Patents by Inventor Carlton R. Lay
Carlton R. Lay has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10782732Abstract: A mounting system for an electronic device includes a protective case and a compatible component. The protective case includes an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. A female mounting portion is disposed within the outer surface of the protective case, the female mounting portion including a plurality of recesses arranged in spaced apart relation around an opening in the protective case. Each recess includes a pair of transition ramps proximate the first and second ends of each recess. The compatible component includes a male mounting portion including a plurality of raised engagement portions adapted to engage one or more of the plurality of recesses. Each of the raised engagement portions includes a pair of transition ramps proximate the first and second ends of each raised engagement portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: Otter Products, LLCInventors: Carlton R. Lay, Cameron D. Magness
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Patent number: 10164468Abstract: A protective cover for a portable electronic device includes a protective shell for receiving and at least partially covering the portable electronic device. The protective cover includes a rechargeable power storage device and an electrical coil proximate a back surface of the shell. The protective cover also includes electrical circuitry configured to transfer first electrical power from the rechargeable power storage device to the installed portable electronic device. The electrical circuitry is also configured to transfer second electrical power from the rechargeable power storage device to the electrical coil. The electrical coil is configured to wirelessly transfer at least a portion of the second electrical power to a second portable electronic device. The protective cover may also include a visual indicator for indicating a status of the wireless transfer of the second electrical power to the second portable electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: Otter Products, LLCInventors: John P. Fitzgerald, Carlton R. Lay
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Patent number: 10152169Abstract: A protective case for a wearable electronic device, the wearable electronic device having a touch-sensitive display. The protective case having a shell that encases a portion of the wearable electronic device and a hinged cover attached to the shell. The cover has an open position and a closed position for covering and allowing direct access to the touch-sensitive display. The cover includes one or more flexible buttons configured to be pressed by a user and configured to activate a corresponding area of the encased touch-sensitive display of the encased wearable electronic device when the cover is in a closed position and the wearable electronic device is encased in the shell.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2016Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: Otter Products, LLCInventors: W. Travis Smith, Carlton R. Lay
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Publication number: 20180348819Abstract: A mounting system for an electronic device includes a protective case and a compatible component. The protective case includes an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. A female mounting portion is disposed within the outer surface of the protective case, the female mounting portion including a plurality of recesses arranged in spaced apart relation around an opening in the protective case. Each recess includes a pair of transition ramps proximate the first and second ends of each recess. The compatible component includes a male mounting portion including a plurality of raised engagement portions adapted to engage one or more of the plurality of recesses. Each of the raised engagement portions includes a pair of transition ramps proximate the first and second ends of each raised engagement portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: Carlton R. Lay, Cameron D. Magness
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Patent number: 10078346Abstract: An electronic device, such as a tablet computer, smartphone, or television, can be mounted to a surface using a magnetic mounting apparatus. In one example, the apparatus can include a protective case that is adapted to receive an electronic device. The protective case can be configured to protect the electronic device from drop-induced damage. The protective case can include a female mounting portion disposed in the protective case. The female mounting portion of the protective case can be configured to magnetically mount to a male mounting portion associated with a folding cover, surface mount, or dock. Once magnetically mounted to the folding cover, surface mount, or dock, the protective case can rotate about the female mounting portion to allow the electronic device to be transitioned from a landscape mode to a portrait mode and vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2014Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: Otter Products, LLCInventors: Carlton R. Lay, Cameron D. Magness
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Patent number: 9993054Abstract: A protective enclosure includes a structural member, a metallic tab, and a flexible member. The structural member is configured for receiving an electronic device and includes a front opening for accessing a touchscreen of the installed electronic device. The metallic tab is affixed to one of the side portions of the structural member. The flexible member has a front panel connected to a back panel by a hinge portion that is positioned adjacent to a side portion of the structural member opposite the metallic tab. The hinge portion is configured to enable movement of the front panel between a closed position and an opened position. The front panel includes a magnetic element affixed to an edge of the front panel such that the magnetic element of the front panel contacts the metallic tab when the front panel is in both the opened and closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2017Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Otter Products, LLCInventors: Carlton R. Lay, Adam J. Havens, Peter J. Gronewoller, Lucas B. Weller, Lee B. Gates
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Publication number: 20170354220Abstract: A protective enclosure includes a structural member, a metallic tab, and a flexible member. The structural member is configured for receiving an electronic device and includes a front opening for accessing a touchscreen of the installed electronic device. The metallic tab is affixed to one of the side portions of the structural member. The flexible member has a front panel connected to a back panel by a hinge portion that is positioned adjacent to a side portion of the structural member opposite the metallic tab. The hinge portion is configured to enable movement of the front panel between a closed position and an opened position. The front panel includes a magnetic element affixed to an edge of the front panel such that the magnetic element of the front panel contacts the metallic tab when the front panel is in both the opened and closed positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2017Publication date: December 14, 2017Inventors: CARLTON R. LAY, ADAM J. HAVENS, PETER J. GRONEWOLLER, LUCAS B. WELLER, LEE B. GATES
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Patent number: 9814289Abstract: A protective case for an electronic device includes a structural member, a cushioning member, and a flexible member. The structural member and cushioning member are overmolded to cover the installed electronic device. The flexible member has a first panel connected to the back portion of the structural member and a second panel connected to the first panel by a hinge section. The second panel of the flexible member has a magnet that is configured to connect with a metallic tab that is adhered to the side of the structural member. The metallic tab is configured to allow the first panel of the flexible member to connect with the metallic tab in a closed position that covers the touchscreen of the electronic device and in an open position when the first panel of the flexible member is folded away from the touchscreen and covering the back of the protective case.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2016Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: Otter Products, LLCInventors: Carlton R. Lay, Adam J. Havens, Peter J. Gronewoller, Lucas B. Weller, Lee B. Gates
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Patent number: 9660682Abstract: A holder for an electronic device includes a body, a first receptacle, and a second receptacle. The body includes a surface, a first end portion, a second end portion, a medial portion, and an attachment mechanism configured for attaching the body to a wearable band. The attachment mechanism includes one or more deformable attachment protrusions configured for insertion into one or more corresponding attachment apertures of the wearable band. The first and second receptacles are each configured for removably retaining the electronic device to the body. The first and second receptacles each define a respective cavity bounded by a stretchable opening. Each opening is configured to receive and retain a respective end of the electronic device as well as ends of other electronic devices having a range of sizes.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2016Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Otter Products, LLCInventors: W. Travis Smith, Peter J. Gronewoller, Carlton R. Lay, Lucas B. Weller
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Publication number: 20170047957Abstract: A holder for an electronic device includes a body, a first receptacle, and a second receptacle. The body includes a surface, a first end portion, a second end portion, a medial portion, and an attachment mechanism configured for attaching the body to a wearable band. The attachment mechanism includes one or more deformable attachment protrusions configured for insertion into one or more corresponding attachment apertures of the wearable band. The first and second receptacles are each configured for removably retaining the electronic device to the body. The first and second receptacles each define a respective cavity bounded by a stretchable opening. Each opening is configured to receive and retain a respective end of the electronic device as well as ends of other electronic devices having a range of sizes.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2016Publication date: February 16, 2017Inventors: W. Travis SMITH, Peter J. GRONEWOLLER, Carlton R. LAY, Lucas B. WELLER
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Publication number: 20160372973Abstract: A protective cover for a portable electronic device includes a protective shell for receiving and at least partially covering the portable electronic device. The protective cover includes a rechargeable power storage device and an electrical coil proximate a back surface of the shell. The protective cover also includes electrical circuitry configured to transfer first electrical power from the rechargeable power storage device to the installed portable electronic device. The electrical circuitry is also configured to transfer second electrical power from the rechargeable power storage device to the electrical coil. The electrical coil is configured to wirelessly transfer at least a portion of the second electrical power to a second portable electronic device. The protective cover may also include a visual indicator for indicating a status of the wireless transfer of the second electrical power to the second portable electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2016Publication date: December 22, 2016Inventors: John P. Fitzgerald, Carlton R. Lay
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Publication number: 20160357324Abstract: A protective case for a wearable electronic device, the wearable electronic device having a touch-sensitive display. The protective case having a shell that encases a portion of the wearable electronic device and a hinged cover attached to the shell. The cover has an open position and a closed position for covering and allowing direct access to the touch-sensitive display. The cover includes one or more flexible buttons configured to be pressed by a user and configured to activate a corresponding area of the encased touch-sensitive display of the encased wearable electronic device when the cover is in a closed position and the wearable electronic device is encased in the shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Inventors: W. TRAVIS SMITH, CARLTON R. LAY
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Patent number: 9515692Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for retaining a portable electronic device on the body of a user. The apparatus includes a cradle with at least two securing regions that stretch to retain portions of front, back, and side portions of an electronic device. The cradle also includes apertures in portions on and/or near the securing regions that allow portable electronic devices of different sizes to be secured. The cradle also includes at least one protrusion that interfaces with at least one corresponding securing aperture in a band of flexible material. Cradles of different sizes may be attached to the band of flexible material using the one or more securing apertures.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2016Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: Otter Products, LLCInventors: W. Travis Smith, Peter J. Gronewoller, Carlton R. Lay, Lucas B. Weller
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Publication number: 20160295981Abstract: A protective case for an electronic device includes a structural member, a cushioning member, and a flexible member. The structural member and cushioning member are overmolded to cover the installed electronic device. The flexible member has a first panel connected to the back portion of the structural member and a second panel connected to the first panel by a hinge section. The second panel of the flexible member has a magnet that is configured to connect with a metallic tab that is adhered to the side of the structural member. The metallic tab is configured to allow the first panel of the flexible member to connect with the metallic tab in a closed position that covers the touchscreen of the electronic device and in an open position when the first panel of the flexible member is folded away from the touchscreen and covering the back of the protective case.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2016Publication date: October 13, 2016Inventors: CARLTON R. LAY, ADAM J. HAVENS, PETER J. GRONEWOLLER, LUCAS B. WELLER, LEE B. GATES
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Publication number: 20160211875Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for retaining a portable electronic device on the body of a user. The apparatus includes a cradle with at least two securing regions that stretch to retain portions of front, back, and side portions of an electronic device. The cradle also includes apertures in portions on and/or near the securing regions that allow portable electronic devices of different sizes to be secured. The cradle also includes at least one protrusion that interfaces with at least one corresponding securing aperture in a band of flexible material. Cradles of different sizes may be attached to the band of flexible material using the one or more securing apertures.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2016Publication date: July 21, 2016Inventors: W. Travis SMITH, Peter J. GRONEWOLLER, Carlton R. LAY, Lucas B. WELLER
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Patent number: 9287916Abstract: A protective case can include a removable screen protector that is reusable and easily interchangeable by hand. In one example, the protective case can be part of a kit that includes a plurality of removable screen protectors, and the removable screen protectors can each have special attributes that allow a user to quickly and easily modify the attributes of the protective case by simply exchanging a first removable screen protector with a second removable screen protector. In this way, the user can quickly and easily modify the attributes of the protective case to better align with practical considerations of the user's environment.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: OTTER PRODUCTS, LLCInventors: Jeffrey C. Wicks, Carlton R. Lay, William L. DeMarco, James M. Hendrix, Jamie L. Johnson
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Patent number: D739857Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2014Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: OTTER PRODUCTS, LLCInventors: Carlton R. Lay, Adam J. Havens
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Patent number: D762971Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2015Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: OTTER PRODUCTS, LLCInventors: Peter J. Gronewoller, W. Travis Smith, Carlton R. Lay, Lucas B. Weller
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Patent number: D765637Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2015Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: OTTER PRODUCTS, LLCInventors: Carlton R. Lay, Adam J. Havens, Peter J. Gronewoller, Lucas B. Weller, Lee B. Gates
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Patent number: D765639Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2015Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: OTTER PRODUCTS, LLCInventors: Carlton R. Lay, Adam J. Havens, Peter J. Gronewoller, Lucas B. Weller, Lee B. Gates