HANDS-FREE ELECTRONIC DEVICE HOLDER

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to hands-free holders for portable electronic devices. In at least one embodiment, the holder comprises a pouch having a substantially opaque first side, a substantially translucent second side, an open top, and an attached strap.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/470,827, entitled HANDS-FREE ELECTRONIC DEVICE HOLDER, by Carol J. Seimetz, filed Apr. 1, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a hands-free holder for portable electronic devices. In at least one embodiment, the holder comprises a pouch having a substantially opaque first side, a substantially translucent second side, and an attached strap.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices are a part of daily life. Cell phones, digital music players, and other portable electronic devices are commonly carried by their users throughout their daily travels.

SUMMARY

Generally, the present disclosure relates to a hands-free electronic device holder. More particularly, the disclosure describes a pouch worn around the neck that holds a portable electronic device for easy, yet private, viewing and access. The user can view the electronic device and ascertain its status while the device is still in the pouch, and can easily access the device and pull it out if necessary. For example, a cell phone may be placed within the pouch so that its screen is visible through the translucent side. Then, when a call comes in or a message is received, the user can easily pull the pouch slightly away from his or her torso and tilt it up so that caller ID information or a message summary is visible without removing the device from the pouch. The user can then determine whether a response or further action is necessary, for example, whether a call needs to be answered, without removing the cell phone from the holder.

In one embodiment, the holder for electronic devices comprises a pouch including a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is substantially translucent and the second side is substantially opaque, and a strap attached to the pouch. In another embodiment, the holder for electronic devices comprises a pouch, a strap attached to the pouch, and a means for viewing an electronic device located within said pouch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a first side view of an embodiment of a hands-free holder for electronic devices.

FIG. 2 is a second side view of the embodiment of the hands-free holder for electronic devices.

DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to certain embodiments illustrated in the disclosure, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 depict an embodiment of a hands-free holder 10 for electronic devices. In this embodiment, a substantially planar pouch 12 includes a first side 14 and a second side 16 opposite the first side 14. Various embodiments of the pouch 12 are sized to hold particular electronic devices, including, but not limited to, cell phones, digital music players, digital cameras, and mini-camcorders. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side 14 of the pouch 12 is substantially opaque and the second side 16 is substantially translucent, forming a substantially translucent portion of the pouch 12. In a further embodiment, the second side 16 is substantially transparent, forming a substantially transparent portion of the pouch 12. In at least one embodiment, the second side 16 is sufficiently transparent such that a user may view an electronic device within the pouch 12 by looking through the second side 16. As used herein, transparency is a subset of translucency, wherein translucency allows the passage of light, but transparency allows the passage of light and image formation.

The second side 16 is made of a material that is substantially translucent and optionally transparent, including, but not limited to, a transparent vinyl sheet. In some embodiments, the second side 16 is configured to allow the user to perform touch screen functions while the device remains in the pouch 12. This second side 16 is also preferably perforated in locations corresponding to the speakers and microphones of the device so those features can also be utilized while the device remains in the pouch 12.

The first side 14 is made of a material that is substantially opaque including, but not limited to, an opaque fabric, leather, plastic, or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the first side displays a design, logo, or image (such as that for a company, team, club, school, organization, event, hobby, photograph, musician or band, cartoon characters, action heroes, movie, holiday, season, printed art, or the like) by means of silkscreen, appliqué, embroidery, monogram, beads, sequins, jewel designs, and/or button(s), for example, at the preference of the wearer and/or with licensing for larger-scale production.

In at least one embodiment, a pocket 24 is attached to the outer surface of the first side 14. In a further embodiment, the pocket 24 is translucent or transparent. In still a further embodiment, the pocket 24 is a transparent pocket sized for receiving, storing, and displaying cards, such as, for example, an identification card or keycard. In this embodiment, the user can carry and display the card or other item and a portable electronic device without the use of his or her hands.

The pouch 12 includes an opening 18 adapted to receive a portable electronic device. The opening 18 optionally includes a means for closure. Suitable means for closure include, but are not limited to, a hook-and-loop closure, snap, magnet, button, zipper, or other suitable mechanism. In at least one embodiment, the opening is arranged to be on the topmost portion of the pouch 12, when the holder 10 is worn by a user.

The dimensions of the pouch 12 can vary to accommodate the size of the intended portable electronic device. In at least one embodiment, the pouch 12 is formed by the first side 14 and the second side 16 being sewn or fabric-welded together along at least a portion of their perimeters. In some embodiments, seams of the pouch 12 are straight or gusseted. In some embodiments, the pouch 12 further comprises a padding layer (not shown) attached to the interior of the pouch 12. The padding layer may be fabric, a foam pad, or other material or combination of materials suitable for cushioning an electronic device without scratching it. In at least one embodiment, the padding layer is attached to the interior of the first side 14.

In at least one embodiment, the holder 10 includes a strap 20 attached to the pouch 12. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the strap 20 is attached to said pouch 12 at or near corners 22 adjacent to the opening 18. In an alternate embodiment, the strap 20 may be attached to a single point of attachment on the pouch 12. In further embodiment, the strap 20 may be attached to a ring, clip, loop, break-away clasp, or other attachment feature extending from the pouch 12. In at least one embodiment, the length of the strap 20 is adjustable. A user may wear the holder 10 on his or her torso by passing the strap 20 around the user's neck. Alternately, the user may wear the holder 10 across his or her torso by passing the strap 20 around the user's neck and one of user's arms. Other means of wearing the holder 10 may also be utilized. The strap 20 can be made of any material that would occur to those skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, leather, cotton, plastic, metal chain, cord, beads, rope, lanyard, or ribbon. In some embodiments, the straps support addition of an easily attachable and detachable accessory such as a key ring.

Finally, an additional interior pocket 26 is included in some embodiments inside pouch 18, attached to the back of first side 14. Pocket 26 may be opaque or clear, and is sized, for example, to hold cash, a driver's license and/or ATM/credit cards. This pocket 26 can provide additional, more secure storage for important objects.

While the inventions have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. A holder for electronic devices, comprising:

a pouch having a first substantially rectangular panel and a second substantially rectangular panel, wherein a substantial portion of the first panel is substantially translucent, the first panel is opposite and aligned with the second panel, and the first panel is attached to the second panel on three sides with an open top; and

a strap attached to the pouch.

2. The holder of claim 1, wherein the second panel is substantially opaque,

3. The holder of claim 1, wherein the second panel is substantially transparent.

4. The holder of claim 1, wherein the open top includes a means for closure.

5. The holder of claim 4, wherein the means for closure is chosen from a hook-and-loop closure, a snap, a magnet, a button, and a zipper.

6. The holder of claim 1, wherein the strap is attached to corners of the pouch adjacent to the opening.

7. The holder of claim 1, wherein the strap is attached to corners of the pouch.

8. The holder of claim 1, further comprising a pocket attached to the first panel.

9. The holder of claim 8, wherein the pocket is substantially translucent.

10. The holder of claim 9, wherein the pocket is substantially transparent.

11. A device comprising a pouch, a strap attached to the pouch, and a means for viewing an electronic device located within the pouch, wherein the pouch includes an opening.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the means for viewing the electronic device is a substantially translucent portion of the pouch.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the means for viewing the electronic device is touch sensitive, enabling a touch screen portion of the electronic device to be used while the electronic device is still in the pouch.

14. The device of claim 12, further comprising a pocket located on a side of the pouch opposite the substantially translucent portion.

15. The device of claim 11, wherein the means for viewing the electronic device is a substantially transparent portion of the pouch.

16. The device of claim 11, further comprising a pocket.