U.S. patent application number 11/393760 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-11 for protective chassis cover system and method.
Invention is credited to Anthony Reale.
Application Number | 20070235370 11/393760 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38574028 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070235370 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reale; Anthony |
October 11, 2007 |
Protective chassis cover system and method
Abstract
A protective covering system and method can protect an
electronic device. The system includes a skeletal frame member that
attaches to the electronic device and a relatively soft surrounding
frame or body into which the frame can be mounted.
Inventors: |
Reale; Anthony; (Riverview,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER & HOSTETLER LLP
WASHINGTON SQUARE, SUITE 1100
1050 CONNECTICUT AVE. N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-5304
US
|
Family ID: |
38574028 |
Appl. No.: |
11/393760 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/701 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/00 20130101;
A45F 2200/0525 20130101; A45C 2011/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/701 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for protecting an electronic device, the apparatus
comprising; a skeletal frame to at least partially surround the
device, with the frame having projecting external frame members;
and a resilient body member configured to receive the skeletal
frame and at least partially surround the skeletal frame.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic device has a
display region and the apparatus provides visibility of the display
region.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body has protruding grip
surfaces on the periphery thereof.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body has at least one
handle member extending externally therefrom.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body has a hook extending
therefrom and configured to hook over a steering wheel.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an aperture defined
by the skeletal frame, the aperture being configured to receive a
decorative item.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body includes an
indentation adapted to hold a stylus.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body comprises an
elliptical outer ring, with the elliptical out ring configured to
receive and hold the externally projecting members of the skeletal
frame.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein skeletal chassis is made of a
material more rigid then the material of which the body is
made.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body has an opening there
through to permit passage of a cable.
11. An apparatus for protecting an electronic device, the apparatus
comprising; attaching means for attaching to and at least partially
surround the device, and having projecting external frame members;
and a resilient body member configured to receive the skeletal
frame and at least partially surround the skeletal frame.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the electronic device has a
display region and the apparatus provides visibility of the display
region.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the body has protruding grip
surfaces on the periphery thereof.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the body has at least one
handle member extending externally therefrom.
15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the body has a hook
extending therefrom and configured to hook over a steering
wheel.
16. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising an aperture
defined by the skeletal frame, the aperture being configured to
receive a decorative item.
17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the body includes an
indentation adapted to hold a stylus.
18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the body comprises an
elliptical outer ring, with the elliptical out ring configured to
receive and hold the externally projecting members of the attaching
means.
19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein attaching means is made of a
material more rigid then the material of which the body is
made.
20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the body has an opening
there through to permit passage of a cable.
21. A method of protecting an electronic device, comprising;
attaching the electronic device to a skeletal chassis member; and
installing the skeletal chassis member into a relatively soft outer
body that at least partially surrounds the chassis member and the
electronic device.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a protective
enclosure for portable electronic equipment. More particularly, the
present invention relates to a protective multi-system protective
enclosure with enhanced functional and ergonomic attributes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Conventional approaches to the ruggedization of portable
electronic equipment have typically involved the application of a
bulky rubberized enclosure or casing along the equipment drop
points. Very little or no consideration is given to incorporating
functional gripping or attachment features to the enclosure.
Accordingly, such conventional enclosure or ruggedization systems
render the protected equipment to be difficult to hold or
handle.
[0003] Therefore, there has been a long standing need in the
community for ruggedization systems which adequately protect the
subject equipment while having accommodations for convenient
handling and attachment to the equipment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Therefore, there has been a long standing need in the
community for ruggedization systems which adequately protect the
subject equipment while having accommodations for convenient
handling and attachment to the equipment.
[0005] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
an apparatus for protecting an electronic device, the apparatus
comprises a skeletal frame to at least partially surround the
device, with the frame having projecting external frame members;
and a resilient body member configured to receive the skeletal
frame and at least partially surround the skeletal frame.
[0006] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, an apparatus for protecting an electronic device, the
apparatus comprises, attaching means for attaching to and at least
partially surround the device, and having projecting external frame
members; and a resilient body member configured to receive the
skeletal frame and at least partially surround the skeletal
frame.
[0007] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain
embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof herein maybe better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will
be described below and which will form the subject matter of the
claims appended hereto.
[0008] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described
and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is
to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0009] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a skeletal chassis system
holding an electronic device according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a molded boot according to
a first embodiment of a chassis surround according to the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2B is a rear view of the arrangement of FIG. 2A.
[0013] FIG. 2C is a side view of the arrangement of FIG. 2A.
[0014] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a frame in accordance with
a second embodiment of a chassis surround according to the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 3B is a rear view of the arrangement of FIG. 3A.
[0016] FIG. 3C is a side view of the arrangement of FIG. 3A.
[0017] FIG. 3D is a front view of the arrangement of FIG. 3A.
[0018] FIG. 3E is a bottom view of the arrangement of FIG. 3A.
[0019] FIG. 3F is a different perspective view of the arrangement
of FIG. 3A.
[0020] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another frame in accordance
with a third embodiment of a chassis surround according to the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4B is a rear view of the arrangement of FIG. 4A.
[0022] FIG. 4C is a side view of the arrangement of FIG. 4A.
[0023] FIG. 4D is a front view of the arrangement of FIG. 4A.
[0024] FIG. 4E is a bottom view of the arrangement of FIG. 4A.
[0025] FIG. 4F is a perspective view of the rear of the arrangement
of FIG. 4A.
[0026] FIG. 4G is a bottom view of the arrangement of FIG. 4A
showing an electronic component in a raised position.
[0027] FIG. 4H is a side view of the arrangement in FIG. 4A showing
the electronic device in a raised position.
[0028] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
according to the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 5B is a rear view of the arrangement of FIG. 5A.
[0030] FIG. 5C is a side view of the arrangement of FIG. 5A.
[0031] FIG. 5D is a bottom view of the arrangement of FIG. 5A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] An embodiment in accordance with the present invention
provides systems and methods for protecting portable electronic
devices as well as providing convenient attachment or handling
features within a work environment.
[0033] The electronic devices may include for example operating
devices, vehicle diagnostic or vehicle information devices,
adapters, connectors, displays, input or output devices, etc. In
the illustrated embodiments, the electronic device is depicted as a
VIM 11, which is a "tablet PC" having a large touch screen display
on one side. Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be
described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like
reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.
[0034] An embodiment of the present inventive and apparatus and
method is illustrated in FIG. 1 having a skeletal chassis system 10
using streamlined interoperable members. A VIM 11 is shown mounted
to the skeletal chassis 10 via mount points 12. The exemplary
skeletal chassis 10 secures the VIM 11 by a framework of interior
structural members 14 and exterior structural members 20.
[0035] The interior structural members 14 bridge the VIM 11 and
facilitate attachment of the skeletal chassis 10 to the VIM 11, for
example by a sliding fit or snap fit. The interior structural
members 14 also provide a protective casing about the VIM 11. The
external structural members 20 provide means for the skeletal
chassis 10 to be integrated into an enter structure such as a
surrounding boot or frame as described further below. If desired
the interior structural member 14 can be made flexible to absorb
shocks.
[0036] Additionally, the exterior structural members 20 enable the
affixation of other protrusions that enhance the functionality of
the skeletal chassis system 10. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates two
wire wrap hooks 18 situated about two of the exterior structural
member 20 which may be used for wrapping wire, such as a power cord
or test lead, for example.
[0037] Also illustrated in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1
is an open area 16 which permits permanent or temporary insertion
of a suitably fixed item such as a decoration or logo, so as to
personalize the exemplary system for a given vendor or service
provider.
[0038] FIGS. 2A-2C show a first embodiment of a chassis surround in
the form of a molded semi elastic boot 30 that can be attached to
the VIM 11 and incorporated around the skeletal chassis system 10
(not shown). The exemplary boot 30 has a main body 32 that
surrounds the critical impact points of the VIM 11 without
requiring any further disassembly or assembly of the VIM 11.
Handles 34 are ergonomically integrated into the structure of the
body 32, maintaining a slim profile, according to desired
preferences. The exemplary body 32 may be designed with a very high
impact absorption characteristic, for example, extra reinforced
shock points may be incorporated into the "corners" of the boot
design for enhanced impact survivability. FIG. 2A shows the
external structural members 20 of the skeletal chassis 10, and also
a display 13 of the VIM 11.
[0039] FIG. 2B is an illustration of a rear view of the boot 30 of
FIG. 2A. FIG. 2B illustrates a flush fit of the interior members 14
of the skeletal chassis system 10 into the body 32, to maintain a
slim profile. The body 32 may be made of a molded rubber compound
or other equivalent material which is chemically resistive to most
shop environment chemicals. The body 32 operates to provide impact
absorbing capabilities as well as minimizing any marring affects
upon the VIM 11. In addition to the boot 30 operating at least
partially as a protective enclosure above the VIM 11, easy grip
surfaces 34 are distributed above the boot 30 to enable 360.degree.
manipulation of the arrangement by hand.
[0040] FIG. 2C is an illustration of a side view of the boot 30 of
FIG. 2A. For example, FIG. 2C illustrates "upper" and "lower"
partitioning of the boot 30. The upper portion 35 has a slightly
protruding profile to enable a protective canopy for the recessed
lower portion 36. Of course, other design implementations or
profiles may be used according to design preference.
[0041] A detachable cover 37 surrounding a port is disposed about
the side of the boot 32 to enable easy access to any communication
or data ports of the VIM 11. The detachable cover 37 may be hinged
so as to prevent loss of the cover 37 when accessing the VIM 11
ports. Holes 39 within the skeletal chassis system 10 can be used
to protect cables running through therein.
[0042] FIGS. 3A-3G show a second embodiment of a chassis surround
in the form of a frame 40 attached to a skeletal system 10 and a
VIM 11. The frame 40 is, in many respects, similar in its
protective function to that of the boot 30 described above. The
frame may be molded, and may use the materials described above as
other materials. In addition, the frame 40 in some cases operates
as an extending skeletal structure that provides both protective
and ergonomic capabilities. For example, the frame 40 is designed
with handles 44 on opposing sides of a main body 42.
[0043] The handles 44 are preferably manufactured from a rubber or
hard elastic material that is chemically resistant, impact
absorbing and structurally resilient. The open nature of the frame
40 in some cases minimizes weight and provides an easier access to
the VIM 11.
[0044] FIG. 3B is an illustration of a back view of the frame 40 of
FIG. 3A. As seen in FIG. 3B, the exemplary frame 40 is of an open
structure architecture allowing easy access to the VIM 11.
Attachment of the frame 40 to the VIM 11 is accomplished through
coupling of the frame 40 to the skeletal chassis 10 at specified
coupling points. The frame 40 has a central body 42.
[0045] Securing of the VIM 11 to the skeletal chassis 10 may be
accomplished by the methods and systems described above and/or by
the use of chassis mounts 47 gripping the exterior members 20 of
the skeletal chassis system 10. The use of the mounts 47 enables a
certain degree of flexibility in the ability of the frame 42 to
encompass varying VIM 11 sizes. For example, the mounts 47 may be
of longer or wider dimension to facilitate larger or smaller VIM 11
systems.
[0046] FIG. 3C shows the frame 42 configured with a hook-like
protrusion or hanger 49 projecting away and down from the back of
the body 42 to enable the device to be hung from a steering wheel.
The hanger 49 can be made of a non-marring material to protect the
steering wheel. FIGS. 3A-3G also show a user's arm. The device can
rest on the user's arm 45 as shown to assist with mounting the
device. The body 40 is also configured to ergonomically enable a
user to place his/her forearm across the back of the frame 42 for
user handling and support. Left or right hand usage is facilitated
by the symmetric positioning of the handles 44. The mounts 47 may
be affixed to the exterior structural members 20 of the skeletal
chassis 10 by a friction or pressure insertion enclave (e.g. tab)
or by screwing or clipping the mounts 47 therein.
[0047] FIGS. 4A-4H illustrate a frame 50 attached to a skeletal
support 10 holding a VIM 11. The frame 50 is, in many respects
similar in its protective function to that of the boot 30 and frame
40 as described above. The frame 50 has an outer ring structure 52
and a pair of feet rests 54. As shown in FIG. 4B the rear of the
peripheral ring 52 and feet 54 may provide a rest for an arm as
described with respect to the frame 40.
[0048] FIG. 4C depicts a steering wheel hanger 56 similar to the
steering wheel hanger discussed in the previous embodiment.
[0049] Inside of the outer ring structure 52 a skeletal type
structure 58 can be provided, which may be in the shape of a logo
if desired. The outer ring 52 may also be provided at a location
with indentations 60 shaped to hold a stylus or pointer that may be
used with the VIM 11. This location may also provide a wrist rest.
The top surface of the feet 54 may also provide a wrist rest as
well.
[0050] A button may be provided to convert the arrangement to a
configuration where the display 13 of the VIM 11 can be elevated
rather than lying flat. The raised position is illustrated in FIGS.
4G and 4H. FIG. 4H also illustrates that the frame 50 can be laid
on a surface so that it is resting on the hook 56 and an edge 66 so
that the top surface 68 is at a convenient angle for typing.
[0051] FIG. 5A shows an alternative embodiment of the invention
which does not necessarily involve a skeletal support such as
skeletal support 10 in FIG. 1. In this embodiment the VIM 11 is
surrounded by a box structure 72 with an opening or a clear display
area 74 on one face thereof. The two opposed open ends are each
closed by a respective cap 76 which may be a soft rubber cap
capable of absorbing shock and providing grip. These end caps 76
also referred to as rubber boots. They can slip fit onto the
outside of the main casing 72. Access windows 78 can be provided in
the main housing 72 to permit visualization of displays of displays
on the VIM which is VIM 11 which is contained therein. A recessed
area having a housing 80 is illustrated in FIGS. 5C and 5D in order
to provide holding of the device. The window 74 may also be
configured to permit touch screen activation through the window 74.
The housing may also be provided with one or more ports 82
permitting cable connection and/or signal visualization. The ports
82 can be closed by rubber caps or plugs if desired.
[0052] The many features and advantages of the invention are
apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended
by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of
the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the
invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations
will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation
illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable
modifications and equivalents maybe resorted to, falling within the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *