Auxiliary storage unit for use with an electronic device

Abstract

An apparatus relates to an elastomeric silicone pocket having a portion sandwiched between two plates, wherein the two plates are coupled to one another via at least one strut passing through the portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and more specifically to storage components associated with electronic devices. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops have become ubiquitous. However, in some situations, it may be desirable to carry one or more of these devices and some additional items that the user would like to keep at hand, without putting everything in a large carrier (i.e., wallet, backpack, holster, etc.).

[0003] Of course, while in some cases people may carry such additional items in their pockets, in other cases the same need may exist, but people may not have pockets at all, for example, because they are wearing a dress, a fitted jacket, casual pants or other clothing, or other clothing that is not suitable for carrying such items or that carrying such items would damage their desired image.

[0004] Wallets do exist that are part of or can be attached to electronic devices such as mobile phones. However, such wallets cannot hold several business cards or larger / oddly shaped objects, such as lighters, lipstick tubes, keychains, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure describes a solution that provides significant progress in addressing the aforementioned problems.

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure relates to an apparatus comprising: a resilient silicone pocket having a base surface including one or more holes; a first plate located within the resilient silicone pocket having a side surface adjacent to a first side of the base surface; a second plate having a first side adjacent to a second side of the base surface opposite to the first side of the base surface; and at least one support post connecting the first plate to the second plate via the one or more holes, such that the base surface is sandwiched between the first plate and the second plate.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a device having an elastic pocket having a portion sandwiched between two plates, wherein the two plates are connected to each other via at least one post passing through the portion, wherein the portion sandwiched between the two plates and the at least one post are configured such that stretching the front of the elastic pocket will cause a portion of the elastic pocket to deform and extend from between the two plates to the outside of the two plates.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to an apparatus for use with an electronic device, the apparatus comprising: a frame having a periphery sized for connection around a peripheral edge of the electronic device; a resilient silicone pocket having a base surface having a plurality of holes therein; a first plate located within the pocket, the first plate abutting a first side of the base surface such that a portion of the resilient silicone pocket is wrapped around a first rigid plate; a second plate abutting a second side of the base surface opposite to the first side; and a plurality of supports within the holes connecting the first plate to the second plate such that the base surface is sandwiched between the first plate and the second plate, wherein at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the second plate is connected to a portion of the periphery of the frame such that the back of the electronic device inserted into the frame will abut the second plate on a side of the second plate opposite to the resilient silicone pocket. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The present disclosure is further described in the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals appearing in the various drawings and descriptions designate corresponding or similar elements in different views, and wherein:

[0010] Figure 1A An example implementation of a pocket for auxiliary storage units is shown, based on the teachings of this article; Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A top view of the pocket; Figure 2 An example support plate for auxiliary storage cells is shown in simplified form, based on the teachings of this article; Figure 3 An example substrate for an auxiliary storage cell, based on the teachings of this document, is shown in a simplified form. Figures 4A to 4C The use of is shown in a simplified form. Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The steps involved in constructing the example auxiliary storage unit using the component variations described in the document; Figures 5A to 5C The steps involved in constructing another example variant of the auxiliary storage unit are shown in simplified form; Figure 6 Several alternative variant components, configured for combination and which can be combined to form auxiliary storage units, are shown in simplified form based on the teachings of this paper. Figure 7 Another set of alternative variant components, configured for combination and which can be combined to form an auxiliary storage unit, are shown in simplified form based on the teachings of this paper. Figure 8 A simplified version shows yet another set of alternative variant components configured for combination and which can be combined to form an auxiliary storage unit, based on the teachings of this paper; Figure 9A It can be used with, for example Figure 1A , Figures 2 to 3 A perspective view of an example frame used together with the components; Figure 9B This is a plan view of the frame as seen from the side where the auxiliary components are attached; Figure 9C This is a plan view of the frame as seen from the side where the phone is expected to be inserted; Figure 10 The simplified form is shown for use Figure 1A , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 9A The method of constructing a mobile phone casing using components; Figure 11 An example variant of the auxiliary storage component constructed in accordance with the teachings of this article is shown in a simplified form; Figure 12 The back of an example tablet computer casing, including an integrated large auxiliary storage unit, is shown in a simplified form; and Figure 13 The laptop computer is shown in a simplified form, with a pair of auxiliary storage units attached to the back of the cover. Detailed Implementation

[0011] Figures 1A to 1B and Figures 2 to 3 A representative example implementation of the three components of the auxiliary storage unit, based on the teachings of this paper, is shown in a simplified form. More specifically, Figures 1A to 1B Simplified perspective views of example pocket components as seen from the base side are shown respectively. Figure 1A ) and top view of the pocket ( Figure 1B ), Figure 2 The example first rigid plate component is shown in simplified form, and Figure 3 An example of a second rigid plate component is shown in a simplified form.

[0012] For the sake of simplicity, in general, the combination of the implementations of these three components as taught in this article is all that is needed to create our example implementation of the auxiliary storage unit.

[0013] In light of the foregoing, each component will now be discussed in detail.

[0014] Go to Figure 1A , Figure 1AAn example implementation of a pocket 100 for an auxiliary storage unit, in accordance with the teachings of this document, is shown. The pocket 100 is made of an elastomer, typically silicone rubber, having a hardness between approximately 15 Shore A and approximately 55 Shore A as measured with a Shore A hardness tester (“approximately” reflects variations known in the art as acceptable calibration errors or measurement uncertainties). More specifically, ideally, the pocket 100 should have a hardness in the range of approximately 18 Shore A to approximately 35 Shore A.

[0015] Pocket 100 includes a top edge 102, a bottom 104, and two sides 106, 108. As shown, the top edge 102 of pocket 100 is angled; however, the specific shape of the top edge 102 is a matter of design choice. Pocket 100 also includes a base side surface 110 and a front side surface 112, which is spaced apart from the base side surface 110 by the bottom 104 and the sides 106, 108 to form a cavity 114 therein. Additionally, the base side surface 110 includes one or more holes 116 extending into the cavity, the purpose of which will be described in more detail below.

[0016] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A top view of the pocket 100. (As shown in...) Figure 1B As shown more clearly in many implementations, the front surface 112 of pocket 100 has a thickness "T" greater than the thickness "t" of the base side surface 110, and a sidewall width "W", which is typically, but not necessarily, equal to the thickness "T". For illustrative purposes only, in one example implementation, the thickness "T" is 1.7 mm (approximately 0.067 inches), the thickness "t" is 0.79 mm (approximately 0.031 inches), and W is 1.76 mm (approximately 0.069 inches).

[0017] Now go to Figure 2 , Figure 2 Another component is shown in a simplified form, namely, an example support plate 200 for auxiliary storage units in accordance with the teachings of this article.

[0018] The support plate 200 is made of a material with a high flexural modulus (i.e., quite rigid), typically a moldable or 3D printable polymer. For example, suitable plastics may include, but are not limited to, polycarbonate (PC), acetal-polyamide-imide (PAI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (PEI), and fiber-reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (PPE), but depending on the specific implementation, metals or other materials or combinations of the foregoing materials may be used.

[0019] The support plate 200 consists of two parts: a part 202 that is inserted into the pocket 100 and another part 204 that will be outside the pocket 100.

[0020] As shown in the figure Figure 2 The example support plate 200 will be made of molded rigid plastic and will include at least one or more pillars 206 on portion 202, which enter into pocket 100 and correspond in number, shape and placement to holes 116 in pocket 100 to which it will be used. Alternatively, another portion 204 may also include, but need not have, pillars 206, for example to facilitate alignment or adhesion with a substrate, as will be described below.

[0021] Additionally, the outer periphery 208 of portion 202 is typically recessed from the outer periphery 210 by a certain amount “W” (i.e., the width of the side wall of pocket 100), such that when portion 202 is inside pocket 100, the outer periphery of the sides 106, 108 of pocket 100 will align with the outer periphery 210 of the outer portion 204. Furthermore, portion 202 is thinner than portion 204 and is designed such that the pocket side 212 of portion 202 is recessed from the pocket side 214 of portion 204 by approximately the thickness “t” of pocket 100, such that when inserted into pocket, the pocket side surface 212 will be substantially flush with the base side surface 110 of pocket 100.

[0022] Figure 3 Another component is shown in a simplified form, namely, an example substrate 300 for auxiliary storage cells in accordance with the teachings of this document.

[0023] As shown in the figure, the substrate 300 conceptually has two parts: a part 302 that typically corresponds in size and shape to the periphery formed by the bottom 104 and the two sides 106, 108 of the pocket 100, and another part 304 that typically corresponds in size and shape to the outer periphery 210 of the part 204 of the support plate 200.

[0024] Additionally, the substrate 300 may optionally include a region 306 in the form of a shallow notch or hole that facilitates alignment and / or bonding of the substrate 300 and the support plate 200 to each other, as will be described below.

[0025] As will become apparent from below, when assembling the pocket 100, the support plate 200, and the substrate 300, the portion of the pocket will be sandwiched between the support plate 200 and the substrate 300.

[0026] It should be noted here that during assembly, the support post 206 connecting the support plate 200 and the substrate 300 is positioned at a location removed from the periphery of the support plate 200. This is intentional, so that when an object is placed in the pocket after assembly, the portion of the pocket 100 near the periphery, sandwiched between them, can be stretched from between the support plate 200 and the substrate 300 to the outside of the support plate 200 and the substrate 300. Additionally, in some implementations, the pocket and / or hole may be slightly smaller than the general size (e.g., about 5% smaller or less), so that the pocket must be slightly stretched to accommodate the support post. In this way, the support post can more easily hold the pocket in place during the joining process, which will now be described.

[0027] Figures 4A to 4C The use of is shown in a simplified form. Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The steps involved in constructing the example auxiliary storage unit using those component variations described herein (shown in longitudinal cross-section for understanding purposes).

[0028] like Figure 4A As shown, in cross-section there are pockets 400, support plates 402, and substrates 404 similar to those previously described, except that neither support plates 402 nor substrates 404 include any pillars extending beyond the pocket 400. Figure 4A As further shown, the pocket 400 includes a plurality of holes 406 consistent with the above description. However, in this variant implementation, the supports 408 corresponding to the holes 406 are formed on the substrate 404 instead of on the support plate 402.

[0029] To construct an example auxiliary storage unit, a support plate 402 is inserted into a pocket 400. Figure 4B The result of inserting the support plate 402 into the pocket 400 is shown in a simplified form.

[0030] Then, the substrate 404 is aligned and contacted with the base side surface 110 of the pocket 400 such that: (i) the support 408 extends into the corresponding hole 406 and the face surface 410 of the support 408 contacts the corresponding face surface 412 of the support plate 402, wherein the base side surface 110 of the pocket 400 is sandwiched between the support plate 402 and the substrate 404, and (ii) the corresponding face surfaces 414, 416 of the substrate 404 and the support plate 402 also contact each other. Once this is done, surfaces 410, 412, 414, 416 are joined, for example, by ultrasonic welding. Alternatively, for some implementations, depending on the specific materials used, instead of ultrasonic welding, one or both of the opposing surfaces 410, 412, 414, 416 can be joined using an applied adhesive, such as adhesive that produces adhesion upon contact, adhesion based on a chemical reaction between a material on one surface and another material on the opposing surface, adhesion based on applied pressure, heat, or light energy (e.g., UV curing), etc. Alternatively, for some implementations, other joining methods can be used, such as clamps, rivets, snap fasteners, screws or other mechanical fasteners that can join the two plates together so that the base side surface of the pocket is located therebetween. However, for some implementations, there may be disadvantages in using such mechanical devices.

[0031] Figure 4C The completed auxiliary storage unit 418 resulting from the joint is shown in simplified form (in cross-section).

[0032] Figures 5A to 5C It is shown in simplified form with Figures 4A to 4C The steps involved in constructing another example variant of the auxiliary storage unit are the same, except that for Figure 5A In a variation, the support plate 500 has a completely flat pocket side 506, and the base plate 504 is configured such that it includes a surface 508 extending beyond the pocket 400, the amount of which protrudes is equal to the thickness “t” of the base side surface 110, such that when brought together, the pocket side 506 and the surface 508 will abut and can engage, as described above.

[0033] Figure 6 Several alternative variant components 600, configured for combination and which can be combined to form auxiliary storage units, are shown in simplified form based on the teachings of this document. For example... Figure 6 As shown, there are pockets 602, support plates 604, and substrates 606 similar to those described above, except that... Figure 6In this design, substrate 606 includes elongated pillars 608 and a series of through holes 610. Pocket 602 includes holes 612 whose size and shape correspond to the pillars 608. Support plate 604 includes a series of pillars 614, which are sized to fit tightly into the through holes 610 such that their ends are flush with the back of substrate 606. During construction, the pillars 608 of substrate 606 are joined to support plate 604 in corresponding areas 616.

[0034] Figure 7 Another set of alternative variant components 700, configured for combination and which can be combined to form an auxiliary storage unit, is shown in simplified form based on the teachings of this document.

[0035] As shown, pocket 702 includes a single rectangular hole 704, and support plate 706 includes a single support post 708 corresponding to the hole 704 in pocket 702. The support plate is also smooth on its upper portion 710. Base plate 712 is also substantially smooth, except that it includes a slight recess 714, the size of which is designed to correspond to the support post 708 and the hole 704 to ensure proper alignment when components 702, 706, and 712 are brought together and engaged.

[0036] Figure 8 A simplified version is shown another set of alternative variant components 800 configured for combination and which can be combined to form an auxiliary storage unit, based on the teachings of this paper. Although the previous variants had a generally rectangular overall shape, Figure 8 The variant is basically square.

[0037] like Figure 8 As shown, the support plate 802 includes a single clover-shaped support post 804 and a narrow longitudinal support post 806. The substrate 808 also includes a support post 810 shaped like a bend and a slot 812 whose size substantially corresponds to the narrow longitudinal support post 806, such that the narrow longitudinal support post 806 can be tightly fitted within the slot 812, thereby aligning the support plate 802 and the substrate 808 when they are brought together. The base side 816 of the pocket 814 includes holes 820 corresponding to both the support post 804 of the support plate 802 and the support post 810 of the substrate 808.

[0038] In this example variation, the front portion 818 of pocket 814 includes a hole 822 that can be positioned to increase the "stretchability" of pocket 814. It should be noted that the hole 822 does not cover the entire surface, which allows for the presence of an area 824 in which symbols, logos, and / or words can be included or attached, for example, by embossing, printing, or otherwise.

[0039] Therefore, it should now be understood and appreciated that it is not necessary to form one or more pillars on a specific plate. Furthermore, several implementations can be readily constructed to produce one or more pillars as separate components, which are inserted into one or more holes in the pocket before or simultaneously with one or both of the support plate and / or substrate contacting the pocket. For example, one or more pillars can be inserted into corresponding holes in the pocket, and then one of the support plate or substrate can be appropriately positioned to contact and engage with the pocket and the pillars, and then the other of the support plate or substrate can be appropriately positioned to contact and engage with the pocket and the pillars.

[0040] Having shown and described the various components and how they attach, it should be understood that the resulting auxiliary storage unit, in its final assembled state, can be used as a wallet, for example, that can be placed in a pocket or handbag. Alternatively, a variant incorporating a lanyard could allow the front side to be used for storage, while the back side could be attached to items such as identification badges or magnetic or RF "card keys".

[0041] Similarly, by applying adhesive to a substrate on the side opposite to the front of the pocket, the resulting auxiliary storage unit can be attached to, for example, the back of a mobile phone, a personal computer casing, the back of a tablet computer, or anywhere else such storage might be desired. Likewise, the aforementioned components and processes are easily scalable to accommodate larger items or to more closely conform to, for example, the size / shape of a laptop computer casing or tablet computer.

[0042] One drawback of the foregoing is that in some cases, it may not be desirable to attach the auxiliary storage components to, for example, a mobile phone, tablet computer, or a specific phone casing via adhesive. Advantageously, variations can be constructed that do not require this by integrating the auxiliary components with the frame to form a single, integrated casing for a mobile phone or tablet computer.

[0043] Figures 9A to 9C A frame 900 is shown in simplified form, which can be coupled to an auxiliary storage component as described herein to form a mobile phone housing incorporating the auxiliary storage component.

[0044] More specifically, Figure 9A It can be used with, for example Figure 1A , Figures 2 to 3 A perspective view of an example frame 900 used in conjunction with the components. As shown, the frame 900 includes boundaries on a top 902, a bottom 904, and sides 906, 908, said boundaries being designed to conform to and surround the periphery of a particular mobile phone, the frame being designed for the periphery of said particular mobile phone. In this respect, the frame may include features 910 corresponding to buttons, connectors, switches, speakers, microphones, etc., of the mobile phone for which the frame is intended.

[0045] In this example, frame 900 also includes a portion 912 designed to surround one or more cameras, lights, and / or sensors typically located on the back of such phones without obstructing them. The front portion 914 is open to allow insertion of the intended phone, and the back portion 916 is also open to allow insertion and housing of a backplate for auxiliary storage components constructed in accordance with the teachings of this document.

[0046] Figure 9B This is a plan view of the frame 900 as seen from the side where the auxiliary components are attached.

[0047] Figure 9C This is a plan view of frame 900 as seen from the side where the phone is expected to be inserted.

[0048] Figure 10 The simplified form is shown for use Figure 1A , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 9A The method of constructing a mobile phone casing using components.

[0049] Assemble components 100, 200, and 300 as described above. Then, depending on the specific implementation, bring the completed auxiliary storage component into contact with the back 916 of the frame, for example, against the lip 1002, and / or insert some / all of its periphery into a channel at or near the edge 1004 of the frame 900. The auxiliary storage component can then be secured in place, for example, by ultrasonic welding or adhesive as described herein with respect to joining the support plate and the substrate together.

[0050] Alternatively, in some implementations, the completed auxiliary storage component can be inserted from the mobile phone side and secured within the frame 900 by a combination of the lip 1002 or channel and the inserted mobile phone (not shown), or by ultrasonic welding or adhesive as described herein with respect to joining the support plate and the substrate together.

[0051] In light of the foregoing, the versatility of the auxiliary storage components constructed according to the teachings of this paper should now be apparent. Figures 11 to 13 Some examples illustrating this universality are shown in a simplified form.

[0052] Figure 11A simplified example variant of the auxiliary storage component 1100 constructed according to the description herein is shown, the auxiliary storage component having a partially perforated front pocket 1102 and a cover 1104 that can accept, for example, ID cards or badges, business cards, or can be used as an area where slogans, company logos, or other text / graphics can be printed. Optionally, the auxiliary storage component 1100 may include an integrated lanyard 1106, or one or more places where a lanyard or other retention device (such as a waist clip) can be attached.

[0053] Figure 12 The back of the casing of an example tablet computer 1200, including an integrated large auxiliary storage unit 1202, is shown in a simplified form.

[0054] Figure 13 A simplified view of a laptop computer 1300 is shown, in which a pair of auxiliary storage units 1302a, 1302b are attached to the back 1304 of the cover 1306 where the screen is located.

[0055] The foregoing provides a general overview of the features and technical advantages of one or more implementations that can be constructed based on the teachings of this disclosure, in order to better understand the detailed description that follows. However, the advantages and features described herein are merely a few of many advantages and features that can be obtained from representative examples of possible variant implementations and are presented only to aid understanding. It should be understood that they should not be construed as limitations on the invention as defined by the appended claims, or on equivalents of the claims. For example, some advantages or aspects of different variants are contradictory because they cannot coexist in a single embodiment. Similarly, some features or advantages may apply to one aspect but not others. Therefore, the foregoing features and advantages should not be considered decisive in determining equivalence. Although not detailed herein, additional features and advantages will become apparent from the teachings of the specification, drawings, and claims.

Claims

1. A device, characterized in that, The device includes: An elastic silicone bag having a base surface including one or more holes; A first plate, located within the elastic silicone pocket, having a side surface adjacent to a first side of the base surface; A second plate, the second plate having a first side, the first side being adjacent to a second side of the base surface opposite to the first side of the base surface; and At least one support post connects the first plate to the second plate via the one or more holes, such that the base surface is sandwiched between the first plate and the second plate.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic silicone pocket has a face surface, which includes a plurality of through holes.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the holes on the base surface is a longitudinal slot.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that, One of the at least one pillars is longitudinal and has a shape corresponding to the longitudinal slot.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes: A frame surrounding the first plate and the second plate.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first plate has a first peripheral edge and the second plate has a second peripheral edge, wherein the first peripheral edge and the second peripheral edge are configured to not obstruct the camera of an electronic device inserted in the frame.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first plate is connected to the second plate by ultrasonic welding at least one support.

8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first plate is attached to the second plate using adhesive.

9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first plate has a first portion having a first peripheral shape and extent within the elastic silicone pocket, and the second plate has a second portion having a corresponding but larger portion that is larger than the first peripheral shape and extent of the first portion.

10. A device, characterized in that, The device includes: An elastic pocket having a portion sandwiched between two plates; The two plates are connected to each other via at least one support passing through the portion; The portion sandwiched between the two plates and surrounding the at least one support is configured such that stretching the front of the elastic pocket will cause a portion of the elastic pocket to deform and extend from between the two plates to the outside of the two plates.

11. A device for use with an electronic device, characterized in that, The device includes: A frame having a perimeter whose dimensions are designed for connection around the peripheral edge of an electronic device; An elastic silicone resin pocket having a base surface in which a plurality of holes are present. A first plate is located inside the pocket and is adjacent to a first side of the base surface, such that a portion of the elastic silicone pocket is wrapped around the first rigid plate. The second plate is adjacent to a second side of the base surface opposite to the first side; Multiple supports within the hole connect the first plate to the second plate, such that the base surface is sandwiched between the first plate and the second plate; At least a portion of the peripheral edge of the second plate is attached to the peripheral portion of the frame, such that the back of the electronic device inserted into the frame will abut the second plate on the side opposite to the elastic silicone pocket.

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first plate has a first upper peripheral edge and the second plate has a second upper peripheral edge, wherein the first upper peripheral edge and the second upper peripheral edge are configured to form a camera that does not obstruct an electronic device inserted into the frame.

13. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The plurality of supports are used to connect the first plate to the second plate by ultrasonic welding.

14. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The plurality of supports are used to attach the first plate to the second plate using adhesive.

15. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first plate has a first portion having a first peripheral shape and extent within the elastic silicone pocket, and the second plate has a second portion having a corresponding but larger portion that is larger than the first peripheral shape and extent of the first portion.

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