Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention relate to hands-free holders for portable electronic devices. In at least one embodiment, the holder comprises a pouch having a substantially opaque first side, a substantially translucent second side, an open top, and an attached strap.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/470,827, entitled HANDS-FREE ELECTRONIC DEVICE HOLDER, by Carol J. Seimetz, filed Apr. 1, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the present invention relate to a hands-free holder for portable electronic devices. In at least one embodiment, the holder comprises a pouch having a substantially opaque first side, a substantially translucent second side, and an attached strap. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Electronic devices are a part of daily life. Cell phones, digital music players, and other portable electronic devices are commonly carried by their users throughout their daily travels. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Generally, the present disclosure relates to a hands-free electronic device holder. More particularly, the disclosure describes a pouch worn around the neck that holds a portable electronic device for easy, yet private, viewing and access. The user can view the electronic device and ascertain its status while the device is still in the pouch, and can easily access the device and pull it out if necessary. For example, a cell phone may be placed within the pouch so that its screen is visible through the translucent side. Then, when a call comes in or a message is received, the user can easily pull the pouch slightly away from his or her torso and tilt it up so that caller ID information or a message summary is visible without removing the device from the pouch. The user can then determine whether a response or further action is necessary, for example, whether a call needs to be answered, without removing the cell phone from the holder. 
         [0005]    In one embodiment, the holder for electronic devices comprises a pouch including a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is substantially translucent and the second side is substantially opaque, and a strap attached to the pouch. In another embodiment, the holder for electronic devices comprises a pouch, a strap attached to the pouch, and a means for viewing an electronic device located within said pouch. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a first side view of an embodiment of a hands-free holder for electronic devices. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a second side view of the embodiment of the hands-free holder for electronic devices. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0008]    For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to certain embodiments illustrated in the disclosure, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  depict an embodiment of a hands-free holder  10  for electronic devices. In this embodiment, a substantially planar pouch  12  includes a first side  14  and a second side  16  opposite the first side  14 . Various embodiments of the pouch  12  are sized to hold particular electronic devices, including, but not limited to, cell phones, digital music players, digital cameras, and mini-camcorders. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side  14  of the pouch  12  is substantially opaque and the second side  16  is substantially translucent, forming a substantially translucent portion of the pouch  12 . In a further embodiment, the second side  16  is substantially transparent, forming a substantially transparent portion of the pouch  12 . In at least one embodiment, the second side  16  is sufficiently transparent such that a user may view an electronic device within the pouch  12  by looking through the second side  16 . As used herein, transparency is a subset of translucency, wherein translucency allows the passage of light, but transparency allows the passage of light and image formation. 
         [0010]    The second side  16  is made of a material that is substantially translucent and optionally transparent, including, but not limited to, a transparent vinyl sheet. In some embodiments, the second side  16  is configured to allow the user to perform touch screen functions while the device remains in the pouch  12 . This second side  16  is also preferably perforated in locations corresponding to the speakers and microphones of the device so those features can also be utilized while the device remains in the pouch  12 . 
         [0011]    The first side  14  is made of a material that is substantially opaque including, but not limited to, an opaque fabric, leather, plastic, or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the first side displays a design, logo, or image (such as that for a company, team, club, school, organization, event, hobby, photograph, musician or band, cartoon characters, action heroes, movie, holiday, season, printed art, or the like) by means of silkscreen, appliqué, embroidery, monogram, beads, sequins, jewel designs, and/or button(s), for example, at the preference of the wearer and/or with licensing for larger-scale production. 
         [0012]    In at least one embodiment, a pocket  24  is attached to the outer surface of the first side  14 . In a further embodiment, the pocket  24  is translucent or transparent. In still a further embodiment, the pocket  24  is a transparent pocket sized for receiving, storing, and displaying cards, such as, for example, an identification card or keycard. In this embodiment, the user can carry and display the card or other item and a portable electronic device without the use of his or her hands. 
         [0013]    The pouch  12  includes an opening  18  adapted to receive a portable electronic device. The opening  18  optionally includes a means for closure. Suitable means for closure include, but are not limited to, a hook-and-loop closure, snap, magnet, button, zipper, or other suitable mechanism. In at least one embodiment, the opening is arranged to be on the topmost portion of the pouch  12 , when the holder  10  is worn by a user. 
         [0014]    The dimensions of the pouch  12  can vary to accommodate the size of the intended portable electronic device. In at least one embodiment, the pouch  12  is formed by the first side  14  and the second side  16  being sewn or fabric-welded together along at least a portion of their perimeters. In some embodiments, seams of the pouch  12  are straight or gusseted. In some embodiments, the pouch  12  further comprises a padding layer (not shown) attached to the interior of the pouch  12 . The padding layer may be fabric, a foam pad, or other material or combination of materials suitable for cushioning an electronic device without scratching it. In at least one embodiment, the padding layer is attached to the interior of the first side  14 . 
         [0015]    In at least one embodiment, the holder  10  includes a strap  20  attached to the pouch  12 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the strap  20  is attached to said pouch  12  at or near corners  22  adjacent to the opening  18 . In an alternate embodiment, the strap  20  may be attached to a single point of attachment on the pouch  12 . In further embodiment, the strap  20  may be attached to a ring, clip, loop, break-away clasp, or other attachment feature extending from the pouch  12 . In at least one embodiment, the length of the strap  20  is adjustable. A user may wear the holder  10  on his or her torso by passing the strap  20  around the user&#39;s neck. Alternately, the user may wear the holder  10  across his or her torso by passing the strap  20  around the user&#39;s neck and one of user&#39;s arms. Other means of wearing the holder  10  may also be utilized. The strap  20  can be made of any material that would occur to those skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, leather, cotton, plastic, metal chain, cord, beads, rope, lanyard, or ribbon. In some embodiments, the straps support addition of an easily attachable and detachable accessory such as a key ring. 
         [0016]    Finally, an additional interior pocket  26  is included in some embodiments inside pouch  18 , attached to the back of first side  14 . Pocket  26  may be opaque or clear, and is sized, for example, to hold cash, a driver&#39;s license and/or ATM/credit cards. This pocket  26  can provide additional, more secure storage for important objects. 
         [0017]    While the inventions have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.