U.S. patent application number 12/763313 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-20 for device casing with built-in retractable mechanism.
Invention is credited to Mike ROPER.
Application Number | 20110253585 12/763313 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44787399 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110253585 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ROPER; Mike |
October 20, 2011 |
DEVICE CASING WITH BUILT-IN RETRACTABLE MECHANISM
Abstract
A protective casing for a mobile computing device includes a
retractable mechanism integrating a thin, sliding, front surface
cover with a fixed back panel. The retractable assembly includes a
substantially robust spring torsion system secured on a metallic
shaft at one end, and on a cylindrical barrel at the other. In one
arrangement, this design allows the front panel of the case to
slide open laterally with a slight prod, exposing the display
screen of the device. In yet another arrangement, the front panel
can be drawn back to a closed position by a minimal pull to the
reverse direction until it unites with a locking mechanism at the
opposite end. The casing is molded in a manner that it follows the
shape of the device and allows strategically placed cut-outs to be
created for easy access to the device's side buttons, openings and
slots.
Inventors: |
ROPER; Mike; (Brooklyn,
NY) |
Family ID: |
44787399 |
Appl. No.: |
12/763313 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/524.6 ;
220/212 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/0237
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/524.6 ;
220/212 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00; B65D 51/00 20060101 B65D051/00 |
Claims
1. A device casing engineered with a built-in torsion system,
sporting a strong and lightweight exterior with an inner lining
made of soft material to protect the device against scratches and
indentation.
2. A device casing, according to claim 1, integrated with a torsion
system technology that allows for a retractable front panel serving
as shield for the device's display screen.
3. A device casing , according to claim 1, that has a rigid
exterior constructed with a combination of strong, lightweight
materials such as but not limited to, aluminum, titanium, stainless
steel and/or other metals, leather, faux pas leather, wood,
plastics and its synthetic and semi-synthetic amorphous organic
variations, cloth and other fabrics.
4. A device casing according to claim 1, having a sliding front
panel easily opens and closes laterally with a slight prod/push of
a finger, protecting the display screen from dust, dirt, scratches,
watermarks, cracks and other harmful elements
5. A device casing, according to claim 1, having a fixed back panel
as part of the body of the invention, constructed with a
combination of strong, lightweight materials such as but not
limited to, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel and/or other
metals, leather, faux pas leather, wood, plastics and its synthetic
and semi-synthetic amorphous organic variations, cloth and other
fabrics.
6. A device casing, according to claim 1, having slots located in a
transversal position of the case that guides the lateral motion of
the front panel. These slots run the entire length of the case.
7. A device casing, according to claim 1, with a soft internal
lining that protects the device from bumps, scratches, dents, falls
and other minor collisions.
8. A device casing, according to claim 1, that has cut-out openings
for external buttons, ports, speakers and other device features
that needs to be accessed externally.
9. A device casing according to claim 1, with removable safety belt
straps, allowing the case to be completely portable.
10. A device casing, according to claim 2, featuring a
torsion-powered spool/barrel made of sturdy, lightweight material,
specially engineered to allow the front panel to roll flush into
the spool/barrel.
11. A device casing according to claim 4, having a front panel that
opens laterally, retracting flush into the torsion barrel and
closes in the reverse direction, locking in place with latch
mechanisms.
12. A device casing, according to claim 2, having a retractable
barrel that is built with a lightweight but sturdy external
aluminum housing. This external housing serves to protect the
torsion assembly within the barrel.
13. A device casing, according to claim 4, with a front panel
partially or completely made of sturdy and flexible material
composed of, but not limited to, plastics and its synthetic and
semi-synthetic variants, aluminum, titanium and other metals, wood,
leather and faux pas leather, cloth and other fabrics.
14. A device casing, according to claim 10, having a retractable
barrel, specially designed with a torsion spring, utilizing stored
mechanical energy to allow for front panel retraction.
15. A device casing, according to claim 11, integrating latch
mechanisms that secures the front panel firmly in the opened and
closed positions.
16. A device casing, according to claim 14, designed with a torsion
spring, mounted onto a metal shaft, running longitudinal of the
torsion barrel.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to the field of mobile computing
devices, and in particular, to a protective casing for a mobile
device including a retractable barrel mechanism that is integrally
formed with the casing. These storage casings serve to guard the
mobile devices from bumps, dents, scratches, falls and other minor
collisions that are likely to be encountered from daily use. They
also serve to protect devices from harsh weather conditions and
other external elements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In this era of new technology, the evolution of digital
portable devices is continuously accelerating with newer gadgets
getting more sophisticated and feature-packed. Mobile phones,
digital cameras, laptops, multimedia players and other electronic
devices are steadily developing as functions from one device are
incorporated into the other, resulting in the introduction of more
advanced gadgets. These devices have been intricately manufactured
to deliver extra powerful features, albeit making it more fragile,
thus increasing the demand for sturdy protection whilst maintaining
ease of handling and use.
[0003] The market thrives with multiple casing designs that offer
varying levels of protection while serving as a storage unit.
However, some of these designs have current limitations, including
the need for users to remove the casing before gaining access to
the device's buttons or keys. Although some casings may allow for
the device to be operated without removal, these are typically
designed with a flap cover, making it undesirable and impractical
for everyday use.
[0004] The retractable front cover design substantially addresses
the constraints noted above, while still providing ample protection
and storage capabilities.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with the invention, a retractable torsion
mechanism is incorporated integrally into the portable casing,
allowing the front cover to slide in a lateral motion and provide
user access to the device screen. The invention can be scaled to
fit any handheld, portable device. It can be made by light-weight
and durable materials, having a sturdy exterior and a soft internal
lining to prevent scratches to the device and offer shock-absorbing
mechanism. Individual openings for external buttons, pin connector
slots, attachments and the like are also provisioned and can be
fully customized. This invention combines convenience with
practicality. It allows for devices to be used without removal,
with very little addition to the device size and weight, and its
unique retractable front panel permits it to be used practically
anywhere.
[0006] Compared with other cases currently available in the market,
this invention truly stands out, having the distinct combined
advantage of convenience and portability. This is made possible by
the torsion-technology via the retractable torsion barrel. The
invention's opening and closing mechanical actuations is integrally
engineered with the body of the invention. As such, this unique
feature distinguishes the invention from traditional device
casings, as there are no obtrusive mechanisms like hinges, flaps,
zippers, magnetic contacts, buttons, Velcro straps and the
like.
[0007] The invention's front panel slides in a lateral motion,
opens and closes with a slight prod/push of a finger, providing
access to the device's display screen. The panel slides via slots
transversally located of the casing, running its entire length.
These slots guide the panel's lateral motion every time the case is
opened and closed. Opening the case, the front panel slides
smoothly, rolling flush into the torsion spool/barrel. This action
reveals the device's display screen and permits the user to freely
operate the device without removal from the case. Reversing the
action slides the panel back in the closed position. Latching
mechanisms secure the front panel firmly in position.
[0008] Further features of the invention, its nature and various
advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and
the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of the invention, will be better understood when read
in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of
illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings
embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood,
however, that the invention is not limited to the arrangement and
instrumentalities shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0010] Referring to FIG. 1 is an isometric representation of the
casing according to the present invention, including the
retractable mechanism. It shows the product (1) the retractable
torsion barrel (2), and the sliding front panel (3). Openings for
external buttons (4), speakers (5) and auxiliary ports (6) are also
provided. Slots (7) transversally located of the invention guide
the front panel's lateral sliding motion.
[0011] Referring to FIG. 2 shows the invention's top view. It shows
the retractable torsion barrel (2) and the front panel (3). The
procedure for opening and closing the invention is narrated thus.
As the front panel (3) opens from the closed position, it smoothly
slides and rolls into the retractable barrel (2) enabled by the
torsion spring (9). This provides convenient user access to the
device's display screen inside the invention. Any device secured
within the invention can, thus, be conveniently used without
removal. Closing the front panel (3) is through the reverse
direction. The front panel (3) smoothly slides out of the
retractable barrel and back in its original position, securing the
device within the invention. The torsion system, therefore,
integrates convenience, portability and ease of use. The torsion
spring (9) can also be viewed in this diagram mounted on a metal
shaft (10) positioned longitudinal of the torsion barrel (2).
[0012] Referring to FIG. 3 shows the longitudinal-section diagram
of part of the torsion barrel (2) assembly. The torsion barrel (2)
is composed of an aluminum barrel housing (8) and a thin torsion
spring (9). The torsion spring (9) is mounted on a fixed metal
shaft (10) positioned longitudinal of the torsion barrel (2). The
retractable action is made possible through the stored mechanical
energy in the torsion spring (9).
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional diagram of the torsion barrel
(2). The torsion barrel (2) is encased in a lightweight and sturdy
aluminum barrel housing (8). The cross-section view of the metal
shaft (10) can also be seen in this diagram.
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