COVERS AND MOUNTS FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
A cover is provided for installing at least partly around an electronic device. And, a module is provided for releasably coupling to the cover. The module includes a compartment for storing desired items within the module when the module is coupled to the cover. An insert is associated with the cover for use in releasably coupling the module to the cover. In particular, the insert includes arms that extend through a back portion of the cover for use in releasably coupling the module to the cover. In some aspects, a mounting unit is also provided for supporting the cover and the electronic device in a desired position (e.g., on a bike, in a vehicle, on a boats, on a belt strap, on a backpack strap, etc.).
The present disclosure generally relates to covers and to mounts for electrical devices for use, for example, in protecting the electrical devices, for storing desired items with the electronic devices, for coupling the electrical devices to desired structures (e.g., bikes, belts, backpacks, etc.), etc.
BACKGROUNDThis section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
Covers are often used with electrical devices (e.g., phones, tablets, etc.) to protect the devices. For example, covers can protect the devices from exposure to undesired materials such as water, dirt, food, etc., and from damage if dropped, etc.
SUMMARYThis section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
The present disclosure generally relates to covers for electronic devices. In one example embodiment, a cover assembly for an electronic device generally includes a cover having a frame configured to install at least partly around the electronic device and a base located toward a generally rearward portion of the frame, and a module configured to releasably couple to the base of the cover such that the module can be selectively coupled to and removed from the cover.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, cover assemblies include modules that define compartments configured for storing desired items within the modules when the modules are coupled to covers. For example, in various aspects the modules may be configured for storing tools, medication, makeup kits, identification, credit cards, money, keys, combinations thereof, etc.
In another example embodiment, a cover for an electronic device generally includes a frame having side walls and a back wall configured to install at least partly around the electronic device, and an insert positionable within the frame generally between the electronic device and the back wall of the frame when the frame is installed at least partly around the electronic device. The back wall of the frame has openings defined therein, and the insert has arms configured to extend through the openings of the back wall of the frame for use in releasably coupling a module to the cover such that the module can be selectively coupled to and removed from the body.
The present disclosure also generally relates to assemblies for supporting electronic devices. In one example embodiment, an assembly for use in supporting an electronic device generally includes a cover configured to install at least partly around the electronic device, a mounting frame configured to couple to the cover, and a receiver configured to couple to the mounting frame for supporting the electronic device in a desired position.
In some aspects of the present disclosures, the assemblies are configured for supporting the electronic devices on mobile units such as bikes, vehicles, boats, etc. And in other aspects of the present disclosure, the assemblies are configured for supporting the electronic devices on straps such as, for example, belt straps, backpack straps, etc.
Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONExample embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
As shown in
With additional reference now to
The cover 2 further includes an abutment 26 provided toward an upper portion of the base 6, and a clip 28 provided toward a lower portion of the base 6. The abutment 26 and the clip 28 operate together with the slider plate 18 to help couple a module to the cover 2 (again, this will be described in more detail hereinafter). The abutment 26 and/or the clip 28 can be formed integrally with the cover 2, or they can be formed separately and then coupled to the cover 2 within the scope of the present disclosure.
In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device 3 installed to the cover 2 is shown as a phone (e.g., a cellular phone, etc.). In other example embodiments, however, covers of the present disclosure may be used with electronic devices other than phones such as, for example, tablets, etc. What's more, it should be appreciated that covers of the present disclosure (including one or more features described herein) can be accommodated for use with any type of electronic devices as desired.
As shown in
When assembled (
As shown in
As further shown in
As previously described, the illustrated module 130 is configured for use to store items such as identification, credit cards, money, keys, etc. In other example embodiments, however, modules may be configured for use to perform other functions (e.g., holding makeup, holding medication, holding tools (e.g., a compass, a screwdriver, a knife, etc.), etc. What's more, multiple different modules can be configured to couple to the cover 2, such that the different modules can be interchanged on the cover 2 as desired. With that said, various example modules of the present disclosure will be described in more detail hereinafter.
With reference now to
The frame 264 is also configured to couple to the cover 2 for holding the cover 2 (and the electronic device 3 installed in the cover 2) in the mounting assembly 260 (
With reference to
The storage module 230 couples to the cover 2 in generally the same fashion as previously described for the module 230 illustrated in
Further, the frame 264 of the mounting assembly 260 is configured to receive and accommodate the module 230 when the cover 2 and module 230 are received in the frame 264. For example, wall portions of the frame 264 and the tabs 282 of the frame 264 are sized to provide sufficient depth to receive the cover 2 and module 230 generally into the frame 264 when the frame 264 is coupled to the cover 2. In addition, it should be appreciated that the mounting assembly 260 may also accommodate the cover 2 with other modules coupled thereto within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the frame 264 of the mounting assembly 260 may be configured as needed to receive and accommodate the cover 2 with any desired module coupled thereto.
With reference now to
The module 330 generally includes a body 332, a tray 356 configured to fit within an opening 336 of the body 332, and a cover 358 configured to couple to the body 332. The tray 356 includes a tab (not visible) configured to fit into a corresponding opening (not visible) in a bottom portion of the body 332 to help secure the tray 356 to the body 332 and hold the tray 356 generally in the body opening 336. And, the cover 358 (which may be clear) includes a lip 392 configured to fit within a hook portion 394 in an upper portion of the body 332 to thereby pivotally couple the cover 2 to the body 332. As such, the cover 358 can pivot relative to the body 332 and the tray 356 to selectively cover and uncover the opening 336, and thus selectively allow and close access to the tray 356. A latch 396 is provided on the cover 358 for engaging an opening 344 of the body 332 to help hold the cover 358 in a closed position when desired to inhibit access to the tray 356. In the illustrated embodiment, the tray 356 is configured with multiple compartments, for example, for holding medication for particular days of the week. In other example embodiments, modules may include trays configured with different arrangements of compartments than disclosed herein.
With that said, the module 330 couples to the cover 2 in generally the same fashion as previously described for the module 130 illustrated in
The module 430 generally includes a body 432, a tray 456 configured to fit within an opening 436 of the body 432, and a cover 458 configured to couple to the body 432. In addition, a makeup insert 498 is provided for positioning in the tray 456 (with the tray 456 also including a compartment 448 for general storage), and a mirror 499 is provided for coupling to an underside of the cover 458. The tray 456 includes tabs 442 configured to fit into corresponding openings (not visible) formed in the body 432 to help secure the tray 456 to the body 432 and hold the tray 456 generally in the body opening 436 (
With that said, the module 430 couples to the cover 2 in generally the same fashion as previously described for the module 130 illustrated in
In some example embodiments, covers and modules are molded in similar colors, for example, to match product aesthetics, etc. In addition, in some example embodiments guards (e.g., brush guards, grated guards configured like catcher's masks, etc.) may be provided for positioning over at least part of screens of electronic devices when the electronic devices are positioned in covers. The guards can help protect the screens from damage, etc.
Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
Claims
1. A cover assembly for an electronic device, the cover assembly comprising:
- a cover having a frame configured to install at least partly around the electronic device, and a base located toward a generally rearward portion of the frame; and
- a module configured to releasably couple to the base of the cover, such that the module can be selectively coupled to and removed from the cover.
2. The cover assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one arm extending away from the base of the cover, the at least one arm configured to engage the module and releasably couple the module to the base of the cover.
3. The cover assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one arm includes four arms.
4. The cover assembly of claim 2, further comprising an insert defining the at least one arm, the insert positionable generally within the frame of the cover; and
- wherein the base of the cover includes at least one opening configured to receive the at least one arm of the insert therethrough.
5. The cover assembly of claim 2, wherein the module includes a body having at least one opening configured to receive the at least one arm of the cover to thereby releasably couple the module to the base of the cover.
6. The cover assembly of claim 2, wherein the module includes a lip positioned adjacent the at least one opening of the body, and wherein the at least one arm is configured to extend over the lip of the body of the module when the module is coupled to the base of the cover to thereby inhibit movement of the module off the cover in a direction generally perpendicular to the cover and/or in directions generally left and right of the cover.
7. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover further includes an abutment configured to help hold the module on the base of the cover and inhibit sliding movement of the module relative to the cover.
8. The cover assembly of claim 7, wherein the abutment is configured to help inhibit sliding movement of the module relative to the cover in a first direction; and wherein the cover further includes a tab configured to help hold the module on the base of the cover and inhibit sliding movement of the module relative to the cover in a second direction different from the first direction.
9. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the module includes a body and a generally clear plate configured to couple to the body; and wherein the module is configured to hold a card in the body such that the card is visible through the generally clear plate when the module is coupled to the cover.
10. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the module defines a compartment configured for storing desired items within the module when the module is coupled to the base of the cover.
11. The cover assembly of claim 10, wherein the module includes tools and/or an insert for storing medication and/or a makeup kit.
12. An assembly for use in supporting an electronic device, the assembly comprising:
- a cover configured to install at least partly around the electronic device;
- a mounting frame configured to couple to the cover; and
- a receiver configured to couple to the mounting frame for supporting the electronic device in a desired position.
13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the mounting frame includes multiple tabs configured to engage the cover to thereby couple the cover to the mounting frame.
14. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the receiver includes at least one arm with an opening defined therein for use in coupling the mounting frame to the receiver; the assembly further comprising at least one fastener configured to extend through the opening of the at least one arm to thereby couple the mounting frame to the receiver.
15. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the receiver includes at least one bracket configured to couple the receiver to handlebars of a bike to thereby support the cover and the electronic device installed therein on the bike.
16. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the receiver includes openings configured to receive a strap to thereby couple the receiver to the strap and support the cover and the electronic device installed therein on the strap.
17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the strap includes a belt.
18. The assembly of claim 12, further comprising a module configured to releasably couple to the cover, such that the module can be selectively coupled to and removed from the cover.
19. A cover for an electronic device, the cover comprising:
- a frame having side walls and a back wall configured to install at least partly around the electronic device, the back wall of the frame having openings defined therein; and
- an insert positionable within the frame generally between the electronic device and the back wall of the frame when the frame is installed at least partly around the electronic device, the insert having arms configured to extend through the openings of the back wall of the frame for use in releasably coupling a module to the cover, such that the module can be selectively coupled to and removed from the body.
20. An assembly comprising the cover of claim 19 in combination with the module.
21. An assembly comprising the cover of claim 19 in combination with a mounting frame configured to couple to the cover; and a receiver configured to couple to the mounting frame for supporting the cover and electronic device in a desired position.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 7, 2013
Publication Date: Aug 7, 2014
Inventor: Patrick R. Conarro (Cascade, CO)
Application Number: 13/762,053
International Classification: B65D 1/00 (20060101);