GB2515397A

GB2515397A - Portable electronic device restraining means

Info

Publication number: GB2515397A
Application number: GB1408959.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Joseph Slevin; Adam Michael Robinson
Original assignee: DISRUPTIVE MARKETING Ltd
Current assignee: DISRUPTIVE MARKETING Ltd
Priority date: 2013-05-20
Filing date: 2014-05-20
Publication date: 2014-12-24
Anticipated expiration: 2034-05-20
Also published as: GB201408959D0; GB2514345A; GB201309021D0; GB2515397B

Abstract

A restraining device to restrain movement of a portable electronic device (3, figure 2) away from a user's hand comprise a case 1 configured to receive and engage the portable electronic device and a flexible band 5 configured to engage the case 1. The case 1 comprises a back and a flange 2 extending forwardly from a periphery of the back to form upper, lower and two side portions configured to receive and engage the device and wherein the back has interior and exterior surfaces. The flexible restraining band 5 extends across the exterior surface of the back and can be elastically deformed to define an aperture between the band 5 and case 1 to receive a user's hand, finger or fingers between the band 5 and case 1 when holding the portable electronic device during use. The band 5 is generally rectangular in cross-section and an annular channel 6 extends around the exterior surface, interior surface and upper and lower ends of the case 1, the channel 6 being dimensioned to receive the band. The channel 6 has a depth greater than the thickness of the band 5 so that the outer surface of the case 1 may lie on a flat surface without the band 5 engaging the flat surface and wherein the channel 6 on the outer surface has at least one chamfered recess (11, figure 3) extending laterally of the channel 6 to facilitate insertion of a user's finger under the band 5 in use.

Description

PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE RESTRAINING MEANS

The invention relates to a combined protective case and restraining mechanism for a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, PDA, tablet or other electronic device to avoid accidental dropping during use.

Portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, PDA's and tablets are frequently aecidently dropped by their users. This can cause damage to the electronic devices that is potentially expensive to repair or irreparable.

Protective cases that comprise a plastic, metal or rubber body formed to fit the outer dimension of an electronic device are commonplace. The objective of such cases is to absorb the force of impact in the event an electronic device is accidently dropped, and in so doing become damaged or broken themselves before the higher value electronic device.

A disadvantage in use of such cases is that while some impact force is absorbed it is unlikely that all impact force is diverted from the electronic device.

Additionally, these protective cases seldom encapsulate the entire electronic device and some areas of the electronic device are offered no protection to dropping impact.

Consequently, it is still common that electronic devices become accidently damaged through dropping by their users.

Mechanisms that secure electronic devices to a user's clothing in order to catch the device in the event of accidental dropping are known, one such example of which is provided in US 7665684 B2. These devices however introduce a permanent connection between the user and the device that can be irritating and limit the device functionality, for example by restricting the distance it can move away from the user's body.

In all situations it is preferential that the ability to accidently drop an electronic device is restricted and the likelihood of dropping minimised.

An object of the present invention is to provide a restraining device that overcomes one of the above or other problems. More specifically, an objective of the present invention is to provide a protective case with a restraining mechanism that reduces the likelihood of the device being accidently dropped during use.

According to the first aspect of the invention there is provided a restraining device to restrain movement of a portable electronic device away from a user's hand comprising: a case configured to receive and engage the portable electronic device; a flexible band configured to engage the case; wherein the case comprises a back and a flange extending forwardly from a periphery of the back to fonn upper, lower and two side portions configured to receive and engage the device; wherein the back has interior and exterior surfaces; wherein the flexible restraining band extends across the exterior surface of the back and can be elastically deformed to define an aperture between the band and case to receive a user's hand, finger or fingers between the band and ease when holding the portabie electronic device during use; wherein the band is generally rectangular in cross-section and wherein an annular channel extends around the exterior surface, interior surface and upper and lower ends of the case, the channel being dimensioned to receive the band, the channel having a depth greater than the thickness of the band so that the outer surface of the case may lie on a flat surface without the band engaging the flat surface and wherein the channel on the outer surface has at least one chamfered recess extending laterally of the channel to facilitate insertion of a user's finger under the band in use.

Preferably the annular channel on the outer surface of the back comprises a base, extending longitudinally of the case parallel to and at a constant depth relative to the outer surface, and at least one side extending from the base to the outer surface and arranged to restrain lateral movement of a band in the channel as a user's fingers are inserted under the band.

The side may comprise a wall of the channel remote from the nearest edge of the case. Insertion of a user's finger from the edge of the ease closest to the band pushes the band against the wall to prevent movement of the band. The wall may extend vertically from the base of the channel. The wall may be concave to restrain the band and rcduce the likelihood of escape of the band from the channel.

Alternatively, the wall of the channel may be indented to receive and engage the edge of the band.

In a preferred embodiment, one or both of the upper and lower portions have slots with sides dimensioned to receive the band so that the sides of the slots engage edges of the band to further prevent lateral movement of the band in use.

The slots are preferably further configured to permit the band to rotate within the annular channel, preventing excessive stretching forces being applied to the band.

The slots may extend from the top and bottom into the back of the case so that the length of the chaimel is shorter than the length of the case. This allows use of a shorter band. Furthermore, the sides of the slots on the sides of the channel may form continuous band-engaging surfaces, providing smooth rotational movement of the band.

The restraining mechanism when placed over the users hand in use of the portable electronic device significantly reduces the likelihood that the device may be dropped. Furthermore as the restraining device can be quickly removed from the users hand and does not require further attachment to clothing, the device does not cause irritation in use or any limitation to functionality.

Preferably, the portable electronic device comprises a device such as a mobile phone, PDA, a tablet or music player such as an MP3 player. In preferred embodiments the device has parallel planar front and rear surfaces, such as an iPhone.

Preferably the flexible restraining band is constructed of a resilient elastomeric polymer or elastic fabric or stretch' material that can be elastically deformed under force but recoils to its original shape and size when the deforming force is removed.

A preferred material is a silicone elastomer. Natural or artificial rubber may be employed.

The band is preferably laminar and may be configured so that it may be located adjacent the exterior surface of the case. The band may be rectangular in cross section having in width more than 5 times the thickness thereof Preferably the flexible restraining band is engaged to the ease in a non-permanent arrangement allowing for the flexible restraining band to be rotated around the ease in use, to prevent localized abrasion and wear and for it to be removed and replaced.

Preferably the channel is configured to receive and engage the flexible restraining band to allow for a flush connection between the internal surface of the protective case and the electronic device when the components are connected together.

In a preferred embodiment, the channel on the inside of the case is composed of a base and side walls resulting in a rectangular cross-sectional configuration.

The flexible restraining band is preferentially dimensioned to allow for easy deformation from the outer surface of the protective case by a single finger or thumb.

Preferably but not necessarily the protective case is includes a recessed area located on the outwardly facing surface, arranged to receive the flexible band, to allow for easier engagement of the flexible restraining band by the user's finger or thumb.

The chamfered recess may extend along the whole or part of the length of the outer surface of the case. Preferably, the chamfered recess has a width and length selected to allow a user's finger to be inserted beneath the band in use.

Preferably the channel and recess is trapezoidal in cross-section with the surface extending between the exterior of the case and the bottom of the channel.

Alternatively, the surface of the recess may be S-shaped or curved in cross-sectional profile.

The surface of the channel may be formed from a low friction or lubricious material or may be coated with such a material. Use of a low friction material has the advantage that the flexible band may slide within the channels during use, reducing any stretching forces which may cause the band to snap. For example, the band may rotate around the armular channel to reduce such forces. The casing or coating may be composed of ABS, PTFE or other low friction material.

Preferably the recessed areas on the side of the case are configured with shoulders which restrain the band from the lateral movement. :io

The band is preferably composed of or coated with a relatively high friction material, for example silicone elastomer, natural or artificial rubber.

Preferably a single band is employed. Use of two or more bands is not preferred, particularly if the bands intersect or overlap in use, due to the high frictional forces which may occur between the bands.

The chifimel preferably extends longitudinally of the exterior of the case, parallel to the long edge of the case, preferably adjacent the right hand edge of the case in normal use of a phone or other portable device.

The case may also include a peripheral flange or other projection extending downwardly from the back plate so that the case can lie in a stable manner on a planar surface such as a table top.

The device of this invention has the advantage that it may be operated by the user without the requirement for an attachment mechanism such as a spring clip for attachment to a user's clothing. Additionally, when not in use, the protective case and flexible restraining band mechanism does not impede the normal use of the electronic device.

A further aspect of this invention is that the flexible restraining band may facilitate attachment of an electronic device to other objects. This provides the advantage that a user can operate the electronic devicc without holding it in his or her hand, for example when viewing videos.

According to the second aspect of the invention there is provided a portable electronic device and a restraining mechanism in accordance with the first aspect.

In a first embodiment of the invention the flexible restraining band is positioned to run parallel to the longest side of the portable electronic device.

A further advantage of the present invention in comparison to arrangements in which a band extends transversely of the case is that it allows the device to be placed in a user's pocket without distorting the flexible restraining band due to contact with the garment fabric.

Use of a mechanism in accordance with this invention confers several advantages: The electronic device is retained in use to the user's hand, thus reducing the possibility of accidental dropping.

The concern of device theft during use is reduced as forcefhl removal of the device from the user's hand is significantly restricted.

Additional functionality is afforded through the ability to readily attach the electronic device to other objects for functions such as video viewing or photography.

The invention is further described by means of example, but not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the restraining device in accordance with this invention; Figure 2 shows the device as shown in Figure 1 engaged with a portable electronic device; Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the device as shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a view of the device shown in Figures 1 to 3 with the flexible restraining band removed.

Figure 5 shows various views of the device shown in Figure 1; and Figure 6 shows the device as shown in Figure 2 with the flexible restraining band deformed to be positioned over a user's hand.

Figures 1 to 5 show a first mechanism (1) in accordance with this invention. A polymer, elastomer or metal case is configured to securely connect with a portable electronic device (3) by snap fit formations (4). The ease comprises a base having interior (7) and exterior (8) surfaces with a peripheral flange (2) dimensioned to receive and engage a mobile phone or other device. The flange (2) comprises upper and lower portions connected by side portions as shown. A flexible polymer, elastomer or stretch fabric band having a rectangular cross-section (5) is positioned around the outer circumference of the case and is dimensioned to engage within the recessed channel or groove (6) of the case. The side walls (12) of recessed channel (6) have a dimension equal to or greater than the thickness of the band so that the elastomeric stretch' restraining band does not protrude above the inner surface of the protective case and a flush connection with the surface of the electronic device (3) is permitted. The recessed channel (6) is rectangular in cross-sectional configuration.

With reference to Figure 3, the cross-sectional area of band (5) is arranged to minimize any protrusion from both the inner surface (7) and the outer surface (8) of case (2). A recessed area (9) is provided on surface (8) of case (2) to receive and engage with band (5) so that the band (5) does not significantly protrude above the outer surface (8) permitting stable use of the case and electronic device whilst it is rested upon a flat surface, such as a desktop. Chamfered edges (11) of recessed area (9) are provided to facilitate insertion of the user's finger under band (5) in use.. The recessed region (9) is trapezoidal in cross-sectional configuration having a narrow side to contact the band and a wider parallel opening to the exterior. a

With reference to Figure 4, the shoulders (10) of recessed area (9) restrain band (5) from lateral movement adjacent to surface (8) when a deformation force is applied, further increasing the ease of engagement.

S As shown in Figure 5, slots are cut into the edges of the case back so that the channel has a length less than the length of the case back (8). Vertically extending shoulders of the sides of the slots prevent lateral movement of the band as it passes around the top and bottom of the case.

Figure 6 shows the device of Figures 1 to S engaged with a user's hand (20).

Flexible restraining band (5) is elastically defonned to pass over hand (20) thus restraining the portable electronic device (3) in the hand (20).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A restraining device to restrain movement of a portable electronic device away from a user's hand comprising: a case configured to receive and engage the portable electronic device; a flexible band configured to engage the case; wherein the case comprises a back and a flange extending forwardly from a periphery of the back to form upper, lower and two side portions configured to receive and engage the device; wherein the back has interior and exterior surfaces; wherein the flexible restraining band extends across the exterior surface of the back and can be elastically deformed to define an aperture between the band and case to receive a user's hand, finger or fingers between the band and case when holding the portable electronic device during use; wherein the band is generally rectangular in cross-section and wherein an annular channel extends around the exterior surface, interior surface and upper and lower ends of the case, the channel being dimensioned to receive the band, the channel having a depth greater than the thickness of the band so that the outer surface of the case may lie on a flat surface without the band engaging the flat surface and wherein the channel on the outer surface has at least one chamfered recess extending laterally of the channel to facilitate insertion of a user's finger under the band in use.
2. Preferably the annular channel on the outer surface of the case comprises a base, extending longitudinally of the case parallel to and at a constant depth relative to the outer surface, and at least one shoulder extending from the base to the outer surface and arranged to restrain lateral movement of a band in the channel as a user's fingers are inserted under the band.
3. A device as claimed in claim I or 2, wherein the recess extends along the whole length of the outer surface of the case.
4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the recess is trapezoidal in cross-section.
5. A device as cJaimed in any preceding claim, where in the flexible band is composed of or coated with an elastomeric polymer.
6. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flexible band is composed of or coated with a natural rubber.
7. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flexible band is composed of a stretch fabric material.
8. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the case and band are configured to provide a flush contact with the outer surface of a portable electronic device received in the case.
9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the case and band are configured to allow a flush contact with a flat exterior surface such as a desk or table.
10. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper and lower portions each have a slot aligned with the channel, the slots having sides dimensioned so that the sides engage edges of the band.
11. A portable electronic device having a restraining device in accordance with any preceding claim.
12. A restraining device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the Claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. A restraining device to restrain movement of a portable electronic device away from a user's hand comprising: a case configured to receive and engage the portable electronic device; a flexible band configured to engage the case; wherein the ease comprises a back and a flange extending forwardly from a periphery of the back to form upper, lower and two side portions configured to receive and engage the device; wherein the back has interior and exterior surfaces; wherein the flexible restraining band extends across the exterior surface of the back and can be elastically deformed to define an aperture between the band and case to receive a user's hand, finger or fingers between the band and case when holding the portable electronic device during use; wherein the band is generally rectangular in cross-section and wherein an annular channel extends around the exterior surface, interior surface and upper and *...lower ends of the case, the channel being dimensioned to receive the band, the * * channel having a depth greater than the thickness of the band so that the outer surface * of the case may lie on a flat surface without the band engaging the flat surface and wherein the channel on the outer surface has at least one chamfered recess extending * laterally of the channel to facilitate insertion of a user's finger under the band in use. *. * * . * *2. A restraining device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the annular channel on the outer surface of the case comprises a base, extending longitudinally of the case parallel to and at a constant depth relative to the outer surface, and at least one shoulder extending from the base to the outer surface and arranged to restrain lateral movement of a band in the channel as a user's fingers are inserted under the band.3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the recess extends along the whole length of the outer surface of the case.4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the recess is trapezoidal in cross-section.5. A device as cJaimed in any preceding claim, where in the flexible band is composed of or coated with an elastomeric polymer.6. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flexible band is composed of or coated with a natural rubber.7. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flexible band is composed of a stretch fabric material.8. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the case and band are configured to provide a flush contact with the outer surface of a portable electronic device received in the case.9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the case and band are configured to allow a flush contact with a flat exterior surface such as a desk or table.10. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper and lower portions each have a slot aligned with the channel, the slots having sides dimensioned so that the sides engage edges of the band.11. A portable electronic device having a restraining device in accordance with any preceding claim.12. A restraining device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.