`
`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
`61/619,229
`
`FILING or
`371(c) DATE
`04/02/2012
`
`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-USP8
`
`|t〇T claims I IND CLAIMS
`
`CONFIRMATION NO. 9306
`FILING RECEIPT
`OC000000053771752
`
`Date Mailed: 04/23/2012
`
`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: 04/17/2012
`The country code and number of your priority applioation, to be used for filing abroad under the Paris Convention,
`is US 61/619,229
`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
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`1
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`APPLE 1018
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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
`guidance as to the status of applioant's license for foreign filing.
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`Applicants may wish to consult the USPTO booklet, "General Information Concerning Patents" (specifically, the
`section entitled "Treaties and Foreign Patents") for more information on timeframes and deadlines for filing foreign
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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
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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
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`page 3 of 3
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`3
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`
`MAY-1001-US-P8
`
`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-
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`4
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`MAY-1001-US-P8
`
`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-
`
`5
`
`
`
`[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-P8
`
`6
`
`
`
`MAY-1001-US-P8
`
`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-
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`7
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`
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`MAY-1001-US-P8
`
`[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, 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.
`
`[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.
`
`8
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`
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`MAY-1001-US-P8
`
`[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.
`[0024] 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.
`
`-6-
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`9
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`
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`MAY-1001-US-P8
`
`[0025] 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;
`FIG. 9 illustrates a cleaning component employing a structural feature to enhance
`
`adhesion;
`
`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;
`
`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;
`
`FIG. 18 illustrates a cleaning component having a tab wherein the tab is elongated and
`
`functions as a stand for an electronic device; and
`FIG. 19 illustrates a cleaning component which may also be a switch for electronic
`
`devices having a magnetically activated switch or sensor.
`
`-7-
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`10
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`
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`MAY-1001-US-P8
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`[0026] 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.
`[0027] 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.
`[0028] 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.
`[0029] 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
`
`purposes of this application, the term "fabrics^^ is defined to further include non-plant
`
`-8-
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`11
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`
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`MAY-1001-US-P8
`
`materials such as animal skins and/or cloth prepared using synthetic materials or animal
`
`materials. In at least one emhodiment, the fabric may he a shammy (a.k.a. chamois). In
`
`another preferred embodiment, the cleaning material may he 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 application. A
`
`ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate (102) is also shown.
`[0030] 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.
`
`[0031] 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.
`
`[0032] 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
`
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`MAY-1001-US-P8
`
`facilitate movement of the cleaning component on a view screen or to protect from a
`
`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.
`[0033] 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.
`[0034] 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.
`[0035] 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.
`[0036] 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.
`
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`MAY-1001-US-P8
`
`[0037] 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.
`
`[0038] 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.
`
`[0039] 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
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`ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate.
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`[0040] It may be desirable, in some applications, to make the cleaning components such
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`that they have beveled edges. Such components could be particularly useful when
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`coupled with devices having a case configured to accept the cleaning component wherein
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`there is a ridge configured to accept the beveled edge to more securely hold it in place.
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`[0041] Some electronic devices have view screens that are always visible. Exemplary of
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`this are some cell phones and tablet computers that do not have covers. Other devices
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`such as laptops have view screens that may be seen only when the cover is lifted.
`[0042] In embodiments of the disclosure where a case has been configured to receive a
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`cleaning component, it may be so configured in several ways. In one embodiment, such a
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`case is configured by placing a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material onto the surface
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`of the case where the cleaning component is received. In another embodiment, the case
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`is prepared such that the case itself is composed of a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic
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`material at the point where the cleaning component is received. In still another
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`embodiment, the case is prepared by placing a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material
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`underneath where the cleaning component is received. Additionally, the case may be
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`fabricated such that the cleaning component is received into a groove, slot, or other
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`indented geometrical shape to lower the profile of the cleaning component to facilitate
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`closing a cover or prevent snagging a cleaning component. Another reason to lower the
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`profile that the cleaning component may be to enhance the aesthetics of the device.
`[0043] 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
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`embodiment of the disclosure, the cleaning component has a ferromagnetic or
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`ferrimagnetic substrate that is a permanent magnet. The case, at the base of the
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`invention, is prepared using a ferromagnetic material.
`[0044] In employing the method of the disclosure, the cleaning component is coupled to
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`the base of the laptop computer by placing it within the invention. The magnetic
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`attractive force between the permanent magnet and the ferromagnetic material holds the
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`cleaning component in place as a laptop computer is moved. The cleaning component is
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`decoupled from the laptop computer base by lifting it to overcome the magnetic force.
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`The cleaning component is then placed on the view screen (not shown) and is then moved
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`across the view screen using one or more fingers. After the view screen has been
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`cleaned, the cleaning component may be recoupled to the computer base.
`[0045] 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.
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`[0046] 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.
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`[0047] 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