Abstract:
An electronic device case, said case comprising: an elastic body; a plurality of protective bumpers attached to said body; and means for releasably attaching said plurality of protective bumpers to said elastic body.

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