U.S. patent application number 13/173797 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-03 for wearable case for a mobile device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Advance Watch Company, Ltd., d/b/a, Geneva Watch Group, Advance Watch Company, Ltd., d/b/a, Geneva Watch Group. Invention is credited to Max Poon Yiu Kai.
Application Number | 20130001263 13/173797 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47389538 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130001263 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kai; Max Poon Yiu |
January 3, 2013 |
WEARABLE CASE FOR A MOBILE DEVICE
Abstract
A wearable case for a mobile device includes a flexible body
defining an internal recess and having a front portion with a face
aperture to the recess, a back portion with a back aperture to the
recess, and a side portion. A wristband extends from the body
portion. Another wearable case includes a flexible body, a strap,
and a storage member. Yet another wearable case includes a first
shell having a series of facets, a second shell having a series of
facets, and a chain. Another wearable case includes a first shell
having a recessed fitting adjacent to a face aperture for receiving
a mobile device, a second shell, and a hinge connecting the first
shell to the second shell.
Inventors: |
Kai; Max Poon Yiu; (Hong
Kong, HK) |
Assignee: |
Advance Watch Company, Ltd., d/b/a,
Geneva Watch Group
Long Island City
NY
|
Family ID: |
47389538 |
Appl. No.: |
13/173797 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/219 ;
224/241 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2005/008 20130101;
A44C 5/0007 20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101; A45F 2200/0508 20130101;
A45F 2200/0516 20130101; A44C 5/0053 20130101; G04G 17/08
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/219 ;
224/241 |
International
Class: |
A44C 5/00 20060101
A44C005/00; A45F 5/00 20060101 A45F005/00 |
Claims
1. A wearable case for a mobile device comprising: a flexible body
defining an internal recess, the flexible body having a front
portion defining a face aperture to the recess, a back portion
defining a back aperture to the recess, and a side portion; and a
wristband extending from the body portion.
2. The wearable case of claim 1 wherein the back aperture is larger
than the face aperture.
3. The wearable case of claim 1 further comprising at least one
aperture on the side of the flexible body portion.
4. The wearable case of claim 1 wherein side portion has a side
thickness; and wherein the body portion includes a shoulder region
having a shoulder thickness, the shoulder thickness greater than
the side thickness.
5. The wearable case of claim 1 wherein the body portion
surrounding the open back aperture has elasticity to allow for
insertion and removal of a mobile device.
6. The wearable case of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a
polymer.
7. The wearable case of claim 1 further comprising indicia on the
front portion of the body and adjacent to the face aperture.
8. The wearable case of claim 7 wherein the indicia is information
providing indicia.
9. The wearable case of claim 1 wherein the wristband is formed
with a contoured feature to provide flexibility.
10. The wearable case of claim 9 wherein the bezel ring comprises
metal.
11. A wearable case for a mobile device comprising: a flexible body
defining an internal recess, the flexible body having a front
portion defining a face aperture to the recess; a strap extending
from the body portion; and a storage member having a first end and
a second end, the first end connected to the body.
12. The wearable case of claim 11 wherein the second end of the
storage member is connected to the body, the storage member forming
a tubular shape.
13. The wearable case of claim 12 further comprising a second
storage member having a first end and a second end, the first and
second ends of the second storage member connected to the body
portion opposed to the first storage member, the second storage
member forming a tubular shape.
14. The wearable case of claim 11 wherein the storage member has a
plurality of apertures to provide flexibility of the storage
member.
15. The wearable case of claim 11 wherein the first end of the
storage member is connected about the circumference of the body
portion; and wherein the storage member is foldable.
16. A wearable case for a mobile device comprising: a first shell
having a series of facets, the first shell defining an aperture in
place of one of the facets, the first shell having a first fastener
portion; a second shell having a series of facets, the second shell
having a second fastener portion for mating with the first fastener
portion to releasably connect the first and second shells together;
and a chain having a first end and a second end, the first and
second ends connected to one of the first and second shells.
17. The wearable case of claim 16 wherein the first and second
shells comprise acrylic.
18. The wearable case of claim 16 wherein a recessed side region of
the second shell defines an access aperture.
19. The wearable case of claim 18 further comprising a flexible
sheet substantially covering the access aperture.
20. A wearable case for a mobile device comprising: a first shell
having a first end and a second end and defining a face aperture,
the shell having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner
surface defining a recessed fitting adjacent to the face aperture
for receiving a mobile device; a second shell having a first end
and a second end; and a hinge connecting the first end of the first
shell to the first end of the second shell; wherein the second end
of the first shell and the second end of the second shell abut one
another when the hinge is closed such that the first and second
shells form a band.
21. The wearable case of claim 20 wherein the hinge is spring
loaded.
22. The wearable case of claim 20 wherein the outer surface of the
first shell defines a plurality of apertures for receiving
ornaments.
23. The wearable case of claim 20 wherein the recessed fitting is a
snap fitting.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Various embodiments relate to wearable cases for a mobile
device.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Mobile devices, such as a portable music device, personal
digital assistant, or the like, may be placed into a case or other
protective covering to prolong the lifetime of the device, preserve
the outer appearance of the device, and protect the device from
shocks or other forces when the device is dropped or being used. A
case may also be used for user convenience in carrying the device.
The mobile devices are becoming increasingly smaller in size.
SUMMARY
[0003] In an embodiment, a wearable case for a mobile device
includes a flexible body defining an internal recess. The flexible
body has a front portion defining a face aperture to the recess, a
back portion defining a back aperture to the recess, and a side
portion. The case has a wristband extending from the body
portion.
[0004] In another embodiment, a wearable case for a mobile device
includes a flexible body defining an internal recess. The flexible
body has a front portion defining a face aperture to the recess.
The case has a strap extending from the body portion and a storage
member having a first end and a second end, with the first end
connected to the body.
[0005] In yet another embodiment, a wearable case for a mobile
device includes a first shell having a series of facets, and a
second shell having a series of facets. The first shell defines an
aperture in place of one of the facets, and has a first fastener
portion. The second shell has a second fastener portion for mating
with the first fastener portion to releasably connect the first and
second shells together. The case has a chain having a first end and
a second end, with the first and second ends connected to one of
the first and second shells.
[0006] In another embodiment, a wearable case for a mobile device
includes a first shell having a first end and a second end and
defining a face aperture, a second shell having a first end and a
second end, and a hinge connecting the first end of the first shell
to the first end of the second shell. The first shell has an outer
surface and an inner surface, with the inner surface defining a
recessed fitting adjacent to the face aperture for receiving a
mobile device. The second end of the first shell and the second end
of the second shell abut one another when the hinge is closed such
that the first and second shells form a band.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a case for a mobile
device according to an embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the case of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a left side view of the case of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the case of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the case of FIG. 1
[0012] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the case of FIG. 1
[0013] FIG. 7 is another rear perspective view of the case of FIG.
1;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a case for a mobile
device according to another embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a side view of the case of FIG. 8;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a case for a mobile
device according to yet another embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 11 is a side view of the case of FIG. 10;
[0018] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a case for a mobile
device according to another embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 13 is a side view of the case of FIG. 12;
[0020] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a case for a mobile
device according to yet another embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 15 is a side view of the case of FIG. 14;
[0022] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a case for a mobile
device according to another embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 17 is a side view of the case of FIG. 16;
[0024] FIG. 18 is a side view of the case of FIG. 16 illustrated in
an unfolded position;
[0025] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a case for a mobile
device according to yet another embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 20 is a side perspective view of the case of FIG.
19;
[0027] FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a case for a mobile
device according to another embodiment; and
[0028] FIG. 22 is a side view of the case of FIG. 21.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that
may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are
not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or
minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore,
specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not
to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis
for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present
invention.
[0030] FIGS. 1-7 illustrate an embodiment of a case 50 for a mobile
device 52. The case 50 acts as a wristwatch or allows the mobile
device 52 to be worn about the wrist of a user in some embodiments.
The case 50 has a body 54 connected to a wristband or band 56. The
wristband 56 may be integrally formed with the case body 54, or be
attached to the case body 54 by a spring bar or other mechanism as
is known in the art. The wristband 56 has a clasp 58 connected to
one end of the band 56 to allow the case 50 to be worn around the
wrist of a user, and various clasps 58 as are known in the art are
contemplated. For example, the clasp 58 interacts with a series of
apertures 60, or a mating portion of the clasp 58 on the opposing
end of the band 56.
[0031] The case body 54 has a front portion 62, a back portion 64,
and side portions 66. Although the case body 54 is shown as
generally rectangular, any case 54 shape may be used as is known in
the art. The case body 54 defines an internal recess 68 which is
sized to receive the mobile device 52. The case body 54 has a face
aperture 70 on the front portion 64 which allows the screen 72 of a
mobile device 52 to be viewed or accessed when the mobile device 52
is positioned within the case 50. For example, in cases 50 having a
face aperture 70, the device 52 may be inserted or removed from the
recess 68 in the case 50 via the face aperture 70.
[0032] In some embodiments, the case body 54 also defines a back
aperture 74 on the back portion 64 of the case 50, e.g. the portion
64 adjacent to the wrist of a user during use. The back aperture 74
may be sized such that the mobile device 52 may only be inserted or
removed from the case 50 though the back aperture 74, which would
prevent accidental removal of the device 52 from the case 50 while
the case 50 is being worn. Also, the back aperture 74 may provide
additional case body flexibility since less structure is present
than in a case with a face aperture 70 alone. The back aperture 74
also reduces the weight of the case 50.
[0033] The front and rear apertures 70, 74 are connected to the
recess 68 such that access to the recess is possible through either
aperture 70, 74.
[0034] In some embodiments, the case body 54 is made from a
flexible material, such as a polymer, i.e. silicone, natural or
synthetic rubber, or other resilient material as is known in the
art, such that the case body is deformed during insertion or
removal of the mobile device 52 from the case 50. In some
embodiments, the case body 54 and wristband 56 are integrally
formed from the same flexible material.
[0035] In one embodiment, the case 50 has only a front aperture 70,
and the case body 54 and the front portion 68 stretch and deform
during insertion or removal of the device 52. When the device 52 is
within the case 50, the case body 54 is either undeformed, or is
slightly deformed to securely hold the device 52.
[0036] In another embodiment, the case 50 has both a front and back
aperture 70, 74 and the device 52 is placed within the case body 54
via the back aperture 74. The case body 54 and the back portion 64
stretch and deform to allow the device 52 to be inserted into the
recess 68 of the case body 54 via the back aperture 74. The back
aperture 74 may have a degree of elasticity and be sized such that
it is larger than the front aperture 70 to allow for
insertion/removal of the device 52 only through the back aperture
74 and prevent insertion/removal of the device 52 through the front
aperture 70.
[0037] The case body 54 may have several apertures 76 or other
features on the side portion 66 to correspond with and allow for
access and control of buttons or switches 78, data ports 80, and/or
jack inputs 82 of the device 52. For example, the device 52 may
have a power button, selector buttons or switches, and the like.
The buttons 78 may be tactile, toggle, or others as are known in
the art. The device 52 may also be controlled using the screen 72,
which is accessible through the front aperture 70. Of course any
number of ports, apertures or buttons are contemplated for the case
50 based on the design of the device 52 being used with the case
50.
[0038] The wristband 56 may have various contoured features 84,
such as grooves or the like, which provide flexibility to the
wristband.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 8-9, elements of the case 100 that
are the same or similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-7 are given the
same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1-7. Case 100 has a face
aperture 70 with a pair of flanges 102 extending from the front
portion 62 into the aperture 70. The flanges 102 provide additional
retention of the mobile device 52 within the case body 54. In some
embodiments a back aperture 74 is defined by the back portion 64 of
the case 100.
[0040] The side portion 66 of the case body 54 has covers 104 over
the buttons 78, ports 80, and inputs 82 of the device 52. The
covers 104 may be formed integrally with the case body 54, and may
have a reduced thickness over the buttons 78 such that the buttons
on the mobile device 52 are easier to activate through the case
body 54. The covers 104 are flexible to allow activation of the
buttons underneath the covers 104. The case body 54 may also have
indicia 106 to locate buttons 78 or features of the device 50 under
the case body 54.
[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 10-11, elements of the case 150 that
are the same or similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-9 are given the
same reference numerals as previously used. The wristband 56 is
shown as having contoured features 84 and a second set of contoured
features 152 to provide a different degree of flexibility to the
band 56 in different regions of the band 56.
[0042] The case 150 has shoulder regions 154 on the case body 54.
The side portion 66 of the case body 54 has a side thickness 156.
The shoulder region 154 has a shoulder thickness 158 which is
greater than the side thickness 156. The case 150 may also have
side support regions 160. The side support regions 160 have a
support thickness 162 which is greater than the side thickness 156.
The shoulder regions 154 and side support regions 160 provide
additional protection for the mobile device 52 when located within
the case 150, e.g. to act as impact protection for the device 52,
structural support for the case body 54, or the like.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 12-13, elements of the case 200 that
are the same or similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-11 are given the
same reference numerals.
[0044] The case 200 has a case body 54 which defines an internal
recess 68 which is sized to receive a mobile device 52. The mobile
device is inserted and removed from the case through a front
aperture 70, or a back aperture 74 if one is present. The case body
54 is connected to a wristband 56. The case 200 is shown as having
contoured features 84 as well as shoulder regions 154.
[0045] The case also has indicia 202 on the front portion 62 of the
case body 54 and adjacent to the face aperture 70. In some
embodiments, the indicia 202 provide information to a user when
used in combination with the mobile device 52 within the case 200,
or when used with a mode of the mobile device 52 while located
within the case 200. For example, the mobile device 52 may provide
hands of a clock while the hour and minute numbering is represented
by the indicia. Alternatively, the mobile device 52 may provide a
hand that is used in conjunction with the indicia 202 as a measure
of elapsed time, as in a diving watch. Other uses of the indicia
202 are also contemplated as are known in the art.
[0046] In one embodiment, the indicia 202 are positioned on an
element 204 which extends from or is connected to the front portion
62. The element 204 may be ring shaped, such as a bezel ring, or
otherwise shaped, and may be made from the same or a different
material than the case body 54. In one example, the element 204 is
made from the same material as the case body 54 and is integrally
formed with the case body 54. In another example, the element 204
is made from a different material than the case body 54 and
attached to the case body 54, e.g. the case body 54 is a polymer,
and the element 204 is a metal or plastic. The element 204 may be
connected to the case body 54 such that is movable relative to the
case body 54, i.e. rotationally, to provide additional
functionality of the indicia 202. A tactile edge 206 may be placed
along a portion or edge of the element 204 to facilitate movement
by a user.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 14-15, elements of the case 250 that
are the same or similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-9 are given the
same reference numerals. The case 250 has a case body 54 which
defines an internal recess 68 which is sized to receive a mobile
device 52. The mobile device is inserted and removed from the case
through a front aperture 70, or a back aperture 74 if one is
present. The case body 54 is connected to a wristband 56.
[0048] In some embodiments, the case body 54 has an aperture 76 to
allow a headphone jack 252 of a set of headphones 254 to be
connected to the audio jack 82 of the mobile device 52 when the
device 52 is in the case 250. The case body 54 also has covers 104
over other buttons or switches for the device 52.
[0049] A pair of storage members 256 is connected to the case body
54. Of course, the case 250 may have a single storage member 256 or
any other number of storage members. A storage member 256 has a
first end 258 and a second end 260. As shown, the first and second
ends 258, 260 are connected to the case body 54, such that the
storage member 256 forms a tubular structure or shape about a
cavity 262 with an elongated cross section, although other cross
sectional shapes are also contemplated. The headphones 254 can be
wrapped or coiled and then placed within the cavity 262 formed by
the storage member 256 for storage. The storage member 256 may be
made from a flexible or resilient material, such that the
headphones 254 expand the storage member 256 when placed within,
and the storage member 256 exerts a force and retains the
headphones 254. In one embodiment, the storage member 256 has
apertures 264 which provide additional flexibility to the storage
member 256.
[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 16-18, elements of the case 300 that
are the same or similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-15 are given the
same reference numerals as previously used. The case 300 has a case
body 54 which defines an internal recess 68 which is sized to
receive a mobile device 52. The mobile device 52 is inserted and
removed from the case through a front aperture 70, or a back
aperture 74 if one is present. The case body 54 is connected to a
wristband 56.
[0051] In some embodiments, the case body 54 has an aperture 76 to
allow a headphone jack of a set of headphones 254 to be connected
to the audio jack of the mobile device 52 when the device 52 is in
the case 250.
[0052] A storage member 302 is connected to the case body 54. The
storage member 302 has a first end 304 and a second end 306. As
shown, the first end 304 of the storage member 302 is connected
about the circumference or substantially about an outer edge of the
case body 54. The second end 306 may be moved between a folded
position as shown in FIG. 17 and an unfolded position as shown in
FIG. 18. When the storage member 302 is folded, a cavity is formed
between the storage member 302 and the remainder of the case 300.
The cavity is used to store a headphone set 254 when it is not in
use. When the storage member 302 is unfolded, the headphones 254
can be wrapped about the case body 54 for storage or unwrapped from
the case body 54 before use.
[0053] For example, the storage member 302 and the body 54 form an
enclosure when the storage member 302 is folded, and access to the
enclosure is provided when the storage member 302 is unfolded.
[0054] In one embodiment, the storage member 256 has indicia 308
which may be used in conjunction with a mobile device to provide
additional information to a user.
[0055] In some embodiments, the wristband 56 of case 300 may be
replaced with another type of strap to allow the case 300 to be
worn about a different body part of a user, such as with an armband
or the like. Alternatively, the case 300 may be equipped without a
strap 56, or have a clip or other attachment mechanism in its
place.
[0056] The case 300 may be made from a single resilient material
such as a polymer. In other embodiments, the case 300 is made from
multiple materials to provide both flexibility and enhanced
structural support to various parts of the case 300. For example,
the face portion 62 or the case body 54 may be made from a metal or
plastic which provides structure to the case 300 while the storage
member may be made from a flexible polymer material.
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 19-20, wearable case 350 has a first
shell 352 and a second shell 354. The shells 352, 354 cooperate to
form a recess sized to receive a mobile device 356. The case 350
partially surrounds the mobile device 356 such that it allows the
case 350 to be worn by a user, preserves the appearance of the
device 356, and protects the mobile device 356, e.g. from shocks,
etc. The case 350 is designed such that a screen or other portion
of the device 356 may be viewable and/or functionally operated by a
user. The mobile device 356 may be equipped with a screen 358 and
features 360 such as buttons, switches, ports, power jacks and
audio jacks.
[0058] The first shell 352 has a face aperture 362 which proves
viewing and access of the screen 358 when the mobile device 356 is
positioned within the case 350. The first and/or second shells 352,
354 also have a series of facets 364. The face aperture 362 may be
positioned such that the screen 358 appears as a surface of a facet
364 or as one of the facets 364 of the first shell 352.
[0059] The first and second shell 352, 354 connect to one another
using one or more fastener. The fastener may be integrally formed
with the respective shell or connected to the shell. A male portion
of the fastener is located on one shell and a female portion of the
fastener is located on the other shell. The fastener is releasable
such that the mobile device may be inserted and removed from the
case 350 multiple times. The fastener may be a snap, a clip, a
friction fitting, or any other fastening mechanism as is known in
the art.
[0060] The case 350 has a chain 364 which has a first end 366 and a
second end 368, both of which may be connected to one of the shells
352, 354 such that the case 350 is worn about the neck of a user.
The chain 364 may be equipped with a clasp such that it is
removable from the shells 352, 354.
[0061] The shells 352, 354 may be made from a plastic material,
such as an acrylic, from a metal, a polymer, or with a
multi-material construction, such as a acrylic coated with a
polymer surface layer.
[0062] One of the shells may have a recessed area 370. The recessed
area 370 is shown in FIG. 20 on the second shell 354. The recessed
area 370 provides access to buttons or controls 360 for the mobile
device 356. The recessed area 370 may have an access aperture that
provides direct access for the user to the device features 360.
Alternatively, the access aperture may be covered or substantially
covered with a flexible sheet 372, as shown, which may be a thin
layer of a polymer material, or any other resilient material.
[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 21-22, wearable case 400 has a first
shell 402 and a second shell 404. The shells 402, 404 cooperate to
form a tubular structure such as a band or a bangle that a user may
wear. The first shell 402 has a recess 406 sized to receive a
mobile device 408. The first shell 402 has a face aperture 410
which is connected to the recess 406 and allows the screen of the
device 408 to be viewable or accessible by a user when the mobile
device 408 is positioned within the case 400.
[0064] The first shell 402 has an outer surface 410 and an inner
surface 412. The inner surface 412 provides access to the recess
406 for insertion and removal of the mobile device from the case
400. A fitting 414 retains the mobile device within the recess 406,
the fitting 414 may be a snap fitting, for example.
[0065] The outer surface 410 of the first shell 402 forms a frame
around the face aperture 410 and acts to protect the mobile device
408 when inserted in the case 400.
[0066] The first shell 402 connects to the second shell 404 by a
hinge 416 or other fastener. The hinge 416 may be spring loaded.
The free ends of the shells 402, 404 abut one another as shown in
FIG. 22 when the hinge 416 is closed such that the shells 402, 404
form a band. When the hinge 414 is open, the free ends of the
shells 402 404 are spaced apart and provide a larger diameter band
or an opening to assist a user in putting the case 400 onto or off
of a wrist.
[0067] The first and/or second shells 402, 404 may also have a
series of apertures 418 on the outer surfaces. Ornaments 420, such
as jewels or the like, may be placed within the aperture 418 to
provide a decorative appearance. The apertures 418 are provided
such that the ornaments 420 are flush with the outer surface of the
respective shell 402, 404.
[0068] The side 422 of the first shell 402 may provide an access
aperture 424 to the mobile device such that the controls, such as
buttons or switches are accessible by a user. In some embodiments,
the access aperture 424 is covered by a flexible cover sheet.
[0069] The case 400 may be made from a plastic material, such as an
acrylic resin or the like, although other materials are also
contemplated.
[0070] While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not
intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the
invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of
description rather than limitation, and it is understood that
various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various
implementing embodiments may be combined to form further
embodiments of the invention.
* * * * *