Patent Application
20080012706
Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
In the following description, various exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments However, it should be apparent to those knowledgeable in the field of the invention that the invention may be practiced without the specific details. The description may also omit or simplify well-known features in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.
In this first exemplary embodiment, the holster 1 has a second magnet 4′, located near an upper edge 7 of the holster. Thus when the device is inserted into the holster, the sensor 3 immediately detects the second magnet 4′ and the device is disabled. When the device is fully holstered, the sensor detects the first magnet 4 and remains disabled.
Preferably the sensor 3 is located near the bottom of the device, i.e. near the first part of the device to be inserted in the holster, and preferably well below the keyboard or trackball or other input means, so that the device is disabled before any accidental inputs from contact with the holster.
Of course, it would not be desirable for the device to become fully functional again once the sensor 3 has passed the second magnet 4′ and before it aligns with the first magnet 4. Therefore, the device preferably is programmed so that once disabled by the second magnet, it remains disabled for a small amount of time, but sufficient for the sensor to reach the first magnet even during a somewhat slower than typical holstering. For example, it could remain disabled for 1 or 2 seconds, by which time the sensor would normally align with the first magnet, so that the device would remain enabled.
Preferred and exemplary embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. It is expected that skilled persons will employ such variations as appropriate, and it is expected that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing statement, some specific examples of possible variations may include the following, though others may be apparent to those knowledgeable in the field of the invention.
In the above exemplary embodiments, the magnets are shown in a front panel of the holster. However, depending on the configuration of the holder and the location of the sensor in the device, the magnets could be located in a rear panel of the holster, or in either side panel. In another alternate embodiment, for example, the magnet may be located on the border or trim of the holster so that when the device is near the holster, it will be disabled upon contact or close proximity to the holster.
Further variations may be apparent or become apparent to those knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and are within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims which follow.
