US20140367004A1

US20140367004A1 - Cell Phone Carrying Case

Info

Publication number: US20140367004A1
Application number: US14/305,182
Authority: US
Inventors: Emiko Miki
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-06-17
Filing date: 2014-06-16
Publication date: 2014-12-18

Abstract

A portable carrying container that combines a personal item holder and a personal electronic device case is disclosed. The container may be a purse, compact, or the like, adapted to retain a displayable electronic device such as a cell phone or portable music player. The container has a front wall that has a front surface forming the structural backing for the rear surface of the personal electronic device. The front surface has a pocket that is integral to the front wall of the container. The pocket is shaped to fit and tightly retain the personal electronic device, and also permits utilization of the device from the exterior of the carrying container. These features allow the user to easily view and access the electronic device without having to remove it from the container, or even open the container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/835,798, filed Jun. 17, 2013, and is fully incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This invention relates to a cell phone case in the form of a portable carrying container so that you can utilize the function of the phone, including talking on it, emailing, texting, using social media, surfing the internet, or listening to music while the phone is in the container and opened or unopened. In one embodiment the carrying case has a cell phone back-up battery to recharge the phone and in yet another embodiment the carrying case has a unique shape and can hold the phone, credit cards and the like, currency, and/or makeup and related items, all while permitting use of the phone within the inventive container and without having to open the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Use of cell phones and personal handheld electronic devices is ubiquitous worldwide. The popularity of the devices has soared as they become available to a wide range of individuals across a wide range of ages and socio-economic levels. It is common to see people of all ages and cultural backgrounds carrying such electronic devices and almost always, the devices are contained in a carrier or case to protect the device from falls or spills. Some carriers merely offer protection as an outer shell. Other carriers envelop the entire device so that the screen on the device is not visible.
Often, a device is protected by a case and then transported in a larger carrying case such as a purse, backpack, or tote bag, or even a pocket. All such means of transport are not ideal as putting the device in a larger carrying case may result in an inability to quickly and efficiently locate the device once placed inside, inadvertent use of the phone as a result of being touched by other objects inside the carrying case or pocket, or inadvertent damage to the device as it moves around inside the carrying case or pocket or from external force to the carrying case or pocket.
Also, once the phone is in a carrying case or pocket, the screen is not easily viewed, if at all, and the device is essentially unusable. There remains a need for a carrying case to effectively, uniquely, and fashionably carry a handheld electronic device in a manner allowing one who is carrying the device to continue to use the screen on the electronic device, allowing quick and easy access to the device, and providing adequate protection of the device against blunt force, impact, sand, liquids, or other substances.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a purse, clutch, compact case, wallet, or similar type of carrying container that may be adapted to hold and contain in a displayable and useable fashion, a mobile cell phone device, portable music player, or other type of portable electronic device. The inventive carrying container allows a user to easily access the electronic device, use the electronic device without having to remove it from the carrying container or even open the container, and fashionably display the device in a uniquely designed carrying container.
The carrying container of the present invention contains a pocket in it capable of receiving the phone by sliding it in the pocket that is solid on one side and has a cut-out aperture on the other side that allows a user to access and utilize all functions on the phone without having to remove it from the carrying case, and without having to open the carrying case, the pocket capable of holding a range of sizes of personal electronic devices, and may contain a battery charger for the personal electronic device.
The cut-out aperture for displaying the phone may be covered by plastic or other material that permits use of a touch screen, or it may be open without a cover. The cover over the aperture may be of a material that permits full viewing of the electronic device in the pocket or it may have a holographic character meaning that it takes on the appearance of another image, pattern, or solid to offer privacy from the screen of the device or to enhance the fashion and design of the overall inventive device when viewed at different angles.
The pocket for receiving the phone may be accessible by opening the carrying container or by accessing it without opening the carrying container. The carrying container may have one or more pockets or similar openings for carrying credit cards and the like, currency, make-up or other personal items commonly carried in a wallet, purse, tote bag, pocket, or compact
The pocket safely carries the electronic device allowing a user to operate the electronic device without having to remove it from the inventive carrying container and without having to open the carrying container or alter it in any way.
A user can operate the device; for example, by talking, texting, emailing, using social media, or listening to music, all without having to remove the electronic device from the carrying container.
The carrying container may have a removable or a secure strap that extends over one or more shoulder or can be fitted it cross-body orientation, over one or both shoulders, or around the waist or arm. Alternatively, the carrying container may contain a wristlet type strap that extends long enough to fit around a hand and wrist, or it may contain hardware capable of attaching the container to another carrying case or clothing. Each strap may be adjustable or removable.
Additional compartments may be included in the inventive carrying container including compartments for credit cards and the like, currency, lip-gloss or lipstick.
The carrying container may take the shape of a makeup compact case, or other object such as an animal or doll or the like, or may have a shape of a carrying cases such as a purse or tote bag including a hobo bag, cross-body satchel, over the shoulder bag, top-handle bag, travel satchel, clutch, tote bag, briefcase, or baby bag. All of the orientations have an inner space or volume to house a personal electronic device in which the screen of the device is visible from the outside of the carrying container because of the cut-out aperture in the container on one side of the pocket shaped to fit the personal electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventive carrying case in use in the form of a purse showing the exterior, open aperture for utilizing a mobile phone in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top down view of the embodiment of the inventive purse shown in FIG. 1 showing the interior pocket with an expanded view of a mobile phone with portable battery charger, the mobile phone being inserted into the pocket by sliding.

FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of the invention that is in the shape of a clam shell compact case or wallet and having a mobile phone display and utility.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 when it is opened wherein the inventive carrying case carries makeup.

FIG. 5 is a is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 when it is opened wherein the inventive carrying case carries credit cards, currency, and the like.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a carrying case in use in the form of a clutch in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 7 is a back view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Referring to the enclosed FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein like numerals of reference designate like elements throughout, it will be seen that the carrying container 10 of the invention here takes the form of a shoulder bag With a handle 12 of general configuration having side walls 20 and 30 and front wall 40 and back wall 50 with bottom wall 60 making up the remainder of a container forming an inner volume or space 80 of a size and configuration sufficiently large to hold a personal electronic device 100 having a visual screen display 102, wherein the screen is viewable from the outside of the carrying container.
While the carrying container 10 is of the shape shown, it is contemplated that other configurations as a clutch (see FIG. 3), handbags (see FIGS. 1 and 2), briefcases, compact cases (see FIGS. 3 and 4), dolls, animal replications, or a wallet FIGS. 3 and 5) may be utilized and the general configuration or shape of the carrying container of the present inventions shall always maintain an interior compartment to viewably house a personal electronic device that can be utilized from the exterior of the carrying container.
The wall 40 of container 10 has a central aperture or cutout 90 which in most instances will be the same size as a visual display monitor or screen of the personal electronic device 100 having monitor screen 102. Preferably, the aperture 90 is reinforced about the perimeter as by well-known sewing or other methods so as to prevent destruction of the material of which the wall 40 is fabricated.
In operation of the invention, one may carry the container while charging the personal electronic device using a portable battery backup 104 in the container 10, and may further talk, text, email, use social media, or listen to music on the device, all while the device is located in the interior volume or space because the screen of the device is aligned with the cut-out aperture 90 in the container 10.
While the invention has been described as contemplating a purse, clutch, handbag, tote bag, and the like made of fabric, it is of course contemplated that other materials may be utilized such as leather, plastic, and synthetic materials, and while a specific configuration is shown, it is of course intended that other configurations may be both desirable and required depending upon the end use to which the invention is to be put and all such changes and modifications will make themselves known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are intended to be covered by the appended claims.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the container 200 is shown in the form of a clam-shell shaped device with a handle 202 having a front 204 and back 206 and a hinged edge 208 and an inner space 210 or inside of the back 206, the inside 210 configured similarly as a makeup compact holding eye shadow, blush, lip gloss, and the like 212. The container 100 has an inner volume 214 in the front 204 of a size and configuration sufficiently large to hold a personal electronic device 216, and a clasp or attachment mechanism 218 to hold the clam-shell closed.
As shown in FIG. 5, the clam-shell device in accordance with the claimed invention 300 is capable of holding credit cards, currency, and the like 312 similar o a wallet. The device 300 has a handle 302, a front 304, a back 306, a hinged edge 308, an inner space 310 inside the back 306, the inside, back 310 configured similarly to a wallet for holding identification cards, credit cards, currency, and the like 312. The container 300 has a clasp or attachment mechanism 314 for holding the device closed. The container 300 has an inner volume 314 in the front 304 to hold a personal electronic device 318 of a size and shape sufficiently large to hold the phone 318 and having an open aperture 320.
FIGS. 6 and 7 show a bag cell phone case 400 in accordance with the invention so a user can talk with the back 404 while a phone 408 is in the bag 400. The bag 400 has a handle 402 and a front 404 and a back 406 and an open volume of a size sufficient to fit a phone 418, and an open aperture 410 so that a user can access the screen 420 of the phone 418, all while the phone is in the bag 400. The back 406 of the bag 400 may take on the appearance of a clutch or other fashion accessory. It may have an envelope flap 430 and an opening under the flap in the form of a pocket.
While the present invention has been described with regards to particular embodiments as in FIGS. 1 through 7, it is recognized that additional variations of the present invention may be devised without departing from the inventive concept.

Claims

I claim:

1. A carrying container that combines a personal item holder and personal electronic device case, the carrying container comprising:

a) a storage compartment for personal items;

b) a front wall having a front surface, the front wall configured to form a structural backing for a rear surface of a personal electronic device; and,

c) a pocket integral with said front wall of the carrying container that is segregated from said storage compartment, wherein said pocket is:

i) shaped to receive the personal electronic device,

ii) configured to tightly retain the personal electronic device, and

iii) configured to permit utilization of the personal electronic device while installed in said pocket.

2. The carrying container of claim 1, wherein said pocket is accessible from both within said storage compartment and from an exterior of the carrying container.

3. The carrying container of claim 1, further comprising a cover made of a material that permits use of a visual screen display of the personal electronic device, said cover overlays said pocket.

4. The carrying container of claim 3, wherein said cover is substantially flush with said front surface of said front wall.

5. The carrying container of claim 3, wherein said cover is a transparent cover.

6. The carrying container of claim 3, wherein the cover is made from an opaque material designed to prevent viewing of the visual screen display.

7. The carrying container of claim 3, wherein the cover is made of a holographic material capable of at least partially obstructing a view of the visual screen display.

8. The carrying container of claim 3, wherein the cover is made from a material designed to permit viewing of the visual screen display only when the visual screen display is viewed from a particular angle, thereby reducing the ability of unwanted onlookers to view the visual screen display.

9. The carrying container of claim 3, wherein the cover is reinforced about a perimeter of said pocket.

10. The carrying container of claim 9, wherein said cover has one non-reinforced side about the perimeter of the pocket, thereby allowing a user to slide the personal electronic device through the one non-reinforced side of the pocket.

11. The carrying container of claim 3, wherein the cover is flush with the said front surface of said wall.

12. The carrying container of claim 1 wherein said pocket is a recessed pocket recessed within said front wall.

13. The carrying container of claim 12, wherein said recessed pocket is characterized as having a substantially flat rear surface, and a plurality of side surfaces substantially perpendicular to said substantially flat rear surface.

14. The carrying container of claim 1, wherein the pocket is a coverless pocket configured to permit a user to directly contact any region a touch screen display on a front surface of the personal electronic device.

15. The carrying container of claim 1 further comprising a portable battery housing in operative relation to said pocket, said portable battery housing configured to retain a battery and permit passage of a charger plug from said portable battery housing to said pocket, thereby allowing the personal electronic device to be recharged while the personal electronic device is housed within said pocket.

16. The carrying container of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable strap attached to the carrying container for holding the carrying container.

17. The carrying container of claim 1, wherein the carrying container is selected from a group consisting of a: compact case, a purse, a hobo bag, a cross-body satchel, a shoulder bag, a top-handle bag, a travel satchel, a clutch, a tote bag, a briefcase, a wallet, an animal replication, and a baby bag.

18. A carrying container that combines a personal item holder and personal electronic device case, the carrying container comprising:

a) a storage compartment for personal items;

b) a front wall having a front surface, the front wall configured to form a structural backing for a rear surface of a personal electronic device;

i) shaped to receive the personal electronic device,

ii) configured to tightly retain the personal electronic device,

iii) configured to permit utilization of the personal electronic device while installed in said pocket,

iv) accessible from an exterior of the carrying container; and,

d) a cover reinforced about a perimeter of said pocket, said cover substantially flush with said front surface of said wall.

19. The carrying container of claim 18, wherein the cover is made from a material designed to permit viewing of the visual screen display.

20. A carrying container that combines a personal item holder and personal electronic device case, the carrying container comprising:

a) a storage compartment for personal items;

c) a coverless recessed pocket integral with said front wall of the carrying container that is segregated from said storage compartment, wherein said pocket is:

i) shaped to receive the personal electronic device,

ii) configured to tightly retain the personal electronic device,

iv) characterized has having a substantially flat rear surface and a plurality of side surfaces substantially perpendicular to said substantially flat rear surface, wherein each of said plurality of side surfaces has a depth substantially equal to a depth of the personal electronic device, thereby forming a flush surface between the personal electronic device and the front surface of the front wall when the personal electronic device is placed within said pocket.