Patent Application
20240065422
The present invention relates generally to the field of smart device holder apparatuses. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel multipurpose electronic tablet holding apparatus capable of being used by prison inmates to prevent damage to their prison tablets and personal documents. The apparatus utilizes a padded or impact absorbent case to fully protect and hold the electronic tablet and features a plurality of straps with adjustable buckles to accommodate individuals of different body types. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, inmates of prisons and other institutions live without physical presence of their friends and families and have limited interaction with outsiders which can lead to mental health issues and irrational behavior. Various communication systems are used to enable inmates to talk with loved ones, friends, and others who are outside of the institution. One example of such communication devices or systems is Global Tel Link (GTL) tablets that provide means for communication, entertainment, efficiency, and education solution to correctional facilities. Such electronic devices help calm the corrections environment, resulting in an inmate population that is more tranquil, less anxious, and less aggressive. The communication devices for inmates are especially designed and manufactured, and tend to be expensive. These high-tech devices are similar to common handheld electronic tablets but are made exclusively by Global Tel Link. Electronic tablets offer specialized content and services for inmates to use during their confinement at correctional facilities. The electronic tablets enable inmates access to a suite of education and entertainment content, plus the ability to place phone calls, send messages, and get general on-site support. Some tablet content and services are free, such as select reading material, utilities (dictionary, calendar, calculator, etc.), and quick links to common facility tools.
Inmates generally keep their communication or electronic devices in their pockets or in their hands, which can easily damage the devices. Physical damage due to a fall or excessive bending is also common which can lead to cracked, broken, or bleeding display along with hardware malfunctions. While doing physical activities, devices are kept at a common place which often leads to the devices being stolen or unintentionally mixed with other inmate's devices. Due to unavailability of holding systems of such devices, inmates and even administrators find it difficult to securely store the devices. There is a common need for a holding system that can securely and conveniently hold inmate personal communication or electronic devices to prevent damage.
Documents such as personal documents, money, and other physical items are difficult to store by inmates and are often lost. Inmates and authorities desire a holding system for storing such documents in a convenient manner.
Storing tablets or communication devices and documents at a central place, such as a wall mounted cabinet or kiosk, is often discomforting and time consuming. Further, this limits the use of communication devices and inmates may end up not using their devices and documents.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an inmate electronic tablet holding system for securely storing prison tablets and other documents. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose tablet holding apparatus that can be secured to the body of a user to keep the tablet and documents nearby. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose communication device holding apparatus that prevents an inmate's tablet and documents from falling causing physical damage. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a holding case to hold a tablet or smart device in a water-resistant manner. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a unique holding device designed specially to hold a prison tablet and documents and that can be adhered to the body of a user. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a prison tablet holding device that protects the tablet from physical damage while obviating the need to store the tablet at a common and faraway place. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a unique electronic tablet holding device that offers a way for prison inmates to protect their belongings such as, for example, a provided GTL (i.e., prison) tablet and documents while incarcerated.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a multipurpose electronic tablet holding apparatus. The apparatus is in the form of a tool that enables a user to secure a tablet or smart device to their body. Preferably, the apparatus is designed to hold tablets and documents of prison inmates. The apparatus comprising of a padded (i.e., padded layers) or impact absorbent case for accommodating the smart device/tablet and a plurality of pockets for securely storing documents and small items is disclosed. The padded or impact absorbent case has a slit at the top end for accommodating and accessing the tablet therein and has a clear cover enabling the user to operate and view the tablet without removing the apparatus. For securing the apparatus to the body of a user, the apparatus has a pair of shoulder straps attached to the top end of the padded or impact absorbent case and a pair of bottom straps attached to the bottom end of the padded or impact absorbent case such that a shoulder strap is releasably fastened to a corresponding bottom strap at the back portion of the user wherein the fastening takes place at the back of the user. A back supporting strap attached to the padded or impact absorbent case and configured to wrap around the back of the user for securing the padded or impact absorbent case. The straps are adjustable in length and the padded or impact absorbent case is water-resistant to fully protect and hold the tablet.
In this manner, the electronic tablet holding apparatus of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a tablet holding system, capable of being used by prison inmates to prevent damage to their prison tablets and personal documents. The apparatus enables the users to wear the apparatus using adjustable straps to keep their tablets and personal items close by. The device prohibits physical damage and stealing of the devices in correction facilities.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a multipurpose electronic tablet holding apparatus. The apparatus is in the form of a tool that enables a user to secure a tablet or smart device to their body. The apparatus comprising of a padded (i.e., padded layers) or impact absorbent case for accommodating the smart device/tablet and a plurality of pockets for securely storing documents and small items is disclosed. A pair of shoulder straps are attached to the top end of the padded or impact absorbent case and a pair of bottom straps are attached to the bottom end of the padded or impact absorbent case such that a shoulder strap is releasably fastened to a corresponding bottom strap at the back portion of the user. A back supporting strap attached to the padded or impact absorbent case is configured to wrap around the back of the user for securing the padded or impact absorbent case. The padded or impact absorbent case has a slit at the top end for accommodating and accessing the tablet therein and has a clear cover enabling the user to operate and view the tablet without removing the apparatus.
In yet another embodiment, the back strap, the shoulder straps, and the bottom straps are adjustable in length and are made of nylon webbing.
In yet another embodiment, the shoulder straps have padded support for comfort and pockets for storing personal documents.
In yet another embodiment, an apparatus for securely storing a prison tablet near to the body of a prisoner is disclosed. The apparatus is designed to be worn on the torso of a prisoner and features a padded or impact absorbent case for accommodating a prison tablet and has a clear cover enabling a prisoner to view and operate the tablet therethrough. The apparatus further has a right shoulder strap and a left shoulder strap sewn to the top end of the padded or impact absorbent case, a right bottom strap and a left bottom strap sewn to the bottom end of the padded or impact absorbent case, the left shoulder strap is releasably fastened to left bottom strap at the back of the user wearing the apparatus, the right shoulder strap is releasably fastened to right bottom strap at the back of the user wearing the apparatus, a back strap is configured to wrap around the back of the user such that the padded or impact absorbent case is positioned on the torso of the user. The padded or impact absorbent case fully protects and holds the tablet, and the straps obviate requirement of the user to manually hold the case.
In yet another embodiment, the straps feature adjustable buckles to accommodate individuals of different body types and sizes of users.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an inmate electronic tablet holding system for securely storing prison tablets and other documents. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose tablet holding apparatus that can be secured to the body of a user to keep a tablet and documents nearby. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose communication device holding apparatus that prevents an inmate's tablet and documents from falling causing physical damage. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a holding case to hold a tablet or smart device in a water-resistant manner. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a unique holding device designed specially to hold a prison tablet and documents that can be adhered to the body of a user. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a prison tablet holding device that protects the tablet from physical damage while obviating the need to store the tablet at a common and faraway place. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a unique electronic tablet holding device that offers a way for prison inmates to protect their belongings such as a provided (i.e., GTL) tablet and documents while incarcerated.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is an apparatus for securely storing a prison tablet near to the body of a prisoner. The apparatus features a water-resistant padded (i.e., padded layers having a plastic underlayer) or impact absorbent case for accommodating a tablet or smart device and has a clear cover enabling a prisoner to view and operate the screen of the tablet while the smart device is still in the cover. The apparatus further has a right shoulder strap and a left shoulder strap sewn to the top end of the padded or impact absorbent case, a right bottom strap and a left bottom strap sewn to the bottom end of the padded or impact absorbent case, the left shoulder strap is releasably fastened to left bottom strap at the back of the user while wearing the apparatus, the right shoulder strap is releasably fastened to right bottom strap at the back of the user while wearing the apparatus, a back strap is configured to wrap around the back of the user such that the padded or impact absorbent case is positioned on the torso of the user.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The padded or impact absorbent case 102 is water-resistant and protects the stored smart device from inclement weather. A pair of shoulder straps 110, 112 are attached (such as sewn) to the top end 106 of the padded or impact absorbent case 102 and are configured to extend across or over the shoulder from the front of the shoulders of a user to the back of the shoulders. The left shoulder strap 110 has a cushioned shoulder pocket 114 for storing personal documents and small items. Similarly, the right shoulder strap 112 has a cushioned shoulder pocket 116 for storing personal documents and small items. It is to be appreciated that pockets 114, 116 are selectively detachable. The shoulder straps 110, 112 are adjustable in length to fit around shoulders of different sized users. For securing the left shoulder strap 110 around the shoulder and at the back of a user of the device 100 as shown in
For securing the right shoulder strap 112 around the right shoulder and at the back of the user using the device 100, a right bottom strap 122 is attached to the bottom end 120 of the padded or impact absorbent case 102. The right bottom strap 122 is adjustable in length and is configured to releasably fasten to the right shoulder strap 112. The shoulder straps 110, 112 and the bottom straps 118, 122 are configured to enable a user to secure the tablet holding device 100 like a backpack with the padded or impact absorbent case 102 accessible in front of a user's body.
For additional support in securing the holding device 100 to the body of a user, a pair of back support straps 124, 126 configured to fasten using buckles around the back of the user are provided. The straps 124, 126 have the fastening buckle as illustrated in
The padded or impact absorbent case 102 is specially sized and designed to accommodate different tablets provided in the correction facilities and prisons. The device 100 enables a user to keep the personal documents and the tablet close to the body while doing any activity. The holding device 100 further protects the tablet and other documents from inclement weather and physical damage.
The right shoulder strap 112 is sewn or attached to the rear surface 202 using sewn portion 212, and the left shoulder strap 114 is sewn using the corresponding sewn portion 214. The bottom straps 118, 122 are sewn to the rear surface 202 using the sewn elements 216, 218, respectively. The right shoulder strap 112 and the right bottom strap 122 are fastened together using the fastening buckle 210 enabling the device 100 to secure around the body a user. Similarly, the left shoulder strap 114 and the left bottom strap 118 are fastened together using the fastening buckle 208.
The back strap 124 is sewn to the rear surface 202 at the sewn portion 220 and has a buckle receiver 204 for accommodating the buckle 206 positioned at the free end of the other back strap 126 which is sewn at hook 222. While the back straps 124, 126 are fastened, they can overlap the fastened shoulder straps 112, 114 or alternatively, the shoulder straps may overlap the back straps 124, 126.
It should be appreciated that the plurality of straps positioned on the padded or impact absorbent case 102 enable the device 100 to be secured to the body, thereby preventing drops or physical damage thereto. Further, the rear surface 202 of the padded or impact absorbent case 102 may also have one or more pockets for storing one or more personal documents in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Further, all the straps are adjustable to accommodate users of different sizes. As illustrated, the free portion 224 of the back strap 124 can be pulled to adjust the length of the back strap 124.
The right shoulder strap 112 goes over the right shoulder 304 from the front to the back of the user, and the left shoulder strap 114 goes over the left shoulder 306 from the front to the back of the user. The bottom straps 118, 122 go from the torso of the user to the back of the user to fasten to the shoulder straps as described in
The smart device 308 is visible from outside through the clear front portion 108 such that the user is able to operate the smart device 308 without removing the tablet 308 from the padded or impact absorbent case 102. The back straps 124, 126 go around the back or rear of the user 300 and are fastened to secure the holding apparatus 100 to the body of the user 300.
The right shoulder strap 712 is attached to the rear surface 702 using an end portion lopped through slot 713 and secured with a hook and loop connection 715, and the left shoulder strap 714 is attached to the rear surface 702 using an end portion lopped through a rear slot and secured with a hook and loop connection (not illustrated). The bottom strap 722 is attached to the rear surface 702 using and end portion looped through slot 723 and secured with a hook and loop connection 725. The bottom strap 718 can be similarly secured to the rear surface 702 as bottom strap 722 (not illustrated). The right shoulder strap 712 and the right bottom strap 722 are fastened together using a fastening buckle 710 enabling the device 700 to secure around the body a user. Similarly, the left shoulder strap 714 and the left bottom strap 718 are fastened together using a fastening buckle 708.
It should be appreciated that the plurality of straps positioned on the padded or impact absorbent case 701 enable the device 700 to be secured to the body, thereby preventing drops or physical damage thereto. Further, the shoulder straps 712, 714 can include removable shoulder pads 732, 734. Further, all the straps are adjustable to accommodate users of different sizes. The case 701 can include sealable openings and controls for a power button 740, a volume control 742, a headphone port 744, and a charging port 746.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “tablet holding apparatus”, “multipurpose tablet holding device”, “prison tablet holding apparatus”, “device”, and “apparatus” are interchangeable and refer to the multipurpose tablet holding device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the multipurpose tablet holding device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the multipurpose tablet holding device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the multipurpose tablet holding device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the multipurpose tablet holding device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the multipurpose tablet holding device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/401,413, which was filed on Aug. 26, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63401413 | Aug 2022 | US |
