PROTECTIVE CASES FOR MOBILE DEVICES
A protective case for a mobile device may comprise a frame having a number of spokes connected to four protective corners adapted for holding a portable electronic device. A central portion of the body may include a mounting member, which may comprise, enclose or hold a metallic, magnetic, or magnetically attractive material that may be used to removably secure the case to a mount, e.g., by magnetic attraction. The mount may include a magnetic or magnetically attractive core for holding and mounting the case by magnetic attraction. In some embodiments, a case and one or more mounts may be provided as an assembly or kit.
This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/251,079, filed Nov. 4, 2015; claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 29/544,632, filed Nov. 4, 2015, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/246,649, filed Oct. 2, 2013; and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/043,849, filed Oct. 2, 2013, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/708,654, filed Oct. 2, 2012. Each of the foregoing applications is incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELDThis invention relates to mobile device accessories, and more particularly to protective cases for mobile devices such as cell phones, e-readers, music players, and tablets.
BACKGROUNDUnless otherwise indicated herein, the elements described in this section are not prior art to the claims and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.
As mobile devices have evolved to offer advanced features, the replacement cost for damaged devices has grown. Unfortunately, if a mobile device hits a hard surface, it may damage it. It may be a dent or scratch, but sometimes the damage may require purchasing a new mobile device. If we are talking about a cell phone, the user may pay dearly, because the warranty may have expired or simply not cover the damage and carrier contracts for reduced prices may not be available. Thus, many users have bought protective cases for cell phones. Some cases may wrap protective material around the entire cell phone except for the display. Such an approach may protect the cell phone from shocks, dents and scratches but something is lost—the beauty of the cell phone design. The inventors recognized these problems and sought to identify what surfaces of the mobile device are susceptible to damage and protect those surfaces in a less bulky fashion that reveals much of the cell phone design.
Thus, there remains a need for slim, lightweight, affordable, aesthetically pleasing, and protective cases for mobile devices.
SUMMARYApparatus and methods for protecting electronic or mobile devices are described herein. In some example embodiments, a protective case may include a main body covering only part of a major surface of the mobile device that is integral and/or secured to sidewall enclosures that protect the mobile device.
In some embodiments, a protective case may include one or more spokes that are integral and/or secured to sidewall enclosures for protecting a mobile device. In some embodiments, sidewall enclosures are corner sidewall enclosures that protect the mobile device on the surfaces susceptible to dropping damage.
In some embodiments, corner enclosures enclose certain parts of the mobile device such as the device corners, where it is more susceptible to damage. The corner and non-corner sidewall enclosures may be minimal with molded interior shapes conforming to the mobile device to preferably form a snug fit or relatively large and robust to have more coverage and an extra level of protection.
In some embodiments, a protective case may include a variety of spoke assemblies, and/or sidewall (including corner) enclosures that are separable parts that can be assembled for customization by users. In some embodiments, sidewall enclosures may be molded, machined, and/or shaped to enclose at least part of the perimeter of the mobile device and are integral with and/or secured to the main body. When the sidewall enclosures are assembled to the main body, they may form a case that encloses at least part of the perimeter of the mobile device, and part of the back of the mobile device.
In some embodiments, a cover or case for electronic and mobile devices covers the typical impact zones such as the corners or edges with minimal design. Such example cases may multiple prongs/arms (also referred to herein as “spokes”) that extend to hold or attach to the mobile or electronic device. In some embodiments, the spokes or prongs may be configured in one or more pieces to form an approximate “X” shape, with each end of the “X” having a protective member that secures to and at least partially covers and protects edges and/or corners of the mobile device.
In some embodiments, spokes of a case may be configured and dimensioned in the form of two “V” shapes that connect together, e.g., at the vertex point of each V such that connected/opposing “V” shapes approximate the shape of an “X” along the rear surface of an attached mobile device. In other embodiments, any number, for example four, individual prongs/arms may connect together. In such embodiments, distal ends of each prong or arm may include a protective member (e.g. a corner enclosure) that is adapted to fit over and secure to a corner or edge of the mobile device.
In some embodiments, a connecting point between spokes may be oversized to allow for tolerance or spring or room for the spokes to expand and or contract. Such mechanisms may allow the case to help absorb impact or force.
In some embodiments, individual spokes or arms may be moved independently if necessary, for example to allow an easier method of inserting or removal of the protective device from mobile or electronic device. In other embodiments, the spokes and/or corner enclosures are integrated into a unibody structure, wherein at least a portion of the material of the spokes and/or enclosures is partially elastic or flexible to allow attachment of the case to mobile device.
In some embodiments, spokes, or other case components may be connected via screws. In other embodiments, spokes or other components may be connected via a mechanical method such as tongue and groove, hook or other type of fastening method such as using glue/chemical compounds.
Embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to four corners, or spokes in a particular V or X configuration, and exemplary cases may have as many or as little arms or prongs as desired or necessary.
In some embodiments, spokes and/or other components (including corner enclosures) may comprise or be constructed of any combination of rigid and elastic materials such as rubber, plastic, silicone, aluminum, resin, or high-tensile composite materials. In such embodiments, the spokes or arms may stretch to fit and self-adjust to fit the device it is holding. In some embodiments, substantially rigid edges or other shell portions of the case corners may help prevent damage to the phone, and in some embodiments inner cushion material may help dampen the effects of an impact (e.g. by dropping or banging the phone).
In some embodiments the spokes/prongs/arms may be extendable via spring-loaded mechanism to achieve a stretch effect to fit or self-adjust to fit the device it is holding. Such embodiments may allow the device to be fit in/installed, and may allow the case to fit devices of different sizes or dimensions.
In some embodiments, enclosure members (e.g., corner modules), may be integrated with or attached to a distal end of each spoke, and configured and dimensioned to fit a corner or other edge of a mobile device. In some embodiments, a corner member is made of moldable and/or flexible material, such that it may flex, mold and/or conform the edges/corners/surfaces of the device it is holding. In some embodiments, one or more corner members may comprise rigid or semi-rigid portions to enhance protection of the corners of the mobile device.
In some embodiments, a protective case for a mobile device may comprise an X-shaped frame, having four protective corners adapted for holding a portable electronic device, and includes an area that may comprise, enclose or hold a metallic, magnetic, or magnetically attractive material. In such embodiments, the metallic, magnetic, or magnetically attractive material may be used to secure the case (with attached device) to a metallic surface or to a corresponding magnetic or magnetically attractive mount device (sometimes referred to herein as a “mount”). In some embodiments, a case and one or more mounts may be provided as a kit.
In some embodiments, an area approximating the center of the an X-shaped frame of a case may have a substantially circular shape, or other desired shape, and such area may include metallic or magnetic components adapted to secure to a mount, e.g., by magnetic attraction. In some embodiments, such mount areas may be disposed on another position on the back of the case (e.g., at a desired position along or between one or more arms or spokes, or near a desired corner or edge of the case), and the shape maybe a circle, a square, a hexagon, or any other shape, even a free form shape. In some embodiments, the mount area (also sometimes referred to as “mount attachment” or “mount attachment point”) may include or contain an electronic chip, such as a RFID or NFC chip, that can be blank or be programmed to contain information.
In some embodiments, the case and the portable device it is holding may be attached to any metal or magnetically attractive surfaces. Such as file cabinet, refrigerator, or any materials that is magnetic or that a magnet may be attach to.
In some embodiments, the case components are integrated to form a substantially unibody construction of a desired material, e.g., a high-strength polymer, rubber, plastic, metal, or other desired material. In such embodiments, a mount area may include or comprise a different material to facilitate mounting of the device, such as a metal or magnet, and/or may include a chip as described above.
In some embodiments, a case is configured and dimensioned to “snap-on” to the portable device. For example, the spokes/frame and/or corner members of the case may be constructed of materials that are at least slightly flexible to allow enough flex to grip the periphery of the portable device as to attach itself securely to the device.
In some embodiments, a case apparatus may include and/or work in conjunction with a mount, such as a wall mount, a car mount, or a desktop mount. In some embodiments, a rear surface of the mount is adapted to secure to a desired surface. For example, the rear surface of a wall mount may include or engage with an adhesive material to permanently or selectively secure to a wall or surface of a structure. In other embodiments, a rear surface of the mount may be magnetic, e.g., of a strength that may be stronger than a magnet on a front, or opposite side of the mount. In other embodiments, the mount may include features or members adapted to secure to vanes of an automobile vent (e.g., an air conditioner or heater vent), or to another desired structure.
In some embodiments, a front surface of a mount may include a magnet or magnetically attractive material, for example, adapted to couple with (e.g., to attract or be attracted to) a corresponding mount area on a case. In such embodiments, the case (and a device to which the case is attached) may be removably secured to the mount by magnetic attraction. In some embodiments, a mount may include magnetic material such that it may be used to hold or organize any desired metallic or magnetically-attractive items, such as power/charging cable, keys, or other desired items.
These as well as other aspects and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description, with reference where appropriate to the accompanying drawings. Further, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this overview and elsewhere are intended to be examples only and do not necessarily limit the scope of the invention.
Example embodiments are described herein with reference to the drawings.
Like reference numerals refer to the same or similar components throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. OverviewDescribed herein are apparatus and methods for holding and protecting mobile devices. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous examples and specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the aspects of the apparatus and methods. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention as defined by the claims may include some or all of the features in these examples alone or in combination with other features described below, and may further include modifications and equivalents of the features and concepts described herein. Each component or step is assigned its own reference numeral in the specification and drawings. Like reference numerals refer to the same or similar components throughout the several views of the drawings. In some embodiments, the drawings are not to scale and may not reflect the relative size of the parts.
In some embodiments, a slim, ultra-light mobile device case described herein may comprise a frame configured substantially in the shape of an “X” with a corner piece at each end of the “X” configured and dimensioned to fit around and retain a corner of a mobile phone, tablet, or other portable electronic device. In use, the X frame is disposed on a back surface of the mobile device and provides structural support to retain the four protective corners in position over each corner of the mobile device. In some embodiments, a central portion of the frame, e.g., approximately at the intersection of the spokes or legs comprising the X frame, may include a member configured to secure to a mount for retaining the case and mobile device in a desired location. For example, the member may include a magnet or magnetically-attractive member configured to secure to a corresponding magnetic or magnetically-attractive mount.
II. Example EmbodimentsThe protective case includes a main body 24 that is integral with and/or secured to secondary portions that fully or partly enclose the perimeter or edges of the mobile device 42 to eliminate or reduce damage to the mobile device when it collides with a hard surface.
For brevity, the application uses the phrase “integral with” to refer to adjacent “parts” that are structurally a single part. The application uses “secured” to refer to adjacent parts held together mechanically by, for example, a screw, a rivet, a fastener and/or adhesive.
The secondary portions include corner sidewall enclosures 12, 14, 18, and 20 and non-corner sidewall enclosures 10, 15, 16, and 22. In the embodiment of
In another embodiment, a corner sidewall enclosure 30 includes an opening 30 at the top and a closed bottom enclosure 34 to hold an input tool, such as a stylus or pen 36. The sidewall enclosures are integral with and/or secured to the open frame shaped main body 24.
In the embodiment of
The open frame shaped main body 24 that holds the corner sidewall enclosures and the non-corner sidewall enclosures together has center opening in the main body 24 so it can be disposed on the back or even the front (i.e., display side) of the mobile device 42.
The corner sidewall and non-corner sidewall enclosures are made of rigid or non-rigid materials such as aluminum, other metals, plastic, rubber, polyurethane, carbon fiber, or other composite materials.
Turning now to
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For example,
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, each of the corners 812, 822, 832, 842 of a case 800 may include a corresponding lip 814, 824, 834, 844 which may also allow the device to be placed face down without worry about scratching or impacting the touchscreen. Such as corner design elevates the touchscreen from any flat surfaces such as tables/desks. In some embodiments, the corners and/or arms of the case 800 may include an inner protective layer or soft or pliable cushion material (e.g., 816, 826, 836, 846) which may help dampen the effect of an impact caused by dropping or banging the phone or case.
As shown in
Similarly,
In some embodiments, an exemplary case assembly such as assembly 1100 or 1200 may be configured a minimalist style, including a case 800 and mount 900 or 1000 to provide a reusable, hands-free solution to selectively secure a user's mobile device and/or other accessories in the user's home, workspace and/or vehicle. Such cases may provide phone protection, hands-free operation, desk & cable organizer features in one ultra-light, aesthetically pleasing kit or package.
In some embodiments, an example case (also referred to herein as “Alt”), is more than just a case, it is also a mounting system. An included wall mount lets a user work and play handsfree, including viewing notifications right away without constantly picking the phone up from the table. A car mount may hold a user's phone securely without cluttering your view of the road.
In some embodiments, Alt is designed to protect. Case 800, including x-shaped frame 802 having arms 810, 820, 830, 840, each terminating in a corresponding protective corner 812, 814, 816, 818, may be constructed of high-strength Polymer shell and may include a soft, impact resistance inner layer (e.g., within each corner 812, 814, 816, 818 and/or on the inner surface of the X-shaped frame 802), such that any impact cause by dropping and/or banging the phone may be dampened and/or distributed by the case to prevent or minimize damage to the phone. The case 800 may include a polymer having a soft-touch, non-slip finish that improves grip on a device (e.g., an iPhone, iPad or Android device) smooth exterior, making drops less likely. Case 800 frame 802 and corners may be constructed on any desired comprise a tough, rigid and durable case.
In some embodiments, each Alt case assembly 1100, 1200 may be the reliable attachment system (e.g., mounting member 850 and corresponding mount 900, 1000) using magnets such as a Neodymium magnet, a type of small but very strong magnet. No more clips or grips that require a user to push a release button or pry open arms to release or seat the phone. In an example of use, a user may simply place the phone with case 800 close to the magnetic mount 900, 1000 and it will gently pull it towards the center 850, securely holding the phone in place. To release, just pull the phone away. The magnetic system also allows you to easily rotate the iPhone to whatever viewing angle you prefer with one simple twist (e.g., as shown in
Both the wall mount and the car vent mount may be configured and dimensioned to support any size mobile device, e.g., iPhone, Samsung devices, tablets, or other handheld devices, with no need to swap out or have different size mounts for the different size phones. In some embodiments, the wall mount is small enough to place almost anywhere, and such uni-mount design can also hold more than just a user's device. For example, charging cables, keys, or other metallic objects may be secured to the mount. In some embodiments, the mount's magnetic core is also strong enough to hold larger Mac Book charging cables, USB cables, and other larger objects.
In some embodiments, a wall mount 900 can be attached to any surface: wood, metal, painted walls, or even textured walls. The rear or back surface of the wall mount may include an adhesive or attachment member, such as for example a padded peel-off sticky pad. Such an attachment member may be easy adhere to any surface, and to remove later if desired. In some embodiments, car mount 1000 may be configured to clip directly to vent blades of any car's air conditioning vents. In some embodiments, each Alt case may come in a kit with one or more matching mounts, e.g., color wall mount and/or vehicle mount, and each wall mount may come with extra adhesive members.
V. ConclusionThe foregoing description illustrates various embodiments of the present invention along with examples of how aspects of the present invention may be implemented. The above examples and embodiments should not be deemed to be the only embodiments, and are presented to illustrate the flexibility and advantages of the present invention. Based on the above disclosure and the following claims, other arrangements, embodiments, implementations and equivalents will be evident to those skilled in the art and may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A protective case for a mobile device, comprising:
- a frame having a plurality of spokes attached to and extending from a central mounting member; and
- a plurality of protective corner members, each corner member attached to a distal end of one of the plurality of spokes, wherein each corner is configured and dimensioned to secure to and protect a corner of a mobile device, wherein
- the central mounting member is configured and dimensioned to mate with and removably secure to a mount for holding the case in a desired position.
2. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the central mounting member comprises a magnetic or magnetically-attractive material adapted to secure to the mount by magnetic attraction.
3. A protective case assembly for a mobile device, comprising:
- a case comprising a frame having a plurality of spokes attached to and extending from a central mounting member, each spoke terminating in a protective corner member, wherein the central mounting member comprises a magnetic or magnetically-attractive material and each corner is configured and dimensioned to secure to and protect a corner of a mobile device; and
- a mount having a front portion configured and dimensioned to mate with and removably secure the central mounting member by magnetic attraction and a rear portion configured to secure to a structure for holding the assembly.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 4, 2016
Publication Date: Jun 22, 2017
Inventor: Hendra Bong (Hayward, CA)
Application Number: 15/344,505