing wall) 44 support structure (pad assembly) 48 forward surface (pad assembly) post (lower) 52 post (upper ) 54 two openings (rear wall housing -- see fig. 7) 56 locking member (mounting assembly) 58 clearance hole (stationary in locking member) 60 clearance hole (rotating in locking element) 62 locking orientation (of locking member - phantom in fig. 4.) 64 lengthwise axis (lower post 50 ) 66 expanded portion (either post 50, 52) 68 narrow portion (either post 50, 52) 70 lengthwise axis (upper post 52) 71 initial receiving orientation (solid in fig. 4) 72 rotary element (locking member 56 - generally) 74 planar mounting tab (defines stationary clearance hole 58) 76 planar mounting tab (supports rotary element 72) 78 circular opening (in mounting tab 76) 80 circular internal flange (in circular opening 78) 82 circular groove (rotary element 72) 84 large flange (rotary element 72) 86 small diameter flange (rotary element 72) 88 annular recess (surrounds the circular opening 78) 90 rear face (locking member 56) 92 forward face (locking member 56) 94 radial groove (in rotary element 72 - puts gap in periphery) 95 radial groove (in rotary element 72 - short of periphery) 96 tab (rotary element 72) 98 part-circular recess (in planar tab 76 -- containing tab 96) 99 icon of open lock (planar tab 76 - locking member) 100 icon of closed lock (planar tab 76 - locking member) 106 central cylindrical passage (in locking member 56) 110 rotational axis (of unnumbered rotary joint) 112 internal mounting flange (within recess 106) 118 projection (molded with clip 16 ) 120 forward face (clip 16) 124 slit (fig. 7 - only one numbered) 126 locking element (fig. 7 - only one numbered) 128 catch (locking element 126) 132 ratchet (formed in rear face 90 of locking element 56) 134 circular groove (partly defining ratchet 132) 136 adjacent pair of ribs (in groove 134) 138 recess (in ratchet 132 between ribs 136) 140, 142 projections (upper and lower - forward face 120 of clip 16)
Claims (20)
1. A carrying case adapted to support a personal electronic appliance from a user's person, the carrying case comprising:
an elastomeric housing shaped to closely receive the appliance, the housing comprising a forward wall that overlays a forward surface of the received appliance and a rear wall that overlays a rear surface of the received appliance; and, means for suspending the housing from a user's person, comprising:
(a) a pad assembly that comprises a support structure and a pad of non-abrasive gripping material attached to the support structure and defining a forward surface of the pad assembly, the pad and the support structure located within the housing adjacent to the rear wall such that elastomeric tension in the housing urges the forward surface of the pad assembly against the rear surface of the received appliance thereby resisting relative rotation of the pad assembly and the received appliance;
(b) fastening means external to the housing and adapted to fasten to the user's person; and, (c) mounting means for mounting the fastening means to the pad assembly.
an elastomeric housing shaped to closely receive the appliance, the housing comprising a forward wall that overlays a forward surface of the received appliance and a rear wall that overlays a rear surface of the received appliance; and, means for suspending the housing from a user's person, comprising:
(a) a pad assembly that comprises a support structure and a pad of non-abrasive gripping material attached to the support structure and defining a forward surface of the pad assembly, the pad and the support structure located within the housing adjacent to the rear wall such that elastomeric tension in the housing urges the forward surface of the pad assembly against the rear surface of the received appliance thereby resisting relative rotation of the pad assembly and the received appliance;
(b) fastening means external to the housing and adapted to fasten to the user's person; and, (c) mounting means for mounting the fastening means to the pad assembly.
2. The carrying case of claim 1 in which the mounting means comprise:
a post fixed to the support structure of the pad assembly and extending through the rear wall of the housing; and, locking means external to the housing and engaged with the post for limiting displacement of the pad assembly relative to the rear wall of the housing.
a post fixed to the support structure of the pad assembly and extending through the rear wall of the housing; and, locking means external to the housing and engaged with the post for limiting displacement of the pad assembly relative to the rear wall of the housing.
3. The carrying case of claim 2 in which the gripping material is silicone, and the forward surface of the pad assembly is circular with a diameter not less than about 50% of the width of the rear wall of the appliance whereby the ability of the pad assembly to react torques applied to the received appliance is enhanced.
4. The carrying case of claim 1 in which:
the support structure is a plate of plastic material;
the gripping material is adhered to the plate; and, the mounting means comprise a post integrally formed with the support structure of the plastic material and extending through the rear wall of the housing.
the support structure is a plate of plastic material;
the gripping material is adhered to the plate; and, the mounting means comprise a post integrally formed with the support structure of the plastic material and extending through the rear wall of the housing.
5. The carrying case of claim 1 in which the mounting means comprise:
a pair of posts fixed to the support structure of the pad assembly, the posts extending through the rear wall of the housing and oriented parallel to one another; and, a locking member comprising a pair of clearance holes, each of the clearance holes associated with and receiving a different one of the posts when the locking member is in a predetermined locking orientation between the posts.
a pair of posts fixed to the support structure of the pad assembly, the posts extending through the rear wall of the housing and oriented parallel to one another; and, a locking member comprising a pair of clearance holes, each of the clearance holes associated with and receiving a different one of the posts when the locking member is in a predetermined locking orientation between the posts.
6. The carrying case of claim 5 in which:
each of the posts comprises a lengthwise axis, a radially expanded portion external to the housing, and a radially narrow portion that extends between the rear wall of the housing and the expanded portion;
the expanded portion of each of the posts is spaced a predetermined distance from the rear wall of the housing sufficient to permit the locking member to locate between the rear wall and the expanded portion of the post;
the narrow portion of each post is dimensioned to permit the locking member to rotate about the axis of the post when the post is received by the associated clearance hole;
each of the clearance holes and the expanded portion of the associated post are shaped to align for axial receipt and removal of the associated post only in predetermined relative angular orientations about the lengthwise axis of the associated post;
one of the clearance holes is stationary relative to the locking member and oriented such that, when the locking member is in its locking orientation, the one clearance hole is not aligned with the associated post thereby resisting axial removal of the received locking member from the associated post;
and, the other of the clearance holes is formed in a rotary element of the locking member that can be rotated manually about the axis of the associated post when the locking member aligns axially with its locking orientation, between one angular orientation in which the other clearance hole aligns with the associated post and another angular orientation in which the other clearance hole is not aligned with the associated post.
each of the posts comprises a lengthwise axis, a radially expanded portion external to the housing, and a radially narrow portion that extends between the rear wall of the housing and the expanded portion;
the expanded portion of each of the posts is spaced a predetermined distance from the rear wall of the housing sufficient to permit the locking member to locate between the rear wall and the expanded portion of the post;
the narrow portion of each post is dimensioned to permit the locking member to rotate about the axis of the post when the post is received by the associated clearance hole;
each of the clearance holes and the expanded portion of the associated post are shaped to align for axial receipt and removal of the associated post only in predetermined relative angular orientations about the lengthwise axis of the associated post;
one of the clearance holes is stationary relative to the locking member and oriented such that, when the locking member is in its locking orientation, the one clearance hole is not aligned with the associated post thereby resisting axial removal of the received locking member from the associated post;
and, the other of the clearance holes is formed in a rotary element of the locking member that can be rotated manually about the axis of the associated post when the locking member aligns axially with its locking orientation, between one angular orientation in which the other clearance hole aligns with the associated post and another angular orientation in which the other clearance hole is not aligned with the associated post.
7. The carrying case of claim 6 in which:
the locking member comprises a circular opening and a circular flange located in and extending around the opening;
the rotary element comprises a circular groove shaped to receive the flange; and, the materials of the locking member and of the rotary element are sufficiently resilient that the rotary element snap fits into the circular opening.
the locking member comprises a circular opening and a circular flange located in and extending around the opening;
the rotary element comprises a circular groove shaped to receive the flange; and, the materials of the locking member and of the rotary element are sufficiently resilient that the rotary element snap fits into the circular opening.
8. The carrying case of claim 6 in which the expanded portion of each of the posts is substantially a plate perpendicular to the axis of the post and having a generally triangular shape, and the associated clearance hole has a corresponding generally triangular shape.
9. The carrying case of claim 1 in which the housing comprises:
an opening in the forward wall that allows access to the received appliance;
a circumferential flange parallel to and extending over the forward wall to define therebetween a circumferential groove;
a transparent plastic shield shaped to fit into the circumferential groove thereby closing the opening against introduction of contaminants into the housing.
an opening in the forward wall that allows access to the received appliance;
a circumferential flange parallel to and extending over the forward wall to define therebetween a circumferential groove;
a transparent plastic shield shaped to fit into the circumferential groove thereby closing the opening against introduction of contaminants into the housing.
10. The carrying case of claim 9 comprising:
the circumferential flange is integrally molded with the housing;
an alignment boss is molded with the exterior of the forward wall;
and, the shield comprises an aperture shaped to closely receive the alignment boss thereby to position the shield during installation into the groove.
the circumferential flange is integrally molded with the housing;
an alignment boss is molded with the exterior of the forward wall;
and, the shield comprises an aperture shaped to closely receive the alignment boss thereby to position the shield during installation into the groove.
11. The carrying case of claim 1 in which the mounting means define a rotary joint coupling the pad assembly and the fastening means for relative rotation.
12. The carrying case of claim 11 in which the mounting means comprises a detent mechanism that resists relative rotation of the pad assembly and the fastening means when the pad assembly and the fastening means are in any one of a predetermined set of angular orientations.
13. A carrying case adapted to support a personal electronic appliance from a user's person, the carrying case comprising an elastomeric housing shaped to closely receive the appliance, the housing comprising a forward wall that overlays a forward surface of the received appliance and a rear wall that overlays a rear surface of the received appliance, and means for suspending the housing from a user's person, the means for suspending the housing comprising:
a pad assembly comprising a support structure and a pad of gripping material attached to the support structure and defining a forward surface of the pad assembly, the pad and the support structure located inside the housing adjacent to the rear wall such that elastomeric tension in the housing urges the forward surface of the pad assembly against the rear surface of the received appliance thereby resisting relative rotation of the pad assembly and the received appliance;
fastening means external to the housing and adapted to fasten to the user's person;
mounting means for mounting the fastening means to the support structure of the pad assembly, the mounting means comprising:
(a) a pair of posts fixed to the support structure, the posts extending through the rear wall of the housing and oriented parallel to one another;
(b) locking means external to the housing and engaged with the posts to hold the pad assembly against the rear wall of the housing, the locking means comprising a locking member with a pair of clearance holes, each of the clearance holes associated with and receiving a different one of the posts when the locking member is in a predetermined locking orientation between the posts;
(c) a rotary joint coupling the pad assembly to the fastening means for relative rotation; and, (d) a detent mechanism associated with the rotary joint that resists relative rotation of the pad assembly and the fastening means when the pad assembly and the fastening means are in any one of a predetermined set of relative angular orientations.
a pad assembly comprising a support structure and a pad of gripping material attached to the support structure and defining a forward surface of the pad assembly, the pad and the support structure located inside the housing adjacent to the rear wall such that elastomeric tension in the housing urges the forward surface of the pad assembly against the rear surface of the received appliance thereby resisting relative rotation of the pad assembly and the received appliance;
fastening means external to the housing and adapted to fasten to the user's person;
mounting means for mounting the fastening means to the support structure of the pad assembly, the mounting means comprising:
(a) a pair of posts fixed to the support structure, the posts extending through the rear wall of the housing and oriented parallel to one another;
(b) locking means external to the housing and engaged with the posts to hold the pad assembly against the rear wall of the housing, the locking means comprising a locking member with a pair of clearance holes, each of the clearance holes associated with and receiving a different one of the posts when the locking member is in a predetermined locking orientation between the posts;
(c) a rotary joint coupling the pad assembly to the fastening means for relative rotation; and, (d) a detent mechanism associated with the rotary joint that resists relative rotation of the pad assembly and the fastening means when the pad assembly and the fastening means are in any one of a predetermined set of relative angular orientations.
14. The carrying case of claim 13 in which the gripping material is silicone, and the forward surface of the pad assembly is circular with a diameter not less than 50% of the width of the rear wall of the appliance whereby the ability of the pad assembly to react torques applied to the received appliance is enhanced.
15. The carrying case of claim 13 in which:
the support structure is a plate formed of plastic material;
the gripping material is adhered to the plate; and, the pair of posts are integrally formed with the support structure and extend through the rear wall of the housing.
the support structure is a plate formed of plastic material;
the gripping material is adhered to the plate; and, the pair of posts are integrally formed with the support structure and extend through the rear wall of the housing.
16. The carrying case of claim 13 in which:
each of the posts comprises a lengthwise axis, a radially expanded portion external to the housing, and a radially narrow portion that extends between the rear wall of the housing and the expanded portion;
the expanded portion of each of the posts is spaced a predetermined distance from the rear wall of the housing sufficient to permit the locking member to locate between the rear wall and the expanded portion of the post;
the narrow portion of each post is dimensioned to permit the locking member to rotate about the axis of the post when the post is received by the associated clearance hole;
each of the clearance holes and the expanded portion of the associated post are shaped to align for axial receipt and removal of the associated post only in one or more predetermined relative angular orientations about the lengthwise axis of the associated post;
one of the clearance holes is stationary relative to the locking member and oriented such that, when the locking member is in its locking orientation, the one clearance hole is not aligned with the associated post thereby resisting axial removal of the received locking member from the associated post;
and, the other of the clearance holes is formed in a rotary element of the locking member that can be rotated manually about the axis of the associated post when the locking member is axially aligned with its locking orientation between an angular orientation in which the other clearance hole aligns with the associated post and another angular orientation in which the other clearance hole is not aligned with the associated post.
each of the posts comprises a lengthwise axis, a radially expanded portion external to the housing, and a radially narrow portion that extends between the rear wall of the housing and the expanded portion;
the expanded portion of each of the posts is spaced a predetermined distance from the rear wall of the housing sufficient to permit the locking member to locate between the rear wall and the expanded portion of the post;
the narrow portion of each post is dimensioned to permit the locking member to rotate about the axis of the post when the post is received by the associated clearance hole;
each of the clearance holes and the expanded portion of the associated post are shaped to align for axial receipt and removal of the associated post only in one or more predetermined relative angular orientations about the lengthwise axis of the associated post;
one of the clearance holes is stationary relative to the locking member and oriented such that, when the locking member is in its locking orientation, the one clearance hole is not aligned with the associated post thereby resisting axial removal of the received locking member from the associated post;
and, the other of the clearance holes is formed in a rotary element of the locking member that can be rotated manually about the axis of the associated post when the locking member is axially aligned with its locking orientation between an angular orientation in which the other clearance hole aligns with the associated post and another angular orientation in which the other clearance hole is not aligned with the associated post.
17. The carrying case of claim 16 in which:
the locking member comprises a circular opening and a flange located within the open and extending circumferentially around the opening;
the rotary element comprises a generally circular groove shaped to receive the flange; and, the materials of the locking member and of the rotary element are sufficiently resilient that the rotary element snap fits into the circular opening.
the locking member comprises a circular opening and a flange located within the open and extending circumferentially around the opening;
the rotary element comprises a generally circular groove shaped to receive the flange; and, the materials of the locking member and of the rotary element are sufficiently resilient that the rotary element snap fits into the circular opening.
18. The carrying case of claim 17 in which the expanded portion of each of the posts is substantially a plate perpendicular to the axis of the post with a generally triangular shape, and the associated clearance hole has a corresponding triangular shape.
19. The carrying case of claim 13 in which the housing comprises:
an opening in the forward wall that allows access to the received appliance;
a circumferential flange parallel to and extending over the forward wall to define therebetween a circumferential groove; and, a transparent plastic shield shaped to fit into the circumferential groove thereby closing the opening against entry of contaminants into the housing.
an opening in the forward wall that allows access to the received appliance;
a circumferential flange parallel to and extending over the forward wall to define therebetween a circumferential groove; and, a transparent plastic shield shaped to fit into the circumferential groove thereby closing the opening against entry of contaminants into the housing.
20. The carrying case of claim 19 in which:
the circumferential flange is integrally molded with the housing;
an alignment boss is molded with the exterior of the forward wall;
and, the shield comprises an aperture shaped to closely receive the alignment boss thereby to position the shield during installation into the groove.
the circumferential flange is integrally molded with the housing;
an alignment boss is molded with the exterior of the forward wall;
and, the shield comprises an aperture shaped to closely receive the alignment boss thereby to position the shield during installation into the groove.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2561677 CA2561677A1 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2006-09-29 | Elastomeric carrying case |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2561677 CA2561677A1 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2006-09-29 | Elastomeric carrying case |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2561677A1 true CA2561677A1 (en) | 2008-03-29 |
Family
ID=39264182
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2561677 Abandoned CA2561677A1 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2006-09-29 | Elastomeric carrying case |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2561677A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3128677A1 (en) * | 2015-08-05 | 2017-02-08 | Aevoe International Ltd. | Pad for protective cover |
-
2006
- 2006-09-29 CA CA 2561677 patent/CA2561677A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3128677A1 (en) * | 2015-08-05 | 2017-02-08 | Aevoe International Ltd. | Pad for protective cover |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |