Neck cell

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved neckband carrier for a cell phone comprising a wearable band that is specially designed to secure a cellular telephone around the neck of the person. In one embodiment, this band is fabricated of durable yet comfortable leather or nylon material, with adjustable holes and a corresponding hook buckle to provide a secure and easy fit. In another embodiment, the clip portion of the unit comprises a plastic or metal fastener, configured with a corresponding hook for an existing cellular telephone and/or its protective casing. Fashionable and attractive, the Neck Cell is produced in a variety of colors to match most styles of clothing.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/273,628 filed Aug. 05, 2009, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Neck Cell.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of cell phone accessories and more specifically to the field of cell phone holders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for holders of cell phones and other electronic devices. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,240 to Lorraine M. Fowles and Charlotte P. Worsley directed to a wearable hanging pager pouch. The pouch of this invention has two compartments.

U.S. Pat. D499,546 to Matthew Charles Smithers describes a portable electronic device carrier. This design patent covers the appearance of a hanging device carrier for receiving an electronic device by sliding an electronic device into the carrier.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,721,579 to Meng Lin Liu describes a hand-free handset neckband arrangement for holding a cell phone wherein the length of the neckband is adjustable.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved neckband carrier for a cell phone or other devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cell phone holding neckband of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective rear close up view of the device holder of the present invention showing how the phone is held in the carrier.

FIG. 3 is a close up front perspective view of the device holding a cell phone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Cell phones have become increasingly popular among consumers providing ready communication as well as keeping them abreast of the latest stock quotes, providing wireless Internet access, and delivering local weather updates. Cellular and digital telephones have become practically indispensable to millions the world over. The market is currently flooded with cell phone accessories that seek to make use of these handy units even more convenient. Compact headsets, featuring a speaker that can be affixed to the ear in addition to an integrally attached mouthpiece, are designed for consumers with busy schedules. Freeing the hands from holding the unit, headsets allow cell phone users to conduct business or personal conversations while attending to other tasks.

Additionally, belt clips for encasing devices are very practical, providing housing for the unit when it is not in use and a sturdy means of storage when the phone is used in conjunction with the headset. However, the convenience of belt clip cell phone cases is not without drawbacks. In fact, most consumers may find them awkward and cumbersome. Bulky and unyielding, these clips tend to cause discomfort while sitting at a desk or behind the wheel of a car. Most models of belt clips also encase the cell phone so tightly that the simple task of answering a ring can be daunting. Having to wrestle with the clip to free the phone, valuable time could be lost and important calls missed. Moreover, this “challenging” retrieval of the phone could cause the user to accidentally drop it, marring the surface, or worse, damaging the unit beyond repair. Even those who utilize headsets to answer and place calls also risk breaking this expensive equipment. Busily walking about, the user could inadvertently bump into an inanimate object or another person. Since the phone is exposed on the side of the body, such collisions can cause the unit to be wrenched from its casing, pull loose from the headset and crash to the floor.

Additionally, belt clips are not practical for use by everyone, especially professional women. Wearing sensible business attire in the workplace such as gabardine slacks and linen skirts, women employed in office environments typically do not wear the belts that would make a clip a viable option. Considering that cellular phones are becoming more and more necessary, convenient and reliable means of managing and maintaining these units have become especially important.

Recognizing the potential for an invention to provide a more practical and user-friendly method of using and storing a cellular telephone while on the go, the present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Neck Cell, was developed. As the name implies, the Neck Cell is a wearable band that is specially designed to secure a cellular telephone around the neck of the person. In one embodiment, this band is fabricated of durable yet comfortable leather or nylon material, with adjustable holes and a corresponding hook buckle to provide a secure and easy fit. In one embodiment, the clip portion of the unit comprises a plastic or metal fastener, configured with a corresponding hook for an existing cellular telephone and/or its protective casing. Fashionable and attractive, the Neck Cell is produced in a variety of colors to match most styles of clothing.

In an alternative embodiment, the Neck Cell comprises a tracking device useful for patients having Alzheimer's disease or are otherwise cognitively compromised. The tracking device may comprise an RF transmitting deice and utilize GPS co-ordinates to locate the patient and slides into the side or bottom of the carrier portion of the device.

Use of the Neck Cell is very simple and straightforward. First, the user selects a band based on personal preference of color. By way of example, a construction worker may want a basic brown or black unit that is simply serviceable. Similarly, a female executive may desire a plum-colored band to accentuate her newest business suit. Next, the user attaches a cell phone to the Neck Cell by simply following package instructions. The cell phone slides into the side of the carrier portion of the device and closes the hinged opening. The user then dons the unit as one would a necklace, adjusting and securing the band around the neck. With the phone secured to the body in such a manner, the user need only flip open the cover of the device should it ring or become necessary to place a call. When desired, the Neck Cell is easily removed from the neck and stored until needed again.

The Neck Cell offers consumers many significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, this cleverly designed device provides a sturdy and simple means of securing a cellular telephone to the body. Creatively appropriating a necklace-type design, the Neck Cell ensures that costly cellular equipment is not broken or destroyed. Additionally, there is no risk of the phone being lost or stolen, as users have their devices with them at all times. Heavy-duty yet flexible, the adjustable band of the Neck Cell is positioned to comfortably fit virtually any body size, from petite young women to burly, heavyset truck drivers.

As the phone itself is within easy reach at all times, users are able to receive and place calls in a matter of seconds. This feature makes the Neck Cell particularly beneficial for motorists, eliminating the need to juggle a handheld cell phone when they should be concentrating on their driving. Moreover, consumers are not required to cradle a phone between their ear and shoulder while talking, facilitating comfortable conversation even while busy attending to other tasks. Rendering obsolete the need for belts or similar anchors necessary for plastic clips, the Neck Cell can be used by anyone with a cellular telephone with speakerphone capabilities, regardless of what they were wearing. Not limited to cell phone usage, the versatile Neck Cell proves an ideal accessory for portable mp3 players such as the iPod, ensuring that these extremely popular yet highly costly music players are easily carried, accessed, and protected.

Manufactured of durable, high quality materials and easily adaptable to new phone upgrades, the Neck Cell provides years of continual use.

The Neck Cell is a practical invention which enables consumers to keep their cell phones with them at all times, whether at work or play. Ensuring that expensive cellular equipment is secure yet accessible, this innovative invention saves users valuable time and, more importantly, high replacement costs.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cell phone holder for wearing around the neck of a user comprising a wearable band to secure a cellular telephone around the neck of a wearer.

2. The cell phone holder of claim 1 wherein the band is fabricated of durable yet comfortable leather or nylon material, with adjustable holes and a corresponding hook buckle to provide a secure and easy fit.

3. The cell phone holder of claim 1 further comprising a clip portion comprising a plastic or metal fastener, configured with a corresponding hook for an existing cellular telephone and its protective casing.

4. The cell phone holder of claim 1, wherein the holder is produced in a variety of colors to match most styles of clothing.

5. The cell phone holder of claim 1 further comprising a tracking device useful for patients having Alzheimer's disease or are otherwise cognitively compromised.