User interface securing assembly

Abstract

A user interface securing assembly for securing a user interface at the front of a user-wearable garment. The assembly includes a flap having a first edge for joining to the front of the garment to form a generally horizontal hinge line, and a second, opposite, edge which may be free. A user interface securing device is connected to the flap between those edges, the flap being swingable about the hinge line between a closed position wherein the flap lies against the garment and an open position wherein the flap extends away from the garment with the securing device facing upward. A fastening device releasably fastens the flap in its closed position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to a user interface such as a personal digital assistant, handheld computer game and the like which has a working surface containing a pad, and / or display which must be viewed by a user while the user actuates the keys on the pad. It relates especially to a securing assembly for securing such a user interface to a garment worn by the user.[0002]Handheld user interfaces of the type of interest here are usually carried by the user in a general purpose pocket of a garment being worn by the user. When the interface is to be used, it must be removed from the pocket and held in front of the user so that the user can view the interface's display and / or pad and manipulate the unit's keys or control buttons using the digits of one or both hands. If while the device is being used, the user should accidentally lose his / her grip on the device, it will fall to the ground and may become irreparably damaged. This could be a likely event parti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a user interface securing assembly which may secure a user interface to a location on the front of a garment worn by the user near where the device is normally positioned when in use.

[0012]Thus, my assembly provides a very convenient protective enclosure for the interface when that device is not in use that is located very near the spot where the device will be positioned when in use. Furthermore, the interface always remains attached to the assembly so that if the user should accidentally lose his / her grip on the interface when using same, the device will not fall to the ground.

[0013]As will be described in more detail later, the securing device may shield the interface from outside moisture that could damage the electronic circuitry therein, even when the interface is not in use.

[0014]Further, as we shall see, the assembly is relatively easy and inexpensive to make so that its incorporation into a garment should not materially increase the overall cost of the garment.

Problems solved by technology

If while the device is being used, the user should accidentally lose his / her grip on the device, it will fall to the ground and may become irreparably damaged.

This could be a likely event particularly when the is user is trying to manipulate the device with cold fingers in a northern climate.

Thus, the interface takes up limited pocket space which could be used for other purposes.

Also, it is well known that moisture can cause problems for handheld electronic devices of the type of interest here.

That is, a user interface, when in use, may be adversely affected by rain.

Less obviously, it may also be damaged by the user's perspiration, even when the interface is stowed in the user's pocket, particularly when the user is active on a hot summer day.

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