Abstract:
The invention comprises a method and apparatus for providing a connection method to digital devices connecting and disconnecting an exo-skeleton, impact protection, wearable computing and ergonomic texturing for digital devices. The invention increases the devices functionality, while providing a secondary quick release mounting method that allow the fast attachment and release of various accessories to the digital device or other objects, as well as providing mounting surfaces that allows for connection of various accessories. The secondary quick release mounting method can be integrated into any object independently, allowing a magnitude of possibilities. The device is made in variety of materials and methods, with an integrated spring mechanism, which allow for preloading and locking of the chucked arms against the digital device for a firm, secure protection of the device&#39;s fragile structure against impact as well as providing a connection standard.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/878,006, filed Sep. 15, 2013, Method and Apparatus for protection, mounting, and accessorizing of digital devices: An impact absorption system and quick connect system for Mobile Devices, the entire disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Applicant&#39;s apparatus relates to apparatus and devices for protecting portable electronic devices and other devices or objects, and more particularly to an apparatus that can quickly and securely connect to other accessories, such as mount, a clip armband or wallet. 
     Digital devices, mobile computing and communication technology have advanced to allow digital devices to incorporate small hardware components, thereby also decreasing the size of the digital device itself. Mobile device technology has also advanced to allow portability. For example, workstations, laptops, smartphones, tablets, digital players, game systems, cameras, digitally enabled eyewear and music players are all devices that we carry with us into different environments. These devices may become wearable computing enabled or connected to other products or mounts to enhance and improve their functionality and add new functionality from the devices or products to which they connect. These connecting mechanisms may also be used to attach the conventional device to a variety of other products, vehicles, and environments. 
     With their miniaturization, digital devices have become ever more fragile and more difficult to handle, hence there is an ever emerging market to equip devices with protection mounts and cases. Conventional protection systems may use interference and snapping techniques to secure the protection around the digital device. These methods results in bulky solutions that dramatically increase the size of the digital device and in many cases detract from the device&#39;s esthetic design. 
     Therefore, what is needed in the industry is a new system and apparatus to protect and secure digital devices which is not bulky and which can be easily fitted to a variety of devices. 
     There are many device cases on the market that are able to hold electronic mobile devices. One such case is known as the lifeproof iPhone case that can protect iPhone device from falls or drops as well as connecting various accessories, the device is snapped onto to the accessory. Another is the Quad Lock mounting system that can also protect the device as well as connecting to various accessories, the device is contented by screwing or twisting it into the accessory. Still other protection system include the type that an inner cushion with a harder exterior shell which can provide a tremendous amount of protection and water proofing, such as the Taktik Extreme. However, these cases are not thin enough for everyday use, or to fit inside a shirt pocket for a truly portable apparatus that can also connect at any possible orientation angle in both the landscape and portrait to other accessories such as a mount or a clip. While providing a unique ergonomic texture to improve the device dexterity. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present invention comprises new apparatuses and methods of securing a digital device (sometimes referred to as a “system”) to a plurality of surfaces or objects. In preferred embodiments, the invention comprises a system having a connectable section designed to attach to digital devices and a section configured to couple to various accessories and/or other digital devices or surfaces. The coupling adds new functionality to the digital device, extending functionality and physically protecting the digital device. The functionalities of the connected accessories correspond to the users preferences and activities. 
     An apparatus having a plurality of chucked arms, which are configured to expand and retract to connect to the digital device. 
     Some embodiments use a single axis, yet other embodiments use multiple axes (i.e. more than one axis) to engage and disengage the chucked arms. 
     Some embodiments use single or multiple axes in combination with other linear or arc motions. 
     The apparatus may also be configured to act as a protective exo-skeleton shell, encasing the digital device in a hardened armor. 
     The apparatus may also be configured to act as a security thread, physically attaching the digital device to other objects, vehicles, surfaces, environments or digitally defined geo-tags or areas where an area can be defined using GPS coordinates. 
     In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a coupler attached to a connecting system that couples the digital device to various additional accessories, mounts and other devices. 
     Added modules having coupler lugs can be configured to interact with the digital device such as wallets, pads, clothing, arm bands, wrist bands, chest bands, bags, vehicle mounts, desk mounts, wall mounts, floor mounts, other electrics, electro-biological, electrochemical, electro-neural or electromechanical devices, etc. and the like. 
     Some embodiments use one or more than one, or even a plurality of coupler lugs or couplers receiving systems integrated into the digital device itself. 
     Some embodiments use one or many coupler lugs or couplers receiving systems integrated into other objects, vehicles, clothing, environments, surfaces, etc. and the like. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Applicant&#39;s apparatus and devices will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  provides a perspective view showing one example of an apparatus, installed on a mobile communication device. 
         FIG. 2  demonstrates an exploded view showing one example of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of the inside view showing one example of the assembled apparatus. 
         FIG. 4  is the back view showing one example of the assembled apparatus. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates one example of the apparatus in the open position receiving a mobile device. 
         FIG. 6  Illustrates one example of the apparatus in the closed, lock position. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates one example of the apparatus in the closed lock position with the secondary accessory lug leaver release arm in release position. 
         FIG. 8  shows one example of the accessory coupler lug. 
         FIG. 9  shows an example of a belt mounting accessory. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates one example of the apparatus in an assembled position, receiving the lug and clip accessory. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an exploded view showing one example of the apparatus in an disassembled position. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an exploded view showing one example of the apparatus in an disassembled position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Several embodiments of Applicant&#39;s apparatus are shown in  FIGS. 1-12 , including embodiments of the apparatus in various forms and supporting a device in various positions. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that Applicant&#39;s apparatus may also take other forms. Such persons will also recognize that the various types of the apparatus may have various sizes and shapes. In addition, such persons will recognize that the apparatus illustrated in  FIGS. 1-12  may take forms other than that shown in  FIGS. 1-12 , as discussed herein. 
     As used herein the terms “mobile device”, “mobile communication device”, and “digital device” shall generally mean a type of computer generally operated by a person. Non-limiting examples of these devices include; tablet PCs including the iPad, cell phones including iOS phones made by Apple Inc., Android OS phones, Microsoft OS phones, Blackberry phones, mobile gaming or music playing devices, wearable computers, or generally any mobile electronic device capable of running computer software or displaying information to a user. 
     In the embodiments represented in  FIGS. 10-12 , part  1  X-apparatus (sometimes called the “apparatus”) is assembled from part Main Spring, Base and Trigger, these 3 parts connect together to form the main assembly. 
     In some embodiments subsequent to the alignment of Main Spring axis neck, Trigger Spring axis neck and Base axis neck, the parts can be assembled. Some embodiments will require Trigger Spring&#39;s Trigger Spring—spring to be loaded to allow retaining key to enter the keyhole to be assembled. 
     By further extending or opening part Main Spring relative to Base enough space opens for the digital device to enter the chucked arm step and creating an interference enclosure for the device. 
     The spring forces created by loading Main Spring against Base block puts the apparatus in a condition that it is using mechanical spring loaded forces to close the gap between Main Spring and Base Trigger Spring. When the apparatus is loaded around a digital device, the apparatus springs and clamps to the digital device, firmly holding the device. 
     The exterior surface of Chucked arm creates the main impact protection for the corners of the digital device. The interior surface of chucked arm provides a surface which any rectangular digital device can be held from, by configuring the variables in step corner, step, inside corner and inside step. 
     Different size digital devices can be fitted by varying overall lengths of Main Spring and Base and Trigger Spring, creating different sizes of the apparatuses. 
     Some embodiments utilize multiple axis motion that allow the motion of variety of chucked arm quantities. 
     The interior finish of the chucked arm can affect the antenna functionality of some devices. For example, this material or finish may be coated with a nonconductive material. 
     In some embodiments the apparatus comprises powered components to enhance or block radio functions. 
     Some embodiments require Main Spring spring to be loaded in order to allow for assembly. 
     The integrated accessory lock mechanism (also known as couplers receiving system) is created by Trigger Spring, this part has its own spring that keeps the interference between Lug lock and Trigger Spring lock. 
     By sliding Trigger Spring release outwardly the accessory key designs from Lug lock and part coupler Lug and in this embodiment clip apparatus is released from X-Apparatus. 
     Some embodiments have Lug lock and coupler Lug or Main Spring lock and Trigger Spring lock integrated into the digital device or other objects, surface, or vehicles or environments. 
     The coupler Lug of Clip apparatus connects through an engagement of Lug lock against Trigger Spring lock of Trigger Spring in assembly X-apparatus. 
     In some embodiments, the components of the apparatus may be made from plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or any suitable material which may be common in the art of cases and mounts for portable electronic devices. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the casing  100  is configured to be fit on the back of a phone  10  or other electronic device. As illustrated in  FIG. 2  through  FIG. 4 , the casing  100  is comprised of three separate parts attached together. The casing  100  comprises a base arm  110 , a trigger arm  120 , and a main arm  130 . The trigger arm  120  is disposed between the base arm  110  and the main arm  130 . Each arm is a longitudinal, symmetrical arm with a first end disposed opposite a second end. Disposed at each end of the base arm  110  is a corner  105  which extends upward from the base arm  110 . Disposed at each end of the main arm  130  is a corner  105  which extends upward from the base arm  110 . The four corners  105  extend over the corners of the phone  10  to hold and protect the phone  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5  through  FIG. 7 , the operation of the casing  100  on the phone  10  is illustrated. The base arm  110  is disposed closest to the phone  10 . The base arm  110  has a pair of trigger stops  114  and a pair of main stops  116  disposed at the center of the base arm  110 . The trigger arm  120  has a pair of trigger arm springs  124  disposed next to a pair of trigger arm gaps  122  which permit the trigger arm springs  124  to freely flex as the trigger arm  120  rotates about its center point. The main arm  130  has a pair of main arm springs  134  disposed next to a pair of main arm gaps  132  which permit the main arm springs  134  to freely flex as the main arm  130  rotates about its center point. 
     The pair of trigger stops  114  extend from the main arm  130  into the trigger arm gaps  122 . As the trigger arm  120  rotates axially apart from the base arm  110 , the trigger arm springs  124  engage the trigger stops  114  and flex, causing the trigger arm gaps  122  to get wider. The flexing causes the trigger arm  120  to return to its original position against the base arm  110 . 
     The pair of main stops  116  extend from the main arm  130  and are disposed against the outer edge of the main arm springs  134 . As the main arm  130  rotates axially in relation to the base arm  110 , the main arm springs  134  engage the main stops  116  and flex inward, causing the main arm gaps  132  to get smaller. The flexing causes the main arm  130  to return to its original position relative to the base arm  130 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the preferred embodiment of the lug  200  is displayed. The lug  200  has a plurality of feet  210  on the outer end of the lug  200 . The feet  210  can be arranged in any size and shape. In the preferred embodiment there are four feet  210  arranged in a cloverleaf orientation. Next to the feet  210  is a recess  220 . Disposed on the opposite side of the lug  210  next to the recess  220  is the lug base  230 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the lug  200  permits the attachment of the casing  100  to a clip  300 . The lug  200  may also be used to connect the casing  100  to an assortment of other accessory devices. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10  the lug base  230  is attached to a clip. The feet  210  connect to the center of the casing  100 . As shown in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , the trigger arm  120  has a trigger arm shaped opening  126  disposed in the center of the trigger arm  120  and the main arm  130  has a main arm shaped opening  136  disposed in the middle of the main arm  130 . The trigger arm shaped opening  126  and the main arm shaped opening  136  can be any size and shape but are complementary in shape to the lug feet  210 . The trigger arm shaped opening  126  and the main arm shaped opening  136  each have a plurality of protrusions  150  extending inward. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the trigger arm shaped opening  126  and the main arm shaped opening  136  are put into alignment from an original unaligned position. The feet  210  are then inserted into the trigger arm shaped opening  126  and the main arm shaped opening  136 . The protrusions  150  of the trigger arm shaped opening  126  and the main arm shaped opening  136  are positioned within the recess  220  of the lug. The trigger arm shaped opening  126  and the main arm shaped opening  136  are then returned to their original unaligned position to prevent the feet  210  from being removed from the casing  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , the separate sections of the casing  100  are illustrated. In addition to the portions described above, the base arm  110  has an internal edge  112 . The trigger arm  120  is disposed against the internal edge  112  of the base arm  110  so that the internal edge  112  works as a stop against the trigger arm  120  and prevents further rotation of the trigger arm  120 . In addition, the base arm  110  has a pair of keyholes  160  disposed in the central portion of the base arm  110  and the main arm  130  has a pair of retaining keys  162  disposed in the central portion of the main arm  130 . The retaining keys  162  are inserted into the keyholes  160  to cause the main arm  130  to be removably secured to the base arm  110 . 
     The casing  100  permits the protection of the phone  10  with a minimum of material. The casing  100  operates as a set of shock absorbers for the phone  10 . If the phone is dropped the mechanical energy of the jarring caused by the sudden stop of the phone  10  against the ground is transferred from the phone to the casing  100 . This mechanical energy causes the flexing of the trigger arm springs  124  and the main arm springs  134 . In this manner the trigger arm springs  124  and the main arm springs  134  absorb the energy caused by the drop of the phone  10  and prevent damage to the phone  10 .