System and apparatus for selectively limiting user control of an electronic device

{
  "publication_number": "US9819788B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "System and apparatus for selectively limiting user control of an electronic device",
  "abstract": "A system and apparatus for selectively limiting user control of a mobile electronic device are provided. In an embodiment, the apparatus may be a case sized to receive a mobile electronic device, the case having a locking means to at least partially secure an opening thereof. When engaged, the locking means may be physically impenetrable by the user of the mobile electronic device and may further be configured to engage and disengage in the presence of one or more pre-determined conditions. For example, the lock may engage when the case is detected within a certain geographical region or even during a specified time. It is contemplated that providing disclosed systems and apparatuses may reduce undesirable behavior at communal events by eliminating distractions posed by mobile electronic devices and preventing unauthorized recordings, which together may enhance overall engagement at and enjoyment of such events.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A case for selectively limiting a user's ability to control such user's own mobile electronic device, comprising, a shell defining a cavity sized to accommodate the user's mobile electronic device and having an opening to receive the user's mobile electronic device therein; and a locking means for at least partially securing the opening of the shell so that the electronic device is rendered inaccessible to the user, the locking means being further non-disengageable by the user of the mobile electronic device; wherein the predetermined condition is physical presence of the case outside of a defined geographical region.",
    "2. A case for selectively limiting a user's ability to control such user's own mobile electronic device, comprising, a shell defining a cavity sized to accommodate the user's mobile electronic device and having an opening to receive the user's mobile electronic device therein; and a locking means for at least partially securing the opening of the shell so that the electronic device is rendered inaccessible to the user, the locking means being further non-disengageable by the user of the mobile electronic device; wherein the predetermined condition is the passage of time.",
    "3. A system for selectively limiting a user's control of such user's own electronic device, comprising: a case sized to receive the user's mobile electronic device having a front and a rear panel each having first and second longitudinally opposed side edges and laterally opposed lower edges, the first, second, and lower edges being secured together to define an opening for receiving a mobile electronic device, the case operative to become locked so that the user is unable to access his own mobile electronic device contained therein until a predetermined condition is met; a locking means for at least partially securing the opening; and means for unlocking the case.",
    "4. The case of claim 3, wherein the locking means comprises a female and a male plate, the plates respectively disposed on each of the front and rear panels and configured to securably mate with one another.",
    "5. The case of claim 4, wherein at least one of the female and male plates comprise a radio frequency identification tag operative to receive instructions from a remote transmitter to disengage the locking means when the predetermined condition is met.",
    "6. The case of claim 3, wherein a microprocessor is further disposed in one or both of the female and male plates to receive a wireless data signal from a beacon or transmitter to disengage the locking means when the predetermined condition is met.",
    "7. The case of claim 3, wherein the predetermined condition is physical presence outside of a defined geographical region.",
    "8. The case of claim 3, wherein the predetermined condition is the passage of time.",
    "9. The system of claim 3, wherein the mobile electronic device is operative to receive instructions to disable one or more coded functions of the mobile electronic device."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "Not applicable.\n\nNot applicable.\n\nA portion of the disclosure of this patent document may contain material that is subject to copyright protection. This patent document may show and/or describe matter that is or may become trade dress of the owner. The copyright and trade dress owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights and trade dress rights whatsoever.\n\nThe disclosed subject matter relates generally to systems and apparatuses for limiting functionality of personal electronic devices and, more particularly, to locking cases and other techniques that selectively limit a user's ability to access and control such electronic devices until predetermined conditions, such as geographic location and passage of time, are met.\n\nHandheld and mobile electronic devices have become ubiquitous for conveniently enhancing wireless communication and connectivity. Still, the extent of their pervasive use has also proven to be unwelcome in certain settings.\n\nIn many instances, mobile electronic devices can distract users from appreciating their surroundings and company of others to a full extent. For example, many who bring their mobile electronic devices, such as cell phones, to social outings may find themselves foregoing live conversation to check their phones for text messages, missed calls, and other virtual communications.",
  "cpc": [
    "H04M 1/72577",
    "G06K 19/005",
    "G06K 19/0723",
    "H04M 1/185",
    "H04M 1/667",
    "H04M 1/72457",
    "H04M 1/72463",
    "H04M 1/72572",
    "H04W 12/08"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "G06K 19/00",
    "H04M 1/72463",
    "H04W 12/08",
    "G06K 19/07",
    "H04M 1/00",
    "H04M 1/667",
    "H04M 3/00"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Graham Dugoni"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2015-04-21",
  "publication_date": "2017-11-14",
  "grant_date": "2017-11-14",
  "priority_date": "2014-04-22",
  "application_number": "US-201514692530-A",
  "family_id": "57146972",
  "cited_by_count": 20,
  "citations": [
    "US6608548B1",
    "US6218929B1",
    "US5977876A",
    "US6499638B2",
    "US20040166910A1",
    "US7277726B2",
    "US20110312394A1",
    "US20120187003A1",
    "US20120217275A1"
  ]
}