U.S. patent application number 14/643250 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-25 for expandable cover for electronic devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is Quinton Ellis. Invention is credited to Quinton Ellis.
Application Number | 20150175330 14/643250 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53399239 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150175330 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ellis; Quinton |
June 25, 2015 |
Expandable Cover for Electronic Devices
Abstract
An electronic device case, said case comprising: an elastic
body; a plurality of protective bumpers attached to said body; and
means for releasably attaching said plurality of protective bumpers
to said elastic body.
Inventors: |
Ellis; Quinton; (Fort Wayne,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ellis; Quinton |
Fort Wayne |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53399239 |
Appl. No.: |
14/643250 |
Filed: |
March 10, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/521 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/185 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/02 20060101
B65D081/02 |
Claims
1. An electronic device case, said case comprising: an elastic
body; a plurality of protective bumpers attached to said body; and
means for attaching said plurality of protective bumpers to said
elastic body.
2. The electronic device case of claim 1, wherein said elastic body
comprises a material selected from the group consisting of
thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers, and rubber.
3. The electronic device case of claim 1, wherein the protective
bumpers comprise a material selected from the group consisting of
thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers, and rubber.
4. The electronic device case of claim 1, wherein said protective
bumpers are releasably attached to said elastic body.
5. The electronic device case of claim 4, wherein said means for
releasably connecting said protective bumpers to said elastic body
comprises a plurality of cooperating pins and receivers.
6. The electronic device case of claim 4, wherein said means for
releasably connecting said protective bumpers to said elastic body
comprises a plurality of cooperating hook and loop closures.
7. The electronic device case of claim 1, wherein said protective
bumpers are rigidly attached to said elastic body.
8. The electronic device case of claim 7, wherein said protective
bumpers are glued to said elastic body.
9. The electronic device case of claim 1, wherein said elastic body
comprises a generally cuboid shape, having a back, four sides, and
a cavity for receiving an electronic device.
10. The electronic device case of claim 9, wherein said elastic
body comprises corners having a radius.
11. The electronic device case of claim 9, wherein said back of
said elastic body comprises a length of within a range of between
about 4.82 inches and about 6.22 inches.
12. The electronic device case of claim 9, wherein said back of
said elastic body comprises a width of within a range of between
about 7.31 inches and about 3.06 inches.
13. The electronic device case of claim 9, wherein said sides of
said elastic body comprise a depth within a range of between about
0.28 inches and about 0.30 inches.
14. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein said sides of said
elastic body comprise a depth, and wherein said back of said
elastic body comprises an area and wherein said ratio of said area
to said depth is within a range of between about 0.28 inches and
about 0.30 inches.
15. A set of electronic device cases, said set comprising: a first
elastic body, said first elastic body having a first size and a
first shape; a second elastic body, said second elastic body having
a second size and a second shape; a plurality of protective
bumpers; and means for attaching said plurality of protective
bumpers to first elastic body or to said second elastic body.
16. The electronic device case of claim 1, wherein said elastic
body comprises a material selected from the group consisting of
thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers, and elastomeric
composites.
17. The electronic device case of claim 1, wherein the protective
bumpers comprise a material selected from the group consisting of
plastic, polymer, and rubber.
18. The electronic device case of claim 1, wherein said protective
bumpers are releasably attached to said elastic body.
19. The electronic device case of claim 4, wherein said means for
releasably connecting said protective bumpers to said elastic body
comprises a system selected from the group consisting of a
plurality of cooperating pins and receivers, and a plurality of
cooperating hook and loop closures.
20. A set of electronic device cases, said set comprising: a first
elastic body, said first elastic body having a first size and a
first shape; a second elastic body, said second elastic body having
a second size and a second shape; a plurality of protective
bumpers, said protective bumpers attached to said first elastic
body or said second elastic body.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Art
[0002] The invention relates generally to protective and decorative
casings for handheld or mobile devices such as a cellular phones,
mobile computing devices, and portable digital media players. More
specifically, the present invention relates to an expandable covers
for mobile phones.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Mobile/cellular phones have become quite ubiquitous.
Additionally, mobile phone manufacturers and sellers frequently
create and sell phones with new designs, new shapes, and new sizes.
Moreover, cellular service providers now allow and encourage mobile
phone users to "upgrade" their respective phones by getting a brand
new phone at least biannually. Each new phone purchase requires the
user to purchase new phone accessories, such as car chargers, wall
chargers, screen covers, and protective cases. All of these types
of mobile phone accessories, especially protective phone cases, are
often unique to particular phone designs.
[0005] Other mobile electronic devices such as tablet computers,
certain laptop computers, digital medial players, and the like are
also often used with protective covers. Covers for these other
types of mobile must also be replaced each time a use purchases
such a device having a new size or shape.
[0006] Thus, a need exists for a protective cover for a
portable/mobile electronic device such as a cellular phone, mobile
computing device, or a portable digital media player, where the
cover need not be replaced each time a user purchases a new device.
More specifically, a need exist for an expandable phone casing of
which may be used with a plurality of phone sizes and shapes.
SUMMARY
[0007] To address the needs remaining in the art, the present
invention comprises, in a first embodiment, an electronic device
case, said case comprising: an elastic body; a plurality of
protective bumpers attached to said body; and means for releasably
attaching said plurality of protective bumpers to said elastic
body.
[0008] In an alternative embodiment, the present invention
comprises an electronic device case, said case comprising: an
elastic body; a plurality of protective bumpers attached to said
body; and a plurality of pairs of pins and receivers for releasably
attaching said plurality of protective bumpers to said elastic
body.
[0009] In another alternative embodiment, the present invention
comprises a set of electronic device cases, said set comprising: a
first elastic body, said first elastic body having a first size and
a first shape; a second elastic body, said second elastic body
having a second size and a second shape; a plurality of protective
bumpers selectively and releasably attachable to said first elastic
body or to said second elastic body; and means for releasably
attaching said plurality of protective bumpers to first elastic
body or to said second elastic body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present invention will be understood more fully from the
detailed description given hereinafter and from the accompanying
drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention, but are
for explanation and understanding only.
[0011] In the drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 shows: a perspective exploded view of an exemplary
assembled expandable case for electronic devices according to the
present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2A shows: a rear perspective view of an exemplary
elastic body for an expandable case according to the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 2B shows: a front perspective view of the exemplary
elastic body of FIG. 2A.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows: an exemplary left top corner "bumper" for an
expandable case according to the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 shows: an exemplary left upper side "bumper" for an
expandable case according to the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 shows: an exemplary left lower side "bumper" for an
expandable case according to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 shows: an exemplary left bottom corner "bumper" for
an expandable case according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 7 shows: an exemplary right top corner "bumper" for an
expandable case according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 8 shows: an exemplary right upper side "bumper" for an
expandable case according to the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 9 shows: an exemplary right lower side "bumper" for an
expandable case according to the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 10 shows: an exemplary right bottom corner "bumper" for
an expandable case according to the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 11 shows: a perspective view of a connecting "pin" for
an expandable case according to the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 12 shows: a perspective view of a pin receiving piece
for an expandable case according to the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 13 shows: a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the present expandable case for electronic
devices.
[0026] FIG. 14 shows: a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the present expandable case for electronic
devices.
[0027] FIG. 15 shows: a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the present expandable case for electronic
devices.
[0028] FIG. 16 shows: a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the present expandable case for electronic
devices.
[0029] FIG. 17 shows: a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the present expandable case for electronic
devices.
[0030] FIG. 18 shows: a rear perspective view of the alternative
embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 13-17.
[0031] FIG. 19 shows: a rear perspective view of the alternative
embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 13-17.
[0032] FIG. 20 shows: an exploded perspective view of the
alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.
13-17.
[0033] FIG. 21 shows: an exploded perspective view of the
alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.
13-17.
[0034] FIG. 22 shows: an exploded perspective view of the
alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.
13-17.
[0035] FIG. 23 shows: an exploded perspective view of the
alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.
13-17.
[0036] FIG. 24 shows: an exploded perspective view of the
alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.
13-17.
[0037] FIG. 25 shows: an exploded perspective view of the
alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.
13-17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0038] The present invention will be discussed hereinafter in
detail in terms of the preferred embodiment according to the
present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In
the following description, numerous specific details are set forth
in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present
invention. It will be obvious, however, to those skilled in the art
that the present invention may be practiced without these specific
details. In other instance, well-known structures are not shown in
detail in order to avoid unnecessary obscuring of the present
invention.
[0039] The following detailed description is not intended to limit
the described embodiments or the application and uses of the
described embodiments. All of the implementations described below
are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in
the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are
not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined
by the claims. As used herein, the word "exemplary" or
"illustrative" means "serving as an example, instance, or
illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary"
or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred
or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, in the
present description, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "rear",
"right", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and derivatives thereof
shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.
[0040] Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any
expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical
field, background, brief summary or the following detailed
description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices
and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described
in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of
the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence,
specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to
the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as
limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
[0041] Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown an exploded
perspective view of expandable case 10000 for electronic devices.
Expandable case 10000 generally comprises elastic body 200,
protective bumpers 300-1000, and means for connecting protective
bumpers 300-1000 to elastic body 200. Each of these elements is
further described in greater detail below with respect to
subsequent Figures.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, there is shown elastic
body 200 of expandable electronic devices 1000. Elastic body 200
may be made of any elastic material suitable for holding an
electronic device and structurally sound enough to hold a
relatively consistent pre-stretched shape. However, elastic body
200 preferably comprises a material selected from the group
consisting of thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers, and
elastomeric composites. Thus, elastic body 200 is capable of
stretching to cover the back and sides of a variety of shapes
and/or sizes of electronic devices.
[0043] Referring again to FIGS. 2A and 2B, elastic body 200
comprises a generally cuboid shape having a back and four sides.
Elastic body 200, therefore, further includes a cavity within said
sides for receiving an electronic device, such as a mobile phone, a
tablet computer, an electronic calendar, a mobile digital media
player, a laptop computer, or the like. Those of skill in the art
will also appreciate that elastic body 200 may be of any plane
geometric shape with a having a device receiving cavity. For
example, elastic body 200 may comprise an extruded oval or other
shape suitable for receiving an electronic device.
[0044] Referring still to FIG. 2, the back of elastic body 200 of
expandable case electronic devices 1000 comprises a length and
width. Preferably, the nominal (pre-stretched) length of the back
of elastic body 200 is within a range of from about 4.87 inches to
about 6.22 inches, and the nominal (pre-stretched) length of the
back of the elastic body 200 is within a range of from about 2.31
inches to about 5.06 inches. The nominal depth of the sides of
elastic body 200 is within a range of from about 0.28 inches to
about 0.30 inches.
[0045] Referring again to FIG. 2, the sides of elastic body 200 may
further comprise selectively placed protrusions to accommodate
mechanical buttons along the sides or backs of electronic devices.
These buttons may include, on/off switches, volume control buttons,
camera activators, or game controls. Additionally, the sides of
elastic body 200 may further comprise selectively placed apertures
for accommodating "plug-ins" such as power cords, head phones,
microphones, data ports, or the like.
[0046] Referring next, collectively, to FIGS. 3-10, there is shown
a plurality of protective bumpers 300-1000, which, as shown in FIG.
1, attach to elastic body 200 to preserve the post-stretched shape
of elastic body 200 when an electronic device is disposed within
expandable case 10000.
[0047] Referring still to FIGS. 3-10, each protective bumper
300-1000 comprises a material somewhat more rigid than that of
elastic body 200. Generally, protective bumpers 300-1000 comprises
a rubber or plastic material suitable for providing protection to
an electronic device and holding the post stretched shape of
elastic body 200. Preferably, protective bumpers 300-1000 comprise
a material selected from the group consisting of plastics,
polymers, and rubber. As further illustrated in FIGS. 3-10,
protective bumpers comprise specific shapes for each position
relative to elastic body 200. However, those of skill in the art
will appreciate that protective bumpers 300-1000 may comprise a
variety of other shapes depending on the size and shape of an
electronic device disposed within expandable case 10000.
[0048] Referring now specifically to FIG. 3, there is shown a
perspective view of exemplary protective top left corner bumper 300
according to the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3,
bumper 300 comprises a shape suitable for covering a corner portion
of an electronic device. In a preferred embodiment of the present
expandable case 10000, bumper 300 may comprise an aperture or
protrusion as described above for accommodating a button or
external device port for an electronic device. Those of skill in
the art will appreciate that bumper 300 can be sized, shaped,
dimensioned, and otherwise designed for use with specific sizes and
shapes of electronic devices
[0049] Referring still to FIG. 3, expandable case 10000 further
comprises means to attach bumper 300 to elastic body 200. Said
attachment means may comprise an adhesive to permanently affix
bumper 300 to a desired location of elastic body 200. Preferably,
however, bumper 300 is releasably connected to elastic body 200 by
said attachment means, which may include pairs of cooperative pads
of hook and loop connections, such as VELCRO.TM.. Alternatively,
said means for releasably connecting bumper 300 to elastic body 200
comprises cooperating pin 1100 and grommet 1200, which can snap fit
together as will be described in greater detail with reference to
FIGS. 11 and 12 herein.
[0050] Referring again to FIG. 3, bumper 300, in one exemplary
embodiment, comprises an aperture. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 1,
when bumper 300 is attached to elastic body 200, is collinear with
a corresponding aperture elastic body 200 such that when pin 1100
is snapped into grommet 1200, bumper 300 and elastic body 200 are
clamped together.
[0051] Referring now specifically to FIG. 4, there is shown a
perspective view of exemplary upper left side protective bumper 400
according to the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 4,
bumper 400 comprises a shape suitable for covering a side portion
of an electronic device. In a preferred embodiment of the present
expandable case 10000, bumper 400 may comprise an aperture or
protrusion as described above for accommodating a button or
external device port for an electronic device. Those of skill in
the art will appreciate that bumper 400 can be sized, shaped,
dimensioned, and otherwise designed for use with specific sizes and
shapes of electronic devices
[0052] Referring still to FIG. 4, expandable case 10000 further
comprises means to attach bumper 400 to elastic body 200. Said
attachment means may comprise an adhesive to permanently affix
bumper 400 to a desired location of elastic body 200. Preferably,
however, bumper 400 is releasably connected to elastic body 200 by
said attachment means, which may include pairs of cooperative pads
of hook and loop connections, such as VELCRO.TM.. Alternatively,
said means for releasably connecting bumper 400 to elastic body 200
comprises cooperating pin 1100 and grommet 1200, which can snap fit
together as will be described in greater detail with reference to
FIGS. 11 and 12 herein.
[0053] Referring again to FIG. 4, bumper 400, in one exemplary
embodiment, comprises an aperture. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 1,
when bumper 400 is attached to elastic body 200, is collinear with
a corresponding aperture elastic body 200 such that when pin 1100
is snapped into grommet 1200, bumper 400 and elastic body 200 are
clamped together.
[0054] Referring now specifically to FIG. 5, there is shown a
perspective view of exemplary lower left side protective bumper 500
according to the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 5,
bumper 500 comprises a shape suitable for covering a portion of an
electronic device. In a preferred embodiment of the present
expandable case 10000, bumper 500 may comprise an aperture or
protrusion as described above for accommodating a button or
external device port for an electronic device. Those of skill in
the art will appreciate that bumper 500 can be sized, shaped,
dimensioned, and otherwise designed for use with specific sizes and
shapes of electronic devices
[0055] Referring still to FIG. 5, expandable case 10000 further
comprises means to attach bumper 500 to elastic body 200. Said
attachment means may comprise an adhesive to permanently affix
bumper 500 to a desired location of elastic body 200. Preferably,
however, bumper 500 is releasably connected to elastic body 200 by
said attachment means, which may include pairs of cooperative pads
of hook and loop connections, such as VELCRO.TM.. Alternatively,
said means for releasably connecting bumper 500 to elastic body 200
comprises cooperating pin 1100 and grommet 1200, which can snap fit
together as will be described in greater detail with reference to
FIGS. 11 and 12 herein.
[0056] Referring again to FIG. 5, bumper 500, in one exemplary
embodiment, comprises an aperture. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 1,
when bumper 500 is attached to elastic body 200, is collinear with
a corresponding aperture elastic body 200 such that when pin 1100
is snapped into grommet 1200, bumper 500 and elastic body 200 are
clamped together.
[0057] Referring now specifically to FIG. 6, there is shown a
perspective view of exemplary left bottom protective bumper 600
according to the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 6,
bumper 600 comprises a shape suitable for covering a corner portion
of an electronic device. In a preferred embodiment of the present
expandable case 10000, bumper 600 may comprise an aperture or
protrusion as described above for accommodating a button or
external device port for an electronic device. Those of skill in
the art will appreciate that bumper 600 can be sized, shaped,
dimensioned, and otherwise designed for use with specific sizes and
shapes of electronic devices
[0058] Referring still to FIG. 6, expandable case 10000 further
comprises means to attach bumper 600 to elastic body 200. Said
attachment means may comprise an adhesive to permanently affix
bumper 600 to a desired location of elastic body 200. Preferably,
however, bumper 600 is releasably connected to elastic body 200 by
said attachment means, which may include pairs of cooperative pads
of hook and loop connections, such as VELCRO.TM.. Alternatively,
said means for releasably connecting bumper 600 to elastic body 200
comprises cooperating pin 1100 and grommet 1200, which can snap fit
together as will be described in greater detail with reference to
FIGS. 11 and 12 herein.
[0059] Referring again to FIG. 6, bumper 600, in one exemplary
embodiment, comprises an aperture. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 1,
when bumper 600 is attached to elastic body 200, is collinear with
a corresponding aperture elastic body 200 such that when pin 1100
is snapped into grommet 1200, bumper 600 and elastic body 200 are
clamped together.
[0060] Referring now specifically to FIG. 7, there is shown a
perspective view of exemplary top right corner protective bumper
700 according to the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 7,
bumper 700 comprises a shape suitable for covering a corner portion
of an electronic device. In a preferred embodiment of the present
expandable case 10000, bumper 700 may comprise an aperture or
protrusion as described above for accommodating a button or
external device port for an electronic device. Those of skill in
the art will appreciate that bumper 700 can be sized, shaped,
dimensioned, and otherwise designed for use with specific sizes and
shapes of electronic devices
[0061] Referring still to FIG. 7, expandable case 10000 further
comprises means to attach bumper 700 to elastic body 200. Said
attachment means may comprise an adhesive to permanently affix
bumper 700 to a desired location of elastic body 200. Preferably,
however, bumper 700 is releasably connected to elastic body 200 by
said attachment means, which may include pairs of cooperative pads
of hook and loop connections, such as VELCRO.TM.. Alternatively,
said means for releasably connecting bumper 700 to elastic body 200
comprises cooperating pin 1100 and grommet 1200, which can snap fit
together as will be described in greater detail with reference to
FIGS. 11 and 12 herein.
[0062] Referring again to FIG. 7, bumper 700, in one exemplary
embodiment, comprises an aperture. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 1,
when bumper 700 is attached to elastic body 200, is collinear with
a corresponding aperture elastic body 200 such that when pin 1100
is snapped into grommet 1200, bumper 700 and elastic body 200 are
clamped together.
[0063] Referring now specifically to FIG. 8, there is shown a
perspective view of exemplary upper right side protective bumper
800 according to the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 4,
bumper 800 comprises a shape suitable for covering a side portion
of an electronic device. In a preferred embodiment of the present
expandable case 10000, bumper 800 may comprise an aperture or
protrusion as described above for accommodating a button or
external device port for an electronic device. Those of skill in
the art will appreciate that bumper 800 can be sized, shaped,
dimensioned, and otherwise designed for use with specific sizes and
shapes of electronic devices
[0064] Referring still to FIG. 8, expandable case 10000 further
comprises means to attach bumper 800 to elastic body 200. Said
attachment means may comprise an adhesive to permanently affix
bumper 800 to a desired location of elastic body 200. Preferably,
however, bumper 300 is releasably connected to elastic body 200 by
said attachment means, which may include pairs of cooperative pads
of hook and loop connections, such as VELCRO.TM.. Alternatively,
said means for releasably connecting bumper 800 to elastic body 200
comprises cooperating pin 1100 and grommet 1200, which can snap fit
together as will be described in greater detail with reference to
FIGS. 11 and 12 herein.
[0065] Referring again to FIG. 8, bumper 800, in one exemplary
embodiment, comprises an aperture. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 1,
when bumper 800 is attached to elastic body 200, is collinear with
a corresponding aperture elastic body 200 such that when pin 1100
is snapped into grommet 1200, bumper 800 and elastic body 200 are
clamped together.
[0066] Referring now specifically to FIG. 9, there is shown a
perspective view of exemplary lower right side protective bumper
900 according to the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 4,
bumper 900 comprises a shape suitable for covering a side portion
of an electronic device. In a preferred embodiment of the present
expandable case 10000, bumper 900 may comprise an aperture or
protrusion as described above for accommodating a button or
external device port for an electronic device. Those of skill in
the art will appreciate that bumper 900 can be sized, shaped,
dimensioned, and otherwise designed for use with specific sizes and
shapes of electronic devices
[0067] Referring still to FIG. 9, expandable case 10000 further
comprises means to attach bumper 900 to elastic body 200. Said
attachment means may comprise an adhesive to permanently affix
bumper 900 to a desired location of elastic body 200. Preferably,
however, bumper 900 is releasably connected to elastic body 200 by
said attachment means, which may include pairs of cooperative pads
of hook and loop connections, such as VELCRO.TM.. Alternatively,
said means for releasably connecting bumper 900 to elastic body 200
comprises cooperating pin 1100 and grommet 1200, which can snap fit
together as will be described in greater detail with reference to
FIGS. 11 and 12 herein.
[0068] Referring again to FIG. 9, bumper 900, in one exemplary
embodiment, comprises an aperture. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 1,
when bumper 900 is attached to elastic body 200, is collinear with
a corresponding aperture elastic body 200 such that when pin 1100
is snapped into grommet 1200, bumper 900 and elastic body 200 are
clamped together.
[0069] Referring now specifically to FIG. 10, there is shown a
perspective view of exemplary right bottom corner protective bumper
1000 according to the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 4,
bumper 1000 comprises a shape suitable for covering a corner
portion of an electronic device. In a preferred embodiment of the
present expandable case 10000, bumper 1000 may comprise an aperture
or protrusion as described above for accommodating a button or
external device port for an electronic device. Those of skill in
the art will appreciate that bumper 1000 can be sized, shaped,
dimensioned, and otherwise designed for use with specific sizes and
shapes of electronic devices
[0070] Referring still to FIG. 10, expandable case 10000 further
comprises means to attach bumper 1000 to elastic body 200. Said
attachment means may comprise an adhesive to permanently affix
bumper 1000 to a desired location of elastic body 200. Preferably,
however, bumper 1000 is releasably connected to elastic body 200 by
said attachment means, which may include pairs of cooperative pads
of hook and loop connections, such as VELCRO.TM.. Alternatively,
said means for releasably connecting bumper 1000 to elastic body
200 comprises cooperating pin 1100 and grommet 1200, which can snap
fit together as will be described in greater detail with reference
to FIGS. 11 and 12 herein.
[0071] Referring again to FIG. 10, bumper 1000, in one exemplary
embodiment, comprises an aperture. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 1,
when bumper 1000 is attached to elastic body 200, is collinear with
a corresponding aperture elastic body 200 such that when pin 1100
is snapped into grommet 1200, bumper 1000 and elastic body 200 are
clamped together.
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 11, there is shown a perspective view
of pin 1100. Pin 1100 generally comprises a cylindrical shape. Pin
1100 further comprises a top edge that extends circumferentially
out from the main cylindrical body portion. Pin 1100 further
comprises a bottom ring that also extends outwardly from the bottom
edge of the cylindrical body. The bottom ring of pin 1100
preferably comprises a rounded peripheral edge that extends a
somewhat lesser distance from the cylindrical body of pin 1100 than
does the top edge. Pin 1100 preferably comprises a hard rubber,
thermoplastic, or thermoset material that is resistant to corrosion
and nonabrasive. For example, pin 1100 may comprise a material
selected from the group consisting of plastics, metals, and
polymers.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 12, there is shown a perspective view
of receiving grommet 1200. Grommet 1200 generally comprises an
extruded ring shape. Grommet 1200 is sized to releasably receive
the bottom edge of pin 1100 as a "snap-fit" connection. Grommet
1200 preferably comprises a material selected from the group
consisting of plastics, metals, and polymers. As shown in FIG. 1,
when engaged, pins 1100 and grommets 1200 cooperate to attach
bumpers 300-1000 to elastic body 200.
[0074] In an alternative embodiment, the present invention
comprises bumpers 301-1001 disposed within elastic body 200 as
illustrated in FIGS. 13-17 herein. As further illustrated in FIGS.
20-25 herein, interior bumpers 300-1000 may be attached to elastic
body 200 via pins 1101 and grommets 1201.
[0075] The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary
illustrations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles
of the invention. Many variations, combinations, modifications, or
equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without
departing from the scope of the invention. It should be understood,
therefore, that the above description is of an exemplary embodiment
of the invention and included for illustrative purposes only. The
description of the exemplary embodiment is not meant to be limiting
of the invention. A person of ordinary skill in the field of the
invention or the relevant technical art will understand that
variations of the invention are included within the scope of the
claims.
* * * * *