# US 11,896,100 B2 · Apparatus with self-retracting elastomeric support band > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,896,100 B2 - Document ID: US11896100B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/826,047 - Filed: 2022-05-26 - Published: 2022-10-06 - Granted: 2024-02-13 - Earliest claimed: 2020-12-09 - Assignees: Slinger, LLC - Applicants: Slinger, LLC - Inventors: Mark Small; Steven E. Shaw; Eric Montalvo - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11896100B2 ## CPC - A45C 11/00: Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 (specially adapted for toiletry or cosmetic equipment A45D29/20, A45D44/18; travelling sewing kits A45F3/48) - A45C 11/182: {Credit card holders} - A45F 5/004: {with an automatic spring reel} - A45C 11/002: {for storing portable handheld communication devices, e.g. pagers or smart phones} - A45C 2200/15: Articles convertible into a stand, e.g. for displaying purposes - A45F 5/1516: {Holders or carriers for portable handheld communication devices, e.g. pagers or smart phones} - A45F 2005/006: {comprising a suspension strap or lanyard} - A45C: PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS - A45F: TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY ## Abstract Apparatus selectively attachable to the outer case of a cellular telephone or other similarly sized portable device. The apparatus desirably includes a housing containing an elastomeric band that is principally disposed inside the housing when the apparatus is not in use. The apparatus may include a kickstand and a cardholder. The elastomeric band can be used as a selectively retractable carrying strap when the cell phone or other similar device is not in use. Alternatively, the flexible continuous loop can be used, for example, to support the cell phone around a user's neck for hands-free use when the user is engaged in other activities. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An apparatus, comprising: a housing with a mutually engageable cover and a body, the body being selectively attachable to a cell phone or to a protective case or cover for a cell phone or another portable device; a flexible elastomeric band disposed inside the housing, the band being accessible through an opening in the housing and being stretchable outwardly through an opening in the housing for a distance; an array of rotatable pulleys disposed in spaced-apart relation inside the housing, with each rotatable pulley having a periphery contacting and frictionally engaging the elastomeric band to support the elastomeric band in tension when a portion of the elastomeric band is stretched outwardly through the opening in the housing; a plurality of triangularly shaped spaces that are formed between two oppositely disposed sets of pulleys inside the body; a kickstand formed from at least a portion of the cover; and a card holder integrated on an inside portion of the kickstand. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the kickstand is coupled to the body by a plurality of hinges. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the elastomeric band includes a detachable portion. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the kickstand includes a tab that is rotatably engageable with at least one of a plurality of hinges. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the kickstand forms an angle relative to the body. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising one or more latches to secure the elastomeric band. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a top side of the cover includes one or more channels to receive the elastomeric band. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more channels is formed at an angle. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric band is configured to enable the phone to hang one of vertically and horizontally when the elastomeric band is received in the one or more channels. ### Claim 10 (depends on 3) The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the detachable portion is formed from a material different from and having a thickness different than the elastomeric band. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cover and body of the housing are frictionally engageable. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the front and rear covers of the housing is selectively attached to a cell phone or to a protective case for a cell phone by use of a pad treated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive that is applied to facing surfaces of the apparatus and one of the cell phone or protective case for a cell phone. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing and pulleys comprise a moldable polymeric material. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the kickstand includes a clip. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the kickstand includes a first edge that contacts a surface to support the phone in a vertical position. ### Claim 16 (depends on 14) The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the kickstand includes a second edge that contacts a surface to support the phone in a horizontal position. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a clip. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the number of pulleys is at least eight. ### Claim 19 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable device is a cell phone. ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one selectively releasable latch is manually engageable and releasable. ### Claim 21 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one selectively releasable latch is automatically engaged by rotating to create frictional contact between the elastomeric band and body when a force is relaxed and elastomeric band is permitted to self-retract. ### Claim 22 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a plurality of spacers are provided in the plurality of triangularly shaped spaces. ### Claim 23 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, where the cover is releasably attached to the body. ### Claim 24 (depends on 13) The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the spacers are wedged-shaped guides.