FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for securing a portable electronic device. More particular, the present invention relates to an elastomeric apparatus securable to the device and the apparatus being securable to a user.

BACKGROUND

Portable electronic devices may include handheld mobile devices such as cell phones, smartphones, tablets, music/mp3 players, and cameras. Such devices are becoming ever more popular with users. Due to the portable nature of these devices, they can be placed in pockets of jackets, coats, pants or shirts in order to carry them around. This method of transportation, however, makes the devices susceptible to being unintentionally dropped or otherwise separated from the user or their gear. This is especially the case as the devices become larger in order to provide larger viewing screens, such as is the case with smartphones.

In certain situations, even if a device has a sturdy case, damage or loss may occur when it is dropped. The device may fall out of a user's pocket with the user being unaware, thereby leading to loss of the device. In addition, when a user engages in activities such as skiing or boating, if the electronic device were to become inadvertently separated from the user or their gear, the device could easily become lost for good.

Certain attachment devices are known in the prior art for securing mobile devices to users. These attachment devices typically include straps that require a dedicated opening in the device or the case in order to allow the strap to be attached. However, many of the current portable devices lack this feature, thereby making it difficult to attach a securement strap.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus that allows a handheld mobile electronic device to be safely secured to a user, their gear, or other member to which they wish to secure the apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus for securing a handheld electronic device to a user, their gear, or other member to which they wish to secure the apparatus.

The present invention further provides a securement apparatus for a portable electronic device including a body having a panel and a plurality of elastomeric retainers secured to and extending from the panel. Each retainer forming a loop defining an opening, the openings adapted to receive therein a corner of a handheld electronic device. A tether is connected to and extending from the body. A strap is secured to the tether. An attachment device is operably connected to the strap to secure the apparatus to a user.

The present invention further provides a cell phone securement device including an elastomeric body having a plurality of openings formed therein. The body has a plurality of bands extending from a central panel. The bands at least partially surround the openings. Each of the openings is adapted to receive a corner of a cell phone. The panel has four corners and ends of the bands join at each corner. A tether is secured to and extends from the body, and a strap is secured to the tether. An attachment device is operably connected to the strap. The attachment device is adapted to secure the apparatus to a member.

The present invention further provides a method of securing a mobile electronic device to a member including, providing a securement apparatus including a body having a panel and a plurality of elastomeric retainers secured to and extending from the panel, each retainer forming a loop defining an opening, the openings adapted to receive therein a corner of a handheld electronic device; a tether connected to and extending from the body; a strap secured to the tether; an attachment device operably connected to the strap;

inserting a corner of the mobile device in one of the openings and stretching the band defining the opening over a surface of the mobile device;

stretching the remaining bands over the remaining corners of the mobile device wherein each corner of the model device enters one of the openings of the securement apparatus, thereby securing the securement apparatus to the mobile device; and

attaching the attachment device to the member.

