U.S. patent application number 14/064741 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-01 for magnetically connected case for electronic device.
This patent application is currently assigned to CASE-MATE, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is CASE-MATE, INC.. Invention is credited to Garrett P. SIMMER.
Application Number | 20140116896 14/064741 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50545999 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140116896 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SIMMER; Garrett P. |
May 1, 2014 |
MAGNETICALLY CONNECTED CASE FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE
Abstract
A protective or decorative case for an electronic device
includes at least a first shell portion and a second shell portion.
The first and second shell portions each comprise at least one
magnetic coupling element to provide for removably coupling the
shells together in an assembled configuration to house an
electronic device therein.
Inventors: |
SIMMER; Garrett P.;
(Atlanta, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CASE-MATE, INC. |
Tucker |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CASE-MATE, INC.
Tucker
GA
|
Family ID: |
50545999 |
Appl. No.: |
14/064741 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61720029 |
Oct 30, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2011/002 20130101;
H04B 1/3888 20130101; A45C 13/1069 20130101; A45C 11/00 20130101;
H04M 1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/37 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/00 20060101
A45C011/00 |
Claims
1. A case for an electronic device comprising: a first shell
portion comprising a first magnetic coupling element; and a second
shell portion comprising a second magnetic coupling element,
wherein the first and second magnetic coupling elements releasably
engage one another to retain the first and second shell portions in
an assembled case configuration.
2. The case of claim 1, wherein the first and second shell portions
define an internal chamber adapted to house the electronic device
in the assembled configuration.
3. The case of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic coupling element
comprises a magnet and the second magnetic coupling element
comprises a magnetically attracted material.
4. The case of claim 1, wherein the first and second magnetic
coupling elements both comprise magnets, and wherein the magnets
are aligned with opposite polarities facing one another in the
assembled configuration.
5. The case of claim 1, wherein the first and second shell portions
define an interface therebetween, and wherein the first and second
magnetic coupling elements are aligned across the interface.
6. The case of claim 5, comprising at least two aligned pairs of
first and second magnetic coupling elements aligned across the
interface from one another.
7. The case of claim 1, wherein the case comprises a top/bottom
split configuration, the first shell portion comprising a top
portion and the second shell portion comprising a bottom
portion.
8. The case of claim 1, wherein the case comprises a right/left
split configuration, the first shell portion comprising a right
portion and the second shell portion comprising a left portion.
9. The case of claim 1, wherein the case comprises a front/back
split configuration, the first shell portion comprising a front
portion and the second shell portion comprising a back portion.
10. A two-piece mobile device case for protecting an electronic
device, wherein the case comprises a first shell portion having at
least one first magnetic coupling element and a second shell
portion having at least one second magnetic coupling element,
wherein the at least one first and second magnetic coupling
elements releasably couple together to retain the electronic device
between the first and second shell portions in an assembled
configuration.
11. The two-piece mobile device case of claim 10, wherein an
internal chamber is defined between the first and second shell
portions, and wherein the internal chamber is adapted to house the
electronic device in the assembled configuration.
12. The two-piece mobile device case of claim 10, wherein the at
least one first magnetic coupling element comprises a magnet and
the at least one second magnetic coupling element comprises a
magnetically attracted material.
13. The two-piece mobile device case of claim 10, wherein the at
least one first and second magnetic coupling elements both comprise
magnets, and wherein the magnets are aligned with opposite
polarities facing one another in the assembled configuration.
14. The two-piece mobile device case of claim 10, wherein the first
and second shell portions define an interface therebetween, and
wherein the at least one first and second magnetic coupling
elements are aligned across the interface.
15. The two-piece mobile device case of claim 14, comprising at
least two aligned pairs of first and second magnetic coupling
elements aligned across the interface from one another.
16. The two-piece mobile device case of claim 10, wherein the first
and/or second shell portions comprises one or more cutout portions
for allowing access to or use of controls, ports or other features
of the electronic device.
17. The two-piece mobile device case of claim 16, further
comprising one or more buttons for operating within the cutout
portions to allow for operation of the controls, ports, or other
features of the electronic device while at least partially housing
or covering the same.
18. The two-piece mobile device case of claim 10, wherein the case
comprises a top/bottom split configuration, the first shell portion
comprising a top portion and the second shell portion comprising a
bottom portion.
19. The two-piece mobile device case of claim 10, wherein the case
comprises a right/left split configuration, the first shell portion
comprising a right portion and the second shell portion comprising
a left portion.
20. The two-piece mobile device case of claim 10, wherein the case
comprises a front/back split configuration, the first shell portion
comprising a front portion and the second shell portion comprising
a back portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/720,029 filed Oct. 30, 2012, the
entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
protective and decorative cases for electronic devices, and more
particularly to a case having segments that magnetically connect
together.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Protective and/or decorative cases, frames and supports are
used in connection with electronic devices such as tablet
computers, smart phones, cell phones, MP3 players and other
portable music and/or video players, electronic readers, handheld
game devices, and the like. Various means of mounting and coupling
the case onto the electronic device are known, but continued
improvements are sought. It is to the provision of a magnetically
connected case for electronic devices that the present invention is
primarily directed.
SUMMARY
[0004] In example embodiments, the present invention provides a
magnetically connected case for electronic devices. In one aspect,
the present invention relates to a case including a first shell
portion and a second shell portion. The first and second shell
portions each comprise at least one magnetic coupling element to
provide for removably coupling the case together over the
electronic device and securing the electronic device within the
case. In example embodiments, the magnetic coupling allows the case
to be easily installed onto the electronic device, and removed and
replaced as desired, while still maintaining a reliable attachment
of the case when installed on the electronic device.
[0005] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a case
for an electronic device. The case includes a first shell portion
having a first magnetic coupling element and a second shell portion
having a second magnetic coupling element. Preferably, the first
and second magnetic coupling elements releasably engage one another
to retain the first and second shell portions in an assembled
configuration, with the electronic device removably installed
within the case.
[0006] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a
two-piece mobile device case for protecting an electronic device.
The case includes a first shell portion having at least one first
magnetic coupling element and a second shell portion having at
least one second magnetic coupling element. Preferably, the at
least one first and second magnetic coupling elements releasably
couple together to retain the electronic device between the first
and second shell portions in an assembled configuration.
Optionally, the first and/or second shell portions comprise one or
more cutout portions for allowing access to or use of controls,
ports or other features of the electronic device. Further
optionally, one or more buttons or control actuators may be
provided for operating within the cutout portions to allow for
operation of the controls, ports, or other features of the
electronic device while at least partially housing or covering the
same.
[0007] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the
invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures
and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of
the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in
the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing
general description and the following brief description of the
drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary
and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are
not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a magnetically
connected case for an electronic device according to an example
embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the magnetically
connected case of FIG. 1, showing a first portion of the case
separated from a second portion of the case, in an open
configuration for removing or installing the electronic device.
[0010] FIGS. 3A-3F are orthogonal views of the magnetically
connected case of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 4A-4F are orthogonal views of a magnetically connected
case according to another example embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIGS. 5A-5F are orthogonal views of a magnetically connected
case according to another example embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0013] The present invention may be understood more readily by
reference to the following detailed description of the invention
taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which
form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this
invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods,
conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that
the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended
to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and
other publications identified in this specification are
incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
[0014] Also, as used in the specification including the appended
claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural,
and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least
that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or
"approximately" one particular value and/or to "about" or
"approximately" another particular value. When such a range is
expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular
value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values
are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about,"
it will be understood that the particular value forms another
embodiment.
[0015] With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like
reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the
several views, FIGS. 1-3 show a magnetically connected case 10 for
holding an electronic device D according to one example embodiment
of the present invention. The electronic device D may, for example,
take the form of a mobile device, cell phone, smart phone, MP3
player or other portable music and/or video player, electronic
reader, tablet computer, handheld game device, or the like. The
case 10 is removably mounted or attached onto the electronic device
D over the standard external housing of the electronic device as
provided by the electronic device's manufacturer, or viewed
alternatively the electronic device is removably mounted or
installed within the case.
[0016] In example forms, the magnetically connected case 10
generally comprises a mobile device case, for example a two-piece
case with a first shell portion 20 and a second shell portion 30.
In one example form, the magnetically connected case 10 comprises a
top/bottom split configuration wherein a first shell portion 20 and
a second shell portion 30 can combine and couple with one another
(e.g., magnetically) to form the overall case 10 and retain a phone
or other electronic device within the case. In example embodiments,
the first shell portion 20 (e.g., top portion) comprises at least
one first magnetic coupling element 40 and the second shell portion
30 (e.g., bottom portion) comprises at least one second magnetic
coupling element 42. Generally, the first magnetic coupling
elements 40 and the second magnetic coupling elements 42 are
oriented with magnetically attractive contact surfaces aligned and
confronting one another in the assembled state of the case so that
attraction between the first and second magnetic coupling elements
provides for removably coupling the case together. As depicted in
FIGS. 1-2, an electronic device D is substantially housed within
the first and second shell portions 20, 30 when the case is
assembled. The first shell portion 20 substantially covers a top
portion of the electronic device D and the second shell portion 30
substantially covers a bottom portion of the electronic device D,
along at least a portion of the back and sides of the device. Thus,
when assembled with the first and second magnetic coupling elements
releasably coupling the first and second shell portions 20, 30
together, an internal chamber 45 defined therebetween is adapted to
house the electronic device D. In alternate embodiments, the case
can comprise three or more shell portions, at least two of which
are magnetically coupled to one another. One or more non-magnetic
coupling means such as snap connections, clips, fasteners or
mechanical couplings can optionally be provided in addition to or
instead of one or more of the magnetic couplings between shell
portions, and/or between shell portion(s) and the electronic
device, for example to provide improved case connection integrity
and/or retention on the electronic device.
[0017] In example forms, the case 10 comprises a total of eight
magnetic coupling elements wherein four first magnetic coupling
elements 40 are connected to the first shell portion 20 and four
second magnetic coupling elements 42 are connected to the second
shell portion 30, with the first and second magnetic coupling
elements arranged in confronting attractive pairs. For example, as
depicted in FIGS. 3A-C, each first magnetic coupling element 40 is
generally positioned and aligned to correspond with an opposed
second magnetic coupling element 42 on the other shell portion of
the case 10.
[0018] The magnetic coupling elements can be arranged in various
configurations. In one form, the magnetic coupling elements 40, 42
are micro-magnets seated within pockets formed along the periphery
(or generally adjacent thereto) of the connecting ends or interface
of the shell portions 20, 30 wherein an adhesive or glue is used to
ensure each magnetic coupling element remains within its respective
pocket. Optionally, other forms of magnetic coupling elements
and/or other modes of attaching the magnetic coupling elements to
or in the shell portions 20, 30 can be utilized. For example, the
magnetic coupling elements 40, 42 can comprise pairs of permanent
magnets of opposite polarity, or alternatively can comprise pairs
of one magnet and one magnetically attracted element such as an
iron or other ferrous material arranged to releasably engage one
another. Optionally, the polarities of magnets installed on the
respective shell portions can be oriented to attract and couple in
a desired or correct assembly configuration of the shell portions,
and to repel or prevent coupling in incorrect assembly
configurations.
[0019] Optionally, the first and/or second shell portions 20, 30 of
the case 10 can comprise one or more openings or cutouts 50 for
alignment with a camera, flash unit, controls, ports, and/or other
features of the electronics device D to which the case 10 is
configured for use. Further optionally, one or more button
actuators or insert covers 54 can be provided for operating within
the openings (or other portions of the first and/or second shell
portions 20, 30) to allow for operation of the controls, ports, or
other features of the electronic device while at least partially
housing or covering the same. In one example form, the inserts 54
releasably couple to the openings and permit at least some movement
thereof while remaining releasably coupled thereto.
[0020] FIG. 4 shows a magnetically connected case 100 according to
another example embodiment of the present invention. In general,
the case 100 is substantially similar to the case 10 as described
above. In example embodiments, the case 100 comprises a left/right
split configuration wherein a first shell portion 120 (e.g., right
portion) and a second shell portion 130 (e.g., left portion)
combine and couple with one another (e.g., magnetically) to form
the overall case 100. That is, the first shell portion 120 can
engage a right half of the electronic device and the second shell
portion 130 can engage the left half of the electronic device. As
depicted, the case 100 comprises a total of four magnetic coupling
elements 140, 142, wherein first magnetic coupling elements 140 are
connected and seated within pockets formed in the first shell
portion 120 and second magnetic coupling elements 142 are connected
and seated within pockets formed in the second shell portion
130.
[0021] Similarly, the magnetic coupling elements of the case 100
can be arranged in various configurations. For example, the
magnetic coupling elements 140, 142 can be micro-magnets that are
seated within pockets formed along the periphery (or generally
adjacent thereto) of the connecting ends of the shell portions 120,
130 wherein an adhesive or glue is used to ensure each magnetic
coupling element remains within its respective pocket. Optionally,
other forms of magnetic coupling elements and/or other modes of
attaching the magnetic coupling elements to or in the shell
portions 120, 130 can be utilized. For example, the magnetic
coupling elements 140, 142 can comprise pairs of permanent magnets
of opposite polarity, or alternatively can comprise pairs of one
magnet and one magnetically attracted element such as an iron or
other ferrous material arranged to releasably engage one
another.
[0022] FIG. 5 shows a magnetically connected case 200 according to
yet another example embodiment of the present invention. In
general, the case 200 is substantially similar to the cases 10 and
100 as described above. In example embodiments, the case 200
comprises a front/back split configuration wherein a first shell
portion 220 (e.g., front portion) and a second shell portion 230
(e.g., back portion) combine and couple with one another (e.g.,
magnetically) to form the overall case 200. That is, the first
shell portion 220 can engage a front side of the electronic device
and the second shell portion 230 can engage the back half of the
electronic device. As depicted, the case 200 comprises a total of
eight magnetic coupling elements 240, 242 wherein four first
magnetic coupling elements 240 are connected and seated within
pockets formed in the first shell portion 220 and four second
magnetic coupling elements 242 are connected and seated within
pockets formed in the second shell portion 230.
[0023] Similarly, the magnetic coupling elements of the case 200
can be arranged in various configurations. For example, the
magnetic coupling elements 240, 242 can be micro-magnets that are
seated within pockets formed along the periphery (or generally
adjacent thereto) of the connecting ends of the shell portions 220,
230 wherein an adhesive or glue is used to ensure each magnetic
coupling element remains within its respective pocket. Optionally,
other forms of magnetic coupling elements and/or other modes of
attaching the magnetic coupling elements to or in the shell
portions 220, 230 can be utilized. For example, the magnetic
coupling elements 240, 242 can comprise pairs of permanent magnets
of opposite polarity, or alternatively can comprise pairs of one
magnet and one magnetically attracted element such as an iron or
other ferrous material arranged to releasably engage one
another.
[0024] In various example embodiments, the case of the present
invention can be fabricated from plastics, metals, wood,
composites, and/or any other suitable material(s) of construction.
In example forms, the material of the case body is non-magnetic.
The case can be sized and shaped to receive various sizes and
formats of electronic devices, including without limitation tablet
computers, smart phones, cell phones, MP3 players and other
portable music and/or video players, electronic readers, handheld
game devices, and the like.
[0025] While the invention has been described with reference to
preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and
deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the
following claims.
* * * * *