U.S. patent application number 14/180891 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-19 for apparatus with rotating disc for electronic devices and the like.
The applicant listed for this patent is Philip J. Leisey-Bartsch. Invention is credited to Philip J. Leisey-Bartsch.
Application Number | 20140166707 14/180891 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50929768 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140166707 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leisey-Bartsch; Philip J. |
June 19, 2014 |
APPARATUS WITH ROTATING DISC FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND THE
LIKE
Abstract
It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a novel
case apparatus designed for portable electronic devices and the
like. In preferred embodiments, a strap is configured to secure the
apparatus to the hand or other body part of a user while allowing
the user rotate the electronic device and apparatus 360 degrees and
slide the device back and forth in at least one direction. In
preferred embodiments, the apparatus comprises: a bottom case
configured to contact an electronic device; a top case wherein the
top case comprises an access aperture; an engagement cavity located
between and bounded by the top case and the bottom case; and a disc
secured in the cavity and connected to a strap wherein the disc is
configured to rotate and slide while being secured in the channel
thereby providing a means for the apparatus to rotate 360
degrees.
Inventors: |
Leisey-Bartsch; Philip J.;
(Glenmoore, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Leisey-Bartsch; Philip J. |
Glenmoore |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50929768 |
Appl. No.: |
14/180891 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14109180 |
Dec 17, 2013 |
|
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|
14180891 |
|
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|
|
61737875 |
Dec 17, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/197 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2200/0516 20130101;
H04B 1/3888 20130101; A45F 2005/008 20130101; A45F 5/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/197 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/00 20060101
A45C011/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus capable of securing a portable electronic device,
the apparatus comprising: a top case wherein the top case comprises
an access aperture; a bottom case wherein the bottom case is
configured to contact a portable electronic device; an engagement
cavity between top case and bottom case; and a disc configured to
spin while slidably secured with the access aperture.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the disc comprises a strap.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the disc comprises a strap
passage.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the strap is made from elastic
material.
5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the disc comprises a top disc
and a bottom disc.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the disc comprises a strap
passage.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the strap is made from elastic
material.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the disc comprises a top disc
and a bottom disc.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the disc comprises a strap.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the top disc comprises a strap
passage.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the strap is made from
elastic material.
12. An apparatus capable of securing a portable electronic device,
the apparatus comprising: a top case wherein the top case comprises
an access aperture; a bottom case wherein the bottom case is
configured to contact a portable electronic device; an engagement
cavity between top case and bottom case wherein the engagement
cavity is bounded by a top case depression located on the top case
and two slider channels located on the bottom case; a sliding
member wherein the sliding member is slidably secured within the
engagement cavity; and a disc configured to rotate within a sliding
member aperture.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the sliding member comprises
a left rail and a right rail configured to be slidably secured
within the engagement cavity.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the disc comprises a
strap.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the strap is made from
elastic material.
16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the disc comprises a top disc
and a bottom disc.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the top disc comprises a
strap passage.
18. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the left rail is adapted to
moveably engage in a left slider channel the right rail is adapted
to moveably engage in right slider channel, said left slider
channel and right slider channel formed in the bottom case.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the disc comprises a
strap.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the disc comprises a top disc
and a bottom disc and said top disc comprises a strap passage.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a U.S. continuation-in-part of,
and claims priority to, co-pending non-provisional patent
application Ser. No. 14/109,180 filed on Dec. 17, 2013, and
entitled "ELECTRONIC DEVICE CASE WITH ROTATING AND SLIDING STRAP"
which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No.
61/737,875 filed Dec. 17, 2012, and entitled "ELECTRONIC DEVICE
CASE WITH ROTATING AND SLIDING STRAP" the entire contents of both
above-referenced patent applications are incorporated by reference
herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of portable
electronic device cases. More specifically, the invention relates
to portable electronic device case apparatuses capable of securing
to various parts of the hand such as the finger.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Since the early 2000s there has been an influx of portable
electronic devices, more commonly referred to as portable cellular
phones, smart phones, small computers, and the like that are
designed with a proportionally large glass viewing screen and
interface areas. With technology advancing at great leaps and
bounds, the internal components of these devices are decreasing in
size thus making portable electronic devices very thin in
design.
[0004] Concurrent with the influx of new portable electronic
devices, there has also been a need for new carrying and protective
cases for each make and model of electronic device introduced.
These cases are made from a wide range of material including hard
plastics, soft plastics, metal alloys, wood, rubber, silicone, and
even leather. These cases are configured to conform tightly around
the devices and preferably with one or more openings at appropriate
locations for operation of the device, connections ports for
external communications, speaker openings, power supply
connections, as well as head phone connections.
[0005] Unfortunately, if the user happens to drop the portable
electronic device and the glass interface breaks or shatters, the
user can expect to spend a significant amount of time and money to
get the portable electronic device's screen replaced and in many
cases the cost of repair may exceed the purchase price of a new
device. For this reason, cases for portable electronic devices are
often marketed to the consumer as protection against scratches,
chips, and breakage to the glass interface and other surfaces.
These cases may also be securable to holsters with clips that allow
attachment to clothing, belts, purses, and the like. When the user
releases the portable electronic device from the holster for
operation, the case is now in the hands of the user where the
chance of dropping the device increases. However, small computers
and other larger electronic devices are often too big for the
holster, so the preferred method of carrying the device is under
the arm or like a book. This method of carrying tends to produce a
greater chance of dropping the portable electronic device thus
leading to probable breakage when the device hits the ground.
[0006] In recent years there has been a new trend in portable
electronic devices which are typically larger than cell phones and
are commonly referred to as tablets. The typical design of a tablet
is very thin. Tablets offer an interactive computer screen with a
touch operated interface and on screen QWERTY keyboard display as
one of several means of interacting with the tablet. The
configuration of the tablet allows the tablet to be held in the
hand(s) in either a vertical or horizontal position for
operation.
[0007] One of the more common ways the user is able to hold and
interact with modern portable electronic devices is by using their
hands. For example, the smart phone and other portable electronic
devices allow for modes of communication via talking into a
microphone or via texting messages using the on screen QWERTY
keyboard. Optionally, the user may hold the portable electronic
device upright in a vertical position to enter the phone number
through an on screen numeric keypad, and then rotate the phone to a
horizontal position to communicate via the QWERTY keyboard to enter
text messages and other information. Rotation of the portable
electronic device with the hands between horizontal positions and
vertical positions will increase the probability the user will lose
their grip on the portable electronic device and drop the device to
the ground resulting in possible damage.
[0008] Therefore, a need exists for a novel portable electronic
device case that is able to protect the device from damage such as
scratches, chips, and breakage to the glass interface and other
surfaces. There is a further need for the case to be able to rotate
the portable electronic device between horizontal and vertical
positions while remaining secured to the user's hand. Finally,
there exists a need for a case which allows the user to reposition
or slide the portable electronic device relative to the user's hand
while at the same time being able to rotate the case to change the
viewing angle of the electronic device screen and onscreen
keyboard.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a novel
case apparatus designed for securing portable electronic devices
and the like and providing a secure grip via a strap. The strap is
configured to secure to the hand or other body part while allowing
the user the ability to rotate the electronic device 360 degrees
and slide the device back and forth in a bi-directional manner.
[0010] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an
apparatus for securing and selectively positioning a portable
electronic device, comprising: a bottom case configured to contact
an electronic device; a top case wherein the top case comprises an
access aperture; an engagement cavity located between and bounded
by the top case and the bottom case; and a disc secured in the
engagement cavity and connected to a strap wherein the disc is
configured to rotate and slide while being secured in the
engagement cavity thereby providing a means for the apparatus to
rotate 360 degrees.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as
an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying
drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements
and in which:
[0012] FIG. 1--FIG. 1 depicts a rear perspective view of an example
of an electronic device case apparatus secured to the hand of a
user according to various embodiments of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2--FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective exploded view of an
example of an electronic device case apparatus according to various
embodiments described herein.
[0014] FIG. 3--FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the front of an
example of a bottom case according to various embodiments described
herein.
[0015] FIG. 4--FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the back of an
example of a bottom case according to various embodiments described
herein.
[0016] FIG. 5--FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the front
of an example of a top case according to various embodiments
described herein.
[0017] FIG. 6--FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the back of an
example of a top case according to various embodiments described
herein.
[0018] FIG. 7--FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the front of an
example of a top disc according to various embodiments described
herein.
[0019] FIG. 8--FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the back of
an example of a bottom disc according to various embodiments
described herein.
[0020] FIG. 9--FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an example of a
sliding member according to various embodiments described
herein.
[0021] FIG. 10--FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of the back of
an example of an electronic device case apparatus according to
various embodiments described herein.
[0022] FIG. 11--FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the back
of an example of an electronic device case apparatus according to
various alternative embodiments described herein.
[0023] FIG. 12--FIG. 12 shows a cross sectional view along the
plane 12 indicated in FIG. 10 of an example of an electronic device
case apparatus according to various alternative embodiments
described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and
all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As
used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended
to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further
understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when
used in this specification, specify the presence of stated
features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do
not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof.
[0025] It should be understood that for the purposes of
understanding the orientation of individual elements of the
invention, the terms "front" and "front face" shall generally be
used to indicate a surface of an element that when assembled in an
electronic device case apparatus is orientated toward the primary
display screen of the electronic device. Conversely, for the
purposes of understanding the orientation of individual elements of
the invention, the terms "back", "back face", and "rear" shall
generally be used to indicate a surface of an element that when
assembled in an electronic device case apparatus is orientated away
from (i.e. faces away from) the primary display screen of the
electronic device.
[0026] It should also be understood that the terms "right" and
"left" are used solely to denote opposite sides of an element and
should not unnecessarily be construed as limiting the position or
orientation of said element.
[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present
disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly
formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0028] In describing the invention, it will be understood that a
number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has
individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with
one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed
techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description
will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the
individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the
specification and claims should be read with the understanding that
such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention
and the claims.
[0029] New electronic device cases and apparatuses are discussed
herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation,
numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be
evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present
invention may be practiced without these specific details.
[0030] The present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the
invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or
description below.
[0031] The present invention will now be described by example and
through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and
alternative embodiments. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an
electronic device case apparatus ("the apparatus") 100 secured to a
user's hand 300 according to various embodiments. In this example,
the apparatus 100 comprises a strap 190 configured to secure to one
finger. In other embodiments, the strap 190 may be configured to
secure to any number of fingers and even to other body parts such
as to a user's palm. The strap 190 may be made from any elastic
material, non-elastic material, woven material, fabric or cloth
material, natural webbing such as cotton webbing, synthetic webbing
such as nylon webbing, other non-fabric materials such as silicone,
rubber, plastics, or any other suitable material. In some
alternative embodiments, a handle or finger hold may be used in
place of, or in addition to, the strap 190. In preferred
embodiments, the strap 190 is made from elastic material such as a
polyester woven elastic. A camera sensor 201 typically found on the
back of a portable electronic device ("the electronic device") 200
can be seen through the sensor aperture 80 (FIGS. 3-4) located on
the back of the apparatus 100.
[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective exploded view of an example
of an electronic device case apparatus 100 according to various
embodiments described herein. In this embodiment, the apparatus 100
comprises a rotating disc 400 (FIGS. 10 and 11) preferably
comprising a top disc 160 and a bottom disc 90 which are rotatably
attached to each other and rest within a sliding member 120. The
top disc 160 and the bottom disc 90 are configured to attach to
each other and fit through the sliding member aperture 130 thereby
allowing top disc 160 and bottom disc 90 to rotate while being
located within the sliding member aperture 130.
[0033] In preferred embodiments, the sliding member 120 comprises a
left rail 140 and a right rail 150 which are configured to slidably
engage with the left slider channel 50 and right slider channel 60
respectively and with said left slider channel 50 and right slider
channel 60 located on the left and right perimeter sides of the
bottom case 35. The top case 20 is configured to fit over bottom
case 35 and attach to the electronic device 200 thereby securing
the left rail 140 and a right rail 150 of the sliding member 120
between the top case 20 and bottom case 35 and preferably into
recesses located within the left slider channel 50 and right slider
channel 60.
[0034] The rotating disc 400 (FIGS. 10 and 11), top disc 160,
bottom disc 90, sliding member 120, top case 20, and bottom case 35
may be made from durable materials such as hard plastics, metal
alloys, wood, hard rubbers, carbon fiber, or any other suitable
materials including combinations of materials. Additionally,
durable and slightly flexible materials may be used such as soft
plastics, silicone, soft rubbers, or any other suitable materials
including combinations of materials. In preferred embodiments, hard
plastics are used to fabricate the apparatus 100.
[0035] In preferred embodiments, the strap 190 is configured to
attach to the top disc 160, for example by passing through two
strap passages 185 with both ends of the strap 190 optionally
secured between the top disc 160 and bottom disc 90 within the
bottom disc strap recess 112. In some embodiments, the two ends of
the strap 190 may be secured to each other to prevent the strap 190
from exiting the strap passages 185. The two ends of the strap 190
may be secured to each other with a spur washer, stitching, glue,
chemical bonding, heat bonding, or other suitable joining
technique. In other embodiments, the two ends of the strap 190 may
contain a blocking element larger than the strap passages 185 to
prevent the ends of the strap 190 from exiting the strap passages
185. In further embodiments, the top disc 160 may comprise one,
three, or more strap passages 185 configured to secure one or more
straps 190. In still further embodiments, the strap 190 may be
attached to the top disc 160 with glue, chemical bonding, heat
bonding, or other suitable bond or through a fastener such as screw
type fastener.
[0036] Turning now to FIG. 3 a perspective view is shown of the
front of an exemplary bottom case 35. In this example, the front of
the bottom case 35 is configured to contact the back of an
electronic device 200 (FIG. 1) which typically comprises a camera
sensor 201 (FIG. 1) so that the front of the bottom case 35 is
facing the same direction as the front of an electronic device 200
(FIG. 1) which typically comprises a touch screen display. To allow
for operation of camera sensors, flashes, microphones, and the
like, one or more sensor apertures 80 may be positioned on the
bottom case 35.
[0037] One or more optional device skirts 27 may be positioned
along the perimeter portions of the bottom case 35 which are
configured to contact an electronic device 200 (FIG. 1) and/or to
maintain the position of the bottom case 35 on the electronic
device 200 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the device skirt 27 may
be configured to secure to an electronic device 200 (FIG. 1) by
partially or fully wrapping around the electronic device 200 (FIG.
1) proving a layer of protection to the device 200 (FIG. 1).
[0038] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the back of an
exemplary bottom case 35 according to various embodiments described
herein. In some embodiments and in the present example, one or more
female shaped slots 40 may be placed on the bottom case 35 which
are configured to mate with one or more optional complementary male
shaped tabs 30 (FIG. 5) which may be used to maintain the positions
of the top case 20 (FIG. 2) and the bottom case 35 in relation to
each other.
[0039] In some embodiments, an optional bottom case depression 70
which forms a recessed area on the back side of the bottom case 35
may be configured to allow the sliding member 120, top disc 160,
and bottom disc 90 (FIG. 2) to slide and rotate freely between the
top case 20 (FIG. 2) and the bottom case 35. In some embodiments,
one or more bottom case depressions 70 are configured to form an
engagement cavity 15 (FIGS. 10, 11, and 12) and slidably secure the
sliding member 120 (FIG. 2) between the top case 20 (FIG. 2) and
the bottom case 35. In alternative embodiments, one or more bottom
case depressions 70 are configured to form one or more engagement
cavities 15 (FIGS. 10, 11, and 12) and slidably and rotatably
secure the top disc 160 (FIG. 2) between the top case 20 (FIG. 2)
and the bottom case 35. In other embodiments, the bottom case 35
may not comprise a bottom case depression 70. In further
embodiments, the bottom case 35 may comprise two or more bottom
case depressions 70 which may be used to form two or more
engagement cavities 15 (FIGS. 10, 11, and 12) and guide the sliding
travel movement of the sliding member 120 (FIG. 2) and/or the
sliding travel movement and rotational movement of a rotating disc,
the top disc 160 (FIG. 2) and/or bottom disc 90 (FIG. 2).
[0040] Still referring to FIG. 4, in preferred embodiments, the
bottom case further comprises a slider channel such as a left
slider channel 50 and a right slider channel 60 which are
configured to form two engagement cavities 15 (FIGS. 10, 11, and
12) at the side perimeter edges of the bottom case 35. Left slider
channel 50 and right slider channel 60 are preferably recessed and
configured to receive and slidably engage the left rail 140 and a
right rail 150, respectively, of the sliding member 120 (FIG. 2).
In some embodiments, the left slider channel 50 and right slider
channel 60 comprise a substantially recessed concave shape which
slidably engages a complementary convex shaped terminal end 140A of
left rail 140 (FIG. 9) and a complementary convex shaped terminal
end 150A of right rail 150 (FIG. 9). In this embodiment, the left
slider channel 50 and right slider channel 60 may be used to form
two engagement cavities 15 (FIGS. 10, 11, and 12) or tracks used to
guide the sliding travel movement of the sliding member 120 (FIG.
2) or disc 400 (FIGS. 10 and 11) thus slidably engaging the sliding
member 120 and disc 400 (FIGS. 10 and 11) between top case 20 and
bottom case 35. In some embodiments, a left slider channel 50 and a
right slider channel 60 may be configured to form two engagement
cavities 15 (FIGS. 10, 11, and 12) and slidably secure the sliding
member 120 between the top case 20 (FIG. 2) and the bottom case 35.
In other embodiments, a left slider channel 50 and a right slider
channel 60 may be configured to form two engagement cavities 15
(FIGS. 10, 11, and 12) and slidably and rotatably secure the disc
400 (FIGS. 10 and 11) between the top case 20 and the bottom case
35 (FIGS. 11). In still other embodiments, the bottom case 35 may
not comprise a left slider channel 50 and a right slider channel
60. In some alternative embodiments, top case 20 may comprise
slider channels such as or similar to a left slider channel 50 and
a right slider channel 60.
[0041] As perhaps best shown by FIG. 5, a side perspective view of
the front of an example of a top case 20 according to various
embodiments described herein is shown. The top case 20 is
configured to contact the back side of the bottom case 35 (FIGS. 2,
3, and 4) and may be removably attached to the bottom case 35
(FIGS. 2, 3, and 4). In this and preferred embodiments, the top
case 20 may be configured to removably attach to the back side of
the bottom case 35 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 4) through the mating of one or
more male shaped tabs 30 which may be placed on the top case 20 and
are configured to mate with one or more complementary female shaped
slots 40 (FIG. 4) both of which may be used to maintain the
positions of the top case 20 and the bottom case 35 (FIGS. 2, 3,
and 4) in relation to each other.
[0042] One or more optional device skirts 27 may be positioned
along the perimeter portions of the top case 20 which are
configured to maintain the position of the top case 20. In some
embodiments, the device skirts 27 may be configured to secure to an
electronic device 200 (FIG. 1) by partially wrapping around the
electronic device 200 (FIG. 1) and may provide added protection for
the device against wear and abuse. In other embodiments, one or
more of the device skirts 27 may contact a portion of the
electronic device 200 directly or the bottom case 35 (FIGS. 2, 3,
and 4) in order to maintain the position of the top case 20 on the
electronic device 200 (FIG. 1) and bottom case 35 (FIGS. 2, 3, and
4). In further embodiments, one or more of the device skirts 27 may
be configured to secure to the bottom case 35 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 4)
by partially wrapping around the bottom case 35 (FIGS. 2, 3, and
4).
[0043] In preferred embodiments and still referring to FIG. 5, the
top case 20 comprises two top case depressions 250 which are
located on opposite sides of the access aperture 230 and thus form
two engagement cavities 15 (FIGS. 10, 11, and 12). The top case
depressions 250 may be configured function as engagement cavities
15 (FIGS. 10, 11, and 12) to allow the sliding member 120 (FIG. 2)
to slide freely between the top case 20 and the bottom case 35
(FIGS. 2, 3, and 4). In some embodiments, the top case depressions
250 may be configured as engagement cavities 15 (FIGS. 10, 11, and
12) to slidably secure the sliding member 120 (FIG. 2) between the
top case 20 and the bottom case 35 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 4). In other
embodiments, the top case depressions 250 may be configured as
engagement cavities 15 (FIGS. 10, 11, and 12) to slidably and
rotatably secure the disc 400 (FIG. 11) between the top case 20 and
the bottom case 35 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 4). In still other embodiments,
the top case 20 may be configured without top case depressions
250.
[0044] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the back of an example of
a top case 20 according to various embodiments of the present
invention. In this embodiment, the top case 20 comprises two device
skirts 27, an access aperture 230 which passes completely through
the top case 20 and occupies about 50-90% of longitudinal surface
area but preferably about 60-80% of longitudinal surface area of
the top case 20. In preferred embodiments, the access aperture 230
comprises two opposite rounded ends providing a means for disc 400
to slide and rotate back and forth within the access aperture
230.
[0045] Turning now to FIG. 7, a perspective view of the front of an
example of a top disc 160 according to various embodiments of the
present invention is depicted. In preferred embodiments, top disc
160 and bottom disc 90 (FIG. 8) are configured to mate and form
disc 400 (FIGS. 10 and 11). In this example, the top disc 160
comprises two strap passages 185 or slits which allow portions of
the strap 190 (FIG. 2) to pass through the top disc 160 and be
retained in the optional top disc strap recess 170. In this
example, four support arcs 175 are configured to receive and be
secured to two complementary shaped bottom disc raised
reinforcements 110 (FIG. 8) positioned on the back of the bottom
disc (FIG. 8). Also depicted in this embodiment are two top disc
alignment slots 180 which may be configured to receive and be
secured to two complementary shaped bottom disc alignment keys 105
(FIG. 8) positioned on the back of the bottom disc (FIG. 8). The
top disc 160 may further comprise one or more fastener apertures
165 which may receive and secure one or more fasteners, such as
screw type fasteners, in order to attach the top disc 160 to the
bottom disc 90 (FIG. 8). In some embodiments, the top disc 160 and
bottom disc 90 may be attached together with glue, chemical
bonding, heat bonding, snap-fit, snap-it, or other suitable bond
including being substantially molded together. In other
embodiments, the top disc 160 may comprise one, two, three, five,
or more support arcs 175. In still other embodiments, the top disc
160 may not comprise support arcs 175. In further embodiments, the
top disc 160 may comprise one, three, or more top disc alignment
slots 180. In still further embodiments, the top disc 160 may not
comprise top disc alignment slots 180.
[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the back of an
example of a bottom disc 90 comprising an optional bottom disc
strap recess 112 which is configured to align with the top disc
strap recess 170 (FIG. 7) thereby providing a space for the ends of
the strap 190 (FIG. 2) to reside between the bottom disc 90 and top
disc 160 (FIG. 7). In this embodiment, the bottom disc 90 comprises
two bottom disc raised reinforcements 110 which are configured to
receive and be secured to one or more support arcs 175 (FIG. 7)
positioned on the front of the top disc (FIG. 7). Also depicted in
this embodiment are two bottom disc alignment keys 105 which are
configured to receive and be secured to two complementary shaped
top disc alignment slots 180 (FIG. 7) positioned on the front of
the top disc 160 (FIG. 7). The bottom disc 90 may comprise one or
more fastener apertures 165 which may receive and secure one or
more fasteners, such as screw type fasteners, in order to attach
the bottom disc 90 to the top disc 160 (FIG. 7). In some
embodiments, the bottom disc 90 may comprise one, two, three, five,
or more bottom disc raised reinforcements 110. In still other
embodiments, the bottom disc 90 may not comprise bottom disc raised
reinforcements 110. In further embodiments, the bottom disc 90 may
comprise one, three, or more bottom disc alignment keys 105. In
still further embodiments, the bottom disc 90 may not comprise
bottom disc alignment keys 105.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 9, a perspective view of an example of
a sliding member 120 according to various embodiments of the
present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the sliding member
120 comprises a sliding member aperture 130 with a diameter which
is preferably slightly smaller than the largest diameter of bottom
disc 90 (FIGS. 2 and 8) and top disc 160 (FIGS. 2 and 7) thereby
preventing bottom disc 90 (FIGS. 2 and 8) and connected top disc
160 (FIGS. 2 and 7) from escaping and disengaging from sliding
member 120. In preferred embodiments, the sliding member 120
aperture 130 is configured to be slightly larger than the largest
diameter of the top disc 160 (FIGS. 2 and 7) supporting arcs 175
and bottom disc 90 (FIGS. 2 and 8) raised plateau 110 allowing the
bottom disc 90 (FIGS. 2 and 8) and connected top disc (FIGS. 2 and
7) to freely rotate inside the aperture 130 of the sliding member
120 thereby preventing bottom disc 90 (FIGS. 2 and 8) and connected
top disc 160 (FIGS. 2 and 7) from escaping and disengaging from
sliding member 120. In other preferred embodiments, sliding member
aperture 130 is further configured to be large enough to facilitate
the connection between support arcs 175 (FIG. 7), top disc
alignment slots 180 (FIG. 7), bottom disc raised reinforcements 110
(FIG. 8), and bottom disc alignments keys 100 (FIG. 8) so that all
four of these elements are able to be rotatably positioned inside
the sliding member aperture 130. In this manner, the bottom disc 90
(FIG. 8) may be aligned and joined to the top disc 160 (FIG. 7)
with the sliding member 120 rotatably secured in between so that
the bottom disc 90 (FIG. 8) and the top disc 160 (FIG. 7) may
slidably rotate as one unit as a disc 400 in the sliding member
aperture 130 and are held in place, in some embodiments, by the by
the depression 70 of the bottom case 35.
[0048] Still referring to FIG. 9, in preferred embodiments, sliding
member 120 is slidably secured between top case 20 and bottom case
35 by a left rail 140 and a right rail 150 which may preferably
contain a convex shaped terminal end 140A of left rail 140 and a
convex shaped terminal end 150A of right rail 150 although other
shapes for the terminal end may be used. In preferred embodiments,
a left rail 140 and a right rail 150 are configured to be slidably
secured in two engagement cavities 15 (FIGS. 10, 11, and 12) formed
between the top case 20 (FIGS. 2, 5, and 6) and bottom case 35
(FIGS. 2, 3, and 4) by a left slider channel 50 and a right slider
channel 60 positioned in the bottom case 35 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 4). In
other embodiments, a left rail 140 and a right rail 150 are
configured to be further slidably secured in two engagement
cavities 15 (FIGS. 10, 11, and 12) formed between the top case 20
(FIGS. 2, 5, and 6) and bottom case 35 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 4) by two
top case depressions 250 positioned in the top case 20 (FIGS. 2, 5,
and 6). In further embodiments, a left rail 140 and a right rail
150 are configured to be slidably secured in two engagement
cavities 15 (FIGS. 10, 11, and 12) formed between the top case 20
(FIGS. 2, 5, and 6) and bottom case 35 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 4) by two
top case depressions 250 positioned in the top case 20 (FIGS. 2, 5,
and 6) and a complementary positioned left slider channel 50 and a
complementary positioned right slider channel 60 positioned in the
bottom case 35 (FIGS. 2, 3, and 4).
[0049] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of the back of an example
of an electronic device case apparatus 100 according to various
embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the
apparatus 100 comprises a disc 400 which may be made up of a top
disc 160 (FIGS. 2 and 7) and bottom disc 90 (FIGS. 2 and 8) both of
which are rotatably positioned within a sliding member aperture 130
of a sliding member 120. A bottom case depression 70 prevents the
bottom disc 90 and optionally portions of the sliding member 120
from excessive frictional contact with the bottom case 35. In this
embodiment, the sliding member 120 is slidably secured in two
engagement cavities 15 formed between a top case 20 and bottom case
35. In this embodiment, the engagement cavities 15 are created and
bounded by a top case depression 250 located on the left side and a
top case depression 250 located on the right side of the access
aperture 230 in the top case 20. In this example, a strap 190 is
mounted to the top disc 160 (FIGS. 2 and 7) or disc 400 through two
strap passages 185. In this manner, the strap 190 of the apparatus
100 may be secured to a user's hand 300 (FIG. 1) allowing the strap
190 to rotate 360 degrees and slide back and forth within the
access aperture 230. The rotating and sliding ability allows
portions of the apparatus 100 securing an electronic device 200
(FIG. 1) to rotate and slide the electronic device 200 (FIG. 1) in
a plurality of orientations while the strap 190 and therefore the
apparatus 100 and electronic device 200 (FIG. 1) remain secured to
the user's hand 300 (FIG. 1). Plane line 12 is shown as a dotted
line and serves as the point of view for the side cross sectional
illustration of FIG. 12.
[0050] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the back of an
example of an electronic device case apparatus 100 according to
various alternative embodiments of the present invention. In these
embodiments, the apparatus 100 comprises a disc 400 which is
rotatably and slidably secured in two engagement cavities 15
located between the top case 20 and bottom case 35. In this
embodiment, the engagement cavities 15 may comprise two top case
depressions 250 located on the right side and left side of the
access aperture 230 of the top case 20. The diameter of the disc
400 is larger than the diameter of the access aperture 230 and
slightly smaller than the dimensions of the two top case
depressions 250 so that the disc 400 may rotate and slide toward
and away from the sensor aperture 80 while remaining secured within
the engagement cavities 15 of the apparatus 100. A strap 190 is
mounted to the top of disc 400 through two strap passages 185 or by
other suitable means. In this manner, the strap 190 of the
apparatus may be secured to a user's hand 300 (FIG. 1) allowing the
strap 190 to rotate and slide relative to the apparatus 100. The
rotating and sliding ability allows portions of the apparatus 100
securing an electronic device 200 (FIG. 1) to rotate and slide the
electronic device 200 (FIG. 1) in a plurality of orientations while
the strap 190 and therefore the apparatus 100 and electronic device
200 (FIG. 1) remain secured to the user's hand 300 (FIG. 1).
[0051] FIG. 12 illustrates a cut away side profile cross sectional
view of an example of an apparatus 100 according to various
embodiments cut along a plane 12 (illustrated in FIG. 10). In this
embodiment, the strap 190 is attached to the top disc 160 and the
top disc 160 is attached to the bottom disc 90. Sliding member 120
is preferably located between top disc 160 and bottom disc 90. As
shown by this example, bottom case depression 70 helps guide the
bottom disc 90 straight on the bottom case 35. Sliding member 120
comprises a left rail 140 and a right rail 150 which are slidably
engaged in the left slider channel 50 and right slider channel 60,
respectively, of the bottom case 35 and configured to slide back
and forth in two directions within the channels. Two top case
depressions 250 are preferably located above left rail 140 moveably
engaged in the left slider channel 50 and the right rail 150
moveably engaged in the right slider channel 60. Therefore in this
example, two engagement cavities 15 are formed by two top case
depressions 250 and the left slider channel 50 and right slider
channel 60 which function to slidably secure the sliding member 120
between the top case 20 and bottom case 35. Sliding member 120 is
configured to slide back and forth in two directions while being
movably engaged in left slider channel 50 and right slider channel
60.
[0052] Although the present invention has been illustrated and
described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and
specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may
perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such
equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope
of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are
intended to be covered by the following claims.
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