WO2013152037A1 - Carriers for mobile devices - Google Patents

Abstract

Described herein are carriers for mobile devices, which can include a casing configured to hold the device, a plurality of fasteners, and a strap having dimensions suitable for carrying the encased mobile device around a user's neck. The device can be a mobile or cellular telephone. In some embodiments, the plurality of fasteners is a plurality of two, and the fasteners are positioned on the casing (or can be positioned directly on a mobile device) such that the mobile device hangs stably around the neck, with a reduced tendency to swing. Kits for attaching fasteners to a mobile device or a case for a mobile device are also within the scope of the present invention.

Description

CARRIERS FOR MOBILE DEVICES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application number 61/619,401, which was filed April 2, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to carriers for mobile devices, such as cellular telephones, and to component parts for the carriers, which can be packaged in various combinations and various states of assembly. The carriers can secure the mobile device around an inanimant or animant object, such as a user's neck.

SUMMARY

The present invention features carriers and related component parts for carrying a mobile device on, for example, one's person. The component parts can be packaged together in different combinations or configurations and in various states of assembly, as will be further explained below. In one aspect, the invention features a carrier that includes a plurality of fasteners; means for attaching the fasteners either directly to the mobile device or to a casing that wholly or partially encloses the device; and a strap. In some embodiments, the carrier further includes the casing for a mobile device. The dimensions of the strap and the materials from which it is made are such that the user (a term we may use interchangeably with "the wearer" when the user uses the carrier to carry a mobile device on their person) can place the strap over or around an inanimate or animate object. For example, the user can place the strap over their head and/or around their neck.

In one embodiment, the carrier includes two fasteners. Whether or not the carrier includes a case or casing, the carrier can include means for attaching the fasteners to a case or directly to a mobile device. Where the fasteners are not already attached to the case or mobile device, a user can decide where to position the fasteners on the case or on the device. For example, fasteners can be positioned on, within, or through either the back wall, top wall, or vertical side walls of the casing or mobile device (as shown in FIG. 5 and further discussed below). While there may be advantages to choosing a single location (i.e. the back or the top of a casing or mobile device), the invention is not so limited. Because the fasteners can be attached by the user, any two positions, including different aspects of a casing or mobile device may be chosen to accommodate personal preference. In many configurations, for example when two or more fasteners are positioned along approximately the same level plane, the casing and/or mobile device will hang in a leveled fashion from the strap, and the device's ability to swing from side to side will be restricted. Thus, the carriers of the present invention provide added comfort and stability over lanyards or any other carriers in which a casing or mobile device is attached to a strap at a single point. Thus, in the present invention, the carrier can be configured such that the strap is brought into proximity with the case or mobile device, via the fasteners, at more than one point on the case or mobile device (e.g. , on the left- and right-hand sides of the back, vertical sides, or top of the case or the mobile device). In the present carriers, there can be no single point of attachment between the strap and the casing or mobile device; there can be no single point at which the strap is drawn together to emulate a single point of attachment. Returning to the theme of personal preference, it is also possible for the fasteners to be attached to the front of the carrier or mobile device, but this configuration is expected to be rare, as it may interfere with the user interface of the device. Nevertheless, as the components of the carriers can be packaged together for assembly by the users, some users may elect to place the fasteners on the front of a carrier or mobile device or to otherwise position the fasteners in positions other than those illustrated herein. In each configuration, however, there are at least two fasteners to which the ends of the strap are attached or through which the strap passes.

As noted above, component parts of the present carriers can be packaged together in different configurations and in various states of assembly. Thus, in one aspect, the invention features a kit or packaging that includes a plurality of fasteners (e.g., 2-10 fasteners, inclusive, with fasteners in excess of two being anticipated for use as "spares") with means for attaching the fasteners to a casing or mobile device and instructions therefor. The means for attaching the fasteners to the casing or mobile device can be any known attachment means including but not limited to an adhesive, whether synthetic or naturally occurring (e.g. , a glue). In one embodiment, the attachment means are associated with the fasteners as packaged (e.g. , the fasteners can include an adhesive surface, which may be protected by a peel-away covering). In other embodiments, the attachment means are not associated with the fasteners as packaged. For example, the kit or packaging can include a container of adhesive (e.g. , a tube of adhesive, a spray canister or other small applicator). In other embodiments, the adhesive is provided as a double-sided sheet of adhesive material, one side of which is exposed and attached to the casing or directly to a mobile device and the other side of which is exposed and attached to, for example, the portion of the fastener that contacts the casing or the mobile device. In any embodiment, the adhesive can be permanent or semi-permanent.

The carrier, kit, or packaging of the invention can further include a strap (e.g., as described herein) and/or a casing for a mobile device. While the precise dimensions of the strap (length, width or thickness, etc...) and the materials from which it is made (whether synthetic, naturally occurring, or a mixture thereof) can vary, the strap will be configured to accommodate the fasteners. For example, where the fastener is a hook, the strap will be of a size and shape to reside within the hook, thereby securing the carrier or mobile device, via the fasteners, to the strap.

Alternatively, or in addition, the carrier, kit, or packaging of the invention can further include an accessory. Thus, in one embodiment, the carrier, kit, or packaging of the invention includes a plurality of fasteners (e.g. , 2-10), one or more straps, means for attaching the fasteners to a mobile device or a case for a mobile device, an accessory, and instructions for use. The kit can also include supplies for personalizing the strap(s). For example, the kit can include decals, dyes, or variously colored materials the user can apply to the strap or incorporate into the strap in order to personalize its appearance. Alternatively, the strap(s) can be dyed, painted, printed, woven, or otherwise decorated, and a user can select a strap according to their own sense of fashion, taste, fun, or allegiance (e.g. , the strap can be decorated with school colors, sporting logos, and the like). For added clarity, the decoration is non-functional. The accessory can be a ring or ring-like structure to which one can attach an item such as a key. The accessory can also be a charm or a personal defense item such as a container of mace or pepper spray or a whistle.

In another aspect, the invention features mobile devices to which fasteners have been attached in the manner described herein. For example, a given device can include two fasteners positioned on, within, or through either the back wall of the device (generally, the wall opposite the primary user interface) or the side walls of the device (generally, the shallow, peripherally-located walls between the back wall of the device and the user interface at the front of the device). When the fasteners are positioned along roughly the same level plane, the device can hang (e.g. , around the user's neck) in a leveled fashion from a strap.

As will be readily appreciated, various features from one or more of these embodiments may be incorporated into one or more of the other embodiments.

While the compositions described herein are not limited to those having particular advantages, they may reduce the risk that a mobile device will be lost or stolen. As the present invention allows a mobile device to be carried close to the chest, they may be especially attractive to parents of younger people (who tend to misplace items), to the elderly or their caregivers, travelers, and people working in active and possibly hazardous environments (such as a construction site). While mobile devices carried as described herein are stabilized or relatively stabilized, and while they may be concealed by clothing, they remain accessible. They are as accessible or perhaps even more accessible than devices carried in a pocket, vest, briefcase, handbag, or on a belt, yet are expected to be less likely to be lost, stolen, or broken. Another advantage of the present carriers is their versatility. As the invention features kits in which the component parts of a carrier are contained within a single package, the component parts and, in particular the fasteners, can be applied to a casing for any mobile device or to the device itself. The mobile device can be a portable, hand-held device, such as a cellular telephone, pager/beeper, or an mp3 player or other device used to listen to music, watch videos, or play games. Generally, the components of the carriers will not be of a sufficient size to support carrying larger pieces of equipment such as sophisticated camera, camera equipment, or recording devices,.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present drawings are included to illustrate the invention. They provide visual examples of various possible structures and arrangements for the carriers described herein and their component parts. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Further, the sizes of the various components can vary. For example, the width of the strap or the size of a fastener's footprint may be larger or smaller relative to one another or relative to the casing than shown in the illustrations provided herein.

FIGS. 1 A- ID. FIGS. 1 A and IB illustrate carriers of the invention being worn around the neck of a mobile device user. FIGS. 1C and ID illustrate a strap attached to two fasteners on the back of a mobile device.

FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 2A illustrates, from a side-view, a fastener having an attached strap. FIG. 2B illustrates one alternative way an end of a strap can be attached to such a fastener.

FIG. 3 illustrates, from a side-view, a fastener with an embedded end of a strap.

FIG. 4 illustrates, from a side-view, a fastener that affixes the strap to a casing by virtue of restraining a relaxed T-joint on the end of a strap. FIG. 5 illustrates positions for fasteners on a mobile device or a case therefor.

FIG. 6 illustrates, from a side-view, a fastener that affixes a strap by virtue of magnetic interaction.

FIG. 7 illustrates a strap having means for adjusting the length of the strap.

FIGs. 8A-8C. FIG. 8A illustrates, from a side-view, a hook-style fastener extending from a mobile device or a case therefor. The hook-style fastener within the circled area can be rigid, as shown in FIG. 8B or can include a pivot point or hinge to provide flexibility, as shown in FIG 8C.

FIG. 9 illustrates a beaded strap with a T-style joint for affixing the strap to a fastener.

FIGS. 10A and 10B. FIG. 10A illustrates a strap having a magnetic safety release mechanism. FIG. 1 OB illustrates one way in which the end of a strap can be configured to join the strap to a safety release mechanism (the end of a strap could also be configured in this way to join the strap to a fastener).

FIG. 11 illustrates a strap that is or includes a chain having a link designed to break under a force that is great enough to cause bodily injury. This is a form of a quick-release clasp or a safety release mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1A, a carrier of the invention is shown carrying mobile device 10 around the neck of a mobile device wearer. The carrier has a strap 12 attached to fasteners 14 on the vertical side walls 18 of a casing for the mobile device or of the mobile device itself. Referring to FIG. IB, a carrier of the invention is shown carrying mobile device 10 around the neck of a mobile device wearer. The carrier has a strap 12 attached to fasteners 17 on the top wall 2 of a casing for the mobile device or of the mobile device itself. The back wall 16 is indicated and may also serve as a point of attachment for the fasteners. In any embodiment, the fasteners may be positioned on the surface of, within, or through an exterior wall of a mobile device or a case for a mobile device 10. Referring to FIG. 1C, first and second ends 12a and 12b of the strap 12 connect to fasteners 14 on the back wall 16 of a casing for a mobile device or the device itself 10. Referring to FIG. ID, a contiguous portion of the strap 12c connects to fasteners 14 on the back wall 16 of a casing for a mobile device or the device itself 10.

Referring to FIG. 2A, a fastener 14 protrudes from a wall of a mobile device or a case for the mobile device. The fastener may be integrated with the casing or mobile device or it may be affixed at one or more points of attachment 21a and 21b with an adhesive. The fastener 14 protrudes such that an end of the strap 12 (e.g. , a first end) can be tied, looped through, knotted, clipped, or otherwise affixed to the fastener 14. The second end of strap 12 would be affixed to a second fastener, preferably positioned at a comparable position on the device (to provide the stability and leveling effect described herein). Alternatively, a contiguous portion of the strap can be passed through the two fasteners. In FIG. 2B, a first end of a strap 12 includes a loop 15 through which the second end of the strap 12 can be passed to secure the strap 12 to the fastener 14. As in other embodiments, the strap can be contiguous between the first and second ends (attached to first and second fasteners) and/or the strap can include a safety link that will break when, for example, a force is exerted on the strap. The safety link can also be used as a means for securing the carrier to one's person or to an object. For example, where the safety link comprises a pair of magnets, the magnets can be pulled apart and then allowed to come back together once the strap is placed where desired.

Referring to FIG. 3, a fastener 14 is affixed to a wall of a mobile device or a case for the mobile device, and an end of the strap 12 is embedded in the fastener 14.

Referring to FIG 4, the fastener 14 is fashioned as an opening in a wall of a mobile device or a case for the mobile device, and an end of the strap 12 (e.g., a first end and/or the distal end of the strap 12) includes an articulated T-shaped joint 20. When the user pinches the distal end of the strap 12, including the T-shaped joint 20, between their thumb and forefinger, the joint rotates around a point 22 such that the bar 24 is roughly parallel to the distal end of the strap 12. The user can then insert the end of the strap through the fastener/opening. Once inside the mobile device or a case for a mobile device, the joint deploys, reverting to a T-shape and holding the distal end of the strap 12 within the device or its case.

Referring to FIG 5, the markings 26 illustrate positions at which a fastener can be placed on a mobile device or its case. As with other aspects of the invention, these positions illustrate but do not limit the invention. In one embodiment, the strap is discontinuous; it does not run through the device or the case. Rather, it attaches to the device or its case at two distinct points. In other embodiments, the strap is continuous (with, optionally, a safety link) and passes between the two fasteners.

Referring to FIG. 6, the fastener 14 can include a first magnet and the distal end of the strap 12 can include a second magnet 28 that is attracted to the first magnet. The magnets draw the fastener and the strap together. The strength of the attraction between the magnets can be such that the force holding them together is overcome if the device or its carrier is pulled on with enough force to injure the wearer. The magnets can assume essentially any shape workable with the casing or the mobile device to which they are attached. As is illustrated by FIG. 6, the fastener and the safety link can be conflated, with the release between the strap and the fastener and/or the release between the fastener and the casing or mobile device providing the safety release mechanism to minimize any bodily harm to the wearer. Thus, in any of the present carriers, the fastener can include a safety release mechanism (e.g. , a magnet, breakable link, breakable adhesive, safety release clip, or the like). In some embodiments, a portion of the safety release mechanism may also be a part of or affixed to the strap.

Referring to FIG. 7, the strap 12 can include means for adjusting the length of the strap 12d. The strap can be made of natural or man-made fibers; can have a consistent width along the majority of its length; can be long enough that the strap can be placed around a wearer's neck, with the mobile device coming to rest at a point between the collar bones and the naval; and can include means for attaching to a fastener 14.

Referring to FIG. 8A, a hook-like fastener 12 is shown (in a side view) affixed to the casing of a mobile device 10. The hook-like fastener can be configured in various ways. As shown in FIG. 8B, the fastener can be essentially rigid (e.g. , molded from hard plastic). The fastener can also, by virtue of including a pliable material or by virtue of a hinge 27, as shown in FIG. 8C,

accommodate movement, facilitating the attachment of the strap. A surface of the fastener (whether hook-like or otherwise configured) can include an adhesive strip 28, optionally covered with a peel- away material. Fasteners as illustration in FIG. 8 A can be open clips to which the strap attaches.

Referring to FIG 9, the strap 12 can be beaded with T-shaped means 12e for attachment to a fastener. The strap can also be woven or braided or can assume a myriad of other , shapes and textures along some or all of its length.

Referring to FIG. 10A, the strap 12 is a woven material including a magnetic safety release mechanism 32 that will break under force sufficient to harm the wearer. One possible configuration for the end of the strap or the portion of the strap that joins the safety release is shown in FIG. 10B. The strap 12 is looped and secured upon itself by clip 12f. Extending from the loop of the strap is an optional spacer 29 that may be elastic. The spacer 29 can be fashioned as or into a double loop by the inclusion of a coil 29a that compresses the spacer. In one embodiment, the spacer can be an O-ring. Referring to FIG. 11, the strap 12 is a chain that includes at least one safety link 32 designed to break if a sufficient external force is applied to the carrier. For example, if another person tried to take the user's device by pulling on any one or more of the components of the carrier or the device itself, the safety link would give way. Similarly, if the device, the casing, or any part of the carrier became caught in machinery or caught by or on any physical structure (e.g., playground or sporting equipment), the safety link would give way. While the device may be lost or damaged in such an event, the safety link would reduce the chance of injury to the wearer. This is true for all safety release mechanisms, including weakened chain links, elastics or other materials that break, give way, or disassemble under a certain tension, and separable magnets or other separable components of the device (e.g. , a loop on a strap that slips off a fastener if the strap is vigorously pulled).

A general objective of the present invention is to offer the general public an optional method for carrying a mobile device. The device per se is not limiting and can be a personal digital assistant, a calculator, a media player, a mobile phone, including smartphones, a pager, or a personal navigation device. Accordingly, the invention features a carrier for a mobile device, the carrier comprising a casing for the mobile device, a plurality of fasteners, and a strap, wherein the fasteners are adhered to the casing, and the strap is attached to the fasteners. The casing can be configured to hold a cellular telephone or any other device listed above. The carrier can have two fasteners, and the fasteners can be positioned on, within, or through the back wall of the casing, on the top wall of the casing, or on each vertical wall of the casing. The strap can have a first end that is permanently or semi-permanently adhered to a first fastener; the strap can have a second end that is permanently or semi-permanently adhered to a second fastener. A contiguous portion of the strap can traverse a first fastener and a second fastener. The carrier can further include a safety release mechanism. The carrier can further include a compartment configured to enclose money, credit cards, or personal identification and/or an accessory. In another aspect, the invention features a kit comprising: a strap, a plurality of fasteners, and instructions for use. The kit can further include means for attaching the strap (as described herein) to a fastener (as described herein) and/or means for attaching a fastener to a mobile device or a case therefor. The means for attaching the strap to a fastener and/or for attaching a fastener to a mobile device or a case therefor can be an adhesive.

As noted above, the present carriers can include a casing for the mobile device to be carried. Cases are generally used to help protect a mobile device from breakage, and they may also add to the user's enjoyment by personalizing the appearance of the device. Essentially any case for a mobile device can be a part of, or can be used in connection with, the present carriers, which do not interfere with the function of either the case or a device within. Where the case or casing wholly encloses the device, it may be secured around the device to obscure and protect every side or aspect of the device. Where the case or casing partially encloses the device, at least one surface of the device (e.g., a working face of the device, such as the touchpad of a cellular phone) may remain exposed and available for unobstructed use. Whether the case or casing wholly or partially encases the mobile device, it can be a hard casing that snaps or otherwise affirmatively closes around the device, a soft casing secured by a touch fastener, zipper, drawstring (or the like), or some combination of hard and soft materials. Ideally, the case or casing allows the user to use the device while encased and while being carried by a carrier as described herein. Thus, whether the present carrier includes or is attached to a carrier, the configuration can be such that a user will be able to use the device while it is being carried. For example, a user would be able to answer an incoming call and carry on a conversation by activating the speaker function of a cellular telephone.

The material(s) used in the carrier (e.g. , in the strap, fastener, spacer, safety release mechanism (or, when present, the case) can be artificial or synthetic (e.g. , polymeric, including plastics), natural (e.g. , a naturally occurring rubber, leather, or cloth (e.g. , silk, linen, or cotton), or a combination thereof. For example, useful materials include polyamide (NYLON), polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride, polyacrylonitrile (ORLON), polychloroprene (NEOPRENE), and polyethylene terephthalate (MYLAR). As noted, these materials are provided as examples; one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to fashion the present carriers from these and a variety of other materials.

The case can include any number of features, including a feature of a currently marketed case. For example, the case can include a pocket or other storage compartment (e.g., a pocket for holding paper currency, credit cards, identification cards, and the like).

As noted, the fasteners can be, or can be configured to affix to, the back of a case, the vertical side walls of the case, or the top wall of the case. Alternatively, the fasteners can be directly affixed to the device (e.g. , to the back, sides, or top of the device). As noted, the fasteners can be aligned so the device hangs evenly when suspended from the strap, but the invention is not so limited; the fasteners can be configured so a device is suspended at an angle. The plurality of fasteners (e.g., two fasteners) still provides added stability over a single point of attachment to a strap. Any means for attaching one light-weight mechanical object to another can be used in the context of the present invention to affix the components of the present carriers to one another (e.g., to affix a fastener to a case or mobile device). Adhesive strips and glues are preferred.

As noted, the strap can be fashioned from a wide variety of materials including cloth or other natural fibers, rubber, leather, plastic, any other synthetic material, metal, or combinations thereof. The strap can be elastic or non-elastic (or may include or be attached to an elastic component (e.g. , the spacer may be elastic)), and in any event can be designed to safely break away should it become caught or pulled on with sufficient force to hurt the wearer. The straps can vary in length, width, and thickness. Moreover, the dimensions of a given strap can vary (for example, along its length). For example, the strap may be thicker at the back of the neck for added comfort. The strap can be adjustable in length.

Configured within the strap or between the strap and one or more fasteners may be a quick- release clasp for added safety. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize and be able to incorporate such clasps. For example, where the strap is a chain, the quick-release clasp may be a link that is weaker than the others and designed to give way when stressed by an external force sufficient to inflict physical harm to the wearer. Quick release can also be provided by magnets. Quick release can also be provided simply by varying the strength of the materials. Any material that breaks or otherwise gives way when pulled on by a force sufficient to harm the user is suitable for inclusion as a quick-release mechanism or clasp.

One or more of the components described herein may be packaged and sold as a kit. For example, the invention features kits comprising or consisting of one or more of: a strap, fasteners (two or more), a case, supplies for decorating the strap, and means for attaching the strap to a fastener and/or for attaching a fastener to a mobile device or a case therefor (e.g., an adhesive).

Attached to the carrier (e.g., attached to the casing or held around the strap) can be a safety or self-protection device (such as a whistle, "pepper spray," or tracking device) or a ring from which personal items (such as keys, writing instruments, photographs, or pocket knives) can be hung. In some embodiments, the accessory is a charm. Such accessories can be included in the kit.

Specific embodiments of a carrier for a mobile device have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that many more modifications besides those described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A carrier for a mobile device, the carrier comprising a casing for the mobile device, a plurality of fasteners, and a strap, wherein the fasteners are adhered to the casing, and the strap is attached to the fasteners.

2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the casing is configured to hold a cellular telephone.

3. The carrier of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the carrier has two fasteners.

4. The carrier of claim 3, wherein the two fasteners are positioned on, within, or through: the back wall of the casing, on the top wall of the casing, or on each vertical wall of the casing.

5. The carrier of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the strap has a first end that is permanently or semi-permanently adhered to a first fastener.

6. The carrier or claim 5, wherein the strap has a second end that is permanently or semipermanently adhered to a second fastener.

7. The carrier of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a contiguous portion of the strap traverses a first fastener and a second fastener.

8. The carrier of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a safety release mechanism.

9. The carrier of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a compartment configured to enclose money, credit cards, or personal identification and/or an accessory.

10. A kit comprising: a strap, a plurality of fasteners, and instructions for use.

11. The kit of claim 10, further comprising means for attaching the strap to a fastener and/or means for attaching a fastener to a mobile device or a case therefor.

12. The kit of claim 10 or claim 1 1, wherein the means for attaching the strap to a fastener and/or for attaching a fastener to a mobile device or a case therefor is an adhesive.