Patent Description:
Applicant has identified many technical challenges and difficulties associated with attaching a mobile device to a mobile device user's arm or other appendage. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, Applicant has solved problems related to these wearable accessory arm straps by developing solutions embodied in the present disclosure, which are described in detail below.

Aspects of the present invention are defined in the claims. According to a first aspect there is provided a fastening assembly in accordance with claim <NUM>. According to a second aspect there is provided a device holder in accordance with claim <NUM>. According to a third aspect there is provided a method in accordance with claim <NUM>. Advantageous optional features are defined in the dependent claims.

Various embodiments are directed to an example fastening assembly for a wearable accessory arm strap device holder as well as a method for attaching a wearable accessory arm strap device holder.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, an example fastening assembly is provided. The fastening assembly comprises a tab defining a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end connected to a portion of an outer body. The tab comprises a first material and an inner body comprising a second material. The inner body and the tab are configured to receive a cord therebetween. At least a portion of the inner body is configured to deform during insertion of the cord between the tab and the inner body.

In some embodiments, the tab may define a first protrusion at or proximate the distal end, the protrusion extending at least partially towards the inner body.

In some embodiments, the portion of the inner body may comprise a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is configured to deform at least partially towards the proximal end of the tab during insertion of the cord.

In some embodiments, the fastening assembly may comprise a cord, wherein the cord is configured to be pulled between the tab and the inner body to deform the portion of the inner body.

In some embodiments, a gap may be defined between the tab and the portion of the inner body, wherein the gap may be smaller than the width of the cord.

In some embodiments, the gap between the tab and the portion of the inner body may be closed by applying pressure to the fastening assembly.

In some embodiments, the portion of the inner body may comprise a rib extending between two other portions of the inner body.

In some embodiments, the rib may extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tab.

In some embodiments, the rib may be configured to remain fixed to the two other portions at opposite ends of the rib while a middle portion between the opposite ends may be configured to deform along at least an upper edge of the rib.

In some embodiments, the tab may be comprised of a rigid plastic and the inner body may be comprised of an elastomeric material.

In some embodiments, the tab may be a single integral piece with the outer body.

An example wearable accessory arm strap device holder comprising a fastening assembly is further included, according to claim <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the device holder may further comprising four tabs, including the tab connected to the outer body, wherein the strapping mechanism may be configured to engage each of the four tabs.

In some embodiments, the strapping mechanism may further comprise a portion of material having a first end and a second end, and four loops of cord, including the cord, wherein two of the four loops of cord are disposed at or proximate the first end and a second two of the four loops of cord are disposed at or proximate the second end, wherein each of the four loops of cord is configured to engage a respective one of the four tabs.

In some embodiments, the strapping mechanism may be configured to close a gap between the tab and the inner body via tightening the strapping mechanism against the object.

In some embodiments, the cord of the strapping mechanism may comprise a loop, wherein the loop is configured to engage the tab by being disposed over the distal end of the tab.

In some embodiments, the strapping mechanism may further comprise a band and at least one loop of cord attached to the band. In some embodiments, the loop of cord may be configured to engage the tab and the band may be configured to pass around the object.

In some embodiments, the device holder may further comprise a second tab, wherein the object comprises a user arm and wherein the tab may be disposed on a first side of the outer body and the second tab may be disposed on a second side of the outer body opposite the first side. In some embodiments, the tab and the second tab may be oriented in different directions, wherein the strapping mechanism is configured to attach to the tab disposed on the first side of the outer body, pass around the user arm, and attach to the second tab disposed on the second side of the outer body and wherein a gap between the tab and the inner body is closed when the strapping mechanism is tightened against the user arm.

An example method of attaching a device to an arm of a user is further included, according to claim <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first tab may be disposed on a first side of the outer body and the second tab may be disposed on a second side of the outer body opposite the first side and the method may further comprise attaching the strapping mechanism to the second tab; and tightening the strapping mechanism against the arm of the user thereby closing gaps defined between each of the plurality of tabs and the inner body.

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings. The components illustrated in the figures may or may not be present in certain embodiments described herein. Some embodiments may include fewer (or more) components than those shown in the figures in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Example embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, embodiments of the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

Various example embodiments address technical problems associated with attaching and operably holding a mobile device to an object, such as a user's arm. As understood by those of skill in the field to which the present disclosure pertains, there are numerous scenarios in which it is beneficial to attach a mobile device to an object, such as a user's arm. Attaching a mobile device to a user's arm, for example, allows the user the benefit of continued use of their hands while utilizing a mobile device while minimizing the risk of damage or loss of the mobile device. The positioning of the mobile device that is created by the device holders and various fastening mechanisms disclosed herein may also allow improved, intuitive functioning of the mobile device, such as hands-free scanning of decodable indicia. Many devices used to attach a mobile device to a user's arm are difficult to securely attach without the use of both hands. In addition, many devices may be tailored for a right-handed or left-handed attachment and not easily utilized on either hand. Further, many devices become loose or easily detach during use. One skilled in the field to which the present disclosure pertains will appreciate further problems that may be resolved by various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments herein, including but not limited to a device holder, which may be embodied as a wearable accessory arm strap, utilize various features to make attaching a mobile device simple and secure. For example, in some embodiments, a device holder may include at least two components, an inner body made of an elastomeric material and a rigid outer body including rigid tabs for attachment. The rigid tabs may define a rigid protrusion over which a cord, for example an elastic cord, may be passed for purposes of attaching the mobile device carriage to a user's arm. The inner body may include one or more protrusions (e.g., a rib or ribs) positioned opposite the rigid tabs which consist of a concentrated portion of material that stiffens the elastomeric material at the point at which the cord passes between the rigid tab and the inner body. In addition, the rigid tab may include a protrusion (e.g., a barb) opposite the rib on the inner body, defining a narrow gap through which the cord passes. In some embodiments, the narrow gap defined between the protrusion (e.g., a barb) and the rib may be smaller than the width of the cord when the device holder is not attached to the user's arm. In such embodiments, when the cord is pulled through the narrow gap, the cord and/or the rib on the inner material, temporarily deform to allow passage of the cord through the narrow gap. Once through the narrow gap, the cord and rib may return to their original form, securing the cord in place. In such embodiments, tension is required to loop the cord fully around the tab and the tab, in combination with the inner body, act to at least somewhat resist removal of the cord from between the tab and the inner body.

In addition, in some embodiments, the device holder disclosed herein may include a strapping mechanism with one or more corded loops for attaching to one or more tabs on the fastening device. By providing a narrow gap of deformable material, a user may loop the cord on the strapping mechanism over the rigid tab and pull the cord through the narrow gap (deforming the cord and/or the rib) with one hand. Once all the corded loops of the strapping mechanism are attached to a rigid tab and pulled through the narrow gap, a user may tighten the strapping mechanism against their arm, such that the narrow gap narrows further or completely disappears (e.g., the protrusion of the outer body and the rib of the inner body make contact) further securing the cord in place.

As a result of the herein described embodiments and in some examples, the device holder may be easily attached on either arm (or any other similarly sized object, including appendages or inanimate objects) with one or two hands and may remain securely in place. In operation, the inner body may rest on the user's arm, while the strapping mechanism applies tension to the tab(s) and, thereby, the outer body to compress the inner body between the outer body and the user's arm.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an example device holder <NUM> according to various embodiments described herein. The device holder <NUM> is configured to, in some examples, attach a mobile device <NUM> to an object (e.g., a user's arm <NUM> shown in <FIG>) to facilitate use of the mobile device <NUM> without occupying one or both of the user's hands. It will be appreciated that the illustrated device holder <NUM> and various depicted embodiments herein are provided as example embodiments and should not be construed to narrow the scope of the disclosure in any way.

The depicted device holder <NUM> of <FIG> includes an inner body <NUM> and an outer body <NUM> layered atop the inner body <NUM>, where the inner body <NUM> may be attached to the underneath side of the outer body <NUM>. In addition, the outer body <NUM> depicted in <FIG> incorporates a device carriage <NUM> capable of holding a mobile device <NUM>. In addition, the device holder <NUM> may include one or more fastening assemblies <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, positioned to attach the device holder <NUM> to a user's arm <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of an example device holder <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The depicted device holder <NUM> of <FIG> includes an inner body <NUM> positioned underneath an outer body <NUM>. The depicted outer body <NUM> may be further adapted to incorporate a device carriage <NUM> capable of supporting a mobile device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the device holder <NUM> may be symmetric about its center, longitudinal axis.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an example outer body <NUM> incorporating a device carriage <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The outer body <NUM> may comprise coupling elements configured to align and/or attach the outer body <NUM> with the inner body <NUM>. For example, an attaching edge <NUM> of the outer body <NUM> may be configured to attach to a correspondingly shaped side attaching feature <NUM> of the inner body <NUM> (e.g., the depicted embodiment is "dovetail" shaped). Further, the mobile device opening <NUM> may be configured to align with the mobile device support portion <NUM> of the inner body <NUM>, which may aid with alignment and/or may provide a padded, non-skid, and breathable surface of the inner body <NUM> on which the attached mobile device <NUM> can rest. In addition, in some embodiments, the outer body <NUM> may comprise a second opening, for example, the oval shaped opening adjacent to the mobile device opening <NUM> allowing the inner body <NUM> to further contact the attached mobile device <NUM>. Allowing the softer inner body <NUM> to contact the attached mobile device <NUM> may also apply light pressure to the mobile device <NUM>, closing gaps between the mobile device <NUM> and the device carriage <NUM> and further securing the mobile device <NUM>.

As depicted in <FIG>, an outer body <NUM> may be any structure comprising and capable of supporting a tab <NUM> as part of a fastening assembly <NUM>. In the depicted embodiment of <FIG>, the outer body <NUM> rigidly connects and comprises four tabs <NUM> for engaging the strapping mechanism as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the outer body <NUM> may be formed of a rigid plastic or other rigid material, for example, engineered plastics (e.g., thermoplastics and thermosets), carbon fiber, fiberglass, metal alloys, wood, and other similar materials. In some embodiments, the outer body <NUM> may be comprised of a mix of rigid and non-rigid materials. As used herein, the term "rigid" does not necessarily require absolute rigidity. For example, even "rigid" metals and plastics may deform elastically and/or inelastically under a sufficiently high force; however, the rigid outer body portions may not flex to such a degree that the cord is released under expected operating conditions. The term "rigid" encompasses all materials at least sufficiently rigid that the force exerted on the tab by the cord does not exceed the ultimate strength of the outer body material.

In some embodiments, at least the tabs <NUM> and a portion of the outer body(ies) <NUM> adjacent the tabs that rest on the inner body <NUM> may be rigid such that the tab <NUM> is configured to be held in a generally fixed position (e.g., apart from expected material deformation given expected tolerances and operating ranges) relative to the inner body <NUM> during operation. In some embodiments, the outer body <NUM> may be formed or shaped to fit the user's arm <NUM> to which the device holder <NUM> will be attached. For example, an inner surface of the outer body <NUM> may define an at least partially concave shape. In the depicted embodiment, the outer body <NUM> includes a generally flat central portion of the inner surface and concave outer edge portions of the inner surface. In some embodiments, the outer body <NUM> may provide openings to facilitate air flow to the user's arm <NUM> and/or the mobile device <NUM>; to reduce the weight of the outer body <NUM>; to align the inner body <NUM> with the outer body <NUM>; to provide access to the underlying inner body <NUM> and/or the user's arm <NUM>; and/or provide airflow to the mobile device <NUM>. While depicted in <FIG> as a single outer body <NUM> comprising multiple fastening assemblies <NUM>, in some embodiments, there may be multiple outer bodies <NUM> fastened together, or otherwise connected, to define a device holder <NUM>, and the outer bodies <NUM> in such embodiments may be directly or indirectly (e.g., via the inner body <NUM>) connected.

<FIG> further illustrates a device carriage <NUM> formed as part of the outer body <NUM>. A device carriage <NUM> may be any structure or device configured to engage a mobile device <NUM> and secure the mobile device <NUM> to the remainder of the device holder <NUM>. As depicted, a device carriage <NUM> may comprise a front portion <NUM> configured to support an end of the mobile device <NUM>. The front piece may comprise a front opening <NUM> providing access to the ports, buttons, emitters, and/or sensors of the mobile device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the front opening <NUM> may comprise a window for permitting the mobile device to emit light, radio frequency (RF), or other frequency wave and a receiver for receiving the reflected wave, for example, in support of enabling a bar code scanner or other function to operate therethrough. The front portion <NUM> of the device carriage <NUM> may further comprise a front flange <NUM> configured to hold the mobile device <NUM> in a fixed position. The device carriage <NUM> may further comprise two edge protrusions <NUM> configured to extend to the edges of the mobile device <NUM>. Each edge protrusion <NUM> may further comprise an edge nub <NUM> configured to engage a slot, or indentation on the mobile device <NUM> to hold the mobile device <NUM> in position. As further depicted in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the device carriage <NUM> may be an integral part of the outer body <NUM>. In other embodiments, the device carriage <NUM> may be a separate body or feature that may be attached to the remaining components of the device holder <NUM> (e.g., to the outer and/or inner bodies) to secure the mobile device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the device carriage <NUM> may consist of a rigid material formed to securely attach to the mobile device <NUM>. As noted above, the "rigid" material may still include some ability to flex (e.g., to snap the mobile device into the device carriage). In some embodiments, the device carriage <NUM> may be adjustable, for example, the edge protrusions <NUM> may be able to extend or retract, increasing and decreasing the distance between the two edge protrusions <NUM>. Such an adjustment may permit the device carriage <NUM> to securely hold mobile devices <NUM> of different sizes. Still, in other embodiments, the device carriage <NUM> may consist of a non-rigid material. For example, a device carriage <NUM> may consist of a strap or a sleeve configured to attach the mobile device <NUM> to a user's arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, the device carriage <NUM> may define openings such that ports, buttons, and/or the screen of the mobile device <NUM> may still be accessible to a user. In some embodiments, the device carriage <NUM> may be attached or an integral part of the outer body <NUM> (e.g., as a single piece or multiple pieces), while in other embodiments, the device carriage <NUM> may be attached to the inner body <NUM> (e.g., as a single piece or multiple pieces), or any other portion of the device holder <NUM> to provide secure attachment of a mobile device <NUM>.

<FIG> further illustrates a tab <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, a tab <NUM> may be formed as part of the outer body <NUM>. The tab <NUM> may define a distal end detached from the outer body <NUM> and a proximal end connected to the remainder of the outer body. In some embodiments, the outer body <NUM> may define an opening <NUM> under and/or around the detached end of the tab <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, exposing the underlying inner body <NUM> of the device holder <NUM>. In some embodiments, the tab <NUM> may comprise the same material as the outer body <NUM>, for example, a rigid plastic material. In some embodiments, the tab <NUM> may be elevated compared to the surrounding surface of the outer body <NUM> allowing for easier entry of a cord <NUM> around the tab <NUM>. In some embodiments, a greater gap or opening may be defined between the inner body <NUM> and the tab <NUM> than between the inner body <NUM> and other portions of the outer body <NUM>, which gap may expand and contract depending upon the tension on the tab <NUM> and the reaction force from the user's arm <NUM> as described herein. In some embodiments, the tabs <NUM> may be angled with the proximal end of the tab <NUM> pointed towards a front-to-back center portion (e.g. band <NUM>) of the strapping mechanism <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). For example, each of the two front tabs <NUM> (e.g., the two tabs closest to the front opening <NUM>) may be rotated such that their proximal portions are oriented at least partially rearward, and the two rear tabs may be rotated the opposite direction such that their proximal portions are oriented at least partially forward. Positioning the tab <NUM> at an angle may align the tabs with the direction of force being applied by the strapping mechanism, providing greater security and maximum force tolerance toward the center of the strapping mechanism <NUM> and further facilitating securing the device holder <NUM> to the user's arm <NUM>. In such embodiments, the corresponding ribs <NUM> of the inner body <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) may be similarly angled to remain at a predetermined angle (e.g., perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis of the tab <NUM> as shown by the varying angles in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a partial view of the outer body <NUM> of <FIG> showing a tab <NUM>. One end of the depicted tab <NUM> (e.g., a proximal end) is connected to the remaining portion of the outer body <NUM> and a second end is detached from the outer body <NUM> defining an opening <NUM> between the detached end of the tab <NUM> and the rest of the outer body <NUM>. In <FIG>, the tab <NUM> is integral with and formed as part of the remainder of the outer body. In some embodiments, the tab may be separately formed and may be attached to the outer body.

<FIG> also depicts a first protrusion (e.g., barb <NUM>) protruding from the distal end of the tab <NUM> toward the inner body <NUM> of the fastening assembly <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>). The barb <NUM> may be configured to extend toward the inner body <NUM>, reducing a gap <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) existing between the tab <NUM> and the inner body <NUM> under at least some conditions. In some embodiments, the barb <NUM> may comprise the same material as the tab <NUM>, for example, a rigid plastic. In the depicted embodiment, the barb <NUM> is formed as an integral part of the tab <NUM>. In some embodiments, the barb <NUM> may be formed of a different material from the tab <NUM>, for example, a softer material capable of deforming when interacting with a cord <NUM> forced through the gap <NUM> between the outer body <NUM> and the inner body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the barb <NUM> may be formed of a material providing a smooth surface allowing a cord <NUM> to pass through the gap <NUM> with reduced resistance. In some embodiments, the barb <NUM> may comprise a chamfered edge <NUM> (e.g., an edge surface angled at least partially towards the proximal end of the tab relative to a perpendicular angle) on the distal side of the barb <NUM> at the distal end of the tab <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, forcing a cord <NUM> with an exerted force against the barb <NUM> to push down and through the gap <NUM> defined between the tab <NUM> and the inner body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inner edge <NUM> of the barb <NUM> closer the attached end of the tab <NUM> may be nearly perpendicular to the top surface of the tab <NUM> adjacent the distal end, providing a secure lock of the cord <NUM> after the cord <NUM> has passed through the gap <NUM> defined between the tab <NUM> and the inner body <NUM> and further depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an example inner body <NUM> of a device holder <NUM>, including a second protrusion (e.g., a rib <NUM>) representing the inner body <NUM> portion of a fastening assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the inner body <NUM>. An inner body <NUM> may be any structure capable of providing a deformable protrusion (e.g., rib <NUM>) capable of allowing a cord <NUM> or other attaching mechanism to at least partially retain a cord when coupled with an outer body <NUM>. An inner body <NUM> may further comprise side attaching features <NUM>, a mobile device support portion <NUM>, and outer body support protrusions <NUM> for aligning the outer body <NUM> with the inner body <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the inner body <NUM> may be formed entirely of an elastomeric material having a softer durometer than the outer body, such as silicone, rubber, or softer durometer thermoplastic elastomers. In some embodiments, the inner body <NUM> may be comprised of a mix of softer durometer materials and more rigid materials. In some embodiments, the inner body <NUM> may be formed of a material to provide padding between the outer body <NUM> and a user's arm <NUM> to which the mobile device <NUM> is attached. In some embodiments, the inner body <NUM> may be comprised of a breathable material allowing airflow to the user's arm <NUM>. An inner body <NUM> may further provide openings or perforations to allow airflow for the user's arm <NUM> and/or the mobile device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the mobile device support portion <NUM> of the inner body <NUM> may further provide a padded surface on which a mobile device <NUM> may be positioned. In some embodiments, the inner body <NUM> may be formed to securely attach to the outer body <NUM>, for example with a latching mechanism such as depicted in <FIG>, wherein the side attaching feature <NUM> attaches to the attaching edge <NUM> of the outer body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inner body <NUM> is held constrained by the attaching edge <NUM> and a gap is created by the offset between the upper surface of the inner body <NUM> and the bottom surface of the outer body <NUM>. The gap may close when attached to the user's arm as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the inner body <NUM> may be permanently attached to the outer body <NUM>, for example, with an adhesive or other permanent attachment. In some embodiments, the outer body support protrusions <NUM> may be configured to provide support to the outer body <NUM> and define a gap between the inner body <NUM> and the outer body <NUM> at the fastening assembly <NUM> location. In the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, each of the outer body support protrusions <NUM> define a front-to-back channel therethrough, which channel receives a corresponding corner engagement protrusion (shown in <FIG>) of the outer body. These protrusions may facilitate alignment and support between the inner and outer bodies. In addition, in some embodiments, the outer body support protrusions <NUM> may act as a load bearing surface for the upper bendable portion of the outer body <NUM>.

<FIG> further illustrates a second protrusion (e.g. a rib <NUM>). A rib <NUM> may be any portion of material that provides resistance to a cord <NUM> passing through a gap <NUM> present between the inner body <NUM> and the outer body <NUM> of the fastening assembly <NUM>. The rib <NUM> may provide resistance by deforming when pressure is applied to the surface or side of the rib <NUM> (e.g., when the cord is thicker than the gap). In some embodiments, the deformation of the rib <NUM> may be elastic deformation. In other embodiments, the rib <NUM> may deform by swinging on a hinge point or otherwise pivoting to provide a larger opening for a cord <NUM> to pass by. In some embodiments, the deformation may occur only at or near the lateral center of the rib <NUM>, while in other embodiments, the entire rib <NUM> may deform or move when pressure is applied. In some embodiments, the rib <NUM> may be defined flush with portions of the surface of the inner body, and in some embodiments, recesses <NUM> may be formed on either side of the rib <NUM> as shown in <FIG> to allow the rib to deform. In other embodiments, a rib <NUM> may be comprised of an elevated portion of material of the inner body <NUM>, elevated above the surface of the surrounding inner body <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, the rib <NUM> may extend between two other portions of the inner body <NUM>, for example, forming a bridge between the two other portions while the surface of the inner body <NUM> surrounding the rib <NUM> in locations other than along the length of the rib may be depressed, sunk, or otherwise lower than the rib to form recesses <NUM>. As further depicted in <FIG>, a fastening assembly <NUM> is defined by associating a rib <NUM> on the inner body <NUM> with a tab <NUM> and/or barb <NUM> on the outer body <NUM>, forming a gap <NUM> between the inner body <NUM> and the outer body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the rib <NUM> may extend in a direction that is perpendicular or at least partially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the cord. In some embodiments, the rib <NUM> may extend in a direction that is perpendicular or at least partially perpendicular to the tab <NUM> (e.g., while both the tab and inner body may be curved at the location of the fastening assembly, the rib may be perpendicular within this curved reference frame). In some embodiments, the angle of the longitudinal axis of the tab <NUM> may be in line with the angle of the loops of cord <NUM> of the strapping mechanism <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). In some embodiments, the angle may vary such that the longitudinal axis of the tab <NUM> remains substantially aligned with the pull direction of the cord <NUM>, with the longitudinal axis of the tab <NUM> remaining less than <NUM> degrees askew either side of the pulling direction. While some embodiments described herein may refer to the rib <NUM> as deforming in response to force from the cord, some embodiments may additionally or alternatively have a deformable portion of material on the outer body (e.g., a deformable barb).

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a fastening assembly <NUM> of a device holder <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, a rigid tab <NUM> may have one end attached to the remainder of the outer body <NUM> and a second, distal end extending into an open area of the outer body <NUM>. As further depicted in <FIG>, at least a portion of the outer body <NUM> and the inner body <NUM> may be separated at the portion where the tab <NUM> extends over the inner body <NUM> creating a cavity between the tab <NUM> and the inner body <NUM>, which includes the gap <NUM>. In addition, the tab <NUM> depicted in <FIG> comprises a first protrusion (e.g., barb <NUM>) extending from the detached, distal end of the tab <NUM> toward the inner body <NUM>. Opposite the barb <NUM>, disposed on the inner body <NUM>, is a second protrusion (e.g., rib <NUM>) defining a gap <NUM> between the barb <NUM> and the rib <NUM>. The rib <NUM> may comprise a softer material (e.g., silicone) such that the rib <NUM> may be deformed when pressure is applied by a cord <NUM> or similar attaching structure. In some embodiments, the fastening assembly <NUM> may include only a single one of the rib <NUM> or barb <NUM>, or the fastening assembly <NUM> may include neither the rib <NUM> nor the barb <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a gap <NUM>. A gap <NUM> may be any opening between the tab <NUM> and rib <NUM> that allows an attaching cord to pass between the inner body <NUM> and the outer body <NUM> to be held between the two to help facilitate securing the device holder <NUM> to an object. In some embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the tab <NUM> may comprise the barb <NUM>, and the barb <NUM> may define a boundary of the gap <NUM> between the inner body <NUM> and the tab <NUM>. In some embodiments, the gap <NUM> may be narrower than the width of the cord, in some instances even after the cord has deformed under pressure, and at least the rib <NUM> may deform in order for the cord <NUM> to pass through. Such a narrow gap <NUM> may require applied force to pass the cord <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) through the gap <NUM>. In such embodiments, the cord <NUM> may not become easily disengaged from the fastening mechanism during use.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cord <NUM> passing through a gap <NUM> defined between the rib <NUM> defined on the inner body <NUM> and the barb <NUM> defined on the tab <NUM> of the outer body <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the cord <NUM> at three example positions during the attachment process, including a first position 802a at which point the cord <NUM> has passed through the space between the tab <NUM> and the remainder of the outer body <NUM> before passing through the gap <NUM> between the barb <NUM> and the rib <NUM>. At a second position 802b, both the rib <NUM> and the cord <NUM> are shown deformed (e.g., elastic deformation) as force is applied in the insertion direction (e.g., at least partially towards the proximal end of the tab) to allow the cord <NUM> to pass through the gap <NUM> between the rib <NUM> and the barb <NUM>.

At position 802c, the cord <NUM> has returned to its resting form after passing through the gap <NUM> and into the cavity defined between the tab <NUM> and the inner body <NUM>. In addition, the rib <NUM> returns to a resting position, again defining a narrow gap between the rib <NUM> and the barb <NUM>. In this position, the rib <NUM> of the inner body <NUM> and/or the barb <NUM> of the outer body <NUM> provide at least some resistance to the cord <NUM> being removed (e.g., requiring a similar application of force and deformation to remove). This resistance may facilitate one-handed operation of the device holder <NUM> because a user can individually insert cords over the respective tabs <NUM> of the device holder <NUM> without the cords falling off before the device holder <NUM> is fully attached.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of the gap between the tab and the rib being completely closed after the cord <NUM> has passed through the gap <NUM> and the inner body <NUM> presses against the object (e.g., a user's arm <NUM>) while the cord <NUM> rests in the cavity between the tab <NUM> and the inner body <NUM>. <FIG> further depicts the object (e.g. a user's arm <NUM>) adjacent the inner body <NUM> on the side opposite the outer body <NUM>. As force is applied to the inner body <NUM> from the user's arm <NUM> due to the force of the strapping mechanism acting on the outer body <NUM>, the gap <NUM> between the rib <NUM> and the barb <NUM> is forced narrower or entirely closed by, for example, compression of the inner body <NUM> against the outer body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the force is applied by tightening the strapping mechanism <NUM> attached to the fastening assemblies <NUM>. In some embodiments, the "tightening" may occur naturally without further action when all of the cords or other attachment mechanisms are connected to their respective fastening assemblies. In some embodiments, the strapping mechanism may comprise any tightening mechanism, such as a hook and loop fastening strap defined between the cords, to allow adjustment of the tension between fastening assemblies and cords. Tightening the strapping mechanism <NUM> pulls the outer body <NUM> toward the user's arm <NUM> sandwiching the inner body <NUM> between the outer body <NUM> and the user's arm <NUM>. Once the gap <NUM> between the rib <NUM> and the barb <NUM> is narrowed or closed, the cord <NUM> is held in position by an even greater resistance to removal (e.g., it is much more difficult to remove the cord when the inner body and outer body are compressed towards each other than prior to attachment on the user's arm), securely fastening the mobile device <NUM> to the user's arm <NUM>. While the embodiment depicted in <FIG> illustrates the device holder <NUM> attaching to a user's arm <NUM>, the device holder <NUM> may be attached to any object, including a user's leg, a pole or other stationary object, and/or any other similar object to which the device holder <NUM> may be attached. Although depicted as completely closing in the embodiment of <FIG>, various embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate that the gap may narrow in any amount or degree (or not at all) upon attachment of the device holder <NUM> to the object (e.g., the user's arm <NUM>), which may increase the removal resistance of the device holder depending upon the degree of closing. In various embodiments, either or both of (<NUM>) the deformable portions of the inner body <NUM> and/or outer body <NUM> (e.g., protrusions, such as ribs <NUM> and/or barbs <NUM>) and/or (<NUM>) the compressible distance between portions of the inner body <NUM> and portions of the outer body <NUM> may facilitate easy insertion of the cords and secure holding of the cords in the fastening assemblies <NUM> of the device holder <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a single loop of cord <NUM> attached to a fastening assembly <NUM> by passing the loop over the tab <NUM> and pulling the loop through the narrow gap <NUM> defined between the tab <NUM> and the inner body <NUM> according to the various embodiments discussed herein.

As depicted in <FIG>, the cord <NUM> used to attach to the fastening assembly <NUM> may be configured to form a loop. The loop of cord <NUM> may be any cord, string, or material (or combination of materials) that forms a closed loop with an opening such that the cord, string, or material may be passed over the top of a tab <NUM> of a fastening assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments, the loop of cord <NUM> may be a braided, interlocked elastic material with nylon coating, comprising a durable and abrasion resistant material to reduce wear and increase product life. In some embodiments, the loop may comprise various materials, for example, a cord <NUM> may be a length of cord that is attached at both ends to a band <NUM> or an intermediate portion of a fastening mechanism <NUM> (e.g., branched structure <NUM>), forming a loop comprising the cord <NUM> attached at each end to the band assembly. While depicted in some embodiments as an elastic cord, the cord used herein, including to form the loop shown in <FIG>, may be any piece of material, rope, cord, or other similar structure capable of passing over a tab <NUM> and through the gap <NUM> defined between the inner body <NUM> and the tab <NUM>, whether elastic or inelastic. By forming the cord <NUM> into a loop, the loop of cord <NUM> may be easily pulled through the gap <NUM> by pulling at one point of contact, allowing the user to pass the loop of cord <NUM> over the tab <NUM> and pull the cord <NUM> through the gap <NUM> using only one hand.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of the device holder <NUM> and a strapping mechanism <NUM>, wherein the strapping mechanism <NUM> comprises a band <NUM> attached to two branched structures <NUM>, one on each end of the band <NUM> and attached to the band via a rectangular metal or plastic ring. Each end of the branched structure <NUM> terminates in a loop of cord <NUM>, defining four loops of cord <NUM>, each aligned with and configured to engage four tabs <NUM> formed as part of a single outer body <NUM>. In addition, the depicted strapping mechanism <NUM> includes a band <NUM> connecting the four loops of cord <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cord <NUM> may extend within the branched structure <NUM> and/or band <NUM> to define two or more loops from a single, contiguous piece of cord. In some embodiments, the cord(s) <NUM> may attach directly to the band <NUM> or another strapping mechanism for holding the outer and inner bodies on the object (e.g., the user's arm).

<FIG> illustrates a strapping mechanism <NUM> in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. A strapping mechanism <NUM> may be any material or structure designed to attach to one or more fastening assemblies <NUM> and pass around an object (e.g., user's arm <NUM>) securing the device holder <NUM> to the object. In some embodiments, such as depicted in <FIG>, the strapping mechanism <NUM> may include a band <NUM>. A band <NUM> can be any structure designed to comprise at least one cord <NUM> and pass under the user's arm <NUM> attaching the device holder <NUM> to the user's arm. In some embodiments, the band <NUM> may be a sleeve, strap, belt, band, fastener, or any other portion(s) of material(s) capable of securing the device holder <NUM> to an object (e.g., user's arm <NUM>) by wrapping at least partly around the object to hold the inner body <NUM> and outer body <NUM> against the object or an intermediate surface between the inner body <NUM> and/or outer body <NUM> and the object. In some embodiments, the band <NUM> may partly or entirely comprise the cord <NUM> used to fasten the strapping mechanism <NUM> to the one or more fastening assemblies <NUM>. In some embodiments, the band <NUM> may comprise a material intended to comfortably contact a user's arm <NUM>, for example, a sleeve, a fabric, a breathable material, or similar fabric or material. In some embodiments, the band <NUM> may include padding or other material adjacent to the user's arm <NUM> to provide comfortable contact with the user's arm <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the strapping mechanism <NUM> may terminate in two branched structures <NUM>. Each branched structure <NUM> may further comprise two loops of cord <NUM> defining a total of four loops of cord <NUM> designed to couple with four or more fastening assemblies <NUM>. For example, the strapping mechanism <NUM> may include two loops of cord <NUM> attached to the branched structure <NUM> on one end of the band <NUM> designed to attach to two fastening assemblies <NUM> on one side of the device holder <NUM> and pass under the user's arm <NUM>. The strapping mechanism <NUM> may further include two more loops of cord <NUM> on the other end of the band <NUM> designed to attach to two more fastening assemblies <NUM> on the opposite side of the device holder <NUM>. In some embodiments, the branched structure <NUM> may comprise a single piece of cord <NUM> that spans across the tabs <NUM> on one side of the outer body <NUM> to form both end loops. In some such embodiments, each side of the outer body may use a single piece of cord for two total cords. In some embodiments, only a single fastening assembly <NUM> and corresponding loop <NUM> may be used on each side of the device holder <NUM>. In some embodiments, more than two fastening assemblies <NUM> and corresponding loops <NUM> may be used on each side of the device holder <NUM>. In some embodiments, a strapping mechanism <NUM> may only have one or more loops of cord <NUM> on one side of the band <NUM>, the other side of the band <NUM> being attached either permanently or using another attaching mechanism to the device holder <NUM>. In such an embodiment, a user may attach the strapping mechanism <NUM> simply by passing the band <NUM> under the user's arm <NUM> and attaching the one or more loops of cord <NUM> to the one or more fastening assemblies <NUM> positioned on the device holder <NUM>. In some embodiments, the strapping mechanism <NUM> may also include a tightening mechanism providing a means to tighten the strapping mechanism <NUM> against a user's arm <NUM>. This may be, for example, a looped strap with an adhesion device allowing a user to tighten and fasten the strapping mechanism <NUM> in place. Utilizing the strapping mechanism <NUM> to tighten the device holder <NUM> against the user's arm <NUM> further closes the gap between the inner body <NUM> and the tab <NUM> as described above, which may aid with locking the cord <NUM> in an attached position. Moreover, multiple strapping mechanisms may be used to secure the device holder to the object (e.g., two parallel straps between opposing pairs of fastening assemblies) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

<FIG> provides a flowchart illustrating an example process <NUM> for attaching a device holder to a user's arm <NUM>.

The process <NUM> begins at block <NUM>, by providing a device holder <NUM> comprising one or more fastening assemblies <NUM> and a strapping mechanism <NUM> comprising a cord <NUM>. As described in the embodiments of <FIG>, a device holder <NUM> may comprise one or more fastening assemblies <NUM> providing a mechanism to securely attach a mobile device <NUM> to an object (e.g., a user's arm <NUM>).

The process <NUM> continues at block <NUM>, by attaching the strapping mechanism <NUM> to the at least one fastening assembly <NUM> on the first side of the outer body <NUM>. As described in <FIG>, in some embodiments, a device holder <NUM> may be comprised of multiple fastening assemblies <NUM> disposed on a single outer body <NUM>. The process of attaching a device holder <NUM> may include attaching one side of the strapping mechanism <NUM> to a first side of the outer body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the process may require attaching one side of the strapping mechanism <NUM> to one or more fastening assemblies <NUM> on the first side of the outer body <NUM>, while in other embodiments, the strapping mechanism <NUM> may be permanently attached to the first side of the outer body <NUM>.

The process <NUM> continues at block <NUM>, by passing the strapping mechanism <NUM> around the arm of the user. As described in <FIG>, the strapping mechanism <NUM> may include a band <NUM>, such as a sleeve, strap, belt, band, fastener, or any other portion(s) of material(s) capable of facilitating securing the device holder <NUM> to a user's arm <NUM>. The band <NUM> may comprise material intended to provide a comfortable and/or breathable material, securely attaching a mobile device <NUM> while maintaining comfortable contact with the user's arm <NUM> and allowing airflow to the portions of the user's arm <NUM> in contact with the band <NUM>.

The process <NUM> continues at block <NUM>, by attaching the strapping mechanism <NUM> to the at least one fastening assembly <NUM> on the second side of the outer body <NUM>. A device holder <NUM> may provide one or more fastening assemblies <NUM> disposed on a second side of the outer body <NUM> providing attachment locations for a cord <NUM> or loop positioned on the strapping mechanism <NUM>. Attaching the cord <NUM> or loop to the fastening assemblies <NUM> disposed on the second side of the outer body <NUM> may complete attachment of the device holder <NUM> to the user's arm <NUM>.

The process <NUM> may conclude at block <NUM>, by tightening the strapping mechanism <NUM> against the arm of the user thereby closing gaps <NUM> defined between the tabs <NUM> and the inner body. As described in <FIG>, the strapping mechanism <NUM> may have a tightening mechanism, allowing a user to securely tighten the device holder against the user's arm <NUM>. As the strapping mechanism <NUM> is further tightened, the gap <NUM> between the tab <NUM> and the rib <NUM> of the inner body <NUM> further closes, locking the cord <NUM> or loops of cord <NUM> of the strapping mechanism <NUM> into the one or more fastening assemblies <NUM>.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although the figures only show certain components of the apparatus and systems described herein, it is understood that various other components may be used in conjunction with the system. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the steps in the method described above may not necessarily occur in the order depicted in the accompanying diagrams, and in some cases one or more of the steps depicted may occur substantially simultaneously, or additional steps may be involved. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosed herein have been shown and described above, modifications thereof may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the teachings of the disclosure as described by the appended claims. The embodiments described herein are representative only and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations, and modifications are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure as described by the appended claims. The disclosed embodiments relate primarily to a mobile device holder, however, one skilled in the art may recognize that such principles may be applied to any apparatus that must be attached to an appendage or other surface, for example, armguards, shin guards, leg guards, elbow pads, and/or other similar apparatus. Alternative embodiments that result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiment(s) are also within the scope of the disclosure as described by the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above.

Claim 1:
A fastening assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a tab (<NUM>) defining a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end connected to a portion of an outer body (<NUM>), the tab (<NUM>) comprising a first material; and
an inner body (<NUM>) comprising a second material;
wherein the inner body (<NUM>) is separate from the outer body (<NUM>);
wherein the inner body (<NUM>) and the tab (<NUM>) are configured to receive a cord (<NUM>) therebetween, and
characterized in that
at least a portion of the inner body (<NUM>) is configured to deform during insertion of the cord (<NUM>) between the tab (<NUM>) and the inner body (<NUM>).