U.S. patent application number 13/193344 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-02 for detachable container system.
Invention is credited to Andrea Zabinski.
Application Number | 20120024725 13/193344 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45525610 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120024725 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zabinski; Andrea |
February 2, 2012 |
Detachable Container System
Abstract
A detachable container system includes a container body and a
fastener arrangement. The container body securely receives and
holds an item (while allowing components or parts of the item to
extend out of the body), and the fastener arrangement removably
attaches the container body to an object. The container body is
removably attachable to the fastener arrangement. The container
body may also comprise at least one closable lid for securing an
item in the container body. The body may also comprise a light
source, power source, and/or a data port thereon.
Inventors: |
Zabinski; Andrea;
(Gilbsonia, PA) |
Family ID: |
45525610 |
Appl. No.: |
13/193344 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61368309 |
Jul 28, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/216 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 2011/0008 20130101;
B60R 7/08 20130101; B60R 11/02 20130101; H04R 2460/17 20130101;
B60R 2011/0094 20130101; B60R 2011/0059 20130101; H04R 1/1091
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/216 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/00 20060101
B65D081/00 |
Claims
1. A detachable container system, the system comprising a container
body, the body comprising a first aperture disposed thereon for
insertion of an item into the container body, and a second aperture
disposed thereon for placement for receiving a subpart of an item
therein, wherein said second aperture is of a sufficient dimension
such that the item subpart may pass through the second aperture but
the item inserted into the container may not pass through the
second aperture, and a fastener arrangement, the fastener
arrangement comprising a fastener for removable attachment of the
container body to an object, and an attachment mechanism disposed
on the container body for removable attachment to the fastener.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the container body further
comprises an openable lid operatively coupled to the first
aperture, which lid securely covers and closes the first aperture
when the lid is in a closed position.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the container body further
comprises an openable lid operatively coupled to the second
aperture, which lid securely covers and closes the second aperture
when the lid is in a closed position.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the fastener of the fastener
arrangement comprises a clip and the attachment mechanism comprises
a bracket, which bracket and clip have corresponding engagement
features for removable attachment of the bracket to the clip.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the fastener and attachment
mechanism of the fastener arrangement are rotatably attached to one
another.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the container body further
comprises a light source disposed on the body.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the container body further
comprises a power source disposed thereon.
8. The system of claim 8, wherein the power source disposed on the
container body comprises a photovoltaic cell.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the container body further
comprises a data port disposed thereon.
10. A container, the container comprising a first aperture disposed
thereon for insertion of an item into the container body, and a
second aperture disposed thereon for placement for receiving a
subpart of an item therein, wherein said second aperture is of a
sufficient dimension such that the item subpart may pass through
the second aperture but the item inserted into the container may
not pass through the second aperture, a fastener arrangement, the
fastener arrangement comprising a fastener for removable attachment
of the container to an object, and an attachment mechanism disposed
on the container body for removable attachment to the fastener, and
at least one lid operationally coupled to one of the first aperture
and second aperture, the lid capable of securely closing and
covering the aperture to which it is coupled.
11. The container of claim 10, wherein the container further
comprises a light source disposed thereon.
12. The container of claim 10, wherein the container further
comprises a power source disposed thereon.
13. The container of claim 10, wherein the fastener of the fastener
arrangement comprises a clip and the attachment mechanism comprises
a bracket, which bracket and clip have corresponding engagement
features for removable attachment of the bracket to the clip.
14. The container of claim 10, wherein the fastener and attachment
mechanism of the fastener arrangement are rotatably attached to one
another.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present disclosure claims priority under 35 United
States Code, Section 119 on the U.S. Provisional Patent Application
numbered 61/368,309 filed on Jul. 28, 2010, the disclosure of which
is incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to accessories for
mobile telephones, and more particularly, to a container for a
removable earpiece of a mobile telephone.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Legislation of mobile phone usage while driving has
restricted and even prohibited a user from holding and talking on a
phone while driving. These restrictions and prohibitions have given
rise to the widespread development of hands-free implements that
allow a user to talk on his or her phone without having to hold
onto the phone. One popular implement is an earpiece that connects
to a phone, wirelessly, or by way of a cable.
[0004] While these earpieces solve the problem of being able to use
one's phone without involving his or her hands, such earpieces
often require their own power source, which power source
necessarily requires replenishing after a period of use.
[0005] Further, such earpieces are often small in dimensions, in
order to fit securely within a user's ear and to lightweight. While
this small dimensioning has its advantages, these small items are
also very delicate and easily misplaced.
[0006] When one is not driving a vehicle, he or she will not
necessarily need to keep the earpiece on his or her person, but may
prefer to store the earpiece in a secure place, as opposed to
carrying it with him or her outside of the vehicle. This would be,
for example, to avoid losing or damaging the earpiece. However, due
to the small sizes of these earpieces, they can still be misplaced
if they are left on a car's seat, cupholder, or glove
compartment.
[0007] Accordingly, a need exists for a container system that
overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, while maintaining the
benefits of the prior art. A further need exists for a container in
which a user may easily place an earpiece, and which may securely
hold the earpiece when it is not in use. Moreover, a need exists
for a container system that may be quickly and easily secured to
another item, so that the container system may be used in a variety
of environments.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior
art, the general purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a
detachable container system for an earpiece configured to include
all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks
inherent therein.
[0009] Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to
provide detachable container system for an earpiece that is capable
of holding an earpiece while the earpiece is not in use.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide for a
detachable container system that may allow an earpiece to connect
to a charging mechanism while the earpiece is stored in the
detachable container system disclosed herein.
[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide
for a portable container that may be attached and detached to a
variety of locations depending on a user's preference and/or the
degree of accessibility desired by a user.
[0012] To achieve the above objects, the present disclosure
provides a detachable container system for holding an earpiece, for
example, a Bluetooth.RTM.-enabled earpiece for a mobile device,
therein. The system includes a container for receiving and
securely, but removably retaining the earpiece therein and a
fastener for removable attachment to a fixed-position item, such as
an item in the interior cabin of a vehicle. In a preferred
embodiment, the container system may attach to an item in the cabin
that is within arms-reach of the driver or passenger of the
vehicle. Examples of such an item include, but are not necessarily
limited to, a dashboard, a knob or button of the vehicle's audio
system, or the louver of a vent of the vehicle's air-conditioning
system.
[0013] These together with other aspects of the present disclosure,
along with the various features of novelty that characterize the
present disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the
claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present disclosure.
For a better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating
advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses,
reference should be made to the accompanying drawing and
descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The advantages and features of the present disclosure will
become better understood with reference to the following detailed
description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols,
and in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a detachable container
system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 2 shows a detachable container system in an attached
position and retaining an earpiece, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0017] FIG. 3 shows a fastener arrangement of a detachable
container system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0018] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
description of several views of the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0019] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for
illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in
composition, structure, and design. It should be emphasized,
however, that the present disclosure is not limited to a particular
a foldable tray attachment for a chair and a foldable tray
attachment package, as shown and described. It is understood that
various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated
as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are
intended to cover the application or implementation without
departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present
disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items.
[0020] Unless limited otherwise, the terms "disposed," "coupled,"
"attached," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and
encompass direct and indirect arrangements. The term "top,"
"bottom," "front," "back," "first," "second," and the like, herein
do not denote any order, elevation or importance, but rather are
used to distinguish placement of one element over another. The
terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity,
but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced
items.
[0021] The present disclosure comprises a detachable container
system for holding an earpiece, for example, a
Bluetooth.RTM.-enabled earpiece for a mobile device, therein. The
system includes a container body for receiving the earpiece therein
and a fastener arrangement for removable attachment to a
fixed-position item, such as an item in the interior cabin of a
vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the container body may attach
via a fastener arrangement to an object in the cabin that is within
arms-reach of the driver or passenger of the vehicle. Examples of
such an item include, but are not necessarily limited to, a
dashboard, a knob or button of the vehicle's audio system, or the
louver of a vent of the vehicle's air-conditioning system.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1, a detachable container system 100
comprises a container body 10 with at least one aperture 12
disposed on or near a top side of the body 10 for receiving and
allowing removal of an object such as earpiece therein. The body 10
may comprise a second aperture 14 for allowing attachment of a
power source such as a charging cable (shown as element 40 in FIG.
1) or other accessory of the earpiece to the earpiece. In a
preferred embodiment, the body 10 is in the shape of a cone with a
larger diameter end 16, with the smaller diameter end 18 thereof
being truncated such that the cone shape terminates without a tip
being formed. In this embodiment, body 10 is open (at apertures 12
and 14) at two ends. In such an embodiment, a user may easily
insert the earpiece into the (upward-facing) aperture 12 of the
body 10. It will be apparent that the smaller diameter end 18
(comprising aperture 14) will be of a sufficiently small diameter
to prevent an earpiece from falling through the aperture 14 and out
of the container body 10. The diameter of end 18, however will be
large enough to permit passage of earpiece accessories, such as a
charging cable 40, therethrough.
[0023] The container body 10 may also have an openable lid 20
disposed in proximity to an open side of the container body 10,
which lid 20 may selectively close an open side of the container
10. The lid may attach to and close an open side of the container
by way of a snap fit arrangement, in which embodiment the lid will
be removably attached to the container. The lid may also attach to
and close an open side of the container by way of a hinge
mechanism, in which embodiment the lid will be permanently attached
to the container. In the embodiment where the container system 100
includes a lid 20, a user may secure an earpiece within the
container body 10. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in
protecting and transporting an earpiece when a user has removed the
container system 100 from a vehicle, for instance, for purposes of
carrying it on his or her person. The lid 20 prevents the earpiece
from falling out of the container body 10 particularly when the
container body 10 is carried in a user's pocket, for example, thus
allowing safe transport of the earpiece.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 2, a detachable container system 100
is depicted as being attached to an object (here, the item being a
louver of a vent of the air conditioning system of a vehicle.) The
system 100 further comprises a fastener arrangement 50 for
attaching the container body 10 to the louver. In an embodiment,
the fastener arrangement comprises a clip 52 that attaches to an
object, on which clip 52 the container body 10 may be disposed.
(The attachment of the clip 52 to the container body 10 will be
described in further detail in connection with FIG. 3). In a
preferred embodiment the fastener arrangement 50 of the present
disclosure preferably comprises a clip 52 but may be any other
suitable fastener known in the art, including, but not necessarily
limited to, a region of tacky material that may adhere to the
vehicle item upon application of pressure on the container body and
fastener arrangement 50. Another exemplary fastener arrangement may
be a closeable loop, which a user may open and close to attach and
remove the container to an item. In an embodiment, the clip 52 is
rotatably attached to the container body 10 such that the user can
adjust the vertical orientation of the container body 10 after it
is attached to an object.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 3, the fastener arrangement 50 further
comprises an attachment mechanism, which attachment mechanism is
removably or permanently attached to the container body 10. In
exemplary embodiment, attachment mechanism is shown as a bracket
54, which bracket may receive the clip 52 of the fastener
arrangement 50. The bracket 54 is attached to container body 10,
and the flange is removably attached to an object within the
vehicle (here, shown by way of example, the louver of a vent of the
vehicle's air conditioning system) by way of the clip 52. In this
embodiment, the container may be hung upon the clip 52 when the
bracket 54 is placed onto a flange or knob that is disposed at an
end of the clip 52 that is distal to the vehicle object on which
the clip is fastened.
[0026] The container system 100 may have a light source 70
incorporated on the container body 10 to assist the user in storing
and retrieving an earpiece in the container and in attaching and
removing the container from a vehicle item in dark conditions. In a
preferred embodiment, the light source 70 is an LED light coupled
to a photovoltaic power source 80. The LED light 70 source and
power source 80 may be sufficiently thin that they may be molded
into and made integral to a side of the container body 10.
[0027] The container system 100 may also comprise other components
that are operatively coupled to the photovoltaic power source 80,
such as a USB port (shown in FIG. 3 as element 90) or other port to
which a user may attach another electrical or battery-powered
device (such as a mobile telephone) for recharging or providing
power to such device. It will be apparent that the configuration of
the USB port will be such that an earpiece may still fit inside the
container body 10 and that a charging cable of an earpiece may pass
through an aperture 12 or 14 of the container body 10.
[0028] The container body 10 is preferably formed from lightweight
but resilient materials, such as plastic. The bracket 54 of
fastener arrangement 50 is preferably attached permanently to the
container. The bracket 54 of the fastener arrangement 50 may be
glued, bolted, or screwed to the container, for example, or the
bracket 54 of fastener arrangement be molded to the container body
10. The light source 70 and fastener arrangement 50 should be
disposed opposite one another on the container, so that the light
source 70 projects outwardly away from the object to which the
fastener arrangement 50 attaches the container body 10, and so
that, for example, the light source 70 may illuminate a vehicle's
cabin when the container is fastened to an object in the cabin.
[0029] In use, a user may carry the detachable container system 100
on his or her person, with an earpiece stored therein, to safely
and securely transport an earpiece while the earpiece is not in
use. Upon entering a vehicle or other environment where the
earpiece may be used, the user may attach the container body 10 via
the fastener arrangement 50 to an object in the vehicle. While the
earpiece is in use (for instance, while the user is operating a
vehicle and wishes to talk on his or her mobile telephone at the
same time), the container body 10 remains readily accessible as it
fastened to an object (such as the louver of a vent of the vehicles
air conditioning system). When the earpiece is no longer needed,
for instance, because the user has reached a destination and has
parked the vehicle, the user may then safely store the earpiece in
the container body 10 of the container system 100 for later use.
Should the earpiece require charging, the user can connect the
charging cable of the earpiece (which is usually coupled to the
cigarette lighter or other power outlet of a vehicle) to the
earpiece itself, all the while retaining the earpiece in a safe
location (in the container body 10.) In dark conditions, such as in
a parking garage or in the nighttime, the light source of the
container system 100 will allow the user to quickly and easily
locate the container body 10 and earpiece.
[0030] The detachable container system 1000 as described herein has
the advantages of providing a lightweight and secure system for
protecting and storing an earpiece, and for transporting an
earpiece when not in use. The system 100 reduces the loss of and
damage to such earpieces, and allows safe charging of such
earpieces when the earpieces are not in use. The fastener
arrangement 50 of the container system 100 allows removable
installation of the container system 100 in a variety of
environments, so that the container system 100 may provide storage
and protection in various surroundings.
[0031] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and
obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light
of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and
described in order to best explain the principles of the present
disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others
skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure and various
embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated.
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