Abstract:
A cell phone case held by a user&#39;s finger(s) or propped up on a flat surface includes body that engages the cell phone, the body having a moveable strap allowing changes in cell phone orientation relative to the user&#39;s hand. The back panel also includes a cover which may be closed over the strap. When open, the cover can prop up the cell phone on the flat surface. The cover is capable of rotational movement for changing the orientation cell phone relative to the flat surface. This allows the user to prop up the cell phone in landscape or portrait orientation. In one embodiment; the body includes a cut-out to accommodate the cover with a ring for rotating it and a hinge between the ring and the cover for articulating the cover between a closed and open position.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the priority filing date of provisional application No. 61/832,095, filed Jun. 6, 2013. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Cases for cell phones and other multimedia devices are known in the art. Typically these cases include a shell adapted to partially enclose the cell phone, including on the sides and back, while leaving the screen uncovered for viewing and interfacing with the cell phone. These cases also provide access portals for specific features, such as volume control, and cameras. and various electronic connections for power and audio among others. 
         [0003]    Some cell phone cases include anchoring mechanisms such as clips or bands. For example, U.S. Pat. App. 2012/0267402 to Beatty discloses a grip and hands-free support for multimedia devices. While this support lacks an enclosure, it includes a grip base and elastic straps extending around the grip base. which allows users to insert a hand under the elastic straps to hold the multimedia device securely, to avoid dropping and damaging the multimedia device. This band is limited in that it only allows a user to hold the multimedia device in a single position, and is not adapted for use by a single finger, which is enough to securely hold most devices. Another drawback to bands like Beatty is that they are unsightly and since they do not present an attractive appearance are disfavored. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. App. 2005/0205623 to Buntain discloses a hand-held electronic device retainer and positioned. A flexible material can be adhered to small devices such as cellular phones and performs as a retainer when a user inserts a finger or fingers between the flexible material and the device. This invention has several drawbacks, including that the flexible material has a tendency to come apart from the cell phone, resulting in a user dropping the phone. Also, this invention fails to provide a means of propping the phone in other than a horizontal position, which makes hands free operation impossible. Buntain also lacks the capacity for displaying custom indicia on the phone. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,469,809 to Rodarte discloses a carrier for a portable device having a hand strap coupled at opposite ends of a portable device. A bracket attachment allows the strap to be anchored to support a right-handed or left-handed orientation. Like Beatty, Rodarte is not adapted for use by a single finger, and is unsightly, in that it presents an unattractive appearance. Furthermore, Rodarte has no ability to provide customization or support indicia. 
         [0006]    Cell phone cases with props for holding a cell phone at an angle for viewing on a surface are also known. These devices typically include a hinged leg or appendage adapted to be unfolded from the case. A major drawback to these devices is that they only allow the cell phone to be disposed in one orientation. Modern cell phones and other multimedia devices typically include functionality for viewing films or other programs in landscape orientation, and also for viewing websites and documents, which are typically in portrait orientation. 
         [0007]    There is therefore a need for a cell phone case that includes the functionality of a prop adjustable for portrait, landscape and other orientations. A cell phone case is also needed which includes an anchoring mechanism allowing users to anchor the cell phone on one or more fingers in multiple orientations. Finally, there is a need for a cell phone case capable of displaying a desired emblem or indicia, such as a trademark, photo, or other image for customizing the case to a particular user. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    A case for a conventional cell phone for holding by finger(s) of a user&#39;s hand and for propping up of the cell phone on a flat surface includes a body configured to engage the cell phone. The body preferably includes a back panel, which has a moveable strap sized to engage the user&#39;s finger(s) and allows changes in the orientation of the cell phone relative to the user&#39;s hand. The body also includes a cover which, in a closed position, is positioned over the strap. The cover in an open position is configured for propping up of the cell phone on the flat surface. 
         [0009]    Preferably the cover is moveable capable of rotational movement, for changing the orientation cell phone relative to the flat surface. This allows the user to orient the cell phone in landscape or portrait orientation. In one embodiment, the case includes a cut out in the body to accommodate the cover. In one embodiment the case includes a ring in the cut out on the back panel. The ring is connected to the cover, such that the ring and cover can be rotated in the body to change the orientation of the cover relative to the cell phone. The strap may also be able to rotate relative to the cell phone, like the cover. 
         [0010]    Although in the primary embodiment the back panel includes a circular cut out for accommodating the ring and cover, in some instances, the cover may be raised relative to the ring to provide an easier gripping surface. In other instances, both the cover and the ring may be raised relative to the back panel. Preferably, the cover is attached to the ring in a hinged manner, allowing the cover to swing out relative to the ring and back panel. The cover and the ring may both be a raised surface relative to the back panel. 
         [0011]    Ideally, the cover will be attached to the ring with an articulating hinge allowing it to swing away from the back panel. In a preferred embodiment, the ring or cover will also include a catch opposite the hinge for locking the cover in a closed position against the back panel. The catch may be necessary in instances where the cover is biased to an open position. Additionally, the hinge may be separable to make the cover releasably connected to the back panel. 
         [0012]    To use the cell phone case, a user first engages a cell phone within the case having a body with a rotatable articulating cover. The cover is first swung outward from the body of the case. Once the cover extends away from the body, it can be rotated relative to the cell phone to a desired position. This may include portrait and landscape orientations, among others. With the cover extending away from the body, the cell phone may be placed on a surface, supported by one side of the body and the cover. In addition to placing the cell phone on a surface, the cell phone case allows users to easily hold a cell phone with one finger by providing an elastic strap under the cover. By inserting the user&#39;s finger or fingers under the elastic strap, the cell phone may be held at a preferred angle by rotating the strap relative to the cell phone. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a cell phone case with an emblem cover. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the cell phone case with the emblem cover articulated away from the case, i.e., in an open configuration. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the cell phone case with the emblem cover open and showing a finger strap. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the cell phone case with the emblem cover open in a different orientation and showing a finger strap. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a perspective. view of the cell phone case with the emblem cover open and propping up the cell phone with the screen in landscape orientation. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the cell phone case with the emblem cover open. and propping up the cell phone with the screen in portrait orientation. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the cell phone case in use with a user&#39;s finger under the finger strap in portrait orientation. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the cell phone case in use with a user&#39;s finger under the finger strap in landscape orientation. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the cell phone case showing a customized, interchangeable logo. 
       
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMBERS 
       [0000]    
       
           10 . Cell Phone Case. 
           11 . Body 
           12 . Cell Phone 
           13 . Back Panel 
           14 . Camera Portal 
           15 . Cut Out Portion 
           16 . Connector Portal 
           18 . Emblem Cover 
           20 . Indicia 
           22 . Emblem Ring 
           24 . Hinged Connection 
           26 . Slot 
           28 . Elastic Band 
           30 . Catch 
       
     
       DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]    For purposes of description the term “cell phone” has been used with reference to the electronic apparatus protected by the cell phone case. It should be understood that “cell phone” is used by way of illustration and not limitation, and that any interactive personal electronic apparatus of similar size. e.g., a personal data assistant, mini tablet-type computer, etc., with or without telephony may be incorporated into the design. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the cell phone case  10  is formed to have a body  11 , similar to conventional cell phone cases, and is designed to have a back panel  13  surround a cell phone  12  on all sides except for the screen. As with typical cell phone cases, the cell phone case  10  includes a camera portal  14  and a connector portal  16 , to allow a user to use the features of the cell phone  12  without removing the cell phone ease  10 . Also included on the cell phone case  10  is an emblem cover  18  emblazoned with indicia  20 , such as a logo, trademark, or other customizable image. The emblem cover  18  in one embodiment is a circular cover, and is incorporated into an emblem ring  22 , which is itself incorporated into the cell phone case  10 , in a cut out portion  15  of the back panel  13 . 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the cell phone case  10  is shown with the emblem cover  18  raised relative to the emblem ring  22 . Preferably, the emblem cover  18  includes a hinged connection  24  to the emblem ring, allowing the emblem cover  18  to articulate away from the cell phone case  10 . In addition to the hinged connection  24 , and to allow a user to easily articulate the emblem cover  18  relative to the emblem ring  22 , a slot  26  (not shown) may be incorporated into the emblem ring  22 , which allows the emblem cover  18  to catch on a user&#39;s finger (not shown) for lifting. The slot  26  and the emblem cover  18  may be made from non-slip rubber or similar material. The emblem ring  22  or the perimeter of the emblem cover  18  may also present a slightly raised portion of the case  10  for shock absorption and to prevent the cell phone  12  from sliding when placed on a flat surface. In another embodiment, the ring  22  may be incorporated into a housing to hold the ring in position. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , in addition to the emblem cover  18  being able to articulate relative to the emblem ring  22 , the emblem ring  22  is itself able to rotate relative to the cell phone case  10 , including 360° two-dimensional rotation. The emblem cover  18  may be rotated so that it opens in a variety of directions. The interface between the emblem ring  22  and the cell phone case  10  may also be adapted to include stops (not shown) at predetermined positions, to allow a user to open the emblem cover  18  in a position square to the cell phone case  10 . 
         [0040]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , in a preferred embodiment, an elastic band  28  is disposed across the emblem ring  22 , from the hinged connection  24  to the slot  26 . The elastic band  28  is designed to allow a user to insert one or more fingers under the elastic band  28  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ), thereby holding the cell phone case  10 , and enabling a user to articulate the cell phone case  10  with one or more fingers. Also shown in  FIG. 3  a catch  30  is designed to lock the emblem cover  18  in place when closed. In one embodiment the hinged connection  24  may be biased to predispose the emblem cover  18  in a closed position. In another embodiment the catch  30  may include a release for allowing the emblem cover  18  to articulate outward. Preferably, the catch  30  may allow the emblem cover  18  to pop up, allowing a user to easily move the emblem cover  18  to an open position. In yet another embodiment, the elastic band  28  may be adapted to remain in a static position as the emblem ring  22  is rotated. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a similar view shows the emblem cover  18  open in a different orientation. As shown in this view, the emblem cover  18  is oriented to show the indicia  20  in an upright arrangement relative to the cell phone  12  when held in a conventional manner. As discussed, stops (not shown) may predispose the emblem ring  22  in this position, while also allowing a user to rotate the emblem ring  22  as desired. It is possible to construct the emblem ring  22  with a removable emblem cover  18  via a disconnecting hinge  24 . In this manner, different emblem covers may be swapped out as desired. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 5  the cell phone case  10  is shown with the emblem cover  18  articulated outward to form a support for propping up the cell phone  12 . in this arrangement, the emblem ring  22  has been rotated such that the hinged connection  24  is at the top of the cell phone  12  when oriented in landscape view. Landscape view is suitable for maximizing the screen (not shown) of the cell phone  12 . With the emblem cover  18  extending in this orientation, the cell phone may be placed on a surface for viewing movies or other content typically displayed at a 16:9 or similar ratio. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the cell phone case  10  is shown with the emblem cover  18  articulated outward to form a support for propping up the cell phone  12 . In this arrangement, the emblem ring  22  has been rotated such that the hinged connection  24  is closest to the top of the cell phone  12  when oriented in portrait view, as it would be when held by a user. Positioning the cell phone  12  in portrait orientation may be advisable when using the web browsing capabilities of the cell phone  12 , since unlike movies websites are designed for portrait orientation viewing. Also, a locking hinge  24  may be used to keep the emblem cover  18  biased to an open position. 
         [0044]    Still referring to  FIG. 6 , preferably, the hinged connection  24  (not shown) is designed so that when the emblem cover  18  is articulated outward, it rests at an angle at or beyond vertical when the cell phone  12  is placed on a level surface (not shown). In this manner, inadvertent closing of the emblem cover  18  will be avoided. In an alternative embodiment, the hinged connection  24  may have a lock (not shown) or be biased to an open position, thereby propping up the cell phone  12  even if the angle of the emblem cover  18  when open is less than vertical. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , when the emblem cover  18  is in an open position, in addition to being able to place the cell phone case  10  on a surface and have the cell phone  12  propped up, the elastic band  28  may be used to anchor the cell phone  12  on a user&#39;s finger. To use the elastic band  28 , a user articulates the emblem cover  18  to an open position, and slips one or more digits (e.g., in the illustrated embodiment, an index finger) under the elastic band  28 . Because of its elastic nature, the elastic band  28  will retain the user&#39;s finger, thereby anchoring the cell phone  12  to the user&#39;s hand. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , since the elastic band  28  travels with the emblem ring  22  along with the emblem cover  18 , it may be rotated to another preferred orientation. Optionally, the elastic band  28  may rotate independently of the emblem cover  18 , allowing a user to position the elastic band  28  in a variety of orientations. In this view, the band is shown oriented to the landscape view as shown in  FIG. 5 . Frequently, cell phones with incorporated cameras include functionality for taking portrait or landscape orientation photos. When the cell phone  12  is in a landscape position as shown, it will take a landscape orientation photo. 
         [0047]    Still referring to  FIG. 8 , taking self photos, or video chatting functions are also typical of modern cell phones  12 . Since reaching the portion of the screen responsible for activating and deactivating the camera (not shown) and for best viewing during these uses may be difficult, requiring articulating the user&#39;s fingers in an awkward or uncomfortable manner, users risk dropping the cell phone  12 . By positioning the elastic band  28  in a manner that allows it to hold one or more of a user&#39;s fingers, a user may comfortably extend the cell phone  12  up to an arm&#39;s length away without risking dropping the cell phone  12 . 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , it is anticipated that the emblem cover  18  may bear indicia such as for a user&#39;s favorite sports team or other franchise. In this manner, the cell phone case  10  may be easily adapted for branding and for use as a promotional item. In another embodiment, the emblem cover  18  may include removable emblems, including a pop-out disk-type emblem cover  18 , which users may replace as desired. In this embodiment, users have the ability to collect multiple emblem covers  18 , effectively making the cell phone case  10  a fashion accessory. 
         [0049]    The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention is sufficient in detail to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is understood, however, that the detail of the preferred embodiment presented is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, in as much as equivalents thereof and other modifications which come within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims will become apparent to those spilled in the art upon reading this specification. For example, the hinged connection  24  may he formed of a variety of hinge types depending on the desired characteristics. Also, the emblem panel  18  may be rotatable to one of several biased positions and may have a locking mechanism to prevent it from articulating open.