Shade Element for Cell Phones and Tablet Computers

Abstract

The present invention relates to devices used to shade the screens of cell phones and tablet computers from bright sunlight. More specifically the present invention relates to a shade element attached around the body of a cell phone or tablet computer for protecting the screen of the cell phone or tablet computer from bright sunlight when the device is held and used by a user.

Claims

1. A shade element for devices such as cell phones and tablet computers comprising: a) a shade pad; b) side blocks; c) a back block; d) all of which are connected end to end; and e) capable of being placed transversely across a device in which the shade pad blocks a portion of the display of the device from the rays of the sun.

2. A shade element for devices such as cell phones and tablet computers of claim 1 in which the device is a cell phone.

3. A shade element for devices such as cell phones and tablet computers of claim 1 in which the device is a tablet computer.

4. A shade element for devices such as cell phones and tablet computers of claim 1 constructed of at least some flexible material.

5. A shade element for devices such as cell phones and tablet computers of claim 1 constructed of at least some rigid material.

6. A shade element for devices such as cell phones and tablet computers of claim 4 in which the flexible material is cloth.

7. A shade element for devices such as cell phones and tablet computers of claim 4 in which the flexible material is cardboard.

8. A shade element for devices such as cell phones and tablet computers of claim 4 in which the flexible material is soft plastic.

9. A shade element for devices such as cell phones and tablet computers of claim 5 in which the rigid material is metal.

10. A shade element for devices such as cell phones and tablet computers of claim 5 in which the rigid material is hard plastic.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 comprises a first perspective view of the front of one embodiment of a shade element for cell phones and tablet computers for use with a cell phone or tablet computer.

[0013] FIG. 2 comprises a second perspective view of the rear of one embodiment of a shade element for cell phones and tablet computers for use with a cell phone or tablet computer.

[0014] FIG. 3 comprises a third perspective view of one embodiment of the front of one embodiment of a shade element for cell phones and tablet computers for use with a cell phone or tablet computer shown from the angle a user will use the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, a first embodiment of a shade element for cell phones and tablet computers 20 is shown. In this form, the present invention comprises a generally rectangular shade pad 21 constructed of rubber, plastic, cloth or some similar elastic material. Side blocks 22 and back block 23 are similarly comprised of rubber, plastic, cloth or a similar elastic material. By the same token, the shade element for cell phones and tablet computers 20 may be comprised of rigid materials such as hard plastic or metal. Similarly, shade element for cell phones and tablet computers 20 may be comprised of a combination of rigid and elastic materials. For example, shade pad 21 may be plastic coated metal and side blocks 22 and back block 23 may be stretching fabric. Many such equivalent fabrication materials and techniques are well known in the prior art and will not be discussed further so as to not detract from the clarity of the present disclosure.

[0016] Shade element for cell phones and tablet computers 20 is not limited to the depicted shape or size. To the contrary, shade element for cell phones and tablet computers 20 can be made in virtually any shape or size. However, shade element for cell phones and tablet computers 20 must possess a sufficiently long shade pad 21 to adequately protect the screen 11 of cell phone or tablet computer 10 from the sun's rays. Similarly, the depicted embodiment discloses a continuous construction method wherein shade pad 21, side blocks 22, and back block 23 are continuously constructed with no gaps or joined discontinuities. This does not mean that shade element for cell phones and tablet computers 20 cannot possess gaps or joined discontinuities. To the contrary, shade element for cell phones and tablet computers 20 may have gaps or joined discontinuities. Further, such gaps or discontinuities may be joined by any conceivable joining method such as Velcro®, clips, hooks, etc. Also, shade pad 21, side blocks 22, and back block 23 may individually or separately be constructed of flexible, tensile material such that each or individual elements may stretch slightly when placed over the cell phone or tablet computer 10. Also, shade pad 21, side blocks 22, and back block 23 may individually or separately possess decorative elements or markings. Also, shade pad 21, side blocks 22, and back block 23 may individually or separately possess protective surfaces on those aspects of themselves that make physical contact with cell phone or tablet computer 10. Such protective surfaces would limit scratching and/or accentuate the grip of the invention on the cell phone or tablet computer 10.

[0017] The present invention is used in the following manner: First, shade element for cell phones and tablet computers 20 is positioned above the top or below the bottom of cell phone or tablet computer 10. Next, the user slightly expands the rectangular space formed by shade pad 21, side blocks 22, and back block 23 and slips shade element for cell phones and tablet computers 20 over the cell phone or tablet computer 10. Next, the user releases shade pad 21, side blocks 22, and back block 23 to allow shade element for cell phones and tablet computers 20 to grasp the exterior of cell phone or tablet computer 10. Next, the user uses cell phone or tablet computer 10 and interacts with it via screen 11. When done, the user slightly expands the rectangular space formed by shade pad 21, side blocks 22, and back block 23 and removes shade element for cell phones and tablet computers 20 from cell phone or the tablet computer 10 when the user has completed use of the cell phone or tablet computer.

[0018] While the present invention has been described in what is thought to be the most useful variant, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that equivalent arrangements are easily constructed. All such variants that seek to alter: 1) The flexible or rigid materials out of which shade element for cell phones and tablet computers 20 is constructed; 2) The shape and configuration of shade pad 21; 3) The general shape of shade element for cell phones and tablet computers 20, particularly whether shade element for cell phones and tablet computers 20 covers the device and a protective skin or shell; and, 4) Variations in the size, location, and number of closable gaps or discontinuities in shade element for cell phones and tablet computers 20 are implicitly included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.