Abstract:
A mobile device accessory can function as a cord organizer, a case for accessories and a stand for the device. The accessory is sized to conform to the size and perimeter of the mobile device. The accessory has a case frame and a foldable flat panel that can form a triangular tube having a triangular profile. The panel includes outer layers of material and a central layer of panel members that is constructed with magnets along the perimeter. The outer material is a natural, synthetic or composite elastomeric polymer and can be provided with a textured finish. In other embodiments, the tube describes a square or other polygonal shape in profile. The triangular tube can be used to store and/or organize mobile device cords. The triangular tube can become a support prop to hold the mobile device upright.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/584,736, filed Jan. 9, 2012, entitled MAGNETIC MOBILE DEVICE ACCESSORY, MOUNT, AND CORD WRAP FOR MOBILE DEVICES AND ACCESSORIES, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the field of mobile device accessories, and in particular, to a magnetic mobile device accessory, mount, stand, cord wrap, bumpers and cases for mobile devices and their accessories. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Mobile devices are ubiquitous in our modern world. Mobile devices include handheld computers, phones, e-tablets and other similar devices. Mobile devices have a display screen and a user interface (for example, a touch-screen and/or keypad). Users are able to conduct various activities with mobile devices, including receiving and sending text and messages, video display and game playing. Mobile devices can be furnished with a variety of cords, including ear pieces, power cords, accessory linkages and other cords. These cords can become a nuisance if left unwrapped and get easily knotted together or lost. Conventional cord wrapping accessories for mobile devices are typically an extra item that must be carried separately and pulled out in order to wrap cords, or they are attached to the device in such a way that adds bulk when not in use. 
     Mobile devices are by their nature small and easily handheld. Positioning the device to be used during work or pleasure activities creates a host of problems and employment of ad hoc props and attachments. Conventional mounting devices require a case or a platform on which the mobile device rests. These mounting devices rely on suction cups to mount devices on various surfaces, adhesives or other attachment systems. These mounting devices are easy to forget, adding time to what is ordinarily a simple task of organizing/wrapping/storing cords, and often provide only one function. Products that don&#39;t move with the mobile device (e.g., can be attached to a handheld phone) are something extra to remember and carry. Those products that do attach to the mobile device to provide functionality add bulk, even when not in use, and are not easily removable. 
     Tangled accessory cords can be a problem; including earbud/headphone cords, charging cords, and other wires. Another problem is not being able to see a mobile device&#39;s screen properly due to improper viewing angle relative to the screen, especially with overhead lighting. There is a need for an improved mobile device accessory that can provide a mobile device accessory, mount and cord wrap, either with or without a case. 
     The mobile display screen can be difficult to view in certain light conditions. Users are sometimes forced to prop the device in order to view the display while engaged in activities. One popular mechanism for holding the mobile device upright is a kickstand, an accessory or an attachment that props up a mobile device up so it stands and the user is not holding it upright. 
     It is therefore desirable to have an accessory that can organize the mobile device cords and thereby minimize tangles and loss. It is further desirable to provide a device that can organize the cords and function as a versatile kickstand and mounting accessory that can hold a mobile device upright and transition to provide an attachment to a wall or other vertical surface. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a mobile device accessory functions as both an organizer for cords, a case for accessories and a mount for the devices. The accessory is sized accordingly to conform to the size and perimeter of the mobile device. The accessory has case frame and a flat panel that can be folded to form a triangular tube. The panel includes outer layers of material and a central layer of panel members that are constructed with magnets along the perimeter. In other embodiments, the panel members are constructed of magnetic materials or are composites that include magnetic materials. The outer material is a flexible and pliable natural and/or synthetic elastomeric polymer or an elastomeric composite (for example, neoprene or vinyl). The panel has at least two folds that provide for folding into a tube having a triangular profile. In other embodiments, the tube describes a square or other polygonal shape in profile. 
     When the accessory is folded into a folded orientation, the tube is secured and held by the magnetic attraction of the panel perimeter magnets and/or magnetic materials of the panel members. In other embodiments, the tube can be held by adhesives, snaps, hook and loop closures or another closure system. The formed triangular tube has several functions. The triangular tube can retain the cords and become a case for the cords and/or an organizer. The triangular tube can be magnetically attached to the back of the mobile device and become a support prop to hold the device upright or as a pivot point. The support function enables a user to move the device so as to deflect light and improve visibility of the display. 
     When the accessory is in a flattened orientation, that is to say the unfolded panel is within the case frame and attached to the device, the accessory enables the mobile device to be attached and detached from a vertical surface (for example, a white board, refrigerator or other magnetically responsive surface). This attachment is readily made and detachment is also readily effected. It is contemplated that one or more additional accessories in the folded orientation can be used to further adjust the angular orientation when fixed vertical, so as to improve display screen readability. 
     In an embodiment, the panel can function as storage for mobile device cords when the panel is folded along the folds such that internal perimeter magnets are attracted and thereby forms an enclosure. The outer elastomeric material cover can define a textured surface, a smooth surface or a composite thereof in whole or in part. When the panel is folded, an enclosed triangular tube is formed, creating a case for storing mobile device cords and can also function as a cord organizer. The panel is comprised of at least three panel members and at least two folds. The panel members are composed in part of internal magnets and can be a composite material that includes magnetic materials. The magnets enable the panel to form a triangular tube when folded based on the removable attractive force of the outer edges. The case frame is formed to the relative shape and dimensions of the respective mobile device, and sized with respect to the inner perimeter of the mobile device case. The panel is magnetically attracted to the case frame. The triangular tube formed by the folded panel can be magnetically attached to the case frame to form a relatively upright support for the mobile device. The formed triangular tube can serve as a pivot for the mobile device. The panel, when laid flat and attached to a case frame that is attached to the mobile device can function as an attachment point for the mobile device to a magnetically responsive vertical member. 
     The panel can be converted to a case for retaining cords by removing the panel from the case frame, placing the cord onto the panel and folding the panel to create the triangular tube. The tube is retained by the removably magnetic attraction of the respective panel edges. The tube with retained cords can then be attached to the mobile device and case frame to create a support for the mobile device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention description below refers to the accompanying drawings, of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a frontal view of a panel for a mobile device accessory according to an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a frontal view of a case case frame for a mobile device accessory according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the panel of  FIG. 1  showing the composite layers according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a frontal view of the panel members according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a frontal view of the outer material layer according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the case frame according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a frontal view of the case frame according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a view of the reverse side of the case frame according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the panel showing movement to a folded orientation according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 9A  is a side view of the panel folded into a triangular tube and attachment points on the mobile device according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 9B  is a side view of the panel folded into a triangular tube and attached at the relative top of the mobile device according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 9C  is a side view of the panel folded into a triangular tube and attached at the relative center of the mobile device according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 9D  is a side view of the panel folded into a triangular tube and attached at the relative bottom of the mobile device according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the panel within the case case frame according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a frontal view of the panel within the case case frame according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a view of the reverse side of the panel within the case case frame according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of the accessory in the folded orientation attached to a mobile device according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 13B  is a perspective view of the accessory in the folded orientation attached to a mobile device as a support according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 13C  is a perspective view of the accessory in the folded orientation retaining cords while attached to a strip mounted on a wall according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 13D  is a view of an accessory being placed into a pocket when not in use according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 13E  is a perspective view of the accessory in the folded orientation attached to a mobile device as a support according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 13F  is a perspective view of the accessory in the flat orientation attached to a mobile device as a support on a vertical surface according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 13G  is a perspective view of the accessory in the folded orientation retaining cords attached to a mobile device as a support according to the illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 13H  is a perspective view of the accessory in the folded orientation used as a pivot; and 
         FIG. 13I  is a perspective view of the device held within the accessory on a flat surface according to the illustrative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  depicts an illustrative magnetic mobile device accessory  100  according to an embodiment. The mobile device accessory  100  can function as a mount, cord wrap, and case for mobile devices and their accessories. The mobile device accessory  100  functions as a collecting point for various cords to prevent tangled cords, including earbud/headphone cords, charging cords, and other wires. The mobile device accessory panel  100  provides for improved visibility of a mobile device&#39;s display screen. In addition, the present invention provides for the attachment of cords, wires, earbuds, headphones and/or the mobile device itself to metallic/magnetic surfaces. The mobile device accessory provides for head-to-head (e.g., two or more players) gaming on a single device (not shown) mounted on the mobile device accessory panel  110 . 
     The illustrative panel  100  is a relatively flat assembly that is divided by two uniformly disposed folds  116  that form three magnetic panel members  115 . In other embodiments, there can be more or less folds that form a plurality of magnetic strips having uniform or irregular widths. The panel member  115  of the panel  110  can be folded into thirds, creating a tubular enclosed triangular shape that is maintained by the magnetic panels. The panel member  115  can include a flexible outer layer material sandwiching a rigid panel in each of its three sections. The case member can attach around or cover part, or all of, the mobile device. It can be a “bumper” style case, or a more encompassing sheath. The overall length L 1  of the panel  110  is approximately 113 mm. The overall width W 1  is approximately 57 mm. The overall thickness of the mobile device accessory is approximately 2.5 mm. The overall weight of the panel  110  is approximately 3 ounces. In other embodiments, the dimensions can be larger or smaller, fatter or thinner. The mobile device accessory can be provided with a port or cutout  117  that has a length L 2  of approximately 12 mm and a height H 2  of approximately 7 mm. The cutout  117  serves as a port for the mobile device camera (not shown). It is contemplated that more than one camera port can be provided on the same side or opposite side. The material components of the mobile device accessory will be set forth more fully below. For larger mobile devices, such as tablet computers, the panel member  110  can be made in more than three sections, possibly along varying/multiple axes, thereby permitting various folding options. The panel member is generally rectilinear and conforms to the generally rectilinear shape of mobile devices. It is contemplated that when a mobile device having a non-rectilinear shape is presented that the panel will be shaped according to that device&#39;s non-rectilinear perimeter and shape. 
       FIG. 2  is an exemplary case frame  220  according to an illustrative embodiment. The case frame can be constructed of a magnetic material that provides a responsive force that creates an attachment to a mobile device. The case frame is sized appropriately to fit within the inner perimeter of the case for a mobile device. In other embodiments, the case frame can be a case that functions as the case frame while providing additional protection to the mobile device. The case frame  220  attaches to the outer periphery on one side of the mobile device. The panel  110  can be constructed to include at least one panel  115  member that is constructed with magnetic properties along its outer periphery to as to facilitate engagement between the panel  110  and case frame  220 . When attached to its accompanying case frame or case (which adheres or snaps onto a mobile device), wires can be wrapped around the device, then secured and removed if desired. In other embodiments, an adhesive can be applied to one side of the case frame member  220  to securely affix the case frame member  220  to the mobile device. The case member can attach to the mobile device via friction, encasement, adhesive, or other attachments. The case can be composed of (or covered with) a flexible elastomeric material to function as a protective, resilient cover (e.g., a bumper case) for the mobile device. The bumper case material can be composed of magnetic responsive materials. In other embodiments, the panel can define a similar or the same dimensions as the case frame and the rest that is attached to it, positioned outside of the periphery of the case frame. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the panel showing the component layers. The outside layers  312  are comprised of a layer of natural, synthetic and/or a composite of natural and synthetic materials. The outer layers  312  enclose multiple rigid layer pieces  314 . In another embodiment, the rigid layer pieces  314  can be three pieces that are disposed length-wise on equal thirds of the material layers  312 . 
     The rigid layer pieces  314  can be provided with cut outs  318  so that magnets  319  can be disposed there in. While the magnets as shown are disposed along the perimeter of the mobile device accessory, it is expressly contemplated that they can be positioned away from the perimeters or that the entire rigid layer piece  314  can be formed of a magnetic material. The material layers  312  are secured to each other, sandwiching the rigid layer pieces  314  there between, in by heat sealing, adhesives, bonding, or the like. 
       FIG. 4  shows the rigid layer pieces  314  of  FIG. 3  without the magnets. It is contemplated that the number, size and position of the magnets can vary in other embodiments. 
       FIG. 5  depicts one of the outer material layers  312  having an optional cutout  502 . The outer layer can be constructed of natural, synthetic and/or composite elastomeric polymers. It is contemplated that the material can be provided with a textured and/or non-skid finish. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the case frame  220  of  FIG. 2 , showing the perimeter wall  601  having end cutouts  602  and a side cutout  604 . The perimeter cutouts provide access to various ports, connections and controls located on the exterior perimeter of the mobile device. It is contemplated that the perimeter wall  601  can be provided with more or less cutouts or none at all. 
       FIG. 7  is a top view of the case frame  220 . The case frame top  722  as depicted has a uniform width W 3  of approximately 5 mm. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the width of the case frame top  722  can vary and/or be greater or lesser. The case frame top  722  can be embossed and/or covered with a design, logo, color pattern or be uniform in coloration. 
       FIG. 8  shows a bottom view of the case frame  220  and shows the perimeter wall  601  and cutouts  602 . The thickness W 4  of the perimeter wall as shown is approximately 1 mm. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the thickness of the perimeter wall  601  can vary and/or be greater or lesser. 
       FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of an illustrative panel  110  having two side panel members  902  and a center panel member  901 . The side panel members  902   a  can be laterally folded along the folds  116  so that the side panel members are folded from position  902   a  to position  902   b  and thereby create a seam  904 . When folded into the folded orientation, the triangular tube thereby created is an enclosed space for the storage of cords. The triangular tube is a folded structure with a triangular cross section perpendicular to the elongated axis. The respective edges are attached and removably attached to each other. The side panel members  902  are held along seam  904  by the responsive force of magnets located along their perimeter, as set forth above. In other embodiments seam  304  can be created using various closure systems, including hook and loop attachments (for example, using Velcro®), snaps and buckles. The enclosed triangular tube created can be used to contain cords to prevent their entanglement and/or unwinding. The created tube can also be used as a mobile device accessory, as will be described below. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 9A-9D , the panel  110  folded into a triangular tube  918  can be attached to the mobile device at different points for use as a kickstand and/or a pivot. 
     In  FIG. 9A , a panel  110  has been folded to form the triangular tube  918  and can, thus, be attached to a mobile device  920  at the relative top  922 , center  923  or bottom  924 . 
       FIG. 9B  depicts an illustrative mobile device  920  and a triangular tube  918  that has been attached to the device  920  at or near the top edge  922  so that the bottom edge  924  rests upon the surface. This defines a relatively low-angle position in the depicted arrangement. 
     Where the triangular tube  918  is attached to the device  922  at or near the center point  923 , which is the center of gravity axis CG, the triangular tube serves as a pivot and the mobile device  920  can be rocked to rest upon the top  922  and the bottom  924  as shown in  FIG. 9C . 
     The attachment of the triangular tube  918  at or near the relative bottom  924  of the mobile device  920  results in the mobile device  920  standing in an almost upright orientation, at a relatively high-angle position, as depicted in  FIG. 9D . 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the illustrative mobile accessory device  1000  composed of the panel  110  and case frame  220 . The perimeter wall  601  of the case frame  220  has one or more end cutouts  602  and side cutouts  1001 . 
       FIG. 11  is a view of the reverse side of the mobile accessory device  1000  of  FIG. 10 . 
     Likewise,  FIG. 12  is a front view of the mobile device accessory  1000  of  FIG. 10 . 
       FIGS. 13A-I  depict the mobile device accessory in use in a variety of functionalities. The depicted mobile device is a commercially available iPhone® from Apple Corporation of Cupertino, Calif. This is exemplary of a wide range of mobile devices that the mobile accessory device can be appropriately sized and formed to fit, including but not limited to e-tablets, e-readers and other mobile devices. 
       FIG. 13A  shows the mobile device accessory  1302  in a folded orientation magnetically attached to the reverse side of a mobile device  1304 . The folding panel of the mobile device accessory  1302  can be provided separately or as part of a kit, with the frame. Where the mobile device accessory  1302  is provided with the frame, the accessory  1302  is first removed from the frame and the cords  1306  are wrapped directly around the folded accessory  1302 . The cords  1306  for the mobile device  1304  have been captured and retained within the triangular tube formed by the folded panels of the mobile device accessory  1302 . While the cords  1306  as depicted in  FIG. 13A  are earpieces (for example, ear buds), it is expressly contemplated that the cords can also be connection cords, power cords or another accessory cord. The accessory  1302  remains in a flat orientation on the back of a mobile device  1304  until needed to secure cords  1306 , tilt the device  1304 , or mount the device  1304  or other accessories quickly. Users wrap their cords  1306  around the device  1304  and then snap the edges together to secure the cords. 
       FIG. 13B  depicts the mobile device accessory  1302  in its folded orientation magnetically attached to the reverse side of a mobile device  1304  such that it is resting on the underlying surface  1308 . In this embodiment, the mobile device accessory  1302  is used as a stand and a supporting prop (i.e., a kickstand) for the mobile device  1304 . The mobile device  1304  is relatively upright and a user can readily view the display screen  1310 . 
       FIG. 13C  shows a mobile device  1304  magnetically attached to a magnetically conductive strip  1312 . The mobile device accessory  1302  in its folded orientation is also attached to the strip  1312  and is retaining the mobile device cords  1306 . 
     The mobile device accessory  1302  can be readily stored in a pocket  1314  on the person or accessory bag (e.g., a purse) of a user when not in use in the folded orientation or in the flat orientation, as shown in  FIG. 13D . 
       FIG. 13E  shows the mobile device accessory used as a stand as set forth in  FIG. 13B , to provide an easily read display surface  1310  for the user  1316  while the user is performing data entry tasks. 
       FIG. 13F  depicts the mobile device  1302  with the attached mobile device accessory  1302  in a case frame  1318  magnetically attached to a vertical surface  1320  (for example, a white board or a refrigerator) so that the user  1316  can refer to information on the display  1310  while performing a presentation. 
     The mobile device  1304  with the folded mobile device accessory  1302  of  FIG. 13B  is depicted in  FIG. 13G  with the cords  1306  for the mobile device captured within its folds while acting as a supporting prop for the device. 
     In  FIG. 13H , a user  1316  is discussing information with other parties (not shown) using a mobile device  1304  that has an attached accessory  1302 . In this illustrative embodiment, the device  1304  rests upon the triangular tube formed by the folded accessory  1302  with the triangular tube positioned at or near the center, as set forth more fully in  FIG. 9C  above. This orientation makes the display  1310  easier to read. This orientation allows for new uses of the mobile device&#39;s accelerometer/gyroscope for gaming and other applications, by acting as a pivot point, letting the device “seesaw” back and forth between game players. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13I , the device  1304  has the accessory  1302  within its case frame  1318  and attached to the device and is resting on a level surface  1320  so that the display  1310  is visible while the user  1316  performs data entry tasks. When the surface  1320  is magnetically conductive, the device  1304  will be securely held to the surface by magnetic attraction and not easily knocked aside or damaged accidently. 
     Embodiments of the present mobile device accessory include a flat panel with embedded magnets that can fold together to form a channel for cords. The edges of the panel magnetically snap together to form a triangular tube. Other methods of attaching (such as hook and loop closures) can also be used for forming the tubular space and connecting with either the case frame or case member. 
     The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Features of each of the various embodiments described above can be combined with features of other described embodiments as appropriate in order to provide a multiplicity of feature combinations in associated new embodiments. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. For example, the number of magnets within the panel members can vary greater or lesser. The panels can be formed of composite materials that include magnetic materials. The outer covering of the panels can be composed of a natural, synthetic and/or composite material (for example, neoprene, nylon, leather, synthetic leather and the like). More folds can be provided such that the folded orientation defines in profile a polygonal shape having four or more sides. The folds can be aligned to the long axis of the panel, or perpendicular to the long axis, so as to be arranged to the shorter axis. More than one panel can be provided, and for larger tablets, a plurality of panels can be provided as part of a kit. The mobile device accessory can be provided as part of a kit having a case frame, panel, and other accessories, including a mount for a key ring or other attachment points. The panel and case frame can be provided with designs, colors and/or panels. Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not to otherwise limit the scope of this invention.