Mobile Device Enclosure System
A mobile device enclosure system is an apparatus system that protects a mobile device from the wear and tear associated with of daily usage without limiting the portability of the mobile device or the accessibility of said mobile device's hardware keys or charging ports. The apparatus system accomplishes this through the use of an inner case and an outer case. The inner case is enclosed within the outer case. The inner case partially surrounds the mobile device and functions as an attachment means for mounting to the outer case. The outer case houses both the inner case and the mobile device protecting them from accidental damage. The inner case is rotatably coupled to the outer case permitting the mobile device to be particularly oriented and positioned in order to enable facilitated viewing of the mobile device's display screen.
The current application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/958,392 filed on Aug. 2, 2013, which claims a priority to U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/678,941 filed on Aug. 2, 2012.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to an apparatus enclosure, more specifically to a mobile device enclosure that is configurable in a manner that allows for various viewable orientations of the enclosed mobile device while additionally providing protection form wear and tear.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONWith the advent of new technology, people have become more reliant on mobile devices to enhance and facilitate their daily activities. Many of these mobile devices, such as tablet PCs, combine the function of several electronic devices into a singular device with a wide range of functionality. While these mobile devices have become essential for managing the daily lives of many people, their daily usage will oftentimes cause wear and tear on the device itself. In most situations, the signs of wear are merely cosmetic but if a user were to drop the device, irreparable damage can be caused the mobile device. This can oftentimes lead to expensive repair costs but more commonly will result in the device having to be completely replaced.
Although there exist several systems and methods for protecting these mobile devices from normal wear and tear and accidental damage, these systems often times limit the functionality of the mobile device. These existing system are generally designed to be external enclosures that envelope the mobile device, functioning as a protective barriers. The disadvantage with these systems is that they generally end up limiting the portability of the mobile device as well as the accessibility of charging ports and hardware keys. Furthermore, these existing systems make it difficult to utilize the mobile devices in alternative capacities, such as a stand along touch screen keyboards and viewing platforms due to the protective cover enclosing particular design features of the mobile device.
It is therefore the object of the present invention, to provide a mobile device enclosure system that is able to protect a mobile device from the wear and tear of daily usage without limiting the portability of the mobile device or the accessibility of said mobile device's hardware keys or charging ports. The present invention accomplishes this through the use of an inner case and an outer case. The inner case is enclosed within the outer case. The inner case surrounds and functions as a vehicle for mounting the mobile device to the outer case. The outer case houses both the inner case and the mobile device protecting them from accidental damage. The inner case is rotatably coupled to the outer case permitting the mobile device to be particularly oriented and positioned in order to enable facilitated viewing of the mobile device's display screen.
All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
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The mobile device enclosure system is a provided as a housing that protects a mobile device for the wear and tear associated with everyday usage without limiting said neither mobile device's portability or the inhibiting access to said mobile devices hardware keys and charging ports. In an embodiment of the invention, the mobile device enclosure comprises an inner sleeve and an outer case. The inner sleeve functions as a primary enclosure that retains the mobile device and protects said mobile device from minor wear and tear. It should be noted that minor wear and tear is used to describe wear and tear to a mobile device that would result in cosmetic damage. The outer case functions as a secondary enclosure which houses the inner sleeve and the mobile device protecting both from major wear and tear as well as accidental damage. It should be noted that major wear and tear and accidental damage is used to describe serious damage to said mobile device requiring repair or replacement of components in order to allow the device to function properly. In order to provide this protection, the inner sleeve is found detachably engaged within the outer case. The detachable engagement between the inner sleeve and the outer case additionally provides a rotatable coupling permitting the mobile device to be particularly arranged in alternative configurations for displaying videos in a landscape, horizontal orientation, or vertical, portrait orientation.
The inner sleeve is provided as the primary enclosure that protects the mobile device from minor wear and tear. In an embodiment of the invention, the inner sleeve comprises a front panel, a rear panel, sidewalls, an inner sleeve opening, a side strap, and a plurality of port openings. The front panel is provided as the portion of the inner sleeve that is coincident with the display screen of a mobile device. The rear panel is provided as the portion of the inner sleeve that is coincident with the rear section of a mobile device. The sidewalls are provided as a flexible member that perimetrically couples the front panel and the rear panel together. The sidewalls juxtaposes the front panel and the rear panel parallel to one another, forming an interstitial space that is appropriately sized for housing a mobile device. The inner sleeve opening is provided as the entrance that permits access to the interstitial space between the front panel and the rear panel. The side strap is provided as a means of securing the mobile device within the interstitial space by spanning the inner sleeve opening and inhibiting the mobile device exiting the inner sleeve. The plurality of port openings are provided as a mean of accessing the mobile devices hardware keys and charging ports, but can additionally allow access to the mobile devices camera lens. The plurality of port openings are found particularly positioned on the front panel, the rear panel, and the sidewalls, wherein the particular positioning of the plurality of port openings is provided in order to enable access to hardware keys, camera lenses, and various ports present on a particular mobile device. The front panel is found juxtaposed parallel to the rear panel. The front panel is flexibly coupled to the rear panel by way of the sidewalls. The inner sleeve opening traverses the sidewalls between the front panel and the rear panel. The side strap is found flexibly coupled to the front panel, wherein the side strap is affixed to the front panel but permitted to flex in order to span across the inner sleeve opening and detachably couple the rear panel. In an embodiment of the invention, the front panel comprises an open viewing area. The open viewing area centrally traverses the front panel. The positioning of the open viewing area to the front panel provides a frame configuration to the front panel when aligned with the display portion of the mobile device.
The rear panel is the portion of the inner sleeve that is coincident with the rear section of the mobile device. In an embodiment of the invention, the rear panel comprises an outer case coupler, a hand strap, and a kickstand. The outer case coupler is a complimenting component to a component on the outer case that enables a detachable and rotatable coupling between inner sleeve and the outer case. The hand strap is provided as an integrated user maniputable engagement that facilitates holding and mobile device while housed within the inner sleeve. The kickstand is an integrated component that is provided as means of inclining the mobile device housed within the inner sleeve in order to function, exclusively, as a touch screen keyboard, wherein deployment of the kickstand angles the mobile device in manner permitting a user's fingers facilitated engagement of the touch screen keys. The outer case coupler is centrally positioned on the rear panel opposite the front panel. The outer case coupler is found positioned between the hand strap and the kickstand. Both the hand strap and the kickstand are positioned flush with the rear panel, wherein both the hand strap and the kickstand do not protrude from the rear panel in their resting state. In an embodiment of the invention, the kickstand comprises a recessed flap and a hinge. The recessed flap is the structural portion of the kickstand that pivots about the hinge becoming perpendicular with the horizontal in order to incline the inner sleeve. The hinge is the portion of the kickstand that permits the hinge to pivot. The hinge is found integrally coupled to the rear panel and the recessed flap. The thing is positioned opposite the outer case coupler across the recessed flap.
The outer case is provided as the secondary enclosure that protects the mobile device housed within the inner sleeve from major wear and tear as well as accidental damage. In an embodiment of the invention, the outer case comprises a first outer flap, a second outer flap, and a sleeve fold. The first outer flap and the second outer flap are provided as functionally similar components that are pivotally coupled to each other through the sleeve fold. The first outer flap and the second outer flap are both rigid padded panels that protect the mobile device from major damage. The sleeve fold is positioned between the first outer flap and the second outer flap. In an embodiment of the invention, the first outer flap, the second outer flap, and the sleeve fold each comprise an interior face side. the interior face side of the first outer flap, the interior face side of the second outer flap, and the interior face side of the sleeve fold are found positioned coincident to each other. The interior face side is the side face of the first outer flap, the second outer flap, and the sleeve fold that is positioned proximal to the inner sleeve. When the inner sleeve is found removeably coupled within the outer case, the interior face side of the first outer flap, the interior face side of the second outer flap and the interior face side of the sleeve fold peripherally surround the inner sleeve. It should be noted that in an embodiment of the invention, the first outer flap and the second outer flap are engage by a peripherally positioned coupler which engages the first outer flap and the second outer flap opposite the positioning of the sleeve fold, in order to provide a more secure enclosure.
The second outer flap is provided as a rigid padded panel that functions in conjunction with the first outer panel and the sleeve fold in order to protect the mobile device enclosed within the inner sleeve. In an embodiment of the invention, the interior face side of the second outer flap comprises an inner sleeve mount. The inner sleeve mount is an engageable flap that pivotably coupled to the interior face side of the second outer flap. The inner sleeve mount is a complimenting component to the outer case coupler on the rear panel. The engagement between the outer case coupler and the inner sleeve mount enables a detachable and rotatable coupling between the rear panel and the interior face side of the second outer flap. While the engagement mechanism of the outer case coupler and the inner sleeve mount are not explicitly described, it should be noted that both the outer case coupler and the inner sleeve mount could be provided as any engagement mechanism that detachably and rotatably couples the inner sleeve to the outer case. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the outer case coupler and the inner sleeve mount are buckle fasteners.
In an embodiment of the invention, the interior face side of the first outer flap comprises a plurality of accessory pockets. The plurality of accessory pocket function as a convenient storage location for accessories of the mobile device as well as an alternative storage location for anything the user wishes to store. In an embodiment of the invention, the interior face side of the sleeve fold comprises an accessory mount. The accessory mount functions as an attachment point for storing a stylus or another kind of cylindrical accessory.
In an embodiment of the invention, the first outer flap may additionally comprise a sleep mode activator. The sleep mode activator would provide the present invention with a means of putting the mobile device in sleep mode when the device is positioned within the outer case. The sleep mode activator would be internally positioned within the first outer flap and would activate sleep mode on a mobile device when the first outer flap becomes parallel with the second outer flap.
The present invention is a mobile device enclosure system designed to protect mobile devices such as tablet computers, tablet PC, or any other tablet type electronic device including but not limited to various generations Apple iPad, Amazon Kindle, Nook, Acer Iconia Tab Tablet, Samsung Galaxy, Asus Transformer Pad, Lenovo IdeaPad K1, Lenovo ThinkPad 1838, LG G-Slate 8.9, Motorola DROID, Sony S1, and etc.
The present invention protects the mobile device from damages and scratches by encasing the mobile devices in a protective case. The mobile device enclosure system acts as an impact absorber and prevents internal damage to the electronics of the mobile device. This is due to the fact that electronic components of a mobile device, may fail if they are subjected to heavy vibrations or sudden impulses.
The present invention comprises an outer case and an inner sleeve. The inner sleeve receives the mobile device. The present invention may utilize a plurality of Velcro strips, a plurality of magnets, and a plurality of grooves on the inside of the outer case, a zipper, a plurality of holders, and a stand on the back of the inner sleeve. The present invention may have a logo that is preferably stamped on the outer case, although any desired printing method may be used.
The present invention is preferably constructed using genuine cowhide leather on the outside of the outer case, although any desired material may be used. The interior face side of the outer case and the interior portion of the inner sleeve are constructed of micro suede, although any desired material may be used. The micro suede material provides a smooth and soft cushion for the mobile device. The present invention utilizes a rigid internal material to create a structurally strong outer case and inner sleeve. The cowhide and micro suede are preferably stitched together and sandwich the rigid internal material in the middle to create a sturdy shape, although any desired means of attachment may be used.
The outer case and the inner sleeve comprise a plurality of port openings that are strategically placed in conjunction with cameras, light sensors, and other ports on each specific mobile device. These ports include but are not limited to charging ports, headphone jacks, speaker ports, and etc. The plurality of port openings allow the user to still utilize the camera and other ports on the mobile device without having to remove the inner sleeve and outer case. The sleeve fold also comprises an accessory mount on the right flap to allow the user to attach and store a stylus or a pen.
In an additional embodiment of the invention comprises a built in stand features would be provided on the outer case in order to allow the user to view the mobile device in multiple angles. The first outer flap would comprise a plurality of grooves on the interior face side that would permit the orientation of the mobile device into a plurality of different viewing angles.
In an additional embodiment of the invention, a large strip of Velcro would be sewn into the interior face side of the second outer flap to attach the inner sleeve in a landscape and/or a portrait view. The inner sleeve rests on the grooves to provide a wide variety of viewing angles for the user. The different viewing angles may be adjusted by moving the inner sleeve forwards or backwards along a groove plate until an edge of the inner sleeve falls into one of the groove.
In an additional embodiment of the invention, the interior face side of the second outer flap would comprises a fold positioned below the large strip of Velcro to convert the outer case into a stand. The fold comprises stitching along the groove to provide a solid hold and prevents separation.
In an additional embodiment of the invention, the second outer flap would comprise a plurality of folds permitting it to bends in the middle. The second outer flap would be able to wrap around the back to create a folded down flat configuration for the user to view and use the mobile device.
In an additional embodiment of the invention, the inner sleeve is constructed of genuine cowhide leather, although any desired material may be used. The interior portion of the inner sleeve is lined with soft felt material to avoid scratching the device. The rear panel of the inner sleeve is lined with the same felt material to attach and detach from outer case for handheld operation and to manipulate the tablet in a portrait and/or a landscape view.
in an additional embodiment of the invention, the inner sleeve comprises a sewn on leather flap that holds a strip of Velcro hook and a Velcro loop sewn on the interior portion of the inner sleeve in order to secure the tablet while inside sleeve.
In an additional embodiment of the invention, a plurality of magnets are positioned underneath the suede like material on the peripheral edges of the first outer flap and the second outer flap. The magnetic flap closure would able to secure mobile device within the outer case. The magnetic flap closure may also automatically sleeps and wakes the new iPad 2 and iPad 3 devices.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the an outer case would utilize a dual zipper for easy access, a detachable inner sleeve for handheld operation, a plurality of slots with accessory flaps, and a rear stand for comfortable viewing at a 45° degree angle. In the alternative embodiment of the invention, a large strip of Velcro would be sewn into the interior face side of second outer flap. The large strip of Velcro would be used to attach the inner sleeve case in landscape and/or portrait views. In the alternative embodiment of the invention, the outer case comprises a decorative stitching pattern to give the case a unique and attractive look.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the center portion of the outer case comprises a sleeve fold that bends in the middle to close the case. Along with the sleeve fold, the alternative embodiment comprises a dual zipper that secures the case and prevents any accidental separation.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the outer case comprises a rear stand that is attached on the exterior side face of the second outer flap to allow a 45° degree viewing angle. The rear stand comprises a strap that prevents the stand from separating from the case. The rear stand also comprises a plurality of magnets that are attached in the stand and the case to hold the stand in a flat configuration when the stand is not in use.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the inner sleeve comprises a sewn on leather flap in order secure the mobile device while stored in the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve utilizes a plurality of port openings that are purposefully placed in combination with cameras ports, light sensors, and other ports on each specific electronic device.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
Claims
1. A mobile device enclosure system comprising:
- an inner sleeve;
- an outer case;
- the inner sleeve comprises a front panel, a rear panel, a side wall, and a plurality of port openings;
- the outer case comprises a first outer flap, a second outer flap, and a sleeve fold;
- the front panel comprises an open viewing area;
- the rear panel comprises an outer case coupler;
- the first outer flap, the second outer flap, and the sleeve fold each comprise an interior face side;
- the interior face side of the second outer flap comprises a mount for coupling with the outer case coupler;
- the inner sleeve being rotatably couplable to the outer case using the mount and the outer case coupler,
- wherein, the inner sleeve is detachably couplable to the outer case and the outer case is configured such that the first outer flap may be positioned to substantially cover the open viewing area when the inner sleeve is coupled to the outer case.
2. The mobile device enclosure system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
- the sleeve fold being positioned between the first outer flap and the second outer flap;
- the first outer flap being pivotally coupled to the second outer flap by way of the sleeve fold;
- the interior face side of the first outer flap, being coincident with the interior face side of the sleeve fold, and the interior face side of the second outer flap;
- the inner sleeve being peripherally surrounded by the interior face side of the first outer flap, the interior face side of the sleeve fold, and the interior face side of the second outer flap; and
- the rear panel being detachably coupled to the interior face of the second outer flap.
3. The mobile device enclosure system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer case is configured such that the second outer flap may be positioned to cover the rear panel when the inner sleeve is coupled to the outer case.
4. The mobile device enclosure system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front panel surrounds the entire perimeter of the open viewing area.
5. The mobile device enclosure system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the front panel comprises a beveled edge surrounding the open viewing area.
6. The mobile device enclosure system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
- the plurality of port openings being particularly positioned on one or more of the side wall and the rear panel;
- the open viewing area centrally traverses the front panel;
- the front panel being juxtaposed parallel to the rear panel;
- the front panel being coupled to the rear panel by way of the side wall;
- the front panel being perimetrically engaged to the side wall; and
- the rear panel being perimetrically engaged to the side wall opposite the front panel.
7. The mobile device enclosure system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
- the outer case coupler being centrally positioned on the rear panel opposite the front panel; and
- wherein the mount comprises a circular rim; and wherein the outer case coupler comprises a circular rim.
8. The mobile device enclosure system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interior face side of the first outer flap comprises micro suede.
9. The mobile device enclosure system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the outer case comprises:
- a plurality of sections of rigid internal material; and
- an outer covering, and wherein
- each of the plurality of sections of rigid internal material is sandwiched between the micro suede and the outer covering.
10. The mobile device enclosure system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of port openings comprise:
- a first port opening for a camera;
- a second port opening for a charging port;
- a third port opening for a hardware key; and
- a fourth port opening for a headphone jack.
11. The mobile device enclosure system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
- a groove on the interior face side of the first outer flap;
- wherein a built in stand may be formed by folding the first outer flap along the groove;
- wherein the built in stand permits orientation of the inner sleeve into a plurality of viewing angles; and
- a second groove on the interior face side of the second outer flap;
- wherein the second groove permits bending of the second outer flap.
12. The mobile device enclosure system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a magnet embedded within the first outer flap.
13. The mobile device enclosure system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the magnet forms a portion of a magnetic flap closure.
14. The mobile device enclosure system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the magnet is positioned to interact with a mobile device that may be inserted within the enclosure.
15. The mobile device enclosure system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the magnet is positioned to activate a sleep function or a wake function on a mobile device that may be inserted within the enclosure.
16. A mobile device enclosure system comprising:
- an inner sleeve;
- an outer case;
- the inner sleeve comprises a front panel, a rear panel, a side wall, and a plurality of port openings;
- the outer case comprises a first outer flap, a second outer flap, and a sleeve fold;
- the front panel comprises an open viewing area;
- the rear panel comprises an outer case coupler;
- the first outer flap, the second outer flap, and the sleeve fold each comprise an interior face side;
- the interior face side of the second outer flap comprises a mount for coupling with the outer case coupler;
- the inner sleeve being rotatably couplable to the outer case using the mount and the outer case coupler,
- wherein, the outer case and the outer case is configured such that the first outer flap may be positioned to cover the open viewing area when the inner sleeve is coupled to the outer case.
17. The mobile device enclosure system as claimed in claim 16, further comprising:
- the outer case coupler being centrally positioned on the rear panel opposite the front panel; and
- wherein the mount comprises a circular rim; and wherein the outer case coupler comprises a circular rim.
18. A mobile device enclosure system comprising:
- an inner sleeve;
- an outer case;
- the inner sleeve comprises a front panel, a rear panel, a side wall, and a plurality of port openings;
- the outer case comprises a first outer flap, a second outer flap, and a sleeve fold;
- the front panel comprises a solid material and an opening for a viewing area;
- the rear panel comprises an outer case coupler;
- the first outer flap, the second outer flap, and the sleeve fold each comprise an interior face side;
- the interior face side of the second outer flap comprises a mount for coupling with the outer case coupler;
- the inner sleeve being rotatably couplable to the outer case using the mount and the outer case coupler,
- wherein, the outer case is configured such that the first outer flap may be positioned to cover the open viewing area when the inner sleeve is coupled to the outer case;
- wherein the solid material of the front panel surrounds the entire perimeter of the opening for the viewing area; and
- wherein the front panel comprises a beveled edge surrounding the open viewing area.
19. The mobile device enclosure system as claimed in claim 18, further comprising:
- the outer case coupler being centrally positioned on the rear panel opposite the front panel; and
- wherein the mount comprises a circular rim; and wherein the outer case coupler comprises a circular rim.
20. The mobile device enclosure system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the interior face side of the first outer flap comprises micro suede; and
- wherein the outer case comprises:
- a plurality of sections of rigid internal material; and
- an outer covering, and wherein
- each of the plurality of sections of rigid internal material is sandwiched between the micro suede and the outer covering.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 24, 2014
Publication Date: Jan 29, 2015
Inventor: Warren Liu (Chino, CA)
Application Number: 14/495,851
International Classification: A45C 11/00 (20060101);