Key palette improvements

Abstract

A case for electronic devices that can be converted to a wrist-wearable mount with very little effort. In a first position, a flexible strap serves as a case for a hand-held electronic device. In a second position, the same flexible strap serves as an arm-attachment mechanism, whereby the hand-held electronic device can be worn on the user's arm. A swiveling base is provided so that the hand-held device can swivel in place while being worn. The mechanism may be used to mount a variety of electronic devices, including PDA's or other flat-panel display monitors, keypads, bar-code scanners, magnetic storage medium readers, GPS receivers, microphones, speakers, and other devices.

1 . An apparatus for providing access to an electronic device, said apparatus comprising: 
 a case member, wherein said case member is configured to be alternately movable into a first position or a second position, said first position comprising the shape of a case for said electronic device and said second position comprising the shape of a wrist-mount for said electronic device; and    a fastener, whereby said case member can be fixed in said first position or fixed in said second position after having been adjusted.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus in  claim 1  additionally comprising an attachment mechanism whereby an electronic device may be removably attached to said case member.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus in  claim 1  additionally comprising a movable coupling whereby an electronic device may be movably coupled to said case member.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus in  claim 2  additionally comprising a movable coupling whereby an electronic device may be movably coupled to said case member.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus in  claim 1  wherein said case member can be alternately wrapped in a first direction or in a second direction such that: 
 when wrapped in said first direction, said case member assumes said first position; and    when wrapped in said second direction, said case member assumes said second position.    
   
   
       6 . The apparatus in  claim 1  additionally comprising an electronic device, wherein said electronic device further comprises an input or output device.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus in  claim 6  wherein said input or output device comprises at least one of the following: 
 a display monitor;    a touch screen;    a microphone;    a speaker;    a data capture device, such as a camera, a magnetic data storage medium reader, or a scanner; or    a data transmission or reception device, such as a pager or telephone.    
   
   
       8 . A method for transporting an electronic device comprising the following steps: 
 wrapping a first apparatus around a first electronic device so that said first apparatus serves as a protective covering for said first electronic device;    unwrapping said first apparatus; and    wrapping said first apparatus around a user's limb so that said first apparatus serves as a wearable mount for said first electronic device.    
   
   
       9 . The method in  claim 8  additionally comprising at least one of the following steps: 
 removably attaching said first electronic device to said first apparatus; and/or    movably coupling said first electronic device to said first apparatus.    
   
   
       10 . The method in  claim 8  wherein the step of wrapping a first apparatus around a first electronic device further comprises the step of wrapping said first apparatus in a first direction and wherein the step of wrapping said first apparatus around a user's limb further comprises the step of wrapping said first apparatus in a second direction, said first direction being substantially opposite said second direction.  
   
   
       11 . The method in  claim 8  additionally comprising at least one of the following steps: 
 fastening said first apparatus such that its shape remains substantially fixed in the shape of a protective covering for said first electronic device; or    fastening said first apparatus such that its shape remains substantially fixed in the shape of a wearable mount.    
   
   
       12 . The method in  claim 8  additionally comprising at least one of the following steps: 
 accessing said electronic device by way of a touch screen interface;    accessing said electronic device by way of a speech interface; and/or    accessing said electronic device by way of an electronic scanner or reader.    
   
   
       13 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a flexible member;    a first attachment mechanism whereby said flexible member can be fixed into the shape of a case so as to cover a first electronic device; and    a second attachment mechanism whereby said flexible member can be fixed into the shape of a wearable mount, thereby exposing said first electronic device.    
   
   
       14 . The apparatus in  claim 13  additionally comprising a third attachment mechanism whereby said flexible member can be removably attached to said first electronic device.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus in  claim 13  additionally comprising a movable coupling whereby said flexible member can be movably coupled to said first electronic device.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus in  claim 13  additionally comprising said first electronic device.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus in  claim 16  additionally comprising at least one of the following: 
 a movable coupling whereby said flexible member can be movably coupled to said first electronic device; and/or    a third attachment mechanism whereby said flexible member can be removably attached to said first electronic device.    
   
   
       18 . The apparatus in  claim 15  wherein said movable coupling allows said first electronic device to swivel in place with respect to said flexible member.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus in  claim 13  additionally comprising a loop through which said flexible member can be fed so as to facilitate attachment.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus in  claim 13  wherein said electronic device comprises a Personal Digital Assistant or a touch-screen display.