GB2514345A

GB2514345A - Portable electronic device restraining means and method thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2514345A
Application number: GB1309021.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Joseph Slevin; Adam Michael Robinson
Original assignee: DISRUPTIVE MARKETING Ltd
Current assignee: DISRUPTIVE MARKETING Ltd
Priority date: 2013-05-20
Filing date: 2013-05-20
Publication date: 2014-11-26
Also published as: GB2515397A; GB2515397B; GB201408959D0; GB201309021D0

Abstract

A portable electronic device case 1 with an attached flexible band 5, such that the band runs along the exterior surface of the case and can be elastically deformed to receive a users hand 20 or fingers. The case can be of single or multiple part construction having a recessed area sized to receive the band such that it lies substantially flush with the outer surface of the case. The band may be constructed in a number of cross sectional shapes and of a number of flexible and elastic materials as well as this it may be integral or detachably connected to the case. Alternatively the band may be separate from the case in the form of a flexible strip that can be attachable to portable electronic devices by use of adhesive area at the ends of the flexible strip.

Description

I

PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE RESTRAINING MEANS AND

METHOD THEROF

The invention relates to a combined protective case and restraining mechanism for a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, PDA, tablet or other electronic device to avoid accidental dropping.

Portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, PDA's and tablets are frequently accidently dropped by their users. This can cause damage to the electronic devices that is potentially expensive to repair or irreparable.

Protective cases that comprise of a plastic, metal or rubber body formed to fit the outer dimension of an electronic device are commonplace. The objective of such cases is to absorb the force of impact in the event an electronic device is accidently dropped, and in so doing become damaged or broken themselves before the higher value electronic device.

A disadvantage in use of such cases is that while some impact force is absorbed it is unlikely that all impact force is diverted from the electronic device.

Additionally these protective cases seldom encapsulate the entire electronic device and some areas of the electronic device are offered no protection to dropping impact.

Consequently it is still common that electronic devices become accidently damaged through dropping by their users.

Mechanisms that secure electronic devices to a user's clothing in order to catch the device in the event of accidental dropping are known, one such example of which is provided in US 7665684 B2. These devices however introduce a permanent connection between the user and the device that can be irritating and limit the device functionality, for example by restricting the distance it can move away from the users body.

In all situations it is preferential that the ability to accidently drop an electronic device is restricted and the likelihood of dropping minimised.

An object of the present invention is to provide a restraining device that overcomes one of the above or other problems. More specifically, an objective of the present invention is to provide a protective ease with a restraining mechanism that reduces the likelihood of the device being accidently dropped during use.

According to the first aspect of the invention there is provided a restraining mechanism to restrain movement of a portable electronic device away from a user's hand comprising: a protective case configured to be connected to the portable electronic device; a flexible restraining band configured to be connected to the protective case; wherein the flexible restraining band extends across an exterior surface of the case and can be elastically deformed to define an aperture between the band and case to receive a user's hand, finger or fingers between the band and case when holding the portable electronic device during use.

The restraining mechanism when placed over the users hand in use of the portable electronic device significantly reduces the likelihood of the device to be dropped. Furthermore as the restraining device can be quickly removed from the users hand and does not require further attachment to clothing, the device does not cause irritation in use or any limitation to functionality.

Preferably, the portable electronic device comprises a device such as a mobile phone, PDA, a laptop or music player such as an MP3 player. In preferred embodiments the device has parallel planar front and rear surfaces, such as an iPhone.

Preferably the flexible restraining band is constmcted of a resilient elastomeric polymer or elastic fabric or stretch' material that can be elastically deformed under force but recoils to its original shape and size when the defonning force is removed.

The band is preferably laminar and so that it may be located adjacent the rear surface of the case. A wider laminar band may be employed. The band may be rectangular in cross section having in width more than 5 times the thickness thereof Preferably the flexible restraining band is connected to the case in a non-permanent arrangement allowing for the flexible restraining band to rotated around the case in use, to prevent localized abrasion and wear and for it to be removed and replaced.

Preferably the protective case is configured to receive and engage with the flexible restraining band in a way that allows for a flush connection between the internal surface of the protective case and the electronic device when the components are connected together.

The flexible restraining band is preferentially dimensioned to allow for its easy deformation from the outer surface of the protective case with a single finger or thumb.

Preferably but not necessarily the protective case is configured to provide a recessed area positioned on its outwardly facing surface, arranged to receive the flexible band, to allow for easier engagement of the flexible restraining band by the users finger or thumb.

The case may also include a peripheral flange or other projection extending downwardly from the back plate so that the case can lie in a stable manner on a pianar surface such as a table top.

Preferentially this recessed area extends to meet the external edges of the case at the connection point of the flexible restraining band and is dimensioned to allow for F the flexible restraining band to lay flush with the highest point of the exterior face of the protective case.

The device of this invention has the advantage that it may be operated by the user without the requirement for preconceived mechanism set-up such as anchoring to clothing. Additionally, when not in use, the protective case and flexible restraining band mechanism does not affect the normal use of the electronic device. F A ifirther aspect of this invention is that the flexible restraining band may serve as a mechanism to attach an electronic device to other objects. This provides the advantage that a user can operate the electronic device without holding it in his or her hand, for example when viewing videos.

Preferably but not necessarily the flexible restraining band has a rectangular or circular cross section.

According to the second aspect of the invention there is provided a portable electronic device and a restraining mechanism in accordance with the first aspect.

In a first embodiment of the invention the flexible restraining band is positioned to run parallel to the longest side of the portable electronic device.

In a second embodiment the flexible restraining band is positioned to run parallel to the shortest side of the portable electronic device.

In a third embodiment the flexible restraining band is positioned to run diagonally to the sides of the portable electronic device.

In a fourth embodiment the flexible restraining band consists of two parts, one running parallel to the shortest side and one running parallel to the longest side of the portable electronic device.

The first embodiment is particularly preferred as when connected with the portable electronic device it allows for the combined mechanism and device to be most easily placed in a users pocket without distorting the flexible restraining band.

Use of a mechanism in accordance with this invention confers several advantages.

The electronic device is retained in use to the users hand thus reducing the possibility of accidental dropping.

The concern of device theft during use is reduced as forceful removal of the device from the users hand is significantly restricted.

Additional functionality is afforded through the ability to readily attach the electronic device to other objects for functions such as video viewing or photography.

The invention is further described by means of example, but not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the restraining device in accordance with this invention; Figure 2 shows the device as shown in Figure 1 engaged with a portable electronic device; Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the device as shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows views of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows the device as shown in Figure 2 with the flexible restraining band deformed to be positioned over a users hand; Figures 6 -8 show further perspective views of mechanisms in accordance with this invention.

Figures 1 -4 show a first mechanism (1) in accordance with this invention. A polymer, elastomer or metal case (2) is configured to securely connect with a portable electronic device (3) by snap fit formations (4). A flexible polymer, elastomer or stretch fabric band (5) is positioned around the outer circumference of case (2) and is dimensioned to engage within the recessed groove (6) of case (2) so that the elastomeric stretch' restraining band does not protrude above the inner surface of the protective case and a flush connection with the surface of the electronic device (3) is permitted.

In reference to Figure 3, the cross sectional area of band (5) is arranged to minimize any protrusion from both the inner surface (7) and the outer surface (8) of case (2). A recessed area (9) is provided on surface (8) of case (2) to allow easier engagement of band (5) with a users finger of thumb. Shoulders (10) of recessed area (9) restrain band (5) from lateral movement adjacent to surface (8) when a deformation force is applied, further increasing the ease of engagement. Shoulders (10) additional create groove (11) to engage with band (5) so that the band (5) does not significantly protrude above the outer surface (8) pcnnitting for stable use of the case and electronic device whilst it is pressed against a flat surface.

Figure 5 shows the device of Figures 1 -4 engaged with a user hand (20), Flexible restraining band (5) is elastically deformed to pass over hand (20) thus restraining the portable electronic device (3) in the hand (20).

Figures 6 -7 show further embodiments of devices in accordance with this invention generally similar to the device shown in Figures 1 -5. Common reference numerals have been used for convenience. hi these embodiments the flexible band (5) is dimensioned to engage with the recessed groove (6) of case (2) to form horizontal or diagonal arrangements. Such arrangements are advantageous for restraining the protective case in the users hand during landscape orientation use of the electronic device, for example while playing games.

Figure 8 shows a further embodiment generally similar to that shown in Figures 6 -7. In this embodiment the recessed grooves (6a) and (6b) on case (2) are configured to engage with two flexible restraining bands (5a) and (Sb) providing greater flexibility for users to restrain their electronic devices in any orientation of use.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A restraining mechanism for use with portable electronic devices comprising; S a case formed to engage with a portable electronic device and; a flexible band configured to be connected with the case; wherein the flexible band extends across an exterior surface of the case and can be elastically deformed to receive a user's hand, finger or fingers between the band and case when holding the device during use..
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the case is a single part construction.
3. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the case comprises of 2 or more parts that are combined to house a portable electronic device.
4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, where in the flexible band is made from an elastomeric polymer.
5. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 -3, wherein the flexible band is made from a natural rubber.
6. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 -3, wherein the flexible band is made from a stretch fabric material.
7. A device as claimed in any of claims I -5, wherein the flexible band has a rectangular cross section.
8. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flexible band has a circular cross section.
9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the case and band are configured to allow a flush contact with the outer surface of a portable electronic device.
10. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, where in the case is configured to provide a recessed area on its outer surface dimensioned to receive the flexible band.
11. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the case and band are configured to allow a flush contact with a fiat exterior surface such as a desk or table.
12. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the case and flexible band are formed as a single component.
13. A restraining mechanism for use with portable electronic devices having a flexible strip that can be elastically deformed; an adhesive area positioned at the opposed ends of the flexible strip; wherein the adhesive areas can be directly attached to a portable electronic device forming a restraining mechanism.
14. A device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the flexible band is made from a natural rubber.
15. A device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the flexible band is made from a stretch fabric material
16. A device as claimed in any one of claims 13 -16, wherein the flexible band has a rectangular cross section.
17. A device as claimed in any one of claims 13. 16 wherein the flexible band has a circular cross section.
18. A portable electronic device having a restraining device in accordance with any preceding claim.
19. A restraining device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
20. A poitable electronic device including a restraining device substtia11y as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. I.