Functional RF / EMF Shielding Films and Devices

Abstract

An RF / EMF radiation shielding device having a transparent film layer embedded or covered with a radiation blocking material configured to absorb or deflect RF / EMF / E3F7 radiation, capable of utilizing a touch screen of a mobile device. Partitions or gaps are formed on the radiation blocking material that are free of radiation blocking areas. The partitions divide the radiation blocking material into multiple isolated blocking areas. In one embodiment, the shielding device is a single film layer, and in another embodiment, two or more film layers are stacked, aligned, and separated by an insulating layer.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Technical Field The present invention relates to devices for reducing exposure to radio frequency and electromagnetic fields (RF / EMF), and more particularly to such devices for use in mobile devices that emit RF / EMF. [Background technology]

[0002] Background technology It is well known that mobile devices that communicate with cellular base stations or via WiFi emit RF / EMF radiation continuously when powered on. In addition, the RF / EMF radiation emitted from the mobile device body is omnidirectional, so that when a user carries or holds a mobile device in close proximity to the user, the user is exposed to the RF / EMF radiation.

[0003] Because RF / EMF radiation can be dangerous to animals, various devices have been developed to block or reduce RF / EMF radiation, as taught, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,367,309, 5,335,366, 5,336,896, 5,657,386, 5,726,383, 6,001,282, 6,075,977, 6,095,820, 6,184,835, 6,341,217, 6,356,773, 6,359,213, 6,377,824, 6,404,403, 6,505,036, 6,515,223, and 6,615,022. No. 8, U.S. Patent No. 6,624,432, U.S. Patent No. 6,628,784, U.S. Patent No. 6,603,981, U.S. Patent No. 6,708,047, U.S. Patent No. 6,738,650, U.S. Patent No. 6,897,826, U.S. Patent No. 8,270,929, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2001 / 0041545, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002 / 0072337, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 200 No. 2002 / 0009976, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0228843, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0176164, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0198264, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0026100, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0014872 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0240421.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 8,270,929 teaches an RF shielding device for a mobile device that includes an RF blocking screen material configured to be mounted over a display of the mobile device and a ground connection structure that connects the RF blocking screen material to a body of the mobile device. In one embodiment, the RF blocking screen material is placed over the front of the mobile device. A ground connection structure, e.g., a metal foil strip, is attached to the RF blocking screen and contacts the sides of the mobile device. A frame is then placed over the front of the mobile device to hold the RF blocking screen material and the ground connection structure in place on the mobile device.

[0005] In a variation of the first embodiment shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,270,929, a backplate made of an RF blocking screen material may be used to block RF radiation from the rear of the mobile device. In a second embodiment, the ground connection structure is a flab attached to one end of the RF blocking screen material that is folded back to contact the side of the mobile device. In a third embodiment, the RF blocking screen and a backplate made of the RF blocking screen material are placed inside a case or pouch designed to receive the mobile device. The edges of the RF blocking screen and the backplate are configured to contact the mobile device. The sides of the case or pouch are made of an RF transparent material so that the mobile device can transmit and receive RF radiation signals through the sides to communicate with a cellular base station. Unfortunately, transmitting and receiving RF radiation through the sides exposes the user of the mobile device to RF radiation.

[0006] One problem with the RF blocking screen shown in US Pat. No. 8,270,929 is that the ground connection structure must be in constant contact with the body of the mobile device.

[0007] If a mobile device is placed in a case that is made of RF / EMF blocking material on all sides and has an RF / EMF blocking screen, the mobile device must also be removed from the case every time a call or text message is initiated. Removing the mobile device from the case exposes the user to RF / EMF radiation. Additionally, repeatedly removing and inserting the mobile device in the case is inconvenient.

[0008] What is needed is an improved shielding film that blocks or reduces RF / EMF emissions from a mobile device display, allows full "touch functionality," and does not require a ground connection structure. Also needed is a case made of RF / EMF blocking material that blocks or reduces RF emissions in all directions. Finally, also needed is a case that can transmit and receive signals from any source and can be used with an optional multi-purpose wire that easily connects to a mobile device when placed within the case. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Disclosure of the Invention An object of the present invention is to provide an improved shielding device that uses a transparent film that is attached to the display of a mobile device to block or reduce RF / EMF emissions from the display, and does not require a ground connection structure that connects to the body of the mobile device.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved shielding device using such a transparent film having the above mentioned qualities, which allows full touch screen functionality of a mobile device.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved shielding device that may be used with a case made of RF / EMF blocking material.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shielding device and case that transmits and receives signals to a cellular base station or any other source and includes an optional multi-purpose wire that easily connects to a mobile device when placed within the case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The present invention is a radiation shielding device that includes a transparent fired layer, hereinafter referred to as a film layer, embedded or covered with an RF / EMF / ELF blocking material and configured to absorb or deflect RF / EMF / ELF radiation. The film layer can be made of flexible, transparent plastic, glass, polyester, polyvinyl chloride or acrylic or other types of materials. Partitions or gaps free of the blocking material are formed on the film layer, thereby dividing the surface of the film layer into a plurality of isolated blocking regions. The transparent film layer with blocking partitions is, in one embodiment, a single layer structure.

[0014] In other embodiments, the shielding device uses two identical film layers separated by an insulating layer, where the film partitions or gaps on the two film layers are identical and offset from the partitions or gaps on the other film layer, thereby creating overlapping blocking regions on the two film layers.

[0015] The two embodiments of the shielding device may be used on a mobile device or may be adhered or attached onto a touch screen display positioned within an outer case configured to house a mobile device. The outer case may be made of or covered with RF / EMF radiation blocking material on all sides. When placed in the outer case, the case may include an optional multi-purpose wire that may also function as an antenna wire, which connects to the charging / audio port of the mobile device when placed in the outer case at one end. The transparent film layer with the blocking configuration may also be part of the touch screen of the mobile device. In other words, the film layer becomes part of the original equipment manufacturer. The case with the multi-purpose wire may become part of the original equipment manufacturer.

[0016] The outer case may also include a pop-up grip handle attached to a rear surface of the outer case. The pop-up handle includes an internal cavity in which a multi-purpose wire may be stored. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a shielding device including an RF / EMF radiation blocking film layer positioned over a front touch screen display of a mobile device and an outer case that fits around the mobile device, the outer case being made of RF / EMF shielding material and may include a multi-purpose plate attached to a rear wall of the outer case device that connects to a charging port of the mobile device or to an adapter that contacts the body of the mobile device when placed within the outer case. The case may have an opening or window (not shown) to expose a camera or enhance signal reception. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a single film shield device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a three-layer film shield device. [Figure 4]3 is a partial top view of the single film shield device shown in FIG. 2 more clearly illustrating the radiation blocking area and the partition formed thereon. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a partial top view of a three-layer film shield showing offset partitions formed on the upper and lower film layers. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a single film shield device having offset partitions and radiation blocking regions on opposite sides of a single film layer. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a single film layer having radiation blocking material embedded in the film layer and aligned partitions to form a radiation blocking area. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a top view of the outer case with the mobile device removed. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the outer case shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the outer case showing a handle with an antenna formed therein that connects to a multi-purpose wire that runs along the rear wall of the outer case. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the outer case shown in FIG. 10 showing the handle snaps into a compatible connector secured to the rear wall of the outer case. [Figure 12] 1 is an alternative embodiment of an outer case having a pop-up handle attached to a rear wall of the outer case and including a cavity within which a multi-purpose wire is stored. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THEINVENTION The RF / EMF radiation shielding device 60 in one embodiment includes a single film layer 62 configured to be mounted over a touch screen display 71 of a mobile device 70 that emits RF radiation in an omnidirectional manner.

[0019] In a first embodiment, the single film layer 62 is made of a transparent material such as plastic, glass or PVC and is embedded or covered with a radiation blocking material 100 configured to absorb or deflect RF / EMF radiation. The radiation blocking material 100 is disposed over (or embedded within) a top surface of the film layer 62 as a plurality of isolated radiation blocking regions 102. The radiation blocking regions 102 are created by forming uniformly or randomly spaced partition lines or gaps (hereinafter referred to as partitions 104) on the radiation blocking material 100.

[0020] 4, the partitions 104 are formed or arranged in a grid-like pattern 104 within the radiation-blocking material 100. As a result, square or rectangular radiation-blocking areas 108 are formed between the partitions 102. It should be understood that the arrangement of the partitions 102 is not limited to the grid-like pattern 104 shown with intersecting parallel horizontal and vertical lines. For example, the partitions 102 can be arranged in a variety of different configurations and different sizes, thereby creating different radiation-blocking area shapes. For example, the partitions 102 can be arranged in a triangular or hexagonal shape, which forms a triangular or hexagonal radiation-blocking area (not shown).

[0021] 2, the shield device 60 is a single film layer 62 with an optional upper protective layer 66 that protects the radiation blocking material 100 disposed over the top surface of the film layer 62. An adhesive layer 68 may also be applied to the bottom surface of the single film layer 62, which adheres the single film layer 62 to a touch screen display 71 of a mobile device.

[0022] In another embodiment, a shielding device, designated by reference numeral 112, includes an upper film layer 114 similar to film layer 62 described above, with a radiation blocking material 115 divided into multiple radiation blocking regions 118 by dividers 117 formed of a non-radiation blocking material. In addition, a transparent insulating layer 120 is disposed below the upper film layer 114.

[0023] A second film layer 122 is disposed beneath the isolation layer 120. Similar to the film layer 114, the second film layer 122 includes an upper surface covered with a radiation blocking material 124. The radiation blocking material 124 on the second film layer 120 is divided into a plurality of isolated radiation blocking regions 128 identical to the radiation blocking regions 118 formed on the upper film layer 114. The radiation blocking regions 128 are formed by dividers 126 arranged in the same grid pattern as those on the upper film layer 114. However, the dividers 126 of the second film layer 122 are offset from the dividers 117 formed on the upper film layer 114, thereby resulting in overlapping radiation blocking regions 118 and 128 on the two film layers 114 and 122, respectively, when stacked. The stacking and offsetting of the radiation blocking regions 118, 128 on the two film layers 114, 122, respectively, reduces the amount of radiation emitted by the mobile device 70. FIG. 5 is a partial top view of layer film shield 112, more clearly showing the offset partitions formed on the upper and lower film layers.

[0024] Optional adhesive layers 131, 133 are disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the isolation layer 120, which are used to attach the isolation layer to the upper and lower film layers 114, 122. In addition, an optional adhesive layer 135 may be applied to the lower surface of the second film layer 122 to adhere the second film layer 122 to the touch screen display 71 of the mobile device.

[0025] 6 shows a cross-sectional view of another shielding device 140 that includes a film layer 142 having radiation-blocking materials 145 and 147, respectively, applied to opposite top and bottom surfaces of the film layer. Each radiation-blocking layer 145, 147 is divided into radiation-blocking regions 150, 152 by dividers 148, 151, respectively. By staggering the radiation-blocking regions 150, 152 on opposite sides of a single film layer 142, the amount of radiation emitted by a mobile device 70 is reduced.

[0026] Optional protective layers 154 , 156 may be disposed over radiation blocking regions 150 and 152 .

[0027] 7 illustrates another embodiment of a shield device 160 in which RF / EMF / ELF blocking material 164 is embedded in a film layer 162. Partitions 166 are formed in the film layer 162 that are free of the radiation blocking material. The RF / EMF / ELF blocking material 164 and partitions 166 extend from the top surface to the bottom surface of the film layer and divide the film layer into a plurality of radiation blocking regions 168.

[0028] Optional adhesive layers 170 , 172 are disposed over the top and bottom surfaces of the insulating film layer 162 to protect the edges of the radiation blocking region 168 .

[0029] The film layer is made of clear plastic, polyester or other transparent material in all of the aforementioned shielding devices. The film layer may also be made of glass. The radiation blocking material is made of nickel and copper, although other types of radiation blocking materials may also be used. In all embodiments, the radiation blocking area formed on the film layer reduces or blocks RF / EMF radiation emitted from the display of the mobile device. The amount of RF radiation reduced or blocked varies depending on the type of block material and its size and shape. The radiation blocking or reduction properties of the radiation blocking material may vary. The length and width of the divider may also vary.

[0030] It should also be understood that the film layer and radiation blocking material may be part of a touch screen display of a mobile device.

[0031] All of the above-mentioned shielding devices 60, 112, 140 and 160 may be used with the outer case 20 shown in FIG. 1. The outer case 20 includes a bottom end wall 21, a left side wall 22, a top end wall 23, a right side wall 24, an upper opening 25 and a rear wall 26. The inside of the outer case 20 is formed with a central cavity area 27 configured to receive a mobile device 70. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the bottom end wall 21, the left side wall 22, the top end wall 23, the right side wall 24 and the rear wall 26 are covered or made with an RF / EMF radiation blocking material 28. It should be understood that one or more of the end walls or side walls may not be covered with the RF / EMF radiation blocking material 28 or may be removed or modified to create an opening in the case 20 to allow the mobile device to transmit and receive RF / EMF radiation when placed within the outer case 20.

[0032] The outer case 20 may include an optional multi-purpose wire 44 attached to or embedded within a wall of the outer case. For example, one end of the multi-purpose wire 44 may extend along the back wall 26 and through the end wall 21 to terminate inside the central cavity area 27. Alternatively, the end of the multi-purpose wire 44 may be attached to a connector 30 mounted to the end wall 21. The end of the multi-purpose wire 44 and the connector 30 are configured to selectively attach to a charging / audio port 75 of the mobile device 70 or to contact the body of the mobile device when placed within the outer case 20.

[0033] The exposed section of the multi-purpose wire 44 that extends outside the outer case 20 may function as an antenna wire and may have adapters for charging, headphones and / or other purposes.

[0034] 8 and 9 are top and bottom views of the outer case 20 with the mobile device removed, showing an optional antenna 42 embedded in the rear wall 26 of the outer case 20. The antenna 42 is not covered with a radiation blocking material and is therefore capable of transmitting and receiving signals to a cellular base station. A multi-purpose wire 44 connects to the antenna 42 at one end, runs along the rear wall 26, and either runs directly to the central cavity area 27 or connects to a connector 30. When the mobile device 70 is inserted into the central cavity space 27, the end of the multi-purpose wire 44 or the connector 30 connects to a charging / audio port 75 of the mobile device.

[0035] 10 and 11 are side and rear views of outer case 20 having a multi-purpose wire 44 that runs along rear wall 26 and terminates in a connector 45 secured to rear wall 26. A handle 46 having an internal antenna 42 and a longitudinally aligned neck 47. Extending longitudinally from the end of neck 47 is a supplemental port 48 that selectively connects to connector 45.

[0036] 12 is an alternative embodiment of the outer case 20 that is mounted to the rear wall 26 and has a pop-up handle 90 that includes a cavity 92 in which the multi-purpose wire 44 is stored. NOTE: The multi-purpose wire need not be limited to being part of the rear wall of the case, but could be part of other surfaces.

[0037] In accordance with the statute, the invention above has been described in more or less specific terms with respect to structural features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, because the illustrated means and structures include preferred embodiments for carrying out the invention. The invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the lawful and valid scope of the amended claims appropriately interpreted under the doctrine of equivalents. [Industrial Applicability]

[0038] Industrial Applicability The present invention finds application in the mobile device industry, and more specifically in mobile devices that receive and transmit RF / EMF radiation that may be harmful to users.

Claims

1. 1. An RF / EMF radiation shielding device for a mobile device that enables proper touch screen functionality, comprising: a. a transparent film layer configured to cover a touch screen display on a mobile device, the transparent film layer including an upper surface and a lower surface, the transparent film layer being made of a material sufficiently transparent to allow visibility of the touch screen display; b. a radiation blocking material embedded in or covering said film layer, said radiation blocking material being configured to block or attenuate RF / EMF radiation, said radiation blocking material including partitions free of said radiation blocking material; An RF / EMF radiation shielding device comprising:

2. The RF / EMF radiation shielding device of claim 1 , wherein the dividers separate adjacent portions of the radiation blocking material from each other.

3. The RF / EMF radiation shield device of claim 2 further comprising an adhesive layer disposed on the lower surface of the film layer.

4. 2. The RF / EMF radiation shield device of claim 1, further comprising an isolation layer aligned and registered and positioned below the film layer, and a second film layer made of a transparent material aligned and registered below the isolation layer, the second film layer including a lower surface and including a radiation blocking material embedded or covering one surface, the second film layer including a partition free of the radiation blocking material, the partition dividing the radiation blocking material into a plurality of isolated blocking regions, and the radiation blocking material on the second film layer being axially offset from the blocking material on the upper film layer.

5. The RF / EMF radiation shielding device of claim 1 , wherein the dividers are arranged in a grid.

6. 6. The RF / EMF radiation shield device of claim 5, further comprising an adhesive layer disposed on the lower surface of the second film layer.

7. 10. The RF / EMF radiation shield device of claim 1, further comprising an outer case configured to fit around the mobile device, the outer case including a central cavity area configured to receive the mobile device, the outer case including a back wall, a front opening, an upper panel, a lower panel, and two opposing side panels, the lower panel and the side panels being made of or covered with an RF / EMF radiation blocking material.

8. 8. The RF / EMF radiation shield device of claim 7, further comprising a multi-purpose wire embedded in, attached to or coupled to the outer case, the multi-purpose wire including an end connector configured to connect to the charging / audio port of the mobile device.

9. The RF / EMF radiation shield device of claim 8 , further comprising a grip handle on said outer case.

10. The RF / EMF radiation shielding device of claim 9 , wherein the grip handle is configured for at least a portion of the multi-purpose wire.

11. 9. The RF / EMF radiation shielding device of claim 8, wherein the multi-purpose wire is an antenna wire for the mobile device.

12. 1. An RF / EMF radiation shielding device for a mobile device that receives and transmits RF / EMF radiation, comprising: A film layer configured to cover a touch screen display on a mobile device, the film layer including an upper surface and a lower surface, the film layer being made of a material sufficiently transparent to allow visibility of the touch screen display. and the film layer comprises: a radiation blocking material extending from the upper surface to the lower surface; a plurality of radiation blocking materials absent said radiation blocking material, thereby forming a plurality of blocking regions extending from said upper surface to said lower surface of said film layer; 1. An RF / EMF radiation shielding device comprising:

13. 13. The RF / EMF radiation shield device of claim 12, further comprising an adhesive for adhering the lower surface of the film layer to adhere the film layer to the touch screen display on the mobile device.

14. 1. An RF / EMF radiation shielding device for a mobile device that receives and transmits RF / EMF radiation, comprising: a. a film layer configured to cover a touchscreen display on a mobile device, the film layer including an upper surface and a lower surface, the film layer being made of a material sufficiently transparent to allow visibility of the touchscreen display when the film layer is positioned over the touchscreen display; b. a plurality of RF / EMF blocking regions disposed on said film layer, each made of an RF / EMF blocking material, each said RF / EMF blocking space being separated by a partition free of said non-blocking material, thereby isolating each said RF / EMF blocking region from an adjacent said RF / EMF blocking region; An RF / EMF radiation shielding device comprising:

15. 15. The RF / EMF radiation shield device of claim 14, further comprising an adhesive layer disposed on the lower surface of the film layer.

16. 15. The RF / EMF radiation shielding device of claim 14, further comprising an isolation layer made of a transparent material that allows visibility of the touch screen display, the isolation layer being aligned and registered and positioned below the film layer, and a transparent second film layer being aligned and registered and positioned below the isolation layer, the blocking areas on the second film layer being separated by partitions made of non-blocking radiation, thereby isolating each blocking area from adjacent blocking areas on the second film layer.

17. 17. The RF / EMF radiation shield device of claim 16, wherein the partitions on the film layer and the second film layer are made of a non-blocking radiation material, and the partitions formed on the film layer and the second film layer are arranged in a grid and offset from one another.

18. 17. The RF / EMF radiation shield device of claim 16, further comprising an adhesive layer disposed on the lower surface of the second film layer.

19. 15. The RF / EMF radiation shield device of claim 14, further comprising an outer case configured to fit around the mobile device, the outer case including a central cavity area configured to receive the mobile device, the outer case including a back wall, a front opening, an upper panel, a lower panel, and two opposing side panels, the upper panel, the lower panel, and the side panels being made of or covered with an RF radiation blocking material.

20. 20. The RF / EMF radiation shield device of claim 19, further comprising a multi-purpose wire attached to the outer case, the multi-purpose wire selectively attaching to and connecting to the mobile device when positioned within the central cavity area, the multi-purpose wire configured to function as an antenna wire when connected to the mobile device.

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