Protection Sheath for a Touch Screen Stylus

Abstract

Provided herein are protection sheaths or stylus sheaths for a touch screen stylus. Generally, the protection sheath has top and bottom portions disposed around stylus and means for moving the stylus inside the protection sheath. A position-limiting ring and a tightening structure with a spring disposed on the top of the position-limiting ring may comprise the means by which to extend and to retract the stylus tip. The sheath may have a stop clip disposed through the top portion which works with a motion stop on the tightening structure to limit the motion of the stylus. Alternatively, the top and bottom portions may be threaded and the sheath may have a securing top and damper band to secure the stylus within the sheath.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to the field of accessories for electronic devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a protection sheath for a touch screen stylus.

Description of the Related Art

Currently, there are many smart electronic devices accessorized with touch screen styli to enable users to write or sketch accurately on the touch screens. Generally, such a touch screen stylus comprises a sharp tip with an elongated pencil-shaped body. Some of the styli also have an extra antenna or flash drive integrated within in it. Moreover, the smart device companies currently in the market are paying increasing attention to the aesthetical design of touch screen styli.

The sharp tip of a stylus can be fragile, if the tip impacts the floor after being dropped. An elongated body may result in the stylus easily being bent. Furthermore, the patterns or special paint on the stylus surface may need protection against scratches from daily uses. However, to date very few of the styli are designed to be sturdy and scratch proof to preserve the look and functionality for long-term use.

Therefore, there is a recognized need in the art for a protection sheath that can protect both the tip and the body of a touch screen stylus. Particularly, the prior art is deficient in this aspect. The present invention fulfills this long-standing need and desire in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a protection sheath for a touchscreen stylus. The protection sheath comprises a top portion disposed around a top section of the stylus and a bottom portion disposed around a bottom section of the stylus in a connecting relationship with said top portion and means for moving the stylus inside the protection sheath. The present invention is directed to a related protection sheath that further comprises means for storing a stylus cap thereon.

The present invention also is directed to a sheath for a stylus. The sheath comprises a top portion disposed around a top end of the stylus and a bottom portion is disposed around a bottom end of the stylus. A position-limiting ring has a bottom section having a clip that fits into a top opening of the bottom portion of the sheath, a ring-like middle section, and a top section comprising a threaded head on top of the middle section. A tightening structure comprises an exteriorly threaded top end having a clip formed thereon and a bottom end insertable into the threaded head of the position-limiting ring. A spring is disposed in the bottom portion of the sheath below the tightening structure. A stop clip is disposed through the side of the top portion of the sheath. A motion stop disposed on a side surface of the tightening structure is configured to removably receive said stop clip.

The present invention is directed further to a stylus sheath for protecting a touch screen stylus comprising a top portion disposed around a top end of a stylus. The top portion comprises a proximal end with threads disposed on an inner surface thereof and a distal end with threads disposed on an inner surface thereof. A bottom portion is disposed around a bottom end of a stylus. The bottom portion comprises a distal end with threads disposed on an outer surface thereof. The threads are engaged with the threads at the proximal end of the top portion. A securing top comprises a proximal end with threads disposed on an outer surface thereof. The threads are engaged to the threads of the distal end of the top portion. A damper band is disposed over the threads of the distal end of the top portion, configured to secure the stylus in the sheath when the securing top is screwed into the top portion and pressed against the damper band.

Other and further aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention given for the purpose of disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the matter in which the above-recited features, advantages and objects of the invention, as well as others that will become clear, are attained and can be understood in detail, more particular descriptions of the invention briefly summarized above may be by reference to certain embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings form a part of the specification. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and therefore are not to be considered limiting in their scope.

FIG. 1A is a side view of the protection sheath with the touch screen stylus disposed inside and with the stylus tip exposed.

FIG. 1B is a perspective front and side view of the protection sheath demonstrating that the stylus tip can retract into and extend from the protection sheath by turning a position-limiting ring.

FIG. 1C is a side view of the protection sheath with the stylus tip retracted into the sheath and with the stylus cap on.

FIG. 1D is a side view of the protection sheath with the stylus cap off.

FIG. 2A is a partially exploded view of the protection sheath depicting a bottom portion and a top portion. The stylus is disposed in the bottom portion of the sheath.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the bottom portion of the protection sheath illustrating placement of the touch screen stylus within the bottom portion of the sheath through the top opening thereof.

FIG. 2C is a side view of the bottom portion of the protection sheath with the touch screen stylus is disposed therein demonstrating placement of a position-limiting ring and a tightening structure.

FIG. 2D is a side view of the bottom portion of the protection sheath demonstrating tightening the sleeve nut on the threaded top of the tightening structure.

FIG. 3A is a side view of the bottom portion of the protection sheath with the position-limiting ring assembled on the top thereof and a tightening structure configured to fit into the threaded head of the position-limiting ring.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the bottom portion of the protection sheath showing the configuration with spiral grooves disposed on the outer surface of the tightening structure.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the position-limiting ring and the tightening structure showing a position-limiting button disposed in the inside surface of position limiting ring and fitable into the spiral grooves.

FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the bottom portion of the protection sheath with the position limiting ring and the tightening structure assembled thereto, showing that the motion of the tightening structure (up or down in the sheath) is driven by the turning direction of the position-limiting ring.

FIG. 3E is a side view of the bottom portion of the sheath with the position-limiting ring detached therefrom showing the bottom clip that fit in the bottom portion.

FIG. 3F is a side view of the bottom portion of the sheath with the position-limiting ring attached thereto, and a spring disposed on the top opening of the position-limiting ring.

FIG. 4A is a cross sectional view of the protection sheath when a touch screen stylus is disposed therein. The figure demonstrates that a user pushes the top of the stylus to get the tip of the stylus out of the protection sheath while the tightening structure moves down along with the stylus.

FIG. 4B is a cross sectional view of the protection sheath when a touch screen stylus is disposed therein. The figure demonstrates that the tip (desired portion) of the stylus is pushed out of the protection sheath while the tightening structure reaches a stopping clip to lock the position thereof.

FIG. 4C is a cross sectional view of the protection sheath when a touch screen stylus is disposed therein. The figure demonstrates that the tip of the stylus retracts into the protection sheath when a user lifts the stopping-clip to release the spring, pushing the tightening structure and stylus upwards.

FIG. 5A side view of the top portion of the sheath with a touch screen stylus comprising a removable cap disposed on the top thereof.

FIG. 5B side view of the top portion of the sheath showing the cap is removed from the top of the stylus to uncover a structure such as a LIGHTNING connector or a micro USB.

FIG. 5C depicts that the cap of the stylus is secured between the protection sheath and the pen clip of the sheath around the top of the pen clip.

FIG. 6A a side view of the protection sheath with an alternative configuration comprising a top portion, a bottom portion and a securing top with the tip of the stylus out of the sheath.

FIG. 6B is a cross sectional view of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C a side view of the protection sheath with an alternative configuration comprising a top portion, a bottom portion and a securing top with the tip of the stylus inside of the sheath.

FIG. 6D is a cross sectional view of FIG. 6C.

FIG. 7A is a cross section view of the protection sheath depicted in FIGS. 6A-6D, showing the proximal end of the securing top is not fully turned inside of the top portion.

FIG. 7B is a cross section view of the protection sheath depicted in FIGS. 6A-6D, showing the proximal end of the securing top is fully turned inside of the top portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein in the specification, “a” or “an” may mean one or more. As used herein in the claim(s), when used in conjunction with the word “comprising”, the words “a” or “an” may mean one or more than one.

As used herein “another” or “other” may mean at least a second or more of the same or different claim element or components thereof. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “Comprise” means “include.”

As used herein, the term “about” refers to a numeric value, including, for example, whole numbers, fractions, and percentages, whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numerical values (e.g., +/−5-10% of the recited value) that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In some instances, the term “about” may include numerical values that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

As used herein, the term “proximal” refers to a direction toward the tip of the stylus when the stylus is disposed in the protection sheath. As used herein, the term “distal” refers to a direction away from the tip of the stylus when the stylus is disposed in the protection sheath.

In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided protection sheath for a touch screen stylus, comprising a top portion disposed around a top section of the stylus; a bottom portion disposed around a bottom section of the stylus in a connecting relationship with said top portion; and means for moving the stylus inside the protection sheath.

In an aspect of this embodiment, the stylus may comprise a cap disposed on a distal end thereof where the protection sheath comprises means for storing the cap thereon. In this aspect the storing means may comprise a pen clip disposed on the top portion of the sheath configured to secure the stylus cap on the top thereof.

In another aspect the moving means may comprise a position limiting ring having a bottom clip that fits into a top opening of the clip at the bottom of the sheath, a threaded head and a position-limiting button disposed on an inner surface of the threaded head; a tightening structure comprising an exteriorly threaded top end having a clip formed thereon and a bottom end having a spiral groove disposed on an outer surface thereof configured to slidably receive the position-limiting button where the bottom end is inserted into a top opening of the position-limiting ring; and a sleeve nut threadably engaging the threaded top of the tightening structure.

In this embodiment and aspects thereof, the top portion and bottom portion may each be substantially cylindrical. Also, each of the top portion and the bottom portion may be hollow and each may comprise an opening at top and bottom ends thereof. In addition, the position-limiting ring may rotably engage the stylus in an upward and downward motion, where the motion is limited by the position of the position-limiting button in the spiral groove. Furthermore the top portion of the protection sheath threadably may engage the threaded head of the position-limiting ring.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a protection sheath for a touch screen stylus, comprising a top portion disposed around a top end of the stylus; a bottom portion disposed around a bottom end of the stylus; a position limiting ring having a bottom section comprising a clip that fits into a top opening of the bottom portion of the sheath, a ring-like middle section, and a top section comprising a threaded head on top of said middle section; a tightening structure comprising an exteriorly threaded top end having a clip formed thereon and a bottom end insertable into the threaded head of the position-limiting ring; a spring disposed in the bottom portion of the sheath below the bottom end of the tightening structure; a stop clip disposed through the side of the top portion of the protection sheath; and a motion stop disposed on a side surface of the tightening structure configured to removably receive said stop clip.

In this embodiment, the spring may be configured to push the tightening structure upwards when the stop clip is lifted from the motion stop thereon.

Also, the top portion and bottom portion may each be substantially cylindrical. In addition, each of the top portion and the bottom portion may be hollow and each may comprise an opening at top and bottom ends thereof. Furthermore, the top portion of the protection sheath may be threadable around the threaded head of the position-limiting ring.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a stylus sheath for protecting a touch screen stylus, comprising a top portion disposed around a top end of a stylus, comprising a proximal end with threads disposed on an inner surface thereof and a distal end with threads disposed on an inner surface thereof; a bottom portion disposed around a bottom end of a stylus, comprising a distal end with threads disposed on an outer surface thereof, said threads engaged with the threads at the proximal end of the top portion; and a securing top comprising a proximal end with threads disposed on an outer surface thereof, said threads engaged to the threads of the distal end of the top portion; and a damper band disposed over the threads of the distal end of the top portion configured to secure the stylus in the sheath when the securing top is screwed into the top portion and pressed against said damper band. Further to this embodiment, the stylus sheath may comprise a pen clip having a ring and a clip body perpendicularly connected to said ring, said ring is secured between the securing top and the top portion thereof, configured to store a stylus cap.

In both embodiments, the top portion, bottom portion and securing top are each substantially cylindrical. Also in both embodiments, exemplary materials for the damper band may include, but are not limited to, rubber, silicon, plastic or a combination thereof.

Provided herein are protection sheaths for a touch screen stylus. Particularly, embodiments of the present invention are better illustrated with reference to the Figure(s), however, such reference is not meant to limit the present invention in any fashion. The embodiments and variations described in detail herein are to be interpreted by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a the tip of the stylus 2 extends out of the protection sheath 1 when it is in use. As shown in FIG. 1B, a user can conveniently retract the stylus into the sheath (FIG. 1C) by turning the position-limiting ring 5 of the protection sheath when it is not in use. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the protection sheath comprises a top portion 4, a bottom portion 3 and means for moving a stylus within the protection sheath 5 (see FIGS. 2A-2D). Both the top portion 4 and bottom portion 3 of the sheath are hollow and substantially cylindrical with both ends open (FIG. 1A). Generally, a pen clip 13 (FIG. 1B) is disposed on the top portion of the sheath. FIGS. 1C and 1D show that the stylus cap 15 is on and off the top of the stylus respectively.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate the placement and assembly of the means for moving a stylus within the protection sheath. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the moving means may comprise a position-limiting ring 5 that fits in a top opening of the bottom portion 3, a tightening structure 8 that fits in a top opening of the position-limiting ring 5. FIG. 2C shows a sleeve nut 7 that fits on the top portion (clip formed on the threaded head) of the tightening structure 8. In FIG. 2D, the sleeve nut 7 engages the threads of the tightening structure and is turned to secure thereto.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2A-2D, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3F, the position-limiting ring 5 may comprise a threaded head 5a, and a bottom clip 5b (FIG. 3E) that fits inside of the bottom portion of the protection sheath. As shown in 3B, the tightening structure 8 may comprise a threaded top 8a and a clip 8b formed thereon to releasably grip the stylus, a bottom clip 8c that fits inside the threaded head of the position-limiting ring. A stylus 2 is threaded through the top opening of the tightening structure 8 and the position-limiting ring 5. The tip of the stylus 2 then extends through the bottom opening of the bottom portion of the protection sheath. The sleeve nut 7 disposed around the stylus is then threaded onto the threaded top of the tightening structure 8, gripping onto the middle section of the stylus 2. Furthermore, the top portion of the sheath is disposed around the stylus and thread on the threaded head of the position-limiting ring.

As shown in FIG. 3C, a spiral groove 10 is disposed on the side surface of the bottom clip of the tightening structure 8. A position-limiting button 11 is disposed inside the threaded head of the position-limiting ring. When the bottom clip of the tightening structure is inserted inside the position-limiting ring 5, the position-limiting button fits into the spiral groove 10 on the tightening structure.

FIG. 3D shows that as the user turns the position-limiting ring 5, the position-limiting button 11 moves inside the spiral groove 10 on the tightening structure. Since the clip formed on the threaded head of the tightening structure releasably grips the stylus 2, the stylus moves up or down inside the protection sheath 1 as the position-limiting button 11 moves up and down in the spiral groove 10.

As shown in FIGS. 3E and 3F, alternatively, the means for moving a stylus within the protection sheath may comprise a position-limiting ring 5 that fits in a top opening of the bottom portion 3, a tightening structure 8 that fits in a top opening of the position-limiting ring 5. FIG. 3F shows a spring 12 disposed in the position-limiting ring 5. The bottom clip of the tightening structure 8c fits in the position-limiting ring 5 and pressing the spring.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a stopping clip 14 is disposed on the lower end of the pen clip 13 through the side surface of the top portion of the protection sheath 4. A motion stop is disposed on the tightening structure 8 such that the stopping clip 13 slides into the motion stop (indentation) and stops the motion of the stylus when the tip of the stylus 2 is out of the sheath 1.

In FIG. 4C, the user then lifts the stop clip 13 off the indentation on the side surface of the tightening structure 8. The tightening structure along with the stylus is then pushed up by the spring until the tip of the stylus retracts back into the protection sheath.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the stylus may further comprise a removable cap 15 disposed on the top thereof to protect a structure 6 such as a LIGHTNING connector, a product of Apple®, or a micro USB (FIG. 5B). As shown in FIG. 5C, the pen clip 13 on the sheath can be used to store the cap when it is not used. For example, the cap can be secured between the pen clip and the sheath 1 at the top of the pen clip 13. FIGS. 6A-6D and FIGS. 7A-7B show an alternative configuration of the protection sheath, the protection sheath comprises a top portion with threads 15 disposed on the inner surface of both distal and proximal ends. A bottom portion with threads 16 disposed on the outer surface of the distal end. The threads of the bottom portion engage with the threads of the proximal end of the top portion. When the top portion or bottom portion is turned, the distal end of the bottom portion travels within the top portion. A securing top 14 is securable to the top portion of the protection sheath. The securing top comprises threads 17 disposed on the outer surface of the proximal end thereof, which are engaged with the threads disposed at the distal end of the top portion. A damper band 18 is disposed at the lower end of the threads disposed at the distal end of the top portion. When the threads of the securing top engage with the threads of the top portion, the damper band is pressured to deform, securing the stylus with in the sheath. When the securing top is twisted off the top portion, the damper recover to the original shape, which has a radius substantially the same as the stylus, and release the stylus.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are side and cross-sectional views, respectively, showing the protection sheath of this configuration with the stylus tip out of the sheath. FIG. 6C and are side and cross-sectional views, respectively, showing the protection sheath of this configuration with the stylus tip retracted inside the sheath.

FIG. 7A is a cross sectional view of the securing top and the top portion of the stylus sheath of this configuration. The proximal end of the securing top is not fully turned inside of the top portion thereof. In FIG. 7B, the cross-sectional view shows that the proximal end of the securing top is fully inside of the top portion, thus pressing the damper band 18 to deform and grip the stylus 2.

The present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A protection sheath for a touch screen stylus, comprising: a top portion disposed around a top section of the stylus;a bottom portion disposed around a bottom section of the stylus in a connecting relationship with said top portion; andmeans for moving the stylus inside the protection sheath.

2. The protection sheath of claim 1, wherein said stylus comprises a cap disposed on a distal end thereof, said protection sheath further comprising means for storing the cap thereon.

3. The protection sheath of claim 2, wherein said storing means comprises a pen clip disposed on the top portion of the sheath configured to secure said stylus cap on the top thereof.

4. The protection sheath of claim 1, wherein said top portion and said bottom portion are each substantially cylindrical.

5. The protection sheath of claim 1, wherein each of said top portion and said bottom portion are hollow and each comprises an opening at top and bottom ends thereof.

6. The protection sheath of claim 1, wherein said moving means comprises: a position limiting ring having a bottom clip that fits into a top opening of the clip at the bottom of the sheath, a threaded head and a position-limiting button disposed on an inner surface of the threaded head;a tightening structure comprising an exteriorly threaded top end having a clip formed thereon and a bottom end having a spiral groove disposed on an outer surface thereof configured to slidably receive the position-limiting button, said bottom end inserted into a top opening of the position-limiting ring; anda sleeve nut threadably engaging the threaded top of the tightening structure.

7. The protection sheath of claim 6, wherein the position-limiting ring rotably engages the stylus in an upward and downward motion, said motion limited by the position of the position-limiting button in the spiral groove

8. The protection sheath of claim 6, wherein the top portion of the protection sheath threadably engages the threaded head of the position-limiting ring.

9. A protection sheath for a touch screen stylus, comprising: a top portion disposed around a top end of the stylus;a bottom portion disposed around a bottom end of the stylus;a position limiting ring having a bottom section comprising a clip that fits into a top opening of the bottom portion of the sheath, a ring-like middle section, and a top section comprising a threaded head on top of said middle section;a tightening structure comprising an exteriorly threaded top end having a clip formed thereon and a bottom end insertable into the threaded head of the position-limiting ring;a spring disposed in the bottom portion of the sheath below the bottom end of the tightening structure;a stop clip disposed through the side of the top portion of the protection sheath; anda motion stop disposed on a side surface of the tightening structure configured to removably receive said stop clip.

10. The protection sheath of claim 9, wherein said spring is configured to push said tightening structure upwards when said stop clip is lifted from the motion stop thereon.

11. The protection sheath of claim 9, wherein said top portion and said bottom portion are each substantially cylindrical.

12. The protection sheath of claim 9, wherein each of said top portion and said bottom portion are hollow and each comprises an opening at proximal and distal ends thereof.

13. The protection sheath of claim 9, wherein the top portion of the protection sheath is threadable around the threaded head of the position-limiting ring.

14. A stylus sheath for protecting a touch screen stylus, comprising: a top portion disposed around a top end of a stylus, comprising a proximal end with threads disposed on an inner surface thereof and a distal end with threads disposed on an inner surface thereof;a bottom portion disposed around a bottom end of a stylus, comprising a distal end with threads disposed on an outer surface thereof, said threads engaged with the threads at the proximal end of the top portion; anda securing top comprising a proximal end with threads disposed on an outer surface thereof, said threads engaged to the threads of the distal end of the top portion; anda damper band disposed over the threads of the distal end of the top portion configured to secure the stylus in the sheath when the securing top is screwed into the top portion and pressed against said damper band.

15. The stylus sheath of claim 14, further comprising a pen clip having a ring and a clip body perpendicularly connected to said ring, said ring secured between the securing top and the top portion thereof, configured to store a stylus cap.

16. The stylus sheath of claim 14, wherein said top portion, bottom portion and securing top are substantially cylindrical.

17. The protection sheath of claim 14, wherein said damper band comprises rubber, silicon, plastic or a combination thereof.