United States Ratent and Trademark Office
`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Offiee
`Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`PC. Box 1450
`Alexandria, Viigiiiia 22313-1450
`www.uspto.gov
`
`APPLICATION
`NUMBER
`61/592,344
`
`FILING or
`371(c) DATE
`01/30/2012
`
`GRP ART 1
`UNIT 1
`
`FIL FEE REC'D |
`
`250
`
`87627
`Mossman, Kumar & Tyler PC
`P.O. Box 421239
`Houston, TX 77242
`
`atty.docket.no
`MAY-1001-USP7
`
`|t〇T claims I IND CLAIMS
`
`CONFIRMATION NO. 1471
`FILING RECEIPT
`OC000000052603376
`
`Date Mailed: 02/17/2012
`
`Receipt is acknowledged of this provision기 patent application. It wiH not be examined for patentability and wiH
`become abandoned not later than twelve months after its filing date. Any correspondence concerning the application
`must in이Ude the following id이itification informati이the U.S. APP니CATION NUMBER, 디니NG DATE, NAME OE
`API가」CANT, and TITLE OE INVENTION. Fees transmitted by check 이 draft are subject to collection. Please verify
`the accuracy of the data presented on this receipt. If an error is noted on this Fiiing Receipt, piease submit
`a written request for a Fiiing Receipt Correction. Piease provide a copy of this Fiiing Receipt with the
`changes noted thereon, if you received a "Notice to Fiie Missing Parts" for this appiication, piease submit
`any corrections to this Fiiing Receipt with your repiy to the Notice. When the USPTO processes the repiy
`to the Notice, the USPTO wiii generate another Fiiing Receipt incorporating the requested corrections
`Appiicant(s)
`
`Walter G. Mayfi이d, Houston, TX;
`Power of Attorney:
`Gene Tyler-35395
`
`If Required, Foreign Fiiing License Granted: 02/15/2012
`The country code and number of your priority applioation, to be used for filing abroad under the Paris Convention,
`is US 61/592,344
`Projected Publication Date: None, application is not eligi미e for pre-grant pu미ication
`Non-Publication Request: No
`Early Publication Request: No
`Titie
`
`APPARATUS FOR CLEANING VIEW SCREENS AND LENSES AND METHOD FOR THE USE
`THEREOF
`
`PROTECTING YOUR INVENTION OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES
`
`Sinoe the rights granted by a U.S. patent extend only throughout the territory of the United States and have no
`effeot in a foreign country, an inventor who wishes patent protection in another country must apply for a patent
`in a specific country or in regional patent offices. Applicants may wish to consider the filing of an international
`application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). An international (PCT) application generally has the same
`effect as a regular national patent application in each PCT-member country. The PCT process simplifies the filing
`of patent applications on the same invention in member countries, but does not result in a grant of "an international
`page 1 of 3
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1017
`
`

`

`patent" and does not eliminate the need of applioants to file additional documents and fees in countries where patent
`protection is desired.
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`Almost every country has its own patent law, and a person desiring a patent in a particular country must make an
`application for patent in that country in accordance with its particular laws. Since the laws of many countries differ
`in various respects from the patent law of the United States, applicants are advised to seek guidance from speoifio
`foreign countries to ensure that patent rights are not lost prematurely.
`
`Applicants also are advised that in the case of inventions made in the United States, the Director of the USPTO must
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`Applicants may wish to consult the USPTO booklet, "General Information Concerning Patents" (specifically, the
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`oan be viewed on the USPTO website at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html.
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`For information on preventing theft of your intellectual property (patents, trademarks and copyrights), you may wish
`to oonsult the U.S. Government website, http://www.stopfakes.gov. Part of a Department of Commeroe initiative,
`this website includes s이f-help "toolkits" giving innovators guidance on how to proteot mt이|ectu기 property in specific
`countries such as China, Korea and Mexico. For questions regarding patent enforcement issues, applicants may
`cal! the U.S. Government hotline at 1-866-999-HALT (1-866-999-4158).
`
`니CENSE FOR FOR티GN Fl니NG UNDER
`
`Title 35, United States Code, Section 184
`
`Title 37, Code of Federal Regulations, 5.11 & 5.15
`
`GRANTED
`
`The applicant has been granted a license under 35 U.S.C. 184, if the phrase "IF REQUIRED, FOR티GN Fl니NG
`니CENSE GRANTED" followed by a date appears on this form. Such licenses are issued in al! applications where
`the conditions for issuanoe of a license have been met, regardless of whether or not a license may be required as
`set forth in 37 CFR 5.15. The scope and limitations of this license are set forth in 37 CFR 5.15(a) unless an earlier
`license has been issued under 37 CFR 5.15(b). The license is subject to revocation upon written notification. The
`date indicated is the effective date of the license, unless an earlier license of similar scope has been granted under
`37 CFR 5.13^5.14.
`
`This license is to be retained by the licensee and may be used at any time on or after the effective date thereof unless
`it is revoked. This license is automatically transferred to any related applications(s) filed under 37 CFR 1.53(d). This
`license is not retroaotive.
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`The grant of a license does not in any way lessen the responsibility of a licensee for the security of the subject matter
`as imposed by any Government contract or the provisions of existing laws relating to espionage and the national
`security or the export of teohnioa! data. Licensees should apprise themselves of current regulations especially with
`respect to certain countries, of other agencies, particularly the Office of Defense Trade Controls, Department of
`State (with respect to Arms, Munitions and Imp|이rents of War (22 CFR 121-128)); the Bureau of Industry and
`page 2 of 3
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`2
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`

`

`Security, Department of Commerce (15 CFR parts 730-774); the Office of For이gn AssetsControl, Department of
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`NOT GRANTED
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`No license under 35 U.S.C. 184 has been granted at this time, if the phrase "IF REQUIRED, FOR티GN FILING
`니CENSE GRANTED" DOES NOT appear on this form. Applicant may stiH petition for a lie이】se under 37 CFR 5.12,
`if a license is desired before the expiration of 6 months from the filing date of the application. If 6 months has lapsed
`from the filing date of this application and the licensee has not reoeived any indication of a secrecy order under 35
`U.S.C. 181, the licensee may foreign file the application pursuant to 37 CFR 5.15(b).
`
`SelectUSA
`The United States represents the largest, most dynamic marketplace in the world and is an unparalleled location
`for business investment, innovation and commercialization of new technologies. The USA offers tremendous
`resources and advantages for those who invest and manufacture goods here. Through SelectUSA, our nation
`works to encourage, facilitate, and accelerate business investment. To learn more about why the USA is the best
`country in the world to develop teohnology, manufaoture products, and grow your business, visit S이ectUSA.gov.
`
`page 3 of 3
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`3
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`

`

`Doc Co허e: TR.PROV
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`PTO/SB/16(04-07)
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`U.S. Patent 규nö Tidemark Office: U.S, DEPARTMENT OF COMMENCE
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`Inv 으 ntor(s)
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`inventor 1
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`Remove
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`Given Name
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`Middle Name
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`Family Nam든
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`City
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`State
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`Country j
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`Walter
`
`G.
`
`Mayfield
`
`Houston
`
`TX
`
`US
`
`|
`
`I
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`AH imzentors Must Be Listed 一 Additional inventor Information blocks may be
`generated within this form by 도이ecting the Add button.
`APPARATUS FOR CLEANING VIEW SCREENS AND LENSES AND METHOD
`FO긎 ~HHE USE THEREOF
`MAY-1001-USP7
`
`Title of Invention
`
`Attorney Docket Number (if appNcabie)
`
`Correspondence Address
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`Direct alt cot즌spondenc슨 to (s은|은c* one):
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`(5)The address corresponding to Customer N니rnber 〇 Firm or Individual Name
`
`Customer N녀 mb으r
`
`87627
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`The invention was made by an agency of the U댜拍d States Government or under a contract with an agency of the 녀nit은d
`States Government.
`•)No.
`〇 Y은s, the name of the U.S. Government ヨ듬은ncy and th은 Government contract number are:
`
`EF오 - Web 1.0.1
`
`4
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`

`

`Doc Co허e: TR.PROV
`Document Description; PrsgonE Cover Sheet (SB16)
`
`PTO/SB/16(04-07)
`Approved !〇■ use lb rough 06/30^^10 OMB 0651-야 G32
`U.S. Patent 규nö Tidemark Office: U.S, DEPARTMENT OF COMMENCE
`Under the Paperwc^k Reduces Act of 1995, no persons are required tc resp^aid to 그 coWectig of information unless it displays 귡 valid OMB conü^oi n나mber
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`AppHc갾nt claims smaii entity states und슨r 37 CFR 1.27
`〇 Yes, applicant qualifies for smaii entity status under 37 CFR 1,27
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`to 혼he USPTO, p든titioners/a］겨기icants should consider r든ducting such personal information from the documents before
`submitting them to USPTO. PetitionerZappHcant is advise건 that th은 record of a pat은nt application is 죦vaHable to the public
`after publication of the application (니nl은ss a non-pubiication request in compliance with 37 CFR 1.213(a) is ma허e in Me
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`no훈 p녀비ic!y ヨ넣silabl은.
`Signature
`
`Please see 37 CFR 1.4(d} for th으 form of the signature.
`
`Signature
`
`/Gene L Tyler/
`
`First Name
`
`Gene L.
`
`Last Name
`
`T 와 er
`
`Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
`
`2012-얂 1-3 갾
`
`Registration N니mb은r
`(If appropriate)
`
`35395
`
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`6
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`

`

`MAY-1001-US-P7
`
`PROVISIONAL APPLICATION FOR
`UNITED STATES LETTERS PATENT
`
`FOR
`
`APPARATUS FOR CLEANING VIEW SCREENS
`AND LENSES AND METHOD FOR THE USE THEREOE
`
`Inventor: Walter G. Mayfield
`
`-1-
`
`7
`
`

`

`MAY-1001-US-P7
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Field of the Invention
`1.
`[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning view screens. The invention
`
`particularly relates to such an apparatus used with electrical devices.
`
`Background of the Art
`2.
`[0002] Cleaning lenses has long been an issue for the users of devices using them. For
`
`example, telescopes, binoculars, and cameras have long been used and keeping the lenses
`
`of such devices clean has been the subject of many creative efforts.
`[0003] More recently, there are new devices to clean. With the advent of portable
`
`electronic devices, it has become common to observe such devices being used in many
`
`public venues. Such venues include coffee shops, restaurants, shopping malls, and the
`
`like. These devices can be seen in just about any public setting.
`[0004] Many of the portable electronic devices have a view screen for displaying text.
`
`Some of these devices also are used for displaying photographs and in some cases
`
`movies. The newest of these devices display photographs and movies in high definition.
`
`[0005] While the view screens are usually rugged, and often covered with a protective
`
`film or screen, they are still subject to becoming dirty. Oils from human skin,
`
`environmental liquids and powders, and even airborne aerosols and dust can collect on a
`
`view screen and make it difficult to use.
`
`[0006] Cleaning the view screen of a portable electronic device can be problematic. It is
`
`often not desirable to use materials that are readily available to clean the view screen.
`
`For example, paper towels and paper napkins or sometimes composed of materials that
`
`may scratch and thereby damage a view screen.
`
`[0007] Carrying appropriate cleaning materials is sometimes a problem. Cleaning
`
`devices are sometimes too bulky to be comfortably carried. In their rush to get ready in
`
`the morning, it is easy for users of electronic devices to forget or overlook such
`
`preparations for their day.
`
`-2-
`
`8
`
`

`

`[0008] It would be desirable in the art of manufacturing portable electronic devices to
`
`incorporate into such devices the cleaning apparatus. It would also be desirable in the art
`
`of providing accessories for portable electronic devices to provide a cleaning component
`
`that can be carried on an electronic device case.
`
`MAY-1001-US-P7
`
`9
`
`

`

`MAY-1001-US-P7
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`[0009] In one aspect, the invention is a method of cleaning a view screen of an electronic
`
`device having at least one case comprising wiping the view screen with a cleaning
`
`component wherein the cleaning component is configured to selectively couple to the at
`
`least one case using a magnetic attractive force.
`[0010] In another aspect, the invention is a cleaning component for use on an electronic
`
`device view screen comprising a cleaning material covering at least one surface of a
`
`ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate wherein the cleaning component has a maximum
`
`thickness of 1.5 cm.
`[0011] In still another aspect, the invention is a small electronic device comprising a
`
`case, a view screen, and internal electronic components wherein the view screen and
`
`internal electronic components are mounted within the case and the view screen is
`
`externally visible in at least one configuration of the case. Also, the case has a surface
`
`that is substantially diamagnetic and at least a part of the surface of the case has been
`
`configured to receive a cleaning component wherein: the cleaning component is
`
`configured to selectively couple to the at least one part of the surface of the case that has
`
`been configured to receive the cleaning component; the at least one part of the surface of
`
`the case that has been configured to receive the cleaning component is ferromagnetic or
`
`ferrimagnetic or overlays a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material; and the cleaning
`
`component comprises a cleaning material covering at least one surface of a ferromagnetic
`
`or ferrimagnetic substrate.
`[0012] Another aspect of the invention is a second case, that functions to protect an
`
`electronic device^s primary case, and has a surface that is substantially diamagnetic and at
`
`least a part of the surface of the second case has been configured to receive a cleaning
`
`component wherein: the cleaning component is configured to selectively couple to the at
`
`least one part of the surface of the second case that has been configured to receive the
`
`cleaning component; the at least one part of the surface of the second case that has been
`
`configured to receive the cleaning component is ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic or
`
`overlays a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material; and the cleaning component
`
`comprises a cleaning material covering at least one surface of a ferromagnetic or
`
`ferrimagnetic substrate.
`
`-4-
`
`10
`
`

`

`MAY-1001-US-P7
`
`[0013] In still another aspect, the invention is a method of cleaning a view screen or a
`
`lens for use with a mechanical or non-electronic device having a view screen or a lens
`
`comprising wiping the view screen or lens with a cleaning component wherein the
`
`cleaning component is configured to selectively couple to the at least one part of the
`
`mechanical or non-electrical device using a magnetic attractive force.
`[0014] In yet another aspect, the invention is a method of cleaning a view screen or a lens
`
`using a cleaning component wherein the cleaning component is configured to adhere to
`
`portable object different from the object having the view screen or lens.
`[0015] Another aspect of the invention is employing a cleaning component having a
`
`magnet element to activate or deactivate a magnetic switch.
`
`[0016] In still another aspect, the invention is a cleaning component having a cleaning
`
`surface that is replaceable and held in place within the cleaning component with a tacky
`
`adhesive wherein the tacky adhesive is directly on the surface of the non-cleaning surface
`
`or the tacky adhesive is in the form of a double sided tape.
`
`[0017] In yet another aspect, the invention is a cleaning component having an external
`
`cover for protecting one both sides of a cleaning material wherein the external cover is
`
`reversible so that it may be folded over to expose the cleaning surface.
`[0018] In still another aspect, the invention is a case for an electronic device having a
`
`magnetic switch, and in the area of the case over the magnetic switch, a recessed area that
`
`functions to facilitate a cleaning component having a magnet moving past the switch in
`
`order to activate or deactivate the switch.
`[0019] Another aspect of the invention is a cleaning system having at least one element
`
`being a piece of clothing selected from the group consisting of a hat, helmet or other
`
`headgear; a jacket or coat; a shirt or top; a skirt or pants; and a shoe or boot, wherein the
`
`piece of clothing is configured to accept a cleaning component and the cleaning
`
`component is held in place, at least in part, using a magnet.
`
`[0020] In yet another aspect, the invention may be cleaning system comprising a cleaning
`
`component and an area on a device case configured to receive the cleaning component
`
`wherein the area of the device case configured to receive the cleaning component and the
`
`cleaning component may be used as a game wherein the cleaning component is tossed at
`
`the ea of the device case configured to receive the cleaning component.
`
`11
`
`

`

`MAY-1001-US-P7
`
`[0021] In still another aspect, the invention is a stylus configured to receive a cleaning
`
`component.
`
`[0022] Another aspect of the invention is a cleaning system having at least one element
`
`being an accessory selected from the group consisting of a purse, wallet, computer case,
`
`gun case, glasses strap, gloves, backpack, and a belt, wherein the piece of clothing is
`
`configured to accept a cleaning component and the cleaning component is held in place,
`
`at least in part, using a magnet.
`[0023] Yet another aspect of the invention is a cleaning component for use on an
`
`electronic device view screen comprising a cleaning material covering at least one
`
`surface of a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate wherein the cleaning component
`
`also includes a tab. In one embodiment, the tab is elongated so that it can function as a
`
`stand to hold the electronic device upright.
`
`-6-
`
`12
`
`

`

`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`MAY-1001-US-P7
`
`[0024] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will hecome
`
`more apparent hy descrihing in detail embodiments thereof with reference to the attached
`
`drawings in which:
`
`FIGS. lA and IB illustrate the top and side view of an embodiment of a cleaning
`
`component;
`FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the top and side view of a second embodiment of a cleaning
`component; and FIG. 2C illustrates an embodiment similar to FIG. 2B, but having a tab;
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`FIG. 3 illustrates a computer case configured to receive a cleaning component;
`FIG. 4 illustrates a flip type phone case configured to receive a cleaning component;
`FIG. 5 illustrates a lateral type phone case configured to receive a cleaning component;
`FIG. 6 illustrates a cleaning component with a sin않e offset magnet;
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`FIG. 7 illustrates a cleaning component having multiple layers;
`FIG. 8 illustrates a cleaning component used with a set of binoculars;
`FIG. 9 illustrates a cleaning component employing a structural feature to enhance
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`adhesion;
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`FIG. 10 illustrates a cleaning component employing replaceable cleaning surface;
`FIG. II illustrates a cleaning component employing a revisable cover;
`FIG. 12 illustrates a cleaning component including a brush;
`FIG.I3 illustrates a cap having a cleaning component located on the bill of the cap;
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`FIG. 14 illustrates a cleaning component having a "quick release^^ capability;
`FIG. 15 illustrates a stylus for use with a cleaning component;
`FIG. 16 illustrates a purse having a cleaning component attached thereto;
`FIG. 17 illustrates a cleaning component having a tab and a magnetic tab hold-down; and
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`FIG. 18 illustrates a cleaning component having a tab wherein the tab is elongated and
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`functions as a stand for an electronic device.
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`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`[0025] One embodiment of the invention is a method of cleaning a view screen of an
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`electronic device having at least one case comprising wiping the view screen with a
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`cleaning component wherein: the cleaning component is configured to selectively couple
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`to the at least one case using a magnetic attractive force. For the purposes of this
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`application, the term "at least one case^^ means the primary case used by a manufacturer
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`to hold and protect the individual electronic components of which an electronic device is
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`composed, but it can also mean a protective case that functions to protect the primary
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`case. For example, a smartphone generally comprises electronics disposed within a rigid
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`shell like case. This would be the primary case. There are available protective cases,
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`often made of leather, rubber, and/or rigid are flexible plastic, that serve to prevent
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`scratches and blemishes on the primary case and sometimes to impart a bit of shock
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`resistance as well.
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`[0026] The term electronic device means such devices having a view screen including,
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`but not limited to cell phones, smartphones, some cameras, some telescopes, some
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`weapons scopes, tablet computers, laptop computers, DVD players, and the like. Other
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`examples include computer monitors, televisions, laboratory apparatus (both portable and
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`non portable), and the like. The method of this application may be used with any
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`electronic device having a view screen.
`[0027] The term ''selectively couple^^ describes the process wherein a cleaning
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`component of the disclosure is applied to an electronic device and adheres to it because
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`of a magnetic force. In one embodiment of the disclosure, there is sufficient magnetic
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`force to allow the cleaning component to remain in place despite casual movements of
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`the electronic device, but to still be easily removed by a human operator.
`[0028] Turning to Figs. lA and IB, a top and side view of a round cleaning component
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`(100) are shown. As can be observed, the cleaning component is covered with a cleaner
`material (101). Cleaner materials useful with the method and apparatus of the application
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`include, but are not limited to fabrics. Exemplary fabrics include microfiber cloths, open­
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`end weave microfiber cloths, double layer cloths wherein the outer layer which would
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`make contact with a view screen is a microfiber cloth, and combinations thereof. For the
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`MAY-1001-US-P7
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`purposes of this application, the term "fabrics" is defined to further include non-plant
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`materials such as animal skins and/or cloth prepared using synthetic materials or animal
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`materials. In at least one embodiment, the fabric may be a shammy (a.k.a. chamois). In
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`another preferred embodiment, the cleaning material may he the material commonly
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`known in the art as a Micro Shamois Cloth such as is available from iKlear. Any cleaning
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`material that can be used to clean a view screen that does not cause excessive wear or
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`abrasions may be used with the method and apparatus of the application. A
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`ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate (102) is also shown.
`[0029] Turning to Figs 2A and 2 B, a side view of the cleaning component, it can be
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`seen that disposed within the cleaner material (201) is a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic
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`substrate (202). The ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate may be made of iron or
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`other conventional ferrimagnetic and ferrimagnetic materials. In may also be a
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`composite. Exemplary composites include combinations of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt
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`compound with iron. Such composites may be made by sintering metals or by mixing the
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`metallic components with a resin and injection molding. Mixtures of iron oxide and
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`ceramic components such as barium and strontium carbonate may be used to make
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`ceramic magnets for use as the Ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrates useful with the
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`application. For the purposes of this application, rare earth magnets, such as but not
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`limited to samarian and neodymium based magnets, are ferrimagnetic and ferrimagnetic
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`materials and may be used to prepare the Ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrates
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`useful with the application. Any magnetic material or material that is attracted to
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`magnets may be used to prepare the Ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrates useful
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`with the application.
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`[0030] In another embodiment, the invention is a cleaning component for use on an
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`electronic device view screen comprising a cleaning material covering at least one
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`surface of a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate wherein the cleaning component has
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`a maximum thickness of 1.5 cm. Turning to Figs. 2 A and B, a top and side view of a
`rectangular cleaning component is shown. In this embodiment, a cleaner material (201)
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`is shown surrounding, on both sides, a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate (202) that
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`is rectangular in shape.
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`[0031] In some embodiments, the cleaning material is present only on one side of the
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`substrate. On the other side of the substrate is a different material that is selected to
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`facilitate movement of the cleaning component on a view screen or to protect from a
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`hostile environment. This material may be textured or it may be one that has a higher
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`coefficient of friction than the cleaning material. In a variation of this emhodiment, the
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`cleaning component may include a tab that can be pinched to facilitate moving the
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`cleaning component. In still another variation, in this latter embodiment, the tab may be
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`constructed such that it can lay down in order to lower the profile of the cleaning
`component. Turning to Fig. 2C, a cleaning component otherwise identical to that of Figs.
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`2A and 2B is shown, except that a tab (203) is shown in the raised position.
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`[0032] The dimensions of the cleaning component may vary according to its intended
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`use. For example, one class of small electronic devices upon which the cleaning
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`components may be employed is cell phones. The cell phone class includes both cell
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`phones and devices combining cell phone functionality with computing power such as the
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`so called smart phones. When the cleaning