Protective Structure Patents (Class 379/451)
  • Patent number: 11511058
    Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes an outer tube extending in a longitudinal direction, an inner tube within the outer tube and including a pair of opposing slots, a liquid supply comprising a liquid material, a coil heater, a wick and a mouth end insert. The coil heater is located in the inner tube. The coil heater is formed of an iron-free, nickel-chromium alloy and has substantially uniformly spaced windings. The wick is surrounded by the coil heater such that the wick delivers liquid material to the coil heater and the coil heater heats the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol in the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. Tucker, Geoffrey Brandon Jordan, Barry S. Smith, Ali A. Rostami, Michael J. Mullins
  • Patent number: 10966496
    Abstract: A protective case for an electronic device may have two layers: an inner cushion cover that surrounds a portion of the electronic device, and an outer rigid shell that surround part of the cushion cover. The outer shell has side walls that engage and hold the cushion cover on the electronic device. The cushion cover has reduced thickness portions so that the side walls are embedded in the cushion cover and provide a protective case having a substantially smooth exterior. The cushion cover is capable of absorbing shocks from impacts on the rigid outer shell. Coring on the inner portion of the cushion cover provides additional softness and the ability of the cushion cover to absorb shocks while using a higher density material, which is able to conform to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis R. Richardson, Alan V. Morine, W. Travis Smith, John H. Loudenslager, Jamie L. Johnson, Matthew M. Glanzer
  • Patent number: 9580221
    Abstract: A protective case for an electronic device may have two layers: an inner cushion cover that surrounds a portion of the electronic device, and an outer shell that surround part of the cushion cover. The outer shell has side walls that engage and hold the cushion cover on the electronic device. The cushion cover has reduced thickness portions so that the side walls are embedded in the cushion cover and provide a protective case having a substantially smooth exterior. The cushion cover is capable of absorbing shocks from impacts on the rigid outer shell. Coring on the inner portion of the cushion cover provides additional softness and the ability of the cushion cover to absorb shocks while using a higher density material, which is able to conform to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis R. Richardson, Alan V. Morine, W. Travis Smith, John H. Loudenslager, Jamie L. Johnson, Matthew M. Glanzer
  • Patent number: 8942773
    Abstract: A protection case for a portable electronic device includes a case having a front part and a rear part, and the portable electronic device is accommodated between the front and rear parts. A rear cover is connected to the rear part and a front cover is connected to the front part. The front cover has a front decoration plate, a connection member and a locking member. The front decoration plate is removably connected to the front part. The connection member is flexible and has a first end connected to the front decoration plate and a second end of the connection member is clamped between the front and rear parts. The locking member has a hook hooked with the groove. The protection case can be easily replaced and changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Jenn Yaw J. Y. Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hong-Ming Wu
  • Patent number: 8891800
    Abstract: A case for a mobile device includes a rear panel, a plurality of walls extending around the rear panel, a base portion having a jack configured to receive a power cord input, a first aperture configured to receive a first earbud, a first electrical contact of the first aperture configured to engage a first corresponding charging contact of the first earbud, a second aperture configured to receive a second earbud, a second electrical contact of the second aperture configured to engage a second corresponding charging contact of the second earbud, a first electrical connection configured to engage the jack with a power input port of the mobile device, and a second electrical connection configured to engage the jack with the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Jonathan Everett Shaffer
  • Patent number: 8879723
    Abstract: A charging case or system for an electronic device case, having a protective housing capable of aesthetic alteration, includes a replaceable and customizable shell and a rechargeable battery unit. A plurality of shells may have different images thereon and can be interchanged in a continuous sidewall portion to alter the look of the case. The shell images may include various colors, pictures, designs, logos, or even text.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Uncommon LLC
    Inventor: John Hong
  • Patent number: 8804948
    Abstract: A handheld device includes a specified number of protection components, each protection component includes an actuating unit, an active bracket, a fixed bracket, a holding unit, a spring, and an anti-collision unit. The actuating unit is connected to a body of the handheld device, a first end of the active bracket is connected to the actuating unit, a second end of the active bracket is connected to the holding unit, the fixed bracket is positioned in the holding unit near to the active bracket, and the anti-collision unit is connected to the spring, the anti-collision unit is kept in the holding unit when the protection component is not activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hou-Hsien Lee, Chang-Jung Lee, Chih-Ping Lo
  • Patent number: 8781109
    Abstract: An electronic device case or system having a protective housing capable of aesthetic change. A plurality of back panels having different images thereon can be interchanged in a sidewall portion to alter the look of the case. The panel images may be colors, pictures, designs, logos, or even text.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Uncommon LLC
    Inventor: John Hong
  • Patent number: 8714299
    Abstract: A rigid removable case for a portable electronic device may have an acoustic isolation mechanism between the rigid removable case and an acoustic component on the electronic device. The acoustic isolation mechanism may be a compressible component that may provide an air seal between an interior surface of the removable case and an exterior surface of the electronic device. The acoustic isolation mechanism may be constructed of several different materials and several different manufacturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis Richardson, John Loudenslager, Jamie Johnson, Jason Thompson
  • Patent number: 8675862
    Abstract: A protective case discloses an electronic device protective casing, comprising the main protective shell body and the universal decorative pattern layer, the said main protective shell body layer has a pattern opening corresponding to the pattern of the universal decorative pattern layer to snugly fit in, and the said decorative pattern layer disposed on the said protective shell body layer via fixed plate. And the said fixed plate area is greater than the said decorative pattern layer. Since the said universal decorative pattern layer and the said protective shell body are manufactured separately, the universal decorative plate will be able to use for different electronic devices, therefore it will reduce the cost to make such case in term of reproduction of molding, and thereby the cost of the electronic device protective case will be as well reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Tso Wei Lin
  • Patent number: 8660260
    Abstract: A protective cover for protecting a panel-shaped electronic device is illustrated. The protective cover includes a polygonal frame and a number of resilient members. The frame is made of soft material and configured for surrounding and retaining the electronic device therein. The frame includes a number of corners. The resilient members entirely are received in the respective corners. Each resilient member includes a hub body and at least three distinctly oriented resilient portions extending from the hub body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tao He
  • Patent number: 8630408
    Abstract: A cover for covering a folder type terminal including a first frame, a second frame, and a hinge for rotatably connecting the first frame and the second frame, the folder type terminal cover device includes: a first outer cover for covering the first frame; a second outer cover for covering the second frame; and a hinge cover for covering the hinge and in which a separation distance from the hinge increases when the folder type terminal is unfolded from a folded state. Thereby, an appearance and grip impression of the folder type terminal can be improved, and when the folder type terminal is put on a table in an unfolded state, the folder type terminal can maintain a predetermined angle from a table plane without a separate device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Harata, Sung Hoon Hong, Dong Hun Kim, Hyok Su Choi, Pil Won Kim, Dong Kyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8479875
    Abstract: A rigid removable case for a portable electronic device may have an acoustic isolation mechanism between the rigid removable case and an acoustic component on the electronic device. The acoustic isolation mechanism may be a compressible component that may provide an air seal between an interior surface of the removable case and an exterior surface of the electronic device. The acoustic isolation mechanism may be constructed of several different materials and several different manufacturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis Richardson, John Loudenslager, Jamie Johnson, Jason Thompson
  • Patent number: 8477931
    Abstract: A case for a portable electronic device includes a cavity and one or more studded surfaces. The cavity can receive at least a portion of the portable electronic device such that the portable electronic device is removable from the cavity through an opening in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventors: Hunter S. Thompson, Jamie L. Thompson, James W. Thompson, Frazier Newlin
  • Patent number: 8411849
    Abstract: A personal electronic device storage apparatus includes a portable storage case including a body having a divider wall statically seated therein. A first cavity is disposed above the divider wall for containing the personal electronic device therein. A second cavity is disposed below the divider wall. A lead plate seated within the first cavity for preventing electromagnetic waves from passing through the body. First and second retractable cords are rotatably disposed within the second cavity, and first and second holders attached to distal ends of the first and second retractable cords respectively. At least one of the first and second holders may be capable of may be tethered to the personal electronic device. Such a structural configuration provides the unexpected and unpredictable advantage of shielding the personal electronic device from electromagnetic waves while keeping it tethered to the storage case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventors: Ellen McKenzie, Astley Shields
  • Patent number: 8374654
    Abstract: A buffer protection structure is provided in a mobile communication device which includes a housing and a flat light-emitting element having plural light tubes. The buffer protection structure is an elastic material and is provided between each inner wall of the housing and outer peripheries of the flat light-emitting element. Outer peripheries of the buffer protection structure are abutted respectively at each inner wall of the housing and inner peripheries of the buffer protection structure are abutted elastically by the outer peripheries of the flat light-emitting element to buffer an external force or impact, such that the light tubes can be prevented from being ruptured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Inventec Appliances Corp.
    Inventors: Ding Lu, Shen Zhang, Martin Hsu
  • Patent number: 8124216
    Abstract: A skin (11) for use with a handheld electronic device is disclosed. The skin (11) includes a decorative layer, an anti-slip layer adhered over the decorative layer, and an adhesive layer disposed between the decorative layer and the anti-slip layer. The anti-slip layer has a surface finish (19) having a high coefficient of friction. The skin (11) is attached to the handheld electronic device by a layer of adhesive (16) on the back of the decorative layer. The skin (11) is selectively shaped to conform to the contours, shape, and components of the handheld electronic device. The skin (11) provides anti-slip and shock absorption functionalities to the handheld electronic device, but does not prevent or impede the handheld electronic device from mating with or connecting to corresponding accessory components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Fred A. Antonini
  • Patent number: 8091680
    Abstract: An acoustic resistor or damper and method of manufacturing the same is disclosed. The damper has mesh material and mounting material attached to the mesh material. The mounting material defines an open region for transmission of sound through the mesh material, and has a mounting surface for mounting the damper on a surface surrounding an acoustic port or tube. The mounting surface is located on a plane different from the mesh material, thereby shielding the mesh material from adhesive applied between the mounting surface and the surface surrounding the acoustic port or tube. The method of manufacturing an acoustic damper comprises a sheet of double-sided tape having at least one perforation applied to a mesh material. The double-sided tape and mesh material is cut in the shape surrounding the at least one perforation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Etymotic Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Mead C. Killion, Andrew J. Haapapuro
  • Patent number: 7995747
    Abstract: A weather guard is disclosed having a frame, a pair of members, a vertical support member, and a bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Carrie Johnson, Charles Sawyer, II
  • Patent number: 7822449
    Abstract: In a front surface leather portion of a cover 10, there are formed a display surface opening portion 14 for exposing a display screen of a display of a mobile communication terminal 90, an operating surface opening portion 15 for exposing an operating surface of an input device of the terminal 90, and a fitting opening portion 16 for fitting this cover 10 to the terminal 90. Accordingly, even when the cover 10 is fitted, it is possible for the user both to check the display screen of the terminal 90 from the portion 14 and to actuate the input device of the terminal 90 from the portion 15. Due to this, it is possible to implement a cover for a mobile communication terminal which, along with maintaining a good operating feeling and serving as cushioning material in the case of shock, can also impart a soft texture and a sense of high quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Vodafone K. K.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Uramoto, Shin Daido, Nobuyuki Enomoto, Fuji Asada
  • Patent number: 7747007
    Abstract: A protective cover for a portable communication device includes a battery cover and a protective cover part coupled with the battery cover. The protective cover is detachably coupled with the portable communication device, and the protective cover part is disposed at a front surface of a display unit part of the portable communication device when the protective cover is coupled with the portable communication device. The portable communication device being turned off/on when the portable communication device is attached to/detached from the protective cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Min Hyun, Kwang-Ha Choi, Chang-Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 7734040
    Abstract: A modular housing for outside plant telecommunication equipment includes a main enclosure for containing common electronic equipment and an auxiliary enclosure for containing input/output (I/O) circuitry to said common electronic equipment. In this way, different configurations of I/O circuitry can be accommodated only by changing the auxiliary enclosure. The design and fabrication times for making housings is reduced by the smaller size of each enclosure. Upgrades can often be accommodated by only changing one of the main or auxiliary housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Adtran, Inc.
    Inventors: John Wise Ayres, III, Grant Joseph Kruse
  • Patent number: 7630745
    Abstract: A personal data assistant (PDA) carrying case includes a main body (10), an expansion cover (40) having a first clasp (46) extending therefrom, a resilient clip (22) mounted on the main body, and a button (29). An opening (33) is defined in the main body for matching the expansion cover. A locking edge (36) is formed for engaging with the first clasp. A through hole (24) is defined in main body corresponding to the first clasp. The resilient clip has a projecting portion (222) corresponding to the through hole. The resilient clip deforms elastically to have the projecting portion pressing the button, so that the button drives the first clasp to disengage the first clasp from the locking edge of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Chen, Xian-Huang Gao, Wen-Yu Zhang
  • Patent number: 7564968
    Abstract: A telephone voice containment device is described. It includes a housing which is shaped to receive a voice pick-up mechanism of a telephone in order to capture the voice utterances to be picked up by such phone, and at the same time prevent the voice utterances from escaping to the area surrounding the telephone. An elastic band is included to hold the telephone casing and, hence, its pick-up mechanism in the housing. A sound absorbing structure is most desirably included within the housing to absorb voice utterances not needed by the telephone pick-up mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventors: Ronald Lee Ayers, Ada Marie Bull
  • Patent number: 7542565
    Abstract: A foldable cellular phone with a plastic housing having an operation section and a plastic housing having a main display section that are joined by a hinge on one end side to freely open and close, comprising an impact resistant handle composed of elastic material protruded and formed on the opposite side end from the hinge of the housing having the main display section; a connector cover composed of elastic material protruded and formed on the opposite side end from the hinge of the housing having the operation section; and a hinge cover composed of elastic material formed on a protrudent portion from the hinge of both housing ends when both housings are in a folded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Casio Hitachi Mobile Communications Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Fumio Tsutaichi, Shinya Yasuda, Tatsuya Miyagawa, Tohru Tanigawa, Katsuhiro Nara
  • Patent number: 7529364
    Abstract: A protective cover for an electronic device including a) a surface layer including vinyl, plastic, silicone, acrylic, rubber or a combination thereof and b) an adhesive layer for affixing the protective cover to the electronic device. The protective cover may further include a release liner to prevent the adhesive layer from engaging surfaces when the protective cover is not in use, for example, when the protective cover is not affixed to an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Imbibo, Inc.
    Inventor: Doyle Buehler
  • Patent number: 7515708
    Abstract: A phone case having a bottom wall, opposing side walls, and mouth and ear end walls that form a pocket with an opening having a rim for extending from ear to mouth and around the mouth to hide it from view and to muffle and block beyond the case words spoken into a phone nested therein. A sidewall portion of the rim may have a curved shape conforming generally to the contour of a human face from ear to mouth, and the pocket walls may be made of a flexible, sound absorbing material so that the rim of the opening is sufficiently deformable to conform substantially to the ear to mouth contour and form a sound seal when pressed against a human face. The ear end wall may form an ear portion of the rim for placement over an ear lobe to reduce interfering external noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventors: Arthur F. Doty, III, Robert M. Turkewitz
  • Patent number: 7496195
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a waterproof flip phone case having a sealing member, at least two waterproof enclosures, and a hinging member that provide a waterproof environment for a phone, specifically a flip phone. In one embodiment of the invention, the sealing member includes at least one locking mechanism that is operable to engage and disengage the sealing member to allow insertion of a flip phone into the case when the member is not engaged and prevents water from entering the enclosures when the member is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Kwik Tek, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron F. Kramer
  • Patent number: 7447531
    Abstract: There is provided an accessory (300, 500) for a portable electronic device that conveniently wipes an internal user interface of the device. The accessory (300, 500), is configured for removable attachment to the portable electronic device. The portable electronic device has first and second housings (102, 104) that rotate or otherwise adjust relative to each other. In particular, the portable electronic device may be closed or opened by adjusting the position of the first and second housings (102, 104). The portable electronic device has an internal user interface (106-116) that is exposed in the open position (100) and hidden in the closed position (200). The accessory (300, 500) includes an inner wall 306, 508) capable of placement between the first and second housings (102, 104) while the device is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Amit Eswaraiah
  • Patent number: 7444176
    Abstract: A first box body is inserted between a first flat part and a first frame portion of a cover and is fastened to the cover by means of a first fastening member so that the first frame portion is interposed between the first box body and a plate-shaped first fixing member forming a first fixing member window for exposing a display section. A second box body is inserted between a second flat part and a second frame portion of the cover and is fastened to the cover by means of a second fastening member so that the second frame portion is interposed between the second box body and a plate-shaped second fixing member forming a second fixing member window for exposing an operation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirofumi Oda, Kimiaki Imai, Yoshihiko Handa
  • Publication number: 20080167099
    Abstract: A mobile device has a skin with an enameled metal structure. With the skin, the surface of the mobile device is prevented from scrape and corrosion with ease of cleaning. Moreover, China-chic beauty and feel are obtained with the skin, which is contrasting to a normal appearance of a common mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Heng-Yen Liu
  • Patent number: 7388956
    Abstract: A weather guard for use with outdoors located enclosures or any structures for housing electronic devices. The enclosures house electronic devices associated with telecommunications equipment (e.g., telephone, television, cable television, satellite), utilities equipment such as gas, water, and electric measurement and communication equipment, and other equipment. The weather guard includes a frame and an impermeable membrane attached to the frame to protect the electronic devices and/or service personnel from environmental conditions including inclement weather such as rain, snow, wind, sleet, and ice, and other environmental conditions such as wind blown sand, dust, and dirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventors: Carrie Johnson, Charles Sawyer, II
  • Patent number: 7386121
    Abstract: Rotatable easels position cellular telephones away from users' heads. Earpieces and microphones are on a shielded surface. Control keys and communications screens face away from a user. Back-to-back screens on opposite sides increase space for visual information and messages. Biodegradable, conductive shielded covers and cases and printed antennas protect users. Rubber grips and depressed conductive keys protect the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Victor A. Rivas
  • Patent number: 7327841
    Abstract: A holder for a mobile communication device comprises a receptacle for optimally reducing the SAR value of a mobile communication device secured within the receptacle. At least one material portion, a patch, causing electromagnetic losses may be placed within the receptacle to optimally reduce exposure to low level radio frequency energy to an individual carrying a mobile telephone secured within the receptacle. The patch formed of electromagnetic field reducing material may be placed in one or more particular areas of the receptacle to attenuate one or more corresponding regions of the mobile telephone in which the SAR value is substantially at a local maximum. This may allow a reduction of the SAR value of a mobile telephone while limiting the performance loss associated with the reduction of the SAR value of the mobile telephone when the mobile telephone is secured within the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Schreiber, Peter Nevermann
  • Patent number: 7194291
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective mask of mobile phone comprising an upper cover body and a lower cover body. The upper and lower cover bodies can be joined with a front and a rear phone housings of a mobile phone, respectively, to effectively prevent abrasion of the mobile phone due to carelessness of a user, thereby preventing ill-favored scars on the mobile phone. Therefore, the deterioration of the quality of the mobile phone and the fall of its value can be avoided. Moreover, trend and fashion of the mobile phone can be achieved without the need of replacing the mobile phone. Therefore, waste of money can be avoided, and economic burden to the user can be lessened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Kuan-Lin Peng
  • Patent number: 7110537
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for enhancing performance of a portable cellular phone within a mobile vehicle. The device includes a housing located within the vehicle into which a portable cellular phone may be placed. The housing includes an exterior layer that reflects noise signals and an interior layer that reduces reflection of communication signals within the housing. Signals are transmitted between the cellular phone and an exterior-mount transceiver by means of a wireless RF coupling device that is contained within the housing and connected to the exterior-mount transceiver using a coaxial cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Mazzara, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6932187
    Abstract: A protective acoustic cover assembly including a metal foil with perforations, and a treatment on one or more surfaces of said metal foil. The treatment is a hydrophobic or oleophobic treatment, or both. The protective acoustic cover assembly has an average specific acoustic resistance of less than about 11 Rayls MKS from 250-300 Hz, an average specific acoustic reactance magnitude of less than about 1 Rayls MKS from 250-300 Hz, and an instantaneous water entry pressure value of greater than about 11 cm. The perforations of the metal foil preferably have an average maximum pore size of less than about 150 micrometers. The protective acoustic cover assembly further includes an adhesive mounting system, and the preferred metal foil is nickel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad A. Banter, Bradley E. Reis
  • Publication number: 20040202316
    Abstract: A portable terminal has one casing with a display unit and a speaker coupled to another casing with an operation unit and a microphone. The casings connect via a coupling unit and are capable of opening or closing by means of the coupling unit. The face of the casing with the speaker is directed in the same direction as the face of the casing with the microphone. The coupling unit enables one casing to be inclined to the other casing and to rotate around an axis substantially perpendicular to the face of the other casing with a microphone. Opening the casings increases the sound collecting rate of the microphone during a phone call and prevents a top face of the operation unit from being rubbed or scratched by the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Abe, Tomoaki Nakamura, Tsutomu Zaima
  • Publication number: 20040161104
    Abstract: A sanitary cover (1, 10, 20, 27) for audio mouthpieces (7,16, 26) or earpieces of headsets, microphones, telephones and so forth to help prevent the spread of germs and other contamination. The cover is made of flexibly elastomeric fabric material having a body (2, 11, 21) with a closed end (4, 13, 23) and an open end (3,12, 22) sized and shaped to fit over a particular mouthpiece. The cover may have an elastomeric collar (14, 24) around the opening to better secure it to a mouthpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Marc J. DeMichele, Richard B. Mays, Christopher D. Stockton, Henry P. Young
  • Publication number: 20040136525
    Abstract: A safety pay telephone using conventional telephone mechanical and electrical components mounted within a telephone housing, typically mounted on a wall, with the earpiece and mouthpiece mounted within the telephone. To operate, the user deposits the proper amount of currency and pushes an on/off switch, dials his number, and then places his ear next to the fixed earpiece. A method of retrofitting a conventional telephone with a retrofit housing member that permits that existing handset to be protected within a retrofit housing member. The safety phone is designed for use in prisons so inmates within a prison cannot hang themselves with a handset cord or break a handset and handset cord off for use as a weapon. The safety telephone is also designed for use in environments wherein the telephone is subject to abuse. The safety telephone design reduces the cost of maintenance by eliminating the need to fix and replace telephone components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Styron
  • Patent number: 6745057
    Abstract: The portable telephone includes an antenna and a metallic cabinet operating as main radiation sources of electromagnetic waves, a feeding point for supplying said antenna and said metallic cabinet with electric power, an outer packaging formed of such a material as plastics or resin, and a reflecting plate for reflecting the electromagnetic waves radiated from said radiation sources, the reflecting plate being provided for increasing the amount of the electromagnetic waves radiated into a free space when the portable telephone is in use, being selectively arranged at a position where an electric field component or a magnetic field component of the electromagnetic waves radiated from said radiation sources is dominant, and having an electric constant which enables effective reflection of said magnetic field component or said electric field component and causes little electric power absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Hankui
  • Patent number: 6728555
    Abstract: A user interface construction is provided for a portable terminal of a communication system. It comprises a circuit board (301, 603) having a first surface as well as a keypad (303, 304), a display unit (307) and a loudspeaker (306) on said first surface. Additionally it comprises an outer cover (311) arranged to essentially cover said keypad (303, 304), display unit (307) and loudspeaker (306). It comprises also between the keypad (303, 304), display unit (307) and loudspeaker (306) and the outer cover (311) an extended display frame (308, 602). It is electrically conductive, coupled to a ground potential member (604) appearing on the circuit board (301, 603) and arranged to hold the keypad (303, 304), display unit (307) and loudspeaker (306) in place with respect to the circuit board (301, 602). Additionally it is arranged to essentially cover the keypad (303, 304), the display unit (307) and the loudspeaker (306) so as to protect them against electrostatic discharges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jouko Pirilä, Ari-Pekka Töykkälä
  • Patent number: 6684089
    Abstract: The present invention is a case structure of a data processing device, which has a cover made of a highly elastic material and directly formed on the case whereby the cover can be bent and set at the top or bottom of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Inventec Appliances Corp.
    Inventor: Yung-Tang Lee
  • Publication number: 20030223577
    Abstract: A waterproof structure for an electronic apparatus of the present invention includes keybuttons positioned such that their ends appear via holes formed in the casing of the apparatus. A circuit board is loaded with switches configured to selectively open or close when the keybuttons associated therewith are operated. A sheet member is formed of an elastic material and intervenes between the keybuttons and the circuit board. The sheet member includes, at least in its peripheral portion thereof, a seal portion for preventing water or similar liquid from entering the apparatus and reaching the surface of the circuit board. When the sheet member is pressed between the casing and the circuit board, the seal portion is at least partly pressed against the inside surface of the casing while being subject to a bending load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Shuichi Ono
  • Publication number: 20030219116
    Abstract: A sanitary cover being easily affixed to the microphone or speaker portions of a telephone handset for preventing transmission of microscopic particles present on the handset therethrough. The sanitary cover is made of a single piece of material, such as a cloth, that is essentially flat and round and the peripheral edge of which is underfolded and a resilient rubber is sewn therein to convert the flat piece of material into a dome or cup-shaped piece, the peripheral edge of which is inwardly gathered and sufficiently resilient and so sized as to firmly hold onto the microphone or speaker portion of the telephone handset. The material may be impregnated with a sanitary or disinfectant material or aromatic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Melvin Hudgins
  • Patent number: 6636606
    Abstract: A keypad button guard member is provided for a keypad type device, the button guard member arranged to provide a raised, encircling edging which may be releasably applied to a keypad device to encircle and provide a protective barrier about one or more selected buttons on the keypad device to prevent accidental and unintentional contact and depressing of the button and consequent activation of that button's function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventors: Dale R. Lissner, Sheryl L. Lissner
  • Patent number: 6628785
    Abstract: A water sinking confirmation device enabling judgment on whether or not a portable terminal device or the like has been sunk in water. The water sinking confirmation device includes a lower case provided with a hole, a double side coated adhesive member for bonding both sides, surrounding the hole, a transparent sheet for blocking entrance of water from the hole and allowing the state change of a water sinking confirmation seal seen through from the surface thereof, and the water sinking confirmation seal including a double side coated adhesive member disposed at both ends of the transparent sheet and a white plain paper, and the white plain paper applied with red color printing with a water-color ink at the center. The hole is formed at a position not to be covered by another part mounted on the lower case, for example, above a holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyasu Kitamura, Koichi Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20030147528
    Abstract: A protective phone cover for mounting on a phone includes a generally hemispherical cover sheet having a top panel and side walls and a securement device such as an elastic band mounted on the generally hemispherical cover sheet for releasably securing the cover sheet to a phone. The top panel of the cover sheet being spaced from the surface of the phone whereby the top panel is movable relative to the phone to permit sound conduction thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Raymond Pfaff
  • Publication number: 20030068035
    Abstract: An electronic device such as a mobile phone having user changeable composite covers formed by a two-shot process. The covers are removable and are adapted to slide onto and off the electronic device/mobile phone to thereby enclose the electronic device/mobile phone in a water-resistant/dustproof manner. The composite covers include resilient regions with buttons formed therein that cooperate with control elements in the electronic device/mobile phone. The composite covers are formed by a two-shot process that involves the use of a transparent material in a first shot to provide a hard cover having a number of openings there through. The second shot involves the use of the transparent hard cover as a core onto which an elastomeric layer is applied, so that some of the openings in the hard cover have buttons formed thereon, whereas other regions and openings in the cover are not covered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Jouko Pirila, Mikko Laaksonen, Mikko Laitinen, Jarmo Lehtonen
  • Patent number: RE45072
    Abstract: A protective cover for a portable communication device includes a battery cover and a protective cover part coupled with the battery cover. The protective cover is detachably coupled with the portable communication device, and the protective cover part is disposed at a front surface of a display unit part of the portable communication device when the protective cover is coupled with the portable communication device. The portable communication device being turned off/on when the portable communication device is attached to/detached from the protective cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Min Hyun, Kwang-Ha Choi, Chang-Soo Lee