U.S. patent application number 13/037352 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-30 for wrist-based systems and methods to carry mobile device(s).
Invention is credited to David Chen Yu.
Application Number | 20120217275 13/037352 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46691045 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120217275 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yu; David Chen |
August 30, 2012 |
WRIST-BASED SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO CARRY MOBILE DEVICE(S)
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed to convenient carry a mobile
device, among others, on a wrist brace. The system includes a case
to enclose the mobile device, the case having first and second
ends; a wrist brace tether coupled to the first end of the case;
and a finger tether coupled to the second end of the case.
Inventors: |
Yu; David Chen;
(US) |
Family ID: |
46691045 |
Appl. No.: |
13/037352 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/267 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2200/0516 20130101;
A45F 5/00 20130101; A45F 2005/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/267 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus to carry a mobile device, comprising: a. a case to
enclose the mobile device, the case having first and second ends;
b. a wrist brace tether coupled to the first end of the case; and
c. a finger tether coupled to the second end of the case.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a finger ring wearable on a
finger and coupled to the finger tether.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a wrist brace adapted to be
worn on a wrist and slidably coupled to the wrist base tether.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein one end of the wrist brace
tether comprises a ring securing the wrist brace to the case.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, comprising attachment pads to secure
the wrist brace to a wearer.
6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the wrist brace carries
multiple accessories, including a purse rotatably coupled to the
wrist brace.
7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the wrist brace carries
multiple accessories, including an identification card enclosure
rotatably coupled to the wrist brace.
8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the wrist brace comprises a
wrist band and a strap slidably coupled to the wrist band.
9. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the wrist brace comprises a
band with loops mounted on one side and adapted to a second band
with hooks on the other side of the wrist brace.
10. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the wrist brace comprises a
pad with Loop and hook attachments mounted on one side and adapted
to attach a second pad with Loop and hook attachments on another
side of the wrist brace.
11. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the wrist brace is pivotably
and rotatably coupled to the first end of the case.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the case comprises a lockable
lid to enclose the mobile device inside the case when the lid is
closed and to provide access to the mobile device when the lid is
opened.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a mobile device housing
coupled to the case.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, comprising an unlockable pin to
secure the mobile device housing to the case while allowing the
mobile device housing to move to a landscape position or a vertical
position.
15. A method of carrying a mobile device, comprising: inserting the
mobile device into a case with first and second ends; attaching the
first end of the case to a wrist attachment; and hanging the mobile
device from the wrist attachment.
16. The method of claim 15, comprising securing the second end to a
finger attachment and wearing the finger attachment on a
finger.
17. The method of claim 15, comprising locking or unlocking a lid
on the case to access the mobile device.
18. The method of claim 15, comprising carrying multiple
accessories including a purse using the wrist attachment.
19. The method of claim 15, carrying multiple accessories including
an identification card holder using the wrist attachment.
20. The method of claim 15, comprising rotating the mobile device
to view images in a landscape position or a vertical position.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention pertains to wrist-based systems and
methods to carry mobile device(s).
[0002] Personal electronic devices have become extremely popular,
providing on-the-go entertainment and data access as well as mobile
phone service. Other personal electronic devices such as music
players and video players have also gained in use and
popularity.
[0003] Personal electronic devices are often carried in a pocket or
purse, or may be attached to a holster attached to a belt. While
some cases may offer protection alone, this protection often fails
to provide quick access, ease of use and may take up room in a
pocket or handbag.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one aspect, systems and methods are disclosed to
convenient carry a mobile device, among other devices, on a wrist
brace. The system includes a case to enclose the mobile device, the
case having first and second ends; a wrist brace tether coupled to
the first end of the case; and a finger tether coupled to the
second end of the case.
[0005] Implementations of the systems may include one or more of
the following. A finger ring can be worn on a finger and secured to
the finger tether. A wrist brace can be worn on a wrist and
slidably connected to the wrist base tether. One end of the wrist
brace tether can be a ring securing the wrist brace to the case.
The case can include a lockable lid to enclose the mobile device
inside the case when the lid is closed and to provide access to the
mobile device when the lid is opened. A pin can be inserted into
the case to secure a mobile device housing to the case. A purse can
be rotatably attached to the wrist brace. An identification card
enclosure can be rotatably attached to the wrist brace. The wrist
brace can be a wrist band and a strap slidably coupled to the wrist
band. The wrist brace can be a pad or a band with loops mounted on
one side and adapted to a second pad or band with hooks on the
other side of the wrist brace. The wrist brace can be a pad or band
with Velcro or suitable loop and hook attachments mounted on one
side and adapted to a second band with suitable loop and hook
attachments on the other side of the wrist brace. The wrist brace
can be pivotably and rotatably coupled to the first end of the
case. A mobile device housing can be attached to the case. An
unlockable pin can be used to secure the mobile device housing to
the case while allowing the mobile device housing to move to a
landscape position or a vertical position.
[0006] In another aspect, a method of carrying a mobile device
includes inserting the mobile device into a case with first and
second ends; attaching the first end of the case to a wrist
attachment; and hanging the mobile device from the wrist
attachment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary apparatus to carry a mobile
device.
[0008] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary hanging configuration where the
case hangs off the wrist brace.
[0009] FIG. 3 shows a multiple-accessory carrying embodiment.
[0010] FIGS. 4A-4B show the phone in landscape view mode and
vertical view mode, respectively.
[0011] FIGS. 5A-5B show exemplary inside views of the carrying
apparatus, while FIG. 5C shows an exemplary outside view of the
carrying apparatus.
[0012] FIG. 6 is an exploded diagram showing the assembly of the
housing to the bottom cover.
[0013] FIGS. 7A-7B show exemplary inside and outside views of the
wrist brace.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Various embodiments are 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 of one or more embodiments. It may
be evident, however, that such embodiment(s) may be practiced
without these specific details. In other instances, well-known
structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to
facilitate describing one or more embodiments.
[0015] In the following paragraphs, the preferred embodiment will
be described in detail by way of example with reference to the
attached drawings. Throughout this description, the preferred
embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars,
rather than as limitations on the preferred embodiment and any
equivalents thereto. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s)
of the preferred embodiment throughout this document does not mean
that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced
feature(s).
[0016] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary apparatus to carry a mobile device
(such as a telephone, camera, or a music player, among others). The
apparatus includes a case 104 to enclose a mobile device housing
102. The mobile device housing 102 can receive a suitable device
such as a cellular telephone or music player, among others. The
case has first and second ends 106 and 108, respectively. The
apparatus also has a wrist brace tether 110 coupled to the first
end 106 of the case 104. A finger tether 112 is positioned at the
second end 108 of the case 104. A user can wear a finger ring 114
on a finger (such as the middle finger) and hook or otherwise
connect the finger ring 114 to the finger tether 112 to secure the
second end 108 of the case 104.
[0017] A wrist brace 116 is worn on a wrist of the user. The brace
116 slidably engages the wrist base tether 110 to allow movement of
the case 104. In one embodiment, the wrist brace tether 110 forms a
loop around the wrist brace 116 and the loop can slide around the
brace 116.
[0018] In one embodiment, one end of the wrist brace tether 110 is
attached to a ring 118 to secure the wrist brace 116 to the first
end 106 of the case 104. The ring is rotatably attached to the case
104 to allow the case 104 to swivel if needed.
[0019] The case 104 includes a lockable lid 120 to enclose the
mobile device housing 102 inside the case 104 when the lid 120 is
closed and to provide access to the mobile device 102 when the lid
120 is opened. A rivet 122 with an unlockable pin is provided on
the case 104 to secure the mobile device housing 102 to the case
104. The rivet 122 allows the mobile device housing 102 to be
rotatably attached to the case 104, as shown in more details in
FIGS. 4A-4B.
[0020] The wrist brace 116 wraps around the user's wrist as shown
in FIG. 1. Wrist brace 116 may be fabricated from any suitable
material, such as leather, fabric, or plastic. Closure of the wrist
brace 116 may be by a variety of means, including but not limited
to: Velcro, threaded loop and stitching/gluing, clips, buckles, or
other means.
[0021] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary hanging configuration where the
case 104 hangs off the wrist brace 116. In this configuration, a
second ring 128 is connected to the ring 118, and the ring 128 can
be opened by a lock/unlock button 129 so that the second ring 128
can be clipped to the ring 118. The lock/unlock button 129 in turn
is secured to the case 104 through a first rivet 113A. Similarly,
the finger tether 112 is secured to the case 104 through a second
rivet 113B. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the finger tether 112 has
a small ring 115 that is connected to the finger ring 114.
[0022] FIG. 2 supports carrying the mobile device while allow the
hand wearing the wrist brace to perform other tasks. During use,
the mobile device is inserted into the housing 102 which is secured
to the case 104. Next, a user slips his/her finger into the finger
ring 114. The user then wears the wrist brace 116 and clips the
ring 128 to the ring to secure the case 104 to the finger and wrist
of the user.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a multiple-accessory carrying embodiment. This
embodiment handles wearing of a purse 130 and an ID card container
140. Similar to the phone case 104, the purse 130 and ID card
enclosure 140 are rotatably connected to the ring 118 of the wrist
brace tether 110. The tether 110 in turn secures the phone case
104, purse 130 and ID card enclosure 140 to the wrist brace 116
which are worn by the user.
[0024] FIGS. 4A-4B show the phone in landscape view mode and
vertical view mode, respectively. The case 104 is flexibly tethered
to the finger and wrist through the rivets 113A-113B, while the
mobile device housing 102 is rotatably attached to the case 104
through the unlockable rivet 122.
[0025] FIGS. 5A-5B show exemplary inside views of the carrying
apparatus, while FIG. 5C shows an exemplary outside view of the
carrying apparatus. In FIGS. 5A-5B, the apparatus has a top cover
200 and a bottom cover 210. A rivet pin hole 212 receives a rivet
with an unlockable head 214 to secure the housing 102 to the bottom
cover 210. A suitable loop and hook attachments attachment pad 216
is mounted on the inside of the lockable lid 120. When closed, the
Loop and hook attachments attachment pad 216 attaches to a
corresponding Loop and hook attachments attachment pad 217 on the
outside of the bottom cover 210. The Loop and hook attachments
attachment pads 216-217 securely close the carrying case 104.
[0026] FIG. 6 is an exploded diagram showing the assembly of the
housing 102 to the bottom cover 210. A recessed region 232 with an
opening at the center is provided to receive a pin 230. A washer
234 is positioned between the housing 102 and the bottom cover 210.
A pin receptacle or head 214 receives the pin 230 to secure the
housing 102 to the bottom cover 210, yet allowing the housing 102
to be able to rotate to a vertical view mode or a landscape view
mode.
[0027] FIGS. 7A-7B show exemplary inside and outside views of the
wrist brace 116. The wrist brace 116 can include a wrist band and a
strap slidably coupled to the wrist band. The wrist brace 116 can
be a band with loops mounted on one side and adapted to a second
band with hooks on the other side of the wrist brace. The wrist
brace can also be a band 310 with Loop and hook attachments mounted
on one side and adapted to a second band 312 with Loop and hook
attachments on the other side of the wrist brace. The wrist brace
116 is pivotably and rotatably coupled to the first end of the
case.
[0028] The apparatus described above provides for an efficient and
convenient apparatus for carrying, using, and protecting a personal
electronic device, purse, and/or ID cards that can be attached to a
user's wrist. The device incorporates a case which provides
protection for the personal electronic device and a wrist
attachment to allow the user to move the device into position for
use, rotate and extend the device as needed for use, and then move
the device into a stowed position on the underside of a user's
wrist.
[0029] While various embodiments have been described above, it
should be understood that they have been presented by way of
example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams
may depict an example of the preferred embodiment, which is done to
aid in understanding the features and functionality that may be
included in the embodiment. The present system is not restricted to
the illustrated example designs or configurations, but the desired
features may be implemented using a variety of alternative designs
and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in
the art how alternative functional, logical or physical
partitioning and configurations may be implemented to implement the
desired features of the present apparatus. Additionally, with
regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method
claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not
mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the
recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates
otherwise.
[0030] Although the above system is described above in terms of
various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be
understood that the various features, aspects and functionality
described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not
limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with
which they are described, but instead may be applied, alone or in
various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments,
whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not
such features are presented as being a part of a described
embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present system should
not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary
embodiments.
[0031] Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations
thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as
open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing:
the term "including" should be read as meaning "including, without
limitation" or the like; the term "example" is used to provide
exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or
limiting list thereof; the terms "a" or "an" should be read as
meaning "at least one," "one or more" or the like; and adjectives
such as "conventional," "traditional," "normal," "standard,"
"known" and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as
limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item
available as of a given time, but instead should be read to
encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard
technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in
the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies
that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the
art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the
skilled artisan now or at any time in the future. A group of items
linked with the conjunction "and" should not be read as requiring
that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping,
but rather should be read as "and/or" unless expressly stated
otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction
"or" should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that
group, but rather should also be read as "and/or" unless expressly
stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or
components of the invention may be described or claimed in the
singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof
unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The
presence of broadening words and phrases such as "one or more," "at
least," "but not limited to" or other like phrases in some
instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is
intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may
be absent. The use of the term "module" does not imply that the
components or functionality described or claimed as part of the
module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all
of the various components of a module, whether control logic or
other components, may be combined in a single package or separately
maintained and may further be distributed across multiple
locations.
[0032] Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are
described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and
other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated
embodiments and their various alternatives may be implemented
without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block
diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed
as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.
[0033] The foregoing description of various disclosed embodiments
is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use
the present invention. The description is not intended to be
limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the
widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features
disclosed herein.
[0034] Various modifications and alterations of the above apparatus
will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the
accompanying claims. It should be noted that steps recited in any
method claims below do not necessarily need to be performed in the
order that they are recited. Those of ordinary skill in the art
will recognize variations in performing the steps from the order in
which they are recited. In addition, the lack of mention or
discussion of a feature, step, or component provides the basis for
claims where the absent feature or component is excluded by way of
a proviso or similar claim language.
* * * * *