U.S. patent application number 13/419223 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-18 for electronics device case.
Invention is credited to Darren Jones.
Application Number | 20120260611 13/419223 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41114309 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120260611 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jones; Darren |
October 18, 2012 |
ELECTRONICS DEVICE CASE
Abstract
A case for protecting and storing a preselected electronics
device includes a flexible fabric material body and a strip of
fabric extending from a portion of the body. The strip of fabric
has an open and an inverted closed position. The body and strip of
fabric in the closed position are together configured to envelope
and tightly fit contours of the preselected electronics device.
Inventors: |
Jones; Darren; (American
Fork, UT) |
Family ID: |
41114309 |
Appl. No.: |
13/419223 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13103934 |
May 9, 2011 |
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13419223 |
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12632702 |
Dec 7, 2009 |
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13103934 |
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12054254 |
Mar 24, 2008 |
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12632702 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
53/468 ; 206/216;
206/320; 206/38 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/002 20130101;
A45C 2011/002 20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101; A45F 2005/008 20130101;
A45C 11/24 20130101; A45C 2013/303 20130101; A45C 13/36 20130101;
A45C 2011/001 20130101; A45F 2005/006 20130101; A45C 3/00 20130101;
A45C 11/38 20130101; A45C 3/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/468 ; 206/216;
206/38; 206/320 |
International
Class: |
B65D 37/00 20060101
B65D037/00; B65B 5/04 20060101 B65B005/04; B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A case for protecting and storing a preselected electronics
device having at least one feature, comprising: a flexible,
elastomeric fabric material body having a front, a back, a first
side including at least a first seam extending the length thereof,
a second side including at least a second seam extending the length
thereof, a top, and an opening along a bottom; a strip of fabric of
the same material as the body for closing the opening, said strip
extending from the back of the body near the opening and seamed
into a length of each of the first side and the second side, said
strip of fabric having an open position where the entirety of the
strip of fabric rests substantially flush with a portion of the
back of the body, and a closed position where the strip of fabric
is inverted and covers the opening and is substantially flush with
a portion of the front of the body, wherein the body and strip of
fabric in the closed position are together configured to envelope
and tightly fit contours of the preselected electronics device; an
aperture in the body of the case centered over the feature; and a
cloth permanently attached to an internal surface of the front of
the case and configured for removal of a majority of the cloth from
an internal cavity of the case for use in polishing or cleaning the
electronic device.
2. The case of claim 1, wherein the flexible fabric material of the
body is selected the group consisting of neoprene
(polychloroprene), spandex (elastane), nylon, polyester fabric,
rayon, olefin fiber, other petrochemical based fibrous materials,
other seamable synthetic rubbers, and blends and combinations
thereof.
3. The case of claim 1, wherein the strip of fabric extending from
the back of the body is a separately attached material sewn onto
the body as a separate panel.
4. The case of claim 1, wherein the strip of fabric extending from
the back of the body is an extension of the fabric of the back of
the body.
5. The case of claim 1, wherein the flexible fabric material body
is made of a continuous cut of fabric.
6. The case of claim 5, wherein the flexible fabric material body
and the strip of fabric are both made of a continuous cut of
fabric.
7. The case of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first side or
the second side includes two seams extending the length thereof,
one seam located at the interface between the side and the back and
the other seam located at the interface between the side and the
front.
8. The case of claim 1, wherein the strip of fabric is seamed into
a length of each of the first seam and the second seam.
9. The case of claim 1, wherein the preselected electronics device
is selected from an portable media players, portable media
receivers, cameras, personal digital assistants, cellular phones,
global positioning systems, web browsers, Dictaphones, digital
games, video game remotes, cordless phones, and hybrids and
combinations thereof.
10. The case of claim 1, wherein the body and strip of fabric in
the closed position are together configured to tightly fit
substantially all contours of the preselected electronics
device.
11. The case of claim 1, wherein the feature is a projection,
button, keypad, screen, or jack of the preselected electronics
device.
12. The case of claim 1, wherein the cloth is a microfiber
cloth.
13. The case of claim 1, wherein the case is substantially free of
releasable attachments.
14. A case for protecting and storing a rhombical camera,
comprising: a thin polychloroprene body of a continuous cut, said
body having a front, a back, a first side including a first seam
extending the length thereof, a second side including a second seam
extending the length thereof, a top, and an opening along a bottom;
a strip of the continuous cut of polychloroprene of the body, said
strip extending from the back of the body near the opening and
seamed into a length of each of the first seam and the second seam,
said strip having an open position where the entirety of the strip
rests substantially flush with a portion of the back of the body,
and a closed position where the strip is inverted and covers the
opening and is substantially flush with a portion of the front of
the body; an aperture in the body of the case configured to be
centered over an attached carrying strap, and allowing for a
carrying strap attached to the rhombical camera to extend there
through; and a microfiber cloth permanently attached to an interior
surface of the front of the case and configured for removal of a
majority of the cloth from an internal cavity of the case and
further configured to substantially cover and rest against a
viewing screen of the camera when enclosed in the case, wherein the
body and the strip in the closed position are together configured
to envelope and tightly fit substantially all contours of the
camera.
15. A case for protecting and storing an audio player, comprising:
a polychloroprene body having a front, a back, a first side
including at least a first seam extending the length thereof, a
second side including at least a second seam extending the length
thereof, a top, and an opening along a bottom, wherein the body
further includes at least one aperture centered over at least one
of a power jack and an audio jack; and a polychloroprene strip for
closing the opening, said strip extending from the back of the body
near the opening and seamed into a length of each of the first seam
and the second seam, said strip having an open position where the
entirety of the strip rests substantially flush with a portion of
the back of the body, and a closed position where the strip is
inverted and covers the opening and is substantially flush with a
portion of the front of the body, wherein the body and strip in the
closed position are together configured to envelope and tightly fit
contours of the audio player.
16. A method of protecting an electronic device, comprising:
inverting the strip of fabric of the case of claim 16 from the
closed position to the open position; inserting the electronic
device into the case; inverting the strip of fabric of the case of
claim 16 from the open position to the closed position thereby
enveloping and tightly fitting the contours of the electronics
device.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/103,934, filed on May 9, 2011, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/632,702, filed
on Dec. 7, 2009, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/054,254, filed on Mar. 24, 2008, which claims priority
to U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/268,088, filed on Oct. 24,
2006, each of which are incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Electronics devices, particularly in this day and age, are
often designed to be transportable, and easy to use "on the go."
Unfortunately, many such electronics devices are susceptible to
damage from such movement and even storage. Many devices include a
robust outer shell, however, many aspects are not encased in the
outer shell. Aspects such as view screens, lenses, key pads and the
like are susceptible to scratches, breakage, etc., as they
generally cannot be encased in a robust outer shell due to
functionality and size concerns. Additionally, the robust outer
shells, themselves, are susceptible to scratches and other
deformations, which can potentially harm the inner workings of the
electronics device, or at the very least damage the aesthetic
nature of the robust outer shell.
[0003] In order to protect certain electronic devices, a number of
bags and storage cases have been made. Such bags and/or cases are
highly padded so as to best protect the electronic device from
damage. While adequately protecting the electronic device, the
added bulk reduces the mobility of the electronics device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Accordingly, the present invention provides a case for
protecting and storing an electronics device. The case can be for a
preselected electronics device and can include a flexible fabric
material body and a strip of fabric of the same material for
closing an opening. The body can include, for ease of discussion, a
front, a back, a first side, a second side, a top, and an opening
along a bottom. Each of the two sides can include a seam extending
the length of the side. The strip of fabric can extend from the
back of the body near the opening. Additionally, the strip can be
seamed into a length of each of the first and second sides. The
strip can have an open position and a closed position. In the open
position, the entirety of the strip can rest substantially flush
with a portion of the back of the body. In the closed position, the
strip is inverted and covers the opening and is substantially flush
with a portion of the front of the body. The body and strip of
fabric in the closed position, together, can be configured to
envelope and tightly fit contours of the preselected electronics
device.
[0005] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, various
features of the invention so that the detailed description thereof
that follows may be better understood, and so that the present
contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Other features
of the present invention will become clearer from the following
detailed description of the invention, taken with the accompanying
claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a front of an electronics
device case having a strip of fabric in the closed position, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a front of an electronics
device case having a strip of fabric in the open position, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a front view of an electronics device case having
a strip of fabric in the closed position, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a back view of an electronics device case having a
strip of fabric in the closed position, wherein the body of the
electronics device and the strip of fabric are a continuous cut of
fabric, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a side view of an electronics device case having a
strip of fabric in the closed position and further including a loop
attachment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a side view of an opposite side of that shown in
FIG. 5. The view is of an electronics device case having a strip of
fabric in the closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an electronics device case having
a strip of fabric in the closed position and further including a
loop attachment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a top view of an electronics device case having a
strip of fabric in the closed position and further including a loop
attachment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an electronics device case
having a strip of fabric in the open position and further having a
camera partially enveloped in the case, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a perspective vies of an electronics device case
having a cloth permanently attached to the interior of the case and
illustrated as residing outside of the case, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments, and
specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will
nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the
invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further
modifications of the inventive features, process steps, and
materials illustrated herein, and additional applications of the
principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would
occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of
this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the
invention. It should also be understood that terminology employed
herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments
only and is not intended to be limiting.
Definitions
[0017] In describing and claiming the present invention, the
following terminology will be used in accordance with the
definitions set forth below.
[0018] The singular forms "a," "an," and, "the" include plural
referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for
example, reference to "a seam" includes reference to one or more of
such seams, and reference to "the aperture" includes reference to
one or more of such apertures.
[0019] The term, "rhombical," as used herein, is used to describe a
three-dimensional shape having substantially six faces.
Alternatively or additionally, "rhombical" can be used to indicate
a three-dimensional shape having at least two faces that each have
four sides. Such sides can optionally be at right angles (a
rectangular shape), and can optionally be of equal length (a square
shape).
[0020] The term "flexible fabric material" refer to textiles having
elasticity and the capacity to maintain their integrity through
conventional sewing techniques. Such flexible fabric materials are
not deformed from normal stretching, but return to their original
shape once the stretching stress is removed. Typically, fabrics
having these qualities are not translucent. Non-limiting examples
of materials that can be used include synthetic rubbers such as
neoprene (polychloroprene); petrochemical based or other
synthetically manufactured fibrous materials such as spandex
(elastane), nylon, polyester fabric, rayon, olefin fiber, and
particularly combinations and blends of the noted materials with
each other and with other animal, plant, mineral or synthetic based
textile such as cotton. In one aspect, the flexible fabric material
can include a blend including neoprene and spandex. Furthermore,
within the body of the description, the terms "fabric" and
"material" are used interchangeably unless noted otherwise.
[0021] The term "flush" is used according to its plain meaning and
specifically relates to direct physical contact between two
surfaces that are substantially parallel to one another.
[0022] As used herein, the term "tightly" refers to a fit including
direct physical contact between at least a majority of surfaces
sufficient to create a resistance to displacement due to the
frictional forces caused by the contact of the surfaces. For proper
use of the case, the degree of friction maintaining placement of an
electronics device in an associated case should be relatively easy
to overcome by user manipulation (as with inserting and removing
the electronics device).
[0023] As used herein, the term "configured to" refers to the
purposeful selection, placement and/or design to effectuate a
predetermined function or purpose. Therefore, configuring something
to do something requires first, an identified objective or purpose,
and second, selection and designing to reach the purpose or
objective. As such, qualities resulting from manufacture without a
predetermined (i.e. determined prior to manufacture) objective or
purpose are not considered to result from "configured to"
designs.
[0024] As used herein, "substantially" refers to situations close
to and including 100%. Substantially is used to indicate that,
though 100% is desirable, a small deviation therefrom is
acceptable.
[0025] As used herein, the term "about" is used to provide
flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given
value may be "a little above" or "a little below" the endpoint.
[0026] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements,
compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a
common list for convenience. However, these lists should be
construed as though each member of the list is individually
identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual
member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of
any other member of the same list solely based on their
presentation in a common group without indications to the
contrary.
[0027] As used herein, directional-based descriptive terms, such as
"front," "back," "side," "top," "bottom," and the like are used
strictly for ease of discussion. Such use is not to be interpreted,
even when used in claims, as requiring such direction, or that the
directional descriptors match or mirror any electronics device
associated therewith, or that the case is to be held and/or used
according to the descriptive terms.
[0028] Concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be
expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be
understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience
and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not
only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the
range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or
sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value
and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a
numerical range of "about 1 to about 5" should be interpreted to
include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about
5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the
indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are
individual values such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from
1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc.
[0029] This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one
numerical value. Furthermore, such an interpretation should apply
regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being
described.
The Invention
[0030] As noted previously, there is concern when transporting
and/or storing electronic devices. Often, while transporting, an
unprotected electronics device is subjected to unwanted bumps,
scrapes, drops, and the like, which can not only lessen the
aesthetic virtue of the electronics device, but can also cause
damage to the components of the electronics device. Therefore, a
market for the likes of camera bags and other protective bags for
electronics devices emerged. However, the trend in electronics
device design is to create a device that is portable and can easily
be taken from place to place. The use of a bag that adds bulk and
weight to an electronics device contradicts the trend towards
smaller, more easily portable, devices. Therefore, an electronics
device case that provides protection and storage is provided
herein, which does not substantially add to the bulk and/or weight
of the electronics device.
[0031] Electronics devices come in a variety of forms. Generally,
electronics devices include electrical components, which are used
to provide utility to a consumer. Such utility can include, e.g.,
computational, storage, entertainment, communicative, transmissive,
etc. An electronic device can be free-standing, such as a cellular
phone, or, as with a video game controller, can be connected to a
console, or other object to provide either power and/or desired
connectivity. Electronic devices typically have a robust outer
shell or casing. As discussed, such outer shells are susceptible to
scratching and other damage. Most if not all electronic devices
also include sensitive areas, or generally those features not
protected by a robust outer shell. Non-limiting examples of
sensitive areas or features include buttons, view screens,
unshielded lenses, keypads, flash projectors, sensors, etc.
[0032] Often, an electronics device will include more than one
sensitive area or feature. For example, a digital camera often
includes a lens or lens attachment region, a view screen, buttons
of various forms configured to turn the camera on or off,
configured to open a shutter and thereby take the picture as well
as to adjust zoom and other properties of the camera's operations,
and further configured to maneuver through digital menus and
storage viewing of the camera. The camera example may further
include sensitive areas configured for connection, such as data
connections (e.g. USB), headphone or speaker jacks, power charging
jacks, etc.
[0033] Non-limiting examples of electronic devices include portable
media players including specifically audio and/or video players
(such as devices having the capacity or being configured to
primarily play music media or files, including cassettes, compact
discs, DVDs, MP3, WAV, AIFF, AU, WMA, TTA, FLAC, APE, WV, TAK, AAC,
ALE, ALAC, AAC, OGG, MPC, RAW, GSM, DCT, VOX, MP4/M4A, RA, RAM,
DSS, MSV, DVF, any later developed format and/or player, and
combinations thereof, and also specifically including portable
radio and television receivers), cameras (both still and moving
image, digital and non-digital), personal digital assistants
("PDA"), cellular phones, global positioning systems, web browsers,
Dictaphone, digital games, video game remotes, cordless phones,
laptop computers, etc.
[0034] For each electronics device, an electronics device case can
be utilized to protect and store the electronics device. The cases
contemplated herein are made of a flexible fabric material. Such
material, as a properly tailored case, is capable of at least
partially taking the shape of the underlying electronics device.
The material is further capable of being seamed or sewn as a means
of attaching and tailoring. Furthermore, the material should be
selected so as to optimize the degree of protection to the
electronics device, while limiting the bulk and/or weight added by
the case. Non-limiting examples of materials that can be used
include neoprene (polychloroprene), spandex (elastane), nylon,
polyester fabric, rayon, olefin fiber, other petrochemical based
fibrous materials, other seamable synthetic rubbers, and blends and
combinations thereof Such materials can optionally include patterns
or designs, including marketing materials and/or logos.
Furthermore, the material can optionally be chemically treated
(surface or otherwise) to alter or enhance any characteristics, as
is known in the textile arts.
[0035] As the fabric material is to be form-fitting to an
electronics device, and furthermore includes a strip of fabric to
be used to open or close the case, such fabric must include a
degree of elasticity sufficient to permit the strip of fabric to
invert from the open to the closed position while (a) enclosing a
preselected electronics device, and (b) forming an envelope that
tightly fits contours of the electronics device. The particular
design of the case is directly related to the preselected or
identified electronics device for which it is to case, and
therefore, the case is configured for a use with a particular
electronics device. As such, the cases disclosed herein are not of
a one-size-fits-all type, nor are they configured to be generally
interchangeable. An exception to the rule may occur where a case is
used for two electronics devices having the same dimensions and
contours. The contours of an electronics device include not only
the dimensions of the object, but also any curvature, protrusions,
and any variations from a flat surface.
[0036] The particular design of the case can optionally include
seams along one or more of the major edges of the electronics
device, so as to better form the tight fit and ability of the case
to better fit to the contours of the electronics device. As
mentioned, the case includes a strip of fabric for closing the
opening. Such strip of fabric, or closure flap, is seamed into body
of the case in at least two points, and for a length at each point.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the case 2, for ease of discussion, has a
front 4, a top 6, a bottom 8, a left side 10, a right side 12
(showing only the edge between the right side and the top). The
case also has a back. The strip of fabric 14 is in the closed
position wherein the strip of fabric is inverted and covers the
opening and is substantially flush with a portion of the front of
the body 16.
[0037] In an optional embodiment, a continuous cut of fabric can be
arranged to form the body of the case and the strip of fabric for
closing the opening. In such case, the continuous cut of fabric can
be folded three times to produce a general shape of the desired
electronics device. In the case of forming a rectangular shaped
case, a length of fabric around or greater than two and a half
times longer than the length of a front of back of the electronics
device can be used. The first fold can be at a relatively short
length to provide the strip of fabric for closing the opening, and
the next fold can bring the end of the length to a spot near or at
the fold. The unfolded side (originally the long sides of the
continuous cut of rectangular material) can be seamed together
completely. The case can then be turned right side out, as is know
in the sewing art, wherein the first turning reveals an open case,
and the next turn (this time of the smaller fold) closes the
case.
[0038] Alternatively, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, shows a
continuous cut of fabric making up the body of the case, and a
separate piece of fabric, attached to the back of the body, along
the bottom. In the figure, seams are shown around the side 10, and
continuing to the bottom 8. Such seam continues around the top and
opposite sides, although not shown. The strip of fabric 14 is
seamed into a length of each of the sides 10 and 12 (shown seam 18
on side 10). The general seaming of FIG. 1 is similar to that which
would result of utilizing a continuous cut of fabric, but for the
attachment of the strip of fabric to the body. The strip of fabric
of FIG. 1 further includes a hem that includes a zig-zag stitch 20.
It should be noted that while the illustrated hem includes a
zig-zag stitch, any method of hemming the strip of fabric (both
conventional and non-conventional), including a straight stitch,
any functional and/or decorative stitches, any number of folds or
rolling the fabric, or any fabric edge treatment, such as serging,
application of chemicals, decorative cutting, and other edge
finishes, can optionally be used alone and in combination.
Alternatively, the edge of fabric of the strip of fabric can be
untreated.
[0039] As noted, the case 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a single
seam extending the full length of each side 10, 12. In an alternate
embodiment, a side can include more than one seam of equal or
differing lengths. FIG. 1 further illustrates a loop 22 seamed into
the left side 10. Such loop can allow for attachment of the case to
other objects, can be coupled to a clasp, or can be enlarged to
permit attachment to a wrist. Additionally, a loop, or any other
attachment device, or tag, or further accessory for the case or
electronics device, can be attached at any point of the case. Such
attachment can be by seaming, or by adhering, directly sewing,
etc., to a non-seam portion of the case. For example, a loop can be
attached to the top of a case, multiple loops can be attached to
the same side, or a tag, including a logo of a company, can be
seamed into the side of a case.
[0040] FIG. 2 shows an electronics device case having the strip of
fabric in the closed position where the strip of fabric rests
substantially flush with a portion of the back of the body. FIG. 2
is the case of FIG. 1, illustrating the differences between the
open and the closed positions for the strip of fabric. As shown,
the case includes a top 6, two sides 10, 12, the attached loop 22,
the front 4, the opposite side of the strip of fabric 24 is flush
with the back of the case (not shown). Such positioning of the
strip of fabric reveals an opening 26, wherein an electronics
device can be inserted into the case. Although the case is
portrayed in FIGS. 1 and 2 as holding a generally rectangular
shape, it should be noted that generally, the materials employed in
creating the case do not take such a distinct form until they
envelop or glove an electronics device.
[0041] The strip of fabric for closing the opening is particularly
configured to securely close the opening of the case without
requiring releasable attachments such as, e.g., hook and loop,
buttons, snaps, buckles, adhesives, hooks, zippers, drawstrings,
clasps, etc. Rather, the effective closing of the case is a result
of the product design including the strip of fabric seamed into a
length of two sides of the case, and being composed of a fabric
having an elasticity sufficient to allow for inversion of the strip
from open position to closed position. One advantage in the design
is the optional lack of releasable attachments, thus simplifying
the case generally. Furthermore, releasable attachments can be
prone to catching on and/or scratching the electronics device, when
placed together. Additionally, such releasable attachments can be
prone to wearing faster than the rest of a bag or enclosure for an
electronics device. They can rip or fall off, thus rendering the
bag or enclosure ineffective at protecting and storing an
electronics device. That said, in one aspect, the case, according
to the present application, can include one or more releasable
attachments. Such attachments would likely be used at a point on
the front of the case wherein the strip of fabric meets the
front.
[0042] The front of case of FIG. 1 is illustrated in FIG. 3. As
shown, the front 4 of the case 2 includes a strip of fabric 14 in
the closed position. The strip of fabric is nearest the bottom 8 of
the case. Similarly, FIG. 4 illustrates the back of the case of
FIG. 1, wherein the strip of fabric is in the closed position.
Shown is the back 30, the two sides 10, 12 (inverted from the FIGS.
1 and 3), the top 6 and bottom 8 of the case.
[0043] A direct view of the two sides of the case of FIG. 1 are
illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Specifically, FIG. 5 is a view of the
side 10 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is view of the side 12 of FIG. 1.
Each figure shows the front 4, back 30, top 6, bottom 8, strip of
fabric 14 in the closed position where it is flush with the front,
stitching along the full length of each side 18 and 32
respectively. Although the illustrated embodiment includes a single
seam extending the length of each side, it should be noted that
each side can independently include a plurality of seams,
optionally extending the length thereof Furthermore, a single
continuous seam can extend from one side, across the bottom, and
onto a second side. In one aspect, a single continuous seam can be
substantially the only seam, besides optional hemming, present in
the case. Alternatively, one or both sides can include two seams
extending the length thereof In such embodiment, it can be optional
that one or both sides includes the two seams located at the
interface between (a) the side and the back and (b) the side and
the front of the case.
[0044] As the case is to fit tightly to an electronics device, the
cases can be of any shape and size so as to best match the contours
of the electronics device. Further, the size and shape of the faces
of the body of the case can vary in relation to one another as
needed to form the proper contour. In one aspect, the front and the
back can be substantially the same size. In one aspect, one or more
seams can act as structural members to the case. The body and strip
of fabric in the closed position are together configured to
envelope and tightly fit contours of the preselected electronics
device. Properly located seams can assist fitting the contours
properly. For example, in one aspect, it may be useful to locate
seams along angles of the electronics device, such as edges. In one
aspect, the body and strip of fabric in the closed position can
together be configured to tightly fit substantially all contours of
the preselected electronics device.
[0045] The top and bottom of the case of FIG. 1 are shown in FIGS.
7 and 8, respectively. FIG. 7 shows the top 6 of the case 2 with
the sides 12 and 10, the loop 22, the back 30, and the front 4. The
lip of the strip of fabric 14 is against the front of the case.
FIG. 7 illustrates an aperture 31 edged by a grommet Apertures of
this type are optional, and can be placed in a variety can allow
for protruding portions of the electronic device to extend from the
cover without compromising the tight fit of the cover. In one
aspect, the aperture can be configured to be placed over or near a
strap attached to the electronics device, thereby allowing for the
strap to be threaded through the aperture and utilized with the
electronics device as intended. FIG. 8 shows the bottom view of
FIG. 1, wherein the case 2 has a back 30, a bottom 8, two sides 10
and 12, and a loop 22 attached to side 10. The view of the bottom
also shows the strip of fabric 14 for closing the opening. If the
strip of fabric were inverted, the present view would be directly
into the case through the opening.
[0046] It should be noted that the figures are identified in
regions such as top, bottom, sides, front, and back, and such
identification is, at times, along a substantial area of the region
(such as the front 4 of FIG. 1), whereas, at other times, the
identified region is at the termination line or point of the region
(such as the top 6 of FIG. 1). In one aspect, the transition
between two adjacent regions can be abrupt, and occur along a
common boundary (such as a fold in the fabric, or even a deliberate
seam), whereas, in another aspect, the transition between two
adjacent regions can be a general blending wherein a limited space
can be properly labeled as two regions (e.g. side and front) on a
case. Furthermore, due to the nature of the material utilized to
create the case, the definition of regions may be difficult until
the electronics device is fully inserted, as the electronics device
lends structure to the case due to the tight fit.
[0047] FIG. 9 shows a camera 34 partially inserted into a case 36.
As illustrated, the case has a front 38 that terminates in an
opening through which the camera is inserted. The strip of material
40 for closing the opening is inverted and in the closed position,
flush against the back, and in this case, also flush against a
portion of the side 42. The portion of the camera shown includes a
viewing or digital screen 44. Additionally, the camera illustrated
includes a hand strap 46 that is shown threaded through an aperture
(not shown) on the top of the case (also not shown).
[0048] FIG. 10 shows an electronics device case 48. As illustrated,
the case has a front 50 that terminates in an opening through which
the electronics device can be inserted. The strip of material 52
for closing the opening can be inverted and in the closed position,
flush against the back (not shown), and in this case, also flush
against a portion of the side 54. The electronics device case
additionally includes a cloth 56 attached to an interior of the
case. In the illustrated embodiment, a rhombical cloth is attached
at a corner of the cloth to the interior front surface of case. As
shown, the bulk of the cloth is removed from the interior of the
case. Cloths, such as the one illustrated can be removed, at least
partially, to allow for use in wiping and/or cleaning of an
electronics device. The cloth can also optionally be inserted into
the case in a manner to wrap the electronics device, or at least
partially cover part of the surface of the electronics device, when
stored in the case.
[0049] Various adaptations of the cases are contemplated herein. In
one aspect, the case can include one or more apertures in the body
of the case. Many electronic devices include features that a user
may desire to be uncovered, and therefore accessible, while the
electronics device is enveloped and stored in the case. One or more
aperture in the body of the case can be over the feature or
features. In one aspect, the aperture(s) can be centered over the
desired feature. Non-limiting examples of features that may be
desirable to have accessible while the electronics device is
enclosed in the case include a viewable screen, a keypad, a button
or buttons, a jack (such as a power jack, data transfer attachment
jack, headphone jack, speaker jack, etc.), and combinations thereof
The aperture can be of any shape and size, provided a majority of
the electronics device is enclosed and covered by the case.
[0050] At times, it may be useful for one or more feature of an
electronics device to be viewable, although still protected from
direct contact. In such cases, the body can include one or more
apertures, appropriately shaped, and optionally centered over the
feature, and further including a clear material attached to the
body of the case so as to form a window of the aperture. Generally,
transparent polymeric materials are preferred materials for use as
the clear material.
[0051] Apertures in the body of the case can optionally be
configured to permit projections of the contours of the electronics
device to project out of the case. As a non-limiting example, an
antenna can be configured to project through the case. Such an
arrangement, as with the majority of apertures in the contours of
electronics devices, can allow for a better, tighter, fit of the
case to the electronics device.
[0052] Any of the apertures of the case can optionally include an
aperture cover, which can optionally be of the same material as the
body of the case, and can be configured to close or cover at least
a part of the aperture. In one aspect, the aperture cover can be
configured to attach securely over the aperture by any of the
attachment means disclosed herein. Further, the aperture cover can
be configured to rest flat on the aperture unless manually removed
to reveal the aperture.
[0053] Many electronics devices include viewing screens and/or
lenses. Such features, for example, may tend to accumulate dust and
dirt, which lessens their effectiveness and can potentially ruin
the feature and/or electronics device. As such, in one aspect, a
cloth can be permanently or removably attached to an interior of
the case. Such attachment can be at any location in the interior of
the case, including the backside of the front, the backside of the
back, the backside of any sides or the portion of the strip of
fabric that completes the interior of the case when in the closed
position. Such cloth can be attached by any method, including, but
not limited to, seamed into the case, snaps, hook and loop,
buttons, buckles, adhesives, hooks, zippers, clasps, and
combinations thereof. Preferably, the attachment position and type
makes possible the removal of at least a majority of the cloth,
although the present application contemplates any removal and
exposure of the cloth. The cloth can be of any shape and size. In
one aspect, the cloth is rhombical and is optionally of a size
similar to that of the back or front of the case.
[0054] The cloth may be made of a wide variety of materials and
fabrics that are suited to accomplishing a specific purpose, such
as cleaning or treating a lens or screen without scratching it.
Nearly any woven or non-woven fabrics may be used. Further, fabrics
with a selected degree of absorbability may be used with some
cloths being selected to be more absorbent than others. Examples
include without limitation, cotton, polyester, and other cloths,
microfiber cloths, super absorbent cloths or materials, such as
chamois, and other natural or synthetic absorbent materials. In one
aspect, the cloth can be a microfiber cloth. The cloth may
additionally be configured to hold a variety of materials useful in
treating lens- or screen-bearing devices, such as cleaning and
anti-fog solutions, polishes, waxes, etc.
[0055] Thus, when attached to the interior of the case in certain
embodiments, the cloth can provide a soft and protective interior
to protect the electronics device from being scratched or otherwise
abraded from rougher fabrics, at least in part. For example, in
some embodiments, the cloth may be attached near the lip of the
opening and extend down along one interior side of the case, thus
adding an extra measure of scratch and abrasion prevention for
sensitive areas such as screens, lenses, and viewfinders on the
electronics device. In some embodiments, the cloth may be attached
a multiple points of attachment inside the case, and in another
aspect, the cloth may be a lining or other configuration that can
be extended from the case to be used in a cleaning or treatment
function. The cloth can further provide an additional level of
protection in that it can be configured to extend over features of
the electronics device not protected by an outer shell. When the
electronics device is inserted into the case, at least a portion of
it can tightly fit against the cloth inside the case. As the cloth
is considered, in such instance, to be an extension of the case,
and lends itself to the tight fit of the case to the electronics
device.
[0056] In a specific embodiment, a case can be for protecting and
storing a rhombical camera. The case can include a thin neoprene
body of a continuous cut. The body can include a front, a back, two
sides each including a seam extending the length thereof, a top,
and an opening along a bottom. The case can further include a strip
of the continuous cut of neoprene of the body. The strip can extend
from the back of the body near the opening and can be seamed into a
length of each of the side seams. The strip can have an open
position where the entirety of the strip rests substantially flush
with a portion of the back of the body. The strip can also have a
closed position where the strip is inverted and covers the opening
and is substantially flush with a portion of the front of the body.
The case can also optionally include a microfiber cloth permanently
attached to an interior surface of the front of the case and be
configured for removal of a majority of the cloth from an internal
cavity of the case and can be further configured to substantially
cover and rest against a viewing screen of the camera when enclosed
in the case. Additionally, the body and closure flap in the closed
position can be configured to envelope and tightly fit
substantially all contours of the camera.
[0057] In another specific embodiment, a case for protecting and
storing an audio player can include a neoprene body and a neoprene
strip. The neoprene body can include a front, a back, a first side
including at least a first seam extending the length thereof, a
second side including at least a second seam extending the length
thereof, a top, and an opening along a bottom. The body can also
include at least one aperture centered over at least one of a power
jack and an audio jack. The neoprene strip can be configured for
closing the opening. The strip can extend from the back of the body
near the opening and can be seamed into a length of each of the
first seam and the second seam. The strip can have an open position
where the entirety of the strip rests substantially flush with a
portion of the back of the body, and can have a closed position
where the strip is inverted and covers the opening and is
substantially flush with a portion of the front of the body. The
body and strip in the closed position are together configured to
envelope and tightly fit contours of the audio player.
[0058] Of course, it is to be understood that the above-described
arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the
principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and
alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such
modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention
has been described above with particularity and detail in
connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical
and preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications,
including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials,
shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may
be made without departing from the principles and concepts set
forth herein.
* * * * *