U.S. patent application number 13/311298 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-07 for case for electronic device including screen cleaning apparatus.
Invention is credited to Jonathan Marc Hollander, Justin David Hollander.
Application Number | 20120138490 13/311298 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46161202 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120138490 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hollander; Jonathan Marc ;
et al. |
June 7, 2012 |
Case for Electronic Device Including Screen Cleaning Apparatus
Abstract
Protective carrying cases for portable and handheld electronic
devices include an integrated screen cleaning apparatus. The screen
cleaning apparatus may be automatically used when a device is
inserted or removed from the protective case. Alternatively, the
screen cleaning apparatus may be manually activated by a user as
needed. The screen cleaning apparatus is self-contained and cleans
the screen and optionally other portions of the electronic device
as it is at least partially within the protective case.
Inventors: |
Hollander; Jonathan Marc;
(San Francisco, CA) ; Hollander; Justin David;
(Corona Del Mar, CA) |
Family ID: |
46161202 |
Appl. No.: |
13/311298 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61419759 |
Dec 3, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/205 ;
206/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 15/00 20130101;
A45C 11/00 20130101; A45C 2011/001 20130101; A45C 2011/002
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/205 ;
206/320 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00; B65D 81/00 20060101 B65D081/00 |
Claims
1. A case for an electronic device, the case comprising: a case
including at least a front cover adapted to cover at least one
screen of an electronic device, the front cover including an outer
surface and an inner surface; and a wiper attached to the inner
surface and adapted to at least temporarily contact at least a
portion of the screen of the electronic device.
2. The case of claim 1, wherein the case includes an opening for
inserting and removing the electronic device, wherein the wiper is
located in proximity to the opening such that at least the portion
of the screen of the electronic device moves over and in contact
with the wiper as the electronic device is inserted or removed from
the case.
3. The case of claim 1, wherein the case includes a hinge connected
with the front cover, wherein the hinge enables the front cover
including the wiper to be moved away from the portion of the screen
to expose the portion of the screen and to be moved towards the
portion of the screen to place the wiper in proximity to the
portion of the screen.
4. The case of claim 1, wherein the front cover includes a
mechanism adapted to move the wiper over the portion of the screen
while in contact with the portion of the screen.
5. The case of claim 4, wherein the mechanism is manually
actuated.
6. The case of claim 5, wherein the mechanism includes a
manually-actuated tab.
7. The case of claim 6, wherein the tab is connected with the
wiper.
8. The case of claim 7, wherein the tab extends from the inside
surface to the outside surface through the front cover.
9. The case of claim 4, wherein the mechanism includes a wiper
return actuator having a component with elasticity.
10. The case of claim 6, wherein the mechanism moves the wiper a
first distance when the tab is moved over a second distance less
than the first distance.
11. The case of claim 4, wherein the mechanism is electrically
actuated.
12. The case of claim 1, wherein the wiper includes a deformable
material adapted to conform to a shape of the electronic device as
the wiper moves relative to the portion of the screen.
13. The case of claim 1, wherein the wiper includes a fabric
cleaning surface.
14. The case of claim 1, wherein the wiper includes a reservoir
adapted to dispense cleaning fluid to the portion of the
screen.
15. The case of claim 14, wherein the reservoir includes a valve
adapted to control the dispensation of the cleaning fluid.
16. The case of claim 1, wherein the case includes a back cover
adapted to contact a portion of the electronic device opposite to
the portion of the screen.
17. The case of claim 1, wherein the case is a sleeve-style
case.
18. The case of claim 1, wherein the case is a book-style case.
19. The case of claim 1, wherein the front cover includes a latch
adapted to apply maintain pressure between the wiper and the
portion of the screen as the wiper is moved relative to and in
contact with the screen.
20. The case of claim 1, wherein the wiper includes at least one
blade adapted to absorb dirt or oil from the portion of the screen.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/419,759, filed Dec. 3, 2010, and entitled "Case
for Electronic Device include Screen Cleaning Apparatus," which is
incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The invention relates to the field of protective carrying
cases for portable and handheld electronic devices. Portable and
handheld electronic devices are ubiquitous. These devices include
mobile telephones, smartphones, other communication devices,
portable media players, electronic reading devices, tablet
computers, navigation devices, and remote controls. Because these
devices are subjected to a variety of conditions, many users store
their devices in carrying cases to protect them from damage and to
facilitate their transport.
[0003] However, these devices often acquire dirt from their
surroundings and from their users. This problem is especially
pronounced with devices that include touchscreens. Because
touchscreen devices are frequently touched by users' fingers, they
accumulate dirt and fingerprint oils. This dirt and oil can detract
from the performance of devices, reduce the visibility of displays,
and detract from the overall aesthetics of devices.
[0004] The accumulation of dirt and oil can be minimized by
frequent cleaning of devices. Currently, devices are typically
cleaned with separate cleaning supplies such as cleaning fabrics
and cleaning solutions. However, users are often hesitant to carry
cleaning supplies with them in addition to their devices. Thus,
devices are typically cleaned infrequently, to the detriment of the
users' experiences with their devices.
SUMMARY
[0005] Embodiments of the invention include protective carrying
cases for portable and handheld electronic devices that include an
integrated screen cleaning apparatus. In an embodiment, the screen
cleaning apparatus may be automatically used when a device is
inserted or removed from the protective case. In another
embodiment, the screen cleaning apparatus may be manually activated
by a user as needed. In both of these embodiments, the screen
cleaning apparatus is self-contained and operated within the
protective case.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The invention will be described with reference to the
drawings, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1A and 1B illustrates a sleeve-style case according to
an embodiment of the invention;
[0008] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a book-style case according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0009] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate screen cleaning wiper assemblies
according to embodiments of the invention; and
[0010] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate screen cleaning wiper movement
assemblies according to embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrates a sleeve-style case 100
according to an embodiment of the invention. Sleeve-style case 100
is adapted to closely fit over a portable electronic device 105. In
this , the sleeve-style case 100 includes an opening 110 at the
bottom to allow for device insertion and removal. In other
examples, the opening 110 may be at the top or either side of the
sleeve-style case 100. The sleeve-style case 100 may be made of
flexible and/or rigid materials and may include padding to support
and protect the portable electronic device 105.
[0012] Sleeve-style case 100 includes a screen cleaning wiper 115
located on the inside surface of the case 100. FIG. 1B illustrates
a cross-section view of a sleeve-style case 100 according to an
embodiment of the invention. In this , the screen cleaning wiper
115 is located near the sleeve opening 110. As a user inserts or
removes the device 105 from the case 100, the screen of the device
105 moves into contact with and across the screen cleaning wiper
115. As this occurs, the screen cleaning wiper 115 removes dirt,
dust, oils, or any other debris from the screen of the device 105.
As described in detail below, the screen cleaning wiper 115 may
optionally apply a cleaning fluid, such as water, a specialized
glass cleaner, or isopropyl alcohol, to the screen of the device
105. In a further embodiment, multiple screen cleaning wipers may
be used, for example to apply a cleaning fluid to the screen and
then remove excess solution from the screen.
[0013] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a book-style case 200 according to an
embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2A illustrates a book-style case
200 in an open configuration according to an embodiment of the
invention. The book style case 200 includes a front cover 205 that
is attached via at least one hinge to the portable electronic
device 210. The hinge enables the front cover 205 to be rotated so
as to cover the screen of the device 210 in a closed configuration
and to allow access to the screen of the device 210 in at least one
open configuration.
[0014] In one embodiment, the device 210 is attached to a
protective back cover or spine included in the book-style case 200.
The back cover or spine is attached to the front cover via a hinge.
In another embodiment, the device 210 is attached to or includes a
hinge that is attached to the front cover 205. In further
embodiments, the front cover 205 may be rotated behind the device
to allow for easy handling by the user or to support the device in
a more convenient orientation with respect to a user.
[0015] In an embodiment, a screen cleaning wiper 215 is attached to
the inside surface of the front cover 205 of the book-style case
200, as shown in FIG. 2A. When the book-style 200 case is in the
closed configuration, the screen cleaning wiper 215 faces the
screen of the device.
[0016] FIG. 2B illustrates the book-style case 200 in the closed
configuration. A pull tab, cord, or other user-accessible handle
220 protrudes from the outside surface of the front cover 205. When
the book-style case 200 is in the closed configuration, a user may
extend the pull tab 220 to move the screen cleaning wiper 215
across the screen of the device 210. In an embodiment, a user pulls
the pull tab 220 in a direction away from the spine of the
book-style case 200 to move the screen cleaning wiper 215 over the
screen of the device 210.
[0017] FIG. 2C shows a cross-section view of the book-style case
200 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this , the
screen cleaning wiper 215 has a rest position 220A near the hinge
and/or spine of the book-style case. When the pull tab is extended,
the screen-cleaning wiper 215 moves across the facing surface of
the device 210 to an extended position 220B. The movement of the
screen cleaning wiper 215 combined with the pressure exerted by the
front cover on the device removes dirt, dust, oils, or any other
debris from the screen of the device 210.
[0018] Alternate embodiments of the sleeve-style case, shown in
FIGS. 1A and 1B, may also incorporate a similar moving screen
cleaning wiper, as opposed to the fixed screen cleaning wiper
discussed above. In this alternate embodiment, the user extends a
pull tab protruding from the outside of the sleeve case to move the
screen cleaning wiper across the screen of the device.
[0019] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate screen cleaning wiper movement
assemblies according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 3A
illustrates a first embodiment of a screen cleaning wiper movement
assembly 300. This embodiment of the screen cleaning wiper movement
assembly 300 may be integrated with the front cover of an
embodiment of the book-style case or an alternate embodiment of the
sleeve-style case. In this embodiment of the screen cleaning wiper
movement assembly 300, the pull tab 305 is connected with the
screen cleaning wiper 310. Slots 315 in the case allow pull tab 305
to extend through to the outside surface of the case to be accessed
by users and through to the inside surface of the case to connect
with the screen cleaning wiper 310.
[0020] In an embodiment, an elastic cord or a spring 320 may be
attached to the screen cleaning wiper 310 to return to the rest
position when the pull tab 305 is released by the user. In a
further embodiment, the elastic cord or spring 320 is
pre-tensioned, so that the screen cleaning wiper 310 is held
securely in the rest position when not in use.
[0021] In an embodiment, the pull tab 305 and slots 315 in the case
maintain the desired orientation and path for the screen cleaning
wiper 310 as it is moved across the screen of the device. In a
further embodiment, the screen cleaning wiper movement assembly 300
is further guided through the use of slots or guide rails in the
inside surface of the case and corresponding guide pins on the
screen cleaning wiper.
[0022] It is desirable to maintain sufficient pressure on the
screen cleaning wiper as it travels across the screen of the device
to ensure adequate cleaning For the book-style case, the movement
of the screen cleaning wiper across the screen of the device may
force the front cover of the case away from the screen, thereby
reducing the pressure between the screen cleaning wiper and the
screen of the device. To counteract this, an embodiment of the
book-style case can include a latch, closure strap, magnets, or
other mechanism to hold the case in the closed configuration. By
holding the case in the closed configuration, more consistent
pressure is maintained between the screen cleaning wiper and the
screen of the device as the wiper is moved across the screen.
[0023] FIG. 3B illustrates a second embodiment of a screen cleaning
wiper movement assembly 350. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the pull
tab is extended by the same amount as the desired displacement of
the screen cleaning wiper. In some applications, it may be
desirable to decrease the amount of extension of the pull tab
needed for the screen cleaning wiper to travel across the screen of
the device. For , it may be unwieldy for users to fully extend a
pull tab to operate a screen cleaning wiper on larger devices.
Thus, the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3B reduces the
extension of the pull tab required to move the screen cleaning
wiper across the screen.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 3B, the pull tab 355, extending through
slots 357, is attached to the screen cleaning wiper 360 by at least
one cord. A cord 365 is fed around a set of pins 370 as shown,
which act as a block and tackle system. In an embodiment, pins 370A
and 370B are attached to the case and pin 370C is attached to pull
tab 355. In the of FIG. 3B, the arrangement of the cord 365 around
the pins 370 provides a 2:1 displacement of the screen wiper 360
relative to the displacement of the pull tab 355. This example may
be extended with additional loops of the cord around the pins to
further increase the ratio of displacement. The pins may be
constructed of a low friction material, such as acetal plastic, or
alternatively replaced with bearings or pulleys. Multiple cords and
pin sets may be used to balance the force applied to the screen
cleaning wiper by the pull tab. Like example 300, an elastic cord
or a spring 375 may be attached to the screen cleaning wiper 360 to
return to the rest position when the pull tab 355 is released by
the user.
[0025] The second embodiment of this movement assembly may
implemented within a book-style or sleeve-style case in a similar
manner as the first embodiment of this movement assembly and may
optionally include some or all of the features described above,
such as guide rails for holding the screen cleaning wiper to a path
and a latch for maintaining pressure between the wiper and the
screen of the device in the book-style case.
[0026] As an alternative to the manually operated screen cleaning
movement assemblies described above, another embodiment of the
invention uses an electric motor, solenoid, or other actuator to
move the screen cleaning wiper across the screen. The electrical
power source for the electric motor, such as a battery, may be
located in the case or provided by the device itself.
[0027] In a further embodiment, the pull tab may be integrated with
a closing strap and latch for securing the book-style case in the
closed configuration. For , a user may extend a closing strap from
the case. This closing strap actuates the movement assembly and
moves the screen cleaning wiper from the rest position across the
screen of the device. The user may then secure the closing strap in
the extended position using a latch, clasp, snap, buckle, or other
attachment system. When the closing strap is secured, the
book-style case is held in the closed configuration. For , the
closing strap may be located in the front cover of the case and the
attachment system may be located on the back cover of the case, or
vice-versa. When the user releases the closing strap from the
attachment system, the force of the return spring or elastic cord
moves the screen cleaning wiper back to its rest position.
Simultaneously, the closing strap is at least partially retracted
into the case.
[0028] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate screen cleaning wiper assemblies
according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 4A illustrates a
first screen cleaning wiper assembly 400 according to an embodiment
of the invention. The first screen cleaning wiper assembly 400 is
adapted to be used without a cleaning fluid.
[0029] The first screen cleaning wiper assembly 400 includes a base
405 for attachment to the case and optionally a movement assembly,
if included in the case. In further embodiment, the base 405 may be
attached to the case via removable fasteners, such as snaps or
hook-and-loop strips, enabling a user to remove the screen cleaning
wiper from the case for cleaning or replacement.
[0030] In an embodiment, the base 405 is attached with a core 410
made of foam or other compliant material. The core 410 is adapted
to modulate the amount of pressure applied to the device and to
conform to the surface of the device at it cleans the screen. A
cleaning fabric 415 covers the outside of the core. The cleaning
fabric may be constructed of one or more layers of material adapted
to absorb dirt, debris, oils, and/or other liquids. Polyester
and/or polyamide microfiber fabrics are one example material
suitable for use with embodiments of the invention.
[0031] In the example of FIG. 4A, the screen cleaning wiper
assembly 400 includes a single "blade" or contact element. In other
embodiments, screen cleaning wipers with multiple blades,
optionally having different shapes and/or comprised of different
materials, may be used. For , an alternate screen cleaning wiper
can include one or more thin rubber blades for capturing large
debris and one or more compliant microfiber blades for absorbing
dirt and oils.
[0032] FIG. 4B illustrates a second screen cleaning wiper assembly
420 adapted to be used with a cleaning fluid according to an
embodiment of the invention. The second screen cleaning wiper
assembly 420 includes a base 425 for attachment to the case and
optionally a movement assembly, if included in the case. In further
embodiment, the base 425 may be attached to the case via removable
fasteners, such as snaps or hook-and-loop strips, enabling a user
to remove the screen cleaning wiper from the case for cleaning,
replacement, and/or replenishment of cleaning fluid.
[0033] In an embodiment, the base 425 is attached to a reservoir
430 adapted to store cleaning fluid. In an embodiment, the
reservoir 430 includes at least one inlet for adding or
replenishing cleaning fluid and one or more outlets 435 for
releasing cleaning fluid. In a embodiment, a core 440 including
moisture absorbing material, such as a sponge, is connected with
the outlets 435 of the reservoir. A cleaning fabric 445 covers the
outside of the core 440. The core 440 is adapted to modulate the
amount of pressure applied to the device, to conform to the surface
of the device at it cleans the screen, to distributes the cleaning
fluid over the surface of the screen, and to modulate the amount of
cleaning fluid applied to the screen of the device.
[0034] In the example of FIG. 4B, the screen cleaning wiper
assembly 420 includes a single "blade" or contact element. In other
embodiments, screen cleaning wipers with multiple blades,
optionally having different shapes and/or comprised of different
materials, may be used. For , an alternate screen cleaning wiper
can include one or more sponge blades for applying cleaning fluid,
one or more compliant microfiber blades for absorbing dirt and
oils, and one or more one or more thin rubber blades for capturing
large debris and removing excess solution from the screen.
[0035] In a further embodiment, the reservoir is comprised of a
compliant material. The spacing between the inside surface of the
case and the device is designed such that the reservoir 430 is
squeezed and deformed at least slightly as the wiper travels across
the screen of the device. This deformation supplies pressure to the
cleaning fluid in the reservoir 430 and causes some cleaning fluid
to be released and applied to the screen of the device. In an
alternate embodiment, a user may squeeze the reservoir 430 to
manually apply cleaning fluid to the screen of the device.
[0036] In still a further embodiment, the reservoir outlets 435
include valves for preventing the release of cleaning fluid when
the screen cleaning wiper is in the rest position. For , the
outlets 435 may be comprised of a flexible material, such as
flexible plastic tubing. In this , the outlets 435 may be
physically squeezed closed by a structure on the case when the
wiper is in the rest position.
[0037] FIG. 4C illustrates a third screen cleaning wiper assembly
450 adapted to be used with a cleaning fluid according to an
embodiment of the invention. The third screen cleaning wiper
assembly 450 includes a base 455 for attachment to the case body
457 and a movement assembly. In further embodiment, the base 455
may be attached to the case body 457 via removable fasteners, such
as snaps or hook-and-loop strips, enabling a user to remove the
screen cleaning wiper from the case for cleaning, replacement,
and/or replenishment of cleaning fluid.
[0038] In an embodiment, the base 455 is attached to a reservoir
460 adapted to store cleaning fluid. In an embodiment, the
reservoir 460 includes at least one inlet for adding or
replenishing cleaning fluid and one or more outlets 465 for
releasing cleaning fluid. In a embodiment, a core 470 including
moisture absorbing material, such as a sponge, is connected with
the outlets 465 of the reservoir 460. A cleaning fabric 475 covers
the outside of the core 470. The core 470 is adapted to modulate
the amount of pressure applied to the device, to conform to the
surface of the device at it cleans the screen, to distributes the
cleaning fluid over the surface of the screen, and to modulate the
amount of cleaning fluid applied to the screen of the device.
[0039] In this embodiment, one or more magnets 480 are located in
the case body 457 near the rest position of the wiper may attract
at least one sliding ferromagnetic plug 485 in the wiper reservoir
460. When the wiper is in the rest position, the magnet 480 causes
the plug 485 to seal the reservoir outlet, so that no cleaning
fluid can escape. As the wiper is moved away from the magnet 480 in
the case, the plug 485 is no longer held against the reservoir
outlet 465 and cleaning fluid is permitted to exit the reservoir
460 to be applied to the screen of the device. This is illustrated
by FIG. 4C.
[0040] In an additional embodiment, the screen cleaning wiper may
be coupled with a source of mechanical vibration, such as an
electric motor and offset counterweight or a piezoelectric
actuator, to enhance its cleaning action. In this embodiment, the
source of vibration may be activated as the screen cleaning wiper
moves relative to the screen of the device. For , in the
sleeve-style case, a motion or contact sensor may trigger the wiper
vibration when the device slides into or out of the case. In an
example book-style case, the pull tab may be coupled with a switch
to trigger the wiper vibration as the wiper is moved across the
screen of the device.
[0041] Further embodiments can be envisioned to one of ordinary
skill in the art. In other embodiments, combinations or
sub-combinations of the above disclosed invention can be
advantageously made. The block diagrams of the architecture and
flow charts are grouped for ease of understanding. However it
should be understood that combinations of blocks, additions of new
blocks, re-arrangement of blocks, and the like are contemplated in
alternative embodiments of the present invention.
[0042] The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It
will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes
may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.
* * * * *