US20230218048A1

US20230218048A1 - Body-Worn Smart Device Holder

Info

Publication number: US20230218048A1
Application number: US17/690,106
Authority: US
Inventors: Gregory Tyler Newman; Janice Kimbro
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-01-11
Filing date: 2022-03-09
Publication date: 2023-07-13

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the field of smart device holders. More specifically, the present invention relates to a body-worn smart device holder that is comprised of a generally half-cylindrical or generally c-shaped body, a compartment for storing earphones, and a rotating fastener that allows a smart device to be secured to the device. The body of the device preferably resembles the dimensions of a human arm and may appear in a plurality of shapes and sizes suitable to the needs of the user while being made from a hard or rigid material. Further, the device is also comprised of a rotating fastener to allow for the convenient viewership of a smart device at various angles.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/298,368, which was filed on Jan. 11, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of smart device holders. More specifically, the present invention relates to a body-worn smart device holder that is comprised of a generally half-cylindrical or generally c-shaped body, a compartment for storing earphones, and a rotating fastener that allows a smart device to be secured to the device. The body of the device preferably resembles the dimensions of a human arm and may appear in a plurality of shapes and sizes suitable to the needs of the user while being made from a hard or rigid material. Further, the device is also comprised of a rotating fastener to allow for the convenient viewership of a smart device at various angles. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Modern day smart devices, such as cell phones, tablets, music players, etc., are often equipped with glass screens that are prone to cracking. Further, with the combination of an individual's phone, wallet, keys, and bag, it can become challenging to hold all items in one hand without risk of dropping one of said items. Placing a phone inside of a bag or purse can make retrieval of the item difficult and require an individual to set all items down to search for their phone if needed for immediate use, causing possible inconvenience. Additionally, the alternative method of placing a phone inside a pocket to carry can be possibly harmful due to electromagnetic frequencies being emitted from the device, especially near reproductive organs like in the front-facing pocket of the individual.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved body-worn smart device holder. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved body-worn smart device holder that increases accessibility of a smart device on the user without the need to occupy the hands of the user, and that minimizes the risk of dropping. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for body-worn smart device holder that does not require stopping and searching for a smart device in a bag or pocket, such that a user need not inconveniently place their items down to locate their smart device. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a body-worn smart device holder that protects a user from the harmful effects of electromagnetic frequencies and radiation from smart devices, while the holder can still be worn on the body of the user.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a body-worn smart device holder. The device is primarily comprised of a generally half-cylindrical or generally c-shaped body, a compartment for storing earphones, and a rotating fastener that allows a smart device to be secured to and rotated around the device. The holder can be worn on the wrist or arm of the user such that their hands remain free to be used for other tasks and purposes.
In this manner, the body-worn smart device holder of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides an improved means of the accessing and storing a smart device on a person. Further, the device is universally applicable to any smart device, and allows the secure 360 rotation of a device to maximize viewership at any time. Additionally, the device conveniently maintains the storage of earphones. Also, the device is manufactured from of material that may mitigate the effects of harmful electromagnetic frequencies, and smart device radiation. Thus, the device minimizes the need for a person to use their hands, pockets, or bags to store and transport their smart device, minimizing the chance of dropping and damaging the device, or losing it.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a body-worn smart device holder. The device is primarily comprised of a generally half-cylindrical or generally c-shaped body, a compartment for storing earphones, and a rotating fastener that allows a smart device to be secured to the device. In the preferred embodiment, the rotating fastener is magnetic and may attach to a case feature that secures a smart device to the fastener and thus allows for maximum compact security and rotation. The fastener may also attach to a smart device directly. In differing embodiments, the body may have the appearance of a plurality of different sizes according to the needs of the user. In certain embodiments, the body may also be made of a plurality of materials that are suitable for blocking electromagnetic frequencies and smart device radiation.
In the c-shaped embodiment, the device may be secured to the user by at least one strap and fastened in any such manner known in the art. The straps may be manufactured from a firm or elastic material to allow for maximum comfort to the user. The removal and application of the device in the non-c-shaped, hollow cylindrical embodiment is preferably slip-on, and thus has a soft, comfortable interior suitable for slipping over an arm. In addition, any surface of the body may be comprised of a plurality of indicia such as patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc. that may or may not be smart device or earphone related.
The earphone compartment of the body may be fixedly or removably attached and may feature a charging port in said insert for earbuds. The earphone compartment may feature a door with at least one hinge, or a door that may slide over the compartment for its security, and that may be fastened by any such mechanism known in the art, including but not limited to hook and loop, magnetic, adhesive, snap and pull, etc. The earphone compartment is also preferably positioned on the side surface of the device, to allow for simple access to the earphones at any such time.
Accordingly, the body-worn smart device holder of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it allows a user to access their smart device at any point in time without the need to dig through bags or pockets and frees hands to minimize the probability of dropping a smart device. Further, the device can universally attach to any smart device, including but not limited to cell phone, music playing device, tablet, etc., in such a manner that does not require the stopping and setting down of items to access their smart device. In addition, the device allows for convenient and secure storage of earphones with the ability to charge wireless earphones during nonuse and may protect against harmful electromagnetic frequencies or smart device radiation. In this manner, the body-worn smart device holder overcomes the limitations of existing headphones known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a body-worn smart device holder of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of a body-worn smart device holder of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of a body-worn smart device holder of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 4 illustrates an enhanced perspective view of one potential embodiment of a body-worn smart device holder of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved body-worn smart device holder. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a body-worn smart device holder that does not require a user to hold their phone in their hands while they are walking, as to avoid the possibility of dropping their phone and causing damage. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a body-worn smart device holder that can block the effects of harmful electromagnetic frequencies and radiation being emitted from a smart device. Additionally, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a body-worn smart device holder that makes the viewership of text messages and calls simple and immediate, without the need to dig through pockets or bags for retrieval.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a body-worn smart device holder that allows a user to wear a smart device on their arm or wrist via a cylindrical attachment mechanism, such that a user can move freely with untampered access to said smart device. The device is primarily comprised of a generally half-cylindrical or generally c-shaped body, a compartment for storing earphones, and a rotating fastener that allows a smart device to be secured to the device. In differing embodiments, the body may have the appearance of a plurality of differing types of shapes on its exterior, insofar as its interior shape resembles that of a human arm and can be comfortably slipped on and off. In differing embodiments, the device may be completely rigid, of a fixed sized, and preferably manufactured from a plastic material. In an additional embodiment, the body c-shaped and allows for its securement via fastening mechanisms. In addition, any surface of the body may be comprised of a plurality of indicia such as patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc. that may or may not be music or musician related.
Further, the body has a fixedly or removably attached earphone holding compartment to allow for the convenient storage of wireless or wired earphones while wearing the device. The earphone holding compartment feature is comprised of a fitted space for the earbuds themselves, in addition to a covering that in differing embodiments, may slide, snap, or magnetically attach to the device to secure the earphones in their place. The compartment may also be secured by a door with at least one hinge and at least one fastener that may be secured in any manner known in the art; including but not limited to adhesive, magnetic, snap, etc. Further, the device may be secured to the user in its c-shape form with the use of at least one strap that may fasten to itself by any such mechanism, including but not limited to adhesive, buckle, hook and loop, magnetic, elastic, etc.
A smart device may be secured to a rotating fastener mechanism on the top of the device, wherein the fastener is preferably magnetic to allow for full 360 degrees range of motion and simple removal of the smart device from the device. In differing embodiments, the rotating fastener may be a clip that receives the smart device and holds it in place by its sides. Furthermore, the material of the device is preferably internally comprised of a sheet metal, metal screen, and metal foam which may be further comprised of copper, brass, nickel, silver, steel, and tin to allow for the shielding of harmful radiation or electromagnetic frequencies.
Accordingly, the body-worn smart device holder of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it allows a user to move freely throughout their day with uninhibited access to their smart device. Further, the device can be universally worn by any person of any shape or size and remove the need for pocket or bag storage. Therefore, the device eliminates the need for a user to use traditional methods of smart device transportation and decrease the probability of accidentally dropping it or losing it.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a body-worn smart device holder 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is primarily comprised of a generally half-cylindrical or generally c-shaped body 110, a compartment 140 for storing earphones/headphones 12, and a rotating fastener 122 that allows a smart device 10 to be secured to the device 100. In the c-shaped embodiment, the body 110 may be made of a plurality of materials that may be either rigid or flexible, including but not limited to: durable metal, wood, or a plastic such as but not limited to: acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, recycled plastic, biodegradable plastic, etc. Said material may also block electromagnetic frequencies and smart device radiation and are also preferably lightweight, waterproof, heatproof, and wind resistant. In addition, the body 110 may be transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque in differing embodiments. Furthermore, any surface 120, 124, 130 of the body 110 may be comprised of any number of indicia 122 in the form of patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc. that may or may not be smart device related.
In the preferred embodiment of the device 100, the body 110 is shaped like a hollow cylinder. A smart device 10 can be fastened on top of the body 110 such that the device 10 can be easily visible to a user wearing the device 100 on their arm 14 or wrist area. The user can place their arm 14 through an opening 112 in the c-shaped embodiment, allowing for the simple and easy access and removal of the device from the user's arm 14. Furthermore, the device 100 is comprised with a compartment 140 that may hold within it at least one pair of earphones/headphones 12 within a molded insert 146. The compartment 140 may feature a door 142 with at least one hinge 144, wherein the door 142 covers the compartment 140. The door 142 can be secured over the compartment 140 using at least one fastener 148 such as, but not limited to adhesive, magnetic, hook and loop, snap, etc.
FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of a body-worn smart device holder 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In order to allow for unlimited viewing angles of the smart device 10, the device 100 is comprised of a 360-degree rotating fastener 122 which is fixed upon its top surface 120 of the body 110. The top surface 124 of the rotating fastener 122 may be comprised of any such fastening mechanism but is preferably magnetic to allow for its simple rotation and removal, as also demonstrated in FIG. 3 . Furthermore, the fastening mechanism 122 may also be preferably comprised of an integrated clip that encapsulates the outer edges of the smart device 10 to allow for secure and simple removal and rotation of the smart device 10.
As best seen in FIG. 4 , the body 110 is further comprised of a compartment 140 on a side surface 130 which may be fixedly or removably attached to the body 110. In a c-shaped embodiment, the device 100 is comprised of strapping-fastening mechanism to secure the device 100 to and around the arm 14 of the user. In said embodiment, a first strap 150 may be connected to the side surface 130 of the body 110 and is preferably long enough to at least extend over the arm 14 and meet a second strap 160 roughly halfway through the distance of the device 100. However, the strap 150 may be longer to allow for further extension if necessary. Both straps 150 and 160 are comprised of at least one fastener 152,162 that may attach to each other in any such way known in the art, including but not limited to hook and loop, magnetic, adhesive, snap button, etc. Both straps 150,160 may also be manufactured from an elastic and/or fabric material.
The device 100 is further comprised of at least one battery 172. The battery 172 may be a disposable battery 172 or a rechargeable battery 172 in the form of an alkaline, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride battery 172, etc. such as any 3V-12volts DC battery 172 or other conventional battery 172 such as A, AA, AAA, etc. that supply power to the device 100. Throughout this specification the terms “battery” and “batteries” may be used interchangeably to refer to one or more wet or dry cells or batteries 172 of cells in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of DC power. References to recharging or replacing batteries 172 may refer to recharging or replacing individual cells, individual batteries 172 of cells, or a package of multiple battery cells as is appropriate for any given battery 172 technology that may be used. Additionally, the battery 172 may be recharged by a USB port 173. The battery 172 preferably provides power to a wired or wireless charger 174. In differing embodiments, the charger 174 can be located on the rotating fastener 122 to charge an attached smart device 10 or within the insert 146 to charge earphones/headphones 12. The charger 174 may begin charging when a smart device 10 or headphones 12 are attached to the charger 174 or when the charger 174 detects the smart device 10 or headphones 12 are charged below a threshold percentage (ex. 50% charged). The device 100 may also be comprised of GPS transmitter 170 that can communicate with a smart device 10 to allow a user to locate the device 100 if lost.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “body-worn smart device holder”, “holder”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the body-worn smart device holder 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the body-worn smart device holder 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the body-worn smart device holder 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the body-worn smart device holder 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the body-worn smart device holder 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the body-worn smart device holder 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A body-worn smart device holder comprising:

a body;

a fastener; and

a compartment.

2. The body-worn smart device holder of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a rotating fastener.

3. The body-worn smart device holder of claim 1, wherein the compartment is comprised of a molded insert.

4. A body-worn smart device holder comprising:

a c-shaped body having a top surface and a side surface;

a compartment, a door, an insert and a hinge positioned along the side surface;

a rotating fastener positioned along the top surface;

a first strap having a fastener; and

a second strap having a fastener.

5. The body-worn smart device holder of claim 4, wherein the rotating fastener is magnetic.

6. The body-worn smart device holder of claim 4, wherein the first strap attaches to the second strap.

7. The body-worn smart device holder of claim 4, wherein the fastener of the first strap is a hook and loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, an adhesive fastener or a snap button fastener.

8. The body-worn smart device holder of claim 6, wherein the fastener of the second strap is a hook and loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, an adhesive fastener or a snap button fastener.

9. The body-worn smart device holder of claim 4, wherein each of the first strap and the second strap are manufactured from an elastic material.

10. A body-worn smart device holder comprising:

a c-shaped body having a continuous opening, a top surface and a side surface;

a rotating fastener;

a compartment;

a door;

an insert;

a hinge that allows the door to be repositioned relative to the compartment; and

a fastener.

11. The body-worn smart device holder of claim 10, wherein the c-shaped body is manufactured from a rigid material.

12. The body-worn smart device holder of claim 10, wherein the rotating fastener rotates 360 degrees.

13. The body-worn smart device holder of claim 12, wherein the rotating fastener is comprised of an integrated clip.

14. The body-worn smart device holder of claim 10, wherein the hinge is attached to the door and to the side surface.

15. The body-worn smart device holder of claim 14, wherein the door covers the compartment.

16. The body-worn smart device holder of claim 10, wherein the fastener is an adhesive fastener, a magnetic fastener, a hook and loop fastener or a snap fastener.

17. The body-worn smart device holder of claim 15, wherein the compartment is further comprised of a molded insert.

18. The body-worn smart device holder of claim 17, wherein the molded insert is shaped to receive a pair of headphones.

19. The body-worn smart device holder of claim 10 further comprising a first strap and a second strap, and further wherein the first strap and the second strap are manufactured from a fabric material.

20. The body-worn smart device holder of claim 11, wherein the rigid material blocks an electromagnetic frequency and a radiation emanating from a smart device.