U.S. patent application number 15/910566 was filed with the patent office on 2019-09-05 for rf-transparent case with integral clip.
This patent application is currently assigned to Samsonite IP Holdings S.ar.I.. The applicant listed for this patent is Samsonite IP Holdings S.ar.I.. Invention is credited to Ivan Chen, Patrick Christian, Bryan Lee Hynecek, Christopher William Ledesma, Alan Yu Tung Ng.
Application Number | 20190269231 15/910566 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67767506 |
Filed Date | 2019-09-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190269231 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Christian; Patrick ; et
al. |
September 5, 2019 |
RF-Transparent Case with Integral Clip
Abstract
A case for a mobile device, including a first RF-transparent
layer forming a pocket or recess for a mobile device, and a clip
portion extending from a first wall of the pocket or recess. The
clip portion extends away from a first wall of the pocket or
recess, with the clip portion and the first wall forming a ring.
The clip portion includes an external clip portion, an internal
clip portion arranged inside the external clip portion, and a
hinged gate. The internal clip portion is separate and distinct
from the eternal clip portion. The hinged gate is rotatable around
a hinge portion between a closed position in which the ring is
closed, and an open position in which the ring is open. The first
RF-transparent layer and the external and internal clip portions
are formed from materials such that radio frequency ("RF")
transmissions can be transmitted through them.
Inventors: |
Christian; Patrick;
(Petaluma, CA) ; Ng; Alan Yu Tung; (San Francisco,
CA) ; Hynecek; Bryan Lee; (Redwood City, CA) ;
Chen; Ivan; (San Francisco, CA) ; Ledesma;
Christopher William; (San Francisco, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsonite IP Holdings S.ar.I. |
Luxembourg |
|
LU |
|
|
Assignee: |
Samsonite IP Holdings
S.ar.I.
Luxembourg
LU
|
Family ID: |
67767506 |
Appl. No.: |
15/910566 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2011/002 20130101;
A45F 2200/0516 20130101; A45F 2200/0508 20130101; A45C 11/00
20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101; A45C 2011/001 20130101; A45C 2011/003
20130101; A45F 2200/0525 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00; A45C 11/00 20060101 A45C011/00 |
Claims
1. A case for a mobile device, comprising: a first RF-transparent
layer that forms a pocket or recess in which the mobile device can
be arranged, the first layer being formed from a first material
such that radio frequency ("RF") transmissions can be transmitted
through the first layer; and a clip portion that extends from a
first wall of the pocket or recess in a direction away from the
pocket or recess, the clip portion and the first wall forming a
ring, the clip portion comprising: an external clip portion formed
from a second material such that RF transmissions can be
transmitted through the external clip portion; an internal clip
portion that is arranged inside the external clip portion, is
formed from a third material such that RF transmissions can be
transmitted through the internal clip portion, the internal clip
portion being separate and distinct from the eternal clip portion;
and a hinged gate that is rotatable around a hinge portion between
a closed position in which the ring is closed, and an open position
in which the ring is open; wherein the first, second, and third
materials are the same, different, or a combination thereof.
2. The case for a mobile device according to claim 1; wherein the
first layer forms the external clip portion.
3. The case for a mobile device according to claim 1; wherein the
internal clip portion is permanently attached to the external clip
portion.
4. The case for a mobile device according to claim 1; wherein the
ring is rectangular in shape.
5. The case for a mobile device according to claim 1; wherein the
first, second, and third materials are nonmetallic materials.
6. The case for a mobile device according to claim 1; wherein the
hinged gate comprises at least one metal.
7. The case for a mobile device according to claim 6; wherein the
case includes no metal or RF-blocking components or materials other
than the hinged gate.
8. The case for a mobile device according to claim 1; wherein the
case includes no metal or RF-blocking components or materials.
9. The case for a mobile device according to claim 1, further
comprising: a second RF-transparent layer that is arranged inside
the pocket or recess of the first layer, and which is formed from a
fourth material such that RF transmissions can be transmitted
through the second layer, the fourth material being different from
the first material.
10. The case for a mobile device according to claim 9; wherein the
second layer is permanently attached to the first layer.
11. The case for a mobile device according to claim 9; wherein the
fourth material is a nonmetallic material.
12. The case for a mobile device according to claim 9; wherein the
fourth material is a soft elastomeric material.
13. The case for a mobile device according to claim 12; wherein the
soft elastomeric fourth material is selected from the group
consisting of thermoplastic elastomers ("TPEs"), thermoplastic
polyurethane ("TPU"), polyolefins, silicone, rubber, and
combinations thereof.
14. The case for a mobile device according to claim 9; wherein each
of the first, second, third, and fourth materials is translucent,
transparent, or clear, so that one or more sides of the mobile
device can be seen through the one or more respective sides of the
case when the mobile device is arranged inside the case.
15. The case (1) for a mobile device according to claim 1; wherein
the first material is a hard or rigid material.
16. The case for a mobile device according to claim 15; wherein the
hard or rigid first material is selected from the group consisting
of hardened plastic material, a rigid or semi-rigid plastic
material, a rigid/hard rubber material, a polycarbonate material, a
para-aramid material, wood, glass, quartz, thermosetting plastics
with a hard durometer having shore 30D to shore 100D,
polycarbonate, poly(methyl methacrylate) ("PMMA"), acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene ("ABS"), PMMA, polyethylene terephthalate
("PET"), high durometer thermoplastic elastomers ("TPEs") and
thermoplastic polyurethanes ("TPUs") having shore 30D to shore
100D, and any combination thereof.
17. The case for a mobile device according to claim 1; wherein the
first layer forms: a rear side that forms at least part of a rear
wall of the pocket or recess; a first side that extends from the
rear side and forms at least part of the first wall of the pocket
or recess; a second side opposite to the first side, the second
side extending from the rear side and forming at least part of a
second wall of the pocket or recess; a third side that extends from
the rear side between the first and second sides, and which forms
at least part of a third wall of the pocket or recess; and a fourth
side opposite to the third side, the fourth side extending from the
rear side between the first and second sides and forming at least
part of a fourth wall of the pocket or recess.
18. The case for a mobile device according to claim 1; wherein a
thickness of the internal clip portion in a radial direction of the
ring is greater than a thickness of the external clip portion in
the radial direction of the ring.
19. A case for a mobile device, comprising: a first layer that
forms a pocket or recess in which the mobile device can be
arranged, the first layer being formed from a first material; and a
clip portion that extends from a first wall of the pocket or recess
in a direction away from the pocket or recess, the clip portion and
the first wall forming a ring, the clip portion comprising: an
external clip portion formed from a second material; an internal
clip portion that is arranged inside the external clip portion, is
formed from a third material, and is separate and distinct from the
eternal clip portion; and a hinged gate that is rotatable around a
hinge portion between a closed position in which the ring is
closed, and an open position in which the ring is open; wherein a
thickness of the internal clip portion in a radial direction of the
ring is greater than a thickness of the external clip portion in
the radial direction of the ring.
20. The case for a mobile device according to claim 18; wherein the
first layer forms the external clip portion.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a case for a mobile device.
The case is made from a material that is transparent to radio
frequencies ("RF") so that RF transmissions can be sent and
received through the case material by the mobile device when
arranged within the case. The case also has a clip that is integral
with the case so that the case itself can be directly attached to
an item worn by a user, such as a loop, belt, strap, ring, or the
like.
[0002] Cases for mobile devices have been designed to provide at
least some protection from impact events, such as when the device
is dropped, hit, or otherwise struck. These cases are typically
placed in a pocket or bag when being carried by a user. This can be
a problem in an emergency as it can make it difficult, or even
impossible, to access the mobile device.
[0003] Other cases for mobile devices have incorporated a loop on
the case to which a clip, shackle, or the like--such as a
carabiner--can be attached. The clip or shackle can then be
attached to an item worn by a user. But this can be bulky and
uncomfortable, as the clip or shackle is rotated at an angle with
respect to the case when attached to the loop. In addition, the
loop of the case and the clip or shackle are able to rub together
during use, which creates wear on the loop, potentially resulting
in failure of the loop and loss of the device.
[0004] Another case by Elecom incorporates a carabiner into the
side of an aluminum bumper case. But this case must be attached to
the mobile device with screws, making it difficult to take on and
off. In addition, the bumper case is aluminum, likely to provide
enough strength to the carabiner portion. But aluminum, like other
metals, can block or interfere with RF transmissions, which may be
why the case was designed as a bumper and not as a full case. In
addition, aluminum provides little to no shock absorption.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] As such, it is desirable to provide a new case for a mobile
device which can provide shock/impact protection to a mobile device
and be directly clipped to a user while still allowing for RF
transmissions to and from the mobile device when arranged in the
case.
[0006] According to the present invention there is therefore
provided a case for a mobile device as described by way of example
below and in the accompanying claims.
[0007] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a case
(1) for a mobile device, including a first RF-transparent layer (2)
and a clip portion (30). The first RF-transparent layer (2) forms a
pocket or recess (19) in which the mobile device can be arranged,
and is formed from a first material such that radio frequency
("RF") transmissions can be transmitted through the first layer
(2). The clip portion (30) extends from a first wall (7) of the
pocket or recess (19) in a direction away from the pocket or recess
(19), with the clip portion (30) and the first wall (7) forming a
ring. The clip portion (30) includes an external clip portion (31),
an internal clip portion (32), and a hinged gate (33). The external
clip portion (31) is formed from a second material such that RF
transmissions can be transmitted through the external clip portion
(31). The internal clip portion (32) is arranged inside the
external clip portion (31), and is formed from a third material
such that RF transmissions can be transmitted through the internal
clip portion (32), the internal clip portion (32) being separate
and distinct from the eternal clip portion (31). The hinged gate
(33) is rotatable around a hinge portion (34) between a closed
position in which the ring is closed, and an open position in which
the ring is open. The first, second, and third materials are the
same, different, or a combination thereof.
[0008] In another embodiment, the first layer (2) forms the
external clip portion (31).
[0009] In yet another embodiment, the internal clip portion (32) is
permanently attached to the external clip portion (31).
[0010] In a further embodiment, the ring is rectangular in
shape.
[0011] In yet a further embodiment, the first, second, and third
materials are nonmetallic materials.
[0012] In another embodiment, the hinged gate (33) comprises at
least one metal.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, the case (1) includes no metal or
RF-blocking components or materials other than the hinged gate
(33).
[0014] In a further embodiment, the case (1) includes no metal or
RF-blocking components or materials.
[0015] In yet a further embodiment, the case (1) further includes a
second RF-transparent layer (3) that is arranged inside the pocket
or recess (19) of the first layer (2), and which is formed from a
fourth material such that RF transmissions can be transmitted
through the second layer (3), the fourth material being different
from the first material.
[0016] In another embodiment, the second layer (3) is permanently
attached to the first layer (2).
[0017] In yet another embodiment, the fourth material is a
nonmetallic material.
[0018] In a further embodiment, the fourth material is a soft
elastomeric material.
[0019] In yet a further embodiment, the soft elastomeric fourth
material is selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic
elastomers ("TPEs"), thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU"),
polyolefins, silicone, rubber, and combinations thereof.
[0020] In another embodiment, each of the first, second, third, and
fourth materials is translucent, transparent, or clear, so that one
or more sides of the mobile device can be seen through the one or
more respective sides of the case (1) when the mobile device is
arranged inside the case.
[0021] In yet another embodiment, the first material is a hard or
rigid material.
[0022] In a further embodiment, the hard or rigid first material is
selected from the group consisting of hardened plastic material, a
rigid or semi-rigid plastic material, a rigid/hard rubber material,
a polycarbonate material, a para-aramid material, wood, glass,
quartz, thermosetting plastics with a hard durometer having shore
30D to shore 100D, polycarbonate, poly(methyl methacrylate)
("PMMA"), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS"), PMMA,
polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"), high durometer thermoplastic
elastomers ("TPEs") and thermoplastic polyurethanes ("TPUs") having
shore 30D to shore 100D, and any combination thereof.
[0023] In yet a further embodiment, the first layer (2) forms a
rear side (6), a first side (7), a second side (8), a third side
(9), and a fourth side (10). The rear side (6) forms at least part
of a rear wall of the pocket or recess (19). The first side (7)
extends from the rear side (6) and forms at least part of the first
wall (7) of the pocket or recess (19). The second side (8) is
opposite to the first side (7), and extends from the rear side (6),
forming at least part of a second wall of the pocket or recess
(19). The third side (9) extends from the rear side (6) between the
first and second sides (7,8), and forms at least part of a third
wall of the pocket or recess (19). The fourth side (10) is opposite
to the third side (9), and extends from the rear side (6) between
the first and second sides (7,8), forming at least part of a fourth
wall of the pocket or recess (19).
[0024] In another embodiment, a thickness of the internal clip
portion (32) in a radial direction of the ring is greater than a
thickness of the external clip portion (31) in the radial direction
of the ring.
[0025] In yet another embodiment, a case (1) for a mobile device is
provided that includes a first layer (2) and a clip portion (30).
The first layer (2) forms a pocket or recess (19) in which the
mobile device can be arranged, the first layer (2) being formed
from a first material. The clip portion (30) extends from a first
wall (7) of the pocket or recess (19) in a direction away from the
pocket or recess (19), the clip portion (30) and the first wall (7)
forming a ring. The clip portion (30) includes an external clip
portion (31), an internal clip portion (32), and a hinged gate
(33). The external clip portion (31) is formed from a second
material. The internal clip portion (32) is arranged inside the
external clip portion (31), is formed from a third material, and is
separate and distinct from the eternal clip portion (31). The
hinged gate (33) is rotatable around a hinge portion (34) between a
closed position in which the ring is closed, and an open position
in which the ring is open. A thickness of the internal clip portion
(32) in a radial direction of the ring is greater than a thickness
of the external clip portion (31) in the radial direction of the
ring.
[0026] In a further embodiment, the first layer (2) forms the
external clip portion (31).
[0027] It is noted that the features of the above-described
embodiments are not exclusive to each other, and that any one of
the above embodiments/features can be combined with one or more of
the other embodiments/features to arrive at further
embodiments.
[0028] The inventive case can be designed to fit a variety of
mobile devices--such as smartphones, MP3/4 players, tablets,
laptops, electronic safety devices, and other portable electronic
devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 is an upper side view of the case in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the case in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the case in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the case in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a lower side view of the case in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a front view of the case in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a front-right perspective view of the case in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a front-right expanded view of the case in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0037] It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of
the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements
that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present
invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, many other
elements which are conventional in this art. Those of ordinary
skill in the art will recognize that other elements are desirable
for implementing the present invention. However, because such
elements are well known in the art, and because they do not
facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a
discussion of such elements is not provided herein.
[0038] The present invention will now be described in detail on the
basis of exemplary embodiments. It is noted that any numerical
ranges disclosed herein are included to individually disclose every
sub-range and number, both whole integer and partial fraction,
within the disclosed range. For example, a disclosed range of 1-100
is intended to individually disclose 20-90, 40-80, 30.5-50.2, 20,
67.3, 84.512924, and every other range and number that falls within
the recited range.
[0039] A case according to an embodiment of the invention can be
arrived at by providing shock-absorbing impact geometry to the
interior of the case in the form of triangular ridges that protrude
from the inner surface of the sides of the case. The narrow tops of
the ridges contact the surface of the device. When force is applied
between the outside of the case and the device, such as during an
impact event, the force causes the triangular ridges to deform
against the surface of the device. As force increase, further
deformation of the ridges increases the volume of deformed
material. This configuration allows the case to absorb impact and
reduce the forces communicated to a device within the case in the
event the device and case are dropped on a hard surface.
[0040] FIGS. 1-8 show an upper side view, a rear view, a right
side, a left side view, a lower side view, a front view, a front
view, a front-right perspective view, and a front-right expanded
view, respectively, of the case in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention. The case 1 includes a first layer or shell 2 and a
second layer 3. The first layer or shell 2 includes a rear side
having an inside surface 4 and an outside surface 6 opposite to the
inside surface. An upper side 7, a lower side 8, a left side 9, and
a right side 10 extend from the outside surface 6 of the rear side
toward a front of the case 1 so as to form a pocket or recess in
which the second layer 3 will be--and eventually a mobile device
can be--arranged. The second layer 3 also includes a corresponding
rear side having an inside surface 21, as well as one or more of
corresponding upper, lower, left, and right sides. A pocket or
recess 19 may be formed in second layer 3 for receiving the mobile
device.
[0041] In one embodiment, the rear sides of the first layer 2 and
second layer 3 overlay each other. The rear sides of the first
layer or shell 2 and second layer 3 are also preferably
substantially coextensive with each other so that the rear side of
each layer covers at least 50% of the surface area of the rear side
of the other layer. It is also preferable that the respective upper
sides, lower sides, left sides, and right sides of the first layer
2 and second layer 3 are substantially coextensive with each other
so that the respective upper sides, lower sides, left sides, and
right sides of each layer covers at least 50% of the surface area
of the corresponding side of the other layer. Additionally, it is
preferable that the rear of the case (formed by the rear sides of
the first layer 2 and second layer 3) is configured to cover at
least 90%, if not all, of the rear of a mobile device when the
mobile device is arranged within the case.
[0042] According to another embodiment, the respective upper sides,
lower sides, left sides, and right sides of the first layer 2 and
second layer 3 are only partially coextensive with each other so
that the respective upper sides, lower sides, left sides, and right
sides of the first layer 2 cover only a portion of the respective
sides of the second layer 3.
[0043] The first layer or shell 2 is preferably formed from a rigid
or hard nonmetallic material that is RF-transparent to create a
rigid/hard outer shell which provides at least some impact
protection as well as protection from being punctured by impacts
with sharp objects. Examples of suitable nonmetallic RF-transparent
hard/rigid materials include hardened plastic material, a rigid or
semi-rigid plastic material, a rigid/hard rubber material, a
polycarbonate material, a para-aramid material, wood, glass,
quartz, and any combination thereof, and may be any color or
texture. Preferred materials include thermosetting plastics with a
hard durometer having shore 30D to shore 100D, polycarbonate,
poly(methyl methacrylate) ("PMMA"), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
("ABS"), PMMA, polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"), high durometer
thermoplastic elastomers ("TPEs") and thermoplastic polyurethanes
("TPUs") having shore 30D to shore 100D, and any combination
thereof. The hard protective exterior shell may be designed to
mimic the finish of existing mobile devices, such as phones, MP3/4
players, tablets, laptops, electronic safety devices, and other
mobile electronic devices. Many users like the feel of the original
electronic device and would like to maintain that feel but still
want protection for their device. The hard protective exterior
shell of the present invention has a low coefficient of friction.
This allows the device to be slipped in and out of pockets easily
with little resistance and without gripping to clothing
materials--a major complaint from users when an elastomeric
material is used for the outside of cases.
[0044] The outside surface of the first layer or shell 2 is may be
provided with a scratch resistant UV hardcoat, which resists
scratches and prevents discoloration of the case due to UV
exposure.
[0045] The second layer 3 is preferably formed from a nonmetallic
RF-transparent soft elastomeric material which provides at least
some shock protection from impact events such as drops or falls.
Examples of suitable materials include thermoplastic elastomers
("TPEs"), thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU"), polyolefins,
silicone, rubber, and any combination thereof. The second layer 3
may also be designed so that there are no gaps between the rear of
the mobile device and the inside surface 21 of the rear side of the
case. This enables the case to have a very solid connection to the
mobile electronic device. The second layer 3 may additionally be
formed with a lip or rim 20 so as to secure and retain the mobile
device within the case 1. The elastomeric layer 3 also can be
formed to have portions designed to cover buttons on a mobile
device. This allows a user to simply press the exposed portion of
the inner elastomeric layer corresponding to the desired input of
the mobile device.
[0046] The second layer 3 may also, or alternatively, be formed
from a nonmetallic RF-transparent non-Newtonian dilatant material.
The dilatant material is soft and flexible when at rest, but
stiffens and/or hardens upon impact. In this way, the dilatant
material is able to provide both impact protection by dispersing
the force of an impact event along the surface of the second layer
3, and shock protection by absorbing some of the shock force of the
impact event. This dual quality (i.e., absorbing and diffusing
impact or impact forces) of the dilatant material allows for less
material to be used to make the case--allowing for a thinner,
lighter, and less bulky case which increases the portability of the
protected mobile device--while still providing increased impact and
shock protection to the mobile device encased therein.
[0047] Examples of suitable dilatant materials for the second layer
3 include materials made by D3O.RTM. (such as D3O.RTM. ST, D3O.RTM.
XT, D3O.RTM. Shock+, and D3O.RTM. Aero), PORON.RTM. XRD.TM. made by
Rogers Corporation, and ARTi-LAGE.TM. artificial cartilage foam
made by ARTiLAGE.TM.. Impact absorbing materials (such as foams)
which have dilatant properties are especially preferred.
[0048] The dilatant material may have a hardness of at least 20
Shore OO, or may have a hardness of at least 5 Shore O. Preferably
the hardness is at least 30 Shore OO, at least 50 Shore OO, at
least 60 Shore OO, or at least 70 Shore OO. More preferably the
hardness is in a range of 20-90 Shore OO, or in a range of 5-61
Shore O. More preferably still, the hardness is in a range of 30-80
Shore OO, or in a range of 5-40 Shore O. Even more preferably, the
hardness is in a range of 40-70 Shore OO.
[0049] Preferably the second layer 3 has a hardness in the range of
from 60-85 Shore A. If the second layer 3 is clear, its preferred
hardness is 75-85 Shore A. If the second layer 3 is opaque, its
preferred hardness is 60-75 Shore A.
[0050] Certain additives can cause an otherwise non-metallic
RF-transparent material to materially interfere with the
transmission of radio frequencies. Examples include carbon, which
may be added to color some plastics materials black. In a preferred
embodiment, the non-metallic RF-transparent material is non-black
so as to avoid this issue. Other examples of RF-interfering
additives include metallic flakes and other reflective glitter
flakes, which are also preferably not included in or added to the
current protective case.
[0051] Each of the first layer 2 and rear side of the second layer
3 is 0.5-4.0 mm thick. Preferably one or more of the layers is
0.6-3.0 mm thick. More preferably, one or more of the layers is
0.8-2.0 mm thick. Even more preferably, one or more of the layers
is 0.9-1.3 mm thick.
[0052] The first layer 2 and second layer 3 may be
co-molded/co-casted together or otherwise permanently affixed to
each other, such as with an adhesive.
[0053] Alternatively, the first layer 2 and second layer 3 may be
separable from one another as two distinct pieces. In such an
instance, the two layers can be configured so that they
mechanically engage with each other to form a unitary case. For
example, the first layer 2 may be designed with slots or cutouts 14
into which corresponding ridges or ribs 15 of the second layer 3
engage (e.g., by snapping, pressure fitting, or any other suitable
mechanical engagement). As another example opposite sides of the
first layer 2 (e.g., upper side 7 and lower side 8, left side 9 and
right side 10, or both) may be designed to snap onto and hold the
second layer 3.
[0054] For example, one process for producing the case may be:
[0055] 1. Mold the first layer 2; and [0056] 2. Place the first
layer 2 into the overmold tool, and mold the second layer 3 onto
the first layer 2.
[0057] Another example of a process for producing the case may be:
[0058] 1. Mold the second layer 3; and [0059] 2. Place the second
layer 3 into the overmold tool, and mold the first layer 2 onto the
second layer 3.
[0060] Yet another example of a process for producing the case may
be: [0061] 1. Mold the first layer 2; [0062] 2. Mold the second
layer 3 (separately from, and before, after, or simultaneously
with, the first layer 2); and [0063] 3. Join together the first
layer 2 and the second layer 3.
[0064] It is noted that additional openings or cutouts 17 may be
provided in at least a part of the case 1 so as to allow various
buttons, ports, or features of a protected mobile device to be
accessed without having to remove the mobile device from the case
1. For example openings or cutouts 17 may be provided to allow a
user to engage a button of the protected mobile device either
directly or via the cover portion 11 of the layer 3. As another
example, cutouts 17 may be provided to create an opening in the
case 1 though which a charging port, audio port, data port, or
other electrical port of the mobile device may be accessed, either
directly or via a pass-through connection. As yet another example,
cutouts 17 may be provided to create an opening to expose a camera
lens, audio speaker, microphone, or other feature of the device to
be accessed or employed without removing the mobile device from the
case 1.
[0065] In one embodiment, at least a portion of each of the first
layer 2 and the second layer 3, corresponding to the rear of the
case 1, is translucent, transparent, or clear, with a visible light
transmittance (VLT) of at least 20%, so that the rear of a mobile
device arranged in the case can be seen by a user through the first
layer 2 and the second layer 3. Preferably, the portions of the
first layer 2 and the second layer 3, corresponding to the rear of
the mobile device, are translucent or clear. For example, at least
a portion, if not all, of the first layer 2 may have a VLT of at
least 20%, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 80%,
more preferably still at least 90%, and most preferably 100%.
Similarly, at least a portion, if not all, of the second layer 3
may have a VLT of at least 20%, preferably at least 50%, more
preferably at least 80%, more preferably still at least 90%, and
most preferably 100%.
[0066] The first layer 2 may also include relief slots or cutouts
14 in the hard material that allow the case to flex during
installation and removal. Corresponding ridges or ribs 15 of the
second layer 3 engage into the slots or cutouts 14. The second
layer 3 includes the shock-absorbing impact geometry in the form of
triangular ridges 4, as described above.
[0067] The case 1 includes a clip portion 30 that is integral with
the rest of the case, and which forms a ring. The clip portion 30
is formed by an external clip portion 31, an internal clip portion
32, and a hinged gate 33. The external clip portion 31 extends from
the upper side 7 of the first layer or shell 2 and is formed from a
rigid or hard nonmetallic material that is RF-transparent, such as
those materials mentioned above. Preferably the external clip
portion 31 is formed by the first layer 2 itself. The internal clip
portion 32 is arranged inside the external clip portion 31, and is
also formed from one of the rigid or hard nonmetallic
RF-transparent materials mentioned above. The internal clip portion
32 may be formed from the same type of material as the external
clip portion 31, or may be formed from a different type of
material. Preferably, the internal clip portion 32 is permanently
attached to the external clip portion 31.
[0068] Preferably, a thickness of the internal clip portion 32 in a
radial direction of the ring formed by the clip portion 30 is
greater than a thickness of the external clip portion 31 in the
radial direction of the ring. In one such embodiment, the thickness
of the external clip portion 32 is 1.5 mm or less, preferably 0.50
mm to 1.50 mm, more preferably 1.00 mm to 1.30 mm, most preferably
around 1.20 mm. In this embodiment, the thickness of the internal
clip portion is 1.2 mm or more, preferably 1.20 mm to 10.00 mm,
more preferably 1.20 mm to 5.00 mm, most preferably 1.30 mm to 3.00
mm.
[0069] This two-piece design with the internal clip portion 32
being thicker than the external clip portion 31 avoids certain
problems that might arise compared to a single-piece design with an
external clip portion 31 that is significantly thicker than the
other portions of the first layer 2. In particular, molding a
single piece that varies in wall thickness significantly may result
in a variety of defects in the molded piece, such as shrinking,
bubbles, brittleness, and stress concentration. These defects can
weaken the integrity of the case, cause cosmetic imperfections,
cause structural failures, or deform the shape of the case. By
forming the internal clip portion 32 separately from and thicker
than the external clip portion 31, the strength and integrity of
the clip portion 30 can be maintained and even increased compared
to a single piece of material of the same thickness as the external
and internal clip portions 31,32 combined. In addition, this
configuration allows the external clip portion 31 to be formed from
the first layer 2 at a comparable thickness to the rear side 4,6,
upper side 7, lower side 8, left side 9, and right side 10, thereby
avoiding the above-mentioned problems.
[0070] In one embodiment, the internal clip portion 32 has a
protrusion or ridge 36 that extends from periphery of the internal
clip portion 32. The external clip portion 31 has a corresponding
indentation or groove 37 into which the protrusion or ridge 36
extends when the internal clip portion 32 is arranged inside the
external clip portion 31. This further secures the internal clip
portion 32 inside the external clip portion 31 and strengthens the
clip portion 30.
[0071] The hinged gate 33 may be formed from one of the rigid or
hard materials mentioned above. Additionally, the hinged gate 33
may be formed from a metal or alloy. Preferably, no part of the
case 1 is formed from a metallic or RF-blocking material other than
the hinged gate 33, which may or may not be formed from a metal or
alloy. The hinged gate 33 connects to the rest of the case 1 via a
hinge portion 34, around which the hinged gate 33 is rotatable
between a closed position in which part of the hinged gate 33 rests
against a recess 35 formed in the external clip portion 31 or the
internal clip portion 32 so that the clip portion 30 forms a closed
ring with the rest of the case, and an open position in which the
clip does not rest in the recess 35 so that the clip portion 30
forms an open ring with the rest of the case.
[0072] In one embodiment, the hinged gate 33 includes two legs
33a,33b which are offset from each other. In this embodiment, the
hinge portion 34 includes two holes or indentations 34a,34b that
are similarly offset from each other. The end of leg 33a extends
into the hole 34a and the end of the leg 33b extends into the hole
34b. This creates a spring force that biases the hinged gate 33 in
the closed position.
[0073] By forming the first layer 2, second layer 3, the external
clip portion 31, and the internal clip portion 32 from nonmetallic
RF-transparent materials, the case 1, as a whole, can be made
RF-transparent so that RF signals can be sent and received by a
mobile device arranged in the case 1.
[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the second layer forms the
external clip portion 31, and the first layer 2, second layer 3,
and internal clip portion 32 are injection molded as three separate
parts that are then co-molded together as a visually singular part
that is both transparent and durable. The metal swinging gate 33 is
than attached to the case 1. This design not only protects the
device and allows it to be worn on many different areas of the
user, but also makes the electronic device visible to the use
through the transparent case 1.
[0075] While the embodiments of the case 1 shown in the drawing
have separate layers 2,3 forming the interior and exterior of the
case 1, the interior and exterior of the case 1--including the
external clip portion 31--can alternatively be made of a single
layer 3, into which the internal clip portion 32 is placed.
[0076] While the embodiments of the case 1 shown in the drawing are
made from the two layers 2, 3, it can also be made of a single
layer 2 or 3 that forms both the interior and exterior of the case
1.
[0077] It is noted that the terminology used above is for the
purpose of reference only, and is not intended to be limiting. For
example, terms such as "upper", "lower", "above", "below",
"rightward", "leftward", "clockwise", and "counterclockwise" refer
to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. As
another example, terms such as "inward" and "outward" may refer to
directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center
of the component described. As a further example, terms such as
"front", "rear", "side", "left side", "right side", "top",
"bottom", "horizontal", and "vertical" describe the orientation of
portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame
of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the
associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such
terminology will include the words specifically mentioned above,
derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
[0078] While this invention has been described in conjunction with
the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of
the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative,
not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the inventions as defined in the following
claims.
[0079] In addition, it is noted that citation or identification of
any document in this application is not an admission that such
document is available as prior art to the present invention.
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