PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11147359-B1
Application Number: US-202016838915-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Device carrier

Abstract:
Device carriers described herein can support a device therein and enable a user to readily attach, detach, and exchange the device with other objects and/or to a user for easy access. The construction can include both rigid and flexible parts that are formed together to both facilitate easy operation and be resistant to wear. The construction can further provide an elegant appearance.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A device carrier comprising:
 an upper loop being formed by:
 a monolithic first body extending along an entire inner periphery of the upper loop and defining an inner side of a gate configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration of the upper loop; and 
 a monolithic second body separate from the first body and defining an outer side of the gate, the second body being more flexible than the first body; and 
 
 a lower loop configured to secure a device and being formed by:
 the first body extending along a first portion of an outer periphery of the lower loop to surround only a first portion of an opening; and 
 the second body extending along a second portion of the outer periphery of the lower loop to surround a second portion of the opening that is not surrounded by the first body. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The device carrier of  claim 1 , wherein the lower loop is further formed by a third body defining an inner periphery of the lower loop, the third body being more flexible than the first body. 
     
     
       3. The device carrier of  claim 1 , wherein, when the gate moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the second body elastically deforms. 
     
     
       4. The device carrier of  claim 1 , wherein the upper loop comprises a first latch and a second latch configured to engage the first latch in the closed configuration of the gate. 
     
     
       5. A device carrier comprising:
 a frame having a frame portion of a first material having a first rigidity; 
 a gate being pivotable with respect to the frame, the gate comprising:
 a first gate portion of the first material; and 
 a second gate portion having a composition of a second material having a second rigidity lower than the first rigidity; 
 
 a lower loop comprising:
 a first loop portion of the first material extending partially about an opening, and 
 a second loop portion of the second material, the second loop portion connecting to separate different portions of the first material in the lower loop to span the portion of the opening not enclosed by the first material such that the first loop portion and the second loop portion form a complete loop about the opening. 
 
 
     
     
       6. The device carrier of  claim 5 , wherein the first material is a first monolithic piece, and the second material is a second monolithic piece. 
     
     
       7. The device carrier of  claim 5 , wherein the lower loop further comprises a third material defining an inner periphery of the lower loop, the third material having a third rigidity lower than the first rigidity. 
     
     
       8. The device carrier of  claim 5 , wherein, when the gate pivots with respect to the frame, the first material and the second material of the gate elastically deform. 
     
     
       9. The device carrier of  claim 5 , wherein the gate comprises a gate latch and the frame comprises a frame latch configured to engage the gate latch in a closed configuration of the gate. 
     
     
       10. A device carrier comprising:
 a monolithic first body forming:
 a frame, 
 an inner side of a gate, the gate being pivotable with respect to the frame, and 
 a first portion of a lower loop, the first body forming a gap between the first portion of a lower loop and the inner side of the gate; and 
 
 a monolithic second body separate from the first body and forming:
 an outer side of the gate, and 
 a second portion of the lower loop, the second portion filling the gap between the first portion of the lower loop and the inner side of the gate. 
 
 
     
     
       11. The device carrier of  claim 10 , wherein a thickness of the first body at the inner side of the gate is less than a thickness of the first body along the frame. 
     
     
       12. The device carrier of  claim 10 , wherein a combined thickness of the first body at the inner side of the gate and the second body at the outer side of the gate is equal to a thickness of the first body along the frame. 
     
     
       13. The device carrier of  claim 10 , further comprising a third body extending along an entire inner periphery of the lower loop. 
     
     
       14. The device carrier of  claim 10 , wherein the frame and the gate form an upper loop. 
     
     
       15. The device carrier of  claim 14 , wherein the first body extends along an entire inner periphery of the upper loop. 
     
     
       16. The device carrier of  claim 10 , wherein the first body is of a first material having a first rigidity, and the second body is of a second material having a second rigidity less than the first rigidity. 
     
     
       17. The device carrier of  claim 10 , wherein, when the gate pivots with respect to the frame, the second body elastically deforms. 
     
     
       18. The device carrier of  claim 10 , wherein the gate comprises a gate latch and the frame comprises a frame latch configured to engage the gate latch in a closed configuration of the gate.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present description relates generally to device carriers, and, more particularly, to device carriers of monolithic parts integrally formed together. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Rings, frames, loops, and other carriers for holding objects together find ubiquitous use. Carriers, such as carabiners, have become integrated into everyday use as a convenient method of holding key rings, various tools, and other objects, due to the ease and speed with which objects can be attached and removed from the device coupled with the additional function of being quickly and easily attached to or detached from a user&#39;s belt loop, a bag strap, or other article, thus providing a convenient way to carry objects. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of a device carrier in a closed configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of the device carrier of  FIG. 1  in an open configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a sectional view of the device carrier of  FIG. 1  taken along line A-A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a first body of a device carrier, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a first body and a second body of a device carrier, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a device carrier having a first body, a second body, and a third body, along with a device to be inserted into the third body, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a sectional view of the device carrier of  FIG. 6  taken along line B-B, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. 
     It can be desirable to carry certain items for regular use while also providing an ability to couple such items to yet other objects and/or to a user for easy access. For example, a carabiner-type carrier can form a ring shape with a rigid frame and a moveable gate that interlock together to form the loop shape that continuously encloses an inner region in the closed configuration. 
     It would be advantageous to provide a carrier with a capability to secure hold a device while simultaneously providing a mechanism for easily attaching the carrier to other items. Such items can include key rings, loops on clothing, and other articles while securely retaining any device supported by the carrier. 
     It can also be advantageous to provide the carrier in a form that is resistant to wear. Given that an item supported by the carrier may be frequently used, the carrier can have a construction that is resistant to wear during active use and transport of the carrier. The carrier can also have a construction that facilitates exchange of carried and/or coupled items so that a user can easily attach, detach, and/or exchange items without causing harm to the carrier. 
     It can also be advantageous to provide the carrier in a form that is aesthetically pleasing. While some carriers, such as carabiners, as of a sturdy construction, they often feature bulky metal components, hinges, and other assembled parts that may have an unpleasing appearance. 
     Device carriers described herein can enable a user to readily attach, detach, and exchange a device with other objects and/or to a user for easy access. The construction can include both rigid and flexible parts that are formed together to both facilitate easy operation and be resistant to wear. The construction can further provide an elegant appearance. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-7 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a device carrier can be provided with an ability to support a device as well as an ability to attach to other objects. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a device carrier  10  can include at least two sections. For example, the device carrier  10  can include an upper loop  20  having a gate for attaching and detaching the device carrier  10  to another object. The device carrier  10  can further include a lower loop  90  for supporting a device. 
     The lower loop  90  can be provided to carry, attach to, couple to, or otherwise support a device. For example, the lower loop  90  can form an opening  92  that extends partially or entirely through the device carrier  10 . It will be understood that a variety of devices can be supported at the lower loop  90 . For example, a device can be provided within the opening  92  of the lower loop for secure mounting thereto. The opening  92  can be designed with a shape and/or size that matches a shape and/or size of the device for effective securement. For example, when secured to the lower loop  90 , the secured device can optionally be maintained with a fixed orientation and/or position with respect to the device carrier  10 . 
     In some embodiments, the lower loop  90  is configured to support electronic devices, such as a key fob, security token, authentication device, wireless communication device, and the like. For example, the device supported by the lower loop  90  can include hardware with built-in authentication to control and secure access to other devices, computer systems, network services and data. The device can be used for identification and/or authentication to grant access to systems. As such, it may be desirable to keep the device in a location that is readily accessible by a user. Additionally, it can be desirable to allow the device to wirelessly communicate with other systems. 
     It will be understood that a variety of devices can be supported by the lower loop  90 . Examples of such devices can be electronic devices that are operable by a user. For example, devices can include, input devices, remote controls, keyless entry devices, and the like. Further examples of such devices include Bluetooth devices, NFC devices, RFID devices (e.g., tags), and the like. The lower loop  90  can both secure the device and provide communication access to other devices. 
     It will be understood that the devices need not be electronic devices. For example, such devices can provide decorative or aesthetic features. Examples of such devices include pendants, jewelry, medallions, stones, and the like. The lower loop  90  can both secure and display the device. 
     While the opening  92  of the lower loop  90  is shown as being round, it will be understood that any size or shape can be provided to effectively support a device. For example, an inner periphery of the lower loop  90  can match an outer periphery of the device to be supported in the opening  92 . Accordingly, the opening  92  of the lower loop  90  can be any size and/or shape to facilitate secure support of a device therein. Such shapes include round, oval, rectangular, square, triangular, polygonal, and the like. 
     It will be understood that while the lower loop  90  is shown as a closed loop, the lower loop  90  can alternatively be an open or openable loop. It will be further understood that a device supported in the opening  92  of the lower loop  90  can be tightly or loosely supported. For example, a device can extend through the opening  92  of the lower loop  90 . Such devices can include a ring, clip, chain, chain link, and the like. As such, a portion of such a device can extend out of and away from the opening  92 , yet remain supported by a secure linkage to the lower loop  90 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the device carrier  10  can include the upper loop  20  to releasably secure the device carrier  10  to other objects. For example, the upper loop  20  can include a frame  24  and a gate  34  that is moveable between a closed configuration ( FIG. 1 ) and an open configuration ( FIG. 2 ). Accordingly, the upper loop  20  can form an upper opening  22  that is open or closed depending on the configuration of the gate  34  with respect to the frame  24 . The upper opening  22  can extend partially or entirely through the device carrier  10 . 
     The frame  24  and the gate  34  can together form the upper loop  20  and the upper opening  22  thereof. It will be understood that the upper loop  20  can be coupled to a variety of objects. For example, the upper loop  20  can be coupled to clothing, a belt loop, a bag strap, a wallet, a key, a key chain, a ring, a clip, and the like. As such, a portion of the selected object can extend out of and away from the upper opening  22 , yet remain coupled to the upper loop  20 . The object can be coupled by passing at least a portion thereof past the gate  34  while in an open configuration. Thereafter, the gate  34  can be closed to secure the object to the upper loop  20  with a portion thereof within the upper opening  22 . It will be further understood that an object coupled to the upper loop  20  can be tightly or loosely coupled. For example, when coupled to the upper loop  20 , the coupled object can move to change its orientation and/or position with respect to the device carrier  10  while remaining coupled thereto. Additionally or alternatively, multiple objects can be coupled to the upper loop  20 . 
     The upper loop can be formed by separate bodies that are joined together to provide the desired rigidity and flexibility for operation of the device carrier. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the upper loop  20  can be formed, in part, by a first body  40 . The first body  40  can form at least a portion of the frame  24 . In some embodiments, the first body  40  alone forms an entirety of the frame  24 . The first body  40  can extend along an entire inner periphery of the upper loop  20 , such that the upper opening  22  is entirely defined by the first body  40 . The first body  40  can also form at least a portion of the gate  34 . For example, the first body  40  can form an inner side of the gate  34 . 
     By further example, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the upper loop  20  can be formed, in part, by a second body  60 . The second body  60  can form at least a portion of the gate  34 . For example, the second body  60  can form an outer side of the gate  34 , adjacent to the inner side formed by the first body  40 . 
     The thickness of the first body  40  at the inner side of the gate  34  can be less than a thickness of the first body  40  along the frame  24 . However, a combined thickness of the first body  40  at the inner side of the gate  34  and the second body  60  at the outer side of the gate  34  can be equal to a thickness of the first body  40  along the frame  24 . Such a configuration allows the gate  34  and the frame  24  to appear as a continuous structure while in the closed configurations. It will be understood that other configurations and relative thicknesses are contemplated. 
     The first body  40  and the second body  60  can be of different materials. For example, the second body  60  can be of a material that is more elastic (i.e., lower modulus of elasticity) than the material of the first body  40 . By further example, the first body  40  can be of a material that is more elastic (i.e., higher modulus of elasticity) than the material of the second body  60 . As such, the first body  40  can be more rigid or stiff than the second body  60 , and the second body  60  can be more flexible or pliable than the first body  40  based on the material and/or arrangement of the respective parts. 
     The frame  24  can be substantially stiff while the gate  34  is more flexible to facilitate movement of the gate  34  relative to the frame  24 . For example, as described herein, the frame  24  can be formed by the first body  40  of a less elastic material. In contrast, the gate  34  can be formed by both a thin portion of the first body  40  and the second body  60  of a more elastic material. The resulting gate  34  can be more flexible or pliable than the frame  24 . Accordingly, the gate  34  is allowed to pivot with respect to the frame  24  between the open configuration and the closed configuration. Moreover, the gate  34  can be biased to the closed configuration so that the absence of an external force allows the gate  34  to move toward and against the frame  24 . 
     The lower loop  90  can be formed by the first body  40  extending along a first portion of an outer periphery of the lower loop  90  and the second body  60  extending along a second portion of the outer periphery of the lower loop  90 . Each of the first body  40  and the second body  60  can be a continuous structure that extends to form portions of both the upper loop  20  and the lower loop  90 . 
     The entire length of the second body  60  can facilitate movement of the gate  34 . For example, the portion of the second body  60  that extends into the lower loop  90  can flex and stretch to facilitate movement of the gate  34  from the closed configuration to the open configuration. Furthermore, the second body  60  separates portions of the first body  40  from each other at a region of the pivot of the gate  34 . By extending the second body  60  to such a length and separating portions of the first body  40 , the pivot point is lower and the flexing and/or stretching is distributed across a greater region than would be possible if the first body  40  were formed as a closed loop in the lower loop  90 . As such, the movement of the gate  34  is made easier with less risk of plastic deformation of the first body  40 . Instead, the parts that provide elastic deformation perform movements, thereby allowing deformations to occur without causing undue stress and wear to the parts. 
     The lower loop  90  can further be formed by a third body  80  defining an inner periphery of the lower loop  90 . While an entire outer periphery of the lower loop  90  can optionally be formed by the first body  40  and the second body  60 , the third body can optionally define an entire inner periphery of the lower loop  90  and the opening  92 . 
     The third body  80  can define a portion that directly engages a device to be carried by the device carrier  10 . The third body  80  can be of a material that is more elastic (i.e., lower modulus of elasticity) than the material of the first body  40 . By further example, the first body  40  can be of a material that is more elastic (i.e., higher modulus of elasticity) than the material of the third body  80 . As such, the first body  40  can be more rigid or stiff than the third body  80 , and the third body  80  can be more flexible or pliable than the first body  40  based on the material and/or arrangement of the respective parts. 
     In some embodiments, the first body  40 , the second body  60 , and/or the third body  80  are of different materials. Such materials can include plastic, rubber, polymers, elastics, other flexible materials, and/or combinations thereof. Such materials can be molded or otherwise shaped to form the respective bodies. The first body  40  can optionally include more rigid materials, such as metal. It will be understood that materials can be selected so that a range of motion of the gate  34  is permitted without plastic deformation of the first body  40  or the second body  60 . In some embodiments, the second body  60  and/or the third body  80  are of the same material. 
     The first body  40 , the second body  60 , and/or the third body  80  can each be a separate monolithic structure, rather than an assembly of parts. As used herein, a monolithic structure is one that is integrally formed of a single piece of material, rather than of separate pieces that are joined together by an interface. For example, first body  40 , the second body  60 , and/or the third body  80  can each be a separate unibody and/or unitary structure. By providing a monolithic, unitary, and/or unibody body, the each of the bodies does not contain interfaces or discontinuities therein, such as those that occur in assembled parts. Accordingly, the monolithic, unitary, and/or unibody body can be fabricated to more precise and consistent dimensions and distribute forces along its length while flexing, bending, or stretching. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the frame  24  can include a frame latch  26 , and the gate  34  can include a gate latch  36 . The frame latch  26  and the gate latch  36  can have complementary shapes, such that in a closed configuration, they matingly engage each other. Accordingly, in the closed configuration, the frame latch  26  and the gate latch  36  can limit movement of the gate  34  relative to the frame  24 , other than the movement of pivoting toward and to the open configuration. Furthermore, while in the closed configuration, the frame latch  26  and the gate latch  36  can form an outer surface that is continuous (e.g., flush) with outer surfaces of both the frame  24  and the gate  34 . The frame latch  26  and the gate latch  36  can both be formed by the first body  40 . As such, the frame latch  26  and the gate latch  36  can be provided with sufficient rigidity to provide secure engagement while in the closed configuration. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the frame latch  26  and the gate latch  36  can further engage each other to limit other movements while in the closed configuration. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , each of the frame latch  26  and the gate latch  36  can include one or more teeth that matingly engage each other. While in the closed configuration, the teeth of the frame latch  26  and the gate latch  36  prevent the gate  34  from moving laterally (e.g., parallel to a pivot axis of the gate  34 ) with respect to the frame  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-6 , the device carrier can be formed by a sequence of steps that provide each of the separate bodies. It will be understood that the process describe herein is merely an example, and that the device carrier can be formed with fewer or a greater number of steps, as well as with steps in a different order and/or performed simultaneously. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the first body  40  can be provided with portions that form parts of the upper loop  20  and the lower loop  90 . For example, the first body  40  can form some or the entire frame  24  and at least some of the gate  34  of the upper loop  20 . By further example, the first body  40  can form at least some of the lower loop  90 . At the lower loop  90 , the first body  40  can form a gap  94  that separates an end of the first body  40  from a portion of the first body  40  that forms the gate  34 . The gap  94  can be filled by other components and provide greater bending capabilities to the gate  34 . Alternatively, the first body  40  can optionally form a closed loop by omitting the gap  94 . 
     The first body  40  can be formed by molding or another process. As described herein, the first body  40  can be formed as a single, continuous monolithic piece without interfaces between separate parts. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the second body  60  can be provided with portions that form parts of the upper loop  20  and the lower loop  90 . For example, the second body  60  can form at least some of the gate  34  of the upper loop  20 . By further example, the second body  60  can form at least some of the lower loop  90 . At the lower loop  90 , the second body  60  can fill the gap that separated the end of the first body  40  from a portion of the first body  40  that forms the gate  34 . The second body  60  can provide greater bending capabilities to the gate  34  than would be provided with the first body  40  forming a closed loop. 
     The second body  60  can be formed by molding or another process. For example, the second body  60  can be molded against and/or over portions of the first body  40  in a second shot molding. As described herein, the second body  60  can be formed as a single, continuous monolithic piece without interfaces between separate parts. The first body  40  and the second body  60  can form outer surfaces that are continuous (e.g., flush) with each other. The outer surface can optionally omit seams or other discontinuities that would otherwise allow the separate bodies to be distinguishable. Furthermore, the first body  40  and the second body  60  can have a similar color and/or surface features (e.g., texture, smoothness, etc.) to give the appearance of being a continuous structure despite the different in materials and/or structural features. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the third body  80  can be provided with portions that form parts of the lower loop  90 . For example, the third body  80  can form at least an inner periphery of the lower loop  90 . By further example, the third body  80  can define the lower opening  92  of the lower loop  90 . 
     The third body  80  can be formed by molding or another process. For example, the third body  80  can be molded against and/or over portions of the first body  40  and/or the second body  60  in a third shot molding. As described herein, the third body  80  can be formed as a single, continuous monolithic piece without interfaces between separate parts. The third body  80  can form outer surfaces that are continuous (e.g., flush) with the first body  40  and/or the second body  60 . The outer surface can optionally omit seams or other discontinuities that would otherwise allow the separate bodies to be distinguishable. Furthermore, the third body  80  can have a similar color and/or surface features (e.g., texture, smoothness, etc.) as the first body  40  and/or the second body  60  to give the appearance of being a continuous structure despite the different in materials and/or structural features. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a device can be supported by the device carrier at the lower loop. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the device  100  can be inserted or otherwise attached to the lower loop  90  to be secured and supported within the opening  92 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the third body  80  can receive the device  100  within a cavity thereof. For example, the third body  80  can form a first ridge  82  and a second ridge  84  that define a space, including the lower opening  92 . The device  100  can move into the opening  92  by deflecting at least one of the first ridge  82  and the second ridge  84 , which can elastically deform to allow passage. The device  100  can be secured by extending at least partially into the space between the first ridge  82  and the second ridge  84 . The device  100  can thereafter be removed from the opening  92  by applying a force that deflects at least one of the first ridge  82  and the second ridge  84 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the first ridge  82  and the second ridge  84  can have different features, so that insertion and removal of the device  100  is enabled on a preferred side of the lower loop  90 . Alternatively, the first ridge  82  and the second ridge  84  can have similar features to provide greater symmetry. 
     Accordingly, an entirety of the device carrier  10  can be formed by the first body  40 , the second body  60 , and optionally the third body  80 . Each of these bodies can be monolithically formed (e.g., by molding) and the separate bodies can be combined together (e.g., by co-molding). The assembled device can have the appearance and feel of an integrated device of a single continuous piece despite providing distinct bodies with different structural characteristics. 
     A carrier device described herein can support a device therein and enable a user to readily attach, detach, and exchange the device with other objects and/or to a user for easy access. The construction can include both rigid and flexible parts that are formed together to both facilitate easy operation and be resistant to wear. The construction can further provide an elegant appearance. 
     Various examples of aspects of the disclosure are described below as clauses for convenience. These are provided as examples, and do not limit the subject technology. 
     Clause A: a device carrier comprising: a upper loop being formed by: a first body extending along an entire inner periphery of the upper loop and defining an inner side of a gate configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration of the upper loop; and a second body defining an outer side of the gate, the second body being more flexible than the first body; a lower loop configured to secure a device and being formed by: the first body extending along a first portion of an outer periphery of the lower loop; and the second body extending along a second portion of the outer periphery of the lower loop. 
     Clause B: a device carrier comprising: a frame comprising a first material having a first rigidity; a gate being pivotable with respect to the frame, the gate comprising: the first material; and a second material having a second rigidity lower than the first rigidity; a lower loop comprising: the first material; and the second material, the second material in the lower loop connecting separate portions of the first material in the lower loop. 
     Clause C: a device carrier comprising: a first body forming: a frame; an inner side of a gate, the gate being pivotable with respect to the frame; and a first portion of a lower loop, the first body forming a gap between the first portion of a lower loop and the inner side of the gate; a second body forming: an outer side of the gate; and a second portion of the lower loop, the second portion filling the gap between the first portion of the lower loop and the inner side of the gate. 
     One or more of the above clauses can include one or more of the features described below. It is noted that any of the following clauses may be combined in any combination with each other, and placed into a respective independent clause, e.g., clause A, B, or C. 
     Clause 1: the first body is a first monolithic piece, and the second body is a second monolithic piece. 
     Clause 2: the lower loop is further formed by a third body defining an inner periphery of the lower loop, the third body being more flexible than the first body. 
     Clause 3: when the gate moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the second body elastically deforms. 
     Clause 4: the upper loop comprises a first latch and a second latch configured to engage the first latch in the closed configuration of the gate. 
     Clause 5: the first material is a first monolithic piece, and the second material is a second monolithic piece. 
     Clause 6: the lower loop further comprises a third material defining an inner periphery of the lower loop, the third material having a third rigidity lower than the first rigidity. 
     Clause 7: when the gate pivots with respect to the frame, the first material and the second material of the gate elastically deform. 
     Clause 8: the gate comprises a gate latch and the frame comprises a frame latch configured to engage the gate latch in a closed configuration of the gate. 
     Clause 9: a thickness of the first body at the inner side of the gate is less than a thickness of the first body along the frame. 
     Clause 10: a combined thickness of the first body at the inner side of the gate and the second body at the outer side of the gate is equal to a thickness of the first body along the frame. 
     Clause 11: a third body extending along an entire inner periphery of the lower loop. 
     Clause 12: the frame and the gate form an upper loop. 
     Clause 13: the first body extends along an entire inner periphery of the upper loop. 
     Clause 14: the first body is of a first material having a first rigidity, and the second body is of a second material having a second rigidity less than the first rigidity. 
     Clause 15: when the gate pivots with respect to the frame, the second body elastically deforms. 
     A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless specifically so stated, but rather one or more. For example, “a” module may refer to one or more modules. An element proceeded by “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional same elements. 
     Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention. The word exemplary is used to mean serving as an example or illustration. To the extent that the term include, have, or the like is used, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprise as comprise is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. 
     Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, an embodiment, the embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, a configuration, the configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, the disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof and alike are for convenience and do not imply that a disclosure relating to such phrase(s) is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa, and this applies similarly to other foregoing phrases. 
     A phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, each of the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” refers to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C. 
     It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be performed in different order. Some of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims, if any, present elements of the various steps, operations or processes in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. These may be performed in serial, linearly, in parallel or in different order. It should be understood that the described instructions, operations, and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software/hardware product or packaged into multiple software/hardware products. 
     In one aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being indirectly coupled. 
     Terms such as top, bottom, front, rear, side, horizontal, vertical, and the like refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, such a term may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference. 
     The disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. The disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein may be applied to other aspects. 
     All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for”. 
     The title, background, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and drawings are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various implementations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter. 
     The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of the applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20200402
Publication Date: 20211019
Grant Date: 20211019
Priority Date: 20200402
Inventors: TREADWELL, NICHOLAS A.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A45F5/021", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 78083088