Abstract:
A form-fitting case is comprised of two major components: 1) a structure for carrying mobile communications devices, and 2) a pocket for carrying of credit card sized devices. The pocket may be fabricated of fabric or leather. The pocket and structure are permanently adhered to create a single carrying case for both mobile communications devices such as cell phones and for items such as credit cards or paper money.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/547,749, filed Oct. 16, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the field of protective covers or cases customized to fit handheld mobile communications devices such as cell phones and personal data assistants (PDAs), including while these devices are in use. The invention particularly relates to the functional features of these covers or cases to hold or carry additional items together with the mobile communications devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    As communications devices become more capable of handling multiple tasks, there is less of a need for people to carry as many items with them on-the-go, leading to a minimization trend. This trend is particularly apparent in the transition from simple cell phones to newer generations of cell phones integrating the calling function with e-mail, mobile apps, movie viewing, GPS navigation, calendar and clock functions, etc. In addition, the sizes and shapes of modern cell phones are much more compact than in the past, now approaching the size of other items commonly carried on-the-go, such as credit cards, driver licenses, paper money, etc. 
         [0004]    To facilitate convenient carrying of this smaller number of items, there is a need for a single carrying device which is capable of carrying both the mobile communications devices (e.g., cellular phones) or PDAs, along with the carrying of these miscellaneous other items, such as money and credit-card sized items in a single convenient pocket case. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    An object of the invention is to provide a structure by which a user may carry and operate a mobile communications device and (optionally) one or more credit card sized items in a single pocket case. 
         [0006]    A preferred embodiment in accordance with the invention employs case configured to hold a mobile communications device, wherein the case is configured with various buttons and holes to provide access to the control buttons, jacks, lenses, and other external connections on the mobile communications device. Adhered to the case is a pocket configured to securely hold one or more credit card sized items such as credit cards, folded paper money, a driver license, etc. In a preferred embodiment, a user can operate the mobile communications device while the device is disposed within the case. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    For a more thorough understanding of the present invention, and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is an isometric exploded view of two major components of the case with an example of a typical mobile communications device, 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is an isometric assembly view of the case containing the mobile communications device and a credit card, 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is an isometric image of a first embodiment of the case, 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is an isometric image of the first embodiment of the case with a generally light color illustrating carrying of a credit card and paper money, 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is an isometric image of the first embodiment of the case with a generally darker color. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0013]    Embodiments of the invention can provide one or more advantages over typical carrying cases for mobile communications devices. Some embodiments of the invention provide a pocket adhered to the case for the mobile communications device enabling convenient storage and access to one or more credit card sized items such as credit cards, folded paper money, a driver&#39;s license, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the case is an injection-molded, form-fitting case around a mobile communication device that does not add substantial bulk to the device and allows for access to all interfaces of the mobile communications device while installed. The case is comprised of two major components. First, there is an injection-molded rubber structure that form-fits the mobile communications device. Second, there is a cut-and-sewn flexible fabric leather pocket designed to fit inside a recessed area on the injection-molded case. The pocket is made with materials preferably designed to be able to adhere sturdily to the injection-molded case with an adhesive, preferably an SL Series 286 adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, the pocket allows for storage of at least one credit card sized item having length of 3.375 inches and a width of 2.125 inches. 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is an isometric exploded view  100  of two major components of the case with an example of a typical mobile communications device  106 . A case  104  for holding the mobile communications device  106  may typically be comprised of plastic, rubber, or silicone. The case may typically be formed by injection molding or other techniques compatible with the material used to form the case  104 . A retaining wall  157  is configured to form one side of an enclosure or pocket  154  for containing credit card sized items as shown on one side of the case  104 . Another side of the enclosure or pocket  154  is formed by cover  102 , at least a portion of which may typically comprise leather or flexible fabric which is firmly adhered to the case  104 . The adhering step is indicated by assembly arrow  108 . A notch  156  in the retaining wall  157  enables easy access to the underside of credit card sized items which have previously been inserted into the pocket, thereby facilitating more easy removal of these items when needed. 
         [0015]    Assembly of the case  104  over a typical mobile communications device  106  is indicated by assembly arrow  110 . Modern mobile communications devices have a number of functions, many of which require various control buttons or connections. To enable proper operation of the mobile communications device  106  when enclosed in case  104 , various access holes or buttons are required. For example, button  132  on case  104  is configured to enable pushing of button  112  on device  106 . Similarly button  134  enables pushing of button  114 . Access hole  136  in case  104  facilitates operation of slider switch  116  on device  106 . Access hole  138  in case  104  enables access to connector  118  in device  106 . Button  140  enables pushing of button  120 . Access hole  142  in case  104  provides an opening for camera lens  122  in device  106 . The button and access hole locations and functions described here are exemplary only, and are not part of the present invention. Each mobile communications device  106  could require a particular design of buttons and access holes in case  104  to enable proper operation of the device  106 . 
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is an isometric assembly view  200  of the case  104  containing the mobile communications device  106  and a credit card  152  within the enclosure at the side of case  104 . A credit card  252  is shown contained in the pocket  154 . Cover  102  of pocket  154  has an edge  255  which is recessed to enable easy access to any credit card sized items contained within pocket  154 . Notch  156  in wall  157  surrounding pocket  154  enables a user to extend a fingernail or other sharp device underneath credit card  151 , for example, thereby raising it to pass over wall  157  for easy removal from pocket  154 . Opening  150  with edge  251  is configured to enable easy access to the other side of credit card  252 , for example, allowing card  252  to be pushed forward past wall  157  during removal of card  252  from pocket  154 . 
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is an isometric image  300  of a first embodiment of the pocket case of the invention with numerical callouts corresponding to elements in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is an isometric image  400  of the first embodiment of the pocket case of the invention with a generally light color illustrating carrying of a credit card  406  and paper money  408 . Other numerical callouts correspond to elements in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is an isometric image  500  of the first embodiment of the case with a generally darker color. Callout numbers correspond to those in  FIGS. 1 through 4 . 
         [0020]    Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.