U.S. patent application number 14/460936 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-15 for case assemblies and locators.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alexx, Inc.. Invention is credited to Sandra Stein.
Application Number | 20150014189 14/460936 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52276274 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150014189 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stein; Sandra |
January 15, 2015 |
CASE ASSEMBLIES AND LOCATORS
Abstract
Provided are case assemblies and locators and apparatuses for
the protection and ready location of handheld electronic devices
and other objects. The apparatus includes a case assembly and a
locator. The case assembly includes a case for housing a handheld
electronic device, a mounting device for moving the handheld
electronic device between different positions with respect to the
case, and a connector for engaging the case with the locator. The
locator is configured for removably hanging on an edge of a purse,
backpack, briefcase or bag. The locator includes a means for
selectively engaging the connector of the case assembly and/or
other objects.
Inventors: |
Stein; Sandra; (West Hills,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Alexx, Inc. |
West Hills |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52276274 |
Appl. No.: |
14/460936 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13759979 |
Feb 5, 2013 |
|
|
|
14460936 |
|
|
|
|
13073789 |
Mar 28, 2011 |
|
|
|
13759979 |
|
|
|
|
12468012 |
May 18, 2009 |
8672002 |
|
|
13073789 |
|
|
|
|
11977891 |
Oct 26, 2007 |
7537032 |
|
|
12468012 |
|
|
|
|
10919494 |
Aug 17, 2004 |
7308922 |
|
|
11977891 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 5/022 20130101;
A45F 2003/001 20130101; A45C 11/00 20130101; A45C 2011/002
20130101; A45C 2013/306 20130101; A45C 2013/026 20130101; A45F 5/00
20130101; A45C 13/001 20130101; A45F 2200/0558 20130101; A45C
13/021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/37 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/00 20060101
A45C011/00 |
Claims
1. A case assembly for a handheld electronic device comprising, in
combination: (i) a case comprising (a) a first side, (b) a second
side and (c) a hinge portion adjoining said first side and said
second side thereby rotatably coupling said first side and said
second side to operate said case between an open state and a closed
state; (ii) a mounting device fixed on said second side of said
case and configured for permanently or semi-permanently retaining
said handheld electronic device; and (iii) a connector disposed on
said case and accessible by a locator for attaching said case to
said locator.
2. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein: said mounting device
comprises a mounting plate slidably operated between a first
longitudinal position and a different second longitudinal position
with respect to said second side, said mounting plate configured
for permanently or semi-permanently retaining said handheld
electronic device; wherein when said case is in the closed state
and said mounting plate is in said first longitudinal position,
said first side and said second side completely enclose said
handheld electronic device thereinbetween, thereby providing
protection to said handheld electronic device, and when said
mounting plate is in said second longitudinal position, less than
the entirety of said handheld electronic device is enclosed by said
case, thereby allowing use of at least one function of said
handheld electronic device without optical interference by said
case.
3. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said first side, said
second side and said hinge portion are monolithically made.
4. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said first side comprises
a first outer layer and a first inner layer; said second side
comprises a second outer layer and a second inner layer; said hinge
portion comprises a hinge outer layer and a hinge inner layer; said
first outer layer, said second outer layer and said hinge outer
layer are monolithically made, and collectively define an outer
layer of said case; said first inner layer, said second inner layer
and said hinge inner layer are monolithically made, and
collectively define an inner layer of said case; and said outer and
inner layers of said case are fixed to each other.
5. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein said outer and inner
layers of said case are bound to each other along edges by press or
adhesives.
6. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of said
outer layer of said case comprises a surface texture for enhancing
appearance of said case.
7. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein said outer layer or said
inner layer of said case is made of leather, fabric or plastic.
8. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein said outer layer or said
inner layer of said case is made of cotton, denim, Kevlar,
non-woven textiles, woven textiles, woven metals, silicone,
polyester and blends, or polymers.
9. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein said outer layer and said
inner layer of said case are made of a same material.
10. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein said outer layer and said
inner layer of said case are made of different materials.
11. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein said outer layer of said
case has a color the same as or different than said inner layer of
said case.
12. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein: said first inner layer
and said first outer layer of said first side form a pocket; and
said first inner layer of said first side includes at least one cut
to allow one or more cards to pass through and be received in said
pocket.
13. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein said first side further
comprises a first insert fixedly disposed between said first outer
layer and said first inner layer for enhancing stiffness of said
first side.
14. The case assembly of claim 13, wherein: said first inner layer
and said first insert of said first side form a pocket; and said
first inner layer of said first side includes at least one cut to
allow one or more cards to pass through and be received in said
pocket.
15. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein said second side further
comprises a second insert fixedly disposed between said second
outer layer and said second inner layer for enhancing stiffness of
said second side.
16. The case assembly of claim 4, wherein said second inner layer
of said second side comprises a cut so that said mounting device is
directly fixed on an inner side of said second outer layer of said
second side.
17. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said first side has a
shape substantially the same as that of said second side.
18. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said first side and said
second side are substantially rectangular, and have a length
between about 4 inches and about 8 inches and a width between about
2 inches and about 5 inches; and said hinge portion has a length
that is substantially the same as that of said first side and said
second side and a width between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5
inches.
19. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said first side and said
second side are substantially rectangular, and have a length
between about 5 inches and about 6.5 inches and a width between
about 2.5 inches and about 3.5 inches; and said hinge portion has a
length that is substantially the same as that of said first side
and said second side and a width between about 0.75 inches and
about 1.25 inches.
20. The case assembly of claim 18, wherein said first side or said
second side or both has at least one rounded corner.
21. The case assembly of claim 1, further comprising a decoration
disposed on said first side.
22. The case assembly of claim 21, wherein said decoration includes
a plurality of holes formed on said first side in a predetermined
pattern.
23. The case assembly of claim 22, wherein one or each of the
plurality of said holes is a through hole, extending through said
first side in a thickness direction of said first side.
24. The case assembly of claim 22, wherein one or each of the
plurality of said holes is substantially circular, oblong,
polygonal, or elongated.
25. The case assembly of claim 4, further comprising a decoration
disposed on said first outer layer of said first side.
26. The case assembly of claim 25, wherein said decoration is
embedded, pressed, printed, engraved or embroiled on said first
outer layer of said first side, raised above said first outer layer
of said first side, or attached to said first outer layer of said
first side.
27. The case assembly of claim 2, wherein said mounting device
further comprising: a base plate having a back fixed on said second
side of said case and a front with a dented central portion and a
peripheral shoulder; and a frame fixedly coupled to said peripheral
shoulder of said base plate for supporting said mounting plate and
guiding sliding movement of said mounting plate between the first
longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position.
28. The case assembly of claim 27, wherein said frame is
snap-fitted, press-fitted, bound, or glued to said peripheral
shoulder of said base plate.
29. The case assembly of claim 27, wherein one or more edges of
said mounting plate in a longitudinal direction of said second side
are formed with a step; and said step is slidably received in a gap
formed by said dented central portion of said base plate and said
frame.
30. The case assembly of claim 27, wherein said mounting device
further comprises: a first fastener fixed on said dented central
portion of said base plate; a second fastener fixed on a back of
said mounting plate; and an elastic member connecting said first
fastener and said second fastener; wherein said first fastener,
said second fastener and said elastic member facilitate positioning
of said mounting plate between the first longitudinal position and
the second longitudinal position.
31. The case assembly of claim 30, wherein said mounting plate
comprises (a) a first hole for receiving said first fastener when
said mounting plate is in the first longitudinal position, (b) a
first groove extended in the longitudinal direction of said second
side so that said first fastener slides along said first groove
when said mounting plate slides between the first longitudinal
position and the second longitudinal position, and (c) a recess for
accommodating said elastic member; and said base plate comprises
(d) a second hole formed on said dented central portion for
receiving said second fastener when said mounting plate is in the
first longitudinal position, and (e) a second groove formed on said
dented central portion and extended in the longitudinal direction
of said second side so that said second fastener slides along said
second groove when said mounting plate slides between the first
longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position.
32. The case assembly of claim 27, wherein said base plate is
substantially rectangular, and has a length between about 2.5
inches and about 7 inches, a width between about 1 inches and about
4 inches and a thickness between about 0.01 inches and about 0.1
inches; said peripheral shoulder has a width between 0.1 inches to
0.5 inches and a thickness between about 0.01 inches and about 0.1
inches; and said mounting plate is substantially rectangular, and
has a length between about 1 inches and about 4 inches, a width
between about 1 inches and about 3 inches and a thickness between
about 0.01 inches and about 0.1 inches.
33. The case assembly of claim 27, wherein said base plate is
substantially rectangular, and has a length between about 3 inches
and about 5 inches, a width between about 1.5 inches and about 3
inches and a thickness between about 0.01 inches and about 0.06
inches; said peripheral shoulder has a width between 0.15 inches to
0.35 inches and a thickness between about 0.01 inches and about
0.06 inches; and said mounting plate is substantially rectangular,
and has a length between about 1.5 inches and about 2.5 inches, a
width between about 1.25 inches and about 2 inches and a thickness
between about 0.01 inches and about 0.06 inches.
34. The case assembly of claim 27, wherein said mounting plate,
said base or said frame is made of a metallic material or a plastic
material.
35. The case assembly of claim 27, wherein said mounting plate,
said base and said frame are made of a same material.
36. The case assembly of claim 27, wherein one or each of said
mounting plate, said base and said frame is made of a different
material.
37. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said mounting device
includes a fixing means for permanently or semi-permanently
retaining said handheld electronic device.
38. The case assembly of claim 37, wherein said fixing means
includes a mounting plate and an adhesive disposed on a front
surface of said mounting plate.
39. The case assembly of claim 38, wherein said fixing means
further includes a backing which is to be removed prior to fixing
said handheld electronic device on said mounting plate.
40. The case assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a first
coupler disposed on one of said first side and said second side;
and a flap having a first portion fixed on the other of said first
side and said second side and a second portion configured to bend
over to the one of said first side and said second side when said
case is in the closed state; wherein said second portion of said
flap includes a second coupler corresponding to said first coupler
for operably coupling said flap to the one of said first side and
said second side, thereby selectively maintaining said case in the
closed state.
41. The case assembly of claim 40, wherein one of said first
coupler and said second coupler includes an iron material and the
other of said first coupler and said second coupler includes a
magnetic material.
42. The case assembly of claim 40, wherein one of said first
coupler and said second coupler includes a strip of hook material
and the other of said first coupler and said second coupler
includes a strip of loop material.
43. The case assembly of claim 40, wherein said first coupler
includes a lock post and said second coupler includes a through
hole.
44. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said connector includes a
through hole formed on said case or on said hinge portion of said
case.
45. The case assembly of claim 44, wherein said hole is
substantially circular or oblong.
46. The case assembly of claim 44, wherein said connector further
includes a grommet surrounding said through hole to enhance
strength or endurance of said connector.
47. The case assembly of claim 46, wherein said grommet is made of
steel, brass, or plastic.
48. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said connector is
attached to said case or said hinge portion of said case.
49. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said connector is a ring,
a clasp, a hook, or combination thereof.
50. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said locator is
configured for removably hanging on an edge of a purse-like or
bag-like device, thereby facilitating ready location of said case
assembly.
51. The case assembly of claim 1, wherein said locator is
configured for removably hanging on an edge of a purse-like or
bag-like device and includes a clasp, a hook or a grasp for
selectively engaging said connector of said case.
52. The case assembly of claim 2, wherein said at least one
function includes use of a camera of said handheld electronic
device.
53. A case assembly for a handheld electronic device comprising, in
combination: (i) a case comprising (a) a first side and (b) a
second side rotatably coupled to said first side for operating said
case between an open state and a closed state; (ii) a mounting
device fixed on side second side of said case and configured for
permanently or semi-permanently retaining said handheld electronic
device; and (iii) a connector disposed on said case and accessible
by a locator for attaching said case to said locator.
54. The case assembly of claim 53, wherein: said mounting device
comprises a mounting plate slidably operated between a first
longitudinal position and a different second longitudinal position
with respect to said second side, said mounting plate configured
for permanently or semi-permanently retaining said handheld
electronic device; when said case is in the closed state and said
mounting plate is in said first longitudinal position, said first
side and said second side completely enclose said handheld
electronic device thereinbetween, thereby providing protection to
said handheld electronic device; when said mounting plate is in
said second longitudinal position, less than the entirety of said
handheld electronic device is enclosed by said case, thereby
allowing use of at least one function of said handheld electronic
device without optical interference by said case; and said locator
is configured for removably hanging on an edge of a purse-like or
bag-like device, thereby facilitating ready location of said case
assembly.
55. The case assembly of claim 53, wherein the case further
comprising: a hinge portion adjoining said first side and said
second side thereby rotatably coupling said first side and said
second side to operate said case between the open state and the
closed state.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/759,979, filed Feb. 5, 2013, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/073,789, filed on Mar. 28, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/468,012, filed on May 18,
2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,672,002, which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/977,891, filed on Oct. 26, 2007, now
U.S. Pat. No. 7,537,032, which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/919,494, filed on Aug. 17, 2004, now U.S.
Pat. No. 7,308,922, each of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to case assemblies and
locators. More particularly, this disclosure pertains to case
assemblies and locators that are especially adapted to facilitate
the protection of handheld electronic devices and the ready
location of keys, handheld electronic devices and other objects in
a purse, backpack, briefcase or like bag.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A common and popular type of purse or like bag has a top
that includes at least a region that is upwardly open in use. Often
this type of bag is rather deep, permitting the owner-user to store
a variety of items. Further, such depth is generally considered
fashionable. A known drawback of the above-described purse or like
bag configuration resides in the difficulty of readily retrieving
keys, or a group thereof gathered on a key chain, from its
interior. This can lead to the frustration of the owner-user and to
others. For example, the difficulty of locating car keys at the
bottom of a purse can cause significant delay in vacating a parking
space. Thus, what are needed in the art are improved apparatuses
for holding and storing keys and similar items when transporting
them in purses or other bags.
[0004] Moreover, handheld electronic devices are becoming more and
more popular as consumer goods and are frequently used in
performing our daily communication needs. Devices including cell
phones, mobile video players and eReaders such as iPhone.TM.,
Blackberry.TM., iPad.TM., iPod.TM., KINDLE.TM., and Android.TM.
devices are now intimate parts of daily life. This popularity has
created a desire for protective cases and apparatuses that
facilitate ready location of the devices stored in the protective
cases, when transporting them in purses or other bags.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present disclosure addresses the preceding and other
shortcomings of the prior art by providing a key locator, a case
assembly, and an apparatus that includes a case assembly engaged
with a key locator.
[0006] The key locator includes a first member having opposed end
portions. The first member incorporates a bent interior region
intermediate the end portions. A second member includes a clasp for
selectively retaining at least one key. The first and second
members are engaged to one another.
[0007] The case assembly includes a case, a mounting device and a
connector. The case is configured for housing a handheld electronic
device and includes a first side and a second side that are
rotatably coupled to each other. The mounting device is fixed on
the case and includes a mounting plate that is configured to
permanently or semi-permanently retain a handheld electronic device
and to move the handheld electronic device between different
positions with respect to the case. The connector is disposed on
the case for attaching the case assembly to the key locator.
[0008] The apparatus for protecting and readily locating a handheld
electronic device includes a case assembly and a locator. The case
assembly is configured for housing a handheld electronic device and
includes a connector. The locator is configured for removably
hanging on an edge of a purse, backpack, briefcase or like bag. The
locator includes a clasp for selectively engaging the connector of
the case assembly and/or other objects.
[0009] The preceding and other features of the invention will
become further apparent from the detailed description that follows.
Such description is accompanied by a set of drawing figures.
Numerals of the drawing figures correspond to numerals of the
written description with like numerals referring to like features
throughout both the written description and the drawing
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIGS. 1A and 1B are a front elevation view of a key locator
in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure and a partial
planar view of the ornament mounting pad thereof respectively, and
FIG. 1C is a front elevation view of the key locator with the
decorative element shown attached.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the key locator of FIGS. 1A,
1B and 1C in use.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the key locator in use
taken at line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
[0013] FIGS. 4A and 4B are a front perspective view of a key
locator in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure in
which a container is attached to the key finder.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a right side perspective view of the key locator
depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B showing the key locator hanging from an
edge of a bag-like purse with the container, where the container
comprises a hinge that attaches a first face to the container, and
where the first face is configured to be in a closed configuration
that seals an interior portion of the container.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a left side perspective view of the key locator
depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B showing the key locator hanging from an
edge of a bag-like purse with the container, where the container
comprises a hinge that attaches a first face to the container, and
where the first face is configured to be in an open configuration
that exposes an interior portion of the container.
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates more details of a second member of a key
locator in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an apparatus including a
case assembly attached to a key locator in accordance with an
embodiment of the disclosure, where the case assembly is in a
closed state.
[0018] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an apparatus including a
case assembly attached to a key locator in accordance with an
embodiment of the disclosure, where the case assembly is in an open
state.
[0019] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the case assembly in an
open state with a mounting plate at one position.
[0020] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the case assembly in an
open state with the mounting plate at a different position.
[0021] FIG. 9C is a front view of the case assembly in a closed
state.
[0022] FIG. 9D is a back view of the case assembly in a closed
state.
[0023] FIG. 9E is a right side elevated perspective view of the
case assembly in a closed state.
[0024] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of
FIG. 8B.
[0025] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of
FIG. 8B.
[0026] FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III
of FIG. 8B.
[0027] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a case assembly in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, where the case
assembly is in an open state and a mounting plate is disassembled
to show other components of a mounting device.
[0028] FIG. 11B is a back side perspective view of a mounting plate
used in a case assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of
FIG. 8B.
[0030] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an apparatus, where a case
assembly is in an open state and attached to a locator in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 12B a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG.
12A.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an apparatus, where a case
assembly is in a closed state and attached to a locator in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0033] Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts
throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
First Embodiment
[0034] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1A is a front elevation
view of the key locator 10 of the invention. The key locator 10
comprises interlocking first and second members 12 and 14
respectively. In some embodiments the first member 12 and the
second members 14 are each independently made of steel, or other
metal, a plastic, or other rigid elastomeric material. In some
embodiments, the first member 12 and the second member 14 each
independently comprise gold, silver, steel, nickel, aluminum, an
alloy thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the
first member 12 and the second member 14 are each made of metal. In
some embodiments, the first member 12 and/or the second member 14
comprises urethane polymer, an acrylic polymer, a fluoropolymer,
polybenzamidazole, polyimide, polytetrafluoroethylene,
polyetheretherketone, polyamide-imide, glass-based phenolic,
polystyrene, cross-linked polystyrene, polyester, polycarbonate,
polyethylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene,
polytetrafluoro-ethylene, polymethacrylate, nylon 6,6, cellulose
acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate, rigid vinyl, plasticized
vinyl, or polypropylene. In some embodiments, all or a portion of
the bent-rod shaped first member 12 is electroplated.
[0035] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the second member 14
includes a clasp 16 that, in some embodiments, is rotatably engaged
to an inverted u-shaped element 18. It will be appreciated that
clasp 16 is an exemplary way to retain keys. For example, in some
alternative embodiments, rather than a clasp 16, a key ring is used
in the place of clasp 16. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A,
the u-shaped element 18 is arranged to engage a hook 20 at a first
end portion of the first member 12 in order to provide flexible
engagement of the members 12 and 14. One of skill in the art will
appreciate that there are numerous other methods by which members
12 and 14 can be flexibly engaged. For example, there can be a ring
(not shown in FIG. 1) at the first end portion of the first member
12 that engages both hook 20 and u-shaped element 18. In another
example, there can be a set of interlocking rings where a first
ring in the set of interlocking rings engages hook 20 whereas a
second ring in the set of interlocking rings engages u-shaped
element 18. The first and second ring may interlock or there may be
any number of interlocking rings between the first and second ring.
In still another example, there can be a closed form element (not
shown) that engages both hook 20 and u-shaped element 18. The
closed form element may indeed be the shape of a ring or some other
symmetrical shape such as an oval but the disclosure is not so
limited. Any closed form shape, such as a polygon, star-shape, or
the like can be used to interlock hook 20 to u-shaped element 18.
In still another example, there can be a set of interlocking closed
form elements where a first closed form element in the set of
interlocking closed form elements engages hook 20 whereas a second
closed form element in the set of interlocking closed form elements
engages u-shaped element 18. The first and second closed form
elements may interlock or there may be any number of interlocking
closed form elements between the first and second closed form
element. In some embodiments, a chain is used to interlock u-shaped
element 18 to hook 20.
[0036] It will be appreciated that hook 20 is just one example of a
way to flexibly engage members 12 and 14. For example, hook 20 can
be completely closed off so that it is, in of itself, in fact a
closed form shape such as a ring or oval. Similarly, it will be
appreciated that u-shaped element 18 is just one example of a way
to flexibly engage members 12 and 14. For example, rather than
having a u-shaped element 18, a pivoting element can be used to
flexibly engage members 12 and 14.
[0037] In one aspect, referring to FIG. 1C, a first end portion 12a
of the first member 12 comprises a hook 20 for substantially
permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The
second member 14 comprises a closed form clasp 16 or ring (not
shown) that is configured for selectively retaining at least one
key or other type of object. In one such embodiment, the closed
form clasp 16 or ring is rotatably fixed to a u-shaped element 18
of the second member 14, where the u-shaped element 18 is
substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook 20. In
another such embodiment (not illustrated), the closed form clasp 16
or ring is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the
hook 20. In another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or
ring is engaged with a closed form member, where the closed form
member is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the
hook. This closed form member could be, for example, a ring, an
oval, a start shape, or any other closed form shape. In another
such embodiment (not shown), the closed form clasp 16 or ring is
engaged with a closed form member, where the closed form member is
a ring that is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with
the hook 20. In still another such embodiment (not shown), the
closed form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with a chain, where
the chain is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with
the hook. In yet another such embodiment (not shown), the closed
form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with first interlocking
closed form elements in a plurality of interlocking closed form
elements, where an interlocking closed form element in the
plurality of interlocking closed form elements is substantially
permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook. In some such
embodiments, a closed form element in the plurality of closed form
elements is a ring, an oval, a polygon, or a star-shape.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments the first end
portion 12a of the bent rod-shaped first member 12 comprises a hook
20 for substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the
second member 14. The second member of the key locator 10 further
comprises a first ring 702 that is hooked onto the hook 20. The
second member of the key locator 10 further comprises a member 704
having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is
rotatable with respect to the second portion. The first portion
comprises a first eyelet through which the first ring 702 is
attached. The second portion comprises a second eyelet. The second
member 14 of the key locator 10 further comprises a second ring 706
that is attached to the second eyelet.
[0039] Similar to FIG. 7, although not depicted, in some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a of the bent rod-shaped first
member 12 comprises a first ring for substantially permanently and
flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The second member 14
of the key locator 10 further comprises a second ring that is
hooked onto the first ring. The second member 14 of the key locator
10 further comprises a member having a first portion and a second
portion. The first portion is rotatable with respect to the second
portion. The first portion comprises a first eyelet through which
the second ring is attached. The second portion comprises a second
eyelet. The second member 14 of the key locator 10 further
comprises a third ring, where the third ring is attached to the
second eyelet.
[0040] In another aspect, a first end portion 12a of the first
member 12 comprises a first ring (not shown) for substantially
permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The
second member 14 comprises a closed form clasp 16 or second ring
(not shown) that is configured for selectively retaining at least
one key or other type of object. In one such embodiment, the closed
form clasp 16 or second ring is rotatably fixed to a u-shaped
element 18 of the second member 14, where the u-shaped element 18
is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first
ring. In another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or
second ring is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with
the first ring. In another such embodiment, the closed form clasp
16 or second ring is engaged with a closed form member, where the
closed form member is substantially permanently and flexibly
engaged with the first ring. In still another such embodiment, the
closed form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with a closed form
member, where the closed form member is a third ring that is
substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring.
In still another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or
second ring is engaged with a chain, where the chain is
substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring.
In still another such embodiment, the closed form clasp or second
ring is engaged with a first interlocking closed form element in a
plurality of interlocking closed form elements, where a second
interlocking closed form element in the plurality of interlocking
closed form elements is substantially permanently and flexibly
engaged with the first ring.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 1C, the first member 12 includes a bent
interior region 22. In some embodiments, a second end portion 12b
of the first member 12 comprises an enlarged region 24 that serves
as an ornament mounting pad for affixation of a decorative ornament
26. In some embodiments, there is no enlarged region 24 and the
decorative ornament 26 is affixed directly onto the second end
portion 12b of the first member 12.
[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 1C, 2 and 3, the first member 12 has
a first end portion 12a and a second end portion 12b. The first end
portion 12a of the first member 12 is configured for substantially
permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The
second end portion 12b of the first member 12 is configured for
affixation of an ornament 26 so that, when affixed to the key
locator 10, the entire ornament is 26 substantially rigidly affixed
to the key locator 10 such that any movement of the ornament 26
necessarily causes movement of the key locator 10. The first end
portion 12a and the second end portion 12b of the first member 12
are not urged against each other and are configured to allow the
bent interior region 22 to hang or clasp an edge 29. In some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of
between 1 dyne and 2000 dynes is required to remove the key locator
10 from an edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent
interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of
between 1 dyne and 1000 dynes is required to remove the key locator
10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent
interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of
between 1 dyne and 500 dynes is required to remove the key locator
10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent
interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of
between 1 dyne and 250 dynes is required to remove the key locator
10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent
interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of
between 100 dynes and 2000 dynes is required to remove the key
locator 10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when
the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In
some embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end
portion 12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force
of between 100 dynes and 1000 dynes is required to remove the key
locator 10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when
said bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In
some embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end
portion 12b of the first member are configured so that a force of
between 100 dynes and 500 dynes is required to remove the key
locator 10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when
the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In
some embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end
portion 12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force
of between 100 dynes and 250 dynes is required to remove the key
locator 10 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when
the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29.
[0043] In some embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the
second end portion 12b of the first member 12 are configured so
that a force of between 1 dyne and 2000 dynes, between 1 dyne and
1000 dynes, between 1 dyne and 500 dynes, between 1 dyne and 250
dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 2000 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 1000
dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 500 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 250
dynes, between 100 dynes and 2000 dynes, between 100 dynes and 1000
dynes, between 100 dynes and 500 dynes, between 100 dynes and 250
dynes, between 500 dynes and 5000 dynes, between 500 dynes and
10000 dynes, between 500 dynes and 20000 dynes, between 500 dynes
and 25000 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 200 dynes, between 0.1 dynes
and 100 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 50 dynes, or between 0.1 dynes
and 25 dynes is required to remove the key locator 10 from the edge
29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent interior region
22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29.
[0044] The ornament 26, comprising a flower-like shape as shown in
the drawings but not limited thereto, is arranged to face away from
the interior of the first member 12 with its back portion 28
preferably fixed to the enlarged region 24 of the member by solder
or the like. In some embodiments that do not have an enlarged
region 24, the back portion 28 is affixed directly onto the end
portion of the first member. As used herein, an ornament is a solid
object as opposed to a chain or a rope. In some embodiments, the
ornament comprises an artificial or a real gem.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the key locator 10 of the
invention in use. In FIG. 2, the key locator 10 is hung from the
upper edge 29 of a side panel 30 of a bag-like purse 32 with the
bent interior region 22 overhanging the side panel 30 so that the
face of the ornament 26 is exposed. In other embodiments (not
shown), the key locator 10 clasps the upper edge 29 of a side panel
30 of a bag-like purse 32 with the bent interior region 22
overhanging the side panel 30 so that the face of the ornament 26
is exposed. The foregoing provides the user with an attractive
adjunct to the bag-like purse 32 that serves the additional
function of readily locating the key locator 10.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the key locator 10 of
the disclosure in use taken at line 3-3 of FIG. 2. Keys or other
objects 34, secured by the clasp 16 of the second member 14, are
seen to lie near or at the bottom 36 of the bag-like purse 32,
somewhat suspended from the upper edge 29 of the side panel 30. The
bent interior region 22 of the first member 12 of the key locator
10, as mentioned with reference to the preceding figure, is draped,
hung over or clasped to the upper edge 29 to create the suspension
effect. The altitude of the bottom of the key locator 10 and keys
34 will depend upon the length of the key locator 10 relative to
the depth of the side panel 30 of the bag-like purse 32. However,
regardless of the precise altitude of the keys 34 within the
bag-like purse 32, they may be readily located due to the visible
presence of the ornament 26.
[0047] In FIG. 1, first member 12 has a rod-like appearance. That
is, first member 12 is slender so that it can be easily gripped and
removed from a bag-like container such as a purse. There is no
requirement that first member 12 have the cylindrical shape
depicted in FIG. 1. Any slender shape form that enables the easy
removal of key locator 10 from a bag-like purse is within the scope
of the present disclosure. For example, first member 12 can be a
flattened wire or other flat elements. In another example, in some
embodiments, first member 12 has a flat rod-like shape
characterized by a cross-section having first and second orthogonal
dimensions in which the first dimension defines the thickness of
the first member 12 and is between 0.01 cm and 0.5 cm and the
second dimension defines the width of the first member 12 and is
between 0.1 cm and 2 cm. In another example, in some embodiments,
first member 12 has a flat rod-like shape characterized by a
cross-section having first and second orthogonal dimensions in
which the first dimension defines the thickness of the first member
12 and is between 0.05 cm and 0.8 cm and the second dimension
defines the width of the first member 12 and is between 0.2 cm and
3 cm.
[0048] In some embodiments, the bent interior region 22 is
u-shaped. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12
is characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape that is
circular. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12
is characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape that is ovoid.
In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12 is
characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape having one or
more smooth curved surfaces or a splice of one or more smooth
curved surfaces. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first
member 12 is characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape
having an arcuate edge. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped
first member 12 is characterized by different cross-sectional
bounding shapes at different portions of the first member 12.
[0049] Although the figures illustrate the first member in which
end portions are parallel to each other and are straight, the
present disclosure is not so restricted. The first and second end
portions 12a and 12b of the first member 12 may bend toward or away
from each other. Moreover, the first and second end portions of the
first member 12 may internally include any number of bends.
Moreover, the first and second end portions of the first member 12
may be magnetized and the bent-shaped region may contain a
hinge.
Second Embodiment
[0050] FIGS. 4A-4B are a front perspective view of a key locator
110 in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure in
which, rather than having an ornament 26, there is a container 40.
As in the case of the key locator 10 discussed above and
illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, the key locator 110 illustrated
in FIGS. 4 through 6 comprises interlocking first and second
members 12 and 14. In some embodiments the first member 12 and the
second members 14 are each independently made of steel, or other
metal, a plastic, or other rigid elastomeric material. In some
embodiments, the first member 12 and the second member 14 each
independently comprise gold, silver, steel, nickel, aluminum, an
alloy thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the
first member 12 and the second member 14 are each made of metal. In
some embodiments, the first member 12 and/or the second member 14
comprises urethane polymer, an acrylic polymer, a fluoropolymer,
polybenzamidazole, polyimide, polytetrafluoroethylene,
polyetheretherketone, polyamide-imide, glass-based phenolic,
polystyrene, cross-linked polystyrene, polyester, polycarbonate,
polyethylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene,
polytetrafluoro-ethylene, polymethacrylate, nylon 6,6, cellulose
acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate, rigid vinyl, plasticized
vinyl, or polypropylene. In some embodiments, all or a portion of
the bent-rod shaped first member 12 is electroplated.
[0051] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4B, the second
member 14 includes a clasp 16 that, in some embodiments, is
rotatably engaged to an inverted u-shaped element 18. It will be
appreciated that clasp 16 is an exemplary way to retain keys. For
example, in some alternative embodiments, rather than a clasp 16, a
key ring is used in the place of clasp 16. In the embodiment
illustrated in Figure, the u-shaped element 18 is arranged to
engage a hook 20 at a first end portion of the first member 12 in
order to provide flexible engagement of the members 12 and 14. One
of skill in the art will appreciate that there are numerous other
methods by which members 12 and 14 can be flexibly engaged. For
example, there can be a ring (not shown in FIGS. 4A-4B) at the
first end portion of the first member 12 that engages both hook 20
and u-shaped element 18. In another example, there can be a set of
interlocking rings where a first ring in the set of interlocking
rings engages hook 20 whereas a second ring in the set of
interlocking rings engages u-shaped element 18. The first and
second ring may interlock or there may be any number of
interlocking rings between the first and second ring. In still
another example, there can be a closed form element (not shown)
that engages both hook 20 and u-shaped element 18. The closed form
element may indeed be the shape of a ring or some other symmetrical
shape such as an oval but the disclosure is not so limited. Any
closed form shape, such as a polygon, star-shape, or the like can
be used to interlock hook 20 to u-shaped element 18. In still
another example, there can be a set of interlocking closed form
elements where a first closed form element in the set of
interlocking closed form elements engages hook 20 whereas a second
closed form element in the set of interlocking closed form elements
engages u-shaped element 18. The first and second closed form
elements may interlock or there may be any number of interlocking
closed form elements between the first and second closed form
element. In some embodiments, a chain is used to interlock u-shaped
element 18 to hook 20.
[0052] It will be appreciated that hook 20 is just one example of a
way to flexibly engage members 12 and 14 in the embodiment of the
key locator 110 illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6. For example, hook
20 can be completely closed off so that it is, in of itself, in
fact a closed form shape such as a ring or oval. Similarly, it will
be appreciated that u-shaped element 18 is just one example of a
way to flexibly engage members 12 and 14. For example, rather than
having a u-shaped element 18, a pivoting element can be used to
flexibly engage members 12 and 14.
[0053] In one aspect, referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, is a first end
portion 12a of the first member 12 comprises a hook 20 for
substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the second
member 14. The second member 14 comprises a closed form clasp 16 or
ring (not shown) that is configured for selectively retaining at
least one key or other type of object. In one such embodiment, the
closed form clasp 16 or ring is rotatably fixed to a u-shaped
element 18 of the second member 14, where the u-shaped element 18
is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook 20.
In another such embodiment (not illustrated), the closed form clasp
16 or ring is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with
the hook 20. In another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16
or ring is engaged with a closed form member, where the closed form
member is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the
hook. This closed form member could be, for example, a ring, an
oval, a start shape, or any other closed form shape. In another
such embodiment (not shown), the closed form clasp 16 or ring is
engaged with a closed form member, where the closed form member is
a ring that is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with
the hook 20. In still another such embodiment (not shown), the
closed form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with a chain, where
the chain is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with
the hook. In yet another such embodiment (not shown), the closed
form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with first interlocking
closed form elements in a plurality of interlocking closed form
elements, where an interlocking closed form element in the
plurality of interlocking closed form elements is substantially
permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook. In some such
embodiments, a closed form element in the plurality of closed form
elements is a ring, an oval, a polygon, or a star-shape.
[0054] In another aspect, a first end portion 12a of the first
member 12 comprises a first ring (not shown) for substantially
permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The
second member 14 comprises a closed form clasp 16 or second ring
(not shown) that is configured for selectively retaining at least
one key or other type of object. In one such embodiment, the closed
form clasp 16 or second ring is rotatably fixed to a u-shaped
element 18 of the second member 14, where the u-shaped element 18
is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first
ring. In another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or
second ring is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with
the first ring. In another such embodiment, the closed form clasp
16 or second ring is engaged with a closed form member, where the
closed form member is substantially permanently and flexibly
engaged with the first ring. In still another such embodiment, the
closed form clasp 16 or second ring is engaged with a closed form
member, where the closed form member is a third ring that is
substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring.
In still another such embodiment, the closed form clasp 16 or
second ring is engaged with a chain, where the chain is
substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring.
In still another such embodiment, the closed form clasp or second
ring is engaged with a first interlocking closed form element in a
plurality of interlocking closed form elements, where a second
interlocking closed form element in the plurality of interlocking
closed form elements is substantially permanently and flexibly
engaged with the first ring.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments the first end
portion 12a of the bent rod-shaped first member 12 comprises a hook
20 for substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the
second member 14. The second member of the key locator further
comprises a first ring 702 that is hooked onto the hook 20. The
second member of the key locator 110 further comprises a member 704
having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is
rotatable with respect to the second portion. The first portion
comprises a first eyelet through which the first ring 702 is
attached. The second portion comprises a second eyelet. The second
member 14 of the key locator 110 further comprises a second ring
706 that is attached to the second eyelet.
[0056] Similar to FIG. 7, although not depicted, in some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a of the bent rod-shaped first
member 12 comprises a first ring for substantially permanently and
flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The second member 14
of the key locator 110 further comprises a second ring that is
hooked onto the first ring. The second member 14 of the key locator
110 further comprises a member having a first portion and a second
portion. The first portion is rotatable with respect to the second
portion. The first portion comprises a first eyelet through which
the second ring is attached. The second portion comprises a second
eyelet. The second member 14 of the key locator 110 further
comprises a third ring, where the third ring is attached to the
second eyelet.
[0057] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first member 12 has a
first end portion 12a and a second end portion 12b. The first end
portion 12a of the first member 12 is configured for substantially
permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member 14. The
second end portion 12b of the first member 12 is configured for
affixation of a container 40. In the embodiments depicted in FIGS.
4 through 6, when affixed to the key locator 110, the entire
container 40 is substantially rigidly affixed to the key locator
110 such that any movement of the container 40 necessarily causes
movement of the key locator 110.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the
container 40 is directly and permanently fixed to the second end
portion 12b of the bent rod-shaped first member 12 so that a first
face 42 of the container is exposed. The container 40 is arranged
so that the first face 42 of the container 40 faces away from an
interior of the bent rod-shaped first member 12. The interior of
the bent rod-shaped first member is defined by the bent interior
region between the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b.
[0059] In some embodiments, the container 40 comprises a hinge that
attaches the first face 42 to the container 40. The first face 42
is configured to move between (i) an open configuration that
exposes an interior portion of the container 40, as depicted in
FIG. 6, and (ii) a closed configuration that seals the interior
portion of the container 40, as depicted in FIG. 5. In some
embodiments, the container 40 comprises a swivel hinge 44 that
attaches the first face 42 to the container 50. In such
embodiments, the first face 42 is configured to slide between (i)
an open configuration that exposes an interior portion of the
container 40 and (ii) a closed configuration that seals the
interior portion of the container 40. In some embodiments, the
first face 42 is adorned with an ornament. In some embodiments, the
ornament comprises an artificial or a real gem.
[0060] In some embodiments, the container 40 comprises a material
selected from the group consisting of metal and plastic. In some
embodiments, the container comprises gold, silver, steel, nickel,
aluminum, an alloy thereof, or any combination thereof. In some
embodiments, the container 40 comprises urethane polymer, an
acrylic polymer, a fluoropolymer, polybenzamidazole, polyimide,
polytetrafluoroethylene, polyetheretherketone, polyamide-imide,
glass-based phenolic, polystyrene, cross-linked polystyrene,
polyester, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene,
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polytetrafluoro-ethylene,
polymethacrylate, nylon 6,6, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose
acetate, rigid vinyl, plasticized vinyl, or polypropylene. In some
embodiments, the container 40 is configured to store a liquid. In
some embodiments, the container 40 is configured to store a gel,
such as lip balm. In some embodiments, the container 40 is
configured to store an object.
[0061] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6, the first end portion
12a and the second end portion 12b of the first member 12 are not
urged against each other and are configured to allow the bent
interior region 22 to hang or clasp an edge 29. In some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of
between 1 dyne and 2000 dynes is required to remove the key locator
110 from an edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent
interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of
between 1 dyne and 1000 dynes is required to remove the key locator
110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent
interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of
between 1 dyne and 500 dynes is required to remove the key locator
110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent
interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of
between 1 dyne and 250 dynes is required to remove the key locator
110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent
interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In some
embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end portion
12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force of
between 100 dynes and 2000 dynes is required to remove the key
locator 110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when
the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In
some embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end
portion 12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force
of between 100 dynes and 1000 dynes is required to remove the key
locator 110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when
said bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In
some embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end
portion 12b of the first member are configured so that a force of
between 100 dynes and 500 dynes is required to remove the key
locator 110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when
the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29. In
some embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the second end
portion 12b of the first member 12 are configured so that a force
of between 100 dynes and 250 dynes is required to remove the key
locator 110 from the edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when
the bent interior region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29.
[0062] In some embodiments, the first end portion 12a and the
second end portion 12b of the first member 12 are configured so
that a force of between 1 dyne and 2000 dynes, between 1 dyne and
1000 dynes, between 1 dyne and 500 dynes, between 1 dyne and 250
dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 2000 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 1000
dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 500 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 250
dynes, between 100 dynes and 2000 dynes, between 100 dynes and 1000
dynes, between 100 dynes and 500 dynes, between 100 dynes and 250
dynes, between 500 dynes and 5000 dynes, between 500 dynes and
10000 dynes, between 500 dynes and 20000 dynes, between 500 dynes
and 25000 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 200 dynes, between 0.1 dynes
and 100 dynes, between 0.1 dynes and 50 dynes, or between 0.1 dynes
and 25 dynes is required to remove the key locator 110 from the
edge 29 of a bag-like purse 32 at a time when the bent interior
region 22 hangs from or clasps the edge 29.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 4 through 6, in one aspect, the key
locator 110 further comprises the container 40, and the second end
portion 12b of the bent rod-shaped first member 12 comprises an
enlarged portion and a second face 48 of the container is directly
and permanently fixed to the enlarged portion. In some embodiments,
the enlarged portion comprises a solid face to which a portion of
the second face of the container is directly and permanently fixed.
In some embodiments, the enlarged portion comprises a solid face to
which a portion of the second face 48 is soldered.
[0064] In another aspect, the key locator 110 further comprises the
container 40. A second face 48 of the container is directly and
permanently fixed to the second end portion 12b of the bent
rod-shaped first member 12.
[0065] In another aspect, the key locator 110 further comprises the
container 40, and a second face 48 of the container 40 is soldered
to the second end portion 12b of the bent rod-shaped first member
40.
[0066] In still another aspect, the key locator 110 further
comprises the container 40 and the container 40 forms a part (e.g.,
an integral part) of the second end portion 12b of the bent
rod-shaped first member 12.
[0067] FIGS. 3 and 4 are side views of the key locator 110 of the
invention in use. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the key locator 110 is hung
from the upper edge 29 of a side panel of a bag-like purse with the
bent interior region 22 overhanging the upper edge 29 so that the
first face 42 of the container 40 is exposed. In other embodiments
(not shown), the key locator 110 clasps the upper edge 29 of a
bag-like purse with the bent interior region 22 overhanging the
side panel 30 so that the first face 42 of the container 40 is
exposed.
[0068] FIGS. 5 and 6 are side views of the key locator 110. Keys or
other objects, secured by the clasp 16 of the second member 14, may
lie near or at the bottom of a bag-like purse, somewhat suspended
from the upper edge 29, in the same manner as that depicted in the
key locator 10 illustrated in FIG. 3. The bent interior region 22
of the first member 12 of the key locator 110 is draped, hung over
or clasped to the upper edge 29 to create the suspension effect.
The altitude of the bottom of the key locator 110 and keys will
depend upon the length of the key locator 110 relative to the depth
of the side panel of the bag-like purse. However, regardless of the
precise altitude of the keys or other objects within the bag-like
purse, they may be readily located due to the visible presence of
the container 40.
[0069] In FIGS. 4 through 6, first member 12 has a rod-like
appearance. That is, first member 12 is slender so that it can be
easily gripped and removed from a bag-like container such as a
purse. There is no requirement that first member 12 have the
cylindrical shape depicted in FIGS. 4 through 6. Any slender shape
form that enables the easy removal of key locator 110 from a
bag-like purse is within the scope of the present disclosure. For
example, first member 12 can be a flattened wire or other flat
element. In another example, in some embodiments, the first member
12 has a flat rod-like shape characterized by a cross-section
having first and second orthogonal dimensions in which the first
dimension defines the thickness of the first member 12 and is
between 0.01 cm and 0.5 cm and the second dimension defines the
width of the first member 12 and is between 0.1 cm and 2 cm. In
another example, in some embodiments, the first member 12 has a
flat rod-like shape characterized by a cross-section having first
and second orthogonal dimensions in which the first dimension
defines the thickness of the first member 12 and is between 0.05 cm
and 0.8 cm and the second dimension defines the width of the first
member 12 and is between 0.2 cm and 3 cm.
[0070] In some embodiments, the bent interior region 22 is
u-shaped. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12
is characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape that is
circular. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12
is characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape that is ovoid.
In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first member 12 is
characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape having one or
more smooth curved surfaces or a splice of one or more smooth
curved surfaces. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped first
member 12 is characterized by a cross-sectional bounding shape
having an arcuate edge. In some embodiments, the bent rod-shaped
first member 12 is characterized by different cross-sectional
bounding shapes at different portions of the first member 12.
[0071] Although the figures illustrate the first member 12 in which
end portions are parallel to each other and are straight, the
present disclosure is not so restricted. The first and second end
portions 12a and 12b of the first member 12 of the key locator 110
may bend toward or away from each other. Moreover, the first and
second end portions of the first member 12 may internally include
any number of bends. Moreover, the first and second end portions of
the first member 12 may be magnetized and the bent-shaped region
may contain a hinge.
Third Embodiment
[0072] Another embodiment provides a key locator that is similar to
the second embodiment. The key locator comprises, in combination:
a) a bent rod-shaped first member having a first end portion and a
second end portion, b) a second member configured for selectively
retaining at least one key, and c) a container that is rotatably
mounted to the second end portion of the bent rod-shaped first
member. The first end portion and the second end portion are
opposed to each other. The bent rod-shaped first member
incorporates a bent interior region between the first end portion
and the second end portion. The first end portion and the second
end portion are not urged against each other and are configured to
allow said bent interior region to hang from or clasps an edge. The
first end portion of the bent rod-shaped first member substantially
permanently and flexibly engages with the second member. The
container comprises a hinge that attaches a first face to the
container. The first face is configured to move between (i) an open
configuration that exposes an interior portion of the container,
and (ii) a closed configuration that seals the interior portion of
the container.
[0073] In some embodiments, the first end portion of the bent
rod-shaped first member comprises a hook for substantially
permanently and flexibly engaging with the second member. The
second member comprises a closed form clasp or ring that is
configured for selectively retaining at least one key. The closed
form clasp or ring is rotatably fixed to a u-shaped element of the
second member. The u-shaped element is substantially permanently
and flexibly engaged with the hook. In some embodiments, the closed
form clasp or ring is substantially permanently and flexibly
engaged with the hook. In some embodiments, the closed form clasp
or ring is engaged with a closed form member and the closed form
member is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the
hook. In some embodiments, the closed form clasp or ring is engaged
with a closed form member and the closed form member is a ring that
is substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the hook. In
some embodiments, the closed form clasp or second ring is engaged
with a chain, where the chain is substantially permanently and
flexibly engaged with the hook. In some embodiments, the closed
form clasp or second ring is engaged with first interlocking ring
in a plurality of interlocking closed form elements, where an
interlocking closed form element in the plurality of interlocking
closed form elements is substantially permanently and flexibly
engaged with the hook. In some embodiments, a closed form element
in the plurality of closed form elements is a ring, an oval, a
polygon, or a star-shape.
[0074] In still other embodiments, the first end portion of said
bent rod-shaped first member comprises a first ring for
substantially permanently and flexibly engaging with the second
member and the second member comprises a closed form clasp or
second ring that is configured for selectively retaining at least
one key. In some such embodiments, the closed form clasp or second
ring is rotatably fixed to a u-shaped element of the second member,
where the u-shaped element is substantially permanently and
flexibly engaged with the first ring. In some such embodiments, the
closed form clasp or second ring is substantially permanently and
flexibly engaged with the first ring. In some such embodiments, the
closed form clasp or second ring is engaged with a closed form
member, wherein the closed form member is substantially permanently
and flexibly engaged with the first ring. In some such embodiments,
the closed form clasp or second ring is engaged with a closed form
member, where the closed form member is a third ring that is
substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first ring.
In some such embodiments, the closed form clasp or second ring is
engaged with a chain, where the chain is substantially permanently
and flexibly engaged with the first ring. In some such embodiments,
the closed form clasp or second ring is engaged with first
interlocking closed form element in a plurality of interlocking
closed form elements, where a second interlocking closed form
elements in the plurality of interlocking closed form elements is
substantially permanently and flexibly engaged with the first
ring.
Fourth Embodiment
[0075] Another aspect provides a method comprising retaining at
least one key by a second member 14 of an apparatus that comprises
at least the second member 14 and a bent rod-shaped first member
12. The second member is configured for selectively retaining at
least one key. The bent rod-shaped first member 12 of the apparatus
has a first end portion 12a and a second end portion 12b. The first
end portion 12a and the second end portion 12b are opposed to each
other. The bent rod-shaped first member 12 incorporates a bent
interior region 22 between the first end portion 12a and the second
end portion 12b. The first end portion 12a and the second end
portion 12b are not urged against each other and are configured to
allow the bent interior region 22 to hang from or clasps an upper
edge of a side panel of a bag-like purse. The first end portion 12a
of the bent rod-shaped first member 12 substantially permanently
and flexibly engages with some portion of the second member 14. The
second end portion 12b of the bent rod-shaped first member 12 is
affixed to a container 40. The method further comprises hanging the
apparatus from the upper edge 29 of the side panel of a bag-like
purse with the bent interior region 22 overhanging the side panel
so that the second end portion 12b and the container 40 are
exposed. The method further comprises retrieving the bent
rod-shaped first member of the apparatus from the upper edge such
that, when the bent rod-shaped first member is retrieved from the
upper edge, the at least one key retrained by the second member is
necessarily retrieved. In some embodiments, the container comprises
a hinge that attaches the first face to the container. The first
face is configured to move between (i) an open configuration that
exposes an interior portion of the container, and (ii) a closed
configuration that seals the interior portion of the container and
the method further comprises operating the first face so that the
face switches between the closed configuration to the open
configuration.
[0076] Thus, it can be seen that the present invention provides a
key locator especially suitable for use with a purse, backpack,
briefcase or other bag-like device. By employing the key locator of
the invention in conjunction with such a device, one may find keys
stored within without delay. Further, by providing a decorative
ornament for indicating the location of the key locator, the
appearance of the bag is enhanced.
Fifth Embodiment
[0077] Turning now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, there is shown an apparatus
800 of the invention in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure. The apparatus 800 of the invention can be used for
protecting and readily locating a handheld electronic device 902 in
a purse, a bag or other purse-like or bag-like device. The handheld
electronic device 902 includes cell phones and/or smart phones,
such as those sold under the trade names Blackberry.TM. and
iPhone.TM., media players such as those sold under the trade name
iPod.TM., personal video game devices and any other handheld
electronic devices 902.
[0078] In general, the apparatus 800 comprises a locator and a case
assembly which includes a case and a connector. The locator is
suitable for use with a purse, backpack, briefcase or other
bag-like device, and in some embodiments, includes the key locator
or key finder 10, 110 disclosed herein. Alternatively, the locator
can be hooks, hangers, grasps, straps or other suitable means. The
case is configured to house one or more handheld electronic devices
902. The connector is configured to be selectively engaged by the
locator. In some embodiments, the connector is built-in with the
case and in other embodiments, the connector is attached to or
mounted on the case. Examples of such a connector include a hole, a
ring, a clasp, a hook, a strap or the like, or any combination
thereof.
[0079] As an example, FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the case assembly
810 includes a connector 816 which is engaged to a key locator 10.
The case assembly 810 is operated between a closed state and an
open state as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, respectively. In
addition to the connector 816, the case assembly 810 comprises a
case 812 and a mounting device 814.
[0080] In typical embodiments, the case 812 comprises a first side
818 and a second side 820. The first side 818 and the second side
820 are rotatably coupled to each other so that the case 812 can be
operated between the open state and the closed state. In some
embodiments, the case 812 further comprises a hinge portion 822
that adjoins and rotatably couples the first side 818 and the
second side 820. When in the closed state, the first side 818 and
the second side 820 face to each other as illustrated in FIG. 8A.
When in the open state, the first side 818 and the second side 820
are rotated away from each other as illustrated in FIG. 8B. It will
be appreciated that FIG. 8B illustrates just one example. The
openness of the case 812, e.g., the maximum angle between the first
side 818 and the second side 820 when the case 812 is in the open
state, can vary and range anywhere from 5 degrees to 360
degrees.
[0081] The mounting device 814 is fixed on the case 812, either on
the first or second side of the case 812. By way of illustration,
FIGS. 8A and 8B show the mounting device 814 fixed on the second
side 820 of the case 812. The mounting device 814 is configured for
permanently or semi-permanently retaining a handheld electronic
device 902. In some embodiments, the mounting device 814 comprises
a mounting plate 824, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9E, configured for
permanently or semi-permanently retaining a handheld electronic
device 902. The mounting plate 824 is configured to be slidably
operable between two different positions with respect to the second
side 820. Specifically, in some embodiments, the mounting plate 824
is slidably operable between a first longitudinal position as
illustrated in FIG. 9A and a different second longitudinal position
as illustrated in FIG. 9B. That is, in the embodiment illustrated
in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the second side 820 of the case 812 is
substantially rectangular and the sliding movement of the mounting
plate 824 is along a length direction of the second side 820 of the
case 812. It will be appreciated that the movement of the mounting
plate 824 with respect to the second side 820 can be in other
directions, depending on the shape of the case, the desired use of
the case or other parameters.
[0082] When the case 812 is in the closed state and the mounting
plate 824 is in the first longitudinal position, the first side 818
and the second side 820 completely enclose the handheld electronic
device 902, thus protect the handheld electronic device 902. By
"completely" enclosing a handheld electronic device 902, it is
meant that the first side 818 completely covers the entirety of one
surface (e.g., the front surface 904 in FIG. 9A) of the handheld
electronic device 902 and the second side 820 completely covers the
entirety of another surface (e.g., the back surface 906 in FIG. 9A)
of the handheld electronic device 902. That is, when the case 812
in the closed state and the mounting plate 824 in the first
longitudinal position is viewed from the front or back as
illustrated in FIGS. 9C and 9D respectively, the handheld
electronic device 902 attained in the case 812 would not be visible
from the outside. However, it will be appreciated that "completely"
enclosing a handheld electronic device 902 does not necessarily
mean enclosing each and every side of the handheld electronic
device 902. In some embodiments, the peripheral sides (e.g., the
top side 908, the bottom side 910, or the right side 912 in FIG.
9A) of the handheld electronic device 902 may not be covered by the
case 812. For example, FIG. 9E illustrates a right side elevated
perspective view of the case 812, where the top side 908 and the
right side 912 of the handheld electronic device 902 are visible.
In some embodiments, the first side 818 or the second side 820 or
both may include a side edge to cover the peripheral sides of the
handheld electronic device 902.
[0083] When the mounting plate 824 is in the second longitudinal
position, less than the entirety of the handheld electronic device
902 is enclosed by the case 812. For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 9B, the top portion of the handheld electronic device 902 is
protruded outside of the case 812. In some embodiments, less than
five percent, less than ten percent, less than twenty percent, less
than thirty percent, less than forty percent, less than fifty
percent, less than sixty percent, less than seventy percent, or
less than eighty percent of the handheld electronic device 902 is
protruded outside of the case 812. In such positions, at least one
function of the handheld electronic device 902 can be performed
without optical interference by the case 812. For example, one can
use the camera of a handheld electronic device 902 to take a
picture without optical interference by the case 812.
[0084] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 8A-8B, the connector 816 is
disposed on the case 812 and accessible by a locator such as the
key locator or the key finder 10, 110. As the locator or the key
finder 10, 110 is configured for removably hanging on an edge of a
bag-like purse or a bag-like device, one may easily locate the case
assembly 810 and a handheld electronic device 902 stored therein
without delay. In some embodiments, the connector 816 is a through
hole formed on the case 812, and specifically formed on the hinge
portion 822 of the case 812. The through hole can be substantially
circular, oblong, or the like. In some embodiments, a grommet 824
is used to enhance the strength or endurance of the connector 816.
The grommet 824 surrounds the through hole, and is typically made
of steel, brass, plastic or other suitable materials. Other
connector configurations are possible. For example, in some
embodiments, the connector 816 is attached to the case 812 or the
hinge portion 822 of the case 812. Such a connector 816 includes a
ring, a clasp, a hook, any combination of a ring, a clasp and a
hook, or the like.
[0085] In some embodiments, the first side 818, the second side 820
and the hinge portion 822 are integrally or monolithically made. In
some embodiments, one or each of the first side 818, the second
side 820 and the hinge portion 822 comprises a plurality of layers.
For example, FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate cross-sectional views of
the case 812 taken along line I-I and line II-II of FIG. 8B,
respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side 818
comprises a first outer layer 1002 and a first inner layer 1004.
The second side 820 comprises a second outer layer 1006 and a
second inner layer 1008. The hinge portion 822 comprises a hinge
outer layer 1010 and a hinge inner layer 1012. In some embodiments,
the first outer layer 1002, the second outer layer 1006 and the
hinge outer layer 1010 are integrally or monolithically made, and
collectively define an outer layer 1014 of the case 812. Similarly,
the first inner layer 1004, the second inner layer 1008 and the
hinge inner layer 1012 are integrally or monolithically made, and
collectively define an inner layer 1016 of the case 812. The outer
and inner layers of the case 812 are fixed to each other. In an
aspect, the outer and inner layers of the case 812 are bound to
each other such as by press or adhesives such as glue along the
edges.
[0086] In some embodiments, the first side 818 further comprises a
first insert 1018 disposed between the first outer layer 1002 and
the first inner layer 1004 to enhance the strength or the stiffness
of the first side. In one aspect, the first insert 1018 is fixedly
attached such as by glue to the inner side of the first outer layer
1002. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second side 820 further
comprises a second insert 1020 disposed between the second outer
layer 1006 and the second inner layer 1008 of the second side 820
to enhance the strength or the stiffness of the second side 820. In
one aspect, the second insert 1020 is fixedly attached such as by
glue to the inner side of the second outer layer 1006.
[0087] In some embodiments, the first side 818, the second side 820
or the hinge portion 822 is made of leather, fabric, plastic or the
like, including cotton, denim, Kevlar, non-woven textiles, woven
textiles, woven metals, silicone, polyester and blends, and
polymers. In some embodiments, the outer layer 1014 of the case 812
is made of a material that is the same as the inner layer 1016 of
the case 812. In some embodiments, the outer layer 1014 of the case
812 is made of a material that is different than the inner layer
1016 of the case 812.
[0088] In some embodiments, the overall spring constant of the
first side 818 or the second side 820 is between 0.14
kilogram-force/inch and 0.90 kilogram-force/inch, or between 0.40
kilogram-force/inch and 0.70 kilogram-force/inch or between 0.55
kilogram-force/inch and 0.65 kilogram-force/inch. The overall
spring constant of the first side 818 or the second side 820 is
taken in a longitudinal direction of the first side 818 or the
second side 820, respectively. In some embodiments, the hinge
portion 822 is relatively less stiff than the first side 818 or the
second side 820.
[0089] In an aspect, one or both of the inner and outer layers are
colored in green, yellow, pink, brown, black, red, or any color
that a customer desires. In one embodiment, the color of the inner
layer is substantially the same as the color of the outer layer. In
another embodiment, the color of the inner layer is different than
the color of the outer layer. For example, the inner layer is black
and the outer layer is pink.
[0090] In another aspect, a portion or the entirety of the outer
layer 1014 of the case 812 comprises a surface texture or a surface
finish 844 to enhance the appearance of the case 812 or to
facilitate the grip of the case 812. The surface texture or surface
finish 844 may be etched, pressed, printed or applied to the outer
layer 1014 of the case 812 or a specific area of the outer layer
1014 of the case 812.
[0091] Still referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, in some embodiments, the
first side 818 has a shape substantially the same as that of the
second side 820. As an example, FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate that
both of the first side 818 and the second side 820 are
substantially rectangular. It will be appreciated that FIGS. 8A and
8B illustrate just one example, and the shape of the case can be
readily adjusted or customized without deviation from the spirit or
scope of the invention. In some embodiments, the first side 818 and
the second side 820 have a length that is between about 4 inches
and about 8 inches and a width that is between about 2 inches and
about 5 inches. The hinge portion 822 has a length that is
substantially the same as that of the first side 818 and the second
side 820 and a width that is between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5
inches. In some embodiments, the first side 818 and the second side
820 have a length that is between about 5 inches and about 6.5
inches and a width that is between about 2.5 inches and about 3.5
inches. The hinge portion 822 has a length that is substantially
the same as that of the first side 818 and the second side 820 and
a width that is between about 0.75 inches and about 1.25 inches. In
some embodiments, the first side 818 or the second side 820 or both
have one or more rounded corners 830.
[0092] In some embodiments, the case assembly 810 further comprises
a decoration 832 disposed on the case 812. As an example, FIGS. 8A
and 8B illustrate the decoration 832 disposed on the first side 818
of the case 812 and includes a plurality of holes formed on the
first side 818 in a predetermined pattern. In the illustrated
embodiments, the plurality of holes are substantially circular and
extend through the first side 818 in a thickness direction of the
first side 818. It will be appreciated that the plurality of the
holes can take various shapes such as substantially circular,
oblong, polygonal, elongated or other suitable shapes. It will also
be appreciated that the number, the size, the pattern, and the
location of the holes can be readily varied. In an aspect, all of
the holes have the same shape. In another aspect, at least one hole
has a different shape than another hole. Alternatively, in some
embodiments, the decoration 832 is embedded, pressed, printed,
engraved or embroiled on the first outer layer 1002 of the first
side 818. In still another aspect, the decoration 832 is raised
above the first outer layer 1002 of the first side 818. In some
embodiments, the decoration 832 is made separately and then applied
to the first outer layer 1002 of the first side 818.
[0093] FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate the apparatus 800 of the invention
in greater detail. In FIG. 11A, the case assembly 810 is in an open
state and attached to a locator 10, where the mounting plate 824 is
taken out to show other components of the mounting device 814. FIG.
11B illustrates the mounting plate 824. FIG. 11C, which is a
cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 8B, illustrates
the coupling of the mounting device 814 on the case 812 and the
coupling among components of the mounting device 814. As shown, in
some embodiments, the second inner layer 1008 of the second side
820, and in some cases, the second insert 1020 if it is included,
comprises a cut 1102 so that the mounting device 814 is directly
fixed on an inner side of the second outer layer 1006 of the second
side 820.
[0094] In some embodiments, in addition to the mounting plate 824,
the mounting device 814 further comprises a base plate 1104 and a
frame 1106. The base plate 1104 has a back 1108 fixed on the second
side 820 of the case 812 and a front 1110 formed with a dented
central portion 1112 and a peripheral shoulder 1114. In an aspect,
the peripheral shoulder 1114 surrounds the dented central portion
1112, as illustrated in FIG. 11A. The frame 1106 is fixedly coupled
to the peripheral shoulder 1114 of the base plate 1104 for
supporting the mounting plate 824 and for guiding the sliding
movement of the mounting plate 824 between different positions such
as the first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal
position. In an aspect, the frame 1106 is snap-fitted, bound, or
glued to the peripheral shoulder 1114 of the base plate 1104.
[0095] When the frame 1106 is fixedly coupled to the peripheral
shoulder 1114 of the base plate 1104, a gap 1116 is formed between
the dented central portion 1112 of the base plate 1104 and the
frame 1106. In some embodiments, one or more edges of the mounting
plate 824 are formed with a step 1118, and the step 1118 is
slidably received in the gap 1116 between the dented central
portion 1112 of the base plate 1104 and the frame 1106. In the
illustrated embodiment, the step 1118 is formed on the edge or
edges corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the second
side 820 so that the mounting plate 824 is slidable between the
first longitudinal position and the different second longitudinal
position. It will be appreciated that the step 1118 can be formed
on other edges and in other directions.
[0096] In typical embodiments, the mounting plate 824, the base or
the frame 1106 is made of a urethane polymer, an acrylic polymer,
polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a fluoropolymer, silicone,
poly-dimethyl siloxane (PDMS), silicone gel, epoxy, ethylene vinyl
acetate (EVA), perfluoroalkoxy fluorocarbon (PFA), nylon/polyamide,
cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), polyolefin, polypropylene (PP),
polyethylene terephtalate glycol (PETG), polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE), thermoplastic copolymer (for example, ETFE.RTM., which is a
derived from the polymerization of ethylene and
tetrafluoroethylene: TEFLON.RTM. monomers), polyurethane/urethane,
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),
TYGON.RTM., vinyl, VITON.RTM., or any combination or variation
thereof.
[0097] In some embodiments, the mounting plate 824, the base or the
frame 1106 is made of a material such as polybenzamidazole (e.g.,
CELAZOLE.RTM., available from Boedeker Plastics, Inc., Shiner,
Tex.). In some embodiments, the mounting plate 824, the base or the
frame 1106 is made of polymide (e.g., DuPont.TM. VESPEL.RTM., or
DUPONT.RTM. KAPTON.RTM., Wilmington, Del.). In some embodiments,
the mounting plate 824, the base or the frame 1106 is made of
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), each
of which is available from Boedeker Plastics, Inc. In some
embodiments, the mounting plate 824, the base or the frame 1106 is
made of polyamide-imide (e.g., TORLON.RTM. PAI, Solvay Advanced
Polymers, Alpharetta, Ga.).
[0098] In still other embodiments, the mounting plate 824, the base
or the frame 1106 is made of polyethylene. In some embodiments, the
substrate 403 is made of low density polyethylene (LDPE), high
density polyethylene (HDPE), or ultra high molecular weight
polyethylene (UHMW PE). Chemical properties of HDPE are described
in Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers, ninth
edition, 1987, McGraw-Hill, Inc., p. 6-173. In some embodiments,
the mounting plate 824, the base or the frame 1106 is made of
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polytetrfluoro-ethylene (Teflon),
polymethacrylate (lucite or plexiglass), nylon 6,6, cellulose
acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate, rigid vinyl, plasticized
vinyl, or polypropylene. Chemical properties of these materials are
described in Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers,
ninth edition, 1987, McGraw-Hill, Inc., pp. 6-172 through
6-175.
[0099] Additional exemplary materials that can be used to form the
mounting plate 824, the base or the frame 1106 are found in Modern
Plastics Encyclopedia, McGraw-Hill; Reinhold Plastics Applications
Series, Reinhold Roff, Fibres, Plastics and Rubbers, Butterworth;
Lee and Neville, Epoxy Resins, McGraw-Hill; Bilmetyer, Textbook of
Polymer Science, Interscience; Schmidt and Marlies, Principles of
high polymer theory and practice, McGraw-Hill; Beadle (ed.),
Plastics, Morgan-Grampiand, Ltd., 2 vols. 1970; Tobolsky and Mark
(eds.), Polymer Science and Materials, Wiley, 1971; Glanville, The
Plastics's Engineer's Data Book, Industrial Press, 1971; Mohr
(editor and senior author), Oleesky, Shook, and Meyers, SPI
Handbook of Technology and Engineering of Reinforced Plastics
Composites, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1973, each of which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0100] In some embodiments, the mounting plate 824, the base and
the frame 1106 are made of the same material. In some embodiments,
one or each of the mounting plate 824, the base and the frame 1106
is made of a different same material.
[0101] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 11A-11C, in some embodiments,
the mounting device 814 further comprises a first fastener 1120, a
second fastener 1122 and an elastic member 1124 to hold the
mounting plate 824 and/or facilitate positioning of the mounting
plate 824 between the first longitudinal position and the second
longitudinal position. The first fastener 1120 is fixed or screwed
on the dented central portion 1112 of the base plate 1104 and the
second fastener 1122 is fixed or screwed on a back of the mounting
plate 824. The first fastener 1120 and the second fastener 1122 are
connected by the elastic member 1124. In an aspect, the elastic
member 1124 is a wire spring.
[0102] In some embodiments, the mounting plate 824 comprises a
first hole 1126, a first groove 1128 and a recess 1130. The first
hole 1126 is configured to receive the first fastener 1120 when the
mounting plate 824 is in the first position (e.g., the first
longitudinal position) and it may be a through hole. The first
groove 1128 extends in a direction substantially the same as the
direction of the sliding movement of the mounting plate 824. In the
illustrated embodiment, the first groove 1128 extends in the
longitudinal direction of the second side 820 so that the first
fastener 1120 slides along the first groove 1128 when the mounting
plate 824 slides between the first position (e.g., the first
longitudinal position) and the second position (e.g., the second
longitudinal position). The recess 1130 is formed on the back of
the mounting plate 824 and is configured to accommodate the elastic
member 1124. Configuration of the recess 1130 such as the shape and
the size is readily as long as it can house the elastic member
1124.
[0103] In some embodiments, the base plate 1104 comprises a second
hole 1132 and a second groove 1134. The second hole 1132 is formed
on the dented central portion 1112 of the base plate 1104 and is
configured to receive the second fastener 1122 when the mounting
plate 824 is in the first position (e.g., the first longitudinal
position). The second groove 1134 is formed on the dented central
portion 1112 of the base plate 1104. Like the first groove 1128,
the second groove 1134 extends in a direction substantially the
same as the direction of the sliding movement of the mounting plate
824. In the illustrated embodiment, the second groove 1134 extends
in the longitudinal direction of the second side 820 so that the
second fastener 1122 slides along the second groove 1134 when the
mounting plate 824 slides between the first longitudinal position
and the second longitudinal position.
[0104] In some embodiments, the base plate 1104 is substantially
rectangular and has a length between about 2.5 inches and about 7
inches or between about 3 inches and about 5 inches, a width
between about 1 inch and about 4 inches or between about 1.5 inches
and about 3 inches, and a thickness between about 0.01 inches and
about 0.1 inches or between about 0.01 inches and about 0.06
inches. In some embodiments, the peripheral shoulder 1114 has a
width between 0.1 inches to 0.5 inches or between 0.15 inches to
0.35 inches, and a thickness between about 0.01 inches and about
0.1 inches or between about 0.01 inches and about 0.06 inches. In
some embodiments, the mounting plate 824 is substantially
rectangular, and has a length between about 1 inch and about 4
inches or between about 1.5 inches and about 2.5 inches, a width
between about 1 inch and about 3 inches or between about 1.25
inches and about 2 inches, and a thickness between about 0.01
inches and about 0.1 inches or between about 0.01 inches and about
0.06 inches.
[0105] In some embodiments, the mounting device 814 includes a
fixing means for permanently or semi-permanently retaining the
handheld electronic device 902. In one aspect, the fixing means
includes an adhesive 1136 disposed on a front surface 904 of the
mounting plate 824. In another aspect, the fixing means further
includes a backing 1138 which covers the adhesive 1136 and is to be
removed prior to fixing the handheld electronic device 902 on the
mounting plate 824. Other fixing means are possible, including
snap-fit, press-fit, or bolting.
[0106] Turning back to FIGS. 8A and 8B, in some embodiments, the
case assembly 810 further comprises a flap 834 to selectively hold
or maintain the case 812 in the closed state. The flap 834 has a
first portion 836 that is fixed on either the first side 818 or the
second side 820 of the case 812 and a second portion 838 that is
configured to bend over to the other side when the case 812 is in
the closed state. By way of illustration, the flap 834 in FIGS. 8A
and 8B has the first portion 836 fixed on the second side 820 of
the case 812 and the second portion 838 configured to bend over to
the first side 818 when the case 812 is in the closed state. The
first portion 836 is fixed on the second side 820 by press,
bounding, gluing, sewing or other suitable means. The second
portion 838 of the flap 834 includes a second coupler corresponding
to a first coupler disposed on the other side (e.g., the first side
818 in FIGS. 8A and 8B). The first and second couplers operably
couples or fastens the flap 834 to the other side (e.g., in FIGS.
8A and 8B), and thus selectively holds or maintains the case 812 in
the closed state.
[0107] In some embodiments, the first coupler 1022 is embedded or
inserted in the first side 818 of the case 812. Configuration of
such a first side 818 with the first coupler is similar to that
illustrated in 10A. In fact, in some embodiments, the first insert
1018 of the first side 818 is made of an iron or a magnet material
and thus functions as the first coupler 1022. Similarly, in some
embodiments, the second coupler 1024 is embedded or inserted in the
second portion 838 of the flap 834. Referring to FIG. 10C, like the
first side 818 of the case 812, the second portion 838 of the flap
834 has an outer layer 1026 and an inner layer 1028 with the second
coupler 1024 disposed in between. In such embodiments, the first
coupler includes an iron material and the second coupler includes a
magnetic material, or vice versa. Other coupler configurations are
possible, for example, using a strip of hook material as one
coupler and a strip of loop material as the other coupler or
alternatively using a lock post as one coupler and a through hole
as the other coupler.
[0108] Referring to FIGS. 12A-12C, in some embodiments, the first
inner layer 1004 and the first outer layer 1002 of the first side
818 form a pocket or a pouch 1202. The first inner layer 1004 of
the first side 818 includes one or more cuts 1204, which allow a
card or cards such as credit cards, business cards or ID cards to
pass through and to be received in the pocket 1202. In the
embodiments where the first side 818 further comprises the first
insert 1018, the pocket 1202 is formed between the first inner
layer 1004 and the first insert 1018 of the first side 818. As an
example, FIG. 12 A illustrates two cuts 1204. It will be
appreciated that the number of cuts and configuration of a cut can
be readily adjusted.
Sixth Embodiment
[0109] Other aspects provide a method of using an apparatus that
comprises a case assembly 810 and a locator to protect and ready
location of a handheld electronic device 902. The method comprises
(i) retaining the case assembly 810 by the locator 10, 110 and (ii)
hanging the locator 10, 110 from an edge of a purse, a bag, a
purse-like or a bag-like device so that the case assembly 810 is
received in the purse, the bag, the purse-like or the bag-like
device. In typical embodiments, the case assembly 810 comprises a
case 812, a mounting device 814 and a connector 816. The case 812
includes a first side 818 and a second side 820 that are rotatably
coupled to each other to operate the case 812 between an open state
and a closed state. The mounting device 814 is fixed on the case
812 and includes a mounting plate 824 that is slidably operated
between a first longitudinal position and a different second
longitudinal position with respect to the second side 820. The
mounting plate 824 is configured for permanently or
semi-permanently retaining a handheld electronic device 902. In
some embodiments, the locator 10, 110 includes a bent interior
region 22 and a clasp 16. The bent interior region is configured
for removably hanging or clasping on an upper edge of a purse, a
bag, a purse-like or a bag-like device. The clasp 16 is configured
to selectively engage the connector 816 of the case assembly 810
and thus retain the case assembly 810.
[0110] In some embodiments, the method further comprises (iii)
mounting the handheld electronic device 902 on the mounting plate
824 of the mounting device 814, and (iv) closing the case assembly
810 by rotating either the first side 818 or the second side 820 of
the case 812. The mounting of the handheld electronic device 902
can be conducted either before or after hanging the locator on the
upper edge of the purse, the bag, the purse-like or the bag-like
device.
[0111] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 13, other
objects can be retained by the locator 10, 110 in conjunction with
the case assembly 810. Such objects includes a key 1302, a card
1304, a toy, a decoration or the like, or any combination
thereof.
[0112] It can be seen that the present invention provides an
apparatus that includes a case assembly capable of completely
enclosing a handheld electronic device. As such, a handheld
electronic device is well protected from scratch or other damages
even when the case assembly with the handheld electronic device
stored within is placed in a purse, a bag or the like. In the
meantime, the case assembly is to be engaged with a locator that is
suitable for use with a purse, backpack, briefcase or other
bag-like device. Accordingly, one may find the handheld electronic
device along with the case assembly easily and without delay. In
addition, the case assembly of the present invention includes a
mounting device 814 that allows a portion of the handheld
electronic device move outside of the case assembly if desired.
Thus, functions of a handheld electronic device can be performed
without interference (e.g., optical interference) by the case
assembly.
Additional Embodiments
[0113] A first embodiment comprises an apparatus for protecting and
readily locating a handheld electronic device, the apparatus
comprising (i) a case assembly for housing said handheld electronic
device, said case assembly including a connector; and (ii) a
locator configured for removably hanging on an edge of a purse-like
or bag-like device and including a means for selectively engaging
said connector, thereby retaining said case assembly.
[0114] A second embodiment comprises the first embodiment wherein
said case assembly further comprises: (iii) a case comprising a
first side and a second side rotatably coupled to said first side
for operating said case between an open state and a closed state;
and (iv) a mounting device fixed on side second side of said case,
said mounting device comprising a mounting plate slidably operated
between a first longitudinal position and a different second
longitudinal position with respect to said second side, said
mounting plate configured for permanently or semi-permanently
retaining said handheld electronic device.
[0115] A third embodiment comprises the first embodiment wherein
said means for selectively engaging said connector comprises a
clasp, a hook, or a grasp.
[0116] A fourth embodiment comprises the first embodiment in which
said locator comprises a bent interior region configured for
removably hanging said locator on said edge.
[0117] A fifth embodiment comprises the first embodiment in which
the means engages one or more objects in addition to said case
assembly.
[0118] A sixth embodiment is a method comprising: (i) retaining a
case assembly by a locator, wherein (a) said case assembly
comprises a connector, and (b) said locator is configured for
removably hanging on an upper edge of a side panel of a bag-like
purse, and includes a means for selectively engaging said connector
of said case assembly, thereby retaining said case assembly; and
(ii) hanging said locator from said upper edge of said side panel
of said bag-like purse so that said case assembly is received in
said purse.
[0119] A seventh embodiment is the method of sixth embodiment, in
which the case assembly further comprises: a case including a first
side and a second side rotatably coupled to said first side to
operate said case between an open state and a closed state; and a
mounting device fixed on said case and including a mounting plate
slidably operated between a first longitudinal position and a
different second longitudinal position with respect to said second
side, said mounting plate configured for permanently or
semi-permanently retaining a handheld electronic device.
[0120] An eighth embodiment is the method of sixth embodiment in
which the locator includes a bent interior region configured for
removably hanging said locator on said upper edge of said side
panel, and the means for selectively engaging said connector of
said case assembly includes a clasp, a hook or a grasp.
[0121] A ninth embodiment is the method of sixth embodiment in
which, the method further comprising: (iii) mounting the handheld
electronic device on said mounting plate of said mounting device;
and (iv) closing said case assembly by rotating either said first
side or said second side; where the mounting of said handheld
electronic device is conducted prior to or subsequent to the
hanging of said locator.
REFERENCES CITED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0122] All references cited herein are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety and for all purposes to the same extent
as if each individual publication or patent or patent application
was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference in its entirety for all purposes.
[0123] Many modifications and variations of this invention can be
made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be
apparent to those skilled in the art. The specific embodiments
described herein are offered by way of example only. The
embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the
principles of the invention and its practical applications, to
thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the
invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are
suited to the particular use contemplated. The invention is to be
limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the
full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
* * * * *