CONTAINER WITH TRANSITIONAL WINDOW AND CLIP

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Disclosed are mechanisms for viewing a display in a locked an apparatus, as well as attachments for the apparatus. More particularly, disclosed are systems and methods that provide a window that allows for manipulation of an electronic display while in a secure container, as well as improvements in attaching the container to another object, such a user's clothing, for example.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Handheld and mobile electronic devices are now prevalent in almost every setting. However, their use may not always be welcome. For instance, mobile devices can distract people from fully engaging with their surroundings and those around them. At social gatherings, individuals often check their phones for messages and calls, rather than interacting with others. Moreover, the enhanced photo and video recording features of these devices have led to increased recording of performers, speakers, and athletes at live events, which can be distracting for both the performers and the audience, reducing the overall enjoyment of the event.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

While securing an electronic device in a container during a live event prevents the use of the electronic device, the containers do not allow any type of interaction with the electronic device's display, which may include near-field communication (NFC) authorizations or viewing of emergency notifications. In addition, container, such as pouches, have elongated shapes that may interfere with seats or legs when sitting, causing discomfort for the user, or causing the user to have to move an attachment point from one location of the body to another. For users who wish to carry the container in a pocket, the clip on a container may also cause the user discomfort, or may cause the container not to fit in a user's pocket. The clip may also cause problems when stacking containers together for transport or storage. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a container, such as a pouch, that can prevent direct user access to an electronic device while also allowing some interaction with the display. Furthermore, there is a need for a container with a clip that can easily be rotated while attached to a user's clothing, while also being removable so that the container with the electronic device may obtain a smaller form factor.

To that end, the disclosed system and methods for an apparatus described herein provides a container with a see-through window and a removable, rotatable clip that can be utilized to secure an apparatus that houses a mobile electronic device. By way of non-limiting example, as one of skill in the art would recognize, according to some embodiments, the disclosed container can be utilized in connection with the system and apparatus disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 9,819,788, the contents of which are incorporated by reference. For example, the pouch disclosed therein, and/or other types of pouches, containers and/or apparatus for which electronic devices may be securely stored/stowed therein may be configured with the disclosed see-through window and removable clip provided herein, whereby a secure environment can be created via the inability to access the electronic device based on engagement of a lock on the container, while also allowing the viewing of emergency messaging and NFC transactions.

Accordingly, the absence of electronic devices in specific contexts has multifaceted advantages across technical, societal, and personal environments. From a technological perspective, the elimination of mobile phones mitigates electromagnetic interference in environments sensitive to such disturbances, such as medical facilities or scientific research laboratories. Additionally, it precludes potential security breaches in high-security zones and conserves critical resources like battery power and cellular data, while increasing the availability of bandwidth for emergency situations. In social settings, the removal of electronic devices encourages more interpersonal engagement, elevating the caliber of discourse and enhancing group dynamics in professional and social settings, improving comprehension, empathy, and fortifying interpersonal bonds. On an individual level, disengagement from mobile technology can alleviate stress and anxiety, allow for greater concentration and productivity, and cultivate mindfulness and present-moment awareness. Furthermore, when devices are excluded from sleeping quarters users experience a higher quality of rest. Limiting access to mobile devices fosters the development of problem-solving and self-sufficiency. Thus, periodic disconnection from mobile devices contributes to a more balanced and gratifying lifestyle, which may be in concert with a user's environment (e.g., at school, an event, a music show, and/or other venue where phones are not permitted).

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the instant disclosure provides a novel container for preventing access to a mobile device, where the container has a clear window that allows a user to see the contents of a mobile device display or screen while the window is in a transparent state, while simultaneously preventing a user from manipulating the mobile device through the screen while the window is in an opaque or translucent state, as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the container, such as a pouch, sleeve, box, and the like, may be used to render an electronic device inaccessible during a communal event such as a show, demonstration, display, or athletic competition within a concert hall, center, arena, or similar venue. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the container includes a clip that is removably secured to the container, where the clip is rotatable and lockable in a plurality of positions such that the container position can be adjusted when sitting or standing, for example.

According to some embodiments, the disclosed container can include: an internal cavity for storing a mobile electronic device, a lock to secure the mobile device within the cavity, a window to view a display of the mobile device, and a rotatable and/or removable clip fixed to the container. In some embodiments, the window is a clear window. In some embodiments, the window is electrochromic, and/or is configured to change from a non-see-through state (e.g., translucent, opaque) to a clear (transparent) state upon receiving an electronic signal. The window may be configured to enable the transfer of a touch command from a user, according to various embodiments, allowing for manipulation of the display for such actions as approving a payment through a mobile application, for example. The clip, according to various embodiments, may be rotatable to a number of discrete positions, and may be removable to allow for a more compact container configuration.

DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following description of embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the various views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles of the disclosure:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a container with a window in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the container with a removable and rotatable clip mounted to the container body in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the container in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows show the clip attached to the container in a first position in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates the clip in a second rotated position in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 depicts shows the clip in a detached position in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates an assembled view of the clip mount in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 shows a top portion of the clip mount in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows a base portion of the clip mount in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the clip in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 depicts aspects of the lock in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates shows a font view of a container in the form of a pouch with flexible fabric in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 shows a rear view of the pouch and the rotatable clip in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 depicts computer implemented steps for transitioning a state of the window in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 15 depicts hardware components integral to the container in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of non-limiting illustration, certain example embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any example embodiments set forth herein; example embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meanings suggested or implied in context beyond an explicitly stated meaning. Likewise, the phrase “in some embodiments” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and phrases such as “in another embodiment” or “in various embodiments” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment. It is intended, for example, that claimed subject matter include combinations of example embodiments shown in the figures, in whole or in part.

In general, terminology may be understood at least in part from usage in context. For example, terms, such as “and”, “or”, or “and/or,” as used herein may include a variety of meanings that may depend at least in part upon the context in which such terms are used. Typically, “or” if used to associate a list, such as A, B or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term “one or more” as used herein, depending at least in part upon context, may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense or may be used to describe combinations of features, structures, or characteristics in a plural sense. Similarly, terms, such as “a,” “an,” or “the,” again, may be understood to convey a singular usage or to convey a plural usage, depending at least in part upon context. In addition, the term “based on” may be understood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set of factors and may, instead, allow for existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly described, again, depending at least in part on context.

For purposes of this disclosure, an electronic device (or mobile, user, entity, subscriber or customer) device may include a computing device capable of sending or receiving signals, such as via a wired or a wireless network. A client device may, for example, include a portable device, such as a cellular telephone, a smartphone, a display pager, a radio frequency (RF) device, an infrared (IR) device a Near Field Communication (NFC) device, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a handheld computer, a tablet computer, a phablet, a laptop computer, a set top box, a wearable computer, smart watch, an integrated or distributed device combining various features, such as features of the foregoing devices, or the like.

Certain embodiments and principles will be discussed in more detail with reference to the figures. According to some embodiments, FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a container 100, illustrating a lock 101, front flap 102, window 103, and front body 104. The front body 104, constructed from durable materials to ensure robust protection for the enclosed device, forms a front portion of a cavity which forms the main compartment intended to securely house a mobile device. Attached to the upper portion of the front body 104 is a front flap 102, which serves as part of a closure mechanism, providing access to the main compartment.

In some embodiments, the front body 104 includes a window 103, which may be centrally located in this non-limiting example. While specific locations of one or more components such as the window or lock 101 are described herein, the description of a location is not to be taken as limiting, as various components can have many locations and/or shapes while providing the same functionality. The window 103, which may be transparent or able to become transparent, permits visibility of the device's screen without necessitating the removal of the device from the pouch.

In some embodiments, the window 103 is fabricated from materials such as electrochromic, PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal), or SPD (Suspended Particle Device). These materials enable the window 103 to transition between opaque (or translucent) and transparent states, a feature particularly advantageous for security purposes or functionalities like Apple Pay®, where temporary screen visibility is required. In addition, the window is configured to enable a user to manipulate the display of the device while locked in the container 100 when the window is in a transparent state in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the transparent state includes a substantially transparent state, with a visible light transmission (VLT) of greater than or equal to 50%, and/or an opacity range of 0-30%. In some embodiments, the opaque state includes a substantially opaque state, with a VLT of 0-30%, an opacity range of 70-100%, and/or sufficient to make the display of the device unreadable through the window. In some embodiments, the window is configured to transition to a substantially translucent state, with a translucency greater than 50%, and/or sufficient to make the display of the device unreadable through the window.

The front flap 102, in some embodiments, includes a first half 1101 of a lock 101 configured to secure the front flap to a rear flap 201. The rear flap 201 houses a second half 1102 of the lock 101, and forms a closure seam 301 as shown in FIG. 3. Discussed further with reference to FIG. 11, the first half 1101 includes a first elongated portion 1103 configured to couple to the front flap, such as between two pieces of flexible fabric, such as the fabric described in relation to FIGS. 12 and 13. Details of the locking mechanism make take on various forms, but a suitable configuration is described in commonly owned patent U.S. Pat. No. 9,819,788, the contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIG. 2 depicts a rear view of the pouch, showing the lock 101, rear flap 201, clip mount 202, clip 203, and rear body 204, further elucidating the structural components that complement the front view depicted in FIG. 1. The rear body 204 forms the back portion of the main compartment, working in conjunction with the front body 104 to securely house a mobile device. The rear body 204 is also constructed from durable materials, which may include flexible materials, ensuring the protection and integrity of the enclosed device.

Located at a top of the rear body 204 is a rear flap 201, which mirrors the function of the front flap 102 described in FIG. 1. The rear flap 201 is configured to work in tandem with the front flap 102, providing a secure closure mechanism for the pouch. The second half 1102 of the lock 101, positioned at the top center in this non-limiting example, secures both the front and rear flaps, preventing unauthorized access to the device within the pouch. In some embodiments, the second half 1102 includes a second elongated portion 1104, as illustrated in FIG. 11, configured to couple to the rear flap 201, such as between two pieces of flexible fabric, as depicted in FIG. 12. For one or both of the first half 1101 and second half 1102 of the lock 101, fabric may be sewn around the elongated portions to secure each half to its respective flap.

Shown as central to the rear body 204, as a non-limiting example, is the clip mount 202 and clip 203. In some embodiments, the clip mount 202 is affixed to the rear body 204, providing a stable attachment point for the clip 203. The clip 203 itself is configured to be fixed, rotatable, or removable, offering flexibility in how the pouch can be secured to a user's clothing or other surfaces. This feature enhances the portability and convenience of the pouch, allowing it to be easily attached and detached as needed. FIG. 4 shows the clip 203 rotated in a first position 401; FIG. 5 shows the clip 203 rotated in a second position 501; and FIG. 6 illustrates the clip 203 removed and in a detached position 601.

Referring now to FIG. 7, details of the clip mount 202 are illustrated. The clip mount 202 includes at least one elongated portion 703 configured to couple to the rear body 204 (or front body 104), and serves as an anchor for one or more fasteners and to distribute the force of the clip 203 over a greater area, extending product life. In some embodiments, the clip mount 202 includes a post head engagement portion 701 configured to couple to a post head 1001 of the clip 203: details of the post head 1001 are shown in FIG. 10. In this non-limiting example, the post head engagement portion 701 is configured as a snap-fit connection, and while shown as round, any shape (e.g., polygonal) may be used. Other fastening mechanisms such as magnets, interference clips, etc., to secure the clip 203 to the clip mount 202 are also within the scope of the disclosure. The head backplate 702 guides the post head 1001 into the post head engagement portion 701 during coupling. In some embodiments, the post head engagement portion 701 is configured to, either through shape or size, impart sufficient friction and/or resistance to the post head 1001 to prevent rotation of the post head 1001 when coupled to the post head engagement portion 701.

Additional details of the rotation mechanism are illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. As shown in FIG. 8, the clip mount 202 includes a mount top 801 which includes the head backplate 702 and post head engagement portion 701 as previously described. On the underside of the mount top 801 a plurality of locking recesses 802 are formed into the structure. The locking recesses 802 are configured to mate with a corresponding plurality of locking protrusions 902 on the mount base 901, which are depicted in FIG. 9. Thus, the clip mount 202 is configured to rotate to a plurality of discrete, lockable positions while securing the clip 203 to the clip mount 202, while simultaneously allowing for the removal of the clip 203 for a more compact configuration. In some embodiments, the mount top 801 and mount base 901 may be held together by magnetic force, useful for smaller containers, and/or by a spring loaded post connecting the two at the center of each for larger containers.

Turning back to FIG. 10, details of the clip 203 are shown in a side view perspective, in accordance with some embodiments. The post head 1001, which may be any suitable shape as previously described, is attached to a clip post 1002 extending from a clip body 1003. A clip anchor 1004 is located distal from the clip post 1002, and is of sufficient length to where the clip anchor 1004 and clip post 1002 can rest on either side of a conventional belt. In some embodiments, the length of the clip body 1003 between the clip post 1002 and clip anchor 1004 ranges from approximately 1-4 inches.

Referring now to FIG. 11, the first half 1101 and second half 1102 of the lock 101 are shown removed from the front flap 102 and rear flap 201, respectively. In some embodiments, the first half 1101 may include a first elongated portion 1103 which may be used to secure the first half 1101 to and/or between flexible fabric 1203, for example using the flap stitching 1204 shown in FIG. 12. In some embodiments, the flexible fabric 1203 includes a front lock aperture 1201 configured to enable the actuator housing 1105 of the lock actuator 1106 to pass through. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 13, the rear flap 201 includes a rear lock aperture 1301 configured to enable the receiver housing located on the second half 1102 to pass through. The second elongated portion 1104 couples to the rear flap 201 in a similar manner as the first half 1101 as described above.

Turning back to FIG. 12, window stitching 1202 is shown as a suitable way to secure the window 103 to the front body 104. As described previously, the window may be transparent, or is configured to change from an opaque state (or translucent state) to a transparent state upon receiving a signal (e.g., NFC, Bluetooth®, etc.) from a remote computer. For example, when a user is at a concession stand at an event venue, a signal from a credit card reader can transmit a signal to a controller 1501 coupled to the window 103 which cause the opaque or substantially opaque window 103 to change from opaque to clear or substantially clear (substantially transparent). In some embodiments, the controller 1501 is configured to execute program instructions that cause one or more processors to maintain the window 103 in a transparent state for a pre-determined period of time, such as 60 seconds, as a non-limiting example.

As shown in FIG. 13, the front body 104 flexible fabric 1203 is secured to the rear body flexible fabric 1203 with body stitching 1303 in this non-limiting example. However, the disclosure is not limited to stitching, as glue and/or other suitable fasteners may be used. Also shown in FIG. 13 are mount fasteners 1302 passing through the mount elongated portion 703 and the container wall (flexible fabric) securing the clip mount 202 to the rear body 204. Again, the mount fasteners may be replaced with another type of fastener, such as glue, stitching, etc.

FIG. 14 depicts a flow diagram for a timed window 103 state transition according to some embodiments. At step 1401, a communications module receives a command to change the transparency of the window 103. The command can come from an outside source, such as a remote computer and/or wireless signal (e.g., NFC, Bluetooth®, WiFi), which may be transmitted at a point of sale location (e.g., concession stand) or over a wireless network. In some embodiments, the system is configured to compare the transparency request to a geolocation, and confirm the request if the electronic device and/or container 100 is within the geolocation, or deny the request if outside the geolocation. In some embodiments, the geolocation is defined as within the range of a particular WiFi router, as another non-limiting example. In some embodiments, the geolocation is defined by one or more sensors which may include a global positioning system (GPS). In some embodiments, geolocation is determined by a combination of sensors described herein, including NFC devices.

In some embodiments, the transparency request is sent to the container 100 by the electronic device within the container 100. As a non-limiting example, an emergency message (e.g., severe weather alert) may be sent to the electronic device, and in response the electronic device sends a request to the container 100 to change a state of the window 103. Configurable instructions for which types of communications received by the electronic device can change the state of the electronic window 103 can be downloaded to the electronic device (e.g., though installation of an App) before the electronic device is secured in the container 100. In some embodiments, the computer platform and supporting components of the stored electronic device control the state of the window 103 through transmitted signals, reducing the amount of components needed to be installed in the container 100 itself.

At step 1402, the window 103 changes transparency from opaque (or translucent) to transparent, allowing the use to view and/or manipulate the screen. For example, the user may now use the screen to authorize a purchase request (e.g., Apple Pay®) sent to the electronic device from a remote computer (e.g., credit card machine). Components controlling the functionality of the window 103 can be housed anywhere on and/or in the front body 104 or rear body 204.

FIG. 15 shows a simplified diagram of the control platform, which may include various transistors, relays, and feedback mechanisms that are not illustrated but familiar to those of ordinary skill. The system includes one or more windows 103, a controller 1501, and/or a power supply 1510 (e.g., battery). The controller 1501 may include various components such as integrated circuits, but in general includes a communication module 1502 configured to send and receive signals, one or more sensors 1503 (e.g., GPS, NFC, antennas, window state sensors), one or more processors 1504, and memory 1505 that includes one or more non-transitory computer readable media.

Referring back to FIG. 14, at step 1403, program instructions stored on the non-transitory computer readable media execute a countdown timer. The countdown timer can be any preset time, such as 60 seconds for example, to give the owner of the electronic device time to manipulate the display and/or read the message. In some embodiments, the instructions downloaded before the electronic device is placed in the container 100 are configured to enable interactive windows (e.g., payment authorization, message display) to be displayed on a lock screen of the electronic device. Optionally, step 1403 may be skipped if the computer instructions for changing the window 103 transparency state are based on the location of the container 100 (e.g., pouch) as described above. In some embodiments, a combination of location and timing determines when the window 103 changes state, such as to opaque, as described in step 1404.

It should be understood that the disclosed systems are not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the previous description or illustrated in the drawings. The systems and methods disclosed herein fall within the scope of numerous embodiments. The previous discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the system according to some embodiments. Any portion of the structures and/or principles included in some embodiments can be applied to any and/or all embodiments, and it should be understood that features from some embodiments presented herein are combinable with other features according to some other embodiments. Thus, some embodiments of the system are not intended to be limited to what is illustrated but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with all principles and features disclosed herein.

Some embodiments of the system are presented with specific values and/or setpoints. These values and setpoints are not intended to be limiting and are merely examples of a higher configuration versus a lower configuration and are intended as an aid for those of ordinary skill to make and use the system.

Any text in the drawings should be viewed as part of the instant disclosure and should be understood to be readily incorporable into any description of the metes and bounds of the system. Any functional language in the drawings is a reference to the system being configured to perform the recited function, and structures shown or described in the drawings are to be considered as the system comprising the structures recited therein.

Furthermore, acting as Applicant's own lexicographer, Applicant imparts the explicit meaning and/or disavow of claim scope to the following terms: “Substantially” and “approximately” when used in conjunction with a value encompass a difference of 5% or less of the same unit and/or scale of that being measured (e.g., degrees, volume, mass, distance).

It should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

While various embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, such embodiments should not be deemed to limit the teaching of this disclosure to those embodiments. Various changes and modifications may be made to the elements and operations described above to obtain a result that remains within the scope of the systems and processes described in this disclosure.