Patent attributes
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. When the apparatus of the invention is attached to the outer case of a cell phone, a portion of the elastomeric band is manually withdrawn through an opening in the housing and can be releasably latched in place to form a flexible, continuous loop outside the housing. The flexible, continuous loop 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.
