WO2015142409A2

WO2015142409A2 - Improved wrist strap cases

Info

Publication number: WO2015142409A2
Application number: PCT/US2015/010335
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Edward Ringel; Richard J. Rekuc; Steven J. Rekuc; Shik Kui CHEUNG
Original assignee: David Edward Ringel; Rekuc Richard J; Rekuc Steven J; Cheung Shik Kui
Priority date: 2014-03-17
Filing date: 2015-01-06
Publication date: 2015-09-24
Also published as: EP3119700A2; WO2015142409A3

Abstract

An improved apparatus for carrying and transporting electronic devices including attached keyboards by use of a wrist strap, wristlet or finger loop, that moves out of the way when not in use by means of retractors, elastomers, or magnets.

Description

IMPROVED WRIST STRAP CASES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Inven lion

This application is for improved carrying of articles, with a special, emphasis for the transporting of electronic devices, but not limited to as such.

2. Description of Prior Art

The transporting of electronic devices such as Cell Phones, Tablets, MP Players, Phablets, Smart Phones, Cameras, GPS Systems, and like is usually done in hand since the devices are not too heavy for a hand to transport them. Often such electronic devices are carried in folios, bags, pouches, or covers over the device. Some electronic devices employ a wireless keyboard to interface with the electronic device. What is needed is an improved apparatus for carrying and transporting electronic devices including attached keyboard that employs a finger loo or wristlet.

Wristlets (or wrist straps) are a common method of transporting items in a container or bag. Wrist straps are often added to the transported item via a clip or other method of attachment. This is done so the user has the option of removing the strap when not desired, it is easy to see that the wrist strap provides either an alternative manner to carry an item, or secondary security when holding the item so if the item is released from the hand, it still does not fall to the ground. The benefits of a wrist strap are clear, but it is also clear that these straps are often in the way when not in use, and the straps for that reason very often have a removable feature. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an improved apparatus for carrying and transporting electronic devices including an attached keyboard that employs a retractable finger loop, wristlet or wrist strap that is not in the way when not in use. 5 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the foregoing objects, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for carrying and transporting electronic devices meloding attached keyboards by use of a wrist strap, wristlet or finger loop.

it is another object, to provide a mechanism for removing a wrist stra , wristlet or o finger loop out of the way when not in use by means of retractors, elastomers, or magnets.

The strap is able to easily be made accessibl whenever the user wants.

One method is for the strap to be attached to the ease, and the strap to have a magnet or series of magnets at the end opposite the attachment point. The case also has a magnet iocated at the end of the case opposite the attachment point of the strap. The magnetic flux on 5 the strap is opposite the one on the ease, so the strap end is pulled to the end of the case when the strap is being stowed. This stretching of the strap enables the strap to lie flat. The same is true if there is only one magnet, and the other point has a material that is attracted to magnets.

In the magnetic strap as described above, the end of the strap may have a pari that holds the magnet, and this part is shaped to interlock into the end of the case, if the strap is o elastic., then the strap may interlock into the end of the case it is on, thus pull ing the stop taunt, and holding the strap in place when not in use. The use of a magnet here is optional when the interlock is used.

Another potential feature, that is new art in this development, is if the strap when attached on to the case lies in a channel along the back of the case, or along the sides of the 5 case so that the strap or cord is flush with the case.

Another version is where there is a finger loop on the top of the case that comes out of the interior of the case. This loop is attached to a mechanism, or the loop material is an elastomer. The loop is used to hold, the said case in the band and it provides secondary security while carrying the case. The loop may be used to secure the case to the finger, and 5 the case dangle downward, or the finger may secure the case as it is held in the hand, providing secondary security against the case being dropped.

The loop for the finger is part of a wrist strap attachment located within the case, bat only having the finger section visible, unless the loop is pulled, and the finger loop exposes a wrist strap for the user. This strap was partially located wi thin the case itself and is now fully o exposed.

The wrist strap as described above is locked out of the case by a mechanical means so that the user may cany the case on their wrist in a manner so as not to have the wrist strap trying to reenter the case and cutting circulation to the users wrist.

There is aiso the possibility that the case transported holds an^■electronic device tha s could use a wireless keyboard. Our invention includes the use of a keyboard folded down in the case for storage when no in use, and folding out- with a unique hinge that has two pivoting points whereby the hinge moves upward and creates a typing angle for the user that exceeds 3 degrees, and is not more than 15 degrees. The hinge when opened, presses on to an edge that keeps the second pivot point at an angle in excess of 181 degrees, and not more

0 than 270 degrees. This angle keeps the keyboard raised at one end, and being in excess of 181 degrees, it uses the weight of the keyboard to bold the hinge open and from moving when in use.

When the user is done they can fold the keyboard away and the keyboard is face down in the case. Magnets may be used to hold the keyboard in place when closed so as not to 5 aceidently release, md allow the keyboard to rattle during transport.

The back of the folded down keyboard can have ridges so as to offer a resting spot for the electronic device that it is used to interface with. We also may laminate a material on to the back of the keyboard to provide a grip for the electronic device carrier to rest and offer multiple viewing positions. The electronic device referred to above is in a frame that has a material of design, so as to grip the said fabric on the back of the keyboard.

BRIEF DESCRIP ION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and certain modifications thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. I Fig 1 is a cell phone case as referred to in claim I .

Fig 1-1 is the strap that is referred to in claim 3 that is used to carry the ease on ihe wrist of the user.

Fi 1 -2 is the recess in the case where the strap lies when not in use.

Fig 1-3 is the magnetic or ferromagnetic tab as described in Claim 1.

Fig i -4 shows the strap is open so a wrist will fit into it as described in Claim i . Fig 1-5 is the bottom of the case where the magnet or ferromagnetic material is located.

Fig 1-6 is the slide that is used to tighten the wrist strap as per claim 7.

Fig 1 -7 is the fixation of the strap to ihe case.

Fig 2 is a profile of Fig 1 ,

Fig 2- 1 is the recess as described in Claim 4,

Fig 3 is the slide that adjusts strap to fit the user's wrist and it is in Fig 1 -6 also. Fig 1-3.41 is a profile of Fig .1-3 showing the engagement pin as described in claim 5 and claim 8.

Fig 1-3A2 is the magnet, or ferromagnetic material as described in claim 3.

Fig i-5A is a profile of the bottom of Fig 1 -5,

Fig ϊ -5 A I is the mating receptacle for Fig J-3A1 as described in claim 5 and claim 8. Fig I.-5A2 is the magnet or ferromagnetic material as described in claim 2, Fig 4 is the case as described in Claim 9.

Fig 4-1 is the recess in ihe side of the case as described in claim 4.

Fig 4-2 shows the cord as it is locating on to the sides of the case as described in claim 9.

Fig 4-3 is the mating receptacle as described in claim 5 and 8.

Fig 4-4 is the cord that is the wristlet as described in claim 9

Fig 4-5 is the mating receptacle as described in claim 5 and 8

Fig 4-6 is the case as described in claim i .

Fi 5 is a profile of the sides of the case described in claim 4.

Fig 5-1 shows th recess m the side of the case.

Figure 6 is the profile of Fig 4-3 with 1 being the catch stud, and 2 being ihe magnet of ferromagnetic material.

Fig 7 is the profile of fig 4-1 with 1 being the receptacle as described in claim 5 sod 8 and 2 being the ferromagnetic material as described in claim 5,

Fig 8 is the finger loop as described in claim 10.

Fig 8-1 is ihe entr point for the finger loop to enter the case body.

Fig 8-2 is the finger loop as described in claim 10 thai can be extended to form a wrist strap as described in claim 1.1.

Fig 8A shows Fig 8 with the wrist strap extended.

Fig 8A-1 shows the entry point for ihe wrist strap to be retracted back into the ease when desired.

Fig 8A-2 shows the wrist stra itself.

Fig 8B is the same as Fig 8 except that the finger loop is replaced, by a fab that is palled when the user wants to use th wrist strap. fig 8C is the same as Fig 8A except that the wrist stra has a tab on the strap that will .not enter the case body when the wrist strap reenters the case body.

f ig 9 is the case as described in Claim 11 with the elastic cord extended out of the case by the cord being elastic.

Fig 9-1 is where the cord stops being double and begins to be a single cord that stretches when pulled.

Fig 9-2 is the double thick cord. in. the case yet to be extended.

Fig 9-3 is the comers the cord stretches around that are reinforced.

Fig 9-4 is the fixation point for the cord to be fixed into the case.

Fi 9-5 is the exit point on the case for the cord or strap.

Fig 9E is a profile of Fig 9-3 sho wing the reinforcement in section! and the C channel for the cord to stretch around.

Fig 9F is a top view enlarged of an exit hole as described in at the end of claim 1 1. Fig 9A is die retractor version as described in claim 1 1 using a pulley system where the pulley is situated on a tension sprin and as the strap or cord is pulled, the spring extends allowing the cord to release.

Fig 9A-1 is the finger ioop thai is outside the case.

Fig 9A-2 is the interior cord that would form a wrist strap.

Fig9A-3 is the fixation point, to the interior of the case for the cord.

Fig 9A-4 is the pulley as described in claim 1 1.

Fig 9 A- 5 is the spring described in claim 1 1.

Fig 9A-6 is the fixation of the spring to the interior of the case.

Fig 9B is a retraction system using coil springs as described in claim 1 1 .

Fig 9B-.1 is the finger loop..

Fie.9B-2 is a wall for the interior cord to He within. fig 9B-3 is a wall that separates the coil spring from the cord.

Fig 9B-4 is the coil spring.

f ig 9B-5 is the fixation point to the interior of the retractor box.

Fig 9€ is a tab thai can be used to replace Fig 9A-1 as per claim 12,

Fig 90 is a tab that can be used instead of the finger loop in Fig 9B-1 as described in claim 12.

Fig i 0 is the case with, the fold out keyboard as per claim 15.

Fig 1 ! is a profile of figure 10 with the keyboard folded away face down as per claim 15, 16 and 17,

Fig 1 1 -1 shows the hinge in a closed position as per claim 16.

Fig 1 1-2 is the keyboard faced down as per claim 16.

Fig 1 1 -3 is the electronic device thai is held as per claim 15,

Fig 11-4 is the backside of the keyboard as per claim 16 with possible material on the back as per claim 18.

Fig 11-5 shows the ribs on the backside of the keyboard for resting of the electronic device per claim 17.

Fig 12 is the profile of figure 10 with ihe keyboard folded outward or opened.

Fig 12-1 is ihe hinge that is opened, tilted ai an angle past 1. degrees, and raising the keyboard to an angle of more than 3 degrees, but not exceeding 15 degrees per claims .15, 1 , and 20.

Fig 12-2 is the edge of the case thai stops the h inge from rotating 91 degrees as per claim 19.

Fig 12-3 is the keyboard opened as per claims 19 and 20.

Fig i 2-4 is the electronic device wedged into a groove as per claim 20

Fig 12 -5 is the groove that holds the electronic device from moving while typing as per claim 20,

DETAILED DESCRiPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is an assist device for performing medical procedures, in one embodiment, we see a case, and specifically a cell phone case with a strap attached to the case as seen in Figs, 1 , The attachment may he by any means, and it may he attached permanently, or attached with easy removal possible. The strap as seen has a tab at the end away from the attachment, to the case point as seen in Fig. 1-3 that is magnetic or ferromagnetic so it is attracted, to the magnet or ferromagnetic flux in Fig, 1 -5 on the bottom of the case at an end opposite the attachment point of the strap to the case. Figure 1 -3 A has a profile of the tab and it shows that there is a magnet or ferromagnetic in the said strap attachment, ft is important to note that fig 1-3 and fig 1 -5 are to have a magnetic impulse that attracts each to the other by means of magnets with opposite pulses, or one of the figures being magnetic, and the other being of a ferromagnetic nature, or having a ferromagnetic element embedded within. The strap Fig 1 - 1 is pulled taunt as the two attracted elements seek each other, with the magnetic pulse located so when the strap lies flat, the magnetic pulse is pulling on the said strap to mate the magnetic pulse, with the result being a taunt strap on the case. Fig I -3 A I and Fig 1.-5A1 are noted in claim 5 so that when the strap is lying flat, it is not dislodged unless there is intent to pick the tab up off the said case. This is an option as claimed, in claim 5.

In Fig. 1-2 we can see the channel for the strap to lie within as described in claim 4.

When the stra is reaching for the mating magnetic pulse, the strap will be near flat with the outer part of the said case keeping the strap safe from being knocked offer twisted.

In fig. .1 -4 we see clearly this is a closed loop that is made to fit on to a. user's wrist. In Fig. 3 we see a slide that is used to tighten the strap on the wrist of the user. This slide is also seen in Fig f ~6, and explained in claim 7.

Another option for the magnetic at achme t is on to the side of the case as shown in Fig. 4. Here the cord has a wrist application, but again it can be easily stored away falling into a recess between the ridges as shown in Fig. 5. There are magnetic elements attracting each other as shown in Fig. 4-3 and Fig. 4-5. These elements may have a feature to secure them to each other as shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7.

in the event that magnets are not used, then we can still have the strap as shown in Fig. 1 md Fig, 5 attach on to a case in a recess, and the strap may secure into a snap like section as shown in Figs I -3 A, 1-5 A, Fig. 6 and Fig, 7, This is mentioned in claim 8.

In Fig. 8 we see the case with a finger loop oo the top for safer transport. The user can cany the case in their hand, and add a second element of security by having a loop on the top. This loop may pull ^'out as seen in Fig. 8A as described in chum 10 and i I ,

n Fig. SB and BC we see the same cases, but instead of a finger loop, there is a tab thai stays outside of the case when the strap is not extended, and it comes out of the case when the user pulls on the tab thus exposing the wristlet. This is noted in claim 12.

In Fig. 9 we can see how elastic cord per claim 1 1 in the interior of a case in a formed section of the case that does not lie against the electronic device. The cord is double looped as seen, and this loop exposed can be worn on a finger for security. When t e finger loop is pulled, the elastic cord stretches and in doing so a larger portion of the loop is outside of the case, and now usable as a wrist strap. There was a double cord going into the case as seen in Fig. 9-2. The elastic cord when pulled does not collapse the case because of Fig, 9-3, an element designed to use the corners of the electronics to pressure the electronic device and relieve the stress on the soft case itself during this pulling of the cord around this

reinforcement. This reinforcement of Fig. 9-3 is shown in Fig. E with t being the part that holds on to the electronic device, and 2 being a channel for the eiasiic cord to run within. This is in Claim 14. it is also evident that the channel around the case will add shock absorption as described in the same claim.

fig. 9 A also shows another example of how a finger loop outside of a case can through the use of an inner pulley, or multiple pulleys create a situation where the finger loop worn can be changed into a wrist strap simply by pulling on the finger loop. This is part of Claim I I , Fig. 9C shows that a tab can be used outside the case to be pulled to create tire wrist strap if a finger loop is not desired. Fig. 9.4-2 shows the extension of the double cord into the said case. Fig, 9A-3 is a fixation point for the cord to attach to the case body. Fig. 9 A-4 is a pulley where the cord rotates and the pulley moves via a spring toward the exit point of (he case. The spring is Fig. 9A-5 and the attachment of ^'the spring to the case is A-6. In Fig. 9C we see that a tab can be used outside of the case before the case is converted into a wrist strap case by pulling on the tab as per claim 12.

In Fig. 9B we have another alternative method for extending a finger loop into a wrist- strap as mentioned in claim 1 1 , The mechanism is a rotating coil spring as seen in 9B-4 attached to the center of the mechanism for securing the spring to the mechanism. The spring is attached to the cord, and the cord then winds around a core like Fig. 9B-3 to exit the mechanism outer body 9B-2. This expansion of the cord changes the cord 9B-1 from a loop for a finger to attach to a loop !arge enough for a wrist to fit into, or into a wrist strap.

Not all the methods for locking the wrist straps outside the case are shown, but as these already exist, we did not go into detail, on this art.

Fig. 10 shows a keyboard folded out of a clamshell like construction often referred to as a folio. This function is in claims 15 through 20.

i Fi , 11 we see the folio opened, and the electronic device lying on top of a keyboard. This keyboard is lying lace down, within the folio and the electronic device in use is resting on top of this keyboard. This is per claim 16. In Fig. 1 1 we also see the back of the keyboard which may have material see on 1 1 ~4 to grip the electronic device as shown in Fig. 1 1-3_» or the electronic device may rest in ridges as shown in Fig. 1 1-5. This is claimed in claims 16, 17 and 18.

In Fi , 11-2 we see the hinge with the double socket that holds the keyboard to the hinge in one socket, and to the body of the folio with, the other socket, it is when this hinge is raised up as seen in Fig. 12-1 that the keyboard comes out of the fold down position, and into an. open face position for use. The case body has an edge that holds the hinge from folding down 180 degrees away from its original position when face down. This case edge is seen in Fig. 12-2, The hinge is at more than. 9 ! degrees, and not more than 135 degrees as stated in claim 1 . The socket of the hinge thai holds the keyboard, is now elevated, and thus one end of the keyboard is raised up creating an an gle for the keyboard of at least 3 degrees, and not more that i 5 degrees as per claim 19. This is when the folio is on a hard flat surface.

in Fig. 12-3 we can see the keyboard is open, i Fig, 12-4 we see the electronic device thai had been resting on the folded down keyboard in Fig, 1 1 is now nestled into a corner of the folio that holds the keyboard in place when typing as seen in Fig. 12-5 and claimed in Claim 20.

Ha ving no fully set forth the preferred embodiment and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variauons and modifications of the embodiments herein shown, and described will obviousl occur to those skilled in the art. upon becoming familiar with, said underlying concept. It is to he understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced, otherwise tha as specifically set forth in. the appended claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The invention provides improved carrying/protective cases for electronic devices.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A case thai has a strap attached at one end of the case either permanently, or removable, where the strap is used to carry the case on the user's wrist, and the strap has a. magnetic element in the end of the strap that is opposite the fixation point of the strap to the case, and the strap is looped so as to form a wristlet for the user,

2. The case as described in claim 1 where the case has embedded into it, or affixed on to it a magnet, or a ferromagnetic materia! in a location that is opposite the end of the case where there is the strap attachment, and is situated such that when ihe strap lies flat, it is reaching for the magnet, thus stretching the strap taunt,

3. The case as described in claims 1 and 2, whereby the strap has ai the end a ferromagnetic material and the case has a magnet embedded or attached to the case situated such that when the strap lies flat, it is reachin for the magnet, thus stretching the strap,

4. Th case as described n claims 1 and 2 where the case has a recess, channel, or depression in the case, thai allows the stra to lie within when fiat, and the strap is flat, or semi fiat against the case when lyin on the case,

5. The end of the strap as described in claim 1 where the end of the strap has built i n a method of interlocking the strap end into the case as descr ibed in claim 1 that hold the strap in place so that is not easily dislodged, but can be lifted upward to release the end of the strap when desired to be in use.

6. The strap in. claim 1 where the stra is made using elastic elements.

7. The strap as described in claim I where the strap has a device used to reduce the size of the loop for the wrist so as the strap is semi tigh t aga inst the user 's wrist.

8. The case as described above, but where there is no magnetic elements in volved, but an interlock for the strap attached to catch or fix onto the end of the case opposit the attachment, point for the strap.

9. The case described in claims I through 8, where instead of a strap, a cord is used,

1 . A. ease where there is a finger loop made of cord, or material that is soft, or semi soft in composition that lies outside of the case that is located a the top, or bottom of the said case.

1 1 . The case described in claim 10, where the finger loop is a ttached to additional cord, or material, and that this cord or material can be pulled from within the said case so as to chan e ihe small loop on the top the size to fit a finger, to an elongated loop that is sized to fit a wrist.

12. The case described in claim 10, comprising a retraction system built into the case for retracting said finger loop.

13. The case described in claim 12, wherein said retraction system comprises a pulley system where the wrist strap can be pulled from the embodiment and the wrist strap is reduced in s.i .e to allow only the passing of a finger or several fingers into the said loop and the wrist strap is locked outside of the case until it is released back into the case,

14. The case described in claim 12, wherein said retraction system comprises a recoil system where the coil allows the additional material to be withdrawn from the case body to make a wrist strap from the finger loop, and die wrist sto is locked outside of the case until it is released back into the case.

15. The case described in claim 12, wherein said retraction system comprises an elastic strap pulled from outside the case, whereby the cord extends to convert a finger loop into a wrist strap and the ex tended wrist strap is moved so as to be situated in a location outside of the case where it will not. snap back into the case until it is moved back over the larger entry hole.

16. A. ease as described in. claim 10 where there is no finger loop, but a tab to be pu!ied that will extend outward arid have attached to the tab a loop of material that extends out of the said case as described in. claim 1 I, creating a wrist simp for the user of the case.

17. A case as described in claim 12 where there is a pocket formed within the case for containing the retraction mechanism.

1 . A case as described in claim 10 made from a rubber like material, and the material acts to protect the device held within the case because of the shock absorbing nature of the material, and the creation of an exoskeieton on the case trapping the air in the areas between the electronic device.

1 . A case as described in claim Ϊ ? wherein said pocket is made from a rubber like material for absorption of impact by the case.

20. A case as described in claim ϊ 0 wherein the opposite ends of the case have a hard like material that goes over the correlating comers so provide support for the case as the elastic is stretched to pu!l on the case.

21. A case made for an electronic device where it is a c amsheil like construction,, and lire electronic device held is compatible with a wireless keyboard that is located face down in the ciamsheil and is hinged to fold out via a double socket binge to a keyboard that is angled not less than 3 degrees, and not more than 15 degrees.

22. The case as described in claim. 21 whereby the case has a top side holding an electronic device that can tilt; and angle on. to the keyboard when the keyboard is not in use.

23. The case as described in claim 21 where the keyboard has ridges on the back side that acts to keep the electronic device in various positions.

24. The case as described in claim 21 , where the keyboard has material on the back of the keyboard and the electronic device is contained within a frame that will stick to or grip on to the keyboard material.

25. The case as described i claim 21 wherein said wireless keyboard is hinged to said case by a double socket hinge comprising a first socket attached to the case, and a second socket attached to the keyboard.

26. The case as described in claim 25 wherein the double socket hinge holds the keyboard elevated upward in excess of 91 degrees, but not more than 135 degrees, with the result being that the keyboard is elevated above the case at the top and slopes downward, at a angle not less than.3 degrees, or more than 15 degrees when the case is on a hard, surface.

27. The case as described in claim i wherein said keyboard when folded out wilt vacate a location i. the case that is for the electronic device that is compatible with the keyboard to situate so as to create a ridge for the said device to situate and not slide or shake when the keyboard is in use.