U.S. patent application number 13/552635 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-24 for configurable protective cover, method of making and method of using.
This patent application is currently assigned to G-Form, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Daniel M. Wyner. Invention is credited to Daniel M. Wyner.
Application Number | 20130020229 13/552635 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47555037 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130020229 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wyner; Daniel M. |
January 24, 2013 |
CONFIGURABLE PROTECTIVE COVER, METHOD OF MAKING AND METHOD OF
USING
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a cover for an electronic device that
comprises a plurality of medallions extending outwardly from a
flexible base sheet. The base sheet is adapted to conform to at
least a portion of the outer surface of the device, so that the
medallions are located at impact regions such as the corners, edges
and around the screen. The medallions are adapted to maintain the
device in spaced relation from an impact surface.
Inventors: |
Wyner; Daniel M.; (North
Scituate, RI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wyner; Daniel M. |
North Scituate |
RI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
G-Form, LLC
Providence
RI
|
Family ID: |
47555037 |
Appl. No.: |
13/552635 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61509105 |
Jul 18, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/591 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 3/001 20130101;
B32B 3/266 20130101; Y10T 428/24802 20150115; A45C 2011/003
20130101; G06F 1/1626 20130101; B32B 3/10 20130101; Y10T 428/24331
20150115; A45F 2200/0516 20130101; A45C 11/00 20130101; A45C
2011/002 20130101; G06F 2200/1633 20130101; A45C 13/36
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/591 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/02 20060101
B65D081/02 |
Claims
1. A cover for an electronic device, comprising: a flexible base
sheet having a thickness, the base sheet being adapted to stretch
and conform to at least a portion of the outer surface of the
device; and a plurality of spaced apart medallions having a
thickness greater than that of the base sheet, the plurality of
medallions extending outwardly from the base sheet, to maintain the
device in spaced relation from a surface.
2. The cover of claim 1, wherein one of the medallions is a screen
bezel.
3. The cover of claim 1, wherein the medallions comprise an
perimeter flange.
4. The cover of claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensitive
adhesive disposed between the medallions and the base sheet.
5. The cover of claim 1, further comprising a welded joint disposed
at an interface between the medallions and the base sheet.
6. The cover of claim 2, further comprising a screen cover that
overlaps the screen bezel.
7. The cover of claim 6, wherein the bezel comprises a perimeter
flange.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES
[0001] Priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) is hereby claimed to
commonly-owned and co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/509,105, which was filed on Jul. 18, 2011, and which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to configurable
covers designed to protect sensitive items from damage and/or to
provide an exterior surface that is comfortable to touch.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Protective cases for sensitive equipment, devices or
instruments are often designed with padding on the interior or
exterior, or both. Many times the padding is formed of continuous
sheets of protective materials, such as neoprenes, foams and/or
laminated materials, and the like. Such cases often do not offer
sufficient protection from impact, vibration, and the like.
Protection for the devices may be improved by using thicker
materials, but increasing the thickness may not be desirable due to
the added bulk or weight. Moreover, increased weight and bulk may
be undesirable for streamlined electronic devices, for which users
usually pay a premium in order to obtain slim and/or lightweight
products.
[0004] Many electronic devices have a screen interface used to
display information to users, so it is necessary to expose the
screen during use. However, screen interfaces are known to be
delicate, tending to break easily when dropped or otherwise
impacted.
[0005] Portable electronic devices, such as laptop computers, or
medical equipment, also have screen interfaces, and to protect the
screen interface, such devices often include a hinged protective
cover that provides some protection from dropping or impact, when
not in use. However, many cell phones, media devices, and
tablet-style computers or netbooks do not include such covers.
Therefore, a screen or edge impact can easily cause severe damage
to the screen and/or device. In addition, some devices, such as
iPad devices, are very thin and delicate, which exacerbates their
ability to withstand an impact. As a result, many companies now
manufacture covers, cases and shells that can be purchased
separately from the device s, which tend to fall into a few
different categories.
[0006] One type of case is a rigid plastic shell, which may include
internal or external padding, such as rubber or silicone. These
types of shells are made for specific device sizes and
configurations. In addition, rigid shells, even with some soft
added elements, may not protect well against a drop of the face or
open screen
[0007] Another type of case is a soft "skin," generally made of
rubber, silicone or other thermoplastic elastomeric ("TPE")
material. Like rigid plastic shells, skins are made for specific
device sizes and configurations, and therefore cannot be used for
"next-generation" devices. Other disadvantages are that they are
generally thin, and therefore provide only minor impact protection
and mostly scratch protection. Once again they are not generally
able to protect the device from a significant drop on the screen
side
[0008] There is a need for an improved case for sensitive
equipment, devices or instruments.
SUMMARY
[0009] The present disclosure is directed to a cover for an
electronic device, comprising a flexible base sheet having a
thickness. The base sheet is adapted to stretch and conform to at
least a portion of the outer surface of the device. The base sheet
comprises a plurality of spaced apart medallions having a thickness
greater than that of the base sheet. The plurality of medallions
extend outwardly from the base sheet, to maintain the device in
spaced relation from a surface. The medallions may be disposed on
the device such that they correspond to impact points, such as
corners, edges and/or around the screen regions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Referring now to the Figures, the features and advantages of
the present disclosure will be apparent from the following more
particular description of exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in
the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer
to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are
not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a media device with an
exemplary protective cover according to the present disclosure,
disposed on the device;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective back view of the media device shown
in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded top view of the front portion of the
cover and the device shown in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a top view of the front portion of the cover and
device of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the front portion of the
cover and device of FIG. 1, with the device shown in phantom
underneath the cover;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the front portion of the
cover and device of FIG. 1, with the device shown in phantom
underneath the cover, showing the process of folding the cover tabs
onto the back of the device;
[0017] FIGS. 7 is a back view of the device in FIG. 1, showing the
front portion of the cover fully assembled onto the device of FIG.
1, again with the device shown in phantom underneath the cover;
[0018] FIG. 8 is an exploded back view of the back portion of the
cover and the device shown in FIG. 7, with the front cover fully
assembled onto the device;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG.
6, through line 9-9;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view through one embodiment of
the bezel region of the front cover;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view through an alternative
embodiment of the bezel region of the front cover;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view through an alternative
embodiment of the bezel region of the front cover;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the
back cover;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view through another embodiment
of the back cover;
[0025] FIG. 15 perspective front view of a laptop computer with
another exemplary protective cover according to the present
disclosure, disposed on the device;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the media device of FIG. 15;
and
[0027] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the device shown in
FIG. 15, through line 17-17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The present disclosure is directed to "stick-on" covers that
can be removably applied to electronic devices such as media
devices, smart phones, netbooks, notebooks, iPads, iPhones, MacAir,
laptop computers, television screens, gaming devices, and the like.
While the present disclosure has been described for protective
covers for electronic devices, the disclosure can also be applied
to any type of protective covers. The covers of the present
disclosure include those that cover the entire body of electronic
device, or portions thereof. For ease of illustration, the term
"cover" will be used interchangeably herein to mean a cover for
only portions of the device, or for substantially the entire
device. The present covers include several features that combine
reduced weight, reduced bulk, and improved aesthetics, while
providing improved protection for the device. The improved cases
may be used for sensitive equipment, devices or instruments, are
lightweight and provide improved impact protection, particularly
for exposed screen or "in-use" devices. The present cases are not
specific to one device size, but instead can accommodate a range of
device sizes.
[0029] FIGS. 1-2 show front and back perspective views of a media
device at least partially covered in an exemplary cover according
to the present disclosure. The present cover comprises separable
front and back covers 30,40.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the device 20, front cover
30 and back cover 40. As used herein, the assembly of the front
cover 30 and device 20 is referred herein to as 10a, and the
assembly of the back cover 40 and the device 20 is referred to
herein as 10b.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, front cover 30 comprises a base sheet
112 and a screen cover region 140 (hereinafter "screen cover")
sized and dimensioned to accommodate the front screen 192 of device
20. At least one impact-absorbing medallion 120 ("medallion") is
disposed adjacent to and between the base sheet 112 and the screen
cover region 140, with an optional raised region 125 in the center,
and an optional flange 123 extending outwardly from the raised
region.
[0032] An optional bezel medallion 150 (hereinafter "bezel") is
disposed adjacent to and between the base sheet 112 and the screen
cover region 140, with an optional raised region 155 in the center,
and an optional flange 160 extending outwardly from the raised
region.
[0033] At least one impact-absorbing side medallion 130 is disposed
adjacent to the base sheet 112, with an optional raised region 133
in the center, and an optional flange 134 extending outwardly from
the raised region.
[0034] Unlike other screen protectors, the present cover 30 extends
beyond the screen 192 of the device, to cover function devices as
well, and wraps around the device, folding onto the back side of
the device. The relatively large surface area of the cover improves
the adhesion of the smaller medallions, thereby minimizing or
eliminating the tendency to peel away, were they not held down by
the film.
[0035] The base sheet is adapted to conform to at least a portion
of the outer surface of the device, so that the medallions are
located at impact regions such as the corners, edges and around the
screen. The medallions are adapted to maintain the device in spaced
relation from an impact surface.
[0036] FIG. 10 shows base sheet 112 in cross-section, with an
optional layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive ("PSA") 174
disposed on the surface of the screen cover 140, facing the screen,
and on the surface of base sheet 112, facing the body of the
device. Optionally, the PSA may also be disposed underneath and
adjacent to the medallions 120, 130. Suitable PSAs for the PSA
disposed under the screen cover 140 are those that would be well
known to manufacturers of non-impact protecting screen protecting
films. Suitable PSAs for the PSA disposed on base sheet 112 include
those that can bond to the body material, such as plastic, metal,
and the like, and optionally that are permanently or temporarily
repositionable, to allow a user to reposition the cover, or to
remove the cover and apply it to a new device. Suitable PSAs for
the optional PSA disposed underneath the medallion 120 include the
same materials as those for the base sheet, provided that the PSA
can also withstand any processing to which it may be subjected,
such as the comolding described below. The first, second and third
PSAs may be the same, provided that the PSA meets the requirements
needed for the screen area. Those of skill in the art will
recognize that other methods maybe used to attach medallions to the
device, other than a PSA, such as magnetic attachment, a "clinging
film" that adheres by cohesive force, Velcro, suction, static, and
the like.
[0037] In the present embodiment, the optional raised region
protrudes through an opening defined by base sheet 112 and screen
cover 140 such that the sheet 112 and cover 140 overlap the flange
123 of the medallions 120, 130.
[0038] The thickness of the raised regions of the medallions and
bezel can be selected to provide sufficient impact protection,
without impeding the user's fingers. Also optionally, the thickness
of the raised regions can be graduated such that the thickest
portion is in the center of the medallion, and the thinnest portion
is in the flange. Alternatively, the medallions can comprise a
uniform thickness (i.e., no raised region) and when the raised
region is omitted, the base sheet would overlap the edge of the
medallion.
[0039] The medallions 120,130 may include optional openings
corresponding to functional devices on the phone, such as the
speaker and microphone, such that they are exposed for use, and the
case does not interfere with the function of the device. As shown
in the present embodiment, the cover comprises various openings
that correspond to functional devices such as the device speaker,
microphone, camera, and the like. Alternatively, the function
devices may be protected by a film extending over the opening,
formed from a material that does not interference with, for
example, the speaker or the camera.
[0040] Suitable materials for base sheets include those that would
be suitable for use as a screen protector for an electronic device
such as a smart phone, such as a polyurethane film or sheet. If
desired, the material used for the screen cover 40 can be different
than the base sheet 112, and the material used in for the base
sheet can be flexible or stretchy, to accommodate wrapping around
the corners and/or sides of the devices.
[0041] A variety of techniques may be used to form the front cover.
That is, the medallions 120, 130 and/or the bezel 150, and the base
sheet 112 and cover 140 may be formed separately, and bonded,
welded and/or glued together. Those of skill in the art will
recognize that a variety of techniques and methods may be used to
bond the medallions and sheet together including, but not limited
to, chemical, mechanical, thermal bonds. Examples include bonding
using an adhesive or cement, or sonic welding.
[0042] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the
impact-absorbing medallions 120, 130 and base sheets 112, 140 are
formed separately, and bonded together at interface region 115.
Those of skill in the art will recognize that a variety of
techniques and methods may be used to bond the medallions and sheet
together including, but not limited to, chemical, mechanical,
thermal bonds. Examples include bonding using an adhesive or
cement, or sonic welding.
[0043] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the base
sheet does not include an opening through which the medallions
120,130 and/or bezel 150 protrude and, instead, the medallions
120,130 and bezel 150 are disposed on the upper surface of the base
sheet 112. As in the previous alternative embodiment, the
medallions 120,130 and bezel 150 are formed separately from the
base sheet 140, and bonded together at interface 115, using the
same techniques mentioned above, and methods disclosed in the
publications listed above. If desired or necessary, an intermediate
layer, such as a PSA 174, may be disposed between the lower surface
of the medallions 120,130 and/or bezel 150, to facilitate bonding
therebetween.
[0044] In another alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the
base sheet 112 does not overlap the medallions 120,130 and/or bezel
150. Instead, the base sheet 112 and medallions 120,130 and/or
bezel 150 have a contiguous interface at region 119, such as may be
produced when co-molded, using the same techniques mentioned above,
and methods disclosed in the publications listed above.
[0045] Those of skill in the art will recognize that a variety of
techniques and methods may be used to bond the medallions and sheet
together including, but not limited to, chemical, mechanical,
thermal bonds. Examples include bonding using an adhesive or
cement, or sonic welding.
[0046] FIG. 13 shows a cross-section of the back cover 40, which
comprises a plurality of spaced apart impact absorbing medallions
180 disposed on a base sheet 112, which may comprise the same
material as the front cover base sheet. The back cover may comprise
the same construction techniques as the front cover. That is, the
medallions 180 and base sheet 112 may be formed separately, and
bonded, welded and/or glued together.
[0047] FIGS. 15-17 show a laptop device 200 with a base 210 and a
hinged cover 220, with an exemplary cover 240 according to the
present disclosure. The top surface of the base 210 comprises at
least one medallion 250 disposed adjacent to the keyboard, which
spaces the cover 220 from the base 210, and minimizes impact from
closing, during a fall, and the like. The bottom surface of the
base comprises a plurality of spaced apart medallions 180, similar
to the back cover in the previous embodiment. The medallions 180
and 250 are supported on a base sheet 112, as in the previous
embodiment, and may be constructed using the same materials and
techniques as in the previous embodiment.
[0048] The medallions and bezels according to any of the
embodiments herein may be formed from a variety of materials
including, but not limited to, polymeric materials, including
foamed polymeric materials, composite materials, and the like. One
exemplary material is a rate dependent foam available from Rogers
Corporation (Rogers, Conn.) under the product name PORON XRD.RTM..
Other suitable materials and methods of making the medallions
and/or covers are disclosed in U.S. Publication Nos. 2007/0261274,
2008/003614, 2009/0255625, which are incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the materials from
which the medallions are made may comprise a cushioning material
190 and an extensible outer layer 195, such as a TPE film.
[0049] The present covers are also flexible and conformable and, as
a result, the covers can conform to contoured surfaces, such as the
slightly curved surfaces of iPhones and iPads; to relatively sharp
edges, such as the edges of iPad and MacAir devices; and can wrap
around side edges, such as the sides of iPhone devices and many
laptop computers. The present covers are also configurable, i.e.,
they can be configured for multiple devices, eliminating the need
to manufacture device-specific covers.
[0050] All of the foregoing features reduce manufacturing time and
costs, and provide accessory manufacturers with the ability to
provide covers for "next generation" devices as they are brought to
market, thereby eliminating the delay time that often occurs
between the introduction of new devices and the introduction of
accessories for devices. All of the foregoing also may reduce
consumer costs, by eliminating the need to purchase a new cover
when purchasing a "next generation" device, and improves customer
satisfaction for "next generation" devices, because accessories,
particularly protective accessories, are available at the same
time.
[0051] Some embodiments comprise pre-assembled covers comprising
medallions affixed to a film or an elastic fabric than can be
stretched to conform to the shape of the device to be protected as
well as embodiments in which the medallions are positioned and
affixed to the device by the user. By combining specific shapes,
sizes, configurations, contours and orientations of the medallions,
the protective covers can be designed to protect specific, targeted
areas of the device to be protected. The size, shape, thickness and
composition of the medallions may be varied, depending on a number
of factors including, but not limited to, the desired effect, e.g.,
impact resistance, vibration dampening, and the like. In addition,
the configuration of the medallions may be varied, and more than
one type of medallion shape may be used to provide protection for a
specific device.
[0052] The size, shape, configuration, orientation and dimensions
of the pad, medallions, medallion contours, hinges, grooves and
flange may be varied as desired in order to achieve the desired
characteristics for the medallion design. However, it should be
understood that in each of the foregoing embodiments, and in any
medallion according to the present disclosure, all of the foregoing
measurements can vary depending on the desired characteristics and
design of the medallion. For example, the medallion s are designed
to provide a variety of characteristics such as, but not limited
to, cushioning, vibration dampening and/or impact absorption, and
the like. The characteristics of the medallion may be varied by
changing the thickness and/or material type of cushioning layer in
the medallions, changing the spacing between the medallions (e.g.,
the width of the channels), and/or changing the contours of the
medallions, and the like. For example, using a gel for cushioning
layer provides a pad with cushioning and vibration dampening
characteristics; using a foam decreases the weight of the pad;
using a frothed foam increases the impact absorption of the pad;
etc. In general, increasing the thickness of the cushioning layer
in the medallions generally increases the foregoing
characteristics; and using a combination of materials for
cushioning layer may provide a combination of characteristics.
[0053] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," and the
like herein do not denote any order or importance, but rather are
used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms "a" and
"an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather
denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
Similarly, it is noted that the terms "bottom" and "top" are used
herein, unless otherwise noted, merely for convenience of
description, and are not limited to any one position or spatial
orientation. In addition, the modifier "about" used in connection
with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the
meaning dictated by the context (e.g., includes the degree of error
associated with measurement of the particular quantity). Unless
defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have
the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill in the
art to which this disclosure belongs.
[0054] While the disclosure has been described with reference to an
exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof
Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of any appended
claims.
* * * * *