Patent Application
20100155438
The present disclosure relates to a carrier for holding a personal media player. More specifically, this invention relates to a device that is secured to the arm of a person for carrying a personal media player.
Many different types of personal media players exist ranging from portable music and video players to multi-function cellular phones and various combinations in between. Often times, a user of these types of devices is unwilling or unable to hold the device while engaging in various physical activities such as running or exercising or other activities requiring the use of one's hands. These physical activities often require the device to be reliably and comfortably secured to the user. Furthermore, the device may require adjustment of volume or selection of functions while secured to the user. Therefore, a variety of carriers including armband carriers have been utilized to secure these devices to a user.
In addition, a portable electronic device generally requires accessories such as earphones or earpieces that connect with the device via cords or cables. These cords may interfere with the physical activities of the user by distracting the user or becoming tangled in other equipment, potentially leading to injury to the user or damage to the device. Furthermore, the user may require storage for personal items such as identification cards, money, or keys while engaging in the physical activity. In addition, the user may engage in physical activities in climates including rain or hot weather that may require added protection for the device or the personal items. These physical activities and climates also require that the carrier be durable and tear-resistant.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the armband carrier includes a casing to hold a personal media player and a pair of wings having slots through which an adjustable armband strap passes. The back of the casing and wings may include a gripping surface to prevent excessive movement while attached to the arm of a user while still providing a soft, comfortable feel against the skin of the user. The carrier may also be configurable to hold devices of various sizes by removing a projection on the casing. The armband strap may be made of a washable, antibacterial/antimicrobial material.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the armband carrier includes an accessory management structure to secure and store accessories connected to a device held by the carrier. The accessory management structure includes a slot or notch to retain cords and recesses to hold earphones.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the armband carrier includes a storage loop to secure a removable storage tube wherein the user may store personal items such as an identification card, money, keys and the like. The storage tube may include a cap tethered to the tube and configured in combination with the tube to provide a water-resistant closure.
An armband carrier for a personal media player of the type disclosed herein is advantageous over previous devices by providing improved stability while attached to the arm of a user. Furthermore, the present armband carrier is configurable to allow a user to alter the capacity of the casing and accommodate personal media players of various sizes. The present armband carrier for a personal media player is further advantageous over previous devices by providing accessory management and storage capability for accessories such as earphones that are attached to the device. Providing cord management and storage capability, as well as storage of earphones, decreases the likelihood that a cord will interfere in the user's physical activities, reducing potential for injury to the user and damage to the device. In addition, the present armband carrier is advantageous over previous devices by providing a removable, water-resistant storage tube for identification, money, keys and the like.
Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific embodiment are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.
The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its application or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.
In
Increased thickness of the wings 29 at the edges and around slots 31 is provided to improve resistance to tearing. A hardened plastic insert (not show) may also be molded into wings 29 around the slots 31 to provide additional reinforcement and resistance to tearing. At one end of casing 13, an accessory management structure 33 includes notches 35 to receive and retain an accessory cord 37. In addition, the accessory management structure 33 includes a pair of recessed portions 39 forming pockets in the shape of ear buds or earphones to receive and retain a pair of earphones 41. At another end of casing 13, a storage structure 43 includes a pair of storage loops 45, a storage tube 47, and a tethered cap 49.
The casing 13, wings 29 and storage loops 45 are formed as a unitary structure to provide an integral support for a personal media player. As presently preferred, this unitary structure is a molded plastic or polymeric part, and more preferably a molded thermoplastic polyurethane elastomeric part. Thus, one skilled in the art will recognize that conventional molding techniques can be employed to fabricate this structure from Pellethane™ available from Dow Chemical Co. The armband strap 15 is formed from a suitable elastic band that is securable upon itself to provide an adjustable length to accommodate a wide range of arm sizes. The armband should have sufficient elastic memory to stretch and return with the flexion of the user's muscles. As presently preferred, elastic or neoprene bands are suitable, and a flexible strap composed of VELSTRETCH® with an antibacterial/antimicrobial agent applied is most preferred.
As presently illustrated, armband carrier 11 is configured for an Apple iPod®, GenV personal media player. For example, the armband carrier with the projection is sized to secure a 30 GB iPod® and having a thickness of about 11 mm, and the armband carrier without the projection is sized to secure an 80 GB iPod® having a thickness of about 14 mm. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the teachings of the present invention have applicability to a wide range of personal hand held devices including other models of the Apple iPod® personal media player or personal audio devices of other manufacturers, personal digital assistants, mobile phones and the like.
In
Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the specification, and the following claims.
