U.S. patent application number 13/888998 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-29 for pocket case for mobile communications devices combined with carrying compartment for credit card sized items.
This patent application is currently assigned to CM4. The applicant listed for this patent is Matthew Timothy Altschul, Scott Dolin, Michael Martin. Invention is credited to Matthew Timothy Altschul, Scott Dolin, Michael Martin.
Application Number | 20140148228 13/888998 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48086344 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140148228 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Altschul; Matthew Timothy ;
et al. |
May 29, 2014 |
POCKET CASE FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES COMBINED WITH
CARRYING COMPARTMENT FOR CREDIT CARD SIZED ITEMS
Abstract
A form-fitting case is comprised of two major components: 1) a
structure for carrying mobile communications devices, and 2) a
pocket for carrying of credit card sized devices. The pocket may be
fabricated of fabric or leather. The pocket and structure are
permanently adhered to create a single carrying case for both
mobile communications devices such as cell phones and for items
such as credit cards or paper money.
Inventors: |
Altschul; Matthew Timothy;
(Austin, TX) ; Martin; Michael; (Portland, OR)
; Dolin; Scott; (San Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Altschul; Matthew Timothy
Martin; Michael
Dolin; Scott |
Austin
Portland
San Diego |
TX
OR
CA |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CM4
Austin
TX
|
Family ID: |
48086344 |
Appl. No.: |
13/888998 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13357499 |
Jan 24, 2012 |
8504127 |
|
|
13888998 |
|
|
|
|
61547749 |
Oct 16, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/575.8 ;
156/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/0283 20130101;
H04B 1/3888 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/575.8 ;
156/93 |
International
Class: |
H04B 1/38 20060101
H04B001/38 |
Claims
1. A pocket case for a mobile communications device, the case
comprising; a protective cover for holding the mobile
communications device; a pocket for holding one or more credit card
sized items, the pocket affixed to the protective cover; wherein
the protective cover comprises injection-molded plastic, rubber, or
silicone; wherein the protective cover is substantially
form-fitting to the mobile communications device; and wherein at
least a portion of the pocket is comprised of a flexible fabric or
leather.
2. The pocket case of claim 1, wherein the one or more credit card
sized items have a width no greater than 2.5 inches and a width no
greater than 4 inches;
3. The pocket case of claim 1, wherein the one or more credit card
sized items is selected from a group comprising: a credit card, an
identification card, a driver's license, a debit card, an automated
teller machine card, a membership card, a gift card, a key card, an
employee badge, and paper currency.
4. The pocket case of claim 1, wherein the controls of the mobile
communications device can be operated with the pocket case disposed
on the mobile communications device.
5. The pocket case of claim 1, wherein the case substantially does
not cover a touchscreen of the mobile communications device;
6. The pocket case of claim 1, wherein the pocket is affixed to the
protective cover by an SL Series 286 adhesive.
7. A handheld mobile communications system comprising: a mobile
communications device; a protective cover substantially form-fit to
the mobile communications device; a pocket affixed to the
protective cover; wherein the protective cover comprises
injection-molded plastic, rubber, or silicone; wherein the
protective cover is substantially form-fitting to the mobile
communications device; and wherein at least a portion of the pocket
is comprised of a flexible fabric or leather.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the one or more credit card sized
items have a width no greater than 2.5 inches and a width no
greater than 4 inches;
9. The system of claim 7, wherein the one or more credit card sized
items is selected from a group comprising: a credit card, an
identification card, a driver's license, a debit card, an automated
teller machine card, a membership card, a gift card, a key card, an
employee badge, and paper currency.
10. The system of claim 7, wherein the controls of the mobile
communications device can be operated with the protective cover and
pocket disposed on the mobile communications device.
11. The system of claim 7, wherein the case substantially does not
cover a touchscreen of the mobile communications device;
12. The system of claim 7, wherein the pocket is affixed to the
protective cover by an SL Series 286 adhesive.
13. A method of manufacturing a pocket case for a mobile
communications device, the method comprising: forming an
injection-molded case having a recessed portion and an open
portion, the injection-molded case substantially form-fitting a
mobile communications device; cutting and sewing a pocket for
holding one or more credit card sized items, at least a portion of
the pocket comprising a flexible fabric or leather; affixing the
pocket to a surface within the recessed portion of the
injection-molded case; wherein the protective cover comprises
injection-molded plastic, rubber, or silicone.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more credit card
sized items have a width no greater than 2.5 inches and a width no
greater than 4 inches;
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more credit card
sized items is selected from a group comprising: a credit card, an
identification card, a driver's license, a debit card, an automated
teller machine card, a membership card, a gift card, a key card, an
employee badge, and paper currency.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the controls of the mobile
communications device can be operated with the pocket case disposed
on the mobile communications device.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the case substantially does not
cover a touchscreen of the mobile communications device;
18. The method of claim 13, wherein the pocket is affixed to the
protective cover by an SL Series 286 adhesive.
Description
[0001] The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/357,499, filed Jan. 24, 2012, which claims
priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/547,749, filed
Oct. 16, 2011, which are hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of protective
covers or cases customized to fit handheld mobile communications
devices such as cell phones and personal data assistants (PDAs),
including while these devices are in use. The invention
particularly relates to the functional features of these covers or
cases to hold or carry additional items together with the mobile
communications devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] As communications devices become more capable of handling
multiple tasks, there is less of a need for people to carry as many
items with them on-the-go, leading to a minimization trend. This
trend is particularly apparent in the transition from simple cell
phones to newer generations of cell phones integrating the calling
function with e-mail, mobile apps, movie viewing, GPS navigation,
calendar and clock functions, etc. In addition, the sizes and
shapes of modern cell phones are much more compact than in the
past, now approaching the size of other items commonly carried
on-the-go, such as credit cards, driver licenses, paper money,
etc.
[0004] To facilitate convenient carrying of this smaller number of
items, there is a need for a single carrying device which is
capable of carrying both the mobile communications devices (e.g.,
cellular phones) or PDAs, along with the carrying of these
miscellaneous other items, such as money and credit-card sized
items in a single convenient pocket case.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An object of the invention is to provide a structure by
which a user may carry and operate a mobile communications device
and (optionally) one or more credit card sized items in a single
pocket case.
[0006] A preferred embodiment in accordance with the invention
employs case configured to hold a mobile communications device,
wherein the case is configured with various buttons and holes to
provide access to the control buttons, jacks, lenses, and other
external connections on the mobile communications device. Adhered
to the case is a pocket configured to securely hold one or more
credit card sized items such as credit cards, folded paper money, a
driver license, etc. In a preferred embodiment, a user can operate
the mobile communications device while the device is disposed
within the case.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] For a more thorough understanding of the present invention,
and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is an isometric exploded view of two major components
of the case with an example of a typical mobile communications
device,
[0009] FIG. 2 is an isometric assembly view of the case containing
the mobile communications device and a credit card,
[0010] FIG. 3 is an isometric image of a first embodiment of the
case,
[0011] FIG. 4 is an isometric image of the first embodiment of the
case with a generally light color illustrating carrying of a credit
card and paper money,
[0012] FIG. 5 is an isometric image of the first embodiment of the
case with a generally darker color.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] Embodiments of the invention can provide one or more
advantages over typical carrying cases for mobile communications
devices. Some embodiments of the invention provide a pocket adhered
to the case for the mobile communications device enabling
convenient storage and access to one or more credit card sized
items such as credit cards, folded paper money, a driver's license,
etc. In a preferred embodiment, the case is an injection-molded,
form-fitting case around a mobile communication device that does
not add substantial bulk to the device and allows for access to all
interfaces of the mobile communications device while installed. The
case is comprised of two major components. First, there is an
injection-molded rubber structure that form-fits the mobile
communications device. Second, there is a cut-and-sewn flexible
fabric leather pocket designed to fit inside a recessed area on the
injection-molded case. The pocket is made with materials preferably
designed to be able to adhere sturdily to the injection-molded case
with an adhesive, preferably an SL Series 286 adhesive. In a
preferred embodiment, the pocket allows for storage of at least one
credit card sized item having length of 3.375 inches and a width of
2.125 inches.
[0014] FIG. 1 is an isometric exploded view 100 of two major
components of the case with an example of a typical mobile
communications device 106. A case 104 for holding the mobile
communications device 106 may typically be comprised of plastic,
rubber, or silicone. The case may typically be formed by injection
molding or other techniques compatible with the material used to
form the case 104. A retaining wall 157 is configured to form one
side of an enclosure or pocket 154 for containing credit card sized
items as shown on one side of the case 104. Another side of the
enclosure or pocket 154 is formed by cover 102, at least a portion
of which may typically comprise leather or flexible fabric which is
firmly adhered to the case 104. The adhering step is indicated by
assembly arrow 108. A notch 156 in the retaining wall 157 enables
easy access to the underside of credit card sized items which have
previously been inserted into the pocket, thereby facilitating more
easy removal of these items when needed.
[0015] Assembly of the case 104 over a typical mobile
communications device 106 is indicated by assembly arrow 110.
Modern mobile communications devices have a number of functions,
many of which require various control buttons or connections. To
enable proper operation of the mobile communications device 106
when enclosed in case 104, various access holes or buttons are
required. For example, button 132 on case 104 is configured to
enable pushing of button 112 on device 106. Similarly button 134
enables pushing of button 114. Access hole 136 in case 104
facilitates operation of slider switch 116 on device 106. Access
hole 138 in case 104 enables access to connector 118 in device 106.
Button 140 enables pushing of button 120. Access hole 142 in case
104 provides an opening for camera lens 122 in device 106. The
button and access hole locations and functions described here are
exemplary only, and are not part of the present invention. Each
mobile communications device 106 could require a particular design
of buttons and access holes in case 104 to enable proper operation
of the device 106.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an isometric assembly view 200 of the case 104
containing the mobile communications device 106 and a credit card
152 within the enclosure at the side of case 104. A credit card 252
is shown contained in the pocket 154. Cover 102 of pocket 154 has
an edge 255 which is recessed to enable easy access to any credit
card sized items contained within pocket 154. Notch 156 in wall 157
surrounding pocket 154 enables a user to extend a fingernail or
other sharp device underneath credit card 151, for example, thereby
raising it to pass over wall 157 for easy removal from pocket 154.
Opening 150 with edge 251 is configured to enable easy access to
the other side of credit card 252, for example, allowing card 252
to be pushed forward past wall 157 during removal of card 252 from
pocket 154.
[0017] FIG. 3 is an isometric image 300 of a first embodiment of
the pocket case of the invention with numerical callouts
corresponding to elements in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0018] FIG. 4 is an isometric image 400 of the first embodiment of
the pocket case of the invention with a generally light color
illustrating carrying of a credit card 406 and paper money 408.
Other numerical callouts correspond to elements in FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0019] FIG. 5 is an isometric image 500 of the first embodiment of
the case with a generally darker color. Callout numbers correspond
to those in FIGS. 1 through 4.
[0020] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is
not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the
process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means,
methods and steps described in the specification. As one of
ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the
disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines,
manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps,
presently existing or later to be developed that perform
substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same
result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be
utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the
appended claims are intended to include within their scope such
processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,
methods, or steps.
* * * * *