U.S. patent application number 14/022207 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-13 for protective case and methods of making.
This patent application is currently assigned to G-FORM, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is G-FORM, LLC. Invention is credited to RICHARD L. GARRARD, MARIA E. MACRINA.
Application Number | 20140069825 14/022207 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50232142 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140069825 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MACRINA; MARIA E. ; et
al. |
March 13, 2014 |
PROTECTIVE CASE AND METHODS OF MAKING
Abstract
Disclosed is a protective case for an electronic device. The
protective case has three layers: an elastomeric liner that
surrounds a portion of the electronic device, a cover and a cushion
insert disposed between the liner and cover. The cushion insert
includes raised impact portions that extend through the cover, and
that are capable of absorbing shocks from impacts.
Inventors: |
MACRINA; MARIA E.;
(Providence, RI) ; GARRARD; RICHARD L.; (Newport,
RI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
G-FORM, LLC |
Providence |
RI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
G-FORM, LLC
Providence
RI
|
Family ID: |
50232142 |
Appl. No.: |
14/022207 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61698563 |
Sep 7, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/00 20130101;
B65D 81/022 20130101; A45C 2011/002 20130101; A45C 2011/003
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/37 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/02 20060101
B65D081/02 |
Claims
1. A protective case, comprising: a cover having a back portion and
a sidewall connected to the back portion, the cover comprising
interconnected support members defined by a plurality of receiving
apertures disposed in predetermined areas, the cover comprising a
predetermined thickness; a liner having a back portion and a
sidewall connected to the back portion, the liner comprising a
predetermined thickness; and a cushion insert comprising raised
impact regions disposed adjacent to first recessed impact regions,
the raised impact regions disposed in predetermined areas
corresponding to the plurality of receiving apertures and having a
predetermined thickness greater than the thickness of the cover;
wherein the cushion is disposed between the cover and the liner,
such that the plurality of interconnected support members engage
with the first recessed impact regions, and the raised impact
regions engage with the plurality of receiving apertures, such that
the raised impact regions extend above the outer surface of the
cover.
2. The protective case of claim 1, further comprising one or more
second recessed impact regions, wherein the thickness of the second
recessed impact regions is less than the thickness of the first
recessed impact regions.
3. The protective case of claim 2, wherein the raised impact
regions comprise grooves in an upper surface thereof, such that the
thickness of the grooves is less than the thickness of the raised
impact regions, and greater than the thickness of the first
recessed impact regions.
4. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the cushion insert
comprises an impact absorbing material.
5. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the cushion insert
comprises a multi-layer laminated material.
6. The protective case of claim 4, wherein the impact absorbing
material is disposed between opposing upper and lower layers of a
thermoplastic elastomeric (TPE) material.
7. The protective case of claim 5, wherein the laminated material
further comprises a reinforcing layer disposed between the impact
absorbing material and the lower layer of TPE material.
8. The protective case of claim 7, wherein the laminated material
further comprises a fabric layer disposed adjacent to the lower
layer of TPE material, opposite the impact absorbing material.
9. The protective case of claim 4, wherein the cushion insert is a
rate dependent material.
10. The protective case of claim 9, wherein the rate dependent
material is a polyurethane foam.
11. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the predetermined
thickness of the raised impact regions is sufficient to absorb
impacts and/or prevent shocks from the impacts from being
transferred to the electronic device.
12. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the case comprises an
elastomeric material with a durometer of about 80 Shore A to about
100 Shore A.
13. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the case comprises an
elastomeric material with a durometer of about 95 Shore A.
14. The protective case of claim 12, wherein the elastomeric
material comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane.
15. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the
cover ranges from about 0.055'' to about 0.095''.
16. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the
first recessed impact regions ranges from about 0.025'' to about
0.045''.
17. The protective case of claim 2, wherein the thickness of the
second recessed impact regions ranges from about 0.010'' to about
0.030''.
18. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the impact absorbing
regions extend above the outer surface of the cover, when the case
is in an assembled configuration.
19. The protective case of claim 7, wherein the reinforcing layer
is porous.
20. The protective case of claim 7, wherein the reinforcing layer
is a nonwoven fabric.
21. The protective case of claim 7, wherein the reinforcing layer
is a hydro-entangled nonwoven fabric.
22. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the cover is
unitary.
23. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the cushion insert is
unitary.
24. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the cover is co-molded
with the cushion insert.
25. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the cover and the
cushion insert are adhesively connected.
26. The protective case of claim 6, wherein the TPE layers are
continuously bonded to the impact absorbing material.
27. The protective case of claim 5, wherein the cushion insert
comprises a cushioning material disposed between and continuously
bonded to opposing adjacent layers.
28. The protective case of claim 2, wherein, when the case is
assembled, the raised impact regions are aligned with the receiving
apertures.
29. The protective case of claim 28, wherein, when the case is
assembled, the raised impact regions are received into and at least
partially through the receiving apertures and a portion of the
raised impact regions extend above the upper surface of the
cover.
30. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the case comprises an
elastomeric material with a durometer ranging from about 80 Shore A
to about 100 Shore A, and the case insert comprises a rate
dependent polyurethane foam with a density ranging from about 5 to
about 35 pounds per cubic foot.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims foreign priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to commonly owned and co-pending U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/698,563, which was filed on Sep. 7,
2012, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to cases designed to
protect sensitive items from damage and/or to provide an exterior
surface that is comfortable to touch.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Numerous different types of electronic devices currently
exist for communication, entertainment and other purposes. These
include cell phones, MP3 players, video players, smartphones,
communication devices, such as walkie-talkies, navigation devices,
such as GPS devices, and other types of electronic devices, such as
various types of computers, including laptop computers, hand-held
computers, ultra-mobile computers and tablet computers. These
devices often include touch screens, interactive panels including,
but not limited to, capacitive coupled interfaces, keyboards,
scroll wheels, tilt switches, push button switches, and other
interactive controls. Due to the sensitive nature of these
electronic devices, it is desirable to provide protection for these
devices.
SUMMARY
[0004] Disclosed herein, in one embodiment, is a protective case.
The protective case comprises a cover having a back portion and a
sidewall connected to the back portion. The cover includes
interconnected support members defined by a plurality of receiving
apertures disposed in predetermined areas, and has a predetermined
thickness. The case also includes a liner having a back portion and
a sidewall connected to the back portion. The cover and liner each
have a predetermined thickness. The case also includes a cushion
insert with raised impact regions disposed adjacent to first
recessed impact regions. The raised impact regions are disposed in
predetermined areas corresponding to the plurality of receiving
apertures, and have a predetermined thickness greater than the
thickness of the cover. The cushion insert is disposed between the
cover and the liner, such that the plurality of interconnected
support members engage with the first recessed impact regions, and
the raised impact regions engage with the plurality of receiving
apertures, such that the raised impact regions extend above the
outer surface of the cover.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] 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.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an exemplary
protective case according to the present disclosure, in an
assembled configuration;
[0007] FIG. 2 is perspective back view of the cover of the
protective case shown in FIG. 1;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a side view of the protective case shown in FIG.
1;
[0009] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the protective
case shown in FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of the
protective case shown in FIG. 1, through line 5-5;
[0011] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the cross-section shown in
FIG. 5;
[0012] FIG. 7A is a cross-section of one embodiment of the cushion
insert shown in FIG. 4, which is not drawn to scale;
[0013] FIG. 7B is a cross-section of another embodiment of the
cushion insert shown in FIG. 4, which is not drawn to scale;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective front view of another exemplary
protective case according to the present disclosure, in an
assembled configuration and mounted on a cell phone;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective back view of the protective case
shown in FIG. 8;
[0016] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the protective
case shown in FIG. 8;
[0017] FIG. 11 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the
protective case shown in FIG. 8;
[0018] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of one section of
the protective case shown in FIG. 8;
[0019] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of one section of
the protective case shown in FIG. 8;
[0020] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the two sections
of shown in shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, each in an assembled
configuration;
[0021] FIG. 15 is a cross-section of screen protector and liner of
the protective case shown in FIG. 8, mounted on a cell phone;
[0022] FIG. 16 is a cross-section of the cover and liner of the
protective case shown in FIG. 8, in an assembled configuration;
[0023] FIG. 17 is a cross-section of the protective case shown in
FIG. 8;
[0024] FIG. 18 is a front view of another embodiment of a
protective case according to the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 19 is an interior view of the protective case shown in
FIG. 18;
[0026] FIG. 20 is a side view of the protective case shown in FIG.
8; and
[0027] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the protective case
shown in FIG. 18.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The present disclosure is directed to protective impact
absorbing and cushioning structures designed to protect sensitive
items from damage. The present structures can conform to the
contours of the items to be protected, and provide an exterior
surface that is comfortable to touch. The present structures
include, in some embodiments, both raised and recessed impact
regions of various shapes, sizes, configurations and thicknesses.
Various materials can be used for the raised impact regions, as
will be described below.
[0029] The improved cases of the present disclosure comprise
interconnected but separable case sections that substantially
conform to the outer surface of the item to be protected. The case
can be designed to have specific functional characteristics such
as, for example, targeted impact protection on case edges and
corners. By combining specific shapes, sizes, configurations,
contours and orientations of raised and recessed impact regions,
the case can be adapted for any type of product that requires
protection, in addition to those mentioned above.
[0030] For example, the present cases can be adapted into sleeves
or cases that correspond to the shape and size of an electronic
device, such as a laptop computer or a tablet device, such that
they conform to the exterior of the case. As such, the case can be
formed in shapes that would conform at least in part to the outer
surface of the encased product. The cases described herein also may
be adapted for luggage, athletic protective gear, and the like.
[0031] The protective cases can provide lightweight and flexible
impact-resistant protection, and can be aesthetically pleasing,
more durable and lower in cost than other cases. For ease of
discussion, the term "flexible," as used herein, means the ability
of the pad to move by bending, twisting, flexing and/or stretching,
and the like. The construction of the present cases is rugged,
durable, and able to withstand the temperatures, detergents and
mechanical action used in industrial and/or commercial laundering,
unlike other cases, which may degrade under such harsh
conditions.
[0032] FIGS. 1-7, when taken together, show one exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure, which is directed to a
protective case 10 for an electronic device (not illustrated), such
as a media device or cell phone. Although described herein with
reference to a protective case for an electronic device, as noted
above, the protective case may be adapted to any product that
requires protection or that is designed to provide protection. For
ease of reference, in all of the embodiments disclosed herein, the
electronic device will be referred to hereinafter as a cell
phone.
[0033] Case 10 is shown in an assembled configuration in FIG. 1,
and in an exploded view in FIG. 4. As shown, case 10 comprises a
cover 12, a cushion insert 30, and a liner 40, which may be
interconnected when assembled, as shown in FIG. 1, but are
otherwise separable from one another, as shown in FIG. 4. In the
present embodiment, cover 12, cushion insert 30 and liner 40 are
each single, unitary parts, but if desired, each may be formed as
two or more separable but interlocking parts that can be assembled
together and/or onto the surfaces of the cell phone.
[0034] Cover 12 may be constructed to conform to the exterior
surface of at least a portion of the cushion insert 30. Cover 12
comprises a back section 14 and a sidewall 16 extending upwardly
from the back section 14. Each of the back section 14 and sidewall
16 comprise opposing inner surfaces 14a, 16a and outer surfaces
14b, 16b respectively.
[0035] One or both of the back section 14 and sidewall 16 comprises
a plurality of receiving apertures 22 extending from the inner
surfaces 14a, 16a to the outer surface 14b, 16b, to define a
plurality of interconnected support members 24 disposed between the
receiving apertures 22.
[0036] The cover 12 may be formed of a substantially rigid,
semi-rigid and/or flexible material, and has a size and
configuration corresponding to the cell phone. When rigid or
semi-rigid, it may be desirable for the cover 12 to comprise two or
more separable but interlocking parts that can be assembled onto
the front and rear surfaces of the cell phone. The cover 12 can be
made from a material that is capable of stretching sufficiently to
allow the electronic device to slide into the front opening 20 of
the cover 12 while maintaining the form-fitting shape of the cover
12. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, a variety
of thermoset materials, such as synthetic rubber, silicon, urethane
and other materials. The density and elasticity of the cover 12, as
well as the pre-forming of the cover 12 to fit the shape of
electronic device, allows the material of the cover 12 to both
stretch and recover so that the cushion cover fits tightly on the
electronic device. In the present embodiment, cover 12 is a unitary
pre-formed elastomeric material that is flexible and capable of
stretching sufficiently to allow the electronic device to slide
easily into and be removed from case 10. The cover 12 has
sufficient elasticity to stretch over the electronic device, and to
recover so that the cover fits snugly over the cushion insert and
on the electronic device, such that the case 10 conforms to the
electronic device. The cover 12 can be formed using a variety of
techniques and processes suitable for processing the foregoing
materials, which are known in the art.
[0037] In the present embodiment, cover 12 has a predetermined
thickness T.sub.1 that is selected to be less than the thickest
section of the cushion insert T.sub.2, as will be described below.
In the present embodiment, the thickness T.sub.1 ranges from about
0.050'' to about 0.090'', more particularly about 0.060'' to about
0.080'', more particularly still about 0.075''.
[0038] The liner 40 may be constructed to conform to the interior
surface of at least a portion of cover 12 and cushion insert 30.
The liner comprises a back section 44, a sidewall 46 extending
upwardly from the back section 44, and a bezel 48 extending
outwardly from the sidewall 46 to define the front opening 20.
[0039] The liner 40 may be formed of a substantially flexible
material, and has a size and configuration corresponding to the
cell phone. The liner 40 can be made from any of the materials
described above with reference to the cover 12, provided the
material is capable of stretching sufficiently to allow the
electronic device to slide into the front opening 20 of the liner
40 while maintaining the form-fitting shape of the liner 40. In the
present embodiment, liner 40 is unitary, and can comprise an
elastomeric material as described above with reference to the cover
12, which is flexible and capable of stretching sufficiently to
allow the electronic device to slide easily into and be removed
from liner 40. The liner 40 has sufficient elasticity to stretch
over the electronic device, and to recover so that the cover fits
snugly over the cushion insert and on the electronic device, such
that the liner 40 and therefore the case 10 conforms to the
electronic device. The density and elasticity of the liner 40, as
well as the pre-forming of the liner 40 to fit the shape of
electronic device, allows the material of the liner 40 to both
stretch and recover so that the cushion cover fits tightly on the
electronic device. The liner 40 can be formed using a variety of
techniques and processes suitable for processing the foregoing
materials, which are known in the art.
[0040] The cushion insert 30 may be constructed to conform to at
least a portion of the outer surface of the liner. The cushion
insert 30 may be formed from a variety of materials, such that it
has a size and configuration corresponding to a portion of the
inner surface of the cover and a portion of the outer surface of
the liner, and a thickness that allows it to fit between the inner
surface of the cover and the outer surface of the liner 40.
[0041] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of cushion insert 30,
which comprises spaced apart top and bottom surfaces 30a,b and a
plurality of raised impact regions 32 disposed adjacent to first
recessed impact regions 34. The raised impact regions 32 are
defined in and extend upwardly from the top surface 30a, and are
disposed in predetermined areas corresponding to the plurality of
receiving apertures 22 and having a width W.sub.1, which may vary
as desired, and a predetermined thickness T.sub.2 that is selected
to be greater than the thickness T.sub.1 of the cover 12. In the
present embodiment, the width W.sub.1 of the raised impact regions
32 is about 0.200'' to about 0.400'', more particularly about
0.250'' to about 0.350'', and more particularly still about
0.305''; and the thickness T.sub.2 ranges from about 0.150'' to
about 0.350'', more particularly about 0.200'' to about 0.300'',
more particularly still about 0.240''.
[0042] Raised impact regions 32 are spaced apart from one another
by first recessed impact regions 34. First recessed impact regions
34 have a width W.sub.2, which may vary as desired, and a
predetermined thickness T.sub.3, which is selected to be less than
the thickness T.sub.2 of the raised impact regions 32. In the
present embodiment, the width W.sub.2 of the first recessed regions
34 is about 0.100'' to about 0.200'', more particularly about
0.130'' to about 0.170'', and more particularly still about
0.150''; and the thickness T.sub.3 ranges from about 0.025'' to
about 0.045'', more particularly about 0.030'' to about 0.040'',
and more particularly still about 0.035''.
[0043] The cushion insert 30 also may comprise one or more second
recessed impact regions (not illustrated) that correspond to the
contours, edges and/or corners of the cell phone, to facilitate
bending and/or flexing of the cushion insert 30 into the contours,
edges and/or corners of cover 12. When present, the second recessed
impact regions 36 have a width W.sub.3, which may vary as desired,
and a predetermined thickness T.sub.4, which is selected to be less
than the thickness T.sub.3 of the first recessed impact regions 36.
In the present embodiment, the width W.sub.3 of the second recessed
regions 36 is about 0.080'' to about 0.200'', more particularly
about 0.100'' to about 0.170'', and more particularly still about
0.132''; and the thickness T.sub.3 ranges from about 0.010'' to
about 0.030'', more particularly about 0.015'' to about 0.025'',
and more particularly still about 0.020''. When assembled, the
raised impact regions 32 protrude or extend above the outer surface
of cushion insert 30 by a distance D.sub.1, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0044] All of the foregoing thicknesses, widths, distances and
spacings may vary, as desired.
[0045] In the present embodiment, the raised impact regions 32
comprise an upper surface 32a and sidewalls 32b extending
downwardly therefrom. The raised impact regions 32 may have any
thickness sufficient to provide a protective or comfortable effect,
by protruding above the exterior surface of the cover 12. Thus, for
certain functional advantages, the thickness of the raised impact
regions 32 may be designed to protrude above the outer surface of
the case, when in an assembled configuration. For example, in the
present exemplary cell phone device case 10, when assembled, the
raised impact regions 32 may protrude or extend above the outer
surface 12a of the cover 12 by about 1/16 inch to about 1/2 inch.
If desired or needed, and as shown in the present embodiment, the
cushion insert 30 also can comprise raised impact regions 32
designed to protrude through the sidewall or the bezel to protect
the edges and/or screen from an impact.
[0046] The raised impact regions 32 may have any shape or
configuration as is desired to achieve the functional advantage of
impact protection, or the aesthetic design intended to appeal to a
consumer. The size, shape, quantity, configuration and location of
the raised impact regions may be varied as desired in order to
achieve the foregoing objectives. For aesthetic purposes, the color
of the cover and cushion insert may be the same or different, and
also may include text and/or graphics.
[0047] Each of the cover 12, liner 40 and insert 30 may comprises
one or more raised keys 28 that correspond in shape, size and
location to the size, shape and location of smaller functional keys
or ports (also not illustrated herein) to which access may be
limited due to the thickness of the case, to allow the user to
maintain functional access without removing the case from the
electronic device. Examples of such smaller functional keys
include, but are not limited to, power and volume keys. Raised keys
28 should not be confused with the raised impact regions 32, which
are intended to absorb impacts.
[0048] Similarly, each of the cover 12, liner 40 and insert 30 may
comprise one or more functional apertures 26 or holes that
correspond in shape, size and location to the size, shape and
location of various functional keys, ports, devices or other items
that may be included on the electronic device (none of which are
illustrated herein), to keep such items free of obstruction.
Examples of such functional keys include, but are not limited to,
charging ports, speakers, auxiliary ports, power keys, camera
lenses, and the like.
[0049] The cushion insert 30 also optionally may comprise one or
more perforations (not illustrated) formed in the second recessed
impact regions, or elsewhere as desired, to facilitate ease and
conformance of the cushion insert 30 between the cover 12 and liner
40.
[0050] To assemble the case, the cushion insert 30 may be inserted
into cover 12 such that the raised impact regions 32 are aligned
with the receiving apertures 22 such that the raised impact regions
32 are received into and extend at least partially therethrough the
corresponding receiving apertures 22, and a portion of the raised
impact regions 32 extends above the upper surface 12a of the cover
12.
[0051] When assembled, the raised impact regions 32 protrude from
the corresponding receiving apertures 22 on the cover 12, and the
first recessed impact regions 34 between the raised impact regions
32 are disposed underneath the support members 24, between the
raised impact regions 32. The protruding raised impact regions 32
function at least to protect the cover and electronic device from
impact, and the first and second recessed impact regions 34
disposed underneath the cover 12 also absorb energy through the
material disposed between the device and the cover. Thus, the case
10 provides impact resistance and energy absorption, as a result of
the externally exposed raised impact regions 32 and portions of the
cushion insert 30 that are disposed underneath the cover 12,
adjacent to the electronic device. Although illustrated herein with
receiving apertures 22 adapted to receive raised impact regions 32
therein, cover 12 also can be formed to comprise recessed regions
38, rather than apertures, to receive the raised impact regions 32
therein.
[0052] FIGS. 8-17, when taken together, show another exemplary
embodiment of a protective case 100 according to the present
disclosure. As in the previous embodiment, although described
herein with reference to a protective case for an electronic
device, the protective case may be adapted to any product that
requires protection or that is designed to provide protection. For
ease of reference, the electronic device will be referred to
hereinafter as a cell phone.
[0053] As shown, case 100 comprises a cover 12', a cushion insert
30, and a liner 40', which may be interconnected when assembled,
but are otherwise separable from one another. In the present
embodiment, cover 12', cushion insert 30, and liner 40', are each
single, unitary parts, but if desired, each may be formed as two or
more separable but interlocking parts that can be assembled
together and/or onto the surfaces of the cell phone.
[0054] Cushion insert 30 has the same construction as in the
previous embodiments.
[0055] Liner 40' may be constructed to conform to the interior
surface of at least a portion of cover 12' and cushion insert 30.
The liner 40' comprises a back section 44, a sidewall 46 extending
upwardly from the back section 44, and a bezel 48 extending
outwardly from the sidewall 46 to define the front opening 20.
[0056] Cover 12' comprises a back section 14, sidewalls 16
extending upwardly from the back section 14, and one or more
retaining arms 70 extending inwardly from one or more of the
sidewalls 16. Each of the back section 14 and sidewall 16 comprise
opposing inner surfaces 14a, 16a and outer surfaces 14b, 16b
respectively.
[0057] When assembled, the retaining arms 70 assist in retaining
the bezel 48 and liner against the cell phone when the cell phone
is disposed in the protective case.
[0058] FIGS. 18-21, when taken together, show another exemplary
embodiment of a protective case 200 according to the present
disclosure.
[0059] As shown, case 200 comprises a cover 12 and a cushion insert
30, and an optional liner 40 (not illustrated). In the present
embodiment, cover 12, cushion insert 30 and optional liner 40 are
each single, unitary parts, but if desired, each may be formed as
two or more separable but interlocking parts that can be assembled
together and/or onto the surfaces of the cell phone. Cushion insert
includes receiving apertures 22 in which raised impact regions 32
have been disposed, to provide improved protection on the front or
screen side of the cell phone. The raised impact regions can
comprise part of a cushion insert 30 that conforms to the interior
of the cover, as in previous embodiments, or they can be individual
regions that are disposed in the receiving apertures.
[0060] Optionally, in any of the foregoing embodiments, two or more
of the cover, liner and inserts may be co-molded, welded, bonded or
adhered together using a variety of techniques.
[0061] The thickness of cushion insert 30 may be varied as desired,
but it is desirable for the thickness to be sufficient to protect
the device from impact, while remaining thin enough to minimize the
total weight of the case
[0062] Various other materials and layers may be used to form the
cushioning inserts, as described in commonly-owned and co-pending
U.S. application Ser. No. 13/447,093, which was filed on Apr. 13,
2012, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Other materials for and methods of making materials that are useful
for the cushion inserts are disclosed in commonly owned and
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/208,229, filed on
Aug. 11, 2011; and Ser. No. 13/271,594, filed on Oct. 12, 2011,
each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
One desirable construction for the cushion inserts 30 includes a
cushioning layer disposed between opposing upper and lower layers,
and optional fabric layer, as described in the foregoing
applications.
[0063] In addition to the foregoing, suitable materials for the
foregoing layers and the adhesive (if used) are disclosed in the
afore-mentioned patent applications, and in U.S. Publication Nos.
US 2008/0034614 and US 2009/0255625, which also disclose techniques
for manufacturing the present cushion inserts; each of the
foregoing publications is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety. The molds for the present pads are designed to allow
layers to be compressed together under conditions sufficient to
minimize or eliminate the foam in the recessed impact regions, for
certain embodiments, while allowing the layers to bond
together.
[0064] Advantages of the present improved cases include, but are
not limited to, improved impact protection, particularly on case
edges and corners, lighter weight, improved aesthetics, lower
manufacturing costs, and less abrasion to the encased article. The
improved cases of the present disclosure comprise separable inner
and outer interconnected parts that substantially conform to the
outer surface of an article to be protected. The protective cases
can be adapted for any type of product that requires protection, in
addition to those mentioned above.
[0065] Compounds are described using standard nomenclature. For
example, any position not substituted by an indicated group is
understood to have its valency filled by a bond as indicated, or a
hydrogen atom A dash ("--") that is not between two letters or
symbols is used to indicate a point of attachment for a
substituent. For example, --CHO is attached through carbon of the
carbonyl group. Unless defined otherwise herein, all percentages
herein mean weight percent ("wt. %"). Furthermore, all ranges
disclosed herein are inclusive and combinable (e.g., ranges of "up
to about 25 weight percent (wt. %), with about 5 wt. % to about 20
wt. % desired, and about 10 wt. % to about 15 wt. % more desired,"
are inclusive of the endpoints and all intermediate values of the
ranges, e.g., "about 5 wt. % to about 25 wt. %, about 5 wt. % to
about 15 wt. %", etc.). The notation "+/-10% means that the
indicated measurement may be from an amount that is minus 10% to an
amount that is plus 10% of the stated value.
[0066] Finally, 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.
[0067] 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.
* * * * *