US010562077B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`US 10,562,077 B2
`(10) Patent N0.:
`
` Mayfield et a]. (45) Date of Patent: Feb. 18, 2020
`
`
`(54) SYSTEM COMPRISING A PORTABLE
`SWITCHING DEVICE FOR USE WITH A
`PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE
`
`3083 11/04
`H04M 1/21
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(Continued)
`
`(71) Applicant: GUI GLOBAL PRODUCTS, LTD.,
`Houston, TX (US)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventors: Walter G. Mayfield, Houston, TX
`(US); Daniel Martin Valdez,
`Kingwood, TX (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: GUI GLOBAL PRODUCTS, LTD.,
`Houston, TX (US)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimera the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl‘ NO‘ 16/460’770
`
`(22)
`
`(65)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jul' 2’ 2019
`_
`_
`_
`Prlor Publlcatlon Data
`US 2019/0321863 A1
`Oct. 24, 2019
`
`Related US. Application Data
`(63) Continuation of application No. 16/388,691, filed on
`Apr..
`18,. 2019, now. abandoned, wh1ch IS
`a
`cont1nuat1on of appl1cat1on No. 16/041,594, filed on
`Jul. 20, 2018, now Pat. No. 10,272,474, which is a
`continuation of application No. 15/852,000, filed on
`C
`.
`d
`( ont1nue )
`
`51
`
`(
`
`)
`
`I
`
`Cl
`
`'
`nt.
`G06F 1/16
`H05K 5/00
`H05K 7/00
`3083 ”00
`A45C 11/00
`G06F 1/32
`
`(200601)
`(200601)
`(200601)
`E20061”;
`2006.01
`(2019.01)
`
`400\
`
`(52) US. Cl.
`CPC .............. 3083 1/006 (2013.01); A45C 11/00
`(2013.01); 3083 1/002 (2013.01); 3083 11/04
`(2013.01); G06F 1/32 (2013.01); H04M1/21
`(2013.01); H043 [/3816 (2013.01); H04M
`[/0266 (2013.01)
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`CPC . G06F 1/32; G06F 1/16; G06F 1/1601; G06F
`1/1603; G06F 1/1605; G06F 1/1607;
`G06F 1/1609; G06F 1/1611; B08B 1/006;
`B08B 1/002
`
`USPC ......~................................ 3 61/679.01, 679.02
`See appl1cat1on file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2005/0107131 A1*
`
`5/2005 Abramov ............ H04M1/0258
`455/5691
`2005/0284904 A1* 12/2005 Knapp ...................... A45F 5/02
`.
`224/269
`(Cont1nued)
`
`Primary Examiner 7 Anthony M Haughton
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm 7 Mossman, Kumar &
`Tyler, PC
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`.
`.
`.
`.
`A lens and/or a v1ew screen of an electromc device hav1ng
`311.1321“ one case can be cleaned by w1p1ng the v1ew screen
`w1th a cleamng component where1n the cleamng component
`is configured to selectively couple to the at least one case or
`some other substrate using a magnetic attractive force. The
`cleaning devices may have secondary applications such as
`securing fly fishing lures, activating or deactivating a device
`having a magnetic switch, or preventing sunglasses from
`sinking. They may also be manufactured without a cleaning
`component for use with the secondary applications.
`13 Claims, 13 Drawing Sheets
`
`401
`
`403
`
`402
`
`404 405
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1001
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1001
`
`

`

`US 10,562,077 B2
`
`Page 2
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`Dec. 22, 2017, now Pat. No. 10,259,021, which is a
`continuation of application No. 15/597,005, filed on
`May 16, 2017, now abandoned, which is a continu-
`ation of application No. 14/343,665, filed as applica-
`tion No. PCT/US2012/049562 on Aug. 3, 2012, now
`abandoned.
`
`(60)
`
`Provisional application No. 61/661,090, filed on Jun.
`18, 2012, provisional application No. 61/619,229,
`filed on Apr. 2, 2012, provisional application No.
`61/592,344,
`filed on Jan. 30, 2012, provisional
`application No. 61/576,834, filed on Dec. 16, 2011,
`provisional application No. 61/569,093, filed on Dec.
`9, 2011, provisional application No. 61/568,031, filed
`on Dec.
`7, 2011, provisional
`application No.
`61/561,087,
`filed on Nov. 17, 2011, provisional
`
`application No. 61/555,310, filed on Nov. 3, 2011,
`provisional application No. 61/515,752, filed on Aug.
`5, 2011.
`
`(51)
`
`(56)
`
`Int. Cl.
`H043 [/3816
`H04M [/02
`
`(2015.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`References Cited
`U. S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2008/0103637 A1*
`
`2010/0011524 A1*
`
`2011/0192857 A1*
`
`5/2008 Bliven ...................... F16B 2/20
`701/1
`1/2010 Roeback ................... B08B1/00
`15/105
`8/2011 Rothbaum ................ B25F1/00
`220/694
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 18, 2020
`
`Sheet 1 0f 13
`
`US 10,562,077 B2
`
`100\
`101
`
`FIG. 1A
`
`102
`100\
`“(=5
`
`FIG. 1B
`
`zoo\
`
`zoo\
`
`200\
`
`201
`
`201NE]
`
`FIG. ZB
`
`FIG. 2A
`
`203
`
`C]
`201 §
`FIG. 2C
`
`202
`
`301
`
`3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 18, 2020
`
`Sheet 2 0f 13
`
`US 10,562,077 B2
`
`_____
`
`403
`
`402 401
`
`404
`
`405
`
`FIG. 4
`
`500\
`
`502
`
`504
`
`501
`
`507
`
`
`
`FIG. 5A
`
`502a
`
`'
`506 503a
`
`:06
`
`FIG. SB
`
`4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 18, 2020
`
`Sheet 3 0f 13
`
`US 10,562,077 B2
`
`602
`
`701
`
`702
`
`703
`
`FIG. 6
`
`FIG. 7
`
`805
`
`804%
`
`806/@
`
`807
`
`903g
`
`901
`
`9042
`
`902
`
`FIG. 8
`
`FIG. 9
`
`5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 18, 2020
`
`Sheet 4 0f 13
`
`US 10,562,077 B2
`
`1003
`
`1004
`
`FIG. 10A
`
`FIG. 1GB
`
`1103
`1101
`
`1101
`
`
`
`1103
`1101
`
`‘
`
`1101
`
`1102
`
`1102
`
`FIG. 11A
`
`FIG. 11B
`
`6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 18, 2020
`
`Sheet 5 0f 13
`
`US 10,562,077 B2
`
`1103
`1101
`
`A
`
`1101
`
`1102
`
`FIG. 11C
`
`1202
`
`FIG. 12
`
`7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.18,2020
`
`Sheet6 0f13
`
`US 10,562,077 B2
`
`32
`
`
`
`82‘FIll-II5282I52
`
`Q
`
`02.9".m2.9".
`
`<26;
`
`mow?mow?Nowr
`
`Fovr
`
`SESESE
`
`
`
`wowrFovrNovr
`
`m3.0."—
`
`<3.0."—
`
`a:
`
`Fowr
`
`V{8:
`
`8
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 18, 2020
`
`Sheet 7 0f 13
`
`US 10,562,077 B2
`
`"-
`
`1501
`
`
`
`FIG. 16A
`
`1604
`
`\ Q 1|
`l
`
`FIG. 1GB
`
`9
`
`9
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 18, 2020
`
`Sheet 8 0f 13
`
`US 10,562,077 B2
`
`1700
`
`‘731
`
`1701
`
`1700-\‘
`
`FIG. 17A
`
`1704
`
`FIG. 17B
`
`FIG. 17C
`
`10
`
`1705
`
`10
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 18, 2020
`
`Sheet 9 0f 13
`
`US 10,562,077 B2
`
`
`
`FIG. 18
`
`
`
`FIG. 19A
`
`FIG. 193
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 18, 2020
`
`Sheet 10 0f 13
`
`US 10,562,077 B2
`
`2002 2003
`
`
`
`
`
`2102
`
`2102
`
`FIG. 21
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 18, 2020
`
`Sheet 11 0f 13
`
`US 10,562,077 B2
`
`
`
`FIG. 22
`
`2300\
`
`2301 3
`
`2302
`
`2303
`
`2302
`
`FIG. 23
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 18, 2020
`
`Sheet 12 0f 13
`
`US 10,562,077 B2
`
`2404
`
`O
`
`2402
`
`2403
`
`2401
`
`FIG. 24
`
`2401 N
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 18, 2020
`
`Sheet 13 of 13
`
`US 10,562,077 B2
`
`
`
`FIG. 26
`
`15
`
`15
`
`

`

`US 10,562,077 B2
`
`1
`SYSTEM COMPRISING A PORTABLE
`SWITCHING DEVICE FOR USE WITH A
`PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`This application is a continuation of US. patent applica-
`tion Ser. No. 16/388,691, filed Apr. 18, 2019, which is a
`continuation of US. patent application Ser. No. 16/041,594,
`filed Jul. 20, 2018, which is a continuation of US. patent
`application Ser. No. 15/852,000, filed Dec. 22, 2017, which
`is a continuation of US. patent application Ser. No. 15/597,
`005, filed May 16, 2017, which is a continuation of US.
`application Ser. No. 14/343,665, filed Jul. 14, 2014, which
`is a national stage entry of PCT application No.: PCT/
`US2012/049562, filed, Aug. 3, 2012, which claims priority
`from US. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/661,090, filed
`Jun. 18, 2012, and US. Provisional Application Ser. No. 20
`61/619,229, filed Apr. 2, 2012; and US. Provisional Appli-
`cation Ser. No. 61/592,344, filed Jan. 30, 2012; and US.
`Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/576,834, filed Dec. 16,
`2011; and US. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/569,093,
`filed Dec. 9, 2011; and US. Provisional Application Ser. No.
`61/568,031, filed Dec. 7, 2011; and US. Provisional Appli-
`cation Ser. No. 61/561,087, filed Nov. 17, 2011; and US.
`Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/555,310, filed Nov. 3,
`2011; and US. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/515,752,
`filed Aug. 5, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is incor-
`porated herein by reference in its entirety.
`
`25
`
`30
`
`2
`
`example, paper towels and paper napkins or sometimes
`composed of materials that may scratch and thereby damage
`a view screen.
`
`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 mom-
`ing, it is easy for users of electronic devices to forget or
`overlook such preparations for their day.
`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.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`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 compo-
`nent wherein the cleaning component is configured to selec-
`tively couple to the at
`least one case using a magnetic
`attractive force.
`
`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 ferro-
`magnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate wherein the cleaning
`component has a maximum thickness of 1.5 cm.
`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.
`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 com-
`ponent is configured to selectively couple to the at least one
`part of the surface of the second case that has been config-
`ured 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 ferri-
`magnetic or overlays a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic mate-
`rial; and the cleaning component comprises a cleaning
`material covering at least one surface of a ferromagnetic or
`ferrimagnetic substrate.
`the invention is a method of
`In still another aspect,
`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.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning view
`screens. The invention particularly relates to such an appa-
`ratus used with electrical devices.
`
`2. Background of the Art
`
`35
`
`40
`
`Cleaning lenses has long been an issue for the users of
`devices employing them. For example, telescopes, glasses, 45
`binoculars, and cameras have long been used and keeping
`the lenses of such devices clean has been the subject of many
`creative efforts.
`
`More recently, there are new devices to clean. With the
`advent of portable electronic devices, it has become com- 50
`mon to observe such devices being used in many public
`venues. Such venues include coffee shops, restaurants, shop-
`ping malls, and the like. These devices can be seen in just
`about any public setting.
`Many of the portable electronic devices have a view 55
`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.
`While the view screens are usually rugged, and often 60
`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.
`
`Cleaning the view screen of a portable electronic device 65
`can be problematic. It is often not desirable to use materials
`that are readily available to clean the view screen. For
`
`16
`
`16
`
`

`

`US 10,562,077 B2
`
`3
`the invention is a method of
`In yet another aspect,
`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.
`
`Another aspect of the invention is employing a cleaning
`component having a magnet element to activate or deacti-
`vate a magnetic switch.
`In still another aspect, the invention is a cleaning com-
`ponent having a cleaning surface that is replaceable and held
`in place within the cleaning component with a tacky adhe-
`sive 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.
`In yet another aspect, the invention is a cleaning compo-
`nent having an external cover for protecting one both sides
`of a cleaning material wherein the external cover is revers-
`ible so that it may be folded over to expose the cleaning
`surface.
`
`the invention is a case for an
`In still another aspect,
`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.
`
`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, sweatband 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.
`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 device case configured to receive the cleaning compo-
`nent.
`
`In still another aspect, the invention is a stylus configured
`to receive a cleaning component.
`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 compo-
`nent and the cleaning component is held in place, at least in
`part, using a magnet.
`Yet another aspect of the invention is a cleaning compo-
`nent 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 clean-
`ing 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.
`Another aspect of the invention is a cleaning device
`having a hard surface and cleaning surface and including at
`least one ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material within the
`cleaning device wherein the at least one ferromagnetic or
`ferrimagnetic material may function to actuate a power
`switch or sensor that is capable of being actuated using a
`magnet.
`Another aspect of the invention is a cleaning device
`having additional functionality such as a remote control,
`laser pointer or the like.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`
`In one aspect, the invention is a switching device for use
`with a portable electronic device having a view screen and
`at least one switch that can be activated or de-activated by
`introducing a magnetic field to the at
`least one switch
`wherein the switching device has at least one magnet and at
`least one surface that is non-abrasive to the surface of the
`view screen.
`
`In another aspect, the invention is a switching device for
`an electronic apparatus that can be activated or deactivated
`by employing a magnet, the switching device having (i) at
`least one magnet, (ii) a body surrounding the magnet, and
`(iii) at least one surface configured to contact any surface of
`the device, including the view screen; wherein the surface
`configured to contact the electronic apparatus is non-abra-
`sive to the view screen of the apparatus.
`In another aspect, the invention is a method of conserving
`power when using a portable electronic device having a
`view screen and at least one switch that can activated or
`
`de-activated by introducing a magnetic field to the at least
`one switch wherein the switching device has at least one
`magnet and at least one surface that is non-abrasive to the
`surface of the view screen, wherein the method includes
`using the switching device to turn the portable electronic
`device off when the portable electronic device is not in
`actual use and then on when the portable electronic device
`is needed.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The above and other features and advantages of the
`present invention will become more apparent by describing
`in detail embodiments thereof with reference to the attached
`
`drawings in which:
`FIG. 1A illustrates the top view of an embodiment of a
`cleaning component;
`FIG. 1B illustrate the side view of an embodiment of a
`
`cleaning component;
`FIG. 2A illustrates the top view of a second embodiment
`of a cleaning component;
`FIG. 2B illustrate the side view of a second embodiment
`
`of a cleaning component; and
`FIG. 2C illustrates an embodiment similar to that of 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. 5A illustrates a lateral type phone case configured to
`receive a cleaning component;
`FIG. 5B illustrates the interaction of two components of
`the lateral type phone case configured to receive a cleaning
`component;
`FIG. 6 illustrates a cleaning component with a single
`offset magnet;
`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 adhesion;
`FIG. 10A illustrates a cleaning component employing
`replaceable cleaning surface held in place with a tacky
`adhesive;
`FIG. 10B illustrates the cleaning component of FIG. 10B
`wherein the acky adhesive is in the form of a double sided
`tape;
`
`17
`
`17
`
`

`

`US 10,562,077 B2
`
`including a
`
`5
`FIG. 11A illustrates a cleaning component employing a
`revisable cover;
`FIG. 11B illustrates a the cleaning component of FIG.
`11A where the cleaning surface is not attached to the cover;
`FIG. 11C illustrates a the cleaning component of FIG.
`11A where the cleaning surface is detachable;
`FIG. 12 illustrates a cleaning component
`brush;
`FIG. 13A illustrates a cap having a cleaning component
`located on the bill of the cap;
`FIG. 13B illustrates a bottom view of the bill of the cap
`having a cleaning component located on the bill of the cap;
`FIG. 13C illustrates a bottom view of the bill of the cap
`having a cleaning component located on the bill of the cap
`with the cleaning component in place;
`FIG. 14A illustrates a cleaning component having a
`“quick release” capability;
`FIG. 14B illustrates a cleaning component having a
`“quick release” capability with cleaning component in the
`released state;
`FIG. 15 illustrates a stylus for use with a cleaning
`component;
`FIG. 16A illustrates a purse having a cleaning component
`attached thereto;
`FIG. 16B illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
`
`purse having a cleaning component attached thereto;
`FIG. 17A illustrates a top view of a cleaning component
`having a tab and a magnetic tab hold-down;
`FIG. 17B illustrates a side view of a cleaning component
`having a tab and a magnetic tab hold-down;
`FIG. 17C illustrates a side view of a cleaning component
`having a tab and a magnetic tab hold-down with the tab in
`the raised position;
`FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of a cleaning component
`having a tab wherein the tab is elongated and functions as a
`stand for an electronic device;
`FIG. 19A illustrates a top view of a cleaning component
`which may also be a switch for electronic devices having a
`magnetically activated switch or sensor;
`FIG. 19B illustrates a side view of a cleaning component
`which may also be a switch for electronic devices having a
`magnetically activated switch or sensor;
`FIG. 20 illustrates a cleaning component which may also
`include a powered devices such as a remote control, laser
`pointer or the like;
`FIG. 21 illustrates a combination cleaner and glasses
`holder that is also buoyant; and
`FIG. 22 is a photograph illustrating an example of a
`device as illustrated in FIG. 21 preventing a pair of glasses
`from sinking;
`FIG. 23 is an illustration of an embodiment which may be
`used to affix objects to clothing.
`FIG. 24 is an illustration of a tablet computer and a
`switching device of the application;
`FIG. 25 illustrates a side view of a the switching device
`in FIG. 24; and
`FIG. 26 is a photograph of a trademarked doll used as a
`component of the switching device of the disclosure,
`perched on an APPLE iPad.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`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 compo-
`nent wherein:
`the cleaning component
`is configured to
`
`6
`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 protec-
`tive 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.
`
`The term electronic device means such devices having a
`view screen including, but not
`limited to cell phones,
`smartphones, some cameras, some telescopes, some weap-
`ons scopes, tablet computers, laptop computers, DVD play-
`ers, and the like. Other examples include computer moni-
`tors, 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.
`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 suffi-
`cient 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.
`Turning to FIGS. 1A and 1B, 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 pur-
`poses 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). In another preferred embodiment,
`the cleaning material may be the material commonly known
`in the art as a Micro Shamois Cloth such as is available from
`
`iKlear. Any cleaning material that can be used to clean a
`view screen that does not cause excessive wear or abrasions
`
`may be used with the method and apparatus of the applica-
`tion. A ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate (102) is also
`shown.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`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 ferri-
`magnetic 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 ferrimag-
`netic materials and may be used to prepare the Ferromag-
`netic or ferrimagnetic substrates useful with the application.
`18
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`18
`
`

`

`US 10,562,077 B2
`
`7
`Any magnetic material or material that is attracted to mag-
`nets may be used to prepare the Ferromagnetic or ferrimag-
`netic substrates useful with the application.
`In another embodiment, the invention is a cleaning com-
`ponent for use on an electronic device view screen com-
`prising 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. 2A and 2B, a top and side view of a
`rectangular cleaning component is shown. In this embodi-
`ment, a cleaner material (201) is shown surrounding, on both
`sides, a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate (202) that
`is rectangular in shape.
`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 hostile environment. This material may be
`textured or it may be one that has a higher coefficient of
`friction than the cleaning material. In a variation of this
`embodiment, the cleaning component may include a tab that
`can be pinched to facilitate moving the cleaning component.
`In still another variation, in this latter embodiment, the tab
`may be 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 tab (203) is shown
`in the raised position.
`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 compo-
`nents may be 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 be 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 embodiment, the length may be 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.
`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.
`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 compo-
`nent 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.
`
`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 compo-
`nent may be shaped to fit available space.
`The cleaning components of the disclosure may be used
`with another class of small electronic devices, commonly
`referred to as laptop computers. They may also be used with
`televisions, laboratory instruments, and the like. Because
`these devices are larger it may be desirable in some embodi-
`ments to increase the dimensions of the cleaning component.
`
`8
`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.
`
`For the larger devices, shape is generally not as critical.
`There are often larger areas to which the cleaning compo-
`nent 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.
`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.
`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.
`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.
`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 ferro-
`magnetic or ferrimagnetic material at the point where the
`cleaning component is received. In still another embodi-
`ment, the case is prepared by placing a ferromagnetic or
`ferrimagnetic material underneath where the cleaning com-
`ponent 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
`low