US20160037898A1 - Leash for an electronic device - Google Patents
Leash for an electronic device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160037898A1 US20160037898A1 US14/885,712 US201514885712A US2016037898A1 US 20160037898 A1 US20160037898 A1 US 20160037898A1 US 201514885712 A US201514885712 A US 201514885712A US 2016037898 A1 US2016037898 A1 US 2016037898A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cord
- spring
- leash
- connector
- data port
- 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
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Classifications
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- 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
-
- 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
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/163—Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K5/00—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
- H05K5/02—Details
- H05K5/0204—Mounting supporting structures on the outside of casings
-
- 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
- A45F2005/006—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping comprising a suspension strap or lanyard
-
- 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
- A45F2005/008—Hand articles fastened to the wrist or to the arm or to the leg
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G11/00—Arrangements of electric cables or lines between relatively-movable parts
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/13—Article holder attachable to apparel or body
- Y10T24/1397—Article held by flexible connector [e.g., chain]
Definitions
- Handheld electronic devices including cell phones, smartphones, tablet computers, cameras, personal music (MP3) players, gaming controller, personal gaming devices, are used and carried by users in a wide variety of situations. Users continue to use their electronic devices in exceedingly hazardous environments, from roller coaster rides to snowboarding runs down a slope, despite the known risks involved, such as dropping the electronic device and permanently damaging or losing the device altogether. Thus there is a need in the electronic device accessory field for a new and useful leash to retain an electronic device for a user. This invention provides such a new and useful leash for an electronic device.
- FIGS. 2A and 2B include isometric views of the leash of the preferred embodiment
- FIG. 3 depicts a usage scenario of the leash, coupled to an electronic device, of the preferred embodiment
- FIG. 5 depicts manufacturing steps for the coil section of the leash of the preferred embodiment
- FIG. 6 depicts manufacturing steps for the leash of the preferred embodiment
- FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the connector, installed in the data port of the electronic device, of the preferred embodiment
- FIG. 10 is an example of a typical data port incorporated into electronic devices.
- the leash 100 for an electronic device 160 with a data port 165 of the preferred embodiment comprises: a connector 110 ; a singular cord 120 ; an elastomeric coating 130 ; a washer 140 ; and a protective element 150 .
- the connector 110 includes: a broad face 112 ; an insertable member 111 adjacent to the broad face 112 and configured to engage the data port 165 ; and a latch 115 , operable by a user, configured to selectively lock the insertable member 111 within the data port 165 .
- the cord 120 includes a first end 121 and a second end 122 and defines a spring-loop junction 123 therebetween, wherein the second end 122 is arranged proximal to the spring-loop junction 123 to form a loop 124 ; the cord 120 , from the spring-loop junction 123 to the second end 122 , is herein termed the “loop section” of the cord.
- the elastomeric coating 130 is arranged over the cord 120 between the first end 121 and the spring-loop junction 123 and defines a spring section 131 of a coil geometry therebetween.
- the protective element 150 is arranged over the spring-loop junction 123 and the second end 122 of the cord, and the washer 140 couples the first end 121 to the connector 110 with the cord 120 extending from the broad face 112 of the connector.
- the connector 110 may further include a first detent 113 adjacent to the broad face 112 and coupled to the latch 115 , the first detent 113 engageable by the user to release the insertable member 111 from the data port 165 ; in this variation, the broad face 112 may define a bore 117 through which the cord 120 passes, the bore 117 being more proximal to the insertable member 111 than the first detent 113 .
- the elastomeric coating 130 may also define a linear section 132 between the first end 121 and the spring section 131 , as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B .
- the cord 120 may also define a first knot 125 proximal to the spring-loop junction 123 , wherein the second end 122 is knotted around the cord 120 , in a second knot 126 , between the first knot 125 and the spring-loop junction 123 to form the loop 124 ; the second knot 126 may also be arranged on top of the first knot 125 , or anywhere else on the cord 120 .
- the user may use the leash 100 of the preferred embodiment to couple an electronic device 160 to an article of clothing worn by the user.
- the user may pass the loop section of the cord through a belt loop or zipper (or other hole in or element of the article of clothing) and then passes the connector 110 through the loop 124 to secure the leash 100 to the loop or zipper.
- the user may subsequently insert the insertable member 111 of the connector into a data port 165 of the electronic device 160 , the latch 115 locking the insertable member 111 thereto and thus securing the electronic device 160 to the leash 100 , the leash, again, being secured to the article of clothing.
- the electronic device 160 is preferably a smartphone (e.g., an (PHONE), but may also be a cellular phone, a watch, a tablet computer (e.g., an IPAD), a personal music player (i.e. an IPOD), a personal gaming device (e.g., a Sony PSP), a camera, a gaming controller, or any other suitable electronic device that includes a data port accessible by the user; the data port 165 of the electronic device preferably incorporates at least one locking feature 159 by which the latch 115 may lock the connector 110 to the data port 165 , as shown in FIG. 10 .
- the data port 165 may be a proprietary 30-pin female receptacle used by Apple, Inc.
- the data port 165 may be any other receptacle of any other type or form, such as a headphone jack, a USB port, a power or charging jack, or any other suitable port.
- the locking feature 159 may be integral with a housing of the electronic device 160 (e.g., external the data port 165 ), or arranged on the electronic device 160 in any other way.
- the leash 100 is preferably useful in a variety of applications or environments.
- the user installs the connector 110 in the data port 165 of a smartphone and attaches the loop section to a breast pocket of a snowboarding jacket (as shown in FIG. 3 ); the user subsequently takes video with the smartphone while snowboarding down a slope, the leash 100 retaining the smartphone for the user in the event that the user drops the smartphone or the smartphone falls out of a pocket.
- the user installs the connector 110 in the data port 165 of a smartphone and attaches the loop section to a belt loop; the user subsequently takes pictures with the smartphone while riding a roller coaster, the leash 100 retaining the smartphone for the user in the event that the smartphone is dropped.
- the user installs the connector no in the data port 165 of a camera and attaches the loop section to a wrist bracelet; the user subsequently takes pictures with the camera while water-skiing behind a boat, the leash 100 retaining the camera for the user in the event that the smartphone is dropped.
- the connector no may also provide a seal around the data port 165 to protect the port from water damage.
- the user installs the connector no in the data port 165 of a smartphone, attaches the loop section to a belt loop, and places the smartphone in a back pant pocket; the user subsequently walks along a crowded street, the leash 100 retaining the smartphone for the user and/or inhibiting a thief in the event that a thief attempts to pickpocket the smartphone.
- the user who is apt to drop his smartphone, installs the connector no in the data port 165 of the smartphone and attaches the loop section to a belt loop; the leash 100 is of an appropriate length to prevent the smartphone from hitting the floor when the user drops the smartphone, as he is prone to do.
- the leash 100 may be used in any other way or in any other application or environment.
- the spring section 131 preferably retracts to a compacted coil form when no or little force is applied along the longitudinal axis of the coil and permits the user to extend the leash 100 (e.g., from approximately 110 mm in length in a retracted state to 850 mm in length in a fully-stretched state, or slightly more that the average length of a human arm in full extension) to allow comfortable and efficient use of the electronic device 160 without separating the leash 100 from the electronic device 160 or the article of clothing.
- the leash 100 preferably also has a maximum extension that restricts the maximum separation between the electronic device 160 and the user.
- the connector 110 of the preferred embodiment functions as the interface between the cord 120 and the electronic device 160 .
- the connector 110 is preferably configured to selectively lock to the data port 165 , wherein the connector 110 is separable from the electronic device 160 substantially only given an intentional positive action (such as by the user) to remove the connector 110 from the electronic device 160 , i.e. engaging the latch 115 to release the insertable member 111 from the data port 165 .
- the latch 115 is preferably configured to automatically lock to the data port 165 when the insertable member 111 is placed therein.
- a separate spring may be coupled to the latch 115 , automatically forcing the latch 115 outward to engage a locking feature 159 of the data port 165 (e.g., the locking feature 159 shown in FIG. 10 ).
- the latch 115 and spring are preferably physically coextensive and manufactured by stamping and forming sheetmetal, though the latch 115 may be of any other form or created in any other way.
- the connector 110 preferably includes at least one latch, but may also include two such latches, as shown in FIG. 2B ( 115 , 116 ), or any other number of latches.
- the connector 110 may include a first detent 113 wherein, by pressing the first detent 113 , the latch 115 is repositioned and thus released from the locking feature 159 of the data port 165 .
- the connector no may further include a second detent 114 coupled to the second latch 116 , as shown in FIG. 2B ; in this variation, the first and second detents 113 , 114 are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the broad face 112 of the connector and are substantially parallel, as shown in FIG. 1B , wherein the user may squeeze the first and second detents 113 , 114 between a thumb and a forefinger to remove the connector no from the data port 165 .
- the two latches 115 , 116 are also preferably defined by the same single sheetmetal stamping.
- the second-generation IPOD power cord by Apple, Inc. and shown in FIG. 9 , is an example of an implementation of a connector with such detents, latches, and an insertable member. Though such detents are known and used in the art of data ports and their implementation in the leash 100 of the preferred embodiment will be readily understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, it will be noted that the mooring of the cord 120 to the connector no is not available in the prior art and would not be readily apparent or obvious to one skilled in the art.
- the insertable member 111 and the broad face 112 of the connector are preferably a unitary structure, as shown in FIG. 2B , which may have the benefit of improving the strength of the connection between the electronic device 160 and the cord 120 .
- the connector 110 may otherwise include a plurality of other components (as shown in FIG.
- the unitary structure of the broad face 112 and insertable member 111 may be less likely to fail over a similar component assembled from multiple pieces; this may be beneficial since mechanical failure between the insertable member 111 and the broad face 112 may reduce the effectiveness of the leash 100 in retaining the electronic device 160 if dropped, released, or otherwise separated from the user.
- the broad face 112 and the insertable member 111 are preferably injection molded as a single structure and are preferably of a polymer material, such as nylon, delrin, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), acetal, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), or any other suitable plastic or polymer.
- a polymer material such as nylon, delrin, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), acetal, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), or any other suitable plastic or polymer.
- the broad face 112 and the insertable member 111 may be of any other material, such as brass, zinc, steel, aluminum, silicon, polyester, Kevlar, fiberglass, or polyurethane, and may be manufactured in any other way, such as by die casting, investment casting, die forming, stamping, or molding, or by any other suitable manufacturing process.
- the broad face 112 is preferably planar and substantially in-plane with the intended direction of insertion of the insertable member 111 into the data port 165 of the electronic device 160 , as shown in FIGS. 1A and 7 .
- the broad face 112 may be of any other form and of any other position relative to the insertable member 111 .
- the cord 120 of the preferred embodiment functions as an extendible link between the article of clothing worn by the user and the connector no.
- the spring section 131 and the loop section (and the linear section 132 , in some variations) comprise the unitary cord 120 such that a continuous structure passes from the first end 121 at the connector 110 , (through the linear section 132 ,) through the spring section 131 , through the loop section, to the second end 122 .
- This continuous structure may reduce the susceptibility of the leash 100 to failure modes common to conventional similar leashes.
- One common failure mode for conventional leashes in the prior art has been a junction between an extendible component (e.g., the spring section) and a connector, clip, hook, or other element for coupling the leash to the user; the interface of two disparate elements along the leash, whether or not of the same materially, typically leads to a weak point in the leash assembly. Therefore, the continuous structure (i.e. the unitary cord 120 ) passing from the first end 121 to the second end 122 may provide the benefit of a more robust leash in comparison to conventional leashes.
- an extendible component e.g., the spring section
- a connector, clip, hook, or other element for coupling the leash to the user
- the cord 120 is preferably a fibrous cord, such as a woven string, and preferably has limited capacity for stretching but is capable of withstanding at least the tensile forces applied to the leash 100 under normal use conditions without fraying, splitting, severing, or otherwise failing.
- the cord 120 is preferably woven Kevlar, as shown in FIG. 5 , but may alternatively be nylon, delrin, Teflon, polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), or any other suitable material and may or may not be woven.
- the cord 120 is also preferably of a material resistant to degradation in the presence of ultraviolet (UV) radiation (e.g., sunlight), such as PVDF.
- UV radiation e.g., sunlight
- the cord 120 may be of a material with relatively low UV-resistance, such as Kevlar, but coated with a UV-resistant material or wrapped in a UV-resistant material (e.g., a PVDF sleeve over a Kevlar core); such a coating or wrap may be applied only over the loop section of the cord or, alternatively, over the entire length or other portion of the cord.
- the cord 120 may be of any other suitable material and/or combination of materials, and the cord 120 may also include one or more layers of similar or dissimilar material(s) arranged about a fibrous core.
- the elastomeric coating 130 of the preferred embodiment, defining the spring section 131 functions to extend from a compacted coil (e.g., from the retracted state to an extended state) to allow the user to operate the electronic device 160 without separating the leash 100 from the electronic device 160 or the leash from the article of clothing.
- the spring section 131 is preferably formed by coating a section of the coil in the elastomeric coating 130 and forming the spring section 131 into the coil geometry.
- the elastomeric coating 130 is preferably thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), but may alternatively be rubber, nylon, chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), PVC, a NBR/PVR blend, or any other suitable material.
- TPU thermoplastic polyurethane
- CSM chlorosulfonated polyethylene
- NBR nitrile butadiene rubber
- PVC a NBR/PVR blend, or any other suitable material.
- the elastomeric coating 130 is preferably elastic and has shape memory such that the elastomeric coating 130 preferably: retains the shape of the retracted coil in the absence of a substantial tensile force applied along the longitudinal axis of the coil; is prone to return to the original coil geometry in the absence of such a force; and permits extension of the coil, in the presence of such a substantial force, without substantial fatigue, display of wear, cracking, or other failure.
- the elastomeric coating 130 preferably also has the following properties: color permanence; ozone-resistance; weather-resistance; UV-resistance; heat-resistance (e.g., to melting at temperatures above 100.degree. C.); cold-resistance (e.g., to cracking under manipulation at temperatures below ⁇ 20.degree. C.); resistance to a wide range of chemicals; resistance to abrasion and mechanical abuse; and suitable adhesion to the cord 120 .
- the elastomeric coating 130 may have any other property.
- the elastomeric coating 130 further functions to define the spring section 131 that is a coil of circular geometry (e.g., 8.5 mm in outer diameter), as shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A ; however, the spring section 131 may be a coil of rectilinear or elliptical geometry, or of any other suitable geometry.
- the elastomeric coating 130 is preferably of a uniform circular cross-section over the spring section 131 (e.g., approximately 3 mm in diameter), as shown in FIG. 2A , but may alternatively be rectilinear or elliptical in cross-section, or of any other geometry.
- the elastomeric coating 130 may not be uniform in cross-section over the length of the spring section 131 ; for example, the cross-section of the spring section 131 may taper from 2 mm proximal to the first end 121 to 5 mm in diameter proximal to the middle of the spring section 131 and back to 2 mm proximal to the spring-loop junction 123 .
- the spring section 131 is preferably between 100 mm and 120 mm in length in the retracted state and capable of between 800 mm and 900 m maximum length in the fully-stretched state.
- the geometry of the elastomeric coating 130 and the spring section 131 may be of any other form and of any other dimension, and the spring section 131 may be of any other length in the retracted state and/or fully-expanded state.
- the coating on the linear section 132 is preferably of the same cross-section as the coating on the spring section 131 and continuous with the coating on the spring section 131 (e.g., the coatings on both sections are formed and/or applied simultaneously, as shown in FIG. 5 ).
- the linear section 132 preferably passes through a bore 117 in the broad face 112 of the connector (as shown in FIG. 2B ) and is moored thereto, wherein the linear section 132 defines a gap between the connector no and the spring section 131 such that the connector no does not substantially interfere with or substantially rub on the spring section 131 during normal use.
- the linear section 132 functions to separate the spring section 131 from the connector no to provide a transition region between the connector no and the spring section 131 that centers the spring section 131 on the connector no and properly defines the direction that the spring section 131 extends from the connector no, as shown in FIGS. 1A , 1 B, and 6 .
- the elastomeric coating 130 preferably covers the cord 120 from the first end 121 , (over the linear section 132 ,) over the spring section 131 , to the spring-loop junction 123 , as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B .
- the cord 120 further defines a knot, proximal to the first end 121 , that functions to mechanically retain the washer 140 on the cord 120 (i.e. to prevent the washer 140 from sliding past the first end 121 ), as shown in FIG. 5 .
- the knot is preferably defined by a section of the cord not coated in the elastomeric material, and the knot is preferably coated in an adhesive.
- a bead is joined to the cord 120 , proximal to the first end 121 , to mechanically retain the washer 140 on the cord 120 ; the bead may be crimped, bonded, or otherwise joined to the cord 120 .
- the bead may be arranged over a portion of the cord already coated with the elastomeric coating 130 , but is preferably arranged over a portion of the cord not coated with the elastomeric coating 130 .
- the washer 140 of the preferred embodiment functions to mechanically moor the cord 120 to the connector 110 .
- the washer 140 is preferably retained on the cord 120 mechanically, such as by a knot or bead proximal to the first end 121 of the cord.
- the second end 122 of the cord may then be threaded through the bore 117 of the broad face 112 and the cord 120 pulled therethrough until the washer bottoms on the opposite the broad face, the washer preventing the second end 122 from passing through the connector 110 (STEP 11 ).
- STEP 6 follows STEP 2 , and STEP 3 is replaced by crimping the washer 140 that is steel to the cord 120 proximal to the first end 121 .
- the washer 140 may be mechanically fastened to the cord 120 in any other way, such as with a knot or by directly crimping the washer 140 to the cord 120 ; alternatively, the washer 140 may be coupled to the cord 120 by adhering, gluing, bonding, fusing, welding, or other chemical joining.
- the washer 140 may also be physically coextensive with the broad face 112 .
- the second end 122 of the cord is passed from the inside of the broad face 112 and through the bore 117 of the broad face 112 ; the cord 120 is then pulled though the broad face 112 until the washer 140 engages the inside of the broad face 112 , the washer 140 thus retaining the first end 121 within the connector 110 .
- the connector 110 preferably includes a locating feature 118 (as shown in FIG.
- the washer 140 preferably includes a feature or is of an appropriate geometry to engage the locating feature 118 , such as the rectilinear washer shown in FIG. 2A .
- the washer 140 engages an external feature on the broad face 112 of the connector, such as a recess, a hook, a latch, or other suitable feature, the washer 140 thus moored to the broad face 112 external to the connector no.
- the washer 140 and the broad face 112 may be physically coextensive, wherein the washer 140 of the broad face 112 is crimped, bonded, welded, or otherwise joined to the cord 120 directly, or the washer 140 may be of any other geometry and coupled to the connector 110 in any other way.
- the washer 140 preferably orients the cord 120 such that the cord 120 protrudes from the broad face 112 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the insertable member 111 into the data port 165 .
- the washer 140 preferably orients the cord 120 to protrude from the broad face 112 in a direction substantially normal to the broad face 112 .
- the washer 140 also preferably couples the cord 120 to the connector 110 substantially proximal to the insertable region, which may reduce the lever arm length (e.g., the distance between the cord-connector joint and the insertable member 111 ) of the leash 100 and thus reduce the magnitude of torques applied to the data port 165 under normal use.
- the lever arm length e.g., the distance between the cord-connector joint and the insertable member 111
- the cord-connector orientation of the preferred embodiment may therefore offer significant benefits over the connector-cord arrangements of the prior art, which are typified by FIGS. 8 and 9 .
- data ports integrated into electronic devices are configured to receive a plug (or other adapter) inserted in a direction in plane with a display screen (or keyboard or user input region) of the electronic device, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 .
- FIGS. 8 and 9 depict the prior art in the field of data port plugs, wherein the typical orientation of a cable or cord on the plug is opposite the insertable member of the plug, the cable or cord emanating from the plug along the direction of intended insertion of the insertable member into the data port.
- Such an orientation of the cord on the connector when applied to the leash 100 of the preferred embodiment, is likely to result in torques of undesired magnitudes applied to the data port when the leash is used in conjunction with the electronic device, such as in the usage scenario shown in FIG.
- the cord 120 is preferably coupled to the connector 110 , as shown in FIG. 7 , with the cord 120 moored to the connector 110 in a direction perpendicular to the intended direction of insertion of the insertable member 111 into the data port 165 .
- the washer 140 preferably so couples the cord 120 to the connector 110 .
- the cord 120 of the preferred embodiment further functions to define the loop 124 , opposite the connector no, wherein the user may use the loop 124 to couple the leash 100 to an article of clothing or other device, element, or article.
- the second end 122 of the cord is arranged proximal to the spring-loop junction 123 .
- the second end 122 is knotted around the cord 120 proximal to the spring-loop junction 123 , the knot thus maintaining the location of the second end 122 proximal to the spring-loop junction 123 .
- the cord 120 defines a first knot 125 proximal to the spring-loop junction 123 , as shown in STEP 14 of FIG.
- the second end 122 is then knotted around the cord 120 , in a second knot 126 , between the first knot 125 and the spring-loop junction 123 , as shown in STEP 15 of FIG. 4 .
- This second variation of the loop 124 including the first and second knots 125 , 126 , may have the benefit of being more secure over alternative geometries, since the application of a tensile force to the loop 124 tightens the first knot 125 , which prevents the second knot 126 from sliding along the cord 120 , past the second knot 126 , and away from the spring-loop junction 123 .
- the loop section Prior to arrangement of the second end 122 of the cord proximal to the spring-loop junction 123 , the loop section is preferably cut to length, as shown in STEP 13 of FIG. 4 , such that, when the leash 100 is assembled, the connector 110 may pass fully through the loop 124 .
- the protective element 150 of the preferred embodiment functions to: prevent the end of the elastomeric coating 130 , terminating at the spring-loop junction 123 , from peeling away from the cord 120 ; and to protect the second end 122 of the cord to prevent inadvertent destruction of the coupling between the second end 122 and the spring section 131 .
- the protective element 150 is preferably of a polymer, such as nylon, acetal, ABS, PTFE, PE, PS, PP, HDPE, UHMWPE, Bakelite, silicone, rubber, latex, or any other suitable polymer or plastic, and is preferably overmolded over the spring-loop junction 123 , including over the end of the elastomeric coating 130 and the second end 122 of the cord.
- the protective element 150 may be of any other material, such as an elastomer or metal, and may be assembled over the spring-loop junction 123 and second end 122 in any other way; for example, the protective element 150 may be crimped in place over the cord 120 or assembled from two or more disparate pieces over the cord 120 .
- the protective element 150 may provide the sole means of retention of the second end 122 in the proper location proximal to the spring-loop junction 123 .
- the leash 100 is preferably manufactured by the following steps, as shown in FIGS. 4-6 : (STEP 1 ) weave Kevlar strands into the cord 120 of approximately 0.8 mm width (or diameter); (STEP 2 ) coat the Kevlar cord 120 with a thin UV-resistant coating and cut the cord to length; (STEP 3 ) extrude TPU (the elastomeric coating 130 ) over the cord 120 ; (STEP 4 ) injection mold the washer 140 , from ABS, over the elastomeric coating 130 proximal to the first end 121 ; (STEP 5 ) wrap the spring section 131 around a metal wire and bake the cord 120 to form the circular coil geometry of the spring section 131 ; (STEP 6 ) shape the cord 120 proximal to the first end 121 to create the linear section 132 and bake the cord 120 ; (STEP 7 ) strip the elastomeric coating 130 from the cord 120 between the first end 121 and the washer 140 , as well as from the loop section
- steps may be performed in any suitable order and may be replaced by any other suitable manufacturing method, material, or step. Any additional steps may also be added to the manufacturing process for the leash 100 , such as (STEP 17 ) printing a colored logo on the connector 110 opposite the broad face 112 , either before or after assembly of the connector, or gluing the washer to the inside of the broad face 112 .
- the leash 100 may also include additional features.
- the washer 140 is configured to break away from the cord 120 given a force greater than a threshold maximum force, wherein a force significantly greater than the threshold maximum force, when applied to the data port 165 of the electronic device 160 , will likely result is significant damage to the electronic device 160 .
- the washer 140 may be configured to break away from the connector 110 , the connector 110 may be configured to disintegrate, or the latch 115 may be configured to release in the presence of a force greater than the threshold maximum force. By incorporating such a feature, damage to the electronic device 160 may be limited when in use with the leash 100 .
- the clip may include active or passive circuitry to transmit data to the electronic device 160 , through the data port 165 , when installed therein.
- the connector 110 when the connector 110 is installed in the data port 165 , a camera or music application of the electronic device 160 is automatically opened (or a feature thereof automatically adjusted).
- the connector no acts as a key for an application executing on the electronic device 160 , wherein the user must insert the connector no in the data port 165 of the electronic device 160 in order to access the application in general or one or more features of the application.
- a roller coaster ride provides leashes 100 of the preferred embodiment to individuals riding the roller coaster; an individual who installs the leash 100 to an article of clothing and to the data port 165 of his smartphone may use an application thus unlocked to take pictures while riding the roller coaster, wherein the unlocked application automatically transmits the pictures to an onsite database that collects the images and provides tangible, large format prints to riders of the roller coaster following the ride.
- the connector no includes sensors (powered by the electronic device 160 through the data port 165 ) configured to detect failure of the leash 100 ; the electronic device 160 monitors the sensors and, given an assertion of leash failure, sounds an audible alarm and/or initiates a GPS honing beacon to aid the user in tracking down the electronic device 160 .
- the connector 110 may simply include a conductive element that couples two pins of the data port 165 , the electronic device 160 recognizing low resistance between the two pins as indicative that the connector 110 is installed in the data port 165 and high resistance between the two pins as indicative that the connector no has been removed therefrom.
- the leash 100 includes an electric generator that produces current as the spring section 131 stretches and retracts under normal usage; this current is directed from the connector 110 into the data port 165 to charge the electronic device 160 .
- the leash 100 may incorporate any other active or passive circuitry to augment the functionality of the leash 100 and/or the electronic device 160 .
Abstract
One embodiment of the leash for an electronic device, with a data port, comprises: a connector; a singular cord; an elastomeric coating; and a protective element. The connector includes a broad face, an insertable member adjacent to the broad face and configured to engage the data port, and a latch configured to selectively lock the insertable member to the data port. The singular cord includes a first and second end and defines a spring-loop junction therebetween, wherein the second end is arranged proximal to the spring-loop junction to form a loop. The elastomeric coating is arranged over the cord between the first end and the spring-loop junction and defines a spring section therebetween. The protective element is arranged over the spring-loop junction and the second end of the cord.
Description
- Handheld electronic devices, including cell phones, smartphones, tablet computers, cameras, personal music (MP3) players, gaming controller, personal gaming devices, are used and carried by users in a wide variety of situations. Users continue to use their electronic devices in exceedingly hazardous environments, from roller coaster rides to snowboarding runs down a slope, despite the known risks involved, such as dropping the electronic device and permanently damaging or losing the device altogether. Thus there is a need in the electronic device accessory field for a new and useful leash to retain an electronic device for a user. This invention provides such a new and useful leash for an electronic device.
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FIGS. 1A and 1B include, respectively, side and front elevation views of a leash of a preferred embodiment of the invention; -
FIGS. 2A and 2B include isometric views of the leash of the preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 3 depicts a usage scenario of the leash, coupled to an electronic device, of the preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 4 depicts manufacturing steps for the loop section of the leash of the preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 5 depicts manufacturing steps for the coil section of the leash of the preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 6 depicts manufacturing steps for the leash of the preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the connector, installed in the data port of the electronic device, of the preferred embodiment; -
FIGS. 8 and 9 depict the prior art in the field of data port connectors; and -
FIG. 10 is an example of a typical data port incorporated into electronic devices. - The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to these preferred embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art of to make and use this invention.
- As shown in
FIGS. 1A and 1B , theleash 100 for anelectronic device 160 with adata port 165 of the preferred embodiment, comprises: aconnector 110; asingular cord 120; anelastomeric coating 130; awasher 140; and aprotective element 150. Theconnector 110 includes: abroad face 112; aninsertable member 111 adjacent to thebroad face 112 and configured to engage thedata port 165; and alatch 115, operable by a user, configured to selectively lock theinsertable member 111 within thedata port 165. Thecord 120 includes afirst end 121 and asecond end 122 and defines a spring-loop junction 123 therebetween, wherein thesecond end 122 is arranged proximal to the spring-loop junction 123 to form aloop 124; thecord 120, from the spring-loop junction 123 to thesecond end 122, is herein termed the “loop section” of the cord. Theelastomeric coating 130 is arranged over thecord 120 between thefirst end 121 and the spring-loop junction 123 and defines aspring section 131 of a coil geometry therebetween. Theprotective element 150 is arranged over the spring-loop junction 123 and thesecond end 122 of the cord, and thewasher 140 couples thefirst end 121 to theconnector 110 with thecord 120 extending from thebroad face 112 of the connector. Theconnector 110 may further include afirst detent 113 adjacent to thebroad face 112 and coupled to thelatch 115, the first detent 113 engageable by the user to release theinsertable member 111 from thedata port 165; in this variation, thebroad face 112 may define abore 117 through which thecord 120 passes, thebore 117 being more proximal to theinsertable member 111 than thefirst detent 113. Theelastomeric coating 130 may also define alinear section 132 between thefirst end 121 and thespring section 131, as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B . Thecord 120 may also define afirst knot 125 proximal to the spring-loop junction 123, wherein thesecond end 122 is knotted around thecord 120, in asecond knot 126, between thefirst knot 125 and the spring-loop junction 123 to form theloop 124; thesecond knot 126 may also be arranged on top of thefirst knot 125, or anywhere else on thecord 120. - The user may use the
leash 100 of the preferred embodiment to couple anelectronic device 160 to an article of clothing worn by the user. The user may pass the loop section of the cord through a belt loop or zipper (or other hole in or element of the article of clothing) and then passes theconnector 110 through theloop 124 to secure theleash 100 to the loop or zipper. The user may subsequently insert theinsertable member 111 of the connector into adata port 165 of theelectronic device 160, thelatch 115 locking theinsertable member 111 thereto and thus securing theelectronic device 160 to theleash 100, the leash, again, being secured to the article of clothing. Theelectronic device 160 is preferably a smartphone (e.g., an (PHONE), but may also be a cellular phone, a watch, a tablet computer (e.g., an IPAD), a personal music player (i.e. an IPOD), a personal gaming device (e.g., a Sony PSP), a camera, a gaming controller, or any other suitable electronic device that includes a data port accessible by the user; thedata port 165 of the electronic device preferably incorporates at least one locking feature 159 by which thelatch 115 may lock theconnector 110 to thedata port 165, as shown inFIG. 10 . For example, thedata port 165 may be a proprietary 30-pin female receptacle used by Apple, Inc. in a plurality of electronic devices, including the IPOD, the IPHONE, and the IPAD; this receptacle (or a form thereof) is shown inFIG. 10 , which is reproduced from U.S. Pat. No. 7,918,689, which issued on 29 Sep. 2009 and is incorporated in its entirety by this reference. However, thedata port 165 may be any other receptacle of any other type or form, such as a headphone jack, a USB port, a power or charging jack, or any other suitable port. Furthermore, the locking feature 159 may be integral with a housing of the electronic device 160 (e.g., external the data port 165), or arranged on theelectronic device 160 in any other way. - The
leash 100 is preferably useful in a variety of applications or environments. In a first usage scenario, the user installs theconnector 110 in thedata port 165 of a smartphone and attaches the loop section to a breast pocket of a snowboarding jacket (as shown inFIG. 3 ); the user subsequently takes video with the smartphone while snowboarding down a slope, theleash 100 retaining the smartphone for the user in the event that the user drops the smartphone or the smartphone falls out of a pocket. In a second usage scenario, the user installs theconnector 110 in thedata port 165 of a smartphone and attaches the loop section to a belt loop; the user subsequently takes pictures with the smartphone while riding a roller coaster, theleash 100 retaining the smartphone for the user in the event that the smartphone is dropped. In a third usage scenario, the user installs the connector no in thedata port 165 of a camera and attaches the loop section to a wrist bracelet; the user subsequently takes pictures with the camera while water-skiing behind a boat, theleash 100 retaining the camera for the user in the event that the smartphone is dropped. (In the third usage scenario, the connector no may also provide a seal around thedata port 165 to protect the port from water damage.) In a fourth usage scenario, the user installs the connector no in thedata port 165 of a smartphone, attaches the loop section to a belt loop, and places the smartphone in a back pant pocket; the user subsequently walks along a crowded street, theleash 100 retaining the smartphone for the user and/or inhibiting a thief in the event that a thief attempts to pickpocket the smartphone. In a fifth usage scenario, the user, who is apt to drop his smartphone, installs the connector no in thedata port 165 of the smartphone and attaches the loop section to a belt loop; theleash 100 is of an appropriate length to prevent the smartphone from hitting the floor when the user drops the smartphone, as he is prone to do. However, theleash 100 may be used in any other way or in any other application or environment. - In the above and other usage scenarios, the
spring section 131 preferably retracts to a compacted coil form when no or little force is applied along the longitudinal axis of the coil and permits the user to extend the leash 100 (e.g., from approximately 110 mm in length in a retracted state to 850 mm in length in a fully-stretched state, or slightly more that the average length of a human arm in full extension) to allow comfortable and efficient use of theelectronic device 160 without separating theleash 100 from theelectronic device 160 or the article of clothing. Theleash 100 preferably also has a maximum extension that restricts the maximum separation between theelectronic device 160 and the user. - The
connector 110 of the preferred embodiment, including thebroad face 112, theinsertable member 111, and thelatch 115, functions as the interface between thecord 120 and theelectronic device 160. Theconnector 110 is preferably configured to selectively lock to thedata port 165, wherein theconnector 110 is separable from theelectronic device 160 substantially only given an intentional positive action (such as by the user) to remove theconnector 110 from theelectronic device 160, i.e. engaging thelatch 115 to release theinsertable member 111 from thedata port 165. Thelatch 115 is preferably configured to automatically lock to thedata port 165 when theinsertable member 111 is placed therein. For example, a separate spring may be coupled to thelatch 115, automatically forcing thelatch 115 outward to engage a locking feature 159 of the data port 165 (e.g., the locking feature 159 shown inFIG. 10 ). However, as shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B , thelatch 115 and spring are preferably physically coextensive and manufactured by stamping and forming sheetmetal, though thelatch 115 may be of any other form or created in any other way. Theconnector 110 preferably includes at least one latch, but may also include two such latches, as shown inFIG. 2B (115, 116), or any other number of latches. Furthermore, theconnector 110 may include a first detent 113 wherein, by pressing thefirst detent 113, thelatch 115 is repositioned and thus released from the locking feature 159 of thedata port 165. In the variation of the connector that includes asecond latch 116, the connector no may further include asecond detent 114 coupled to thesecond latch 116, as shown inFIG. 2B ; in this variation, the first andsecond detents broad face 112 of the connector and are substantially parallel, as shown inFIG. 1B , wherein the user may squeeze the first andsecond detents data port 165. As shown inFIG. 2A , the twolatches FIG. 9 , is an example of an implementation of a connector with such detents, latches, and an insertable member. Though such detents are known and used in the art of data ports and their implementation in theleash 100 of the preferred embodiment will be readily understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, it will be noted that the mooring of thecord 120 to the connector no is not available in the prior art and would not be readily apparent or obvious to one skilled in the art. - The
insertable member 111 and thebroad face 112 of the connector are preferably a unitary structure, as shown inFIG. 2B , which may have the benefit of improving the strength of the connection between theelectronic device 160 and thecord 120. Though theconnector 110 may otherwise include a plurality of other components (as shown inFIG. 2B ), because thebroad face 112 and theinsertable member 111 are formed as one unitary structure rather than being two separate structures ultimately welded, bonded, or otherwise assembled, the unitary structure of thebroad face 112 andinsertable member 111 may be less likely to fail over a similar component assembled from multiple pieces; this may be beneficial since mechanical failure between theinsertable member 111 and thebroad face 112 may reduce the effectiveness of theleash 100 in retaining theelectronic device 160 if dropped, released, or otherwise separated from the user. Thebroad face 112 and theinsertable member 111 are preferably injection molded as a single structure and are preferably of a polymer material, such as nylon, delrin, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), acetal, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), or any other suitable plastic or polymer. However, thebroad face 112 and theinsertable member 111 may be of any other material, such as brass, zinc, steel, aluminum, silicon, polyester, Kevlar, fiberglass, or polyurethane, and may be manufactured in any other way, such as by die casting, investment casting, die forming, stamping, or molding, or by any other suitable manufacturing process. Furthermore, thebroad face 112 is preferably planar and substantially in-plane with the intended direction of insertion of theinsertable member 111 into thedata port 165 of theelectronic device 160, as shown inFIGS. 1A and 7 . However, thebroad face 112 may be of any other form and of any other position relative to theinsertable member 111. - The
cord 120 of the preferred embodiment functions as an extendible link between the article of clothing worn by the user and the connector no. Thespring section 131 and the loop section (and thelinear section 132, in some variations) comprise theunitary cord 120 such that a continuous structure passes from thefirst end 121 at theconnector 110, (through thelinear section 132,) through thespring section 131, through the loop section, to thesecond end 122. This continuous structure may reduce the susceptibility of theleash 100 to failure modes common to conventional similar leashes. One common failure mode for conventional leashes in the prior art has been a junction between an extendible component (e.g., the spring section) and a connector, clip, hook, or other element for coupling the leash to the user; the interface of two disparate elements along the leash, whether or not of the same materially, typically leads to a weak point in the leash assembly. Therefore, the continuous structure (i.e. the unitary cord 120) passing from thefirst end 121 to thesecond end 122 may provide the benefit of a more robust leash in comparison to conventional leashes. - The
cord 120 is preferably a fibrous cord, such as a woven string, and preferably has limited capacity for stretching but is capable of withstanding at least the tensile forces applied to theleash 100 under normal use conditions without fraying, splitting, severing, or otherwise failing. Thecord 120 is preferably woven Kevlar, as shown inFIG. 5 , but may alternatively be nylon, delrin, Teflon, polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), or any other suitable material and may or may not be woven. Thecord 120 is also preferably of a material resistant to degradation in the presence of ultraviolet (UV) radiation (e.g., sunlight), such as PVDF. However, thecord 120 may be of a material with relatively low UV-resistance, such as Kevlar, but coated with a UV-resistant material or wrapped in a UV-resistant material (e.g., a PVDF sleeve over a Kevlar core); such a coating or wrap may be applied only over the loop section of the cord or, alternatively, over the entire length or other portion of the cord. However, thecord 120 may be of any other suitable material and/or combination of materials, and thecord 120 may also include one or more layers of similar or dissimilar material(s) arranged about a fibrous core. - The
elastomeric coating 130 of the preferred embodiment, defining thespring section 131, functions to extend from a compacted coil (e.g., from the retracted state to an extended state) to allow the user to operate theelectronic device 160 without separating theleash 100 from theelectronic device 160 or the leash from the article of clothing. Thespring section 131 is preferably formed by coating a section of the coil in theelastomeric coating 130 and forming thespring section 131 into the coil geometry. Theelastomeric coating 130 is preferably thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), but may alternatively be rubber, nylon, chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), PVC, a NBR/PVR blend, or any other suitable material. Theelastomeric coating 130 is preferably elastic and has shape memory such that theelastomeric coating 130 preferably: retains the shape of the retracted coil in the absence of a substantial tensile force applied along the longitudinal axis of the coil; is prone to return to the original coil geometry in the absence of such a force; and permits extension of the coil, in the presence of such a substantial force, without substantial fatigue, display of wear, cracking, or other failure. Theelastomeric coating 130 preferably also has the following properties: color permanence; ozone-resistance; weather-resistance; UV-resistance; heat-resistance (e.g., to melting at temperatures above 100.degree. C.); cold-resistance (e.g., to cracking under manipulation at temperatures below −20.degree. C.); resistance to a wide range of chemicals; resistance to abrasion and mechanical abuse; and suitable adhesion to thecord 120. However, theelastomeric coating 130 may have any other property. - The
elastomeric coating 130 further functions to define thespring section 131 that is a coil of circular geometry (e.g., 8.5 mm in outer diameter), as shown inFIGS. 1A and 2A ; however, thespring section 131 may be a coil of rectilinear or elliptical geometry, or of any other suitable geometry. Theelastomeric coating 130 is preferably of a uniform circular cross-section over the spring section 131 (e.g., approximately 3 mm in diameter), as shown inFIG. 2A , but may alternatively be rectilinear or elliptical in cross-section, or of any other geometry. However, theelastomeric coating 130 may not be uniform in cross-section over the length of thespring section 131; for example, the cross-section of thespring section 131 may taper from 2 mm proximal to thefirst end 121 to 5 mm in diameter proximal to the middle of thespring section 131 and back to 2 mm proximal to the spring-loop junction 123. Furthermore, thespring section 131 is preferably between 100 mm and 120 mm in length in the retracted state and capable of between 800 mm and 900 m maximum length in the fully-stretched state. However, the geometry of theelastomeric coating 130 and thespring section 131 may be of any other form and of any other dimension, and thespring section 131 may be of any other length in the retracted state and/or fully-expanded state. - In the variation of the
elastomeric coating 130 that defines thelinear section 132 between thefirst end 121 and thespring section 131, the coating on thelinear section 132 is preferably of the same cross-section as the coating on thespring section 131 and continuous with the coating on the spring section 131 (e.g., the coatings on both sections are formed and/or applied simultaneously, as shown inFIG. 5 ). Thelinear section 132 preferably passes through abore 117 in thebroad face 112 of the connector (as shown inFIG. 2B ) and is moored thereto, wherein thelinear section 132 defines a gap between the connector no and thespring section 131 such that the connector no does not substantially interfere with or substantially rub on thespring section 131 during normal use. In other words thelinear section 132 functions to separate thespring section 131 from the connector no to provide a transition region between the connector no and thespring section 131 that centers thespring section 131 on the connector no and properly defines the direction that thespring section 131 extends from the connector no, as shown inFIGS. 1A , 1B, and 6. - The
elastomeric coating 130 preferably covers thecord 120 from thefirst end 121, (over thelinear section 132,) over thespring section 131, to the spring-loop junction 123, as shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B . In one variation of theleash 100, thecord 120 further defines a knot, proximal to thefirst end 121, that functions to mechanically retain thewasher 140 on the cord 120 (i.e. to prevent thewasher 140 from sliding past the first end 121), as shown inFIG. 5 . In this variation, the knot is preferably defined by a section of the cord not coated in the elastomeric material, and the knot is preferably coated in an adhesive. In an alternative variation, a bead is joined to thecord 120, proximal to thefirst end 121, to mechanically retain thewasher 140 on thecord 120; the bead may be crimped, bonded, or otherwise joined to thecord 120. The bead may be arranged over a portion of the cord already coated with theelastomeric coating 130, but is preferably arranged over a portion of the cord not coated with theelastomeric coating 130. - The
washer 140 of the preferred embodiment, functions to mechanically moor thecord 120 to theconnector 110. As described above, thewasher 140 is preferably retained on thecord 120 mechanically, such as by a knot or bead proximal to thefirst end 121 of the cord. In a first example of a manufacturing method of thecord 120 shown inFIG. 5 : (STEP 1) thecord 120 is woven from Kevlar strands; (STEP 2) TPU (the elastomeric coating 130) is extruded over thecord 120; (STEP 3) thewasher 140 is molded over theelastomeric coating 130 proximal to thefirst end 121; (STEP 4) thespring section 131 is wrapped around a metal wire and baked to form the circular coil geometry; (STEP 5) the cord proximal to thefirst end 121 is shaped to create thelinear section 132 and baked; (STEP 6) the elastomeric coating is stripped from thecord 120 between thefirst end 121 and thewasher 140, as well as from the loop section; and (STEP 7) a knot is created between thefirst end 121 and thewasher 140 and coated in an adhesive. Thesecond end 122 of the cord may then be threaded through thebore 117 of thebroad face 112 and thecord 120 pulled therethrough until the washer bottoms on the opposite the broad face, the washer preventing thesecond end 122 from passing through the connector 110 (STEP 11). In a second example of a manufacturing method similar to the previous example:STEP 6 followsSTEP 2, andSTEP 3 is replaced by crimping thewasher 140 that is steel to thecord 120 proximal to thefirst end 121. However, thewasher 140 may be mechanically fastened to thecord 120 in any other way, such as with a knot or by directly crimping thewasher 140 to thecord 120; alternatively, thewasher 140 may be coupled to thecord 120 by adhering, gluing, bonding, fusing, welding, or other chemical joining. Thewasher 140 may also be physically coextensive with thebroad face 112. - In a first variation of the
washer 140, thesecond end 122 of the cord is passed from the inside of thebroad face 112 and through thebore 117 of thebroad face 112; thecord 120 is then pulled though thebroad face 112 until thewasher 140 engages the inside of thebroad face 112, thewasher 140 thus retaining thefirst end 121 within theconnector 110. In this variation, theconnector 110 preferably includes a locating feature 118 (as shown inFIG. 2A ) that retains thewasher 140 in a given orientation; this may provide the benefit of maintaining the orientation of the portion of spring section 131 (or the linear section 132) emanating from thebroad face 112, theconnector 110 thus always appropriately positioned for ease of insertion of theinsertable member 111 into thedata port 165 of theelectronic device 160. Thewasher 140, therefore, preferably includes a feature or is of an appropriate geometry to engage the locatingfeature 118, such as the rectilinear washer shown inFIG. 2A . - In a second variation of the
washer 140, thewasher 140 engages an external feature on thebroad face 112 of the connector, such as a recess, a hook, a latch, or other suitable feature, thewasher 140 thus moored to thebroad face 112 external to the connector no. However, thewasher 140 and thebroad face 112 may be physically coextensive, wherein thewasher 140 of thebroad face 112 is crimped, bonded, welded, or otherwise joined to thecord 120 directly, or thewasher 140 may be of any other geometry and coupled to theconnector 110 in any other way. - The
washer 140 preferably orients thecord 120 such that thecord 120 protrudes from thebroad face 112 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion of theinsertable member 111 into thedata port 165. In the variation of thebroad face 112 that is planar and substantially in-plane with the direction of insertion of theinsertable member 111 into thedata port 165, thewasher 140 preferably orients thecord 120 to protrude from thebroad face 112 in a direction substantially normal to thebroad face 112. Thewasher 140 also preferably couples thecord 120 to theconnector 110 substantially proximal to the insertable region, which may reduce the lever arm length (e.g., the distance between the cord-connector joint and the insertable member 111) of theleash 100 and thus reduce the magnitude of torques applied to thedata port 165 under normal use. By so orienting the cord to protrude from thebroad face 112 and substantially near theinsertable member 111, as shown inFIG. 7 , torques exerted by the connector no on thedata port 165 during normal use may be minimized; this is desirable as excessive torques applied to thedata port 165 may result in damage to thedata port 165. The cord-connector orientation of the preferred embodiment, as shown inFIG. 7 , may therefore offer significant benefits over the connector-cord arrangements of the prior art, which are typified byFIGS. 8 and 9 . - Typically, data ports integrated into electronic devices are configured to receive a plug (or other adapter) inserted in a direction in plane with a display screen (or keyboard or user input region) of the electronic device, as shown in
FIGS. 7 and 8 .FIGS. 8 and 9 depict the prior art in the field of data port plugs, wherein the typical orientation of a cable or cord on the plug is opposite the insertable member of the plug, the cable or cord emanating from the plug along the direction of intended insertion of the insertable member into the data port. Such an orientation of the cord on the connector, when applied to theleash 100 of the preferred embodiment, is likely to result in torques of undesired magnitudes applied to the data port when the leash is used in conjunction with the electronic device, such as in the usage scenario shown inFIG. 3 . Therefore, thecord 120 is preferably coupled to theconnector 110, as shown inFIG. 7 , with thecord 120 moored to theconnector 110 in a direction perpendicular to the intended direction of insertion of theinsertable member 111 into thedata port 165. Thewasher 140 preferably so couples thecord 120 to theconnector 110. - The
cord 120 of the preferred embodiment further functions to define theloop 124, opposite the connector no, wherein the user may use theloop 124 to couple theleash 100 to an article of clothing or other device, element, or article. To form theloop 124, thesecond end 122 of the cord is arranged proximal to the spring-loop junction 123. In a first variation, thesecond end 122 is knotted around thecord 120 proximal to the spring-loop junction 123, the knot thus maintaining the location of thesecond end 122 proximal to the spring-loop junction 123. In a second variation, thecord 120 defines afirst knot 125 proximal to the spring-loop junction 123, as shown inSTEP 14 ofFIG. 4 ; thesecond end 122 is then knotted around thecord 120, in asecond knot 126, between thefirst knot 125 and the spring-loop junction 123, as shown inSTEP 15 ofFIG. 4 . This second variation of theloop 124, including the first andsecond knots loop 124 tightens thefirst knot 125, which prevents thesecond knot 126 from sliding along thecord 120, past thesecond knot 126, and away from the spring-loop junction 123. - Prior to arrangement of the
second end 122 of the cord proximal to the spring-loop junction 123, the loop section is preferably cut to length, as shown inSTEP 13 ofFIG. 4 , such that, when theleash 100 is assembled, theconnector 110 may pass fully through theloop 124. - The
protective element 150 of the preferred embodiment, shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B , functions to: prevent the end of theelastomeric coating 130, terminating at the spring-loop junction 123, from peeling away from thecord 120; and to protect thesecond end 122 of the cord to prevent inadvertent destruction of the coupling between thesecond end 122 and thespring section 131. Theprotective element 150 is preferably of a polymer, such as nylon, acetal, ABS, PTFE, PE, PS, PP, HDPE, UHMWPE, Bakelite, silicone, rubber, latex, or any other suitable polymer or plastic, and is preferably overmolded over the spring-loop junction 123, including over the end of theelastomeric coating 130 and thesecond end 122 of the cord. However, theprotective element 150 may be of any other material, such as an elastomer or metal, and may be assembled over the spring-loop junction 123 andsecond end 122 in any other way; for example, theprotective element 150 may be crimped in place over thecord 120 or assembled from two or more disparate pieces over thecord 120. Furthermore, in the variation in which thesecond end 122 is not knotted to thecord 120, theprotective element 150 may provide the sole means of retention of thesecond end 122 in the proper location proximal to the spring-loop junction 123. - The leash 100 is preferably manufactured by the following steps, as shown in
FIGS. 4-6 : (STEP 1) weave Kevlar strands into the cord 120 of approximately 0.8 mm width (or diameter); (STEP 2) coat the Kevlar cord 120 with a thin UV-resistant coating and cut the cord to length; (STEP 3) extrude TPU (the elastomeric coating 130) over the cord 120; (STEP 4) injection mold the washer 140, from ABS, over the elastomeric coating 130 proximal to the first end 121; (STEP 5) wrap the spring section 131 around a metal wire and bake the cord 120 to form the circular coil geometry of the spring section 131; (STEP 6) shape the cord 120 proximal to the first end 121 to create the linear section 132 and bake the cord 120; (STEP 7) strip the elastomeric coating 130 from the cord 120 between the first end 121 and the washer 140, as well as from the loop section; (STEP 8) create two knots between the first end 121 and the washer 140 and coat the knots in an adhesive; (STEP 9) injection mold the components of the connector 110, including the broad face 112 and insertable member 111, two detents 113, 114, and a rear housing 119, from ABS pellets, including colorant (e.g., black); (STEP 10) stamp and form two physically coextensive latches 115, 116 from stainless steel sheet; (STEP 11) pull second end 122 of the cord through the bore 117 of the broad face until the washer 150 engages back side of the broad face 112 washer 140; (STEP 12) assemble the connector 110 by installing the latches 115, 116, installing the detents 113, 114, and ultrasonically welding the rear housing 119 in place; (STEP 13) trim the cord 120 to length at the second end 122; (STEP 14) form a first knot 125 in the loop section proximal to the spring-loop junction 123; (STEP 15) form a second knot 126, with the second end 122, between the spring-loop junction 123 and the first knot 125; (STEP 16) injection mold the protective element 150, from ABS pellets, including colorant, over the spring-loop junction 123 and first and second knots 125, 126. These steps may be performed in any suitable order and may be replaced by any other suitable manufacturing method, material, or step. Any additional steps may also be added to the manufacturing process for theleash 100, such as (STEP 17) printing a colored logo on theconnector 110 opposite thebroad face 112, either before or after assembly of the connector, or gluing the washer to the inside of thebroad face 112. - The
leash 100 may also include additional features. In a first variation, thewasher 140 is configured to break away from thecord 120 given a force greater than a threshold maximum force, wherein a force significantly greater than the threshold maximum force, when applied to thedata port 165 of theelectronic device 160, will likely result is significant damage to theelectronic device 160. Alternatively, thewasher 140 may be configured to break away from theconnector 110, theconnector 110 may be configured to disintegrate, or thelatch 115 may be configured to release in the presence of a force greater than the threshold maximum force. By incorporating such a feature, damage to theelectronic device 160 may be limited when in use with theleash 100. In a second variation, the clip may include active or passive circuitry to transmit data to theelectronic device 160, through thedata port 165, when installed therein. In a first example, when theconnector 110 is installed in thedata port 165, a camera or music application of theelectronic device 160 is automatically opened (or a feature thereof automatically adjusted). In a second example, the connector no acts as a key for an application executing on theelectronic device 160, wherein the user must insert the connector no in thedata port 165 of theelectronic device 160 in order to access the application in general or one or more features of the application. In potential scenario of this second example, a roller coaster ride providesleashes 100 of the preferred embodiment to individuals riding the roller coaster; an individual who installs theleash 100 to an article of clothing and to thedata port 165 of his smartphone may use an application thus unlocked to take pictures while riding the roller coaster, wherein the unlocked application automatically transmits the pictures to an onsite database that collects the images and provides tangible, large format prints to riders of the roller coaster following the ride. In a third example, the connector no includes sensors (powered by theelectronic device 160 through the data port 165) configured to detect failure of theleash 100; theelectronic device 160 monitors the sensors and, given an assertion of leash failure, sounds an audible alarm and/or initiates a GPS honing beacon to aid the user in tracking down theelectronic device 160. In a variation of this third example, theconnector 110 may simply include a conductive element that couples two pins of thedata port 165, theelectronic device 160 recognizing low resistance between the two pins as indicative that theconnector 110 is installed in thedata port 165 and high resistance between the two pins as indicative that the connector no has been removed therefrom. In a fourth example, theleash 100 includes an electric generator that produces current as thespring section 131 stretches and retracts under normal usage; this current is directed from theconnector 110 into thedata port 165 to charge theelectronic device 160. However, theleash 100 may incorporate any other active or passive circuitry to augment the functionality of theleash 100 and/or theelectronic device 160. - As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detailed description and from the figures and claims, modifications and changes can be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. A leash for an electronic device with a data port, comprising:
a connector including a broad face on a plane, an insertable member adjacent to the broad face and configured to engage the data port, wherein the insertable member further includes a latch configured to selectively lock the insertable member to the data port;
a singular cord including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end extends from the connector and the second end is arranged proximal to the spring-loop junction;
an elastomeric coating arranged over the cord between the first end and the spring-loop junction, the elastomeric coating having the properties of color permanence, ozone-resistance, and cold-resistance; and
a protective element arranged over the spring-loop junction and the second end of the cord.
2. The leash of claim 1 , wherein the spring-section ranges being between 100 millimeters and 120 millimeters in a retracted state and ranges between 800 millimeters and 900 millimeters in a fully-stretched state.
3. The leash of claim 1 , wherein the cord comprises a fibrous material.
4. The leash of claim 6 , wherein the cord is composed of at least one woven para-aramid synthetic fiber.
5. The leash of claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric coating extends from the first end, over the spring section and up to the spring-loop junction and is substantially uniform in cross-section thereon.
6. The leash of claim 1 , wherein arranging the second end proximal to the spring-loop junction forms a loop capable of permitting the connector to pass fully through the loop.
7. The leash of claim 1 , wherein the spring section is of a circular coil geometry.
8. The leash of claim 1 , wherein the cord further comprises a first knot proximal to the spring-loop junction and the second end is knotted around the cord, in a second knot between the first knot and the spring-loop junction.
9. The leash of claim 1 , wherein the first end of the singular cord extends from the broad face of the connector in a direction perpendicular to the plane that the broad face is on, and perpendicular to the intended direction of insertion of the insertable member into the data port.
10. The leash of claim 9 , further comprising: a washer coupling the first end of the singular cord to the connector.
11. The least of claim 10 , wherein the first end of the singular cord extends from the broad face of the connector and through the spring-section and spring-loop junction to the second end of the singular cord.
12. The leash of claim 11 , wherein the cord passes through the broad face of the connector and the washer retains the first end within the connector.
13. The leash of claim 10 , wherein the broad face defines a bore, and wherein the elastomeric coating further defines a linear section between the first end and the spring section the linear section passing through the bore perpendicular to the intended direction of insertion of the insertable member into the data port of the electronic device.
14. The leash of claim 10 , wherein the cord further comprises a not proximal to the first end and retaining the washer on the cord.
15. The leash of claim 14 , wherein the knot is coated in an adhesive.
16. The leash of claim 9 , wherein the cord includes a linear section between the first end and the spring section coated in the elastomeric material and joined to the connector to extend therefrom in a direction substantially perpendicular to the intended direction of insertion of the insertable member into the data port of the electronic device.
17. The leash of claim 1 , wherein the connector further comprises at first detent adjacent to the broad face the first detent coupled to the latch and engageable to release the insertable member from the data port.
18. The leash of claim 17 , wherein the connector further comprises a second latch operable to selectively lock the insertable member to the data port, the connector further comprising a second detent adjacent to the broad face opposite the first detent, the second detent coupled to the second latch and engageable by the user to release the insertable member from the data port.
19. The leash of claim 17 , wherein the broad face defines a bore through which the cord passes, the bore being more proximal to the insertable member than the first detent.
20. A leash for an electronic device with an adaptor, comprising:
a connector including a broad face parallel to a plane of the electronic device, an insertable member adjacent to the broad face and configured to engage the data port, and a latch configured to selectively lock the insertable member to the data port;
a singular cord including a first end and a second end the cord defining as a spring-loop junction there between and a first knot proximal to the spring-loop junction, wherein the second end is knotted around the cord, in a second knot between the first knot and the spring-loop junction;
an elastomeric coating arranged over the cord between the first end and the spring-loop junction the elastomeric coating defining a spring section of a coil geometry and a linear section between the first end and the spring section, the linear section extending from the broad face and through the spring-section and spring-loop junction to the second end of the singular cord, the spring-section having a predetermined retracted length range less than a predetermined stretched length range; and
a protective element arranged over the spring-loop junction, the first knot, and the second end of the cord.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/885,712 US20160037898A1 (en) | 2011-12-09 | 2015-10-16 | Leash for an electronic device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/316,376 US9164543B2 (en) | 2011-12-09 | 2011-12-09 | Leash for an electronic device |
US14/885,712 US20160037898A1 (en) | 2011-12-09 | 2015-10-16 | Leash for an electronic device |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/316,376 Continuation US9164543B2 (en) | 2011-12-09 | 2011-12-09 | Leash for an electronic device |
Publications (1)
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US20160037898A1 true US20160037898A1 (en) | 2016-02-11 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/316,376 Expired - Fee Related US9164543B2 (en) | 2011-12-09 | 2011-12-09 | Leash for an electronic device |
US14/885,712 Abandoned US20160037898A1 (en) | 2011-12-09 | 2015-10-16 | Leash for an electronic device |
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US13/316,376 Expired - Fee Related US9164543B2 (en) | 2011-12-09 | 2011-12-09 | Leash for an electronic device |
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US (2) | US9164543B2 (en) |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20130148295A1 (en) | 2013-06-13 |
US9164543B2 (en) | 2015-10-20 |
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Owner name: KENU, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MINN, KENNETH Y.;YAO, DAVID E.;HUANG, MICHAEL C.;REEL/FRAME:037624/0599 Effective date: 20160111 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |