U.S. patent application number 14/140259 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-25 for apparatus and methods for carrying electronic devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is David Yu. Invention is credited to David Yu.
Application Number | 20150173497 14/140259 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50384239 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150173497 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yu; David |
June 25, 2015 |
Apparatus And Methods For Carrying Electronic Devices
Abstract
A system and method of carrying an electronic device that
includes providing a swivel assembly comprising a swivel body and a
swivel head rotatably mounted to the swivel body, the swivel
assembly defining a strap passage; attaching the electronic device
to the swivel assembly; providing a user attachment strap;
inserting the user attachment strap to the strap passage; attaching
the user attachment strap to a user; operating the electronic
device while the swivel head is attached to the swivel body; and
operating the electronic device while the swivel head is detached
from the swivel body.
Inventors: |
Yu; David; (Laguna Niguel,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Yu; David |
Laguna Niguel |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50384239 |
Appl. No.: |
14/140259 |
Filed: |
December 24, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/218 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2005/008 20130101;
Y10S 224/93 20130101; A45F 2200/0516 20130101; H04B 2001/3861
20130101; A45F 2005/006 20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for carrying an electronic device comprising: a
swivel assembly configured to support the electronic device, the
swivel assembly including a swivel body and a swivel head
configured to be removably attached and pivotably mounted to the
swivel body; and a user attachment strap attached to the swivel
assembly and configured to be worn by a user to carry the
electronic device.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a swivel assembly
comprising: a shaft attached to the swivel head on one end and a
shaft end attached to the shaft on an opposite end; a shaft
receiver opening defined by the swivel body; and a biasing device
within the shaft receiver opening configured to secure the swivel
head.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the swivel head comprising a
top surface, a swivel shaft attached to the top surface on one end
and a shaft end attached to the swivel shaft on an opposite end;
and the swivel body comprising a shaft receiver opening for
receiving the swivel shaft and shaft end and a biasing device
within the shaft receiver opening configured to secure the swivel
shaft and shaft end of the swivel head.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first tether
mount attached to the swivel body; a second tether mount attached
to the swivel head; and a tether mounted to the first tether mount
and the second tether mount.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the swivel assembly defines a
strap passage, the user attachment strap configured to be inserted
through the strap passage which can be located on the swivel head
or swivel body.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an attachment
system between the swivel assembly and the electronic device or a
case configured to house the electronic device.
7. A method of carrying an electronic device comprising: providing
a swivel assembly comprising a swivel body and a swivel head
rotatably mounted to the swivel body; attaching the electronic
device or the electronic device case to the swivel assembly;
operating the electronic device while the swivel head is attached
to the swivel body; and operating the electronic device while the
swivel head is detached from the swivel body.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: providing a strap
passage defined by swivel assembly; providing a user attachment
strap; inserting the user attachment strap to the strap passage;
and attaching the user attachment strap to the user.
9. The method of claim 7, further comprising: attaching a tether to
the swivel head; and attaching the tether to the swivel body.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the user attachment strap is
attached to a user's arm comprising of the upper arm, elbow,
forearm, wrist, and hand.
11. The method of claim 7, wherein the electronic device is
attached to a user's arm comprising of the upper arm, elbow,
forearm, wrist, and hand.
12. The method of claim 7, wherein the electronic device is
positioned adjacent to a user's palm.
13. The method of claim 7, wherein the electronic device is
positioned on a dorsal side of a user's arm comprising of the upper
arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand.
14. The method of claim 7, wherein the electronic device is
positioned on the inside of a user's arm comprising of the upper
arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand.
15. The method of claim 7 further comprising pivoting the swivel
head around the swivel body to change a viewing angle of the
electronic device.
16. The method of claim 7 further comprising attaching the strap to
a user's arm comprising of the upper arm, elbow, forearm, wrist,
and hand, detaching the swivel head from the swivel body and
operating the electronic device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 13/630,313 filed Sep. 28, 2012, the disclosure
of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for
carrying electronic devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Personal electronic mobile devices have become popular, as
some of them provide on-the-go entertainment and data access as
well as mobile phone service. Other personal electronic devices,
such as music players and video players have also gained
popularity. Personal electronic devices are often carried in a
pocket or purse, or may be attached to a holster attached to a
belt. They may also be placed in their respective protective cases
to protect them from impact. The protective cases may also include
protective screen covers to protect the screens from being
scratched. While some cases may offer protection, the cases often
fail to provide quick access, ease of use and may take up room in a
pocket or handbag. The cases may also fail to prevent the devices
from being dropped. Most cases further require at least one hand to
hold and operate the device, which may sometimes be tiresome. In
certain situations, users may need both hands free from the device
while using the device.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure discloses an apparatus for carrying
an electronic device that includes a user attachment strap; a
swivel body defining a strap passage, the user attachment strap
configured to be inserted through the strap passage; and a swivel
head configured to be removably attached and pivotably mounted to
the swivel body, wherein a user can wear the user attachment strap
with the swivel body attached to the user attachment strap and the
electronic device can be attached to the swivel head to allow the
user to carry the electronic device.
[0005] The present disclosure also discloses a method of carrying
an electronic device that includes providing a swivel assembly
comprising a swivel body and a swivel head rotatably mounted to the
swivel body; attaching the electronic device to the swivel head;
providing a tether; attaching one end of the tether to the swivel
body; and attaching another end of the tether to the swivel
head.
[0006] The present disclosure further discloses a method of
carrying an electronic device that includes providing a swivel
assembly comprising a swivel body and a swivel head rotatably
mounted to the swivel body, the swivel body defining a strap
passage; attaching the electronic device to the swivel head;
providing a user attachment strap; inserting the user attachment
strap to the strap passage; attaching the user attachment strap to
a user; operating the electronic device while the swivel head is
attached to the swivel body; and operating the electronic device
while the swivel head is detached from the swivel body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1A shows the components of an exemplary apparatus using
a belt for the case lock.
[0008] FIG. 1B shows the components of an exemplary apparatus using
a magnetic snap button system for the case lock.
[0009] FIG. 1C shows the components of an exemplary apparatus using
a belt for the case lock with the tether-housing separated from the
case.
[0010] FIG. 1D shows the components of an exemplary apparatus using
a magnetic snap button system for the case lock with the
tether-housing separated from the case.
[0011] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary apparatus using a belt for the
case lock in a locked and stored position carried in a user's
palm.
[0012] FIG. 3A shows an exemplary apparatus using a belt for the
case lock in a locked position slung on a user palm with the top
opening of the case facing away the user's hand.
[0013] FIG. 3B shows an exemplary apparatus using a magnetic snap
system for the case lock in a locked position slung on a user's
palm with the top opening of the case facing away the user's
hand.
[0014] FIG. 4A shows an exemplary apparatus using a belt for the
case lock in an unlocked position in use by a user.
[0015] FIG. 4B shows an exemplary apparatus using a magnetic snap
system for the case lock in an unlocked position in use by a
user.
[0016] FIG. 5A shows an exemplary apparatus using a belt for the
case lock carried in the back of the hand by a user.
[0017] FIG. 5B shows an exemplary apparatus using a magnetic snap
system for the case lock carried in the back of the hand by a
user.
[0018] FIG. 6 shows the exemplary hand brace locked in the back of
the hand while the mobile device is carried in the palm of the
user's hand.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary
apparatus for carrying an electronic device.
[0020] FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the apparatus of FIG.
7 without the electronic device.
[0021] FIG. 8A is another perspective view of the apparatus with
the Shaft Head attached to the Swivel Body and the U-shaped Slot is
housed within the Swivel Head.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a skeletal view of a swivel assembly of the
apparatus of FIG. 7.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 7
attached below a user's wrist.
[0024] FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 10 but with a swivel head and
electronic device detached from a swivel body.
[0025] FIG. 12 is similar to FIG. 10 but without the tether.
[0026] FIG. 13 is similar to FIG. 11 but without the tether.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 7
attached above a user's wrist.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 7
attached above a user's hand.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 7
attached below a user's palm.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that
may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are
not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or
minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore,
specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not
to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis
for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present
invention.
[0031] The apparatus 100 comprises mainly a case 101, a case tether
111, a case lock 120, a hand brace shaft 131, and a hand brace 140.
FIG. 1A shows the components of an exemplary apparatus 100 using a
belt for the case lock 120. Case 101, designed to protect a
personal electronic mobile device including a phone, preferably
includes a bottom wall and four side walls and is preferably open
on the top (not shown) for receiving a mobile device. FIG. 1A shows
the rear view of the case 101 where the exterior surface of the
bottom of the case 101 is visible. The case 101 may define a hole
109 to accommodate a built-in camera in the mobile device. The case
101 preferably includes a hook 105 in the center of a
tether-housing 107, which is designed to securely couple to the
case tether 111 so that the case 101 is securely attached to the
tether 111 via the hook 105. The tether-housing 107 may be
surrounded by a retaining wall 108 (FIG. 1C). The tether housing
107 may also include a male snap 106 and a hook/ring 105
combination as illustrated in FIG. 1B and FIG. 1D. The hook 105 can
be a hook with an opening for the quick release of the tether 111
or a bar across with no opening. If the hook 105 implemented has an
opening, the purpose of the retaining wall 108 is preferably to
prevent the case tether 111 from being unhooked accidentally. In
this depiction, the space beneath the hook is hollowed out (e.g. a
gap or recess) to reduce the height of the tether-housing 107. This
gap or recess is optional. The hook 105 can also be a ring or bar
capable of accepting the case tether. Tether strap guides 103 are
preferably two raised poles located at the exterior surface of the
bottom of the case 101. These guides 103 may restrain the case
tether strap 111 in its proper path when the device is in its
stowed position.
[0032] The case tether 111 may be a strap or an elastic ring with
an opening large enough to slide into the hook 105 (FIG. 1A). The
free end of the case tether 111 is preferably looped around the
hook 105 and secured by a locked fastener 113 on the exterior
surface of the bottom of the case 101. The other end of the case
tether 111 is preferably securely attached to the case lock 120 and
the hand brace shaft 131. Case tether 111 can be bent and twisted
into any desired positions by a user.
[0033] The fastener 113 as depicted is preferably a small snap
fastener made for clothing but other suitable fasteners that allow
the case tether 111 to be unsnapped or unbuttoned and be released
from the hook 105 can be appropriate. The case lock 120 can be any
closure configurations capable of locking and securing the case 101
to the tether 111, i.e. flexible elastic ring or a belt with a
locking mechanism 121A, 121B as is illustrated in FIG. 1A. A rivet
grommet combination 130 preferably pivotally joins the case lock
120 to the hand brace shaft 131.
[0034] The belt of the case lock 120 is preferably substantially
perpendicular to the case tether 111 (FIG. 1A). In a locked and
stored mode, the belt of the case lock 120 may wrap around the case
101 and the enclosed mobile device (not shown) and then secured by
the locking mechanism 121A and 121B, so it provides additional
mechanism to secure the mobile device to the case 101 and case
tether 111. This locked and stored mode of the apparatus using a
belt for the case lock 120 is shown in FIG. 2 and will be further
discussed later.
[0035] Alternatively, the case lock 120 can be a fastener system
such as a button and a buttonhole or a snap button system, a
magnetic snap button system 106, 126 as is illustrated in FIG. 1B.
FIG. 1B shows the components of an exemplary apparatus using a
magnetic snap button system for the case lock 120 wherein the case
101 is presented in its rear view. In this depiction, the case lock
120 preferably comprises of a magnetic snap system, a male snap 106
that is made of metal and a female magnetic snap 126 that contains
a magnet within. The male snap 106 is preferably securely located
on the bottom of the case 101. A hook 105 is preferably located at
the base of the male snap 106. In this depiction, the
tether-housing 107 includes the combination of the male snap 106
and the hook 105. A case tether 111 may be looped around the hook
105 and may be fastened by a fastener 113. The female magnetic snap
126 is preferably located on the other end of the case tether 111.
In another embodiment, the male snap and female snap may switch
their locations. A rivet grommet combination 130 preferably
pivotally joints the case tether 111 to the hand brace shaft
131.
[0036] In a locked mode, the male snap 106 is preferably snapped
with the female magnetic snap 126 exposing the screen side of the
case 101 away from the hand. The locked mode may be used when the
device is stored in the back of or in the inside of the palm. While
in this mode, a user can still use the device for viewing and
entering data. This mode is shown in FIGS. 3B and 5B and will be
further discussed later.
[0037] Referring now to both FIGS. 1A and 1B, hand brace 140 is
shown to be separated from a hand brace shaft 131. The hand brace
140 may be a strap with two strips of Velcro: one with microscopic
loops 141A and another strip with microscopic hooks 141B as
illustrated in both figures. During use, the hand brace 140 may be
inserted into the hand brace shaft 131. Then, the hand brace 140
may be strapped around a user's hand between the knuckle and the
thumb and may be secured by the two strips of Velcro as illustrated
in FIG. 6.
[0038] Referring back to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the hand brace shaft 131
may form a loop for receiving the hand brace 140, and the loop can
slide along the hand brace. A rivet grommet combination 130 located
at the base of the hand brace shaft 131 preferably allows the case
lock 120 and the case tether 111 to rotate around it. The hand
brace shaft 131 is, therefore, pivotably and rotatably coupled to
the case lock 120 and the case tether 111. As a result, the hand
brace 140 is pivotably and rotatably coupled to the case lock 120
and the case tether 111 via the rivet grommet combination 130 and
the hand brace shaft 131. This in turn allows the case 101 secured
to the case lock 120 and the case tether 111 to be rotated at the
convenience of the user.
[0039] The rivet grommet combination 130 can be any combination of
button, snap, rivet, stub, grommet and/or eyelet that allows the
apparatus to rotate on it. The hand brace 140 may be wrapped around
a user's hand in FIG. 6. The hand brace shaft 131 and the hand
brace 140 are preferably working together to secure the case 101 to
a user's hand. The hand brace 140 may include a handband and a
strap slidably coupled to the handband.
[0040] In FIG. 1C, the case 101 is shown to be separated from the
tether housing 107. A tether housing 107 preferably comprises of a
hook 105 in the center of the retaining wall 108. One side of a
2-sided adhesive tape 150 is shown to be attached to the bottom of
the tether housing 107. During use, the other side of the 2-sided
adhesive tape 150 may be attached to the bottom of the case 101. In
FIG. 1D, the case 101 is shown to be separated from the tether
housing 107 that may include the male snap 106 and the hook/ring
105 combination. One side of a 2-sided adhesive tape 150 is shown
to be attached to the bottom of the tether housing 107. During use,
the other side of the 2-sided adhesive tape 150 may be attached to
the bottom of the case 101.
[0041] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary apparatus that uses a belt for the
case lock 120 in a locked and stored position. The case 101 is
carried in a user's hand, and the case 101 is presented in its rear
view with the bottom facing away from the user's hand and the open
top (which is the same side of the mobile device's screen side)
facing towards the user's hand. To secure the case 101 in its
locked position, the belt of the case lock 120 is preferably looped
around the body of the case 101, and the two ends of the belt are
preferably attached to each other by the locking mechanism 121
(e.g. a button and buttonhole or buckle). During use, the case
tether 111 is preferably looped around the hook 105 and securely
attaches the mobile device to the hand brace 140. Case tether 111
can be detached from hooks 105 as desired by the user. To unhook
from the hook 105, user can simply slide the case tether 111 out
from the hook 105. While unhooked, the case 101 can be carried and
used separately by a user.
[0042] FIG. 3A shows an exemplary apparatus using a belt for the
case lock 120 in a locked position slung on a user palm wherein the
bottom of the case faces toward the user's hand and the open top of
the case faces away from the user's hand. The device is pivotally
hanging on the palm of the hand. In this depiction, the case 101 is
shown to be wrapped around and locked by the case lock 120, and the
case tether 111 is shown through the cavity created by the
tether-housing 107. The device is shown hanging in an angle to the
hand. FIG. 3B shows an exemplary apparatus using a magnetic snap
system for the case lock 120 in a locked position slung on a user
palm wherein the bottom of the case faces toward the user's hand
and the open top of the case faces away from the user's hand. This
depiction is using a magnetic snap system as case lock 120. No
strap (belt) is used to lock the case in place. The magnet in the
magnetic snap system provides a locking mechanism and due to its
male and female configuration, it also allows rotational movements.
The case 101 is shown hanging at an angle to the hand. The case can
hang from the palm using the hand brace 140 without closing the
fingers around it (FIGS. 3A, 3B, 5A and 5B). In these carrying
modes, the fingers are free of the case and are available to carry
or perform other tasks.
[0043] Both of FIGS. 4A and 4B show an exemplary apparatus in an
unlocked position and in use by a user wherein the bottom of the
case 101 faces toward the user's hand and the open top of the case
(that is also the screen side of the mobile device) faces away from
the user's hand. To unlock the case 101 into its opened position, a
user may simply unbutton or unbuckle the locking mechanism 121A and
121B and release the case 101 in the first embodiment (FIG. 4A) or
unsnap the snaps 106 and 126 and release the case 101 in the second
embodiment (FIG. 4B.)
[0044] In FIG. 4A, the user is typing on the mobile device
including a phone (not shown) with the user's thumb. The case 101
is allowed to move unrestrained because the case tether 111 is
flexible. The unlocked case lock 120 releases the case 101 into the
opened position and allows for the free movement of the case 101
and the mobile device. The hand brace 140 is adaptably and slidably
secured to the hand brace shaft 131. As the figures demonstrate,
the apparatus allows for a great range of movement of the mobile
device. Although the case lock 120 is not surrounding the case 101,
the case 101 is still secured by the case tether 111 to prevent the
case enclosed mobile device from dropping by accident.
[0045] In FIG. 4B, the apparatus is in an unlocked mode, the two
snaps of the magnetic snap system 106, 126 of the case lock 120 are
not attached to each other. In this mode, the case 101 is free from
the confined positions along the hand brace 140 where the hand
brace shaft 131 travels but can be extended to the full length of
the case tether 111. In this mode, a user can move the device
freely from the back of or the inside of the palm to a location
convenient for use, such as a location where the finger tips can be
used. With the case tether 111 still connected to the case 101, the
case tether 111 protects the mobile device from damages incurred by
accidental droppings.
[0046] FIG. 5A shows an exemplary apparatus using a belt as the
case lock 120 carried in the back of the hand by a user. In this
depiction, the mobile device is carried on the back of the hand, in
a dorsal position opposite to the palm. Case lock 120 and case
tether 111 are shown securing the case 101 to the hand brace 140.
Hand brace 140 is shown wrapping around a hand. In this position,
the fingers and the palm are free to perform other tasks unimpeded
while the device is conveniently carried.
[0047] FIG. 5B shows an exemplary apparatus using a magnetic snap
system as the case lock 120 carried in the back of the palm by a
user. In this depiction, the device is carried on the back of the
hand, in a dorsal position opposite to the palm, case lock 120 and
case tether 111 are being hidden on the underside of the case 101
and are securing the case 101 to the hand brace 140. Hand brace 140
is shown wrapping around a hand. In this position, the top-side of
the case 101 is facing away from the hand and exposes the screen of
the device (not shown) towards the user. The device is, therefore,
available for use and the fingers and the palm are free to perform
other tasks unimpeded while the device is conveniently carried with
the screen facing to the user and ready for use. FIG. 6 shows the
exemplary hand brace 140 locked in the back of the hand while the
device is carried in the palm of the user's hand. During use, the
mobile device is inserted into the case housing. Next, a user then
wears the hand brace 140 and secures it to the user's hand.
[0048] Tether 111, case lock 120 and hand brace 140 may be
fabricated from any suitable material including leather, fabric,
plastic, webbing, cloth or rubber band, metal or synthetic
materials or any combination thereof. The mechanism of the closures
113 and 140 may be made of a strap loop, a band with Velcro type of
loops on one side and hooks on another, a belt and buckle, a button
and buttonhole, or a snap button and receptacle type of
configurations. In another embodiment, the coupling may include a
threaded loop, stitching/gluing, or and clips. Other embodiments
may be by a variety of means to accomplish the task of coupling. In
order to provide the best viewing and typing angles, the system
flexibly allows the case 101 to face and pivot in omni-directions.
To offer further mobility and with the use of the tether-housing
107, the case 101 can be detached from the case tether 111. The
case 101 can then be carried around on its own without attaching to
the hand. The above embodiment supports the mobile device while
allowing the hand that is wearing the case 101 to perform other
tasks (FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B). The apparatus described
above provides for an efficient and a convenient apparatus for
carrying, using, and protecting a personal mobile device, such as a
cell phone or a camera attached to a user's hand. These features
allow the user to type, take pictures, and complete other
activities with ease.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 7, another exemplary apparatus 119 for
carrying an electronic device 122 is shown. The electronic device
122 is preferably attached to one end of the apparatus 119 via an
attachment system 154, and a user attachment strap 125 is
preferably attached to an opposite end of the apparatus 119. A user
preferably attaches the user attachment strap 125 to a desired body
part of the user, such as an arm which comprising a upper arm, an
elbow, a forearm, a wrist or a hand, thereby carrying the
electronic device 122. The user attachment strap 125 is preferably
attached to the apparatus 119 by inserting through the strap
passage 123 defined by a swivel body 124 of a swivel assembly 127.
The swivel body 124 may serve as a fixed base and allow a swivel
head 129 to attach to the swivel body 124 and rotate or pivot
around the swivel body 124. The electronic device 122 is preferably
attached to a swivel head 129 of the swivel assembly 127, which may
be allowed by the swivel head 129 to be moved around the body part
of the user to adjust a viewing angle or to provide ease or comfort
in using the electronic device. Preferably, the back of the
electronic device 122 is attached to the swivel head 129 by methods
known in the art, such as an adhesive.
[0050] For optional and supplemental protection against damaging
the electronic device 122, the electronic device 122 may be secured
by a tether 128 attached to the swivel body 124 on one tether end
and to the swivel head 129 on the opposite tether end. A first
tether mount 151 may be formed on the swivel body 124 to serve as
an attachment point for the tether 128, and a second tether mount
153 may be formed on the swivel head 129 to serve as another
attachment point for the tether 128. It is noted that the
electronic device 122 may be in a protective case or plainly by
itself. The electronic device may be a phone, a mobile phone, a
smartphone, a walkie talkie or two-way radio transceiver, a tablet
computer, an audio player, a video player, or any other electronic
devices known in the art.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the swivel assembly 127
preferably includes a swivel body 124 that includes opposing
sidewalls 132 and 134. Opposing sidewalls 132 and 134 define a
strap passage 123 extending through the swivel body 124. The strap
passage 123 preferably divides the swivel body into a hollow
portion, which is the strap passage, and a non-hollow portion 135.
The swivel body 124 preferably also includes: a top surface 136; a
middle surface 139; and, a bottom surface 138. A substantially
U-shaped slot 137 is preferably defined at the top surface 136 and
extends to the middle surface 139. The shape of the slot 137 may
vary. The swivel assembly 127 further includes the swivel head 129,
which includes a top surface 150, a swivel shaft 152 attached below
the top surface 150 of the swivel head, and a shaft end 142
attached to the opposite end of the swivel shaft 152. The swivel
shaft 152 and the shaft end 142 are preferably configured to be
inserted into the slot 137 to attach the swivel head 129 to the
swivel body 124. Thus, the slot 137 may be referred to as a shaft
receiver. The shaft end 142 preferably has a larger circumference
than the swivel shaft 152 and is preferably configured to lay on
the middle surface 139, and the swivel shaft 152 is preferably
configured to be pressed by a biasing device 144 against a wall
that defines the slot 137 to secure the swivel head 129 to the
swivel body 124. The swivel head 129 may be configured to rotate a
full 360 degrees, or only a partial turn, as desired. It is noted
that, if desired, the strap passage may be formed on the swivel
head as opposed to the swivel body.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 8A, the swivel assembly 127 preferably
includes the swivel head 129, A substantially U-shaped slot 137 is
preferably defined at the top surface 136 and extends to the middle
surface 139. The shape of the slot 137 may vary. The swivel
assembly 127 further includes a swivel body 124 that includes
opposing sidewalls 132 and 134. Opposing sidewalls 132 and 134
define a strap passage 123 extending through the swivel body 124.
The swivel body 124 further includes a top surface 150, a swivel
shaft 152 attached above the top surface 150 of the swivel body,
and a shaft end 142 attached to the opposite end of the swivel
shaft 152. The swivel shaft 152 and the shaft end 142 are
preferably configured to be inserted into the slot 137 to attach
the swivel head 129 to the swivel body 124. Thus, the slot 137 may
be referred to as a shaft receiver. The shaft end 142 preferably
has a larger circumference than the swivel shaft 152 and is
preferably configured to lay on the middle surface 139, and the
swivel shaft 152 is preferably configured to be pressed by a
biasing device 144 against a wall that defines the slot 137 to
secure the swivel head 129 to the swivel body 124. The swivel head
129 may be configured to rotate a full 360 degrees, or only a
partial turn, as desired.
[0053] The apparatus 119 may be used with (FIG. 10) or without a
tether (FIG. 12). The user may partially or fully rotate the
electronic device 122 to adjust the viewing angle or to adjust the
position of the electronic device 122 as desired. It can be
appreciated that the apparatus 119 may provide an alternative to
storing an electronic device in a pocket or in a purse, which may
sometimes be inconvenient. Next, on FIG. 11, the user may grasp the
electronic device 122 using a free hand that does not have the
attached apparatus and separate the swivel head 129 from the swivel
body 124 by pulling out the shaft end and the shaft from the slot.
The electronic device 122 may still be protected from being dropped
by the tether 128. It can be appreciated that with the position
shown in FIG. 11, the user may have more freedom and may use the
electronic device with more ease than the position of FIG. 10. The
user may now have much flexibility in using the electronic device,
as it is not attached to anything, except for the swivel head 129
that is in a non-interfering position at the back of the electronic
device 122. The tether can be detached from the swivel assembly.
While not using the tether, the user may place the electronic
device elsewhere, such as in the user's pocket, and need not place
it back to the swivel assembly until when the user desired. The
user may use both hands to operate the electronic device (FIG. 13).
The user may be able to type, take pictures, use applications, or
operate the electronic device with one or more hands with the peace
of mind that if the electronic device is dropped, the tether will
likely save the electronic device from being damaged.
[0054] The apparatus 119 may be attached to various parts of the
user's body, as desired, such as the user's upper arm and elbow
(not shown), below the user's forearm and wrist (FIGS. 10, 11 and
14), above the user's hand (FIG. 15), or in a user's palm (FIG.
16).
[0055] While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not
intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the
invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of
description rather than limitation, and it is understood that
various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various
implementing embodiments may be combined to form further
embodiments of the invention.
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