Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present invention relates generally to a protective case for a handheld device.
BACKGROUND
[002] Conventional mobile phone covers are passive accessories to mobile phones. They can have static designs and can offer some measure of protection for the mobile phone. Representatively, demands for smart phone cases can be seen to be saturated as much as a market for smart phones not only for a functional purpose for protecting the outside including a display part, a touch panel part, and the like of a smart phone from a physical impact or the like but also for an aspect of aesthetic satisfaction for supplementing a color or design of the smart phone. In such an environment, despite commercialization of wireless charging, the present disclosure is aimed according to the recognition that the wireless charging function cannot be smoothly performed due to a smart phone case used for protection of a product and aesthetic desire.
[003] In addition, the size, shape and design of modern mobile phones are varied, and the protective case is to be customizable accordingly. Without making the protective case unnecessarily bulky or heavy.
[004] Therefore, there is a need of a system which overcomes the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems.
[006] Before the present subject matter relating to a protective case for a handheld device, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular system described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the implementations or versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[007] This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a protective case for a handheld device. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the present subject matter.
[008] In an embodiment, a protective case for a handheld device, the device includes a rigid outer shell, a shock absorbing inner layer and a hinge mechanism. The rigid outer shell is configured to encase the handheld device. The shock-absorbing inner layer is positioned within the outer shell. The hinge mechanism allows easy installation and removal of the handheld device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[009] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the present document example constructions of the disclosure; however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific system or method disclosed in the document and the drawings.
[0010] The present disclosure is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer various features of the present subject matter.
[0011] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary mobile device cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the case for a mobile device.
[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a mobile device cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] In the above accompanying drawings, a non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
[0015] Further, the figures depict various embodiments of the present subject matter for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the present subject matter described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although a protective case for a handheld device, similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, a protective case for a handheld device is now described.
[0017] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. For example, although the present disclosure will be described in the context of a protective case for a handheld device, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize a protective case for a handheld device can be utilized in any situation. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0018] In an embodiment, a protective case for a handheld device, the device includes a rigid outer shell, a shock absorbing inner layer and a hinge mechanism. The rigid outer shell is configured to encase the handheld device. The shock-absorbing inner layer is positioned within the outer shell. The hinge mechanism allows easy installation and removal of the handheld device.
[0019] In another implementation, the rigid outer shell is constructed from impact-resistant material to provide enhanced durability.
[0020] In another implementation, a textured surface on the outer shell for improved grip and slip resistance.
[0021] In another implementation, the shock-absorbing inner layer is comprised of a resilient material selected from the group consisting of silicone, rubber, or thermoplastic elastomer.
[0022] In another implementation, the hinge mechanism comprises a snap-fit design, facilitating quick and secure attachment of the handheld device.
[0023] In another implementation, the hinge mechanism further comprises a locking feature to prevent accidental detachment of the handheld device.
[0024] In another implementation, the raised edges surrounding the display screen of the handheld device for added screen protection.
[0025] In another implementation, the protective case is designed to allow access to all functional ports, buttons, and features of the handheld device.
[0026] In another implementation, the protective case is water-resistant, providing an additional layer of protection against environmental elements.
[0027] In another implementation, a handheld device and the protective case.
[0028] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary mobile device cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] In an embodiment, the mobile device cover 100 (e.g., a cover, a case, a shell, a protector, etc.) is physically and/or electrically connected to a host mobile device. In some embodiments, the mobile device cover 100 is wirelessly connected to the host mobile device. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the host mobile device (except for a camera and a sensor on a back side of the host mobile device) may be slipped inside or inserted into the mobile device cover 100, or the mobile device cover 100 can be snapped on or stretched around, at least in part, or otherwise can be fit around, at least in part, the host mobile device. Although some embodiments contemplate a via in the mobile device cover 100 through which a female connector (e.g., a female USB-type connector) of the host mobile device can be accessed, other embodiments contemplate the mobile device cover 100 with a connector 175 (e.g., a lightning connector, a USB-type connector, a data connector, a recharging connector, multi-pin connector, etc.) that mates with the female connector of the host mobile device to provide a connection (e.g., a power connection, a physical connection, an electrical connection, a signal connection, a synchronization connection, etc.). The main display of the host mobile device may or may not be covered by a transparent material of the mobile device cover. The outer cover main body is coupled to a rear of the inner cover main body to surround the inner cover main body and, to this end, is formed to correspond to a shape of the inner cover main body.
[0030] In an embodiment, the mobile device cover 100 can be an accessory to the host mobile device. In some embodiments, the mobile device covering 100 can be an accessory that is operable while separate from the host mobile device. The accessory can be wireless communication with the host mobile device. In some embodiments, the mobile device cover 100 and the host mobile device can be controlled via inputs (e.g., buttons, touch-sensitive screens, capacitive touch, sliders, graphical elements on graphical user interfaces, etc.) located on the mobile device cover.
[0031] In an embodiment, when the host mobile device is receiving an incoming call, for example, beads that form the word “CALL” on the back cover of the mobile device cover 100 can be illuminated, caused to flicker, flash, etc. If a calendar event notification is activated or received by the host mobile device, for example, the beads that form the word “ALERT” can be illuminated, caused to flicker, flash, etc. If a text message is received by the host mobile device, for example, the beads that form the word “TEXT” can be illuminated, caused to flicker, flash, etc. These events and others (e.g., social media postings or messages, changes in sports scores, news items, emails, SMS messages, etc.) can also be displayed on the touchscreen display. The beads can also be illuminated different colors and with different intensities to indicate different degrees of urgency. Further, the user may be notified as to the name, number, email address, etc. of the sender or source of the alert, text, email, or other notification via the lights, beads, or other output devices (e.g., speakers, screens, vibration, etc.) of the mobile device cover 100.
[0032] In an embodiment, digital signals can be received or provided by the host mobile device and forwarded to the mobile device cover 100 for storage, processing, and/or output (e.g., on a display, lights, a speaker, a vibrating mechanism, etc.). For example, in addition to multimedia data, some embodiments provide that data (e.g., alphanumeric data, indicators, control data, source information, etc.) can be received or provided by the host mobile device and forwarded to the mobile device cover 100 for storage, processing, and/or output. For example, the edge screen (or any other screen or display comprising lights on the mobile device cover 100) can be configured to scroll information relating to news, sports, live or recorded events or movies, stocks, weather, calendar events, text messages, alerts, email, social media messages (e.g., messages or posts from mobile applications or websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.), etc. In some embodiments, the information can scroll around one or more edge screens around the mobile device covering 100.
[0033] The mobile device cover 100 is made of one or more of the following materials: silicone, rubber, metal, plastic, polymers, polycarbonate, composites, cloth, metal, wood, acrylic, glass, plexiglass, and/or other materials. The cover material may be, at least in part, opaque or transparent. The cover material may assist a user in gripping the host mobile device 110 and may protect the host mobile device. The cover material may be, for example, one or more of the following: shock resistant, shock proof, shatter proof, dust resistant, dust resistant, dust proof, water resistant, water proof, etc.
[0034] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the case for a mobile device.
[0035] In an embodiment, the mobile device case 10 of the present embodiment includes a cover unit 100 mounted to surround the mobile device 1, a first power source attaching part 200 provided to be attached to and detached from a power source device, and a wireless charge activation part 300 configured to sense approach of the power source device and perform charging of the mobile device 1. The cover unit 100 is provided to surround the outside of the mobile device 1 as described above and may be formed of polycarbonate (PC), polyurethane (PU), silicon, or a composite material including the above but is not limited thereto and may be formed of various other materials which do not disturb wireless charging. The wireless charge activation part 300 activates the wireless charging function so that power supplied from the power source device may be supplied to a battery part of the mobile device 1 when the power source device approaches to a location at which wireless charging may be performed.
[0036] Figure 3 illustrates a mobile device cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0037] In an embodiment, the mobile device cover 100 may provide a physical opening to access a display, a camera, a button, a control, other output interfaces, other input interfaces, etc. of the host mobile device 110. In some embodiments, the mobile device cover 100 may provide a transparent cover portion, for example, over a display or other portions of the host mobile device 110. The transparent cover portion can be made of materials that, for example, do not interfere with the operation of any of the touch screens, speakers, or buttons of the host mobile device 110. In some embodiments, the materials can be substantially transparent to wireless communication links used by the host mobile device 110. The transparent cover portion may also protect areas of the host mobile device 110 such as touch screens from scratches or other damage. The cover material may be, at least in part, opaque or transparent. The cover material may be, for example, shock resistant, shock proof, shatter proof, shatter resistant, dust resistant, dust proof, water resistant, water proof, etc. Some embodiments according to the present disclosure may provide that the host mobile device 110 include, for example, an audio port 120 (e.g., an audio port, a visual port, an earphone port, a headphone port, etc.), a speaker 130, and a docking port 140 (e.g., a data port, a recharging port, etc.).
[0038] Although the description provides implementations of a protective case for a handheld device, it is to be understood that the above descriptions are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods or systems. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations for a protective case for a handheld device.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A protective case for a handheld device, comprising:
a rigid outer shell configured to encase the handheld device;
a shock-absorbing inner layer positioned within the outer shell;
a hinge mechanism allowing for easy installation and removal of the handheld device.
2. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the rigid outer shell is constructed from impact-resistant material to provide enhanced durability.
3. The protective case of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a textured surface on the outer shell for improved grip and slip resistance.
4. The protective case of any preceding claim, wherein the shock-absorbing inner layer is comprised of a resilient material selected from the group consisting of silicone, rubber, or thermoplastic elastomer.
5. The protective case of any preceding claim, wherein the hinge mechanism comprises a snap-fit design, facilitating quick and secure attachment of the handheld device.
6. The protective case of any preceding claim, wherein the hinge mechanism further comprises a locking feature to prevent accidental detachment of the handheld device.
7. The protective case of any preceding claim, further comprising raised edges surrounding the display screen of the handheld device for added screen protection.
8. The protective case of any preceding claim, wherein the protective case is designed to allow access to all functional ports, buttons, and features of the handheld device.
9. The protective case of any preceding claim, wherein the protective case is water-resistant, providing an additional layer of protection against environmental elements.
10. A handheld device assembly, comprising a handheld device and the protective case of any one of claims 1 to 9.