Apparatus For Reducing Theft and Loss of Small Electronic Devices

Abstract

A small electronic device such as a cellular telephone is attached to a user through a system that comprises front and inner plates that are secured to a device cover for the electronic device. A connecting mechanism such as a jump-ring is attached to the front plate. Attached to the other end of the jump-ring is a flexible cord. The flexible cord attaches to the person of the user. When the cord is attached to the user, the present invention provides a means to secure the electronic device to the user to avoid theft of, loss of or damage to the device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to and claims priority from provisional patent application No. 61/279,907 filed on Oct. 28, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a system and apparatus for securing small portable electronic devices. In particular, this invention relates to an apparatus for reducing the incident of dropping, theft and loss of small electronic devices by continually attaching the electronic device to the owner and providing a constant reminder to the person of the presence of the electronic device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mobile cellular telephones, I-phones, smart phones and other personal digital assistance (PDA) devices and I-pods are a main part of life in today's society. At almost any location and time, one can observe persons talking on mobile telephones or sending text messages on those same devices. Others will use the PDA to send email communications. Many people store computer files and other information on these small electronic devices. The size of these devices makes it very easy to carry them. The computing power of the devices makes them very desirable to use for many applications.

The popularity of these electronic devices also makes them a target for thieves. Theft of electronic devices is a real problem in our society. In addition, the small size of these devices, which is an attraction, also increases the possibility of losing these devices. Further, the constant handling of these devices increases the chances of dropping and damaging the devices.

Although there is a need to protect small electronic devices from theft, loss and accidental damage, there are few products that address this basic need. Products do exist that address the loss of information that is stored on these devices. Solutions exist that will restore lost data. One general approach is to provide redundancy with many electronic devices such that the data on the device is stored (backed up) in a system device. If the owner loses the data, they can access and retrieve the stored data for their device.

A general approach for recovering lost devices is to have insurance or some form of tracking application that provides for the location and recovery of the device. In one application with regards to mobile cellular telephones, the lost device senses a lack of physical movement, lack of a connection to a power source and/or a lack of activity on the device. When these conditions exist and exist for a defined period of time, an application within the device will transmit a signal to the service provider for that device. The service provider would then contact the owner/customer regarding this matter. If the owner confirms that actual lost the cellular telephone, processes within the system can identify the location of the telephone. In other situations, the service provider can disable to ability of that lost telephone to operate. The ability to remotely disable to the telephone device has applications when the device is lost or stolen. Some electronic devices such as the I-phone are not insurable by the cell phone manufacturer or cell phone insurance companies.

As also mentioned, many times, a device owner may accidently drop the device. The impact of the device hitting and striking a hard service can severely and permanently damage the device. The standard protection against accidental dropping of the device is to partially or fully enclose the device in some form of padded case. The padded case can occasionally reduce the impact to the point that no damage results from the accidental dropping of the device.

With regards to security of electronic devices and in particular small electronic devices, one general approach is to secure devices with a tether such as a chain. This approach is implemented in many retail establishments that sell electronic devices. The chain enables the customer to handle the device, but prevents them from walking away with the device or dropping the device. Although the approach of using a chain to secure a device to a stationary location is known, that area of technology remains stagnant.

One example of technology in the area of chain security is U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,602 which describes a security chain anchor which comprises: a base plate that is bolted or otherwise securely fastened, in use, to a fixed surface such as, for example, a floor or wall; and a loop-bearing member having a rigid loop mounted thereto to receive a tether, wherein the loop is pivotally mounted to the loop-bearing member and the loop-bearing member is rotatable relative to the base plate.

Although there are chain security devices for securing electronic devices to stationary objects to prevent theft of and damage to a device, there remains a need for a device and system to secure electronic devices to individuals to prevent theft of, loss of and damage to an electronic device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes a system for securing a portable electronic device to a person. The invention comprises a front plate attached directly to an electronic device surface or to a case element that can surround or enclose the electronic device. A ring or loop element is secured to the surface of the front plate element. A cord element is secured to the plate element and case through the loop element. An individual can secure the tether to his or her person and thereby securing the front plate and case to him or herself. When the electronic device is secured in the case element, the device is indirectly secured to the user of the device.

In another embodiment, the loop element can be secured to the front plate element and case element via rivets attached to the loop element. These rivets extend through the surface of the plate element and are secured to and through an inner plate element on the other side of the case element surface opposite the ring element. In addition, the securing cord can be various lengths and have various levels of elasticity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of a front plate element of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the front plate element of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view of the front plate element of an embodiment of the present invention attached to a case element for enclosing an electronic device.

FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating two threaded rivets centered on the front surface of an inner the plate element of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-section view of the side surface of the front/top side of the front inner plate element.

FIG. 6 is a view of the inner plate element with rivets extending through the case element.

FIG. 7 is a view of an embodiment of the present invention attached to cover element over a case element.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention installed on a cellular telephone case.

FIG. 9 is a view of the cord with one end attached to the person of a user and the other end of the cord attached to the electronic device.

FIG. 10 is a view of a general embodiment of the security device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system and apparatus to reduce loss, theft and damage to portable electronic devices. The present invention accomplishes this objective by loosely securing the portable electronic device to the person of the owner or user of the device. The means through which the invention accomplishes this objective will be described through the elements/components that comprise the system of the invention. A cellular telephone device will be the portable electronic device referred to in this description.

Referring to FIG. 1, shown is a front plate element 100 that will attach to a telephone cover or case. This front plate 100 will generally be attached to the outer surface of the cover or case. The front plate can have any shape of dimension. The plate shown in FIG. 1 has a generally rectangular shape. This rectangular-shaped plate has parallel sides 102 with both having a preferred length of one-half inch and parallel sides 104 both having a preferred width of one inch wide. The front plate 100 contains a pair of small drilled holes 106 and 108 preferably positioned equal distance (approximately one-eighth inch) away from each side 102 and centered on the plate surface 110. A jump-ring 112 is positioned and centered on the surface 110 of the front plate element 100 approximately equal distances from each drilled hole 106 and 108. The jump-ring 112 can be approximately one-quarter inch long and with ends that are preferably soldered to the front plate surface 110. These ends can be approximately one-third of an inch.

FIG. 2 shows a side cross-section view of the front plate 100 of an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the plate surface 110 can be basically relatively flat with the plate having a thickness of approximately 1 centimeter. The jump-ring 112 extends upward from the surface 110 of the plate. The jump-ring 112 is approximately one-fourth inch from each drilled hole 106 and 108.

FIG. 3 shows a view wherein n application of the front plate element 100 of the present invention is attached to a case element 120 for enclosing or holding an electronic device. The case element 120 can be made of a hard solid material or a softer and more flexible material. As shown, though not shown herein, the case element 120 has an outer surface 124 and an inner surface 122 (see FIG. 6). When the case element 120 attaches to a cellular telephone device, the inner surface 122 of the case element 120 is in close proximity to the telephone device. However, in many case designs, there is a clearance area between the inner surface 122 of the case element 120 and the outer surface of the cellular telephone device. FIG. 3 shows the case device attached to the cellular telephone. The front plate element 100 attaches to the outer surface of the case element 120. In order to properly and adequately attach the front plate element to the case element, there will a need to drill small holes in the case surface. These holes will need to align with the holes 106 and 108 of the front plate element. The secure attachment of the front plate element 100 to the case element 120 is described in more detail in reference to FIGS. 4 through 6.

It should also be noted that the present invention has an embodiment with only a front plate and attached jump-ring. The front plate is attached to the surface of the telephone case or actual telephone device with an adhesive material such as glue.

Referring to FIGS. 3 through 6, FIG. 4 is a view of the top side/surface of an inner plate element 200 the front plate element having rivets or screws 116 and 118 designed to be positioned in the holes 106 and 108 of the front plate element 100. These rivets/screws 116 and 118 will provide the means to secure the front plate element 100 to the outer surface of the case element 120 via the inner plate element 200. This inner plate element 200 is a companion plate to the front plate element 100. As shown in FIG. 6, the inner plate element 200 is positioned on the inner surface 122 of the case element 120 such that the inner plate 200 is aligned with the front plate element 100. These two plates 100 and 200 form a sandwich design with the case element cover material being positioned between them. The inner plate element 200 can have approximately the same dimensions as the front plate element 100.

As mentioned, the case element 120 has an outer surface 124 and an inner surface 122. FIG. 6 is a view of the inner surface 122 of the case element 120, which shows the inner plate element 200 being on the inner surface 122 of the case element 120. One method of attaching the front plate element 100 to the case element 120 is by drilling small holes in the case surface, which are designed to be aligned with the holes 106 and 108 of the front plate element 100. Additionally, and especially when the case element 120 is made of a soft pliable material, the rivets or screws 116 and 118 can be pointed or sharp on the bottom end to provide for easily piercing the surface of the casing 120. FIG. 5 shows the side cross-section view of the inner plate element 200 with the rivets/screws 116 and 118 positioned for insertion through case element 120 and through the front plate 100 via holes 106 and 108. When the inner plate 200 and front plates 100 are aligned, screws or rivets 116 and 118 can extend through the case element 120 through the front plate holes 106 and 108. Conversely, although the Figures herein show the front plate element 100 having holes 106 and 108 and the inner plate 200 having rivets or screws 116 and 118, front plate 100 can have rivets or screws that puncture or are inserted through the case element 120 into an inner plate 200 that has holes to receive the rivets or screws. In this configuration, the inner plate 200 is snapped onto the inward extending rivets or screws of the front plate 100 in order to secure the front and inner plate elements with the case surface. The rivets can be pointed on the bottom end to provide for piercing of the surface of the casing. FIG. 5 shows the side cross-section view of the front plate element 100 with the rivets/screws 116 and 118 positioned for insertion through the front plate and case elements.

As mentioned, the case element 120 has an outer surface 124 (see FIG. 8) and an inner surface 122. FIG. 6 is a view of the inner surface 122 of the case element 120. Attached to the inner surface of the case element is an inner plate element 200. This inner plate element is a companion plate to the front plate element 100. The inner plate element 200 is positioned on the inner surface 122 of the case element such that the inner plate is aligned with the front plate element. These two plates for a sandwich design with the cover material being positioned between them. The inner plate element has approximately the same dimensions as the front plate element and also has a set of corresponding holes that align with holes 106 and 108 of the front plate element. When the inner plate and front plates are aligned, screws or rivets can extend through the front plate, case element surface and inner plate. Rivets can also extend from the inner plate through the case element and engage the front plate. In this configuration, the front plate is snapped onto the outward extending rivets or screws. The screws or rivets will secure the front and inner plate elements to the case surface.

When the front plate 100 and inner plate 200 elements are secured to the case element 120, the case element 120 can be attached to the telephone device using the jump ring 112. The jump-ring 112 that is attached and secured to the front plate 100 will provide a means to attach a securing element such as a chain to the telephone device via the case and plate elements.

As described herein, the rivets or screws 116 and 118 can have sharp ends in order to puncture the telephone case element 120 or cover. Casings are typically made of materials such as plastic, soft gel or leather. Rivets or screws can also be threaded to accommodate the use of small “nuts” to secure the front plate 100, telephone cover 120 and inner plate 200 together. Rivets can also be secured by inserting the rivets through the holes 106 and 108 and bending the rivets outwards or inwards such that are substantially flat against the surface 110 of the front plate 100 or applying a bead of solder on the end of each rivet after the front and inner plates are in place. Additionally, and especially when the securing device having the front plate 100 and inner plate 200 are sold in conjunction with the case 120, the rivets 116 and 118 can simply be riveted into the front plate 100 using typically riveting methods such that there is not a substantial protrusion of the rivet from the front plate surface 110. In this embodiment, rivets 116 and 118 would be substantially shorter than show in FIG. 5. Additionally, when the rivets or screws 116 and 118 are threaded screws, the nuts can be decorative and include features such as diamond studded nuts or nuts having a led flashing element. Additionally, when sold the kit containing the front plate 100, inner plate 200 and nuts, can have several interchangeable nuts that include a variety of features such as various textures, designs (diamond, flashing, etc.) or colors.

FIG. 7 describes a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention in which a cover element 130 fits over a soft gel case 132. The plastic cover element 130 has a small rectangular-shaped hole 134 cut in the cover surface in order to receive the jump-ring 112. The hole 134 is vertically positioned in on the plastic cover surface 130. In this configuration, the front and inner plates are positioned parallel to the bottom or base 136 of the telephone case 132. The rectangular hole 134 is particularly applicable to the installation of the present invention on soft-gel telephone cases. The horizontal installation of the front plate and inner plate on the telephone case with the vertically cut hole on the plastic cover was designed to add increased security measures and to maintain the integrity of the soft-gel telephone case 132 when an embodiment of the present invention is attached thereto. Additionally, in this embodiment, the area around the rectangular hole or cutout 134 is reinforced to increase the ability of the cover element 130 to withstand wear and tear.

In another embodiment, the cover element 130 can fit directly over an electronic device without the case.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention installed on a cellular telephone case. This view shows the 140 having the present invention attached to it. As shown, the front plate 100 and the inner plate 200 are positioned with the telephone case 140 between them. Rivets 116 (hidden) and 118 extend through the surface of the telephone case and attach the front plate and inner plate to the case. A jump-ring 112 is attached to the front plate 100. A cord 142 attaches to and extends from the jump-ring 112. The cord 142 can have from none to varying degrees of elasticity. A hook device 144 attaches to the end of the cord 142 opposite the end that is secured to the jump-ring 112. This hook device is used to secure the cord 142 and thereby the telephone to the user. In addition to the convention hook device 144 shown in FIG. 8, other types of securing mechanisms can be used to secure the cord to the user.

FIG. 9 is a view of the cord with one end attached to a securing device 144 the person of a user 146 and the other end of the cord 142 attached to the electronic device via the a described embodiment of the present invention. Although not shown, the telephone could be positioned on in the pocket of the user. Also, the securing device as described herein can be attached to a latch hook inside of a backpack, a briefcase, computer bag, etc. Additionally, while as described herein the electronic securing device 150 is shown with multiple holes and corresponding rivets or screws, an embodiment of the invention also includes the securing device 150 including only one hole and one corresponding rivet or screw. Additionally, an embodiment of the present invention can include both the front plate element 100 and the inner plate element 200 having corresponding holes, wherein a connector, such as a rivet, a dowel, a threaded dowel having threads at both ends extends through the inner plate element hole, through the casing element 120, and through the front plate element hole, such that nuts can be placed on both of the threaded ends in order to secure the securing device to the case element 120. Additionally, rather than use nuts, a rivet can be placed within these holes as described above, including a rivet that is bent outwards or inwards such that are substantially flat against the surfaces of one or both of the front plate and the inner front plate. The application of the present invention will keep the user from losing the telephone such as by leaving the device in a taxi cab. In addition, the attachment of the telephone to the person will serve to remind the person of the telephone device when that person is leaving a location such as a table in a restaurant. Last, the attachment of the telephone to the user via the present invention can prevent damage to the telephone in case the user drops the device.

FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of the electronic security device 150 of the present invention. As shown and previously described, the electronic security device has a front plate 100 and an inner plate 200. In one embodiment, at least one connector such as a rivet or screw 116 and/or 118 extends from the inner plate 200 through a casing material to and into the front plate 100. The front and inner plates can be made of any suitable material such as stainless steel or hard plastic material.

This invention provides significant advantages over the current art. The invention has been described in connection with its preferred embodiments. However, it is not limited thereto. Changes, variations and modifications to the basic design may be made without departing from the inventive concepts in this invention. In addition, these changes, variations and modification would be obvious to this skilled in the art having the benefit of the foregoing teachings.

Claims

1. A security device for reducing theft and loss of a small electronic device by attaching the electronic to the person of a user comprising:

a front plate element having a surface with a top side and a bottom side and at least one hole in the plate surface, the front plate element having a jump-ring attached to front plate element's top side surface;

an inner plate element having a surface with a top side and a bottom and at least one hole in the plate surface; wherein the front plate element hole and the inner plate element hole are positioned such that when attached together the front plate element hole and the inner plate element hole are aligned; and

a security device connector element attached to the top side of said front plate element for facilitating the connection and attachment of the security device to the person of a user of the small electronic device.

2. The security device as described in claim 1 further comprising a plate connector designed to join the front plate element to the inner plate element, the plate connector is designed to extend through the inner plate element hole, through an electronic device case covering, and into the hole of the front plate surface, wherein the security device is designed to be used in conjunction with a user's electronic device case, such that when the front plate element and the inner plate element are connected together and to the electronic device case with the connector, the top side surface of the inner plate is designed to be abutted against an inner surface of the electronic device case and the front plate element's bottom side surface is designed to be abutted against the outer surface of the electronic device, such that a cord element having two ends, with at least one end having a hook, can be connected to the jump-ring at one end and the other end of the cord element can be attached to a person.

3. The security device as described in claim 1 further comprising a flexible connection element attached to said front plate element via said security device connector element.

4. The security device as described in claim 1 wherein said plate connector element is at least one screw having a pointed end to facilitate extending through the holes in said front plate element and piercing said electronic device casing element and further comprises a nut element for every screw element, said nut element engaging said screw element to further secure said front plate, inner plate and casing together.

5. The security device as described in claim 1 wherein said security device connector element further comprises a jump-ring soldered to the top side of said front plate element.

6. The security device as described in claim 1 wherein said flexible connection element is comprised of an elastic material.

7. The security device as described in claim 1 further comprising a user connector element attached to an end of the flexible connection element opposite said security device connector element, said user connector element facilitating the connection of the cord element to the user.

8. The security device as described in claim 2 wherein said at least one plate connector can extend through and from said front plate through said casing and said inner plate.

9. The security device as described in claim 2 wherein said at least one plate connector can extend through and from said inner plate through said casing and said front plate.

10. The security device as described in claim 3 wherein said flexible connector element is a chain.

11. The security device as described in claim 1 wherein said plate connector element comprises at least two plate connector elements.

12. The security device as described in claim 1 further comprising an adhesive material for attaching said front plate element and said inner plate element to said electronic device casing element.

13. An apparatus for reducing theft and loss of a small electronic device by attaching the electronic to the person of a user comprising:

a front plate element having a surface with a top side and a bottom side;

an adhesive material for attaching and securing the bottom side of said front plate to an electronic device or electronic device cover;

a security device connector element attached to the top side of said front plate element;

a flexible connection element attached to said front plate element via said security connector element; and

a user connector element attached to an end of the cord element opposite said cord connector element, said user connector element facilitating the connection of the cord element to the user.

14. The apparatus as described in claim 13 wherein said security device connector element further comprises a jump-ring soldered to the top side of said front plate element.

15. The apparatus as described in claim 13 wherein said flexible connection element is a cord.

16. The apparatus as described in claim 13 wherein said flexible connection element is comprised of an elastic material.

17. A security device for reducing theft and loss of a small electronic device by attaching the electronic to the person of a user comprising:

a front plate element having a surface with a top side and a bottom side and at least one hole in the plate surface, the front plate element having a jump-ring attached to front plate element's top side surface;

an inner plate element having a surface with a top side and a bottom and at least one hole in the plate surface; wherein the front plate element hole and the inner plate element hole are positioned such that when attached together the front plate element hole and the inner plate element hole are aligned;

a security device connector element attached to the top side of said front plate element for facilitating the connection and attachment of the security device to the person of a user of the small electronic device; and

a plate connector designed to permanently join the front plate element to the inner plate element, the plate connector is designed to extend through the inner plate element hole, through an electronic device case covering, and into the hole of the front plate surface, wherein the security device is designed to be used in conjunction with a user's electronic device case, such that when the front plate element and the inner plate element are connected together and to the electronic device case with the connector, the top side surface of the inner plate is designed to be abutted against an inner surface of the electronic device case and the front plate element's bottom side surface is designed to be abutted against the outer surface of the electronic device, such that a cord element having two ends, with at least one end having a hook, can be connected to the jump-ring at one end and the other end of the cord element can be attached to a person.

18. The security device as described in claim 17 further comprising a flexible connection element attached to said front plate element via said security device connector element.

19. The security device as described in claim 17 wherein said plate connector element is at least one screw having a pointed end to facilitate extending through the holes in said front plate element and piercing said electronic device casing element and further comprises a nut element for every screw element, said nut element engaging said screw element to further secure said front plate, inner plate and casing together.

20. The security device as described in claim 17 further comprising a user connector element attached to an end of the flexible connection element opposite said security device connector element, said user connector element facilitating the connection of the cord element to the user.