Device cover, particularly suited for electronic devices

Abstract

Device includes a cover and a face provided on the cover. Cover may include a window sufficiently clear so that a portion of an object on which the cover is disposed can be viewed through the window. The window may serve to magnify or reduce the image of the viewed object. The window may be a clear, colored window to vary the apparent color of the viewed object. Likewise, the window may be a clear colorless window. The window may include an outer and inner layer of material enclosing a fluid, such as a gas or liquid, to protect the viewed object, such as the viewed keypad of a cellular telephone. The fluid may include one or more liquids, one or more of which may be of different colors so that when the window is pressed, different patterns are viewed in the liquid. The pressing of the liquid may likewise cause objects, such as logos or toys suspended in the liquid to move about in the liquid to enhance the effect. The thickness of the layers and the volume of the fluid may be select so as the protect the viewed object, such as the keys of a telephone, as well as to prevent inadvertent actuation of an ON/OFF button on the covered object. The cover may be in any desired configuration, including anthropomorphic and animal-like shapes.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. application No. 60/174,590, filed Jan. 5, 2000, and this application claims the priority of U.S. application No. 60/174,376, filed Jan. 4, 2000 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention is directed to device covers. More particularly, the invention is directed to a cover for electronic devices, for example. Even more particularly, the invention relates to a cover having a window for viewing at least a portion of an object covered thereby, such as the dialpad of a telephone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Covers for a variety of devices are known.

[0004] Known devices range from simple dust covers for toasters for preventing dust and grease accumulation to lead-lined covers for preventing unintentional development of photographic film within covered cameras by x-ray equipment.

[0005] Covers are likewise known for electronic devices, such as cellular telephones, laptop computers, and the like.

[0006] Known covers for cellular or digital telephones, for example, have limited protective value.

[0007] In addition, known covers lack additional features that enhance the functionality and usefulness thereof.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a cover which overcomes the drawbacks of prior art devices.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An object of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks of prior art devices.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide a cover for a variety of devices.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a cover for portable electronic devices.

[0012] A further object of the invention is to provide a carrier, pouch, and/or cover for telephones, pagers, personal digital assistants, wireless communication appliances and devices, wireless on-line database systems (internet appliances and devices), wireless network appliances and devices, and the like.

[0013] A still further object of the invention is to provide a cover which serves to both protect and enhance the usability of the device which it covers.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide a cover which enhances the visual interest of the device which it covers.

[0015] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a cover which enhances the portability of the device which it covers.

[0016] A still further object is to provide a cover which protects the covered device, and which allows for the intended use of the electronic device.

[0017] In summary, the invention is directed to a device including a cover and a face provided on the cover. The face includes a window that is sufficiently clear so that a portion of an object on which the cover is disposed can be viewed through the window.

[0018] It will be appreciated that relative terms such as left, right, up, and down are for convenience only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0019] Likewise, the term cellular telephone is for convenience and is to be understood to include all types of telephones, not limited to wireless communications appliances, digital telephones, satellite telephones, wireless network appliances, and, indeed, any portable electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of a cover, such as a cellular telephone cover according to the invention;

[0021] FIG. 2 shows another preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention;

[0022] FIG. 3 shows a further preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention;

[0023] FIG. 4 shows a further preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention;

[0024] FIG. 6 shows another preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention;

[0025] FIG. 7 shows a further preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention;

[0026] FIG. 8 shows another preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention in the form of an anthropomorphic shape or an animate object, such as a bear;

[0027] FIG. 9 shows a still further preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention similar to FIG. 8;

[0028] FIG. 10 shows another preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention similar to FIGS. 8 and 9, with the substitution of a cat's head for the bear's head;

[0029] FIG. 11 shows a further preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention in the forms of inanimate objects, such as a baseball and a football;

[0030] FIG. 12 shows a still further preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention in the form of a baseball with a team logo (stylized);

[0031] FIG. 13 shows a further preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention similar to FIG. 12;

[0032] FIG. 14 shows another preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention similar to FIG. 11;

[0033] FIG. 15 shows a further preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention similar to the football version of FIG. 11, and with an optional top flap;

[0034] FIG. 16 shows another preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention;

[0035] FIG. 17 shows a still further preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention, along with a neck strap or wrist strap;

[0036] FIG. 18 shows a still further preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention;

[0037] FIG. 19 shows a further preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention;

[0038] FIG. 20 shows another preferred embodiment of a wrist or neck strap for use with the covers according to the invention, for example;

[0039] FIG. 21 shows a further preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention similar to FIG. 1;

[0040] FIG. 22 shows another preferred embodiment of the front of cellular telephone cover according to the invention similar to the bear of FIG. 9;

[0041] FIG. 23 shows the rear of the preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention of FIG. 22;

[0042] FIG. 24 shows the rear of the preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention of FIG. 22 with the zipper unzipped for allowing insertion of a portable electronic device;

[0043] FIG. 25 shows another preferred embodiment of the face of a cover according to the invention particular suited for pagers and the like;

[0044] FIG. 26 shows the rear of the preferred embodiment of the cover according to the invention of FIG. 25;

[0045] FIG. 27 shows a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the cover according to the invention of FIG. 25 with the two halves separated for viewing and using an unillustrated pager, for example;

[0046] FIG. 28 shows a front view of the preferred embodiment of the cover according to the invention FIG. 25 with the two halves separated as in FIG. 27;

[0047] FIG. 29 shows a front view of a still further preferred embodiment of a cellular telephone cover according to the invention similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 7 that has playable soccer players and soccer balls provided in the fluid layer; and

[0048] FIG. 30 shows a rear view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] FIG. 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of a cover according to the invention, particularly suited for a cellular telephones, for example.

[0050] Cover 10 includes a flap 14 which may be detachably attached to the remainder of cover 10 by a fastener 18.

[0051] An optional hole 24 may be provided to enhance the ability of a user to hear the speaker of a telephone disposed within cover 14.

[0052] An optional mouthpiece hole 26 may be provided. It has been found that the type and thickness of cover 10 may be varied so as to preclude the need for holes 24 and 28, while still allowing the user to talk on an enclosed telephone and hear clearly the person to whom the caller is speaking.

[0053] Cover 10 may include a first layer 32, a second layer 34, and a third layer 36.

[0054] First and second layers 32 and 34 may be sufficiently clear so that a portion of an object disposed within cover 10 is visible from outside the cover. One or both of layers 32 and 34 may be clear and either colored or colorless. For example, at least one of first and second layers 32 and 34 may be clear and colorless while the other one of the layers may be clear and blue.

[0055] Third layer 36 would be disposed between first and second layers 32 and 34. Layer 36 may be a fluid, such as a gas, and/or a liquid.

[0056] In the case where layer 36 is a fluid, good results have been achieved when third layer 36 includes first and second fluids, as will be described in detail below.

[0057] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of a cover showing how a face 40 of the cover may include a window 44. In FIG. 2, window 44 covers substantially the entire face of the cover, as in the embodiment of FIG. 1. It is contemplated that window 44 of face 40, for example, is located in the vicinity of a keypad of an electronic device received in the cover.

[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the invention similar to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0059] FIG. 3 shows a section A-A. That section A-A is shown in two (2) different ways on the left of FIG. 3. At the top left of FIG. 3, it is shown how third layer 36 may include a first fluid 52 and a second fluid 54. As shown in the bottom left figure of FIG. 3 first fluid 52 may be a clear blue fluid and second fluid 54 may be a clear yellow fluid.

[0060] It is contemplated that first and second fluids 52 and 54 be immiscible liquids, so that the blue and yellow colors, for example, remain distinct, (i.e., unmixed over time). In that manner, interesting patterns may develop owing to the fluids moving relative to each other and owing to the user pressing against one or both of first and second layers 32 and 34.

[0061] It has been found that this feature works well when the user is using the keypad of an electronic device disposed within the cover, when the user presses against the exterior one of first and second layers 32 and 34 pressure is applied to fluid layer 36. In that manner, fluid layer 36 is caused to be compressed and, thus, typically made thinner at the point where pressure is applied. The movement of the fluid away from that pressure point caused by the user's finger disturbs the pattern of the first and second fluids 52 and 54 that had resulted during the quiescent (non-use) state of the device.

[0062] Good results have also been achieved when the cover receives a device, such as a digital or cellular telephone with backlighted keys on its keypad, such as are in widespread use today. In that manner, the backlighting of the keys adds to the visual interest when one or more of the first, second, or third layers is a clear colored layer.

[0063] FIG. 3 also illustrates the use of a movable element 48 which may be a decorative element, such as the illustrated glitter that substantially freely moves around within the fluid layer.

[0064] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment in which moveable elements 48 are in the form of toys, such as the illustrated soccer player 62. Furthermore, some of the moveable elements 48 are in the form of corresponding soccer balls 64, by which the user can press against one or more of soccer players 62 and apply pressure in a manner so as to cause player 62 to approach soccer ball 64 and “kick” soccer balls 64.

[0065] A strap 70 may be applied to the embodiment of FIG. 4 and to any of the other embodiments according to the invention. Strap 70 may be in the form of a wrist strap or a neck strap.

[0066] FIG. 5 shows another preferred embodiment of the cover in which the moveable element is in the form of a flower 74.

[0067] FIG. 6 shows another preferred embodiment of the invention in which the moveable element is in the form of a butterfly 76. Further, a fastener 80, such as hook-and-loop fastener is use for detachably securing the flap through which the device is inserted into the cover is detachably attached to the remainder of the cover.

[0068] FIG. 7 illustrates another preferred embodiment of a cover in which soccer players and soccer balls are again shown, as well as a zipper 84, which may be used in any of the other embodiments.

[0069] FIG. 8 illustrates an animate FIG. 90, such as the illustrated bear. This cover has a window 94 which may be as described above with multiple layers, or may be a single layer of plastic, for example, provided on the rear thereof.

[0070] Self-closing fastener 88 may be used for attaching cover 90 to a child's pants or the user's backpack, for example. In that manner the electronic device is less likely to be forgotten.

[0071] FIG. 9 illustrates another preferred embodiment of a cover 100 similar to the cover of FIG. 8 that has a window 104 on the front side of the figure. A pull 108 which may be in the form of an animal tail can be provided for providing enhancing usability of the illustrated zipper for opening the cover for inserting the portable electronic device therein.

[0072] FIG. 10 illustrates another animate FIG. 110 in the form of a cat having a cat's head 112 and a cat tail 114. The FIG. 10 embodiment may be made by substituting cat's head 112 for the head of the bear 100 of FIG. 9. Likewise, cat's tail 114 can be substituted for the bear tail 108 of FIG. 9. The same body may be used for ease of production.

[0073] By using the anthropomorphic and animate figures according the invention, a user, such as a child, is more likely to take the covered cellular phone with him or her, as may be desired by the child's parent. The child is less likely to forget the cellular phone somewhere.

[0074] FIG. 11 shows, in the left three figures thereof, a cover 120 suggestive of a baseball having a baseball-like seam 122 extending around the different sides of the cover. A football version 124 may likewise be provided.

[0075] FIG. 12 shows another baseball version having a logo thereon.

[0076] FIG. 13 shows a still further embodiment of a baseball cover.

[0077] FIG. 14 shows another preferred embodiment of a baseball cover in the left three figures, and a football cover in the single right figure.

[0078] FIG. 15 shows another version of a football cover.

[0079] FIG. 16 shows another preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0080] FIG. 17 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of the invention with a variety of closure and fastener means.

[0081] FIG. 18 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of the cover with another type of fastener thereon.

[0082] FIG. 19 shows another still further preferred embodiment of a cover according to the invention.

[0083] FIG. 20 illustrates a variety of wrist and/or neck straps 70 according to the invention illustrating trademarks of Brigade Sales & Marketing, Inc. of Dallas, Tex.

[0084] FIG. 21 shows another cover according to the invention in which first fluid 52 and second fluid 54 can be seen as separate immiscible liquids.

[0085] FIGS. 22-24 illustrate another preferred embodiment of a cover according to the invention, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 9. FIG. 22 shows the face, FIG. 23 shows the rear when closed, and FIG. 24 shows the rear of the cover when open so as to allow insertion of a device into the cover.

[0086] FIGS. 25-28 show a still further preferred embodiment of a cover 125 according to the invention. Cover 125 is particularly suited for use with electronic devices such as pagers. FIG. 25 shows the face of the cover when closed, FIG. 26 shows the rear of the cover when closed, FIG. 27 shows the face of the cover when open, and FIG. 28 shows the rear of the cover when open.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 27, cover 125 includes a first side 126A and a second side 126B detachably attached thereto by use of a first fastener 127A and a second faster 127B, for example. A single fastener or multiple fasteners can be used as will be appreciated. Fasteners 127A and 127B may conveniently be made of the hook portion and the loop portion of hook-and-loop fasteners respectively.

[0088] A window 128 may be provided through which the user views the keypad and/or display of a pager disposed therein, for example.

[0089] A fastener may be provided for opening and closing an opening in the interior or the cover for insertion and removal of the pager, for example.

[0090] FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate a cover 130 similar to some of the above embodiments in which a soccer player(s) 134 and a ball(s) 138 are provided, and used as described above.

[0091] FIG. 29 shows the face thereof and FIG. 30 shows the rear thereof. A further pocket, such as the illustrated mesh holder may be provided for carrying an additional electronic device, keys or writing instruments, for example.

[0092] It is contemplated that any of a variety of synthetic and natural materials be used for the illustrated and described elements set forth herein.

[0093] The immiscible liquids may include oil and water, gels, and gases such as air. The illustrated figures are merely examples, and additional animals other than bears and cats are contemplated.

[0094] The layer(s) of the window in the various embodiments prevent the keys of the keypad placed behind the window, in use, from being inadvertently actuated. The thickness of the first, second, and third layers can be varied to achieve the desired protection from blows and from inadvertently actuation.

[0095] Prior art covers often allow accidental pressing and, hence, actuation of the “POWER” key that leads to undesirable battery discharge, thus rendering the device inoperable.

[0096] A liquid third layer, for example, prevents such inadvertent actuation.

[0097] The layer(s) also reduce/eliminate harm to the covered device from blows by the person or other objects.

[0098] The layer(s) may be made of soft, flexible material, as well as hard plastic material. Such hard plastic material likewise may serve to protect the keypad of the covered object. The hard plastic may be in the form of a lenticular face surrounded by the remainder of the cover and/or a surround of relatively soft plastic. The lenticular cover may serve as an enlarging (or reducing) lens to enlarge (or reduce) the size of the keypad fom the viewpoint of the user, as discussed below.

[0099] In addition to floating objects, such as the toys (e.g., soccer player) described above, it is contemplated that trademarks, symbols, logos, and the like be used.

[0100] All covers may be made with or without gel as an inner layer.

[0101] The layer(s) may also be used to make the keys on the keypad placed in the cover easier to read.

[0102] The layer(s) may be normally convex when a device is in the cover and no keys are being depressed. Such convex shape is shown in various ones of the figures on the attached Figures.

[0103] Good results have been achieved when the third layer is a liquid layer which magnifies the button on a cellular telephone, for example. The liquid(s) of the liquid layer are selected so as to achieve the desired readiblity by magnifying the image of the keys as viewed by the user with the desired degree of magnification and clarity of the image.

[0104] One or more of the first, second, and third layers can be sized and selected for achieving the desired magnification.

[0105] The image seen by the viewer can be distorted, with or without magnification, as desired.

[0106] As will be appreciated, the layers may be made convex; i.e., bowed outwardly toward the user in order to achieve magnification from the window/layer(s) acting as a magnifying convex lens.

[0107] Alternatively, the window/layer(s) may be disposed so as to be a concave, image reducing lens, in use. By “concave” it is meant that the layer(s) are bowed outwardly away from the user.

[0108] In the case where the third layer is a fluid (liquid or gas), when the user presses against the layer(s), the layer(s) will become more concave at the pressure point under the user's finger. And the liquid will flow toward other regions above the non-depressed keys. In that manner, the layer(s) will be more convex above the next key(s) which is to be depressed by the user. Thus, it has been found that the key(s) which is to be pressed next in the keystroke sequence will be even easier to see thanks to the more convex region of the layer(s) above the next key yielding greater magnification of the next key.

[0109] Alternatively, the image seen by the viewer can be distorted, with or without magnification to achieve an unusual visual effect, as desired.

[0110] It has been found that blue, green, red, and yellow layers are particularly easy to see.

[0111] While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, and uses and/or adaptations of the invention and following in general the principle of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within the known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the central features hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention or limits of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A device, comprising:

a) a cover;

b) said cover including a face provided on said cover, said face including a window; and

c) said window being sufficiently clear so that a portion of an object on which said cover is disposed can be viewed through said window.

2. A device as in claim 1, wherein:

a) said window is substantially entirely clear.

3. A device as in claim 2, wherein:

a) said window is colorless.

4. A device as in claim 2, wherein:

a) said window is colored.

5. A device as in claim 4, wherein:

a) said window is blue.

6. A device as in claim 1, wherein:

a) said window includes a first layer and a second layer.

7. A device as in claim 6, wherein:

a) a third layer is provided between said first and second layers.

8. A device as in claim 7, wherein:

a) said third layer includes a fluid.

9. A device as in claim 8, wherein:

a) said fluid includes a gas.

10. A device as in claim 8, wherein:

a) said fluid includes a liquid.

11. A device as in claim 10, wherein:

a) said fluid includes an oil.

12. A device as in claim 11, wherein:

a) said fluid includes water.

13. A device as in claim 8, wherein:

a) said fluid includes first and second immiscible liquids.

14. A device as in claim 13, wherein:

a) the first immiscible liquids is clear.

15. A device as in claim 14, wherein:

a) the clear liquid is colorless.

16. A device as in claim 14, wherein:

a) the clear liquid is colored.

17. A device as in claim 16, wherein:

a) the colored liquid is blue.

18. A device as in claim 17, wherein:

a) the second liquid is yellow.

19. A device as in claim 18, wherein:

a) said cover is sized for covering a portable electronic device; and

b) said window is sized and located for covering a keypad of a portable electronic device covered by said cover.

20. A device as in claim 19, wherein:

a) said cover is sized for substantially completely covering a portable electronic device in use; and

b) said window is sized for substantially completely covering the keypad of a portable electronic device in use.

21. A device as in claim 20, wherein:

a) said cover in sized for covering at least one of a telephone, a pager, a personal digital assistant, a wireless communication appliance, a wireless on-line database system appliance, and a wireless network appliance.

22. A device as in claim 1, wherein:

a) an element of an anthropomorphic figure is provided on said cover.

23. A device as in claim 22, wherein:

a) said element includes an animal head.

24. A device as in claim 22, wherein:

a) said element includes at least an animal torso.

25. A device as in claim 24, wherein:

a) said cover is configured for covering a portable electronic device.

26. A device as in claim 25, wherein:

a) said window is located for covering a portion a keypad.

27. A device as in claim 1, wherein:

a) said window includes a flexible plastic.

28. A device as in claim 26, wherein:

a) said layer includes a first layer and a second layer.

29. A device as in claim 28, wherein:

a) a third layer is provided between said first and second layers.

30. A device as in claim 29, wherein:

a) said third layer includes a fluid.

31. A device as in claim 30, wherein:

a) said fluid includes a liquid.

32. A device as in claim 31, wherein:

a) said liquid includes two liquids of different colors.

33. A device as in claim 22, wherein:

a) an opening is provided in said cover and located for enhancing the transmission of sound therethrough.

34. A device as in claim 22, wherein:

a) a slot is provided in said cover and sized for receiving an electronic device therethrough; and

b) a closure is provided adjacent said slot for closing said slot sufficiently for preventing removal of an electronic device disposed inside said cover.

35. A device as in claim 34, wherein:

a) a fastener is provided for restricting operation of said closure.

36. A device as in claim 35, wherein:

a) said closure includes a zipper, and said fastener includes a hook-and-loop fastener.

37. A device as in claim 8, wherein:

a) a movable element is provided in said fluid.

38. A device as in claim 37, wherein:

a) said movable element includes a decorative element.

39. A device as in claim 38, wherein:

a) said movable element includes a toy.

40. A device as in claim 8, wherein:

a) said liquid, first layer, and said second layer are sufficiently thick so as to restrict inadvertent actuation of a key on a keypad of an electronic device disposed in said cover, in use.

41. A device as in claim 1, wherein:

a) said window includes a hard plastic.

42. A device as in claim 1, wherein:

a) a neck strap is provided.

43. A device as in claim 1, wherein:

a) said window is configured for magnifying the image of a device disposed within the cover, in use.

44. A device as in claim 8, wherein:

a) said liquid is selected for magnifying the image of a device disposed within the cover, in use.

45. A device as in claim 8, wherein:

a) said liquid, said first layer, and said second layer are selected for varying the size of the image of a device disposed within the cover, in use.