Abstract
Magnetic retainers for detachably holding and suspending items such as cell phones from a user or support comprise a hanger and a holder that are magnetically coupled together. The holder is removably attached to an item such as a cell phone, and the hanger is removably suspended from the phone user. The hanger selectively, detachably couples to the harness with vertically aligned permanent magnets. The hanger may comprise a loop, clip, or lanyard that is worn or held by the user or attached to a static support. The holder is retrofitted to cell phone structure with a flexible, anti-slip sticky-tape connection that is removably, adhesively secured between parts of the cell phone body, its interior, or its case, being sandwiched and restrained between abutting parts. Magnets are permanently attached to remote ends or portions of the hanger and holder through either a shrink wrap connection or a snap fitting arrangement.
Claims
1. A retainer for detachably holding or suspending a cell phone from a human user or a suitable support, the retainer comprising; a hanger adapted to be removably coupled to or removably suspended from a user or suitable support; the hanger terminating in a remote end comparing an anti-slip connection that can be sandwiched between the cell phone and a cell phone case or between a cell phone cover and the cell phone interior; and, wherein the anti-slip connection is established by sticky tape.
2. A retainer for detachably holding or suspending an item such as a cell phone or similar portable electronic device or tool or accessory from a human being or a suitable support, the retainer comprising: a hanger adapted to be removably coupled to or removably suspended from said human user or suitable support, the hanger terminating in a first remote end supporting a first magnet; a holder adapted to be removably attached to said cell phone or similar portable electronic device or tool or accessory, the holder terminating in a second remote end supporting a second magnet; wherein the hanger detachably, magnetically couples to the holder with said first and second remote ends abutting each other with said first and second magnets attracting one another; and, a snap fit connection coupling said hanger to said first magnet and a snap fit connection coupling said holder to said second magnet, wherein each of said last mentioned snap fit connections comprises a socket for housing a magnet, and a cap adapted to be snap fitted to said socket for enclosing and captivating the magnet.
3. A retainer for detachably holding or suspending an item such as a cell phone or similar portable electronic device or tool or accessory from a human being or a suitable support, the retainer comprising: a hanger adapted to be removably coupled to or removably suspended from said human user or suitable support, the hanger terminating in a first remote end supporting a first magnet; a holder adapted to be removably attached to said cell phone or similar portable electronic device or tool or accessory and the holder terminating in a second remote end supporting a second magnet; and, wherein the hanger detachably, magnetically couples to the holder with said first and second remote ends abutting each other with said first and second magnets attracting one another; wherein the first remote end is connected to said first magnet with heat shrink tubing and said second remote end is connected to said second magnet with heat shrink tubing.
4. A retainer for detachably holding or suspending a cell phone from a human user or a suitable support, the retainer comprising: a hanger adapted to be removably coupled to or removably suspended from said human user or suitable support, the hanger terminating in a first remote end supporting a first magnet; a snap fit connection comprising a socket for housing the first said magnet; a cap adapted to be snap fitted to said socket for enclosing and captivating the first said magnet; and, a holder including a second magnet; said holder comprising a cell phone case with a built in socket for housing the second said magnet; and, a second cap adapted to be snap fitted to said cell phone case for enclosing and captivating said second magnet.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0049] In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views:
[0050] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a retainer constructed in accordance with the best mode of the invention known to me at this time;
[0051] FIG. 2 is an enlarged, partially exploded, fragmentary, isometric view of the heat-shrinked hanger used with the retainer of FIG. 1;
[0052] FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partially exploded, fragmentary, isometric view of the heat-shrinked holder used with the retainer of FIG. 1;
[0053] FIG. 4 is fragmentary, perspective view of an alternative retainer, employing a snap-together hanger and snap-together holder;
[0054] 5 is an enlarged, partially exploded, fragmentary perspective view of the snap-together hanger preferably used with the retainer of FIG. 4;
[0055] FIG. 6 is an enlarged, isometric view similar to FIG. 5 showing the assembled snap-together hanger preferably used with the retainer of FIG. 4;
[0056] FIG. 7 is an enlarged, partially exploded, fragmentary perspective view of the snap-together holder preferably used with the retainer of FIG. 4;
[0057] FIG. 8 is an enlarged isometric view similar to FIG. 7 showing the assembled snap-together holder preferably used with the retainer of FIG. 4;
[0058] FIGS. 9-11 are sequential, fragmentary diagrammatic views showing the preferred method in which the various holders depicted herein are removably attached to a cell phone;
[0059] FIG. 12 is a partially exploded, isometric view showing an alternative snap-together holder;
[0060] FIG. 13 is partially exploded, isometric view showing an alternative snap-together holder spaced-apart from the hanger, and showing the preferred vertical magnet alignment;
[0061] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an another alternative snap-together hanger that is permanently attached to a cell phone case;
[0062] FIG. 15 is a partially exploded, isometric view of another alternative embodiment of a retainer, utilizing a sun-visor hanger and a cooperating, port engaging holder;
[0063] FIG. 16 is an enlarged, exploded isometric view of the port-engaging holder of FIG. 15;
[0064] FIG. 17 is an enlarged, isometric view of the assembled port-engaging holder of FIG. 15;
[0065] FIG. 18 is an enlarged, exploded isometric view of another alternative embodiment of a retainer, utilizing a belt clip hanger and a holder of the type seen in FIG. 5;
[0066] FIG. 19 is an enlarged isometric view of the belt-clip hanger of FIG. 18;
[0067] FIG. 20 is a partially exploded, fragmentary isometric view of an alternative retainer, wherein a snap fitted holder is fitted to a cell phone case;
[0068] FIG. 21 is a partially exploded, fragmentary isometric view of an another alternative retainer similar to that seen in FIG. 20, wherein a snap fit holder fitted to a cell phone case is used with a lanyard type holder;
[0069] FIG. 22 an exploded isometric view of a heat-shrink hanger; and,
[0070] FIG. 23 is an isometric view of an assembled heat shrink hanger.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0071] With initial reference directed to FIGS. 1-3, a preferred retainer constructed in accordance with the best known mode of the invention has been generally designated by the reference numeral 30. Retainer 30 is adapted to be worn by a cell phone user, so that the cell phone may be suspended and thus retained and supported conveniently for manipulation, support, and use. A generic cell phone is designated generally by the reference numeral 32 in FIG. 1. Retainer 30, and all other retainers disclosed herein, comprise two primary pieces, namely a hanger and a holder, with the holder being magnetically and removably attached to or suspended by the hanger. Each hanger described is suspended or supported by the users body (i.e., his or her neck) or by a suitable support. Each holder described herein removably couples to the cell phone 32 or its case or liner, or to an alternative item to be transported.
[0072] For example, the preferred retainer 30 (FIG. 1) comprises a hanger 34 having a looped lanyard 36 worn about a users neck. Hanger 34 can have other configurations. The lanyard 36 terminates in a remote end, generally designated by the reference numeral 35, that houses a high strength, permanent magnet. Similarly, the holder 40 has a second remote end 42 which, in the best mode, houses another permanent magnet that selectively couples with the the lanyard-supported other magnet. In the best mode all magnets are high strength, rare-earth permanent magnets, and neodymium magnets are preferred. The preferred holder 40 has a sticky tape portion 46 that removably connects to the cell phone 32 (or other item being carried or supported) as explained in detail hereinafter, to form a non-slip connection.
[0073] As best seen in FIG. 2, the lanyard 36 preferably comprises an elongated fabric or plastic strap that is formed into a loop with spaced-apart, strap ends 48 and 49 flatly placed together as shown in FIG. 2. The strap ends 48, 49 are preferably held together and crimped with a metallic retainer clip 52 that is forcibly compressed about them for retention. In vertical cross section the clip 52 is somewhat C-shaped. When clip 52 is installed, the serrated clip edges 54 (FIG. 2) bind against and restrain the strap ends 48, 49. In the best mode, an elongated connection sleeve 56 made of heat shrink tubing fits over the crimped strap ends 48, 49 and the compressible clip 52 binding them. The open end 57 of tubular sleeve 56 receives a cylindrical, permanent magnet 58. Once the heat shrink tubing sleeve 56 is secured by appropriate heat, the first remote end (i.e., the hanger end) 35 is complete. Alternatively, the lanyard 36 can have a tubular shaped magnet, or magnets threaded onto the strap body or 10 ends 48, 49.
[0074] FIG. 3 details the preferred holder 40 employed with the preferred retainer 30. Holder 40 comprises an elongated, flexible sticky-tape portion 60 that comprises an adhesively coated body 62 and at least one (preferably two) tear away strips 64 and/or 65 that are peeled away and removed by the end user to expose adhesive. The tear strips 64 and/or 65 are merely peeled away. The sticky tape portion 60 is preferably crimped by another clip 52 identical with that described above. The crimped ends of the sticky tape are surrounded by the tubular, heat-shrink tubing sleeve 68 whose open end 69 receives a permanent magnet 70. The second remote end 42 referenced in conjunction with the above discussion of FIG. 1 is thus completed when the shrink tubing sleeve 68 contracts about the assembly in response to heating.
[0075] FIG. 4 illustrates a primary alternative retainer embodiment. Retainer 80 comprises a hanger 82 and a holder 84. Hanger 82 is formed of an elongated strap 83, whose ends are coupled together and form a remote end 85 that houses a magnet. The holder 84 has a cooperating magnetic end 86, and a sticky tape portion 88 adapted to be removably coupled to a cell phone or other item being transported or retained by the retainer 80.
[0076] Referencing FIG. 5, hanger 82 comprises an elongated strap 83 formed into a lanyard with the ends 88, 89 secured together. These ends 88, 89 fit into the narrowed end 92 of an injection-molded, plastic adaptor 90, where they are retained by compression and a plurality of alligator teeth formed in end 92. adaptor 90 comprises an integral, somewhat tubular socket 93 having an open end 94. A permanent magnet 96 is held within socket 93, being retained by a cap 98 that is fitted within socket 93 through open end 94. Cap 98 has an integral snap ring 100 that seats within an internal ring groove, the details of which are discussed hereinafter in conjunction with a description of FIG. 12. The assembled hanger 82 seen in FIG. 6 has a remote end 85 that is magnetically coupled to a similar magnetic remote end on the companion holder seen in FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 7, the holder 101 comprises a sticky tape portion 102 that is similar to portion 60 (FIG. 3) discussed earlier. The sticky tape portion 102 fits within the flattened end 103 of the adaptor 104, which is similar to adaptor 90 discussed above. Socket 108 receives a magnet 112 and a cap 114 through orifice 110. A snap ring 116 integrally formed on the shank of cap 114 snap fits to adaptor 104, being seated within an internal ring groove formed in socket 108. (Details of the latter construction are discussed hereinafter in conjunction with a description of FIG. 12).
[0078] FIGS. 9-10 illustrate how the sticky tape portion of the preferred holders removably interconnects with a cell phone, a cell phone case or jacket, or the like. Here a holder 120, constructed like the previously discussed holder 101, for example, has a sticky tape portion 122. One or more peel-away strips 124 are removed from the body strip 126. The exposed, adhesively coated strip 126 is sandwiched between cell phone parts, or between portions of the cell phone and its jacket or case or protective wrapping. For example, the sticky tape can be placed between the phone 128 and a backing 129, which may comprise a plate, a cell phone wrapper, or cell phone case or the like. When the the backing 129 reinstalled as illustrated in FIG. 10, the holder will be retained as in FIG. 11, wherein the holder 120 may be magnetically captivated by and mated to a magnetic hanger 127.
[0079] FIG. 12 shows an alternative holder 130 which can be used with the previously described hangers to make retainers of varying configurations that are suitable for diverse uses. Holder 130 comprises an alternative adaptor 132, preferably injection molded from plastic. There is a socket 134 that is similar to socket 93 (FIG. 5). An orifice 136 receives a cylindrical permanent magnet 138 which is retained by a cap 140. The integral snap ring 142 is seated within the internal ring groove 144 (FIG. 12) defined within socket 134. adaptor 132 also comprises an integral, downwardly projecting tab 146 from which an elongated support 147 comprising a wire, chain, cord, or string hangs. Support 147 terminates in an attachment such as a suitable clasp 148 for grasping diverse items such as a ring of car keys 150, eyeglasses, or the like.
[0080] FIG. 13 shows the holder 130 described in FIG. 12 as before. However, the magnet 138 disposed within the adaptor 132 has been drawn with phantom lines, with the north and south poles identified. A generic hanger has been identified with the reference numeral 154, and its magnet 156 has been similarly drawn, showing its poles, i.e., S and N. The longitudinal axis of a hanging retainer formed by holder 130 and hanger 154 is identified by the reference numeral 158 in FIG. 13. Here it can be seen that the north pole of the uppermost magnet 156 is aligned with the attractive south pole of the adjacent lower magnet 138. (Of course these poles can be reversed). Moreover, the longitudinal axis of each generally cylindrical magnet 138 and/or 156, forming a line running between the magnet's north and south poles, is coincident with the longitudinal axis 158, which is generally perpendicular to ground. This disclosed orientation is referred to herein as vertical and it is preferred in all embodiments to obtain maximized magnetic holding strength between the hanger and the holder. The axis of the aligned magnets is perpendicular to ground or the lower floor, by way of example, upon which a user may be walking or standing.
[0081] FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative holder 160 that is similar to holder 130 (FIG. 12) discussed above. Holder 160 has a tab 162 supporting a cord or chain 164 leading to a termination 166. A predefined orifice in the rear of the cell phone 169, that is preferably threaded, can permanently fasten to termination 166 with a machine screw 170.
[0082] Referring now to FIGS. 15-17, an alternative retainer generally designated by the reference numeral 180 comprises a hanger 182 and a holder 190. The hanger 182 comprises an arcuate, resilient clip 186 that supports a magnet-mounting socket 188. Preferably socket 188 is integral with, and perpendicular to, clip 186. In use, the clip 186 can be slidably attached to a suitable support such as an automobile sun visor, for example, where, in use, it may assume a substantially horizontal orientation. The holder 190 comprises a molded plastic fitting that holds a similar magnet. An integral plug portion 192 can seat within a cell phone 193, a cell phone case, or other device, within a mating port, to hold the cell phone. A suitable port can comprise a socket or jack or receptacle or terminal. In FIG. 16 it is seen that the plug portion 192 of holder 190 comprises a tubular socket 194 that is integral with plug portion 192. There are two spaced apart and deflectable plug wings 198, 199 with locking notches 200 for seating within a suitable port or phone jack or female receptacle. Socket 194 concentrically receives a permanent magnet 202 that is captivated by a tubular plug 204. The integral, peripheral ring 206 on plug 204 seats within a ring groove 208 (FIG. 16) defined within socket 194 so that the fitting 190 snap fits together. When so assembled, it has the appearance seen in FIG. 17.
[0083] FIGS. 18 and 19 show another retainer 210. In this instance, a holder 212 constructed as detailed above is attached to a device 214. The hanger 216 is in the form of a belt clip, with a resilient arcuate portion 217 that clips to a wearers belt in the usual fashion. An integral socket 218 contains a magnet of the type discussed several times above. The hanger 216 can thus removably, magnetically support the holder 212 and the device 214 supported by it. In FIG. 19 it is seen that the socket 218 can house a magnet with a suitable snap-fit cup 221 equipped with a snap ring that seats within a ring groove within socket 218 in the manner described previously.
[0084] With reference now directed to FIG. 20, an alternative retainer employing a modified cell phone case as a holder is generally designated by the reference numeral 230. In this instance the hanger 232 comprises a belt clip similar to that described earlier in conjunction with FIGS. 18, and 19. However, the hanger 232 can alternatively be a lanyard, a sun visor clip, or suitable support. Importantly, however, the holder 234 comprises a cell phone case that is magnetically attracted to the hanger 232.
[0085] The preferably plastic injection-molded, cell phone case (FIG. 20) is in the general form of an open parallelipiped. There is an open front 236 for nestably receiving a cell phone, that is surrounded by peripheral sidewalls 237 and 238 that are integral with a top 239 and a bottom 240. The open front 236 is bounded by a rear wall 242 that surrounds and borders an open rear 243. Top 239 is reinforced and solid, comprising an integral, transverse portion 245 extending between sidewalls 237 and 238. Importantly, there is a high strength permanent magnet 246 permanently disposed within case top panel 245 during the injection molding manufacturing process. Panel 245 must be strong enough and dimensioned properly to handle the magnet. Preferably the magnet is similar to those discussed above. Retainer 230 thus transports a cell phone, ensconced within the case, by magnetic attraction between the selected hanger 232 (or other hangers described herein) and the encapsulated magnet 246.
[0086] The retainer 250 seen in FIG. 21 involves a similar, plastic injection-molded case. Here, retainer 250 comprises a hanger 251 that interacts with a holder 254. The illustrated hanger 251 is the lanyard type discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 1. However, other hangers discussed herein may be utilized. Importantly, the holder 254 employs a magnet 252 that is snap fitted to a suitable socket within the cell phone case 255 for interaction with the selected hanger 251 in a manner similar with retainer 230 (FIG. 20).
[0087] The preferred holder 254 used with retainer 251 (FIG. 21) comprises an injection-molded cell phone case 255 that is substantially similar to the case shown in FIG. 20 that has already been described in detail. However, the rigid, upper panel 256 comprises an upper socket 257 that includes an internal ring groove 258. Socket 257 receives the cap 253 that captivates magnet 252 and secures it within panel 256. The cap 253 has an integral snap ring 259 that snap fits within and mates to the ring groove 258 in socket 257. This snap-fitting arrangement has been discussed in detail earlier herein in conjunction with a description of FIGS. 12 and 16, for example. Thus the holder 254 (FIG. 21) utilizes a snap-fitted magnet mounting assembly that can be assembled after the case injection molding process. Of course, holder 254 may be employed with a variety of hangers described herein as well.
[0088] FIGS. 22 and 23 show a modified hanger 260. Here, a resilient, curved, plastic hook 261 has a straight portion 263 and an integral curved portion 262 that terminates in a lower frontal portion 266. Portion 263 clips the unit to a wearers belt. Portion 266 receives a piece of tubular heat shrink wrap forming a sleeve 268, that captivates a magnet during assembly. The shrunk, heat treated bottom has been designated by the reference numeral 270 in FIG. 23. Here the shrink tube sleeve 268 is heat shrunk into the assembled configuration 270.
[0089] From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure.
[0090] It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations.
[0091] As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
