DEVICE COVER AND METHODS INCLUDING THE SAME

Abstract

A device cover for receiving a hand-held electronic device includes a case having a backing and a side wall that together bound a device receiving area. The backing and side wall include openings for receiving, accessing, and/or accommodating features of the device and cover. The backing can have a strap receiving member at a first end and a strap securing member at an opposing second end. The receiving member can receive a first portion of a detachable strap therein and the strap securing member can secure an opposing second end of the strap thereto. The receiving member and/or securing member can be configured for quick release of the detachable strap therefrom. The strap can include a receiving member attachment element and/or securing member attachment element. The strap can be connected to one or both of the receiving member and the securing member during use.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/478,131, filed Dec. 31, 2013, entitled “Device Cover With Detachable Strap,” the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to device covers and related methods of assembly and use. In particular, the present disclosure relates to hand-held, electronic device covers having a detachable strap, and to methods of assembling and using the same.

2. The Relevant Technology

Handheld electronic devices, such as mobile phones, MP3 players, tablets, mini-tablets, notebooks, laptops, 2-in1s, PDAs, data organizers, etc., have continued to grow in popularity around the world. Such devices often include fragile components, such as glass, electrical circuits, batteries, and other features. A variety of device covers and/or cases are now available for protecting such devices against damage from impact, moisture, dust, and other harmful external factors.

Handheld devices are often carried from one place to another. Frequently, the device is carried in the open or even used during transit. For instance, cell phones are frequently used while walking, running, exercising, bike riding, driving, etc. During such mobile activities, mobile devices can be dropped and damaged, or even destroyed. Accordingly, a versatile, attachable, and/or re-arrangeable securing mechanism is needed to accommodate device use and safe transport.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Implementations of the present disclosure provide device covers and methods of assembling and using the same. In particular, various implementations include covers for hand-held electronic devices, the covers having a casing element having opposing first and second ends, and a detachable strap having opposing first and second portions secured to the casing element at the opposing first and second ends, respectively. The casing element can have a backing and a side wall extending from a perimeter of the backing The side wall can at least partially encircle or surround a portion of the backing and/or the backing and the side wall can at least partially bound a device receiving area of the casing.

In at least one implementation, the backing and/or side wall can have an interior surface adjacent to the device receiving area, an exterior surface opposite the device receiving area, and/or at one or more apertures extending therethrough. At least one of the one or more apertures extending through the backing can comprise a strap receiving opening configured for receiving a portion of the strap therein. Alternatively, or in addition, an aperture extending through the backing and/or side wall can comprise an accessibility opening configured to provide access to a feature of a device disposed in the receiving area from the exterior surface.

The strap can comprise a (circular) loop connectable to one or more ends to the casing element. For instance, the strap can comprise a linear strip of fabric having opposing ends thereof brought into proximity one with another and secured into a loop. In at least one implementation, the strap can include one or more strap fastening elements (e.g., for securing opposing ends together) and/or one or more securing members adapted for interfacing and/or engaging with at least a portion of the casing element. In an alternative implementation, the strap can comprise a lanyard, rope, cord, cable, or other securing member. The strap can be configured for being worn around the hand, wrist, arm, shoulder, neck, or other body part. In addition, the strap can be configured for being attached to an object, such as a hook, coat rack, key ring, or any other suitable securing means or object to which a casing may be attached. The strap can be adjustable in length and/or disposed about the exterior surface in some implementations. Furthermore, additional strap(s) can be attached to the first strap, thereby increasing utility and/or length.

In one or more implementations the cover can include at least one strap securing element disposed at the second end of the casing element and/or at least one strap receiving element disposed at the opposing first end of the casing element. The strap securing element can be adapted to releasably secure the second portion of the strap thereto. The second portion of the strap can comprise a securing element attachment member adapted for being releasably secured to the at least one strap securing element.

In certain implementations, the at least one strap securing element can comprise a stem protruding from the outer or exterior surface of the side wall opposite the receiving area. The stem can substantially prevent retraction or movement of the securing element attachment member in a first direction when the securing element attachment member is engaged with the stem. The stem can have a proximal end connected to the casing element (e.g., to the side wall) and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The stem, or distal end thereof, can be removably coupled to the casing element in some implantations. Thus, the casing element (or side wall thereof) can include a stem receiving element. The stem receiving element can comprise a hole or cavity into which the stem (or proximal end thereof) can be inserted, and/or an attachment member attached to which it can be secured.

The distal end of the stem can have a cap or retaining element disposed thereat, the retaining element substantially preventing retraction of the securing element attachment member in a second direction when the securing element attachment member is engaged with the capping element. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction in some implementations. The retaining element can also be removable in at least one implementation.

In some implementations, the at least one strap receiving element can be configured to receive at least a portion of the opposing first portion of the strap at least partially therein. The first portion of the strap can comprise a receiving element attachment member adapted for being at least partially received within the at least one strap receiving element. In at least one implementation, the at least one strap receiving element can comprise opposing first and second receiving members. The receiving element attachment member can comprise (an elongated) securing member comprising a first end and an opposing second end. The opposing first and second ends can be adapted for being at least partially received within the opposing first and second receiving members, respectively. The strap can be at least partially rotatable about or swively connected to the at least one strap receiving element such that the strap can rotate or swivel about the at least one strap receiving element when the second portion of the strap is in an unsecured configuration.

In at least one implementation, the at least one strap receiving element can comprise an opening extending through the casing element and at least one receiving member. The opening can be configured to permit passage of the strap therethrough in a feeding direction. The at least one receiving member can be configured to substantially prevent passage of the receiving element attachment member therethrough in the feeding direction.

In one or more implementations, the at least one strap securing element can comprise at least a first strap securing element disposed at the second end of the casing element and at least a second strap securing element disposed at the opposing first end of the casing element. One or more of the first and second strap securing elements can be adapted to releasably secure the first and/or second portion of the strap thereto. The strap can comprise a first end and an opposing second end. The opposing first and second ends of the strap can be secured together at a third portion of strap. The third portion of the strap can be disposed at least partially between the opposing first and second portions. In addition, the strap can further comprise a strap securing element configured to secure together the opposing first and second ends.

Certain implementations can be directed towards methods of assembling and/or using a hand-held device cover. For instance, at least one implementation can include a method of removably securing a detachable strap to a casing element of a hand-held device cover. The method can include inserting a first portion of a strap into a strap receiving element disposed at a first end of the casing element such that the strap is at least partially secured to the strap receiving element. The strap receiving element can substantially prevent movement of the first portion of the strap in at least a first direction. The method can also include removably securing an opposing second portion of the strap to a strap securing element disposed at an opposing second end of the casing element, the strap securing element substantially preventing movement of the opposing second portion of the strap in at least a second direction.

In one or more implementations, inserting the first portion of a strap into the strap receiving element can comprise inserting the second portion of a strap into an opening extending through the casing element from the interior surface and advancing the strap through the opening toward the exterior surface until the first portion of the strap engages with one or more receiving members. Accordingly, the second portion of the strap can be fed into the opening from the interior surface of the casing element and the strap advanced toward the exterior surface through the opening. The first portion of the strap can comprise a receiving element attachment member adapted for engaging with the one or more receiving members of the strap receiving element. The one or more receiving members can substantially prevent movement of the receiving element attachment member toward the strap securing element disposed at the opposing second end of the casing element.

Alternatively, the strap receiving element can comprise one or more receiving members disposed on an exterior surface of the casing element, the first portion of the strap comprising a receiving element attachment member adapted for engaging with the one or more receiving members of the strap receiving element. Accordingly, inserting the first portion of the strap into the strap receiving element can comprise inserting at least a portion of the receiving element attachment member at least partially into the one or more receiving members, the one or more receiving members substantially preventing movement of the receiving element attachment member toward the strap securing element disposed at the opposing second end of the casing element.

Furthermore, the strap securing element can comprise a stem protruding from the exterior surface of the casing element (e.g., side wall) and the second portion of the strap can comprise a securing element attachment member adapted for engaging with the stem, the stem substantially preventing movement of the securing element attachment member in the second direction when the securing element attachment member is engaged with the stem. The stem can have a proximal end connected to the exterior surface and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the distal end having a capping element disposed thereat, the capping element substantially preventing movement of the securing element attachment member in a third direction when the securing element attachment member is engaged with the capping element.

Additional features and advantages of exemplary implementations of the present invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations. The features and advantages of such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope.

FIG. 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of a hand-held device cover in a secured configuration in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the hand-held device cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a right side view of the hand-held device cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a left side view of the hand-held device cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the hand-held device cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the hand-held device cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of a hand-held device and cover in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of the hand-held device cover of FIG. 1 in an unsecured configuration;

FIG. 9 illustrates a rear perspective view of some components of the hand-held device cover of FIGS. 1;

FIG. 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of some components of a hand-held device cover in accordance with another implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a rear perspective view of some components of a hand-held device cover in accordance with another implementation of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate some components of a hand-held device cover strap in a series of assembled configurations in accordance with another implementation of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate perspective views of a hand-held device cover in partially assembled and secured configurations in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to parameters of the particularly exemplified systems, methods, apparatus, products, processes, compositions, and/or kits, which may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the present disclosure, and is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner. Thus, while the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to specific configurations, the descriptions are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention. Various modifications can be made to the illustrated configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Thus, while various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. While a number of methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present disclosure, only certain exemplary materials and methods are described herein.

Various aspects of the present disclosure, including devices, systems, methods, etc., may be illustrated with reference to one or more exemplary implementations. As used herein, the term “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations disclosed herein. In addition, reference to an “implementation” of the present disclosure or invention includes a specific reference to one or more embodiments thereof, and is intended to provide illustrative examples without limiting the scope of the invention, which is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the following description.

As used throughout this application the words “can” and “may” are used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Additionally, the terms “including,” “having,” “involving,” “containing,” “characterized by,” variants thereof (e.g., “includes,” “has,” and “involves,” “contains,” etc.), and similar terms as used herein, including the claims, shall be inclusive and/or open-ended, shall have the same meaning as the word “comprising” and variants thereof (e.g., “comprise” and “comprises”), and do not exclude additional, un-recited elements or method steps, illustratively.

It will be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to an “element” includes one, two, or more elements. Similarly, reference to a plurality of referents should be interpreted as comprising a single referent and/or a plurality of referents unless the content and/or context clearly dictate otherwise. Thus, reference to “elements” does not necessarily require a plurality of such elements. Instead, it will be appreciated that independent of conjugation; one or more elements are contemplated herein.

As used herein, directional and/or arbitrary terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “internal,” “external,” “interior,” “exterior,” “proximal,” “distal” and the like can be used solely to indicate relative directions and/or orientations and may not otherwise be intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, including the specification, invention, and/or claims.

Various aspects of the present disclosure can be illustrated by describing components that are coupled, attached, connected, and/or joined together. As used herein, the terms “coupled”, “attached”, “connected,” and/or “joined” are used to indicate either a direct connection between two components or, where appropriate, an indirect connection to one another through intervening or intermediate components. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being “directly coupled”, “directly attached”, “directly connected,” and/or “directly joined” to another component, no intervening elements are present or contemplated. Thus, as used herein, the terms “connection,” “connected,” and the like do not necessarily imply direct contact between the two or more elements.

Where possible, like numbering of elements have been used in various figures. Furthermore, alternative configurations of a particular element may each include separate letters appended to the element number. Accordingly, an appended letter can be used to designate an alternative design, structure, function, implementation, and/or embodiment of an element or feature without an appended letter. Similarly, multiple instances of an element and or sub-elements of a parent element may each include separate letters appended to the element number. In each case, the element label may be used without an appended letter to generally refer to instances of the element or any one of the alternative elements. Element labels including an appended letter can be used to refer to a specific instance of the element or to distinguish or draw attention to multiple uses of the element. However, element labels including an appended letter are not meant to be limited to the specific and/or particular embodiment(s) in which they are illustrated. In other words, reference to a specific feature in relation to one embodiment should not be construed as being limited to applications only within said embodiment.

It is also noted that systems, methods, apparatus, devices, products, processes, compositions, and/or kits, etc., according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties, features, components, members, and/or elements described in other embodiments disclosed and/or described herein. Thus, reference to a specific feature in relation to one embodiment should not be construed as being limited to applications only within said embodiment.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

In general, implementations of the present disclosure are directed towards device cover assemblies and methods of assembling and using the same. In particular, various implementations include covers for hand-held electronic devices, the covers having a casing element having opposing first and second ends, and a detachable strap having opposing first and second portions secured to the casing element at the opposing first and second ends, respectively. An illustrative method of removably securing a detachable strap to a casing element of a hand-held device cover can include inserting a first portion of the strap into a strap receiving element disposed at a first end of the casing element such that the strap is at least partially secured to the strap receiving element, and removably securing an opposing second portion of the strap to a strap securing element disposed at an opposing second end of the casing element.

Device Covers

Depicted in FIG. 1 is one implementation of a device cover 10 having a casing element 12 extending between a first end 14 and an opposing second end 16, and a detachable strap 50 secured to casing element 12 at first end 14 and at opposing second end 16. Strap 50 can comprise a first portion 52 and an opposing second portion 54. First end 14 of casing element 12 can be the bottom end thereof and second end 16 of casing element 12 can be the top end thereof. It will be appreciated, however, that first end 14 and opposing second end 16 can be disposed in any suitable orientation or configuration, including top to bottom, bottom to top, side to side, or diagonally. First portion 52 of strap 50 can be attached to casing element 12 at first end 14 of casing element 12, and second portion 54 of strap 50 can be attached to casing element 12 at second end 16 of casing element 12.

Casing element 12 can comprise a backing 18 and a sidewall 20 extending from backing 18. For instance, sidewall 20 can extend from a perimeter 22 of backing 18. Backing 18 can have an exterior surface 24 disposed on one side thereof and an interior surface 26 (FIG. 2) disposed opposite exterior surface 24. Similarly, sidewall 20 can have an outer surface 28 and an inner surface 29 (FIG. 2). Casing element 12 can further include at least one strap receiving element 30. Strap receiving element 30 can be disposed at first end 14 of casing element 12. Strap receiving element 30 can comprise at least one receiving member 32. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 1, strap receiving element 30 can comprise opposing receiving members 32a and 32b. Strap 50 can also be adjustable in length such that strap 50 can be tightly or loosely associated with exterior surface 24 of backing 18

Strap receiving element 30 can also comprise at least one opening 34. As illustrated in FIG. 1, an opening 34 can extend through casing element 12, or backing 18 thereof, between exterior surface 24 and interior surface 26. In addition, casing element 12, or backing 18 thereof, can include one or more additional openings 36. Similarly, casing element 12, or sidewall 20 thereof, can include one or more additional openings 38. Additional openings 36 and 38 can be adapted for providing access to one or more device features or accessories (e.g., buttons, switches, cameras, speakers, microphones, etc.) from outside device cover 10.

Casing element 12 can further include at least one strap securing element 40. Strap securing element 40 can be disposed at second end 16 of casing element 12. As illustrated in FIG. 1, strap securing element 40 can comprise a stem 42. Stem 42 can extend from an exterior or outer surface of casing element 12. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 1, stem 42 extends from outer surface 28 of sidewall 20. In an alternative implementation, stem 42 can extend from exterior surface 24 of backing 18. Turning briefly to FIG. 8, stem 42 can have a proximal end 44 connected to casing element 12 (e.g., sidewall 20 and/or backing 18) and a distal end 46 opposite proximal end 44. Strap securing element 40 can also include a capping and/or retaining element 48. Retaining element 48 can be disposed at distal end 46 of stem 42.

Returning to FIG. 1, strap 50 can include a receiving element attachment member 56 disposed at or adjacent to the first portion 52. Receiving element attachment member 56 can engage with and/or be received at least partially within receiving element 34 or receiving member(s) 32 thereof. Receiving member 32 can comprise a mound-shaped socket or other cupping member extending from casing element 12 and/or backing 18 thereof. Receiving element attachment member 56 can secure first portion 52 of strap 52 to first end 14 of casing element 12 when receiving element attachment member 56 is engaged with receiving element 30. As will be discussed in further detail below, receiving element attachment member 56 can be rotatably and/or swively connected to strap receiving element 30 and/or receiving member(s) 32 thereof.

Strap 50 can also include a securing element attachment member 58 disposed at or adjacent to second portion 54. Securing element attachment member 58 can engage with and/or be connected to securing element 40. For instance, securing element attachment member 58 can comprise a body 60 having a securing opening 62 disposed therein or therethrough. Body 60 and/or securing opening 62 can be disposed about stem 42 of securing element 40. For instance, body 60 can have an at least partially annular configuration such that body 60 at least partially surrounds stem 42. Accordingly, stem 42 can prevent substantial retraction and/or movement of securing element attachment member 58 in at least one direction. For instance, when securing element attachment member 58 is engaged with stem 42, stem 42 can prevent securing element attachment member 58 from moving across the outer surface 28 of sidewall 20, and thereby toward first end 14. Accordingly, sidewall 20 can also substantially prevent securing element attachment member 58 from moving toward first and 14.

Similarly, retaining element 48 can prevent securing element attachment member 58 from moving substantially in a second direction. In some implementations, the second direction can be substantially perpendicular to the first direction. For instance, retaining element 48 can substantially prevent securing element attachment member 58 from moving (upward) so as to disengage from stem 42. Thus, retaining element 48 can retain securing element attachment member 58 in an engaged configuration with stem 42. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that while securing element 40 (or stem 42 and/or retaining element 48 thereof) can substantially prevent movement of securing element attachment member 58 toward first end 14 in an engaged configuration, that securing element attachment member 58 can be released from securing element 40. For instance, securing element attachment member 58 can be releasably secured to securing element 40. In at least one implementation, securing element attachment member 58 can be released from securing element 40 by means of securing opening 62. For instance, securing element attachment member 58 can be connected to securing element 40 by a quick release attachment mechanism. For instance, securing element 40 can be releasably connectable to casing element 12 (or side wall 20 thereof). Additional implementations can include a clip, snap, flip, or other quick release mechanism.

Body 60 of securing element attachment member 58 can be disposed at least partially beneath retaining element 48 of securing element 40. Thus, retaining element 48 can prevent upward movement of securing element attachment member 58 thereby retaining engagement of body 60 with securing element 40. Accordingly, in other implementations, securing element attachment member 58 can be disengaged from securing element 40 by removing contact between body 60 and stem 42, and then lifting securing element attachment member 58 over retaining element 48.

Turning now to FIG. 2, cover 10 can include a receiving area 70. For instance, backing 18 (or interior surface 26 thereof) and sidewall 20 (or inner surface 29 thereof) can at least partially bound receiving area 70. Receiving area 70 can be configured to receive one or more devices therein. For instance, various implementations of device cover 10 can be specifically configured and/or designed to accommodate and/or receive various types of devices. FIG. 2 also illustrates one or more recessed portions 21 in sidewall 20. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that recessed portions 21 can be adapted for providing access to one or more device features or accessories (e.g., buttons, switches, speakers, microphones, cameras, etc.) from outside device cover 10.

As indicated above, strap 50 and/or receiving element attachment member 56 thereof can be received at least partially within strap receiving element 30 and/or opening 34 thereof at first end 14 of casing element 12. For instance, opening 34 can comprise a major opening 34a and one or more minor openings 34b. Receiving element attachment member 56 can comprise a securing member 64. Securing member 64 can comprise an elongated member (e.g., rod or bar) configured to extend between opposing minor openings 34b. Opposing receiving members 32a and 32b (FIG. 1) can be disposed at the rear end of opposing minor openings 34b, respectively. However, major opening 34a can have an open configuration at the rear end thereof (see FIG. 9). Accordingly, strap 50 can be configured to pass through opening 34 or major opening 34a thereof. However, securing member 64 can be received into minor openings 34b can become engaged with receiving members 32a and 32b, thereby preventing securing member 64 from moving further through opening 34 (in a third direction).

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate opposing side views of device cover 10 having strap 50 secured and/or in a secured configuration about exterior surface 24 of backing 18 of casing element 12. Accordingly, securing element attachment member 58 is disposed at least partially beneath capping element 48 and receiving element attachment member 56 is disposed at least partially within receiving element 30. Strap 50 can be disposed at least partially against exterior surface 24. For instance, strap 50 can have a low-profile relative to backing 18 or exterior surface 24 thereof.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate, respectively, a top view and a bottom view of device cover 10 having strap 50 secured and/or in a secured configuration. Accordingly, securing element attachment member 58 is engaged with strap securing element 40 as depicted in

FIG. 5. In particular, body 60 of securing element attachment member 58 is disposed partially beneath retaining element 48 of securing element 40. However, securing opening 62 of body 60 can be larger than retaining element 48 such that proper positioning of securing element attachment member 58 will allow for disengagement of body 60 from retaining element 48. FIG. 6 illustrates receiving element attachment member 56 engaged with strap receiving element 30. In particular, receiving members 32a and 32b are engaged with securing member 64. FIGS. 5 and 6 also illustrate top and bottom recessed portions 21.

FIG. 7 illustrates a device 100 configured to be received within receiving area 70 of device cover 10. Accordingly, cover 10 and/or receiving area 70 thereof is specifically and/or precisely configured to receive device 100. Importantly, secured strap 50 and/or receiving element attachment member 56 thereof, and/or securing member 64 thereof, can be disposed within opening 34 and may not extend and/or protrude into receiving area 70. In particular, secured strap 50 and/or receiving element attachment member 56 thereof, and/or securing member 64 thereof, may not extend beyond interior surface 26 of backing 18 such that device 100 can fit in and/or be received within receiving area 70 without interference from any portion or component of strap 50.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that device cover 10 can be custom made to accommodate and/or receive device 100. Accordingly, alternatively configured devices may not be compatible with certain configurations or implementations of device cover 10. However, alternatively designed and/or implemented device covers 10 may be compatible with such alternatively configured devices.

FIG. 8 illustrates a device cover 10 having strap 50 in an unsecured or disengaged configuration. Accordingly, securing element attachment member 58 is disengaged from securing element 40. However, receiving element attachment member 56 can still be engaged with and/or attached to receiving element 30 (or receiving member(s) 32 thereof). FIG. 8 further illustrates that strap 50 can be rotatably and/or swively attached to casing element 12. For instance, receiving element attachment member 56 can be rotatably and/or swively attached to receiving element 30 (or receiving member(s) 32 thereof). Accordingly, in the illustrated unsecured or disengaged configuration, strap 50 may rotate or swivel away from backing 18 to at least partially extend away from casing 12.

In addition, strap 50 can be configured with strap members 50a and 50b, forming a loop 51. Loop 51 can comprise a hand, wrist, arm, or other receiving opening. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that loop 51 can also exist and/or be used when strap 50 is in a secured or engaged configuration.

FIG. 9 illustrates cover 10 having strap 50 (not shown) removed entirely therefrom. As illustrated in FIG. 9, major opening 34a can extend entirely through backing 18 of casing element 12. However, minor opening 34b can extend only partially through casing element 12 in some implementations. In particular, minor opening 34b can extend into receiving element 30 and/or receiving member 32 thereof (e.g., opposing receiving members 32a and 32b). Accordingly, minor opening 34b may not extend entirely through backing 18 of casing element 12. Rather, minor opening 34b may be configured as a cavity within receiving element 30 and/or receiving member 32 thereof. As indicated above, receiving member 32 can comprise a mound-shaped socket or other cupping member extending from casing element 12 and/or backing 18 thereof. FIG. 9 further illustrates that receiving member 32 can comprise an upper surface 35 sloping upwardly from casing element 12 and/or packing 18 thereof and terminating at an inner side wall 33 having minor opening 34b disposed therein.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cover 10a in which strap 50 has again been removed therefrom. Cover 10a can be configured similar to cover 10 with at least one notable difference. In particular, cover 10a can include an alternatively configured strap receiving element 30a. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 10, major opening 34a extends entirely through backing 18a of casing element 12a, and minor opening 34b extends partially through backing 18a of casing element 12a. However, receiving element 30a does not include opposing receiving members 32a and 32b. Instead, backing 18a provides the rear end of minor opening 34a. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that receiving element attachment member 56 (FIG. 2) can still be received at least partially into opening 34, including major opening 34a and minor opening 34b. In particular, securing member 64 (FIG. 2) can be inserted into opposing openings 34c, thereby securing strap 50 (FIG. 2) thereto.

FIG. 11 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a cover 10b in which strap 50 has again been removed therefrom. Cover 10b can also be configured similar to cover 10 with at least one notable difference. In particular, cover 10b can include an alternatively configured strap receiving element 30b. For instance, receiving element 30b does not include an opening 34 in casing element 12b and/or backing 18b thereof. Instead, receiving element 30b comprises opposing receiving members 32c and 32d. As illustrated in FIG. 10, receiving element 30b and/or receiving members 32c and 32d thereof, can (each) include an opening 34c. In certain implementations, opening 34c can comprise a tunnel or cavity extending at least partially into an inner side wall 33 of receiving element 30b and/or receiving members 32c and 32d thereof. However, opening 34c does not extend through to receiving area 70 (FIG. 2). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that receiving element attachment member 56 (FIG. 2) and/or securing member 64 thereof can still be received at least partially into opening 34c. For instance, securing member 64 (FIG. 2) can comprise a rigid, flexible, spring-loaded, or other suitably configured rod or bar adapted for be inserted into opposing openings 34c, thereby securing strap 50 (FIG. 2) thereto.

In at least one implementation, securing member 64 can be integral with one or more components of the cover. For instance, securing member 64 can be integral with strap receiving element 30 and/or receiving member(s) 32 thereof, or strap fastening element 65 (FIG. 1) in some implementations.

Additional alternative configurations are also contemplated herein. For instance, in addition to the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, strap 50 may be alternatively disposed about casing element 12. As indicated above, first end 14 and opposing second end 16 can be disposed in any suitable orientation or configuration, including top to bottom, bottom to top, side to side, or diagonally. Accordingly, strap 50 can be disposed longitudinally, transversely, or diagonally across casing element 12 between first end 14 and second end 16.

Cover 10 can further comprise a second detachable strap 50 (not shown) removably secured to casing element 12 (e.g., at opposing third and fourth ends of casing element 12). The second strap can also comprise opposing first and second portions 52, 54 and/or the second strap can also be disposed longitudinally, transversely, or diagonally across casing element 12 (e.g., between the opposing third and fourth ends). The opposing third and fourth ends can be arranged adjacent to or opposite from the first and second ends. Accordingly, the first and second straps can be disposed in a parallel configuration extending longitudinally, transversely, or diagonally across casing element 12. Alternatively, the first and second straps can be disposed crosswise about casing element 12. For instance, the first strap can extend substantially longitudinally about casing element 12 and a second strap can extend substantially transversely about casing element 12, or vice versa. In a further implementation, the first and second straps can extend diagonally crosswise from opposing sides, ends, and/or corners of casing element 12. Alternatively, a first strap can extend diagonally about casing element 12 and a second strap can extend longitudinally or transversely across casing element 12.

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate various components of an example strap 50 in a series of assembled configurations. For instance, strap 50 can include a band 49 having a first end 53a and an opposing second end 53b. As indicated above, securing element attachment member 58 can include body 60 having securing opening 62 extending therethrough. Securing element attachment member 58 can also include a looping opening 63 extending therethrough. In at least one implementation, securing opening 62 can be disposed at a rounded end of body 60 and/or looping opening 63 can be disposed at a flat end of body 60.

Strap 50 can also include securing member 64 and/or a strap fastening element 65. As illustrated in FIG. 12C, securing member 64 can be disposed at least partially within loop 51. For instance, first end 53a of strap 50 can be partially wrapped around securing member 64. Second end 53b of strap 50 can be disposed and/or positioned adjacent to the first end 53a at a third portion 55 of strap 50. Strap fastening element 65 can secure and/or retain the first end 53a and second end 53b in a secured configuration as in FIG. 12D. For instance, strap fastening element 65 can comprise a clamp, clip, strap, wrap, or other suitable fastening element. In at least one implementation, third portion 55 of strap 50 can be disposed at least partially between first portion 52 and second portion 54.

Methods of Assembling

Exemplary methods of assembling strap 50 and/or cover 10 will now be described. In one embodiment, strap 50 can be preassembled prior to assembly of cover 10. For instance, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12B, second end 53b of band 49 can be fed through looping opening 63 of securing element attachment member 58 and/or body 60 thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 12C, a portion of first end 53a of band 49 can be wrapped and/or looped around securing member 64 and/or second end 53b of band 49 can be brought into proximity with first end 53a of band 49, forming loop 51. First end 53a and second end 53b of band 49 can then be fastened and/or secured together by means of strap fastening element 65, as illustrated in FIG. 12D, such that first portion 52 of strap 50 comprises securing member 64, second portion 54 of strap 50 comprises securing element attachment member 58, and third portion 55 of strap 50 comprises strap fastening element 65. In other words, securing member 64 can be disposed at first portion 52 of strap 50, securing element attachment member 58 can be disposed at second portion 54 of strap 50, and strap fastening element 65 can be disposed at third portion 55 strap 50. As indicated above, third portion 55 can be disposed between first portion 52 and a second portion 54.

In at least one alternative implementation, securing member 64 can be associated with, integral with, attached to, connected to, and/or inserted into a portion of strap fastening element 65. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 1, receiving element attachment member 56 can comprise strap fastening element 65. First end 53a can be looped into a socket 66 of strap fastening element 65. For instance, first end 53a can be doubled-back or folded and inserted into socket 66. Securing member 64 can be inserted through a portion of strap fastening element 65 (e.g., through one or more lateral openings 68) (FIG. 1). Second end 53b can again be fed through looping opening 63 of body 60 of securing element attachment member 58 and inserted into socket 66 and into proximity with looped first end 53a. Strap fastening element 65 can then be clamped, clipped, crimped, and/or otherwise altered or adapted to secure first end 53a, second end 53b, and/or securing member 64 therein.

It will be appreciated that other methods for assembling strap 50 are also contemplated herein. For instance, band 49 can comprise a continuous, seamless, and/or preassembled circular body or configuration forming or having loop 51. Accordingly, first and second ends of band 49 may not need to be fastened or secured together by means of strap fastening element 65. However, strap fastening element 65 may still be used to retain securing member 64 within a portion of loop 51. Securing element attachment member 58 can be alternatively configured to associate with a second portion 54 of strap 50. For instance, securing element attachment member 58, securing opening 62, and/or looping opening 63 can include a releasable attachment mechanism adapted for clipping and/or looping strap 50 at second portion 54 thereof. Thus, securing element attachment member 58 can be configured for attachment to strap 50 without having a free end of strap 50 fed therethrough in some implementations.

Turning now to FIGS. 13A and 13B, (assembled) strap 50 can be connected to casing element 12 in order to form cover 10. In at least one implementation, second portion 54 (or securing element attachment member 58 thereof) of strap 50 can be inserted through opening 34 (or at least major opening 34a thereof). It will be appreciated that securing element attachment member 58, band 49, and/or at least a portion of strap fastening element 65 can be configured to pass (entirely) through opening 34 (or at least major opening 34a thereof). For instance, securing element attachment member 58 can be inserted through opening 34 from receiving area 70 (or in interior surface 26 of backing 18) to or toward exterior surface 24 (FIG. 1) of backing 18. However, at least a portion of receiving element attachment member 56 and/or securing member 64 thereof can be configured to be retained with in opening 34 (or at least minor opening 34b thereof). For instance, securing member 64 (or opposing ends thereof) can be configured to engage with strap receiving element 30 and/or receiving member(s) 32 thereof.

By engaging with strap receiving element 30 and/or receiving member(s) 32 thereof, securing member 64 can be retained at least partially with in opening 34 (see FIG. 13B). Accordingly, receiving element 30 and/or receiving member(s) 32 thereof can substantially prevent and/or inhibit (further) advancement and/or movement of strap 50 and/or receiving element attachment member 56 thereof, and/or securing member 64 thereof, through opening 34. For instance, securing member 64 can be prevented from advancing further through opening 34 in one or more directions from interior surface 26 two or toward exterior surface 24 of backing 18. Thus, securing member 64 can be prevented from moving to or toward strap securing element 40 when securing member 64 is engaged with receiving element 30 and/or receiving members 32 thereof and/or secured at least partially within opening 34 and/or minor opening(s) 34b thereof.

In an alternative implementation, strap 50, receiving element attachment member 56 thereof, and/or securing member 64 thereof can be attached to strap receiving element 30 from exterior surface 24 of backing 18. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 11, receiving element 30b may not include an opening 34 extending through backing 18b. Accordingly, securing member 64 of receiving element attachment member 56 can be secured within opening(s) 34c without passing strap 50 through backing 18b.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, securing element attachment member 58 can be rotated and/or swiveled upward and/or brought toward strap securing element 40. As illustrated in FIG. 1, securing element attachment member 58 can then be removably and/or reversibly engaged with, attached to and/or connected to securing element 40.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. While certain embodiments and details have been included herein and in the attached invention disclosure for purposes of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the methods and apparatus disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A hand-held device cover, comprising:

a casing element having opposing first and second ends; and

a detachable strap removably secured to the casing element at opposing first and second ends of the casing element.

2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises opposing first and second portions, and the casing element comprises:

a backing and a side wall extending from a perimeter of the backing, the backing and the side wall at least bounding a receiving area; and

at least one strap securing element, the at least one strap securing element being disposed at the second end of the casing element and being adapted to releasably secure the second portion of the strap thereto.

3. The cover of claim 2, wherein the second portion of the strap comprises a securing element attachment member adapted for being releasably secured to the at least one strap securing element.

4. The cover of claim 3, wherein the at least one strap securing element comprises a stem protruding from an outer surface of the side wall, the outer surface being opposite the receiving area, the stem substantially preventing retraction of the securing element attachment member in a first direction when the securing element attachment member is engaged with the stem, the stem having a proximal end connected to the side wall and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the distal end having a capping element disposed thereat, the capping element substantially preventing retraction of the securing element attachment member in a second direction when the securing element attachment member is engaged with the capping element.

5. The cover of claim 4, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

6. The cover of claim 2, wherein the casing element further comprises at least one strap receiving element disposed at the first end of the casing element, the at least one strap receiving element having at least one opening configured to receiving at least a portion of the first portion of the strap at least partially therein.

7. The cover of claim 6, wherein the strap is at least partially rotatable about or swively connected to the at least one strap receiving element such that the strap can rotate or swivel about the at least one strap receiving element when the second portion of the strap is in an unsecured configuration.

8. The cover of claim 6, wherein the first portion of the strap comprises a receiving element attachment member adapted for being at least partially received within the at least one strap receiving element.

9. The cover of claim 8, wherein the at least one strap receiving element comprises opposing first and second receiving members, the receiving element attachment member comprising an elongated securing member comprising a first end and an opposing second end, the opposing first and second ends of the elongated securing member being adapted for being at least partially received within respective openings of the opposing first and second receiving members, respectively.

10. The cover of claim 8, wherein the at least one strap receiving element comprises an opening extending through the casing element and at least one receiving member, the opening being configured to permit passage of the strap therethrough in a feeding direction, the receiving member being configured to substantially prevent passage of the receiving element attachment member through the opening in the feeding direction.

11. The cover of claim 2, wherein the at least one strap securing element comprises:

at least a first strap securing element disposed at the second end of the casing element and adapted to releasably secure the second portion of the strap thereto; and

at least a second strap securing element disposed at the opposing first end of the casing element, the second strap securing element being adapted to releasably secure the second portion of the strap thereto.

12. The cover of claim 2, wherein the strap comprises a first end and opposing second end, the opposing first and second ends being secured together at a third portion of the strap.

13. The cover of claim 12, wherein the third portion is disposed at least partially between the opposing first and second portions.

14. The cover of claim 12, wherein the strap further comprises a strap fastening element configured to secure together the opposing first and second ends.

15. The cover of claim 2, wherein the strap is disposed longitudinally, transversely, or diagonally across the casing element between the opposing first and second ends.

16. The cover of claim 2, further comprising a second detachable strap removably secured to the casing element at opposing third and fourth ends of the casing element, the strap comprising opposing first and second portions, wherein the second strap is disposed longitudinally, transversely, or diagonally across the casing element between the opposing third and fourth ends.

17. A hand-held device cover, comprising:

a casing element comprising a backing and a side wall extending from at least a portion of a perimeter of the backing, the backing and the side wall at least partially bounding a receiving area adapted for receiving a hand-held device therein; and

a detachable strap removably connected to the casing element at opposing first and second ends of the casing element,

wherein the casing element further comprises: a strap receiving element disposed at a first end thereof, the strap receiving element being configured to receiving a first portion of the strap therein; and a strap securing element disposed at an opposing second end thereof, the strap securing element being adapted to releasably secure a second portion of the strap thereto, the second portion being opposite the first portion, and

wherein the strap has a receiving element attachment member disposed at the first portion thereof and a securing element attachment member disposed at the second portion thereof.

18. The cover of claim 16, wherein the backing has an interior surface adjacent to the receiving area and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, the strap being disposed about the exterior surface.

19. A method of removably securing a detachable strap to a casing element of a hand-held device cover, the method comprising:

inserting a first portion of a strap into a strap receiving element disposed at a first end of the casing element such that the strap is at least partially secured to the strap receiving element, the strap receiving element substantially preventing movement of the first portion of the strap in at least a first direction; and

removably securing an opposing second portion of the strap to a strap securing element disposed at an opposing second end of the casing element, the strap securing element substantially preventing movement of the opposing second portion of the strap in at least a second direction.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the strap receiving element comprises:

an opening extending through the casing element between an interior surface of the casing element and an exterior surface of the casing element; and

one or more receiving members disposed on the exterior surface adjacent to the opening,

wherein inserting the first portion of a strap into the strap receiving element comprises inserting the opposing second portion of the strap into the opening from the interior surface and advancing the strap through the opening toward the exterior surface until the first portion of the strap engages with the one or more receiving members, the first portion of the strap comprising a receiving element attachment member adapted for engaging with the one or more receiving members of the strap receiving element, the one or more receiving members substantially preventing movement of the receiving element attachment member toward the strap securing element disposed at the opposing second end of the casing element, and

wherein the strap securing element comprises a stem protruding from the exterior surface of the casing element and the second portion of the strap comprises a securing element attachment member adapted for engaging with the stem, the stem substantially preventing movement of the securing element attachment member in the second direction when the securing element attachment member is engaged with the stem, the stem having a proximal end connected to the exterior surface and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the distal end having a capping element disposed thereat, the capping element substantially preventing movement of the securing element attachment member in a third direction when the securing element attachment member is engaged with the capping element.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the strap receiving element comprises one or more receiving members disposed on an exterior surface of the casing element, the first portion of the strap comprising a receiving element attachment member adapted for engaging with the one or more receiving members of the strap receiving element, wherein inserting the first portion of a strap into the strap receiving element comprises inserting at least a portion of the receiving element attachment member at least partially into the one or more receiving members, the one or more receiving members substantially preventing movement of the receiving element attachment member toward the strap securing element disposed at the opposing second end of the casing element, and

wherein the strap securing element comprises a stem protruding from the exterior surface of the casing element and the second portion of the strap comprises a securing element attachment member adapted for engaging with the stem, the stem substantially preventing movement of the securing element attachment member in the second direction when the securing element attachment member is engaged with the stem, the stem having a proximal end connected to the exterior surface and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the distal end having a capping element disposed thereat, the capping element substantially preventing movement of the securing element attachment member in a third direction when the securing element attachment member is engaged with the capping element.