Abstract:
A cellular telephone case having an integrated clip is provided. The case has body, a clip extending from the body and a sidewall that forms a cavity to receive the cellular telephone. The clip applies pressure to a surface of the cellular telephone, and may clip the phone to various objects. Further the clip may receive cards such as credit cards and licenses.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to cases. More particularly, the present invention relates to a case for a cellular telephone. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Cellular telephones have become pervasive in society, with a large percentage of the population having one. As such, cellular telephone technology has developed rapidly because of the high demand of such devices. This technological advance has resulted in fairly fragile, expensive devices. Moreover, many of these cellular telephones are heavily used, experience a good deal of wear and tear, and are in constant danger of being dropped. 
         [0005]    Further, the advance in technology of newer cellular telephones has led to an enhanced desire to easily access phones. Often, the phones can be cumbersome to access when in a pocket, purse, or bag. 
         [0006]    Therefore, what is needed is a cellular telephone case that may protect valuable and fragile cellular telephones. Further there is needed a cellular telephone case that allows the telephone to be stored and be easily accessible to a user. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The subject matter of this application may involve, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article. 
         [0008]    In one aspect, a cellular telephone case is provided. The cellular telephone case may comprise a body, a clip integrally formed with the body that extends substantially parallel from the body, and a sidewall extending from the body. The sidewall may extend substantially perpendicular to the inner face of the body. The sidewall may also form a cavity of the case configured to receive a cellular phone. The clip may be constructed such that it exerts a force on the cellular phone when received in the case. Further, the clip may be constructed of a first rigid material and a second flexible material disposed over an outer surface of the clip. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of an embodiment of the cellular telephone case. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  provides a front view of an embodiment of the cellular telephone case. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  provides a rear view of an embodiment of the cellular telephone case. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  provides a top view of an embodiment of the cellular telephone case. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  provides a bottom view of an embodiment of the cellular telephone case. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  provides a side view of an embodiment of the cellular telephone case. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  provides a side view of an embodiment of the cellular telephone case. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. 
         [0017]    Generally, the present invention concerns a case for a cellular telephone (hereinafter “cell phone”). The case may comprise a body, a clip extending from the body, and a sidewall extending from the body and forming an outer perimeter of the case. In varying embodiments, the case may form apertures to accommodate features of an outer surface of the cell phone itself, such as an aperture for a headphone jack. 
         [0018]    The case contemplated herein may be constructed and arranged to receive various types of cell phones in various embodiments. For example, one embodiment of the case contemplated herein may be configured to receive an iPhone® 4 or 4S. Other embodiments of the case may be sized to receive Droid® or Samsung® phones. It should be understood that while the case herein is generally contemplated to be used for touch screen based “smart phones,” its scope is not limited to any particular cell phone model, style, or configuration. 
         [0019]    The body of the case may provide a central support for a clip and/or a sidewall of the case. In one embodiment, the body may form a top rear portion of the case. The body may be constructed of any material suitable for cellular phone case usage. For example, the body may be constructed of plastic or other synthetic material, rubber, composite materials, and the like. 
         [0020]    In another embodiment, the body may be formed from a rigid plastic layer to provide rigidity to the case. In a further embodiment this rigid layer may have a softer flexible layer disposed over its surface on an exterior of the case, forming a multi-layered body. 
         [0021]    The body may form a clip that extends from the body, along the length of the case. The clip may be configured to be substantially parallel with the body and in substantially the same plane as the body, with a width less than a width of the case. When a phone is inserted within the case, the clip may be configured to be approximately parallel to a rear of the phone, and configured to apply a force against the rear of the phone with at least part of its surface. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, the clip may be comprised of a substantially rigid material. This material may be constructed to apply sufficient force against the phone to hold the case in place when clipped to an object, but not so rigid as to prevent clipping of the case to an object. In a further embodiment the clip may be constructed of the same material as the body. In still another embodiment the body may be thicker than the clip, allowing the clip to be more flexible than the body. 
         [0023]    In another embodiment, the clip may be formed from a substantially rigid plastic layer and may have a softer, flexible layer disposed over its exterior surface, forming a multi-layered clip. 
         [0024]    In a further embodiment, a surface of the clip configured to contact a phone when inserted into the case may comprise a section of padding material. This material may pad the phone against force exerted by the clip. The padding material may also increase friction between the phone and the clip. In one embodiment, the padding material may be positioned at a center of the width of the clip. In another embodiment, the padding material may be formed as a small circular pad. 
         [0025]    The clip may be formed in any way that allows at least a portion of the clip surface to exert a force on a phone inserted within the case. As such, varying clip curvatures, shapes, lengths and sizes are contemplated by this invention. In one embodiment, the clip may extend from the body at a top portion of the case to nearly the end of the case, but not to the end. In this embodiment, clipping may be facilitated because a spacing is provided between the clip and the end of the case to insert the clipped item. 
         [0026]    In another embodiment, the clip may comprise a curvature along its length. In one such embodiment, the clip may curve outwardly, bringing its surface away from a phone surface at a middle portion. At an end portion of the clip, the clip may curve inwardly, towards the phone. In a further embodiment, this clip may again curve outwardly at its distal end providing a spacing between its surface at the distal end and the phone. 
         [0027]    A sidewall may extend from an outer perimeter of the body and form an exterior perimeter of the case. The sidewall may extend from the body such that a bottom edge of the sidewall is attached to the body. The sidewall may be configured to snugly wrap around a cell phone that is inserted within the case. In one embodiment, the sidewall may be configured to be substantially perpendicular to an inner surface of the body and clip. In another embodiment, a height of the sidewall may be greater than the height of the cell phone intended to be inserted within the case. 
         [0028]    The sidewall may be constructed of any material capable of surrounding and containing a cell phone. For example, materials of which the sidewall may be made include synthetics such as silicone, plastics and the like, rubber, and foam rubber, among others. In one embodiment, the sidewall may be formed from a material different from the material of the body. In another embodiment, the sidewall may be formed of a soft flexible material that may also be disposed over an exterior surface of the body. 
         [0029]    In one embodiment, the body and sidewall may form an aperture into which the clip may pass to allow the clip to directly contact a rear of a phone inserted into the case. 
         [0030]    In another embodiment, the rigid material of the body may extend into a portion of the sidewall. 
         [0031]    A first flange may extend from a top edge of the sidewall. The flange may be substantially perpendicularly to the sidewall, and substantially parallel to the body and clip. Further, the flange may be formed to cover a small portion of a front of a cell phone inserted into the cover. In one embodiment, the first flange may extend from the entire top edge of the sidewall. 
         [0032]    A second flange may extend from at least part of a bottom edge of the sidewall. The second flange may form an inner surface substantially parallel to a top surface of the body and clip. Further, the flange may be formed to cover a small portion of a rear of the cellular phone inserted into the cover. 
         [0033]    A plurality of apertures may be formed by the base, clip and/or sidewall depending on portions of the cell phone that need to be accessed directly by a user. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, a central rear aperture may be formed to allow viewing of a logo of a phone manufacturer. Depending on the location of the logo, the central rear aperture may be formed by the body, the clip, or partially by the body, and partially by the clip. In a further embodiment, the rigid material of the body and/or clip may be exposed about a perimeter case forming the central rear aperture. 
         [0035]    In another embodiment, the body may form a camera aperture. The camera aperture may be positioned about a camera lens of the cell phone to allow functioning of the camera. In one embodiment a glossy finish may be applied to an inner surface of the part of the body forming the camera aperture. 
         [0036]    In another embodiment, the case may form a headphone aperture. Typically this headphone aperture may be formed by the sidewall, however other portions of the case may form it depending on configuration of the phone to be covered by the case. The headphone aperture may be sized to allow passage of a male headphone plug through the aperture to be received by the corresponding female jack. 
         [0037]    In yet another embodiment, the case may form a ring adjustment aperture for phones having external controls for a ringer. Typically this ring adjustment aperture may be formed by the sidewall, however other portions of the case may form it depending on configuration of the cell phone to be received by the case. The ring adjustment aperture may be sized to allow manual manipulation of the external control of the phone. 
         [0038]    In still another embodiment, the case may form a power input aperture to allow charging of a battery of the phone. Typically this power input aperture may be formed by the sidewall, however other portions of the case may form it depending on configuration of the phone to be covered by the case. The power input aperture may be sized to allow passage of a power input plug for mating with a power inlet port of the phone. In some further embodiments, the power input plug may further be sized to not cover a speaker positioned on an outer surface of the phone, the speaker being adjacent to the power inlet port of the phone. 
         [0039]    In yet another embodiment, the case may form a touch screen aperture to allow manipulation of a touch screen of the phone. The touch screen aperture may be formed by the sidewall and may leave nearly the entire front face of a touch screen phone open and accessible by a user. The touch screen aperture may be formed by the sidewall in one embodiment, or by the sidewall and first flange in another embodiment. 
         [0040]    In still another embodiment, the case may form a rear aperture between the body, clip and sidewall. The rear aperture may allow the clip to contact at least a portion of a rear of the cell phone directly. In a further embodiment, the rear aperture may be sized to receive a credit card, driver&#39;s license, or other similarly sized card. In this embodiment, the card may be secured by the case by being disposed between the clip and cell phone, through the aperture, and may be held in place by frictional forces between the clip and the cell phone. 
         [0041]    In further embodiments, the case may contain a plurality of buttons to manipulate phone buttons on an exterior of a phone while still covering the phone and phone buttons. These buttons may be formed into the case in any manner that allows force to be applied from the case button onto the phone button. In embodiments where the case is relatively soft, the case may simply be marked with an indicator of where to push, and the buttons may be activated through the case upon application of sufficient force. In embodiments where the case is harder, a flexible portion may be disposed around a case button to connect the button to the case, the flexible portion may allow the case button to be moved in and out. When the case button is positioned over the phone button, activation of the case button may in turn activate the phone button. 
         [0042]    In one embodiment, the case may comprise a volume adjust button for a phone having exterior buttons for adjustment of volume. The volume adjust button of the case may be configured to interact with the volume adjust button of the phone. Typically the volume adjust button may be formed by the sidewall, however other portions of the case may form it depending on configuration of the phone to be covered by the case. In some embodiments, there may be two or more volume adjust buttons. 
         [0043]    In another embodiment, the case may comprise a power button for a phone having an exterior button for turning the power of the phone on and off. The power button of the case may be configured to interact with the power button of the phone. Typically the power button may be formed by the sidewall, however other portions of the case may form it depending on configuration of the phone to be covered by the case. 
         [0044]    In one embodiment of operation, a cell phone may be inserted through a touch screen aperture formed by the sidewall, and may be adjusted into place such that the sidewall fits snugly about the outer perimeter of the cell phone. In another embodiment of operation, a cell phone may be inserted through a rear aperture formed by the body and sidewall, and may be adjusted into place such that the sidewall fits snugly about the outer perimeter of the cell phone. 
         [0045]    A stand may further be provided to allow support and display of the phone. The stand may be designed to mate with the clip of the case to support and display the phone. 
         [0046]    In one embodiment, the stand may comprise a base, a first and second foot formed into the base, and a face extending upwardly from the base. 
         [0047]    The first foot may be positioned at a rear of the base, away from the face. The first foot may extend from the base and may provide support for the stand. 
         [0048]    The second foot may be positioned at a front of the base, near the face. The second foot may extend from the base, slightly past the face and provide support for the stand. 
         [0049]    The face of the stand may be integrally formed into the base, and extend upwardly from the base. The face is configured to mate with the clip of the case to support the case and phone therein. In one embodiment, the face may have a width greater than the case and a height narrow enough to slide under the clip, such that the face is held between the clip and the case. In another embodiment, the face may have a width less than the case and a height narrow enough to slide under the clip, such that the face is held between the clip and the cell phone rear. The face may be curved. In one embodiment the curvature of the face provides proper positioning of the case and phone to balance and stabilize the stand as well as providing a desirable display angle. 
         [0050]    The stand may further comprise a support post extending from the face to an opposite side of the base from the face. The support post may provide rigidity to the stand and support the face of the stand. 
         [0051]    Turning now to  FIG. 1  a perspective view of an embodiment of the cellular telephone case is provided. The case has a body  101  positioned at a top rear of the case. The clip  102  is integrally formed with, and extends from the body  101 . The clip  102  may extend substantially parallel to the body  101  but may be curved slightly. A sidewall  103  extends substantially perpendicularly from the body  101 . The sidewall  103  extends beyond the body  101  to form a substantially rectangular outer perimeter of the case. The sidewall  103  forms a cavity  106  into which a cellular phone (not shown) may be received by the case. The sidewall  103  configuration, size, and shape may vary depending on the particular cellular telephone intended to fit within the case. 
         [0052]    A flange  107  extends perpendicularly from a rear edge of the sidewall  103 . The flange  107  may aid in defining the cavity  106  into which the cellular phone may be received. A camera aperture  108  is formed by the body  101 . The camera aperture  108  is positioned to allow operation of a camera of an exterior of a cellular telephone (not shown). A power button  104  may be positioned on the sidewall  103 . The power button  104  is positioned on the sidewall  103  to interact with a power button of the cellular telephone (not shown). A headphone aperture  105  is formed by the sidewall  103 . The headphone aperture  105  is positioned to allow access to a headphone jack of a cellular phone (not shown) and sized to allow passage of a head phone plug into the headphone jack. 
         [0053]      FIG. 2  shows a front view of an embodiment of the cellular telephone case. A front face of the body  201  can be seen. Extending from the front face of the body  201  is a front face of the clip  202 . A camera aperture  108  is formed by the body  201 . A front flange  207  extends from a top edge of a sidewall (not shown). The flange  207  is sized and configured to extend slightly over a front surface of a cellular telephone inserted within the cavity  106  formed by the case. A portion of a rear sidewall  107  extends from a rear edge of the sidewall (not shown), extending into the cavity  106  to stabilize the case on a phone inserted within the cavity  106 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 3  provides a rear view of an embodiment of the cellular telephone case. The case has a body  101  positioned at a top rear of the case. The clip  102  is integrally formed with, and extends from the body  101 . The clip  102  may extend substantially parallel to the body  101  but may be curved slightly. A sidewall (not shown) forms a cavity  106  into which a cellular phone (not shown) may be received by the case. The cavity  106  size and shape may vary depending on the particular cellular telephone intended to fit within the case. A flange  107  may extend perpendicularly from a rear edge of the sidewall  103 . The flange  107  may aid in defining the cavity  106  into which the cellular phone may be received. A camera aperture  108  is formed by the body  101 . The camera aperture  108  is positioned to allow operation of a camera of an exterior of a cellular telephone (not shown). 
         [0055]      FIG. 4  provides a top view of an embodiment of the cellular telephone case. A sidewall  103  of the case forms a power button  104  and a headphone aperture  105 . The power button  104  and headphone aperture  105  are sized and positioned to match up with corresponding power buttons and headphone jacks of a cellular phone intended to fit within the case. A portion of the clip  102  can be seen extending away from the case. 
         [0056]      FIG. 5  provides a bottom view of an embodiment of the cellular telephone case. A sidewall  103  of the case forms a power input aperture  501 . The power input aperture is sized and positioned to allow access to a power input jack of a cellular telephone intended to fit within the case. A portion of the clip  102  can be seen extending away from the case. 
         [0057]      FIG. 6  provides a side view of an embodiment of the cellular telephone case. A sidewall  103  extends across the length of the case. A portion of the clip  102  can be seen extending away from the case. 
         [0058]      FIG. 7  provides a side view of an embodiment of the cellular telephone case. A sidewall  103  forms volume adjustment buttons  701 . The volume adjustment buttons  701  are sized and positioned to align with volume adjustment buttons of a cellular telephone received within the case (not shown). A portion of the clip  102  can be seen extending away from the case. 
         [0059]    While several variations of the present invention have been illustrated by way of example in preferred or particular embodiments, it is apparent that further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scope of the present invention, or the inventive concept thereof. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and are inclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as set forth.