U.S. patent application number 13/422321 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-19 for wrist-based systems and methods to carry mobile device(s).
The applicant listed for this patent is David Chen Yu. Invention is credited to David Chen Yu.
Application Number | 20130240580 13/422321 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49156718 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130240580 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yu; David Chen |
September 19, 2013 |
WRIST-BASED SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO CARRY MOBILE DEVICE(S)
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed to conveniently carry a mobile
device, among others, on a wrist brace. The systems include a case
to enclose the mobile device and a system to wear the apparatus on
a wrist. The systems comprised of the case; a case tether coupled
to the case, a base with a case lock; a wristband tether coupled to
a wrist brace, a flexible finger ring to loop around a finger. The
flexible case lock secures the case in a closed position. Also
presented, a method to carry and use the device while tether to a
wrist.
Inventors: |
Yu; David Chen; (Laguna
Niguel, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Yu; David Chen |
Laguna Niguel |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49156718 |
Appl. No.: |
13/422321 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/217 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2005/008 20130101;
A45F 5/00 20130101; A45F 2200/0516 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/217 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus to carry a mobile device, comprising: a case to
enclose the mobile device having a tether-housing; a flexible case
tether or ring adaptably coupled to a base on one end and the other
to the tether-housing on the case; a base with a case lock and
having slots for coupling: to a case tether; to a finger ring; and
to a wristband tether; a case lock to keep the case in a closed
position; a finger ring sized to be wearable on a finger; a
wristband tether slidably coupled to a wrist brace and comprising
of a flexible strap; a wrist brace slidably coupled to the
wrist.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a tether-housing forming a
part of the case having a hook or a bar in its center and
surrounded by a retaining wall.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a case lock located at the
foot of the base for extra security.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the finger ring holds the
apparatus to a user's finger.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wristband tether forms a
loop around the wrist brace and the loop slides along the wrist
brace.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a wrist brace secured to
the base by a wristband tether.
7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the Wrist brace is strapped
around a user's wrist and is secured by: two straps of one with
microscopic hooks and another strip with microscopic loops or the
wrist brace can also be secured by a belt and a buckle; a button
and a buttonhole; a snap button and a receptacle; or any other
coupling device that can secure the wrist brace to the wrist.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the finger ring, the tethers
and wrist brace are fabricated using a material or a combination of
materials from the group consisting of: leather, metal, webbing,
strap, string, fabric, plastic, cloth, rubber and/or synthetic
materials.
9. A method of carrying a mobile device or cell phone, comprising:
inserting the mobile device into a case, wherein the case having a
tether-housing adaptably coupled to a case tether; the flexible
case tether is coupled to a base; a base having a case lock and
couplings for a case tether, a wristband tether and a finger ring;
a wristband tether slidably coupled to a wrist brace on one end and
the other to the base, the tethers and wrist brace are comprising
of flexible straps; a finger ring sized to be wearable on a finger;
a case lock to keep the case in a closed position; and a wrist
brace slidably coupled to the wrist; and attaching and securing the
apparatus to a wrist.
10. The method of claim 9, comprising securing the apparatus to a
finger.
11. The method of claim 9, comprising rotating the mobile device
carried in the apparatus to view and face the images
omni-directionally to a user.
12. The method of claim 9, comprising flexibly extending the case
from the palm of the hand to a comfortable viewing position.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the apparatus can be coupled to
and carried by either left or right wrist.
14. The method of claim 9, comprising protecting the mobile device
from misplacement or fracturing due to accidental dropping and
unforeseeable scratching damages while being enclosed by the case
by wearing the apparatus on a user's wrist.
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] Systems and methods are disclosed to conveniently carry a
mobile device, among others, on a wrist brace. The system includes
a case to secure the mobile device; a case having a hook adapted to
receive a case tether in the form of a strap or ring; a base to
secure a finger ring and a case lock, a wrist brace tether coupled
to a wrist brace and the method to carry the case on the wrist and
the case can be locked and move into a stowed position on the
underside of a user's wrist.
[0005] Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of
the following. The flexibility of the case tether coupled to the
case allows the mobile device to pivot omni-directionally facing to
or facing away from the user. A base serves as the resting cradle
for the case. A wrist brace can be worn on a wrist and slidably
connected to the wristband tether. During use, the mobile device is
inserted into the case. Next, a user slips his/her finger into the
finger ring. The user then wears the wrist brace and secures the
case to the wrist of the user.
[0006] The use of the Tether-housing offers further mobility. The
Case can be detached from the case tether and can be carried around
on its own without attaching to the palm.
[0007] The above embodiment supports carrying the mobile device
while allows the hand wearing the wrist brace to perform other
tasks. This method of carrying devices on the wrist minimizes the
chance of an accidental dropping of the device and misplacing the
device. While working with water or liquid it minimizes the chance
of liquid being spilled onto and damage the device. If the case
were mingled with other personal accessories in the purse or
pocket, scratching the surface of the case is a real possibility
but would be avoided with the using of the present system.
[0008] The carrying devices described above provides for an
efficient and convenient apparatus for carrying, using, and
protecting a personal electronic device that can be attached to a
user's wrist.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary apparatus with a base to carry a
mobile device attached to a user's wrist.
[0010] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary apparatus with a base in an
unlocked position and in use by a user.
[0011] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary apparatus with a base and with its
case detached from its base, along with finger ring, wrist brace
and wristband tether.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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).
[0014] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary apparatus with a base to carry a
mobile device attached to a user's wrist. Case 206 is a Case,
designed to protect a phone or a mobile device. The case 206
contains a hole 204 on the corner to accommodate for a camera
built-in to the mobile device.
[0015] A case lock assembly 220 and a head retaining wall 260
secure the Case 206 to the base 202. The case lock assembly 220
comprises of an unlock switch 222 and a stop. To unlock, a user
would slide the unlock switch 222 back and the case 206 is released
from its locked position and the case 206 is allowed to be lifted
up. The stop would prevent the unlock switch 222 from moving back
more than is needed. To lock the case into the closed position, a
user would align the bottom of the case 206 with the head retaining
wall 260 and presses the case 206 down toward the base 202. When it
reaches the locked position, the case lock assembly 220 locks the
case 206 in its closed position. The location of this case lock
assembly 220 at the foot of the base 202 offers a more secure
locking condition for the case than would be if it were located on
the other end.
[0016] The base 202 is coupled to the Case 206 by a case tether
210. Case tether 210 can be bent and twisted into any desired
positions by a user. The other end of the case tether 210 is hooked
into the tether-housing 208. While hooked to the tether-housing
208, the mobile device is securely attached to the base 202. The
tether-housing 208 is comprises of a hook 272 surrounded by a
retaining wall. The purpose of the retaining wall is to prevent the
case tether 210 from unhooked accidentally. The case tether 210 can
be unhooked from the tether-housing 208 by simply sliding it out
from the hook 272 in the tether-housing 208.
[0017] Base 202 secures the Case 206 to a user's wrist with several
components. A finger ring 218 holds the base 202 to a user's
finger. On the other end, a wristband tether 228 and a wrist brace
230 secures the base 202 to a user's wrist. The wrist brace 230 can
include a wristband and a strap slidably coupled to the wrist.
[0018] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary apparatus with a base in an
unlocked position and in use by a user. In FIG. 2, the user is
typing on the mobile device or phone (not shown) with the user's
fingers. The Case 206 is allowed to move unrestrained by a flexible
case tether 210 (see FIG. 1 also).
[0019] The case lock assembly 220 releases the edge of the Case 206
into the opened position and allows for free movement of the case
206 thus the mobile device. Head retaining wall 260 confines the
Case 206 while it is in its facedown position. While the Case is
upright, the slots 238 for wristband tether 228 are revealed. These
slots 238 secure the wristband tether 228 to the base 202. In turn,
the wristband tether 228 is secured to the wrist brace 230. Finger
ring 218 and Wrist brace 230 works together to keep the base 202 in
place. As the figures demonstrate, the apparatus allows for a great
range of movement of the mobile device.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary apparatus with a base and with its
case detached from its base, along with a finger ring, a wrist
brace and a wristband tether. The case 206 depicted is not
connected to the case tether 210.
[0021] FIG. 3 depicted the case 206 having the tether-housing 208
with its hook 272 in its center surrounded by a retaining wall. In
this depiction, the space beneath the hook is hollowed out to
reduce the height requirement of the tether-housing 208. This
hollowed out is optional. This image also shows the flexible finger
ring 218 and the wrist brace 230. The Wrist brace 230 is secured to
base 202 by a wristband tether 228, which connects with slots 238
on the base 202. Wrist brace 230 would be strapped around a user's
wrist and be secured by two straps of Velcro: one with microscopic
hooks 242 and another strip with microscopic loops 244 as
illustrated. The brace 230 slidably engages the wristband tether
228 to allow movement of the case 206. In one embodiment, the
wristband tether 228 forms a loop around the wrist brace 230 and
the loop can slide around the wrist brace 230. The wrist brace 230
wraps around the user's wrist as shown in FIG. 1. and FIG. 2.
[0022] Tethers 210, 218, 228 and wrist brace 230 may be fabricated
from any suitable material or a combination of webbing, leather,
fabric, plastic, a strap, a string, a ring, cloth or rubber band or
synthetic materials.
[0023] The mechanism of the closures 210,218, 228 and 242 and 244
of wrist brace 230 in one embodiment is comprised of a strap loop,
a band with Velcro type of loops on one side and hooks on another,
a belt and a buckle, a button and buttonhole or a snap button and
receptacle type of configurations. In another embodiment, the
coupling is comprised of threaded loop and stitching/gluing and
clips. Other embodiments may be by a variety of means to accomplish
the task of coupling. The wrist brace 230 is pivotably and
rotatably coupled to one end of the base.
[0024] In order to provide the best viewing and typing angles, the
system flexibly allows the Case to face and pivot in
omni-directions.
[0025] To offer further mobility and with the use of the
Tether-housing, the Case can be detached from the case tether. The
case can then be carried around on its own without attaching to the
palm. The above embodiment supports carrying the mobile device with
or without coupling with a finger ring while allows the hand
wearing the case attached to a wrist to perform other tasks. During
use, the mobile device is inserted into the case housing which is
secured to the base. Next, a user slips his/her finger into the
finger ring that secures the base to the finger. The user then
wears the wrist brace and secures it to the wrist of the user.
[0026] The apparatus described above provides for an efficient and
a convenient apparatus for carrying, using, and protecting a
personal mobile device such as a cell phone or a camera attached to
a user's wrist. These features allow the user to type, take
pictures, and complete other activities with ease.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
* * * * *