System and Method for Coordinating Designs

Abstract

A system and method for coordinating designs on a device cover and an electronic display. The device has a front face having an electronic display and a rear face. The cover at least partially covers the rear face of the device. The cover has an exposed face which is at least partially transparent. A design insert having a design is inserted between the rear face of the device and the exposed face such that the design insert is visible through the exposed face. A server is coupled to the device such that the device can retrieve electronic displays. This allows the electronic display to coordinate with the design insert visible through the exposed face. As such, the front of the device can coordinate with the back cover of the device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system and method for coordinating designs for a device.

2. Description of Related Art

Many devices, such as phones, laptops, and tablets, such as the iPad, have covers to protect them from damage. Often consumers desire the ability to express themselves, their interests, their teams, etc., by selecting a cover of their choice. Consequently it is desirable to have a system which allows for a more customizable cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of phone with an exploded cover in one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a design insert in one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a phone front face in one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a tear-off pad of design inserts in one embodiment;

FIG. 5 depicts a flow chart of a system in one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device with an exploded cover in one embodiment. FIG. 1 shows the device 101 lying on its front face so that the rear face 112 is shown. The device 101 can comprise virtually any electronic device with an electronic display. The device 101 can include phones, including but not limited to Apple Inc.'s iPhone or Samsung Inc.'s Galaxy, cameras, tablets such as iPads, Amazon Inc.'s Kindle, laptops, desktops, etc. As shown, the device 101 comprises a mobile phone. This is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting.

For illustration purposes, the device 101 is depicted as having camera equipment 104. As depicted this includes a lens and a flash though other equipment can also be utilized. The device 101 also comprises volume control 105 on the side of the device 101. Finally, the device 101 comprises a charging port 106. These features are for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. Devices which do not have these features, and devices which have more features can be suitably used.

FIG. 1 also depicts a cover 102a, b. A cover, as used herein, refers to an outer shell which at least partially covers the device 101. As will be discussed, in one embodiment the cover comprises an outer shell which partially covers the device 101 and which is at least partially transparent. An embodiment will first be discussed wherein the cover comprises two parts: a front cover 102b and a back cover 102a. This is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. As will be discussed in more detail below, in other embodiments the cover consists of a single integral piece.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the back cover 102a mates with the front cover 102b to cover the device 101. A back cover 102a is a cover which at least partially covers the back face 112 of the device 101. A front cover 102b is a cover which at least partially covers the front face 313 of the device 101. As depicted, the device 101 is sandwiched between the back cover 102a and the front cover 102b. In some embodiments the entire device 101 is covered with the cover 102a, b. In other embodiments the back cover 102a and/or the front cover 102b comprises gaps which expose portions of the device 101. For example, as depicted, the back cover 102a comprises a camera gap 103 which coincides with the location of the camera equipment 104. A camera gap 103 prevents the camera equipment 104 from being blocked by the back cover 102a. Likewise, as depicted, the back cover 102a comprises a controls gap 107 which allows the user access to the volume control 105. Finally, the back cover 102a, as depicted, comprises a charging port gap 108 which allows access to the charging port 106.

The front cover 102b, as depicted, comprises a touch screen gap 114 which allows the user to touch the touch screen of the device 101. While gaps have been described, in other embodiments gaps are not necessary. For example, referring to the back cover 102a, in one embodiment rather than having a charging port gap 108, the back cover 102a does not comprise a bottom side and instead the bottom is open and freely exposed. In such a manner there would be no need for a gap because the bottom side is open. In still other embodiments, rather than having a gap there is a moveable flap. For example, rather than there being a gap, or an absence of material, there is a covering. Referring again to the charging port gap 108 of the back cover 102a, in some embodiments the charging port gap 108 would further comprise a flap which normally closes the charging port 106 of the device 101, but which can be moved to grant access to the charging port 106.

In still other embodiments, rather than having a gap, the cover 102a, b utilizes a material which provides for the desired use of the device 101. For example, in one embodiment the control gap 107 is replaced with material which allows the volume controls 105 to be manipulated through the material. Likewise, in one embodiment rather than utilizing a touch screen gap 114 which has no material such that the touch screen is exposed, in other embodiments the touch screen is covered by a material which protects the touch screen and which simultaneously allows the touch screen to be used through the conductive material.

In one embodiment the back cover 102a couples to the front cover 102b. As depicted, the back cover 102a is coupled to the front cover 102b via male fittings 109 which engage a female fitting 110. In other embodiments the back cover 102a couples to the front cover 102b via a hinge. In one embodiment the back cover 102a releasably couples to the front cover 102b such that the two can be separated. The front 102b and the back 102a covers can be coupled via any method or device known in the art.

In still another embodiment the front cover 102b and the back cover 102a are integrally made as a single piece. In such embodiments there is no need to couple the front cover 102b and the back cover 102a as the two are a single integrated piece. In such embodiments, the device 101 can be inserted by stretching the cover material, sliding the device into a gap or void in the cover, or any other method known in the art.

In one embodiment the back cover 102a comprises a piece which covers the majority of the rear face 112 of the device 101. In one embodiment, the back cover 102a covers more the rear face 112 of the device 101 than the front cover 102b covers of the front face 114 of the device. In one embodiment, the front cover 102b covers only the periphery of the front face 114 and leaves the front face 114 otherwise exposed.

In still another embodiment, the cover comprises only a back cover 102a and no front cover 102b is utilized. In such an embodiment, a cover similar to the back cover 102a depicted in FIG. 1 is utilized, however, a front cover 102b is not needed. Instead, the back cover 102b affixes to the device 101 via friction and a snug fit. For example, in one embodiment the back cover 102b comprises sides, as depicted, and these sides provide a snug grip onto the device 101. In other embodiments, the back cover 102b comprises an open side in which the device can slide. For example, in one embodiment the back cover 102b comprises an open top. To affix the cover, the phone simply slides into the open top. In other embodiments the device 101 slides into an open bottom side, an open right side, or an open left side. In one embodiment, the cover comprises one or more open sides.

A cover which comprises only a back cover 102a or a front and back cover integrally made have several advantages. First, increased simplicity reduces the cost of manufacture and increases ease of use for the user. Second, because there is a single integral piece, there are fewer parts which could break.

In one embodiment the exposed face 115 of the back cover 102a comprises a design. The exposed face 115 is the side of the back cover 102a which is visible when the cover covers the device 101. A design, as used herein, refers to a pattern, text, logo, depiction, illustration, name, phrase, etc. The design can include a team logo, a product logo, a brand, a poem, etc. The design can further include patterns such as striped lines, polka dots, photos, maps, quotations, floral and any patterns or illustrations, etc.

In another embodiment, the exposed face 115 is at least partially transparent. In one embodiment, the majority of the exposed face 115 is transparent. In one embodiment the exposed face 115 comprises plastic or polymers and can be soft or hard. In one embodiment the exposed face 115 comprises both transparent and translucent portions. For example, in one embodiment wherein the exposed face 115 has curved sides, the curved sides are translucent whereas an area in a rectangular shape is transparent. Such an embodiment provides for the rectangular shaped inserts to be visible while keeping the curved edge translucent. In such an embodiment, a transparent area is framed by translucent edges.

In one embodiment a design insert 211 is inserted so as to be visible in the exposed face 115. FIG. 2 is a top view of a design insert 211 in one embodiment. A design insert 211 is an insert which comprises a design. The design insert 211 can comprise virtually any material including paper, plastic, cardboard, cardstock, PVC, etc.

The design insert 211 can be inserted in any way known in the art so that the design insert 211 is visible. In one embodiment the design insert 211 is placed atop the rear face 112 of the device 101 before the back cover 102a is affixed. In another embodiment, the design insert 211 is placed within the back cover 102a before the back cover 102a is affixed. In one embodiment the design inserts 211 fit inside the transparent exposed face 115 facing outwards so that the design insert 211 can be viewed through the transparent exposed face 115. The design inserts 211 can be changed by removing the cover, inserting the design insert 211, and then replacing the cover onto the phone. In still another embodiment, the back cover 102a comprises a design insert gap which allows the design insert 211 to be inserted after the back cover 102a is affixed. Put differently, in such an embodiment, there is a gap through which the design insert can be inserted and removed without having to first remove the device 101. Such an embodiment provides an advantage of not having to remove the cover 102a,b to replace the design insert 211. This allows the design insert 211 to be more readily changed.

Consumers are increasingly desirable of the ability to customize their devices. For example, if a customer is a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, they want a phone which can express that loyalty. Aside from expression, devices 101 such as phones, are becoming fashion accessories.

In one embodiment, the design insert 211 allows users the ability to customize the design on an as-needed basis. For example, if a user is wearing a purple dress, the user can select a design insert 211 which comprises a purple design. The design can simply be a solid purple design. Or the design can comprise purple polka dots. If, however, the user later changes into a black suit, the purple design insert 211 can be replaced with a black design insert 211. Such an ability offers the user an opportunity to customize their device and treat their device as a fashion accessory. In one embodiment, having a cover which comprises a single integral piece, the user can more easily change the design inserts 211.

The cover can be made of virtually any material including hard and soft plastics and other polymers. The cover can be made by virtually any method known in the art of casting a plastic including traditional molds and blow-molding.

In one embodiment, the electronic display 316 is modified to coordinate with the design insert 211. The electronic display 316 is the portion of the device 101 which displays information electronically on a screen. In one embodiment, the electronic display 316 is located on the front face 114 of the device 101. In one embodiment wherein the device 101 comprises a touch screen, the electronic display 316 is the touch screen. In one embodiment, modifying the electronic display 316 comprises modifying the background, often referred to as the “wallpaper”, and/or the homescreen of the device 101. In one embodiment a device 101 comprises a homescreen which appears when the device is in operation. In one embodiment the device 101 comprises a wallpaper which is displayed when the device is turned on, for example. In one embodiment the homescreen and wallpaper backgrounds can be independently altered. FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment wherein the background has been modified. It can be seen that applications, folders, etc. appear visible and are located atop of the background.

As noted, in one embodiment the electronic display 316 is modified to coordinate with the design insert 211. This coordination can include several options including matching, supplementing, etc. For example, in one embodiment the electronic display 316 is modified to match the design of the design insert 211. FIG. 3 is a top view of a phone front face in one embodiment. As depicted, the electronic display 316 has the same design as the design insert 211. In another embodiment, the electronic display 316 is modified to supplement the design insert 211. As an example, if the design insert 211 comprises a purple background with white polka dots, in one embodiment the electronic display 316 comprises a white background with purple polka dots. Likewise, the text of the electronic display 316 can supplement the design insert 211. For example, the electronic display 316 can read “DALLAS” whereas the design insert reads “COWBOYS.” In such a manner, the text is read together.

Coordinating the electronic display 316 with the design insert 211 provides several advantages. First, this allows the user to apply all the advantages of having a customizable design insert 211 to the electronic display 316. For example, if the user desires the device 101 to match an outfit, this allows both sides of the device 101 to match the outfit. As an example, in one embodiment the design insert 211 comprises an Eiffel Tower design. The electronic display 316 can be modified so that both visible sides of the device 101 comprise an Eiffel Tower design and/or pattern.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a tear-off pad of design inserts in one embodiment. The pad 421 comprises two or more design inserts 211 removably coupled. In one embodiment the design inserts 211 are not physically attached but are coupled within packaging. Thus, in one embodiment the design inserts 211 comprise individual loose design inserts 211. Thus, when the package is opened, individual design inserts 211 can be removed. In another embodiment at least two or more design inserts 211 are physically attached such that one design insert can be torn from the pad. Such a pad is referred to as a tear-off pad. In one such embodiment the design inserts 211 comprises an adhesive which joins two or more design inserts 211. In such a manner, one design insert 211 can be removed from the pad by applying an upward force upon the design insert 211. In another embodiment the design inserts 211 comprise a score line, perforation, or other line of weakness which allows the design inserts 211 to be separated from the pad 421.

A pad 421 provides the user with two or more design inserts 211 which can be used with the cover. A pad 421 provides the user increased flexibility and the ability to customize their device. Further, the pad 421 provides an organized manner of holding and securing the design inserts 211.

In one embodiment the pad 421 is provided to the user upon purchase. In one embodiment, the user may purchase or obtain additional pads 421.

FIG. 5 depicts a flow chart of a system in one embodiment. The system comprises a server 517 coupled to a database 518. The database 518 can be located on the server 517 or can be remotely coupled to the server 517. The database 518 houses and stores designs for electronic displays 316. Thus, for example, the database 518 stores the code necessary to present an electronic display 316.

In one embodiment the server 517 is coupled to the device 101 and/or the device network such that information from the server 517 can be downloaded by the device 101. If for example, the device 101 is a phone on the AT&T network, in one embodiment the server 517 is coupled to the AT&T network. In one embodiment the device 101 downloads the designs for electronic displays 316 over a network. This allows the user of a device 101 to download the design and set that design as its electronic display. This provides the user the ability to download new designs for electronic displays 316 virtually anywhere in the world at virtually any time. The server 517 can be coupled to the device 101 via any method known in the art. In one embodiment the server 517 is coupled to a computer 420 which in turn couples to the device 101.

In one embodiment the server 517 is coupled to a third-party server 519. A third-party server 519 is a server owned and operated by a third-party. In one embodiment, the server 517 makes contact with a third-party server 519 to obtain designs for electronic displays 316 and/or design inserts 211. For example, the third-party server 519 can be operated by Company XYZ. Company XYZ can transmit, via a third-party server 519 or by other methods, templates for designs for electronic displays 316 and/or design inserts 211. Users of the device 101 can then download these designs from server 517 at a cost or for free. Further, in one embodiment, users of the device 101 can download the designs directly from third-party servers 419.

In one embodiment the user is provided a downloadable code with the purchase of a cover and/or design inserts 211. The downloadable code corresponds to the designs inserts. The customer can then connect to a server, input the code, and download the corresponding wallpaper which matches the design insert 211. In one embodiment the downloading is done at no charge, whereas in other embodiments a fee is required for downloading the wallpaper.

To coordinate designs on the cover with an electronic display, the user selects a design insert. As noted, the user can select the design insert 211 for any purpose including coordinating outfits, expressing loyalty, etc. Then, the design insert 211 is inserted between a rear face of a device and an exposed face on a cover. The design insert 211 can be inserted using any methods discussed herein. Next, an electronic display 316 which coordinates with the design insert 211 is selected. It should be noted that this selection can occur prior to or subsequent to selection of the design insert. Selection of an electronic display 316 can comprise selecting an electronic display 316 already stored on the device or it can include coupling to a server 517 as previously discussed.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

The following clauses are offered as further description of the disclosed invention.

1. A system for coordinating designs on a device cover and an electronic display, said system comprising:

a device comprising a front face and a rear face, wherein said front face comprises an electronic display;

a cover which at least partially covers the rear face of said device, wherein said cover comprises an exposed face, wherein said exposed face comprises a transparent portion; and

a design insert located between said rear face of said device and said exposed face, wherein said design insert is visible through said exposed face, and wherein said design insert comprises a design.

2. The system of clause 1, said system comprising:

a server coupled to a database, wherein said database stores designs for electronic displays, wherein said device is coupled to said server to retrieve a design for said electronic display, wherein said design for said electronic display coordinates with said design insert.

3. The system of any preceding clause wherein said design for said electronic display is the same as the design for said design insert.

4. The system of any preceding clause wherein said design for said electronic display supplements the design insert.

5. The system of any preceding clause further comprising a pad of design inserts.

6. The system of clause 5 wherein pad comprises a tear off pad.

7. The system of clause 6 wherein said design inserts comprise adhesive.

8. The system of clause 6 wherein said design inserts comprise perforations.

9. The system of any preceding clause wherein said cover consists of a single integral piece.

10. The system of any preceding clause further comprising a code to access said server.

11. A method for coordinating designs on a device cover and an electronic display, said method comprising:

a) inserting said design insert between a rear face of a device and an exposed face on a cover;

b) selecting an electronic display for said device, wherein said electronic display coordinates with said design insert; and

c) selecting a design insert.

12. The method of clause 11 wherein said selecting a design insert comprises selecting a design insert from a design insert pad.

13. The method of clauses 11-12 wherein said device comprises a front face and a rear face, wherein said front face comprises an electronic display.

14. The method of clause 13 wherein said cover at least partially covers the rear face of said device, wherein said cover comprises an exposed face, wherein said exposed face comprises a transparent portion.

15. The method of clause 14 wherein said design insert is visible through said exposed face.

16. The method of clause 11-15 wherein said selecting of step c) comprises coupling to a server coupled to a database, and wherein said database stores designs for electronic displays.

17. The method of clause 16 wherein said electronic display is downloaded from said server.

18. The method of clause 16 wherein said selecting of step c) comprises inputting a code which corresponds to an electronic display.

19. The method of clauses 11-18 wherein said inserting of step b) comprises placing a design insert on an inside face of the exposed face, and then placing said cover on said device.

20. The method of clauses 11-19 wherein said selecting of step c) occurs prior to the selecting of step a).

Claims

1. A system for coordinating designs on a device cover and an electronic display, said system comprising:

a device comprising a front face and a rear face, wherein said front face comprises an electronic display;

a cover which at least partially covers the rear face of said device, wherein said cover comprises an exposed face, wherein said exposed face comprises a transparent portion; and

a design insert located between said rear face of said device and said exposed face, wherein said design insert is visible through said exposed face, and wherein said design insert comprises a design.

2. The system of claim 1, said system comprising:

a server coupled to a database, wherein said database stores designs for electronic displays, wherein said device is coupled to said server to retrieve a design for said electronic display, wherein said design for said electronic display coordinates with said design insert.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said design for said electronic display is the same as the design for said design insert.

4. The system of claim 2 wherein said design for said electronic display supplements the design insert.

5. The system of claim 2 further comprising a pad of design inserts.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein pad comprises a tear off pad.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein said design inserts comprise adhesive.

8. The system of claim 6 wherein said design inserts comprise perforations.

9. The system of claim 2 wherein said cover consists of a single integral piece.

10. The system of claim 2 further comprising a code to access said server.

11. A method for coordinating designs on a device cover and an electronic display, said method comprising:

a) inserting said design insert between a rear face of a device and an exposed face on a cover;

b) selecting an electronic display for said device, wherein said electronic display coordinates with said design insert; and

c) selecting a design insert.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein said selecting a design insert comprises selecting a design insert from a design insert pad.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein said device comprises a front face and a rear face, wherein said front face comprises an electronic display.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein said cover at least partially covers the rear face of said device, wherein said cover comprises an exposed face, wherein said exposed face comprises a transparent portion.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein said design insert is visible through said exposed face.

16. The method of claim 11 wherein said selecting of step c) comprises coupling to a server coupled to a database, and wherein said database stores designs for electronic displays.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein said electronic display is downloaded from said server.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein said selecting of step c) comprises inputting a code which corresponds to an electronic display.

19. The method of claim 11 wherein said inserting of step b) comprises placing a design insert on an inside face of the exposed face, and then placing said cover on said device.

20. The method of claim 11 wherein said selecting of step c) occurs prior to the selecting of step a).