SLEEVE ACCESSORY FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE

Abstract

A sleeve accessory for a portable electronic device includes a plurality of layers stitched together and defining at least one pocket. An adhesive layer is provided for mounting the sleeve accessory with a back panel portion of the portable electronic device. The at least one pocket provides a user with the ability to retain one or more personal items of information therein.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/460,403 filed Feb. 17, 2017, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of accessories for mobile electronic devices, and more particularly to an accessory pocket or sleeve for attachment to a mobile phone or other electronic device to allow one or more personal belongings or items of information (e.g., card, license, cash, etc.) to be stored therein and conveniently accessible to the user.

BACKGROUND

Mobile phones and other portable electronic devices are widely abundant in today's society, whereby most users generally keep them nearby, in their purse or bag, or in their clothing pocket. Similarly, users generally also carry a wallet, billfold or other satchel including important items of information such as their credit card(s), driver's license, cash, etc. In some cases, users forget their wallet on occasion and are inconvenienced as they lack the personal and important information needed for a given situation (e.g., need their credit card to make a payment, need driver's license to show a police officer, etc.). Thus, it can be seen that needs exist for improvements to portable electronic devices to provide a convenient and accessible accessory so a user can retain at least some of their personal and important information directly with the portable electronic device.

It is to the provision of accessories and improvements for portable electronic devices meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present invention provides accessories and improvements for portable electronic devices to assist a user in retaining one or more personal items of information with the portable electronic device.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a sleeve accessory for a portable electronic device including a plurality of layers attached together and defining at least one pocket, and an adhesive layer for mounting the sleeve accessory with a back panel portion of the portable electronic device. According to one example form, the sleeve accessory is mounted to a case at least partially engaged with the personal electronic device.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a sleeve accessory for a portable electronic device including at least two layers of material laid atop each other, each layer comprising about four sides; one or more thread materials stitched through the at least two layers, wherein the thread material is generally stitched along at least three of the four sides; and an access opening defined on one of the sides of the stitched layers and defining at least one pocket.

In example embodiments, the sleeve accessory further includes an adhesive layer for mounting the sleeve accessory to a back panel portion of the portable electronic device or to a back panel portion of a case that is covering at least a portion of the electronic device. In some example embodiments, the adhesive layer is configured to permanently mount the sleeve accessory with the portable electronic device. In other example embodiments, the adhesive layer is configured to removably mount the sleeve accessory with the portable electronic device. In example embodiments, the adhesive comprises a high-strength adhesive transfer tape configured to bond to low surface energy substrates, such as but not limited to 3M™ High-Strength Acrylic Adhesive Transfer Tape with 300LSE adhesive. In example embodiments, the at least two layers are stitched together to define two pockets. In example embodiments, the two pockets define upper openings or access portions, which are substantially parallel and laterally offset from each other. In example embodiments, the at least two layers include an attachment panel having the adhesive layer applied thereon, and an exterior panel, and wherein the pocket is defined between the attachment panel and the exterior panel.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of modifying a portable electronic device to assist a user in retaining one or more personal items of information with the portable electronic device, the method including attaching a sleeve accessory to the portable electronic device, the sleeve accessory including a plurality of layers stitched together to define at least one pocket. In example embodiment, the sleeve accessory includes an adhesive layer for mounting the sleeve accessory with a back panel portion of the portable electronic device. In example embodiments, the method further includes inserting one or more personal items of information in the at least one pocket of the sleeve accessory. In example embodiments, the method includes removing one or more personal items of information from the at least one pocket as desired.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a case for an electronic device. The case preferably includes a shell defining an interior chamber configured to receive and hold the electronic device, and further includes a back panel having at least one sleeve affixed to an exterior side of the shell opposite the interior chamber.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a portable electronic device having a sleeve accessory mounted thereon according to an example embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve accessory having one or more personal items of information retained therein.

FIG. 2 is an assembly view of the portable electronic device and sleeve accessory of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the sleeve accessory of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear plan view of the sleeve accessory of FIG. 3, showing a removable cover layer or liner cover protecting an adhesive backing for attachment to the portable electronic device or case of FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 5 is a front plan view of the portable electronic device case and sleeve accessory of FIG. 1 with the electronic device removed therefrom, and showing the adhesive attachment of the sleeve accessory with the portable electronic device case.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sleeve accessory of FIG. 3 taken along line 6-6, showing the construction and layers of the sleeve accessory.

FIG. 7 shows the rear plan view of a portable electronic device having a sleeve accessory mounted thereon according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a portable electronic device case incorporating a sleeve accessory, according to another example embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-2 show a portable electronic device D in the form of a mobile phone comprising a case DC installed on the device D and having a pocket or sleeve accessory 10 mounted to a back panel of the case DC, or alternatively to a back panel of the device D. In example embodiments, a user's personal information P including one or more cards (credit card, driver's license, etc.), cash, or other small objects can be fitted within a pocket 20 of the sleeve accessory 10, for example, to retain them therein.

In example embodiments, the sleeve accessory 10 generally comprises one or more layers of fabric or other generally flat materials defining at least one slot or pocket 20 for retaining one or more items of personal information P (see FIGS. 1 and 6). As depicted in FIG. 1, the sleeve accessory 10 comprises two pockets 20 formed by layers of fabric of other desirable sheet material, for example, which are stacked or laid atop each other and sewn together (as will be described in greater detail below). In example embodiments, each pocket 20 comprises an access opening 22 that is generally formed near an upper end of the sleeve accessory 10, for example, such that the one or more items of personal information P generally remain within the footprint or area defined by the device case DC or device D when the sleeve accessory 10 is mounted thereto and is retaining one or more items of personal information P. As depicted in FIG. 2, the sleeve accessory 10 is generally configured to mount to a rear surface of the device case DC or device D, for example, generally near a lower or bottom portion of the rear surface. Thus, items of personal information P, for example, cards, cash or other generally wallet-sized items are configured to fittingly engage within the pockets 20. In example embodiments, any portion of the items of personal information P projecting therefrom remain within the overall footprint or area defined by the device case C or device D. In some example embodiments, other items of personal information P, for example, items generally larger than wallet-sized items, can similarly engage with the one or more pockets 20 as desirable, for example, which may be large enough to project beyond the footprint or area defined by the device case DC or device D.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the sleeve accessory 10, which comprises a width X₁ of between about 2.50 inches to about 3.50 inches, a first side length X₂ of between about 2.3 inches to about 4.5 inches, and a second side length X₃ of between about 1.3 inches to about 4.1 inches. In example embodiments and as described above, the upper portion of the sleeve accessory 10 comprises at least one pocket 20 for retaining the user's personal item(s) of information P. According to example embodiments, the upper portion is generally angled or slanted between the sides to define an angle a of between about 5-20 degrees. In example embodiments, the sleeve accessory comprises two pockets 20 defining upper access openings 22 that are generally offset from each other, for example, wherein the openings 22 of the pockets 20 are generally spaced apart by a width X₄, for example, which is generally between about 0.1 inches to about 1.5 inches. According to one example embodiment, the width X₁ is about 2.5 inches, the first side length X₂ is about 3.4 inches, the second side length X₃ is about 3.0 inches, the width X₄ is about 0.4 inches and the angle a is about 9.1 degrees. In alternate example embodiments, the dimensions X₁, X₂, X₃, X₄ and angle a can be chosen as desired. According to one example embodiment, the widths X₁, X₄, lengths X₂, X₃ and angle can be chosen to accommodate a desired fitting engagement with a particular size electronic device or device case.

According to some example embodiments, the pockets 20 are dimensioned to accommodate fitting engagement of one or more personal item(s) of information P, for example, such that at least a portion thereof generally remains exposed or at least partially projects from the access openings 22, thereby allowing for easy removal of the one or more item(s) of personal information P from the pockets 20 (e.g., when removal is desired). According to one example embodiment, one of the openings 20 comprises a first length or depth X₅ and the other of the openings comprises a second length or depth X₆. For example, the first depth X₅ can be between about 1.5-3 inches, for example, about 2.58 inches according to one example embodiment of the present invention. The second depth X₆ of the other opening can be between about 2.5-4.5 inches, for example, about 3.37 inches according to one example embodiment of the present invention. In example embodiments, the first and second depths X₅, X₆ are defined between the lower bottom portions of the openings 20 (e.g., see stitching 60) and the uppermost portions of the access openings 22. Optionally, according to other example embodiments, the first and second depths X₅, X₆ of the pockets 20 can be chosen as desired. Furthermore, the width of the openings 20 can be chosen as desired, for example, to provide for a desirable fitting or frictional engagement with one or more personal items of information P. According to some example embodiments, the width of at least one opening 20 is such that about two or three personal items of information need be inserted to cause frictional engagement therewith. Optionally, the width is configured as desired, or for example, can be configured such that any single item of personal information P is frictionally engaged with the pocket.

FIGS. 4-5 show a rear view of the sleeve accessory 10, for example, wherein a liner or cover sheet 30 is attached thereto prior to the sleeve accessory 10 being mounted to the device case DC or device D (see FIG. 4), and wherein removal of the cover sheet 30 exposes an adhesive layer such that the sleeve accessory 10 can be securely mounted to the back panel of the device case DC or device D (see FIG. 5). In example embodiments, the cover sheet 30 is generally applied to the adhesive on the rear portion of the sleeve accessory 10 after manufacture and prior to packaging such that the adhesive remains concealed and protected until it is desired to attach the sleeve accessory 10 to the device case DC or device D. According to example embodiments, the cover sheet 30 can comprise a pull tab 32 attached thereto, for example, to assist the user in removing the cover sheet for mounting the adhesive layer to the back panel of the device case DC or device D. In example embodiments, the pull tab 32 can include written instructions or other indicia such as “Peel Me First”, “Peel This Layer First” or other phrases or indicia to provide assistance and guidance to the user during installation.

In example embodiments, the adhesive formed on the rear portion of the sleeve accessory 10 can be chosen as desired, for example, to provide for either a permanent or removable attachment with the device case DC or device D. In example embodiments, the adhesive layer comprises a double coated adhesive tape. In some example embodiments, the double coated adhesive tape comprises 3M™ High-Strength Acrylic Adhesive Transfer Tape with 300LSE adhesive, which provides for high bond strength to most surfaces including the back panel of portable electronic devices D and cases DC. In example embodiments, the transfer tape is designed to bond to low surface energy substrates. In example embodiments, the 300LSE adhesive comprises a thickness of between about 2 mils to about 5 mils.

Optionally, a magic adhesive can be provided for mounting the sleeve accessory 10 to the electronic device D or case DC rather than the double coated adhesive tape. In example embodiments, the magic adhesive is configured to provide for both removable and repositionable attachment, for example, such that the adhesive is reusable to provide for removal and reattachment to an electronic device D or case DC as desired. In one example embodiment, a sandwich layer adhesive is provided, for example, which comprises 3M™ R100 on one side (e.g., the removable/repositionable side that sticks to the device/case), a tape carrier in the middle, and 9775WL adhesive on the other side (e.g., the permanent adhesive that sticks to the back of the pocket). In example embodiments, the 3M™ R100 allows for removable and reusable attachment of the accessory 10 with a plurality of devices or cases.

As depicted in FIG. 6, a plurality of layers are used to form the sleeve accessory 10. For example, according to one example embodiment, the sleeve accessory 10 comprises several layers including (e.g., moving from the top (outer) to bottom (inner) as shown in FIG. 6) a leather outer layer 40, an inner-layer adhesive 42, a non-elastic polyester lining 44, a non-elastic polyester lining 44, an inner-layer adhesive 42, a leather layer 46, an inner-layer adhesive 42, a non-elastic polyester lining 44, a non-elastic polyester lining 44, an inner-layer adhesive 42, a paperboard layer 50, an adhesion-promoter primer layer 52, an inner-layer adhesive 42, a PC or other rigid plastic film 54, and a double coated adhesive layer 56. In example embodiments, stitching 60 is provided to permanently secure a plurality of the layers together, and the outer edges can be provided with burnished edge paint 62. In alternate embodiments, the plurality of layers can be attached together as desired, for example, by an adhesive, heat treatment, or other attachment means. According to some example embodiments, the stitching 60 is preferably colored to similarly match the color of the outer leather layer color. Optionally, the stitching can be colored as desired. In example embodiments, the leather layers can comprise at least one of the following materials including cow hide, polyurethane and other durable sheeting materials and laminates.

According to example embodiments, the adhesive layers can be constructed as desired and comprise a desirable adhesive. According to example embodiments, a 3M™ 9495LE adhesive can be provided, for example, which comprises a tape coated with permanent adhesive provided on both sides (i.e., double coated). In another example embodiment, 3M™ R100+3M™ 9775WL can be provided, for example, which comprises a tape coated with permanent 3M™ 9775WL adhesive on one side of the tape and 3M™ R100 adhesive (removable/repositionable) on the other side (i.e., also double coated). Optionally, other adhesives, coupling materials, glues, etc. can be provided as desired. As shown in FIG. 6, the gaps or openings formed between the layers define the pockets 20 as described above. According to example embodiments, the sleeve accessory 10 comprises a thickness T of between about 0.10 inches to about 0.20 inches, for example about 0.185 inches according to one example embodiment.

According to alternate example embodiments, the sleeve accessory 10 can be formed as desired, for example, comprising about two layers which are generally sewn together on three of the four sides (or edges thereof) such that an access opening allows for insertion of a user's personal items of information in the pocket or opening. For example, according to one example embodiment, an outer layer can be laid atop another layer or inner layer, and stitching or other attachment means can be provided for securing the layers together along about three sides thereof. Thus, one of the sides provides an access opening to the pocket. In some example embodiments, an adhesive layer can be provided on the inner layer, for example, to attach or connect the inner layer with the device case DC or device D.

FIG. 7 shows a sleeve accessory 100 mounted to a device case DC according to another example embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the sleeve accessory 100 comprises two pockets defining access openings 122. In example embodiments, the upper edges of each pocket are generally angled oppositely relative to each other, for example, wherein the outer pocket slants downwards from right to left and the inner pocket slants downwards from left to right. Thus, in example embodiments, the upper edge of each pocket generally cross each other to define an “X” design. Optionally, other pocket configurations can be chosen as desired, for example, to define two generally spaced-apart pockets where the access openings are generally horizontal, or for example, wherein one of the access openings is generally horizontal and the other access opening is angled from right to left, or alternatively from left to right.

In example embodiments, the sleeve accessory 10, 100 can be colored and/or styled as desired. According to some example embodiments, the leather layer can comprise one or more colors including but not limited to iridescent silver, pewter, champagne, rose gold, pink, red, aqua, electric blue, forest, navy, slate, coco and/or black. Optionally, other colors, styles, combinations can be chosen as desired. According to some example embodiments, indicia can be printed or otherwise formed within a portion of the sleeve accessory 10, 100, for example, to expose the brand or model of the sleeve accessory 10, 100. Optionally, other personalized indicia can be formed within a portion of the sleeve accessory 10 or applied thereto as desired. According to some example embodiments, additional design elements can be provided or formed with the sleeve accessory 10, 100, for example, glitter or other stylized elements, which can be provided in a desirable color (or combinations of one or more colors).

In use, the sleeve accessory is generally packaged individually and is intended to be placed in retail stores or sold online. To mount the sleeve accessory to the back panel of the user's portable electronic device D or case DC, the cover sheet 30 is removed by grasping the pull tab 32 to expose the double coated adhesive tape, and then the sleeve accessory 10, 100 is mounted to the back panel of the device D or case DC, for example, such that the adhesive tape provides for sufficient attachment of the sleeve accessory 10, 100 thereto. One or more of the pockets can then be used to store the user's personal items of information P such as credit cards, driver's license, cash or other objects as desired.

According to another example embodiment, the present invention relates to a cover for an electronic device. According to one example embodiment, the cover is generally similar to the sleeve accessory 10 as described above. In example embodiments, the cover can be sized to removably couple with a desirable electronic device, for example, a smart phone or tablet. In example embodiments, the cover can be configured for removable attachment with a case that is covering at least a portion of the device, or alternatively can be attached directly to the device. According to some example embodiments, the cover comprises one or more pockets. Optionally, the cover is generally constructed without any pockets.

FIG. 8 shows a cover or case 110 for a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, which is pre-assembled to include a sleeve accessory substantially as described above as an integral portion of the case as provided to the customer. In example embodiments, the case comprises a shell or housing 120 configured to receive and engage the intended electronic device, for example comprising a back panel, first and second side panels, and top and bottom end panels, defining an interior chamber for receiving the electronic device. The case 110 optionally further includes one or more control button interface features, access ports for a camera and/or connector jacks of the device, impact absorption inner layer portion(s), a hard outer shell, and/or other case features. A pocket or sleeve assembly is affixed to the outside of the back panel of the housing 120 of the case. In example forms, the pocket or sleeve assembly includes a back cover sheet of natural or synthetic leather, fabric, vinyl, plastic or other flexible and/or elastic material covering all, substantially all, or a portion of the case back panel, and at least one pocket or sleeve panel defining one or more pockets or sleeves with access openings therebetween, configured to receive items such as a credit card, business card, cash bills or change, or the like. In the depicted embodiment, first and second pocket or sleeve panels are provided, defining a first (smaller and lower) pocket or sleeve 130 and a second (larger and higher) pocket or sleeve 140. In alternate embodiments, one, three or more pockets or sleeves of similar or different configurations may be provided, or the pocket or sleeve may be formed between the case back panel and the back cover sheet, for example as a slit formed along the back cover sheet. The pocket or sleeve panels may be attached to the back cover sheet, and the back cover sheet attached to the case shell or housing 120 by adhesive, stitching, thermal or solvent welding or other attachment means, or the components may be integrally formed and folded or cut to the desired configuration for assembly.

According to another example embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of modifying a portable electronic device to assist a user in retaining one or more personal items of information with the portable electronic device. The method comprises attaching a sleeve accessory to the portable electronic device, the sleeve accessory comprising a plurality of layers stitched together to define at least one pocket, the sleeve accessory comprising an adhesive layer for mounting the sleeve accessory with a back panel portion of the portable electronic device. In example embodiments, the method further comprises inserting one or more personal items of information in the at least one pocket of the sleeve accessory. In example embodiments, the method further comprises removing one or more personal items of information from the at least one pocket as desired.

While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A sleeve accessory for a portable electronic device, the sleeve accessory comprising a plurality of layers attached together and defining at least one pocket, and an adhesive layer for mounting the sleeve accessory to a back panel portion of the portable electronic device.

2. The sleeve accessory of claim 1, further comprising a case covering at least a portion of the back panel of the electronic device, and wherein the sleeve accessory is mounted to a back panel portion of the case.

3. The sleeve accessory of claim 2, wherein the adhesive layer is configured to permanently mount the sleeve accessory with the portable electronic device.

4. The sleeve accessory of claim 3, wherein the adhesive layer is configured to removably mount the sleeve accessory with the portable electronic device.

5. The sleeve accessory of claim 1, wherein the adhesive comprises a high-strength adhesive transfer tape configured to bond to low surface energy substrates, such as but not limited to 3M™ High-Strength Acrylic Adhesive Transfer Tape with 300LSE adhesive.

6. The sleeve accessory of claim 1, wherein the plurality of layers stitched together defines two pockets.

7. The sleeve accessory of claim 6, wherein the two pockets define upper openings or access portions, which are substantially parallel and laterally offset from each other.

8. The sleeve accessory of claim 1, wherein the plurality of layers comprise an attachment panel having the adhesive layer applied thereon, and an exterior panel, and wherein the pocket is defined between the attachment panel and the exterior panel.

9. The sleeve accessory of claim 1, wherein the plurality of layers are attached by stitching.

10. A sleeve accessory for a portable electronic device comprising:

at least two layers of a material laid atop each other, each layer comprising about four sides;

one or more thread materials stitched through the at least two layers, wherein the thread material is generally stitched on at least three of the four sides; and

an access opening defined on one of the sides of the stitched layers and defining at least one pocket.

11. The sleeve accessory of claim 10, further comprising an adhesive layer for mounting the sleeve accessory to a back panel portion of the portable electronic device or to a back panel portion of a case that is covering at least a portion of the electronic device.

12. The sleeve accessory of claim 11, wherein the adhesive layer is configured to permanently mount the sleeve accessory with the portable electronic device.

13. The sleeve accessory of claim 11, wherein the adhesive layer is configured to removably mount the sleeve accessory with the portable electronic device.

14. The sleeve accessory of claim 11, wherein the adhesive comprises a high-strength adhesive transfer tape configured to bond to low surface energy substrates, such as but not limited to 3M™ High-Strength Acrylic Adhesive Transfer Tape with 300LSE adhesive.

15. The sleeve accessory of claim 10, wherein the at least two layers are stitched together to define two pockets.

16. The sleeve accessory of claim 15, wherein the two pockets define upper openings or access portions, which are substantially parallel and laterally offset from each other.

17. The sleeve accessory of claim 10, wherein the at least two layers comprise an attachment panel having the adhesive layer applied thereon, and an exterior panel, and wherein the pocket is defined between the attachment panel and the exterior panel.

18. A method of modifying a portable electronic device to assist a user in retaining one or more personal items of information with the portable electronic device, the method comprising attaching a sleeve accessory to the portable electronic device, the sleeve accessory comprising a plurality of layers stitched together to define at least one pocket, the sleeve accessory comprising an adhesive layer for mounting the sleeve accessory with a back panel portion of the portable electronic device.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising inserting one or more personal items of information in the at least one pocket of the sleeve accessory.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising removing one or more personal items of information from the at least one pocket as desired.

21. A case for an electronic device, the case comprising a shell defining an interior chamber configured to receive and hold the electronic device, and further comprising back panel having at least one sleeve affixed to an exterior side of the shell opposite the interior chamber.