US010259021B2
`
`a2) United States Patent
`US 10,259,021 B2
`10) Patent No.:
`
` Mayfield et al. (45) Date of Patent: Apr. 16, 2019
`
`
`(54) APPARATUS FOR CLEANING VIEW
`SCREENS AND LENSES AND METHOD FOR
`THE USE THEREOF
`
`(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)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC veeeecseeee: BO8B 1/006 (2013.01), A45C 11/00
`(2013.01); BO8B 1/002 (2013.01), BO8B 11/04
`(2013.01); GO6F 1/32 (2013.01); H04M 1/21
`(2013.01); HO4B 1/3816 (2013.01); HO4M
`1/0266 (2013.01)
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`CPC . GO6F 1/32; GO6F 1/16; GO6F 1/1601; GO6F
`1/1603; GO6F 1/1605; GO6F 1/1607;
`GO6F 1/1609; GO6F 1/1611; BO8B 1/006;
`BO8B 1/002
`USPC wiececcescsseesseetetseeceneneeenees 361/679.01, 679.02
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 15/852,000
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Dec. 22, 2017
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2018/0117636 Al
`
`May 3, 2018
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation of application No. 15/597,005, filed on
`May
`16, 2017, now abandoned, which is
`a
`(Continued)
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`GO6F 1/16
`HO5SK 5/00
`HO5SK 7/00
`BOsB 1/00
`A45C 11/00
`G06F 1/32
`BO8B 11/04
`HO4M 1/21
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2019.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(Continued)
`
`2005/0107131 Al*
`
`5/2005 Abramov............ HO04M 1/0258
`455/569.1
`2005/0284904 AL* 12/2005 Knapp ou. ee AAS5F 5/02
`224/269
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner — Anthony M Haughton
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Mossman, Kumar &
`Tyler, PC
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A lens and/or a view screen of an electronic device having
`at least one case can be cleaned by wiping the view screen
`with a cleaning component wherein the cleaning 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.
`
`19 Claims, 13 Drawing Sheets
`
`APPLE 1001
`
`APPLE 1001
`
`1
`
`

`

`US 10,259,021 B2
`Page 2
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`continuation of application No. 14/343,665, filed as
`application 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.
`HO4B 1/3816
`HO4M 1/02
`
`(2015.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2008/0103637 Al*
`
`2010/0011524 Al*
`
`2011/0192857 Al*
`
`5/2008 Bliven oo... F16B 2/20
`70/1
`1/2010 Roeback uo... BO8B 1/00
`15/105
`8/2011 Rothbaum ............... B25F 1/00
`220/694
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 16, 2019
`
`Sheet 1 of 13
`
`US 10,259,021 B2
`
`100™ 102
`
`FIG. 1A
`
`FIG. 1B
`
`100~,
`101
`
`200-~.
`
`201
`
`200~,
`
`203
`
`202
`
`200~,
`a2 =
`201
`TE
`FIG. 2C
`
`FIG. 2B
`
`FIG. 2A
`
`301
`
`3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 16, 2019
`
`Sheet 2 of 13
`
`US 10,259,021 B2
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`402 404
`
`FIG. 4
`
`500
`
`A53
`
`501
`
`507
`
`504
`
`FIG. 5A
`
`502a
`
`506
`
`503a
`
`he
`
`FIG. 5B
`
`4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 16, 2019
`
`Sheet 3 of 13
`
`US 10,259,021 B2
`
`602
`
`701~
`
`702~,
`
`703
`
`FIG. 6
`
`FIG. 7
`
`805x04
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`807woe£0)
`
`203
`
`901
`
`904~
`
`902
`
`FIG. 8
`
`FIG. 9
`
`5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 16, 2019
`
`Sheet 4 of 13
`
`US 10,259,021 B2
`
`1003
`
`1004
`
`FIG. 10A
`
`FIG. 10B
`
`1103
`
`1101
`
`1101
`
`1101
`
`1101 1102
`
`1102
`
`FIG. 11A
`
`FIG. 11B
`
`6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 16, 2019
`
`Sheet 5 of 13
`
`US 10,259,021 B2
`
`1103
`
`1101
`
`1101
`
`1102
`
`FIG. 11C
`
`1201
`
`1202
`
`FIG. 12
`
`7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 16, 2019
`
`Sheet 6 of 13
`
`US 10,259,021 B2
`
`cOvl
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 16, 2019
`
`Sheet 7 of 13
`
`US 10,259,021 B2
`
`= F
`
`IG. 16A
`
`1600~,
`
`1604)
`
`;1601
`
`FIG. 16B
`
`9
`
`9
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 16, 2019
`
`Sheet 8 of 13
`
`US 10,259,021 B2
`
`FIG. 17A
`
`1704
`
`FIG. 17B
`
`FIG. 17C
`
`10
`
`1705
`
`10
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 16, 2019
`
`Sheet 9 of 13
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`US 10,259,021 B2
`
`1802
`
`1801
`
`1803
`
`FIG. 18
`
`
`
`FIG. 19A
`
`FIG. 19B
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 16, 2019
`
`Sheet 10 of 13
`
`US 10,259,021 B2
`
`2000™“
`
`2001
`
`2002 2003
`
`2004
`
`2005
`
`2006
`
`2007
`
`2008
`
`FIG. 20
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`2104
`
`2101
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`2103
`
`2102
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`2102
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`12
`
`12
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 16, 2019
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`Sheet 11 of 13
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`US 10,259,021 B2
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`
`
`FIG. 22
`
`2300-—~,
`
`2301 7
`
`2302
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`2303
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`13
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`13
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 16, 2019
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`Sheet 12 of 13
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`US 10,259,021 B2
`
`2400—~.
`
`2404
`
`2402
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`14
`
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 16, 2019
`
`Sheet 13 of 13
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`US 10,259,021 B2
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`
`
`FIG. 26
`
`15
`
`

`

`US 10,259,021 B2
`
`1
`APPARATUS FOR CLEANING VIEW
`SCREENS AND LENSES AND METHOD FOR
`THE USE THEREOF
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation of U.S. patent applica-
`tion Ser. No. 15/597,005, filed May 16, 2017, which is a
`continuation of U.S. 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 claimspriority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser.
`No. 61/661,090, filed Jun. 18, 2012, and U.S. Provisional
`Application Ser. No. 61/619,229; and U.S. Provisional
`Application Ser. No. 61/592,344, filed Jan. 30, 2012; and
`USS. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/576,834, filed Dec.
`16, 2011; and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/569,
`093, filed Dec. 9, 2011; and U.S. Provisional Application
`Ser. No. 61/568,031, filed Dec. 7, 2011; and U.S. Provisional
`Application Ser. No. 61/561,087, filed Nov. 17, 2011; and
`USS. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/555,310,filed Nov.
`3, 2011; and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/515,
`752, filed Aug. 5, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is
`incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
`
`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
`
`Cleaning lenses has long been an issue for the users of
`devices employing them. For example, telescopes, glasses,
`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-
`mon to observe such devices being used in many public
`venues. Such venuesinclude coffee shops, restaurants, shop-
`ping malls, and the like. These devices can be seen in just
`about any publicsetting.
`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.
`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 makeit difficult to use.
`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.
`
`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-
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`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 componentis configuredto 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 andat least a part of the surface of the case has
`been configured to receive a cleaning component wherein:
`the cleaning componentis 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 andat 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; theat least one part
`ofthe 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 componentis configured to
`selectively couple to the at least one part of the mechanical
`or non-electrical device using a magnetic attractive force.
`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.
`
`16
`
`16
`
`

`

`US 10,259,021 B2
`
`3
`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-
`ponenthaving 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 adhesiveis 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 coveris 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
`functionsto facilitate a cleaning component having a magnet
`moving past the switch in order to activate or deactivate the
`switch.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`4
`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 (1) at
`least one magnet, (i1) 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 whenthe portable electronic device
`is needed.
`
`25
`
`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
`
`Another aspect of the invention is a cleaning system
`havingat 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 componentandthe cleaning
`componentis 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 componentis tossed at
`the device case configured to receive the cleaning compo-
`nent.
`
`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
`In still another aspect, the invention is a stylus configured
`of a cleaning component; and
`FIG. 2C illustrates an embodimentsimilar to that of FIG.
`to receive a cleaning component.
`Another aspect of the invention is a cleaning system
`2B, but having a tab;
`having at least one element being an accessory selected from
`FIG.3 illustrates a computer case configured to receive a
`the group consisting of a purse, wallet, computer case, gun
`cleaning component;
`FIG. 4 illustrates a flip type phone case configured to
`case, glasses strap, gloves, backpack, and a belt, wherein the
`receive a cleaning component;
`piece of clothing is configured to accept a cleaning compo-
`FIG.5A illustrates a lateral type phone case configured to
`nent and the cleaning componentis held in place, at least in
`receive a cleaning component;
`part, using a magnet.
`FIG. 5B illustrates the interaction of two components of
`Yet another aspect of the invention is a cleaning compo-
`the lateral type phone case configured to receive a cleaning
`nent for use on an electronic device view screen comprising
`component;
`a cleaning material covering at
`least one surface of a
`FIG. 6 illustrates a cleaning component with a single
`ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic substrate wherein the clean-
`offset magnet;
`ing componentalso includes a tab. In one embodiment, the
`FIG.7 illustrates a cleaning component having multiple
`tab is elongated so that it can function as a stand to hold the
`layers;
`electronic device upright.
`Another aspect of the invention is a cleaning device FIG.8 illustrates a cleaning componentused withaset of
`
`binoculars;
`having a hard surface and cleaning surface and including at
`least one ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material within the
`FIG. 9 illustrates a cleaning component employing a
`structural feature to enhance adhesion;
`cleaning device wherein the at least one ferromagnetic or
`ferrimagnetic material may function to actuate a power
`FIG. 10A illustrates a cleaning component employing
`switch or sensor that is capable of being actuated using a
`replaceable cleaning surface held in place with a tacky
`magnet.
`adhesive;
`Another aspect of the invention is a cleaning device
`FIG. 10B illustrates the cleaning component of FIG. 10B
`having additional functionality such as a remote control,
`wherein the tacky adhesive is in the form of a double sided
`tape;
`laser pointer or the like.
`In one aspect, the invention is a switching device for use
`FIG. 11A illustrates a cleaning component employing a
`revisable cover;
`with a portable electronic device having a view screen and
`at least one switch that can be activated or de-activated by
`FIG. 11B illustrates a the cleaning component of FIG.
`introducing a magnetic field to the at
`least one switch
`11A wherethe cleaning surface is not attached to the cover;
`
`40
`
`45
`
`60
`
`17
`
`17
`
`

`

`US 10,259,021 B2
`
`including a
`
`5
`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 ofthe bill of the cap
`having a cleaning componentlocated on the bill of the cap;
`FIG. 13C illustrates a bottom view ofthe bill of the cap
`having a cleaning component located on the bill of the cap
`with the cleaning componentin 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. 16Aillustrates a purse having a cleaning component
`attached thereto;
`FIG. 16B illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
`
`purse having a cleaning componentattached 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 mayalso be a switch for electronic devices having a
`magnetically activated switch or sensor;
`FIG. 19B illustrates a side view of a cleaning component
`which mayalso 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 embodimentof the invention is a method of cleaning
`a view screen ofan electronic device having at least one case
`comprising wiping the view screen with a cleaning compo-
`nent 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” meansthe primary case used by a
`manufacturer to hold and protect the individual electronic
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`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 ofthis application may
`be used with any electronic device having a view screen.
`The term “selectively couple” describes the process
`wherein a cleaning componentofthe disclosure is applied to
`an electronic device and adheresto 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 componentis 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 suchasis 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.
`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 compoundwith 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.
`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.
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`US 10,259,021 B2
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`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
`movementof the cleaning componenton 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 pinchedto 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
`lowerthe 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 componentwill 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 maybeas 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 shapedto 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 mayalso 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 dimensionsof 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
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`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.
`Sunilar 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 notascritical.
`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
`
`alwaysvisible. 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 whenthe
`coveris 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
`componentis 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-
`ponentis received. Additionally, the case may be fabricated
`such that the cleaning componentis received into a groove,
`slot, or other indented geometrical shape to lowerthe profile
`of the cleaning componentto 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.
`
`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 andall three
`directions that are slightly larger than those of a cleaning
`component (303). In one embodimentofthe 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.
`In employing the method of the disclosure, the cleaning
`componentis coupled to the base of the laptop computer by
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`US 10,259,021 B2
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