Abstract: A portable-device support apparatus includes a surface element. First support elements are coupled to the surface element. Each first support element has an end proximal to the surface element and an end distal from the surface element. Second support elements are coupled to a respective first support element by a respective fastening device. Each fastening device can translate back and forth along a respective one of the first support elements between the proximal and distal ends. The apparatus has a deployed position in which each second support element extends at an angle from a first support element. The apparatus has a storage position.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detachably tethering a phone to a user's person, such as a belt or strap worn by the user. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a case configured to receive the phone, a holster configured to detachably receive the case, a retractable tether having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, the proximal end connected to the holster, and the distal end detachably connected to the case, wherein a portion of the tether is housed in the holster, the tether configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position, and a spring coupled to the tether, the spring configured to bias the tether into the retracted position.

Abstract: A retractor carrying device is configured to carry a portable device. In one embodiment, the retractor carrying case includes a carrying case defining a pouch configured to receive the portable device through an opening in the carrying case. The retractor carrying case also includes a retractor assembly coupled to the carrying case and a tensile closure mechanism. The retractor assembly is configured to tether the portable device to the carrying case. The tensile closure mechanism is configured to extend across the opening in the carrying case to selectively retain the portable device in the pouch of the carrying case.

Abstract: A retractor carrying device for personal use has multiple components that allow for easy storage, deployment, and detachment of small items carried inside the device. In one embodiment, the device includes a carrying case having an interior cavity, a retractor assembly having an interior portion and an exterior portion joined to the carrying case, and an attachment assembly connected to the exterior portion so that the device may be connected to a user's belt or strap. A retractable tensile member is rotatably disposed within the interior portion and is moveable between a fully retracted position and an extended position. The device also includes an end fitting connected to the retractable tensile member that is adapted to releasably attach the small portable items. When the retractable tensile member is in the fully retracted position, the end fitting is configured to nest in a recess formed in the interior portion.

Abstract: A latch and catch assembly is provided to secure two or more components together in a locked or closed position. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a catch and a tensile member connected to a latch, wherein the assembly is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The catch includes a lip configured to engage a recess formed in the latch when the assembly is in the closed configuration. In a further embodiment, the latch includes a pull-tab extending from the latch, wherein the pull-tab is configured to enable the user to move the assembly between the open position and the closed position. In another embodiment, the catch has a wider proximal portion which tapers to a narrower distal portion, such that the catch has a “V”-shaped planform.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detachably tethering a phone to a user's person, such as a belt or strap worn by the user. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a case configured to receive the phone, a holster configured to detachably receive the case, a retractable tether having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, the proximal end connected to the holster, and the distal end detachably connected to the case, wherein a portion of the tether is housed in the holster, the tether configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position, and a spring coupled to the tether, the spring configured to bias the tether into the retracted position.

Abstract: A retractor carrying device is configured to carry a portable device. In one embodiment, the retractor carrying case includes a carrying case defining a pouch configured to receive the portable device through an opening in the carrying case. The retractor carrying case also includes a retractor assembly coupled to the carrying case and a tensile closure mechanism. The retractor assembly is configured to tether the portable device to the carrying case. The tensile closure mechanism is configured to extend across the opening in the carrying case to selectively retain the portable device in the pouch of the carrying case.

Abstract: A latch and catch assembly is provided to secure two or more components together in a locked or closed position. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a catch and a tensile member connected to a latch, wherein the assembly is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The catch includes a lip configured to engage a recess formed in the latch when the assembly is in the closed configuration. In a further embodiment, the latch includes a pull-tab extending from the latch, wherein the pull-tab is configured to enable the user to move the assembly between the open position and the closed position. In another embodiment, the catch has a wider proximal portion which tapers to a narrower distal portion, such that the catch has a “V”-shaped planform.

Abstract: A retractor carrying device for personal use has multiple components that allow for easy storage, deployment, and detachment of small items carried inside the device. In one embodiment, the device includes a carrying case having an interior cavity, a retractor assembly having an interior portion and an exterior portion joined to the carrying case, and an attachment assembly connected to the exterior portion so that the device may be connected to a user's belt or strap. A retractable tensile member is rotatably disposed within the interior portion and is moveable between a fully retracted position and an extended position. The device also includes an end fitting connected to the retractable tensile member that is adapted to releasably attach the small portable items. When the retractable tensile member is in the fully retracted position, the end fitting is configured to nest in a recess formed in the interior portion.

Abstract: An interchangeable cover for a mobile communications device is provided. The interchangeable cover includes a a resilient three-sided semi-rigid shell having a substantially U-shaped profile adapted to wrap around a substantial portion of a front, back and side of the mobile communications device upon assembly over the device, without requiring any fasteners. In one embodiment, the cover is configured to fit a mobile communications device having a trapezoidal profile, whereby front and back face portions clasp around the front and back of the phone. In accordance with various embodiments, the cover may include holes and slots through which phone buttons pass, dumb buttons, or built-in buttons that enable users to provide inputs to the phone. The three-sided shell provides additional surface area when compared to conventional single-sided faceplates. Accordingly, the cover appears as a more integral part of the phone. Furthermore, the extra surface area may be used for advertisement purposes.

Abstract: A smart accessory cover adapted for adornment by a mobile electronic device such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, a palm sized personal computer, a media player or a game console is provided. The accessory cover includes physical design to convey a theme, and an embedded electronic component having data and/or programming instructions to personalize the functionalities of the mobile electronic device in accordance with the theme. In various embodiments, the theme may be a celebrity singer theme, a celebrity sport figure theme, or other themes.

Abstract: An interchangeable cover for a mobile communications device is provided. The interchangeable cover includes a a resilient three-sided semi-rigid shell having a substantially U-shaped profile adapted to wrap around a substantial portion of a front, back and side of the mobile communications device upon assembly over the device, without requiring any fasteners. In one embodiment, the cover is configured to fit a mobile communications device having a trapezoidal profile, whereby front and back face portions clasp around the front and back of the phone. In accordance with various embodiments, the cover may include holes and slots through which phone buttons pass, dumb buttons, or built-in buttons that enable users to provide inputs to the phone. The three-sided shell provides additional surface area when compared to conventional single-sided faceplates. Accordingly, the cover appears as a more integral part of the phone. Furthermore, the extra surface area may be used for advertisement purposes.