U.S. patent application number 14/440548 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-31 for devices and accessories employing a living hinge.
The applicant listed for this patent is GUI GLOBAL PRODUCTS, LTD.. Invention is credited to Walter G. MAYFIELD.
Application Number | 20150380141 14/440548 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50628097 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150380141 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MAYFIELD; Walter G. |
December 31, 2015 |
Devices and Accessories Employing a Living Hinge
Abstract
A device incorporating both a magnet and a living hinge may be
employed to construct cases to protect electronic devices and to
function as a closure for cases and lidded containers. Such cases
often can be bent three 360.degree. allowing the cases to be either
closed protecting devices therein are closed upon themselves
allowing the case to function to secure an electronic device to a
substrate such as an article of clothing The devices of the
disclosure can also be used to organize and hold loose items
together.
Inventors: |
MAYFIELD; Walter G.;
(Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GUI GLOBAL PRODUCTS, LTD. |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50628097 |
Appl. No.: |
14/440548 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
November 1, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2013/068066 |
371 Date: |
May 4, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61722401 |
Nov 5, 2012 |
|
|
|
61759114 |
Jan 31, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.01 ;
24/303 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/04 20130101;
A45C 13/005 20130101; A45F 2200/0533 20130101; A45F 2200/0541
20130101; H01F 7/0263 20130101; H05K 5/0226 20130101; A45C 11/00
20130101; A45F 2005/008 20130101; A44B 18/0073 20130101; H05K
5/0091 20130101; A44D 2203/00 20130101; A45F 2200/0516 20130101;
A45C 13/1069 20130101; A45C 2011/002 20130101; A45C 2011/003
20130101; A45D 8/34 20130101; A45C 13/30 20130101; A45C 11/34
20130101; A45C 2013/025 20130101; A45F 5/02 20130101; A45F 2005/023
20130101; A45F 2200/0575 20130101; H05K 5/0086 20130101; A45F
2200/0558 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01F 7/02 20060101
H01F007/02; H05K 5/00 20060101 H05K005/00; A44B 18/00 20060101
A44B018/00; H05K 5/02 20060101 H05K005/02 |
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. An electronic device comprising an electronic component and two
modules separated by a living hinge and further comprising a first
magnet located on or within a first module and a second magnet or a
ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate located on or within a
second module wherein the electronic device is configured such that
it may be used with the modules in an open position, or it may be
stored by closing the modules with a target substrate between the
modules such that the first magnet and the second magnet or a
ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate function to adhere the
device onto the target substrate.
23. The electronic device of claim 22 wherein the electronic
component is selected from the group consisting of: cell phones,
smartphones, some Tablet computers, laptop computers, and iPod or
other small music players.
24. The electronic device of claim 22 further comprising ear
buds.
25. A general-purpose device having at least two magnets to secure
a substrate to an object wherein the substrate is adaptable to
receiving many different components.
26. The general-purpose device of claim 25 wherein the many
different components are selected from the group consisting of
flowers, dolls, toys, jewelry, sports items, nametags, and small
electronic devices.
27. The general-purpose device of claim 26 wherein the small
electronic device is a radio frequency identification device.
28. The general-purpose device of claim 26 wherein the flowers are
selected from the group consisting of a corsage and a
boutonniere.
29. The general-purpose device of claim 26 wherein the sports items
are selected from the group consisting of an image of a mascot,
fishing tackle and an inspirational inscription.
30. A specific-purpose device having at least two magnets to secure
a substrate to an object wherein the object is a pair of glasses
and the substrate is adaptable to receiving components useful in
converting a pair of glasses into smart glasses.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to an apparatuses and accessories
incorporating living hinges. The invention particularly relates to
such apparatuses and accessories used with electrical devices.
[0003] 2. Background of the Art
[0004] In the past, cases used with electronic devices have
primarily been employed for the purpose of protecting the device
from its environment. For example, even with solid-state devices,
it can be desirable to protect such devices from impacts. Thus,
cases for such devices often included padding of one type or
another to dampen the acceleration deceleration resulting from
dropping such a device. Similarly, devices that were sensitive to
moisture would have cases that excluded or at least mitigated
moisture reaching the device.
[0005] More recently, such cases now are employed to both protect
the devices and to free the hands of the users. In today's society,
multitasking is no longer an option it is a requirement. For
example, it is common to see people jogging or bicycling and using
electronic devices that clip to their clothing or equipment.
[0006] It would be desirable in the art of producing electronic
devices and accessories for such devices to either encase devices
or design the devices themselves so that they may be carried and
employed efficiently and conveniently.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one aspect, the invention is an electronic device
comprising two modules separated by a living hinge and further
comprising a first magnet located on or within a first module and a
second magnet or a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate located
on or within a second module wherein the electronic device is
configured such that it may be used with the modules in an open
position, and it may be stored by closing the modules with a target
substrate between the modules such that the first magnet and the
second magnet or a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate
function to adhere the device onto the target substrate.
[0008] In another aspect, the invention is a case for an electronic
device comprising two modules separated by a living hinge and
further comprising a first magnet located on or within a first
module and a second magnet or a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic
substrate located on or within a second module wherein the case is
configured such that it may be stored by closing the modules with a
target substrate between the modules such that the first magnet and
the second magnet or a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate
function to adhere the device onto the target substrate. In some
embodiments, the case may be configured to further secure
accessories for the electronic device.
[0009] In still another aspect, the invention is a system
comprising a case and a separate closure for the case wherein the
closure for the case has two modules separated by a living hinge
and further comprising a first magnet located on or within a first
closure module and a second magnet or a ferromagnetic or
ferrimagnetic substrate located on or within a second closure
module and the case has two components separated by a hinge and a
first magnet located on or within a the first case component and a
second magnet or a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate located
on or within the second case component and the closure and case are
configured such that the closure components adhere to the case
components to hold them closed.
[0010] Another aspect of the invention is a system comprising a
container and a separate closure for the container wherein the
closure for the container has two closure modules separated by a
living hinge and further comprising a first magnet located on or
within a first closure module and a second magnet or a
ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate located on or within a
second closure module and the container has a body and a lid
connect by a hinge and a first magnet located on or within a lid
and a second magnet or a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate
located on or within the body and the closure and case are
configured such that the closure adheres to both the lid and the
body to hold them closed.
[0011] In still another aspect, the invention is a device
comprising a first component and a second component separated by a
living hinge and further comprising a first magnet located on or
within a first module and a second magnet or a ferromagnetic or
ferrimagnetic substrate located on or within a second component
wherein the device is configured such that the first component and
second component, can be brought together and the first magnet and
the second magnet or a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate
function to hold the two components together and further secure
objects between the components of the device. In some embodiments,
the device may further secure the object to another object using
magnetic, adhesive or mechanicals means.
[0012] In another embodiment, the invention is a device for
attaching a magnetic object to a Tablet personal computer (PC) or
other electronic device comprising a substrate having a first
surface configured to receive the magnetic object, a second surface
having an adhesive which serves to secure the device to the Tablet
PC or other electronic device, and at least one band connected to
the substrate using a living hinge which is configured to wrap
around the magnetic device to secure it to the first surface of the
device.
[0013] Another embodiment of the invention is an improvement to a
device employing at least two magnets wherein the device is
configured to receive an object being slid between the two magnets
and secure it in place wherein the improvement comprises employing
at least one insert between the object and one of the magnets
wherein the insert is in the shape of a wedge.
[0014] In yet another embodiment the invention is a general-purpose
device having at least two magnets to secure a substrate to an
object wherein the substrate is adaptable to receiving many
different components.
[0015] Another embodiment of the invention is a fiber or cord
management system comprising a first tab, a living hinge, and a
second tab wherein the living hinge is substantially more narrow
than the tabs, the first tab has a single magnet, and the second
tab has at least three magnets having the opposite polarity of the
magnet on the first tab wherein the living hinge serves as a
substrate upon which the fiber or cord may be wound and the first
tab can be positioned to attach to the second tab by overlaying it
with a point of attachment selected to maintain tension on the cord
or fiber.
[0016] In still another embodiment, the invention is a
specific-purpose device having at least two magnets to secure a
substrate to an object wherein the substrate is adaptable to
receiving components useful in converting a pair of glasses into
smart glasses.
[0017] In another embodiment, the invention is a device comprising
two modules with a living hinge between and a magnet within each of
the modules and configured to make contact when the modules are
bent towards each other and to hold the modules together in a
closed position and further comprising a cleaning surface.
[0018] In still another embodiment, the invention is a method of
affixing an object to a substrate comprising closing a device of
claim 18 upon the object and the substrate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The above and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent by describing in detail
embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in
which:
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic device having two modules
in the open position;
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates an electronic device within a case in the
open position;
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates an electronic device within a case having
two living hinges;
[0023] FIG. 4A illustrates an electronic device within a case and
attached to a shirt with the device open for viewing;
[0024] FIG. 4B illustrates an electronic device within a case and
attached to a shirt with the device covered;
[0025] FIG. 5A illustrates an electronic device within a case with
the device open for viewing;
[0026] FIG. 5B illustrates an electronic device within a case with
the device covered;
[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates an electronic device within a case but
employing a separate closure;
[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates a container with a lid which is secured
closed using a separate closure;
[0029] FIG. 8 illustrates a first embodiment of a device for
attaching a magnetic object to a Tablet PC or other electronic
device comprising a substrate having a first surface configured to
receive the magnetic object, a second surface having an adhesive
which serves to secure the device to the Tablet PC or other
electronic device, and at least one band connected to the substrate
using a living hinge which is configured to wrap around the
magnetic device;
[0030] FIG. 9 illustrates a second embodiment of the device
illustrated in FIG. 8;
[0031] FIG. 10 illustrates an improvement to a device employing at
least two magnets wherein the device is configured to receive an
object being slid between the two magnets and secure it in place
wherein the improvement comprises employing at least one insert
between the object and one of the magnets wherein the insert is in
the shape of a wedge;
[0032] FIG. 11 illustrates a general-purpose device having at least
two magnets to secure a substrate to an object wherein the
substrate is adaptable to receiving many different components;
[0033] FIG. 12 illustrates a fiber or cord management system having
a first tab, a living hinge, and a second tab;
[0034] FIG. 13 illustrates a specific-purpose device having at
least two magnets to secure a substrate to an object wherein the
substrate is adaptable to receiving components useful in converting
a pair of glasses into smart glasses; and
[0035] FIG. 14 illustrates a cleaning surface being used with one
of the devices of the application.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] In one aspect, the invention is an electronic device
comprising two modules separated by a living hinge. The term
electronic device means such devices having a view screen and in
some embodiments a keyboard component including, but not limited to
cell phones, smartphones, some Tablet computers, laptop computers,
iPod (a trade designation of the Apple.RTM. corporation) or other
small music players, and the like.
[0037] The term "living hinge" means, for the purposes of the
disclosure, a thin flexible hinge (flexure bearing) joining two
components, as opposed to a mechanical hinge such as a pin hinge.
In some embodiments it is made from the same material as the two
pieces it connects. Where it is made from the same material as the
components it connects, it may be of the same or differing
thickness an even be just a natural bend point in a continuous
material.
[0038] The embodiments of the devices and systems of the disclosure
include a magnet and/or a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic component.
The ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic component may be made of iron or
other conventional ferrimagnetic and ferrimagnetic materials. In
may also be a composite. Exemplary composites include combinations
of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt compound with iron. Such composites
may be made by sintering metals or by mixing the metallic
components with a resin and injection molding. Mixtures of iron
oxide and ceramic components such as barium and strontium carbonate
may be used to make ceramic magnets for use as the Ferromagnetic or
ferrimagnetic components useful with the application. For the
purposes of this application, rare earth magnets, such as but not
limited to samarian and neodymium based magnets, are ferrimagnetic
and ferrimagnetic materials and may be used to prepare the
Ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic components useful with the
application. Any magnetic material or material that is attracted to
magnets may be used to prepare the Ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic
components useful with the application.
[0039] In one embodiment, the invention is an electronic device
comprising two modules separated by a living hinge and further
comprising a first magnet located on or within a first module and a
second magnet or a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate located
on or within a second module wherein the electronic device is
configured such that it may be used with the modules in an open
position, and it may be stored by closing the modules with a target
substrate between the modules such that the first magnet and the
second magnet or a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate
function to adhere the device onto the target substrate.
[0040] The electronic device can be attached to the module using
any means known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example,
in one embodiment, an attach point already extant on the device
such as a clip can be used to clip to the module by means of a slit
or a loop. In another embodiment, a first magnet can be attached to
the device and a second magnet attached to the module at a point of
attachment where the device would be held in place by the two
magnets. In still another embodiment, an adhesive can be used.
[0041] Turning to FIG. 1, such a device 100 is illustrated with the
device having a screen or output element at reference number 102
and a keypad are input element at reference number 103. Reference
numbers 105A and 105B are independently a first magnet or a second
magnet or a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate. In at least
one embodiment of the disclosure, the first and second modules are
adhered to a continuous piece of flexible material. This is
designated by reference number 101. The living hinge is located at
reference number 104. In some embodiments, the living hinge is
located such that it is a natural point of bending for the
continuous piece of flexible material.
[0042] In a different embodiment, the living hinge is made of a
different material separating two separate pieces which make up the
two modules of the device. In such embodiments, the materials
making up the modules can be more rigid than the living hinge
artifact may be a rigid material.
[0043] In all embodiments, the input element and output elements
communicate with each other. This may be done by a wire running
between them (not shown) art may be accomplished using an
electronic protocol such as BLUETOOTH.RTM. or the like. In one
embodiment, the device is a cell phone. In another embodiment, it
may be a small Tablet personal computer. In all embodiments, the
device may be bent at the hinge to bring the modules together such
that the magnets are the magnet and a ferromagnetic or
ferrimagnetic substrate may engage to hold the device in a closed
position. The device may be open fully or partially for use.
[0044] Another embodiment of the invention is a case for an
electronic device comprising two modules separated by a living
hinge and further comprising a first magnet located on or within a
first module and a second magnet or a ferromagnetic or
ferrimagnetic substrate located on or within a second module
wherein the case is configured such that it may be stored by
closing the modules with a target substrate between the modules
such that the first magnet and the second magnet or a ferromagnetic
or ferrimagnetic substrate function to adhere the device onto the
target substrate. In some embodiments, the case may be configured
to further secure accessories for the electronic device.
[0045] Such a device (200) is illustrated in FIG. 2. In such an
embodiment, an electronic device (202) is affixed to a first module
of a continuous piece of flexible material (201). A living hinge
(not shown) is beneath a cable for an accessory which is shown at
reference number 203. In the illustrated embodiment there is a
first magnet at reference number 205 and a second magnet or a
ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate designated by reference
number 205A. In this embodiment, the living hinge is formed by a
narrowing of the continuous piece of flexible material which is
also a convenient place for storing cables or wires for
accessories.
[0046] One application of the device illustrated in FIG. 2 could be
a digital music player. In such an application the accessory could
be a power cable or an earplug. Just as with the previous device,
the living hinge functions to enable the closing of the device so
that the components can be covered by the continuous flexible
material. In an alternative embodiment, the living hinge may join
to rigid components to provide additional protection from the
environment or a more stable operations platform.
[0047] When an electronic device, a magnet, a ferromagnetic or
ferrimagnetic material, or any of the other components which may be
applied to a case in the course of making embodiments the invention
the disclosure, they may be adhered using a tacky adhesive. One
such embodiment includes using double sided gaffer's tape as the
source of the tacky adhesive. Any tacky adhesive can be used with
the method of the application.
[0048] In some embodiments, the cases may be reversible and that
one side may be a first color and the other side may be a second
color. One advantage of employing magnetism to hold an electronic
device in place on the case is that the user may select which side
of the case they wish to use.
[0049] While the adhesive may be a tacky adhesive such as already
discussed hereinabove, it may also be a permanent adhesive. Such
permanent adhesives may be selected from acrylic emulsion
adhesives, rubber-based adhesives, or any other suitable material
exhibiting durable bonding qualities.
[0050] In other embodiments, components that are capable of being
adhered by a magnet may be held in place using magnetism. For those
components which would not otherwise be able to be held in place by
the magnet, the component can be enveloped in a sheath having an
integral magnet. In an alternative form of this embodiment, the
sheath may only cover part of the component.
[0051] Additionally, components that are adhered in place to covers
of the application may be adhered using any method known to be
useful to those of ordinary skill in the art. This would include,
of course, conventional means such as brads, rivets, screws, and
other mechanical methods.
[0052] FIG. 3 illustrates several desirable aspects of the devices
and systems of the disclosure. In this illustration, reference
number 302 is an electronic device within a case containing the
electronic device (300). The case is in the closed position. In
this embodiment, the living hinge is actually two hinges which are
designated by reference numbers 303A and 303B. While not actually
touching, the magnets designated as 304A and 304B are sufficiently
close to hold the two modules of the case closed. One especially
useful aspect of this embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 4A and
4B.
[0053] The living hinge can bend 360.degree.. This means that the
case illustrated can be closed to cover the electronic device or
the case can be bent back to close against itself leaving the
device open. If the case is closed back upon itself with something
interposed, such as a shirt sleeve, then the case can function to
hold the device in place thereby freeing the hands of the operator.
In FIG. 4A the case is employed to hold an electronic device to a
shirt sleeve in the open position to facilitate observation of the
device by the user. In FIG. 4B, the use of the case to hold the
electronic device in place on a shirt sleeve with a device covered
by the case is illustrated.
[0054] This concept is further illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B.
These drawings illustrate a case (501) holding electronic component
(502) on a substrate (504). The whole system is designated using
the reference number 500. In FIG. 5A, the case is folded back upon
itself leaving the electronic component visible. The cases help
close using the magnets designated using reference numbers 503A and
503B.
[0055] In FIG. 5B, the case is folded in the closed position,
protecting the electronic component. This embodiment also shows the
use of a third magnet designated with the reference number 503C.
The 503C magnet is located on or within the electronic component;
which may be held in place using a sleeve (not shown).
[0056] In another embodiment, the invention is a system comprising
a case and a separate closure for the case wherein the closure for
the case has two modules separated by a living hinge and further
comprising a first magnet located on or within a first closure
module and a second magnet or a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic
substrate located on or within a second closure module and the case
has two components separated by a hinge and a first magnet located
on or within a the first case component and a second magnet or a
ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate located on or within the
second case component and the closure and case are configured such
that the closure components adhere to the case components to hold
them closed. This embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 6 wherein the
whole system is designated using reference number 600. Similar to
the illustrations above, the case (601) protects an electronic
device (603) includes a living hinge (602) which includes a magnet
or a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate designated using the
reference numbers 604A and 604B. In this embodiment, the case is
not held closed using the magnets located within our on it.
Instead, the case is held closed using the separate closure
designated using reference number 605. A magnet or a ferromagnetic
or ferrimagnetic substrate in the separate closure (606A and 606B)
engages with their opposite number in the case to hold the case
closed.
[0057] In some embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the
separate closure is flexible and may be adhered in place on the
case even when the case is open.
[0058] In a related embodiment, the invention is a system
comprising a container and a separate closure for the container
wherein the closure for the container has two closure modules
separated by a living hinge and further comprising a first magnet
located on or within a first closure module and a second magnet or
a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate located on or within a
second closure module and the container has a body and a lid
connect by a hinge and a first magnet located on or within a lid
and a second magnet or a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate
located on or within the body and the closure and case are
configured such that the closure adheres to both the lid and the
body to hold them closed. This embodiment is illustrated in FIG.
7.
[0059] In FIG. 7, the system (700) includes both a container
designated using reference number 701 and a lid designated using
reference number 703. The lid is connected to the container using a
hinge (702). The container includes two magnets or ferromagnetic or
ferrimagnetic substrates which are designated using reference
numbers 704A and 704B. It should be noted that the 704A and 704B
magnets or ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrates do not
function to hold the lid closed. It is a use of a separate closure
(705) which also has magnets or ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic
substrates (706A and 706B) which are configured such that the
closure adheres to both the lid and the container to hold them
closed.
[0060] In still another embodiment of the method of the disclosure,
a device comprising a first component and a second component
separated by a living hinge and further comprising a first magnet
located on or within a first module and a second magnet or a
ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate located on or within a
second component wherein the device is configured such that the
first component and second component, can be brought together and
the first magnet and the second magnet or a ferromagnetic or
ferrimagnetic substrate function to hold the two components
together and further secure objects between the components of the
device. In some embodiments, the device may further secure the
object to another object using magnetic, adhesive or mechanicals
means.
[0061] The practical application of this last embodiment is very
broad and sweeping. For example, this device can be used to hold
things together such as, golf markers, tees, did holders, pencils,
ammunition, cigars, paper clips, and the like. In addition to
keeping these articles together, as illustrated above, they may be
then further secured to an article of clothing or the like. This
embodiment is even broader in scope as conventional means of
affixing the device holding the collection of items may be
employed.
[0062] In addition to organizing a collecting of articles, single
items may be affixed to clothing or other locations using this
device. For example, single items which may be affixed to
substrates such as clothing using this device, include but are not
limited to: lights, video cameras, earplugs, fishing lures, fishing
tackle, clippers and other toiletries, compasses, sun block,
speakers, medication, clocks/watches, safety reflectors, cigar
cutters, bottle openers, key chains, laser pointers, laser sensors,
radio transmitters, GPS devices, remotes, first aid kits, nametags,
small tools such as tape measures or small screwdrivers, and the
like.
[0063] Lastly, the devices may be used to hold things together
without affixing them to anything else. For example the devices of
the disclosure may be used as a ponytail holder. In another
embodiment they can be used to hold together wire or rope. In still
another embodiment, the closures may be used for closing food bags,
bags of charcoal, animal feed bags, and the like.
[0064] In another embodiment, the invention is a device for
attaching a magnetic object to a Tablet PC or other electronic
device comprising a substrate having a first surface configured to
receive the magnetic object, a second surface having an adhesive
which serves to secure the device to the Tablet PC or other
electronic device, and at least one band connected to the substrate
using a living hinge which is configured to wrap around the
magnetic device to secure it to the first surface of the device.
Turning to FIG. 8, a first embodiment of this device 800A is shown
wherein a substrate 801 is illustrated with two magnets (802A) and
(802B) which are configured to match up with an area of magnetic
attraction on the magnetic object (not shown). In this embodiment,
there is one band employed (803) which has a living hinge at its
point of attachment (804) to the substrate. On this band is a
magnet (805) which has a polarity such that when the strap is bent
around the magnetic object, this magnet is attracted to the magnet
on the substrate designated (806).
[0065] In using this device, the magnetic object is first placed on
the band and the band wrapped around the object so that when the
object is placed onto the substrate the magnet on the band (805)
engages with the magnet on the substrate (806). The magnetic object
is further secured to the substrate by the other two magnets
situated thereon (802 A&B).
[0066] This device may be affixed to the Tablet PC or other
electronic device using any adhesive known to be useful to those of
ordinary skill in the art. For example, in one embodiment, the
adhesive may be a permanent adhesive such as an acrylic glue. In
another embodiment though, the adhesive may be a tacky adhesive.
This would allow the device to be removed from the Tablet PC or
other electronic device which may be desirable to some of those
employing the device.
[0067] In another embodiment of the device for attaching a magnetic
object to a Tablet PC or other electronic device, there are 2 bands
rather than one. Turning to FIG. 9, there are now two bands rather
than one (803 A&B) and the magnet designated as (806) has been
moved to the second band and given a new designation (805B). The
other elements remain unchanged.
[0068] In using this embodiment, the magnetic object is first
placed on the substrate engaging magnets (802 A&B) and then the
bands are folded up and over so that magnets (805 A&B) engage
to firmly hold the magnetic object in place. While one and two band
versions of this embodiment are shown, in some alternative
embodiments there may be up to 4 bands. The substrate may be
further configured to receive the magnetic object by having
structural constructs around the periphery of the substrate to
provide further support to the magnetic object.
[0069] The bands may be composed of the same material as the
substrate or they may be different. For example, in an alternative
embodiment, the bands may be made of an elastic material. In such
an embodiment, the elasticity may provide further support to secure
the magnetic object to the substrate.
[0070] Another embodiment of the invention is an improvement to a
device employing at least two magnets wherein the device is
configured to receive an object being slid between the two magnets
and secure it in place wherein the improvement comprises employing
at least one insert between the object and one of the magnets
wherein the insert is in the shape of a wedge. Turning to FIG. 10,
the device (1000) may be any which employs 2 magnets to fix
something in position, such as that illustrated in FIG. 5A. The
portion of such a device illustrated here includes a first flap
(1001A) and a second flap (1001B) and disposed therein are two
magnets (1002 A&B). Interposed on the surface of the bottom
flap is a wedge shaped insert (1003). This insert functions by
allowing an object being slid between the flaps assert a force
vector in parallel to the direction of magnetic attraction. The
strength of modern magnets, especially the rare earth magnets, are
such that sometimes this additional force vector is necessary in
order to separate the magnets to allow the object to be inserted.
In this embodiment, only a single insert is shown and it is shown
to be on the surface of the flap. It is within the scope of the
invention that alternative embodiments could include 2 inserts and
they may be disposed within the flap rather than upon it. If
disposed upon the flap, it may be desirable to pair the wedge using
a nonstick material such as Teflon.RTM. to further facilitate
sliding the object between the magnets. For example, this
embodiment would useful for affixing a pair of glasses to a piece
of clothing.
[0071] In another embodiment, the invention is a general-purpose
device having at least two magnets to secure a substrate to an
object wherein the substrate is adaptable to receiving many
different components. Turning to FIG. 11, the general-purpose
device (1100) is illustrated in the secured position around an
object (1103) with the force of the magnets (1102 A&B) acting
to hold the two flaps of the substrate (1101 A&B) in contact
with the object. Another magnet (1104) is shown which is exposed
when the substrate is in the secured position. This exposed magnet
may be employed to hold other objects. Exemplary of such objects
are flowers (such as a corsage or boutonniere), dolls, toys,
jewelry, sports items (such as the image of a mascot, fishing
tackle and an inspirational inscription), nametags, and even small
electronic devices such as a radiofrequency densification device.
One use of an RFID device would be to keep track of pets or
children on outings. Essentially any object which is not too heavy
to be held in place by a magnet could be employed with this
device.
[0072] With this embodiment the invention, the external magnet does
not necessarily have to be external. For example, in some
embodiments it may be disposed within the matrix of the substrate.
In still another embodiment, one of the magnets acting to hold the
substrate in contact with the object can do double duty and also
function to hold the component in place on the outside of the
substrate.
[0073] In addition to the embodiments immediately set forth in the
disclosure, combination of features from the different embodiments
are also within the scope of the claims. Turning to FIG. 2, note
how a cable can be stored for use with the attached device. Now
turn to FIG. 6. It is within the scope of the claims to store a
cable in a similar manner as to FIG. 4. In this embodiment, a cable
(not shown) is stored by wrapping it around the closure over the
area designated using reference number 605. When the device is in
use, the closure can even be used to store the unused portion of
the cable on a sleeve as is shown in FIG. 4 or on a collar (not
shown).
[0074] The embodiments of the invention of the disclosure
incorporate living hinges. In some embodiments, the living hinge
may be composed of a material different from the rest of the
device. In any embodiment, it may be desirable that the living
hinge be composed of a elastic material wherein the elasticity of
living hinge serves to further the function of the device.
[0075] Referencing FIG. 12, in another embodiment, the invention is
a fiber or cord management system (1200) comprising a first tab
(1201), a living hinge (1203), and a second tab (1204) wherein the
living hinge is substantially more narrow than the tabs, the first
tab has a single magnet (1202), and the second tab has at least
three magnets (1205) having the opposite polarity of the magnet on
the first tab wherein the living hinge serves as a substrate upon
which the fiber or cord may be wound and the first tab can be
positioned to attach to the second tab by overlaying it with a
point of attachment selected to maintain tension on the cord or
fiber. The magnet of the first tab can be placed upon any of the
magnets of the second tab thereby allowing the user to adjust the
tension placed on the cord or fibers wrapped upon the living
hinge.
[0076] Referencing FIG. 13, another embodiment of the invention is
a specific-purpose device (1300) having at least two magnets to
secure a substrate to an object wherein the substrate is adaptable
to receiving components useful in converting a pair of glasses
(1301) into smart glasses (see, FIG. 11.). For the purposes of the
present application, the term "smart glasses" is defined to mean a
device worn upon the head like a pair of glasses, but which also
has electronic attributes such as, but not limited to, a screen
(1303) to display text, graphics or video; speakers and/or a
microphone; a power source; a wifi or cellular data link; a cell
phone; and the like. In some embodiments, all of the electronic
components may be on or within the specific purpose device. In
other embodiments, one or more of the electronic components may be
affixed elsewhere with the caveat that at least one of the
electronic elements in on or within the specific purpose
device.
[0077] Other materials may be incorporated into all embodiments of
the invention of the disclosure. For example, cleaner materials
useful with the method and apparatus of the application include,
but are not limited to fabrics. Exemplary fabrics include
microfiber cloths, open-end weave microfiber cloths, double layer
cloths wherein the outer layer which would make contact with a view
screen is a microfiber cloth, and combinations thereof. For the
purposes of this application, the term "fabrics" is defined to
further include non-plant materials such as animal skins and/or
cloth prepared using synthetic materials or animal materials. In at
least one embodiment, the fabric may be a shammy (a.k.a. chamois).
In another embodiment, the cleaning material may be the material
commonly known in the art as a Micro Shamois Cloth such as is
available from iKlear. Any cleaning material that can be used to
clean a view screen that does not cause excessive wear or abrasions
may be used with the method and apparatus of the application.
[0078] One example of a cleaning surface being used is shown in
FIG. 14. Therein two modules are shown (1404 right only) with a
living hinge (1403) between. Two magnets are present (1401) but
contained on the interior of the modules. A cleaning surface is
present (1402). The cleaning surface may be used to clean both
sides of a object such as a glasses lens. Another application of
such an embodiment is to use the device to secure the knot in
shoes. This is particularly useful with small children who could
easily fall from an untied shoe.
[0079] Any of the embodiments of the invention which can be placed
upon clothing or form of transportation may be advantageously to
improve visibility, especially at night. For example, any such
embodiment may further comprise a reflective or high visibility
paint or tape. Applications of such an embodiment can include use
with children walking at night or on the back of a disable
vehicle.
[0080] In this application, the term diamagnetic is used to
delineate materials that are not ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic.
From a practical perspective, the materials that are paramagnetic
have such a weak attraction to magnets that they would not be
effective if utilized and thus are to be treated as if they are
diamagnetic.
* * * * *