Abstract:
An electronic device tether to be worn on the wrist comprises a flexible, padded and adjustable wrist strap affixed to a strap tether attached to the first part of a two part quick release means. A string loop attached to the second part of a quick release means is provided wherein the string loop may be attached to an electronic device thereby permitting the device to be tethered and also to be detached from the tether conveniently and quickly.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/937,540 filed on Nov. 9, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates to a tether for a handheld electronic device and specifically for a handheld game controller including especially the handheld game controller for the Wii electronic gaming system manufactured by Nintendo®. 
         [0004]    2. Introduction 
         [0005]    People of all ages now use a wide variety of handheld electronic devices. Personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, handheld computers, digital cameras and digital camcorders are just some of the handheld electronic devices presently carried and used by many. These devices are often quite expensive and the risk of damage to them from dropping is significant. To lessen the possibility of damage or loss, many manufacturers equip such devices with string wrist tethers. 
         [0006]    The string wrist tether disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,169 (Force et al.) is typical of the wrist tethers commonly employed. The tether, which is depicted in FIG. 2 of the Force patent, consists of two pieces joined by a secure quick release means. One piece is a loop of string with a first part of a quick release means attached to both ends of the loop. The loop is threaded through a tether hole in the device and the quick release part is inserted through the loop so threaded, then pulled tight to create a secure attachment to the device. The second piece consists of a loop of string fashioned to slip over the hand and onto the wrist of the user. Each end of the second string loop is attached to a second part of a quick release means. The two parts of the quick release means comprise a standard side release buckle. 
         [0007]    While a tether like that disclosed in the Force patent is sometimes adequate for use by adults to prevent inadvertent drops or fumbles of an electronic device, it is inadequate for use by children or even small adults. This is because the second loop, that is the part slipped over the wrist of the user, is often of sufficient size that it easily slips off of the hand and wrist of a child or a small adult. 
         [0008]    Just as significantly, a tether like that disclosed in the Force patent is also insufficient to protect against drops of electronic devices when these devices are carried or used while participating in sports or other activities where the user is in vigorous motion. In these situations, the wrist loop often dislocates from off of the wrist. Additionally, the risk of an inadvertent drop or fumble by the user is heightened while the user is engaged in these types of activities, both because the user is often pre-occupied with the motion of the activity and less conscious of retaining a grip on the device and because the motion involved may facilitate release of the device. 
         [0009]    Many common uses of some electronic devices occur in circumstances where the inadvertent drop of the device would be catastrophic. For example, individuals taking still photographs or recording video images while boating or fishing often risk dropping the device in the water. A tether like the one in the Force patent provides inadequate security against such a risk. 
         [0010]    One device in particular, the remote game controller for the Wii gaming system manufactured by Nintendo®, requires a more substantial and more secure tether than the prior art discloses. In the Wii gaming system, the controller is often used by the participant to simulate the active motion required for the game being simulated by the video system. Thus, for example, when the controller is being used in a video tennis game, the user moves the controller to simulate the movement of a tennis racket (i.e. the user “swings” the controller like a tennis racket). And when the controller is being used in a golf video game, the user moves the controller to simulate a golf club (i.e. the user “swings” the controller like a golf club). When used in this fashion, whether used by an adult or child, the probability that the user will lose grip on the controller is significant. Additionally, since the controller is being used in game simulation, it is not only likely that the controller will be dropped or fumbled, but that it may also inadvertently be thrown with some force. As the Wii game is commonly played inside, loss of grip on the controller not only creates a risk of damage to the controller, it also creates a risk of damage to video display screens, the game system and other objects in proximity to the game controller user. Also, many video game users are children and a tether like that disclosed in the Force patent is particularly unsuitable for use by them with the Wii controller. 
         [0011]    Finally, in some applications, the use of a tether like that disclosed in the prior art to protect against damage to the electronic device is uncomfortable and may cause injury to the user. When the user loses grip on the electronic device the string tether is pulled taut. If the device is lost while being impelled with some force, as for example when a user loses a Wii game controller while simulating a swing, the narrow wrist string of the tether is pulled taut against the skin of a user&#39;s wrist and may cause an abrasion, or in the rare instance, a cut. 
         [0012]    3. Objects of the Invention 
         [0013]    It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a tether which prevents the risk of damage or loss to an electronic device being used in a variety of circumstances, including most especially during activities where the user is in vigorous motion. It is also an object of the invention to provide a tether which conveniently and securely attaches to users with a wide variety of wrist sizes, including children, small adults and large adults. It is also an object of the invention to provide a tether which may be used with a Wii remote game controller in order to avoid inadvertent drops, fumbles and throws of the controller by the user. It is also an object of the invention to provide a tether which may be comfortably employed by the user. These and other objects are accomplished by the electronic device tether apparatus disclosed herein. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    According to the present invention, these objects are achieved by an electronic device tether apparatus comprising two pieces. The first piece includes a small string loop in which both ends of the string loop are securely affixed to the first part of a two part quick release means. The string loop may be secured to an electronic device, including a Wii controller, in the manner disclosed in the prior art. 
         [0015]    The second piece of the apparatus, includes two straps. The first strap comprises an elongated and narrow strap, one end of which is securely affixed to the second part of the two part quick release means. The first and second part of the quick release means may comprise, for example, a standard side release buckle. 
         [0016]    The second strap comprises an adjustable wrist strap. One end of the wrist strap is affixed to a loop element. Additionally, the second end of the first strap is attached to the second strap proximate the loop element. 
         [0017]    The second strap has an inner and an outer surface, and a middle layer. The middle layer comprises a resilient material. The inner surface comprises a soft fabric material. The outer surface of the second strap comprises two areas, each of which is one part of a two part cooperating fastener. The cooperating fastener may be a fastener similar to the product sold under the trade name Velcro®. One area is substantially smaller than the second and is at the end of the second strap distal to the loop element. The second area comprises the remainder of the second strap outer surface. By threading the end of the second strap through the loop element and doubling the strap back upon itself, such that the first cooperating fastener area is fastened to the second cooperating fastener area, the wrist strap may be adjusted to fit snugly to a user&#39;s wrist. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The invention is described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3 . is a cross-sectional view take along the line a-a′. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show a preferred embodiment of an electronic device tether ( 1 ) according to the invention. The tether apparatus comprises two pieces. The first piece includes a small string loop ( 2 ). The string loop is comprised of cord of sufficient tensile strength that the cord will retain a handheld electronic device either suspended by the tether as well as when the device may be propelled away from the tether. The cord is also sufficiently small in diameter to permit the loop to be conveniently threaded through a tether hole in an electronic device. 
         [0023]    Both ends of the string loop are securely affixed to the first part ( 3 ) of a two part quick release means ( 3 ,  4 ). The quick release means comprises a common side release buckle ( 3 ,  4 ). Those skilled in the art will recognize that other common quick release means including buckles, snaps, and hook and loop type fasteners may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. The quick release means provides a secure attachment of the two pieces of the tether while the user is using the electronic device with it. 
         [0024]    The second piece of the tether apparatus comprises first and second straps. The first strap ( 5 ) is an elongated and narrow strap having two ends. One end of the first strap is securely affixed to the second part of a quick release means ( 4 ). The first strap is of sufficient length that the user may conveniently employ the tethered electronic device. A strap length of between 6 and 12 inches is sufficient. The first strap is constructed of material of sufficient tensile strength that the strap will retain a handheld electronic device either suspended by the tether and also when the device is propelled away from the tether. A nylon web strap ⅜ inches wide is generally adequate for this purpose. 
         [0025]    The second strap comprises an adjustable wrist strap ( 6 ). One end of the wrist strap is affixed to a loop element ( 7 ). Additionally, the second end of the first strap is attached to the second strap proximate the loop element ( 7 ). 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the second strap has an inner and outer surface and a middle layer. The inner surface ( 8 ) comprises a soft fabric. A woven nylon fabric is suitable for this surface. Because the adjustable wrist strap is worn snugly adjacent the user&#39;s skin, it is preferable that the fabric of the inner surface be non-irritating to the skin, as well as permeable to air and water. The middle layer ( 9 ) is comprised of a resilient material of sufficient thickness and resilience that the wrist strap may be worn snugly, but comfortably by the user. A middle layer comprising Neoprene ⅛ inch thick is adequate for this purpose. The outer surface ( 10 ) of the second strap comprises two surface areas, each of which is comprised of one part of a two part cooperating fastener. 
         [0027]    It is preferable that the inner and outer surface and the middle layer of the second strap cooperate together so that the wrist strap is longitudinally flexible. In this way, users who desire a snug fit may adjust the strap (as described herein) such that the strap is snug against the wrist and the strap is taut, while users who desire a looser fit may adjust the strap to be snug against the wrist, but less taut. 
         [0028]    The cooperating fastener may be a fastener similar to the product sold under the trade name Velcro®. As best shown in  FIG. 1 , the first surface area ( 11 ) is substantially smaller than the second surface area ( 12 ) and is at the end of the second strap distal to the loop element. The first surface area ( 11 ) must be of sufficient size to permit the wrist band to permit the first and second surface areas to fasten securely. A first surface area that terminates about one inch from the end of the strap is sufficient. Where the cooperating fastener is of the hook and loop variety (i.e. a Velcro® type fastener), it is preferable that the first surface area comprise the hook part of the cooperating fastener. The second surface area ( 12 ) comprises a substantial portion of the outer surface and the second part of the two part cooperating fastener. 
         [0029]    The user applies the tether by wrapping the adjustable wrist strap around the wrist such that the inner surface is adjacent to the skin. The end of the strap is threaded through the loop element ( 6 ) and then doubled back such that the first surface area ( 11 ) of the outer surface ( 10 ) may be fastened to the second surface area ( 12 ). 
         [0030]    It will be recognized that the quick release means provides a convenient means for disconnecting the tethered electronic device in order that it be temporarily stored in a pocket or purse or in order that it be used by another user. For example, where two or more persons are playing a video game using a common remote game controller in sequence, each user may wear the second piece of the two piece tether while a single first piece remains attached to the controller. When a user finishes using the controller, the tether may be disconnected at the quick release means and passed to next user who reconnects it to the second piece being worn. In such a fashion, game playing can continue without excessive interruptions to remove and reapply the electronic device tether. 
         [0031]    The invention has been described in regard to its preferred embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same may be varied in many ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.