Attachment for portable electronic devices and methods for using the same

Abstract

An apparatus for portable devices—especially portable electronic devices—and methods for using such apparatus are described. The apparatus is connected to the portable device and is used to attach the portable device (i.e., a cellular phone) to an object (i.e., a belt loop). The apparatus comprises a base mechanism that is connected to the portable device and a hooking mechanism with one part that is connected to the base means and another part that can be attached to the object by a hooking action. The apparatus permits easy and quick attachment (and removal) of the portable device to an object (i.e., the belt) while providing secure retention when not in use. The apparatus can also be used to carry and hold the portable device when it is being used.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 583,769, filed Jun. 29, 2004, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 941,662, filed Sep. 15, 2004, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to apparatus for portable electronic devices and methods for using the same. More particularly, the invention relates to apparatus for portable devices that are used to attach, secure, and remove the portable device to a specific location or a specific object, such as a user. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] By their nature, portable devices (especially portable electronic devices) are meant to be carried by a user in a hand. Often, however, the user would like to attach the portable device to a specific location (usually to an object) and have it remain there until it is removed. This situation often occurs with portab...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The invention relates to an apparatus for portable devices—especially portable electronic devices—and methods for using such apparatus. The apparatus is connected to the portable device, or a component or an accessory thereof, and is used to attach the portable device (i.e., a cellular phone) to an object (i.e., a belt loop). The apparatus of the invention comprises a base means that is connected to the portable device, or a component or an acces

Problems solved by technology

Because of their configurations, these attachment devices do not lend themselves well to being attached to dissimilar objects.

For example, these attachment devices do not work well with a belt loop, a pocket, or a peg.

As well, these attachment devices tend to be bulky.

Consequently, the devices can only be comfortably attached to certain locations on the belt, usually on the side of the user.

They are rarely attached on—or near—the front of a user because the bulk of the devices can cause discomfort.

Most attachment devices in the art, however, are also damaged easily.

Because they are bulky, for the reasons described above, they are typically worn on the side of

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