U.S. patent application number 12/961517 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-29 for open-weave surface patterning to enable touchscreen accessibility in wearable apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to A.R.B. Production, Inc.. Invention is credited to ANDREA BEHAR, GLENN BIERMAN.
Application Number | 20110314651 12/961517 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45351144 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-29 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20110314651 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BEHAR; ANDREA ; et
al. |
December 29, 2011 |
OPEN-WEAVE SURFACE PATTERNING TO ENABLE TOUCHSCREEN ACCESSIBILITY
IN WEARABLE APPARATUS
Abstract
A wearable apparatus for an electronic device permits
accessibility of the device's touchscreen while it is being worn on
the human body. The wearable apparatus has a front portion that may
be embellished with decorative patterns and a back portion that is
made of open-weave material to permit direct tactile response of an
electronic device's touchscreen through the open-weave material.
The apparatus includes an inner sleeve and an inner cavity to
securely hold the electronic device while it is being worn on the
human body.
Inventors: |
BEHAR; ANDREA; (TENAFLY,
NJ) ; BIERMAN; GLENN; (WESTPORT, CT) |
Assignee: |
A.R.B. Production, Inc.
New York
NY
|
Family ID: |
45351144 |
Appl. No.: |
12/961517 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61359072 |
Jun 28, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
29/428 ; 206/320;
224/219 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2005/008 20130101;
Y10T 29/49826 20150115; A45C 11/00 20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101;
A45C 13/008 20130101; A45F 2200/0525 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
29/428 ; 206/320;
224/219 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00; B65D 85/00 20060101 B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A mobile communication device housing, comprising: a shroud
comprising an inner sleeve and an inner cavity; an open-weave
material forming at least one of the inner sleeve and the inner
cavity of the shroud, wherein the open-weave material to provide a
semi-light permeable surface such that a touch screen display of
the mobile communication device is visible to a user on an opposite
surface of at least one of the inner sleeve and the inner cavity,
and wherein the open-weave material to slightly compress and
contact a region of the touch screen display within a 1 millimeter
accuracy such that a tactically responsive nature of the touch
screen accurately tracks a motion of a haptic motion of the user
across the open-weave material.
2. The mobile communication device housing of claim 1 wherein the
open-weave material of the shroud comprises interstices of at least
about 0.25 millimeters in area in a relaxed un-stretched state.
3. The mobile communication device housing of claim 1 wherein the
interstices of the open-weave material of the shroud is subject to
increase up to about 5 millimeters in area when placed in a tension
stretched state.
4. A wearable apparatus of an electronic device to enable
touchscreen accessibility comprising: a back portion comprising a
base surface with a tactile response area made of an open-weave
material to permit touchscreen accessibility of the electronic
device; a front portion coupled to the back portion comprising an
encircling strip to encompass an object substantially the size of a
human wrist; an inner sleeve between the front portion and the back
portion coupled to the front portion and to the back portion; and
an inner cavity formed between the front portion and the inner
sleeve to securely hold the electronic device.
5. The wearable apparatus of claim 4 wherein at least one of the
back portion and at least one of the front portion to comprise the
open-weave material to permit at least one of an elasticity, a
flexibility, and a stretchability.
6. The wearable apparatus of claim 4 wherein the inner sleeve to
comprise the open-weave material to permit at least one of an
elasticity, a flexibility, and a stretchability.
7. The wearable apparatus of claim 4 wherein the back portion
comprising open-weave material is substantially of a consistent
weave such that distance between interstices is approximately the
same in either direction in a pre-defined area.
8. The wearable apparatus of claim 4 wherein the inner cavity
comprises a securing means to securely hold the electronic
device.
9. The wearable apparatus of claim 4 wherein the inner cavity
comprises a microphone slot in an open material surface area so
that microphones may be connected to the electronic device.
10. The wearable apparatus of the claim 4 wherein the inner cavity
comprises slide resistant open-weave material such that motion of a
finger does not displace the open-weave material to distort the
motion of a response of a tactile touchscreen of the electronic
device.
11. The wearable apparatus of the claim 4 wherein the inner cavity
comprises water-proof open-weave material such that water does not
cause damage to the electronic device.
12. The wearable apparatus of claim 4 wherein the front portion
comprises at least one patterning structure within a pre-defined
area.
13. A method of accessing a touchscreen on a wearable apparatus of
an electronic device comprising: forming a back portion comprising
a base surface with a tactile response area made of open-weave
material to permit touchscreen accessibility of the electronic
device; coupling the back portion to a front portion to comprise an
encircling strip to encompass an object substantially the size of a
human wrist; placing an inner sleeve between the front portion and
the back portion wherein the inner sleeve is coupled to the front
portion and the back portion; forming an inner cavity between the
front portion and the inner sleeve to securely hold the electronic
device; and wherein the touchscreen of the electronic device is
accessible through tactilly manipulating the touchscreen of the
electronic device through the base surface of the back portion.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein at least one of the back portion
and at least one of the front portion to comprise the open-weave
material to permit at least one of an elasticity, a flexibility,
and a stretchability.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the inner sleeve comprise
open-weave material to permit elasticity, flexibility, and
stretchability.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein the back portion comprising
open-weave material is substantially of a consistent weave such
that distance between interstices is approximately the same in
either direction in a pre-defined area.
17. The method of claim 13 wherein the inner cavity comprises a
securing means to securely hold the electronic device.
18. The method of claim 13 wherein the inner cavity comprises a
microphone slot in an open material surface area so that
microphones may be connected to the electronic device.
19. The method of claim 13 wherein the inner cavity comprises slide
resistant open-weave material such that a motion of a finger does
not displace the open-weave material to distort the motion of a
response of a tactile touchscreen of the electronic device.
20. The method of claim 13 wherein the inner cavity comprises
water-proof open-weave material.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
provisional application 61/359,072, titled "OPEN-WEAVE SURFACE
PATTERNING TO ENABLE TOUCHSCREEN ACCESSIBILITY IN WEARABLE
APPARATUS" filed Jun. 28, 2010, which is incorporated by reference
along with all other references cited in this application.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This invention relates to a wearable apparatus for
electronic devices, and more specifically, to a mobile
communication device.
[0003] There are many types of portable electronic devices
including personal digital assistants (PDAs), computer's,
smartphones, mobile phones, satellite phones, cellular phones,
pagers, music player, MP3 players, media players, digital cameras,
video cameras, bar code scanner, global positioning system (GPS),
and portable game consoles. Typically these devices are carried
inside a person's clothing pocket, so that people can carry and use
the devices during their daily lives (e.g., on a bus or train,
while in flight on an airplane, at the gym on the stair stepper,
walking down an aisle, riding a bike, dancing at a club, attending
a party in a cocktail dress, or driving a car).
[0004] These portable electronic devices allow people to play and
record music, send and receive e-mail, send text messages, browse
web pages, make phone calls, play and record video, take and view
pictures, edit documents, and much more. These devices continue to
revolutionize the way people interact, learn, connect with other
people, conduct business, and find things. They help people manage
their daily lives and sometimes are an entertainment source.
[0005] Because portable electronic devices are somewhat fragile and
used to carry valuable personal information (e.g. phone numbers,
financial information, private photos or videos, and favorite music
tracks), many people usually safeguard such devices in their
clothing pockets. People often carry these devices to clubs, bars,
parties, and other social events. Attending such events may require
people to wear clothing that does not contain pockets. So, when a
person wants to wear an item of clothing, a cocktail dress for
example which has no pockets, the person will not have a safe and
secure method to carry their electronic devices with them to such
events.
[0006] Therefore, it may be desirable to have a wearable apparatus
that can secure one's personal electronic device and more
specifically, provide access to that device. Such a wearable
apparatus may provide a person with the means to safely carry an
electronic device without the need for a purse or pockets.
SUMMARY
[0007] A wearable apparatus for an electronic device permits
accessibility of the device's touchscreen while it is being worn on
the human body. The wearable apparatus has a front portion that may
be embellished with decorative patterns and a back portion that is
made of open-weave material to permit direct tactile response of an
electronic device's touchscreen through the open-weave material.
The apparatus includes an inner sleeve and an inner cavity to
securely hold the electronic device while it is being worn on the
human body.
[0008] To assemble the wearable apparatus together, the back
portion and the front portion are coupled together so that the back
portion acts as an encircling strip that may fit around a human
wrist. An inner sleeve is placed between the front portion and back
portion and is coupled to the front portion and back portion. This
coupling of the inner sleeve between the front portion and back
portion creates an inner cavity that securely holds an electronic
device.
[0009] In various other implementations, the wearable accessory has
a securing means for the inner cavity. The securing means can be a
zipper, Velcro or any other securing device and is generally placed
against a top side edge of the inner cavity. In an implementation,
the inner cavity is made of open-weave material that is also
waterproof and washable.
[0010] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following
detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which like
reference designations represent like features throughout the
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Example embodiments are illustrated by way of example and
not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in
which like references indicate similar elements and in which:
[0012] FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment which uses elastic
material 100 with an optional patterning 102, according to one
embodiment. FIG. 1A also illustrates an open weave material 104,
according to one embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment in which the open weave
material 104 is placed on the elastic material 100 with stitching
114 and/or a securing means 112, according to one embodiment. Area
for optional patterning 102 is also shown, according to one
embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 1C illustrates an embodiment which shows a wristband
122 in which the open weave material 104 is placed on the elastic
material 100 with stitching 114 and/or a securing means 112. Area
on the wristband 122 for optional patterning 102 is also shown,
according to one embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 1D illustrates an embodiment which shows an inner
sleeve 130 coupled to both the front portion 126 and a back portion
128 and forming an inner cavity 212. Also shown is open-weave
material 104 and elastic material 100 that makes up the shroud as
well as pre-defined areas for optional patterning 102.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment in which the wrist band 122
is made from elastic material 100 and/or worn on arm 202 by passing
hand 204A through slot 210. FIG. 2 also shows the open weave
material 104 on top of wrist band/or 122 made from elastic material
100, according to one embodiment. Open weave material 104 creates
an inner cavity 212 for holding a mobile communication device 206
which can be secured by securing means 112 and/or stitching 114,
according to one embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view 350 of the embodiment in
which the securing means 112 and/or stitching 114 is used to create
a pocket composed of open weave material 104, according to one
embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a front decorative patterning view 450 of
the embodiment in which optional patterning 102 is shown, according
to one embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a back view 550 of the embodiment which
also shows open weave material 104, according to one
embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates an insert view 650 of the embodiment in
which a mobile communication device 206 with a tactile response
area 208 is secured in a slot 210 composed of open weave material
104, according to one embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates an inner cavity 212 view of the
embodiment in which a mobile communication device 206 with a
tactile response area 208 is secured in a slot 210 composed of open
weave material 104, according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 also
illustrates a microphone slot 702 and volume control slot 704 in
one embodiment.
[0022] Other features of the present embodiments will be apparent
from the accompanying Drawings and from the Detailed Description
that follows.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Open-weave surface patterning to enable touch screen
accessibility in a wearable apparatus is disclosed. Although the
embodiments have been described with reference to specific example
embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and
changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the
broader spirit and scope of the various embodiments.
[0024] The embodiment is a wearable accessory primarily for a
mobile communication device 206 as well as for other small personal
belongings one would have on a person, but not limited to items
such as credit cards, photo ID, and/or cash. For example, the
embodiment is worn around one's wrist and/or is a visible and/or
useable clothing item for a mobile communication device 206 of FIG.
2. The embodiment may have three or more distinct parts: 1) a front
portion 126 with an optional patterning 102 that can be adorned
and/or embellished with any fabric, ornament, and/or logo, and/or
with materials such as, metal, strips, pearls, beads, quills,
and/or sequins (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 4); 2) a back portion
128 with an encircling strip of elastic material 100 consisting of
a part of a sleeve that covers and/or goes around a human wrist
like a wristband 122 made from a variety of materials including but
not limited to towel-like terrycloth material and/or elastic
material 100; 3) and/or an inner cavity 212 to hold the mobile
communication device 206 and/or other small personal items. In one
embodiment, the wristband 122 and/or inner cavity 212 may be
composed of elastic material 100 and/or open weave material 104
respectively. In another embodiment, an inner sleeve 130 is coupled
to both the front portion 126 and a back portion 128 and forming an
inner cavity 212.
[0025] The elastic material 100 and/or open weave material 104 used
in the embodiment are synthetic fibers made of polyurethane, a
large molecule composed of repeating structural units typically
connected by covalent chemical bonds (also called a polymer)
consisting of a chain of organic units joined by urethane/carbamate
links known for its exceptional elasticity and/or
stretchability.
##STR00001##
[0026] Example of synthesis of an embodiment of the elastic
material 100, according to one exemplary embodiment. Note the
urethane groups --NH--(C.dbd.O)--O-- linking the units of the
product.
[0027] According to one embodiment, polyurethanes found in elastic
material 100 and/or open weave material 104 are in the class of
compounds called reaction polymers, which include epoxies,
unsaturated polyesters, and/or phenolics. A urethane linkage is
produced in one embodiment by reacting an isocyanate group,
--N.dbd.C.dbd.O with a hydroxyl (alcohol) group, --OH.
Polyurethanes are produced in this embodiment by the poly-addition
reaction of a polyisocyanate with a polyalcohol (polyol) in the
presence of a catalyst and/or other additives. Apolyisocyanatein
this embodiment is a molecule with two and/or more isocyanate
functional groups, R--(N.dbd.C.dbd.O).sub.n.gtoreq.2 and/or a
polyol is a molecule with two and/or more hydroxyl functional
groups, R'--(OH).sub.n.gtoreq.2. The reaction product may be a
polymer comprising the urethane linkage, --RNHCOOR'-- according to
one embodiment. Isocyanates in one embodiment will react with any
molecule that comprises an active hydrogen. Importantly,
isocyanates may one particular embodiment may also react with water
to form a urea linkage and/or carbon dioxide gas; they may also
react with polyetheramines to form polyureas in one embodiment. In
a particular embodiment, polyurethanes are produced by reacting a
liquid isocyanate with a liquid blend of polyols, catalyst,
and/or/other additives.
[0028] According to one embodiment, the first component of a
polyurethane polymer found in elastic material 100 and/or open
weave material 104 is the isocyanate. In one embodiment, molecules
that comprise two isocyanate groups are called diisocyanates. The
embodiments may also be monomers and/or monomer units, since they
themselves are used to produce polymeric isocyanates that comprise
three and/or more isocyanate functional groups. Isocyanates in one
particular embodiment may be classed as aromatic, such as
diphenylmethanediisocyanate (MDI) and/or toluenediisocyanate (TDI);
and/or aliphatic, such as hexamethylenediisocyanate (HDI) and/or
isophoronediisocyanate (IPDI). In one embodiment, a polymeric
isocyanate is polymeric diphenylmethanediisocyanate, which is a
blend of molecules with two-, three-, and/or four- and/or more
isocyanate groups, with an average functionality of 2.7.
Isocyanates may be further modified by partially reacting them with
a polyol to form a prepolymer. Important characteristics of
isocyanates may be their molecular backbone, % NCO content,
functionality, and/or viscosity.
[0029] According to one embodiment, the second component of a
polyurethane polymer found in elastic material 100 and/or open
weave material 104 is the polyol. In this embodiment, polyols may
be distinguished from short chain and/or low-molecular weight
glycol chain extenders and/or cross linkers such as ethylene glycol
(EG), 1,4-butanediol (BDO), diethylene glycol (DEG), glycerine,
and/ortrimethylolpropane (TMP). In one embodiment, they may be
formed by base-catalyzed addition of propylene oxide (PO), ethylene
oxide (EO) onto a hydroxyl and/or amine comprising initiator,
and/or by polyesterification of a di-acid, such as adipic acid,
with glycols, such as ethylene glycol and/or dipropylene glycol
(DPG). According to an exemplary embodiment, polyols extended with
PO and/or EO are polyetherpolyolsandpolyols formed by
polyesterification are polyesterpolyols. In this embodiment, the
choice of initiator, extender, and/or molecular weight of the
polyol may greatly affect its physical state, and/or the physical
properties of the polyurethane polymer.
[0030] According to one exemplary embodiment, the polymerization
reaction to create elastic material 100 and/or open weave material
104 may be catalyzed by tertiary amines, such as
dimethylcyclohexylamine, and/or organometallic compounds, such as
dibutyltindilaurate and/or bismuthoctanoate. Furthermore, catalysts
can be chosen in this embodiment based on whether they favor the
urethane (gel) reaction, such as 1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2] octane
(also called DABCO and/or TEDA), and/or the urea (blow) reaction,
such as bis-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)ether, and/or specifically drive
the isocyanatetrimerization reaction, such as potassium
octoate.
##STR00002##
[0031] According to one exemplary embodiment, a PU reaction
mechanism is catalyzed by a tertiary amine. In one embodiment,
polymerization to create elastic material 100 and/or open weave
material 104 is the process of combining many small molecules known
as monomers into a covalently bonded chain. During the
polymerization process, some chemical groups may be lost from each
monomer. This is the case, for example, in the polymerization of
PET polyester according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, the
monomers are terephthalic acid (HOOC--C.sub.6H.sub.4--COOH) and/or
ethylene glycol (HO--CH.sub.2--CH.sub.2--OH) but the repeating unit
is --OC--C.sub.6H.sub.4--COO--CH.sub.2--CH.sub.2--O--, which
corresponds to the combination of the two monomers with the loss of
two water molecules. In one embodiment the fabric is very thin
and/or is woven using a method in which warp threads never come
together, leaving interstices in the fabric and is stitched at its
seams using a reinforced zigzag stitch for strength and/or support
and/or to prevent the seams from ripping and/or tearing. In this
exemplary embodiment, the fabric's elasticity and/or flexibility
ensure that it conforms to a person's wrist (e.g., as illustrated
in FIG. 2)
##STR00003##
[0032] An exemplary embodiment shows a repeating unit of the
polymer polypropylene. In one embodiment, apolyamide is a polymer
comprising monomers of amides joined by peptide bonds. In this
embodiment, they may occur both naturally and/or artificially,
examples being proteins, such as wool and/or silk, and/or may be
made artificially through step-growth polymerization, examples
being nylons, aramids, and/or sodium poly (aspartate). Spandex
fibers found in one embodiment of elastic material 100 and/or open
weave material 104 are produced in four different ways: melt
extrusion, reaction spinning, solution dry spinning, and/or
solution wet spinning. In one embodiment, these methods may include
the initial step of reacting monomers to produce a prepolymer. Once
the prepolymer is formed, it may be reacted further in various ways
and/or drawn out to produce a long fiber.
[0033] The open weave material 104 of one embodiment may
incorporate a looped structure of a knitted fabric preferably
formed from a stretch yarn. In this embodiment, the knit
construction utilized may be a warp knit, a weft knit, and/or a
stitch-through fabric construction having laid-in weft yarns. In
this embodiment, stretch yarns utilized may be produced by any of
the known methods of producing such yarns, such as knife edge
curling; twist, heatset, untwist processes; knit de-knit methods;
stiffer box; bicomponent fiber and/or yarn; slack mercerization;
and/or other methods for incorporating a stretch capability beyond
that may be found in filament, ring spun, up-twisted and/or
down-twisted yarns.
[0034] It may be contemplated in one embodiment that texturized
polyester yarns, of about 150 denier may be employed, although
additional components, such as Spandex fiber in percentages up to 5
percent and/or more, may be incorporated in an appropriate yarn to
achieve appropriate stretch. Such stretch may assist in resisting
inflation and/or may minimize puncturing and/or cutting.
[0035] To further reduce the tendency of the open weave material
104 and/or elastic material 100 to inflate and/or rise from vehicle
velocity effects, in one embodiment, the elastic material 100
and/or open weave material 104 may have major pores and/or
interstices of at least about 0.25 square millimeters in area in
the relaxed, unstretched state. In an exemplary embodiment, the
interstices may be subject to increase up to about 5 square
millimeters in area when placed in tension, with full recovery to
the unstretched state. In one embodiment, the term "major pore
and/or interstice" is intended to refer to average of the largest
set of pores and/or interstices as seen when the fabric is viewed
in plan and/or which is surrounded by yarns.
[0036] The optional patterning 102 of the embodiment may be of any
color, pattern, and/or design. In one embodiment, a decorative
embellishment of an artistic work may be used for the trim. In
another embodiment, the logo of a sport's team may be used for the
trim. The encircling strip made of elastic material 100 consisting
of a part of a sleeve that covers and/or goes around a person's
wrists makes the embodiment wearable on a human wrist like
wristband 122.
[0037] The embodiment has an inner cavity 212. The inner cavity 212
is essentially a small pouch that may be used for carrying a mobile
communication device 206 and/or a few small personal articles such
as credit cards, IDs, and/or cash et cetera. The inner cavity 212
may be similar to a shroud and/or housing to secure the mobile
communication device 206 close to one's body and/or is thin enough
for one to use a mobile communication device 206 through it. It
provides for smooth tactile response and/or sliding of the tactile
response area 208 of a mobile communication device 206 because the
open weave material 104 is woven in a method during which warp
threads never come together, leaving small structural spaces in the
fabric. This space enables a person to see and/or use a mobile
communication device 206 while it is still inside inner cavity 212.
The inner cavity 212 embodied in the embodiment may be closed by
securing means 112 by using a device for temporarily joining two
edges of fabric, like a zipper, and/or by a fastener consisting of
two strips of fabric, one covered with minute fiber hooks and/or
the other of tiny fiber loops, which when brought together stick
strongly one to the other. Alternatively, the inner cavity 212 need
not closed at all as the elastic material 100 will prevent the
mobile communication device 206 from falling out.
[0038] The open weave material 104 of this embodiment is of a
consistent weave such that the distance between interstices in the
direction of limited extent is the same as the distance between
interstices in the direction of unlimited extent. Such an
arrangement permits intricate needle and/or thread embellishments
and/or embroidery to be formed within a limited area and/or thus
permits such embellishments to be performed with a minimum of
effort while permitting advantageous display of such
embellishments. Due to the limited extent in one dimension of the
open weave material 104 of this embodiment, it has many useful
features either with and/or without embellishments. For example,
such open weave material 104 may be used as an embellishment itself
on clothing and/or other personal objects. Additionally, the open
weave material 104 of this embodiment may be interwoven with other
fabric in accordance with this embodiment to form objects which are
embellished not only by the open weave material 104 of this
embodiment, but also by the needle and/or thread embellishments
thereon.
[0039] The basic elements of a zipper as a securing means 112 are:
the stringer (the tape and/or teeth assembly that makes up one side
of a zipper); the slider (opens and/or closes the zipper); a tab
(pulled to move the slider); and/or stops (prevent the slider from
leaving the chain). A separating zipper 112, instead of a bottom
stop that connects the stringers, has two devices--a box and/or a
pin--that function as stops when put together. Metal zipper
hardware (illustrated in FIG. 3) may be made of stainless steel,
aluminum, brass, zinc, and/or a nickel-silver alloy. In one
embodiment, a steel zipper may be coated with brass and/or zinc,
and/or it might be painted to match the color of open weave
material 104 and/or elastic material 100. Zippers with plastic
hardware may be made from polyester and/or nylon, while the slider
and/or pull tab are made from steel and/or zinc. In one embodiment,
the cloth tapes may be made from cotton, polyester, and/or a blend
of both. For zippers that open on both ends, the ends might not be
sewn into a garment, so that they are hidden as they are when a
zipper is made to open at only one end. In one embodiment, these
zippers may be strengthened using a strong cotton tape (that has
been reinforced with nylon) applied to the ends to prevent
fraying.
[0040] In one embodiment Velcro fabric may be used as
hook-and/or-loop fasteners. In one embodiment, it may consist of
two layers: a "hook" side, which is a piece of fabric covered with
tiny hooks, and/or a "loop" side, which is covered with even
smaller and/or "hairier" loops. When the two sides are pressed
together, the hooks may catch in the loops and/or hold the pieces
together. When the layers are separated, the strips may make a
characteristic "ripping" sound. In an exemplary embodiment, velcro
hook and/or loop fasteners may be made of many things like nylon
and/or polyester. In other embodiments, securing means may include
a zipper, a Velcro, a string, an adhesive lining, a cross-zipper, a
belt, a fastener, a lock, or a hook-and-loop fastener.
[0041] The embodiment is water-proof and/or washable. In one
embodiment, the open weave material 104 and/or elastic material 100
may be impregnated with a dilute solution of aluminum acetate,
dried in hot air, and drawn through a 5% soap solution. Insoluble
aluminum soaps are precipitated on the fiber and render the fabric
waterproof. In another embodiment, the open weave material 104
and/or elastic material 100 may be passed through a diluted
solution of paraffin, kerosene, and/or similar body, dissolved in
light petroleum and/or other volatile solvent. The solution fills
the cells of the open weave material 104 and/or elastic material
100 and the solid matter is left behind when the solvent
evaporates. In other embodiments, the open weave material 104
and/or elastic material 100 may also be waterproofed by using
gelatin, tannin, and/or solvents for cellulose.
[0042] The open weave material 104 and/or elastic material 100 for
the wristband 122 and/or inner cavity 212 is flexible, elastic,
stretchable, and/or strong. The open weave material 104 of this
embodiment may provide a novel fabric for embellishment and/or
provides a fabric with a limited extent in one direction, thus
permitting detailed and/or intricate embellishment to be displayed
in a well framed area. The thus embellished open weave material 104
may be capable of many and/or diverse applications being limited
only by the imagination of the user.
[0043] In one example embodiment, the wearable accessory in a form
of wrist band 122 that can be worn on the arm 202 may have an
optional patterning 102 in the front portion (e.g., as illustrated
in FIG. 4), a back portion made of elastic material 100 (e.g., as
illustrated in FIG. 5) and an inner cavity 212 stitched to the back
portion (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 6). In an embodiment, the
inner cavity 212 may be composed of an open weave material 104
stitched to the back portion of the wearable accessory. The inner
cavity 212 or a slot 210 may be designed and stitched to the back
portion such that the inner cavity 212 may be capable of holding
small personal belongings such as a mobile communication device
206, credit cards, identity cards, etc. In addition, the belongings
may be secured into the accessory through a securing means. The
open weave material enables a user to provide tactical input to the
tactile response area 208 when the mobile communication device 206
that has a touch screen interface is carried in the wearable
accessory.
[0044] In one embodiment, a microphone slot 702 of FIG. 7 may be
formed in an open material surface area so that microphones may be
connected to mobile communication device 206. Additional slots such
as volume control slot 704 and charger slot may be provided. In one
embodiment, the elastic material 100 and/or open weave material 104
may be slide resistant through the use of polypropylene such that
motion of a finger does not displace the elastic material 100
and/or open weave material 104 to distort the motion of a response
of a tactile touch screen.
[0045] An example embodiment of the disclosure may be described as
follows. Jane, a woman in New York City, may need to go to a party
and/or club event while wearing a stylish evening and/or cocktail
dress that has no pockets. She may not want to carry a purse
because she fears getting robbed and/or fears losing her purse and
its valuables. Her dress may not have any pockets to carry her
personal belongings. Jane may want to carry a mobile communication
device 206 so that she may have the ability to stay in touch with
emergency personnel, family and work colleagues. Jane may take
pride in having a great sense of style. As she has no pockets or a
purse, Jane may place the mobile communication device 206 in her
blouse or bra. Perspiration and motion may cause damage to the
device or cause it to fall out. Jane may purchase an Andreas Behar
Cellies.TM. product, embodying the various elements of the above
mentioned disclosure. Jane may now be able to communicate through
her wrist and be fashionable. Cellies.TM. may even replace her
watch and may provide her with a means to safely carry her mobile
communication device without the need for a purse or pockets. Jane
may be able to not just hear but to see messages and tactically
respond and interact with others by accessing the tactile response
area 208 through the open weave material 104 as illustrated in FIG.
1C.
[0046] Although the present embodiments have been described with
reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that
various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments
without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the various
embodiments. Accordingly, the Specification and Drawings are to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
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