U.S. patent application number 16/836823 was filed with the patent office on 2020-07-23 for protective covers for electronic devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is ZAGG Intellectual Property Holding Co., Inc.. Invention is credited to Timothy Andrew Chaves, Steven Smith Fellows.
Application Number | 20200235771 16/836823 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45770573 |
Filed Date | 2020-07-23 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200235771 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chaves; Timothy Andrew ; et
al. |
July 23, 2020 |
PROTECTIVE COVERS FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Abstract
A system for protecting a surface of an electronic device
includes a protective film and a liner. The protective film
includes an adhesive-coated surface. The liner, which covers the
adhesive-coated surface until the protective film is secured to the
surface of an electronic device, covers a periphery of the
adhesive-coated surface. The liner may also include one or more
tabs for facilitating removal of the liner from the adhesive-coated
surface of the protective film. Methods for using the system to
apply a protective film to a surface, such as a surface of a
display screen, of an electronic device are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Chaves; Timothy Andrew;
(Orem, UT) ; Fellows; Steven Smith; (Orem,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ZAGG Intellectual Property Holding Co., Inc. |
Midvale |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
45770573 |
Appl. No.: |
16/836823 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16018024 |
Jun 25, 2018 |
10608689 |
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16836823 |
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14878451 |
Oct 8, 2015 |
10009057 |
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16018024 |
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13223713 |
Sep 1, 2011 |
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14878451 |
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61379151 |
Sep 1, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
G06F 1/1637 20130101; H04B 1/3888 20130101; C09J 7/30 20180101;
C09J 7/22 20180101 |
International
Class: |
H04B 1/3888 20060101
H04B001/3888; C09J 7/22 20060101 C09J007/22; C09J 7/30 20060101
C09J007/30 |
Claims
1. A method for protecting a surface of an electronic device,
comprising: removing at least a portion of a liner from a portion
of a back side of a protective cover to expose adhesive on the
portion of the back side of the protective cover; securing the
portion of the back side of the protective cover the surface of the
electronic device with the adhesive on the portion of the back side
of the protective cover; and with the peripheral portion of the
back side of the protective cover secured to the surface of the
electronic device, securing other portions of the back side of the
protective cover to the surface of the electronic device.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the surface of the electronic
device is visible through the protective cover.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein: securing the portion of the back
side of the protective cover to the surface of the electronic
device comprises securing the portion of the back side of the
protective cover to a display screen of the electronic device.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein securing the portion of the back
side of the protective cover to the surface of the electronic
device comprises securing the portion of the back side to an edge
of the surface of the electronic device.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: removing the portion
of the back side of the protective cover from the surface of the
electronic device; and repositioning the portion of the back side
of the protective cover on the surface of the electronic
device.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein removing and repositioning occur
without an individual touching the adhesive on the back side of the
protective cover.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein removing at least the portion of
the liner comprises: grasping a tab protruding from an edge of the
liner; and while holding the tab, peeling at least the portion of
the liner from the portion of the back side of the protective
cover.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein grasping the tab comprises
grasping a tab protruding beyond a periphery of the protective
cover.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein grasping the tab enables an
individual to remove at least the portion of the liner from the
portion of the back side of the protective cover without touching
the adhesive of the portion of the back side of the protective
cover.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein removing at least the portion of
the liner comprises removing at least the portion of the liner with
at least the portion of the liner being detached from a main
element of the liner and a majority of the back side of the
protective cover remaining covered by the main element of the
liner.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein securing the portion of the
back side of the protective cover occurs while the main element of
the liner prevents a portion of the protective cover superimposed
with the main element from being secured in place relative to the
surface of the electronic device.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: with the portion of
the back side of the protective cover secured to the corresponding
location on the surface of the electronic device, grasping the main
element of the liner to remove the main element of the liner from
the majority of the back side of the protective cover to enable a
remainder of the adhesive on the majority of the back side of the
protective cover to secure the protective cover to the surface of
the electronic device.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein securing the portion of the back
side of the protective cover to the surface of the electronic
device comprises securing the portion of the back side of the
protective cover to a corresponding location on the surface of the
electronic device.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein securing the portion of the
back side of the protective cover to the surface of the electronic
device comprises securing a peripheral portion of the back side of
the protective cover to a peripheral portion of the surface of the
electronic device.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein securing the other portions of
the of the back side of the protective cover to the surface of the
electronic device comprises securing the other portions of the back
side of the protective cover to corresponding locations on the
surface of the electronic device.
16. A method for protecting a surface of an electronic device,
comprising: removing at least a portion of a liner from a back side
of a protective cover to expose adhesive on the back side of the
protective cover; securing a portion of the back side of the
protective cover to the surface of the electronic device without
securing another portion of the back side of the protective cover
to the surface of the electronic device; and with the portion of
the back side of the protective cover secured to the surface of the
electronic device, securing a remainder of the back side of the
protective cover to the surface of the electronic device.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein removing at least the portion
comprises leaving a portion of the liner on the back side of the
protective cover.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein securing the remainder of the
back side of the protective cover to the surface of the electronic
device occurs while removing the portio of the liner from the back
side of the protective cover.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein removing at least the portion
of the liner comprises removing a minor portion of the liner from
the back side of the protective cover.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein removing the minor portion of
the liner comprises removing a peripheral portion of the liner from
the back side of the protective cover.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/018,024, filed on Jun. 25, 2018 and titled
PROTECTIVE COVERS FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES, now U.S. Pat. No.
10,608,689, issued Mar. 31, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/878,451, filed on Oct. 8, 2015 and
titled PROTECTIVE FILMS FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES, now U.S. Pat. No.
10,009,057, issued Jun. 26, 2018, which is a continuation U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/223,713, filed on Sep. 1, 2011,
titled PROTECTIVE COVERING FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE, abandoned,
which included a claim for the benefit of the Sep. 1, 2010 filing
date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/379,151, titled
DRY APPLIED CELL PHONE FILM under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e). The
entire disclosure of each of the foregoing patent applications is
hereby incorporated herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a protective
cover for electronic devices and particularly a cover that improves
and simplifies installation of the protective cover on such
devices.
RELATED ART
[0003] In recent years, technological developments have resulted in
an explosion of electronic devices used in numerous facets of
commercial and every day activities. Specifically, due to advances
in technology and improvements in methods of manufacture, portable
electronic devices, such as cell phones, smart phones, or tablet
computers, for example, have become affordable for a significantly
greater percentage of the population and are used for an increased
variety of purposes. Due to the common use of these devices, they
are prone to scratching or damage from use. Different types of
coverings used to protect the surfaces of these electronic devices
and, in particular, the data display screens associated with these
devices, have evolved from hard, thick covers to thin flexible
films applied directly to the surface of the device. The protective
covers are intended to preserve the quality of the display as well
as the overall quality of the device over time.
[0004] Application of these films, however, has posed significant
challenges for users. For example, many types of films have an
adhesive disposed about a surface of the film to facilitate tacking
or adherence of the film to the device. A removable protective
layer, sometimes referred to as a release liner, has been used to
cover the adhesive until the user is ready to apply the film to the
device. An example of release liners and films is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,613,411 which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0005] Release liners, such as those described above, are used for
a wide variety of films and sheet material: graphic films, screen
protectors, address labels, wound protecting bandages, medical
tapes, decals, optical tapes, and paint protection films. While
release liners serve the purpose of protecting the adhesive, a
single liner often makes installation of the main product difficult
in several ways. For example, in the case of protection films,
removing the release liner prior to installation leaves the
adhesive exposed to dust, lint, and fingerprints. Without liquid,
smoothly laying down the film in the correct position upon the
first adherence is nearly impossible. To attempt a successful dry
installation of a protection film, the film must slowly be tacked
down from one side while the other side remains elevated. This
makes alignment very difficult and leaves the film susceptible to
dust and fingerprints. In other cases, the film may be aligned
properly but may entrain air pockets or other undesirable matter.
Still other problems are encountered during installation of the
film due to the elasticity inherent in films. Specifically, while
installing a film, a user will often stretch the film so that it
extends beyond its intended length.
[0006] Some have attempted to solve this problem by rolling back
the release liner and aligning the exposed adhesive portion
correctly before removing the remaining liner and then tacking down
the rest of the material moving to the opposite end. Others have
attempted to adhere a larger material over the covering so that it
can be handled and placed down without touching the covering or its
adhesive side once the release liner is fully removed. In each
case, however, there is no fully reliable system for correct
alignment on the first attempt. In the case of a larger material
over the covering that can be temporarily tacked down, the
alignment issue is only partially solved, and there is not a simple
method for removing the liner once in place without fully exposing
the adhesive coating. Thus, there is a need for an improved method
which allows for easy, proper alignment of a material to be adhered
and easy removal of the liner while also protecting the adhesive
from exposure to lint, dust, and fingerprints in the process.
SUMMARY
[0007] In light of the problems and deficiencies inherent in the
prior art, the present invention seeks to overcome these by
providing an improved device and method for covering an electronic
device. Generally speaking, in accordance with one embodiment of
the invention, a cover has a first layer comprising a film with
opposing first and second sides, the film being configured to cover
an outer surface of an electronic device. A second layer is
provided which is removably disposed about a first portion of the
first side of the film. A third layer is also provided and is
removably disposed about a second portion of the first side of the
film. The portion of the film covered by the second layer is
greater than the portion of the film covered by the third layer.
The third layer also comprises a tab member disposed about an edge
of the third layer. A center axis of the tab member is
substantially collinear with a center axis of the third layer.
[0008] In another embodiment of the invention, a cover for an
electronic device is provided with a first layer comprising a
flexible film having opposing first and second sides. As with the
embodiment above, the film is configured to cover an outer surface
of an electronic device. The cover also comprises a second flexible
layer removably disposed about substantially all of the first side
of the film. Additionally, a third substantially rigid or
semi-rigid layer is disposed on a portion of the second layer,
wherein said portion covers less than fifty percent of the second
layer. A center axis of the third layer is substantially collinear
with a center axis of the second layer.
[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, a cover for an
electronic device is provided with a first layer comprising a
flexible film having opposing first and second sides. The cover
further comprises a second flexible layer removably disposed about
substantially all of the first side of the film. A groove is
installed across the second layer substantially perpendicular to a
center axis of the second layer. The groove is configured to permit
a user to fold the second layer at the groove to provide a tab
member.
[0010] In another embodiment of the invention, a cover for an
electronic device is provided with a first layer comprising a
flexible film having opposing first and second sides. The cover
further comprises a second flexible layer removably disposed about
substantially all of the first side of the film. Additionally, the
cover has a substantially inelastic third layer removably disposed
about substantially all of the second side of the film. The third
layer is more rigid than the second layer so as to facilitate
simultaneous folding of the second and third layers to create a tab
member while exposing a portion of the film for tacking.
[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, a method of covering an
electronic device is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a
first layer comprising a flexible film with opposing first and
second sides. The method further comprises obtaining a second
flexible layer, the second layer being removably disposed about
substantially all of the first side of the film. The method further
comprises obtaining a third substantially inelastic layer, wherein
the third layer is removably disposed about substantially all of
the second side of the film. The third layer is more rigid than the
second layer and facilitates folding of the second layer away from
the first layer. The method further comprises folding an end
portion of the second layer away from the first layer to create a
tab member while simultaneously exposing a portion of the first
layer for tacking to a device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] In the accompanying drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a protective cover according
to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views illustrating placement
of a protective cover on a surface of a device according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a protective cover according
to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side view of the protective cover illustrated in
FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side view of a protective cover according to one
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0018] FIG. 6 is a front view of a protective cover according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments
of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings,
which form a part hereof and in which are shown, by way of
illustration, exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be
practiced. While these exemplary embodiments are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may
be realized and that various changes to the invention may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Thus, the following more detailed description of the
embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the
scope of the invention, as claimed, but is presented for purposes
of illustration only to describe the features and characteristics
of the present invention, and to sufficiently enable one skilled in
the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the
present invention is to be defined solely by the appended
claims.
[0020] The following detailed description and exemplary embodiments
of the invention will be best understood by reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein the elements and features of the
invention are designated by numerals throughout.
[0021] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide, as a
new article of manufacture, a release liner system that allows for
easy alignment of a film or sheet material on a given substrate
that also prevents touching of the adhesive coating and protects it
from stray dust, lint, or debris during the installation of the
product. The film or sheet material may be installed numerous ways.
In one embodiment, a split liner of two or more pieces of release
liner is disposed on the same side of the film. One of the
component release liners has an access tab that can be used to
facilitate its fingerprint-free removal. The other component is
removed to expose a portion of the film that may adhere to the
electronic device. The adhered portion and complementary tabbed
portion facilitate proper alignment of the film. Once alignment is
complete, the exposed film is tacked down as the remaining release
liner is removed by means of the access tab. Advantageously, the
addition of a tab on an edge (i.e., a top, side, or bottom edge) of
the release liner that folds back on the liner allows for simple
removal of the liner while tacking down the film on an electronic
device. The specific placement of the tab on the liner facilitates
proper alignment while tacking down the film. Exemplary devices
include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones, digital music
players, audio recorders, laptop computers, personal digital
assistants, satellite radios, watches, GPS devices, digital
cameras, portable DVD players, portable gaming systems, tablet
computers, touch screen displays, and the like. The devices
typically include a screen wherein data is displayed, however, a
device without a screen is also contemplated herein.
[0022] The present invention provides several significant
advantages over prior related protective covers. Many advantages
will be apparent in light of the detailed description set forth
below, with reference to the accompanying drawings. These
advantages are not meant to be limiting in any way. Indeed, one
skilled in the art will appreciate that other advantages may be
realized, other than those specifically recited herein, upon
practicing the present invention.
[0023] With reference now to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, a protective
cover 10 is shown having a first layer comprising a film 15
configured to cover an outer surface of an electronic device 11.
The film 15 comprises a material which is scratch resistant and
transparent so as to permit the user to continue to view a screen
display or other features of the device 11 while avoiding scratches
or other unwanted surface defects. The film 15 has opposing first
16 and second 17 sides. A second layer 20 is removably disposed
about a first portion of the first side 16 of the film 15. A third
layer 30 is removably disposed about a second portion of the first
side 16 of the film 15. The portion of the film 15 covered by the
second layer 20 is greater than the portion of the film 15 covered
by the third layer 30. The third layer 30 comprises a tab member 35
disposed about an edge 31 of the third layer 30. The tab member 35
is placed on the third layer 30 such that a center axis 36 of the
tab member 35 is substantially collinear with a center axis 32 of
the third layer 30.
[0024] In one aspect of the invention, the film 15 is made of an
optically clear material of a scratch resistant type such as
polyvinyl, polyurethane, or polycarbonate. Film thicknesses may
range from between 2 and 16 mils (or thousandths of an inch). The
second 20 and third 30 layers are made from silicone coated paper
or coated polyester and range in thicknesses from between 1 and 10
mils. One of skill in the art, however, will appreciate that
numerous different types of materials and different thicknesses can
be used for the above-referenced layers which achieve the same
functionality.
[0025] While not necessary to the invention, an adhesive material
(such as a pressure sensitive adhesive) is disposed about the first
side 16 of the film 15. One of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize, however, that the film 15 may be applied or tacked to
the surface of the electronic device 11 using an adhesive, by heat
bonding, pressure bonding, and the like. The pressure sensitive
adhesive facilitates tacking or securing the film 15 to the
electronic device 11 or other desired surface. In one aspect of the
invention, the second layer 20 is removed from the film 15 thereby
exposing the adhesive. A user may then secure the portion of the
film 15 exposed on an edge of an electronic device 11 as suits a
particular application. In one aspect of the invention, the user
may secure the exposed portion of the film 15 to a top edge 12 of
an electronic device 11. The user may then grab the tab member 35
and remove the third layer 30 by pulling downward in the direction
that the film 15 is to be installed on the electronic device 11.
Once the film 15 is tacked down onto the electronic device 11,
removal is cumbersome and damaging to the film 15. In many
instances, the film 15 becomes unusable and/or surface
imperfections are introduced onto the film 15. Because a center
axis 36 of the tab member 35 is collinear with a center axis 32 of
the third layer 30 (which may be collinear with the center axis
through the length of the electronic device 11) the film 15 is more
easily aligned prior to tacking the majority of the film 15 to the
surface of the electronic device 11. In this manner, the user
avoids improper application of the film 15 and can remove and
realign small portions of the film 15 if initially improperly
installed. Additionally, the user is permitted to align and secure
the film 15 to the electronic device 11 without having to touch the
adhesive bearing side of the film 15. In this manner, no
fingerprints are left on the adhesive and no portion of the
adhesive is inadvertently removed by the user's touch. Moreover,
the tab member 35 allows the user to remove the second layer 20
without touching the film 15 beneath the second layer 20.
Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a portion of the second
layer 20 may be disposed beneath a portion of the third layer 30.
In this manner a lip or leading edge 33 of the top of the third
layer 30 is exposed as the second layer 20 is removed facilitating
ease of removal of the third layer 30.
[0026] In one aspect of the invention, a separate tab member (not
shown) is also disposed about the second layer 20. In another
aspect, the second layer 20 may simply extend beyond an outer
perimeter of the film 15 providing the user with something to hold
onto during removal of the second layer 20. The tab member 35 of
the third layer 30 extends across substantially an entire top edge
of the third layer 30. Put another way, the tab member 35 is as
wide as the third layer 30. This limitation, however, is not
required so long as the central axis 32 (FIGS. 2A and 2B) of the
third layer 30 is collinear with the central axis 36 (FIGS. 2A and
2B) of the tab member 35. In one embodiment of the invention, in
the event that the third layer 30 is rectangular, the tab member 35
is substantially collinear with a center longitudinal axis of the
third layer 30. In another aspect of the invention, the tab member
35 extends across an entire side edge of the third layer 30.
[0027] In still another embodiment, the tab member 35 is shaped to
approximate the portion of the film 15 that is covered by the
second layer 20. Advantageously, during manufacturing, the third
layer 30 may be cut as a single member which is shaped to
approximate the film 15. In this manner, a separate manufacturing
step may be avoided or the same die may be used to cut the film 15
as is used to cut the third layer 30. However, the tab member 35
may extend beyond the perimeter of the film 15 and may not be
shaped to approximate the film 15 as suits a particular application
or need.
[0028] In another embodiment, the cover may also comprise a fourth
layer 40 (FIGS. 1, 3, and 4) removably disposed about the second
side 17 of the film 15. The fourth layer 40 comprises a
substantially inelastic material that ranges in thickness from
between 0.5 to 5 mils. During installation of the first sides 16 of
the films 15 on electronic devices, it is common for users to place
an amount of force to the film 15 that is parallel to the planar
surface of the film 15. This often results in stretching of the
film 15 during application due to the film 15's inherent
elasticity. Because the film 15 is sized to approximate the shape
of the surface to be covered, undue stretching also results in
misapplication of the film 15. This overstretching of the film 15
results in the same problems referenced above, including removal
and reapplication of a film 15 that has already been secured to a
surface with an adhesive. Advantageously, use of a fourth layer 40
removably disposed about the second side 17 of the film 15
minimizes overstretching of the film 15 during application when the
fourth layer 40 is inelastic and assists in proper alignment.
Because the fourth layer 40 is removed after the film 15 is secured
in place, it may be labeled with company logos or branding to
identify the cover where labeling on the film 15 itself is not
feasible.
[0029] An additional advantage of the fourth layer 40 is recognized
during manufacture of the protective cover 10. A method of
manufacturing and/or creating a tab member 35 associated with the
protective cover 10 described herein, includes placement of a
release liner (i.e., the third layer 30) about the adhesive-treated
side of the film 15 and then folding back a portion of the release
liner 30 away from the film 15 to create the tab member 35. Due to
the film 15's inherent flexibility and elasticity, manipulation of
the third layer 30 to create the tab member 35 can be extremely
difficult. With the added rigidity of the fourth layer 40 as well
as the ability to contact the surface of the fourth layer 40
without damage to its surface, manipulation of the protective cover
10 to create the tab member 35 is simplified.
[0030] It is to be understood that the fourth layer 40 may come in
numerous shapes and sizes and still fall within the spirit and
scope of the invention. That is, the fourth layer 40 may be sized
to approximate the entire shape of the film 15 (i.e., the first
layer) or it may have a different shape so long as it functions to
minimize stretching of the film 15 during application. For example,
the fourth layer 40 may extend substantially from a top portion of
the film 15 to a bottom portion of the film 15 but may be narrower
than the width of the film 15. The fourth layer 40 in this example
is positioned such that during installation, the user grabs the
fourth layer 40. In this aspect of the invention, a center axis of
the fourth layer 40 is collinear with a center axis of the film 15.
The fourth layer 40 is made from polyester or some other suitable
material that exhibits less elasticity than the film 15.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 5, in another embodiment of the
present invention, a cover for an electronic device is disclosed
with a first layer comprising a film 50 having opposing first and
second sides. The film 50 is flexible. As with the film 15 above,
the film 50 is configured to cover an outer surface of an
electronic device. A second layer 55, which is flexible, is shown
removably disposed about substantially all of the first side 51 of
the film 50. A third layer 60 comprising a rigid or semi-rigid
material (such as plastic or rubber) is affixed to an end portion
of the second layer 55. The third layer 60 ranges generally from 1
to 25 mils and may be permanently affixed to the second layer 55 or
integrally formed with the second layer 55 during manufacture,
though one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that it may
be thinner or thicker as suits a particular purpose. In one aspect,
the third layer 60 may comprise a hard plastic or rubber material
enabling simplified folding of the second layer 55 and third layer
60 to create a tab member.
[0032] In one aspect of the invention, the third layer 60 covers
less than fifty percent of the second layer 55 and wherein a center
axis of the third layer 60 is substantially collinear with a center
axis of the second layer 55. In a different embodiment, the third
layer 60 covers less than 25 percent of the second layer 55 and in
still a different embodiment, the third layer 60 covers less than
10 percent of the second layer 55. Advantageously, the third layer
60 provides a surface for the user to fold at a bottom edge of the
third layer 60 thereby creating a tab member out of the second
layer 55 and the third layer 60 for alignment and installation of
the film 50. Simultaneously, as the second layer 55 and the third
layer 60 are folded, an area of the film 50 beneath the folded area
53 is exposed for adhesion to a surface of a device. Progressively
smaller areas which cover the second layer 55 provide progressively
smaller areas of the film 50 that are exposed for adhesion to the
surface of a device. Smaller areas provide for minimized exposure
to unwanted contact with the film 50 prior to tacking of the film
50.
[0033] In an additional aspect of the invention, the third layer 60
is configured such that a top edge of the third layer 60 is
substantially parallel with a top edge of the second layer 55.
Moreover, opposing side surfaces of the third layer 60 are
substantially parallel with opposing side surfaces of the second
layer 55 and a bottom edge 61 of the third layer 60 is
substantially perpendicular to a center axis of the second layer
55. In the event that the third layer 60 is substantially
rectangular, a center longitudinal axis of the third layer 60 is
perpendicular to a center axis of the second layer 55. In one
aspect of the invention, a fourth layer 65 is removably disposed
about a portion of the second side 52 of the film 50. In one aspect
of the invention, the fourth layer 65 comprises a substantially
inelastic material. As with the embodiment referenced above, the
substantially inelastic material minimizes overstretching of the
film 50 during installation.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 6, a cover for an electronic device is
provided having a first layer comprising a film 70 with opposing
first and second sides. The film 70 is flexible. As with the films
in the other embodiments, the film 70 is configured to cover an
outer surface of an electronic device. A second layer 75, which is
flexible, is removably disposed about substantially all of the
first side of the film 70. A groove 76 is installed across the
second layer 75 perpendicular to a center axis 77 of the second
layer 75. In one aspect, the groove 76 does not penetrate the
entire thickness of the second layer 75 so as to avoid scoring of
the first layer 70. The groove 76 creates a predetermined fold line
to enable a user to fold the second layer 75 at the groove 76
thereby creating a tab member and also defining a first portion 74
and a second portion 78 of the second layer 75. In one aspect of
the invention, a center axis of the tab member is collinear with a
center axis of the second layer 75. The tab may be as long as the
second layer 75 itself and wide enough so that a user may grasp it
between the thumb and forefinger. For example, the tab may be from
0.25 to 1 inch wide. In one aspect of the invention, opposing side
edges of the first portion 74 extend beyond the side edge of the
film 70 and in others the tab may be contained within and/or be
smaller than the width of the film 70. Additionally, a third
substantially inelastic layer 80 is removably disposed about a
second side of the film 70 to provide a stabilizing member during
application to minimize overstretching of the film 70.
[0035] Referring still to FIG. 6, in another embodiment of the
invention, the third substantially inelastic layer 80 is more rigid
than the second layer 75 facilitating folding of the second layer
75 to create a tab member. In one aspect of the invention, a method
of covering an electronic device by an end user is provided. The
method comprises the steps of obtaining a first layer 70 comprising
a flexible film with a second flexible layer 75 removably disposed
thereon. The third layer 80, which is substantially inelastic, is
removably disposed on the film (or first layer) 70 opposite the
side having the second layer 75. Because the third layer 80 is more
rigid than the second layer 75, a user may grab a portion of the
second layer 75 by an end and fold it over against itself to create
a tab member for use in installing the film 70 on a surface of a
device while simultaneously exposing a portion of the film 70 for
tacking to the device. It is to be understood that different folds
may be made at different portions of the second layer 75 without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example,
a fold may be made across a top portion of the second layer 75, a
side portion of the second layer 75, or a bottom portion of the
second layer 75, so long as the line of the fold is perpendicular
to the direction in which the film 70 is to be installed on the
device. Advantageously, the third layer 80 stabilizes the cover
allowing the user to more easily fold the second layer 75 away from
the film 70. Additionally, as discussed in more detail above, the
third layer 80 also minimizes over-stretching of the film 70 and
problems attendant to stretching.
[0036] It is to be understood that the above-referenced
arrangements are illustrative of the application for the principles
of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative
arrangements and procedures can be devised without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention while the present
invention has been shown in the drawings and described above in
connection with the exemplary embodiments of the invention. It will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous
modifications and alternative protective covers can be made without
departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set
forth in the claims.
* * * * *