U.S. patent application number 11/462032 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-07 for handheld device protective case.
Invention is credited to Ramin Rostami.
Application Number | 20080032758 11/462032 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39029865 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080032758 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rostami; Ramin |
February 7, 2008 |
HANDHELD DEVICE PROTECTIVE CASE
Abstract
A protective cover for handheld devices. The protective cover
containing a hardened plastic protective inner layer and a soft
outer layer. The protective cover containing at least one cavity
for mounting the associated segment of the handheld device therein
and at least one fitted notch to secure the piece to the associated
segment. The protective cover further containing at least one
window for providing exposure to the surface of the associated
segment
Inventors: |
Rostami; Ramin; (Simi
Valley, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KLEINBERG & LERNER, LLP
2049 CENTURY PARK EAST, SUITE 1080
LOS ANGELES
CA
90067
US
|
Family ID: |
39029865 |
Appl. No.: |
11/462032 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/575.8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2011/002 20130101;
A45C 11/00 20130101; H04B 1/3888 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/575.8 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/00 20060101
H04M001/00 |
Claims
1. A protective case for a hand held device comprising: a
protective inner layer composed of a hardened plastic, having a
cavity formed therein for mounting the associated segment of the
handheld device to said protective case; and a soft outer layer
permanently affixed to the outside of said protective inner layer,
said soft outer layer.
2. The device as described in claim 1 wherein said protective case
has a window for providing exposure to at least a portion of one
surface of the associated segment of said protective case.
3. The device as described in claim 1 wherein said protective case
has at least one access port to allow access to functions found on
the handheld device.
4. The devices as described in claim 1 wherein said protective case
has at least one fitted notch to secure said protective case to the
associated segment of the handheld device.
5. A protective case for a handheld device consisting of at least
two components, said handheld device having at least two segments
to permit the segments to be in an opened position in which none of
the surfaces of the protective case abut each other and in a closed
position in which at least two surfaces abut each other, said
protective case comprising: a first piece having a hardened plastic
protective inner layer and a soft outer layer, said first piece
adapted to be mounted on the first segment of the handheld device;
and a second piece having a hardened plastic protective inner layer
and a soft outer layer, said second piece adapted to be mounted on
the second segment of the handheld device; and whereby said first
and second components provide protection to said two segments in
both the open and closed position.
6. The device as described in claim 5 wherein at least one of said
at least two components has a cavity formed therein for mounting
the associated segment of the handheld device therein.
7. The device as described in claim 5 wherein at least one of said
at least two components has a window for providing exposure to at
least a portion of one surface of the associated segment.
8. The device as described in claim 5 wherein at least one of said
at least two components has at least one fitted notch to secure
said piece to the associated segment of the handheld device.
9. The device as described in claim 5 wherein at least one of said
at least two components has at least one access port to allow
access to functions found on the handheld device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a single-piece or
multiple-component protective case for handheld devices, such as a
personal digital assistant, cellular telephone, lab top computers
or portable digital media player, and more particularly relates to
protective case for a handheld device having a protective hardened
plastic interior layer and a fashionable soft exterior layer.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] With the advancement of technology in the fields of
electronics and computers, more powerful features and elements have
been integrated into handheld electronic devices. Compact hard
drives, processors, and liquid crystal displays boasting the
computational equivalent of desktop computers have been integrated
into handheld devices the size of a computer mouse. However, the
integration of these innovations into handheld devices has amounted
to the production of very expensive and delicate devices.
Accessories, in the form of protective cases or protective shells,
have been produced to keep the handheld devices safe from
unexpected incidents due to mishandling. However, the existing
protective cases and protective shells fail to incorporate
protective shielding while offering a fashionable, stylish exterior
accentuating the individual style of each end user.
[0005] In order to protect the handheld devices sufficiently the
protective case must incorporate suitable protective cover that
encompasses a substantial portion of the device, as well as provide
a tight fit in which the device can be secured. In addition the
protective case must be adaptable for use with handheld devices
that have moving parts associated with the functions of the
handheld device. The use of hard plastics to produce protective
cases has lead to a sufficiently protective case for the handheld
device, but the inherent look and feel of plastic has cheapened the
appearance and texture of the expensive, highly advanced handheld
devices. Alternatively, the use of textile fabrics, namely, leather
and vinyl, have been used to protect the handheld devices, however,
these fabrics have been less effective in properly protecting the
device. In addition, the use of textile fabrics has been associated
with wear and tear over time, leading to diminished protection and
unsightly deformities in the protective cover.
[0006] The integration of these handheld devices as everyday
essential items has opened the pathway for designers to introduce a
fashionable design element into each handheld device. Most recently
handheld devices have become fashion accessories adopting sleek
designs, polished and/or rare metals and even jewels to accentuate
the value of the device.
[0007] The protective and fashionable solutions offered in the
industry have failed to realize the importance of these changes,
and the transition of once utilitarian handheld devices to
fashionable accessories has lead to a demand in the market place
for a protective device capable of addressing the recent
fashionable element. The current market is in demand of a
protective cover that can integrate the functions of protecting the
delicate handheld device while retaining or enhancing the
aesthetically pleasant look of the handheld device.
[0008] The present invention recognizes and addresses the
particular need for a protective case for a handheld device capable
of sufficiently protecting the handheld device while incorporating
an aesthetically pleasing and attractive element to the individual
end user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a novel protective case for
handheld devices that incorporates a fashionable element.
[0010] More specifically, the invention comprises a protective case
made of a hardened plastic inner layer, capable of sufficiently
protecting the handheld device. The case further provides an outer
layer of a relatively soft material. The soft outer layer
incorporates a fashionable element on the soft material.
[0011] The protective case is produced by a two step manufacturing
process which reduces cost and increases efficiency while
incorporating a unique element for adhering the soft outer layer to
the hard inner layer. The first step involves the injection molding
of the plastic base inner layer which is the protective backbone of
the present invention. The plastic inner layer is strong enough to
protect the handheld device, while flexible enough to absorb a
limited amount of abuse.
[0012] The second step of the manufacturing process includes the
adhering of the fashionable soft outer layer to the molded plastic
inner layer. The outer layer may be in the form of a soft material
such as textile, leather, PVC, Nubuck, synthetic fabrics and
carbon. The soft outer layer is attached to the plastic inner layer
using an adhesive. The edges of the soft outer layer are attached
to the plastic inner layer using a special heat process designed to
permanently adhere the soft outer layer to the plastic inner layer.
The heat processing nearly eliminates the possibility of the soft
outer layer detaching or fraying from the plastic inner layer.
[0013] The protective case consists of one or more components
independently attached to the handheld device, allowing for full
operation of all features of the handheld device to be operated
while the protective cover remains attached. In the event the
handheld device requires the activation of moving pieces for
operation, such as a flip-type cellular telephone or a twistable
personal digital assistant, the protective case remains attached to
the handheld device in operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handheld device protective
case depicting the outer layer of the protective carrying case.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a handheld device protective
case depicting the inner layer of the protective carrying case.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a handheld device
protective case depicting the inner layer.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a handheld device
protective case depicting the outer layer.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the handheld device
protective case attached to a sample handheld device in the closed
position.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the handheld device
protective case attached to a sample handheld device in the open
position.
[0020] The descriptions which follow are to be understood as
illustrative and exemplary of specific structures, aspects and
features within the broad scope of the present invention and not as
limiting of such broad scope. Like numbers refer to similar
features of like elements throughout.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The invention will now be described with reference to FIG.
1, which is a perspective view of the handheld device protective
case 30 depicting the outer layer of the protective case 30,
comprising two separate components, an upper component 32 and a
lower component 34. The upper component 32 and lower component 34
are molded to independently attach to the handheld device and
incorporate at least one viewing window 36, and input/output access
ports 40, 42 and 44.
[0022] With further reference to FIG. 1, the soft outer layer 38 is
attached to the inner layer of the upper component 32 and the soft
outer layer 39 is attached to the inner layer of the lower
component 34. The soft outer layers 38 and 39 are attached
utilizing a heat treated chemical which permanently attaches the
soft outer layers 38 and 39 to the inner layers of the upper
component 32 and lower component 34, respectively.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the handheld device
protective case 30 depicting the inner layer of the protective case
30, comprising two separate components, the upper component 32 and
lower component 34. The upper component 32 incorporates at least
one viewing window 36 and at least one input/output access port 40
intended to give the end user access to functions found on the
handheld device. The upper component 32 is fitted to clasp onto the
handheld device, and incorporates fitted notches 46 and 48 to
ensure a snug and secure fit.
[0024] With further reference to FIG. 2, the lower component 34 is
attached to the handheld device incorporating a fitted cavity 54
found at the bottom of the lower component 34. The lower component
34 is further fitted to clasp onto the handheld device and
incorporates fitted notches 50 and 52 to ensure a snug and secure
fit.
[0025] FIG. 2 further depicts the soft outer layer 39 found on the
lower component 34 fitted cavity 54. The soft outer layer 39 is
attached to the lower component 34 utilizing a heat treated
chemical which permanently attaches the soft outer layer 39.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a protective case 30
depicting the inner surface, comprising two separate components,
the upper component 32 and lower component 34. The upper component
32 incorporates at least one viewing window 36 and at least one
input/output access port 40 intended to give the end user access to
functions found on the handheld device. The upper component 32 is
fitted to clasp onto the handheld device, and incorporates fitted
notches 46 and 48 to ensure a snug and secure fit.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the lower component 34 is attached to
the handheld device incorporating a fitted cavity 54 found at the
bottom of the lower component 34. The lower component 34 is further
fitted to clasp onto the handheld device and incorporates fitted
notches 50 and 52 to ensure a snug and secure fit.
[0028] FIG. 3 further depicts the textile soft outer layer 39 found
on the lower case 34 fitted cavity 54. The soft outer layer 39 is
attached to the lower case 34 utilizing a heat treated chemical
which permanently attaches the soft outer layer 39.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a handheld device
protective case depicting the outer surface, comprising two
separate components, the upper component 32 and lower component 34.
The upper component 32 incorporates at least one viewing window 36
and at least one input/output access port 40 intended to give the
end user access to functions found on the handheld device. The
lower component 34 incorporates input/output access ports 42 and 44
intended to give the end user access to functions found on the
handheld device.
[0030] With further reference to FIG. 4, the soft outer layer 38 is
attached to the outer surface of the upper component 32 and the
soft outer layer 39 is attached to the outer surface of the lower
component 34. The soft outer layers 38 and 39 are attached
utilizing a heat treated chemical which permanently attaches the
soft outer layers 38 and 39 to the upper component 32 and lower
component 34, respectively.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the handheld device
protective case 30 attached to a sample handheld device 56 in the
closed position. The upper component 32 is attached the handheld
device 56 and incorporates at least one viewing window 36 and at
least one input/output access port 40 intended to give the end user
access to functions found on the handheld device. The lower
component 34 is attached to the handheld device 56 and incorporates
at least one input/output access port 42 intended to give the end
user access to functions found on the handheld device.
[0032] As further shown in FIG. 5, the soft outer layer 38 is
attached to the outer surface of the upper component 32, and the
soft outer layer 39 is attached to the outer surface of the lower
component 34. The soft outer layers 38 and 39 are attached
utilizing a heat treated chemical which permanently attaches the
soft outer layers 38 and 39 to the upper component 32 and lower
component 34, respectively.
[0033] FIG. 5 further depicts the protective case 30 attached to
the sample handheld device 56 which is found in the closed
position. The input/output access ports 40 and 42 allow for
operation of the functions found on the handheld device 56.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the handheld device
protective case 30 attached to a sample handheld device 56 in the
open position. The upper component 32 is attached the handheld
device 56 and incorporates at least one viewing window 36 and at
least one input/output access port 40 intended to give the end user
access to functions found on the handheld device 56. The lower
component 34 is attached to the handheld device 56 and incorporates
input/output access ports 42 and 44 intended to give the end user
access to functions found on the handheld device 56.
[0035] As further shown in FIG. 6, the soft outer layer 38 is
attached to the outer surface of the upper component 32, and the
soft outer layer 39 is attached to the outer surface of the lower
component 34. The soft outer layers 38 and 39 are attached
utilizing a heat treated chemical which permanently attaches the
soft outer layers 38 and 39 to the upper component 32 and lower
component 34, respectively.
[0036] FIG. 6 further depicts the protective case 30 attached to
the sample handheld device 56 which is found in the open position.
The input/output access ports 40, 42 and 44 allow for operation of
the functions found on the handheld device 56, without the need to
remove the protective case 30.
[0037] While the foregoing detailed description has described a
sample embodiment of a protective case 30 in accordance with the
present invention, it is to be understood that the above
description is illustrative only and not limiting of the disclosed
invention. For example, although the embodiment shown in FIG. 1
through FIG. 6 describes a protective case having two components,
the novel feature of the present invention may be applied to a
protective case having one or multiple components.
[0038] Indeed, it will be appreciated that the embodiments
discussed above and other embodiments that are not mentioned could
easily be within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
* * * * *