Armband fastening assembly for a wearable accessory arm strap

An example fastening assembly for attaching a wearable accessory arm strap device holder is provided. An example fastening assembly may include a tab defining a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end connected to a portion of an outer body. The tab may have a first material. The example fastening assembly may further include an inner body having a second material. The inner body and the tab may receive a cord therebetween. At least a portion of the inner body may deform during insertion of the cord between the tab and the inner body. In another example, a wearable accessory arm strap device holder including a fastening assembly is provided. An example method of attaching a device to the arm of a user, utilizing a fastening assembly, is further included.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to an armband fastening assembly configured to easily attach a mobile device to an object such as a user's arm.

BACKGROUND

Applicant has identified many technical challenges and difficulties associated with attaching a mobile device to a mobile device user's arm or other appendage. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, Applicant has solved problems related to these wearable accessory arm straps by developing solutions embodied in the present disclosure, which are described in detail below.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various embodiments are directed to an example fastening assembly for a wearable accessory arm strap device holder as well as a method for attaching a wearable accessory arm strap device holder.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, an example fastening assembly is provided. In some embodiments, the fastening assembly may comprise a tab defining a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end connected to a portion of an outer body. In some embodiments, the tab may comprise a first material and an inner body comprising a second material. In some embodiments, the inner body and the tab may be configured to receive a cord therebetween. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the inner body may be configured to deform during insertion of the cord between the tab and the inner body.

In some embodiments, the tab may define a first protrusion at or proximate the distal end, the protrusion extending at least partially towards the inner body.

In some embodiments, the portion of the inner body may comprise a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is configured to deform at least partially towards the proximal end of the tab during insertion of the cord.

In some embodiments, the fastening assembly may comprise a cord, wherein the cord is configured to be pulled between the tab and the inner body to deform the portion of the inner body.

In some embodiments, a gap may be defined between the tab and the portion of the inner body, wherein the gap may be smaller than the width of the cord.

In some embodiments, the gap between the tab and the portion of the inner body may be closed by applying pressure to the fastening assembly.

In some embodiments, the portion of the inner body may comprise a rib extending between two other portions of the inner body.

In some embodiments, the rib may extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tab.

In some embodiments, the rib may be configured to remain fixed to the two other portions at opposite ends of the rib while a middle portion between the opposite ends may be configured to deform along at least an upper edge of the rib.

In some embodiments, the tab may be comprised of a rigid plastic and the inner body may be comprised of an elastomeric material.

In some embodiments, the tab may be a single integral piece with the outer body.

An example wearable accessory arm strap device holder comprising a fastening assembly is further included. In some embodiments, the example device holder comprises an outer body comprising a tab defining a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end connected to a portion of the outer body. In some embodiments, the tab may comprise a first material. In some embodiments, the device holder may further comprise an inner body comprising a second material. In some embodiments, the inner body and the tab may be configured to receive a cord therebetween, wherein at least a portion of the inner body may be configured to deform during insertion of the cord between the tab and the inner body. In addition, in some embodiments, the outer body further comprises a device carriage configured to hold a mobile device therein. Further, in some embodiments, a device holder may further comprise a strapping mechanism comprising a cord, wherein the strapping mechanism may be configured to attach the device holder to an object.

In some embodiments, the device holder may further comprising four tabs, including the tab connected to the outer body, wherein the strapping mechanism may be configured to engage each of the four tabs.

In some embodiments, the strapping mechanism may further comprise a portion of material having a first end and a second end, and four loops of cord, including the cord, wherein two of the four loops of cord are disposed at or proximate the first end and a second two of the four loops of cord are disposed at or proximate the second end, wherein each of the four loops of cord is configured to engage a respective one of the four tabs.

In some embodiments, the strapping mechanism may be configured to close a gap between the tab and the inner body via tightening the strapping mechanism against the object.

In some embodiments, the cord of the strapping mechanism may comprise a loop, wherein the loop is configured to engage the tab by being disposed over the distal end of the tab.

In some embodiments, the strapping mechanism may further comprise a band and at least one loop of cord attached to the band. In some embodiments, the loop of cord may be configured to engage the tab and the band may be configured to pass around the object.

In some embodiments, the device holder may further comprise a second tab, wherein the object comprises a user arm and wherein the tab may be disposed on a first side of the outer body and the second tab may be disposed on a second side of the outer body opposite the first side. In some embodiments, the tab and the second tab may be oriented in different directions, wherein the strapping mechanism is configured to attach to the tab disposed on the first side of the outer body, pass around the user arm, and attach to the second tab disposed on the second side of the outer body and wherein a gap between the tab and the inner body is closed when the strapping mechanism is tightened against the user arm.

An example method of attaching a device to an arm of a user is further included. The example method may comprise providing a device holder. The device holder may comprise, an outer body comprising a plurality of tabs, including a first tab and a second tab, the plurality of tabs defining a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end connected to a portion of the outer body, and the plurality of tabs comprising a first material. The device holder may further comprise an inner body comprising a second material wherein the inner body and the first tab are configured to receive a cord therebetween, wherein at least a portion of the inner body is configured to deform during insertion of the cord between the first tab of the plurality of tabs and the inner body, and wherein the outer body comprises a device carriage configured to hold a mobile device therein. The device holder may further comprise a strapping mechanism comprising the cord. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise passing the strapping mechanism around the arm of the user and attaching the strapping mechanism to the first tab.

In some embodiments, the first tab may be disposed on a first side of the outer body and the second tab may be disposed on a second side of the outer body opposite the first side and the method may further comprise attaching the strapping mechanism to the second tab; and tightening the strapping mechanism against the arm of the user thereby closing gaps defined between each of the plurality of tabs and the inner body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various example embodiments address technical problems associated with attaching and operably holding a mobile device to an object, such as a user's arm. As understood by those of skill in the field to which the present disclosure pertains, there are numerous scenarios in which it is beneficial to attach a mobile device to an object, such as a user's arm. Attaching a mobile device to a user's arm, for example, allows the user the benefit of continued use of their hands while utilizing a mobile device while minimizing the risk of damage or loss of the mobile device. The positioning of the mobile device that is created by the device holders and various fastening mechanisms disclosed herein may also allow improved, intuitive functioning of the mobile device, such as hands-free scanning of decodable indicia. Many devices used to attach a mobile device to a user's arm are difficult to securely attach without the use of both hands. In addition, many devices may be tailored for a right-handed or left-handed attachment and not easily utilized on either hand. Further, many devices become loose or easily detach during use. One skilled in the field to which the present disclosure pertains will appreciate further problems that may be resolved by various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments herein, including but not limited to a device holder, which may be embodied as a wearable accessory arm strap, utilize various features to make attaching a mobile device simple and secure. For example, in some embodiments, a device holder may include at least two components, an inner body made of an elastomeric material and a rigid outer body including rigid tabs for attachment. The rigid tabs may define a rigid protrusion over which a cord, for example an elastic cord, may be passed for purposes of attaching the mobile device carriage to a user's arm. The inner body may include one or more protrusions (e.g., a rib or ribs) positioned opposite the rigid tabs which consist of a concentrated portion of material that stiffens the elastomeric material at the point at which the cord passes between the rigid tab and the inner body. In addition, the rigid tab may include a protrusion (e.g., a barb) opposite the rib on the inner body, defining a narrow gap through which the cord passes. In some embodiments, the narrow gap defined between the protrusion (e.g., a barb) and the rib may be smaller than the width of the cord when the device holder is not attached to the user's arm. In such embodiments, when the cord is pulled through the narrow gap, the cord and/or the rib on the inner material, temporarily deform to allow passage of the cord through the narrow gap. Once through the narrow gap, the cord and rib may return to their original form, securing the cord in place. In such embodiments, tension is required to loop the cord fully around the tab and the tab, in combination with the inner body, act to at least somewhat resist removal of the cord from between the tab and the inner body.

In addition, in some embodiments, the device holder disclosed herein may include a strapping mechanism with one or more corded loops for attaching to one or more tabs on the fastening device. By providing a narrow gap of deformable material, a user may loop the cord on the strapping mechanism over the rigid tab and pull the cord through the narrow gap (deforming the cord and/or the rib) with one hand. Once all the corded loops of the strapping mechanism are attached to a rigid tab and pulled through the narrow gap, a user may tighten the strapping mechanism against their arm, such that the narrow gap narrows further or completely disappears (e.g., the protrusion of the outer body and the rib of the inner body make contact) further securing the cord in place.

As a result of the herein described embodiments and in some examples, the device holder may be easily attached on either arm (or any other similarly sized object, including appendages or inanimate objects) with one or two hands and may remain securely in place. In operation, the inner body may rest on the user's arm, while the strapping mechanism applies tension to the tab(s) and, thereby, the outer body to compress the inner body between the outer body and the user's arm.

FIG.1illustrates a perspective view of an example device holder100according to various embodiments described herein. The device holder100is configured to, in some examples, attach a mobile device110to an object (e.g., a user's arm804shown inFIG.8B) to facilitate use of the mobile device110without occupying one or both of the user's hands. It will be appreciated that the illustrated device holder100and various depicted embodiments herein are provided as example embodiments and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way.

The depicted device holder100ofFIG.1includes an inner body104and an outer body106layered atop the inner body104, where the inner body104may be attached to the underneath side of the outer body106. In addition, the outer body106depicted inFIG.1incorporates a device carriage108capable of holding a mobile device110. In addition, the device holder100may include one or more fastening assemblies102as shown inFIG.1, positioned to attach the device holder100to a user's arm804.

FIG.2illustrates an exploded view of an example device holder100in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The depicted device holder100ofFIG.2includes an inner body104positioned underneath an outer body106. The depicted outer body106may be further adapted to incorporate a device carriage108capable of supporting a mobile device110. In some embodiments, the device holder100may be symmetric about its center, longitudinal axis.

FIG.3illustrates a perspective view of an example outer body106incorporating a device carriage108in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The outer body106may comprise coupling elements configured to align and/or attach the outer body106with the inner body104. For example, an attaching edge316of the outer body106may be configured to attach to a correspondingly shaped side attaching feature504of the inner body104(e.g., the depicted embodiment is “dovetail” shaped). Further, the mobile device opening318may be configured to align with the mobile device support portion506of the inner body104, which may aid with alignment and/or may provide a padded, non-skid, and breathable surface of the inner body104on which the attached mobile device110can rest. In addition, in some embodiments, the outer body106may comprise a second opening, for example, the oval shaped opening adjacent to the mobile device opening318allowing the inner body104to further contact the attached mobile device110. Allowing the softer inner body104to contact the attached mobile device110may also apply light pressure to the mobile device110, closing gaps between the mobile device110and the device carriage108and further securing the mobile device110.

As depicted inFIG.3, an outer body106may be any structure comprising and capable of supporting a tab302as part of a fastening assembly102. In the depicted embodiment ofFIG.3, the outer body106rigidly connects and comprises four tabs302for engaging the strapping mechanism as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the outer body106may be formed of a rigid plastic or other rigid material, for example, engineered plastics (e.g., thermoplastics and thermosets), carbon fiber, fiberglass, metal alloys, wood, and other similar materials. In some embodiments, the outer body106may be comprised of a mix of rigid and non-rigid materials. As used herein, the term “rigid” does not necessarily require absolute rigidity. For example, even “rigid” metals and plastics may deform elastically and/or inelastically under a sufficiently high force; however, the rigid outer body portions may not flex to such a degree that the cord is released under expected operating conditions. The term “rigid” encompasses all materials at least sufficiently rigid that the force exerted on the tab by the cord does not exceed the ultimate strength of the outer body material.

In some embodiments, at least the tabs302and a portion of the outer body(ies)106adjacent the tabs that rest on the inner body104may be rigid such that the tab302is configured to be held in a generally fixed position (e.g., apart from expected material deformation given expected tolerances and operating ranges) relative to the inner body104during operation. In some embodiments, the outer body106may be formed or shaped to fit the user's arm804to which the device holder100will be attached. For example, an inner surface of the outer body106may define an at least partially concave shape. In the depicted embodiment, the outer body106includes a generally flat central portion of the inner surface and concave outer edge portions of the inner surface. In some embodiments, the outer body106may provide openings to facilitate air flow to the user's arm804and/or the mobile device110; to reduce the weight of the outer body106; to align the inner body104with the outer body106; to provide access to the underlying inner body104and/or the user's arm804; and/or provide airflow to the mobile device110. While depicted inFIG.3as a single outer body106comprising multiple fastening assemblies102, in some embodiments, there may be multiple outer bodies106fastened together, or otherwise connected, to define a device holder100, and the outer bodies106in such embodiments may be directly or indirectly (e.g., via the inner body104) connected.

FIG.3further illustrates a device carriage108formed as part of the outer body106. A device carriage108may be any structure or device configured to engage a mobile device110and secure the mobile device110to the remainder of the device holder100. As depicted, a device carriage108may comprise a front portion312configured to support an end of the mobile device110. The front piece may comprise a front opening306providing access to the ports, buttons, emitters, and/or sensors of the mobile device110. In some embodiments, the front opening306may comprise a window for permitting the mobile device to emit light, radio frequency (RF), or other frequency wave and a receiver for receiving the reflected wave, for example, in support of enabling a bar code scanner or other function to operate therethrough. The front portion312of the device carriage108may further comprise a front flange304configured to hold the mobile device110in a fixed position. The device carriage108may further comprise two edge protrusions308configured to extend to the edges of the mobile device110. Each edge protrusion308may further comprise an edge nub310configured to engage a slot, or indentation on the mobile device110to hold the mobile device110in position. As further depicted inFIG.3, in some embodiments, the device carriage108may be an integral part of the outer body106. In other embodiments, the device carriage108may be a separate body or feature that may be attached to the remaining components of the device holder100(e.g., to the outer and/or inner bodies) to secure the mobile device110. In some embodiments, the device carriage108may consist of a rigid material formed to securely attach to the mobile device110. As noted above, the “rigid” material may still include some ability to flex (e.g., to snap the mobile device into the device carriage). In some embodiments, the device carriage108may be adjustable, for example, the edge protrusions308may be able to extend or retract, increasing and decreasing the distance between the two edge protrusions308. Such an adjustment may permit the device carriage108to securely hold mobile devices110of different sizes. Still, in other embodiments, the device carriage108may consist of a non-rigid material. For example, a device carriage108may consist of a strap or a sleeve configured to attach the mobile device110to a user's arm804. In some embodiments, the device carriage108may define openings such that ports, buttons, and/or the screen of the mobile device110may still be accessible to a user. In some embodiments, the device carriage108may be attached or an integral part of the outer body106(e.g., as a single piece or multiple pieces), while in other embodiments, the device carriage108may be attached to the inner body104(e.g., as a single piece or multiple pieces), or any other portion of the device holder100to provide secure attachment of a mobile device110.

FIG.3further illustrates a tab302. As depicted inFIG.3, a tab302may be formed as part of the outer body106. The tab302may define a distal end detached from the outer body106and a proximal end connected to the remainder of the outer body. In some embodiments, the outer body106may define an opening314under and/or around the detached end of the tab302as shown inFIG.3, exposing the underlying inner body104of the device holder100. In some embodiments, the tab302may comprise the same material as the outer body106, for example, a rigid plastic material. In some embodiments, the tab302may be elevated compared to the surrounding surface of the outer body106allowing for easier entry of a cord802around the tab302. In some embodiments, a greater gap or opening may be defined between the inner body104and the tab302than between the inner body104and other portions of the outer body106, which gap may expand and contract depending upon the tension on the tab302and the reaction force from the user's arm804as described herein. In some embodiments, the tabs302may be angled with the proximal end of the tab302pointed towards a front-to-back center portion (e.g. band1004) of the strapping mechanism1002(shown inFIG.10). For example, each of the two front tabs302(e.g., the two tabs closest to the front opening306) may be rotated such that their proximal portions are oriented at least partially rearward, and the two rear tabs may be rotated the opposite direction such that their proximal portions are oriented at least partially forward. Positioning the tab302at an angle may align the tabs with the direction of force being applied by the strapping mechanism, providing greater security and maximum force tolerance toward the center of the strapping mechanism1002and further facilitating securing the device holder100to the user's arm804. In such embodiments, the corresponding ribs502of the inner body104(shown inFIG.5) may be similarly angled to remain at a predetermined angle (e.g., perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis of the tab302as shown by the varying angles inFIG.5.

FIG.4illustrates a partial view of the outer body106ofFIG.3showing a tab302. One end of the depicted tab302(e.g., a proximal end) is connected to the remaining portion of the outer body106and a second end is detached from the outer body106defining an opening314between the detached end of the tab302and the rest of the outer body106. InFIG.4, the tab302is integral with and formed as part of the remainder of the outer body. In some embodiments, the tab may be separately formed and may be attached to the outer body.

FIG.4also depicts a first protrusion (e.g., barb402) protruding from the distal end of the tab302toward the inner body104of the fastening assembly102(not shown inFIG.4). The barb402may be configured to extend toward the inner body104, reducing a gap702(shown inFIG.7) existing between the tab302and the inner body104under at least some conditions. In some embodiments, the barb402may comprise the same material as the tab302, for example, a rigid plastic. In the depicted embodiment, the barb402is formed as an integral part of the tab302. In some embodiments, the barb402may be formed of a different material from the tab302, for example, a softer material capable of deforming when interacting with a cord802forced through the gap702between the outer body106and the inner body104. In some embodiments, the barb402may be formed of a material providing a smooth surface allowing a cord802to pass through the gap702with reduced resistance. In some embodiments, the barb402may comprise a chamfered edge404(e.g., an edge surface angled at least partially towards the proximal end of the tab relative to a perpendicular angle) on the distal side of the barb402at the distal end of the tab302as shown inFIG.4, forcing a cord802with an exerted force against the barb402to push down and through the gap702defined between the tab302and the inner body104. In some embodiments, the inner edge406of the barb402closer the attached end of the tab302may be nearly perpendicular to the top surface of the tab302adjacent the distal end, providing a secure lock of the cord802after the cord802has passed through the gap702defined between the tab302and the inner body104and further depicted inFIG.7andFIGS.8A-8B.

FIG.5illustrates a perspective view of an example inner body104of a device holder100, including a second protrusion (e.g., a rib502) representing the inner body104portion of a fastening assembly102.

FIG.5illustrates a perspective view of the inner body104. An inner body104may be any structure capable of providing a deformable protrusion (e.g., rib502) capable of allowing a cord802or other attaching mechanism to at least partially retain a cord when coupled with an outer body106. An inner body104may further comprise side attaching features504, a mobile device support portion506, and outer body support protrusions508for aligning the outer body106with the inner body104.

In some embodiments, the inner body104may be formed entirely of an elastomeric material having a softer durometer than the outer body, such as silicone, rubber, or softer durometer thermoplastic elastomers. In some embodiments, the inner body104may be comprised of a mix of softer durometer materials and more rigid materials. In some embodiments, the inner body104may be formed of a material to provide padding between the outer body106and a user's arm804to which the mobile device110is attached. In some embodiments, the inner body104may be comprised of a breathable material allowing airflow to the user's arm804. An inner body104may further provide openings or perforations to allow airflow for the user's arm804and/or the mobile device110. In some embodiments, the mobile device support portion506of the inner body104may further provide a padded surface on which a mobile device110may be positioned. In some embodiments, the inner body104may be formed to securely attach to the outer body106, for example with a latching mechanism such as depicted inFIG.5, wherein the side attaching feature504attaches to the attaching edge316of the outer body106. In some embodiments, the inner body104is held constrained by the attaching edge316and a gap is created by the offset between the upper surface of the inner body104and the bottom surface of the outer body106. The gap may close when attached to the user's arm as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the inner body104may be permanently attached to the outer body106, for example, with an adhesive or other permanent attachment. In some embodiments, the outer body support protrusions508may be configured to provide support to the outer body106and define a gap between the inner body104and the outer body106at the fastening assembly102location. In the embodiment depicted inFIG.5, each of the outer body support protrusions508define a front-to-back channel therethrough, which channel receives a corresponding corner engagement protrusion (shown inFIG.3) of the outer body. These protrusions may facilitate alignment and support between the inner and outer bodies. In addition, in some embodiments, the outer body support protrusions508may act as a load bearing surface for the upper bendable portion of the outer body106.

FIG.5further illustrates a second protrusion (e.g. a rib502). A rib502may be any portion of material that provides resistance to a cord802passing through a gap702present between the inner body104and the outer body106of the fastening assembly102. The rib502may provide resistance by deforming when pressure is applied to the surface or side of the rib502(e.g., when the cord is thicker than the gap). In some embodiments, the deformation of the rib502may be elastic deformation. In other embodiments, the rib502may deform by swinging on a hinge point or otherwise pivoting to provide a larger opening for a cord802to pass by. In some embodiments, the deformation may occur only at or near the lateral center of the rib502, while in other embodiments, the entire rib502may deform or move when pressure is applied. In some embodiments, the rib502may be defined flush with portions of the surface of the inner body, and in some embodiments, recesses510may be formed on either side of the rib502as shown in FIG.5to allow the rib to deform. In other embodiments, a rib502may be comprised of an elevated portion of material of the inner body104, elevated above the surface of the surrounding inner body104. As depicted inFIG.6, the rib502may extend between two other portions of the inner body104, for example, forming a bridge between the two other portions while the surface of the inner body104surrounding the rib502in locations other than along the length of the rib may be depressed, sunk, or otherwise lower than the rib to form recesses510. As further depicted inFIG.7, a fastening assembly102is defined by associating a rib502on the inner body104with a tab302and/or barb402on the outer body106, forming a gap702between the inner body104and the outer body106. In some embodiments, the rib502may extend in a direction that is perpendicular or at least partially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the cord. In some embodiments, the rib502may extend in a direction that is perpendicular or at least partially perpendicular to the tab302(e.g., while both the tab and inner body may be curved at the location of the fastening assembly, the rib may be perpendicular within this curved reference frame). In some embodiments, the angle of the longitudinal axis of the tab302may be in line with the angle of the loops of cord802of the strapping mechanism1002(shown inFIG.10). In some embodiments, the angle may vary such that the longitudinal axis of the tab302remains substantially aligned with the pull direction of the cord802, with the longitudinal axis of the tab302remaining less than 20 degrees askew either side of the pulling direction. While some embodiments described herein may refer to the rib502as deforming in response to force from the cord, some embodiments may additionally or alternatively have a deformable portion of material on the outer body (e.g., a deformable barb).

FIG.7illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a fastening assembly102of a device holder100. As depicted inFIG.7, a rigid tab302may have one end attached to the remainder of the outer body106and a second, distal end extending into an open area of the outer body106. As further depicted inFIG.7, at least a portion of the outer body106and the inner body104may be separated at the portion where the tab302extends over the inner body104creating a cavity between the tab302and the inner body104, which includes the gap702. In addition, the tab302depicted inFIG.7comprises a first protrusion (e.g., barb402) extending from the detached, distal end of the tab302toward the inner body104. Opposite the barb402, disposed on the inner body104, is a second protrusion (e.g., rib502) defining a gap702between the barb402and the rib502. The rib502may comprise a softer material (e.g., silicone) such that the rib502may be deformed when pressure is applied by a cord802or similar attaching structure. In some embodiments, the fastening assembly102may include only a single one of the rib502or barb402, or the fastening assembly102may include neither the rib502nor the barb402.

FIG.7illustrates a gap702. A gap702may be any opening between the tab302and rib502that allows an attaching cord to pass between the inner body104and the outer body106to be held between the two to help facilitate securing the device holder110to an object. In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.7, the tab302may comprise the barb402, and the barb402may define a boundary of the gap702between the inner body104and the tab302. In some embodiments, the gap702may be narrower than the width of the cord, in some instances even after the cord has deformed under pressure, and at least the rib502may deform in order for the cord802to pass through. Such a narrow gap702may require applied force to pass the cord802(shown inFIG.8) through the gap702. In such embodiments, the cord802may not become easily disengaged from the fastening mechanism during use.

FIG.8Aillustrates a cross-sectional view of a cord802passing through a gap702defined between the rib502defined on the inner body104and the barb402defined on the tab302of the outer body106.FIG.8Adepicts the cord802at three example positions during the attachment process, including a first position802aat which point the cord802has passed through the space between the tab302and the remainder of the outer body106before passing through the gap702between the barb402and the rib502. At a second position802b, both the rib502and the cord802are shown deformed (e.g., elastic deformation) as force is applied in the insertion direction (e.g., at least partially towards the proximal end of the tab) to allow the cord802to pass through the gap702between the rib502and the barb402.

At position802c, the cord802has returned to its resting form after passing through the gap702and into the cavity defined between the tab302and the inner body104. In addition, the rib502returns to a resting position, again defining a narrow gap between the rib502and the barb402. In this position, the rib502of the inner body104and/or the barb402of the outer body106provide at least some resistance to the cord802being removed (e.g., requiring a similar application of force and deformation to remove). This resistance may facilitate one-handed operation of the device holder100because a user can individually insert cords over the respective tabs302of the device holder100without the cords falling off before the device holder100is fully attached.

FIG.8Billustrates a cross-sectional view of the gap between the tab and the rib being completely closed after the cord802has passed through the gap702and the inner body104presses against the object (e.g., a user's arm804) while the cord802rests in the cavity between the tab302and the inner body104.FIG.8Bfurther depicts the object (e.g. a user's arm804) adjacent the inner body104on the side opposite the outer body106. As force is applied to the inner body104from the user's arm804due to the force of the strapping mechanism acting on the outer body106, the gap702between the rib502and the barb402is forced narrower or entirely closed by, for example, compression of the inner body104against the outer body106. In some embodiments, the force is applied by tightening the strapping mechanism1002attached to the fastening assemblies102. In some embodiments, the “tightening” may occur naturally without further action when all of the cords or other attachment mechanisms are connected to their respective fastening assemblies. In some embodiments, the strapping mechanism may comprise any tightening mechanism, such as a hook and loop fastening strap defined between the cords, to allow adjustment of the tension between fastening assemblies and cords. Tightening the strapping mechanism1002pulls the outer body106toward the user's arm804sandwiching the inner body104between the outer body106and the user's arm804. Once the gap702between the rib502and the barb402is narrowed or closed, the cord802is held in position by an even greater resistance to removal (e.g., it is much more difficult to remove the cord when the inner body and outer body are compressed towards each other than prior to attachment on the user's arm), securely fastening the mobile device110to the user's arm804. While the embodiment depicted inFIG.8Billustrates the device holder100attaching to a user's arm804, the device holder100may be attached to any object, including a user's leg, a pole or other stationary object, and/or any other similar object to which the device holder100may be attached. Although depicted as completely closing in the embodiment ofFIGS.8A-8B, various embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate that the gap may narrow in any amount or degree (or not at all) upon attachment of the device holder110to the object (e.g., the user's arm804), which may increase the removal resistance of the device holder depending upon the degree of closing. In various embodiments, either or both of (1) the deformable portions of the inner body104and/or outer body106(e.g., protrusions, such as ribs502and/or barbs402) and/or (2) the compressible distance between portions of the inner body104and portions of the outer body106may facilitate easy insertion of the cords and secure holding of the cords in the fastening assemblies102of the device holder110.

FIG.9illustrates a perspective view of a single loop of cord802attached to a fastening assembly102by passing the loop over the tab302and pulling the loop through the narrow gap702defined between the tab302and the inner body104according to the various embodiments discussed herein.

As depicted inFIG.9, the cord802used to attach to the fastening assembly102may be configured to form a loop. The loop of cord802may be any cord, string, or material (or combination of materials) that forms a closed loop with an opening such that the cord, string, or material may be passed over the top of a tab302of a fastening assembly102. In some embodiments, the loop of cord802may be a braided, interlocked elastic material with nylon coating, comprising a durable and abrasion resistant material to reduce wear and increase product life. In some embodiments, the loop may comprise various materials, for example, a cord802may be a length of cord that is attached at both ends to a band1004or an intermediate portion of a fastening mechanism1002(e.g., branched structure1006), forming a loop comprising the cord802attached at each end to the band assembly. While depicted in some embodiments as an elastic cord, the cord used herein, including to form the loop shown inFIG.9, may be any piece of material, rope, cord, or other similar structure capable of passing over a tab302and through the gap702defined between the inner body104and the tab302, whether elastic or inelastic. By forming the cord802into a loop, the loop of cord802may be easily pulled through the gap702by pulling at one point of contact, allowing the user to pass the loop of cord802over the tab302and pull the cord802through the gap702using only one hand.

FIG.10illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of the device holder100and a strapping mechanism1002, wherein the strapping mechanism1002comprises a band1004attached to two branched structures1006, one on each end of the band1004and attached to the band via a rectangular metal or plastic ring. Each end of the branched structure1006terminates in a loop of cord802, defining four loops of cord802, each aligned with and configured to engage four tabs302formed as part of a single outer body106. In addition, the depicted strapping mechanism1002includes a band1004connecting the four loops of cord802. In some embodiments, the cord802may extend within the branched structure1006and/or band1004to define two or more loops from a single, contiguous piece of cord. In some embodiments, the cord(s)802may attach directly to the band1004or another strapping mechanism for holding the outer and inner bodies on the object (e.g., the user's arm).

FIG.10illustrates a strapping mechanism1002in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. A strapping mechanism1002may be any material or structure designed to attach to one or more fastening assemblies102and pass around an object (e.g., user's arm804) securing the device holder100to the object. In some embodiments, such as depicted inFIG.10, the strapping mechanism1002may include a band1004. A band1004can be any structure designed to comprise at least one cord802and pass under the user's arm804attaching the device holder100to the user's arm. In some embodiments, the band1004may be a sleeve, strap, belt, band, fastener, or any other portion(s) of material(s) capable of securing the device holder100to an object (e.g., user's arm804) by wrapping at least partly around the object to hold the inner body104and outer body106against the object or an intermediate surface between the inner body104and/or outer body106and the object. In some embodiments, the band1004may partly or entirely comprise the cord802used to fasten the strapping mechanism1002to the one or more fastening assemblies102. In some embodiments, the band1004may comprise a material intended to comfortably contact a user's arm804, for example, a sleeve, a fabric, a breathable material, or similar fabric or material. In some embodiments, the band1004may include padding or other material adjacent to the user's arm804to provide comfortable contact with the user's arm804.

As shown inFIG.10, the strapping mechanism1002may terminate in two branched structures1006. Each branched structure1006may further comprise two loops of cord802defining a total of four loops of cord802designed to couple with four or more fastening assemblies102. For example, the strapping mechanism1002may include two loops of cord802attached to the branched structure1006on one end of the band1004designed to attach to two fastening assemblies102on one side of the device holder100and pass under the user's arm804. The strapping mechanism1002may further include two more loops of cord802on the other end of the band1004designed to attach to two more fastening assemblies102on the opposite side of the device holder100. In some embodiments, the branched structure1006may comprise a single piece of cord802that spans across the tabs302on one side of the outer body106to form both end loops. In some such embodiments, each side of the outer body may use a single piece of cord for two total cords. In some embodiments, only a single fastening assembly102and corresponding loop802may be used on each side of the device holder100. In some embodiments, more than two fastening assemblies102and corresponding loops802may be used on each side of the device holder100. In some embodiments, a strapping mechanism1002may only have one or more loops of cord802on one side of the band1004, the other side of the band1004being attached either permanently or using another attaching mechanism to the device holder100. In such an embodiment, a user may attach the strapping mechanism1002simply by passing the band1004under the user's arm804and attaching the one or more loops of cord802to the one or more fastening assemblies102positioned on the device holder100. In some embodiments, the strapping mechanism1002may also include a tightening mechanism providing a means to tighten the strapping mechanism1002against a user's arm804. This may be, for example, a looped strap with an adhesion device allowing a user to tighten and fasten the strapping mechanism1002in place. Utilizing the strapping mechanism1002to tighten the device holder100against the user's arm804further closes the gap between the inner body104and the tab302as described above, which may aid with locking the cord802in an attached position. Moreover, multiple strapping mechanisms may be used to secure the device holder to the object (e.g., two parallel straps between opposing pairs of fastening assemblies) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG.11provides a flowchart illustrating an example process1100for attaching a device holder to a user's arm804.

The process1100begins at block1102, by providing a device holder100comprising one or more fastening assemblies102and a strapping mechanism1002comprising a cord802. As described in the embodiments ofFIGS.1-10, a device holder100may comprise one or more fastening assemblies102providing a mechanism to securely attach a mobile device110to an object (e.g., a user's arm804).

The process1100continues at block1104, by attaching the strapping mechanism1002to the at least one fastening assembly102on the first side of the outer body106. As described inFIG.3, in some embodiments, a device holder100may be comprised of multiple fastening assemblies102disposed on a single outer body106. The process of attaching a device holder100may include attaching one side of the strapping mechanism1002to a first side of the outer body106. In some embodiments, the process may require attaching one side of the strapping mechanism1002to one or more fastening assemblies102on the first side of the outer body106, while in other embodiments, the strapping mechanism1002may be permanently attached to the first side of the outer body106.

The process1100continues at block1106, by passing the strapping mechanism1002around the arm of the user. As described inFIG.10, the strapping mechanism1002may include a band1004, such as a sleeve, strap, belt, band, fastener, or any other portion(s) of material(s) capable of facilitating securing the device holder100to a user's arm804. The band1004may comprise material intended to provide a comfortable and/or breathable material, securely attaching a mobile device110while maintaining comfortable contact with the user's arm804and allowing airflow to the portions of the user's arm804in contact with the band1004.

The process1100continues at block1108, by attaching the strapping mechanism1002to the at least one fastening assembly102on the second side of the outer body106. A device holder100may provide one or more fastening assemblies102disposed on a second side of the outer body106providing attachment locations for a cord802or loop positioned on the strapping mechanism1002. Attaching the cord802or loop to the fastening assemblies102disposed on the second side of the outer body106may complete attachment of the device holder100to the user's arm804.

The process1100may conclude at block1110, by tightening the strapping mechanism1002against the arm of the user thereby closing gaps702defined between the tabs302and the inner body. As described inFIG.10, the strapping mechanism1002may have a tightening mechanism, allowing a user to securely tighten the device holder against the user's arm804. As the strapping mechanism1002is further tightened, the gap702between the tab302and the rib502of the inner body104further closes, locking the cord802or loops of cord802of the strapping mechanism1002into the one or more fastening assemblies102.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although the figures only show certain components of the apparatus and systems described herein, it is understood that various other components may be used in conjunction with the system. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the steps in the method described above may not necessarily occur in the order depicted in the accompanying diagrams, and in some cases one or more of the steps depicted may occur substantially simultaneously, or additional steps may be involved. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosed herein have been shown and described above, modifications thereof may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the teachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein are representative only and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations, and modifications are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. The disclosed embodiments relate primarily to a mobile device holder, however, one skilled in the art may recognize that such principles may be applied to any apparatus that must be attached to an appendage or other surface, for example, armguards, shin guards, leg guards, elbow pads, and/or other similar apparatus. Alternative embodiments that result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiment(s) are also within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above.

Use of broader terms such as “comprises,” “includes,” and “having” should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as “consisting of,” “consisting essentially of” and “comprised substantially of” Use of the terms “optionally,” “may,” “might,” “possibly,” and the like with respect to any element of an embodiment means that the element is not required, or alternatively, the element is required, both alternatives being within the scope of the embodiment(s). Also, references to examples are merely provided for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to be exclusive.