Patent Publication Number: US-11653731-B2

Title: Device case with strap configurable for use with accessories

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/932,071, filed Jul. 17, 2020 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/876,036 to Balmer, filed Jul. 19, 2019, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to accessories for an electronic device, and more particularly to a strap unit with attachment for attaching the device to a tripod. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Cases for electronic devices such as cellular telephones are adapted to protect the device from environmental hazards, as well as scuffing and other types of wear. A user may want to have a case which allows for additional security in the holding of the device. Also, users may want to be able to support other accessory items, and may want to have them attached to the telephone, or to its case. 
     What is called for is a device case which can provide a more secure way to hold the device, such as a cellular telephone, and which can support accessories. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1 A  is a front view of a device case with strap according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a back view of a device case with strap according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  1 C  is a back view of a device case with strap with device according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  1 D  is a side view of a device case with strap according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  1 E  is a bottom view of a device case with strap according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  1 F  is a top view of a device case with strap according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  1 G  is a cross-sectional view of a device case according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  1 H  is a partial cross-sectional view of a latch in a latched configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  1 I  is a partial cross-sectional view of a latch in an unlatched configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  1 J  is a series of views of the device case with clip in a plurality of configurations according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2 A  is a front view of a device case with strap in a partially open configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2 B  is a side view of a device case with strap in a partially open configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  3 A  is a front view of a device case with strap in a fully open configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  3 B  is a side view of a device case with strap in a fully open configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  3 C  presents a sectional view of a device case with strap in a fully open configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  3 D  is a cross-sectional view of a recess according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  3 E  is a cross-sectional view of a recess with extrusion according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  4 A  is a front view of an attachable device strap system according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  4 B  is a side view of an attachable device strap system according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  4 C  is a rear view of an attachable device strap system according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  4 D  is a top view of an attachable device strap system according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  4 E  is a bottom view of an attachable device strap system according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  5 A  is a view of an attachable device strap system in a closed configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  5 B  is a view of an attachable device strap system in a partially open configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  5 C  is a view of an attachable device strap system in a fully open configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  6 A  is a front view of an attachable device strap system in a partially open configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  6 B  is a side view of an attachable device strap system in a partially open configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  7 A  is a front view of an attachable device strap system in a fully open configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  7 B  is a side view of an attachable device strap system in a fully open configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  8 A  is a front view of an attachable device strap system on a cellular telephone in a closed configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  8 B  is a side view of an attachable device strap system on a cellular telephone in a closed configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  8 C  is a front view and cross-sectional view of an attachable device strap system on a cellular telephone in a closed configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  8 D  is a cross-sectional view of the latch on an attachable device strap system on a cellular telephone in a closed configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  9 A  is a front view of an attachable device strap system on a cellular telephone in a partially open configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  9 B  is a side view of an attachable device strap system on a cellular telephone in a partially open configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  10 A  is a front view of an attachable device strap system on a cellular telephone in a fully open configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  10 B  is a side view of an attachable device strap system on a cellular telephone in a fully open configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  11    is a series of views of an attachable device strap system on a cellular telephone in different configurations according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS.  12 A-F  are views of a flexible arm assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS.  13 A-D  are views of a flexible arm assembly coupled to a device case according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS.  14 A-G  are views of an offset threaded adapter accessory according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS.  15 A-F  are views of an offset threaded adapter accessory coupling a device case to a tripod according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS.  16 A-G  are views of dual flexible mounting arm accessory according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS.  17 A-G  are views of a lighting accessory according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS.  18 A-G  are views of an extension arm cold shoe accessory according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS.  19 A-C  are views of a power bank clamp accessory according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS.  20 A-G  are views of a double cold shoe accessory according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS.  21 A-G  are views of a speaker accessory according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS.  22 A-F  are views of a suction cup accessory according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS.  23 A-G  are views of a nano-suction cup accessory according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A device case with a strap adapted to allow the user to hold an electronic device with the aid of a strap. The device case is adapted to receive an electronic device, such as a cellular telephone, with a case with rimmed sides that capture the electronic device. The strap may unclip and move along a fixed path, exposing a clip adapted to be received by a clip receiver, such as on a tripod. An attachable device strap adapted to be adhesively fastened to the back side of an electronic device, such as a cellular telephone, or to the back side of a case holding a cellular telephone. The strap may unclip and move along a fixed path, exposing a clip adapted to be received by a clip receiver, such as on a tripod. Accessories such as stands, holders, and lights may be couple to the exposed clip, adding other functionalities to the case system. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS.  1 A- 1 H  illustrate a device case with strap  100  according to some embodiments of the present invention. The device case with strap  100  has a main case  101  adapted to receive an electronic device, such as a cellular telephone, on a first side  108 . The main case  101  has a strap and clip assembly on a second side  107 . The case  101  has a case clip  102  coupled to the second side  107 . In some aspects, the main case  101  is adapted to gently snap over a device, such as a cellular telephone, and to retain that device within the case. The main case  101  may provide scuff and impact protection in addition to providing the functionalities of the strap, and of the clip-on accessories, as discussed below. 
     The device case with strap provides the user a strap to have additional stability and safety when holding a device, such as a cellular telephone. The strap provides a finger loop through which the user can place a finger or fingers, enhancing the security of holding the device. The strap may extend into a loop in an open configuration, but may be pulled flat against the device case when in a closed configuration, allowing for a more streamlined configuration, which may be desired while the device is in a pocket, for example. Additionally, in the open configuration, a clip plate may be accessible which allows the user to clip on one of a number of different accessories, such as lights, speakers, supports, or to further clip the device case to a support unit such as tripod. 
       FIG.  1 B  illustrates the device case with strap  100  where the main case  101  does not have the telephone mounted therein. The main case  101  has a central panel which then may have a bottom rim  109 , side rims  110 ,  112 , and a top rim  111  adapted to retain an electronic device. In aspects, the rims may deflect slightly to receive the electronic device and then lock around the electronic device. A cover  130  may be used to provide a continuous inner surface to the first side  108  of the case. In order to manufacture, which may include molding, the rails of the case  101  which allow for the sliding of the strap clip slider, there may be a void in the inner surface of the case. The molding may only support a single solid layer, which may be the strap clip slider. The cover  130  may be placed cover the void in the continuity of the inner surface of the first side  108  of the case  101 . 
     A strap clip slider  103  is clipped into the case clip  102  in the closed configuration seen in  FIG.  1 A . A strap  104  is coupled to the strap clip slider  103  on a first end and is coupled to the strap base on a second end  105 . The strap  104  may enter the case  101  from the rear through a slot  153 . The strap  104  may then be fastened to the inside surface of the first side  108  of the case  101 . In some aspects, one or more holes  106  may be present in the main case  101  to allow for functionalities of the electronic device held by the device case with strap  100 . 
       FIGS.  1 C- 1 F  illustrate the device case with strap  100  with a cellular telephone  131  mounted within the case  101  and with the strap clip slider  103  clipped into the case clip  102 . In this configuration, the strap  104  is pulled somewhat tightly and lays against the second side  107  of the case  101 . In addition to the hole  106  which may allow clearance for a camera within the cellular telephone, other holes in the case may be present to provide access to buttons and ports on the cellular telephone. It should be understood that the front of the cellular telephone, which may be a smartphone screen, is seen at the back of the device case, as described herein. 
       FIGS.  1 G- 1 I  illustrate the latching and release aspects of the strap clip slider  103  to the case clip  102 . A push tab  132  may be pressed down, or toward the case, and this will cause an upward pivot of the latch  133 . The push tab  132  and the latch  133  may be considered to be a pivoting unit  150 , with or without a pivot pin. The push tab  132  and the latch  133  may be cut apart from the strap clip slider structure in such a manner that the depressing of the push tab  132  will raise the latch  133 , acting as a pivoting unit  150 . The pivoting unit  150  may operate as if it is a spring loaded pivot, but may only use the material properties of the material, and the configuration of how the push tab and latch are cut out of the clip slider, to achieve that functionality. The latch  133  resides within a recess  134  in the clip  102 , and when the latch  133  is upwardly pivoted it will free the strap clip slider and allow it to slide along the slider rails  155 .  FIG.  1 I  illustrates the pivoting unit  150  in a depressed position, wherein the latch  133  is raised above the capture surface  151  of the recess  134 , allowing for the release of the strap clip slider  103 . 
       FIG.  1 J  illustrates the strap clip slider  102  in first a closed configuration  136 , then in a partially open configuration  137  with the strap  104  starting to bow out, and then in a fully open configuration  138  with the strap now bowed out to a maximum extent. 
     The Clip Plate  113   
       FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  illustrate the partially open configuration  137  of the strap clip slider, with the strap  104  partially bowed outward.  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  illustrate the fully open configuration  138  with the strap bowed out to a maximum extent. The bowed out strap allows the user to grasp the device case, with the device mounted therein, and to get extra hold and security by running one or more fingers under the bowed out strap. By grasping the device and case while using one or more fingers through the strap bow, the user greatly reduces, or eliminates, the risk that the device case might be dropped. The use of the strap in this manner may also allow for a more steady holding of the device during photography or videography. The use of the strap in this manner also enhances the user&#39;s control during normal phone use, including telephoning, and viewing the smartphone screen. 
     As seen in  FIG.  3 C , a rail structure  155  may include slots which provide a guide to the sliding strap clip slider  102 . The strap clip slider  102  may include rail portions which extend down through the slots. The slots with their mating rails allow for the axial movement of the strap clip slider  102  as it moves from a closed configuration to an open configuration, as well as maintaining its orientation. The rails my include lips which tuck under the rail structure in order to retain the strap clip slider  102  onto the rail structure  155 . In addition, the rail structure  155  may have a recess  141  along its top surface  140 . The recess  141  is adapted to receive a bump, or extrusion,  143  on the underside of the strap clip slider  102  to gently lock the slider in the fully open configuration  138 . The recess  141  may receive the extrusion  143  with a gentle interference fit which will gently lock the slider into an open position, but be easily unlocked by the user when desired. 
     The sliding of the strap clip slider  103  exposes a mating clip plate  113  which may allow for the device case with strap  100  to be clipped into a clip receiver on a tripod or other mounting device. In some aspects, the mating clip plate  113  may a raised planar piece which is undercut around its front and side perimeters, allowing it to slide into a clip receiver which has a floor circumscribed with a lipped sides and rear. The mating clip plate  113  may also mate to a variety of accessory components with a clip receiver, as discussed further below. 
       FIGS.  4 A- 4 E  illustrate an attachable device strap system  200  according to some embodiments of the present invention. The attachable device strap  200  has a main structure  201  adapted to be adhesively coupled to an electronic device, such as a cellular telephone, on a first side  208  of the attachable device strap system  200 . The main structure  201  has a strap and clip assembly on a second side. The main structure  201  has a case clip  213  coupled to the second side of the main structure  201 . A strap clip slider  203  is clipped into the case clip  213  in the closed configuration seen in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 E . A strap  204  is coupled to the strap clip slider  203  on a first end and is coupled to the strap base  205  on a second end. Strap access areas  206 ,  207  are inset areas adapted to allow the user better access to slip a finger under the strap  204 . An adhesive may be affixed to the back surface  208  of the main structure  201  for mounting onto an electronic device, such as a cellular telephone. 
       FIGS.  5 A through  5 C  illustrate the attachable device strap system  200  in series of configurations including closed  160 , partially open  161 , and a fully open  162  configuration. In the partially open and fully open configuration, the strap clip slider  203  has been unclipped from the case clip  213 . 
       FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  illustrate the partially open configuration  161  the strap clip slider, with the strap  204  partially bowed outward.  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  illustrate the fully open configuration  162  with the strap bowed out to a maximum extent. The bowed out strap allows the user to grasp the device case, with the device mounted therein, and to get extra hold and security by running one or more fingers under the bowed out strap. By grasping the device and case while using one or more fingers through the strap bow, the user greatly reduces, or eliminates, the risk that the device case might be dropped. The use of the strap in this manner may also allow for a more steady holding of the device during photography or videography. 
     As seen in  FIGS.  8 C and  8 D , the clip release push tab  215  may be depressed into a recess  230  to release the clip release from a clip capturing recess  214 . The push tab  132  and the latch  233  may be considered to be a pivoting unit  250 , with or without a pivot pin. The push tab  215  and the latch  233  may be cut apart from the strap clip slider structure in such a manner that the depressing of the push tab  215  will raise the latch  233 , acting as a pivoting unit  250 . The latch  233  resides within a recess  234  in the clip  213 , and when the latch  233  is upwardly pivoted it will free the strap clip slider and allow it to slide along the slider rails  155 . 
     The strap clip slider  203  is coupled to the second side of the main structure  201  along a sliding rail system which allows the strap clip slider  203  to move away from the case clip along the sliding rail system  216  which keeps the strap clip movably attached to the main structure  201 . As the strap clip slider  203  is slid away from the case clip  213 , a portion of the strap  204  may move away from the main structure  201  to create a loop. 
       FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  illustrate the attachable device strap system  200  attached to a cellular telephone  240  in a closed configuration  160 .  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  illustrate the attachable device strap system  200  attached to a cellular telephone  240  in a partially open configuration  161 .  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  illustrate the attachable device strap system  200  attached to a cellular telephone  240  in a fully open configuration  162 .  FIG.  11    illustrate the closed configuration  160 , the partially open configuration  161 , and the fully open configuration  162 . Although illustrated in  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  as adhered directly to a cellular telephone, the attachable device strap system may similarly be adhered to a case which supports a telephone, as opposed to directly onto the cellular telephone. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, accessory items may be clipped onto the case clip  102  of the device case with strap  100  or onto the clip of the attachable device clip system  200 , which may be mounted onto a cellular telephone, for example. The accessory items may include a clip receiver adapted to releasably latch onto the clip using mating interfaces. 
     The clip base  113 , as seen in  FIG.  1 J , may have a flat outward surface and rails along its sides, or along three sides. The rails of the clip can be inserted into a mating interface of a clip receiver, which is adapted to receive a flat bottomed clip and which has grooves along its sides to receive the rails of the clip. A recess  134  in the planar outward surface of the clip base is adapted to receive a mating latch portion of the clip receiver. The recess  134  is adapted to allow for the capture of the clip by a tab when slid into an interfacing clip receiver of a support structure, such as an accessory item as discussed below. A neckdown on the side rails  113  allows for easier insertion of the clip into its interfacing clip receiver. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, as seen in  FIGS.  12 A- 12 F , a flexible arm assembly  300  is adapted to mate to the case clip of a device case with strap or onto the clip of an attachable device clip system, or to other systems with appropriate and similar interfaces. The flexible arm assembly  300  includes a clip receiver  305  adapted to receive a clip. The clip, which may be the case clip  102  of the device case with strap  100 , may have rails adapted to slide into slots  306  along the inside of the sides of the raised sides of the clip receiver. 
     The clip receiver  305  may be removably attached to the clip receiver and may be released by pressing on the lever  308 . In some embodiments, the lever is on the same side of the clip receiver as which the clip slides in on. In other embodiments, the lever  308  is on the side opposite that which the clip slides in on. The latch  307  is adapted to releasably couple to the clip within the recess  234  of the clip surface. 
     A first arm  301  and a second arm  302  are coupled to the main body  309  of the flexible arm assembly  309 . In some aspects, the first arm and the second arm are part of a continuous arm structure. The arms are flexible enough be bent by the user into a desired configuration, while being rigid enough to maintain that configuration during use and while supporting a cellular telephone in a device case to which the flexible arm assembly is coupled. The arms may be of an aluminum center covered with a silicone sleeve. End caps  303  may be placed on the ends of the arms and may be of a sufficiently frictional material to prevent slipping of the legs while used as described below. 
       FIG.  13 A  illustrates the flexible arm assembly  300  coupled to a device case  100 . The clip slider  103  is in the fully open configuration and the extrusion  143  is gently locked into the recess  141 . The gentle locking of the clip slider in the fully open position, with the strap  104  looped out, allows more ease for the user to insert the clip receiver of the flexible arm assembly onto the clip, avoiding interference from the clip slider.  FIG.  13 B  illustrates the flexible arms bent into a downward configuration allowing for support of the device case, for example, if placed on a flat surface.  FIG.  13 C  illustrates the flexible arms looped into a spiral configuration, as could be used if wrapped around a pole or other structure, allowing for support of the device casein such a circumstance.  FIG.  13 D  shows a view of the device case without a cellular telephone mounted therein, with the device supported by arms in the downward configuration. 
       FIG.  14 A  illustrates an offset threaded adapter accessory  400  mounted onto a device case  100  according to some embodiments of the present invention. The offset threaded adapter may be used to bridge the device case to a threaded post interface, as may be seen with some support devices, such as tripods.  FIGS.  14 B- 14 G  illustrate the offset threaded adapter accessory which includes a clip receiver  405  similar to that as seen above. A first body end  410  is structurally coupled to the clip receiver  405  and to an offset body portion  407 . A second body end  408  is coupled to the offset body portion  407  and has a threaded insert  409  which allows the accessory  400  to be mounted onto a threaded post, as may be found on a tripod or other supports device. A release lever  411  may release the latch of the clip receiver when the user desires to disconnect the accessory from the device case. 
       FIGS.  15 A- 15 F  illustrate a cellular telephone  131  mounted in a device case  100  supported by an offset threaded adapter accessory mounted onto a tripod  440 . The tripod  440  may have a spherical pivot  441  which allows for many different configurations of the system, giving the user numerous positions to select from for the held device. 
       FIG.  16 A  illustrates a dual flexible mounting arm accessory  500  mounted onto a device case  100  according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIGS.  16 B- 16 G  illustrate the dual flexible mounting arm accessory  500  with a central body  501  coupled to a clip receiver  505 . A first flexible arm  503  is coupled to a first side of the central body  501  and a second flexible arm  502  is coupled to a second side of the central body  501 . A release lever  504  may release the latch of the clip receiver when the user desires to disconnect the accessory from the device case. Threaded posts  506 ,  507  are present on the ends of the flexible arms and may be used to support other equipment, as the user desires, such as lighting or other devices. 
       FIG.  17 A  illustrates a lighting accessory  600  mounted onto a device case  100  according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIGS.  17 B- 17 G  illustrate the lighting accessory  600  with a main body  601  coupled to a clip receiver  605 . A release lever  606  may release the latch of the clip receiver when the user desires to disconnect the accessory from the device case. A light  602  is within the main body  601 . 
       FIG.  18 A  illustrates an extension arm cold shoe accessory  700  mounted onto a device case  100  according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIGS.  18 B- 18 G  illustrate the extension arm cold shoe accessory  700  with an extension arm  707  coupled to a clip receiver  705 . A release lever  706  may release the latch of the clip receiver when the user desires to disconnect the accessory from the device case. A cold shoe  703  resides at the far end of the extension arm  707 , which may extend the location of the cold shoe  703  above the top of the case clip, for example. 
       FIG.  19 A  illustrates a power bank clamp accessory  800  mounted onto a device case  100  according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIGS.  19 B- 19 C  illustrate the power bank clamp accessory  800  with a central body  801  coupled to a clip receiver  805 . The central body  801  supports a first gripping arm  802  and a second gripping arm  803 . Edge lips  804 ,  806  may grip or grab the device held, such as an auxiliary battery device. The clamp may be flexible enough to allow the gripping arms to be spread to allow for the insertion of the battery device, while sufficiently rigid to retain that battery device during expected use. 
       FIG.  20 A  illustrates a double cold shoe accessory  900  mounted onto a device case  100  according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIGS.  20 B- 20 F  illustrate the double cold shoe accessory  900  with a central body  901  coupled to a clip receiver  905 . The central body  901  supports a first cold shoe  902  and a second cold shoe  903 . The clamp may be sized such that the cold shoes are placed to the exterior of the sides of the device case  100 . This configuration will allow the cold shoes to support cameras on both side of a cellular telephone mounted into the device case  100 . 
       FIG.  21 A  illustrates a speaker accessory  950  mounted onto a device case  100  according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIGS.  21 B- 21 G  illustrate the speaker accessory  950  with a main body  951  coupled to a clip receiver  955 . A release lever  956  may release the latch of the clip receiver when the user desires to disconnect the accessory from the device case. A speaker  952  is within the main body  951 . 
       FIG.  22 A  illustrates a suction cup accessory  840  mounted onto a device case  100  according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIGS.  22 B- 22 F  illustrate the suction cup accessory  840  with a main body  841  coupled to a clip receiver  845 . A release lever  846  may release the latch of the clip receiver when the user desires to disconnect the accessory from the device case. A suction cup  848  is coupled to the main body  841 . 
       FIG.  23 A  illustrates a nano-suction cup accessory  860  mounted onto a device case  100  according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIGS.  23 B- 23 G  illustrate the nano-suction cup accessory  860  with a main body  861  coupled to a clip receiver  865 . A release lever  866  may release the latch of the clip receiver when the user desires to disconnect the accessory from the device case. A nano-suction cup  868  is coupled to the main body  861 . 
     As evident from the above description, a wide variety of embodiments may be configured from the description given herein and additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is, therefore, not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures from such details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant&#39;s general invention.