Patent Publication Number: US-6910718-B2

Title: Writing pad for cellphone

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/317,188 filed Dec. 2, 2002 now abandoned. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to accessories for portable electronic devices, and more particularly, to attachable notepads and writing implements for cellular phones. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Portable cellular phones have become widely available and very popular for personal use. Cellular phones are most commonly used while the user is outside of his home or office. Many problems may arise while a cellular phone is used in this manner. A cellular phone may be easily damaged, a cellular phone may be easily misplaced or lost and the user does not have the ability to take down notes or phone numbers while out in public. It is extremely difficult to take down messages while using a cell phone outside of the office or home. Taking down notes while on the cellular phone requires you to carry a pen and notepad. It is also difficult to find a suitable surface to rest the notepad while writing down the notes. To alleviate these problems many cellular phone accessories are being widely produced. 
   The term “cellular phone” is meant to include traditional cell phones as well as newer phones including digital screens, built-in computer(s), Internet connection devices, cordless telephones and other add-ons that are becoming more popular as parts of the basic cellular phone. 
   Certain examples of accessories that are representative of the cellular phone industry are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0089817 to Eisenbraun, U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,347 to Shink and U.S. Pat. No. D438,564 to Green. Green discloses an ornamental design for a combined cellular phone pen and pen holder. The pen holder is attached to the side of the cellular phone and is adapted to receive a writing implement. Eisenbraun describes a keypad protector that includes a battery compartment cover adapted to secure over the battery compartment of a portable electronic device having a keypad, such as a cellular phone, and a flap attached to the cover that pivots to protect the keypad. Eisenbraun teaches that the keypad protector may provide a surface suitable for storage of a notepad or other thin sheet materials. Shink discloses a pocketbook size organizer that can store a portable cellular phone. The organizer comprises a flexible book that is folded into a closed position. The book contains a hook for securing a cellular phone inside the organizer. The book further contains attachment means for receiving other accessories such as a pen, notepad or calculator. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,427,078 to Wilska discloses a wireless communication device including a housing having a cellular telephone and a pen for writing text of a viewing screen of a digital pad. U.S. Pat. No. 4,752,949 to Steinbeck et al. discloses a telephone that may be used as a cordless telephone or as a standard corded telephone. U.S. Pat. No. 3,052,056 to Eisenstein discloses a telephone accessory that is secured to the bottom of a telephone. The accessory comprises a flat slate that is adjustably mounted to the bottom of a tabletop telephone. The slate is secured to the telephone by a mounting portion and is slidably adjustable in relation to the mounting. A writing pad is disposed on top of the flat slate and is secured underneath the telephone. U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,223 to Wicks et al. discloses a wireless telephone unit having a pivoting extension mounted to the side of the telephone. The extension is used as a place to provide a variety of peripheral devices. U.S. Pat. No. 5,933,783 to Kawakami et al. discloses a portable communication device having an integral display panel that allows the user of the device to take down notes while using the communications device. 
   A problem exists with the cellular phone accessories presently in the field in that they do not provide the user with a convenient means for writing down messages. The existing note-taking accessories for cellular phones are not easily concealable when not being used. Many of the existing accessories are rather bulky and they do not provide a sturdy surface for writing down notes. None of the existing accessories provide an adjustable writing surface that is capable of being securely locked into desired positions. 
   Therefore, what is needed is a writing pad accessory that is easily attachable to a cellular phone. What is further needed is an adjustable tray or slate writing surface that can be locked into place or can be released from the writing pad accessory and placed on a secure surface. What is still further needed is a writing pad accessory with an adjustable tray or slate writing surface that can be stored inside of the writing pad accessory while not in use. What is still further needed is a writing pad accessory with a small, lightweight and inexpensive housing unit that can come in any color and fit any cellular phone device. What is still further needed is a writing pad accessory that provides a means for taking down temporary notes or messages to be used later and then conveniently discarded without having to waste paper for each note taken. What is still further needed is a writing pad accessory with a housing unit for the tray or slate writing surface that can be used to efficiently store the marking pad and writing implement. Additionally, what is needed is a writing pad accessory that may be concealed from view while not in use. 
   None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus a writing pad for cellular phone solving the aforementioned problems is desired. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is a writing pad attachment meeting some or all of the needs mentioned above. The writing pad attachment of the present invention provides a sturdy writing surface for taking down notes while the user is operating a cell phone or other handheld electronic device. Preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise a housing, an adjustable writing surface, a marking pad and a writing implement. The housing is releasably attached to the back of any common cellular phone or handheld electronic device. The housing provides an access opening that is adapted to receive the adjustable writing surface. The adjustable writing surface is located inside of the housing, and can be moved to a position outside of the housing. Once the writing surface is adjusted to the position outside of the housing it locks into position to provide a sturdy writing surface. The writing surface may also be released from the housing and placed on a more secure surface for the convenience of the user. 
   In accordance with one aspect of the present invention the adjustable writing surface is in the form of a tray. The marking pad is located on the top surface of the adjustable writing surface. The marking pad and the writing implement are stored with the adjustable writing surface inside of the housing while not in use. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the present invention the writing pad attachment includes a housing that is releasably mountable to a wireless device having at least a top surface, at least two closed sides forming an access opening in the housing, and a bottom lip portion disposed along each of the closed sides and an adjustable support tray slidably disposed in the housing and supported by the bottom lip portions. The writing pad attachment also includes a support tray locking mechanism for releasably locking the support tray in one of the at least two positions. The locking mechanism has a plurality of lock projections disposed on each end of the bottom lip portions on the housing, and a plurality of lock recesses, adapted for releasably receiving the lock projections, disposed on each end of each mounting groove on the support tray. 
   Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a writing pad attachment that is easily attached to, and detached from, a cellular phone. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a convenient and reliable means for writing down notes while using a cellular phone in any location. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide a flat, sturdy writing surface for taking down notes. 
   Still another object of the invention is to provide a writing pad accessory that may be concealed from view while not in use. 
   Still another object of the invention is to provide a releasable tray or slate writing surface that can be locked into place or released from the housing to provide a sturdier or more convenient writing surface. 
   Still another object of the invention is to provide a small, lightweight housing that may fit any cellular phone or other handheld electronic device. 
   Still another object of the invention is to provide a means for taking down temporary notes or messages that may be easily discarded without wasting paper. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a housing unit with a compartment for storing the writing surface, the marking pad and the writing implement. 
   It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. 
   These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an environmental, perspective view of a writing pad attachment for a cellular phone according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of one embodiment of the writing pad attachment depicted in FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a front view of a second embodiment of the writing pad attachment depicted in FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the writing pad attachment depicted in FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the writing pad attachment detached from the cellular phone. 
       FIG. 6  is a front view of a cellular phone. 
       FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of a writing pad attachment according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the writing pad attachment in an open position. 
       FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of the housing of the preferred writing pad attachment. 
       FIG. 10  is an end plan view of the tray of the preferred writing pad attachment. 
       FIG. 11  is bottom plan view of the tray of the preferred writing pad attachment. 
       FIG. 12A  is a bottom plan view of the preferred embodiment of the writing pad attachment in a closed position. 
       FIG. 12B  is a bottom plan view of the preferred embodiment of the writing pad attachment in an open position. 
       FIG. 13  is a top perspective view of the tray removed from the housing of the preferred writing pad attachment. 
       FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of the housing of the preferred writing pad attachment. 
   

   Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the writing pad attachment  10  for a cellular phone. The writing pad attachment  10  is not limited to being used with a cellular phone and may be used with any handheld electronic device. The housing  12  of the writing pad attachment  10  is releasably attached to the rear of the cellular phone  20 . In preferred embodiments of the present invention the housing  12  is releasably attached to the rear of the cellular phone  20  using either VELCRO (hook and loop fastener) or an adhesive. The housing  12  is not limited to being attached in this manner and may be attached using anything that will allow the housing to be easily removed and reattached to the cellular phone  20 . The housing  12  has an open end  14  adapted for receiving an adjustable writing surface  30 . The housing  12  can be made from any suitable material that is both lightweight and sturdy, e.g, a suitable plastic. 
   In  FIG. 1  the adjustable writing surface  30  is shown in a stored position inside of the housing  12 . The adjustable writing surface  30  can be slid from this stored position to an open position outside of the housing  12 .  FIG. 2  depicts a front view of the present invention where the adjustable writing surface  30  is in the open position. The housing  12  is located on the rear surface  22  of the cellular phone  20 . The adjustable writing surface  30  is locked in an open position outside of the housing  12 . The adjustable writing surface  30  can be locked into position using any standard locking mechanism known to those skilled in the art. If a sturdier or more convenient writing surface is required the adjustable writing surface  30  may be released from the housing  12  and placed on a more secure location. 
   In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the adjustable writing surface  30  is a tray with outer wall  32  located around the top, the bottom and the outer side of the adjustable writing surface  30 . In other embodiments, the adjustable writing surface  30  is a flat slate that does not have the outer wall  32 . In the locked, open position the adjustable writing surface  30  provides a convenient and sturdy surface for taking down notes while the user is on the cellular phone  20 . In embodiments using a flat slate adjustable writing surface  30 , the adjustable writing surface  30  must be lifted so that it is flush with the top of the cellular phone  20  to provide a more convenient writing surface, before it is locked into position. The adjustable writing surface  30  is made from any material known in the art that is suitable for providing a sturdy writing surface. 
     FIG. 2  further depicts a marking pad. In the present embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2  the marking pad  34  is a magic pad. The magic pad is a note-taking pad with a top plastic layer. The present invention also includes a writing implement  40 . In this preferred embodiment the writing implement  40  used to make marks on the magic pad is a stylus. The magic pad is convenient for making temporary notes. Once the notes are no longer needed the user lifts the top layer of the magic pad and the notes are erased. 
     FIG. 3  depicts another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the marking pad  36  is a paper notepad. The paper note pad is convenient for when the user desires permanent notes. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3  the writing implement  42  provided for writing notes on the paper notepad is an ordinary pen. The magic pad and the paper notepad are interchangeable. 
   The marking pads  34 ,  36  and the writing implements  40 ,  42  are stored on the adjustable writing surface  30  inside of the housing  12 . In the particular embodiments where the adjustable writing surface  30  is a tray, the marking pads  34 ,  36  are secured on the adjustable writing surface  30  by the outer wall  32 , or by a suitable adhesive. In the particular embodiments where the adjustable writing surface  30  is a flat slate, the flat slate can be either completely flat or provided with beveled edges. If the flat slate has beveled edges the edges will secure the marking pads  34 ,  36  to the adjustable writing surface  30 . If the flat slate is completely flat an adhesive will be used to secure the marking pads  34 ,  36  to the adjustable writing surface  30 . 
     FIG. 4  depicts a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The writing pad attachment  10  is releasably secured to the rear  22  of the cellular phone  20  using a releasable adhesive, such as VELCRO (hook and loop fasteners). In this attached position the writing pad attachment  10  provides a sturdy surface for taking notes while on the cellular phone  22 .  FIG. 5  depicts the writing pad attachment  10  detached from the cellular phone  20 . If a more convenient location is required for writing notes while on the cellular phone, the slate or the writing pad and its tray may be removed from the cellular phone  20  and the housing  12 , and placed on a table or other sturdy surface for more convenient writing. 
   A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a writing pad attachment  10  for cellular phones that is convenient and sturdy for the user. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a writing pad attachment  10  that may be concealed from view when not in use.  FIG. 6  depicts a front view of the cellular phone  20  with the adjustable writing surface  30  in its stored position.  FIG. 6  demonstrates that the writing pad attachment  10  is concealed from view when the adjustable writing surface  30  is stored inside of the housing  12 . 
     FIG. 7  depicts a writing pad attachment  100  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The preferred writing pad attachment  100  is releasably securable to the back of a cellular telephone or other handheld wireless communication device. The writing pad attachment  100  comprises a housing  110  and a slidably adjustable support tray  120 . The support tray  120  is stored inside of the housing  110  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ) and is adjustable to an open position (as shown in  FIG. 8 ) outside of the housing  110 . 
     FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of the housing  110 . The housing comprises a generally rectangular main body having a top surface  112  and a bottom surface  113  (shown in FIG.  9 ). The housing  110  comprises a pair of closed sides defined by side walls  114 . The housing  110  provides a lip portion  116  disposed along the bottom of each side wall  114 . The lip portions  116  extend along the entire length of the side walls  114 . The housing  110  has open end portions that define an access opening  118  at each end of the housing  110  for receiving the support tray  120 . 
   The support tray  120  is depicted in FIG.  13 . The support tray  120  comprises a generally rectangular body having a bottom surface  129 , a top surface and a plurality of end portions  122 . The top surface provides an indented receiving portion  125  defining an interior portion of the support tray  120 . The indented receiving portion  125  is defined by a plurality of side walls  124  that extend into the support tray  120 . The receiving portion  125  has a writing implement portion  126  and a marking pad portion  127 , which are each adapted to respectively retain a writing implement  180  and a marking pad  170  (as shown in  FIG. 8 ) inside of the writing pad attachment  100 . 
     FIG. 10  is an end view of the support tray  120 . The support tray  120  has a groove on each side of the bottom surface  129 . The grooves each define a projection portion  128  that extends along the entire length of the support tray  120 . The projection portions  128  are adapted to engage the lip portions  116  of the housing  120 . The projection portions  128  engage the lip portions  116  in a manner that allows the support tray  120  to slide in and out of the housing  110  while it is supported by the lip portions  116 . 
   As shown in FIG.  7  and  FIG. 14 , a mounting member  130  is secured to the housing  110 . The mounting member  130  is disposed along the top surface  112  of the housing  110  for releasably securing the housing  110  to the rear surface of a cellular telephone or other handheld, portable communications device. According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting member  130  comprises a strip of double sided adhesive tape. 
   The writing pad attachment  100 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , further comprises a marking pad  170  and a writing implement  180 . The marking pad  170  and the writing implement  180  are retained inside of the receiving portion  125  of the support tray  120 . The marking pad and the writing implement  180  are stored in the support tray  120  when the support tray  120  is closed inside of the housing  110 . According to the present preferred embodiment, the marking pad  170  comprises a pad of paper and the writing implement  180  comprises a pen. 
   According to one aspect of the preferred embodiment, the support tray  120  of the writing pad attachment  100  is slidably adjustable into three positions. The first position is the stored position, shown in  FIG. 7 , where the support tray  120  is positioned inside of the housing  110 . The second position is the open position, shown in  FIG. 8 , where the support tray  120  is positioned outside of the housing  110 , revealing the marking pad  170  and the writing implement  180 . The third position is shown in  FIG. 13  where the support tray  120  is completely removed from the housing  110 . The support tray  120  may be removed from the housing  110  and placed on a sturdy writing surface. 
   According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the writing pad attachment  100  comprises a locking mechanism for securing the support tray in either the closed position ( FIG. 7 ) or the open position (FIG.  8 ).  FIG. 9  is a bottom view of the housing  110 . The housing  110  comprises a plurality of lock projections  150  disposed along the lip portions  116 . Preferably, the housing  110  comprises one lock projection  150  in each of the four corners of the housing  110 . 
     FIG. 11  is a bottom view of the support tray  120 . The support tray  120  comprises a plurality of lock recesses  160  that are adapted for receiving the lock projections  150  on the housing  110 . The lock recesses  160  are disposed along the grooves on either side of the bottom surface  129  of the support tray  120 , adjacent the projection portions  128 . The position of the lock recesses  160  is further depicted in FIG.  10 . Preferably, the support tray  120  comprises a lock recess  160  in each corner of the support tray  120 . Each of the lock recesses  160  includes a recessed or indented receiving portion  162  that releasably receive the lock projections  150 . 
     FIGS. 12A and 12B  are bottom views of the writing pad attachment  100  depicting the support tray  120  in the closed position and the open position, respectively. In the closed position, as shown in  FIG. 12A , all of the lock projections  150  are releasably secured by the lock recesses  160 . This prevents the support tray  120  from undesirably sliding out of the closed position. In the open position, as shown in  FIG. 12B , only two of the lock projections  150  are secured by the lock recesses  160 . The two secured lock projections  150  prevent the support tray  120  from completely releasing from the housing  110 . 
   To adjust the support tray  120  from the closed position to the open position the user of the writing pad attachment  100  must applying a force to the support tray  120  to cause it to slide along the lip portions  116  of the housing  110 . The housing  110  comprises a flexibility enhancer for reducing the amount of force necessary to release the lock projections  150  from the lock recesses  160 . The flexibility enhancer  140  increases the flexibility of the housing  110  so that the lock projections  150  may easily be released from the lock recesses  160 . According to the preferred embodiment of the present writing pad attachment  100 , the flexibility enhancer comprises a plurality of slots  140  disposed along the closed sides  114  of the housing  110 . 
   It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.