United States Ratent and Trademark Office
`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Offiee
`Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`PC. Box 1450
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`www.uspto.gov
`
`APPLICATION I
`NUMBER I
`61/555,310
`
`FILING or
`371(c) DATE
`11/03/2011
`
`1 GRP ART 1
`1 UNIT 1
`
`FIL FEE REC'D |
`
`250
`
`87884
`Mossman, Kumar and Tyler, PC
`P.O. Box 421239
`Houston, TX 77242
`
`atty.docket.no
`MAY-1001-US-P2
`
`|t〇T claims I IND CLAIMS
`
`CONFIRMATION NO. 3730
`FILING RECEIPT
`OC000000051093699
`
`Date Mailed: 11/29/2011
`
`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, F아이gn Fiiing License Granted: 11/21/2011
`The country code and number of your priority applioation, to be used for filing abroad under the Paris Convention,
`is US 61/555,310
`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 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
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`1
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`APPLE 1012
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`

`

`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
`issue a license before applicants can apply for a patent in a foreign country. The filing of a U.S. patent application
`serves as a request for a foreign filing license. The application's filing receipt contains further information and
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`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.
`
`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
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`State (with respect to Arms, Munitions and Imp|이rents of War (22 CFR 121-128)); the Bureau of Industry and
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`2
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`

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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
`
`3
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`

`

`100
`
`101
`
`ヽJノ
`Fig. 1 A
`
`100
`
`102
`
`Fig. 1 B
`
`200
`
`( ヽ
`
`200
`
`202
`
`<ノ
`
`201
`
`Fig. 2 A
`
`Fig. 2 B
`
`203
`
`'''''201
`
`Fig. 2 C
`
`302
`
`30Of
`
`7 / / /1
`
`□□□□□□□□
`301-------A □□□□□□□□
`□□□□□□□□
`
`303
`
`Fig. 3
`
`4
`
`

`

`Fig. 4
`
`500
`
`502a
`
`504
`
`Fig. 5
`
`5
`
`

`

`702
`
`601
`
`•602
`
`Fig. 6
`
`Fig. 7
`
`V—802
`\m3
`
`*ヾ803
`
`Fig. 8
`
`6
`
`

`

`903
`
`904
`
`Fig. 9
`
`7
`
`

`

`MAY-1001-US-P2
`
`PROVISIONAL APPLICATION FOR
`UNITED STATES LETTERS PATENT
`
`FOR
`
`APPARATUS FOR CLEANING VIEW SCREENS
`AND METHOD FOR THE USE THEREOE
`
`Inventor: Walter G. Mayfield
`
`-1-
`
`8
`
`

`

`MAY-1001-US-P2
`
`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] With the advent of portable electronic devices, it has hecome 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.
`[0003] 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.
`[0004] 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.
`[0005] 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.
`[0006] 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.
`[0007] 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.
`
`-2-
`
`9
`
`

`

`MAY-1001-US-P2
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`[0008] 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.
`[0009] 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.
`[0010] 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.
`[0011] 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.
`
`10
`
`

`

`MAY-1001-US-P2
`
`[0012] 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.
`[0013] 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.
`[0014] Another aspect of the invention is employing a cleaning component having a
`
`magnet element to activate or deactivate a magnetic switch.
`
`-4-
`
`11
`
`

`

`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`MAY-1001-US-P2
`
`[0015] 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;
`
`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;
`
`FIG. 7 illustrates a cleaning component having multiple layers;
`FIG. 8 illustrates a cleaning component used with a set of binoculars; and
`FIG. 9 illustrates a cleaning component employing a structural feature to enhance
`
`adhesion.
`
`12
`
`

`

`MAY-1001-US-P2
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`[0016] One embodiment of 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. For the purposes of this
`
`application, the term "at least one case^^ means the primary case used by a manufacturer
`
`to hold and protect the individual electronic components of which an electronic device is
`
`composed, but it can also mean a protective case that functions to protect the primary
`
`case. For example, a smartphone generally comprises electronics disposed within a rigid
`
`shell like case. This would be the primary case. There are available protective cases,
`
`often made of leather, rubber, and/or rigid are flexible plastic, that serve to prevent
`
`scratches and blemishes on the primary case and sometimes to impart a bit of shock
`
`resistance as well.
`
`[0017] The term electronic device means such devices having a view screen including,
`
`but not limited to cell phones, smartphones, some cameras, some telescopes, some
`
`weapons scopes, tablet computers, laptop computers, DVD players, and the like. Other
`
`examples include computer monitors, televisions, laboratory apparatus (both portable and
`
`non portable), and the like. The method of this application may be used with any
`
`electronic device having a view screen.
`[0018] The term ''selectively couple^^ describes the process wherein a cleaning
`
`component of the disclosure is applied to an electronic device and adheres to it because
`
`of a magnetic force. In one embodiment of the disclosure, there is sufficient magnetic
`
`force to allow the cleaning component to remain in place despite casual movements of
`
`the electronic device, but to still be easily removed by a human operator.
`[0019] Turning to Figs. lA and IB, a top and side view of a round cleaning component
`
`(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
`
`include, but are not limited to fabrics. Exemplary fabrics include microfiber cloths, open­
`
`end weave microfiber cloths, double layer cloths wherein the outer layer which would
`
`make contact with a view screen is a microfiber cloth, and combinations thereof. For the
`
`-6-
`
`13
`
`

`

`MAY-1001-US-P2
`
`purposes of this application, the term "fabrics" is defined to further include non-plant
`
`materials such as animal skins and/or cloth prepared using synthetic materials or animal
`
`materials. In at least one embodiment, the fabric may be a shammy (a.k.a. chamois).
`
`Any cleaning material that can be used to clean a view screen that does not cause
`
`excessive wear or abrasions may he used with the method and apparatus of the
`application. A ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate (102) is also shown.
`
`[0020] Turning to Figs 2A and 2 B, a side view of the cleaning component, it can be
`
`seen that disposed within the cleaner material (201) is a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic
`
`substrate (202). The ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate may be made of iron or
`
`other conventional ferrimagnetic and ferrimagnetic materials. In may also be a
`
`composite. Exemplary composites include combinations of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt
`
`compound with iron. Such composites may be made by sintering metals or by mixing the
`
`metallic components with a resin and injection molding. Mixtures of iron oxide and
`
`ceramic components such as barium and strontium carbonate may be used to make
`
`ceramic magnets for use as the Ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrates useful with the
`
`application. For the purposes of this application, rare earth magnets, such as but not
`
`limited to samarian and neodymium based magnets, are ferrimagnetic and ferrimagnetic
`
`materials and may be used to prepare the Ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrates
`
`useful with the application. Any magnetic material or material that is attracted to
`
`magnets may be used to prepare the Ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrates useful
`
`with the application.
`[0021] In another embodiment, 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. 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)
`
`is shown surrounding, on both sides, a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate (202) that
`
`is rectangular in shape.
`
`[0022] In some embodiments, the cleaning material is present only on one side of the
`
`substrate. On the other side of the substrate is a different material that is selected to
`
`facilitate movement of the cleaning component on a view screen or to protect from a
`
`-7-
`
`14
`
`

`

`MAY-1001-US-P2
`
`hostile environment. This material may he textured or it may he one that has a higher
`
`coefficient of friction than the cleaning material. In a variation of this emhodiment, the
`
`cleaning component may include a tab that can he pinched to facilitate moving the
`
`cleaning component. In still another variation, in this latter emhodiment, the tah may he
`
`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.
`
`2A and 2B is shown, except that a tah (203) is shown in the raised position.
`[0023] The dimensions of the cleaning component may vary according to its intended
`
`use. For example, one class of small electronic devices upon which the cleaning
`
`components may he employed is cell phones. The cell phone class includes both cell
`
`phones and devices combining cell phone functionality with computing power such as the
`
`so called smart phones. When the cleaning component will he used with a cell phone, it
`
`may have dimensions ranging as follows. Length may range from about 2.1 cm to about
`
`0.5 cm. In one emhodiment, the length may he about 1.7 cm. Width may range from 1.9
`
`cm to about 0.5 cm. In one embodiment, the width may be about 1.7 cm.
`[0024] Another class of small electronic devices is the so called tablet computers. When
`
`the cleaning component will be used with a tablet computer, it may have dimensions
`
`ranging as follows. Length may range from about 7.5 cm to about 0.6 cm. In one
`
`embodiment, the length may be about 2.5 cm. Width may range from 3 cm to about 0.5
`
`cm. In one embodiment, the width may be about 2.5 cm.
`[0025] In embodiments of the disclosure wherein the cleaning component will be
`
`employed on a cell phone or tablet computer, it may be desirable to make the cleaning
`
`component as thin as possible. This is of course the subject the caveat that the cleaning
`
`component is thick enough to be easily manipulated during the cleaning process. While
`
`in some embodiments the cleaning component may be as thin as a sheet of paper, but in
`
`most embodiments it will have a thickness of from about 0.5 cm to about 1 mm.
`
`[0026] The overall shape of the cleaning component when used with cell phones and
`
`tablet computers may be round, oval, rectangular, or square. In some embodiments, in
`
`order to avoid overlapping with a view screen, the cleaning component may be shaped to
`
`fit available space.
`
`-8-
`
`15
`
`

`

`MAY-1001-US-P2
`
`[0027] The cleaning components of the disclosure may he used with another class of
`
`small electronic devices, commonly referred to as laptop computers. They may also he
`
`used with televisions, laboratory instruments, and the like. Because these devices are
`
`larger it may be desirable in some embodiments to increase the dimensions of the
`
`cleaning component. For example, the length of cleaning component used with these
`
`devices may range from about 10 cm to about 1 cm. The optimum length may range
`
`from about five cm to about 8 cm. The width may range from about 0.5 cm to about 5
`
`cm. The optimum width may be from about 0.5 to about 5 cm. Similar to the other
`
`classes, the cleaning component may be as thin as a sheet of paper, but in most
`
`embodiments it will have a thickness of from about 0.5 cm to about 1 mm.
`
`[0028] For the larger devices, shape is generally not as critical. There are often larger
`
`areas to which the cleaning component can be coupled. For these applications, it is often
`
`desirable to make the cleaning component rectangular in shape. Still, other shapes would
`
`be within the scope of the claims of this application.
`
`[0029] Another embodiment of the application 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. In this
`
`embodiment, the view screen is externally visible in at least one configuration of the case
`
`and the case has a surface that is substantially diamagnetic. At least a part of the surface
`
`of the case has been configured to receive a cleaning component. Further, 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.
`
`[0030] It may be desirable, in some applications, to make the cleaning components such
`
`that they have beveled edges. Such components could be particularly useful when
`
`coupled with devices having a case configured to accept the cleaning component wherein
`
`there is a ridge configured to accept the beveled edge to more securely hold it in place.
`
`-9-
`
`16
`
`

`

`MAY-1001-US-P2
`
`[0031] Some electronic devices have view screens that are always visible. Exemplary of
`
`this are some cell phones and tablet computers that do not have covers. Other devices
`
`such as laptops have view screens that may be seen only when the cover is lifted.
`
`[0032] In embodiments of the disclosure where a case has been configured to receive a
`
`cleaning component, it may be so configured in several ways. In one embodiment, such a
`
`case is configured by placing a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material onto the surface
`
`of the case where the cleaning component is received. In another embodiment, the case
`
`is prepared such that the case itself is composed of a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic
`
`material at the point where the cleaning component is received. In still another
`
`embodiment, the case is prepared by placing a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material
`
`underneath where the cleaning component is received. Additionally, the case may be
`
`fabricated such that the cleaning component is received into a groove, slot, or other
`
`indented geometrical shape to lower the profile of the cleaning component to facilitate
`
`closing a cover or prevent snagging a cleaning component. Another reason to lower the
`
`profile that the cleaning component may be to enhance the aesthetics of the device.
`
`[0033] Turning to Fig. 3, the base of a laptop computer (300) is shown. Above and to the
`
`right of the keyboard (301) is a rectangular indention (302) having dimensions and all
`
`three directions that are slightly larger than those of a cleaning component (303). In one
`
`embodiment of the disclosure, the cleaning component has a ferromagnetic or
`
`ferrimagnetic substrate that is a permanent magnet. The case, at the base of the
`
`invention, is prepared using a ferromagnetic material.
`
`[0034] In employing the method of the disclosure, the cleaning component is coupled to
`
`the base of the laptop computer by placing it within the invention. The magnetic
`
`attractive force between the permanent magnet and the ferromagnetic material holds the
`
`cleaning component in place as a laptop computer is moved. The cleaning component is
`
`decoupled from the laptop computer base by lifting it to overcome the magnetic force.
`
`The cleaning component is then placed on the view screen (not shown) and is then moved
`
`across the view screen using one or more fingers. After the view screen has been
`
`cleaned, the cleaning component may be recoupled to the computer base.
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`[0035] Similarly, the method and apparatus of this disclosure may apply to a second
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`case. In this embodiment, a case constructed to protect the primary case of a small
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`electronic device may be similarly configured to receive a cleaning component. Such
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`cases which are sometime manufactured by 3 party providers generally serve to protect
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`the finish of the primary case and/or provide additional impact protection for the
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`electrical components of the small electronic devices.
`[0036] In practicing the method of the disclosure, there are three basic embodiments
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`regarding the source of magnetic force used. In one embodiment, the cleaning
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`component may include a magnet and the case may include an unmagnetized
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`ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material. In a second embodiment, the cleaning device
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`may have only an unmagnetized ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material and the magnet
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`may be in or on the case. In the third embodiment, both the cleaning component and the
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`case may include a magnet.
`[0037] When a magnet or a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material is applied to a case,
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`in one embodiment, it may be adhered using a tacky adhesive. One such embodiment
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`includes using double sided gaffer^s tape as the source of the tacky adhesive. Any tacky
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`adhesive can be used with the method of the application.
`[0038] In one embodiment, the cleaning component of the application may be used as a
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`source of advertising. For example, in one embodiment of the application, a cleaning
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`component may have imprinted upon it a logo, trademark, slogan, or the like. In another
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`embodiment, a pre-printed substrate having a logo or decorative side, and optionally, a
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`second adhesive side may be used. In some of these embodiments where the substrate
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`includes an adhesive, it may be used to secure a magnet to the cleaning component. In
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`another embodiment, the substrate having an adhesive may be free of advertisements
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`and/or decoration.
`[0039] In this application, the term diamagnetic is used to delineate materials that are not
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`ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic. From a practical perspective, the materials that are
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`paramagnetic have such a weak attraction to magnets that they would not be effective if
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`utilized and thus are to be treated as if they are diamagnetic.
`[0040] While, generally speaking, the cleaning components are meant to be unitary, in
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`some embodiments, the cleaning material may be removed and replaced with new
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`cleaning material. Also, the cleaning components may be configured such that they have
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`a thinner center to allow a user to employ lateral force to the cleaning component to more
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`easily slide it across the surface of a view screen. In some embodiments, the cleaning
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`component may have a profile such that the cleaning component is thinner in the middle
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`and near the edge of the cleaning component.
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`[0041] Other emhodiments of the invention include those such as are illustrated in Fig. 4.
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`In this emhodiment, a flip case and a smart phone 400 is shown. The flip case includes a
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`cover 401, a hinge 403, and a base 404 holding the smartphone 405. The cleaning device
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`402 is held in place by means of a magnet (not shown). In one embodiment, the magnet
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`is built into the cover. In another embodiment, the magnet is attached to the cover using
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`an adhesive. In still another embodiment, the cover includes a ferromagnetic or
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`ferrimagnetic material rather than a magnet.
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`[0042] While many of the cleaning components have a single magnet or ferromagnetic or
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`ferrimagnetic substrate, this is not a limitation of the application. In some embodiments,
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`it may be desirable to have multiple magnets in a cleaning component. For Example, at
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`Fig. 5, a case having two magnets to hold it closed 500 is shown. This case consists of a
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`body 504 which functions to hold a smartphone; and a lid having a top 501, a side 502,
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`and a hinge 507. Also shown is the cleaning component 503 adhering to the inside of the
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`side of the lid. The side is shown again at 502a from lateral perspective with the magnets
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`visible 50b. fhe cleaning component 503a is also shown from a lateral perspective, again
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`showing two magnets 506. The two magnets of the case line up with the two magnets of
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`the cleaning component in some embodiments to allow for a more secure fit to the case.
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`[0043] Note that in the embodiments shown in Fig. 5, the magnets are offset from center.
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`The magnets may be placed anywhere within the cleaning component as necessary to
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`facilitate their use with a device. For example, in Fig. 6, a cleaning component 602 is
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`shown with a magnet 601 offset near the edge of the component. In one example of a
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`method of the application, the cleaning component is adhered to the top of a device
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`having a case that closes, such as a laptop computer, with the body of the cleaning
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`component rotated down when the case is closed. When the laptop is opened for use, the
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`body can be rotated up and away from the screen.
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`[0044] In some embodiments, the cleaning component of the application can be
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`composed of multiple layers. For example, in one such embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7,
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`a three layer cleaning component may be seen. Therein, a cleaning component having an
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`offset magnet 70